Learn How You Can Support Your Child's Learning With Tuition Classes

PART 1 – INTRODUCTION

As a parent, it is only natural that you want the best for your child. You want them to succeed academically while ensuring they have all the opportunities to enhance their interests. Well, you are not alone. Many parents in Singapore are enrolling their children as young as preschoolers in tuition centres to ensure they build a good foundation and an early head start to their learning journey. All to help their children realise their full potential.

You probably share similar sentiments, considering you are checking out our article. But with numerous options islandwide, where do you even begin? Where should you invest your money and your child’s time in? After all, finding a balance and enrolling your child in suitable classes is crucial to ensure they receive a holistic education and do not burn out. Well, fret not! Learn more about tuition classes in the article ahead.

PART 2 – HELPING YOUR CHILD REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

2.1. How Tuition Classes Can Enhance Your Child’s Development

As you are researching the ideal tuition programmes for your child, you might wonder, “Are tuition classes effective in nurturing my child’s skills and giving them a competitive edge? Besides, how many tuition class is too many? Because family bonding and playtime are equally important too.

However, the ideal tuition centre can play a significant role in helping children harness their talents in the classroom and beyond. Here are five ways tuition classes can aid your child in reaching their full potential. 

Benefit #1: Nurtures a love for learning 

Learning is a lifelong journey. However, how do you ensure your child sustains their curiosity and desire to learn as they grow older? It begins by providing them with a safe and nurturing space to ask questions and share ideas. That is what a tuition centre should offer, in addition to activities that help your child develop a love for learning.

These tuition classes are often designed to help children in early development, with programmes to stimulate their senses and curiosity. Learning experiences are incorporated to emphasise learning and exploration through research and exploration, thus helping to foster enthusiasm around the learning process.

Benefit #2: Develops your child’s social skills

Group tuition classes are fertile grounds for your child to develop their social skills. For example, attending a speech and drama programme allows your child to interact with other children of similar ages. This helps them improve their communication abilities and confidence, making them feel more comfortable talking to their peers.

Such programmes also emphasise working in groups, allowing your child to understand the values of teamwork and empathy. They will also learn the importance of active listening, collaborative learning, and forming and expressing opinions, which are invaluable skill sets for the classroom and beyond. 

Benefit #3: Gives your child a competitive edge

Your precocious child can go beyond their current syllabus level and stretch their learning abilities if they crave academic challenges beyond their peers. Stretch activities in tuition classes provide them with questions and experiences to stretch their thinking and apply their knowledge to solve challenging problems.

Benefit #4: Exposes your child to various teaching styles

Tuition classes often differ from the rote learning commonly found in traditional classroom teaching methods. Most centres will have their unique proprietary curriculum, with an emphasis on making learning fun for children. Regardless of the teaching method, your child will learn that there is more than one way to learn. This is good, as exposure to various teaching styles can teach them to adapt to different situations.

Benefit #5: Helps your child adapt to the academic rigours of primary school

Pre-schoolers may face uncertainty and challenges transitioning to primary school as the learning materials become more advanced. Furthermore, the shift from play-based learning to a more structured learning approach in a traditional classroom may overwhelm them. In these scenarios, you may find tuition classes for primary students helpful in complementing and strengthening your child’s learning in school.

With the additional support from tuition programmes, children gain a better understanding of their academic syllabus, achieve better grades and develop a positive attitude towards learning. Moreover, attending tuition classes teaches them the importance of time management and helps them get used to the routine of school life.

Benefit #6 - Personalised attention, which is not always possible in a school setting

Tuition classes often maintain smaller class sizes. This smaller student-to-teacher ratio allows for more personalised attention and learning than in a traditional classroom setting. With fewer students, teachers can tailor their teaching approaches and adapt the curriculum to suit your child’s learning style. This personalised approach fosters a conducive environment for optimal growth, as your child receives the attention and support necessary to reach their full potential.

