Kids 2023

"It's All Because of You!" Ken exclaimed all of a sudden, while jotting down his response to a question.

I was puzzled, "What now?"

"It's all because of you that now I am writing the Chinese characters properly, following the correct bǐshùn (stroke order)." The P6 boy then grinned.

That cracked me up, so I quickly "thanked" him for taking the trouble to listen, at last.

That was one of the many light-hearted moments we shared during lessons.

Ken was not the only student who has warmed my heart. Nigel has also surprised me in the same way. He was a true tough nut to crack, and gave me a really hard time when we first met. But we have since developed a good rapport, so much so that he now addresses me as "Bestie" and gives me his best behaviour.

Nigel was an "unteachable" kid, in his mum's own words, but I have found otherwise. Nigel is just special that he needs a not-so-soft approach. Teaching him was not smooth sailing, but his attitude had a complete about-turn. "That's the difference a one-on-one tuition makes," he once remarked, referring to the undivided attention I gave him, pointing out his mistakes promptly, and tirelessly drumming them into his head.

Jay is an intelligent boy. He learns fast and often grasps the key concepts in a snap of the fingers. But his care free attitude has cost him many marks. Yet, he often thinks that he still has all the time in the world to correct his mistakes, despite the looming Primary School Leaving Exams ("PSLE").

I decided to bring this to his mum's attention, so that a remedy can be done before it's all too late. His mother apologised for his tardiness and promised to follow up. True enough, when I showed up for the following lesson, Jay has re-written his entire composition as correction. Clearly, a mum's word carries a far greater weight.

Nis, Jay's sister is an all-rounder, if a little sassy. Her mother entrusted me to guide her in the run up to her PSLE. She was inquisitive but might appear defiant at times, but I know she was taking in my advice. She graduated with flying colours and I am immensely proud of her. However, taking a leaf from her book, this tutor shall just be cool about her achievement, lest she got carried away.

Edwin is a polite boy. He might be a little hesitant in expressing himself but he often finishes his work diligently, without needing much nudging. His mother was one of the earliest to update me about his PSLE results, which were stellar! She showered me with enormous gratitude but I believe it's Edwin's own effort that has paid off handsomely. He is also my second student clinching the Edusave Good Progress Award in Chinese, two years in a row.

I taught Tammy for four months before she sat for her PSLE. She opened up to me quite quickly and can take my sarcasm pretty well. Whenever she frantically scoured for the composition paper or e-dictionary, enlisting her mum at times, I would calmly comfort her that I understand, as Aunty Tammy is a "lǎo rén jiā" (an elderly). Unfailingly, she would be amused and abashed at the same time. But, in the short span of time we had, we tried to cover as much revision as reasonably possible. In the end, she did well within expectations. Given time, I believe she definitely can do better.

CJ, who I taught since the end of P4, did ok for his exams, and got into his choice of secondary school. He is a studious boy, who consistently puts in his best effort. That's a desirable trait.

On this first day of 2024, I thought I would just pen down some snapshots of my interactions with the kids in the past year. It's fulfilling and satisfying to see each of their unique growth stories. I hope they have enjoyed the journey, as much as I have.

All the best in the year ahead! You know Mr. Lee is rooting for you all! 加油!

Note: I have used pseudonyms for the kids in this article.