Hidden Stars Learning & Development Centre

01/11/2024

Picture book is a good tool to develop the interest in reading among kids. The colourful and attractive pictures draw the attention of kids. It opens up an opportunity to invite kids to start reading. It also creates a platform for conversational learning of the language and sparks the imagination of children.

This is a book that I bought and read recently, illustrated by my friend, Chua Chinn Yin. Other than the detailed drawing of each picture that makes this book worth buying and admiring, the storybook brings out the moral value of inclusivity and acceptance, which is very applicable to our multiracial society. As an educational therapist that reaches out to special needs children, I hope this book can also educate kids to accept their peers that learn and behave differently from them.

If you are interested to purchase this book, please do not hesitate to contact Chua Chinn Yin

04/07/2024

教育中的小确幸：重新定义孩子的进步与老师的成果

如何定义“孩子有进步”和“我这个老师有成果”。家长、同行和朋友都有不同的答案。有人认为，成绩上的提高才算“对得起孩子”，老师或家长才算“有成果”。如果孩子成绩没有显著进步，他们会觉得自己失败了，或者老师没有尽职。

我们初衷是善良的，总希望孩子进步，取得成绩，否则会愧疚。我们的出发点是好的，但不一定正确。期望每个孩子在短时间内取得显著进步是不现实的。孩子没有达到预期时就自我否定，这是错误的心态。

这种心态是许多老师和家长的心路历程，有时候比孩子更关心他们的进步，为他们担忧和焦虑。刚开始从事教育时，我也常常自我怀疑。

现在的我更关注孩子们的每一个小进步，无论是对学习的兴趣增加，面对错误不沮丧，还是新学会一个词汇。对我来说，这都是孩子、家长、老师的大成就。

当我们愿意耐心引导，为每一个小进步欢呼，家长、老师、孩子，我们都在学习这条路上彼此和解。

Finding Joy in Education: Redefining Children's Progress and Teachers' Success

How do we truly measure a child's progress and a teacher's success? This is a question I often think about. Parents, colleagues, and friends have all given me different answers. Some say that children need to improve their grades to prove that the teacher and parents are doing a good job. If the children don't show significant academic progress, they feel they've failed as parents, or that the teacher isn't doing their job right.

Our intentions are good; we want to see children succeed and feel proud of their accomplishments. But expecting every child to make big strides in a short amount of time is unrealistic. When children don't meet these expectations, we often blame ourselves, thinking we're not good teachers or parents.

This mindset is something many teachers and parents go through. Sometimes, we worry more about the children's progress than they do. When I first started teaching, I often felt this self-doubt.

Now, I focus more on the small steps children take, whether it's developing an interest in learning, not getting discouraged by mistakes, or learning a new word. These small achievements are meaningful for the children, parents, and teachers.

By being patient and celebrating every small step forward, parents, teachers, and children can all grow and learn together.

16/06/2024

🌟 Happy Father's Day! 🌟

On this special day, we honor all the incredible fathers out there. You are not only heroes to your children but also essential mentors and supporters in their journey of growth. Whether at home or in education, your dedication and love are deeply appreciated.

At Hidden Stars, we witness the countless efforts and sacrifices fathers make for their children's futures. Your patience, wisdom, and selfless devotion not only set a powerful example but also pave the way for their success.

This Father's Day, let us all celebrate and express our gratitude to every father for everything you do.

Wishing all fathers a very Happy Father's Day!

30/12/2023

As an educational therapist, I've had the privilege of working with a diverse group of students over the years, including those with dyslexia. One thing I've learned is that progress can vary greatly from one individual to another.

It's crucial for us to remember that every student, including those with dyslexia, has their own unique pace when it comes to learning and development. The journey is not a race, but a personalized path of growth. 🚀

Let's not be afraid of our students progressing slowly, especially those with dyslexia. Instead, let's fear the possibility of them giving up too soon. 🚫

We must instill in them the belief that progress is not always linear, and that setbacks are a part of the journey, particularly for those facing challenges like dyslexia. It's through these challenges that they build resilience, determination, and the strength to persevere. 💪

To all the parents out there, I encourage you to embrace and accept your child's individual rate of progress, especially if they have dyslexia. Celebrate every small step forward, for it is these moments that lay the foundation for greater achievements in the future. 🌟

Remember, it's not about how quickly they reach the destination, but about the courage and persistence they show along the way, even in the face of dyslexia. 🌈

Let's nurture a community that celebrates every child's unique journey, including those with dyslexia, and helps them flourish at their own pace. Together, we can inspire a generation of lifelong learners who never give up on their dreams. 📚💡

For more information on what is dyslexia and how to help dyslexics, please do not hesitate to contact us! 🙂

29/10/2023

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, before the month comes to an end, let’s discover and understand a bit more about dyslexia.

https://www.ted.com/talks/kelli_sandman_hurley_what_is_dyslexia

For more information on how to help dyslexics learn, please do not hesitate to contact us! They can also shine!🤗

Dyslexia affects up to 1 in 5 people, but the experience of dyslexia isn't always the same. This difficulty in processing language exists along a spectrum -- one that doesn't necessarily fit with labels like "normal" and "defective." Kelli Sandman-Hurley urges us to think again about dyslexic brain....