What does critical thinking mean?
Parenting Times
The Parenting Blog of Mumsgather Finds
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Fostering Critical Thinking in Our Children
What does critical thinking mean?
Monday, March 25, 2024
Pack Perfect Lunches: A Guide to School Food Containers
Image Credit: The Kawaii Yellow Duck Food Container is from here: https://shope.ee/7pW0H1oUgO
Available at Shopee: https://shope.ee/2LB3eOhoaY |
Available at Shopee: https://shope.ee/B6Z4Y8y3y |
Available at Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.my/s.8OI3z?cc |
Available at Shopee: https://shope.ee/1fvMt7fP5e |
Available at Shopee: https://shope.ee/10fg6olWNH |
Label everything! Use reusable name tags or write directly on containers with a permanent marker or label stickers to avoid lunchtime mix-ups.
Available at Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.my/s.8OHnN?cc |
Choosing the Right Material:
Consider the following when choosing the material of your food container.
Glass: Eco-friendly and non-porous, glass containers are perfect for storing leftovers and non-acidic foods. However, they can be heavy and break easily, making them less ideal for younger children.
Stainless Steel: Durable and lightweight, stainless steel containers are a great all-around option. They're leakproof, shatterproof, and resist odors and stains. However, they're not microwave-safe and can dent.
Plastic: Opt for BPA-free plastic containers. These are lightweight, affordable, and come in various shapes and sizes. However, some plastics can leach chemicals over time, so choose them for short-term storage.
Silicone: These flexible and heat-resistant containers are perfect for packing snacks and freezing leftovers. They're lightweight, leakproof, and easy to clean. However, they may not be suitable for very hot or cold foods.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Stay Cool in School: Malaysia's Education Ministry Issues Heatwave Measures
The Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) is prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff during hot weather. They've outlined several measures for schools to implement:
Monitor student exposure: School officials will keep an eye on activities that could put students at risk in the heat.
Drink up!: Students will be advised to drink plenty of water to stay cool.
Dormitory support: Schools will provide drinking water to dorm students if needed.
Heatstroke watch: Schools will be vigilant and prepared to work with clinics and hospitals if any students experience heat-related complications.
The MOE encourages schools to follow these guidelines, stay informed about local weather conditions, and comply with any additional recommendations from authorities to ensure everyone's well-being. Additionally, schools can consider allowing students, teachers, and staff to wear modest sportswear during hot weather to stay comfortable.
The full statement from the Ministry of Education or Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia can be found here.
Monday, March 18, 2024
Ministry of Education's Curriculum Intervention - What You Need To Know
The Ministry of Education acknowledges and addresses concerns regarding the perceived complexity of the curriculum, its suitability for the age group of students, the difficulty in understanding Classroom Assessment reporting (PBD), and the lack of access for parents to PBD reports. In response, the ministry has implemented four intervention initiatives.
1. Revision of the KSSR Alignment Document (2017 Revised) Edition 3.
2. Early Detection of Literacy and Numeracy Challenges.
3. Introduction of Parent-Friendly Classroom Assessment (PBD) Reporting.
Let's delve into the details of these changes and their potential impact:
1. Revision of the KSSR Alignment Document (2017 Revised) Edition 3
What you need to know:
This is NOT a change of syllabus or curriculum. The change of syllabus will take place in 2027 starting for Std 1 and Form 1 students. KSSR is a an acronym for Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Rendah (translated to Malaysia Primary School Standard Curriculum) and has been in place since 2011. In the year 2017 after the first batch of students completed their primary school, the KSSR was reviewed and revised with new textbooks. The next change will be in 2027.
What has changed:
The ministry has introduced the latest edition of the KSSR Alignment Document, which focuses on realigning the Phase One Science and Mathematics subjects. (Phase One = Tahap 1 or Standard 1 to Standard 3). This document provides teachers with updated guidelines for implementing the lower school curriculum, ensuring that the content remains relevant and effective.
