To the visitors who came for our Open House ..
Thanks for taking time off to visit us. We hope you have a better idea of our trainees and activities. For those who have put down your contacts, we'll be getting in touch shortly to follow up on how you would like to volunteer with us. We would also be seeking your feedback on what can be improved.
Pls feel free to come down for our regular class on 30 May, 3-5.30pm. Kindly drop us an email at bktg1983@icqmail.com if you are coming.
We have opened our "house" and hearts, hope you will too =)
- Jianyun
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Punishment - Closure
Thanks to those who have given views.
The intent for me showing the transcript of the sms was more to share on some thoughts that struck me... just for your info, when I post these onto the blog, I were still smsing with the other party... I shall remain anonymous over this and will not add on to what was discussed over the sms. A couple of you already know who we are.
It has been donkey years since I completed primary education, so I am quite shocking to hear that punishment such as asking student to face the wall is no longer allow and consider degrading! I remembered when I was a child, teacher could throw chalk, book at us if we misbehave. Made us stand on chair, stand outside the classroom as other forms of punishment... I wonder what types of punishment are considered appropriate and effective nowadays.
Anyway, I just was want to say, as volunteers we will need to stay relevant to concurrent context in what we are doing - be it in the objectives we set for our trainees, the activities we are engaging them in or even when we need to make some enforcement to correct their behaviour. Bro, thanks for clarifying on the current situation in mainstream school!
Secondary, as volunteers, we just need to be vigilant in whatever we are doing. Even though our intent might be good, if we are not careful in our execution, we might be misinterpreted.
That's all...
PS: Btw, Weizhi was never punished when he was with us.... because he never misbehave.... He has autism.
The intent for me showing the transcript of the sms was more to share on some thoughts that struck me... just for your info, when I post these onto the blog, I were still smsing with the other party... I shall remain anonymous over this and will not add on to what was discussed over the sms. A couple of you already know who we are.
It has been donkey years since I completed primary education, so I am quite shocking to hear that punishment such as asking student to face the wall is no longer allow and consider degrading! I remembered when I was a child, teacher could throw chalk, book at us if we misbehave. Made us stand on chair, stand outside the classroom as other forms of punishment... I wonder what types of punishment are considered appropriate and effective nowadays.
Anyway, I just was want to say, as volunteers we will need to stay relevant to concurrent context in what we are doing - be it in the objectives we set for our trainees, the activities we are engaging them in or even when we need to make some enforcement to correct their behaviour. Bro, thanks for clarifying on the current situation in mainstream school!
Secondary, as volunteers, we just need to be vigilant in whatever we are doing. Even though our intent might be good, if we are not careful in our execution, we might be misinterpreted.
That's all...
PS: Btw, Weizhi was never punished when he was with us.... because he never misbehave.... He has autism.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Punishment
I received an sms today
"Hi. Just curious, does bktg carry out any form of punishment on trainees who exhibit inappropriate behaviours or simply misbehave like in the case of weizhi (the one who likes to run around?)
My reply
"Punishment if scolding doesn't work will be in e form of slapping the hands to indicate disapproval of actions"
I got the follow response
"What about sending a trainee to face the wall (i mean literally) because she exhibits the habit of sniffing other people's hands. Mind u, she's a young adult and of "fairly high functionality". Is such form of punishment app?
My reply
"That's one possibility, wat i had mentioned in my previous sms is usually wat we do. In general, they are special ppl, so various forms of punishment done in mainstream school could be use appropriately - if trainees are educated these are consequences of misbehaviour"
I got the response
"How can such a degrading form of punishment be acceptable especially when the recipient is an adult albeit with id and the punishment is carried out by volunteers in a myg setting. How can this be acceptable?
I responded
"I am trying to generalise the possible punishment. Main thing is they understand wat is it for... as u seen when u're with us, e most we do is scolding, slapping hands"
His reply
"I understand bktg form of discipline and i'm fine with the rationale behind the intention. But my question is how can a degrading form of punishment like facing the wall be even considered acceptable and being condoned in a myg setting? Where's the basic human dignity? Heck, even a normal child may fight against such degrading form of punishment. In the context of an id adult who couldn't fight 4 her rights, shouldn't we be even more mindful and protective against such acts on her"
I gave a quick response
"definition of degrading form of punishment varies to individuals"
He smsed
"If so, then i reckon definition of spousal abuse varies to individuals too. Let's keep quiet and not do anything about it. Is that ur point?"
I replied
"The context varies over time. When i was a child, punishment like being told to stand on a chair, face the wall... were not being considered as degrading, violating human dignity, unlike now. So wat form of punishment is acceptable now? Ppl know their rights, or are ppl abusing their rights for their own good? I can't answer these questions"
He said
"But wr r talking about adults with id who couldn't fight 4 their rights. What gives those volunteers the right to carry out such punishment on their trainees? My question to u is simple and i need to know. What would u have done if u were there?
I have given him my replies... What would you have done?
"Hi. Just curious, does bktg carry out any form of punishment on trainees who exhibit inappropriate behaviours or simply misbehave like in the case of weizhi (the one who likes to run around?)
My reply
"Punishment if scolding doesn't work will be in e form of slapping the hands to indicate disapproval of actions"
I got the follow response
"What about sending a trainee to face the wall (i mean literally) because she exhibits the habit of sniffing other people's hands. Mind u, she's a young adult and of "fairly high functionality". Is such form of punishment app?
