Tien Xia Language School

26 May 2010 was the last session of Chinese class for Phoebe. She has been having 2 terms of chinese lessons in Tien Xia Language School. We decided to pull her out of the school not because the school or the programme was no good. It was a combination of several reasons.

Phoebe did not want to go for the Chinese class. She cried before going for each class. The syllabus was too difficult for her. She could not do the exercises (written work) and she was too shy and afraid to ask the teacher. She didn't feel good to always have to tap her classmates' shoulders to ask them for the answers. She told me that, "Mommy, I want to be clever." I reflected upon her remark and realised that, the Chinese class had affected her self-esteem. She felt lousy not knowing how to complete her work and that had shakened her self-confidence. I thought that if I would carry on putting her in the Chinese class, she would probably be even more timid in class or maybe develop a fear or hatred for the Chinese Language. Hence, after discussing with her papa, we decided to drop her from the class.

We also did not like the fact that there were too many children in the class - 9 children to 1 teacher. Some of the boys in the class were also very mischievous and playful. The teacher has to spend some time disciplining them. The syllabus was good, but it was too difficult for Phoebe. In fact, I thought that the nursery Chinese was more suitable for her level of Chinese competency.

At the end of Term 2, the children in each class had to perform a few poems for the parents. It was like a mini concert to showcase what the children had learnt. I thought it was a good idea for the children to perform in front of a small audience but this would be Phoebe's last Chinese performance. Nevertheless, she has tried hard to be a good and attentive pupil and I'm happy with her effort :)