Gift of Reading

Recap

2012-01-03T00:25:00.002+08:00

Hey Gifters. Before I started, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a fun celebration and with this, we move forward to 2012. So, most of us met on 28th Dec to plan for future Gift session. And we came up with... (pics from Aaron)

So, its the themes for the first semester, plan for the first session and points about the small book reading and the big book reading. Please try to remember the time plan, so that everything goes smoothly on the first session (;

Also, there are plans for another meeting. Date and timing will be confirmed soon on Gift's facebook group and here too. So look out for that. We would refresh our minds about the first meeting ,clean the shutter and reflect on our December camp. Hope all the Gifters can come. Alright, that's all for now.

xxoo

Stories Alive! 2011 by Gift of Reading

2011-11-01T14:53:00.001+08:00

A group picture with Mrs Tharman (:

Hao Yu, the Wolf. Where's your earssssss?

Another one of our Best Smiles of Gift.

The puppet family! Erm, and one with an identity crisis.

Looook! Ayam Kedukut is back! <3<3

The, ahem.

The wonderful youngsters who joined us this year and last year.

Eggcited children!

Teacher Chee Yang doing a small book reading session at the T-Net Club

Our more than amzing emcees for the day! How adorable!

Just a happy picture with happy people.

The scriptwriter, the director (ahem ME!!!), the narrator and our PIG number ONE!

Three musketeers. Two of which has butterflies flying up and down.

Best photographer of the year goes to....

Stories Alive! 2011 has finally come to an end after much preparation by our Gifters. It was well deserved fun that we had and we certainly hope that our children did too. Fun through reading, fun through bringing life to the charcters in books. It's never too late to start imagination flowing and bringing breathe and liveliness into the world around you. I hope that everone had learnt what they would hope to get from the event - patience, love, sharing, caring, mentoring, helping one another and many many other values from which this small event could bring us to learn.

Gifters, you guys are such amazing and wonderful people just by giving your time to these children. You never fail to amaze me and impress me each and every time as we grow as a family. It is always such a delightful pleasure to work with you people and learn about the most heart-warming part of life through Gift of Reading, through the loving culture in Gift.

This event is one enjoyed by many. Hope that we can have event such as this coming for the children to enjoy as well as bring live and love to the parents as well. This is one meaningful cause and purpose that I hope you guys can continue to see and thus bring humanity back to life in the eyes of people.

It isn't wrong to not want to grow up. It just shows how much you enjoy being a child. But for that, how can you, as a child, teach another child to enjoy what's in their childhood so as to become better beings like you are?

It was such a wonderful experience. Thank you all.

Thank you all parents for your support.

Thank you all children who never fail to bring smiles on the volunteers faces.

Thank you all volunteers who never fail the smiles on everyone elses.

Love you all.

I can't wait for camp.
I can't wait for outings.

Let's do it.

-Wenxin <3

Last sessions of Gift of Reading 2011

2011-10-15T23:15:00.001+08:00

Last session of Gift! (Friday&Saturday)

A Wayang show by our GOR Volunteers! Amazing, huh?

Friday group photo! <3

Cuteness of the Friday volunteers.

Saturday group photo!

Gift season has finally ended for Gift of Reading this year! It was yet again another amazing year that we've had. Much thanks to all the committed wonderful volunteers who had made every miracle and hope this year possible and all the new volunteers who had joined us for this amazing cause and hopefully stay with us the years to come. To all those who might have missed the fun we've had this year, WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU TO BE BACK WITH US FOR THE TONNES OF FUN! <3

Many thanks to the children who had participated and gave us their full amount of love and contributed to the changes in us as volunteers as well.

As well, to the parents, we appreciate the effort that you have brought your child in to witness the change and the cultivation of the love for reading and discovery.

Volunteers, once again, we thank you very much for your time and effort into putting in this programme and making everything possible.

Even though Gift of Reading for the children's session has ended for this coming year, now as volunteers please await for the upcoming December camp! We are very excited to have the bonding, fun&games again with even more people!

Last but not least, we would like to congratulate Kish on her wedding. Just a note to say how happy we are for you. Wishing you a lifetime of the greatest joy, love, and happiness. Congratulations to a wonderful couple! We miss you lots too! <3

Gift of Reading Graffiti session for T-Net Reading Corner 02-10-11

2011-10-04T18:25:00.001+08:00

Once again, this is Wenxin! It's such a joy to see the children having so much fun during the session and I really enjoyed myself too. Hope everyone else did as well. Lots of thanks to the volunteers who made themselves available for this event.. as well as the children who participated too! Thank you Aaron who helped take the photograph for the documentation of this project! <:

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the art piece of the children were not able to be shown in the future T-Net reading corner of the Taman Jurong Community Centre. The volunteer's work as inspired by our adorable children will be displayed instead.

Still, thank you very much for the support and encouragement from parents as well as our volunteers all these years for the possibility for Gift of Reading to be able to engage with such meaningful and interesting projects!

If you would like to see more pictures about this event, please click here.

Amirin's Live Documentary @ Gift of Reading

2011-09-20T21:10:00.000+08:00

16th Sept 2011

SAM Trip!

2011-08-02T20:26:00.000+08:00

YAAY! The Art Garden at SAM trip was an amazing success! Thank you all the families who had participated and Jeffery for helping us organize the slots. Hope you guys will check it out soon alright! The exhibitions ends at 30th Aug, National Musuem and SAM are the participating museums.

Updates for 31st July SAM trip

2011-07-23T20:40:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone, Andala here again to update a little more about the upcoming trip to the Singapore Arts Museum (SAM) on the 31st of July.

The children who are confirmed to be going are Aashem, Aysha Shahina, Vandhanashree, Saravenswaran, Subasri, Daniel Peh, M.Pranesh, Firman Hakim, Shereen Farhana, Nurezriyana. Respective Friday and Saturdays volunteers, please remember to remind the parents of these children about the trip next session. Also, volunteers interested in coming along and helping out for the trip can contact Wenxin about it!

I think that is about all for now! I will be back again soon to update about the tentative plans for the next session.

2011-07-12T18:12:00.003+08:00

Hello guys! This is Wenxin. I know that this is way over due but as following is the last session of the 2011 Semester 1 pictures taken on that day. Hope this would be just in time to excite you guys for the coming semester.

Enjoy! <3

The following is the certificate giving session with the Gust-of-Honor Yaonian and lovely assistants Fawaz and Hayati!!

For more of Saturday's last session for Semester 1'2011 pictures, click on the link here.

Our semester for Gift of Reading session will be starting this week! Anyone excited? (:

2011-07-04T18:47:00.000+08:00

Once again it is Vijay! Just a reminder to everyone!GIFT of Reading Session will be delayed one more week! Which means sessions will start 15th July 2011 for Friday session and Saturday will start 16th July 2011 at TJCC
Thank you

2011-06-28T08:28:00.000+08:00

A very warm welcome everyone!I am Vijay.Please be reminded that session will start on 8th and 9th of July.There are 4 themes this semester which are Moral Values for 3 weeks,Fairy Tales for 2 weeks,Weather for 3 weeks and Hobbies for 3 weeks.There will be a national day session for 1 week.So total, there are 12 sessions in all.I'll be updating on the first Theme which is Moral Values

Session 1-Moral Values-Big Book Reading + Dramatisation
              -Colouring + Picture Discussion(Childrens to colour the picture given by the volunteers and to present and say the story infront of the others.

Session 2-Moral Values-Small Book Reading
              -Skit(Volunteers to do a skit in front of the children.Story line should be related to theme)

Session 3-Moral Values-Big Book Reading
              -Puzzle and story telling(Volunteers to do a 30 A4 Size pictures of stories which are related to moral values and stick them on the wall Jumbled up with others.A child to be called and asked to pick the correct 2 pictures which link and tell the story and the moral of that chosen 2 pictures.Then,get another child to pick another 2 and carry on.For example a picture of a tortoise and a hare.Child to pick these 2 pictures and tell the story of the tortoise and the hare to everyone.)

That is all for Moral Values.Please go and practice your vocal skills and drama skills.Be prepared.Thank you
Vijay!Have a Nice Day!

June Camp 2011!

2011-06-09T17:13:00.001+08:00

Hello everyone! Andala here again for another update!

We are going to have our camp from 17th to the 19th of June at the Taman Jurong Community Centre. During this camp, we are going to focus on sharpening our skills in inculcating the love for reading in children, as well as making the bond between our volunteers stronger! Of course there will be fun and games, but we have to get serious too okay! I hope that everyone will be able to make it for the camp!

For those who are coming, please be at the CC by 1000, because that is when we are starting. The packing list will be mass sent to everyone soon, I believe, and consent forms will be sent as well, in case anyone needs it. Check your email by this coming Tuesday! Well then, I look forward to seeing everyone there! :)

Last Friday Session (13th May)

2011-05-15T20:41:00.000+08:00

Hi lovelies, Andala here! The last Friday session went very smoothly and I am very glad to say that it was a success! The theme Occupation was also brought out very well, especially when the volunteers decided to come and dress up as people with different occupations! They also came together and gave the children presents, muffins and certificates at the end of the session! You could see the proud expressions on the parents' faces as they watched their child get the certs! Even though the certificates were not official, the thought behind it is very heartwarming!

The photos below are shots taken by Qistina when the children got their certificates, to have a more 'official' feel to it!

I hope that next Saturday's session would go smoothly as well, since it is the last Saturday session for this semester! For parents who are interested to know when our next semester is going to start, it would probably begin in early July.

On a side note, I have revamped our Gift blog, because I thought that a fresher look would perhaps do it some good after so many years, and that maybe people would post in here more often! :)

Announcements

2011-03-26T13:32:00.002+08:00

Recording Gift of Reading
We are producing a small booklet on Gift volunteers every year and we will need to take a statement from each volunteer on:

A. YOUR NAME, AGE,SCHOOL, CCA, How many siblings

B. GIFT
(a) When came in and who were Gift co-volunteers
(b) What you love about Gift of Reading
(c) Memorable moments at Gift
(d) What would you change or have more or less of
(e) What you have learnt from the children of Gift of Reading.
(f) What you have learnt from co-volunteers
(g) Has Gift helped you understand yourself better?

C. YOUR FUTURE
(a) What you want to do or be - job
(b) What you most want to have in your life - (marriage, children, a good job, many friends,) - by the time you are 30 years old.
(c) What you most want to do for others.
(d) Would you want to be a volunteer when you are busy at age 25 ?

Lesson plans for 2011 sessions term 1 (as planned on 22 Jan 2011)

2011-01-24T22:26:00.005+08:00

Hi lovely Gifters!! :DD

Chee Yang here, hope school has not been too stressful for all of you so far. I presume that your anticipation for Gift sessions this year has brought you to this blog, and I have exactly what you want. May I present to you, the lesson guides for Gift of Reading term 1!! (this is the part where you start clapping and cheering)

Theme 1: Nursery Rhymes (to be confirmed, session ICs pls discuss the lesson guides for this one and post it on the blog once done)

Theme 2: Hobby

Big Book: Mr Li's teapots
Week 1: Drawing & colouring
Week 2: Matching game
Week 3: Hobby vs Bad Habits

Theme 3: Animals

Week 1: big book (Because of a Sneeze), songs and games (tom & jerry), small books
Week 2: big book (Grandpa Grandpa), small books, colouring
Week 3: small books, crocodile game (play other games during excess time)

Theme 4: Occupation

Week 1: big book (fantastic cake), making of baker hats
Week 2: small books, puzzle race
Week 3: act it, guess it & charades

Logistics

Nursery rhyme: pictures for colouring (Jack to source for colouring pages)

Hobby: Matching games (print outs?? to be decided on a nearer date)

Animals: Colouring pages

Occupation:
[Week 1] Cup cakes (should be bought), paper, colour pencils
[Week 2 and week 3] Pics of different occupations (with colour)

Thats all for now... Hope we can make Gift session this year an awesome success!! :D

Chee Yang :P

Theme: Occupation & list of volunteers

2010-12-10T18:54:00.001+08:00

Theme: Occupation

There is no fixed plan on how the volunteers should conduct the lessons, but these activities have been thought of by the volunteers while we were planning for next semester’s lesson plans. You may choose which week you want to use the activities for, but there are certain activities that have a preferable timing. This theme would last for three weeks, although volunteers can choose to shift it around.

Big Book and Post-Activity (Preferably done during the first week for the theme.)

Title of Big Book: The Fantastic Cake

- At the start of the lesson for that week, volunteers bring in mini cupcakes and ask the children to guess who made them. (The answer is baker.) This is to give them a clue about our theme. Volunteers can make the children try and guess the theme too.

- After reading (and dramatising) the big book, the children will make baker’s hats. Volunteers can choose to find the template online or attempt to make it themselves. They can also choose if the children can colour their hats.

- The cupcakes that were shown to the children at the start of the lesson will be given to the children as snacks.

- Logistics: Paper and colour pencils for making hats, bought cupcakes.

Puzzle Race

- After small book reading, the children will stay in their small groups and each group will be given a picture (of an occupation) which has been cut up. They would have to solve the puzzle together with the people in their groups to obtain the original picture. (Note that the original pictures have to be pasted on the walls so that it is not too difficult for the children. Volunteers just have to assist the children and make sure that no one gets hurt.) Then, the puzzle pieces from all the groups will be mixed and put together in the middle of the room. The children will still stay with their groups but one child from each group will go up at any one time to get her/his own group’s puzzle piece (only one at a time). The group that manages to complete their picture first wins. (Volunteers have to be especially careful to make sure that the children don’t rush out all at one go, because it will become very messy and accidents might happen.) Note: Each group’s picture’s borders will be outlined with a different colour so that the children can identify their own puzzle pieces more easily.

- Logistics: Pictures of different occupations (with colour).

Act It, Guess It

- Children are told to pick a piece of paper with a picture of an occupation, for example doctor or fireman (probably from a box). They are then seperated into groups by gathering together with other children who got the same picture as them. They will act out the occupation that they picked out, and the children from the other groups will have to guess what is their occupation. Note: The volunteers have to actively assist when the children are looking for their groups so as to not make it too easy for other children to guess each other’s occupations. Volunteers may also be assigned to groups so that they can assist the children in acting.

- Logistics: Pictures of occupations (with colour).

