Reflections of 5C

June holiday

2008-06-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

The June holidays is almost over and I hope that you have enjoyed the short break. Please do remember that term 3 is going to be a very short one so prepare to come back and work a lot harder than before.

Did anyone go abroad for the break? I would like to hear about your adventures overseas. For those who did not, what did you do this holiday? I went to Japan for a week and I have to say that I was very impressed with the politeness of the people there. It would be a great idea if you can go visit when you are older. One of the places in Japan that struck an impression was at this place called Harajuku. This is where young teens gather and they dress outrageously. Some dressed up like maids, some in costumes and some with very ridiculous hairstyles. It will be intersting if I know what they are thinking when they dress up like these.

Tell me about your holidays.

PLease remember that this blog is not for you to post whatever you like. Please do take note of your language. I do not like some of the comments some of you posted. You know who you are. I do have a way to find out who you are but I am going to give you a chance. Please do not disappoint me after my trust in you.

Ancient Civilisation- China

2008-05-12T02:25:00.001-07:00

Today you learnt about the Terracotta soldiers and why and how they were built.

What was the one thing that amazes you most about the Terracotta soldiers?
Do you think it was amazing that someone from the past, who lived thousands of years ago could actually create something so manificient?

Let us not forget that Emperor Qin was also behind the building of the Great Wall of China.

I would have loved to live in the olden days of China. I would like to see how it was like when there were Emperors and palaces. I guess it could be quite a terror living under a ruthless leader. However, it would be so different from what we have in our modern society now.

Would you like to do that? Would you like to travel back in time?

Tell me what you think of this ancient civilisation.

Sorry

2008-03-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

Sorry I have not written for a long time because I have been really busy.
It is the start of a new term and how is everyone doing?
Do you think you are getting better in your studies already?
Well, as mentioned in class, I have taken your suggestion to heart and included some games in our lessons. I hope that helped to interest some of you. I am quite sure that we can do even more if we do our part and keep quiet and really focus on our work when we are in class.

Anyway, is there anything interesting in class that you want to update me about?
I would like to know more about each and everyone of you definitely.

Terrorism and what you should know

2008-03-04T02:36:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

There were some comments about being scared of the detainee who escaped from the detention centre a few days ago. I do understand the fear but do not panic unnecessarily as well. I think we should always be careful, to take note of our surrounding and always learn to be vigilant. If we can all play a part, then I really dont think there is much for you to worry about.

Terrorism is a very real problem in our society. The Bali bombing and the twin towers in America. These threats are very real and they can harm many many people. We have to learn to play small but important parts in helping to fight terrorism. I would like to know what YOU can do to play your part. Recall the time when we went to the discovery centre. What did you learn there? What do you think you can do? I would like to hear what your views are.

There are many reasons why terrorism exists in our society today. Some reasons are not easy for you or me to even understand. Whatever the reasons are, wouldnt it be nice if people just learn to respect each other? Why can't we learn to accept differences in our race, language and religion? I would like to appeal to everyone to start respecting each other. If we can do that, we can all start to fight terrorism!

Your fears

2008-02-19T21:04:00.000-08:00

What are your fears? Tell me.

I have a fear of heights. Not a very serious one but I do get a little scared when I have to go too high up and look down. I always feel like I am going to fall over.

I have a fear of failing. I want to do everything to the best that I ever can so that I know I have always put in my best and I will never have any regrets. I always believe that once you put your heart to doing something, anything can be possible. I do not want to disappoint other people and most importantly, I do not want to disappoint myself.

I have a fear of my parents eventually leaving me. Being very close to my mother, I am always very worried whenever she does not feel well. I hope she never leaves me but I know that is also impossible. THat is why I love her and I know I have to be filial because she is not going to be here forever.

Tell me about your fears. Why are you afraid of it?

In response to Euthanasia and my dream

2008-02-15T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hi again,

Shahiza asked me about my opinions on Euthanasia and my dream so I think I will answer them here.

My dream since I was really young was to be a lawyer. However, I was really discouraged after my O levels because I did not do well in my English so I thought that I could not be a lawyer. How silly can I be? I lacked the confidence and belief in myself and I gave up my dream too easily. I should have worked harder so that I can make my dream come true but I didnt. It is still one of my biggest regret. However, I do like to teach as well. I like impacting knowledge and helping children learn. I think the biggest joy would be for me to see you pass your PSLE.

I dont like the idea of Euthanasia although I do understand why some people support it. I think I agree with Joey that if the decision comes from the patient then it will be fine. However, if the decision comes from others then I wonder if they have the rights to do so. However, there really is no right or wrong. It is a choice and I have learnt that you can do what you want but you must be able to live with the consequences.

