Calendar, News and Publications

Embarking on the journey of parenthood introduces us to countless moments of joy, laughter, trials, and yes, the occasionally daunting task of toilet training. But dear parents, take heart! We recognise the silent questions that linger in your mind, the gentle anxieties that brush your heart, and the earnest desire to make every moment a learning curve for your precious one. This crafted guide is brimming with thoughtful insights, practical advice, and tried-and-true toilet training tips for parents. Our mission? To transform a seemingly challenging milestone into a celebratory dance of growth and bonding. Let’s dive into this journey.

Choosing the Right Time for Toilet Training

The delightful stage every parent encounters: “How early can you start toilet training?” But fret not; you’re not alone in this journey cause we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

• Age-related Milestones: Most experts generally agree that the average age range when children show readiness for toilet training is between 18 to 24 months. However, some might be ready as early as 16 months, while others might find their groove closer to their third birthday.
• Physical Signs of Progress: A consistently dry diaper over several hours is more than just a win against laundry—it’s a clear signal that your little one’s body is developing just right. In simpler terms, it means they’re getting closer to being ready for early toilet training.
• Emotional and Cognitive Readiness: Dive deeper, kids have their special way of letting you know what’s on their mind. From a slight grimace at a wet diaper to their excited little tugs towards the potty, these actions speak volumes. They’re not just being inconstant, these gestures are heartfelt markers of where they stand emotionally and mentally regarding potty training.

Preparing for the Transition

Stepping into the stage of potties can seem overwhelming, given the myriad of preparations out there.

• Setting the stage: Choosing the right potty:

The first step starts the journey of selecting a suitable potty, opting for one that’s comfortable, stable, and perhaps has a touch of remarkably that appeals to their liking.

• The role of training pants:

Think of training pants as the gentle bridge between diapers and underwear. Offering just the right balance of freedom and security, they play a pivotal role in easing your child’s transition, ensuring they venture into this new phase with confidence.

• Decorating the restroom to be kid-friendly:

Incorporate user-friendly stools to provide easy access to the sink, sprinkle in some captivating reads, or decorate the walls with vibrant posters. These additions make the space more inviting and align with the child’s curiosity and learning spirit.

Building a Routine

Embracing toilet training goes beyond the tools and environment; it delves into your child’s daily life rhythm. Let’s shape your child’s day-to-day activities, turning the process into natural and inviting.

• Scheduling potty breaks:

Integrating regular pauses into their day allows them to form a habit and reduce potential accidents.

• Incorporating toilet training into daily life:

Toilet training shouldn’t be a separate task; instead, it should be a natural extension of their daily fun and games. Maybe it’s a potty break after their favourite story or before snack time.

• Nighttime strategies:

With a combination of patience, foresight, and a sprinkle of tested strategies, you can ensure that your little one’s nights mirror the successes of their days, leading to restful sleep and proud mornings.

Creating a Positive Experience

Diving into the world of toilet training is deeply emotional. At its core, it’s a dance of confidence, trust, and celebrating growth. Here are ways to ensure the journey is paved with golden moments.

• Using compliments and constructive criticism: Never underestimate the power of a ‘Well Done’ or a high-five. Small praises act as big motivators.

• Addressing accidents with empathy: The key is approaching a few accidents along the way with warmth, empathy, and gentle reassurance. Just as we stumble in life, so will they on this journey.

• Celebrating small victories: Whether it’s a cheerful dance, a shiny sticker, or just a proud hug, marking these occasions turns toilet training into a delightful celebration, one success at a time.

Overcoming Common Hurdles

Every great journey has its share of difficulties.

• Dealing with resistance:

Occasionally, your child may pull the brakes and show resistance. It’s a natural part of grappling with change. This resistance isn’t defiance; it’s simply a request for a slower pace, which with the right guidance, should be addressed with grace.

• Addressing fear of the toilet:

To a young child, the toilet can sometimes appear as an imposing entity. Their fear is genuine, and our response needs to be equally sincere. Through our empathetic and child-focused strategies, we can transform it from an object of fear to one of familiarity and comfort.

• No.1 vs No.2:

One of the key aspects of toilet training is being able to differentiate between a no. 1 and a no. 2, which can be challenging for some children. While peeing in the toilet may come naturally to some children, pooping in the toilet can be a daunting task. This is because they involve different bodily functions and require different muscles to be controlled. Urination involves the release of liquid waste from the bladder, while pooping involves the elimination of solid waste from the colon. Therefore, children need to learn how to control these muscles separately and use them appropriately when using the toilet.

• Controlling reversals and setbacks:

Parents often feel they take two steps forwards to move one step back when it comes to toilet training! There might be days when previous successes seem to reverse, but these setbacks don’t define the journey. It’s essential to see them for what they are: mere pauses. With every regression, there’s an opportunity for reflection, understanding, and moving forward with renewed journey.

Involving Key Players

Embarking on the toilet training journey is a collective path where every participant plays an instrumental role. Caregivers and teachers wield significant influence on young children. It’s crucial that they understand and align with your training approach, making the transition feel more like a relay than a series of obstacles. Similarly, the involvement of older siblings can be transformative. Their guidance, leadership, and encouragement can ease the process for younger ones, turning them into champions during this phase. Consistency remains paramount. Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, or teacher, the guidance offered to your child should echo the same message. This united front ensures that the training process is effective and clear, fostering a smoother journey for your child.

Moving Beyond the Potty

While the potty is an instrumental part of your child’s early stages of toilet training, the journey doesn’t end there. It’s about more than just transitioning from one seating position to another; it’s about cultivating habits, fostering independence, and ensuring your little one steps out confidently into the world.

• Transitioning to a regular toilet

When your child is ready to bid the potty farewell and embrace the regular toilet, this transition is monumental. With our resources and guidance, you won’t be navigating these waters blindly.

• Ensuring good hygiene practices:

It’s more than just toilet training; it’s laying the foundation for a lifetime of good habits. And it starts now. Proper handwashing techniques, the correct way to wipe, the ritual of flushing – these are lessons that, once imbibed, stay with them forever.

• Cultivating independence in the bathroom:

A young individual who can navigate the bathroom with confidence and autonomy. We’re talking about a child who doesn’t just go through the motions but truly understands and feels empowered by them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Setting out on the path to toilet training will naturally raise questions. We’ve been in your shoes! And we understand! Therefore, ease in mind cause we’re going to shed light on your concerns.

• What are the signs your child is not ready for potty training?

Signs like resistance, lack of interest, or increased anxiety might indicate it’s time to pause. We’ll guide you in recognising these signs, so you’ll be confident about when to move forward and when to wait.

• How long does the toilet training process typically take?

While some children might pick it up in mere days, others might take about 3 months, with girls generally learning a little faster than boys. Elements like age, emotional maturity, and personal temperament come into play. We offer a detailed timeline to help you understand what lies ahead.

• What if my child is scared of the toilet?

Fear is undeniable and natural. When this happens, let’s be calm and apply empathy-based solutions. With gentle encouragement and our hands-on empathy-driven strategies, this fear can turn into confidence.

• What is the hardest part of potty training?

Common challenges include resistance, occasional regressions, and nighttime accidents. But here’s the silver lining: with our expert insights, you can face and overcome these challenges effectively.

Navigating Potty Training with Confidence

As you open this chapter in your child’s life, know that this phase is not just about learning to use the potty—it’s about nurturing your child’s growth, independence, and confidence. With our insights into toilet training tips for parents, you’re armed with a toolkit that extends beyond techniques; it’s about empathy, understanding, and a deep connection with your child’s developmental milestones.

At UNIS Hanoi, we recognise that every child’s journey is unique. Our expertise extends beyond academics, encompassing comprehensive support for parents and their children’s developmental stages. Reach out to us and explore how UNIS Hanoi can stand beside you in cultivating confident, skilled, and empowered young minds.

