Passing Piano Exams

The gals' piano results were out today. RA got a pass (110) while RL got a pass with Merit (122). RA was feeling a bit disappointed and cried a bit. I had to reassure her that I am happy with a pass because Grade 3 exam is harder than Grade 1 and she had lesser time to prepare for it compared to Mei Mei.

Mei Mei had an extra 3 months to prepare for her exams due to the retest but RA with her CCA and Hw commitment did not have as much time to practise. Even RL was not very happy with her Merit though. She was hoping to pass with Distinction. But since she made some careless mistakes, a Merit was a pleasant surprise for me.

To reward both of them as I promised before, we brought them shopping. RA chose a Smiggle pencil case. Something she asked since Term 1 but I didn't buy it for her as there were other pencil cases at home. She also got a pen and a ruler. RL chose the Shopkins Gumball machine which she had been eyeing for months.

Glad the exams are over. For now, I got the tcr to teach them fun songs like Kiss the Rain by Yiruma. We will take a short break before starting the exam songs. Hopefully they can skip grade to Grade 3 and Grade 5 respectively. I also told them if they are not happy with their results, they got to work harder and practise more next time. :)

The Gals' Piano exams

Today, Raelynn finally went for her repeat Grade 1 piano exam. It took her another 5 months but I am glad history did not repeat itself. She was cheery and happy. She even made jokes to make RaeAnne laugh as RA was going for her Grade 3 Piano exam before RL and feeling butterflies in her stomach. RL also gave Cheh Cheh big crushing hugs. RA complained a bit and I think their squabbling did help ease the tension and stress a bit.

What made it work the second round?
Think the major factor was that RL got to do the exams together with RA. She had someone to 壮胆。
We booked 2 practice slots at Award Music studio so they were quite familiar with the place.
Raelynn has matured and grown more confident after 2 terms of Pri school.
Brought along little bribes and let them open the pressies once they come out of the exam room.

RA's heart was thumping fast before and after the exam. And RL made it through without any tears. In fact, RL she came out. She said she wanted to do the exam again. And asked if she can have the same examiner for her Grade 3 exam. She said the examiner was smiley even when she made mistakes. Long way to go, Honey. But I hope you can get your wish. Not sure how the gals will do as both admitted that they made mistakes for nearly all the pieces but I am happy with just a pass. Anything extra will be a bonus. Jia you gals!!!

Raelynn's Grade 1 piano exam

Today is Raelynn's Grade 1 piano exam. She has been learning the songs for more than 1 year now. Teacher said she was ready and registered her for exam last Sept. The exam was at East gate at Katong. Not a familiar place to us. So I booked her 1-hr practice session 3 weeks ago so that she will be familiar with the room set up.

Last night, she started to cry that she doesn't want to do the exam. She wants me in the room with her. This coming from my usual fearless daredevil gal who has at least 3 times more bumps and cuts than RaeAnne because of the gravity defying acts. The same girl who jumped up on stage to answer questions whenever there is a mall show because she wants a prize or a sweet. My garang gal suddenly becoming shy and scared.

I tried to reassure her by promising a toy once she comes out of the exam hall. Even her teacher, who was busy, turned up to give moral support. Even gave her a cute soft toy pillow to hug. But she started whining and crying before her turn. The exam admin asst was nice enough to let us postpone and let other candidates go first. But she kept crying and crying and refuse to calm down. 1 sweet from the receptionist, 1 pep talk later, she finally went in holding my hands. But even when the examiner made extra concession for me to stay in the room for 1 min so that she can play a scale which he will not grade. She still refused to touch the keyboard. So exasperating and embarrassing.

The examiner said he has no choice but to mark her absent. I understood as they have done all they could to help. I apologised and brought her home. Never knew that after her lessons, nagging her to practise, all the sightreading homework she had to do, prepping her on the exam venue, her biggest hurdle end up to be getting her to walk into the room and well, just play the piano.

$277 poorer and a lesson learnt. While the teacher and I were focusing on ensuring that she will not fail the exam, we failed to prep her and convince to take the exam. So ya, you can choose what you want your child to learn, guide that learning, book the exam, pay for the exam fees and ferry her there. But if 牛不要喝水，nobody can force her. Hiaz...

