Tag: milchel singapore

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Strengthening English Foundations Through Parental Support

The importance of a strong command of English in a student’s tool kit cannot be overstated.  This is especially so for foreign students studying in Singapore, like Milchelians.  Many parents want to send their children to study overseas to learn English, but the child will face difficulties if they are unready to live in an English speaking society. 

Whether or not the child is already in Singapore, parents can effectively support their children in building a strong English foundation.  Here are some practical tips that parents can try out. 

Create an English-Rich Environment.  Like what we do in Milchel’s English Reading Programme (ERP), we immerse Milchelians in as much English language as possible.  Constant exposure through texts, videos, and music helps students become familiar with the language’s sounds, vocabulary and sentence structure.  Consequently, thus will make learning English more natural and less forced. 

books in shelf inside room
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Encourage Reading.  With as little as 20 minutes a day, students who read gain a competitive advantage over students who do not read at all.  Reading consistently for shorter periods of time (e.g. 20-30 minutes a day) has been found to be better than a once-a-week reading session of 2 hours each.  Space out your child’s reading schedule throughout the week.  It is also very important that you discuss the books with your child.  This practice will help improve their vocabulary and comprehension.  Moreover, this stimulates their imagination and critical thinking.  Remember:  Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to reading. 

parents and their little son reading a book in bed
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Practice Writing.  Encourage your child to write regularly.  Though it’s no longer popular among children and teens nowadays, keeping a journal is a good practice for students who want to improve their command of the English language.  Slowly, they will become comfortable and gain confidence in their daily journal writing.  Later on, this comfort and confidence will translate in writing more complex texts like essays and reports. 

focused students doing homework at home
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It is important to start small when building an environment for your child aimed at building strong English foundation.  “Small and steady, slow and incremental” is the formula you could follow.  It would be unrealistic to expect immense improvement in your child’s English standard in a short amount of time.  Like in any other goals, consistent effort and patience will pay off in helping your child achieve their goals to achieve a good command of the English language. 

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The Essential Role of Vacations for Students:  Balancing Relaxation and Productivity

Our children face today’s fast-paced and demanding academic environment.  After each term of arduous work in school, vacations play a role in ensuring their over-all well-being and development.  Vacations are not just breaks from routine, but an opportunity for both rest and productive non-academic activities.  These times are well-deserved by students, so it’s important that they are spent wisely.

So, why are vacations important for students?

First, vacations are a time for physical rest.  As the same time, they are also a time for mental rest and stress relief.  This helps prevent burnout and allows students to recharge.  This recharging and relaxation are crucial for their mental well-being.  We’ll also see that vacation breaks allow students to have a refreshed mind, which may lead to better academic performance when school re-opens. 

Next, vacations are a great time for social and family bonding.  Catching up with friends and family which are done on vacations strengthens their relationships and creates lasting memories. This social support offers them emotional stability. 

woman and three children playing water
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Finally, vacations are a time for students to explore interests outside school.  They may have a day or two of just lounging around and doing nothing, but it’s good if they do something more productive.  This may contribute to personal growth and development. 

So, what productive things can they do during their holidays?  We are not talking about tuition and catching up on readings, but other fun, productive, less stressful activities. 

Vacations are an ideal time for enriching hobbies that students are passionate about.  These may be playing musical instruments, trying baking or cooking, doing digital arts, and other similar activities.  These can be both enjoyable and beneficial for personal development. 

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Next, participating in community service or volunteer work can be a great way for students to spend their vacation.  This can be a good bonding moment with family members, too, which allows plenty of teaching moments and opportunities to share one’s insights about life. 

Finally, and probably a favourite of many, travelling to new places can be done during vacations.  Travelling can be an educational experience which exposes students to different cultures.  By travelling, they can both have fun and engage their minds. 

We hope Milchelians are having a fun and productive mid-year break so that they all come back refreshed to start another term! 

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Harnessing the Internet: How Our Children Can Use the Internet Productively

In our previous post, we talked about some of the dangers that our children face online. Now, let’s talk about some of the productive ways our children can use the internet. With our guidance, they can maximize the power of the internet and use it to their advantage in our highly digitally interconnected world.

First of all, the internet is a great educational resource. Our children can access online courses on sites like Khan Academy and Coursera. They can also use educational games and apps to enhance their learning. Online resources can help them improve their math skills or learn a new language. Websites like Google Scholar, National Geographic Kids, and Britannica Kids are excellent options to explore.

mother helping her daughter with homework
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Secondly, the internet is a place where children can enhance their creativity and self-expression. Canva for Education and Wattpad are great sites for creative activities. They can create and share their digital art, writings, and multimedia projects. Starting a blog or YouTube channel can also be a fun way to express themselves. However, adult guidance is still needed for this endeavour.