Parents and educators play a pivotal role in nurturing independence in early childhood, a crucial phase that shapes the self-assurance and growth trajectory of emerging minds. During this formative stage, laying a robust foundation for skills and behaviors becomes instrumental in paving the way for their future successes. This article offers insights into the essence of childhood independence and provides strategies to bolster this essential trait in the children under your guidance.

What is Independence in Early Childhood and Why is it Important?

Independence in early childhood signifies young children’s capacity to execute tasks, decide independently, and address challenges autonomously. During this phase, they begin to exude self-sufficiency, take the initiative, and manifest a distinct self-awareness.

Actively nurturing this independence at this juncture is paramount because it:

1. Builds confidence and self-worth.
2. Prepares them for challenges they’ll face in adulthood.
3. Strengthens resilience and fosters flexibility.
4. Promotes analytical thought and decision-making abilities.
5. Elevates their feeling of achievement.

How to Build Independence in Early Childhood?

Incorporating independent activities for 3-year-olds, or promoting independence in early childhood can seem challenging, but the following steps offer practical insights and methods to achieve this goal:

• Step 1: Encourage Decision Making
• Step 2: Support Self-Help Skills
• Step 3: Create Safe and Exploratory Environments
• Step 4: Set Clear Expectations
• Step 5: Acknowledge Endeavors and Successes
• Step 6: Avoid Over-Interference
• Step 7: Encourage a Curious Mind
• Step 8: Foster Responsibility
• Step 9: Promote Problem-Solving
• Step 10: Be Patient and Allow Mistakes
• Step 11: Model Independence

Encourage Decision Making

Empower children by letting them make daily decisions, from choosing their attire to selecting a bedtime story. This practice not only nurtures their confidence but also teaches them the value and consequences of choices, shaping informed decision-makers for the future. Every choice reinforces autonomy and the significance of individual actions.

Support Self-Help Skills

Begin by guiding them through foundational tasks such as dressing or tidying up, and as they grow, progressively introduce them to more complex responsibilities. As they master each skill, it not only amplifies their self-esteem but also serves as a poignant lesson on the paramount importance of self-reliance. This cultivation of individual accomplishment echoes in their everyday actions, fostering a greater sense of autonomy.

Create Safe and Exploratory Environments

Offer children dedicated spaces that are both secure and stimulating, allowing them to explore and quench their natural curiosity. While ensuring their safety is paramount, it’s equally vital to grant them the freedom to innovate within set boundaries. This balance encourages their creative spirit, paves the way for adventurous thinking, and enriches their individual paths of self-discovery.

Set Clear Expectations

By consistently setting and communicating clear expectations, children are equipped with a structured guide to acceptable behaviour. This clarity aids them in understanding and adapting to societal norms more effectively. In turn, this foundation empowers them to traverse social settings with increased confidence, purpose, and a reassuring sense of predictability and stability in their interactions.

Acknowledge Endeavors and Successes

Proactively recognising and applauding their efforts and accomplishments fosters an ingrained sense of pride and validation. It is a constant reminder that dedication, coupled with perseverance, invariably leads to success. This acknowledgment process further reinforces a growth mindset, accentuating the significance of cherishing both small and significant milestones in their developmental journey.

Avoid Over-Interference

While the parental instinct might often drive one to intervene promptly, allowing children to navigate challenges on their own not only nurtures a robust spirit of resilience but also bolsters their ability to problem-solve. This experience invariably sharpens their critical thinking, deepens their adaptability skills, and better equips them for diverse challenges ahead in life.

Encourage a Curious Mind

Children overflowing with questions are essentially budding innovators. Engage wholeheartedly with their queries, nurturing a culture of endless learning. By doing so, you not only set them on a trajectory for enduring inquisitiveness but also instill a deep appreciation for the joys of exploration. Such an environment underscores the beauty of discovery, motivates them to seek knowledge consistently, and reinforces the value of persistent inquiry.

Foster Responsibility

Assigning children tasks like caring for a plant or pet deepens their grasp of accountability. Through these hands-on experiences, they learn the nuances of commitment, appreciate the rewards of consistency, and understand the fulfillment derived from mindful caretaking. Such foundational lessons pave the way for their future endeavors and interactions.

Promote Problem-Solving

Introducing children to stimulating activities that demand strategic and reflective thinking not only hones their problem-solving skills but also fosters a culture of critical analysis. This foundational training empowers them to approach complex challenges with an analytical, proactive mindset in the future. Furthermore, engaging them in such tasks consistently cultivates their cognitive resilience and encourages a lifelong dedication to thoughtful solutions and innovative approaches.

Be Patient and Allow Mistakes

Teach children that mistakes are not mere setbacks but powerful engines of growth and discovery. Instill in them the unwavering belief that these experiences, though challenging, serve as essential stepping stones leading to success. Emphasise the lessons of resilience, adaptability, and the deep-rooted growth that arises from navigating adversities. Remember, every misstep can be a foundation for a brighter, more informed next step.

Model Independence

Children are astute observers, often mirroring the behaviors and patterns of the adults around them. By consistently demonstrating qualities of independence, resilience, and proactive decision-making in your daily life, you present them with a compelling and vivid template. This template not only guides but also inspires them, painting a clear picture of what self-sufficiency looks like and how it can be a driving force in their evolving journey.

FAQs on how to build Independence in Early Childhood

Here, we address some of the most frequently asked queries to provide clarity and guidance on nurturing independent children.

What are the characteristics of an independent child?

An independent child often displays curiosity, self-reliance, resilience, the ability to make decisions, and a willingness to try new tasks without immediate assistance.

How do children show independence?

Children showcase independence through actions like choosing their clothes, asking questions, exploring new environments, and attempting tasks on their own, even if they might make mistakes.

What happens if a child is not independent?

A child who isn’t nurtured to be independent might struggle with decision-making, lack confidence in new situations, and could become overly reliant on adults.

Conclusion

Independence in early childhood fosters self-reliant, confident adults. At UNIS Hanoi, through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), we cover Early Years to Grade 1. Our curriculum nurtures children’s curiosity, emphasising their unique growth and capabilities. We believe in equipping young learners with resilience, creativity, and adaptability. Dive into our resources to understand our holistic approach designed for both parents and educators.

An emotional whirlwind, isn’t it? Watching your little one take those first bold steps into the world of learning. It’s exhilarating, nerve-wracking, and jam-packed with ‘firsts.’ To make this monumental leap a touch easier, let’s dive into the kindergarten must haves for parents. We’ve compiled a stellar kindergarten checklist for parents that captures all the elements needed to make the journey smooth, exciting, and impactful for your little scholar. Buckle up for an insightful journey!

Supply lists for a specialist Visual Art lesson

Visual Arts play a pivotal role in nurturing the whole child. It’s about providing an environment where students have a unique lens to communicate their perceptions, emotions, and thoughts. Visual Arts gives them the paper to depict what they observe, feel, and interpret about the world around them.

Delving into the curriculum, there are two integral strands: Creating and Responding.

• Creating: Little artists explore their surroundings and let their wild imaginations take the lead.
• Responding: This is where our students take centre stage! They eagerly present their masterpieces, fostering a collaborative environment where feedback and appreciation are shared.

And now, to foster this holistic approach to art education, here’s what our kindergarten checklist supplies should encompass for the Visual Art lessons:

• High-Quality Watercolours: To let those imaginations flow seamlessly onto paper.
• Assorted Brushes: Different sizes and types to cater to every artistic mind.
• Sketch Pads: The canvas for their myriad thoughts, observations, and imaginations.
• Non-toxic Clay: Moulding dreams and ideas into tangible shapes.
• Glitter, Craft Paper, and Eco-friendly Glue: For the added sparkle and texture in every art project.
• Process Journals: An essential for students to chronicle their creative thoughts, reflections, and the journey of their artistic endeavours.