Benefit #7- Parents get to be an integral part of the journey 

Unlike conventional schooling, where parents may have limited involvement in day-to-day activities, tuition classes often encourage parental engagement. You are welcome to attend the classes to witness your child’s progress firsthand. The teachers will also share how you can continue to support and guide your child outside the classroom, reinforcing the lessons learned and extending the learning experience into the home environment.

2.2. The Best Tuition Programmes For Your Child

Now that you clearly understand the benefits of tuition programmes for your child, you might be wondering what the best tuition classes for your child are. Read on to learn more about the extracurricular lessons that are a worthwhile investment for you and your child.

1. Phonics classes

Learning to read and speak English well is crucial to having a good education in Singapore where every subject is taught in English, barring Mother Tongue classes. This is why phonics classes are a worthy investment for pre-schoolers. Phonics has long been championed as a significant role in developing children’s literacy skills, helping them learn to read faster and more effectively. 

During these English tuition classes, your child will learn to break down words into their sounds (phonemes) and how their lips work to form each sound. This way, they can easily piece together these individual sounds to form simple words, a precursor to learning to read. Similarly, they can learn to reverse this process and segment simple words by paying attention to the letters that comprise these words.

2. Reading programmes

Research demonstrates that children's reading abilities from birth through five years old predict later achievement in literacy. As such, cultivating the habit of reading is undoubtedly one of the most important gifts to impart to your child. Beyond reading to your child and taking them to the library regularly, consider enrolling them in a reading programme to build their language, literacy skills, and vocabulary. 

This programme also provides your child with plenty of reading material. It is an excellent way to cultivate the joy of reading in your child by making reading an engaging activity. For example, at The Eton Academy by EtonHouse, our teachers utilise a systematic and engaging approach to help our students grasp the basics of reading through interactive manipulatives and experiences to guide them to master their phonics and build their confidence in reading. 

3. Maths tuition classes

Maths is an indelible part of our everyday life. From managing our money to figuring out the distance and time for travel, it is uncanny how often we rely on our maths knowledge. Therefore, you can see why it is vital for your child to hone their maths skills. 

Math tuition classes can provide your child additional support and guidance, especially if they struggle with the subject, thereby boosting their confidence in their maths abilities. The teacher can break down the question, explain the approach slightly differently, and even quote real-life examples to help your child understand and apply various problem-solving techniques to tackle complex problems. 

Furthermore, these programmes are more than just solving mathematical problems and memorising equations. Your child will achieve conceptual understanding and compute efficiently with accuracy by mastering heuristics strategies for problem-solving, boosting their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in other areas of their life.

4. Speech and drama classes

Speech and drama is an effective way for your child to develop their communication skills, as these classes provide them with a safe environment to express themselves without feeling judged. This helps to boost their confidence and encourages them to take risks and engage actively with their peers.

Your child will also benefit significantly from working in groups as they go through the collaborative process of brainstorming, discussing, making choices, and rehearsing. These collaborations can teach them the importance of teamwork, active listening, and conflict resolution, which are crucial in developing your child's interpersonal skills.

2.3. Helping Your Child Achieve Academic Success And Beyond

Beyond enrolling children in tuition classes, parents also have a responsibility and a role to play in their children’s development, helping them establish a robust academic foundation. So how do you go about laying the groundwork for your child? Here are five tips on how to start and support your child through their learning journey.

Tip #1: Start the process early

As the proverb goes, “The early bird catches the worm,” emphasizing the importance of starting early to maximise potential success. This logic applies to your child’s academic foundation too. Starting when they are younger gives them more time to develop good habits. 

Furthermore, skills such as communication and confidence require time to be nurtured and developed. And parents must play an active role in encouraging and fostering good habits that contribute to acquiring these vital skills. For example, reading to your child helps build their language, literacy skills, and vocabulary while improving their concentration, curiosity, memory, and imagination.

Tip #2: Nurture a curious mind

Those with a curious mindset are eager to learn and enjoy the process of learning, which will lead them to success in school and life. Therefore, it is essential to nurture a curious and open mind so that your child understands the value of learning and embracing new experiences to set them up for academic success. 

