pull down to refresh
0 sats \ 2 replies \ @cryotosensei 3 Aug \ parent \ on: Can you spin the threads? AskSN
In Singapore, primary schools do well to impart the finer points of fiction writing. Particularly, they collate lists of “Show Not Tell” phrases for their students and integrate them into weekly spelling drills, hoping that the latter would be able to execute something beyond the run-of-the-mill writing that despairs many a language teacher.
But here’s the thing: when kids regurgitate phrases like “grinned like a Cheshire cat”, we don’t exactly award them the top band marks, dismissing them as cliches. Then, why do we adults invest so much energy into ensuring that our young ingest these perfunctory phrases?
Can I create time and space in my lessons to allow students to think of their own original phrases, never mind that such incubation of heartfelt sentiments will be more tedious than using the phrases from their spelling list? Do I have the headspace to take a step from my hectic life and think of the phrases that truly reflect my quirks and idiosyncrasies; showcase where I’ve been and where I want to go; and put a smile on the examiner’s face, exhausted from reading tons of scripts?
I am not sure either, but this is my attempt today: His smile radiated warmth, like sunflowers leaning toward the sun.
T: I see an elderly woman interacting with a therapy dog. A younger woman is sitting beside her. I think she could be the trainer of the service dog.
R: The dog is wearing a purple vest, which complements the purple polo T-shirt that the young woman is wearing. So, I believe that they are working partners.
E: Both the women have big relaxed smiles on their faces. In particular, the trainer is grinning from ear to ear. They must be having a whale of a time bonding with the dog. I think the trainer must be feeling accomplished because her dog is bringing joy to the elderly woman.
E: I don't have any experience with therapy dogs, but I think that dogs are man's best friend. Some working adults that I know don't want to have children. Instead, they want to have 'furkids'. This attests to how dogs offer their owners companionship.
S: I think that students in my school face a lot of stress these days. So, my school could invite therapy animals to promote emotional well-being and reduce loneliness. We don't have to restrict this to dogs - we can also include cats and hamsters.
reply
T: From the picture, I can observe that many people are queuing in front of a cart to buy ice cream even though it is drizzling. I believe that this is the ideal spot to set up the cart.
R: Singaporeans have a deep passion for food.
E: Even though they have to queue for a long time, no one is looking impatient or showing signs of frustration. In fact, some people are smiling. They must be thrilled to enjoy ice cream the old-school way.
E: I can relate to their enthusiasm. From my experience, I sometimes come across an ice cream cart on my way home. I will grin from ear to ear and buy ice cream from the uncle. It always lifts my spirits. I feel that ice cream is a good way to relieve my stress.
S: Sadly, ice cream carts are becoming a thing of the past as the younger generation do not want to take over them. I hope the government will step in to preserve these carts because they are an important part of Singapore identity.
reply