Keane turns 18 months on 12 May, the eligibility age for joining a playgroup. Hence, since 2 months back, I have been looking out for playgroups around my area and the internet.
I have 2 playgroups in mind - Talent Plus and Apple Tree. Both playgroups use Thematic approach. Dad gave me PCF website. The website was pretty attractive and the fees are more economical. However, it it kind of far... Most importantly, hubby does not really like the idea of enrolling Keane into PCF playgroup... Well... anyway, I had checked with PCF and they have no vacancies.
This morning, we went to check up Apple Tree at St 83, but not opened... Perhaps lessons are already over...? The outside environment looks appealing and from the banner, I learned that they have free access to their library for Apple Trees students. I took down their number and perhaps I can call tomorrow.
Thereafter, we had a quick lunch and procced to check up Talent Plus at Avenue 3. Like Apple Tree, their classes are held in RC centres. The class was already over too... but luckily, the teacher is still around. We managed to talk to the teacher, Amrita. She is an Indian lady and is trained in Montessori. The ages for playgroup ranges from 18 months to 2 years. She said a little more attention will be given to younger toddlers as toddlers have shorter attention span and are more interested in learning the environment then to what the teacher says. I explained to her that my purpose of enrolling Keane as soon as he turns 18 months, is not so much of expecting him to learn alphabets or numbers FAST, but wants him to get use to a learning environment and mingle with other kids. I understand that 18 months is really still too young, hence the reason why most parents would rather wait till their child turn 2 years whereby the child is more vocal. Amrita shares the same views, and told us that if that's really the case, she welcomes Keane to join the class on 23 June (class re-opens). Currently she has 11 toddlers, plus my Keane in the coming June, there will be 12 toddlers. But Amrita said 1:15 is the maximum. She has a Chinese assistant during lessons too.
However, I told hubby that I would still love to check Apple Tree up. Reason being the classroom of Talent Plus is a little too small (the class is actually meant for the senior citizens to sing KTV at night) and plain. I thought a colouful and vibrant environment is very important to arouse kids' interest. The plus point for Talent Plus, however, is convenience. It is near my parents' and our house.
I will check up Apple Tree probably next week and make my decision.
In the mean time, I will most probably enrolled him in a playgroup (at someone's house near Tampines Mart) for 15 mths old toddlers. Will be bringing him for a free trial next Thursday 10 to 11 am. Class ratio is 1: 5 (maximum). If the trial is good, I will let him begin with a smaller class and in a home environment before he proceeds to a classroom environment.
I firmly believe early interaction and involvement in a classroom environment will do him good.