But I will not give up. So far, she seems guilty and repentant. I will show her youtube videos of how the exam takes place. And I will time her next exam with RaeAnne in July/Aug so that both of them can go for the exam on the same day. Hope that will lessen her anxiety.

Artary

The gals started art classes at Artary in Sept. They have been taking classes at Globalart for 1 yr, 2 yrs for RA. Felt that it's time for a change cos Globalart is very focused on colouring and blending with crayons and very guided by the teacher. I think it's good when the gals are younger and their fine motor skills are not strong. But now that they are almost 6 and 8 yrs old. I think they should be more independent.

Until now, RA can't blend on her own despite 2 yrs at globalart. The gals enjoy painting now. So I switched them to Artary which focuses more on painting. Fees are similar, $37.50 for 1.5 hrs class. Only thing is don't need to buy the books at Artary unlike Globalart as all materials are provided.

So far, they have done a few artworks. Will try out until Dec and see if we should continue next year since both gals are entering primary school and they get art class once a week. :)

First Piano Exam

RA went for her first Grade 2 piano exam today at

Juzmusic Parkway Parade. She has been taking private piano lesson since Nov/Dec 2013 after finishing Yamaha's jmc course. Quite long to prepare for a 15 mins exam. She was quite nervous but hope she passes. We will only know the results in 3 weeks time.

Lcentral

Raelynn started having spelling in July and it was tough for her. She did not even recognise all the alphabets from A-Z and definitely did not know her phonics. Spelling is frankly 2 levels above her, cos firstly, she needs to recognise the alphabets, know her phonics, recognise the words before she can spell.

The weekly spelling and the painful coaching by us made me realise that she needs help to catch up to speed for English. Maybe because she is a Dec baby or because she has not been paying attention in class.

I asked around. 'I can read' and 'Learning Point' were recommended but there were no centres in Tampines. A mummy friend recommended 'Lcentral' at CPF building, Tampines. I like it that they were ability based so there will be free assessment for each kid before they are put into a suitable class.

After the assessment which parents get to sit in, RL was assessed to be suitable for the most basic class - Foundation whereas RaeAnne was good for 'Preparing for Success'. In the end, we signed Raelynn immediately. RaeAnne only started last Sunday for Term 4 as there was a new PFS class on Sunday mornings with the same timing as Raelynn. Logistically, it is easier to drop off both kids and we thought it is good to give RA some exposure as well.

Lcentral fees unfortunately are not cheap, $560 per term for each kid so it works out to be almost $200 every month. But we have never given the gals academic enrichment so far. It is more out of necessity because RL cannot catch up with her peers and we don't want the gap to further widen. Hope we can see improvement after 1 or 2 terms then we can cut down on lessons. ;)

Ballet enrichment - Part 2

Ballet coaching started today but RA did not go. Simply because I did not sign her up. Have been asking her for the last month, but she has been saying no to Ballet exam (Primary). She said it's too difficult and her teacher cannot accompany them for the exam. I told her she will have a partner but she does not want to do exams. She just wants the usual Sunday morning ballet class.

Last year she was the one who requested to stop globalart and she was also the one who asked for ballet in May 2013. I tried to persuade her because I felt I should not encourage her to keep changing her mind and giving up when things get tough. After all, she already did the Pre primary ballet exam in April this year and all 4 of her classmates who went for the exam this year have also signed up for next year's Primary ballet exam. In fact, this time, 8 of them signed up. It seemed a waste to stop halfway.

She said she wants to go back to globalart because her cc classmate is there. But GA's Friday lessons clashes with Ballet coaching. So I brought her to globalart yesterday but her friend's class on Friday is full. Even if I sign her up, she won't be in the same class as her friend. So she was not keen.

I don't know if I am making the right decision by letting her skip the ballet exam. So hard to strike the right balance between allowing a child to quit due to lack of interest or just registering her for exams because she needs to learn hard work and commitment. I asked her ballet teacher that RA may not want to do the exam but all her teacher said was "She's still young".

