A Short Guide to Rhythmic Gymnastics in Singapore

Dive into the graceful world of rhythmic gymnastics, an art form that elegantly combines dance, ballet, and gymnastics in a symphony of movement. Singapore, an unlikely hotbed, has embraced this captivating discipline, illuminating it as a shining jewel in the city’s athletic pursuits. Let’s unfurl the ribbon, toss the ball, and spin the hoop on this fascinating journey!

What is Rhythmic Gymnastics?

Rhythmic Gymnastics is a sport that artfully integrates dance, ballet, and gymnastics elements. The flow of movement in this discipline is carefully choreographed to music, creating a performance that’s as beautiful as it is athletic. The gymnasts execute a series of jumps, leaps, and turns, balancing their bodies in ways that require the utmost strength, flexibility, and precision.

These complex routines are not performed empty-handed. Gymnasts wield various instruments, each bringing unique flair and challenge to the performance. These include hoops, ribbons, balls, and ropes, each requiring different skills for mastery. 

The hoop is swung, rolled, and spun around the gymnast’s body, showcasing their coordination and strength. The long satin strip ribbon twirls in the air in intricate patterns, highlighting the gymnast’s grace and timing. The ball is caught, thrown, and rolled, demanding impeccable hand-eye coordination, whilst the rope is skipped, swung, and twisted, demonstrating the gymnast’s agility and speed.

A Growing Popularity in Singapore

Rhythmic Gymnastics for kids has gained growing popularity in Singapore in recent years. It captures the imagination of many with its beauty and complexity, particularly among children and young adults. There are several dance academies around Singapore offering classes in this discipline. Here are a couple of the most well-known centres:

Releve Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy

Stepping into its second decade of inspiring young gymnasts, the Releve Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy is a shining beacon of Singapore’s rhythmic gymnastics scene. Established in 2009, this esteemed institution is helmed by a dynamic team of local coaches and judges. Each is imbued with a deep-seated love for the art and a profound knowledge of the discipline.

Offering rhythmic gymnastics classes to girls aged four and above, Releve caters both to those who wish to immerse themselves in the beauty of rhythmic gymnastics recreationally and to those who dream of competing on the grand stage.

Crestar School Of Dance 

Crestar School of Dance is one of Singapore’s most prominent private dance academies, with more than 40 years of experience in the field. The rhythmic gymnastics classes are developed in collaboration with JACPA, a renowned children’s sports education organization from Japan. Crestar’s Rhythmic Gymnastics program beautifully blends ballet, gymnastics, dance, and playful apparatus routines. 

Crestar Dance offers a range of dance classes, including rhythmic gymnastics for kids and adults, which hone motor skills, body coordination, and finesse. The academy stands out with high-quality dance teachers and instructors recruited through stringent selection processes. Regular upgrading and training are also made available to continuously improve their skills and knowledge to help students achieve their dance goals.

Agape Rhythmic Gymnastics

Agape Rhythmic Gymnastics, another renowned academy, offers aspiring gymnasts a nurturing and inclusive environment. It’s dedicated to cultivating a deep appreciation for discipline and guiding students’ journey to mastery. With a strong emphasis on character-building and personal growth, Agape seeks to imbue its students not only with gymnastic prowess but also with values that will serve them well beyond the gymnastic mat. This academy is open to students of various age groups, promoting rhythmic gymnastics as a lifelong pursuit of artistic expression and physical fitness.

So, this was a short guide to rhythmic gymnastics in Singapore. Whether you want to dabble in the art or strive for excellence, plenty of resources are at your fingertips! Open up to this captivating world, be inspired, and take flight with grace and beauty. Who knows? You may even find yourself competing in the Olympics one day.

5 Best Rhythmic Gymnastics Schools for Kids in Singapore

Rhythmic gymnastics shines as a captivating blend of artistry and physical prowess in athletics. Singapore, renowned for its commitment to nurturing young talents, is home to several world-class rhythmic gymnastics schools. In these hallowed halls, countless childhood dreams transform into graceful arabesques and powerful leaps. So, sit tight as we discuss the five best rhythmic gymnastics schools in Singapore, where your child’s potential can blossom into a spectacular performance.