Charades

- This activity is similar to Act It Guess It, except that it is done individually. This activity should preferably be done the week after Act It Guess It or during the last week so that the children would already have been familiar with the theme and would be less afraid to go up and act. Note: Volunteers to assist.

- Logistics: Pictures of occupations (with colour).

Drawing

- The children will be given time to draw out the occupation that they want to be when they grow up. This is also preferably done during the last week so that the children have an idea of what they want to be.

- Logistics: Paper and colouring materials.

Magic Rock

- This is a back up game that can be done when there is nothing else to do or when volunteers have to entertain children during toilet breaks.

LIST OF VOLUNTEERS IN 2011

Friday

Big Weijun**

Glenmond

Andala

Nadiah *

Yongquan

Jeffry

Qiwei **

Dingfeng**

Chee Yang

Sharnie**

Xuelin**

Sandy**

Haqeem

*maybe **have O’s in 2011

Saturday

May

Aiko

Huiyun

Yao Nian

Jack

Theodore

Wafiyah

Nadiah

Manisha

Chee Yang

Foong Chuan*

Hoo Wei Kiat

Gan Jun Herng

by Andala :)

GOR December Camp 2010

2010-11-25T18:07:00.005+08:00

Dear Volunteers,

The highly anticipated GOR 2010 Dec Camp is in one week's time!!
During the 4D3N camp, You will be treated to an awesome and enriching experience which will definitely be one of your most memorable life episodes in 2010.

Important Details to Note
- 2nd to 5th December
- Venue: Pyramid Club (2 Goodwood Hill, Singapore 258879)
- Please meet at Orchard MRT on 2nd December 10am sharp. Camp organisers will be there to fetch volunteers to the Pyramid Club.
- Please follow the packing list sent to your email.
- A small reminder: There will be swimming on Day 2, please bring appropriate attire if you wish to go down to the pool.

Direction of 2010 December GOR camp

1. Leadership Renewal (19 volunteers bound for O/A levels in 2011; Shortage of J1/J2s, lack of Sec 4s)
2. Orientation for new recruited volunteers

Camp Objectives

To let volunteers take ownership of gift through gaining a sense of commitment by learning why he or she is crucial to the success of the Gift of Reading Programme.
Promote bonding between new volunteers and existing volunteers
Offer a plethora of opportunities for student volunteers to optimise their potential in different domains of character development - mainly cognitive, social and emotional and aesthetic domains.
Preparation of lesson plans for Year 2011 Semester One

Camp Programme

Hope to see all of you there! It is gonna be really fun and exciting!

GOR December Camp 2010

2010-08-29T11:58:00.004+08:00

DATES: 2nd to 5th December 2010 (4D3N camp)
VENUE: Pyramid Club

Highlights of Dec camp 2010:

Professional dance training by LASELLE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS
Voice training
Drama/Reading Skills workshop
Service-Learning Project (colloboration with YEC/Mosque Student leaders)
Bonding Games
Gift Idol
Sessions Preparation for next semester.
Wild Wild Wet in the pool!

Any more suggestions please tag on the tagboard!!!

Camp organizers and facilitators will be made known to all volunteers ASAP. It will be a good mix of YOUNG volunteers from different races, schools and background.

All the best for your upcoming exams!

Kenneth

GOR Announcements (Miscellaneous Issues)

2010-08-28T10:52:00.007+08:00

1. Gift of Reading T-Shirts for Volunteers (Aini have completed the design and she will pass it to Ms Pauline for printing)

2. Gift of Reading Name Tags for Volunteers (Urgent and very important!!! Volunteers, please also take note Mrs T's comments on bridging ties with children with a volunteer taking charge of a specific group of children every week. Friday SICs/CICs and Saturday ICs can you all help to coordinate this arrangement ASAP or we can choose to start this approach next semester)

3. Gift of Reading Banners (to be put up in classroom for every session)

4. Gift of Reading Stationary Set (Mrs T hopes to give stationary sets to children on the last session for this semester). [P.S. I will liaise with corporate partners and suppliers and check if we could get a reasonable quotation and order stationary sets with GOR logos on pencil cases, erasers, pencils, rulers...]

5. Check the safety conditions of the rooms. Mrs T stressed the importance of childrens' safety as one of the top priorities and should be the main concern at all times. (Ms Ng Mei Choo will check the conditions on the window panes and surroundings of the rooms we are using to prevent children from getting injured.)

6*.Volunteer Tea Appreciation Session. - Tentatively September (dates TBC) More details will be posted on to the blog once the date and venue is finalized.

7. Future Recruitment of Volunteers. Recruit volunteers from a diverse range of schools, races and backgrounds in future. (Quoting Singapore's win over Zimbabwe in the YOG opening match, the underlying aim of GOR should about be promoting harmony and unity.) [Current Updates: Aini will be bringing some YCSS volunteers in the Dec camp while I am still liaising with Hwa Chong IC about the recruitment issues]

Warmest Regards
Kenneth

2010-08-14T19:50:00.002+08:00

Hello fellow volunteers! :)

Andala here to update the blog just a little.

On the last Friday session (which coincidentally is Friday the 13th),

Aini and I went back to see how sessions are going.

A few older volunteers were present, namely Chee Yang, Haqeem and of course, Nadrah.

I thought that session was carried out quite smoothly,

and that the volunteers are getting better!

You guys have come up with different ways to make the children's learning smoother,

and have learnt to step up to the leadership role.

All of you have so much potential, so please do your best for Gift! :D

Moving on, all of us stayed back for briefing and we have discussed several

issues that we think needs attention.

The volunteers gave solutions and suggestions, and I was happy to see everyone

opening up and sharing their opinions.

We have debated on the issues and have sort of come up with a temporary measure.

But let's hope things get finalised soon, so that everyone has a lesser burden to think about.

One of the things we discussed was the Gift t-shirt.

Most of the volunteers wanted a new t-shirt,

so we have put together our ideas for a tentative design.

Anyone with suggestions can voice them.

So, I guess that is about it from me now.

Let's work hard to keep this blog updated, shall we? :D

Till then, annyeong! :)

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2010-08-09T00:20:00.001+08:00

05 / 08 / 2010 - "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

06 August 2010

2010-08-09T00:08:00.003+08:00

06 August 2010
Dajie finally came for Gift this semester with Auntie! :D

Andala's got a new hairstyle! She's pretty with her bangs! My favourite Gabrielle with me!
Chaos! Haha!

Andala and I!
Andala with tard!
Nadrah!

I took this video of this super cute kid. I'll upload the video later!

Heheh!

Pre-debrief.

It's been a while since I came for Gift. I must say, seeing the kids made me so happy! Even though there are now less children, it's still a lot of fun. Also, the ratio seems better as the children get more attention from the volunteers. There's also a lot more one-to-one interaction between the children and volunteers. The children all seem very happy. :D

Anyhow, guys, it was great fun for me as well. Thank you! (:

National Day Special 2010 ^_*

2010-08-08T12:12:00.004+08:00

GOR 2010 Term 2 Lesson Preparations !!!

2010-07-03T02:14:00.005+08:00

Hi Youths!!! (including Kish =D)

This coming Monday, which is YOUTH DAY, there will be a meeting to plan the sessions for next term. We need to get things on the right track ASAP and prepare for the start of GOR, which is tentatively supposed to be in late July. There is only 2-3 weeks left, there is no time to waste.

As volunteers, let's live up to the spirit of volunteerism and attend this important and urgent meeting, be in Fri or Sat volunteers, we play a pivotal role to inspire the hearts of hundreds of children. Hence, if possible, please keep yourself free on this Monday, YOUTH DAY!!!

Date: 5 July 2010
Venue: Taman Jurong Community Club
Time: 1200 to 1700 hrs
Agenda (maximise productivity):

Discuss opening dates and timing for GOR 2010 Term 2 sessions
Review parents' feedback on expectations and wishes on improving the quality of delivery of GOR sessions
Design session pedagogies (include themes/activities/resources needed)
Members in-charge of the first theme will need to prepare all materials needed ASAP once details are finalised.
Name Tags
Decide on a day to meet up again to borrow small books from JRL.

Your attendance in this meeting is valued and greatly appreciated and please inform me whether you are coming to help out, either by email (jian-da@hotmail.com) or mobile no. (84043338).

Warmest Regardz DADA Chan

Overview of GOR 2010- Term 1 Week 3 (Fri)

2010-02-21T20:44:00.002+08:00

For the Friday session, we tried a new way of mass debrief. We started by writing the problems we faced in our own group and pass it down to the others to write down the soulutions they thought of to solve the problems and write down encouragements they want to give.

The following are the problems, solutions and encouragements by the respective volunteers:

Ding Feng
Problems: Books with contents that are hard to understand.
Solutions: Get a book with contents easy to understand. Do not read the words in the book but use the pictures instead.
Encouragements: Stay happy=]

Shimin
Problems: Storybooks was too wordy and this make the children lose their concentration very fast during small book reading. One or two of the children are not very co-operative today and try to distract the other children who are paying attention. Frequent opening of the door distracted the children a lot.
Solutions: Summarize the book and do not read word by word. Do not read the words and use the pictures instead. For the children who are not co-operative, you can talk to them one to one. Make what you are doing so interesting that the children would not be distracted by the doors.

Adna
Problems: Small books were to difficult for the children to understand and also very wordy. Some of the children did not give us responses as the volunteerss carry out the activities. Some of the children did not listen to the volunteers.
Solutions: The volunteers can make the small book more interestuing. Choose a less wordy book. Try to avoid wordy books but you may have to follow the words and say the pictures instead.

Sharnie
Problems: Not much problems. Everything went smoothly. We even have extra time left which we proceed on with the games.
Solutions: Since there is no problems so there is no need for soulutions.
Encouragements: Jiayou! Good Luck!

JinJin
Problems: Not much of problem as the children were quiet and listen attentively to us when we were doing dramatisation on the hare and tortise. Children come in early at 6.30pm and we did not finish preparing for the lesson. Still coul not remember the children's names.
Solutions: Try to finish preparing early. Find ways to remember the children's names. Try to play games with them if they come early. Try preparing some things the week before.
Encourangements: Keep up the good work! Jiayou! All the best! You have done your best!

Weishi
Problems: Children were unable to comprehend what the book is saying, either the book is too difficult or the children are unable to understand. Children were more hyper today than the previous weeks which resulted them not paying attention.
Solutions: Maybe you can choose an easier book that they are able to understand or ask them to choos their own book. Must have as easier book.
Encouragement:Jiayou work harder!

Sandy
Problems: Children not speaking in english but malay which is their own mother tongue. Could not understand what they are talking.
Solutions: Encourage them to speak english by replying back in english. Politely tell them to speak in english. Put a rule that only saying in english is allowed in the class.
Encouragements:Everything went quite well! Time management good! Lessons went smoothly!

Sok Hian
Problems: There were not much problems, just that children who came earlier were hyper and were running around.
Solutions: We should get a volunteer to sit down and find ways to entertain the children who came early while waiting for the rest of the children to arriveso to prevent them from injuring themselves. This is due to the fact that there is a possibility of falling down or knocking into things when they started running around. Engage the children in an activity.
Encouragements: Today's session was carried out smoothly and the children were engaged. Although it may not be perfectl carried out, it is considered quiet a great improvement and I am sure things will get better!

Vijay
Problems: Conflicts over each other among the volunteers.
Solutions: Understand each other. Try tear them apart and talk to them in a firm voice. Tell them conflict is no good. Try accomodate each other. There is probably something that you have done wrong that left a bad impression on the others. Everyone has conflicts but depends on how u work on it to improve relationships.
Encouragements: Stay happy! Be happy! Jiayou!

WaiMin
Problems: A few unco-operative children.
Solutions: Identify what is wrong with the children. How and why they are unco-operative, is it because they are too active or too quiet. Then come up with seperate solutions. Find out what is wrong with the children and try to persuade them to be more co-operative.
Encouragements: Have faith!

Me (Samantha)
Problems: None as the class was awesome.
Solutions: Switch class to observe other classes.
Encouragements: Well Done! Amazing, keep up!

Andala
Problems: Very very wordy books. Newer volunteers still not used to sessions yet.
Solutions: Do not read the book word for word.

Chee Yang
Problems: Did not engage all the children. Volunteers kept to themselves. Volunteers need to be more serious and practise more situational awareness.
Solutions: Volunteers can afford to have some time to bond through sessions. But that can only happenif volunteers are willing to try. After the bonding between seniors/juniors/volunteers of different classes starts, the volunteers will be more open and situational awareness etc should not be a problem as newer volunteers learn. The key is in debriefs though. Make sure debriefs are good, if not they will not learn.

Shaun
Problems: Children are not focus at times.
Solutions: No matter what, try to get back their attention by asking interesting questions about them and smile.

Xueling
Problems: Jianzhi and his sister was very hyper active. They disrupt the class and even resort to violence and went around hitting the volunteers. Most of the children were hyper today, the class was a little more noisy than usual.
Solutions: For the children being more hyper today, it may not happen all the time but you can try controlling them by doing the 100 percent game. For the siblings, seperate them and get a volunteer to talk to them. You can also try putting them to a quiet corner for awhile to let them cool them down.

Nadrah
Problems: None, class was great students enjoying themselves.
Encouragements: Keep up the good work!

Saras
Problems: No problem.
Encouragements: Good Keep it up! Though I am not sure of what you did, the fact that there was no problem shows great effort on your part!

Amirin
Problems: Class have no problems.
Encouragements: Good! Keep up the good work! Thats excellent! Hope you learn well from this experience!

Shobana
Problems: Class was awesome as usual.
Encouragements: Good! Keep up the good work! Good job! Jiayou!

WeiKiat
Problems: The class was good and spotted no problems.
Encouragements: Well done!

Haqeem
Problems: No problems.

The following were with no names sorry about that!

Anonymous
Problems: The children ignore me when I talk to them . Children take time to settle down.
Solutions: Perhaps try to attract the children's attention before talking to them by 1 silent clap, counting down or focus. Do your best to engage them by acting as a clown.
Encouragments: Welcome to GOR! Jiayou! All the best! Good luck! Do your best!

Anonymous
Problems: Lacking attention of children.
Solutions: Be in control and attract them with fun activities. Attract their attention by using interesting puppets. Do something interesting and try your best to engage them. Try playing games that will attract their attention.
Encouragements:Everyone Done a good job inimproving the session! More lively and engaging!

