Free tuition classes for the Kids

I have been giving tuition classes for about 7 (and counting) Kids at the Rumah Juara home for the past 2 weeks. The first week was a bit difficult as all were recovering from flu and coughs, and they were half drowsy when I was conducting the class. Gosh, what did I get myself into, i told myself. But having had experience in tutoring before in Uni and also to my own son, patience played a VERY important part in it.

As time progresses by and I got to know the Kids, I got to know their weaknesses and difficulties. For example, a girl is 12 years old and goes to a Tamil school but she could not write and read proper English and Bahasa. Instead of teaching her the level that she is, I went down 4 levels down, just to see where is her standing. Not that great, because even at Primary 2 level she could not perform well. So what I did was to give her books to read instead, and gave her a dictionary to help her improve her vocabulary.

I have also started a journal for each of them. Well the original idea is for them to treat it like a diary and to record their personal and daily activities every day. But now since they themselves are bogged down by homework and such, I do still encourage the 'Dear Diary' method but also I am giving them certain topics to write on. First one was about themselves.

I made them do 10 lines each on their journal. They were some who was a bit apprehensive to do it. Whining and giving excuses, just like a normal kid would do.

THEN, I started the point system. A report card book. Little little marks for the little little things they do.  2 marks for being quiet. 5 marks for finishing on time. 10 marks for giving me more than 1 page and 10 lines. Alas, I did minus some points here and there, for making excuses and distracting the class. Although the Report Card book was only for my viewing, but to encourage 'WAR' between all, I made it public. "Teacher, can I check my marks please." Teacher, why I get 5, he got 10?" Stuff like that. I am pleased that they are attentive in my class, even though it was because of the point system. ; ))

Minus marks for not concentrating AND lying about not getting a gum, when I have already given it to her.. sigh.....

An unexpected winner, as he was quite uncooperative the first day of tuition... yayyyy!!!