School days in Singapore: Young children's experiences and opportunities during a typical school day

Childhood Education, Fall 2002 by Sharpe, Pamela

"In primary school, no toys ... I prefer child care center ... can play toys"; "I have many friends ... I sad when they fight me... boys like to quarrel ... one boy like to follow and catch me"; "I sad when I don't have friends or teachers scold ... they scold for no reason";

"Sometimes when you are good anyhow she scold you ... go in class and shout loudly... some children don't do their homework"; "The Tamil teacher very nice ... she kind to us and play games ... never scold"; "Tamil teacher play computer with us"; "English and maths teacher very kind she talk to you ... never scold."

All of these children said that they like to relax by drawing and reading quietly. One child, however, said: "I don't like recess ... the children throw litter... never sweep." This emphasis on tidy surroundings was mentioned by one of the five 8-year-old children. This child was very talkative; in commenting on the differences between going to school in China compared with Singapore, she said: "I like the principal ... she is kind, she said 'Please throw rubbish into the bin'... in China, very messy ... not like in Singapore." This child had much to share about her life in Singapore: "I like to read books about 'Hello Kitty.' I never watch TV. I am good at Chinese and English and maths ... I study very hard ... I want to be a teacher ... a secondary school teacher, because they earn more money."

Another 8-year-old told me of her preferred time of day: "At home, I stay in my room and close the door .. I very quiet . . . I think a lot." Teachers' harsh treatment was a recurring theme with the 8-year-olds: "I good at PE but when I naughty, teacher pull my ear ... make me pick litter on basketball court."

On a more positive note, all of the children said that they liked school, especially the opportunities to study and work hard, but they did not like the exams and tests. As before, subjects that they were good at were described as "easy"; this was usually English or art, because their marks were higher: "Also ... spelling... very easy.... I score full marks every time. I like to do my homework and then I play"; "My mother very happy when I get good mark in my science test.... My mother give me money."

The older children preferred to talk about life outside of school. As with the younger children, this was mostly confined to watching television, with the remainder of the time being taken up with tuition: "Monday and Wednesday tuition; Tuesday and Thursday I bathe, eat, do homework, and sleep. TV only sometimes." Another child expanded on the need for quiet time: "I don't like to talk at school. I like to listen ... I like to keep quiet. . . I like to do science by myself .. I scared when I can't do ... I never ask for help... I don't want to talk to the teacher."

From talking to these children, the major themes appear to be that they enjoy school and the opportunities to study, but that they are always fearful of fierce teachers who scold, especially when homework is not done or when books are forgotten. They also discussed, especially the older children, the need for periods of peace and quiet when they can be alone to think or draw. The need to please parents by earning high grades is also a common theme. With one exception, all of the children watch television for relaxation.