Anonymous:
Problems: Kellis becoming "sticky" children are scared of me.
Solutions: Push her to other children and stay with her till she becomes comfortable. Smile more. Perhaps do something for the children like giving out snacks.

Anonymous
Problems: Children not responsive.
Solutions:Try attract theif attention by playing games.

Anonymous
Problems: The children took quite awhile to get into a circle.
Solutions: Use the 1 silent clap to attract their attention and be firm.

Anonymous
Problems: I do not know how to approach the children. Some children do not obey instructions.
Solutions: Being firm, letting them know that it is good that they behave well and to avoid disagreement between groups. Give them a smile and ask their names friendly.

Anonymous
Problems: No problem and broken english spoken when volunteer read small book.
Solutions: Get volunteers to try to speak as much proper english as possible in front of the children. Too difficult english words the children will find it hard to undestand. But i think using singlish the children can at least listen and know what we are talking about. Practise makes perfect. Nobody is perfect in the first place.

Ok thats all! I hope all of u had a wonderful weekends and great day ahead! See u all next session!=D

Luv,
Samantha^^

Happy Lunar New Year

2010-02-14T01:14:00.001+08:00

The clock has passed and today is the 14th of February

This Lunar New Year marks a new beginning and its start unknowingly reminds us to start anew and fulfill our peronal wishes and goals.

I wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year.

May al your wishes come true.

May your goals be successfully accomplished.

May your resolutions be eventually fulfilled.

May you have a wonderful Lunar New Year this year. :)

(Yong Quan also wishes everyone a happy new year :) )

Signing off,

Foong Chuan

Overview of GOR 2010 ~ Term1 Week 2 (Fri)

2010-02-09T22:49:00.003+08:00

Hello Everyone!

Generally, for Friday sessions, it was a great improvement compared to last week (1st session) because volunteers were much more prepared on the session plans through efforts in SMS relays and email chains.

However, a "test-run" to the Purple room (Fri) on Readers Theatre (explored during the camp) proved to be a failure because of its complexity and is considered challenging and confusing to children. It was quickly substiuted with Small book reading, hence averting a "terrible setback".

Relative comments by experienced volunteers (Aini, wenxin, Andala, CheeYang) directed to Purple Grp:

A good way to end the session by asking "Children, what have we done today? What book did we read?" It help to recap the session and make a good wrap-up
Class IC should try to lead the class more often rather than help of SIC or experienced volunteers
Uneven distribution of volunteers (10 in purple, compared to 6 or 7 in other rooms). [Problem resolved, switched some over from Purple to Yellow & Green]

Comments/Reflections from the Purple Team!

Aishwarya: Today's session was more organised than the previous one. The children were engaged and attentive. But i think, there is futher room for improvement

Jin Jin: This session is not as chaotic as the first session. the children listen more attentively and participate more than the previous session. They will respone to our questions and instructions. So, overall, it is way better than the first session.

Sok Hian: Today's session was an improvement compared to last week thoughsome children had mood swings. I am sure things will get better as each week goes by.

Sandy: The session gone well and much more better than last week. There are so much things that couls be improved on...

Adna: Today's session was not as chaotic as the previous session. We managed to get closer to children and freely play with the children without pressure.

Amirin: I feel that GOR is very fun! But i think that we need to have the chilldren to play more games

Yellow Group:

- Session went out smoothly and there were not much of problem faced. Thumbs up for 2 consecutive weeks of safe "journey""

Comments/ Reflections from Yellow Group:

Sharnie: I enjoy taking big groups during small book reading. It was FUN! It's like having a small reading session. But, i find the time allocated was quite long. Basically, today's session was very successful

Shobana: Today's session was FUN! the children were cooperative! The game we came up with was successful! I just love my group!

Syafiqah: I really had fun for today's session. The children were active but they were interactive. It is enjoyable to be with the children doing the small group reading, but i find the time for the small book is too long and the games are too difficult for the children

Green Group: Not much of problem, except for one or two problematic children

Comments/ Reflections:

Weijun: i think that the performance of the volunteers are quite good. But, there is still room for improvement. The children are not bad today!

WeiKiat: I think the group is good and the children are cool and obedient.

I apologize for missing out anyone here, because some of the post-its pads are "nameless" and i cant possibly identify your identity from your handwritting or needless to say, conduct a fingprint check. (LOL) Hence, i labled "Anonymous"

Anonymous: Our group was lovely today, but some children were too quiet. A few are teary. It would have been great if i knew how to speak malay.

Anonymous: I felt very fun and the children was very attentive. except for one children who was very active. I can't take it too

Just a Wrapup! (Kenneth POV)

Well, I credit all volunteers for their enthusiasm and passion during sessions. The performance of the three rooms are heartening, although this year we had seen more children crying for their parents. I am glad to see that the restructuring of "toilet breaks" (Given a new stipulated toilet break time-table), resolved the problem of long toilet queues when all 3 rooms released children togather last week. However, i know that some volunteers cannot stay with us till very late. A group of 7 leave at 8.30pm. I hope that all volunteers starting from next session can stay till at least 9pm. We hope you could understand that small grp debrief and mass debrief holds different meaning. Small Grp breifing allows the team to improve as a whole as they understand their problems/troubles the most. Big Grp Briefings allows everyone to open up the views on learning from each and one another so as to enrich themselves better to be better equipped with techniques to handle sessions better... (P.S. Note: No one enforces you to stay till 9pm, I use "could" rather than "should/will..."But try! It is an effort from everyone! Isnt'it?)

Kenneth

GOR 2010 ~ Overview of 1st Session (Fri/Sat)

2010-02-03T20:14:00.002+08:00

Hello warriors,

In this post, I (kenny) will do a summary of the happenings last Fri/Sat. This includes your reflections written on the post-its pads.

Summary of Friday Sessions:

Due to the practice of registering children half an hour before session starts, briefing of volunteers were carried out in a rush manner.
Two new JSS volunteers (Adna and Jaslyn) joined Friday sessions to help out. Both are currently Sec 2sthis year and will be able to commit long-term.
Sessions turned out successful and almost PERFECT for 2 classes: Yellow and Green Group, and it was a living nightmare for Purple Group
One of the volunteer allowed parents to go in the room and view how sessions are carried out. Due to immense stress and pressure, many volunteers crumbled and resulted in a Failed session for Purple Group.
Toilet Breaks was horrendous, all 3 classes released the children at the same time.
As NTUC Fairprice rejects our requests to sponsor us fruits due to manpower and resource contraints of sending 2 batches of goods to TJCC per week, we used apollo biscuits as substitutes for snacks.
Debrief was conducted in friendly and lively atmosphere and the pratice of "post-its" inherited from the Dec camp was adopted to shorten the debrief duration to prevent volunteers from reaching home too late.
Miscommunication still needs to improve on as many volunteers never made the effort to check out the lesson plans posted here donkey months ago in December. Some even dont know the existence of GOR blog.
SMS relay system will be used from sessions this week onwards to notify all on what to expect and do for sessions.

Green Group
Average rating: 7-8 out of 10

[Shimin]
I think that today's session is a Success! All the children are co-operative, we completed all of the activities on time. Except I think that the three different groups should decide on timing of the toilet break to ensure that it is not chaotic.

[Yong Quan]
Today's Session was very fun. The Children are enthusiastic. however, there is one student who keeps drawing and dont want to participate in the games. It is sad for me. The toilet break was chaotic. The children are too noisy and there is a jam when children are released.

[Xue Ling]
I find today's session quite ok and successful for the first session. The session went very smoothly and the session was very fun, especially the big book segment. But one thing about the session that wasnt good and can be improved was the timings of the toilet break for each class.

[WeiShi]
At first we had no idea on what to do due to insufficient time for briefing. Due to registration procedures, session was chaotic in the beginning and turned out well as time goes by. Overall, we did a GOOD job.

Yellow Group
Average rating: 7-9 out of 10

[Sharnie]
I find today's session very successful. It is better then my expectation. Everything went on smoothly. The children were all very cooperative. Simply to say, it was superb!

[Shobana]
The lesson was awesome! It was fun! Simply to say, it was PERFECT!

[Anonymous]
The children had enjoyed themselves by being attentive, cooperative and intelligent. they are able to read as a class and follow instructions. I love them.

[WeiKiat]
The children are good. The children are Cute. The session is Awesomez!

[Anonymous]
This sessions seemed not bad to me. It is understood since the children are new to each otherand thus many children are not really enthusiastic. But, I believe that as time goes by, they will know each other and really enjoy themselves. On the other hand, we should improve ourselves and make kids learn from GOR!

[Anonymous]
Today, I am very satisfied with Yellow Group because the children were so co-operative.

Purple Group
Average Ratings by group volunteers: 1-5 out of 10

[Sandy]
Today's GOR was chaotic, but that is what that always happen during the first session right? So, we will Jiayou and dont allow parents inside the room.

[Sok Hian]
Today's session was a little disorganised and a little hectic. Some children cried and it was quite stressful due to the presence of parents in the room

[Chee Yang]
Sessions didnt seem to run smoothly from what I heard. Heard that parents were around and "pressuring" the volunteers. Somevolunteers commented that a lot of children were feeling homesick. Looking at this, it looks like volunteers have huge room for improvement and today's session was probably a good learning point for them

[Jin Jin]
Today's session was really chaotic.The children were inattentive as their parents were in the room and they kept looking at them. so we had hard time trying to get their attention.

[S.Aishwarya]
Today's session was a mess due to miscommunication. But i think that since it's the first session, we can definetly do much better for the upcoming sessions. I think systematic is the key to achieve this.

Summary of Saturday Sessions:

"It's a small world after all" song was billed as a "high difficulty" song for children by some volunteers
It was a bit chaotic as many parents overlooked the need to register their children and went into the dance studio immediately.
Big book was well-executed by the pair Peiwoon and Kenneth, and was brought by loud cheers of children.
Children were almost all ATTENTIVE, CO-OPERATIVE & INTERACTIVE
Toilet breaks issue not a big problem here.
Apparently, having about 10 volunteers (including Khenghwee, Kassandra and Dajie) can cope with an attendance of 54 children splitted into 2 groups, which puts off the scare that sessions may turn into turmoil and become a living nightmare for volunteers.

Cheers

Kenny

Groupings for Friday's and saturday's session

2010-01-10T23:56:00.009+08:00

Here are the groupings for Friday's and Saturday's Session 2010. (Changes made in bold, on 13/1/2010)

FRIDAY GROUP 1
Foong Chuan
Wei Shi
Xue Ling
Wei Jun
Shi Min
Nadiah
Vijayellan

FRIDAY GROUP 2
Kenneth
Ding Feng
jin Jin
Aishwarya
Chee Yang
Sok hian
Kitt yee
Sandy

FRIDAY GROUP 3
Samantha
Nadrah
Sharnie
Qi Wei
Wei Kiat
Andala
Shobana
Zhou Bo

SATURDAY GROUP
Pei Woon (Timothea)
Yao Nian
Wei Shi
Kenneth
Foong chuan
Kheng Hwee
Shi Lei
Wafiyah
Wei Kiat
Yong Kang
Yong Quan

If there are any queries or if I haven't added your name, please contact me. If not, you can sms me (as long as you have my handphone number).

You can also voice your opinions to me personally if you have any problems with the groupings. Your message will be confidential. Do not worry. However, we do hope that you guys are all right with your groupings. Any strong objections to the groupings are accepted, but please state extremely valid reasons :)

The contact lists will be emailed to you guys after the telephone numbers are affirmed.

A few minutes from now, I'll email you the groupings.

Cheers!

Foong Chuan :)

Pei Woon's takeaways from the recent meeting.

2010-01-09T21:50:00.006+08:00

Various suggestions for food provided to children from Gift Of Reading at the end of the session:

Apples
Seedless Fruits like grapes
Granola Bars
Milo
Honey Stars (Meet up with Nestle head nutritionist to find out about their products: Arrrange date and follow up)

Suggestion regarding Children from Gift Of Reading:

Badge/ Wristband with the child's name is to be given at week 10 as a souvenir.

The children should write their own names on the name tags.

Other miscellaneous suggestions:

It is better to have older volunteers (gift seniors) guide us than NLB because the older volunteers have more experience with the children that has been turning up for gift around the area of taman Jurong.

During each session of Gift Of reading, it would be good to keep in mind that it is equivalent to the Gift Of Learning as well and it is good to bring the love of learning to class and let children enjoy learning. :)

David Seow is a writer of children books. His books are related to his children and it is good to consider inviting him to read to the children. We are also able to fidn out where his inspiration comes from and why he writes, and let ourselves be inspired by him.

For the next gift Of Reading training camp, we may acquire the skill of being comedic (Italian elemnt in drama - standing up with a topic and making it funny).

Not worrying about funding.

Rules of Good English Speaking mentioned:
1. Slow Down
2. Consonants are Disciplinarians (encourage you to pronounce the words properly), Vowels are Dramatic (add emotions to whatever you say).
3. Looking at listeners, being observant throughout your speech to mantain eye-contact.
4. Speak in full, proper, gramatically correct sentences.

Suggestions to why we don't speak well:
1. We speak in many different languages and we think in many different languages.
2. We come from lanauge groups whom tend to speak very fast. When we speak too fast, we are less clear in our speech and the pronunciation.
We have to get into speaking proper English and use the language to our advantage.

That's the end of it. If there are any suggestions, feel free to voice your opinions.

Since a number of you have agreed to using the gift of reading blog as a medium of announcements, we shall carry this plan out.

We will post Gift-Of-Reading-related announements on this blog and we will prompt you to reply after reading the announcements to confirm that you have read it. We will send emails when a post is up. If you do not reply within the deadline, we will sms you and remind you to view the blog and await your reply to affirm that you have read it. Should there be any opinions you want to voice, feel free to do so at the tagboard. It is not too late :)

Have a happy weekend!