My reply
"That's one possibility, wat i had mentioned in my previous sms is usually wat we do. In general, they are special ppl, so various forms of punishment done in mainstream school could be use appropriately - if trainees are educated these are consequences of misbehaviour"
I got the response
"How can such a degrading form of punishment be acceptable especially when the recipient is an adult albeit with id and the punishment is carried out by volunteers in a myg setting. How can this be acceptable?
I responded
"I am trying to generalise the possible punishment. Main thing is they understand wat is it for... as u seen when u're with us, e most we do is scolding, slapping hands"
His reply
"I understand bktg form of discipline and i'm fine with the rationale behind the intention. But my question is how can a degrading form of punishment like facing the wall be even considered acceptable and being condoned in a myg setting? Where's the basic human dignity? Heck, even a normal child may fight against such degrading form of punishment. In the context of an id adult who couldn't fight 4 her rights, shouldn't we be even more mindful and protective against such acts on her"
I gave a quick response
"definition of degrading form of punishment varies to individuals"
He smsed
"If so, then i reckon definition of spousal abuse varies to individuals too. Let's keep quiet and not do anything about it. Is that ur point?"
I replied
"The context varies over time. When i was a child, punishment like being told to stand on a chair, face the wall... were not being considered as degrading, violating human dignity, unlike now. So wat form of punishment is acceptable now? Ppl know their rights, or are ppl abusing their rights for their own good? I can't answer these questions"
He said
"But wr r talking about adults with id who couldn't fight 4 their rights. What gives those volunteers the right to carry out such punishment on their trainees? My question to u is simple and i need to know. What would u have done if u were there?
I have given him my replies... What would you have done?
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Swine flu / Mexican flu / H1N1 flu ..
Hi all,
The recent developments of the flu have raised some concerns among some parents, especially in the participation of ACID. The current stand is to proceed with the camp with measures to be taken, e.g temp taking, isolation room etc. If the situation gets worse, pls be assured that the ACID committee will announce any changes.
I would like to remind everyone to keep a lookout for flu symptoms by the trainees and youself too. Do ensure that trainees wash their hands before and after teabreak. We'll also continue with taking temperature before class.
Pls inform your GLs or me if you will be joining us on 16 May. This helps us notify you in the event there's last min changes.
Thanks and have a good Vesak day weekend ahead!
- Jianyun
The recent developments of the flu have raised some concerns among some parents, especially in the participation of ACID. The current stand is to proceed with the camp with measures to be taken, e.g temp taking, isolation room etc. If the situation gets worse, pls be assured that the ACID committee will announce any changes.
I would like to remind everyone to keep a lookout for flu symptoms by the trainees and youself too. Do ensure that trainees wash their hands before and after teabreak. We'll also continue with taking temperature before class.
Pls inform your GLs or me if you will be joining us on 16 May. This helps us notify you in the event there's last min changes.
Thanks and have a good Vesak day weekend ahead!
- Jianyun
Friday, May 1, 2009
Special People
Today, I met a 10-12 years old boy with his parents. The caregivers are in their 40s.
This boy is very hyperactive, he can't sit still for a minute (really, in fact within seconds he is up on his feet/engage with things). The caregivers were having a hard time catching up with him, making sure he does not hurt himselves/others. In addition, this is a special kid, as I observed his behaviour in comparison with kids of the same age group. I could also see that his focus (eye contact) is not there... his eyes were wandering around while he is busy with his activities. Fortunately, this boy is mild temper and he listens to his parents.
It takes alot of patience and love from the caregivers to understand these special people. As situation changes, the behaviour of these special people also changes! I can't imagine how tough it could be for the caregivers to keep on learning, to try to comprehen their children's actions and help them, in their whole lives.
Take my experience with Weizhi... I can't help but feel being lost. Could a special education professional help a special kid and able to benefit him for the whole of his life? How much can the caregivers learn and teach their children? Regardless of how much techniques the caregivers are being equipped, how many tools they could use to assist them in this mighty task, ultimately, the LOVE of the caregivers for their children, the LOVE they showered on them might still be the most important weapon in guiding their children along the way.... at least this is what I seen today!
-choon seng
This boy is very hyperactive, he can't sit still for a minute (really, in fact within seconds he is up on his feet/engage with things). The caregivers were having a hard time catching up with him, making sure he does not hurt himselves/others. In addition, this is a special kid, as I observed his behaviour in comparison with kids of the same age group. I could also see that his focus (eye contact) is not there... his eyes were wandering around while he is busy with his activities. Fortunately, this boy is mild temper and he listens to his parents.
It takes alot of patience and love from the caregivers to understand these special people. As situation changes, the behaviour of these special people also changes! I can't imagine how tough it could be for the caregivers to keep on learning, to try to comprehen their children's actions and help them, in their whole lives.
Take my experience with Weizhi... I can't help but feel being lost. Could a special education professional help a special kid and able to benefit him for the whole of his life? How much can the caregivers learn and teach their children? Regardless of how much techniques the caregivers are being equipped, how many tools they could use to assist them in this mighty task, ultimately, the LOVE of the caregivers for their children, the LOVE they showered on them might still be the most important weapon in guiding their children along the way.... at least this is what I seen today!
-choon seng
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