After School Music, Art, Dance and Drama Programme For Kids Aged 4 to 14

Hey there parents,

We are excited to share with you about the new MADD Performing Arts Programme For Kids that is launching soon.

What is MADD? MADD is an after school programme designed to develop the creative side of kids in programmes involving Music, Arts, Dance and Drama. Parents can choose from the daily after school MADD programme which runs on weekdays from 3.30 pm till 6.30 pm or the Saturday classes from 10 am till 3.00 pm.

These afternoon enrichment programmes include Music, Arts, Dance and Drama in its core programme with Drum, Piano, Ukelele, Guitar, Taekwando and Chaikwando available as elective options.

This afternoon enrichment performing arts programme is an option to after school child care especially for working parents who are looking for after school day care solutions for their children to occupy those odd hours between after school till after working hours when you are available to pick them up.

The MADD programme will give creative kids the chance for some after school fun while honing their musical, dance and drama skills.  

Want to learn more about the MADD Performing Arts Programme For Kids? Come to the Open Day to get a better insight on the MADD programme and how it can benefit your kids. Happening this coming Saturday, October 28, 2017. Those who sign up for the introductory MADD class during the Open Day will receive a 50% discount!

Bring your kids along to this Open Day because there will be lots of activities lined up for them including colouring contest, talent time contest, fancy dress contest, face painting, hair braiding, and lots more including musical performances all day long.

Event: Open Day for The MADD Performing Arts Programme brought to you by XSpace

Date: Saturday, 28 October 2017

Time: 10 am till 3 pm

Venue: Level 3, 1 Mont Kiara Mall,1, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: http://www.xspace.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myXspace/

Open Day activities will be held at the Upper Learning Center and Will You Cafe @ 1 Mont Kiara. 

School Holiday Motivation And Learning Camp For Kids 2017

This is a sponsored post. The post was written based on content and material provided by the sponsor.

Are you and your kids caught in the vicious circle of homework - tuition - exam - homework - tuition -exam? Do your kids know how to learn and study on their own or are they being pushed by the school and you to do endless practice on workbooks and past year papers? Want to get out of the cycle and teach your children to be self motivated learners? Instead of another round of tuition during the school holidays, you can send them to an inspiring learning and studying skills camp. 

School Holiday Motivation And Learning Camp For Kids 2017

You can select from the day camp or the residential one. Both camps are available for primary as well as secondary school kids. 

During the camp, kids will be taught ways to improve their memory skill and concentration powers through the use of fun acronyms, stories, mind mapping and more. They will be taught creative ways to study and motivated to set and achieve their own study goals with creative new strategies to learn. 

Parental support and guidance is essential so you are invited to attend the last hour of the training on the final day to find out how you can continue to help your child at home after the camp.

Holiday Camp for primary school kids (9-12 years)

Day Camp: Score A Mastery (SAM)

Dates: 27-28 November 2017

Time: 9am - 6pm * The camp includes a parents briefing session from 7pm - 8pm on Day 2

Venue: International Youth Center, Cheras

Fee: RM397

Residential Camp: Mastery In Action (MIA)

Dates: 3 days 2 nights 1- 3 December 2017

Time: Starts at 9 am daily  * The camp includes a parents briefing session from 6pm - 7pm on Day 3

Venue: International Youth Center, Cheras

Fee: RM797

Holiday Camp for secondary school kids (13-18 years)

Day Camp: Score A Mastery (SAM)

Dates: 29-30 November 2017

Time: 9am - 6pm * The camp includes a parents briefing session from 7pm - 8pm on Day 2

Venue: International Youth Center, Cheras

Fee: RM397

Residential Camp: Mastery In Action (MIA)

Dates: 3 days 2 nights 1- 3 December 2017

Time: Starts at 9 am daily  * The camp includes a parents briefing session from 6pm - 7pm on Day 3

Venue: International Youth Center, Cheras

Fee: RM797

Register Here for all camps listed above or call 6018 298 0020 for more info.

Organized by: Fun Learning Seeds Sdn Bhd

Website: http://www.funlearningseeds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funlearningseeds/

Day Camp Details

Residential Camp Details

Encouraging Kids To Switch From Playing Games To Creating Games And Apps

Have you ever been worried that your child is spending too much of his or her time starring passively at their handheld gadgets or mobiles playing "mindless" games over and over again? Innocent game playing can lead to game addiction which is indeed a worry for many parents.

One way to guide rather than restrict your child's screen time is to channel their creativity and energy for playing games into game designing and building apps instead.

Children as young as 6 can design games, build apps, and create incredible projects

"Mom, I want to be a game designer!"

