Happiness Journal 15/9/25

First day of the school term, and I’m besieged by various tasks. Still, I left school early enough to pick up my boy 10 mins earlier than usual. What was noteworthy was that he was in a receptive mood to read a Chinese book with me. All his neurons had connected, lighting up his propensity for learning! I also applaud myself for having the patience to watch him struggle to read the words. Was excruciating as waiting for a sloth to move. But I should focus on the fact that he was WILLING to read and not demand to play games.

Happiness Journal 16/9/2025

Today, I was unexpectedly roped in to invigilate the PSLE Chinese Listening Compre for a student running a high fever.

I must confess that I am shocked at how all the options were read aloud. Although I cringe at the deteriorating standards of Mandarin Chinese among young Singaporeans these days, I’m relieved that I just need to focus on understanding for my children in the future.

A brainwave came over me. (我灵机一动。) The last question was about the learning takeaway derived from an incident. So, when I picked up my son just now, I got him to read a simplified version of this pivotal question. Talk about work crossing over into personal life.

I’m quite happy that my day was accorded greater significance because whatever I experienced directly impacted my boy positively.

Happiness Journal 21/9/25

This weekend, I dutifully combed through the PSLE 3-year series for Science. I discovered that the properties of materials is a popular topic. If I strategically bring in popular items to my classroom and get my students to think in terms of flexible/strong/waterproof/float or sink/transparent every day, I would be helping them to revise this topic without breaking a sweat.

Then, an electrifying idea came to my mind and chased away my Monday-eve blues. I could put my staff cards from the JET program and NorthLight inside my handphone pouch, put it around my neck and wait for curious students to ask me why I have done that. The best way to get attention-starved students to learn is to draw attention to myself!

I’m sure I will never get old of looking at these glorious cards of yesteryear.

For good measure, I introduced the word “waterproof” to my 6-year-old and planted a seedling of knowledge inside his mind, fully expecting it to germinate several years down the road.

Happiness Journal 22/9/25

Most days, I drag my feet to pick up my children because I have nothing but a night of drudgery to look forward to.

Today, however, I hastened my steps like a rat scurrying towards a mousetrap for two reasons.

First, the son has become obsessed with cattle and zebras, so I couldn’t wait to tell him about how some Japanese cattle have been painted with zebra-like stripes to reduce the likelihood of them getting bitten by flies. It’s a cool piece of trivia that I’m certain will stay etched in his mind.

Secondly, while decluttering my Science folder, I found a hard copy of the map of the Singapore Zoo. I have probably hoarded it since 2021! In an era where apps are the go-to answer for everything, this physical map has elevated to be a relic of history. I know he will pore over the details with great excitement. Hopefully, this means that he will watch less TV tonight.