Furthermore, at UNIS Hanoi, it’s vital to acknowledge that while Visual Arts beautifully integrates into the Programme of Inquiry, there are moments when it stands alone, steering students towards an independent inquiry into arts-centric knowledge, skills, and concepts.

Supply lists for preparing specialist English/EAL lesson

Language is the window to different worlds. An essential item in the kindergarten information for parents is to ensure they have a beginner’s dictionary and colourful markers for fun-filled vocabulary lessons. Behind the vibrant door of UNIS Hanoi’s English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme, we prioritise linguistic and cultural diversity. To equip your young learners for this immersive experience, the kindergarten checklist supplies should include:

• Storybooks with vivid illustrations and large prints fuel their imagination.
• Phonics cards accentuate the sounds of the language.
• Alphabet puzzles that make learning the ABCs a delightful game.
• A beginner’s dictionary enables them to unearth the magic of new words.
• Colourful markers highlight their favourite vocabulary, adding a splash of colour to their language journey.

At UNIS Hanoi Elementary School EAL, it’s about blending social talks with our unique ‘Unit of Inquiry’ language. And with our EAL experts teaming up with core teachers, we promise a seamless, joyful learning experience. Watch as our little children confidently step into the world of languages!

Supply lists for preparing specialist Mathematics lesson

To unlock the magical world of numbers and concepts for your little one, think beyond calculators. It’s crucial to equip them with the right tools and methods. As we steer clear from traditional calculators and dive into mathematics kindergarten preparation checklist math, think of these tools that:

• Number Puzzles: Help kids recognise numbers.
• Counting Beads: For hands-on counting practice.
• Math Board Games: Fun way to learn basic math concepts.
• Geometric Shape Sorters: Get to know different shapes.
• Simple Rulers: Start measuring things around!
• Math Workbooks: Activity-filled books for easy learning.
• Pattern Blocks: Play and learn about patterns.

By seamlessly integrating these tools into play, children can effortlessly grasp foundational mathematics concepts, setting them on a path of discovery and fun.

Supply lists for preparing specialist Science lesson

Curiosity and questions! That’s science for you. Enhance your child’s inquisitiveness with a starter microscope, magnifying glass, and some safe chemistry sets. Every scientist, young or seasoned, requires a specific skill set, your kindergarten checklist for parents should also suggest planting kits and basic circuit kits that introduce the wonders of biology and physics as per the UNIS Hanoi’s standards:

• Observation Toolkit: Arm your little explorer with a starter microscope and a magnifying glass to get up close and personal with the details.
• Documentation Station: Notebooks, coloured pens, and stickers to jot down those ground-breaking observations and thoughts.
• Speak Science: Flashcards with scientific vocabulary to empower articulate observations.
• Question Corner: A space or board dedicated to pinning up curious queries that pop into their minds.

Tailoring lessons that mirror UNIS Hanoi’s innovative approach requires well-thought-out tools and materials. While there isn’t a standalone science slot in student timetables, the essence of science resonates throughout the curriculum with UNIS. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Living Things:

Focus: Characteristics, systems, and behaviours of humans, animals, plants, and their environmental interactions.

Key Supplies:

• Planting Kits: For hands-on learning about plant growth and life cycles.
• Animal Observation Sets: Tools for studying behaviours, habitats, and lifecycles.

2. Earth and Space:

Focus: Our planet’s relationship with the universe, its features, and its resources.

Key Supplies:

• Solar System Model: A visual aid to comprehend the vastness and relationships within our universe.
• Geological Kits: Demonstrative sets to understand Earth’s layers, natural phenomena, and resources.

3. Materials and Matter:

Focus: Properties, origins, and manipulations of natural and human-made materials.

Key Supplies:

• Safe Chemistry Sets: Introduction to material properties and reactions.
• Material Testing Kits: Tools to evaluate and compare various materials’ strengths, densities, and more.

4. Forces and Energy:

Focus: Origins, storage, and transfer of energy; understanding forces and their applications.

Key Supplies:

• Basic Circuit Kits: Grasping concepts like energy transfer and electrical circuits.
• Simple Machines Set: Demonstrative tools to understand mechanical advantages and force applications.

Incorporating these supplies, tailored to the unique UNIS Hanoi methodology, ensures that your child’s science lessons remain authentic, interactive, and aligned with the best in international education standards.

Supply lists for preparing specialist Social Studies

The world is a magnificent tapestry of cultures, traditions, and histories. Kindergarten supply list for parents should prioritise interactive maps and stories from diverse cultures and these following items:

• Interactive World Map: Helps children visually identify countries, continents, and oceans, fostering global awareness.
• Cultural Storybooks: Introduces young minds to diverse traditions, histories, and lifestyles from around the world.
• Historical Figures Flashcards: Aids in recognising and understanding the significance of pivotal personalities through time.
• Community Helper Toys: By role-playing, children can better understand various professions and their roles in the community.
• Simple Time Line Kits: Facilitates a grasp of chronology and the concept of past, present, and future.
• Local Environment Exploration Kit: Includes tools like a basic compass and binoculars, encouraging kids to explore and understand their immediate surroundings.
• Resource Allocation Board Games: Simulates the management and distribution of resources, introducing basic economics in a playful manner.

These tools will cultivate a deep understanding of global cultures and societal dynamics in young learners.

Supply lists for preparing specialist Physical Education

Jump, run, play! Physical education is all about movement and joy. Equip your dynamic munchkin with comfortable sportswear, quality trainers, and maybe a tiny yoga mat. Also, consider adding a water bottle, hand towel, and skipping rope to their kindergarten checklist supplies.

Supply lists for preparing specialist Personal, Social and Emotional Learning (PSEL) lessons

In the journey of nurturing well-rounded individuals, personal, social, and emotional learning is pivotal. Grab storybooks that discuss feelings, emotions, and relationships. A kindergarten checklist for parents should also include:

• Emotion Wheel: Helps children identify and articulate their feelings.
• Role-playing Kits: Simulate real-life scenarios to build social skills.
• Reflection Journals: A space for them to express and understand their feelings and thoughts.
• Affirmation Cards: Boost self-esteem and positive self-talk.

Through these tools, you’ll pave the way for your child to cultivate essential life skills, enhancing emotional and social growth.

Supply lists for preparing specialist Information and Communication Technology (ICT) lessons

Welcome to the digital age! It’s imperative for kids to understand the basics of ICT. Always ensure safe and supervised screen time, making it a significant point in the kindergarten information for parents but also in order to give little kindergarteners a head start in digital literacy should consider the following essentials:

• Headphones: Kid-sized, with volume limiters for safe use.
• Compact Keyboard & Mouse Set: Scaled for smaller hands, allowing them to become familiar with standard digital tools.
• Educational Software: Engaging programs that usher them into the basics of digital literacy.

Embarking on the Kindergarten Adventure: The Essential Guide for Parents

The walk into kindergarten is one of the most treasured journeys for every child. Equip them with the best tools to navigate this phase successfully. With the right tools, such as our carefully listed kindergarten must haves for parents, you’re fostering resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning for your young learners. As you sift through essential tools and resources, consider this: The IB Primary Years Programme at UNIS Hanoi seamlessly integrates these elements, offering a curated learning experience that’s both enriching and globally recognised. With UNIS Hanoi, you’re choosing an unparalleled educational journey rooted in excellence. Apply now and dive into the UNIS experience, where the promise of tomorrow begins today.

Reference source:

• UNIS Hanoi. (2016). Kindergarten 1 Grade Level Guide (2016-2017). Retrieved from https://www.unishanoi.org/uploaded/Teaching_and_Learning/Elementary_School/Grade_Level_Guides_2016-2017/Kindergarten_1_Grade_Level_Guide_2016-2017.pdf

Mathematics is an essential subject that plays a crucial role in every child’s educational development. To make learning math engaging and enjoyable, parents can stimulate young minds with educational math games.

In this article, we will explore a variety of exciting educational math games for kids that can be played both at home and in the classroom. These games will not only enhance math skills but also promote logical reasoning, counting, calculation, and number recognition. But most importantly, they make learning more fun!

Math Game 1: Nim – Counting

We start off this list with a classic. Nim has its first written reference dating back to 16th-century Europe, with roots starting in ancient China.

• Equipment: Nim requires a set of objects (such as matchsticks, stones, or counters) arranged in distinct piles.
• How to Play: Two or more players take turns removing objects from one or more piles. The player who takes the last object wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children aged 6 and above.
• Purpose: The game promotes counting and strategic planning while engaging children in a fun and competitive environment.

Math Game 2: “Fill in …!” – Logical Reasoning

This is a game motif that young children and even adults have loved for many decades. Children can fill in the blanks or shapes with various topics to build questions upon.

• Equipment: This game can be played by mouth, or using papers and pens.
• How to Play: Players take turns filling in the missing numbers or symbols, using logical reasoning to deduce the correct sequence. The player who answers correctly wins a point.
• Suitable for: Children aged 5 and above.
• Purpose: This well-beloved game aims to enhance logical thinking and reinforce number sequencing skills in children.

Math Game 3: Snake with Numbers – Counting

This is a great game to teach children about basic cardinal numbers.

• Equipment: A snake drawing for each player with numbers going along the length of the snakes, and a pair of dice.
• How to Play: A minimum of two players roll their dice for a total number. Then, they cross that number on their snake. If you already have a number, you skip that turn. The first player to cross all the numbers win.
• Suitable for: Children aged 4 and above.
• Purpose: This game concept enhances counting skills, as well as summation and logical reasoning.

Math Game 4: Snakes and Ladders – Counting and Remembering Numbers up to 100

A more interesting and well-known play to the basic Snake Numbers above that allows more people can join in the fun.

• Equipment: Snakes and Ladders require a game board with numbered squares and a set of dice.
• How to Play: Two to four players roll the dice and move their game pieces along the numbered squares, counting the steps. They climb ladders to advance and encounter snakes that send them down. The first player to reach the final court wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children aged 5 and above.
• Purpose: The game reinforces number recognition, and counting, and introduces the concept of chance and probability.

Math Game 5: Math Matching – Remembering Basic Math Calculations

The simple idea of matching games can also be incorporated with mathematics, creating a fun and interactive game for children.

• Equipment: A set of cards with math equations and their corresponding answers.
• How to Play: Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to match an equation with its correct answer. The player with the most matches at the end wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children aged 7 and above.
• Purpose: Parents can use this game to help their children improve their memory skills and reinforce their understanding of basic math operations.

Math Game 6: Broken Calculator – Logical Thinking

Among wonderful educational math games for kids, this is an interesting idea that combines “fill in…” and “matching” game concepts together.

• Equipment: Similar to “fill in…” games, this game can also be played by mouth. To make the game more advanced, a set of number cards and a calculator with missing digits are required.
• How to Play: Players use the number cards to replace the missing digits on the calculator, trying to create valid math equations. The player who fixes the most equations wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children aged 8 and above.
• Purpose: Broken Calculator challenges children who are developing logical thinking skills and familiarity with mathematical operations. Help children think critically and logically, fostering problem-solving skills.

Math Game 7: Odd and Even with Cards – Number Remembering

The next three games are based on the timeless decks of playing cards, starting with the easiest-to-play concept out of the trio.

• Equipment: A deck of playing cards, or any type of cards with numbers on them.
• How to Play: Players take turns drawing cards and sorting them into odd and even piles based on their face values. The player with the most correctly sorted cards wins the game.
• Suitable for: Toddlers aged 6 and above.
• Purpose: The game can reinforce number recognition and help children distinguish between odd and even numbers.

Math Game 8: Calculations with Cards – Calculation Learning

The next card game takes a step further, enhancing children’s skills in math calculations.

• Equipment: A deck of playing cards, and, optionally, a calculator.
• How to Play: Players draw two or more cards and use them to create math equations, aiming to reach a specific target number. The player who successfully reaches the target number wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children aged 9 and above.
• Purpose: This game concept enhances calculation abilities and promotes strategic thinking in solving math problems for young minds.

Math Game 9: Higher or Lower – Number Confidence Development

The last card game on this list adds luck to its concept, making the result more unpredictable.

• Equipment: A deck of playing cards.
• How to Play: Players draw a card and guess whether the next card drawn will be higher or lower in value. If their guess is correct, they continue playing. The player with the most correct guesses wins the game.
• Suitable for: Higher or Lower is suitable for children aged 7 and above.
• Purpose: The game reinforces number recognition and estimation skills while building confidence in making predictions in children that are developing number sense.

⇒ Maybe you’ll be interested in: How does play affect a child’s emotional development?

Math Game 10: Dice Games – Calculation Skills

The next two games are based on another ageless game item – dice, starting with one that improves children’s calculation skills.

• Equipment: A minimum of one dice.
• How to Play: Various dice games can be played to develop calculation skills. Examples include adding the numbers rolled, finding the difference between two dice, or multiplying the numbers obtained. The specific rules depend on the chosen game, making the possibilities endless.
• Suitable for: This game can be adapted for children of different ages, ranging from basic counting for young children to more complex calculations for older ones.
• Purpose: Dice Games is a simple game that helps improve calculation skills, mental math abilities, and strategic thinking for many younglings.

Math Game 11: Math Board Games (Fraction Bingo, Money Bags,…)

This concept makes the most fun out of educational math games for kids, as many fun game ideas can be used to maximize the total of challenges. Parents can easily have fun choosing and playing a board game with their children while teaching them more about mathematics at the same time.

• Equipment: Math Board Games typically come with their own game boards, cards, and playing pieces. The choice is up to what type of board game parents and children inclines to.
• How to Play: Each Math Board Game has its own set of rules and objectives, designed to reinforce specific math concepts such as fractions, money, or geometry. Players engage in gameplay while applying math knowledge and skills.
• Suitable for: Math Board Games cater to children of various ages and grade levels, with different games targeting specific math topics.
• Purpose: Math Board Games provide a fun and interactive way to deepen understanding and proficiency in specific math areas for both parents and children.

Math Game 12: Shape Hunt – Recognition Skills

As the last game on the list, Shape Hunt can be played anywhere as it utilizes the shapes of many things around the child’s living environment to create an interactive yet entertaining concept.

• Equipment: Shape Hunt can be played using objects in the environment or flashcards with different shapes.
• How to Play: Players search for objects or flashcards representing specific shapes in their surroundings or within a designated area. The player who finds the most shapes wins the game.
• Suitable for: Children from a very young age of 3.
• Purpose: This easy-to-play game enhances shape recognition skills and spatial awareness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, educational math games are a fun and effective way to enhance your child’s math skills. Whether at home or in the classroom, these interactive games improve problem-solving abilities. For a top-notch education emphasizing academic excellence and personal growth, consider UNIS Hanoi—an international school with an acclaimed IB programme. Give your child a head start at UNIS Hanoi.

Reference source:

• Teresa Lara-Meloy, Jennifer Knudsen, Megan Cox, Kerry Friedman. (2019). Community Math Night Facilitator Guide. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/appalachia/events/materials/4_10_19_MathNights-REL-AP_FacilitatorsGuide_508.pdf
• Kathleen Morris. 20 Maths Games 5-8 year olds. Retrieved from Australian School Library Association: https://asla.org.au/resources/Documents/Website%20Documents/Resources/Resource%20Library/20%20Maths%20Games%205%20to%208%20year%20olds%20Kathleen%20Morris.pdf

Starting at a new school can be an exciting but challenging time for children. It can be difficult to leave behind familiar faces and routines and adjust to new surroundings and expectations. So how to help child adjust to new school? As parents, we want to support our children through this transition and ensure that they have the best possible start at their new school.

