KAO Conference - Part 4

I'd like to share what I've learned during this year's conference.

I've come to realize that being a teacher is not just about teaching children. Teaching without passion is like writing on a paper with an invisible ink. You could write and write but you would not be able to recall what you have written. However, teaching with passion, gives a whole lot of meaningful return in the future.

Being involved in this big organisation has opened my eyes and my mind to open my heart to educating children till my last red pen drop!!!! I want to be able to explore the wonderful world of teaching more and more. This is my 9th year, I still have a long way to go.

I may choose not to continue running my centre one day, because I may choose to teach in other kind of environment. Be it the smokey mountain (a dump site area in the Philippine), or a roofless building, or even in a place where no one can hear nor see. I have experienced on how to educate priviledged children, I may want to try teaching the under priviledged.

I was looked down at because I have no extra ordinary qualification, I have no children, I have never taken care of my brother and I have no money!!!

But now......I believe in myself. And that itself will take me where ever I want to be.

I believe that someone with highly respected paper qualification, but has got no heart and passion towards what they're doing, will not take them anywhere close to happiness.

Right now, I'm happy..... even though I'm still the same person that was looked down at.

KAO Conference - Part 3

My very first completer was there! Ernest joined the very first Completers' Club Conference. This would be the only opportunity I have to be with "my" Ernest. He was following me around during lunch and we shared a lot of things regarding his education and future. He has become a real pleasant person and a real gentleman.

I was introducing him around to all my friends from Malaysia and other countries. He is doing his internship with CIMB Bank now until September, when he has to go back to England to continue his study in Maths at one of the most prestigious University in the world. Cambridge University.

I asked him if what he has done with the program has helped him with his studies. I wanted to hear it from him. And he said YES! He said it has given him the patience and determination in his studies. He came out top at The Imperial College, London, England.

When asked if he has a girlfriend, he wasn't shy to tell me he doesn't have. I was just being me!!!

As long as Ernest keeps using the knowledge that he has gained and keeps applying the skills he's gained from our method of learning, I'm happy enough to be smiling everyday.

"will update photo of Ernest soon!!"

KAO Conference - Part 2

I HAD TO SING!!!!!



Let's just think of it as diversifying my talent. For the Dinner Presentation, as a host country, we had to put up some kind of show. Some month ago, I signed up for the choir but ended up having to participate in the medley as well. It was a medley from all the participating countries.


I sang a malay song with one of the staff....Bernice.

This was the song..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RywrzdxLlAs

KAO Conference - Part 1

It's been a glorious 2 days. We had our yearly Conference. This time in my own country. Yipee!!! Food were nice and the weather was nice. It's supposed to be rainy season, but surprisingly, it was sunny and breezy!

On Friday, we had Kathy at the Centre. Kathy is from Sydney, Australia. She's like my Mama in Kumon. We were so lucky to have her at our English Area for the day. The students accepted her with different behaviour. Ashraff didn't even dare to look at her, while Ikhmal and Amir asked her so many questions. Afifah was so nervous to read to Kathy. I ended up reading a page with her in front of Kathy (while holding her shoulders), but she read 2 more pages on her own. That was a happy moment for me. I think that should make her gain a little bit of confidence.

Kathy also had the opportunity to handle Daniel, who decided to be naughty. Somehow, she managed to take care of Daniel throughout his Maths and English.

Kathy gave me some good ideas on how to make my centre better and I'm sure going to implement it as soon as I can.

Kathy......thanks so much MAMA!!!!

Pink feathers in her hair....

Chae Young came all dolled up, just to come to the centre. Gold shoes, glitters on her body, lip gloss and all smiles!!!!

English Teacher Dilemma - AGAIN!

Last Monday, my English Teacher ran away.

I hired a new English Teacher in May. After training her and guiding her with the Englsih area, I let her handle my English students. However, lately, she's been telling my other staff of her personal problem. I didn't really mind taking in someone with personal problem as long as they can do their work.

Two weeks ago, she came in on Thursday morning, looking happy and was talking with us. She was even smiling. However, after lunch she dissapeared. At about 2:30 I received a text message on my mobile phone from her fiance telling me she's not well and had to go home. On Friday, she never appeared. So the first thing I did on Monday morning was to question her. But I told her to take all my points positively. She joined us for lunch, which was rare. We even shared a pizza!!!! Right after that, she DISSAPEARED!!!!

Anyway, I've had enough headache with my English teachers. I've decided, once and for all, I want to take over my English Department. My Maths assistants are all capable of handling my students. I still get to evaluate the Maths students before they leave the centre, so I think it's quite fair.

"English students.......I'm at your service!!!!!"

Surviving Koreans

Many months ago, I was "attacked" by Korean Students. Not many stayed for a long time. What I have learned was, a lot of the Korean mothers can get quite impatient. At first they would agree to abide to all the rules and regulations, but after a month they'd start to pressure their child by insructing them to get more homework from me. In the end they gave up from too much work. Who's fault is it??? I still think it's mine.

Thank god I still have : Somin, Chae Young, Ji Hoon, Sung Jin, Yu Jin and Sang Hwa.

Learning from my Autism cases

Autism is quite a common case and I only got to learn about it when I started the centre. My first case was Yong Da. I had to learn a lot from his mom. He only lasted till Level B but his mom became too ambitious and pressured, not only him but me to get him to start on fraction. I had to surrender.

My sencond case was Michael. He's still around and now learning Algebra!!!! He's 14 and bigger and taller than me now. So, when he doesn't know anything, he'd shout and not able to control his voice. He isn't aware that his voice is loud!!! However, Michael loves to read, and when he has to wait for his mom, he'd read aloud in my English area. I have a habit of introducing Michael to other students, and get them to listen to his story telling.

Other than the two, I had Amar who came all the way from Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. He'd take about one and a half hour to reach my centre. It's a long journey. At times, he'd reach the centre not being in a good mood. At times, he'd jump around and starts to shout. He was 12 and was about my height. He had slight dyslexic case as well.

Viwen a.k.a Mr Hindustani is my highest achiever. He was diagnosed with autism and also is an ADHD child. He never fails to make me laugh with his antics, but recently, I was secretly mad at him. I could not handle his questions. He wanted me to put him on the next level when to me he's not ready. I was with a parent and he kept coming back with his questions. I just had to take a deep breath.

I learn so much from them. Hoping to learn more and more.

LIBRARY or Rest & Relax Area?????