I do agree with the writer in saying "an unwillingly child is like to learn nothing". In my opinion, all these extra classes that parents are sending their kids to are not wrong, IF their children are interested in them and want to continue. I think it is good if parents send their children for short courses so as to find out what their children are interested in. If it is clearly shown by the child that what he/she is attending is not liked by him/her, I think the parents should stop the lessons. If he is interested in it, then lessons should continue as it may already pave a way for the future of the child.
However, I think by saying "At this rate, the average Singaporean six-year-old will soon have: a Grade Eight certificate in piano and violin, flawless public speaking skills, the ability to multiply and divide four-digit numbers and a vocabulary to bamboozle college professors" is just pure exaggeration and it is very unlikely to happen. Attaining a Grade Eight certificate in piano AND violin at the age of 6 is only possible for those that are very gifted in music and playing these instruments. Acquiring the proper skills and techniques for Grade 8 pieces require a lot of time and effort. To be able to master the piano and violin in 6 years, maybe 5 excluding the 1st year, is nearly impossible for an average Singaporean. Maybe, if the child is sent for music lessons for the entire 5/6 years of his life, there might still be a chance. But to be able to play the musical intruments well, speak fluently, do more advance maths and have a wide range of vocabulary at the same time, I will say that it's not possible.
To me, I think both school and childhood are important. There is a need to strike a balance between the two. School is needed to help children to learn more and gain knowledge. It is always good to gain knowledge. A happy childhood is important, as it will affect the person's view of life for the rest of his/her life. If his/her childhood is one of torture and unhappiness, it is natural that that person will always view life in a negative way.
I agree with you that the it is important to strike a balance between school and childhood but I feel that the journalist's comment about children having grade 8 certificate is not an exaggeration but more of a dig at parents who are too competitive:)
ReplyDeleteI so agree with what you said "A happy childhood is important, as it will affect the person's view of life for the rest of his/her life. If his/her childhood is one of torture and unhappiness, it is natural that that person will always view life in a negative way." I highly doubt that a child bombarded with these activities would enjoy their years ahead after having a childhood with terrible memories (;
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