Challenging Childhood Behaviours
A number of you have expressed some challenges regarding child behaviours, (such as fibbing, physically or verbally acting out frustrations, being impolite, impatience or refusal to participate, etc). First of all, let me assure you that for the most part, these are very age-appropriate challenges. At ages 4-5, our starfish are learning how to develop friendships, and healthy ways to independently communicate using words instead of impulsive actions. Our recent class discussions regarding “Principled” Character Traits are about the importance of being respectful, responsible, kind, a good friend, and in better control of their behaviour - So that they can be very proud of themself! Please click the picture above for a fantasic music video from Sesame Street! To kick things off, I have created a list of storybooks that reflect these “Principled” Character Traits - and I thought I would share it with you to try some at home! Storybooks are always an excellent way to get these tough ideas and conversations off to a good start. Happy reading and chatting! · “Principled” Character Traits - Storybook List
"Step Works" KG2-4 Individualized Skills Development Summer Program
The STEP WORKS Program is offered to students ages 4-5 who are struggling in the areas of:
- Listening and Speaking Click here for the information page!
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Attention
- Concentration and memory, including short-term auditory memory and working memory
- Listening and Speaking Click here for the information page!
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Attention
- Concentration and memory, including short-term auditory memory and working memory
Now open in Abu Dhabi - GEMS English Language Programme - Summer 2013!
After two successful summer programmes in Dubai, the programme is now opening at our school GEMS American Academy in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhbai. GEMS ELL programme helps increase your child's access to English and also helps your child integrate into school settings more easily. Please refer to our website, www.gemseducation.com\ellprogramme for more details and enrolment.
A message from GAA's Nurse:
Due to the hot weather at recess lately, please remind your children to:
· Drink plenty of water before and after recess (10 gulps every 20minutes). This is very
important when it's hot out and when you do intense exercise.
· Don't exercise as hard when it's hot at recess. Take rest (5-10min) breaks. Exercise more
slowly than usual or for a shorter time.
· Stay in the shade when you can.
· Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as nausea, dizziness, cramps, and headache.
· Wear a hat when they go outside for recess.
· Bring water bottle out for recess to rehydrate your body.
· Drink plenty of water before and after recess (10 gulps every 20minutes). This is very
important when it's hot out and when you do intense exercise.
· Don't exercise as hard when it's hot at recess. Take rest (5-10min) breaks. Exercise more
slowly than usual or for a shorter time.
· Stay in the shade when you can.
· Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as nausea, dizziness, cramps, and headache.
· Wear a hat when they go outside for recess.
· Bring water bottle out for recess to rehydrate your body.
Sleep for busy Kinders
"Time spent talking about and developing healthy sleep habits will stay with a child and lead to healthy lifestyle, work habits and brain function." - GAA Parental Engagement. The National Sleep Foundation insists that 3-5 year olds need 11-13 hours of sleep each night.
· Article: The best things parents can do to support healthy sleep and brain function.
· Article: How many hours of sleep students need and why
· Article: A Good Night’s Sleep
· Article: The best things parents can do to support healthy sleep and brain function.
· Article: How many hours of sleep students need and why
· Article: A Good Night’s Sleep
Encouraging Language Development at Home
· Article: Kids Heath, Encouraging Language Development
· Article: Language Development Activities for Home
· Article: Language Development Information for Parents
· Article: How to Develop Language Abilities
· Article: Language Development Activities for Home
· Article: Language Development Information for Parents
· Article: How to Develop Language Abilities
Swimming (KG2-4C will continue swimming lessons beginning in Term 3).
Important Tips for Parents:
- 1. Please make sure that your child's clothing, as well as their swimming gear, is clearly labelled with their name printed inside.
2. Practice dressing for swimming (taking swimsuit/towl out, putting clothes in) as well as undressing (taking clothes out, putting wet swimsuit/towl into a plastic bag and into their bag). This 'know-how' will help them feel very confident before getting into the pool!
3. Please reinforce their great efforts and bravery!