Karpenko Gymnastics Academy

Established in 2015, Karpenko Gymnastics Academy is a pioneering institution that brings the esteemed standards of Russian gymnastics to Southeast Asia. The academy offers both competitive and recreational rhythmic gymnastic programs tailored for girls and additional programs for boys. The curriculum is designed around the best practices of Russian gymnastics, fostering discipline and confidence in children from an early age. 

NorthStar Gymnastics & Fitness

At NorthStar Gymnastics & Fitness, the vision is clear – to light the way in each student’s journey toward reaching their full potential in gymnastics and fitness. Whether you are a budding gymnast just starting or a competitive enthusiast honing your skills, NorthStar provides an exceptional training environment to help every student shine. The facility boasts a 4,700-square-foot air-conditioned gymnasium in the heart of Paya Lebar at the SingPost Centre. 

Crestar School of Dance

Originally part of Yamaha Music School Singapore, the school has grown and transformed since its inception in 1977. At Crestar School of Dance, an international team of dance and music professionals creates a vibrant and comprehensive curriculum. This enables students to partake in recognized international dance examinations from institutions like the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD). In addition to the engaging Rhythmic Gymnastics classes for kids, Crestar Dance presents a diverse array of dance classes tailored to cater to individuals of all ages, from children to adults.

Fly Once Gymnastics

Fly Once Gymnastics, a beacon of gymnastic excellence in Singapore, has been soaring high for almost two decades. Founded by a team of professional coaches from China and Singapore, this institution has carved out a special niche within the island’s athletic community. With their collective experience, the coaches at Fly Once have deftly perfected the systematic training plan, constantly refining it to empower their gymnasts to excel.

Rhythm & Groove

Embarking on a journey of rhythmic gymnastics in May 2017, Rhythm & Groove was born out of the passionate vision of ex-gymnast and internationally accredited FIG Coach and Judge Ms. Andrea Leong. With unwavering dedication, this academy has honed the skills of numerous girls, allowing them to immerse in the mesmerizing world of rhythmic gymnastics. The guiding light at Rhythm & Groove is the aspiration to cultivate proficient dancers and gymnasts and well-rounded individuals replete with character and tenacity.

So, these are the five best rhythmic gymnastics schools in Singapore. No matter which one your child chooses, rest assured that they are all excellent institutions with top-notch facilities and highly experienced coaches. With the proper guidance and dedication, there is no telling how far they can go! So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get them enrolled in their dream school today!

Importance of PSLE Examinations

The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is the first national examination in Singapore that every primary school student must sit upon completing six years of primary school. Students are tested on at least four subjects: Language, Math, Science skills, knowledge, and reasoning. Each subject has a set examination format that construes the framework of the examination paper.

Qualified and Unqualified students, in the end, receive certificates. Held once a year during October, the PSLE Examinations can be strikingly stressful for our 12-year-olds. Although PSLE is a mandatory exam in the Singapore education system gives one no option but to appear for it. Given the importance of the PSLE, we should become accustomed to everything about the PSLE exam, for instance, its scoring system, upcoming dates and subjects, and syllabus information.  

Why Are PSLE Exams Important?

The primary objective of PSLE is to evaluate the learner’s skills and knowledge acquired in the different subjects during primary school. To determine the learner’s grasp of the basic skills and abilities in reading, writing, and arithmetic and the extent to which they can use such concepts and techniques to fix admissible life problems and analyze with the competency to continue with secondary education and other training associations.

The PSLE exam determines whether a student is qualified enough to be promoted to the secondary level, which secondary school they can consider, and the stream they can qualify for depending on the exam results. PSLE exams are designed to accommodate all students with different skills and abilities, conclusively giving parents an idea of where their child is academically and their strengths or weaknesses. According to PSLE’s new Achievement Level (AL) scoring system, each child’s AL represents their command over the subject. There is no bell curve and no quotas ordained on the number of students for each AL band. Since most students find the PSLE standards manageable, their scores are often distributed towards the higher end, with almost 50 per cent of students achieving 75 or above (AL4 or better) in all PSLE subjects. 

