Reading Log 2010 - August

I completed reading nil books in August.  I was busy settling in to life in Singapore.  But I did start a few, the finishing of which will happen this month.

I have a job!

My seven months of voluntary unemployment for 'worldwide research time' will soon roll to an end. Yesterday morning after several days of deliberation, I accepted a 'more lucrative reading tutoring' option over the 'more naturally inspiring Montessori training and teaching' possible option! I've had four interviews since landing in Singapore and this Montessori man was the first who I could see is passionate about what he does. So much so that our interview went for over 2 hrs! The main topics of our discussion were the Montessori technique and the current state of the Singapore education system, which he said is well regarded academically in other parts of the world.  This man had his doubts about the holistic nature of this success and I was very eager to listen him out - he's done his time and appeared to know what he was talking about. 

 

I've always wanted to find out more about Montessori but never did, until I was looking for educational inspiration in a bookshop in London and found this (see pic).  I mean check out the cover! It's 'ye olde' man.  Maria Montessori was Italian, so the writing is old style Italian, translated to English.  I find it hard to follow the complex language and long sentences, yet I'm finding it educational and satisfying to read a different style of prose.  The ideas in it align perfectly with my view of the world.  They strengthen my own values and as I read I find myself agreeing emphatically!  What a wonderful woman, to have the presence of mind to stop and observe children and their needs, while everyone else was (and still are) busy trying to fill their heads!

Even so, I've decided to spend my time in Singapore tutoring reading.  I'd already decided whilst travelling that I wanted some experience out of the classroom to learn about children and learning without the barrage (and excitement/distraction) of other tasks required by a teacher.  I love all those options that we provide for children in primary schools, which is why I mostly say 'yes', but right now I want some time to develop and strengthen my own skills and philosophies on the specific teaching side of things.

In addition to this:

•             I have a mortgage that I want to pay off, and I've not worked for seven months (except in Costa Rica but $28NZ/day doesn't really count)

•             I don't want to be paid below my experience and qualifications.

•             We have a dream to have some land, a garden, and some chickens in NZ, so money in the bank will be useful for that!

•             l may end up with Montessori so I want to pursue another technique during this time in Singapore.  

•             I want to do my own research with Montessori direct from the founding sources (un-hindered by other viewpoints).  

•             A qualification from a Singaporean Montessori school probably won't be recognized in NZ, so I'll wait.  

•             This job I've chosen with 'I can read' seems to be a good reading programme that I'm interested in learning, and I can't see any drawbacks in developing myself in teaching reading - the staple of all learning.  

•             It seems I'll be given 'space' quickly and left to 'be in action'.  

•             It's a brand new centre (something new to carve out).  

•             It's close to home.  

•             The office space has lots of windows (I did a secret reccie to check it out and right now it's just a big space with a concrete floor - but apparently building/renovations happen very quickly in Singapore).  

•             Although the Montessori training option is compelling, it's Montessori in a mall (the tutoring centers and early child education centers are often in malls here as there are so many malls here and they're very accessible), which could be a great alternative to mainstream preschool education, but it's still a mall (which is very far removed from nature, a base value of Montessori, as far as I can see in my brief Montessori learning stint).

To be honest I'm quite excited about my new job.  I must be, I'm willing to sign a contract for 2 years, and I've never done that before!  Another reason to stay for 2 years is that I'm finding Singapore very very different and thus interesting and I want to spend some time here to widen my understanding of people and cultures and why they act the way they do!!

Doubts still lingering, and musings on them: 

•             The assertion by some that this reading tutoring organization is doing well (and hence I'll be paid better than with others) due to branding and the use 'Mother-tongue English-speaking caucasian teachers, who are seen as better role-models of the English Language, to attract 'clients', not necessarily because the reading programme is good. I guess I'll have to find that one out for myself!  Although the term 'Singlish' is discussed and used affectionately, there is a widespread problem with it here.  Many local children do not learn to speak 'English', but instead learn 'Singlish', due to a lack of parents and teachers speaking 'English', and an abundance of those using 'Singlish'.  A local lady who I met downstairs (whilst I was freeing a house lizard - strange caucasian behaviour) said that I am the only caucasian she has seen in this block of apartments, and asked about the possibility of me tutoring her, as she was worried that she will pass her Singlish down to her future children.  This is a valid point, it's exactly what happens. Many people I've spoken with here I find very hard to understand because of all the added 'Singlish terms'.  Thus caucasian tutors are very popular (and I guess presumed to be mother-tongue English speakers).

•             The fact that I'm probably putting myself in a position where 'results and results fast' seems to be the main focus (and something I don't agree works for the child), whether or not the child is ready for the particular learning.  My thinking on this is maybe I can learn how to alleviate this pressure, by creating a listening and accepting learning environment for these children who are driven by their society to learn NOW.

I plan to fill the new center with plants, just like Dad does at home, and just like Harold has here - I'm very glad I've had that 'green education', so I plan for all the children that pass through those doors to know that plants are their source of oxygen, and to breathe deep whilst in the centre, enjoy this (and hopefully create some environmental awareness).

I also plan to develop my skills with observing these children to see what they need, as opposed to getting wound up in just imparting knowledge.  I think my morning and evening Vipassana Meditation practise will assist me greatly with this :)

Fried Rice Paradise

I sprung out of bed this morning at 6.10am and drafted up some blogs (to follow) but meanwhile I'll report on today...

