Hi everyone,

First I want to thank all of you guys for embracing this site so fast and readily! It has been barely four days since I started it and already, I have so many views here and the views for my forum thread on kiasu parents has already hit more than 200 views. Hope you enjoy my tips for the day!

TODAY's Tip Oral exams

I was speaking to a parent about what she can do at home to help her son along with his oral exams.Here are three things that I feel are important for oral:

1) Speaking clearly and loudly with as few pauses as possible. Students should also look interested and energetic. Its ok for your child to pretend!

2) Speak from your experience or the experience of someone you know well. This helps you to speak more openly and speak without pause

3) I saved the best for last! Grammar is so very very important. Sadly this can only be taught by someone who knows the proper grammar. You can get a tutor who knows their grammar rules well.

Your kids can also listen to some podcasts from the site below:
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/genre/childrens

After your child has listened to the podcast, you must discuss what is happening in it.  Otherwise, there is no processing of information going on in the child's mind and she/he cannot learn effectively. For best results, listen daily.

In the course that I teach, I incorporate all the three things mentioned above. We have exercises to familiarize students with reading techniques, picture discussion and conversation skills. Our first run of the course had a success with kids who enjoyed themselves and at the same time learned invaluable skills for exams.

Here are some conversation topics for you to download: