Bright Kids - 02 December 2014

8/10/2019 Bright Kids - 02 December 2014

1/12

Spotlight on

creativity

HE STARTuesday 2 December 2014

Unleashing the power of the mind > 4 Fulfilling boarding experience > 11

StarSpecial


2/12

2BRIGHT KIDSStarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014

The science of arts educationBy ANUSHIA KANDASIVAM

MALAYSIANS areundoubtedly familiar withubiquitous classes that

tudents attend after school.Extra tuition for various

ubjects aside, childrenverywhere take part in extra-urricular lessons, with parentsnrolling their children in all kinds

f classes.Music and art classeshave always had an enduringpopularity in Malaysia. Learningo play a musical instrument

means you have yet anotherkill to be proud of, but many

parents may not understandhat immersion in the arts

music, art, drama and literature does actually benefit a childs

development.From earliest childhood,

hildren are exposed to musicnd poetry of some sort. Nurseryhymes are standard fare in every

household. These small and simpleditties not only entertain, theylso teach and not just moralessons.

It does not take an expert toknow that nursery rhymes helphildren develop language and

motor skills (as they learn to claplong or perform simple actions).

Further than that, researchn the field of early literacy hashown that they also help children

develop cognitively in terms ofmemory and comprehensionkills, and socially and emotionallyn terms of interaction with adultsnd peers.

Immersion in the artshroughout childhood can

positively impact a childs overalldevelopment. A collaborative

study by the University of Oregonand The Dana Foundation, aprivate philanthropic organisationthat supports brain research,found that training in the artscan influence cognitive processesin children through increasingattention spans.

The study was developed totest the theory that when childrenwho have high interest in thearts receive the relevant training,they develop high motivation,which sustains attention. Leadingon from this, high sustainedmotivation and attention coupledwith engagement in tasks thatrequire conflict resolutionimproves cognition.

But what if a child has nospecific interest in the arts canusing the arts in teaching andlearning processes still benefithim?

When used purely as apedagogical tool, the arts canbe successful in engaging theattention of the student in alesson.

In the same way, iPads,projectors, eBoards, microphones,cameras, paper and pencil are alltools in the kit bag of a teacher,so should cross-curriculartechniques of teaching be.

The benefit is in a morerounded and enriched teachingprocess, which can only raise the

engagement and achievementtargets of the learning experienceand the learners aspirations, saysperformance poet and educatorDreadlockalien, who recentlyconducted poetry workshops atan international school in KualaLumpur.

Beyond providing an academicchallenge, the arts help inthe formation of self-esteem,motivation, aesthetic awareness,cultural exposure, creativity,improved emotional expression,and motor capacities that aredriving forces behind all learning,adds John Mackle, principal ofSunway International School.

Self-esteem, confidenceand creativity are also given aboost through performance andcompetition.

Performance engages boththe participant and the audience,helping to engage perceptual andcognitive skills.

Learning today is notlimited to what you know butis dependent upon how you

find information and how youuse it quickly, creatively andcooperatively, explains Mackle.

The competition element is

a traditional incentive techniqueused in education worldwide recital competitions, spellingbees, even the exam gradingsystems are based on scores, saysDreadlockalien, explaining thatthe competition element is merelya tool for engagement.

Without the scores a poetryslam, for example, becomes ashowcase for students talentand hard work, allowing themto exercise the skills they haveacquired and gain new ones.

American arts and leadershipeducator Lisa Phillips writes thatapart from these skills, the artspromotes collaboration, focus,perseverance and dedication.Experiences in theatre, dance andart teach children methods of non-verbal communication.

Participation in any kind ofarts opens children to receivingconstructive feedback, allowingthem to learn that criticism andcomment are part of improvementand development.

All these skills are importantnot only for academic achievementbut also for success in life.

A child who is exposed to thearts will certainly grow into awell-rounded individual who isopen to new ideas, has a widerperspective and ready to take hisplace in a globalised world.

Immersionin the arts

benefits

a childsdevelopment.

Training in thearts can influencecognitive

processes inchildren throughincreasingattention spans.


3/12

Unhealthy eating habits Effects

Excessive eating

This occurs when you eat more thanwhat is required by your body andcannot stop eating even though youfeel full. This often happens when weeat our favourite foods.

Late night eating

This means eating less than threehours before bedtime and worse still,consuming large servings of oilyfoods and sugary drinks.

Excessive weight gain, resulting inobesity Chronic diseases such as diabetes,heart disease and cancer

Excessive weight gain, resulting inobesity Chronic diseases

Excessive dietingThis includes cutting down on foodintake excessively by following aparticular diet with the only intentionof slimming down for aestheticpurposes. Severe restriction of foodis not a safe and sustainable way oflosing weight.

Risk of nutrient deficiencies, whichcan affect normal functioning of thebody Does not result in long-term weightloss

Picky eatingBeing very picky with food andchoosing to not eat certain types offood such as vegetables, fruits ordairy.

Risk of nutrient deficiencies, whichcan affect normal functioning of thebody.