Have you ever had your child say this? This is not something to laugh over and dismissed. Your child's desire to learn how to make games or to find out how games are made can be a catalyst for you to introduce coding and computational thinking skills through computer science to him or her. Instead of letting your child play games, you can help your child to become the creator of games. You can use this as an opportunity to switch screen time from game playing to game designing and app building. This is both educational and beneficial for your child, especially in this age of digitized learning.

What is Computational Thinking Skills?

Computational Thinking Skills is the ability to use a structured way to solve problems. It is the ability to look at a complex problem using abstract thinking, breaking down the problem and eventually developing possible step by step solutions to that problem. It is having the flair  to look at both the big picture and the little details when solving problems. This is a very useful life skill for children. Read our previous post on How Computational Thinking Helps Kids and Teens In Solving Problems for more information on computational thinking skills.

Can my child really learn to make games and build apps?

Yes, they can. According to KidoCode, a Computer programming and mathematic school for primary, secondary and high school students, from ages 6 to 18 in Kuala Lumpur, kids can learn to make their first mobile apps within 4 hours during their free trial demo classes for kids and teens.

Try out a demo class today. Apply here for 4 hours of free trial class on coding, game design and app building for kids.

Challenges Of Parenting In The Digital Age

In the past parents worried over excessive telephone use by teenagers chatting over the phone but that is the least of parents worries in the digital age that we now live in. Kids with cellphones going online is like a bomb waiting to explode. To make sure this "bomb" does not explode, as parents living in the digital age, we have to make sure that we EDUCATE, EDUCATE, EDUCATE our children.

This infographic from the Family Orbit blog recommends that parents do the following with our comments in blue

• Monitor text messages and multimedia messages (Agreed and that includes whatsapp messages FB private messages etc. While it is good to give your teen some privacy, it is no advisable to let them have free reign)
• Blog your teen from using apps you disapprove of (Agreed. Again, this comes down to monitoring and making sure you know what your child is doing on his cellphone on the internet online)
• Regularly review pictures and movies (Agreed. Review those music videos too and YouTube videos that kids are so fond of watching)
• Keep computer usage in a common area in the house and set time limits on usage (Agreed. Set reasonable time limits on usage and this includes when your kid should stop using the phone for the night. Usage after a certain agreed upon hour should not be allowed and getting up to use the phone in the middle of the night is a no-no! Have a family meeting and set AGREED UPON time limits and what to do if your teen breaks those rules)
• Consider an occasional screen free day or week for the whole family to participate in (Agreed. Most importantly, make sure you keep up to your side of the bargain too!)

Do your kids have a smart phone? Do they go online using their smart phone? Do they chat online with their friends? How much time do they spend online? Do they use the phone till late in the night? What sites do they go on? Are they on social media? Do they have a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media accounts? What do they post online? Do you know? These are some of the questions you as a parent must ask yourself as a parent in the digital age.

Embedded from Family Orbit Blog

Nationwide Open Day At Cambridge English For Life

Cambridge English For Life (CEFL) is having their very first Nationwide Open Day at all of its 60 centres throughout Malaysia on Sunday 29 October 2017. Children can sit for a free placement test and participate in language activities during the Open Day. In addition, eligible students who confirm a seat for the Term 1, 2018 class will receive a Free "Write It Right!" writing course. (Terms and Conditions Apply)

Cambridge English For Life has been providing English language courses to over 10,000 students nationwide for over 16 years, preparing students to sit for the internationally recognized Cambridge English exams.

This year, CEFL collaborates with National Geographic Learning to bring the latest teaching method to all of its centres in Malaysia. At CEFL, learners are grouped according to their proficiency, rather than their age. Students who are ahead of their schoolmates in English can move ahead in a class that challenges them; while students who are struggling to keep up in their English classes at school will have the advantage to learn at the level they are more comfortable in, with a teacher who cares about helping them progress to higher levels.

Looking for a center near you? Click Here or call 03-7883- 0912 for more information on the Nationwide Open Day.

Mistakes To Avoid When Making Or Renewing Passport For Children 18 Years Old and Below

It is the peak season for making or renewing passport now with the year-end school holidays just around the corner. This post is a reminder to parents on the mistakes to avoid when making or renewing passport for children 18 years old and below. If you avoid these mistakes, you can have a  renewed or new passport in your hands in a few hours. No stress of running around or extra waiting required.

Mistake No. 1

Not bringing your child's birth certificate. You will need to bring your child's birth certificate. This is required EVEN IF your child has an identification card. This is a common mistake many parents make.

Your child is over 12  years old and is an IC holder. You think that the IC is good enough as an identification document. However, you will also need their birth certificate IN ADDITION to the IC. Possible reason is as a parent, you need to sign their application forms and the only proof that you are the parent is the birth certificate. That makes sense right?