Many of these students also have tuition sessions to receive personalized help to identify and work on their weaknesses. Students can also maximize their preparation time for PSLE through tuition for subjects such as math, where many students face difficulties.

PSLE results provide integral and crucial information about what kind of education is suitable for a child based on their current abilities. They help parents guide their children in making the right choice of secondary school and subjects. PSLE is a well-known personal experience for children and their parents. Some may even go so far as to say that travelling with their children through the PSLE and receiving their results with them is a rite of passage for many Singaporean parents.

PSLE is compulsory, but we cannot let ourselves consume it. If we attach too much importance to an exam, it will become a test of terrifying proportions, and our children will be frightened.

What You Need to Know About Math Tuition for Your Child’s PSLE

Primary 6 is the defining time for every Singaporean child’s future, as they have to appear in their first-ever national examination known as PSLE. The time one needs to prepare for appearing in PSLE can be dreadful for students and parents because it requires tons of hours of studying, stress, pre-exam anxiety, and much more. The score of PSLE will decide your child’s secondary stream.

Among all three core subjects, mother language, science, and math, the mathematics portion is considered the hardest due to its complexity. Mathematics is a conceptual subject with the maximum opportunity to gain maximum marks.

As a parent, you might be worried or thinking about how you can help your child pass this stage of their life. There needs to be more than attending primary school for preparation, so they might also need some tutoring. Whether it is done in tuition centres, private tutoring, online tutoring, or self-tutoring, here we will discuss what you need to know as a parent for your child’s PSLE tuition.

Tuition Center

If you are a working parent and do not have enough time to help with your child’s studies, tuition centres are always the best option for preparing your child. Get your child enrolled in the best math tuition, where they can go after school to prepare for the examination. Several tuitions offer early preparation programs for students starting in Primary 1. They brief your child on how to attempt the exam using practical tips and techniques.

Private Tutor

If your child is an introvert and does not feel comfortable studying with other students, home tutoring is the best option you can choose. It may be expensive, but several individuals offer home tutors at a low cost. This benefits those children with special needs in learning and focusing.

Parent Tutoring

This could be beneficial for your child as you are the only one who knows your child best. You know what their weaknesses and strengths are, and you also know how to tackle them. If you are good at math, consider teaching your child by yourself. But if you are not skilled and knowledgeable about math, this might not work out for your child. In this case, you can also shift to tutoring. There are multiple tuition centres in Singapore and several online platforms to help your child prepare for the examination.

Following are some of the skills you need to teach your child if they are attempting the math PSLE:

●       Clearing out all the concepts and doubts

●       Management of time while attempting

●       Avoid making silly mistakes

●       Correct use of a calculator

●       Not panicking when the answer is incorrect

●       Self-confidence and making sure your answers are correct by verification

Being a parent, it is entirely normal to feel worried about your child’s future but investing in your child’s education is the best investment you can make, and trust us, you won’t regret it. Secure your child’s future by giving them an easy time during their PSLE by providing them with good tuition.

What To Expect from English Enrichment Programs

English enrichment programs have curriculums and guidelines aligned with the school systems. The idea is for the enrichment program to build on what the child learns in school and better prepare the child for advanced English classes. 

English enrichment programs aim to enhance the academic capabilities highlighted by the Ministry of Education. 

Reading And Writing Skills

The English enrichment programs aim to enhance young children’s reading and comprehension skills. When you send your child to English enrichment classes, the English tutor will give you a guideline with a list of what you should expect from the programs. 

Some of the skills that young children in primary school are expected to gain include;

● Ability to read, comprehend and respond to age-appropriate literary texts. 

● Recognition of vowel and consonant sounds.

● Comprehension and evaluation of texts. 

● Organize, classify, and compare basic English information.  

● Understand the importance of listening actively and doing it passively. 

● Learning how to present ideas effectively and respectfully.

● Correct recognition and utilization of volume, tone, sentence stress, and pace in verbal communication. 

● Application of correct grammatical rules in sentence construction.

● Confidence in reading. 

Major skills young children gain from English enrichment classes.;

● Vocabulary-building.

● Narrative intelligence.

