Calendar, News and Publications

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.

Many children have a tendency to be shy. Whilst some shyness is normal and even endearing, excessive shyness can limit a child’s development and prevent them from reaching their full potential.

As a parent, assisting a shy child in developing confidence to navigate social situations with ease and develop positive relationships with their peers is a priority for parents.

Learn key tips on how to instil confidence in your shy child, spot the telltale signs of shyness and understand the significance of fostering a sense of self-worth in children.

Signs of Shyness in Children

Shyness can manifest in different ways in children. Some common signs of shyness include:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Clinging to parents or caregivers
• Being hesitant to speak up or participate in group activities
• Having difficulty making friends
• Being easily embarrassed
• Feeling anxious or nervous in new environments or around new people

Although these shyness symptoms are typical of a child’s development and not necessarily cause for alarm, it is still important to offer support and direction to help them gain confidence for better personal development, which will be covered in more detail right below.

⇒ Maybe you’ll be interested in: Why aware of child development is important?

The Importance of Building Confidence in Shy Children

Building confidence in shy children is crucial for their social development and emotional development. Children who are confident are more likely to engage in social activities, express themselves, and create wholesome friendships.

The following is a breakdown of the benefits of confidence and the disadvantages of shyness for a child’s development, as well as the importance of the parent’s role in fostering confidence and overcoming shyness.

Benefits of Confidence for Children

Confidence is a key factor in making a young child have a more positive outlook on life, with numerous benefits like:

• Improved communication and social skills
• Better academic performance
• Increased self-esteem and self-worth
• Stronger problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Improved mental and emotional health

Negative Effects of Shyness on Children

On the other hand, shyness can limit opportunities for a child’s personal growth through impacts like:

• Difficulty forming friendships
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Increased anxiety and stress
• Poor academic performance
• Low self-esteem and self-worth

The Role of Parents in Helping Their Children Build Confidence

Parents must not underestimate the significance of providing their children with a nurturing, safe environment that stimulates growth and development. With active support, wise guidance, affirmative emotional reinforcement, and motivational inducement, parents could be the critical factor in facilitating their child’s recurrent acquisition of self-assurance.

Such endeavours may result in the growth of confidence, a constructive self-concept, a growth mindset, a sense of self-worth, and the capacity to conquer fear or social anxiety.

So how can parents help their child come out of their shell?

Tips for Boosting Your Shy Child’s Confidence

Ultimately, to help boost the confidence of a shy child, parents must invest well in exploring and nurturing a child’s emotional aspects.

Below are five ways that we recommend parents adapt regarding helping their children:

1. Encouragement and Support

Extending unwavering support and encouragement to a timid youngster stands as one of the most crucial things parents can do to help them gain confidence.

Commending your child for their endeavours no matter how small, and explicitly expressing your belief in their capabilities can remarkably elevate their self-esteem and boost their confidence.

In addition, parents can also model positive behaviours themselves. Children learn by example, so if parents model confidence, resilience, and a positive attitude, their child is more likely to develop these traits as well.

2. Positive Reinforcement

When your child achieves a certain milestone or steps beyond the confines of their comfort zone, it is essential to shower them with well-deserved accolades, while wholeheartedly recognising their earnest efforts and accomplishments. This can foster resilience in them, as well as a sense of self-worth and a growth mindset.

You can use positive reinforcement to encourage your child to try new things and take on challenges for better enhancement.

3. Setting Achievable Goals

Setting achievable goals for your child can also help build confidence. This works by helping them release the tension and stress that they might have from life in general.

Motivate your child to establish attainable objectives for themselves, like making eye contact with a stranger or extending a friendly “hello” to a classmate, and subsequently acknowledge them for completing each one. They will have something to strive for as a result, giving them a profound sense of purpose and direction.

4. Practice and Exposure to Social Situations

Social skills can be developed and positive relationships with peers can be formed by encouraging your child to practice them and exposing them to social situations like playdates or sports teams.

5. Seeking Professional Help if Necessary

If your child’s shyness begins to significantly impede their daily life or cause them considerable distress, it can prove beneficial to explore the option of seeking professional guidance.

Your child can work with the expertise of a therapist, counsellor, or mental health professional to create a comprehensive strategy tailored for effectively handling their shyness and gaining a greater sense of self-assurance.