Ok, maybe 6 years old is probably still young for me to force her to commit. I have given her a chance to learn ballet and to take ballet exams. If she forfeits her chance, so be it. Since she is entering primary 1 next year, she will have less time for enrichment. Plus, Her first piano exam will be in March/April 2015 (same timing as ballet exams) so guess we will just concentrate on piano for now.

First Ballet Exam for RaeAnne

Today is RaeAnne's first ballet exam. I only took a few hours off work so was really rushing to fetch her by bus from cc to school. I didn't learn ballet when I was young so I did not know that they were quite strict about attire during ballet exams.

No nail polish, earrings or panties are allowed during the exam. Yes, the gals only wear their leotards. I found the 3rd rule a bit weird frankly. But maybe it is unsightly if their panties peeked out of their leotards? Beats me.

Then,the hair must be neatly tied in a bun even for girls with short hair. RA has very short and layered hair so I really don't know how to bun up her hair. Luckily, the teacher said she will help to bun RA's hair and asked us to arrive early at 1230pm.

But when I reached the cc at 1210pm, she was still in the shower because the P forgot to inform RA's teacher that I am picking up early today. By the time, we reached her ballet school, it was already 1250pm. And all her classmates were ready and starting to practise. While RA had not eaten nor bunned her hair yet. Luckily Ms Joy offered her an OCK spring roll immediately so she could eat while Ms Joy bunned her hair.

Ms Joy bunned her hair beautifully, I don't think I would have been able to do it so nicely. Suddenly, RA looked so grown up and graceful. Haha. Then she managed to have 1 last round of practice with her classmates and waited for their turns to go into the exam dance hall.

There were 5 gals going for pre primary exam and it was only group dancing at this level, no individual performances yet. There were only two grades, Good or Excellent for Pre primary. A lot of ballet gals skipped this stage and start straight from Primary level exam. But since RA is still in K2, without the stresses of P1, I wanted to expose her to the ballet exam system and see whether she is really committed to learning ballet.

She did whined about having to practise her dance moves a few months ago during her additional weekly coaching class so I told her I will stop her ballet lessons after this exam if she does not want to continue. After all, she can always learn Chinese dance or other forms of dance in primary school without the need for exams.

But today after her exams, I asked her if she still wants to learn ballet and take ballet exams. She said yes. RA is very shy so I hope performing arts will help to boost her confidence and perform on stage. We will support her as long as she is really interested. So, looks like this won't be her first and last ballet exam yet. Lol.

RA's Lion

We brought the gals to their usual Tues RC art class today but did not see RA's previous week's artwork. Only found RL's in the pile. Hb said maybe it was pinned up? True enough, we found it in the RC noticeboard outside the classroom. Good job, RA!

Art class at RC

I saw a poster at the lift lobby recently advertising Art class at the nearby RC on Tues nights at 730pm - 9pm. 8 lessons for just $80. Quite affordable and it's near home so I thought maybe I can get the gals to try it out together since it is just at the block in front of us and they accepts kids from 4 years old so both RA and RL can go together. Best of all, hb and I can get 1 hr of me time for jogging maybe. haha.

RL was a bit whining and crying initially but the teacher bribed her with a sweet and she was fine after that. We peeked in at 845pm and the gals were hard at work, painting. Thought the horses they drawn and coloured were not bad though RL's horse had some help from the teacher for the back and the legs portion.

Yamaha's Graduation Concerts

RaeAnne graduated from the Junior Music Class and Raelynn from the Music Wonderland course today. It was a logistic nightmare trying to attend both their concerts cos RA's class is 12-1pm and RL is 1215 - 1pm. Luckily, RL's teacher held a last minute 20 min rehearsal so we could watch most of RA's concert before hopping over to RL's.

RA is able to play tunes with both hands though her notes reading is still very poor as Yamaha emphasized a lot on listening and solfege. RL can't play anything yet since MW is more for her to learn music, movement and rhythm.