Your encouragement and support are paramount in your child’s learning journey. Communication and encouragement make them likelier to embrace tougher challenges in the future. However, it is vital to be specific. Saying, “You were fantastic,” but failing to provide context makes it difficult for your child to understand why they did well and how to replicate their effort again. 

You can consider highlighting your child’s learning process and explaining what they are doing well. Focusing on the process supports their understanding of their effective strategies and allows them to understand why their efforts are recognised. They also learn that it is not always about the results. This way, they build resilience in their learning journey.

Tip #3: Help your child stay organised

An excellent mindset and a positive attitude are not the only essential traits necessary for academic success. Learning to stay organised is also a valuable life skill for your child, allowing them to remain calm and focused. A clear mind will allow them to learn better.

Work with your child to create a schedule for managing their learning materials and homework, highlighting what needs to do, the items to pack, and when. This way, your child learns that staying organised is their responsibility, and doing so impacts their academic success significantly.

Tip #4: Practise and apply

The strength of your child’s academic foundation is developed through practice and application. They should be exposed to various situations that test their qualities to nurture and reinforce their core skills and good learning habits. Academic assessments will help measure and indicate their progress and achievements.

Tip #5: Foster a supportive home environment

We have touched on the importance of emotional support through words and acts of encouragement in instilling a love for learning in your child, which is crucial for success in school and life. However, laying a robust academic foundation for your child involves more than the occasional praise. It is also about fostering a supportive and loving home environment. 

A significant part of academic performance comes down to your child’s emotional development; the home environment plays a crucial role here. Providing your child love and support lets them know that it is okay to make mistakes along the way and not to be discouraged by them. The vital thing is to learn from their errors. This way, they are encouraged to try their best while unafraid of failure.

Learn More: Guide To Empowering Your Child

PART 3 – ENROLLING YOUR CHILD IN THE RIGHT TUITION CLASSES

3.1. Top 5 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Tuition Programme For Your Child

By now, you would be familiar with the benefits of tuition classes and the ideal programmes for your child. However, it would be best to consider selecting the most suitable one so your child can get the most out of their experience there. Let us share the top five factors to consider when choosing a tuition programme for your child. 

Factor #1: Your child’s learning objectives and interests

There is nothing more engaging than having an interest in what you do. This applies especially to younger children, who usually have a keen sense of curiosity but a shorter attention span. So if your child is still a pre-schooler, we recommend pairing them with activities that they are enthusiastic about to generate interest. 

Observe your child and list down their interests and passions. Does your child thrive in languages? Or are they more excited about the performing arts or maths? Once you have the answer, you will find shortlisting the ideal tuition classes for them is much easier. Some tuition centres in Singapore, like The Eton Academy by EtonHouse, offers trial classes, allowing your child to experience a lesson before fully committing to the programme.

Factor #2: Programme benefits and suitability

Every child is unique and develops at a different pace. That includes your child. Some take to sports like a duck to water, while others excel in arts and crafts. Choosing a programme that plays to your child’s strengths will provide them with a holistic environment to thrive.

Factor #3: Your child’s learning style

Just as every child excels in different areas, each has a distinct learning style. Understanding your child’s learning style enables you to enrol them in tuition classes where the teaching approach suits them best. This is crucial, as young children are incredibly impressionable. As a result, the efficacy and impact of the programme can affect how they perceive learning in the future. 

So it is essential for you to understand about the learning approaches used at your preferred tuition centres before making your decision. The ideal centre and programme should complement your child’s preferred learning style to enhance their understanding and aptitude in a subject.

Factor #4: Your child’s schedule

We understand that parents want their children to seize the day and make the most of their limited daily time. But you should ensure your child can cope with the additional tuition classes on top of their daily schedule. Avoid overwhelming them and allow them to balance play, rest, and school to prevent burnout.

Factor #5: Programme fees

Naturally, you want the best for your child. That said, we recommend setting aside a budget for tuition classes and identifying the programmes within your means to avoid over-committing. Various tuition centres in Singapore, such as The Eton Academy by EtonHouse, provide high-quality tuition programmes with competitive fees. 