In short, this is a tweak, update and reorganization of the existing content for the Math and Science curriculum with support materials for teachers. The KSSR Alignment Document (Semakan 2017) Edition 3 is provided as an option to teachers in implementing the lower school curriculum and may be used together with the Stage One Science and Mathematics Guidance Module. Parents need not worry about getting new textbooks.
What you need to know:
A crucial aspect of the intervention involves assessing the literacy and numeracy skills of Year One students. The aim is to identify students who have not yet mastered the skills of reading, writing and calculating and provide them with early intervention
What to expect:
After 3 months of schooling, educators will conduct screenings to identify students in need of additional support in developing fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. (or 3M ie Membaca, Menulis dan Mengira). This will be done through the existing PBD (Pentaksiran Bilik Darjah or Classroom Based Assessment).
3. Parent-Friendly PBD Reporting (PBD)
What you need to know:
KPM has introduced a more parent-friendly reporting for PBD to provide parents with better insights into their child's progress. Additionally, PBD reporting can now be accessed online through the Integrated Assessment Management System (or SPPB ie Sistem Pengurusan Pentaksiran Bersepadu), with effect from the current academic year 2024/2025. Login to the SPPB here: https://idme.moe.gov.my/login
What this means:
PBD reporting will be simplified and made available online. To enhance parent understanding of the reports, UASA results for all subjects will now be in percentages and grades format instead of the previous TP (Tahap Penguasaan) format. UASA is short for Ujian Akhir Semester Akademik. (End of Academic Semester Examination). Read more about UASA here.
4. Upgrading of the KSSR Alignment Document (2017 Revised) Edition 3
To ensure effective implementation, KPM is committed to upgrading the KSSR Alignment Document through workshops and training sessions for teachers.
What this means:
This is related to Item 1 above. Item 1 will be disseminated to teachers through workshops and training sessions. By equipping educators with the necessary tools and resources, the ministry aims to enhance instructional practices and elevate learning outcomes in Phase One Science and Mathematics subjects.
These initiatives aim to streamline the curriculum, facilitate early identification of literacy and numeracy issues, enhance reporting mechanisms for parents, and ensure educators are equipped with updated guidelines for effective teaching.
References as embedded below are from:
Facebook post from KPM (Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia)
Facebook post from Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek
Press Conference by Minishter of Education, Fadhlina Sidek as shown on the Astro Awani YouTube Channel
Tuesday, March 05, 2024
10 Must Haves for Back To School
It's back to school season. Are you ready? To help you prepare yourself and your child for the chaos of starting a new academic year, we've compiled a list of 10 essential back-to-school supplies for a more organized and successful academic year.
Image Credit: Mydin on Shopee |
1. School Uniforms
Image Credit: Pinly Garment |
There are quite a lot of school uniform brands in the market that offer school uniforms for various budgets. You can also find wrinkle free uniforms if you hate ironing. Nowadays you can purchase school uniforms online or at physical stores.
For physical stores, check out our compilation of the back to school promotions offered by stores to compare prices easily by checking out the brochures and e-leaflets before you go to the store so you know what you are shopping for.
https://mumsgather.blogspot.com/2024/03/back-to-school-2024-promo-compilation.html
For online stores, check out the various brands that are available online.
https://mumsgather.blogspot.com/2021/11/school-uniforms-official-stores-in.html
For wrinkle free uniforms, check this out.
https://mumsgather.blogspot.com/2021/11/wrinkle-free-school-uniforms.html
2. School Shoes
Image Credit: Pallas Flagship Store on Lazmall |
Sometimes parents would buy a size bigger for school uniforms but for school shoes, it would be better to buy the correct size for the child's comfort and safety even though they may grow out of it fairly quickly. Here are the links to shop for shoes online.
Shopee: https://shope.ee/3pzLXwKFoF
Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.my/s.RYJKx?cc
When shopping online, measuring the feet correctly is very important. Here is a useful video on how to measure your child's feet when shopping for school shoes.