● Critical thinking skills.

● Phonics.

● Sentence structural awareness. 

● Active engagement. 

● Conversational skills. 

● Argument conversation skills.

Personalized English Programs For Older Children.

Older children tend to receive personalized English enrichment programs because they already have a foundation in the language. Older children have different challenges, so they need an English program designed to meet their individual needs. 

Instead of making assumptions based on the child’s age or class, the English tutor will evaluate your child and structure a suitable English enrichment program.

For example, the tutor will test your child on basic word recognition and spelling. They may also test reading, comprehension, and writing skills. This way, your child gets a program that will help him overcome the challenges he faces and prepare him for advanced English. 

English tuition in Singapore for older students also has its learning objectives. So, even though the program is often personalized, there are general objectives that English tutors seek to fulfil. 

Some of the issues that English enrichment programs at this level seek to cover are the following;

● Poetry.

● Literary analysis.

● Grammar.

● Short stories.

● Literary devices. 

● Structured paragraphs.

● Essays.

English programs at this level are more challenging but rewarding because the child is more aware of his progress and achievements. Tutors also create a conducive environment for students to engage with one another and build on their vocabulary skills. 

When they get to this stage, students build habits that are likely to stay with them even in adulthood. When they develop an interest in reading, they are likely to keep doing it as they grow. The skills they earn will also be beneficial in their careers. 

Every child should set targets they aim to achieve from attending English enrichment classes. Ask your child to set goals they wish to attain in English tuition classes. This will motivate them to work hard and focus on the classes. Likewise, the tutor will be able to measure their achievements against the objectives of the enrichment classes.

What Are English Enrichment Classes?

English Enrichment classes have become quite common in Singapore, and many parents have prioritized enrolling their children in these classes. They are available for students at different levels of education, from kindergarten to high school. 

English enrichment classes help enhance, improve, and reinforce the English competency of students. Weak spots in English affect a child’s performance in all subjects where English is used. Additionally, the enrichment classes prepare students for the Singaporean education system.

English enrichment classes are structured to benefit students at different levels. Tutors are trained to bolster each child’s strengths and help them overcome their weaknesses. Over time, children gain confidence when communicating in English. 

How English Enrichment Classes Work

English enrichment classes are similar yet different from the typical class arrangement. English tuition in Singapore focuses on the child. Rather than focus on the syllabus alone, the English tutor seeks to discover your child’s struggles and helps him navigate them. 

Robust In-house Curriculum

All English enrichment centres in Singapore have a curriculum and a setup that they follow to help students polish their English speaking and writing skills. The curriculums seek to;

● Challenge students to analyze information.

● Think critically about presented scenarios.

● Respond convincingly, in writing and verbally. 

● Train students to communicate effectively in English. 

English enrichment programs are tailored to inspire students to learn and engage in English. The skills the students learn will also be handy during their daily classwork in English and other subjects. 

Lessons Given In Small Groups

Compared to regular English classes, English tuition in Singapore is usually carried out in smaller groups. The aim is to give personalized attention to students so that the tutor can identify the problem areas and work on them. 

Many students are overshadowed in class. Sometimes it is because they do not grasp information as fast as other students or are timid and not as active as others in the class. It is difficult for teachers to satisfy each student’s needs, which is the gap that enrichment classes seek to fill. 

There are several reasons why enrichment classes are in a group setting.

  • Social interaction is critical during English enrichment classes. Students learn more in their interactions with one another. 
  • Students learn to assist one another in areas where a group member is struggling. 
  • Groups encourage friendly competition. The standard classroom setup can get pretty competitive, but sometimes this competition can be unhealthy. When set up in groups, students learn to differentiate healthy competition from unhealthy one.
  • Students learn how to have empathy and respect one another. As they take turns, they learn to listen and be kind when a group member gets an answer wrong. They also know to be supportive without being critical of one another. This is an important skill that, when nurtured, will help the child learn conflict resolution. 

English enrichment classes do much more than enhance a child’s ability to read and write. Students gain life skills that will guide them as they grow and interact with others in society. 