We have started private music lessons for RA in Nov and will be continuing with it since RA's class is not progressing onto next year. Most of her classmates are going to Primary One next year so most parents opt for private lessons to free up the weekends.

As for RL, we tried out 1 month of pte music lessons for her in Nov but her attention span is too short. Plus she only knows C, D, E. Not able to recognise all her alphabets yet. So I will take a break from music classes for now until she is ready for private lessons. Or if Mummy changes her mind and musters up enough courage next year to sit through another 2 years of JMC with her. Haha.

Video of RA playing Falling Leaves

Raelynn performing "Won't you like to come out and play?"

Raelynn performing "Do re mi fa man"

Ballet : RAD or CSTD

Blur mummy never realised that there are two different ballet syllabus. I only realised when the Crestar counter staff told me RA will be having open house last Fri so that parents can decide whether to register them for ballet exam next April.

Apparently, there is RAD (annual exam every April) and CSTD (exam every April and Oct). All the mummies friends and my cousin, Shirley, whom I asked, have daughters taking the RAD ballet UK syllabus. None were taking CSTD, the Australian syllabus.

But RA and RL's teacher, Ms Qiu Li Tong at Crestar Tampines is teaching CSTD syllabus. Basically, RAD is more widely recognised and is more technical while CSTD emphasises more on performance. I did some research on my own too. There is more discussion at ksparents for those who are interested to know the difference.

So now, I got to decide if I want to switch from CSTD to RAD. I got both gals to do a trial at Sunday morning 1145am with Ms Joy Foo the RAD teacher as recommended by Valerie's mum (RA's cc classmate). RA was quite reluctant initially cos she wanted to stick to Ms Litong's class and she doesn't want to do exams. But I asked her to just try out once first. If she doesn't like it. I will just let her learn ballet for another year and forget about exams for now.

Ms Joy has a very big class of at least 20 kids, first with older gals (p3 or p4) as well as those 4-6 yrs old. But she will spilt up the groups and let the younger gals sit and watch the older gals. Then about a short while later, the older gals will exit and she will focus on the younger ones. When I peeped in, I saw my gals playing with big shiny pom pom balls and thought to myself, hey, that looks fun. How come I never saw RA doing that before. Valerie's mummy, told me that's because the pom pom balls are part of RAD syllabus. Valerie has been learning from Ms Joy Foo since she was 3 yrs old.

Ahh.... No wonder. We never knew what we were missing. haha.

Anyway, the magic of pom pom balls for just one 45 minutes lesson cannot be underestimated. After the class, I asked them if they enjoyed. And both did. I asked RA if she wants to go to Ms Joy Foo class. She said yes. I asked her if she wants to try the ballet exam and have 1 extra ballet practice per week and she also said yes.

I asked Ms Joy Foo and she is happy with both their performance. She said if I don't mind RL waiting one more year before she can take exams in 2015, both gals can be in the same class. Of course I didn't mind. I am glad that I can drop off both gals cos logistically it is easier than having back to back ballet lessons on Friday nights from 730 to 9pm. But I will be on my own to bring both gals on the bus since hb is not free on Sun mornings.

Since RA wants to do the pre primary ballet exam, we still need to send her on Fri evening 645pm for coaching class from Oct to March. But at least it will not finish as late at 9pm. So logistically it is better.

Since RA enjoys ballet for now, I will expose her to extra coaching ($600 for 6 mths, not cheap) and try the exam and see if she can take it. I really don't want to overload her after she starts primary 1 so I feel K2 is a better time to test water about taking ballet exams. If she loves ballet even more, will consider letting her continue with the yearly exam syllabus. But if she hates it, we can either drop ballet or just let her learn for leisure. Either way, it will give me a better idea how to maximise our limited enrichment budget.

Art trial at crestar

RA is serving notice to end globalart classes by end Aug. She just told me she does not want to learn anymore. I tried switching her to another class with more of her cc classmates but she still wants to stop so i decided to let her take the lead on this. After all, globalart classes are not cheap since we still need to pay for books n materials.