Conclusion

While shyness constitutes a natural aspect of a child’s developmental journey, it is equally vital to assist your child in developing confidence. By extending support and implementing the practical suggestions outlined in this blog post, parents can empower their children to have more positive relationships with friends and teachers, as well as enhance their behaviour in social situations.

Regarding how to make your shy child confident, a shy child’s learning environment is an undeniable factor in gaining such confidence.

For concerned parents who are looking for a caring and supportive learning environment for their children, they should consider the well-established United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi).

With more than three decades of nurturing the future citizens of our world, UNIS Hanoi’s skilled teachers and staff are renowned for putting student needs and best interests at the forefront of their teaching and learning. Our programmes are also developed with the intention of encouraging students to shine.

Enrol your child for 2023-2024 by clicking here!

As parents, it can be challenging to watch our children struggle with intense emotions and outbursts. However, helping our children develop emotional regulation skills is crucial for their overall well-being and success. In this blog post, we’ll discuss practical strategies to help a child regulate their emotions and avoid outbursts. From creating a safe and predictable environment to teaching coping mechanisms, we’ll explore actionable tips that can help your child thrive emotionally.

What is Self-regulation?

Self-regulation refers to the ability to manage one’s emotional responses, thoughts, and behavior effectively. It’s a crucial life skill that helps individuals adapt to different situations, manage stress and anxiety, and maintain healthy relationships. Self-regulation can also be thought of as the successful integration of emotion (what a child feels) and cognition (what a child knows or can do) resulting in appropriate behavior.

Why do some children struggle with self-regulation?

There are many factors that can contribute to a child’s inability to regulate their emotions. Some children may have sensory sensitivities, neurological differences, or have experienced trauma or stress in their lives. Children may also struggle with self-regulation if they have not been taught the necessary skills or have not had opportunities to practice them.

Some factors that may contribute to self-regulation difficulties in children include:

1. Developmental delays – Children who have developmental delays may find it challenging to regulate their emotions as they may have trouble processing information and communicating their feelings.
2. Trauma – Children who have experienced trauma may struggle with self-regulation as they may be overwhelmed by their emotions and find it difficult to manage their responses.
3. Genetics – Some children may have a genetic predisposition to emotional dysregulation, making it more challenging for them to manage their emotions.
4. Environment – Children who grow up in chaotic or stressful environments may struggle with self-regulation as they may not have consistent caregivers or routines that provide a sense of safety and security.

How to help a child regulate their emotions?

As a parent, helping your child regulate their emotions can be a challenging task. Emotional regulation is a crucial skill that enables children to understand and manage their feelings, leading to healthier relationships, better mental health, better self-awareness and improved overall well-being.

Talk about feelings

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings. Encourage your child to express their emotions by asking open-ended questions, such as “How do you feel about that?” or “What’s on your mind?” This will help your child feel heard and understood, which is essential for developing healthy emotional regulation skills.

Help your child recognise their emotions

Teach your child how to recognize the physical sensations that accompany different emotions. For example, when they are feeling anxious, their heart may race, and their palms may become sweaty. Helping your child recognize these sensations can help them identify and understand their emotions.

Validate their emotions

Validation is a powerful tool for helping your child manage their emotions. When your child expresses their feelings, acknowledge and validate their emotions. For example, “I can see that you’re feeling upset right now, and that’s okay.” This will help your child feel heard and understood, and it will also teach them that it’s okay to experience a range of emotions.

Teach them coping strategies

Teach your child strategies for managing their emotions in a healthy way. You can use deep breathing exercises, counting, or taking a break to help your child regulate their emotions.

• Practice deep breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help calm the body and mind, and can be an effective tool for regulating emotions. Encourage your child to take slow, deep breaths and to focus on the sensation of their breath.
• Count to calm down: Teach your child to count slowly from one to ten when they are feeling overwhelmed. This can help them take a step back and give them time to regulate their emotions.
• Take a break: Encourage your child to take a break when they are feeling overwhelmed. This can help them step back and give them time to regulate their emotions.
  

For more practical ideas and resources tailored to younger children, especially in school settings, explore these self regulation activities for elementary students.

Seek Professional Help at UNIS Hanoi

If your child is struggling with self-regulation, it may be helpful to seek the support of a professional. At UNIS Hanoi, we have a our team of experienced educators and therapists can provide the support and guidance your child needs to develop healthy emotional regulation skills.