Thirdly, the internet has made social connections faster and easier. Our children can stay in touch with family and friends. It’s important that they are supervised while using social media and messaging platforms. From Google Hangouts to Zoom, Facebook to Instagram, there are still dangers, so parental supervision is necessary.

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Finally, children can use the internet for career exploration. They can research various career paths and understand the skills required for different jobs. A simple Google search can direct them to numerous helpful sites that provide valuable information about their future careers.

With the right guidance, our children can use the internet safely and productively, turning it into a powerful tool for learning, creativity, connection, and career exploration.

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Responsible Digital Citizenship in Children 

Nowadays, internet is a ubiquitous tool in our lives.  It is widely used in areas like communication and social networking.  It is also used in education, e-commerce and shopping, entertainment, and work and productivity, to name a few.  For both us, adults, and our kids, the internet is a useful tool. 

As such, the world of the internet is also an area where kids need guidance as they use and explore.  The term “responsible digital citizenship” is now being commonly used.  It refers to responsible and ethical online behaviour that we all must practice.  Doing this helps us to have a healthy and safe experience in the digital world. 

There are many reasons why we parents should teach our children responsible digital citizenship.  In this article, we will talk about the most cause of concern for growing kids. 

First, addiction to gadgets and the internet is a major concern of many parents.  Excessive screen time affects children’s sleep, academics, and over-all habits, so this is a foremost concern that parents must address.  If left unchecked, this could lead to addiction that is much difficult to correct.

person with smartphone standing in projection of zeros and ones
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Second is the spread of misinformation.  Without our guidance, children can access volumes of information online that may be untrue or just plain harmful.  It is our responsibility as adults to block suspicious sites and sources of information.  We must also teach our kids to be discerning in what they see online.  Keep an open communication so your child knows to ask you for things that they find out online.

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Finally, children must know that their actions online leave permanent digital footprint.  Educate them about the consequences of their online actions that may harm themselves or others.  A seemingly harmless post today may have consequences in the future.  Because of this, we must always remind our children to “think before you click”.

These are just some of the dangers awaiting our children online.  These are also why we should take a proactive role in educating our kids about responsible digital citizenship.  Sometimes, we parents become too relaxed in our children’s access to the internet.  This is a very serious matter that demands our watchful guidance.  Take no chances and make sure that you educate your child on how to become responsible digital citizens.   

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Why Is Self-Awareness Important?

The idea of self-awareness has been gaining popularity recently, appearing in many articles, videos, and social media content. This interest is well-justified, as self-awareness is crucial across all stages of life. It plays a significant role in adults’ work, family life, social interactions, and personal growth. Similarly, self-awareness is essential for teens as they mature and build their identity, as well as for school-age children who are learning values and habits that will shape their lives.

To begin with, why is self-awareness important? Imagine a baby crying, and you don’t know how to soothe them. You can’t calm the baby because you lack awareness of what they need—are they hungry or in pain? This scenario illustrates how awareness is vital for addressing a situation effectively. Similarly, if you don’t know which of your behaviours need improvement (having awareness), how can you improve?

Let’s apply this to students. If a teen is unaware that their poor eating habits are causing physical issues, how can they improve? How will they be motivated to change if they don’t recognize the problem? The same applies to students who are unaware of their unhealthy attachment to gadgets leading to poor school performance. Without awareness of the issue, they won’t take steps to address it.

In simple terms, self-awareness is the starting point for any positive behaviour change. This is why AWARENESS is the first of Milchel’s 5 Key Traits (Awareness, Discipline, Responsibility, Perseverance, Confidence).

Children and teens may not always have high self-awareness, so adults should step in and guide them when their lack of awareness affects them. By nurturing self-awareness in the younger generations, we pave the way for them to develop healthier habits and a better understanding of themselves and their surroundings. In turn, this creates a more mindful and compassionate society for all. As adults, maintaining high self-awareness not only helps us lead by example, but it also allows us to navigate our own lives with greater clarity and purpose.

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The Importance of Tradition for International Students

In MILCHEL, we believe in the importance of maintaining traditions, especially for our diverse community of international students. We celebrate festive occasions like Christmas and Chinese New Year.  We also celebrate cultural activities like Songkran for our Thai residents.  But why is this so important, and what are the benefits of these traditions beyond mere celebration?

Participating in these traditions plays a role in relieving homesickness among international students. Being far away from home can evoke feelings of longing, especially during cultural holidays and events. By recreating familiar customs and celebrations in the hostel, Milchelians find comfort in the company of their peers. These traditions provide a sense of connection to their home cultures.  It eases the pangs of homesickness and fosters a sense of belonging in their new environment.