Cheers,

Foong Chuan

A Gentle reminder :)

2010-01-07T13:38:00.004+08:00

Dear all gift volunteers,

I hope yesterday's meeting was alright :)

After a little discussion yesterday, Jian Da and I thought it would be good that we make gift-of-reading related announcements on this blog so everyone can check back here for details and information at your convenience and reply to your respective class and session ICs to confirm that you have recognised the information. We would also send out emails regarding information related to Gift. What do you guys think about it? Do you think its a good idea? :)

Please voice your opinions on the tagboard. If you second this idea (or third or fourth and....) then (if possible) also tag at the respective tagboard on this blog :)

Cheers,

Foong Chuan (a.k.a Forte ) :)

GIFT OR READING 2010

2010-01-01T23:08:00.025+08:00

Dear Gift Volunteers,

The new term of Gift of Reading will commence on 29 January 2010 (Friday Sessions) and 30 January 2010 (Saturday Sessions). and will end after 10 sessions on 23 April 2010 (Friday Sessions) and 24 April 2010 (Saturday Sessions) (excluding holidays on Chinese New Year [12 and 13 Feb] and Good Friday [2 and 3 April].) Kindly note, that there will also be no sessions on 19 and 20 March (school holiday).

Session I/Cs for 2010 Term 1:

Kenny
FC
Sam

Class I/Cs:

Wei Shi
Ding Feng
Nadrah

Attention to all those volunteers in-charge of planning for the respective 4 themes: Please draft out a logistics list that you may need for your sessions and pass to FC or Ken. Your thoughtfulness will be greatly appreciated.

Just a gentle reminder, please familiarise yourselves with the lesson plans on the four themes next year. Voice out any queries to us by contacting any one of the Session I/Cs or YaoNian/Chee Yang/Aini. We look forward to your active participation to liven up the spirit of volunteerism and match the high standards achieved over the years and create a fabulous term at the start of a new decade.

Cheers

Kenneth

Post-It For Gift Of Reading Camp 2009

2010-01-01T11:37:00.003+08:00

Alrighto guys! Its time for the SAM & 8Q Post it !-Reflection .

{aishwarya}

8Q helped me to think from the painter's point of view when he/she was painting. I also learned to interpret paintings and pictures in various ways based on the circumstances under which the painter pained and such.

{Aini}

I was inspired by SAM because

-It showed how different people see things differently

-Through just a picture or artifact , the message is captured perfectly

{Shi Lei}

i was inspired by the artwork by Donna Ng - one about the difference between chinese and english paintings. The process of creating the art work was very painstaking , yet , She finished just to let it be shown to the viewers. I was inspired to persevere in everything that I do.

{Chee Yang}

The exhibits showing the same person wearing different sets of clothes to make herself look drastically different made me think about our own identity and its relationship with the symbols we use to represent it. Very thought -Provoking!

{Wei Kiat}

I really liked the glass pieces because different pieces have different subjects!

{Yao Nian}

There is always more to it than meets the eye ! I loved Vertical Submarine and their exhibition which paid homage to Reading and of course, the tanks with algae were stunning .

" teach me to fish and I desire the ocean!" :D

{Andala}

I was inspired by SAM & 8Q because the stories behind the artwork were really heartfelt and sincere. The gallery by vertical submarines and Felicia Low show that everyone deserves a chance at everything and that following rules all the time might not necessarily be correct . I♥Art!

{Clement}

The 8Q exhibits made me realise that the water in Singapore river's more polluted than what I had expected. The curator also made me understand more about art and gave me a deeper impression about the art pieces than if I were to go alone.

{Dajie-Waimin}

I was inspired by the CONTEMPORARY ART because it's refreshing & opened up new interpretations to common place objects through art. This teaches us to be open-minded & accepting.

{Kenneth}

Art can be simple, it needn't be priceless If we dare to imagine, the world of art to us will be truly amazing.

{Samantha}

I was inspired by...

The different ways art is expressed by artists as there are many hidden messages! Things waiting to be discovered by us!

{Saras}

The art scupltures were a mind opening experience for me. I have no particular art piece that I like because everything was equally beautiful.

{Kish}

Imagination opens a whole new world ...

{Foong Chuan}

SAM&8Q inspired me to think and realise that there are always multiple perspectives to take whenever we look at a situation - just as the different ways we can observe the same piece of art.

{Sharnie}

I saw many art pieces that are cool. I like the story book exhibition, it is simply cool!

Actually I Have No Comments XD.

{Yong Quan}

I was inspired by the whole collecction of art pieces we saw as I know that the artists put their heart and sweat in the paintings. I like the light that the artist made and shared that people will die and live again.

{Weishi}

I was really inspired by the INSTALLMENT exhibition. It was actually a cylinder=like bookshelf where there were mirrors at the base and on top .There were countless of books and the mirror made it look everlasting. What I interpret from that was that knowledge is passed down just like from us volunteers to the children.

{Sandy}

Museum;

- The perfume was cool. There were different designs/smells of the perfume

- The curator told us that the artist travelled overseas to explore and experience the different smells! COOL!

{XueLing}

Museum :

The one thing I liked was the chandelier. It was so cool especially when the guide told us about the story behind it. It's like life goes the same way :D KLA! Don't know that to write already :X

haha :D

okay thats all for the post-its I have :D

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2010! Am I repeating what I said on the previous post? XD

Post-It For Gift Of Reading Camp 2009

2010-01-01T09:35:00.006+08:00

Sorry peeps , I am really late in posting these post-its because I really had tight schedules at the end of the year, meaning Last Year 2009.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!
Cut the long story and let's get to the POST-ITs .

Firstly the...

Secret Code

My take-away from this activity is...

{Aini}

*Create A Simple Strategy*

- that enables the whole group to understand a plan, remember it.

The way to do this is to make a simple plan that everyone can understand.

* Recognize Body Language*

- The way a person expresses distress or whatsoever through their body language and facial expressions.

{Foong Chuan}

Experience ,Perseverance,Communication,Understanding and trust among teammates are what contributes to success

{Andala}

-Keep ideas /Lesson plans simple so that it is easier to remember and execute. There will be no need to get frustrated when you don't know what to do or your team is not present.

-Discuss and strategize what we are going to do beforehand so that sessions can proceed more smoothly

-Make lesson plans more humorous so that lessons are more lively and not BORING!

-Observe other's (child/volunteer) reaction to what we are doing to confirm if they truly understand what is happening & keep repeating slowly to help them understand

{Qi Wei}

Get to know others better so that misunderstanding do not occur. Misunderstandings often occur because we don't know each other well enough.

{Yao Nian}

*I would like to draw some parellels

Everyone knows the Secret Code.

In Gift Of Reading, this is the kind of "CODE" we need. Everyone should know the "CODE" and know what to do and what comes next.

{Kenneth}

-Stick to the [ORIGINAL PLAN]

-Recap - Check understanding

-A plan everyone understands (BE SIMPLE!)* easy to remember*

-Internalize plans

-Observe each other [emotions....]

-Mutual trust -> understanding between volunteers is extremely important.

Plans for session must be oriented in a way that they are

-easy to remember

-simple to understand

-capitalize & internalize plans within oneself *don't make blunders*

{Sharnie}

-I learnt how to communicate effectively without talking .

-Trust Each Other =)

Be a copycat*not copy blindly* Anonymous

{Anonymous}
Stick to the same action , don't change your plan , cause people get CONFUSED!

{Nadiah}

We need to know our other fellow volunteers well enough to "sense" any "abnormal" vibe such as distress , confusion without him/her really saying it.

ensure that the other party comprehends your message clearly so as to avoid miscommunication

& we need to put plenty of thought for the planning with what little time we have so as to ensure that everyone knows the plan/strategy.

We need to observe and comprehend the signs that show how one is feeling or what one is trying to say without any words what so ever.

{Sandy}

Orserving & Not giving up is something we have to know!

The Same Communication system & planning is needed in order to success!

Keep instructions simple

Same Goal ,objective & communication is needed !

Checking of understanding is important!

{Ding Feng}

Simplicity is the key*

Understanding and Bonding reduces misunderstanding

CHECKING! Double check to ensure things are right

{Samantha}

-Common communication

-Simple Plain

-Initiative

-Trust your fellow members

-Ensure the other party understands

-Plan beforehand

{Shi Lei}

We should always plan beforehand and one thing that we must bear in mind is that the strategy that was planned may not always work. Hence, we should always revise the plan and refine it so as to get the best planning.

We should always listen to each and every person's suggestions as our own strategy may not always work for others.

{Anonymous}

When you have been given the time to discuss, use it efficiently & focus on only planning & not distracting yourself or others...

{Anonymous}

Always remember the strategy you have planned out & STICK TO IT ! DO NOT CHANGE!

You remember things better if you failed it before, therefore failure isn't something to ashamed of .Take it as a Learning Ladder ^^.

{Clement}

Wwe should keep things simple , When we are teaching the children as they might not understand if it is not as simple as it should be

{DaJie-WaiMin}

-Teamwork

-Try your best

-Pay attention

-Keep your plan simple

-Try and understand your teammates

-Read body language

-Bond with your team mates.

-Plan your plans beforehand

-Strategize

-Trust your teammates

-Have Confidence in yourself

Key Takeaways!

* Communication can take many forms; different people communicate differently so it is essential that we open our hearts/minds to understand others.

{Auntie-Keng Hwee}

Take Aways:

-When we were playing the game we were concerned not only with passing the message /finishing the game but also with winning & having fun

-Sessions should also be like this: it's not just about finishing the lesson & delivering the plan , but enjoying & making sure we meet our aim: make children ♥ Reading !:)

{Anonymous}

Planning
Keep everything simple
Teamwork
Make sure everyone gets your message
Clarify when in doubt
Observe
Check others' understanding

{CheeYang}

Being inclusive is certainly very important for good communication and making sure everyone stays on the same track. Hope Gift of Reading can achieve this!

A strategy is not just defined by its effectiveness or by how good it sounds but by how well - received and how suitable it is for the people using it.

{WeiKiat}

Communication & plan well;

-You need to communicate with your team well to let them understand well

-We need to plan well so that everybody knows what are you talking about .

{Anonymous}

I think that when we are teaching them with books we have to pause for a moment, make sure that everyone actually understands the story. If they do not, repeat patiently as many may face difficulty.

{Yong Quan}

-I learnt to trust others more. if we fail to trust them, we will do the thing that is incorrect.

-Focusing is important. If we do not focus we will also do the incorrect thing and will end up causing a mess!

{WeiShi}

Through this fun activity, I feel that the most important lesson here is communication. We must all have a common communication system to be able to convey a message to one another with minimum difficulties . If we do not know what to do and if are unclear of what to do, it would be impossible to complete any task.

USE SIMPLE TERMS!

WEIKIAT HERE GUYS! Sorry guys that I posted these post-its so late and previously for my blogger problem, it's fixed. Yup ! SO YES ! These are the post-its for Secret Code. Upcoming will be SAM & 8Q! :D

Summary of Gift of Reading camp December 2009

2009-12-28T21:54:00.006+08:00

For the benefit of those who have forgotten what we went through for the camp this year, as well as those who could not make it but would love to find out what we did, I decided to do a summary of what happened in the camp this year.

Highlights of day 1

A total of 24 volunteers arrived at the beginning of the camp. With many getting lost finding the Pyramid Club (that includes Aini, hee hee).
Had ice-breakers to get everyone started. In whacko, everyone ended up targetting Chee Yang (thats me, haha) and the game was probably only fun for Chee Yang's enemies (hope that isn't everybody). Other games like elope and double whacko were also played, and I supposed the volunteers also had fun targetting other people this time.
Camp organizers (thats Yao Nian, Aini and Chee Yang) and Kish declared the camp officially open and also briefed the volunteers about the camp programme. Kish also laid down some ground rules for the camp.
Went to Singapore Arts Museum to view the exhibits there. Many volunteers were inspired by them and they definitely made an impact on their perceptions to the world around them.
Had an amazing amazing race segment (yes, thats two "amazings") at City Hall area to get to volunteers to think and work together to solve the problems they were faced with. Volunteers were shown the importance of communication and teamwork and were challenged to step out of their comfort zones as well as to think out of the box. Of course, the usual cheating aside, the volunteers sure had a tough but fun time.
Came back to have our BBQ. We were joined by many other volunteers then. Special thanks goes to the chefs Vijay, Clement and Wei Jun (who cooked all the way) as well as the many others who helped out. We were also visited by Mr Chia Boon Tai and his family, who started the gift of reading programme along with Mr Tharman and some others (oops, my gift history seems rusty here. Mr Chia shared about many ways and approaches we could take on to improve gift of reading and how thinking big can bring our programme a long way.
Had the activity Secret Code which was conducted by Kish. During the activity, volunteers were tasked to come out with a secret code amongst their groups to communicate a secret number down the line from the first person to the last person. In this activity, volunteers were shown the importance of having a common communication system which everyone would be comfortable with. It was definitely very hilarious seeing everyone coming out with their funny methods of communications, which included head shaking (I felt like I was in India for a while), tongue sticking and eye blinking. The takeaway from this activity was definitely numerous as many people bombarded the board with post-its of their takeaways.
Played Polar Bear with Pei Woon being the storyteller and introducing lots of new characters to the game, making it even more interesting.

Highlights of day 2

Started the day with a second activity conducted by Kish, which was called Big Picture, Small Roles. In this activity, an A4 size picture was cut into 6 pieces and each volunteer were tasked to enlarge each of those 6 pieces into A4 size pictures, before being asked again to join them up. I bet many people were left laughing at the joined pictures after that, where the fit did not seem perfect and some people decided to improvise and "enhance" their pictures.
Had training on big book reading techniques from our very own lovely seniors Pei Lin and Alfred. We explored use of puppetry, props and melody in big book reading sessions. The skills taught were very useful and I am sure all the volunteers will be looking forward to applying them in gift sessions next year. :D
Had a second training session by Mdm Phua, who has trained our volunteers for many times already. Mdm Phua showed us the importance of expression, tone and volume control during her training, when she demostrated her big book reading skills in a dramatic and animated way which was well received by all volunteers. Mdm Phua also explored incorporating reader's theatre, hot seating and musicals into big book reading sessions. This was a new approach for our big book sessions and it would definitely be very interesting seeing volunteers try them out during gift sessions next year!! :D
Had our first pool session for the camp after a lovely and delicious buffet dinner. Many people (excluding some, who prefer to be nice and dry), jumped into the pool like hooligans and got their selfs really really wet. Was really glad no one lost their spectacles or other equipment in the pool.
Had a reflections session which went on till late at night. While everyone was really tired (yes I know, I saw some of you fall asleep already), it was really meaningful trying our best to listen to each other's comments about the programme and how they have changed after joining the programme. Hope we all can make gift even more successful next year too!! So we can change even more for the better!

Highlights of day 3

Had a third activity conducted by Kish called Doodle Masters. Volunteers were supposed to come out with pictures from random doodles (lines drawn randomly). After that, the volunteers had to pick a moral and were tasked to come out with a story to bring out this moral. The volunteers were all entertained by the dramatised stories thought out by fellow volunteers and I am sure everyone had a great time laughing their heads off. Would like to see people like Yao Nian (and his pokemon character) and Ding Feng (and his mario character) show their cute drama skills to the children for sessions too!!
After lunch, all the volunteers put on their thinking caps and starting putting their heads together to decide the themes, timings and locations of gift of reading sessions. Yao Nian conducted the discussion in UN style which made discussions more interesting and productive. :)
Volunteers then broke into their respective groups to discuss lesson plans for each themes we decided on for the first term next year. We decided to have four themes for term 1 next year and they are Myths and Fairytales, Dinosaurs, Sports and Music. The respective groups then presented their lesson plans to their fellow volunteers so they could receive comments and suggestions from each other. It was definitely a productive session as everyone all put their mind and soul into fine-tuning our lesson plans to make it as good as possible. So great job everyone!! :)
After the lesson plans were more or less finalized, we finally ended off by writing cards with words of encouragements to each other. It was very heartening seeing some people write sincere and encouraging praises. Well, hope we can all continue to be even more bonded as a group and do wonders next year! :D

Yup, so thats a summary of what we did for this year (took me two nights to draft them :O). Hope I have not been too longwinded. People with the blog password can log in and shorten this post if you want. Have fun!! :)

Chee Yang

Gift Camp 2009 Activity Board

2009-12-24T00:09:00.005+08:00

Gift of Reading Team
Kheng Hwee is taking the pic. Missed Aidah, Waimin, Wei Kiat,
Kaka & Gino who were busy with other matters during this session.

Activity 2....Big Picture Small Roles....

Reflections from Amazing Race....

Mdm Phua's Training Session....

Reflections after discussion with Mr Chia....

Andala sharing her reflections after Activity 2...

Activity 1... Secret Code
Oh this was hilarious. The host of learnings that came with
this activity made it all the more sweeter....

Activity 3.... Doodle Woodle....

Activity 3... Doodle masterpiece....with a story spinned

out of pure imagination and creativity by our volunteers

End of Camp: Writing Thank You and Well Wishing Cards to one another....

Who's this????

Ahh....

At SAM....

23 December 2009

2009-12-23T20:52:00.002+08:00

A Note from Da Jie -
The photos in this entry are all mine, feel free to save them. Just click on them to enlarge (up to the size of your window) so that you can see some of the artworks better. However, I request you NOT to repost them up on facebook as I'll be doing that and I don't want to see the same photos over & over again!
Enjoy!

Gift of Reading Camp Day I
SAM

Rejoice

"Please donate some money to me!"

An old lady who had difficulty getting up...

The map that helped us much!

To my team mates - Xue Ling / Yao Nian / Yong Quan / Wei Shi

Failed Jumpshot

Failed Jumpshot again.

Success!

The reason why I do it so well (heh) is because I know my camera so, so, so well.

*Excited*

Gift of Reading Camp Day II

I swear Wen Bo was posing. I took a series of shots and he was in the same position for every single shot.

Slacking...

Happy people.

Happy Person.

Gift of Reading Camp Day III

This is super funny! (I mean the comment)

Ultimate!

Clinging for dear life. Down we go...

*Screams*

Sorry guys, that I couldn't write much. Been busy at work everyday! Check my blog some time later, maybe a week or so, if you want a detailed writeup! :D

BIG PICTURE SMALL ROLES =)

2009-12-22T23:11:00.010+08:00

Dear dudes & dudettes,

Many of the post-its written have no identity on it. So I named it "Anonymous", if you recognise your masterpiece, please tag them and I will help u edit your identity. Thanks & Enjoy all these wonderful thoughts below.

Big Picture Small Roles

Instructions - An A4 sized picture of Mickey and Friends was cut into 6 parts. Each volunteer was then asked to enlarge one of the pieces to 6 times the original size. The pieces were subsequently joined together and put up as masterpieces.

Observations

Some drawings were accurate and stunning. Some less so. Only one or two pieces fit well together in each assembled masterpiece. Most were a misfit. Some enlargements were bigger than others. Some were colourful, others strikingly detailed. Most were drawn as landscape 2 as portrait. On the whole, while one could get the gist of the enlarged and assembled pictures, the final outcome was far from perfect.

Parallels drawn to Gift

Each of the six pieces could represent a specific role in GOR. E.g. Big Book reading, Activities, Toilet break, Snacks distribution, Setting up the room, getting name tags and material from shutters, lesson planning, debrief etc.

Each of the pieces could represent the skill level / confidence / passion of each volunteer.

The edges of each of the six pieces could represent transitions between activities in Gift. E.g from lesson planning to execution, or Big Book reading to small book reading.

Reflections

Communication plays a very big part in making our lessons proceed smoothly w/o any conflict. We also need to work together as a team in order to achieve our aim, no matter how important (or not) our roles are. ~ Andala

Everybody is equally Important ~ Sharnie

No matter how small our role is, it is still important. Every role is needed to complete the whole task; one cant be missing. All these need planning & communication too. At the very least all of us should put in our best efforts in our roles =) ~ Samantha

Everybody in GOR is impt & plays an important role. Communication & Planning is important to reach the goal. Do what you are good at, Do your best in everything ~ Sandy

Planning is Impt because, if we don't plan the whole thing will be a disaster. Have an idea of what u are doing and do it perfectly. ~ Yong Quan

To create a Big picture nicely, it doesnt mean that u have to be able to draw it perfectly; it means we need to piece up the sides nicely and communicate with one another and pre-plan it so as to create that Big picture and achieve our goals ~ Aini

Complement Others ~ Anonymous

A take-away would be that everyone is entitled to be different. The challenge is making us fit well. "you are unique, just like everyone else" ~ YaoNian

Everything needs planning beforehand
Observe
Modify to create a fit and to make things more interesting
Do what u are best at
Stretch out from what we do (e.g. thinking)

Get out of your own comfort zone. ~ Anonymous

When someone does not fit into our team, we should make the effort to welcome them like adding strips of paper to complete the big picture. ~ Anonymous

Teamwork : One very good picture is not always good. A group of allies is better than a single hero. So teamwork is important. Planning! ~ DF

Instructions can be interpreted in many ways. Seamless transitions are important ~ Anonymous

Communication & Planning is important before execution ~ Sharnie

One look and I know that the picture is hard to draw. One person alone may not be able to draw the whole picture perfectly, but if we break the picture to smaller pieces, and give the job to ur teammates, you may create a piece of art work. It may not be perfect, but it can be improved ~ Anonymous

We may be different in many ways, but we're all here for the same reasons: WE care for the children. We share a common big dream (enlarged picture). So if we do what we are good at and communicate our ideas well, Gift will turn out better ~ Pei Woon

Only with communication and planning, we can achieve success, contributing efficiently as a whole ~ Foong Chuan

I learnt that the success of an activity is not just determined by its individual impact, but also by how well it fits into the big picture. Likewise, the success of Gift sessions are not just evaluated by how well received each activity is, but also by how smoothly the entire session is planned ~ Chee Yang

Everybody in Gift has an important role to play in the success of Gift sessions. To make sessions better, we need to pre-plan, make necessary modifications, communicate effectively with fellow volunteers. Also, we should do the things we do BEST - as what one of the posters say : to make the children STAY, they must be LOVED. ~ Kenneth

To plan well and discuss how to make the picture complete & nice, we need to observe & communicate to make a nice and seamless picture just like a perfect & good session in Gift =) ~ Weikiat

No matter what role you get, do your best ~ Anonymous

Everyone plays a part. Without even one tiny role that seems unimportant, the big picture will get messed up. ~ Anonymous

If you find that you could make adjustments to make the Big picture better, it'll be good. In Gift, always ask what can I do to improve sessions. ~ Anonymous

Everyone should play/perform their roles the best they can but should avoid dominating others ~ Anonymous

From this activity I learned that we must never think that the small roles in Gift are not important, because everyone's effort is important to our ultimate goal. ~ Shi Lei

I feel that we should take a bigger piece of paper & let everyone draw on it before we cut~ Anonymous

It will be easier to portray the picture if the A4 papers were made as one and then drawn on so that the picture will be SEAMLESS...~ Anonymous

No matter how perfect one can be, if one is not able to communicate well with others, it is hard to make oneself understood. When one is not understood, the whole picture is never a whole anymore. There will be a missing piece ~ Anonymous

One or two have tried to be very different and have drawn their picture vertically while all others have drawn horizontally. While it is ok to want to be different or special, perhaps one may want to ensure that their picture fits in well with the others to create the perfect big picture instead of standing out on their own. In Gift, having one or two outstanding volunteers may create less value than having a strong team of volunteers. ~ Alfred

Kenneth

2010 Programme Term 1

2009-12-21T21:48:00.012+08:00

MYTHS & FAIRYTALES

Theme I (first 3 weeks)

[1st Session]

Games and Activities [15 mins]
Small Book Reading [20 mins]
Toilet Break [05 mins]
Big book Reading (with tuning in) [15 mins]
P.S. Tuning in is a short activity to introduce the the Big Book to children. T.I may be songs… Giving out snacks and Singing of Goodbye Song [05 mins]

Logistics
1. 5 Small Books
2. 1 Big Book
3. Tuning in Song Sheet (Intro to Big Bk)
4. Snacks

[2nd Session]

Hello Song + Some “Warm-up” Activities [05 mins]
Big Book [Dramatization]
P.S: This Drama will be based on the Big book read in the 1st Session. [10 mins]

Readers’ Theatre (RT)
P.S: RT is an activity where ALL Children recite or act out a particular scene from the Big Book with guidance by a volunteer. It need not be 100% exact from the Big book, so when necessary, they can add new lines to the scene they choose. [30 mins]
Toilet Break [05 mins]
Games + Activities + Giving out of snacks + Singing of Goodbye Song [10 mins]

Logistics
1. 1 Big Book
2. Drama Script
3. Stationeries (for planning of Readers’ Theatre)
4. Snacks

[3rd Session]

Fairytale Songs [10 mins]
Puppet Show (The Frog and the Princess) [05 mins]
Small Book Reading [20 mins]
Toilet Break [05 mins]
Activity: Drawing/Colouring of Cartoon Characters [20 mins]

Logistics
1. Puppets
2. Story line for Puppet Show: The Frog and the Princess
3. Cartoon Drawing
4. Colour Pencils
5. Disney Songs
6. Small Books

Dear Volunteers, if u are not on any of the parts of the programme, u can approach Kenneth/Aini for a more detailed explanation. A more detailed plan will be sent to ur email once we finalise all details of the following activities.

~ Kenneth

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2010 Programme Term 1: Theme II - Dinosaurs
Duration for this theme: 2 weeks

1st week:

Songs: Hello song and others. if there's time, create a song that has something to do with the theme

Big Book/Dramatisation by volunteers: use small book or make up own story (max 10 mins)

Making of finger puppets of dinosaurs: Use bubbletea straws and pictures of dinosaurs that would be coloured by the children. (max 45 mins)

Note: Tell the children the week before that we will be making the finger puppets so that they know they must come. Make extra puppets for the 2nd week, for the children who didn't come the week before. Collect and keep the finger puppets in the 1st week so that the children won't forget to bring.

Small book reading: can use the finger puppets made earlier to dramatise the stories (max 20 mins)

2nd week:

Songs: same as 1st week

Small book reading: can use the finger puppets made earlier to dramatise the books (max 10 mins)

Go through the roles and actions for the the children's dramatisation section. If the volunteers in-charge want more buffer time to give the children more time to learn the roles and actions, they can cancel out the small book reading. Use the same story dramatised by the volunteers in the 1st week. Split the children into different groups so that it's easier for them to learn. They will then later perform in the same groups. Dramatisation by the children: volunteers may want to invite the parents to come in and watch.

Backup activities:

Hot seat: a volunteer will be on the hot seat and the children will be the ones that ask the questions since they are naturally more curious.

Puzzle games: enlarged pictures of dinosaurs are cut up and later the children will have to work together to solve it. like a jigsaw puzzle.

Frozen pictures: we will ask the children to move around the space given and act as dinosaurs. a volunteer will then say stop and everyone freezes. volunteers may want to take pictures when they are frozen.

The details will be sent to everyone when ready. If you have any questions, please ask either Foong Chuan or myself.

Andala!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2010 Programme Term 1

Theme III of IV (Sports)

1st Week

Introduction 10 minutes
- Includes intro song and some songs to tune children in. Made it 10 minutes so as to factor in late comers.

Big Book (Ice cream stick) 20 minutes

- Read the Big book two times.
- First time for discussion and second time for fluency. Should take 15 minutes actually since it is a short book but have included 5 minutes buffer time.

Toilet break 5 minutes
Should be enough provided everything runs smoothly.

Activity time 15 minutes-20 minutes
- Show children flash cards of sports and briefly explain them.
- This does not have to take up to 15 minutes actually, in fact can probably finish between 10 to 15 minutes.

Game time Remaining time
- Playing of Simon Says/Magic rocks, where children do actions of the various sports. Requires volunteers to role model. Do not play this game if there is no time left.

Farewell 5 minutes
- Includes goodbye song, getting the children to wear their shoes and queue up for snacks.

2nd week

Introduction 10 minutes

Small book reading 20 minutes

- Read small books related to the theme. It is crucial at this point that volunteers show children that books are a good place to further their interest in sports and can also bring out the joy of sports, so as to ensure that the love of reading can be complemented with the interest in sports we are cultivating through the activities.

Toilet break 5 minutes

Big Book (Ice cream stick) 10 minutes
- Recap the big book ice cream stick. Check for understanding at this point and ensure that children can remember the sports in the book.

Game time Remaining time
- Play Simon Says/Magic rocks.
However, if this game was played during previous week and volunteers think children have already enjoyed it last week, we could play another game where children get to try out the sport (in mini version), so we could probably play bowling with a paper ball and plastic bottles or maybe play soccer (penalty shoot out style) with mini goal posts and balls.

