Instead of going to primary school like their peers, a small group of Singapore kids spend their days being schooled at home by their mothers. Why do they choose this unconventional route? We ask four families.
Jedidiah Eo, eight, has been learning Latin and the history of the Magna Carta. These subjects – as well as others he takes, such as geography and science – are not part of the syllabus for pupils his age, who are in Primary 2 in mainstream schools.
They are part of his Classical Conversations homeschooling curriculum, which aims to develop a love of learning through a Christian worldview. It is one of several curricula, including the Ministry of Education (MOE) syllabus, which his mother, Elaine Eo, 40, has been using to homeschool her son since he was 2 1 / 2.
His sister Sarah, six, is also homeschooled; and their youngest sibling, Hannah, three, joins in where she can – for example, in their daily reading sessions.
Homeschooling encompasses a wide range of philosophies and educational approaches. Besides parents who adhere to the MOE curriculum, there are families who follow other structured curricula or a mix of educational approaches. Some of them practise “unschooling”, which is driven by the children’s interests.
Yet others subscribe to 19th-century British educator Charlotte Mason’s method, which includes learning through “living books”, quality literature where the author is passionate about the subject; as well as an emphasis on nature and the outdoors.
Jedidiah and Sarah’s homeschool routine starts at about 9am – they do chores such as making their beds and sweeping the floor, which Elaine says is part of contributing to their household.
This is usually followed by an hour of desk work and two hours of reading in a group, in both English and Mandarin. The children then help with lunch by laying the table or cutting vegetables.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2017 من Young Parents Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2017 من Young Parents Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.
Bottoms Up!
Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.
