Workshop at SEGi College – 1 Sept 2007

Journey into the World of Dyslexia Children – 1 September 2007 ( 9am -1pm)

Workhop organised by SEGi College Subang Jaya

A half day workshop was held whereby there were 29 participants. Two thirds of the participants are students enrolled in SEGi’s Early Childhood courses. SEGi runs 6 Montessori schools throughout the nation. The students will do their practicum in these schools.

Response was not very good due to the fact that it was the Merdeka Weekend. Nevertheless, there were 2 parents who came all the way from Ipoh just for the talk. There were also 3 Kebangsaan teachers who came from Seremban.

The Head of the Education Department, Mdm Rosaline Ng gave the Opening Speech.

My first talk was on “What is Dyslexia?” Many questions were asked during my talk.

Only 15 minutes tea break instead of the planned 30 minutes was given due to time constraint.

After the tea break, I continued with my second talk which was about “My child and Me”. Numerous questions were also raised in the midst of this talk.

After my 2^nd talk, the participants were divided into 4 groups to discuss ways to spread awareness and how to reach out to help more dyslexics.

Due to time constraint, only 2 groups presented their views. The other 2 groups had more or less the same points hence it was not necessary for them to present. Points raised were on identifying dyslexics, who can identify them? What is the government doing about this? Any help given to reduce the burden of the parents? Exam marking should be more lenient, etc….etc…

I was then requested to wrap up the workshop and also to answer the 7 questions written on the board during the tea-break by the participants.

The participants were given our Dyslexia postcards and leaflets and a couple of students were keen to work with the dyslexics.

SEGi College presented me with a bouquet of roses for giving the talk. They presented a big Art work done by the children of the participants to the Dyslexia Association. These children were in another hall doing this creation whilst the Dyslexia workshop was being conducted. This Artwork will be delivered to our Ampang Head Office.

Report by Cho Suet Sen.  H/P 012-2673332

Farm visit – Chenderiang 1 -2 Dec 2007

Observation Trip to Green Wish  Organic Farm, Chenderiang,  1 -2 Dec 2007

– by Cho Suet Sen

This is the first farm visit that I went to without my family as I did  not want to subject them to “another farm visit”.  Like the saying goes “one man’s meat is another man’s poison”.

It is such a pity that they had to miss out on this trip as this trip is the most interesting trip so far as the trip was not only just a farm visit.

The itinerary was full of activities – caving, picnic lunch at Kinjang waterfall, visit to Orang Asli Kampung, dinner (cooked by Orang Asli). Breakfast/visit to Morning market at Chenderiang, Hike up Hebron Hill to another Pandan Farm and lastly a visit to the Bamboo Farm.

The very first  activity was the most challenging for me ie .Caving at Gua Kandu.

All 32 of us entered the cave and explored the cave which took 2 solid hours.  I have been to the Niah Caves in Sarawak a few years back but there was no rope climbing up and down the caves as steps were built inside the cave for tourists. Nothing challenging there except that one has to have the stamina to endure  around  4 hours of walking to the cave, inside the cave and back to the van.

Here we had to bend, crawl and squeeze through tight crevices in the cave.  Then climb up the steep sides via ropes and chains.

No doubt we were all hot, tired and sweaty, I believe we all enjoyed ourselves even though there were bruises and minor cuts here and there. Then came the back aches and tired muscles during the night as some of us are not that young and fit anymore.

The serenity of the kampong life is so inviting that most of us wish we can ‘retire’ in this place just like Kenny’s neighbour whom we visited. Their traditional wooden house (fully made from chengai wood) is a dream house for many of us. The clear stream running round the house and surrounded by nature…….Hmm……..

The sharing amongst all the members after dinner was enlightening as new members were informed of what is happening in the organic movement and how we as consumers can help the farmers.

Am glad that we have such an enthusiastic organic farmer, Kenny  who is so willing to take his weekend off to bring us around and entertain us. We also enjoyed his hospitality as we stayed in his newly built farm house.  The night was chilly at 20 degrees and we were so lucky to be able to see so many stars that night as it was a very very clear night. One can never experience such a thing in the city.