In this blog post, we will share some tips and strategies to help your child adjust to a new school, including practical advice on establishing routines, staying connected with old friends, and supporting their emotional well-being. With the right tools and support, you can help your child navigate this transition and thrive in their new school environment.

Importance of Helping Your Child Adjust to a New School

Adjusting to a new school can be a challenging experience for children. They are faced with unfamiliar surroundings, new classmates, and different routines, all of which can be overwhelming. As a parent, it is important to understand the difficulties your child may face during this transition and to help them navigate through it.

Common Challenges Your Child May Face

One of the most common challenges is making new friends. It can be intimidating for a child to approach new classmates and initiate conversation, especially if they are shy or introverted. Encourage your child to be friendly and outgoing, and to participate in group activities or clubs that align with their interests.

Another challenge may be adapting to a new academic environment. Your child may be used to a different curriculum, teaching style, or grading system. It can be helpful to communicate with their teachers and ask for additional support or resources if needed. Encourage your child to ask questions and seek clarification when they are unsure of something.

Navigating a new physical environment can also be a challenge. Your child may be unfamiliar with the layout of the school and where their classes are located. It can be helpful to walk the school grounds with them and point out key landmarks or locations. Encourage them to speak with school staff if they need help finding their way around.

Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Well-being

Getting used to a new educational setting can be difficult. It is crucial to ensure your child’s emotional health during this time of change by doing things like:

Acknowledging and validating their feelings

Many children find it difficult to adjust to a new school because they are confronted with unfamiliar environments, classmates, and routines. It is critical to acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings as they adjust to their new surroundings during this transition period.

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to listen to your child and provide them with a safe space to express their emotions. If your child is feeling anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, it is crucial to acknowledge and validate their feelings. Let them know that it is okay to feel the way they do and that you are there to support them.

Helping them stay connected with old friends

When your child transitions to a new school, it can be challenging to leave behind old friends and familiar faces. As a parent, it is essential to help your child stay connected with their old friends and maintain those important relationships.

One way to help your child stay connected with old friends is to encourage regular communication. Whether it’s through phone calls, video chats, or social media, staying in touch can help your child feel connected to their old community and provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Establishing a routine

A routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability that can help your child feel more secure during this period of transition. Start by establishing a consistent morning routine. This can include a set wake-up time, breakfast, and getting dressed for the day. This can help your child feel more organised and prepared for the day ahead.

Additionally, try to establish a routine for after school as well. This can include homework time, after-school activities, and family time. By setting expectations and sticking to a routine, your child can feel more in control of their schedule and less overwhelmed by the changes in their environment.

Encouraging open communication

Encouraging open communication is essential when it comes to supporting your child’s emotional well-being during the adjustment period of transitioning to a new school. By creating a safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings, you can help them feel heard and validated as they navigate this new experience.

Start by actively listening to your child. Ask open-ended questions about their day, their feelings, and their experiences at their new school. Show interest in what they have to say and avoid interrupting or dismissing their thoughts and emotions. Let them know that you are there for them and that you want to support them through this transition.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Adjusting to a different school can be challenging. Here are some tips on how to help child adjust to new school:

Arriving early on the first day

Arriving early on the first day can be a helpful tip for a smooth transition when your child is adjusting to a new school. By arriving early, your child can have a chance to familiarise themselves with the new environment, locate their classroom, and get a feel for the layout of the school before the crowds arrive.

Consider taking a tour of the school before the first day to help your child feel more comfortable and prepared. This can also help them get a sense of where important areas like the office, restrooms, and cafeteria are located.

Encouraging your child to ask questions

Asking questions can help your child gather important information, clarify any concerns or confusion, and feel more comfortable in their new environment.

Encourage your child to ask questions about their new school, such as how to navigate the campus, where to find their classrooms, and what to do in case of an emergency. This can help your child feel more prepared and less anxious about the transition.

Checking in with the teacher regularly

By maintaining open communication with your child’s teacher, you can stay informed about your child’s progress and any challenges they may be facing.

At the beginning of the school year, introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and let them know that you are interested in staying involved in your child’s education. Ask the teacher how they prefer to communicate, whether it’s through email, phone calls, or in-person meetings.

Make a point to check in with the teacher regularly, either in person or through email or phone calls. Ask about your child’s progress, any areas where they may be struggling, and any behavior or social concerns that the teacher may have noticed. This can help you stay informed and provide support to your child as needed.

Conclusion

Adjusting to a new school can be a big challenge for both children and parents. But by following the tips and strategies we’ve shared in this blog post, you can easily answer the question of how to help child adjust to new school.

Remember that every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to help them adjust to a new school. Be patient, supportive, and flexible, and don’t hesitate to seek additional support or resources if needed. By working together, you can help your child build a strong foundation for a successful school experience.

If you are looking for a welcoming and inclusive school community that prioritises student well-being and academic success, consider UNIS (United Nations International School). UNIS is a global learning community that offers an exceptional education to students from diverse backgrounds.

Our enrolment for the school year 2023-2024 is now open, sign up now!

Your role as a parent is paramount in paving your child’s academic journey, starting with preschool. The preparation phase is key to a successful transition into this key stage of your child’s school career.

Why is it Essential to Prepare Your Child for Preschool?

Embracing the role of how to prepare your child for preschool lays a path of growth, exploration and readiness for exciting scholarly endeavours ahead.

Notable considerations underline this importance:

1. Navigating Change with Integrity: Guiding children to adapt smoothly to new routines and social dynamics instils courage, fostering a positive foundation for their educational journey.
2. Social and Emotional Development: Preparing for preschool allows children to build confidence, navigate social interactions and form friendships, which is crucial for their emotional growth and sense of community.

1. Building Academic Foundation: Research indicates that early concept introduction and nurturing pre-academic skills equip toddlers with the stepping stones for future success.
2. Cultivating Responsibility: ‘How to prepare for preschool’ guides should encourage independence and appropriate responsibilities, fostering essential life skills like self-care, instruction-following, and personal belonging management.
3. Boosting Cognitive and Linguistic Skills: Engaging toddlers in preschool activities at home sharpens their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, which is vital for their cognitive and linguistic advancement.
4. Supporting Emotional Well-Being: Preparing for preschool emotionally, especially after parental separation, is key to a secure, positive, and supported transition.

All in all, this is how to prepare your child for preschool, paving the way for a future filled with curiosity, courage, and community spirit.

⇒ Maybe you’ll be interested in: What to consider when choosing a school for your child?

How to Prepare Your Toddler for Preschool

Preschool marks a vibrant step in a child’s life, exploring a world beyond home. Parents’ guidance ensures children stride into this realm confidently.

We’ve curated key strategies to aid in this exciting venture. Here are five paths to prepare your child for preschool, promising a bright future:

• Building Essential Social Skills: enhance communication skills to boost independence and responsibility.
• Cultivating Academic Readiness: exposure to numbers, letters, and colours and enhance pre-writing skills.
• Introducing Your Toddler to the Preschool Environment: engage your toddler in discussions about their forthcoming preschool adventures—routines, activities, and peers.
• Practising Separation: Establish a warm, consistent goodbye routine when parting at preschool. A special hug, kiss, or cherished keepsake can imbue a sense of security, making preparing for preschool a soothing experience.
• Finding a Support Community: Engage in parent groups, community events, or preschool activities. 

Building Essential Social Skills

A crucial aspect of how to prepare your child for preschool involves nurturing pivotal social abilities. These skills equip them to interact confidently with peers and teachers, masterfully navigating social situations with an empowering sense of self-assurance:

• Enhancing Communication: Encouraging your toddler to voice their thoughts, hone active listening skills, and engage in enriching dialogues is a quintessential part of preparing for preschool.
• Boosting Independence and Responsibility: Inspire your child to take on age-suitable tasks such as wearing their shoes, using the restroom independently, and cleaning up after themselves. These are foundational self help skills for toddlers and underscore the preschool preparation process.

