I did make it to his Shichida lesson last Friday and it was very interesting to sit in and observe the class. Every second was carefully accounted for with activities conducted at lightning speed following a very structured methodology. I can see why this program is good for the kids as it focuses on brain priming stimulations and even using wave energy to heighten their perceptions.
It’s however, not a system that can be easily duplicated or for me to share here because each lesson is supposedly different plus materials which are only exclusive to the school are also required. On top of that, there is a prescribed home teaching process for which I had to learn through a course last Saturday.
Can you imagine I have to learn how to flash cards at 0.35 seconds per card? Everyday, I also have to follow up with home practice to “strengthen the weekly input and draw out the output” for him. In addition, according to the Shichida child rearing methodology, I am supposed to harbour positive thoughts about my child all the time so as to enhance his learning capabilities.
Well, let me say all these aren’t easy.
This is a program that requires a lot of commitment as well as persistence on my part in order for him to benefit fully.
I am still trying to figure out some of these activities myself and if you’re a parent, you will understand my exasperation of trying to get a hyperactive 4-year-old to sit through doing all these activities. In fact, he often tells me he doesn’t want to do them or doesn’t know how to do them. Of course his reluctance creates a lot of resentment for me because of the effort and time I have put in. More than often, I have to try really hard not to raise my voice at him or force him to go through all those activities.
It is therefore also a learning process for me. Learning how to control my emotions and view my child more positively in order to help him open up his heart and mind.
But at the least, he isn’t really adverse to going to the lessons and when we do get down to doing the activities together, he does enjoy them. And I’m actually happy to say that he has improved tremendously in his writing, a result of my daily practice with him. So I believe that if I am able to persist in this program with him, he will improve eventually.
In fact, something beautiful has already been happening everytime I sit down to teach him this week. Midway through our lessons, he will always come up and plant a kiss on my cheek or on my lips for no apparent reason. I am not going to speculate why this is suddenly happening but it definitely creates a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart.
A very rewarding one I have to add.
Two things jump out at me from your post:
- wave energy to heighten their perceptions
- harbour positive thoughts about my child all the time so as to enhance his learning capabilities
The above methods / teachings sound a bit hard to swallow for me.
I read on the website that one parents sits in class with the child. My personal gut feel is that the method behind this is to stop the kids from “fighting” with you by doing interesting things together. Usually kids rebel against teaching because it is not interesting enough.
Perhaps I am being too much of a sceptic. Hehe …
Loong: A bit hard yes but they have evidence to prove it works. Well, I’ll see… They’ve a philosophy about having parents involved in the children’s learning which I tend to agree. Nothing to do with them fighting. It’s more about having parents support really.
Comment by Loong — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 @ 8:11 pm
Don’t give up…. persist in it and you will see the reward ;-0
Cz’ children can sense the hard work their parents put in and they respond accordingly.
Jia you !
SSF: Thanks!
Comment by sunshinensunflower — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 @ 7:06 am
Oh! Gavin such a sweet boy to kiss mummy. Me full of envy leh, I also want.
ashes: If you get to see him next time, you ask him…maybe he’ll oblige.
Comment by ashes — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 @ 9:35 am
I think he likes your attention.
carrie: Yes…and he always like to make me smile…
Comment by carrie — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 @ 9:52 am
Aww… so sweet! I think he must be really happy and proud that you were there in his class. Nikita did the same when I went to her school to do some CNY presentation to her class months ago.
cm: Maybe…anyway lately he has been very affectionate…
Comment by cm — Tue, 1 May 2007 @ 8:43 pm
Nowadays, Damien kisses on my tummy more…but i’m not complaining cos it’s his way of ’sayang’ his younger brother..
I’m sure Gavin is happy that you’re spending more time with him, and like what SSSF said, don’t give up, children can sense our efforts!
Eileen: Damien is so sweet…well, I hope so. But it doesn’t matter if he sense it or not. I’ll try to do my part as best.
Comment by Eileen — Wed, 2 May 2007 @ 9:53 am
aiyo.. how come they don’t have this in KL?
ZM: Hey, they have isn’t it? It’s Shichida Method Sdn Bhd. Check with them at this number. 60-3-4258 1232.
Comment by zara's mama — Tue, 8 May 2007 @ 9:42 pm