Skipping meals

Regularly skipping main meals suchas breakfast and eating at irregularhours every day. Some people have

the mistaken belief that skippingmeals can help them reduce weight.The fact is that skipping main mealsdoes not help at all in reducingweight.

Risk of nutrient deficiencies, whichcan affect normal functioning of thebody. Risk of getting gastritis.

StarSpecial, Tuesday 2 December 2014 BRIGHT KIDS 3

THE Nestl Healthy KidsProgramme is aimedat improving nutritionknowledge and promotingactive lifestyles among schoolstudents aged between sevenand 17. It consists of twomodules a Primary SchoolModule called the NestlHealthy Kids Programme, andthe Secondary School Modulecalled Program Cara HidupSihat. Both programmes arebased on a multi-partnershipapproach, collaboratingwith national health andeducational authorities such

as Ministry of Education,Nutrition Society of Malaysiaand Universiti Putra Malaysia.To learn more about theProgramme, visitwww.healthykids.org.my

About the Nestl Healthy

Kids Programme

Eating right for better healthO

FTENTIMES, we neglecthealthy eating habitsbecause of our hectic

chedules, laziness or even

because we think it is too tediouso prepare a healthy, home-ooked meal. If we continue eating

unhealthily, it can be detrimentalto our health and well-being in thelong run.

These are some unhealthy

eating habits and how they cannegatively impact your body andyour health:

Eating healthy willhave you feelinggreat and energised.

Make healthy eating a way of life for you and your family.

meat, fish and so on.

Benefits of healthy eating

When you eat healthy, you willget the right amount of energy,vitamins, minerals and othernutrients.

You will also feel better andhave plenty of energy. It can evenallow you to handle stress better.

Healthy eating can also preventa host of illnesses, including heartdisease, high blood pressure, Type2 diabetes and some forms of

cancer and nutrient deficiencies.

Making healthyeating a habit

Healthy eating is thecornerstone to a healthy life, soyou should start today to makehealthy eating the way of life foryourself and your family.

It is not difficult, it justrequires a bit more discipline anddetermination. Every time youpurchase food, prepare meals andorder food, pay more attention tothe nutritional value of the foodrather than just relying on itstaste.

You should also eat with others

whenever possible as this hasplenty of social and emotionalbenefits. This also helps you todevelop eating habits that arehealthier.

When you eat in front of thetelevision, it more often than not

leads to mindless overeating.Always eat a healthy breakfast

as it can jumpstart yourmetabolism for the day. Chooseto eat small, healthy mealsthroughout the course of the dayas this will keep your energylevels up.

Eating healthy will have youfeeling great and energised, and itis the first step in leading a morehealthy and fulfilling life.

Tips to eat healthy

There are three basic principlesin healthy eating balance,moderation and variety. Youshould also consume less foodsthat are rich in fat, salt and sugar.

To have a balanced diet, eachmeal should have foods from eachfood group such as grains, meat,fish, eggs and legumes, freshfruits and vegetables and dairyproducts.

Having balanced meals willensure your body is provided

with a mixture of carbohydrates,protein, fat, vitamins and mineralsto nourish your body adequately.

Moderation is learning to listento your body by eating when youare hungry and stopping whenyou feel satisfied.

This is because it takes a fewminutes for your brain to tell yourbody that it has had enough food.

Moderation is vital wheneating. Do not eat too much or toolittle of a particular food. If eatenin moderation, all foods can bepart of healthy eating.

Varying your meals will giveyou better healthy eating optionsso choose to be adventurous.Because different foods provide

different nutrients, you are morelikely to obtain all the nutrientsyou need daily if you eat a varietyof foods.

This means trying a differenttype of fruit with every meal,different vegetables, different


4/12


Marigold UHT Milk is rich in calcium, protein and BonePlus Formulation to supply your children withtheir daily nutritional need.

A balanced diet for

growth and developmentWHEN you ask your child to name thethings that he or she loves to eat the most,does he or she say chocolates, sweets, cakesand ice-cream?

It is no surprise if they do because thesedays children and junk food have becomeinseparable and healthy eating is becomingmore and more challenging.

So how can you ensure that your childconsumes a balanced diet to support his orher growth and development?

Here are some tips to provide your childwith a balanced diet:lStart with a homemade breakfast

Breakfast is an important kick-starter of theday as it supplies your child with sufficient

amounts of energy and nutrients for thewhole day.

By preparing a simple but wholesomemeal at home, you can control the amountof unhealthy ingredients such as salt, oiland preservatives or colouring that go intoyour childs first meal of the day.

A bowl of hot oatmeal topped with freshfruits or wholegrain toast with scrambledeggs paired with a glass of milk such asMarigold UHT Milk can offer your child theright start for the day.

lGive them plenty of fruits and greens Fruits and vegetables not only add colourto meals and make them more appetisingbut they are also a rich source of vitaminsand minerals for healthy growth.

