PYP Counselor Information

Although many parents and students are excited for their child to be able to go back to school for in-person learning through the new hybrid model, some are experiencing mixed feelings. If your child has loved being at home over the past months, or has thrived academically while learning from home remote, you’re not alone. Several of our students and parents have found many silver linings in the remote learning experience.

If this sounds like your child, you might find this article on Edutopia interesting:

https://www.edutopia.org/article/why-are-some-kids-thriving-during-remote-learning

Of course, we do not want to forget about the benefits of in-person learning, least of all social and emotional development. But it’s also okay to acknowledge the gains that your child may have made over the past few months, and the unexpected benefits you may have come across. This doesn’t mean there is anything ‘wrong’ with your child, it just means they were able to thrive in unusual circumstances, and that the experience allowed them to develop new parts of themselves. It also may have taught them, their teachers, and you as their parents; a great deal about who they are and how they learn best. This is all useful information which can be used in the future to support their learning and overall well-being.

If your child is reluctant to go back to school, or you have any questions or concerns about the hybrid model, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s Homeroom Teacher, Mr. Gerry, or myself.

Warm regards,

Ms. Alex

Today we had a parent forum on Parent and Student Well-being. We discussed separation anxiety, returning to school for in-person learning, screen-time, online safety, social development, and parent well-being.

I know that many of you are extremely busy right now, so please do not worry if you were not able to attend. You can find the slides of the last 2 Parent Forum’s I’ve done below.

If you have any questions about today’s forum, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Warm regards,

Ms. Alex Parent Forum- Parent and Student Well-being Parent Forum- Supporting Remote Learning at Home.pptx

Schools in Thailand have been closed for a long time. It was been a challenging couple of months, and we’ve likely got a few more challenging months ahead. However, the idea of going back to ‘in-person’ school has us all very excited!

Despite all of our excitement, some parents and students might also be feeling nervous or scared. It is therefore important to make sure you talk to your child about their thoughts and feelings regarding the current situation.

Please review the following sources for information and guidance on how you can best help to prepare your child for returning to in-person learning:

• https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/returning-school-after-lockdown/tips-parents-carers-return-to-school
• https://www.hunschool.org/resources/returning-to-school-post-covid-19
• https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/support-child-covid-reopening
• https://www.talkspace.com/blog/coronavirus-parenting-back-to-school-talking-to-children/

Remember, if you, or your child(ren) are having an especially challenging time with the idea of returning to in-person learning, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher, Mr. Gerry, or myself.

Take care and see you all soon!

Ms. Alex

The October holiday was a much needed break for us all. After a few month of remote learning, the KIS students, parents, and teachers were all tired and in need of some serious relaxation. I therefore hope that you were all able to make the most of this past week!

The idea of returning to remote learning after a week off, might be putting some of your children ‘off’. They know what it’s like, and so they know what’s ahead of them. You might therefore consider looking into some of the resource links below, as they can provide you with ideas of reengaging your child- and helping them to start the term positively.

• https://childmind.org/article/keeping-kids-engaged-in-remote-learning/ 
• https://www.parents.com/kids/education/home-schooling/tricks-to-try-when-your-kid-is-tired-of-distance-learning/
• https://sphero.com/blogs/news/how-to-reengage-motivate-remote-learners
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/peaceful-parents-happy-kids/202009/remote-learning-6-tips-engage-and-motivate-your-child
• https://www.edutopia.org/article/science-keeping-kids-engaged-even-home

Please know that it is perfectly normal for your child, or you, to feel exhausted or frustrated with the current situation. If you feel like your child could benefit from some counseling support, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher, Mr. Gerry, or myself.

We are all here to support.

Take care,

Ms. Alex

The October Break is just around the corner, and I know we’re all in need of some down time- the students included! Although I would encourage everyone to get out of the city, and enjoy as much outdoor time as possible, I know that’s not realistic option for everyone.

For this reason I’ve put together a list of useful resources you can use to plan fun days indoors with your children over the break. Remote learning is not easy, so do make sure you encourage them to relax, play, and get silly!

• https://www.bachcare.co.nz/blog/your-indoor-school-holiday-survival-guide/ 
• https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/activities/kids-activities/30-indoor-school-holiday-activities-your-kids-will-love/
• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g31445865/indoor-activities-for-kids/
• https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/indoor-activities-for-kids/

Remember to let loose and enjoy some screen-free, stress-free time with you family!

Take Care,

Ms. Alex