Last Day of School

I tried so hard not to cry last Thursday. It's like letting go of 30 (26 present) of your own children all at the same time. Attached but having to detach is a difficult thing to do.

Goodbye soon...my TWONEderful children!

I will miss everyone in 2.1 when they graduate from my class end of this year (2009). The kids have been with me for almost 2 years now and we have this rapport that is both warm and safe, so to speak. The kids know they are safe to say whatever they want, within limits, and joke and tease each other, including me (eg. When I am angry, the kids tease 'Look, mummy angry!') Just last week, I lamented that they will be leaving me and the girls (started by Fion, I think) said I AM the one abandoning them. The boys said 'Follow us to Primary 3'...but how can I be split into the various IMAS and 'normal' classes???

I have to focus on enjoying my time with them and not think about sad goodbyes. Today, Nellie said,"Can we call you Mummy instead of Mrs Mahimy?" Ah...why not? Haven't Tenki, Chao Khon, Aijia and the rest of the non-school bus kids been yelling "GOODBYE MUMMY!!!" for the longest time (since term 2?) after school?? Some teachers even thought they heard wrongly. I never corrected them or scolded them for being disrespectful cos I have told them before that I am like their mothers when in school. Anyway, 'Mahimy' and 'Mummy' sound quite the same if you say it quickly!

Remember Mummy Mahimy when you grow up! I will miss you all!

Learning Journey & Happy-face Cookies~!

Photos

Last term I took many pics of kids
1) blowing 'made-in-school' bubbles (using glycerin, water and dishwashing detergent)
2) having their computer lesson in the futuristic classroom
3) doing group work in class during English lessons
4) walking and having fun during their Learning Journey

(some of you kids may have seen them during Meet-the-parents session, presented as a slideshow in the class computer)

Watch this space... I will soon put the pics up! ..gulp.. hope I find the time!!!

Laptop 'adventure'

The kids love their computer lessons. So much so that Ramneet thought that the 'PC' period indicated in the time-table meant 'Personal Computer' period and not 'Pastoral Care' ;). This week the kids had fun working on their own laptops in the Futuristic Classroom. They were amazed with everything there--the furniture and especially the Interactive Board. They were going WOW WOW WOW every now and then.

Last week, the kids did a powerpoint slide on their favourite food. They've done a pretty decent job, I must say..

BIG improvement!

Chao Khon really impressed me today. I had left a Big Book 'Chicken Rice' on the easel and some of the children were happily flipping through the book and reading it aloud. The kids were supposed to be queuing up to see me individually so that I could check their written work. Then I heard Chao Khon read! He could read ALL the words in the book. Imagine my (pleasant) surprise! Chao Khon is in the Learning Support Programme and he could not read by Semester One last year. He hardly knew any words! He didn't do very well in Semester 2 either. But this month, he seemed to have changed totally! I praised him and asked him who helped him improve so much. He said he had been getting help from his elder sister. I was very touched 'cos I had told Chao Khon that he is a bright boy and he should try to do better in English by getting his sister's help during the December holidays and at home. I also reminded him during target-setting this year that he will do well if he works harder for English (Chao Khon is good at Math). I didn't really expect him to heed my advice 'cos it really requires self-discipline. I am so encouraged by his effort.

Generally, I feel that my class is moving faster this year. I really like my class and enjoy teaching them 'cos they are a responsive and helpful lot. Even though this is just the beginning of the year, I believe I will miss them when they graduate from my class.

Chinese New Year

HI kids!

How did you spend your Chinese New Year? For the Chinese kids, how much money (or how many hong baos) did you collect? For the non-Chinese, what did you do? Were the two public holidays fun for you? Why? Share with me! :)

(For kids who keep checking this blog for new photos...sorry! I've been busy. Will let you know when I upload the pics)