Students also get to use the skills they learn when interacting with other students in school. In the long run, English enrichment classes help your child become a well-rounded individual.

Activities that Encourage Focus and Concentration in Kids

Academic performance is important to most Singaporean parents. Did you know 40% of preschoolers attend private tuition? The percentage is even higher for primary and high school students, at 80% and 60% respectively. Although tuition is helpful, it may not benefit children struggling with focus and concentration. 

Instead of tuition, it is best to attempt attention training for kids. A child who is unable to concentrate in class will not have much luck with tuition. Before turning to tuition, why not find activities that answer your concern on how to improve concentration in kids

Timed activities

Activities with a time limit are great for attention training for kids. When playing, children will be aware that they have to meet their goals before time runs out. For example, you can give a child a word and ask him to write as many words as possible from the master word. He will not risk losing focus because time will be up before completing the assigned task. 

Puzzles

Puzzle games are critical for a child’s cognitive development. They help with fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, and decision-making skills. Over time, the child’s memory, attention span, concentration, and focus will improve. 

Fortunately, there are different types of age-appropriate puzzles in the market. Younger children can start with 4-piece puzzles and progress to puzzles with more pieces. You can even choose pieces according to the child’s colour preference. 

Building activities

Building games are quite popular with children. They not only require focus, but some of these games take a long time, so your child learns how to sit through tasks that last longer than a few minutes. Since the goal is to build something successfully, the child is unlikely to give up before the task is completed. 

For example, children can work in groups to see which team will build the highest stack of cards. The element of competition will make the activity more enjoyable, especially since the stack of cards will keep falling. This will keep the kids occupied, and at the same time, test their limits when it comes to focus and concentration. 

Alternatively, if the child is playing alone, you can ask him to build blocks according to the shapes, sizes and colours. 

Memory games

For a child to remember what he saw, he will need to concentrate. For example, brain training games that ask the child to identify the direction of the arrow. The picture is usually shown for a second, so the child needs to concentrate on identifying the right arrow. 

The advantage of memory games is it tests various cognitive skills and functions. In this case, the child will not only be expected to identify the arrow and direction it faces, but he also needs to have good decision-making skills. There is no room for doubt. After playing such games for some time, the child will become more confident to voice his responses. 

Play games that follow a sequence

When asked how to improve children’ concentration and focus, many experts recommend activities that follow a sequence. In this case, a child cannot move to the next level unless he completes the current level. 

As long as the game is enjoyable, the child will strive to succeed so that he can progress to other levels. In the process, the child will learn patience and be more sensitive to his decisions since they will determine his success or failure. 

If you are concerned with how to improve concentration in kids, these activities give you an insight into the many options available. You can also use some of these activities to get your child to play outdoors if you feel he is spending too much time with his electronics. 

What to Expect at a Workshop for Parents

“Why should I attend a child development workshop?” This is probably what goes through your mind when you are invited to one. It is natural to question why you should spare the time to attend a parent workshop. 

The parenting journey has its good and bad times. Situations change, and these workshops are great because parents share their experiences. Child development experts will also give you a glimpse of what goes on in your child’s mind and how your actions affect him. 

Tips on how to handle conflicts

You will not always have a smooth relationship with your child. If you have more than one child, you may be forced to be a mediator from time to time when they are not getting along. A workshop for parents will enlighten you on the causes of conflict and how to resolve them. 

Sometimes, asserting your authority may seem the easiest way to manage conflicts, but it is not always the right way. Experts in conflict management will give you guidance on how to deal with issues you may encounter in a way that your children will find fair and acceptable. 

Single parenting

Some Singaporeans still frown at single parenting, especially of unwed mothers raising their children. Records from the Ministry of Social and Family Development show that an average of 800 children are born annually do not have a father named on the birth certificate. 

Besides the usual single parenting struggles, a single parent may still have to contend with the pressures from society. A parent workshop is a great avenue to hear more about single parenting and how to cope with the stress without it spilling over to your relationship with the child. 

A child in a single-parent home may also have his struggles. You will get professional guidance on how to help your child cope. 

Single parenting households do not just arise from mothers having children in the absence of the fathers. Some women become single parents after the death of their spouse. Child development workshops are great because the experts give guidance on how to handle the transition and challenges of the new household. 