Be sure to incorporate them into yourchilds daily meals so that she receives avariety of nutrients. You can also introducefruits and greens in more creative wayssuch as in juices, yoghurt or even as a saladto help your child enjoy them better.

lEnsure a daily intake of calcium andprotein Growing children need sufficientamounts of calcium and protein every dayto help build strong bones and teeth and

also to promote growth.Foods such as dairy products, spinach

and fish are good sources of these minerals.In addition, you can give your child

milk such as Marigold UHT Milk, whichis rich in calcium, protein and BonePlusFormulation to supply your child with herdaily nutritional needs.

A balanced diet is important for propergrowth and development so be sure toprovide your child with the right foods andnutrients every day.

Unleashing the power of the mindT

HE Beamind InternationalProgramme is a uniqueenrichment programme

hat exposes students to global

tandards of learning and equipshem with tools to mastermportant skills.

With Beamind InternationalsEnglish and IQ Math Programme,tudents now have thepportunity to improve theirptitude in these two essentialubjects.

The programme engagestudents through the Link & Think

methodology, which is exclusiveo Beamind International.

The methodology encapsulatesBeaminds philosophy ofproviding effective and lifelong

mpowerment that drive studentso become highly motivated andndependent learners.

The Link and Thinkmethodology promotes subjectmastery by linking logicaleasoning to creative application.

When properties of the left brainresponsible for logic, languagend sequence) and the right

brain (responsible for creativityand imagination) are linked tothinking, new mindful learningexperiences are formed whilealso fortifying neurologicalconnections, thus empoweringstudents to become rational,analytical and creative.

The programmes are deliveredin a controlled environment thatstimulates learning by highlytrained and fully qualifiededucators known as Beamentors

who are dedicated to mentoringand coaching each student.

Central to Beamind

The Beamind Hub incorporatesthe latest technology andteaching techniques into a highlyinteractive software that acts as avirtual teacher to guide studentsthrough new and exciting learningadventures.

It is geared to make complex

learning simple through the useof animation that capture theinterest of students.

The Beamind International

English Enrichment Programmeutilises 10 distinct globalcomponents to augment studentsproficiency of the Englishlanguage.

It is an internationallybenchmarked syllabus thatteaches them to read, write andspeak with heightened confidenceas they are exposed to nativespeaker pronunciations andgiven opportunities to grow theirvocabulary.

The Beamind International IQMath Enrichment Programmeaims to ignite students curiosityand passion for the subject.

Through highly developedcomponents that emphasiselogical approaches and creativeapplications, the studentsunderstanding and ability aredeveloped and they becomecapable of solving complexequations and problems.

The Beamind International

Programme is not merely anenrichment programme aimed atextending the childs continuousdevelopment.

It operates on a sophisticatedlevel that promotes subjectmastery through a distinctivelyexhilarating pedagogy whileimbuing essential linguisticand cognitive lifelong skills thatempower logical and creativeintelligences, cultivating studentsto become leaders of the future.

For a limited time, visitorsof the Beamind InternationalCentres will receive a freeBeamind diagnostic assessment tounderstand their childs specificlearning needs as well as how theycan unleash their childs logicaland creative intelligences.

There will also be an upcomingyear-end Beamind Holiday Camp:Learn, Laugh, Link and Think tohelp prepare your child for thedemands of primary school.

nFor more information,call 1700 815 077 or visitwww.beamind.com

Beamind Internationals English and Math Programme aim to ignite curiousity andpassion among students for these subjects.


5/12


Reaching out to the communityC

OMMUNITY outreach isan education in itself. AsMahatma Gandhi once said,

The best way to find yourself is

o lose yourself in the service ofthers.Serving the community enables

tudents to practise positivealues, impart empathy and

develop their social responsibilityo the community in which theyive.

The Ontario secondarychool curriculum at Sunwaynternational School (SIS) exposestudents to community servicend encourages them to give backn profound and meaningful ways.

Students are required toomplete a minimum of 30 hoursf community involvement. Theyre encouraged to contribute 10

hours of their time at each gradeevel, from Grade 9 to Grade 11, tocause or non-profit organisationf their choice.

The non-profit organisationshat have benefited from Sunwaystudents involvement run theamut. They include animal

welfare societies, orphanages,hospitals, environmentalprotection agencies, social reliefentres and charity fundraisers,

both local and international.SIS students have approached

his exercise with a zest andwholeheartedness that haveurprised and impressed many,

particularly their own parents.The students have shown the

ability to combine commendablecommitment and creativity in thefund-raising and charity projects.

Just recently, the schoolsInteract Club collaborated withthe student council to host the SISAmazing Race.

The students dedicated thedays earnings to the NationalCancer Council Malaysia (Makna)and even sourced sponsorship forprizes instead of using the clubsfunds. While the participantshad fun, they were also remindedthat their participation supportedfuture cancer research andprojects.

Since SIS first intake ofstudents in 2008, its studentshave been regular participants ofthe Terry Fox Run, representing

the only Canadian internationalschool in Malaysia taking part inremembrance of a Canadian thatdevoted his life to cancer research.