3. School Bags
Image Credit: Coala School Bag from Dolly Club Official |
Parents frequently inquire, particularly those with children just embarking on their school journey or transitioning from primary to secondary school, about the ideal type of school bag: backpack or roller bag?
Other than the type of school bag, the cost is important too. Should you get a cheap bag which you can replace every year or get the more expensive ergo-comfort spine protection bags?
Other than the regular school bag, you may also need a smaller sling or hand carry tuition bag. Sometimes kids carry both to school to even out the weight.
Shop for school bags here:
Shopee: https://shope.ee/20XhNzvkap
Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.my/s.RYrub?cc
You may also like to read:
Guidelines for School Bags
6 Ways to Reduce the Weight of School Bags
Backpack vs Trolley Bag
4. Water Tumbler
Image Credit: Tuppersweet |
Water Tumbler is a must to keep students hydrated. What size to buy? 750ml fits most school bags nicely. However, kids who drink a lot may like 1 liter bottles. Twist cap, flip cap or straws? As long as it does not spill, whichever type of cover is good, however note that those that come with inbuilt straws may be easy to drink from but harder to wash.
Here are the links for buying water tumblers of different brands including Tupperware, BROS, Thermos and more.
Shopee: https://shope.ee/2fnOCQgRkw
Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.my/s.RYIz0?cc
5. Lunch Box or Food Containers
Image Credit: Seega on Lazada |
Apart from having a short break during recess, sometimes kids are required to stay back after school. This is where an insulated lunch box that does not spill come in handy. Some of them come with matching lunch box bags or carriers too.
When shopping for lunch boxes for kids, consider factors such as size, insulation, durability, safety, ease of cleaning, accessibility, versatility, style, portability, and budget to ensure the perfect balance of functionality, convenience, and appeal for your child's meals.
Where to buy:
Shopee: https://shope.ee/4AcC00tjT9
Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.my/s.RYsLR?cc
6. Personalized Name Labels
Personalized name labels are useful for back to school because they help children easily identify their belongings, prevent loss, and promote organization.Image Credit: Lucky Sticker Printing on Shopee |
Additionally, personalized name labels can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility in children by encouraging them to take care of their belongings. Not to mention, it will give us parents less headache searching for their items. Most schools have a lost and found shelf or cupboard. With name labels you can easily spot your child's lost or forgotten item. It would be a good idea to get shoe name labels to stick on shoes too because they do remove them to go to the library or surau etc and you may find them coming home with a different pair!
These days the name labels can be personalized in multi languages, is waterproof and can be used on many surfaces.
Where to buy:
Shopee: https://shope.ee/6ANGOOCspu
Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.my/s.RYHWv?cc
7. Stationery Essentials
Image Credit: Super Stationery on Shopee |
Prepare for a successful school year by stocking up on essential stationery items. From pens and pencils to notebooks and highlighters, having the right tools at hand can enhance productivity and organization. With these stationery essentials, students can tackle assignments, take notes, and unleash their creativity with confidence.
Stationery Checklist for Back to School.
- Pencils and Erasers
- Pens in different colours
- Highlighters in various colours
- Coloured pencils
- Crayons
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Notebooks
- Lose leaf papers in white and various colours
- Binders and folders
- Sticky notes
- Book wrappers
- Pencil case or pouch
- Correction tape or fluid
- Stapler and staples
- Calculator
- Protractor
- Celophane tape
- Pencil sharperner
Where to buy:
Shopee: https://shope.ee/8zhRoo5AWZ
Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.my/s.RYGMk?cc
8. Workbooks
Image Credit: Our blog |
You may find the following posts useful:
Where to buy school textbooks and activity books on shoppee
Where to buy Malaysian School Textbooks and Workbooks
9. Storage and desk or study room organizers
Image Credit: Storage Haven on Lazada |
Where to buy:
Shopee: https://shope.ee/40IlswhweW
Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.my/s.RYuNT?cc
10. Others
Umbrella, kids raincoat, hand sanitizer, tissues, wipes, craft supplies, family calendar or planner are some of the other back to school supplies you may need.
Can you think of anything more?
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