Brought the gals for trial class at Crestar on Monday since they also attend ballet lessons there. The class is meant for kids above 4. Rl is 4 this yr though she is 4 months short. So both gals attended together. It was supposed to be a 1.5 hrs course but they changed it to 1 hr instead. The gals did some water colour n some tracing, colouring. But before they could finish finish cutting n pasting, 1 hr was up. Think it was too short because globalart class is 1.5 hrs though there is only colouring n blending. Not enough exposure to other media.

1 hr is definitely not enough for RL who did not even finish tracing. The other kids who were around 4 did not manage to finish colouring either. So the tcr said continue next week.

RA said she likes the art class n will like to continue but I find it too exp.$267.50 for 11 lessons. $24.75 per hr. Even more exp than globalart. I am also not keen to burn monday nights after getting rid of wed nights. So I think I will just ask hb to teach in the meantime. Save $ n Time. :)

Ballet open house - Video clips

The gals are moving onto their next level for ballet lessons this week. So last Fri, Crestar had an open house so parents were invited to watch what they have been learning so far.

We are not hoping that the gals will become professional ballerinas. It is ok for me if they don't want to learn this for long. From what we can see, they are having fun. As long as they are enjoying ballet lessons, it's enough for us. Once RA enters P1 in another 1.5 years, I will be cutting down on her enrichment programmes because I know she won't have time. School and homework will take up the bulk of her time. So I am hoping that she can choose one that she enjoys best, whether it is piano, ballet or art, that she can enjoy throughout her primary school years.

We took many videos during the two 45 mins lessons but I only posted two on youtube (links below) cos it will be too long to upload everything. haha.

RaeLynn's Bebe ballet class


RaeAnne's Pre Primary Foundation class

Kiddy Sushi Bento workshop

Went for parent-child Kiddy sushi bento workshop by Umisushi at Changi City Point. It was a 2 hr workshop from 3-5pm and we were making ladybird sushi bento. I was hoping to learn how to make sushi rice but white and orange coloured sushi rice was already prepared for us. I guess the difficulty level was not high since the kids have to do most of the work while parents help out. At least they did give us a recipe for cooking Jap sushi rice.

RL was too young to join the workshop as a participant as the minimum age was 5. But the organisers were very sweet and allowed her to look on by the side and help out. Spreading and shaping the sushi rice was tough for RA cos there were no kiddy gloves provided (size s glove for adults is still too big for kids) so the rice were stuck to her fingers.

After the sushi is rolled and cut, the gals, it was time to decorate the bento box. RA had no problem cutting out the cheese, carrots etc. Same for RL. But most of the time, RA n RL were busy eating the tori karaage and cut sausages cos it was 4pm by then and they were hungry. Lol.

Reg was $60 but I was pleasantly surprised that their goody bags had a tissue box cover, a bento box, 1 pack of kiddy soy milk, 1 pack of ribena, 1 adult bento, 1 kiddy bento, 1 cup of ice lemon tea and even soft serve ice cream.

Holiday Canvas Painting workshop

I signed RaeAnne up for a 4 session Canvas Painting workshop at Brillionaire Kids, Serangoon Nex. It was the same place where she has a baking class package but they have special holiday programmes and camps during school holidays. Although she is having art lessons at globalart but they only use crayons for foundation classes so I thought it will be fun to expose RaeAnne to painting since it is a medium that she is not used to. Each session is 1.5 hrs and 4 sessions costs $180. Not really cheap considering it is $45 for 1.5 hrs.

Due to the haze, quite a few kids who signed up did not turn up. So, RA and another gal had most of the teacher's attention. There were 4 themes in total: Mushroom House, Bird Nest, Lotus Flower and her last session is tomorrow. So far, she enjoyed it. And I liked her paintings too especially today's Lotus Flower. :)

Friday nights

I really thought I was getting my Friday nights back. Raelynn has been whining that she does not want to go for ballet class since after CNY. Even though she is fine once she enters the room, she starts her whining every Friday morning and I was losing my patience with her. Since I have stopped working full time, yes, back to SAHM except for occasional freelance training, I was not going to waste $ if she is going to whine about it every lesson. I don't want to force her to learn because I feel that enrichment classes are for interest and exposure, so she must first of all like it.

