We believe that “training children involves helping
them to shape their ambitions and their sense of personal destiny.”
(Quote from Smart Reader)
On August 4, the first unit of ‘Smart Reader’
opened in Central Pattaya, headed by Patcharee Jamsai (Khun Pui), who was
previously a teacher at the St Joan of Arc School in Bangkok. I went along
to meet Wannapa Wannasai, known to most people as Khun Ju, to learn a bit
more about the organization ‘Smart Reader.’
Khun
Ju enjoying the children
Khun Ju, who has a keen interest in the educational
needs of all children in Pattaya, told me that Smart Reader (Thailand)
Co., Ltd. is a franchise from Malaysia. Smart Reader the organization is
now 16 years old and worldwide.
By using creative methodology and well-researched
materials, they make the learning process fun and focused. All teaching
methods are shared by educationalists locally and internationally with
proven outstanding results. Khun Ju said, “The children are given the
opportunity to explore their imagination to the fullest; this is a natural
method of teaching.”
A class consists of up to 10 children, for the
organization believes in small group learning with individual attention.
Khun Ju said, “There are 6 levels and the children are assessed at each
level. The purpose is to prepare the children to learn English for the
future, starting with the A-Z alphabet.”
Parents,
teachers and children having some fun
The unit mainly concentrates on children between the
ages of 3-8 years; lessons last for two and half hours. At the moment the
center is only open on Saturday and Sunday but that may change in the
future.
Parents are kept informed at parent teacher meetings,
where they can discuss progress and teaching methods. There is a monthly
newsletter as well.
They have teacher training days at the unit, and then
the teachers are put through an intense training course in Bangkok to get
their teaching certificate. If they do not achieve it first time they must
return and try again.
If you would like your child to have the benefit of
this proven educational method, take them along to meet Khun Ju, Khun Pui,
Khun Benjapath Dejdee (aunty Ben as the children call her) and Khun Sarod
Jamsai at the center. There will be a student recruitment day on Sunday
August 19.
‘B’
for a better chance in life
Khun Ju told me that this is only the first unit of the
90 that they hope to open in the Chonburi District. I asked at which age
the children learn the quickest and she told me the younger the better; it
takes about 6 months on average for a child to learn their A-Z.
The atmosphere of the unit is warm and friendly and
decorated to make every child feel comfortable and secure. All the
children certainly looked relaxed, happy and contented to me.
For more information please telephone 01 209 1517 - 038
731 788 or call in to Smart Reader in Soi Ngern Plabwan (after Siam
Country Road - there is 711 on the corner).
Beautiful
traditional costume
Young
stars enthrall the crowd
On
Thursday, August 9th, the Ban Rodfai School celebrated Mother’s
Day. The activities during the day consisted of games and activities
organized and performed by older students to show the importance of
a mother and mother’s day, while the younger ones presented their
mothers with a Jasmine flower to express their love and respect.
Shown are Sumalee Sakunee and her son Pratiparn Termphol