Monday, May 25, 2009

Listening Comprehension

Subject: Listening Comprehension
Grades: Distinction
Remarks: Remember never to use undesirable language (esp. 'walau')

We were aware that Megan could understand us very well way before she could speak. But what is shocking is her level of comprehension and her interest in the adults' conversation. Let me list a few instances:

Scenario 1:
We deposited Megan at my aunty's place on Saturday and after a very successful afternoon of games and nap, they took her to the mall. When my husband and I went to the mall to meet up with them, my aunty began excitedly to narrate an incident which happened just before we arrived at the mall. She was very proud of the fact that Megan knew the danger of being on a higher level and could grasp the concept of heights, fear, transparency all rolled into 1 episode. It goes like this: Megan was on level 2 of the mall and some toys/display on the lower level caught her attention. You know how malls have walkways lined with clear glass panels right? Megan seems to have realised that she was on higher grounds and could fall if she wasn't carefull. So, she inched forward and stretched out her hands till she could touch the glass panel. After she could feel the glass, and concluded that there is a 'barrier' and she is safe, she plastered her face onto the glass and started telling everyone the stuff down there is "cute-cute". Back to the proud grand-aunty- so my aunty narrated this to us, and she listened in as she was eating her yogurt and gave a sheepish grin as I tried to praise her for her realisation of heights & her concern with her own safety. I thought that was a rather complicated story, but she understoond (and eavesdropped on us).

Scenario 2:
The children met up at Mommy-Elaine's place today. Mommy-Irene was sharing with us how her MIL praised her hubby to the skies for his singing talent at a young age (agenda was to compare son and grandson). Again, Megan was playing and listening in. She came to me and asked me if Wang-Wang's papa could sing! She knows Irene is Wang-Wang's mom, and she knew we were talking about someone else. And she found the conversation funny.

Scenario 3:
My husband isn't exactly a friendly driver. Nor is he kind and patient on the road. So if motorists are a little slack at keeping to their lanes, he will not hesistate to comment - and more than not, it is spiced with a "Wa-lau". Megan finds that word very "interesting" and likes the sound of it aLOT. If that word is ever muttered, she will repeat it for as many times as she could. I counter this by ignoring her instead of correcting her language and telling her "wa-lau" is wrong and she can't say it. It works.

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