The Counsellors assist students, parents, and teachers to promote and enhance the development, learning, and well-being of the students. This includes:

• Assessment of the student experiencing social, emotional, and/ or behavioral concerns
• Conducting individual or small group counseling
• Development and administration of student support programmes (parent courses, transition)
• Consultation with parents and teachers • Teaching PSEL (Physical and Social Emotional Literacy) lessons to an entire class.

UNIS Hanoi also has a full time School Psychologist who is able to complete a range of educational-psychological testing to determine how the School may best meet a child’s needs. Book your bespoke virtual or on-campus tour now.

Shaping friendships is always an exciting yet challenging experience for numerous students, which could occur anytime during school years. Since this plays a crucial role in their social and emotional development for years to come, as parents, you must support and guide your child in building meaningful connections.

This article will provide practical tips to show you how to help your child make friends at school.

Understand Your Child’s Needs and Personality

Being knowledgeable about your child’s unique personality and emotional needs is critical when helping them make friends at school for the reasons below:

1. Tailored Support: As some children may be more introverted and need encouragement to engage in social interactions while others may struggle with social cues and need guidance in understanding and responding appropriately, figuring out specific problems a child met can lead to effective and targeted assistance.
2. Emotional Well-being: By recognising their child’s emotional needs (signs of anxiety, shyness, or other emotional challenges in social interactions), parents can empower appropriate emotional support for building confidence, resilience, and a positive self-image.

As the effects of having no friends as a teenager could be very problematic, it is a parent’s huge responsibility to:

• Pay close attention to a child’s behaviours, preferences, interactions, and reactions in different social situations and listen attentively to their thoughts, feelings, and concerns about those situations.
• Be attentive to age-appropriate social and emotional milestones and consider how these may influence their child’s interactions with peers.
• And reflect on their experiences as children and how they may relate to their child’s needs and personality.

Encourage Open Communication and Empathy

No bonding relationship could be formed without good communication and deep empathy for each other.

The following insights will explain more about the hows and whys we should encourage children to have more open communication and empathy:

1. Understanding Others: Encouraging them to openly communicate about social issues and empathise with others involved can empower them to understand, appreciate, and respond compassionately to their peers.
2. Social Communication Skills Development: By engaging in conversations about friendship experiences, children can develop their communication, active listening, and self-expression abilities.
3. Emotional Support: When children freely express their emotions related to friendship experiences, you can use such moments to provide understanding, validation, and guidance.

As research has found that parents’ positive involvement can influence children’s social skills for the better, parents should:

• Establish open lines of communication with their children.
• Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about school and friendships, actively listen to and validate their experiences.
• Teach them empathy by promoting understanding and consideration of others’ feelings.

Facilitate Social Opportunities

Consider the following reasons to improve your child’s overall social competence and well-being by encouraging social opportunities for them:

• Practise Meaningful Skills: By engaging in group activities, children can learn necessary social skills such as active listening, taking turns, and conflict resolution. They can also gain problem-solving skills by learning from each other, exchanging knowledge, and sharing different perspectives through those social opportunities.

• Boosting Confidence and Building Supportive Networks: Having strong social relationships offers children emotional support and a sense of belonging. Their self-esteem, general well-being, and resilience will also be boosted since they have friends to lean on when things get tough.

To fully grasp those social opportunities that can assist in expanding your child’s social circle, you should:

• Give your child the chance to partake in social activities outside of the classroom.
• Encourage participation in extracurricular clubs or community events that suit their liking.
• Organise playdates with classmates to foster connections in a more relaxed and familiar setting.

Help Develop Social Skills

Another key point when assisting your child in making friends at school is to help them develop valuable social skills, such as those listed below:

1. Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Since social skill development involves cultivating empathy and the ability to take others’ perspectives, your child can also learn to understand and relate to the emotions and experiences of their peers, which promotes compassion, kindness, and consideration.
2. Cooperation, Communication and Teamwork: Abilities like sharing responsibilities and contributing effectively, managing disagreements, negotiating, and finding solutions within a group setting are important for fostering positive interactions with classmates.

Developing social skills contributes a lot to establishing and maintaining positive peer relationships, along with boosting self-confidence in young children. Therefore, parents must:

• Teach your child essential social skills, such as active listening, taking turns, sharing, and problem-solving.
• Then, role-play different social scenarios with them to practise appropriate communication and conflict resolution.

Fostering Inclusivity and Kindness

The ancient Greek tragedian Sophocles once said, ”One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession.”