Note that the birth certificate is required EVEN IF you are making RENEWAL of your child's passport if they are 18 years and below. Again, this is a very common mistake. You may be thinking that after all this is a simple renewal so you may not need the birth certificate. Again, the birth certificate is the document of proof of your parent child relationship. You will need it.

This mistake will save you a lot of time going home to fetch your child's birth certificate or having to return another day to queue up to make or renew your child's passport.

Mistake No. 2 

Not making photocopies of the documents required ahead of time. When making or renewing passport for your children 18 years old and below, make sure you photocopy and bring along with you

1. Your child's birth certificate
2. Your child's IC (if any)
3. Your own IC 

Note: Check the link at the end of this article for documents required in special situations eg. divorced, deceased parent, children who are married, foreign spouse etc.

It is not really a big deal if you forget, you can still make photocopies on the spot at the photocopy station at 60 cents per copy. This is quite convenient for forgetful folks but if you would like to save a little bit of money, make sure you get your documents ready beforehand. (this is experienced at the time of writing this post at the Jabatan Imigresen Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Kompleks Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN), No 69, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Off Jalan Duta, 50550, Kuala Lumpur)

Mistake No. 3

Not  bringing enough cash. You can always pay by credit card but it is always a good idea to bring enough cash just in case of system down time. This mistake can save you from having to run around looking for an ATM machine. The ATM machine of your bank may not be at the offices. Of course, it is okay if your card has MEPS, you just have to pay a little bit more but then ATM machines can also run out of cash. So be prepared, just in case.

Fee - RM200 if your child is 13-18 years old or RM100 for children 12 years old and below

Mistake No. 4

Arriving late. It is always good practice to arrive early for things like this. The earlier the better. You don't have to queue up at 4 am. Just arrive at opening hours is fine. Operational hours for Passport Office = Monday-Friday : 7.30 am - 5.30 pm / Friday Closed On : 12.15pm - 2.45pm (Visit the link at the end of this post for the full operational hours for all states in Malaysia. Some states open on weekends while states observing Friday and Saturday as weekend have different operating hours as well.)

Other Things You Should Know About

Clothing - You need to dress your child in dark coloured clothing for the photograph but this is not really an issue. A cute poncho to cover your kids clothing is available for young kids or jackets for older kids.

Hair - There is no need to tie  your child's hair. Just tuck long hair in behind the ears when taking photos. The officer will guide you on what to do.

Photo taking - Your child can smile while taking the photo, smile with mouth closed without teeth showing. According to the immigration website, children under 4 years old are encouraged to bring along two (2) pieces of photograph with white background measuring 35mm x 50mm

Forms - These days, you are not required to fill up any forms. All you need to do is affix your  thumb print and signature on pre prepared forms. Easy right?

Time - Making passport is a lot more painless and efficient these days. During a peak season, we managed to arrive at 7.30 am and leave with passport in hand by 11.30 am.

TIP - BRING A BOOK ALONG FOR BORED KIDS

Process 

1. Queue to get a number. You will be required to submit documents both photocopy AND original at this stage.
2. When your number is called, proceed to the counter to get your photo taken and affix thumb print and signature on pre prepared forms. No form filling required.
3. Your number will be called a second time to make payments
4. After paying, you may go for a meal and return to the immigration office an hour later to collect your passport. Proceed directly to collection counter to collect your passport.

Useful Links from the Malaysian Immigration Office Official Website

1. Applying for Malaysian International Passport - Fees and Documents Required
2. Operational Hours of Immigration Office at various states in Malaysia
3. List of Branches Address and Location

We hope this post helps parents apply for their child's passport in a painless and efficient manner with reduced waiting time. Enjoy your vacation!

Location Map for Jabatan Imigresen Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, No 69, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Off Jalan Duta, 50550, Kuala Lumpur

Educational News Round Up October 2017

There has been a lot of interesting news for parents with school going kids so far this month of October 2017. Here's a quick look at some of them.

Starting next year, imported English textbooks will be used instead of local ones. (Star Oct 5, 2017). According to the Star article, preschoolers, Standard 1 and 2 including Form 1 and 2 students will start using the new CEFR-alligned curriculum. CEFR stands for Common European Frame­work of Reference for Languages. Parents on our Facebook group reported that their Standard 1 and Form 1 kids have received these textbooks this year but they have yet to start using them. Priced between RM78 and RM135, the books are given free on loan to students under the Skim Pinjaman Buku Teks

While on the subject of books, starting next year, work books not approved by the Ministry of Education will no longer be allowed in schools. (NST Oct 11, 2017). Perhaps this will mean the reduction in bag load. Did you know that History and Moral were not even supposed to have workbooks? That's according to this news report on the Ministry moving to end the heavy bag ordeal for pupils (Star Oct 12, 2017).

