Bright Kids - 07 April 2015
Bright Kids - 07 April 2015
Bright Kids - 07 April 2015
StarSpecial
A digital
generation
Odyssey, The Global Preschool, aims to instil the joy of learning in young children
during their preschool years.
technology use for children of all
ages.
Petulia Lun, centre director of
Odyssey Setia Eco Park, believes
it is essential that students are
exposed to various technological
devices at a young age to teach
them the appropriate ways of
utilising technology.
We cant use a 20th century
mindset to teach children growing
up in the 21st century, she says,
adding that it is important for
parents to serve as an example in
the responsible use of technology
and not allow smartphones or
tablets to babysit their children.
Currently in the second term
BRIGHT KIDS 3
To help children achieve their full potential, more focus needs to be placed on supporting them in their
learning.
Aiming for
greater heights
A
Seeing improvements
Set Jing Ying, a 16-year-old
Programmes offered
Kumon offers both
mathematics and English
programmes. The mathematics
programme is focused on
the development of strong
calculation skills while the
English programme is designed
to develop a strong interest in
reading and cultivates advanced
reading comprehension ability.
Being widely available in
more than 48 countries and
regions around the world,
Kumon currently has more than
four million students registered.
n For more information,
call 1800 881 010 or e-mail
franchise_opportunity@kumon.
com.my
Independent learning
ACCORDING to American adult
educator Malcolm Knowles,
self-directed learning is a
process by which individuals
take the initiative, with or
without the assistance of others,
in diagnosing their learning
needs, formulating learning
goals, identifying human and
material resources for learning,
choosing and implementing
appropriate learning strategies,
and evaluating learning
outcomes.
Eye Level aims to nurture
each of its students to become
problem solvers, critical
thinkers and lifelong learners.
To achieve this, it is important
to develop self-directed
learning (SDL) ability in them.
Through SDL, students
become more self-motivated
and willing to take the initiative
to achieve their study goals at
both Eye Level and school.
First, a goal needs to be set
for each student. The goal can
be short, medium or long term.
For example, the instructor
can set the completion of a
certain level in a year or aim
for students to study equations
before going to secondary
school.
This helps students to set a
clear goal and strive to achieve
it.
After careful observation of
students from enrolment and
during study sessions at the
centre, the instructor forms the
right study plan for the student.
Continuous parental feedback
is crucial in ensuring the study
1. Set a goal
4. Review
performance
Process
3. Academic
coaching and
SDL
2. Planning
Diagram of the
process of selfdirected learning.
BRIGHT KIDS 5
Growth through
competition
L
Quizzes and tests are included in lessons at Epsom College in Malaysia to encourage healthy competition and allow students to
explore their own capabilities.
clock, he will eventually learn how
to complete the task in the fastest
and most efficient way.
However, teachers are careful
to ensure that the competition
remains healthy and productive.
When competition becomes
personal or aggressive, it detracts
from the focus of the lesson.
Victory is not necessarily the
ultimate goal multi-layered
activities such as sports, music,
drama, art or inter-house
competitions can be as much
about the enjoyment and
camaraderie of competing as the
pleasure of winning.
Students are encouraged
to appreciate their journey in
a competition as much as the
outcome. At ECiM, educators
Treating
constipation
P
A change
to your
childs normal
bowel routine
may indicate a
problem.
The condition is not typically serious but
is a cause for concern, so parents should
know about it and how to avoid it.
The most common type is idiopathic
constipation, which means its cause is
unknown. This condition usually presents
itself in short spells of two to three days,
but some children may suffer from a more
persistent and lengthy bout known as
chronic idiopathic constipation.
A few things could cause constipation
in children, including forcing early toilet
training.
Children who are not ready for the toilet
may hold in stool, which starts out as a
rebellious choice but ends up as
an involuntary habit.
Changes in your childs diet or routine
may also affect his bowel movements. It is
common for children to face constipation
when there is insufficient fibre in their diet,
which is mainly obtained from fruits and
vegetables. A balanced diet is the first step
towards healthy bowel movement.
Check out the second part of this
article in next months issue to learn about
treatment and severe constipation.
Quality programme
At Taylors International School,
children start school as early as
four years old at Early Years level.
The Early Years curriculum
is a thematic curriculum that
encourages creativity with a clear
process of learning and specific
goals to develop international
mindedness.
In this curriculum, childrens
personal, social and emotional
development is fundamental. The
schools environment also helps
children develop their personal
needs in a happy and engaging
setting.
Children are encouraged to gain
independence by learning routines
Hope in treatment
AS a preschooler, Lisas son Jack
(not their real names) would
tear through the house like
a tornado, shouting, roughhousing and climbing onto the
furniture.
Nothing held his interest for
more than a few minutes and
he often darted off without
warning, seemingly unaware of
the dangers of a busy street or a
crowded mall.
Although it was exhausting
for her, Lisa was initially not too
concerned as she figured that
boys would be boys. But at eight
years old, Jack was no easier to
handle. It was a struggle to get
him to settle down long enough
to complete even the simplest
of tasks.
Comments from teachers
about Jacks disruptive
behaviour in class became
too frequent to ignore, but
giving the stimulant Ritalin
for his condition only made
Jack more irritable than before.
His violence and aggression in
school caused other parents to
lodge complaints to expel Jack.
Lisa was referred to the
International Psychology Centre
by her general practitioner and
she decided to give ChildPsych,
the centres child psychology
division, a try in her bid to
help Jack. An assessment by
ChildPsych revealed that Jack
suffered from the behavioural
disorder Attention-Deficit/
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
According to the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5),
a classification and diagnostic
tool for psychological disorders,
ADHD affects the ability to
concentrate and might also
have a negative impact on the
patients academic and social
life.
ChildPsychs attending child
psychologist implemented
a behavioural therapy
programme tailored to Jacks
needs. It was designed to
change negative behavioural
patterns by reorganising Jacks
home and school environment,
giving clear directions and
setting up a system of consistent
rewards for appropriate
BRIGHT KIDS 7
Staying focused
For students pursuing their
passion outside of their academic
Nurturing strengths
Students at SIS are taught that
each individual possesses unique
strengths and talents, and that
recognising and developing these
talents can be a rewarding and
enjoyable journey.
SIS is committed to providing
aspiring students with the
opportunities to grow their skills
and enjoy their lives as students
at school, knowing that they are
receiving full support from their
educators.
SIS is hosting its Open Day on
April 25, where visitors can come
enjoy a day of fun and learning
with SIS students and teachers.
n For more information,
call 03-7491 8070 or visit
www.sis.sunway.edu.my