The following points will explain why fostering inclusivity and kindness in children is necessary:

1. Nurturing Positive Social Interactions: When children engage in kind and inclusive behaviour, it cultivates a culture of respect, cooperation, and support among peers, and discourages negative manners such as bullying or exclusion.
2. Developing Social Responsibility: By fostering inclusivity and kindness, children develop a strong moral compass that helps them comprehend their role in cultivating a positive and inclusive community and actively contribute to that community for years to come.

To start nurturing such wonderful qualities as inclusivity and kindness in a child, parents could follow these tips:

• Encourage your child to be inclusive and kind to others,
• Teach them the value of empathy, respect, and acceptance of individual differences,
• Help them understand the importance of reaching out to classmates who may be feeling lonely or left out.

Build Self-Confidence and Resilience

Like everything else in life, there are also trials and errors in making friends, especially at a young age. That is why parents should introduce and embrace self-confidence and resilience in young minds prior to their friendship-making journey.

Below are some valuable lessons and skills that children could gain from having self-confidence and resilience:

1. Dealing with Rejection: This helps them back from setbacks and handle rejection, keep a positive outlook, and persevere in their efforts to build relationships with others.
2. Encouraging Independence and Positive Self-Perception: Your child can learn to trust their judgement to solve interpersonal issues on their own, which will eventually enhance their self-esteem and social risk-taking level.
3. Overall Well-Being: When children feel confident and resilient, they can reduce stress, social anxiety, and feelings of social isolation.

There for, parents should:

• Encourage children to explore their strengths and interests.
• Provide opportunities for them to take on challenges and celebrate their achievements.
• Offer guidance and encourage them to learn from these experiences when they encounter setbacks or conflicts.

Partner with Teachers and School Staff

The school environment where a child studies plays an irreplaceable role in their journey to make new friends.

• Valuable Insights and Individualised Support: Teachers and school staff have valuable insights into the social dynamics of the school environment as well as students’ interactions with their peers regularly. With their help, you can gain a deeper understanding of your child’s challenges and strengths within the school context and provide suitable help.

• Mediation and Conflict Resolution: In situations where conflicts arise between children, teachers and school staff can provide guidance, facilitate discussions, and help find resolutions that promote healthy relationships.

In teaming with your child’s teachers and staff at their school on how to help your teen make friends, here are some key tips:

• Be sure to have the contact information of the teachers and staff of your child’s school,
• Stay informed about school activities and events, ensuring your child’s participation,
• Seek guidance from educators on strategies to facilitate friendships and address any social concerns when necessary.

Conclusion

Helping your child make friends at school is a process that requires understanding, support, and guidance from many parties. By knowing ways to achieve that goal that this article has provided, you can empower your child to cultivate meaningful connections.

As mentioned in this article, the school environment where a child studies plays an irreplaceable role in their journey to make new friends. For a learning environment that is as welcoming as it is confidence- and empathy-encouraging, where social skills and problem-solving skills are as important as the academic lessons being taught there, there is no better option than our dear school, UNIS Hanoi.

UNIS Hanoi is “a special place to learn, grow, and work with one another to make the world a better place”, as described by many brilliant previous and current students. Its education is based on International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, which encourage children from the Early Years (started at age 3) to Grade 12 to be open-minded, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, caring, principled and risk-takers, all qualities that not only helps in making friends but also useful in many more aspects in life. Also, you can also click here to start applying to our new school year of 2023-2024!

Schools today are embracing the screen-based transformation, ‘screen time in schools’ has become a key player in shaping our children’s journey. Embracing the awe-inspiring might of technology, we walk the fine line of balance, unlocking screen-based learning’s potential while prioritising our students’ well-being.

How Does Screen Time Affect Students?

From fostering creativity and critical thinking to promoting interactive learning experiences, educational screen time has the power to:

• Light the Spark of Knowledge
• Planting the Roots of Creativity
• Building Bridges Through Interactive Learning
• Fostering Healthy Bodies to House Healthy Minds

However, like everything else, the key lies in striking the right balance. Let’s take a deeper look at how screen time is shaping our children’s minds and also the importance of maintaining good old physical activity alongside enriching social interactions.

Light the Spark of Knowledge:

Imagine your child diving into a universe of information, discovering new worlds, and unravelling mysteries. Screen time offers an amazing opportunity to quench this intellectual curiosity. Just remember to keep the journey focused, guiding your child towards valuable resources that align with their education and interests.