Cultivating Academic Readiness

Cultivating a robust academic foundation is pivotal when considering preparing your toddler for preschool. At UNIS Hanoi, we offer engaging strategies to foster academic readiness, such as:

• Exposure to numbers, letters, and colours: Incorporate fun activities (songs, games, using everyday objects) into your child’s routine, helping them recognise cardinal numbers, alphabets, and colours.
• Enhancing early literacy and pre-writing skills: Reading to your child and encouraging doodling, drawing, and manipulatives can foster fine motor skill development and early literacy.

• Importance of creative play: Engage your child in imaginative play, promoting problem-solving, creativity, and cognitive growth. Offering open-ended toys, artistic materials, and opportunities for pretend play enhances their critical thinking and imaginative capabilities.

These strategies ensure a nurturing environment, allowing children to explore and blossom during their preschool journey.

⇒ Maybe you’ll be interested in: How does play affect a child’s emotional development?

Introducing Your Toddler to the Preschool Environment

To ensure a seamless transition into preschool, introducing your toddler to this fresh environment is crucial. Here’s how:

• Prearranged Preschool Visits: Schedule visits with your child, allowing them to become familiar with classrooms and play areas and meet the teachers. This builds warmth and anticipation.
• Conversations about Preschool Expectations: Engage your toddler in discussions about their forthcoming preschool adventures—routines, activities, and peers. Highlight the positives and address any concerns, crafting a bright outlook on their new journey.

These steps make preparing your toddler for preschool a joyful and reassuring process.

Practising Separation

Toddlers occasionally grapple with separation anxiety when starting preschool. Here are some loving strategies to guide your child through this phase:

• Gradual Familiarity with Separation: Initiate brief periods where your child is in the care of trusted individuals, gradually extending the duration to foster comfort with parting.
• Easing Separation Anxiety: Establish a warm, consistent goodbye routine when parting at preschool. A special hug, kiss, or cherished keepsake can imbue a sense of security, making preparing for preschool a soothing experience.

Finding a Support Community

As you prepare your child for new friendships, it may be time for you to forge some too. Creating bonds with other parents and finding a supportive community is crucial during preschool. Here are some friendly suggestions:

• Nurturing Parent-Teacher Dialogue: Keep communication channels open with your child’s preschool teachers. Attend meetings, stay informed about your child’s progress, and seek guidance when needed.
• Building Parental Connections: Engage in parent groups, community events, or preschool activities. This not only fosters camaraderie but also builds a support network, sharing experiences and advice, making preschool preparation a shared, positive journey.

UNIS Hanoi’s environment is always warm and welcoming to toddlers.

Conclusion

At UNIS Hanoi, we recognise the profound significance of a child’s formative years, particularly those under six. Our International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and tailored Early Childhood Curriculum (ages 3–6) are purposefully designed to fuel children’s innate curiosity, creating enriched learning environments, immersive experiences, and purposeful assessments.

Discover why UNIS Hanoi is the ideal nurturing ground for your child’s growth, and apply now for our new academic year! Learning ‘how to prepare your toddler for preschool’ becomes an inspiring journey with us.

Starting kindergarten marks an exciting milestone for children and parents alike! Parents set various goals to ensure their child’s overall development, helping them pave the way for a successful academic journey. These “Parent Goals for Kindergarten Students” often focus on academic, social, and emotional goals, physical development, cognitive alongside problem-solving skills, and communication and language development.

4 Parent Goals & Opjectives for Kindergarten Students re Academic

The transition into kindergarten signifies a significant step in a child’s educational journey. In preparation for this exciting stage, it’s crucial for parents to establish specific goals to guide their children’s development via:

1. Literacy Development: forming the basis for reading, writing, and social interaction.
2. Numeracy/Math Skills: by the end of kindergarten, your child should count to 100 by ones (1,2,3…) and tens (10,20,30…), use objects for basic math, and identify shapes such as circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares.
3. Basic Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking: fostering curiosity, encouraging decision-making in play, and promoting creative solutions to simple challenges.
4. Art and Creativity: encouraging expressive art, imagination development, diverse art exploration, and fine motor skills.

Here, parent goals for kindergarten students revolve around fostering a sturdy academic foundation.

Literacy Development

Literacy skills are pivotal goals for a kindergarten student because it nurtures a love for reading, promote comprehension skills, and enhance their child’s ability to identify letters and basic words. This skill unlocks the magical world of stories, feeding their imagination and enriching their knowledge.

Numeracy Skills

In the realm of numbers, the children will grasp basic numeracy skills, such as understanding number concepts, recognising patterns, and developing a basic understanding of mathematical operations.

Basic Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking

While still in the academic domain, parents also focus on cultivating early problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. This encourages children to think logically and approach challenges with an analytical mind. It also instils confidence and sparks their curiosity to navigate challenges, transforming them into mini detectives in the enchanting world of knowledge.

Art and Creativity

Art and creativity through drawing, painting, or creating can boost children to express their thoughts and feelings, colour their imagination, and enhance fine motor skills. Encouraging artistic expression helps students breathe life into their thoughts and feelings, making their world more colourful and tangible.

5 Parents’ Goals & Objectives for Kindergarten Students about Social and Emotional Goals

Next, we journey towards the universe of social and emotional goals, where children learn to connect with others and understand their feelings with:

1. Social Skills Development: encourage making friends, sharing, cooperating, and learning to resolve conflicts.
2. Self-Management and Emotional Establishment: children begin to comprehend their feelings and emotions, display empathy and handle disappointments with resilience.
3. Independence and Responsibility Upholding: help children manage their tasks, make decisions, and understand the consequences of their actions.
4. Collaboration and Teamwork: help children learn to work effectively with peers.
5. Self-Expression and Creativity: promote children to share their thoughts, dreams, and ideas, embracing their unique personalities.

Parents’ goals for kindergarten students are centred around nurturing their interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

Social Skills Development

Making friends, sharing, cooperating, and learning to resolve conflicts form the core of developing early childhood social skills. These essential social skills lay a solid foundation for their lifelong interpersonal journey.

Self-Management and Emotional Establishment

With self-regulation and emotional development, children begin to comprehend their feelings and emotions, they will be able to display empathy and handle disappointments with resilience. In other words, they learn to express emotions appropriately and adapt to various emotional scenarios, parents yearn to see their child blossom into a responsible individual who can make choices independently, creating a positive ripple in their growth pond.

Independence and Responsibility Upholding

Independence and responsibility involve guiding children to manage their tasks, make decisions, and understand the consequences of their actions. Simple duties, like tidying up toys or dressing up, teach them self-reliance. By understanding that actions have outcomes, they learn accountability, building self-confidence, resilience, and a strong character foundation.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Through fostering collaboration and teamwork skills, children learn to work effectively with peers, fostering a sense of community and cooperative learning. Encouraging collaboration and teamwork helps children understand the symphony of collective success; via this, children learn that together everyone achieves more. Parents aim for their kids to value teamwork, sowing the seeds for a community-oriented outlook.

Self-Expression and Creativity

When it comes to self-expression and creativity, children are encouraged to proudly showcase their inner selves. They share their thoughts, dreams, and ideas, embracing their unique personalities. This helps them to express their thoughts more confidently and creatively.

3 Parents’ Goals & Objectives for Kindergarten Students about Physical Development

Next is the domain of physical development, promoting an active lifestyle and a positive attitude towards health.

1. Health and Well-being: place good habits in children.
2. Body Awareness and Movement
3. Outdoor and Physical Activities: develop their motor skills and embrace physical fitness.

Here, the aim is to promote an active lifestyle and a positive attitude towards health, let’s take a closer approach with these pocket strategies.

Health and Well-being

Acknowledging that a sound body leads to a sound mind, parents make it a mission to place good habits in children. Simple routines like practising good hygiene and eating balanced meals, directly contribute to their child’s overall well-being. These habits ensure that their kids are always fit, energetic, and ready for adventure!