Earlier this afternoon Snowdon and I took Harold out to the theatre show 'Fried Rice Paradise' (which has been recreated by Singapore Idol star Dick Lee). It was very entertaining, despite  missing many of the local jokes (even Snowdon and Harold missed some due to varying dialects used). During intermission I was such a bad ass that I was kicked out of the theatre.  I was sitting there during intermission happily eating my Mars bar and watching the usher request the big group of school kids in front of us to be quiet when the show begins again. I was smiling away approving of her request, silently agreeing that they should be quiet, when her attention (and of course that of all the school kids in front of her) swings up to me and my Mars bar.  With a big smile she gives me the cut-throat sign, but across her mouth (trying to be subtle I guess)...hmm sign language for umm....(come on Amber get the charade damn it you have the eyes of a school on you...). Oh! No food allowed.  All I could manage is "I can't eat?" and stomped/shuffled down the aisle trying to retain some dignity and get out of the limelight as fast as I could!

I'm getting new appreciation in many areas whilst trying to fit in, in a foreign country again.  I have new empathy for minorities.  Most everywhere I go I'm the only caucasian and hiccups that I'd hardly blink at in NZ, seem amplified by 1 000, because here I'm the different one!

On the way home  we stopped at West Plaza where I had my favourite local dish of Kaya toast with eggs and coffee (with condensed milk yum). Now we're having quiet time at home, while Harold packs for his month long trip to the States.  Snowdon's Uncle Juergen passed away yesterday after an extended battle with lung cancer, and Harold is going to North Carolina to be with his sister Glenna.  Snowdon and I feel really fortunate to have met Juergen before his passing and really feel for Glenna (I know what that's like). Everyone feels glad that Harold will be there with Glenna!! I don't lament for Juergen now though, as his suffering is over and I think he lived a full life :)

In contrast, life shows it's ups and downs, twists and turns, for each of us.  I had a great hour long skype conversation with Dad this morning, and I'm enjoying the last days/weeks (start date still unknown) of my very long and lovely extended honeymoon/holiday.  I plan to continue enjoying it.....

Salt and Boxing, in Bugis and Pasir Ris, Singapore

Million Dollar Baby

Yesterday we purchased a set of red 'Everlast' boxing gear (at a great price).  We also watched the movie 'Salt' starring Angelina Jolie.  Wow it was great!  You know that feeling you get walking out of a action movie thinking you're invincible and having all the skills that the main actor has.  Well yeah, that was me thinking I was a CIA agent come Russian Spy walking out of that movie last night.  On mentioning this to Snowdon he commented that I won't even pick up a gun.  A fair comment, I very much dislike guns, but that's not the point, walking out of that movie I felt like a very beautiful and highly trained secret agent.  I think that's a sign of a good movie.  I also kept thinking about the nooks and crannies of the plot, all night and today, another sign of a good movie.

This morning we christened the gloves.  Snowdon asked me what my boxing name was.  Even though agent Salt  was still my motivating factor, she didn't box.  I felt very clever answering him with 'million dollar baby' the only female boxer that I know of.  He took the name on, which was nice..  Snowdon took me for a 20 min workout, then I returned the favour and relished bossing the PT around ('get back quicker' 'come on!').  It was fantastic :)  Even though we took it easy (time-wise) for our first boxing workout in a while, my hands have been shaky all day and hours later I'm still having trouble typing.  My mum never liked boxing, but it's OK Mum, we're only using it for fitness and defense purposes (we're not planning on knocking each other out).  It's all in the volition I say :)

Snowdon (he hasn't named his boxing name yet), and MDB in action.
Behind us is the very 'green' forest like entry to our/Harold's apartment,
the yellow bags are recycling so that's how they qualify for the green label.

We're now at cousin Sherwin's house for a 'workout + dinner and proper catch up' date and I'm hanging out with the lovely Baldr (golden retriever) hurryingly getting this 2nd 'quick blog' finished before Snowdon and Sherwin come back downstairs after Sherwin's turn with the PT and the boxing mitts..(I'll let him comment about how that one goes).

Thanks for reading and keep posted for more exciting Singaporean action!

Sunday morning visit to our local Pasir Ris 'wet market' with Harold

One of my purposes for our living in Singapore is to learn about Snowdon's upbringing, history and ancestry (and in the meantime my own also).

This morning Harold took me on a leisurely yet very educational trip to the local wet market to do the fruit and veg shopping and have a local breakfast of kopi and kaya (Malay), which Harold has been telling me all about and I was hence itching to try myself.

Note my egg is still being left to 'cook' more!

Note Harold's egg is very runny!

This is a breakfast of coffee, with a toasted sandwich containing butter and coconut jam (yum!) with two eggs.  The eggs are cooked by placing them in the shell in boiling water, then you crack them yourself in your saucer when you're ready.  It's eaten quite raw, so I left mine in the water for much longer than the locals!  I enjoyed it. The whole breakfast costs approx $2 Singaporean (roughly the same as $NZ).

Then we sat and yarned for ages.  Harold filled me in on a lot of Snowdon's family history (both his side and Snowda's).  Which I'll include in an upcoming blog then update it as I learn more.

I caught a shot of Harold buying some vegetarian takeaways
for lunch (takeaways are called 'tapow' in Mandarin).
Note his very sporty dress sense differs somewhat from the other locals :)

I haven't published a blog in a while, even though I've drafted up a few.  I've decided, with help from a recommendation by Snowdon, after my marathon Auschwitz blog left me 'blog fatigued'!, to publish short blogs, and to do them more often. Phew what a great idea!  Here is the first of many :)