Like everyone, I was a primary school student before, and my mother had insisted tuition for me especially on our weaker subjects, i.e., Math and Science ever since primary four. Most definitely, I was upset and I found it unnecessary. Looking around, there is a growing trend for parents to send their primary school kids for tuition. Is it due to the “kiasu” attitude that results them to be afraid to lose out or is it due to the increased competitiveness our society has become?
Let’s take it from the child’s point of view. The child might think they are not smart/good enough to catch up on their studies just by attending school only. Although the intention is good, the kid might rebel as going to tuition means less playtime or it might break their confidence as they might be compared with other kids who seem better to them.
Children now spend almost half of the days in school studying without much rest and if they are sent for tuition after school, they would definitely be exhausted to the maximum! This could result in poor health from overworking and as they are tired, this may result in them unable to pay attention during tuition classes. The tuition teacher might not like their attitude and scold or punish them for not paying attention and this will make them hate that particular subject.
Children, being children, might not be mature enough to understand that going to tuition can possibly help to improve their studies. If parents try to force it upon them, it can backfire and result in an even bigger headache to solve. It depends on your own children’s acceptance towards tuition classes. As they are still young, try to let them enjoy themselves as children and not pressured to do things they dislike. Should parents be worried of their results in school, try to consult the school teachers to try to understand the situation and their recommendations for they are the ones responsible for teaching the kids.
Parents can do their part to help in their children’s education too. It would be much appreciated by your children if you could spend less time in the office and more time at home guiding them on their studies. This can not only enable parents to get a clearer picture of the child’s level at school but also forge a stronger family relationship. Parents are the most ideal person to teach their child’s homework as the child are more comfortable with them compared to school teachers. Besides, school teachers already have their hands full managing so many students and they might be able to realize the needs of a particular child!
It all depends on the acceptance level of the children to tuition. It takes time for the child to be responsible for their own studies and primary school might not be an ideal starting age. Well, if school isn’t good enough, parents can always home-school!