We have just completed our thinkingMath™ Parents Workshop (Part I and Part II) and I went away inspired by the parents, our participants. It may be unthinkable for some that parents are actually going to the extent of attending workshops on primary school subjects yet I have gained insights to this supposedly weird phenomenon otherwise known as ‘kiasuism’:

1) Humility

Never mind their success, they have humbled to learn what their children are learning or need to learn. They spent more than 20 hours working through challenging sums as any primary school students would so as to experience and understand their children’s challenge.

2) Children before self

They made the effort to inconvenient themselves including taking leave from work to avail to learn in order to better guide their children. I am sure many were uncertain about parting with the money for the workshop because it could well mean a much needed spa treatment or the latest electronic gadgets. Still, they robbed themselves off their personal pleasure for they derived their joy not from material pursuit or comfort.

3) Engagement & Support

They are not at the workshop for a career change. It was not a “How to grow your $” or “Be an inspirational leader” seminar that promises wealth, fame and success. It was an unlearning and re-learning process for many who went through the same local educational system as their children except decades ago. They will walk-the-talk, they will participate and they will demonstrate the support for their loved ones with action despite the other commitments that are shouting for their attention.

4) Role Modelling

They could have complained endlessly about the system and the what-not that comes with it but they chose to work alongside towards an amicable resolution. They joined in the learning to understand and to conquer the Goliath. They showed their children what tenacity meant and the concept of ‘when there is a will, there is a way – regardless of age and the nature of the challenge.’

From these parents, I have learnt much. Thank you.


Comments (9)add comment
JUNE SNG JEN YEE
JUNE SNG JEN YEE: A Salute to Parents
Learned a lot from the workshop. A big thanks to Kevin for his very clear and patient explanations and to the team as well for organizing this hands - on session.

Through this session we have picked up some skills instead of merely groping in the dark and can {hopefully} help when our kids have queries.

I am sure that our paths will cross in the future.
1

October 14
Peck Wee
Peck Wee: A Salute to Parents
Many thanks to the Onsponge team - Elsa, Chris, Wendy, Anthony and Kevin for organising such a wonderful workshop in such a short time frame and for providing all support during the workshop.

We parents have benefited a lot and it gave us an insight into the pain points of our kids and most importantly learned some tools, strategies to help our kids when they face such challenging problems.


Special thanks to Coach Kevin for his dedication and commitment in delivering every lesson to the maximum and providing tips and highlighting common errors made by kids. I learned a lot for the 4 lessons... The feeling is great... like going back to school and learning again. Definitely I feel more confident in helping my kids as I have better understanding of the concepts taught in the Onsponge book. In the past, prior to attending the course, I could not understand 'External changed concept' as to why they always make the end part equal...I simply followed the technique taught. After Kevin explanation, I know the rationale behind it and could appreciate it better.

Salute to the Onsponge team...

Looking forward to future workshop .. ha ha...



2

October 15
kelly Chia
kelly Chia: A Salute to Parents
Well, I believe parents will find it difficult to
understand unless putting themselves in their children's
shoes. So such workshop will help.

Too bad I miss the workshop. Hope there is another one
coming.

3

November 01
Wendy Choong
Wendy Choong: A Salute to Parents
Hi Kelly! Yes - I totally agree when you start learning yourself, it helps to understand what our kids are going through. And what's more, our kids appreciate our efforts too.

We would be running another Parents workshop next year so do keep a look out in event updates that we send out via email. If you wish to be placed on sms alert, do write us at sales@onsponge.com.

Have a great day ahead!
4

November 04
Nicholas Tan
Nicholas Tan: A Salute to Parents
FOUND !

The 'Giant' Protractor Kevin told us in class.

Found one yesterday in Giant Tampines - Diameter 12cm, cost $1.35.

Today Found another at Popular Toa Payoh - Diameter a whopping 15cm !, cost $3+
5

April 21
Wendy Choong
Wendy Choong: A Salute to Parents
Thanx Nick! You sure are resourceful .. time to grab those before its all gone .... hahahah
6

April 21
nehal
nehal: A Salute to Parents
that's GOOOOOODD!!
GOOOOOOOOOOD!
7

May 09
alden
alden: A Salute to Parents
THAT'S COOL
8

May 04
katana
katana: A Salute to Parents
smilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cool.gifHAHA ONLY KNOW HOW YO KISS PEOEPLE
9

January 20

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