Preparing your child for their first Primary English composition tuition class can seem daunting, especially when the eventual goal is the PSLE examinations. It is essential, however, to remember that this is a significant step in your child’s academic journey, one that will help them build a solid foundation in English, particularly in composition writing.
To adequately prepare your child, it is first vital to understand the English syllabus set out by the Ministry of Education Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (MOE SEAB). The MOE SEAB prescribes a well-structured and balanced syllabus aimed at fostering students’ love for the language and nurturing them into effective communicators. It expects students to demonstrate an understanding of text across different genres, communicate ideas and views effectively, and use English accurately in different contexts, including composition writing.
Now that you understand the syllabus, let’s delve into how to best prepare your child for their first Primary English composition tuition class.
Start with Basics: A strong foundation in the basics of English grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure is crucial. The tutor will undoubtedly build upon this knowledge. Encourage your child to read more to enrich their vocabulary and improve their understanding of language usage.
Introduce the Concept of Composition Writing: Composition writing is not merely about putting words on a page. It involves expressing ideas coherently, maintaining a logical flow of thought, using appropriate language, and engaging the reader. Explain these concepts to your child in simple terms.
Discuss the Importance of Creative Thinking: Creative thinking plays a significant role in composition writing. It allows students to come up with interesting plots, develop unique characters, and describe settings vividly. Engage your child in activities that boost creative thinking.
Prepare them Emotionally: Starting tuition classes can be an emotional experience for some children. Assure them that it’s okay not to know everything and that they’re joining the class to learn. Encourage them to participate actively and ask questions whenever they’re in doubt.
Encourage Independence: The objective of the tuition is to help your child become an independent learner. Teach them to be organised, manage their time efficiently, and take responsibility for their learning. It would also be beneficial to help them develop self-editing skills, which will be crucial for their writing assignments.
Keep an Open Mind: Encourage your child to enter their first class with an open mind. Assure them that it’s okay to make mistakes because we learn from them. Teach them to take constructive feedback positively and use it to improve their skills.
Engage them in Pre-Reading: Before the class, familiarise your child with some of the topics that might be discussed. This could be anything from grammar rules to different types of compositions. A bit of pre-reading can help your child feel more confident during the class.
While the above points should provide a solid basis for preparation, it’s essential to remember that every child is unique and may have their preparation methods. Some may need to spend more time brushing up on their grammar rules, while others may need to focus more on expanding their vocabulary. The key is to work with your child, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and prepare accordingly.
Remember, the goal of primary English composition tuition isn’t just to prepare your child for the PSLE examinations. It is to help your child develop a deep love for the language, appreciate its richness, and use it as a tool to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings effectively. As such, nurturing a positive attitude towards English and composition writing is perhaps the best preparation you can provide your child with as they embark on their tuition classes.
