Enrichment programmes

Have been reading up a lot on enrichment programmes in Singapore. There are a lot of programmes and we are really spoilt for choices. I wish there were more reviews available online which would help me in decision making.

After researching online, I have shortlisted the following centers:

1) Our Music Studio Rhymthic Tots programme (http://www.ourmusicstudio.com.sg/schedule/)
Found some of their videos on youtube fy viewing pleasure (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB5Hc6ZzkNLLJMUJTSmpHrA)
I signed up free member at Seriousaboutpreschool which has vouchers in their welcome pack.The trial class was at $10 instead of $35. You can book 2 trial sessions on consecutive weeks.

Verdict: We went for Sunday morning class and the teacher was Jane. She sang beautifully. There was balls all over the room before the class for free play, and when the class is starting, Teacher Jane has asked the children to help put away the balls.

The lesson started with hello song, following which scarves, musical instruments like shakers, bells were used in class. There was also bubbles play and rainbow parachute on another week. The class ended off with "sleeping time" where the teacher will read a story. At the end of the class, the teacher will stamp on the children. A point to note is Teacher Jane used very positive language eg "Thank you for helping" (when clearing the toys) and "Thank you for waiting" (while my girl was waiting for her turn to be stamped).

At 18months, my girl quite enjoyed the class. At home, she will show us the moves taught in class.


Price: Individual drop- ins is @$40. Term12lessons ($420) which works out $35 for one class. One time registration fees of $50 applies. Class duration is 45mins.

2) Bibinogs (http://bibinogs.com/programmes)
We enrolled our girl in Bilingual Tots but on that day, we realised she's the only toddler. The other student is a regular and usually she comes in late. One of our objective is that she mix with other kids. Hence, we switch her to Mandarin Tots that day.

Verdict: The programme is very structured. As we mainly speak English at home, our girl doesn't seem to understand when I read Chinese story books to her. Hence, we wanted to immerse her in a Mandarin environment. 

The class started off with some singing, self introduction eg name, I am girl/ boy. I quite like that the teacher taught them body parts and even though my girl wondered off, the teacher try to get her participation. The theme was fish on that day, they were taught 2 Chinese words (鱼 and 游). There was some craft work (fish using crepe paper) and snacks provided. They also learn hanyu pinyin and finished off with a story about whale. I find that the programme duration of 1.25hrs is too long. My girl didn't seem interested in the class at all. Hence, we will KIV this class for now.

Price: 
Weekday fees - Trial fee: $50 per class

Once a week: $455

2 times a week: $745

*Weekend fees - Trial fee: $55 per class

Once a week: $485

2 times a week: $775

I used the Serious About Preschool vouchers, the trial class was at 50% discount. 


3) Jiggle Wigs (https://www.facebook.com/jiggle.wigs/)
We attended Saturday class at Bove Suntec City. Teacher Debbie uses pre-recorded music. The class started off with hello song, Drive My Car song by Laurie Berkner, Wheels on the Bus, Head Shoulders knees and toes. There are a lot of free play eg scarves, bean bags, balls and little rubber loops, bubbles time. The class ended with sleeping time with the song "The Lion Sleep Tonight" and goodbye song.

Verdict: My girl love the programme. She was able to follow the Teacher's instructions and play with other kids, she didn't stick to us most of the time.  My girl seem to enjoy Jiggle Wigs more compared to Our Music Studio. The class is 50% cheaper, hence we decided to sign her up for 5 sessions.



Schedule:
Monday 10am Astrid Meadows
Monday 3:00 Tresalveo Marymount- D20
Tuesday 9:30 Valley Park Condo - D9
Tuesday 3:00 Park Infinia, Dance Studio- D11
Wednesday 9:30 & 10:45 Aspen Heights
Thursday 10:15 Polliwogs, Suntec City tower 4 - D1
Friday 9:30 Tanglin Park
Friday 2:30 The Coast, Sentosa
Saturday 11am Bove, Suntec City Tower 4, Level 2

Price: 
Class duration is 45mins.  
Condo classes- $15 per class, $50 for 5 classes
Polliwogs- $20 per class including free play
Sentosa- $20 per class, $75 for 5 classes
Saturday Bove - $25 per class, $100 for 5 classes

All packages have no expiry date
All condo classes are per family

4) Kidmando (http://www.kidmando.com/)
Will be signing our girl up for trial class this week. Keep a lookout on my next post.

Hope you find this post useful. 

Love,
Sherlyn