In Singapore, primary schools do well to impart the finer points of fiction writing. Particularly, they collate lists of “Show Not Tell” phrases for their students and integrate them into weekly spelling drills, hoping that the latter would be able to execute something beyond the run-of-the-mill writing that despairs many a language teacher.

But here’s the thing: when kids regurgitate phrases like “grinned like a Cheshire cat”, we don’t exactly award them the top band marks, dismissing them as cliches. Then, why do we adults invest so much energy into ensuring that our young ingest these perfunctory phrases?

Can I create time and space in my lessons to allow students to think of their own original phrases, never mind that such incubation of heartfelt sentiments will be more tedious than using the phrases from their spelling list? Do I have the headspace to take a step from my hectic life and think of the phrases that truly reflect my quirks and idiosyncrasies; showcase where I’ve been and where I want to go; and put a smile on the examiner’s face, exhausted from reading tons of scripts?

I am not sure either, but this is my attempt today: His smile radiated warmth, like sunflowers leaning toward the sun.

In Singapore, primary schools do well to impart the finer points of fiction writing. Particularly, they collate lists of “Show Not Tell” phrases for their students and integrate them into weekly spelling drills, hoping that the latter would be able to execute something beyond the run-of-the-mill writing that despairs many a language teacher.

But here’s the thing: when kids regurgitate phrases like “grinned like a Cheshire cat”, we don’t exactly award them the top band marks, dismissing them as cliches. Then, why do we adults invest so much energy into ensuring that our young ingest these perfunctory phrases?

Can I create time and space in my lessons to allow students to think of their own original phrases, never mind that such incubation of heartfelt sentiments will be more tedious than using the phrases from their spelling list? Do I have the headspace to take a step from my hectic life and think of the phrases that truly reflect my quirks and idiosyncrasies; showcase where I’ve been and where I want to go; and put a smile on the examiner’s face, exhausted from reading tons of scripts?

I am not sure either, but this is my attempt today: His smile radiated warmth, like sunflowers leaning toward the sun.

Thanks mate

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It was Saturday morning, but I lay buried in my marking. However, it was extra work I was more than happy to do - 3 out of the 4 students had submitted the extra assignment I had given them.

I had a challenging time with their class this week. Just as it takes one disengaged student to spoil my mood, it also takes one motivated student to brighten my day.

This girl, whom I have earmarked to be the President of the Prefectorial Board next year, just ticks all the boxes in a teacher’s expectation list. She ✅ listened to me and finished the piece within 20 mins, reassuring me that she wouldn’t choke under exam conditions. ✅ used “unique” and “fascinating” - words I have taught the class but whose spelling have yet to be mastered by many. [Aside: some of her classmates don’t know how to spell “interesting” yet.] ✅ performed awesomely for this timed piece, assuaging my guilt about not giving the high-progress students more attention and freeing up my mental energy to work on some of her weaker classmates.

I think it’s never about the colossal amount of work teachers have to do. It’s about whether students respect themselves and honour their teachers enough to bring their full selves to their work. That 10 minutes felt like the most rejuvenating period of my work life this week.

My washing machine suffered from a water supply problem, so I engaged a plumber to fix it. He leveraged his burly side to take out my large washing machine. I complimented him on his strength, to which he blushed and said, “No, not strong. That’s why I used water.” He had earlier sprayed water at the bottom of the washing machine, and that was when I felt a Eureka! moment. This is how people use water to reduce friction between two surfaces in their everyday life!

Always happy to learn foreign words that have no English equivalent. Beautifully crafted around longing and loss. Thanks for sharing

At least I tried

The only right answer

And how will you do so?

Endure Oni Baba Support Group 🥹

Im blushing ☺️

Process: Suggested changes to be made to Foundation Science worksheets to the rep. Impact: Revised worksheets were better aligned with actual wording and question types found in PSLE papers, thus enhancing students’ readiness in acquiring required knowledge and skills.

Happiness Journal 1/8/25

Joined an induction session led by the Principal. In order to break the awkward silence, I asked him a question.

“What’s one thing you’ve proud of during your stint here?”

“The Culture of Care,” he answered, “It’s something that we have been developing intentionally.”

Glad to have spoken up and learnt something new from someone whom I was going to work closely with later this year.

Is this how your nym came about?

Only when we remain humble can we be vessels for new knowledge to descend!

But what about your close friends who like to drink?

I have friends who don’t drink at all, so I have coffee dates with them. I respect the boundary they set for themselves.

Did something life-changing happen such that you don’t touch alcohol anymore, like @grayruby?