Body Awareness and Movement

Through various fun-filled activities, children learn to coordinate their body movements and become more aware of their physical capabilities. Parents aim for their kids to dance with joy, expressing themselves through movement.

Outdoor and Physical Activities

Outdoor play is the arena where kids can run, jump, slide, and swing. Parents see this as an opportunity for their children to develop their motor skills and embrace physical fitness, nurturing a lifelong love for sports and outdoor activities.

4 Parents’ Goals & Objectives for Kindergarten Students about Cognitive and Problem-Solving

As we move further, let’s delve deeper into the intriguing domain of cognitive development and problem-solving skills, forming the intellectual fabric of our young explorers.

1. Critical Thinking Skills: allowing a journey of questioning, analysing, and evaluating in kids.
2. Problem-Solving Abilities: equip children with the ability to face challenges head-on.
3. Logical Reasoning: allows them to make connections, understand cause and effect, and enhances their cognitive development.
4. Creativity and Imagination: helps children view the world in different ways and encourages innovative thinking.

In this entrancing sphere, children bloom into novice problem-solvers and inventors, their minds alight with curiosity and innovative thoughts.

Critical Thinking Skills

Parents strive for their children to sport their “thinking caps”, allowing a journey of questioning, analysing, and evaluating. This cultivates a thirst for knowledge, nurturing an insightful perspective and a creative mindset.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Building problem-solving abilities involves promoting curiosity, resilience, and the ability to seek solutions independently. The goal here is to equip children with the ability to face challenges head-on, transforming hurdles into stepping stones for growth and resilience.

Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning allows children to make connections, understand cause and effect, and enhances their cognitive development. Parents desire their kindergarteners to harness these skills, facilitating informed decision-making and fostering a profound understanding of their surroundings.

Creativity and Imagination

Lastly, cultivating creativity and imagination helps children view the world in different ways and encourages innovative thinking, children are encouraged to dream, design, and discover. The aim here is to nourish creative thinking and celebrate each child’s unique mindset, providing the canvas for their imagination to paint vibrant pictures.

4 Parents’ Goals & Objectives for Kindergarten Students about Communication and Language Development

Our final destination involves communication and language development, this sphere is vital for kindergarteners to express themselves effectively and understand others.

1. Speaking and Listening Skills: help children express their ideas, understand instructions, and build effective communication skills for kids.
2. Storytelling and Narrative Skills Boosting: enhance children’s ability to continuous events, understand narratives, and develop their language skills.
3. Communication in Different Settings: helps children understand the difference between formal and informal communication.
4. Nonverbal Communication: helps children understand the language of facial expressions, body language, and gestures.

Now, let’s plunge into the rich waters of communication and language development.

Speaking and Listening Skills

Parents focus on nurturing speaking and listening skills to help children express their ideas, understand instructions, and build effective communication skills. Via this, they learn to express their thoughts clearly and listen to others with empathy.

Storytelling and Narrative Skills Boosting

Storytelling and narrative skills enhance children’s ability to continuous events, understand narratives, and develop their language skills. Such skills develop their linguistic prowess and instil a sense of confidence, empowering them to share their stories with the world.

Communication in Different Settings

Learning to communicate appropriately in different contexts helps children understand the difference between formal and informal communication, thereby amplifying their overall social intelligence.

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication involves understanding the language of facial expressions, body language, and gestures. Parents aim for their kids to master this silent language, adding another layer to their communication skills.

Shaping the Course for Kindergarten Success: Meeting Parent Goals Together

In conclusion, setting “Parents Goals for Kindergarten Students” is a dynamic and vital process that focuses on the holistic development of a child. At UNIS Hanoi, we embrace these goals wholeheartedly in our celebrated IB Programme, cultivating a vibrant learning atmosphere that sparks curiosity and fosters a lifelong passion for knowledge. As we stride together on this remarkable path, let’s make these exciting kindergarten years count – nurturing, guiding, and preparing our young learners for an inspired future! Apply now to grow and learn together in our UNIS Hanoi family.

Reference source:

• UNIS Hanoi. (2019). Discovery Kindergarten 1 Grade Level Guide (2019-2020). Retrieved from https://www.unishanoi.org/uploaded/Teaching_and_Learning/Elementary_School/ES_HB_and_GLGs_2019-2020/1920_Disc-K1_Grade_Level_Guide.pdf

Self-awareness is a crucial skill that every person should have, especially students who are discovering their true selves and their place in the world. As a result, it is every parent’s responsibility to assist and lead the way for their children to successfully gain that in their student years.

In this blog post, we will examine self-awareness skills for students, why they are an important skill for children, and how you, as a parent, can support your child’s development and set them up for success by assisting them in acquiring those skills.

What is self-awareness in kids?

In children, self-awareness refers to the ability to recognise and comprehend their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It entails being aware of one’s own and others’ strengths and weaknesses, as well as how one’s actions affect themselves and others.

Self-awareness skills in children are an essential part of their overall intellectual growth and development. It teaches them to navigate their relationships, make sound decisions, and pursue their passions with confidence, which helps them build a strong foundation for success in school and life.

The importance of self-awareness for students

Self-awareness is a skill that has a significant impact on a child’s personality, mindset, and overall well-being. Children can learn about who they truly are and their place in the world through self-awareness, allowing them to make better choices for themselves, their friends, as well as their academic careers.

This critical factor of self-awareness for students can be explained further in three ways:

Improved academic performance

Self-aware children are better able to identify their strengths and weaknesses to concentrate their efforts on subject areas that require additional practice and support. They are also better at making decisions for their academic path and dealing with the stress and pressure of schoolwork.

Students of all ages can benefit academically from self-awareness.

Therefore, by developing self-awareness skills, children can become more confident, resilient learners who are better able to reach their full potential in school and beyond.

Better decision-making skills

When children are self-aware, they are better able to understand the consequences of their actions on themselves and others, and as such, they can make more thoughtful and responsible judgments. They are also more likely to trust their instincts and less likely to be swayed by peer pressure or external factors.

By developing self-awareness skills, children can become more confident decision-makers and better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of their academic days.

Increased empathy and social skills

On the one hand, self-aware children are more aware of their own emotions and can better understand those of others. This improved emotional intelligence can assist them in developing more empathy and understanding for their peers and family members.

On the other one, they are better able to communicate their needs and emotions as well. They are more likely to actively listen to and respond to others, which can lead to more positive interactions and deeper connections as they navigate the complexities of social relationships.

Ways to develop self-awareness skills

Now that you understand the significance of self-awareness for students, it is time to learn how to help your children develop this important life skill.

The four methods listed below can be used with your child, each with its value and benefit. In all of them, parents can improve the result by creating a safe and supportive environment, providing guidance and feedback as needed, and celebrating their children’s progress and successes along the way.

Journaling and self-reflection

Encouraging children to write down their thoughts, feelings, and experiences can assist them in identifying behavioural and emotional patterns, and determining their strengths, weaknesses, goals, and values.

Parents can also lead their children through exercises in self-reflection, such as asking open-ended questions about their experiences and encouraging them to think deeply about their responses.

Mindfulness practices

Paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and nonjudgmental awareness is what mindfulness entails. Parents can teach their children mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, and mindful movement.

Children who practice mindfulness regularly can become more aware of their thoughts and emotions and learn to respond to them more constructively, resulting in a more grounded and calm state.

Through mindfulness practices, children can become more self-aware, develop greater emotional regulation skills, better manage stress and anxiety, and make more mindful decisions.

Seeking feedback from others

Motivate children to seek feedback from teachers, coaches, peers, and family members to gain a better understanding of how others perceive them, identify areas for improvement, and build on their strengths. It can also assist them in developing a more accurate self-image and becoming more conscious of their impact on others.

For better results, parents can model their children how to receive constructive feedback.

Identifying personal values and beliefs

Encouraging children to investigate their values and beliefs can help them better understand what is important to them and what motivates their behaviours and decisions, allowing them to develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction in their lives.