Farewell 5 minutes

Logistics (refer to this when doing session prep and one week before theme starts)
1. Making of flash cards. Flash cards should have pictures of items used in the sport and maybe a picture of someone playing it. Some sports we have in mind are as follows:
a. Tennis (must have, as it is in the big book)
b. Canoeing (must have, as it is in the big book)
c. Skateboarding (must have, as it is in the big book)
d. Soccer (very popular, so should have as children can relate to it)
e. Basketball (also very popular, and since there is a basketball in the CC lets include it)
f. Badminton (should have since there is a badminton court in CC)
g. Bowling (a very popular sport in Taman Jurong area among youths according to the Youth Executive Committee there)
h. Skipping (a simple sport very easy to pick up)
i. Swimming (one of Singapore’s stronger sports, so maybe should include so children can strive to be like youths excelling in this sport)
j. Hockey (Indian national sport, so some Indians may relate to it better)
k. Cycling (another popular sport in Taman Jurong area I believe)
l. Rugby (since Qi Wei is in rugby)
m. Netball (since we have volunteers who are in there and also because the CC has a netball court. But children may confuse it with basketball)
n. Volleyball (I am assuming that the CC’s hall can be used for volleyball)
Hopefully these sports are easy for the children to pick up if they are interested. Perhaps it can also drive them to reading books about them.
2. Making of props for big book. Suggested items include the following
a. A mouse made up of a foam cup and having ears made of sticks, eyes drawn in and whiskers and ears made of paper.
b. A few ice cream sticks, to complement the book.
c. Tennis ball for the part where the mouse plays tennis.
d. Folded paper boat for the part where the mouse canoes
e. A mini skateboard, which can be a toy one or one made of an ice cream stick and marker caps. Required for the part where the mouse skateboards.
3. Getting of volunteers to bring items of sports (e.g. tennis racket, soccer ball) one week before start of theme, as children remember what they see the most.
4. Making of mini sized sports equipment if volunteers are thinking of letting the children try out mini versions of the sports.

Chee Yang

Gift Camp'09

2009-12-21T16:33:00.008+08:00

Amazing Race
Amazing Race was amazing because it made me get out of my comfort zone and push my limits for the team, thus making us even more bonded
'Chee Yang

The Amazing Race kept us bonded throughout the race.
I built friendship among us and we also co-operated to finish the race faster.
'Clement

The Amazing Race was enriching because we worked in groups and got to know each other better. We also realised their strengths. Those older then us are a treasure as they are cleverer than us.
'YongQuan

Amazing Race: Amazing
I found the amazing race "amazing" as it:
-encouraged participation
-allowed us to get out of our comfort zone.
-got us to share a lot
-celerbrated our achievements (everytime we accomplished a task)
all while having FUN together

Amazing Race: Enriching
I found the amazing race "enriching" because we were able to:
-build up courage
-cooperate
-participate equally (sharing the "burden")
-learn teamwork
all while having FUN!
'Nadiah

It taught me that....
TO DO WELL, YOU NEED
1)Wit
2)Tools
3)FRIENDS!!!
'DaJie

Amazing Race helped us
-bond with each other
-have courage to speak out
-to understand that co-operation is impt
-to understand that communication is impt
-participate actively in a FUN way!
'Sandy

Amazing race was enriching because...
-we managed to bond with eachother.
-the seniors and juniors managed to work well together.
-we managed to get to know each other better
-we finally knew how big ochard was
-I had a good time being the facillitator, as i could see my group thinking very hard to figure out the clues.
-We managed to finish the race as one group.
'XueLing

Amazing Race
I got to know more about places, and how to get there. I also got to know who had good navigation skills. This helped our group to follow their lead, instead of being unsure and wasting time
'S.Aishwarya :)

Amazing Race was enriching because I learnt and experienced the importance of communication. From the many detours and mistakes in routes, I realized that life is like a journey. If we ask the right people for directions, we'll succeed in the end
'Foong Chuan

I got a chance to know more about the gift volunteers. I improved my sense of direction, at least now I know where im going.LOL!!=) I enjoyed myself alot >< 'Sharnie AMAZING RACE! Basically, I found the amazing race really fun & enjoyable. We got to display teamwork and other dynamics during the game. I was really happy that everyone appeared to have a common goal and we all tried our best to accomplish the given tasks as a team. We worked towards a common goal & tried our very best ->Each team member contributed ideas and participated really actively.
'WeiShi

The amazing race really bonded us together because we helped each other & completed the race together :D So i think it worked in the bonding & it's FUN
'WeiKiat

The bonding and communication among volunteers improved, i got to know better and made new friends ^^
'Samantha

I discovered that some teammates were extremely resourceful, that some teammates had their own moments of courage and spontaneity and also some sides of people I've never seen. It was positive, and I'm proud of it.
'Yao Nian

The Amazing Race was super fun!! =D "Roaming" around Orchard was kinda tiring cus usually we only choose one place. Bonding with the newer volunteers was excellent! I really got to know more abt my juniors, which was really exclusive as Ii dun think there would have been a better chance =). The experience@SAM&8Q was and eye opener! The shattered glass pieces really caught my attention and the paper room in 8Q somehow made me feel guilty as we had to walk on paper which had English Lit one it(I think). And the art work done by Felicia Low made me feel how important family relations were, and it made me feel I had to treasure them more. I will never 4gt today's experience Eva =D
'Riza

Amazing Race was Amazing
-It enabled me to see the true character of my team members.
-It brought out one's true self without one knowing it

Enriching
-It helped build up one's confidence & courage
'Aini

I have achieved one of the objectives which is bonding...
I have Learned so many things about my group members that I would never forget...
'______

It really taught me how to care for my friends when they are in trouble.
For eg. When Wei Kiat hurt his foot, all of us went over and asked him if he was alright.
'ShiLei :D

Even tough Ii am new, I managed to make new friends. Even though we did not come in first, we did accomplish some teamwork.
'ViJay

Amazing race was enriching because...
-We Showed teamwork
-Everyone had a chance to show their strength.
'_______

It helped to foster & deepen friendship bonds among volunteers. At a personal level, those clues helped to develop our own critical thinking skills....
It was indeed an experience that I believe has had a positive impact on GOR volunteers!
'Kenneth

Amazing race was enriching because I got to learn more about my teammates. For example, Sharnie is a really brave girl who has no qualms about approaching strangers. I also got to bond with them.(:

Amazing Race+Gift people= AWESOMENESS!
'Andala

It takes courages to approach strangers whom we didn't know and sing to them. Amazing Race, took me lots of courage while approaching strangers and this will definitely help in GOR sessions. 'WeiJun

List of morals
-Live and let live
-We shape our future with our decisions
-Live with FAITH
-Honesty is the BEST policy
-Live with no regrets
-Don't be GREEDY!
-Be HONEST...
-Don't judge a book by its cover
-Respect the ELDER!
-You may be good, but be HUMBLE
-Slow and steady wins the race
-Nothing is free in the world...
-Communication is important!!!
-We are authors of our own life
-Respect others but more importantly respect yourself.

Thanks GOR for planning such a good and fun camp. I really enjoyed the camp! I love all the seniors and thanks for being so kind and caring! I wish I can see you guys again :D Can't wait for Gift sessions and camp :D

Yong Quan here!

Less Perfect

2009-10-31T17:35:00.001+08:00

02 October 2009

2009-10-02T16:05:00.003+08:00

Hello All,

Blessings In a Bag, a charity run by youths that you might have heard of, is collecting donations (items / money) for the survivors in Philippines.

Following items are much needed:
+ Food (non-perishable/canned)
+ Towels (New/pre-loved)
+ Blankets (New/Pre-Loved)
+ Clothing (New/Pre-Loved)
+ Underwear (New)

If you wish to donate any items (as an individual or as a group), contact me (dajie) for more details yeah? (:

2009-09-25T23:07:00.001+08:00

Debreif for 25th September, the last session of 2009.
Notes taken by Meiying.

Each being is unique and capable of sharing love, which helps one another to overcome the obstacles. Facing ups and downs are the realities of life. Different expectations of each other (vol. and children) from different volunteers. A lot of times we face a lot of disappointments cos we have different expectations. 2 golden opportunities each year. The moment we are curious abt something, we figure out a way. Find a wayu yo contribute to the camp so that we can have it the way we’d like it to be planned out. What types of trainings/games so that we can use the camp to become better ppl to ourselves&fellow vol.

What we can improve in:
· language that we use in front of children (simple but standard proper English) – sessions for leadership skills?
· Leadership skills to discipline selves
· Games to foster a sense of teamwork btw volunteers who rarely have a chance to work tgt – less blockage in sharing of ideas
· The opportunity to get to know each and everyone much better – so it’s easier to put selves into their perspectives and where their ideas are coming from. Also is impt so that we can learn from each other
· Break the line between the junior-senior thingy
· Reading skills – for the ones who didn’t get a chance to go thr any training
· Be more vocal, self-expressing, listening to others
· Not so afraid of each other/solemn like currently (a funeral)
· Drama, mines, dance – cooperation, team work
· Bond as a whole – not in cliques, speak to each other like normal friends would, understand each other (also so that we would step out and help each other when in need)
· DRAMA – good for those who are not confident in big books; teambuilding, spontaneous
· Everyone takes initiative to help each other when they are in help, and not do nothing but stare
· Don’t let the seniors always be the ones to take the class – can take turns and have fun

2009-09-19T14:11:00.003+08:00

HELLLOOO ALLL!!!
Wenxin here(:

This is what was discussed on.... SEPTEMBER 11, 2009.
Yeap, the date(:
The juniors first take charge on their own on this date! So memorable :D
Notes taken by Meiying.

How’s the session?

FC-
Not organized, messy
No lesson plan, snacks, attendance
Not well-prepared
Didn’t go with the theme
Played games (tom and jerry), big books (did acting related to farmer in the…)

Aini-
Better than last week (planned out since 5pm; made sure everything needed is there, and session went quite well; organised)
More rowdy children shifted to darker room (sharnie and qiwei with them)
Small book, break fast in the mean time, big book (intro music from around the world, cultures, songs, dance; nadrah explained the rationale), ice cream stick handicraft (?), volunteers used torchlight to shine the room, goodbye song

CY-
Prep work good
Plenty of time to prepare
Session wasn’t smooth
Couldn’t control children at times
But not totally out of hand
So not too bad
Hello song, small book (children not very attentive), toilet break, big book, gdbye song
Pictures on the wall – used to ask children qns during break

Other comments:
Snacks – 2 volunteers 7.30pm went to buy

-----------------------------------------------------------

From Gino:
A chance to step out of their shell to be a leader
Next year no more seniors to guide them
Juniors should experience how to be a leader, first-hand what they need to do, and not just listen to given instructions, be impromptu when problem crops up (if not members will get blur as well)
Should be confident with their own ideas
Children need to be included if not will feel left out

Other comments:
First time taking charge, no one leading
Rating based on juniors ranged from 3 to 8

Lujie:
Gift is abt imparting the love of reading to children
Lots of time and effort are put in
At the end of the day, the children should go home feeling that they’ve benefitted something
We are not here to be clowns and make them happy
That’s why sufficient planning and leadership is needed so that we are not wasting out time
Wasn’t too impressed with today’s session
Upstairs: good. Prepared and knows what to do
Downstairs: chaotic, should have own idea of what to do for them and not ask the children
Have to walk out of comfort zone and learn to be leaders
Never let the children bully you and let them think it’s okay for them to do whatever they want
Should try and organize a more meaningful session

FC:
Today a bit chaotic
Snacks too late then buy
Some juniors don’t know how to carry on with/without lesson plan
But should already have a rough line of what the children should be doing
Xueling’s group (big book) still not bad, knew how to play out
Suggest that if no idea what activities to carry out, can do small book
(Kheng: since they came out early, can put in small book since they roughly know the plan)

Kheng:
Calls herself demanding
Not blaming them for not knowing what to do, since they’ve been used to being told what to do
Buying snacks so late is ridiculous
(Weishi: opened shuttle, but only realized no snacks when someone asked. Knew what to take cos she used to be there with Aini and had experience. Knew of the theme and what books to take)
Initiative problem (long ago set expectations)
Should make it a point from now onwards to know the basics, lesson plan, various roles, prep time, rehearse if there’s a play
Today had 1hr to plan but didn’t turn out well
Theme-related stuffs (even if playing games)
Xueling’s class, always xueling leading (what if she/other seniors don’t come)

Seniors: just want to know what’s going on, how prepared are they
(no comments from juniors)

Lujie:
Wish to go to the fundamentals (understand why they even come for Gift, personal reasons)

Nadiah- for children, the way they are (happy, learn)
Shobana- to teach them
Andala- stress-reliever
Shimin- no one used to read to her, want to read to them cos she know of its importance
Wenxin- to play
Kittyee- stress-relief
Kheng- to see her favourite children
Meiying- to see the children’s smiles
Aini- a place where she can really be happy and don’t have to worry about school stuffs
Ayam- to enjoy with both children and volunteers
Wei kiat- like children
Gino- they make him smile
Cy- to revive his childhood
Yongquan- to help children learn
Weishi- a place where she can be free, not proper, have fun
Sandy- to get along with children, teach
Zhoubo- loves reading, teach them to love reading also
Xueling- teach
Sokhian- practice on oral
Weijun- to be a child once again, can become one of them, interact more
Sharnie- babysitter of the easily disrupted children
Aishwarya- share knowledge, learn from them as well
Qiwei- love them
Jinjin- CCA, teach the children to read
Lujie- for the volunteers (children come and go)
FC- an opportunity to make changes in someone’s lives, impart love of reading
Saras- love them

Lujie:
A sense of belonging is impt and will affect the children that we have now
Passing on something impt is critical as well
Distinction between snrs and jnrs used to not be so distinct
Now always like there’s a gap
If we all feel that we want to do something for the children, we will all automatically plan and do
Seniors should always take the initiative to interact with juniors

Wenxin:
Feels that xueling did quite well (boys in class listened and paid attention to her), but other juniors could be more initiated
Sometimes we don’t always have to stick to the lesson plan, can be flexible (factors like no. of children and volunteers can affect)
At least the juniors rmb the snacks, so it’s fine
Nadrah’s class, what if Nadrah is not here?
Nadrah’s class- many ppl running around in the dark room while Nadrah is controlling the rest of the class (Sharnie- doing 1-to-1) (Aini- how do they do the 1-to-1 actually?) (sharnie, qiwei- couldn’t hear)

Ø Aini- quiet corner (for problematic children that are out of control for a period of time, but talking sense to him is necessary) vs. one-to-one (those that always give excuses that they don’t want to join the class and seriously needs individual attention, to encourage the
children to join in the class)

Yellow

2009-06-24T00:27:00.003+08:00

Dedicated to Kish who loves this song.