On Sunday morning, we all went for breakfast at Chenderiang town and bought up all the ‘pisang jarum’ in town.  This Pisang is thin hence the name ‘Jarum’ and as this is only found here we of course bought them to bring home to show the urbanites in KL.

The last item on the itinerary was the Bamboo Farm – also a different feature from the standard organic vegetable farms with their greens and fruit trees.  Only problem was the mosquitoes – so many of them.  It was an experience seeing and touching the bamboo trees from China – the thickness of the bamboo is more than an inch thick therefore they make formidable fortresses.

We all departed for KL with a heavy heart as the 2 days was over so soon.

Nevertheless, like Ms Tan says there is always another trip. Coming up soon – hmm… this time an organic Farm with a Spa in Muar. Count me in, Ms Tan.

STAR Two article – 15 Nov 2007

 Parenting

Thursday November 15, 2007

Dyslexics’ dilemma

By SUET

THE first batch of four students with dyslexia under SK Taman Tun Dr Ismail’s (in Selangor) pilot project sat for the UPSR examination in September. 

Extra time was given but unfortunately only one reader was provided for these students. The reader was not from the Special Education Unit and was unsure how to read to the dyslexics.  

In developed countries, one reader is allocated to one student as each child is different. It is difficult for the reader to accommodate, simultaneously, four students whose level of speed and achievement varies. Being the pioneer batch, it is only to be expected that there would be teething problems. But hopefully there will be a review of what happened and improvements will be made to ensure a more level playing field for students with dyslexia who take the UPSR exams. 

The readers should be teachers from the Special Education Unit and not from mainstream schools. They need to be briefed on dyslexia and be given guidelines on the role of a reader in assisting the students during the exams. For example, how many times is the reader allowed to read the comprehension passage? Two or three times? Similarly, what about reading out the questions and the answers? Has this procedure been simulated to ensure that the overall objective has been met, that is, to assist the students and not hinder them further? 

Who marks the students’ papers? Are guidelines formulated on how to mark them? With the exception of Bahasa Malaysia and English, marking should be based on content and not spelling and grammar, for the other subjects. Otherwise, this Dyslexia Programme would be considered a failure if the students did not do well because they were not given appropriate assistance during the exams. They are, after all, just as intelligent as the other students without dyslexia.  

No doubt they can still continue their studies in secondary school even if they do not do well in the UPSR exams. But their self-esteem and confidence will suffer and the attendant emotional problems that follow can affect their desire to seek more knowledge and contribute to society. Why do we have a programme that does not take into consideration all this?  

After the UPSR exams, what is next for these pioneer students? That remains a big question. One parent had her child enrolled in SM Taman Tun Dr Ismail – a mainstream school – as she was told this secondary school had been earmarked for the Dyslexia Programme. But to date, there has been no allocation for any dyslexia teacher there.  

In the meantime, the other three students enrolled at SMK Kiara Mas – a school with a Special Education Unit. The parents of these three students do not have any choice and they hope that the Special Education Unit will take care of their dyslexic children’s needs.  

Dyslexia has its own category – Specific Learning difficulties (SpLD) whereby the teaching approach is totally different from that of the General Special Education Programme. The Learning Disabilities (LD) category includes persons with Down syndrome, the blind, the deaf, those with cerebral palsy, slow learners and persons with specific learning disorders – namely autism, dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. There is a need to differentiate between General Learning Disabilities and Specific Learning Disabilities.  

In General Learning Disabilities, the following features are common: their disabilities may be quite apparent; they have below average IQ and are slow in learning and writing. For Specific Learning Disabilities such as dyslexia, the affected person has average or above average IQ, learns skills well, plays well with peers but is slow in learning to read and write. 

Against this background, the parents of these four students are in the dark about what will happen to their children. Will the school continue its dyslexic programme at secondary level? Will there be a trained teacher available for these students? Has the secondary school principal been briefed? The parents’ anxieties are warranted as there had been instances of schools earmarked for the Primary Dyslexia Programme which never got off the ground as there was no support from the principals. 

It is only natural for parents to worry about their children’s future. Therefore it would be appreciated if the Education Ministry can confirm the “What Next” scenario so that these four students will not be left in the lurch. 

The ministry’s decision will also affect the other 96 students nationwide who are under their respective primary schools’ dyslexia programme.  

One Voice is a monthly column which serves as a platform for professionals, parents and careproviders of children with learning difficulties.  

Feedback on the column can be sent to dignity@tm.net.my. For enquiries of services and support groups, please call Malaysian Care (03-9058 2102) or Dignity & Services (03-7725 5569). 

ABOUT DYSLEXIA  THE word “dyslexia” is derived from the Greek word “dys” (meaning difficulty) and “lexia” (meaning written words). About 5% to 10% of the population has dyslexia. They find it hard to learn to read and write, even though their level of intelligence is normal. In fact, some are very bright, with an IQ exceeding 100.  Dyslexia is a neurological-based disorder. It is not a disease, so we do not talk about a “cure”. Although it is a life-long condition, most dyslexics learn to read and write well. Early intervention is advised.  Symptoms  General: Speed of processing (spoken and/or written language) is slow. Poor concentration. Has difficulty following instructions and is forgetful of words.   Contact the Dyslexia Association at 03-4025 5109 (8am-1pm).

Tea and Talk at Persatuan Tadika Malaysia

 Saturday 11 August 2007 (9am – 12pm)

This talk is to discuss the implementation of the National Preschool Curriculum (NPC)

There were 30 Pre-school Operators and teachers who attended this talk.

The Chairman,  Ms Jaya Perera welcomed everyone to the talk and hoped that participants would contribute their views on improving the NPC which would benefit  the  preschoolers.

Ms Jaya introduced the Persatuan’s Advisor Dr Ling Chew Poh who was allowed to give a 2 minute opening speech.  Ms Jaya then introduced the Facilitator, Dr Ng Soo Boon (Head of Preschool Unit, Curriculum Development Centre, Putrajaya).

Dr Ng  is here to collect data on the NPC.  Dr Ng explained the policies at the Ministry and also the Education for All (EFA) signed with UNESCO and UNICEF. The Ministry is looking into the current policy. As per their survey, statistics shows only 57% of preschoolers, age  4-6 years old attend school in Malaysia, whereby Indonesia showed a higher percentage. This does not bode well for our country. Most probably there are many Tadikas that are not registered, hence not covered under the survey.

As per my question of Dyslexia being implemented into the curriculum, Dr Ng mentioned that  this area is lacking but stated that this is being looked into by a different department.

Various points were raised and discussed by the Pre-school operators with Dr Ng .

Dr Ling was called upon to sum up before tea break.  Dr Ling brought us back to the 1970s   on the history of how this NPC book came about. During those days, the key word  was Play for pre-school or just Activities. Then it was changed to ‘communication- based’.  Then the integrated approach.  Now it has come back to Activities. 

Dr Ling felt that the child today has lost the sense of play. He suggested that a Project Approach be taken whereby webbing/theme approach be taken. All these should be associated with Activities .

Dr Ling also mentioned that children who are ahead be allowed to go ahead(gifted) instead of just following the Average/Standard Approach. Same goes for those who are slower.

This is where I interjected that this is not allowed in the current system as children are gauged and assessed according to  their biological age. Dr Ng explained that there are many programmes started for the GIFTED, also for SLOW learners etc…. It is just the implementation stage that needs to be boosted up.

After tea break, the operators were asked to fill in the questionnaire prepared by Dr Ng for improving the NPC.

Report by Cho Suet Sen

Cetdem’s centre – 13 March 2007

The morning on Tuesday 13 March 2007 started out bright at 7.30am with my 2 kids and Ika, my maid getting ready to go to Cetdem’s centre.

Had to dig out my drumstick plant, cut a few hibiscus cuttings and bring along the 3 bags of my homemade compost.  Of course, not forgetting all the ‘makan’ stuff after the garden ‘workout’.

Lost my way for 30 minutes. Was busy trying to decipher the map as to where I was, when I heard a ‘honk’ from behind.  What luck – it was Ms Tan and so we just followed her to the Centre.

Once there, we unloaded our things.  Chuy Fong also arrived whilst we were entering the house gate. CFong brought a friend, Rose another ardent gardener.  Rose gave us some ‘maiden hair’ fern to grow.

We toured Ms Tan’s garden and admired the Jackfruit tree(with many jackfruits), the starfruit tree(full of pink flowers)  and the papaya trees (full of papayas).

There were also many vegetable beds -full of corn plants already.  There were beds, newly planted just a couple of days ago -with vegetables like Sawi and kangkong.

CFong, my 2 kids, Ika and I helped out in weeding the corn beds.  Ika planted the Drumstick tree, aloevera and carnations in one of the beds.

We then rested and had a ‘picnic’.  My maid fried some ‘nien-koh’  with sweet potatoes.  Brought along some home made cookies – rock buns and almond biscuits.

Not forgetting my home grown sugar cane, of course.  CFong brought along some steamed sweet corn. My kids were looking forward to their Shandy drinks which is a rare treat for them.

During makan-time, passed around photos of my organic garden harvests – like star fruits, papayas, bananas etc… plus photos of my Ika’s kampong in Surabaya.

There she plants vanilla, coffee plants, salak, vegetables etc….Of course, they have their farm animals like goats and chickens.

After resting, CFong and I planted the maiden hair fern around the base of the Pinang tree.  I planted the hibiscus outside- along the road kerb.  Another pot of hibiscus plant was planted – the one with 2 tiered petals.

We called it a day at 11.30 am and said our goodbyes.

Convent JB- FIVE -O party 15 Dec 2007

Dear all Today,

our nation has turned lima puluh, so have many of us, our LIMA PULUH party is coming up so spread the news to all your buddies. Kami pun BOLIH ! It is a nice feeling to reach the BIG FIVE ! & then to have all come together to yak about it. Please see the attached 2 files which show (a) your friends who have registered (b) a complete list of our 1974 friends – so you could get in touch with them . Banyak terima kasih to our friends who not only responded to our mails but also helped “cast the net” far & wide to get hold of their buddies. For those who have not replied, here’s a Recap of this event: CHIJ FIVE O PARTY Venue: SOFITEL PALM RESORT, SENAI, JOHOR (1) DInner (halal) : Sat 15 Dec 2007 @ RM70 per pax (2)Resort stay @ RM220 per room per nite plus 2 bfast, so either (a) stay for Fri 14 Dec , & Sat 15 Dec, or (b) stay Sat 15 Dec The rest who are still sitting on the fence…..or your kakis who have still not made up their minds….tell them to think no further. REGISTER NOW !! The committee has worked very very hard, & we want to see more people sign up, must beat the last one !! Lets get out of the number 5, and aim for 60 and more !! We have only forty something now, so come on !! As the committee members is likely to be each busy with Oct &Nov workloads, we’d like to get the confirmations over to the resort quick so we need not let these admin things bother us. Hence we’d be so happy if you could please (a) register now ( b) confirm your registration to me ( i.e those who had earlier replied me) , and make the payment by 30 Sept 07, as we need to make payment to resort by 15 Oct to chope our rooms & dinner venue. Payment details are below. If you are not sure about staying, please at least register & pay for the dinner first cos we need the confirmed headcounts to buy the souvenirs & dinner decor items. U can internet book the rooms directly yourself later subject to availability during Dec hols season. Bye & take care ya

YeeYin & committee people

Details of how to make payment:

(A) Bank into the FIVE O bank account directly, either internet banking or
cheque drop at any Maybank branch in Msia, & send an SMS or email to Lina
to say the amount you’ve put in & payment is for what items. Bank details:
Bank : Maybank (Malayan Banking Berhad)
Branch : Jalan Segget Johor Bahru
A/c Name : LOH Lina & LIM LEE FUNG
A/c No 101392271951.
or

(B) Mail your cheque to Lina, and say the amount is for what items
Lina’s addresss:
email : Pegasus80200@yahoo.com
resd : 9 Jalan Peduka,80200 Johor Bahru, Johor,
Malaysia

or
(C) Pass the RM to me in Spore. It’s easy to meet up at any MRT. I’m at
Tg Pagar, and can meet on your way to work or after work

Dyslexia Association Centres

Head Office: JKR 3488, Jalan Ampang hilir 4, 55000 Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Tel 03-4251 5618

Subang Branch: 2, Jalan USJ 6/2B, 47610, UEP Subang. Tel: 03-5631 3919

Titiwangsa Branch: 6, Persiaran Kuantan, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-4025 5109

Volunteer Librarian

I have been a librarian at the Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA) for more than 5 years.  My 2 children attends the Sunday Dhamma classes there.

The library is headed by Siew Leng, who is a placid and very nice lady. 

The library is always in need of volunteers to man the library.  There are 3 sessions from 10am – 2.30pm.  Session 1 has enough librarians. Only sessions 2 (11.30-1pm) and 3 (1- 2.30pm) are in need of more librarians.

 Those interested to volunteer can call up SJBA at 56348181 and asked for Lily/Siew Leng.

Vipassana Meditation

I have always wanted to take up meditation – being stressed out by my 2 kids.  Somehow or other never made time for this.  Decided to take the plunge and attend the meditation course offered by the Subang Jaya Buddhist Association starting 13 July2007 for 6 Fridays 8.30 -10.30pm, conducted by the resident monk Bhante. This course ended with a 4 days 3 nights’ Meditation Retreat on 23 – 26 August. There were 30 of us meditators (yogis).

Being a disciplinarian, diligently attended the 6 Friday lessons and practised the walking and sitting meditation. Also did the metta (loving kindness) meditation. Was told that one had to attend the Retreat to really complete this course.

Was only able to attend 3 days and 2 nights as I had my Thursday night classes to attend.

Nevertheless, it was a very good experience, away from all the worries and stressful environment.  It was easy for the first day when I registered on Friday morning. Luckily I was forewarned about the Retreat – living the life of  a monk.  One has to wake up early at 4am. Start mediating till 6.30 am when breakfast is served. 

 At 7.30 – 11.30am meditation again.

Lunch 11.00 – 12pm (No solid food after 12pm till breakfast. Only allowed sweet liquid drinks). Having gastric problems, I brought my own 3-in-one cereal packs.

1pm – 8.30 pm Meditation

8.30 -9.30 Dhamma talk

10pm Lights out. Sleep 

2nd day was tough as One gets physically tired from walking and sitting meditation. My back ache was giving me problems on Saturday afternoon after lunch. Had to go to the bedroom to rest for a couple of times.

All yogis are supposed to practice the NOBLE silence. No talking but one can communicate via writing. We were given pens and paper to write on.

One is to practice mindfulness and be aware of one’s surroundings and realise that everything is impermanent. One trains the mind to concentrate and not wander by being mindful of one’s breathing (rising and falling of one’s abdomen) during the sitting meditation. 

 As for the walking mediation, one is mindful of the steps (movements), left, right and then 3 objects – lifting, pushing, dropping. One proceeds to  5 objects – lifting, pushing, dropping, touching and pressing.

The ideal practice would be one hour walking meditation and one hour sitting meditation. One has to bring forth mindfulness into one’s daily living.  Eating – chewing your food- be mindful of the eating movements etc….

I am afraid I am able to do 30 – 45 minutes walking and sitting meditation daily  only as one gets easily distracted in the home environment.  But at the retreat, due to the different environment and the encouragement from the other yogis, one is able to meditate for hours and find real peace of mind. Even though it is tough going – physically and mentally.

One leaves the Retreat with a calmer and more peaceful mind.  Have been told by my mother when I went home to JB recently that I looked ‘calmer’ not so ‘tired and haggard’ like before. That’s good news.

 I realise myself that I am calmer after having gone for this meditation course and retreat – even though one still is fiery on and off (when having to deal with one’s own children). Overall the ‘fire’ is not so hot when one gets angry. One tends to tone down faster than before.

To me, that’s a great achievement. My husband used to say that where the kids are conerned, I am so hot-tempered!   Hope that that will be a thing of the past?????……

Have to practise more meditation and need to go for more retreats………… short ones-lah. Do not think my back can handle the longer retreats.