Tapping on Newspapers and Current Affairs for Learning

We believe that it is important for pupils to be aware of current affairs and what's happening around them. Hence we tap on newspaper articles and other media such as the Internet while preparing our English curriculum. When kids deem what they are learning relevant to them, they will be more motivated to learn.

For instance, pupils in the Primary 5 cohort have read our in-house resources on recent events in Singapore and in the world such as the outbreak of the Zika virus in Singapore, the origins of the Olympics and the Pokemon Go hype. Through our customised resources, pupils are kept abreast of current affairs. At the same time, we integrate essential language skills in the resources.

Keeping abreast of current affairs also gives the pupils an advantage in PSLE Oral as they can support their opinions on relevant issues with what they have gleaned from the articles.

PSLE Oral: Stimulus-based Conversation (Part 2)

As this cohort of P6 pupils is the second batch to be tested with the new PSLE Oral Format, there are very few commercial resources on stimulus-bsed conversation available in the market. Here are a few Stimulus-based Conversation topics that my tutees were tested on in school:

(A) Theme: Physical Activities / Sports
Picture: Poster showing different activities during PE lessons (gymnastics, ball games, rock climbing)
Question 1: Which activity will you choose? Why?
Question 2: You have a friend who do not like to take part in physical activities. How can you persuade your friend to take part in some physical activities?
Question 3: How do you keep fit?

(B) Theme: Reading
Picture: Magazine on fun facts about animals
Question 1: Will you be interested to buy this magazine? Why or why not?
Question 2: What is your hobby?
Question 3: Why do you think reading is important?

(C) Theme: Bullying
Stimulus: Letter to Aunt from victim who is bullied in school
Question 1: Have you been bullied before in school?
Question 2: Do you think bullying is a wrong act?
Question 3: If you have a friend who is bullied in school, what will you do?

(D) Theme: Food
Picture: Advertisement on Instant Chicken Rice
Question 1: Would you like to buy this? Why or why not?
Question 2: Would you buy it for family members who live overseas?
Question 3: What other food would you recommend to a friend who is from overseas?

PSLE Oral Revision Workshop

Dear Parents,

We will be conducting a PSLE Oral Revision Workshop.  We will cover reading and stimulus-based conversation during the workshop. Please send an email to serenagreenhouse@gmail.com to make enquiries.

Date: 10 August (Wednesday)
Time: 9 am to 12 pm

Latest Update: FULL

PSLE Oral: Stimulus-based Conversation (Part 1)

As this cohort of P6 pupils is the first batch to be tested with the new PSLE Oral Format, there are very few commercial resources on stimulus-based conversation available in the market. Here is a list of sample stimulus-based conversation topics that parents can use as practice resources:

(A) Theme: Occupations
Picture: Assembly Talk on Four Occupations
Question 1: Will you attend this assembly talk? Why or why not?
Question 2: Which occupation will you be interested to find out more about? / Which occupation is the most challenging?
Question 3: What do you aspire to be when you grow up?

(B) Theme: Sports & Charity
Picture: Poster on POSB PAssion Run for Kids
Question 1: Will you take part in this event? Why or why not?
Question 2: Why do you think people will attend this event?
Question 3: Besides engaging in sports, how can we maintain a healthy lifestyle?

(C) Theme: Reading
Stimulus: Cover page and blurb of a children's story book
Question 1: Will you be interested to read this book? Why or why not?
Question 2: Tell me about your favourite book.
Question 3: You have a friend who does not like to read. How can you persuade your friend to read more books?

(D) Theme: Dengue Fever & Illness
Picture: Poster on Prevention of Dengue Fever and Breeding of Mosquitoes
Question 1: Do you think the poster is effective in preventing the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes?
Question 2: Tell me about a time when you were sick?
Question 3: Besides displaying posters, what else can be done to encourage Singaporeans to do their part to prevent dengue fever?

(E) Theme: Outdoor event & Family
Picture: Poster on Outdoor Family Carnival
Question 1: Will you be interested to take part in this event? Why or why not?
Question 2: Tell me about an outdoor activity that you enjoy.
Question 3: What activities do you and your family engage in on weekends?