To be honest, while serving the notice, I was all ready to reverse the decision, as long as Raelynn tells me personally that she still wants to learn because the ballet teacher said she improved a lot. The ballet teacher said she improved a lot. Last week, she showed off her ballet moves to ILs and my mum.

I don't know what the moves are called but she opened her legs wide like letter I and bent her arms to the left and right to touch her toes. She also laid down on her tummy and let her toes touch the back of her head. She said she is able to focus, and will even ask the teacher: 'Teacher, look at me'. But despite asking her many times in April, she said she doesn't want to learn anymore. So last Fri was the last lesson.

Whenever I ask RL if she still wants to learn ballet in April, she will say no but RaeAnne will interrupt and tell me 'Mummy, 我要学.' RA went for two ballet trials in 2012 but she didn't want to learn so I am surprised that she changed her mind now. Since RL is not learning anymore, I thought give RA a chance to try again. So, I told RL that since she doesn't want to learn ballet, I will give the chance to Cheh cheh and let Cheh cheh learn ballet instead.

Wa... What I didn't realise was how jealous and possessive she is. She cried and threw a tantrum, kept repeating: "姐姐不可以学,姐姐不可以去我的 ballet class." I asked her why can't Cheh Cheh learn ballet. I gave you a chance but you don't want to learn mah. Then I asked her again: 'Do you still want to learn ballet?' This time she nodded her head and said yes. Grr... Fickle minded gal.

Argghh... So now I am stuck with two gals learning ballet on Fri night. RL is still doing Bebe ballet from 730-8.15pm while RA just did her trial class Pre primary ballet (foundation) with the same teacher from 8.15-9pm. Thankfully, Teacher Li Tong said RA is good and picks up fast. She said RA can do all the moves tonight and will push her own limits compared to RL who needs to be pushed. Maybe because RA is more mature. I am relieved cos was worried that RA will be too stiff to start learning ballet now. Her good friend at CC has been learning since 3 years old and already taken the RAD ballet exam last month. RA is happy to be praised by the teacher in class and RL is also happy cos Cheh Cheh is not in her class.

Oh well, I am not rushing to buy their leotards and tights yet, only bought ballet shoes for RA cos she can't dance in socks cos she may slip and fall. I will monitor and see if her interest persists. Meantime, I am waiting for the new Pre primary (level) class to start cos timing is earlier 645-730pm.

Ballet trial for Raelynn

After their childcare year end concert, we are convinced that Raelynn loves to dance, she danced well for the concert, and can tell that she enjoys practising the dance too. So, hubby finally told me to let her try out ballet cos he thinks she cannot sit still and may not be able to focus long enough to learn piano.

We have come a long way cos he was not keen for the gals to learn ballet cos he thinks they will walk funny (like a duck) if they learn ballet. No offence to all the ballet dancers ya. :P

RL just turned 3 yrs old last Sunday so she just made it for Bebe ballet which is for those 3 - 3 yrs 11 mths. So, tonight, after dinner at Century Sq, we went to Crestar Dance school for trial at Abacus plaza. I brought along a ballerina looking pink dress for her and especially let her change into it before her trial.

When we reached the centre, it was dejavu cos I brought RA for the same trial twice in end 2011 and early this year. First time, RA cried cos she didn't want me to leave the room. Second time, I bought her a ballerina tutu dress, and deliberately went for trial in the same class as her best friend and CC classmate, Valerie. So, she didn't cry but after the trial, when I asked her if she wants to learn ballet, she still said no, she doesn't like to dance. So, I gave up on ballet for RA after that.

After filling up the registration form and paying $32.10, the class started at 730pm. After I helped her to take out her shoes, Raelynn just walked into the room, plonked herself down on the floor with the other gals whom she has never seen before. Looked at the teacher, without even a backward glance at me. I shouldn't have worried that she will cry like RA at all. In the end, I was the one who 不放心 and went into the room to straighten her hairband and told her that I will be waiting outside. She can't even be bothered to answer me. kaka.