Planting the Roots of Creativity:

Screen time isn’t just about passive consumption. It’s a creative playground where students can develop problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. From interactive games to immersive puzzles, screen time can be a gateway to intellectual growth. However, let’s not forget to strike a balance, ensuring screen time also fosters creativity off the screen.

Building Bridges Through Interactive Learning:

The screen serves as a window to the world, inviting students to connect with diverse cultures, experiences, and ideas. Virtual field trips, global classrooms, and real-time information make learning a vibrant, exciting journey. Yet, let’s also remember the importance of personal experiences and offline learning. It’s all about balance!

Fostering Healthy Bodies to House Healthy Minds:

In the allure of the digital world, let’s not overlook the importance of physical activity. Regular exercise is crucial for your child’s health, providing a necessary counterbalance to screen time. So, while we venture into the digital domain, let’s also remember to step outside, feel the sun on our faces, and keep our bodies active.

How Much Screen Time During School for Children?

Screen time for young school children should ideally not exceed an hour per day, as recommended by the World Health Organisation; however, the lines get blurred as they move into higher grades. Here, screen time recommendations for schools should embrace a flexible approach.

Young learners blossom when screen time is carefully managed, focusing on high-quality, interactive, and educational content. As your children climb the academic ladder, their screen time can gradually increase, widening their learning opportunities. However, it’s vital to ensure this screen-based engagement dances harmoniously with other educational activities, physical exercise, and social interactions.

How to Manage Screen Time in Schools?

Embarking on the journey of managing screen time in schools is akin to stepping onto an exciting new path. Here are some thoughtful pointers to light our way:

• Nurturing Team Spirit
• Setting Clear Guidelines
• Building Consistent Routines
• Achieving Balance

Now, let’s delve into the task of managing screen time in schools with confidence, all while keeping your child’s best interests at heart.

Nurturing Team Spirit

Start by recognising that this journey isn’t for the lone traveller. It calls for a collective effort, where educators and parents join hands to create an enriching learning environment. It’s a shared adventure, where every voice matters, and every step forward counts.

Setting Clear Guidelines

Think of these guidelines as our trusty compass, directing us through the complicated and unclear screen time usage. Ensuring these are meticulously crafted to align with educational goals and curricular objectives can make the journey more fruitful. It’s about building the right bridge between technology and education – sturdy, efficient, and purposeful.

Building Consistent Routines

Education isn’t about racing to the finish line but journeying at a pace that respects individual needs; therefore, implementing structured schedules that include regular breaks is essential to maintain a healthy rhythm. It’s about letting children wander off the digital path for a while, immerse in physical activities, engage in face-to-face interactions, and then return refreshed for another learning session.

Achieving Balance

The landscape of learning is vast and varied. It’s not all about screen time; we must remember to explore the myriad of other aspects of educational activities. It’s like keeping one foot in the digital world while the other one steps into the physical world, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded learning experience.

Education & Screen Time in Schools – How to Apply Screen-Based Learning for Children?

Indeed, the blending of education and screen time in schools requires thoughtful planning and a touch of finesse. Here’s an empathetic step-by-step guide on how to apply screen-based learning for children:

• Step 1: Setting the Course
• Step 2: Navigating the Digital Landscape
• Step 3: Keeping an Eye on the Horizon

Melding education and screen time in schools can feel like a daunting task, but with a bit of preparation and understanding, we can break it down into a detailed manageable process.

Step 1: Setting the Course

Every successful journey starts with a clear destination in mind. In the same way, every meaningful screen-based learning experience needs well-defined goals. Begin by pinpointing the educational objectives which wish to achieve through screen-based learning. This will ensure that screen time weaves seamlessly into the broader educational tapestry and the curriculum.

Step 2: Navigating the Digital Landscape

Let’s prioritise selecting educational resources that truly sparkle engagement, interaction, and the spark of critical thinking. It’s important for us to remember, we’re here to create a space where ‘learning’ takes centre stage, rather than simply ‘screening’. Let’s commit to selecting tools that make every digital moment a step forward on the exciting journey of discovery and growth of our children.

Step 3: Keeping an Eye on the Horizon

The digital journey in education doesn’t end with the implementation of screen learning. It must monitor with our ongoing attention and effort along the way. Is the screen learning engaging the students? Are the concepts being absorbed and understood? Gathering these insights maintains an adaptable and responsive stance.