Moreover, maintaining traditions fosters a sense of community among our Milchelians. Regardless of nationality or background, coming together to celebrate shared customs creates bonds. These shared experiences promote understanding and mutual respect among Milchelians of different nationalities.

Furthermore, embracing traditions is an opportunity to appreciate diversity. As Milchelians learn about and engage with the customs and traditions of their peers, they develop a deeper appreciation of cultures that make up our home community. For one, this celebration of diversity promotes tolerance and acceptance.  Also, it cultivates a spirit of inclusivity and unity among Milchelians.

The importance of maintaining traditions for international students cannot be overstated. Beyond the joy of celebration, these traditions helps to ease students’ homesickness.  They help develop a sense of community among Milchelians despite their different cultures.  Finally, it makes them learn tolerance and inclusivity that contributes to a harmonious living environment in the hostel.  As we continue to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all Milchelians, we celebrate the richness of diversity and the beauty of culture and tradition.

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Benefits of MILCHEL English Reading Program

Fondly referred to by Milchelians as ERP, the English Reading Program is an integral  part of our Academic Services here at MILCHEL.   Over the years, ERP has evolved but our core objective remains the same:  increase Milchelians’ exposure to English-language texts. 

At the heart of ERP lies an approach that goes beyond conventional methods of language instruction. Through carefully curated group sessions, we strive to improve English proficiency.  Moreover, we strive to foster a deep appreciation for the written word among Milchelians.

Every Monday through Thursday, Milchelians gather virtually on Zoom.  They form groups based on their English-speaking standards. Guided by a dedicated facilitator-teacher, each session unfolds with a sense of anticipation of the texts for the day.

The format that ERP takes on is simple yet effective.  Students take turns reading passages from selected texts, while the facilitator provides real-time feedback and guidance. Pronunciation errors are corrected, complex passages are simplified for comprehension, and unfamiliar vocabulary is explained.  This way, we ensure that every participant gains a thorough understanding of the material.

Furthermore, ERP is more than just a reading program.  It hopes that through engaging discussions and interactive activities, Milchelians not only enhance their language skills but also develop critical thinking abilities and confidence in expressing themselves in English.

One of the most remarkable outcomes of ERP is the newfound confidence that Milchelians develop. As they conquer linguistic challenges and navigate complex texts, they discover a sense of self-assurance that transcends language barriers.

Moreover, ERP serves as a gateway to a lifelong love of reading. In a world where digital distractions abound, instilling a passion for literature is more important than ever. By immersing students in a wide array of English-language texts, ERP ignites in Milchelians a curiosity for learning. 

Finally, perhaps the greatest testament to ERP’s impact lies in the transformation it brings about in Milchelians.  We take so much delight when Milchelians, after a holiday break, asks us excitedly, “When will ERP start?” From hesitant readers to avid learners, participants emerge from the program with a newfound appreciation for the power of language and the joy of discovering new worlds through words.

In closing, as we continue to uphold our commitment to excellence in Milchelians’ academics, ERP stands as an example of dedication. By providing a nurturing environment where Milchelians can make mistakes and learn, we allow them to thrive and develop a healthy interaction with the English language.  Such will help them reach their full potential in this vast society where the ability to communicate is one’s greatest asset. 

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CULTIVATING HEALTHY EATING HABITS

As parents, our minds are preoccupied with plenty of thoughts daily.  For one, we worry about providing for our family and saving for our kids’ future.  At other times, we focus on their academics and other achievements. We also worry about their character development and how they interact socially with their peers. However, no matter how we try, we may still overlook something in our children’s lives.   One area that is most often overlooked by parents is that of healthy eating. 

Consequences of Poor Eating Habits

If we fail to instill in our kids the habit of eating healthy, they may develop poor eating habits.  These poor eating habits will be very difficult to unlearn as they grow up.  Moreover, they may carry this habit into adulthood.  Problems in nutritional deficiency, obesity, and over-all poor physical health may stem for their poor eating habits.  

Now, how can parents cultivate healthy eating habits in their children?  There are a variety of ways to do it, but we’ll just list down the ones that we think are most doable and will yield best results. 

Educating Children About Nutrition

First, instead of outright controlling our children in what they eat, we can teach them about nutrition by involving them in meal preparation.  If children understand how different food affects their bodies, they may be more willing to eat their greens and skip their fast food.  On the other hand, if we ban them from eating chocolates and burgers, they will still find ways to get their hands of them even if we try to stop them from doing so. 

flat lay photography of vegetable salad on plate
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Limiting Their Access To Junk Food

Next, for younger kids who only have access to whatever you get for them, it will work if you limit their access to junk food.  When you do your grocery shopping, you may still take some snacks but do this in moderation.  If a child grows up not being used to eating junk food, they may still eat them as they grow up, but they will still prefer healthy food if given the choice. 

