There’s always something about December.

When malls start playing Christmas songs and Orchard Road gets festive and bright; school seems ages away and exams are the furthest thing from the mind.

And then, January arrives in the most unceremonious of ways.

We’ve all been there, that last minute back-to-school dash. Chaos ensues as a mad rush to get new shoes, stationery, the hunt for that one always-out-of-stock-till-late-December Social Studies textbook. A new year, new subjects, and four terms’ worth of new topics to master. Where did the month-long holiday go?

So before you get caught up in the whirlwind of travel (approved VTL countries!), gift buying (and receiving), or donating old textbooks to the Salvation Army, let’s get down to business and make December work for you.

 

Week 1: Write It Down, Then Cross It Off

The hardest part of making a list is often deciding what to do first. But here’s a nifty trick for making the most out of it: get the most important things out of the way first, and crossing that off will give you a sense of accomplishment and set a strong momentum for the rest of the tasks down on your list.

 

Week 2: The Early Bird and the Worm 

For every parent, there are typically two things that really fan the fires of the ol’ Singaporean heart.

One: Tuition

Two: Discounts

Before January comes bustling rudely around, scout around and book classes for next year to ease your child into new schedules. Is your child sitting for the PSLE next year? Perhaps their ‘O’ Levels? For many education centres and learning institutes, there’s usually an early bird registration discount. And the best time to score a great deal or two? Why, December of course!

 

Week 3: Stay Ahead of Stress

Time to buy! Textbooks, school uniforms, art supplies, that fancy new musical instrument on the booklist (whatever happened to the trusty old recorder?). Well, the third week of December would be the best time to get that out of the way. If you’ve already done so, congratulations, you’re navigating the month marvellously. If not, then best get a move on!

 

Week 4: Time to Get Jolly!

Christmas is here! Enjoy the last week of your holidays — eating, drinking and being merry with family. The last week of the year is a magical time to enjoy your children’s company (before the dreaded pre-dawn school-run turns the most cheerful of dispositions a shade shy of mutinous).

 

As 2021 draws to a close, we welcome 2022 with open arms. Here at Cognitus Academy, it’s always been a continuing endeavour for us to nurture a love and confidence for English and Mathematics in your child. Do drop us a message or call us at 8321 8252 to learn more about our acclaimed critical thinking programmes.

May your December be fruitful, joyful and productive. And oh, one more thing before the 2nd of January rolls around — Kids: don’t forget to cut your hair!