I think all of you have kept your promise to comment responsibly so I am going to let the comments through without moderation. I trust that you will not abuse my trust and you will comment wisely and not use broken English.

Have a good weekend!

Euthanasia

2008-02-15T02:41:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

As we have learnt in class today, another name for Euthanasia is "Mercy Killing". Some people believe that rather than have their loved ones go through a great amount of pain and suffering, they would choose death instead. To do so, the doctor will have to inject a dose of lethal chemical to assist the quickening of the death process.

There are different opinions to Euthanasia. Some people think that it is cruel because we have absolutely no rights to take away the lives of other people. Some people think that we are actually saving the patients because the intention is to not let them suffer anymore. I dont think that there is any right or wrong answer in this situation.

What do you think? DO you support Euthanasia? Why and why not? Tell me.

Chinese New year

2008-02-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

Many of you have asked me about Chinese New Year so I will try to explain to you how it came about. Edwin asked why Chinese New Year is in Feb and not start of Jan. This is because it follows the Chinese Calendar. The start of the year on Jan 1st follows the English Calendar. There are some chinese who follow the Chinese Calendar and treats the start of a new year on the day of Chinese New Year. It also follows the 12 different signs of the animals and this year being that of a Rat.

Well, what do you do with your red packets? When I was younger, my mother made me save them all. I am grateful for that because I did not need so much money when I was younger and by saving it, I am actually keeping these money for use later on when I am much older. When I reached University, I have saved quite a fair bit and it came in very useful expecially when I needed to buy more books and resources for my studies. So, depending on what you need the money for now, my advice is to save it so that you can use it when you are much older.

Dont argue with your parents if they want you to save it, they really meant well. I know some of you will not be happy and I was too when I was young but thinking about it now, I am glad my mother made me save them.

Hope you had a good new year!

Use of Singlish and Broken English

2008-02-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

I have deleted some of your comments because you used broken English and a lot of Singlish. This blog is meant for you to write properly. I will be deleting comments that has Singlish or broken English in them.

Not mixing your class blog with 5E

2008-02-03T08:04:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

Don't worry, I am not sharing your class blog with 5E. Like I said, this blog only belongs to your class so I wont share this. I am setting up a blog for 5E but I will be using another account. I was just trying out how this blog works so I have already deleted their blog. So don't worry and continue writing alright?

Anyway, it was nice reading what all of your dreams are. I just want you to know that as long as you dream, you can make it happen. DOn't give up! This week will be a short week so have a good holiday, collect a lot of ang bows but please remember your grammar when you come back.

Remember to hand in your composition tomorrow.

Your dream

2008-02-01T20:46:00.001-08:00

Dear all,

I have just read what some of you have written about Mattie and Chantilyn. I must say that I do agree with many of you that these two children were really brave and it takes a lot of courage to face what they had to face. Even though Mattie may have passed away but I am sure that he has influenced many people around the world to be brave, to write and that it is okay to have dreams.

What is your dream? Is there something that you really want to do? It may not be something you want to do now but what you would like to achieve many years down the road. I wish that I can travel around the world one day and try sky diving. Tell me about your dream. I read something in a book before and it said that "you must never be afraid to dream because even if you fall, you will still be among the stars" I think that is very true.

I am very happy to see the comments from many of you telling me that you think your English has improved. I think that is fantastic. This is only the start. I am sure there are many other things that we can learn together. So, let's hang in there and work towards our goal.

Tell me

2008-01-31T01:06:00.000-08:00

It has been almost a month since we started school. It is my hope that we can work towards PSLE together. Therefore, I think it is very important for you to always tell me when you have a question or when you need to clear up some doubts.

Tell me, What do you like most about English so far? What is it that you want more? What is it that you do not like? Is there something that I can do to help you learn better? If it is something that I can do, I can always try to include it in class.

I want to know how you feel. I am only one teacher and I cant read 40 minds. You need to help me with this.

Rules to blogging

2008-01-31T00:54:00.001-08:00

Hello students from 5C,

This blog is set up so that we can have fun writing. It is a place for you to share your opinions and views about things that we have learnt in class. Blogging involves you being responsible for your own words. There are some rules that you need to follow before you start writing.

Rules:

1. Respect. There should strictly be no name-calling or any negative remarks about your friends. Every opinion is precious and I hope you know that there is never a right answer. Please read what your friends have to say and if you don't agree, write about what you feel but do not attack your friends personally.

2. There should be no vulgarities. I am very strict on this so please do not disappoint me.

3. Please write in your name after you have commented so that we know who you are.

4. Please do not share the blog address with friends from other classes. Let us keep this blog to our class only. It is our CLASS blog.

5. Start writing and enjoy!