In fact, many of the causes thatstudents contribute their timeto provide a hands-on approachthat is reflective of the learningapproach used in their lessons,thus applying the conceptsand theories learned throughassignments and coursework.

During the week-long Octoberbreak, SIS students geared upto feed and take care of turtlesat Juara Turtle Project, a turtleconservation project in TiomanIsland.

Twenty students volunteeredto clean the beach, release turtlesinto the ocean, look after the nests

and perform general maintenancechores as well as give talks andtours to the general public.

For the River & Trees for Lifecampaign in Shah Alam, studentsgot their hands dirty plantingsaplings along the DamansaraRiver.

As many as 8,000 saplingswere planted in the first phase ofthe campaign, and SIS studentshave been contributing regularlyto tree-planting initiatives eversince.

Monthly dress-down themedays collect contributions thatare donated to a variety of causesand each semester will feature atleast one field trip that providesan opportunity to engage with thewider community.

Even in the midst ofcelebrations, SIS studentsremember the less privileged.This year, the People to People

International Club hosted 45refugee students at SIS annualHalloween celebration.

The refugee students had thechance to experience activitiesat an international school. Thevalue of community outreach isindisputable, benefiting not onlythe students but the school andcommunity as well.

SIS students have displayedremarkable personal growththrough their involvement inthese activities such as betterteamwork, self-esteem and timemanagement.

They embody the charactervalues that are desirable in todaysleaders, including traits suchas empathy, compassion andresponsibility.

Community service activitiesprovide students with theopportunities to develop skillsand values related to both futurecareers and civic responsibilities.

SIS places great emphasis onproducing socially responsibleindividuals. Through communityinvolvement, SIS students areinculcated with a giving natureand aspire to make a positivechange in every aspect of theirlives.

nFor more information, visitsis.sunway.edu.my

The Interact Club and student council of Sunway International School hosted the SIS Amazing Race to raise money for theNational Cancer Council Malaysia.


6/12

Hasmida Halid, with her son Muhammad Razin Hafiz from Smart Reader Kids Pusat KomersilTSB, Sungai Buloh, says that she is very pleased with her sons progress.


Grooming leaders of tomorrowT

HE first four years of a childs lifeare said to be the time when braindevelopment is at its highest. The brain

orms important neural paths that helpdevelop the childs ability to perform taskswell.

Children of this age are able to learn newhings and absorb information very quickly.

Pre-school is crucial to childrensducation because it is during this time thathey are exposed to a variety of skills that

develop school readiness.Choosing the right pre-school can

determine whether or not a child receiveshe necessary foundation to enable amooth transition into primary school.

The skills and knowledge that a childeceives during pre-school may haven impact on how well he performscademically once he begins his formalchooling years.

Smart Reader Kids recognises that youngminds are extremely malleable. Usinghe extensively researched Smart Reader

Creative Teaching Methodology, childrenre nurtured to develop awe-inspiringocial, cognitive and pre-academic skills.

Irene Yap Wai Yeng, principal of SmartReader Kids Taman Melati, says that whentudents first enrol at her centre, they arehy and slightly reserved.

They slowly develop more confidences they start socialising with children theirwn age and become motivated to learn

new things every day.I believe that a good pre-school

education is a must for all children, to helppave the way to success in primary school.Smart Reader Kids programmes have awell-designed syllabus to suit children of allages.

The fun lessons, coupled with ourdedicated and well-trained teachers, notonly ensure that students look forward toclasses, but also guarantees that they aregroomed to have what it takes to becomefuture leaders, she says.

Similarly, Joanne Tham, principal ofSmart Reader Kids Pantai Hillpark haswitnessed first-hand how students at hercentre who spoke practically no English,began to show significant improvementafter they enrolled.

Tham says that thanks to the highly

effective syllabus structure that SmartReader Kids has, each child is able to movefrom one stage to the next at his own pace

and capability.Hasmida Halid, mother of five-year-old Muhammad Razin Hafiz, shares howpleased she is with Smart Reader Kids.

Before I enrolled Razin with SmartReader Kids, he was not able to read orwrite but after four months, I noticed asignificant difference in him. Now, he is notonly able to read and write in English but hehas also picked up drawing skills and Jawiwriting. He thoroughly enjoys attendingpre-school and looks forward to meetinghis friends every day. What surprises memost is that he talks about his aspiration tobecome a doctor someday.

Shalini Letchmanan and Ron MillerAnthony say that six months after theyenrolled their daughter Shefrin Hazel withSmart Reader Kids Taman University, shebegan to speak and read fluently in English.Socialising with children her own age hasenabled Shefrin to gain the confidence tospeak English.

It is undeniable that Smart ReaderWorldwide, which is the franchisor ofthe Smart Reader Kids programme, hassuccessfully established itself as the premierprovider of early childhood education inMalaysia. There are more than 300 centresnationwide where children are groomedevery day to become intelligent and capableleaders of tomorrow.

nFor more information, call03-6279 5555, 1300 885 555 or visitwww.smartreaderkids.edu.myorwww.smartreader.edu.my


7/12


World-class international educationU

CSI International School,which is located inBandar Springhill, Negri

embilan, offers the Middle Years

Programme (MYP) and the IBDiploma Programme (DP). Bothre International BaccalaureateIB) programmes that arecademically challenging and

balanced.