Let’s embrace screen-based learning as an ally in our pursuit of education. Together, we can use its power to create an enriching and effective educational environment, one that sparks joy, fuels curiosity and cultivates lifelong learners.

Screen Time in Schools: Striking the Right Balance

The realm of ‘screen time in schools’ presents a remarkable opportunity to revolutionise learning, a quest embraced with mindful and dedicated commitment. Therefore, at UNIS Hanoi, our dynamic International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme are about future-ready learning, it blends tech-based and traditional education, creating a rich, inspiring learning space for our young futures. So let’s navigate this journey together, empowering our students, our children, and our future. Apply now, the adventure at UNIS Hanoi awaits your child!

Reference source:

• Anagha Joshi, Trina Hinkley. (2021,08). Too much time on screens? Screen time effects and guidelines for children and young people. Retrieved from AIFS: https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/too-much-time-screens
• The Early Years Institute. (2013,05). A Screensmart Guide For Elementary Schools In Recognition Of Screenfree Week. Retrievied from https://fairplayforkids.org/wp-content/uploads/archive/EYI%20screen%20free%20week%20kit%20for%20schools.pdf

As parents, it is a priority to ensure the safety of children, especially in today’s era, where technology significantly impacts their daily lives. Considering the vast expanse of the internet and its potential risks, educating our children about the possible hazards and ways to safeguard themselves is imperative.

We have compiled a comprehensive guide that provides tips and advice on online safety for kids. The guide covers various aspects, from setting up parental controls to teaching them about cyberbullying, internet safety in schools, and more.

Dangers of the Internet for Children

There are numerous potential risks that children may encounter on the internet. Among the most significant dangers are:

• Cyberbullying
• Predators
• Mental health concerns
• Online scams
• Inappropriate content
• Damaged reputations
• Encouraging self-harm
• Exposure to hate speech

Parents should prioritise teaching their children about internet privacy and safety. One reason is that children may unknowingly expose their families to internet threats by downloading malware, which could give cyber criminals access to their parents’ sensitive information, such as bank account details. Therefore, it’s essential to establish open communication with children about their online activities.

How to Establish a Safe Online Environment to Ensure Online Safety for Kids?

In light of the growing amount of time children spend on the internet, it is important to take measures to safeguard them from potential hazards. Here are some tips and recommendations on how to establish a safe and empowering atmosphere for kids online safety.

Set Up Parental Controls and Filtering Tools

It is highly recommended to implement parental controls and filtering tools to secure children’s online safety. These measures offer a range of benefits, including but not limited to:

• Protect your child from inappropriate content: With parental controls, you can prevent your child from accessing any unsuitable or disturbing content, making sure that they only view age-appropriate material.
• Manage screen time: It allows you to effectively manage and monitor your child’s online activity, fostering a healthy balance between screen time and other daily pursuits.
• Monitor online activity: Enabling you to track the websites they visit, the apps they use, and the people they interact with.
• Promote safe online behaviour: Teaching them to cultivate positive digital habits at a young age will undoubtedly benefit them in the long run.

Some tools you can consider to ensure online safety kids are: Net Nanny, Qustodio, OpenDNS FamilyShield, etc.

Secure Devices and Networks

• Establish internet usage rules early on and share them with those responsible for your child’s care.
• Consider buying a device specifically designed for children.
• Check if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers built-in parental controls that you can activate.
• Install third-party parental control software to add an extra layer of protection.
• Make sure to download only age-appropriate games, apps, and media.

Teach Your Kids About Safe Internet Browsing Habits

The most effective online safety tips for kids are to teach them safe internet browsing habits to ensure:

• Their personal safety
• Enhance their internet literacy
• Make kids accountable for their own security.

Early training can instil behavioural changes that promote safer online habits for future adolescents and adults

Establish Rules and Boundaries

Teaching your children about safe internet browsing habits requires setting clear expectations regarding internet usage. Educating them about the possible risks and dangers associated with the internet is vital. This will help them comprehend the significance of adhering to your established rules.

Be specific when outlining what is and is not acceptable behaviour when using the internet. As an example, one could establish guidelines prohibiting the sharing of personal information, abstaining from cyberbullying, and avoiding inappropriate websites.

