Inspirational teacher
MS SERENE Chan has taught me for over three years.
She is very patient and explains things clearly and slowly so that all of her pupils can understand what she is saying.
Ms Chan likes to hold up pupils' work in front of the class and point out the common mistakes. Although it can be a little embarrassing at times, I feel that it is good to do so because she is trying to help not only the pupil but also the whole class.
Ms Chan has made a difference in my attitude towards learning. I used to be very lazy but, with her effort, I have become a more hard-working person.
Camellia Thian, 12, Primary 6 pupil
After the rats, deal with the pigeons
I AM pleased to hear that the National Environment Agency (NEA) is taking measures to curb rat infestations ("Rats! Warning of diseases as complaints soar"; Jan 23).
However, pigeons are also a big nuisance, especially in markets.
I am a regular patron of Ghim Moh market. When it underwent renovation and moved to its temporary location, the pigeons came with it.
These pigeons are extremely daring. They will come within inches of diners to peck at crumbs or food waste on the floor.
They sometimes fly so close that they come into physical contact with diners.
Pigeons are known to spread diseases. They also contribute to a very negative dining experience.
Cleaners and diners do their duty in clearing up. However, small food waste on the floor cannot be cleared and inevitably attracts pigeons.
I hope the NEA can also manage the pigeons.
Ng J-Cyn, 16, junior college student
Limit kids' gadget use
TECHNOLOGY, in the form of handheld gadgets like tablets and smartphones, has become a vital part of our everyday life, enabling efficient communication and rapid access to information.
A study involving 60 pre-schoolers here revealed that 65 per cent of them started playing with electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, before they turned three ("Kids 'using gadgets at earlier age being exposed to risks' "; June 5, 2013).
Excessive use of such devices can result in children losing a valuable skill - communicating with others. Will they become more attracted to their gadgets than going out to interact with their counterparts?
Dr Jackie Marsh, professor of education at the University of Sheffield, has stated that two hours of screen time each day is enough for children aged six and under.
I urge parents to take this matter seriously and limit the use of these gadgets by their children.
Kimberly Yee Pei Xin, 17, junior college student
Grades important but so is health
RESEARCH has found that while a majority of American and Japanese children said that losing a friend or the death of their parents was their No. 1 fear, Singaporean students were most afraid of not achieving good grades.
What is it about our education system that leads our students to think that the scariest thing in life is not doing well academically?
Achieving good grades is so overwhelmingly important that four in five students are not getting the recommended eight to nine hours of sleep on school nights, according to a 2008 study.
In the past, I often went to bed past midnight due to the massive assignment load I had to complete. However, I am trying to change this habit by managing my time better.
Exercising regularly and eating well help to improve one's concentration. Since I began eating a good breakfast every morning, I find I have better focus in class and do not feel so tired.
Everyone should remember that although academic pursuits are important, we should not neglect our health.
Yeo Jen-Lin, 15, Secondary 4 student
CALLING YOUNG READERS: Youth Forum is a weekly column showcasing the views of our younger readers. If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion on any issue, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg with the header "Youth Forum". Do include your age, educational level and contact details.
MS SERENE Chan has taught me for over three years.
She is very patient and explains things clearly and slowly so that all of her pupils can understand what she is saying.
Ms Chan likes to hold up pupils' work in front of the class and point out the common mistakes. Although it can be a little embarrassing at times, I feel that it is good to do so because she is trying to help not only the pupil but also the whole class.
Ms Chan has made a difference in my attitude towards learning. I used to be very lazy but, with her effort, I have become a more hard-working person.
Camellia Thian, 12, Primary 6 pupil
After the rats, deal with the pigeons
I AM pleased to hear that the National Environment Agency (NEA) is taking measures to curb rat infestations ("Rats! Warning of diseases as complaints soar"; Jan 23).
However, pigeons are also a big nuisance, especially in markets.
I am a regular patron of Ghim Moh market. When it underwent renovation and moved to its temporary location, the pigeons came with it.
These pigeons are extremely daring. They will come within inches of diners to peck at crumbs or food waste on the floor.
They sometimes fly so close that they come into physical contact with diners.
Pigeons are known to spread diseases. They also contribute to a very negative dining experience.
Cleaners and diners do their duty in clearing up. However, small food waste on the floor cannot be cleared and inevitably attracts pigeons.
I hope the NEA can also manage the pigeons.
Ng J-Cyn, 16, junior college student
Limit kids' gadget use
TECHNOLOGY, in the form of handheld gadgets like tablets and smartphones, has become a vital part of our everyday life, enabling efficient communication and rapid access to information.
A study involving 60 pre-schoolers here revealed that 65 per cent of them started playing with electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, before they turned three ("Kids 'using gadgets at earlier age being exposed to risks' "; June 5, 2013).
Excessive use of such devices can result in children losing a valuable skill - communicating with others. Will they become more attracted to their gadgets than going out to interact with their counterparts?
Dr Jackie Marsh, professor of education at the University of Sheffield, has stated that two hours of screen time each day is enough for children aged six and under.
I urge parents to take this matter seriously and limit the use of these gadgets by their children.
Kimberly Yee Pei Xin, 17, junior college student
Grades important but so is health
RESEARCH has found that while a majority of American and Japanese children said that losing a friend or the death of their parents was their No. 1 fear, Singaporean students were most afraid of not achieving good grades.
What is it about our education system that leads our students to think that the scariest thing in life is not doing well academically?
Achieving good grades is so overwhelmingly important that four in five students are not getting the recommended eight to nine hours of sleep on school nights, according to a 2008 study.
In the past, I often went to bed past midnight due to the massive assignment load I had to complete. However, I am trying to change this habit by managing my time better.
Exercising regularly and eating well help to improve one's concentration. Since I began eating a good breakfast every morning, I find I have better focus in class and do not feel so tired.
Everyone should remember that although academic pursuits are important, we should not neglect our health.
Yeo Jen-Lin, 15, Secondary 4 student
CALLING YOUNG READERS: Youth Forum is a weekly column showcasing the views of our younger readers. If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion on any issue, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg with the header "Youth Forum". Do include your age, educational level and contact details.
