Previously on my review on Heguru here, I shared with you some of the activities we do during class. As there are a gazillion activities conducted at such fast pace, it is impossible to squeeze all into one post, hence, as promised, here's part two.
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| Photo credit: Busy Teacher |
Many people are mistaken that right-brain training is just all about flashcards. Many are skeptical as to how flashcards can help a child. I'll be honest with you. I was skeptical too. For example, initially I did not know why they are flashing flashcards of over 20 colours. I mean a red is a red, what's with telling me merlot, mahogany, crimson, garnet, scarlet, sangria...ok, you get me. However, I soon learnt that when children see and hear the names of different colours and shades, their sensitivity for colours will start to develop and also improves their vocabulary for colours. This will help stimulate the child's subconscious and increase the variation of colours. The flashcard method is also validated as a method for developing photographic memory. Many do not know that what they are trying to do is to input as much as they can during this sensitive period so that the child will output with ease in time to come. We aren't expecting them to be Einsteins overnight. Sensitive periods are special. It is in these phases that the child tries to tell us that they are deeply fascinated about something. Every child is unique and their sensitive periods may differ. However, it is usually below the age of 6 where the thirst for knowledge is immense.
Writing & Motor Skills
As you can see, Heguru is not all about right-brain training. They recognise that both sides of the brain needs to work hand in hand to provide a more holistic training. I am very glad that writing and motor skills training is incoporated. Particularly the tracing of letters. Being my second-born, Small K has been greatly shortchanged. By this age, Big K would already be able to tell me which letter is what and what begins with the various letters of the alphabets. So, I am immensely grateful that Heguru has this segment which trains children in letter recognition. This reminds me of the sandpaper letters which Montessorians like to use. It really does help in letter recognition. At age 2-3years old, we can also guide our child to write words. If they are unable to write words yet, you can do the following:
1) Show the the flashcard of the word
2) Have them pick up the cards
3) Have the to say out the words on the cards
It is important that we gradually build on their output abilities by guiding them to write.
Craft Work
All work and no play makes Small K a dull boy. Often, during the lesson, there will be something for them to make. It could be a little skirt as above, or a paper plate crown, or Origami. Do not underestimate such craft work. The benefits of say Origami is immense. The brain stimulation that origami supplies is plenty enough to get your cells moving even at older ages. It also enhances three-dimensional thinking, non-verbal reasoning and patience. When doing so, you activate every skill each hemisphere controls as well.
Phonics
It was rather interesting to see the above activity introduced. In my mind, I was thinking "Aren't they a little young for this?" But hey, they are in their sensitive period, so just input!
Music Appreciation
I have been nudging myself to introduce music proper to the kids. Being previously trained in piano, I feel I am the best person to guide them through the beginning stage. Unfortunately, I have made painfully feeble attempts. At Heguru, the children are introduced to music and their different composers; solfege (listening to the tone of a note and knowing the various semibreves, minim etc) and recognizing the sounds of different instruments.
Encyclopaedic Knowledge
This segment on attaining encyclopaedic memory is really interesting. Children are exposed to several concepts way beyond their age. The aim here is not for them to know their periodic table overnight, but to assist them at outputing in the future. Children absorb knowledge like sponges. The focus is not mainly on the mastery of encyclopedia knowledge alone. For information is expanding geometrically and hence it is just impossible for you to teach your child to master all of it. Through such exposure, we are nurturing the child to develop a desire for continuous learning and the skill to master new information.
三字经
The teacher in our preschool has lately commented that Small K doesn't seem to know how to speak in Chinese. Well, not that he doesn't know, but more of he doesn't want to! This is probably due to the lack of exposure to the language. As such, I am glad that heguru does blend in other languages when teaching. On top of poems, they learn through songs as well as flashcards. This benefitted Small K a lot as at a tender young age, he was able to recite the 唐诗。
The Alphabet Song
Right after exercise time, when we will go out of the classroom to pass or kick a ball..or hop on one leg, the kids will be back in class to sing the alphabet song either in English or in Japanese. Small K is particularly intrigued when the Hiragana song is played.
Story Time
This segment is often the kids' favourite! Everyone simply crowded round the facilitator to listen to the story. Teachers as well as parents are meant to inspire our children in their lifelong learning journey. And I can see the passion and sincerity shown by the teachers at Heguru. As a facilitator, no matter how playful the child is, they do not criticise or shout at the child. After all, shouting doesn't make things better. Apart from raising one's blood pressure, it causes one to lose a sense of what's really happening. Instead, they speak from their hearts. This is something which even I am trying to learn. I have witnessed myself losing my temper so very often this year. Particularly at Big K. Probably because she is entering Primary school next year and knowing the rigours of the education system makes me worried. Not that she isn't a bright child, but I know that we have lost precious time last year from shifting house not once, but thrice! So when she fails at meeting my expectations, I sometimes raise my voice and question her why. Parenting and teaching don't come with a manual. No one said it was gonna be easy. Heguru not only teaches my child, it trains me to be a better parent. We as parents should mind our words as we are role models for our children. We should take every night to reflect.
I am learning. Are you doing that too?
Follow Heguru Citysquare mall on Facebook or check out their website or more details! They have regular parents info sessions, so do give them a buzz to catch a lesson preview!
Disclosure: We were invited by Heguru CitySquare mall to review their courses and attended complimentary lessons in return. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and written according to my experience in using the products/services.