Well-rounded students

The MYP provides studentswith a holistic education. Thecademically rigorous curriculums complemented by the Services Action programme, personal

projects and the After Schoolprogramme.

The reflective approachf the MYP extends learningpportunities to every student.

The Service as Actionprogramme is an integral part ofMYP and presents opportunitiesor students to engage with theommunity.

Students in Grade 8 andGrade 10 conduct two majorprojects as part of the Services Action programme. Grade 8tudents collaborate with theireacher to develop and implementplan to address a need in the

ocal community.In Grade 10, students complete

heir personal project, which is aollaborative project that involveservice and action in the wider

Malaysian area.

In pairs, Grade 10 studentsimplement a plan on how toaddress a need in the community.The plan is implemented overthe course of the academic yearwith an advisor who guides andsupports the students.

The DP further preparesstudents for effective participationin a rapidly evolving andincreasingly global society.

The programme was designedfor students aged 16 to 19 toaddress their intellectual, social,emotional and physical well-being. The programme has gainedrecognition and respect from theworlds leading universities.

The DP allows students to:ldevelop physically,intellectually, emotionally andethically.

lacquire knowledge andunderstanding in breadth anddepth through studying coursesfrom six subject groups.ldevelop the skills and positiveattitude towards learning thatwill prepare them for highereducation.lstudy at least two languagesand increase the understandingof their own and other peoplescultures.lmake connections acrosstraditional academic disciplinesand explore the nature ofknowledge through theprogrammes unique Theory ofKnowledge course.lundertake in-depth researchof an area of interest through thelens of one or more academicdisciplines in the extended essay.

lenhance their personal andinterpersonal developmentthrough creativity, action andservice.

The DP curriculum consists ofsix groups of subjects. Studentsmust choose one subject from thefirst five groups to ensure thatthey gain a breadth of knowledgeand understanding of their firstlanguage, additional language(s),social sciences, experimentalsciences and mathematics.

Additionally, students maychoose either an arts subject fromGroup 6 or a second subject fromGroups 1 to 5.

At least three and not morethan four subjects are taken ata higher level, while the othersubjects are taken at a standardlevel.

A holistic approach

The IB programme providesstudents with comprehensive

education and development. Withits interdisciplinary learningmethod, students study distinctacademic disciplines and the linksto other disciplines, which reflectsthe complexity of the world.

Enquiry-based learningsupports and guides students asthey learn how to study, allowingindividual differentiation basedon strengths and specific areas toencourage growth.

Conceptual learning, asopposed to learning content,encourages students to becomeadept problem-solvers andthinkers. To deliver the high-demanding IB programmes,USCI Bandar Springhill employsteachers who are highly qualifiedprofessionals.

As facilitators, guides andmentors, the teachers connectwith the students to support themas they develop their full potential.UCSI Bandar Springhill also offersfull boarding and a plethora offacilities that students can enjoy,including a golf course, swimmingpool, gymnasium, football fieldand basketball court. UCSI BandarSpringhills intakes are in January,April and September.

nFor more information, visitwww.ucsiinternationalschool.edu.my

The enquiry-based learning of the IB programme supports and guides students in their learning while playing on individualstrengths and areas of interest.


8/12


Takingmultivitaminswill help boostyour kidsvitamin intakeand ensurethat they aregetting theright nutritionalsupport.

Making mealtimesmore interestingP

ICKY eating is a commonproblem faced by parents withtoddlers or young children.

Being a picky eater can be naturalfor young children whose taste budshave not fully matured.

As a result, they tend to preferfoods that are sweet over those thatare sour or bitter. In some cases,picky eating can be due to the fearof new things or a pre-schoolersway of declaring independence.

Parents of picky eaters are oftenconcerned that their kids are notgetting enough nutrients, whichwill jeopardise their health, growthand development.

Here are some tips to handle apicky eater:lDevelop a mealtime structureGive children three regularmeals a day and two healthysnacks in between meals. Pickyeaters are often grazers who eatsmall amounts of food throughoutthe day. Structured meal andsnack times will help ensure thatchildren eat when they are hungryand also helps reduce snackingopportunities.lBe fun and creative Serveveggies with their favourite dip orsauce. Top cereals with fruit slices. Serve a variety of food with brightcolours in different arrangementssuch as animal shapes.lBe a good role model Set anexample by eating the food youwant your child to eat.lIntroduce small amounts ofnew foods When introducingnew foods, give your children justa taste and let them ask for more.That way they will feel more in

Vitamins Benefits

Vegetablesextract

Benefits

Healthy eyes and skinVitamin A

Strong defence systemVitamin B3

Healthy nervesVitamin B6

New red blood cellsVitamin B12

Strong defence systemagainst cold and flu

Vitamin C

Strong blood capillariesVitamin E

Strong hair and nailsBiotin

Rich in minerals andprovides dietary fibre toprevent constipation

Spinachleafpowder

Rich in antioxidantlycopene and promoteshealthy skin

Tomatofruitpowder

Rich in beta carotene, zincand copper for a strongdefence system

Carrot rootpowder

Rich in vitamin C and iron,which promotes formationof new blood cells

Beetrootrootpowder

Rich in antioxidantcomplex silymarin thatprotects the liver fromfree radical damage

Artichokeflower budpowder

Strong bonesVitamin D

control and you will not waste foodif they do not like it.lMinimise distractions Turn offthe television and other electronicgadgets during mealtimes. This willhelp children focus their attentionon their food instead.lSupplement with multivitaminTaking multivitamins will helpboost your kids vitamin intake andensure that they are getting theright nutritional support for optimalgrowth and development regardlessof their food preference.

Nutrients are important aspectsto the growth and developmentof kids and has a direct effect ontheir level of health as adults.Multivitamins for kids that areavailable in the market are not allcreated equal.

It is therefore important tochoose the one that comprises allthe essential nutrients that kidsneed.

Natures Way VitaGummiesMulti + Vegies contains eightessential vitamins vitamin A, B3,B6, B12, C, D, E and biotin plus five

types of vegetables carrot, tomato,

spinach, beetroot and artichoke toprovide support for optimal growthand development so that your kidscan get a head start in life.

This quality product is importedfrom Australia.

This article is brought to you byNatures Way.

Developing a love for learningENGLISH is an important languageto master to succeed in our globalcommunity.

As children progress in theirlearning, the ability to communicate

in English will become more andmore important.

Learning to communicatein English is made easier whenstudents are taught by nativeEnglish-speaking teachers who alsounderstand the learning processinvolved.

This is because they know thesmall steps that each individual cancope with and can support progressat a comfortable pace for children.

Morris Allen English uses aninteractive model for the learningof English that nurtures successfullearning for all students.

In this quality interactive

enrichment programme, childrenare actively involved in speaking,listening, reading and writing inEnglish.

This interactive method allows

children to experience learningEnglish in more meaningful andeffective ways.

Speaking is a fundamental partof every class as teaching childrento learn good oral skills makesit easier for them to pick up thedifferent sounds in English and thisis why native English-speakingteachers provide good language-learning models.

All of the courses offered atMorris Allen English undertake thisinteractive approach through funmethods that help instil the love oflearning in children.

There are regular enrichment

classes that take place weekly for alllevels of schooling and short coursesas well as holiday programme havebeen popular among parents.

Morris Allen English offers

short courses that focus on specificskill areas while offering a goodintroduction to the Morris AllenEnglish teaching methodology.

The Creative Writing coursedevelops students writing skillswhile the Speech & Drama coursedevelops students self-confidencein oral communication and theHeadstart and Phonics short courseshave been very popular for youngerchildren as it helps build a strongfoundation in English.

Many of the students whostarted with the short course optto enrol in a regular weekly class asthey find the interactive methodsto be fun while parents are pleasedwith the progress their children are

making.The interactive learning

approach practised at Morris AllenEnglish has helped a number ofstudents shine as they develop alove for learning.

nFor more information,call 03-7726 7656 (CentrepointBandar Utama) or 03-5611 9296(Empire Gallery Subang) or visitwww.morrisallen-malaysia.com

Childrenenjoy thefun andinteractivelearningstyle of theclasses atMorris AllenEnglish.


9/12

castor wheels that allow students tocomfortably switch from a rolling bag to asling bag.

Swans Airlite bags will give your childthe right back support, helping to preventan early onset of chronic back pains andstrains.

With its spinal muscle back supportpadding, this special design can helpprevent hunching and encourages anupright standing position. Swan PremiumUniforms are made with a special textile toensure that they will not turn yellow as aresult of frequent use and wash.

This also helps parents save on uniformcosts. Additionally, Swan uniforms nowcome with safety pocket zips in pinaforesand trousers to protect your childsbelongings.

The wear and tear from carrying heavyschool bags will slowly degrade the basepadding on your childs shoes. It is thereforeimportant to choose the right pair of shoesfor your child.

Swans latest U Bounce shoes comewith three layers of padding to protectyour childs feet, allowing your child to gothrough his or her day with comfort andease.

The first layer aids in ventilation, keepingyour childs foot cool throughout the daywhile the second layer provides an extrasponge for comfort.

The third layer has an extra soft rubberbase, enhancing the benefits of all threelayers, making walking and running acomfortable experience for your child.

Swans famous shoe lace design andEasy Slip-On shoes are also available forsecondary school students. MJ Boutique has30 stores nationwide.

nFor more information call 1300 886 887or visit www.swanbag.com


Raising the barhe Cambridge International Diploma for Teaching and Learning is des igned to help teachersevelop their professional thinking and practice, and enhance the quality of teaching and learning.

The one-stop school shopMJ Boutique is the largest school supplieschain store in Malaysia that offers a fullrange of products, including uniforms,shoes, bags, socks, belts, umbrellas, pencilcases, lunch boxes and watches.

Swan bags are available in more than 400stores in Malaysia, including hypermarkets,

departmental stores, chain stores and retailshops.Swan continues to impress with its

latest Mars Rocker 3 school bags with 3Dcartoons, including the Powerpuff Girls andUltraman. The Mars Rocker 3 is equippedwith six staircase wheels, making it easierfor students when they climb up the stairs.

The Mars Rocker 3 also incorporatesa special air-ventilated EVA padding tocushion the weight on the shoulders andback.

Another great feature is the detachable

MJ Boutique has 30 stores nationwide andoffers a wide range of school supplies.

THE teaching profession is constantlyevolving, both in terms of teachingand methods of delivery, to remain

elevant to the expectations and demandsf the fast-paced world we live in. Teaching

s a profession that requires creativity,passion, commitment and persistence.

Effective teaching requires more thanhat and Cambridge English for Life (CEFL)

prepares and equips teachers with thenecessary skills and knowledge that enableshem to raise the bar in education throughhe Cambridge International Diploma for

Teaching and Learning (CIDTL).CIDTL is a professional teaching diploma

hat is developed by the University ofCambridge International ExaminationsCIE). It is currently taken in more than 150ountries by some two million studentsvery year.

CIDTL is designed to help teachersdevelop their professional thinking andpractice and enhance the quality ofeaching and learning. It provides the

ultimate framework for anyone preparingor their first teaching position or forny practising teacher looking to further

develop their skills.It is inclusive and relevant to all teaching

and learning contexts ranging from primaryand secondary general education tovocational education and training to furtheradult and higher education.

Candidates will undergo training withemphasis on development of knowledge,skills and understanding of key aspects ofteaching and learning.

The diploma programme aims to deliverclear, up-to-date and valued performancestandards for the delivery, assessment,evaluation and improvement of learningactivities and programmes. The standardsof this programme have been developedin the United Kingdom and are the sameas those used to assess the performance oftrainee teachers.

It utilises a manual that is designedto be a source of ideas, information andpossibilities relating to the diplomaframework.

nFor more information, call 03-7883 0912,e-mail [email protected] visitwww.cambridgeforlife.org


10/12


Bringing Christmas cheer to peopleS

INCE 2009, elc InternationalSchool has played host tothe Annual Christmas Cheer

vent. Every year, approximately

200 underprivileged children fromhomes all over the Klang Valleyome together for a day of fun,ood and frolicking.

There is no doubt thatChristmas can mean so manyhings to different people.

It may even be argued thatChristmas true miracle is itspower to cut across cultural andeligious differences.You simply cannot help but get

drawn into the spirit of giving andellowship.

In this time of debt, rising costsnd uncertainty, the elc student

body led by the elc Interact Clublong with the Rotary Club of

Damansara continue to comeogether and keep that spirit alive.

Commendably, the youngmembers of the Interact Clubontinue to shoulder theiresponsibilities in organising the

Annual Christmas Cheer eventwith minimal adult help.

The clubs committee writesetters of appeal, requests for

quotations, keeps accounts,decorates the venue and organiseshe eager student labour force.

Detractors and critics will sayhat it is the parents with deep

pockets that are really the silentoundations upon which thetudents stand.

While the event could not

survive without parentalhelp, it cannot be denied thatthese young people are doingsomething remarkable.

The schools young InteractClub members go out and busythemselves and there is notime to worry about negativecomments.

These students and otherslike them all around the world,are stepping up and getting busyby doing something good.

All too often we find

Students at elc International School are stepping up and doing something good for the community.

ourselves being armchair critics,not realising that each one of usmay have the power to makea significant difference to ourcommunity.

For those who are finding itdifficult to organise an event oreven knowing where to start, visitknowhownonprofit.orgorwww.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk.

Alternatively you can visit thecharity that you wish to supportand ask them how you can besthelp. In many instances, money

is not always the only answerto problems; volunteering yourtime and expertise can alsomake a huge difference.

For the students at elc, thisyears Annual Christmas Cheermay have concluded but the nextevent, a carnival to support theAlzheimers Disease FoundationMalaysia, is already beingplanned. The students are outgetting busy for this event withconfidence and courage to makethe school proud.

All too often wefind ourselvesbeing armchair

critics, notrealising thateach one of usmay have thepower to makea significantdifference to ourcommunity.

elc International Schools AnnualChristmas Cheer event brings togetherchildren from homes across the KlangValley.


11/12


Boarders at ECiM are provided excellent pastoral care, allowing them sufficientspace and time to be independent and grow into well-balanced individuals.

Fulfilling boarding experienceEPSOM College in Malaysiais a highly esteemedco-educational British

day and boarding school fortudents aged three to 18.

Epsom College opened the doorsof its first overseas campus inBandar Enstek in September.The campus is located southof Kuala Lumpur, 15 minutesdrive away from Kuala Lumpur

nternational Airport (KLIA).Utilising the Cambridgenternational ExaminationCIE) syllabus, Epsom Collegen Malaysia (ECiM) will be

bringing along 150 yearsof educational brillianceo Malaysia, boasting anmpressive 84% consistency on

A-Level grades of A*, A or B. Theonsistent grades are a result of

well-qualified and experiencedeachers who influencehe students educational

development.ECiM continues Epsom

UKs tradition of offering fullor weekly boarding to itstudents. The option of full

or weekly boarding emulateshe residential system of ourchool in the United Kingdom.

Weekly boarding is the morepopular choice as it providesufficient space and time to

be independent but allowstudents to meet up with theiramily over the weekend, saysane Smith, ECiMs head of Prepchool.

Epsom College believes thathaving a balance between

cademic excellence and awell-rounded co-curriculumbrings out a students fullpotential. House events such

s barbecues, inter-houseompetitions, movie nights

or trips to the beach canencourage students to socialisewith one another, says Smith.

Boarders have theopportunity to engage inmany co-curricular activitiessuch as sports matches andcultural events on a daily basisafter classes to add some funto their daily routines. On theweekends, full boarders get togo on trips to Kuala Lumpur andgive back to the communitythrough charity work.

ECiM is split into two schools prep school for Year 1 to Year6 students, and senior schoolfor Year 7 to Year 13 students.The curriculum in prep schoolaims to instil self-belief instudents and help develop anindividualistic way of thinking.Besides science and humanitiesstudies, ECiM offers subjectssuch as literacy, drama, cultural

experiences and knowledge inpreparation for life in universityand work. In Year 10 and Year 11,students take subjects leading up to

their IGCSEs (O-Levels) and in Year12 and Year 13, also known as thesixth form, students work towardstheir A-Levels.

Students in the boardingprogramme will be provided withfirst-rate pastoral care. Boarderswill be placed in six boardinghouses.

Each house is monitored by ahousemaster or a housemistress(HMM) and an assistant HMM. Asanatorium with a full-time nursealong with a doctor who comesin everyday will provide studentswith 24 hours of medical attention.The school also has its own surauand amphitheatre.

ECiM is equipped with thefinest facilities and equipment to

provide boarders with comfortsimilar to home. Each student hasevery opportunity to excel not onlyacademically but also in various

co-curricular activities. ECiM hasworld-class in-campus facilities thatinclude a cricket field, gymnasium,sports pavilion, 20 music practicerooms, ensemble rooms and dancestudios.

There are also AstroTurf footballfields, two rugby pitches, threesquash courts, a sports hall with10 badminton courts, a swimmingpool, two basketball courts anda fitness centre. The school alsohas wireless Internet, a 600-seattheatre, 80 classrooms, recordingstudios and a recital hall.

nFor more information on ECiMand admissions, call 03-6211 4488,e-mail [email protected] or visit new.epsomcollege.edu.my

studies and art to develop theunderstanding and appreciation ofculture in its students.

In senior school, students areexposed to a wide variety of well-balanced curricular programmesthat aim to help broaden their

Increasing your childs IQVICTOR (not his real name)s a 14-year-old who usedo perform well in primarychool. However, his academic

performance dropped whenhe joined secondary school. He

ven scored the lowest grademong his classmates in last

years science and mathematicsfinal exam. This went on forome time and it caused Victorlot of stress and emotional

pain over the past year.Victors mother Ernie decided

o seek a psychoeducationalssessment from professionalducational psychologists at

EduPsych, the EducationalPsychology division of thenternational Psychology CentreIPC).

The child psychoeducationalssessment at IPC began withn interview with Ernie toeview the background of

Victors developmental historynd to identify the cause of

Victors problem. The interviewevealed that Ernie had not

paid enough attention to Victorwhen he was young and would

ften get irritated by the manyquestions he posed. This caused

him to get more and morediscouraged and he eventuallytopped asking questions. Hisuriosity died and with that hisQ gradually decreased.

Apart from the interviewession, the educational

psychologist also conductedvarious internationalvalidated psychometric testso further diagnose VictorsQ and learning abilities. The

assessment revealed Victorsspecific profile of cognitive

strengths and weaknesses.Victor was then prescribed a

programme to enhance his IQ.This IQ therapeutic programmeis specially designed to developand improve a childs IQ. Inaddition, it increases a childsknowledge, vocabulary andcomprehension abilities.Part of the programmeinvolved enrolling Victorinto the Rainforest NatureMultiple Intelligence Camp,which provided him theopportunity to practise thevarious IQ-important cognitiveactivities such as problem-solving, listening and decision-making.

This article is contributedby EduPsych, Centre forEducational Psychology ofInternational PsychologyCentres team of psychologistand psychonutritionaltherapists.

nFor more information,call 03-2727 7434, e-mail [email protected] or visitwww.malaysiapsychology.com

It is natural for children to be curiousand ask questions about the thingsaround them.


12/12

Bright Kids - 02 December 2014

Documents

Transcript of Bright Kids - 02 December 2014