Gift of Reading PAMP

2009-04-13T21:40:00.005+08:00

Dearest Dudes & Dudettes,

As an APPRECIATION of all your commitment and hard work, we'll have a party at my place (PAMP) on Saturday, 02 May 2009 from 1pm onwards.

This will be a great opportunity to get together to reminisce the good times we've shared in 1H2009. Special thanks and well wishes go to our seniors who will be taking a break from Gift to focus on their major exams - Os and As. To our volunteers who joined us this year (I may not have met all of you - especially those from Friday sessions), this will be a warm informal welcome for you too! :-)

If you have photos from this term's sessions, put them up on the blog with captions so that we can all re-live the good times with our children and favourite books!

Bring your smiles and energy to the party, along with your own children's story with illustrations! Yes, give a shot at being a children's author for one day! You may wish to create your own little book in pairs. You'll be surprised at how far a well written, catchy story could go... beyond the seas and time zones... Cmon, give it a go! =D

We'll see you real soon!

RSVP by 30 April 2009: kishjehan@gmail.com to get the address and directions. :)

Love,
Kish

11 March 2009

2009-03-12T18:17:00.001+08:00

HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY, YIDA!

11 March 2009

2009-03-11T23:10:00.002+08:00

Hello All,

A gentle reminder - Auntie won't be around this Friday and Saturday. Please be more proactive and get things ready before the sessions so that it won't be messy on those 2 days without your dearest auntie to guide you.

Hui Hui and Wenbo will be around on Friday to help you, and Wenbo has kindly agreed to come on Saturday too.

Also, will someone please get ready copies of the namelists for next Friday so that we can check against names when we've returned the deposits? + post the lesson plans up on this blog before friday?

Lastly... Let's wish Auntie a safe & fun trip!

Gift Of Reading Team

auntie's naggin again!

2009-03-09T18:29:00.002+08:00

hehee ppl! auntie is back again! haha. n to nag again!:P hehee. anw. if i dun nag, i can't be an auntie rite?:P

haha. yep yep. okay. jus heard frm some n observed it myself. tt e crowd control is nt v good or rather nt hard to maintain. n i mean controllin e children n giving out instructions in big grps. yep. i've also tried for myself on sat. it's really nt easy. n jus some tricks tt we can use: silent clap, "focus" thingy n if really desperate, i suggested putting fingers on lips. yep. bt my point is jus wat i've said during fri's debrief: it's to NOT give up n jus keep trying! dun get pissed w e children k! nor be angry w them. yep. this is sth so true after i went into e green grp last fri. at first during week 2 or 3. i alr observed tt e green class is so noisy n e children seriously dun listen. n coz e children were so disobedient, i actually didn't like e class alot. until e last fri wen i went into their class n i realised tt even e naughtiest children actually had their "cute" side. n i really mean it. yep. bt too bad tt was alr my last week. so i wun be able to like play w them alr. unless they come back nxt term. yep yep. jus wanna say tt all children are cute! jus dun give up on them n dun flare up at them k!(: keep trying!:D

n also mentioned in fri's debrief alr. do work as a team k! be it in ur own classes or as a whole fri team or as a whole gift team. yep. there's no leader-follower system in gift k! we all work tgt! yep yep. n sorry tt i arranged ICs for like e classes/overall/logistics n even this planning for last week's activity. bt i jus think tt havin an IC helps to facilitates things. yep. make sure things work. hee. bt tis doesn't mean these ICs can bully ppl k! haha. bt so far they haven't been!:P hehee. yep. so jus work tgt k!

seniors, try letting juniors run e sessions k! bt dun leave them alone n start talkin at e back k! help them control naughty students n help them make their silent claps louder, their instructions heard n do come in n help control e crowd wen it gets out of hand k! help each other!(:

n for e last week's activity, can i suggest tt u guys cut short e drama thingy? still keep it coz i think it wld be a good experience for e junior team to try working things out on their own w.o e seniors being around to guide/help. n in a sense let u guys try out new things tt maybe u all didn't dare to try?:P hee. yep. bt maybe put more focus on another activity coz this drama thingy doesn't involve the children. they wld still be sitting there. get them moving n it's really more fun n enjoyable wen u've children screaming u see!:P sat class, dun forget to play a few rounds of tom n jerry k! their fav!!:P haha.

yep. n wen u guys gather e children tgt. if children frm diff classes start like running around tgt or talking n ignoring ur instructions. rmb e simplest thing to do is to form human barriers k! = volunteers stand 1 line to separate e diff grps so tt they can't see each other nor talk across. yep. be proactive k everyone(: be v alert n react fast if situations get out of control! hee.

n also a v good thing to do is to like tell ur class to show to e other 2 classes tt they can behave better than them:P haha. a bit like teachin e children to compete. bt i guess it works? haha. yep. n do sth like getting them to promise u they wld behave(den can get them to like hi-5 w u as a form of promise. pls dun get them to raise 3 fingers n start to like swear/vow k! haha. too serious!) yep n if they get too noisy. remind them bout e promise they made to u!(: yep yep(: haha. bt if they do get a bit excited wen they see their friends frm other classes, dun be too harsh on them la hor. it's norm:P

n for e 2 conference rooms, pls rmb e first thing u guys need to do wen u get into the class is to on e lights properly! i also dunno hw, bt jus keep pressing n turning e knob-switch! yep yep. impt k! haha.

n rmb esp for e 2 conference rooms' grps too. rmb to contain ur volume within ur own grp during small grp reading k! if nt e room becomes v noisy. yep yep.

n for e green grp. remind children nt to shout wor. tell them u can hear them. dun need to shout. yep yep(:

n for everyone, jus rmb tt if u promise ur children some things. mus do it. n jus like if u say sth, do it k! if let's say u tell them to raise their hands if they wan to talk, make sure u implement it n ignore those who talk w.o raising their hands k! bt of coz after ignoring them, need tell them why u ignore them!:P hehee. yep.

anw a suggestion. u guys can make some things for ur children as small gifts. stickers nt a bad idea:P haha. not compulsory. bt if u wan to buy them some stuff den go ahead. yep(: n if u only wan to give to a few(hehee. nt v good. bias:P) do it secretly k! dun let other children noe!:P haha. yep.

tt's all i've. rmb to work as a team n help out e ICs k! n do be prepare n decide on wat time to reach for e last day of sessions so as to prepare for sessions earlier k!(: yep yep. jiayou ppl! as i've said many times, u guys can do it man!:D

anw. i'm nt like teaching u guys wat to do or instructing u guys k! jus sharing n suggestions. dun haf to follow strictly hor!(:

P.S: i practised wat i said, i'm nt treatin myself as a leader nor treatin u guys as my followers!:D

auntie aka kheng(:

theme for tmr

2009-02-05T19:44:00.002+08:00

hey ppl! both the overall ICs aren't unable to upload the themes for tmr n on sat! so tmr come at 6pm n volunteers for sat, try to come at 2pm k! we will share the lesson plans tmr/sat(: hee. thanks for checking the blog still, tho it's nothin much:P hehe.

auntie(:

24 January 2009

2009-01-24T23:03:00.001+08:00

Source: ere I forget

Shortly after we were done with the big book, tard told me to go down and get construction paper. I went downstairs and couldn't find any, so I took the lift back up. The moment the door opened, I got a shock as Haqeem was standing like SUPER close to the door. But Haqeem also got a shock so we had a good laugh over it.

I walked in to see the children seated in a circle, and by tard's signal, they sang "Happy Birthday" for me.

And I was presented with this chosen by twin!
Yum Yum...

I love Gift of Reading!

They were absolutely so sweet! Though I was slightly disappointed Alirah wasn't around :(

Then we were taught how to fold hearts by Qian Hui.

Haqeem being a big brother.

Xin Rui...

My lovely children.

Yay finally with the 2 of them peacefully.

My cake-cutting ceremony.

*Happy*

Debrief...

Hehh...

Woohooo.

Tard's like CRAZY over my balloon.

Tard's a retard.

... Totally tardy.

Woohoo!

See what I mean when I say she's CRAZY over it? She was taking a photo of my balloon.

The balloon's in my room now!

Lesson plan for session 2! (23 Jan/24 Jan)

2009-01-22T21:22:00.005+08:00

Volunteers, Well Done! The first Gift session for 2009 went quite successfully. Thanks for your cooperation and efforts in handling the children well. However, more adventure still awaits in SESSION 2! Hehe.. xD

Theme : NOT PUSHING BLAME TO OTHERS

Please take note that there are now 3 classes during Fri sessions and 1 class on the Sat session.

Friday Session

-Red Grp IC : Chee Yang (conference room 1)

-Green Grp IC : Nadiah (conference room 2)

-Orange Grp IC : Aini (Dance Studio 2)

Saturday Session

-Purple Grp IC : Qian Hui (Dance Studio 1)

You are all old enough to understand the theme, right? ;-D .. So, here's the plan...

1) When the session starts, the snacks IC (make sure you know your roles! :D) will tell the children that there will be no snacks for the day as he/she has misplaced the entire bag of snacks.

2) The expected reaction from the children is that they will start blaming the snacks IC and will begin to sulk and moan.

3) The snacks IC will appear very sad, and leave the class crying.

4) The respective Grp ICs will explore with their children in small groups about 'not pushing the blame on others' and to take responsibility in setting things right. Discuss what the children can do to help the snacks IC. In a big group help the snack IC trace back his steps and recall where he might have left the bag of snacks. Pretend to find it and return to the room with the snacks.

5) At the end of the session, the children could apologize to the snack IC (for their unfriendly behaviour at the beginning) before they receive their snack :)

Mini Skit

1) A child(volunteer 1) is walking around the classroom

2) He trips over and falls down

3) He blames one of the children for causing him to trip and fall

4) The teacher(volunteer 2) will be standing right behind him as he blames the other child

5) The teacher will explain that it is not right to blame others for his own fault

Big Book : Clown In The Well

Grp ICs, please prepare before hand with your volunteers on how you are going to present this book to the children. Remember to show the theme clearly, k?.. :D

Since there are now 3 Grps for Fri session, Grp ICs should discuss at which 20min slot each Grp is going to do big book reading as the 3 Grps will be sharing the book.

Small Book Reading

- Volunteers please choose your books during the preparation time and read once through

- Make sure that the book you choose is relavant to the theme and is suitable for the children

- Use your creativity to link the theme to the story and explore the theme with the children

I am very sure that everyone will cooperate and make this another successful session!

GO GIFT OF READING! YEAH! (:

HaQeeM~

21 January 2009

2009-01-21T22:59:00.000+08:00

Gift Of Reading - 16 Jan 09 Session (S1 First Session)

Pre-session Bonding.

Trying to snatch my heart.

As in the red soft toy. It's mine [:

Haha..

Some new volunteers from JSS.

I wonder what was said to cause such big reactions. Can't remember.

Briefing. Still playing with my heart.

Tard the Auntie briefing us.

New Girl, Sam, Irene.

Registration. Some parents brought their kids there really early, so I skipped half of the briefing to help with registration with Min Qi.
She is so pretty!

Session time.

I didn't see Alirah, so I was pretty disappointed. Seriously, I'll offer her free nursery tuition just to see her!

Talent spotted.

[: She's really good!

Min Jia was really moody that day as normally Tard will be showering loads of attention on her but Tard was busy with getting everything in place that day. *Emos*

That's my Gabrielle! She's got a haircut, but she's still adorable and lively as ever! She refused to let me take photographs of her, so I had to do it on the sly.

Mei Ying

Wafiyah

This poor boy was asking for his mom and crying the whole time...

But thank god there was Andala who comforted him and tried her best to cheer him up. His mom came after we called her (with the entire family) and she (or rather they) joined us for the session.

Ain't she cute!

That's Demi behind Gabrielle. Demi's malay but she looks really ang-moh. I think she'll grow up to be a hot babe.

Got a really unglam photo of Sam but I'm nice so it's not here.

[: Enjoyed the session, love my kids so much.

loves; dajie

22 December 2008 Gift Outing

2008-12-23T20:08:00.004+08:00

Outing was fun, with juniors, tard and twin! Had loads of fun prank-calling Ka (ka, I know you must be cursing us now) even though the outing was pretty much unplanned.

That's what I call true friendship, having fun even when we're just doing nothing and just walking around and talking crap [: This is something others don't, and can't get.

NOTE: Kish, we missed you! Where were you!

Endofyear Camp'08

2008-12-12T18:19:00.002+08:00

Hello all, the camp has finally come to an end! Successful, no? Anyway, this is a general summary on what we've learnt throughout the activities! :D

1. Training by ACT3
Our trainer imparted us with many useful skills, which includes:
-uses of props
-magic rock
-frozen photograph
-asking of children to repeat lines/sing along
-5colours (limbs&head)
-walking at different percentages of our usual speed, and freezing suddenly
-eye contact game (winking)
-squirrel, hunter, tree game
-role-plays, dramatisation, giving fairytales a twist
(Sorry if I forgot about the names of certain skills or miss out some.)
She had also told us that we ought to use big actions and exaggerating expressions if we want to catch the children's attention.

2. Presentation (to guests)
Yep, after the training, we presented how we would present our big books (to the children) to Mrs T and various other visitors. We did take note of the good and not-so-good areas that they pointed out to us, yea?

3. Teambuilding
We definitely learnt more about each other! As well as cheating methods, hah!

4. Confidence training
Through the "Arena" conducted by Aidah and Kish, I believe most of us are much now more confident with speaking to the crowd! There were many who were able to overcome their fear of speaking to a larger crowd, well done! Meanwhile, we debated on real problems that we've faced in sessions. After which, we discussed and voted on how we should try to deal with the problems for the following term.