To aid children to learn how, parents can assist their children in identifying their values and beliefs, investigating how these factors influence their thoughts and actions, and encouraging them to live by those ideas. Parents can also set a powerful example for their children by living by their values and beliefs.

Cultivating self-awareness skills for students at UNIS Hanoi

Overall, self-aware students are better able to manage their emotions, make sound decisions, and have a stronger sense of empathy for others. These factors help students improve the quality of their academic years, whether it is through additional learning opportunities, making new friends, or treating old ones.

Because we strive to create a learning environment that inspires everyone, UNIS Hanoi has proudly layered self-awareness skills for students into our curricula to help our children and yours become better versions of themselves.

Apply today to make the resources and opportunities available at UNIS Hanoi a valuable treasure in your child’s journey toward self-awareness and empowerment.

Dealing with an upset or overwhelmed kid who is struggling to control their emotions can be a difficult and frustrating experience for parents in general. In those times, they may exhibit a variety of unsettling behaviors that may be overwhelming for some adults.

However, it is crucial to remember that anger is a completely common emotion for humans to have.

We’ll look at some practical tips and strategies for how to help an angry child calm down in this blog post. These insights and resources are designed to help you support your child during times of rage and frustration and to help them develop emotional resilience.

Recognising the signs of anger in children

It is understandable that children may not always have fully developed skills or vocabulary to express their anger healthily, resulting in outbursts, tantrums, and other challenging behaviors when they are furious.

Right below, we have listed some typical symptoms of anger in children and how to recognise them, including physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators.

Physical signs

While these physical indicators are not always present or consistent, they are the quickest and simplest way to tell if a child is angry. The following are some physical indications that a child is angry:

1. Clenched fists or muscles: like tightening their arms or clenching their jaw and other muscles.
2. Increased heart rate or breathing: such as an increased pulse rate, rapid breathing, or sweating.
3. Facial expressions: common alter facial expressions are scowling, furrowing their brows, or gritting their teeth.
4. Aggressive behavior: such as hitting, kicking, or throwing items.
5. Changes in vocal tone: like raising their voice, speaking through gritted teeth, or using harsh language.

Behavioral signs

Behavioral indicators are usually ones that are “hidden in plain sight” and not always the same regarding all children, but they are ones that can last quite long if not taken care of correctly. Below are some typical behavioral signs that a child may exhibit when upset:

1. Temper tantrums: include screaming, crying, throwing items, etc.
2. Verbal aggression: such as shouting, name-calling, or making threats.
3. Withdrawal or isolation: means that they prefer to be alone rather than communicate with others.
4. Disobedience or defiance: with some examples like refusing to follow the rules or heed directions.
5. Clinging or neediness: such as wanting attention and comfort from adults.
6. Passive-aggressive behavior: like sulking, giving the silent treatment, or doing things to annoy others.

It is worth mentioning that when children are angry, they may even exhibit a combination of these behaviors.

Emotional signs

It is critical to recall that emotions are complex and can manifest differently in various children. Some kids can exhibit their anger in subtle ways, while others may show more obvious signs. Here are some examples of those hormonal signs:

1. Irritability: like becoming easily irritated, frustrated, or impatient over seemingly insignificant things.
2. Moodiness: this means that sudden mood swings or behavioral changes, such as moving from joyful to angry or sullen, can occur.
3. Heightened sensitivity: which can cause them to become defensive or lash out.
4. Increased anxiety or stress: resulting in signs such as restlessness, difficulty sleeping, or an increased pulse rate.
5. Lack of empathy: leading to isolation or conflict with classmates.

How to help an angry child calm down?

The key thing for parents to do when dealing with children’s frustration is to help them manage their anger healthily by developing beneficial coping strategies. Parents can help their children to do so by understanding the triggers of anger and providing practical support from there.

Here are some of the most well-known and successful strategies:

Deep breathing exercises

As previously stated, an angry child’s breathing can become rapid and shallow, and their pulse rate can rise. Deep breathing techniques can help children slow down their breathing and relax their bodies, which can reduce feelings of anger and tension.

Encourage your child to take slow, deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth when practicing deep breathing exercises. You can replicate the process of letting the child inhale for a count of four, retain their breath for a few seconds, and then exhale for a count of four several times until the kid feels calmer.

Physical activities to release tension

This helps deal with the flooded adrenaline and other stress chemicals inside an angry toddler that make them feel tense and on edge. Running, jumping, or participating in other sports that they love can help the kid release pent-up energy and reduce feelings of anger and stress.

By participating in physical activities to relieve tension, the child can gain further control over their feelings and body, increasing their confidence and empowering them even more.

Redirecting attention to positive activities

When a child becomes angry, their attention may be completely focused on the source of their distress. Redirecting their attention to positive activities can assist in shifting their focus toward something more positive, which can aid in the development of future healthy coping strategies.

Playing with toys, reading a book, listening to music, or participating in a creative activity like drawing or coloring can all help calm an angry child down.

Positive self-talk and affirmations

Positive self-talk and affirmations can help encourage children to replace negative thoughts and emotions about themselves or their situation with more positive ones.

For example, they could say, “I will do better next time.” instead of “I cannot do anything right.” when they make errors.

This can also help the child acquire a more positive attitude toward life.

Setting clear boundaries

An angry child may feel out of control of the situation, but clear limits established by parents can help the child feel the opposite, allowing them to calm down.

Setting clear boundaries is to set expectations for the child’s behavior and make it clear what is and is not acceptable. For example, you can provide a “time out” area as a safe place for them to go when feeling overwhelmed.

Tips for preventing future outbursts

“Prevention is better than cure,” as the saying goes. Now that methods for calming a child’s rage have been established, it is time to advance and learn how to avoid child outbursts in the future.

Your child can become more relaxed and calm in the future by following the guidelines shown below.

Creating a calm and cheerful environment

A child can be at ease and avoid negative thinking in a calm and positive atmosphere. To achieve this, parents can try to establish a daily routine that includes playful and comforting time frames, as well as a peaceful and clutter-free home environment conducive to relaxation and calm.

It is also critical to maintaining a positive atmosphere in the house. Parents can easily create it by using positive reinforcement to encourage good conduct from a child, as well as praising them when they do something well.

Teaching children problem-solving skills and emotional regulation techniques

When a child is taught problem-solving skills and emotional regulation techniques, they can regulate their emotions better and deal with difficulties in an effective manner.

To teach problem-solving skills, you assist your child in detecting the issue, brainstorming potential solutions, and comparing the pros and cons of each of those options to select the best one later on. This is meant to help them feel empowered and have more control in difficult situations.

Teaching emotional regulation techniques can include assisting the child in identifying their emotions and then teaching them healthy ways to manage those emotions, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques.

Encouraging open communication and expression of emotions

When children feel safe expressing their emotions freely and honestly, they are less likely to bottle up unpleasant feelings and suppress them until they explode.

Encourage open communication by actively listening to the child and validating their feelings in a safe, nonjudgmental setting, even if those feelings are difficult to hear.

Furthermore, by being open and honest about their own feelings, parents can model healthy emotional expression since children are more likely to emulate adults who can express their emotions in this way.

Conclusion

Because every child is different, parents need to approach their angry toddlers in a patient, empathetic, and understanding manner. Using the methods and tips in this post, you can effectively help your kids manage their anger in a healthy way and develop useful emotional habits that will benefit them in the future.

However, if you require additional expert assistance with how to help an angry child calm down, or if you are looking for a healthy learning environment in which to teach your toddler more effectively, UNIS Hanoi is here to help!

Our experienced educators and therapists can provide your child with the support and guidance they need to develop healthy skills to support their anger management, such as conducting an assessment of students with social, emotional, and/or behavioral concerns or conducting individual or small group counseling.

Schedule your personalised virtual or on-campus visit here.