3.2. What Makes A Good Tuition Centre?

Choosing the most suitable tuition programmes for your child is only the first step. A quality tuition centre can also significantly impact your child’s development. Here is a list of factors that can make a difference and give your child the edge over their peers.

Quality #1: Passionate and experienced educators

A reputable tuition centre will have experienced and knowledgeable teachers who are passionate about teaching. These educators will attune to your child’s learning journey, which is essential in helping your child cultivate an interest in learning, thus developing their love for learning and allowing them to achieve academic success.

Quality #2: Carefully curated curriculum

The curriculum of a quality tuition centre is carefully curated to provide a holistic environment and development opportunities for your child, with age-appropriate strategies to help them develop their skills and passion for learning. The centre will also aim to cultivate a positive learning experience that expands your child’s knowledge rather than repeat what is taught in school.

Quality #3: Smaller class sizes

A quality tuition centre often emphasises smaller class sizes so that their teachers can get to know their students and better understand their strengths, weaknesses, and preferred learning styles. The teacher can tailor the learning sessions to suit each student’s abilities, interests, and pace.

Your child will benefit from having more attention, allowing them to have an easier time getting their voices heard and questions answered. Any learning barriers can also be quickly addressed and bridged once the teacher notices them. This all leads to a more conducive learning environment for your child.

Quality #4: High-quality learning materials

A reputable tuition centre will ensure your child receives high-quality learning materials that support their learning needs. The centre will also share more details on its teaching methodology and curriculum outlines so that parents have a clear understanding of what to expect from the syllabus.

Quality #5: Good reviews and track record

Good reviews and an excellent track record are often positive signs of a quality tuition centre. Peruse the reviews and note what other parents say about the learning environment, how the lessons are conducted, and the curriculum to ensure the centre is ideal for your child.

PART 4 – FAQS ABOUT OUR TUITION CLASSES

4.1. Questions You May Have About The Eton Academy By EtonHouse

We hope our comprehensive guide has provided you with what you need to know about tuition classes in Singapore. However, we understand you may still have several outstanding queries, so allow us to compile the common questions we receive from parents eager to know more about our programmes. 

Question #1: Does The Eton Academy offer trial classes?

Yes, we do offer complimentary trial classes! Enrol your child in our trial classes and allow them to experience our classes first-hand. This way, you and your child can experience what goes on during our lessons. Our teachers will also provide personalised feedback on what was covered in the tuition classes and your child’s progress after each lesson.

Question #2: What ages do The Eton Academy’s classes cater to?

Our tuition centre offers classes for children ages 4 to 12 years old (Nursery 2 to Primary 6).

Question #3: What is the maximum class size for The Eton Academy’s programmes?

Our tuition classes are kept small to provide our children with the best learning experiences. The maximum class sizes for our programmes are as follows:

• Nursery 2 – Maximum of 8 students
• Kindergarten 1 – Maximum of 10 students
• Kindergarten 2 to Primary 6 – Maximum of 12 students

Question #4: What happens when my child misses a lesson? Will a make-up class be arranged?

If your child cannot attend the regular class timings, you can arrange up to 3 replacement classes at our five tuition centres islandwide or a 15-minute one-to-one session with your child’s teacher before or after class. 

If your child is in the Primary levels, they can attend their lessons online via Zoom as a substitute for their regular classes (please note that this only applies to tuition classes for primary students).

As The Eton Academy’s lesson cycle starts on Saturday and ends on Friday, we strongly encourage you to arrange your replacement class in advance should your child require one.

PART 5 – CONCLUSION

Tuition classes are a fantastic way to allow your child to learn new skills, explore their interests, and develop their self-confidence. With a wide range of programmes available, from reading and speech and drama to academics, there is something to suit every child’s requirements and preferences. 

By providing your child with the opportunity to engage in these learning activities, you are investing in their future and giving them the tools they need to succeed in life. At The Eton Academy by EtonHouse, we provide a comprehensive range of tuition classes and holiday programmes for pre-schoolers and students from Primary 1 to 6, helping them achieve academic success. Learn more about our programmes and sign up for our free trial class today!