Choosing between being a parent or your child’s friend 

Today’s parents have different views on parenting styles. Some people believe it is important for parents to be friends with their children. The belief behind this parenting style is children are more open with their friends than their parents. 

What is your parenting style? Does it work? Workshops for parents seek to answer some of your questions about the different parenting styles. You might decide to incorporate different styles in your home. 

Ideas on how to listen and respond to children

Good communication between parents and children is important. A parent workshop will provide you with an insight on how you should listen to your child and respond, irrespective of the situation. You don’t want to sound judgmental because this will cause your child to shut you out. The child development experts will give you an idea of how to respond to your child in different situations. 

The role of parents in a child’s education

Besides paying for your child’s education, what more should you do to ensure your child’s success in school? How does the home environment influence your child’s learning experience? These are some of the issues that are discussed at the parent workshop.

Most parents assume that their children can compartmentalize their home and school lives as separate entities. However, a child who is not happy at home is likely to see a drop in his school performance. 

The training session at the child development workshops can confirm that you are on the right track as a parent. It can also be an eye-opener of the things you are doing wrong and how your actions affect your child. 

The Strategy Behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used together with other therapies. It is used to analyze a person’s thoughts and beliefs and their impact on one’s wellbeing. Unfortunately, many people allow negative thoughts to cloud their judgement. 

This is why two people facing the same challenges may have different outlooks. While one may see the glass as half empty, the other may consider it half full. 

Why do some people find fault in everything they encounter? It could be with their relationships, work, academics, or physical appearance. Cognitive behavioral therapy Singapore seeks to initiate behavioral change using various strategies. 

Identify negative thoughts and feelings.

When a patient suffering from depression, anxiety, drug addiction, alcoholism or erratic behaviour visits a therapist, the first step is to identify the negative thoughts and feelings behind the destructive behaviour. 

This process requires the patient to be open and ready for self-examination. This is a critical part of the treatment. People who avoid introspection may not notice problematic behaviour since they are not ready to acknowledge that they have flawed thoughts that affect their behaviour. 

Learn new skills

By the time a patient goes for cognitive behavioral therapy Singapore, they should be ready to acknowledge that something is wrong and that it is time to try something different. 

For example, once an alcoholic discovers triggers to his illness, he can skills that allow him to stay away from situations that cause him to drink. One can opt to spend the evening working out instead of socializing with people who cement the negative beliefs that cause them to turn to alcohol. 

Learning new skills is critical because this helps patients to change negative behavioural patterns. The new skills also help patients to avoid relapsing to negative thoughts. 

Train patients to set goals and achieve them

CBT is a short-term therapy that seeks to identify causes and solutions of unfavourable behaviour. The therapist seeks ways to help the patient get rid of spontaneous negative thoughts responsible for erratic behaviour, such as anger outbursts and emotional meltdowns.  

A person whose actions are fueled by negative thoughts and beliefs is sick. Like physical illness, this person requires treatment. Setting goals will help the person keep track of the changes in the way he thinks or acts. 

Short term and long-term goals are critical because they will help the patient move forward, even after the therapy ends. Specific, relevant, and time-based goals will help the patient take periodic breaks to analyze his progress, identify gaps, and set timelines to help him achieve his recovery goals. 

Unlearn unhelpful behaviours

This is a bold step that is sometimes considered as difficult. A child undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy Singapore may find it easier to unlearn behaviours compared to an adult. This is primarily because children have had a shorter time to cement their beliefs. 

Adults may have a long way to unlearning unhelpful behaviour. However, it is not impossible. Self-monitoring techniques, such as using a diary or journal, will help one keep track of his progress. 

There will be some bad days, no doubt. However, acknowledging these days and working hard to ensure the good days are more than the bad is essential towards positive behavioural change. 

Behaviour change does not happen overnight. Patients need to appreciate that change begins with small steps. What is important is for one to keep moving forward. Intentionally taking the difficult route of recovery is important in cognitive behavioral therapy Singapore. Over time, the patient will realize that he has more positive thoughts and actions.