In another news, it was reported that the Education Ministry is introducing an Internet safety, online ethics, and time management module, for Years One and Two students next year. (Star Oct 8, 2017). The modules are developed by the CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) in collaboration with the ministry and will be introduced as a pilot project to a few selected schools once ready.

That's quite a lot of interesting news for the new academic year in 2018 don't you think?

Pros and Cons Of Sitting For The SUEC in Chinese Independent Schools

After completing SJKC, many students move on to SMK, Private or International Schools or Chinese Independent Schools. Each type of school will have its own challenges and special issues. This post is about UEC examinations in Chinese Independent Schools (CIS) and the questions that parents who choose this route must ponder at some point of time.

Students in CIS sit for the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC). Some Chinese independent high schools opt to teach the national secondary school curriculum (in Malay) alongside the independent school curriculum (in Chinese) and require students to sit for PT3, SPM or STPM in addition to the UEC.

Credit: The following is published with the permission of the parents who posted this topic on our Malaysia Secondary School Parents on Facebook group recently.

Common Question:

My son is studying at a Chinese independent Secondary school. I have no idea what is the choice of further studies after his SPM exam. His school offers both UEC & SPM exams. Should my son consider continuing higher secondary until UEC exam or just take the SPM results for studying in college, Foundation or switch to A level?

This question was raised recently on our Facebook group. We are reproducing the question and answer on this blog to reach out to more parents. We feel this is a really beneficial and useful topic for parents with kids studying or those who are thinking of sending their children to Chinese Independent Schools in Malaysia.

Answer:

There are pros and cons of sitting for the SUEC in Chinese Independent Schools.

Pros of sitting for SUEC

1. If you are undecided to proceed with what course, there's no harm to continue sitting for the SUEC in the meantime
2. When you sit for the SUEC, you will have no trouble adapting because of the familiarity in environment
3. If you leave after SPM you wont be given a certificate in CIS. You will only receive a school leaving certificate which rather defeats the purpose of studying in a CIS
4. It is way cheaper compared to doing Pre-U, GCE A levels, AUSMAT and etc to prepare yourself for further studies
5. A shorter course period, you will need just another 10 months and you can start immediately once school begins session in January
6. The UEC paper may be accepted internationally in most universities
7. It depends on each CIS. In some CIS subjects would be taught in English, in some others it is fully Chinese (for example main subjects like advanced maths/ physics/chemistry may be taught in English except Biology but you could still opp to answer the Biology paper in English during SUEC through self learning).

Cons of sitting for SUEC

1. There will be more subjects to handle
2. The paper is tougher especially for science stream students
3. Not many reference books are available
4. You have to cramp all subject from Sr 1-3 in 10 short months
5. The homework load is really heavy 
6. It is 100% exam based

Roald Dahl Themed Children's Workshop For Kids Aged 7-9

Upcoming Event at Enhance Academy, Klang

Children's Workshop for kids from 7 - 9 years old on Saturday 28 October 2017 from 11am to 1pm

Hi there parents,

Wow, it is already October. Time has passed by quickly and our children are now sitting or about to sit for their year-end examinations. Soon, it is time for them to relax and to enjoy some of the things that they didn't get to do during their busy school year. Now it is time for them to be kids and have fun, learning English through play in a way that is so different to what they are used to.

Here is a chance for you to let your children do just that. This coming 28 October, 2017, Enhance Academy is conducting a Children's Workshop specially for members of our parenting platform.

The good news is many games and fun activities have been planned for kids from Std 1 to Std 3 aged from 7-9 years old. The Children's Workshop will have a Roald Dahl creative theme to it. They will use activities like treasure hunts, speech and drama combined with Enhance Academy's style of creative writing to let kids learn English in a fun environment.

Your kids can choose to either join the class and games and activities or just the games and activities. There will be a games corner for kids coming in late or for those who prefer to just join in the fun and games without participating in the class. Games and activities include a Who wants to be a millionaire grammar quiz and puzzles. Prizes will be presented to the winning team.

You can invite your child and his or her cousins or friends along so they can have fun together. Coffee and snacks are provided. Moms and dads who are accompanying the kids can wait at the center or drop and shop at the Aeon Bukit Tinggi Mall which is just across the road. (See location map below).

The even better news is, this workshop is complementary for members of our parenting platform! Seats are limited so hurry and leave your name on this comment thread on our Facebook group to register for this event. Registration is on a first come first serve basis.