It was a 45 mins trial, I popped by the small window in the door now and then to peek at her. She was jumping, dancing and following the teacher. Not shy at all though her movements are a bit off compared to the other gals. After the trial, I asked her teacher, Ms Li Tong, if RL did ok. And she said RL can follow instructions, not familiar with the movements yet but it will get better with practice. I asked RL if she wants to learn ballet and she didn't hesitate at all, and gave me a resounding yes though I asked her a few times.

Since there is no new classes scheduled in 2013 for Bebe ballet, we decided to enrol her immediately since hb and I are more free during the school hols. School fees per term is $203.30. School fees will increase to $256.80 for new classes so we are exempted from that increase for now. We paid $341.19 cos there are 2 remaining lessons in Dec and for Jan-Mar 2013. RL couldn't wait to wear her ballet shoes but too bad her size is oos. So, we only bought her attendance book and socks today. Didn't buy leotard and skirt cos it was a bit exp, $47.10, secondly, I was worried she will outgrow it before her assessment (next yr), and finally, it's not easy to bring her to toilet if she is wearing a leotard.

Her yamaha Music Wonderland lessons will start next Jan, almost same timing as RA (Sats 12.15-1pm). So, we'll monitor and see which one she likes better. ;)

Piano lessons

It has been 1 yr and 10 months since RA started Yamaha's music lessons in Jan 2011. From music wonderland to now Yamaha Junior Music course, she has made some progress. She is finally learning to play with two hands. But I have to bribe and nag to get her to practise all the time.

Her definition of practice means she has tried it once or at most twice at home. Of course, it's not enough, because the music teacher said we should aim to make the child practise 3 times a week. But only as long as their interest lasts for that session. But for the same song, I can make her practise more than 5 times in a row, and she is still not certain which keys to play. Today teach, 2 days later she'll forget. End up I always make her practise for the last time on Sat morning just before her music class. It doesn't help that I don't have any music background, cos I am at the same page as her, and sometimes I teach her the wrong things. :P

Now, I am trying out a new way to motivate her to practise her piano. Since she loves me to take her photos and videos, I will do video recordings of her practice and let her see for herself how 'well' she plays, which are the parts which she falters, and hope this will motivate her to play better. :)

Video clip

Swimming again....

We started RaeAnne on swimming lessons again on Sunday mornings last month after a 6 months hiatus after bumping into her class mate, Valerie's mummy in August. Thanks to her recommendation, we started her with Coach Joseph. Joseph kindly waived the fees for Sept when he saw that RA has a fear of the learner's pool and has extreme separation anxiety. She developed that fear after her 2nd swim coach accidentally let her jump into the deeper end of the learner's pool. She freaked out cos she could not reach the bottom of the pool.

After almost two months of hearing her whining 'Mummy, mummy', I finally saw some progress yesterday cos she was able to move off with a float and then without the float in less than 10 mins. Previously, she was just walking (yes walking) from one end of the pool to the other at the shallow end, and putting her head down (up to her ears sometimes). Swimming video clip

When I see her shiver in the cold sitting at the pool edge while the other 9 kids swim with a float, I get demoralised esp cos she has to wait so long for her turn and she doesn't do much during her turn. Felt like pulling her out but I told myself to persevere esp since the coach is already so nice to waive off her Sept fees. Sooner or later, she will overcome her fear and warm up to the coach. Even the coach was relieved, he had to console her a few times and get her to stop crying esp the last two weeks cos I did not go into the pool with her.

Joseph told me before that it's not that RA doesn't know. She knows, and it is not that she doesn't like to swim, it's just that she is not used to him so always wants Mummy. He told RaeAnne before 'If you are happy, I am also happy.' Very true, no point forcing if the kid is not enjoying. When we took a video of RA swimming, she was very proud of herself. Glad to see her gaining confidence.

I don't want the gals to be totally lacking in sports since we don't exercise with them at all. I am not trying to make her a competitive swimmer, as long as she has some survival skills and can have fun in the swimming pool, I am happy. In primary school, there will be group swimming lessons. And I will send her as well, but if she knows how to swim a little, I don't have to be worried about her. :)