Which class to go for a 5 yr and 4 yr old boys?

[Diana L]

Hi Mummies.

Need suggestions/recommendations on which classes are suitable for the 4-5yr old boys.

not sure whether i want to send them to sports classes, such as soccer/swimming or enrichment classes such as drama class or phonics class.

not putting pressure and stress on them. just would like them to enjoy the classes as well as learning something.

 

[stonston]

1. What is the main purpose of sending them for classes? Occupy time? Learn academic skills? Learn soft-skills? Socialise? Build up fitness?

2. What is your budget?

3. How far are you willing to travel for their classes?

Based on the above, you'll figure something out as you do more research.
My 3yo boy attends:
1. Private phonics/reading and Maths lessons
2. Private Chinese lessons
3. Chinese lessons at language school
4. Swimming, twice a week
5. Private art lessons
6. Soon to start: Soccer
7. Taught at home: Music (guzheng), 3G abacus (I'm a qualified instructor) and rollerblading/cycling

He loves all his classes and activities. Always looking forward to the classes and always asking for more.
Previously he was at Tumble Tots (phonics & gym) which he loved tremendously but we stopped because they shifted elsewhere (too inconvenient for us). We stopped in June 2010 and till now, he is still asking us to bring him to TT. That is how much fun he had!

BTW, private lessons means the teacher comes to our place for individual lessons.

 

[Diana L]

Hi Worthy!

Budget wise, im thinking of around S$100 per child. location wise im fine with north and central. there are so many classes from diff companies in the market, im getting dizzy! since this is the holidays. i am thinking of veering them towards fun classes, like maybe arts and crafts or swimming.

any suggestions? ((=

 

[stonston]

With $100/child/month, you've basically narrowed down the options alot.
Swimming classes range from $50-200/mth.
For other classes, if you want anything cheaper than $100/mth, then you'll have to check out those RCs which provide classes in large groups.

Most classes cost at least $120-250 per mth.

 

[Diana L]

True enough. I think i'll start with swimming and drama first for them. If they like it, i can explore further. Thanks!!

 

[stonston]

Good drama classes are rather exp. The drama class I used to send my boy to costs $200++ for 4 lessons. So far the cheapest we found costs around $120 for 4 lessons but their teachers are not professional drama teachers with theatre or preschool experience, only PT teachers.

You can easily find group swimming classes at public pools for $50/mth (4 lessons), but each group will have 6-12 students to 1 coach.

For drama classes, I don't think it will fit into your budget after deducting swimming classes.

 

[jannalin]

Hi Diana,

At this age from 4 to 6 yrs old, it is important that your kids are able to read well so that they will be prepared for primary one. Many mothers started to panic when their child still struggle with spelling and reading in K2. If you need to enrol them in enrichment classes, you can do so. But it is important to read to them or with them everyday both English and Chinese storybooks.

Every child is gifted in some way. As parents, our role is to identify and groom their innate talent. 4-5 yrs old is the best age to explore non-academic talent i.e piano, art and craft etc. It is not necessary to put them into too many activities. You should be able to roughly identify what your children interests, strength and weaknesses at home and then enrol them accordingly to it. It can be one or two activities for them to try and soon you will be able to zoom into one major talent that your child is good at. For the rest of the time, it will be good if kids can stay at home or outdoor to play, play and play.