And build a positive role model by demonstrating responsible internet behaviour. Children tend to imitate what they observe, hence, when they witness you following the guidelines you have established for them, they are more inclined to do the same.

Stay Informed and Stay Engaged

Parents can safeguard their children from online dangers by keeping themselves updated on the latest online risks and trends. By being proactive about online safety, parents and caregivers can ensure a positive and healthy online experience for their children while also protecting them from harm.

How to Educate Children about Online Safety?

Educating children about online safety equips them with the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to navigate the digital world responsibly. By promoting a culture of safety, awareness, and empowerment, we can help children enjoy the benefits of the Internet while minimising the potential risks it presents.

Identifying and Handling Inappropriate Online Content

Explicit, offensive, or harmful content is considered inappropriate for certain audiences. It’s important to explain this concept to children in a way that’s age-appropriate.

When discussing online safety with children, it is crucial to communicate to younger children that certain materials they may encounter are not intended for their consumption. In contrast, when conversing with older children, it is essential to address matters such as cyber harassment and the sharing of sexually explicit content.

Furthermore, equip them with the knowledge of how to block and report any inappropriate content they may encounter on various websites or social media platforms.

Setting Online Boundaries and Managing Screen Time

Educating children on setting online boundaries and managing screen time for their safety in the digital world is essential. Here are some effective strategies that can be helpful in achieving this goal:

• Start with age-appropriate conversations: Talk to your kids about setting boundaries and limiting screen time for their safety and well-being.
• Establish clear rules together: This helps them take ownership and comprehend the guidelines. It’s best to discuss and agree upon limitations for screen time, suitable websites or apps, and online conduct together.
• Create a schedule: Work with your children to create a schedule that balances their online and offline activities. Allocate specific time slots for screen time, homework, physical activities, family time, and other hobbies. Display the schedule visibly so that everyone can follow it.
• Adjust and adapt: Flexibility and openness to adjusting boundaries and rules are crucial in this process. Make it a habit to keep up with their changing needs.

Promote Empathy and Digital Citizenship

By fostering empathy, we cultivate a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusivity online, preventing cyberbullying and promoting responsible digital behaviour. It also helps children develop critical thinking skills, enabling them to navigate the online world safely and make informed decisions.

Promoting empathy and digital citizenship empowers children to become responsible digital citizens and future leaders who use technology for positive change, creating a safer and more inclusive online community.

Collaborate with Schools and Educators

Parents and educational institutions can collaborate to offer a well-rounded education, consistent communication, and tailored resources that encourage responsible digital conduct. Additionally, they can establish a support system for children, intervene in case of online risks or concerns, and cultivate a culture of online safety within the school community.

Working together helps exchange effective methods, builds stronger internet safety programs for schools, and guarantees that kids obtain the required advice and protection while exploring the online world.

Promoting Digital Well-being and Balance

Promoting digital well-being and balance for kids is crucial for ensuring their online safety. This involves:

• Setting screen time limits: Parents should refer to the study from Forbert Health about the “Link between infant screen time and cognitive issues later in life” to choose the appropriate screen time limit for children.
• Encouraging physical exercise, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions
• Teaching children about healthy online habits and the importance of taking breaks to helps prevent digital fatigue and promotes self-care.

Top 3 Internet Safety Resources for Students

We highly recommend the following top three internet safety resources for students:

• Be Internet Awesome: Google has developed a programme to educate children about internet safety. This comprehensive program comprises games, videos, and lesson plans to assist children in learning how to use the internet responsibly and safely.
• Childnet: Offer free toolkits, lesson plans, and activities to aid children in understanding digital safety. The available resources cover a wide range of topics, including cyberbullying, online reputation management, and social media usage.
• Digital Matters: There is a platform that provides free online safety lessons for kids. These lessons are designed to educate children on a wide range of topics, such as online privacy, digital citizenship, and how to deal with cyberbullying.

Conclusion

It is key that children are educated on online safety. With the increasing prevalence of technology and the internet in our day-to-day lives, it is crucial that our youth learn how to be responsible and stay secure while browsing the web.

If you happen to be a parent or educator seeking extra educational materials, you may want to explore the (IB) Programme of the United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi). The IB Programme emphasizes the cultivation of responsible digital citizens and can offer supplementary resources and assistance in teaching children about online safety.

Remember, it’s never too early to start teaching online safety for kids. We can help them navigate the digital world safely and responsibly by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need.