School’s open

What a wonderful summer this was. Not too hot and very little actual need for air-conditioning. The beaches were full and still are as August winds down. September looks to be a continuation of this same pleasant atmospheric reality. What a super way for the kids to return to classes and the many engaging and creative activities we sign them up for.

This issue has a special section that presents many of these programs. Be sure to check it out and see what’s right for your family. They say our children are too scheduled but I don’t actually agree. I think they have a lot of free time and unfortunately spend too much time on gadgets and such. My belief is that there’s never enough good exposure to skills and alternative learning. Music, art, theater, athletics, enhanced learning centers, hand crafts, cooking, dance and martial arts, are all great programs to have kids experiencing beyond academic classes.

In my day we had a lot of these things in school itself. We had music and art, theater programs, gym, and many athletic teams. We had shop and home economics, and actually discussed household chores, bank accounts, and meal planning. People learned to make things, cut wood, hammer and saw, and were exposed to real life skills. With all the cutbacks in budgets over the years the curriculum has abandoned such things and mostly sticks to the ABCs. A loss for all, in my opinion, prompting parents to seek out these activities individually.

I’m thinking of those of you whose children are just starting school, going for the first time, perhaps to a new school, a new level, or for the very little ones, preschool. All of these milestones are memorable and should be kept that way. Record them and enjoy them. They will be a part of your memory book for years to come.

We have articles on sleep routines, shopping savings, and the important and timely topic of head injuries and kids sports. Be sure to read it. It’s so important and luckily it’s being written and talked about a great deal lately. I first began to think about the potential dangers facing our children in their athletic pursuits after watching an interesting sports report on T.V. a few years ago. Now it’s big news but I’m willing to bet there are still parents who are their sports-talented kids’ biggest fans and will be reluctant to put in place parameters and limitations. Don’t be one of them! In addition, make sure you have this discussion with your child’s coach or instructor. It’s important for them to know that parents are concerned and informed on this topic.

Hopefully your family had a good summer, enjoyed a vacation, and made the most of the free time, fine weather and lazy days of summer. Now it’s back to basics and to routines.

Wishing you a great September. Thanks for reading.

Relevant Directory Listings

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Nord Anglia

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; color: #000000;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">International Private School following the English National Curriculum paired with International Primary Curriculum for students ages 2–14.</span></p>

The Language Workshop For Children

<p dir="ltr">After offering both group and private lessons for many years and analyzing the results over time, The Language Workshop for Children, founded in1973, has decided to emphasize private remote lessons at shorter intervals. Our skilled educators will focus their attention exclusively on the unique needs, learning style, and interests of your child. This allows a bond to develop between teacher and student, which has been shown to drastically improve retention. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>OUR METHOD </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Developed by the pioneers of language education for children, our programs bring decades of experience to your living room with individualized, active language classes. Each lesson is based on proven methods and materials perfected to capture your child’s attention during the ages when he/she absorbs information the fastest.   </p> <p dir="ltr">While other online language classes rely on videos for passive learning, we deliver interactive, and engaging lessons with native-fluent teachers. In addition, all our teachers are certified in the Thibaut Technique which has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and many other well-respected publications.  </p> <p dir="ltr">Our short one-on-one lessons give kids the chance to focus, hear pronunciation clearly, and practice speaking in their target language. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>THE PROCESS</strong> </p> <p dir="ltr">First, students have a short meeting with our Director Francois Thibaut, in English, with their parent(s) present. Mr. Thibaut will determine the best course of study, including class length and frequency, the right teacher, lesson format and materials (or action games for younger students.) Then the learning begins! Mr. Thibaut will continually check in on your child’s learning to assure they are getting the most of their classes. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>OTHER OFFERINGS </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">We can also help your child prepare for: the French subject tests for SAT, AP & CLEP, the European DELF/DALF, the Canadian TEF and other standardized testing, college entry exams, studying or traveling abroad, cultural changes when moving abroad, and much more! </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a97d759c-7fff-6e4d-8e93-70e093aa10f1"> </span></p>

Church of The Epiphany Day School (CEDS)

<div> <p>The Church of the Epiphany Day School is a Preschool community of children, families, and educators who are committed to learning and growing in a space where children can be children; where they can explore and delight in their play, and where they can take risks and pursue their creative and intellectual curiosities with freedom and encouragement. It is a joyful and loving community on the Upper East Side of Manhattan that believes in experiential learning and differentiated instruction. The teachers challenge children to master skills they are ready for with perseverance and a dedication to problem-solving. </p> </div> <div> <p> As a values-based school, CEDS emphasizes the importance of compassion, respect, and equity in all creative, academic, and social-emotional endeavors. They serve people of all faiths, backgrounds, and belief systems. CEDS seeks to develop the natural instinct towards mutual respect and kindness in every child. </p> </div> <div> </div> <div> <p> CEDS utilizes a Play-Based, Emergent Curriculum approach to teaching young children. Through this child-centered curriculum, CEDS students develop an active approach to learning that is joyful, enthusiastic, and confidence building. Their cognitive, emotional, and physical development grow as the experienced faculty builds curriculum guided by the children’s interests, keeping school fun and inspiring. By intentionally facilitating the growth of their character and moral integrity, CEDS students use their knowledge, compassion, and intellect to promote health, happiness, peace, and justice for all citizens. </p> </div>