Exam Is Over Today

Thanks all for your comments in my previous post.  That wasn't a rant post and I have no qualms about my boy's performance in his studies.  In fact, coming from a non-Mandarin speaking family and with only a "setengah masak Chinese knowledge" mother cum home tutor to coach him, I am quite pleased that he can survive well so far in a SJKC.   Despite the fact that he has to complete his loads of homework daily, there isn't a day that he is reluctant to go to school. 

He is still mama's boy in one way or another but lately he starts to have his own opinion and will not always do as told, at times answering back.  His exhaustion and impatience having to complete his "daily homework marathon" shows from the way he does his homework, not bothered to check his work and his handwriting going downhill from getting stars from teachers to not getting any. 

I see this as a sign of stress as this boy of mine may not be ready to take on heavy loads of homework and revision daily, not yet.  I have this in mind to let him learn at his own pace with the equal amount of attention given than pushing him hard when he is in std 3 next year.  We will be able to know and compare what works the best for him then.

On another note, my boy adores his class teacher.  His class teacher once told the class that her family was poor when she was young and could not even afford a proper pen.  When  he saw her writing with a broken pen the other day, he went to the school bookstore the next day to get her a new pen after getting my permission the night before.  He adores her so much as she always tells them motivational and funny stories and hardly punishes them over small matters.  That explains why he has loads of homework this year compared to last year (different class teacher) where the no-nonsense teacher would get them to copy answers.  I heard this teacher is still doing the same and hence lesser homework for her class while my boy will have to do the homework with the help from his home tutor aka me.  Good and bad..  There are only the revision part to do when answers are already given minus time spent looking for answers from internet and e-dictionary.  But then, I don't think it's a long term solution to be spoon fed with answers now that they are in std 2. That leaves me no choice but to conclude that hardwork and perseverence is the only key to success.  *more hair pulling moments*

Once my boy and his classmates were caned on the palms by their class teacher for getting some spelling words wrong.  My boy came home with cane marks clearly visible on his palm.  He got 5 canes for 5 spelling mistakes.  I asked if he cried and he answered yes as he really couldn't take the pain.  I continued with my question and asked him if he still likes her.  He said a firm YES and even sided her saying that it was for their own good.  *roll eyes*  This teacher must have something special within her, No? Or was it the magic wand that did the trick?

Coming back to exam, it's finally over! Woohooo!! Not for long though but what the heck... Let us all forget about the never ending exams for now and enjoy the approaching 2 weeks' school holidays.

Can't wait to attend a birthday picnic this Sunday morning.  We are off to get some birthday presents for the birthday boys and girl in 2 hours' time. ;)