Offering Healthy Alternatives

This is where alternatives come in.  Does your child enjoy eating chips?  Opt to buy the unsalted dried vegetable chips,  instead of the salty, oily potato chips. Do they like chocolates?  Go for the dark chocolate with stevia.  Do they like cakes and pastries?  Skip that donut and bake a good carrot cake at home.  Yes, the healthier options may be more expensive, but in this case, it is worth the price tag. 

veggies and carbs
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Creating A Positive Eating Environment

Furthermore, it helps to create a positive eating environment at home.  Make your mealtimes enjoyable by sitting together as a family and having good conversations.  Educate your kids instead of shaming them for their food choices. 

Leading By Example

Finally, like in many instances when we teach our children, leading by example is our best strategy.  Our children copy our behaviour, so whatever their eating habits are, they learned from us.  If they see us eating healthily and enjoying a balanced diet, they are more likely to do the same. 

a family eating together
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Educating children about nutrition by involving them in meal preparation, limiting their access to junk food, offering them healthy alternatives, creating a positive eating environment, and leading by example are just some of the ways how we can cultivate healthy eating habits in our kids.  It’s not yet too late.  You can start guiding them to eat healthily today. 

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Instilling Responsible Spending Habits

Responsible spending habits are an essential skill that everyone must have.  As we have observed in Milchel, children have different spending habits.  Some as responsible, but others are excessive in their spending.  One this is for sure – they learned their spending habits from their parents.  Directly or indirectly, it’s the parents who have taught them whatever they know about money and spending. 

If you have young children who are just beginning to understand the concept of money and spending, now’s the good time to teach them responsibly spending.  As they say, it’s best to start them early.  At an early age, children must learn to distinguish between needs and wants.  Do they really need that new toy?  Or do they just want it?  Do they really need that insanely expensive bag?  Or do they just want it?

While we teach our children to think about their needs and wants before making a purchase, we also encourage them to think critically.  Do they really need that top of the line gadget?  Or will a mid-level one do the job?  Is it really wise to spend their pocket money for the month in just one weekend?  The more they practice critical thinking, they easier they will develop a good judgement when it comes so spending their money. 

Finally, let me circle back to the start of this article.  We said that whatever spending habits your children have, they definitely learned it from you.  So the best tip to remember in instilling responsible spending habits is to lead by example.  Whatever our children see from us are incredibly influential in our children’s attitudes towards money and spending.  That being said, reflect on your own spending habits and what your children are learning from you.  If there’s still a room for improvement, enter that room with your child and change your spending habits together. 

Over-all, it all boils down to your family’s values that you pass on to your children.  Once they know the difference between needs and wants and the importance of being reasonable in spending, they can then think critically about their spending habits.  Later, they can make good decisions about the hard-earned money that their parents regularly top-up in their pockets. 

adorable little ethnic children watching funny video on laptop with mother
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What can Milchelians gain from participating in Indulge activities? 

What is Indulge

Indulge is one of the core features of Milchel’s Character Department.  Indulge activities are a venue where Milchelians have fun playing with their friends and at the same time learn the 7 Milchel Core Values and 5 Key Traits.  Aside from these, they also learn other important soft skills that they learn while playing. 

The Committee

At the start of the year,  Milchelians are placed in groups.  Then, the groups are assigned a specific month when they become the committee.  As the committee, they prepare the games for the other Indulge members.  All Indulge members get to be part of the committee that prepares the games.  Games in Indulge can be sports, relay, fun challenges, and the like.  It’s up to the committee what they want to offer the whole Indulge group.

At this stage of Indulge, they learn to communicate with other committee members in planning the games.  They also get to exercise their creativity for they’d have to plan not only a fun activity for all Indulge members but also something where they can all learn from.  They also learn time management because they usually follow a timeline when they have to finish the games planning.  They also learn leadership and followership because they are assigned specific tasks to complete. 

Indulge Day

On the actual Indulge day, the committee and all other Indulge members get together to play the games that was planned by the committee.  Prior to this, they attend a short teaching session to raise their awareness on the 7 Milchel Core Values and 5 Key Traits that they will learn and practice on that specific Indulge Day.  Milchelians learn a different Core Value and Key Trait from each Indulge Day. 

While participating in the games itself, Milchelians get to learn teamwork, problem solving, and adaptability.  They also learn to become a good sport.  They also learn decision making, good communication skills, and getting along with others.

Over-all, Indulge is a great venue for Milchelians to bond with their friends through the games.  At the same time, the learn plenty of soft skills and values that will be beneficial for them as they mature.