A Class Act...

November is around the corner, and with it comes an absolutely wonderful learning and teaching opportunity from Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI). Introducing the DAI Classroom:

DAI Classroom includes programme options for children in three groups (early primary, late primary, and secondary).  There are several different choices for each age group: Treasury of the World, Story of Amricani, and Amricani Cultural Centre.  Each programme is approximately 90 minutes, accommodates up to 30 children, and can be done in English or Arabic. 

The Treasury of the World sessions include an introduction to Islamic art, a tour of the Mughal jewellery exhibition, a discussion of time, place and context, and a hands-on project related to what the students have seen and heard.

Story of Amricani sessions include a viewing of the Story of Amricani exhibition, a tour of the compound (but not the Mughal jewellery exhibition), and a discussion of the history of the American medical mission in Kuwait in the early 20th century.  An interactive project is also included in these sessions.

The Amricani Cultural Centre programme includes an introduction to Islamic art, an overview of the American medical mission in Kuwait in the early 20th century tours of both the Treasury of the World and Story of Amricani exhibitions and a question and answer session at the end.

Up to three sessions a day will be offered Tuesdays - Thursdays, starting 15 November.   Within reason, session times are flexible, to best accommodate the schedule of each school. Visits must be scheduled in advance, so to schedule your classes, contact: americanikids@darmuseum.org.kw
Sessions will be booked on a first come: first served basis.

Teachers, please let your school administration know and try to make the most out of this great resource.  Parents, speak to your children's teachers about this ASAP and let them go ahead and book a visit.  

The 3 EXs... Express, Explain, Explore

This post is dedicated to teachers, and to mamas and papas who are teachers at home.  I had previously given this as part of a larger presentation in a special needs school in Kuwait.  The pointers are simple and straightforward. This was initially written for teaching kids with learning differences/difficulties, but it can be used with all students.  

I call this "The 3 EXs" presentation...

EXPRESS

•   Use a steady yet soft voice.  Children pay attention when the adult is firm, not agitated.
•  Take time to express what you want the child to do, then guide them in doing it. 
•   Express encouragement regularly.  Create a classroom rewards system.
•  Encourage children to express their feelings.
•   I encourage you to express your own feelings. 

EXPLAIN

•   Explain the lesson using as many senses as you can.
•  Explain classroom rules and expectations.  Repeat and keep visual reminders.
•  If and when the child misbehaves, explain what was done wrong and why it is wrong.
• This should always be followed by how the child can do the “appropriate” or target behavior correctly.

EXPLORE

•  Find ways to use different forms of teaching.  Your voice is not your only asset.
•  Use your own knowledge to find out what the child’s learning style may be.  This will be a great advantage for you.
• Help the child use multi-sensory ways to explore his/her surrounding.
• When a child is stuck, or refusing to participate, take time at the end of class to explore with the child what the problem is.  A child is more likely to tell you when he/she is alone.  

To fight or not to fight?

                                          

One of my favorite health blogs, is National Public Radio's (NPR) blog,  SHOTS.  An article entitled "Pediatricians Put The Kibosh On Boxing", caught my attention.  It explained the dangers of boxing as a sport for kids.  The writer noted:

Citing the risk of injuries, including concussions, the American Academy of Pediatrics and its Canadian counterpart, the Canadian Paedeatric Society, have come out in opposition to boxing as a sport for children and adolescents.  Pediatricians should strongly discourage parents from letting their kids box and suggest sports "that do not encourage intentional head injuries," says a new policy statement from the two national groups for pediatricians. (link)

One might wonder, does that mean all combat sports are bad?  

There is never a right or wrong answer because these things are relative; it depends on how the sport is taught, which combat sport it is, what the child is like (aggressive vs. calm), the child's age, the guidelines established at home, the instructor's methods, etc.  I would argue, however, that the critical point here is intent.  Sports like taekwondo and Karate are fighting/combat sports, but many instructors focus on the self-discipline aspect, and do not encourage fighting aimlessly.  Boxing and wrestling, at least in my eyes, seem to carry the intent to harm, and children watching and practicing these sports, tend to act-out the sport more often. 

There is merit to some of these combat sports.  Children can build strong self-esteem and courage based on the experience.  With martial arts, many instructors focus on discipline, and an understanding of the body and mind.  They teach children to think before they act.  But the fact remains that it is a form of fighting, and some children are encouraged to rough play at home with their siblings and sometimes fathers.  Without proper guidelines, these children may transfer these lessons to the schoolyard and classroom. 

                                                    

What are your experiences?