5. Polar Bear
Remember the game we played on the second day BBQ and third day lunch? Yep. We sure bonded and had great fun! There are funny storytellers like Alfred, Hisham and Wenbo! There are also cunning polar bears like Hisham, Nadiah and Kish! And not forgetting how Branden was laughing away so hysterically!

6. Human Chess
Team bonding again! We also learnt how to strategise within our own group! Recall how the groups sneak off to one corner and discuss their plans after their each and every step?

7. Pool time (Water volleyball)
Team bonding was a big part of it! We learnt to give chances to others at the side/back, who don’t often having a chance to participate!

8. Communication training
There was Animal Perception by Wenxin. Guess it's not very accurate, but thanks for the effort! Later on we had survey from Kish, which was much more accurate. Learning points? We know better of strategies on how to improve ourselves and how to communicate with others better!

9. Presentation (of our planning for the next term)
*to be updated soon.

Overall, the organising team learnt to give out work, and to trust one another!

Andala, Wenxin, Meiying.

2008-11-26T11:34:00.004+08:00

This is a copy and paste from my (Wenxin's) email. Please refer to the email when you see this.

The email includes THREE attachments: schedule for camp, consent forms (if you need it) and the packing list.

Camp would be from 29 November to 01 December 2008 at the Pyramid Club!

Please note that we would have facilitators (namely Aini, Chee Yang and Vivien) at Orchard MRT Station at 1030hrs on 29November to guide you to the Pyramid Club. The rest of the facilitators will be at the Pyramid Club at 1000hrs.

Please double confirm with me if you are coming by replying this email. If I have missed out others, please inform me as well. Thank you!

GOR EOY CAMP 2008 Countdown!!!

2008-11-23T13:43:00.000+08:00

I made this widget at MyFlashFetish.com.

Biennale Adventure 14 Nov 2008

2008-11-18T21:11:00.015+08:00

This pictures are taken from the adventures of three GOR volunteers and ME(photographer) at the Biennale Exibition. It was quite fun looking at through the exhibits. However, it was a tiring trip as we need to walk around for THREE hours!

Have fun looking through the pics.. =D

(Sorry if the photos too big.. Click the photos if want u to see clearly..)
First we went to city hall..

MAGGOTS!

More!

GOR'08 WAS HERE!

Nice?

ZOOM!

CUTE! All made of thread!

UFO!.. xD

Scary?.. I love it!

Err?..

LOLs

Kids Corner

Then, went to some creepy place. Looks like a haunted house to me.. xD

Bars of soap everywhere!!

Neon Swing! It's swinging all by itself!.. I like this..

Food ART!

Err.. i donnoe wads the person really doing with Saras..

Found out that the machine make u hear weird sounds of ur brain. Saras said she heard someone drinking water, people laughing and much more.. What is inside her brain?.. haha.. We were all laughing when Saras freaked out..

CY under the lightbulb. That is what i call art. LOL

Breating Walls.. We thought the walls are closing in.. -.-

I love it!

Stretch!

Why is there a salon in here??

I was shocked when I saw Saras through a "mirror". She is next door! haha..

Junks could also be a piece of art!

I see you!

Continuous Lines!!(with some breaks in between)

Stinky ART! -It's decomposing sugar!~

FINALLY.. last pic.. US!.. :D

Have loads of fun.. hahas.. can't wait for next year's.. xD

♥Mr.Haqeem♥

Gift BBQ 25 Oct 2008

2008-10-26T22:17:00.016+08:00

Missing Alfred & Wenbo GREATLY!!!!!!!!!!

KJ

TJ Appreciation Night 18 Oct 2008

2008-10-26T22:14:00.001+08:00

2008-10-22T21:02:00.005+08:00

Hi guys!

This sat, 25th October's gonna be the Gift Outing/BBQ as you all know (:

Here are the confirmed details:

Meeting time/place: 1.30 pm, Pasir Ris MRT control station

Activities suggested: Volleyball, Waterbombs, Poker card games, Cycling, Truth or Dare,

Things to bring:

Extra clothes

Poker cards

500 ml of plain water

Volley ball (If you have one.)

Money (for cycling, if you want)

After meeting up, we'll all be going to pasir ris to get juice cordial/drink syrup/ice/balloons.

Please confirm your attendance by this Friday etc.

Juniors- Please confirm your attendance with Meiying :D

Seniors- Please confirm your attendance with Me!

p/s Hi Kish! Is it alright if you help us to bring an icebox from your house please? Thanks very much! (:

SEE YOU ALL ON SAT! :D

Bianche

note from dajie-
no need buy ice or bring icebox or charcoal etc whatever, coz i've ordered those items. HOWEVER, you do need to buy drinks and someone please bring a lighter / matches. That's all you need to bring/buy, the others all settled by yitong & i alr. [: see ya guys soon!

BBQ Outing

2008-09-27T17:42:00.004+08:00

Hello people,

Some changes to outing....

ORGANISER(S)
Mun Kei
*Contact her if you have any suggestions*

DETAILS
Date: 25 October 2008, Saturday
Venue: Pasir Ris Park, BBQ Pit 22
Time & Meeting Place will be confirmed by Biann!

Many thanks to Yi Tong for booking the pit[:

Ordered food alr, you guys needa buy drinks on that day!

2401

Celebrate a successful 2008!!!

2008-09-16T03:48:00.004+08:00

Dear dudes and dudettes,

You guys have totally brought Gift to new heights! Your independence, unwavering enthusiasm and passion has shone brightly throughout the term. Let me just highlight what you have done soooooo well. Let's send congratulatory notes via our blog to those who have contributed to these specific parts along with a pat on their backs for jobs well done. You know who the drivers for each of these items are!

C'mon and spam each other with your appreciation!

1) Coordination of classes & lesson plan prep for Friday & Sat were great! This includes attendance, tags, collection & return of deposits, borrowing & returning of library books, taking minutes of debriefs, cleaning of shutters, managing keys, room arrangements, notices on doors and lifts, informing office staff of admin matters, purchasing & distributing of tidbits, arranging material for activities and all the little things that mean so much!

2) Savvy manner of keeping in touch with each other and strengthening the bond among volunteers – Blog / Facebook / SMS / email / shout-outs / stalking / haunting in dreams etc. Your weekly attendance was unprecedented!

3) Preparation b4 sessions – You are almost automated in your coordination!

4) Do you know that you look AMAZING when all of you come down in Gift T-Shirts??? You look absolutely awesome both in Black and in White! Like Yin & Yang - You look pro and hip!

5) Activities this term were very apt and value adding! Keep it up! Activities are very effective ways to bring stories, characters and moral values to life. Lots of great, creative ideas, lots of effort in preparation and best of all, lots of enthusiastic responses from children – all caught on camera! Let the pics be an effective way of reminding you of activities that were effective and which were less so.

6) Getting a new set of big books!!! Well done on Finally purchasing NEW BIG Books. Not all titles are fantastic – there could have been better screening of value-based books versus cutsie and pop-up books, but I think, we now have the responsibility of making the best use of them and I trust that you will work towards squeezing the maximum 'value' out of them.

7) Engagement with parents – you have noticeably maintained very friendly, trusting relationships with the parents of many of our children. This is very important and commendable. Having parents connect with the idea of spending quality 'reading-time' with their children definitely helps us in our mission of inculcating a love for reading in children, doesn't it? Well done you guys, who have exchanged, at the very least, a smile with a mama or papa of our Gift children! The parents were very very happy watching our children perform the mass dance during our last session! Kudos to all of you for teaching, learning, and enjoying it all within the hour!

8) Debriefs – Kheng, Waimin, Tong, Wenbo and all else who have led / steered debriefs in my absence – kudos to you! This is by far the most important piece of 'jigsaw' that boosts our growth and development. On a personal and team level, you have seen how you and our fellow GoR-ers have perfected skills, raised to challenges, reflected with intensity and emerged as both leaders of self and of our GoR team. Hugggzz to everyone of you for participating and contributing unfailingly, patiently, even if you only had to say 'I have nothing to say' at times or had to stay late into the night to hear everyone out.

9) Constructive Criticism – With debriefs come, sometimes, difficult moments where you may have to give harsh feedback, or worse, receive harsh feedback. I marvel at our maturity to keep learning points objective, at our humility to accept shortcomings and most importantly our efforts in improving ourselves. This is the gracious spirit of our Gift Culture – where we help each other grow and become better individuals. Be real proud of your courageous stand!

10) Your love for Gift, the children and each other has evolved into a web – a bond that is capable of achieving great things and at the same time, so fragile that any point (of the web) could easily lose its stickiness and rip off, invariably causing damage to the rest of the web. I ask that you keep nurturing the bonds that you share with each other, expand your circles of friendship and include both existing GoRers (not already close to you or those who have fallen through the cracks) and in-coming new volunteers with Arms & Hearts wide open. With genuine care, we can achieve so much more as a team.

Love,
Kish

05/06 September 2008

2008-09-09T22:38:00.001+08:00

edited from dj lala's blog- [:

FRIDAY
Arrived early, but obviously got people earlier than me! Heheh... All pictures taken by Andala or me.

Mei Ying a bit sok sok. Aini looks like a small kiddo!
hi retard.
wenxin, harry, nadiah (Andala ran away with my camera!)

I went to the food centre to get dinner, and I met Shannon (Sat class) with her mom and brothers. Then as I was going back, I met Gabrielle! I went over to say hello and her mom asked for her sis, Clarissa, to come for gift too because she doesn't have ballet that day. Her mom gave us some Oreo cookies to share! [:

Shortly after that, Mrs T arrived. After some small talk with Mrs T, Gabs arrived with Clarissa and her mommy!

My dear girl...

Me: I'm very hungry... Gimme an Oreo!
Gabs: Noooo... I am not your maid! *puts hands on waist and sulks*

Then Aran said Clarissa was fat and short, and Gabrielle retorted him. Aran started saying that he's like, slim and sexy and this made the girls laugh like mad [:

Haqeem and Harry!
[:
[:
[:
My pretty and cute Gabs

After that, I disappeared because my Alirah arrived! [: Her mom entrusted her to me while she went to break her fast (because Alirah always looks for me to bring her around) so we played for a while. Then all of a sudden, she decided to check if her mom was outside waiting (like usual) and when she realised no, she started wailing and running around looking for her mom.

She wanted to take the lift down, and in an attempt to stop her from crying, I brought her walking around in circles but she just refused to stop crying. Then she realised I was cheating her by bringing her around in circles so she just dragged me in the direction she wants to go.

After around 40 minutes, she ran towards the carpark and attempted to go home, I carried her back each time she walked to the centre of the carpark, then at last, I just carried her while she cried and struggled. And thankfully, her mom was back! [:

Then my little angel just dozed off. Must be tired from all the crying and walking.

I love Alirah. Last session was supposed to be a really happpy play session for us, but well well... I love her! I miss her loads loads load now.

Gift!
[: Loves; Spot me and Aliyah.
Spot me and Aliyah again.
Playful Gabs Gabs and Sam!
[: Nadiah, Aini, Wen Xin, Hillary, Me, Aliyah
wenxin is a big monster.
wenxin is a scary monster.
[: kish with us!

Haha this picture looks funny because there were too many cameras around and nobody knew which to look at.
Alirah with Kish and me!
alirah love!
nadiah & alirah

After session, we celebrated...

VIVIAN's 16th BIRTHDAY!

Birthday Girl
Birthday girl with Cake Carrier Sam
The cake was delicious!
Proof that Mei Ying's a little weird...

Saturday
Fell sick and couldn't go for gift, but I dropped twin an SMS. Just when I was feeling really pathetic (sick and all), tarded called me and gift volunteers applaused over the phone and said some touching stuff that made me cry.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (pls tell me her name)! [:

photos(last sat session)

2008-09-06T23:24:00.006+08:00

e grp photos(of volunteers) taken on e last sat session!!:D

e rest who've anymore grp photos pls post here k!:D

auntie!(:
06-09-08

session for 29 and 30 august

2008-08-25T20:26:00.002+08:00

For reading we will be doing big books. Try to choose books which are more related to the theme? This week the theme is still "Body Movements". I'm sorry, I made a mistake last week, it's not "Body Parts".

Then we'll be singing the 5 songs we sang last week, but this time, with lyrics for the children to follow (:

If there's enough time, we might be playing "Simon Says". For the movements, please relate them to the movements you can find in the big book! For example, the books says, "the monkeys climbed the coconut trees," then we will say "simon says try to climb the tree!" Okay? (:

If you are free on this thursday, you can meet us at 3pm at the shutters. If you are coming, then please inform either Wenxin, Yaonian, or me (meiying). Check your contact list for the numbers? (:

That's all, bye!

What can I live without?

2008-08-24T14:52:00.000+08:00

When is my next pay coming in?
Where is the pressure?
What is one's capacity?
What can I change?
What can I live without?

16 August 2008 Photos

2008-08-24T12:47:00.001+08:00

from: dajie's blog-

Lucas and Haiqal... Haiqal styled his hair himself!

Anyway we started talking about Olympics while Kheng Hwee went around busying herself with the other classes / getting things in place. We started naming all the sports played in the Games, and Lucas told me there's boxing. I didn't know that but that night I was at home watching Olympics when they showed the boxing part. So there's REALLY boxing!

I was amazed (ohkay i'm noob-), one new thing learned from the kids!

Lucas is so damn cute!

Then we started playing imaginary basketball[: We just ran around pretending to dribble, shoot, or make passes. Was kind'a cute but really fun!

Baby-
Adriana playing with baby.
Gabrielle!

Gabrielle teaching me how to sing "You are my sunshine". Wanted to learn the 2nd part, but she suddenly forgot. HAHA. Guess what, I've NEVER heard the 2nd part before, and the lyrics seem more complicated that the part that we all know.

[: Finally saw Alirah on Friday! I was in the Special Class doing small book when twin told me Alirah was here, so I dashed out and went to wenxin's class and got really excited when I saw Alirah.

Then I saw Mrs T addressing the kids, so I just grabbed Alirah and ran out the room. Then I brought her to Special Class (with her mom's permission) and played with her. She started singing along with the rest (albeit really softly because she doesn't know how to talk yet). She'll be attending pre-school next year already, I really hope she grows up a little faster so that I can talk to her! [: