PYP Counselor Information

It is so good to see the students walking the halls of the KIS again. It is clear that the students benefit from each other’s company, and in-person learning. The smiles in their eyes say it all.

If, however, your child is having a difficult time re-adjusting to in-person learning, or is anxious regarding the safety guidelines that need to be followed while at school, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher, myself, and/or Mr. Gerry. We are always here to support you and your family.

Warm regards,

For those of you who are staying in Bangkok over the holidays, and would like to go and get out of the house with your children. Be sure to check the following resources for ideas on upcoming events for children:

• https://www.bkkkids.com/blog/christmas-events-in-bangkok-2021/
• https://www.bkkkids.com/blog/festive-winter-camp-guide-2021/
• https://www.prestigeonline.com/th/people-events/events/christmas-markets-to-visit-in-bangkok-december-2021/
• https://www.peekaboobkk.com/calendar

Warm regards,

Alex

The Winter Break is just around the corner, and this means that many of you will be traveling enjoying some family time. I have spoken to many parents who are worried that their children are spending too much time on the electronic devices, and they would like to engage their children in more ‘hands on’ activities.

Please refer to the resources below for some fun and wholesome ideas on how to keep your children engaged and entertained over the holiday break.

• https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/christmas-activities-for-kids/
• https://abcdeelearning.com/christmas-activities-for-kids/
• https://www.redbookmag.com/life/mom-kids/how-to/g3780/christmas-activities-kids/
• https://crazylittleprojects.com/20-fun-things-kids-christmas/

As always, if you have any serious concerns about your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Warm Regards,

Alex

For the next parent book club we will be reading How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims. We will be meeting on weekly basis on Thursday mornings from 08:00-8:45 on Zoom. If you would like to join, but have no yet signed up, please send me an email and I will send you all the relevant information.

I am very much looking forward to getting together with another group of parents to discuss parenting philosophies and linking them to our own personal experiences.

Warm regards,

Alex

The Parent Book Club will start again after the Winter Break. We will start our meetings after the Winter break. The day and time is to be confirmed, as we’re working out the new schedule for the new year.  

Based on parent feedback, we will be reading How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims.

If you would like to sign up, but you haven’t yet, please send me an email at alex.sh@kis.ac.th

I look forward to seeing you all after the Winter the Break!

Warm regards,

Alex

Virtual Parent Book Club 2021

Upon parent request, Ms. Alex will be running another Parent Book Club this school year. The Book Club will be virtual, and open to all. In order to gather information regarding parent interest and availability, Ms. Alex would like to ask parents to fill out a Google form (link here). If you are interested in joining the Virtual Parent Book Club this year, please fill this form out by December 1st.

Engaging in play is a key part of being a child, and not just because it’s FUN, but because it contributes to the development of many important skills. Engaging in play support the development of social skills, emotional skills, inter and intra personal skills, the list goes on and on.

It is therefore helpful for parents to be aware of the different types of play. Providing opportunities for different types of play will enhance the benefits a children will take away from play experiences.

Likewise, it is important to consider whether your child is getting enough play. The amount and types of play children benefits from differs per age group. Being aware of this can help you to structure your child’s free time.

If you have any questions about play, or your child’s engagement with play, please don’t ever hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

Ms. Alex

Although we are now following a hybrid model, and our students are going into school 2 days per week, all students are still learning remotely for 3 days out of the week. It is therefore important for students, parents, and teachers to make an effort to maintain all those wonderful online learning skills and strategies they’ve honed over the past couple of months.

Please refer to the infographic below for a reminder of a couple of key skills and strategies to keep in mind when you support your child on their remote learning days.

As always, if you or your child are struggling with the hybrid model, please be sure to inform your child homeroom teacher, Mr. Gerry, or myself.

Warm regards,

Ms. Alex

Play is key to a child’s development and well-being. While children play, they learn to use their senses and cognitive skills to make decisions and solve problems. Play encourages curiosity and provides children with the opportunity to explore. It has been linked to cognitive development, social development, emotional development, physical development, literacy skills, the list goes on.

If you are interested in understanding the connection between play and child development, I would encourage you to explore the following resources:

• https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/other-resources/factsheets/the-importance-of-play-in-children-s-learning-and-development/
• https://www.epl.ca/blogs/post/importance-of-play-for-kids/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/the-importance-of-play
• https://www.healthline.com/health/the-importance-of-play#ideas-for-play
• https://www.parentingforbrain.com/benefits-play-learning-activities-early-childhood/
• https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/10-things-every-parent-play
• https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/early-years-development/learning-and-play/why-play-matters/
• https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/play-learning/play-ideas/why-play-is-important

I will be posted more frequently about play, it’s importance, and the different ways we can present play to children of various ages. I hope that these posts inspire you to provide your child with a wide variety of play opportunities- and have fun!

Warm regards,

Ms. Alex