With all the things which have been happening so far, I haven’t had the chance to update the blog about Ashley’s Std 1 experience!
I can’t believe that she’s in Std 1 already! Where has my baby gone???
Anyway….life in a chinese goverment school ain’t rosy. Even I had a tough time adjusting to it. It’s like they are literally thrown into a sea of sharks compared to their honeymoon years at kindergarten.
In the kindy days, the school used to circulate memos to the kids so that the parents will know what to do/bring.
In the chinese primary school – the teacher will only repeat what she/he will say twice (according to Ashley). The kids are afraid to ask the teachers questions. Ashley is one of them. She said the teachers do not like to repeat themselves and if they do respond, they’d respond loudly and fiercely. I consoled her that the teacher had to handle 40+ kids and had to speak loudly so all 40+ of them could hear her loud and clear.
Everyday is a guessing game. I’d be texting to other moms to ensure that the message the kids brought back tallied because this time, there are no memos whatsoever. If the kids didn’t do their homework nor bring a book – they will be punished. Some got whacked multiple times on the palm with a cane. Some had to pull their ears for God knows how long – Ashley included.
So how is Ashley taking it? She is ok so far. She is scared of the teachers nonetheless but so far she hasn’t made a big deal of her punishments. She said, “The teacher asked me to pull my ears. I pulled softly.” I have no doubt that she will be able to handle the humiliation the teachers puts forth on the kids.
She’s a tough cookie.
The question is whether I will be able to take such demoralizing tactics by the teachers. I can most certainly bet on my life’s savings that Aidan will NOT be able to cope in a chinese school. But…never say never I suppose? He may just surprise me. But for now…I don’t think he will be able to take it.
Anyway, back to Ashley…
Her school bag weighs a tonne! It’s heavier than my laptop bag! Why can’t the school provide lockers so that the kids can leave their books at school?
Academic wise, the kids haven’t been doing much in school. I heard that it gets tougher when they go back to school after the Chinese New Year holidays.
I’ve started Ashley on a 1-on-2 tuition 3 times a week so that the tutor can guide her and her bestie with their work. Is 3 times a week too much? I don’t know. Better to get her on a good start before it’s too late I suppose? And since DH and I are ‘bananas’ – outsource it is!
Anyhow…wish us luck!
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