tuning in to our new unitLast week, we began tuning in to our unit: Expressing Ourselves Through Play. We provided some of the following provocations to gauge children's understanding:
outdoor play and inquiryWe aim to start everyday giving students the opportunity to play and inquire with their classmates outside. Please see our 'Outdoors and Activities' page for photos of our adventures. LEARNING IN ACTIONLast Friday, parents were invited to attend a Primary Years Program (PYP) presentation. It was great to see so many preschool parents attending the workshop and visiting our classrooms to see 'Learning in Action'. dates for your diary9 September - Teachers' work day - no school for students
23 September - ECC Family Picnic - time to be confirmed 24 September - UWCT Benefit Gala - see your class ambassador for tickets 14 October - ECC Wheels Day - Children are encouraged to bring a scooter or bike (+ helmet) to school and ride with their class - time to be confirmed This year, one of our year long units focuses on, Who we are. Central Idea: Everyday I am learning about who I am, what I can do, and how I am growing and changing. Lines of Inquiry:
Unit requests: Could you please email your class teacher a family photo. Below, children used mirrors to look carefully at their faces and then drew their self-portrait using black ink and painted unique designs for the background of their 'who I am' poster. HOw we express ourselves - unit of inquiryThis week, we will begin tuning in to our new Unit of Inquiry. Central Idea: Through play we express our feelings and ideas and come to new understandings. Lines of Inquiry:
PHONICS IN PRESCHOOLPlease find out more about how we teach phonics in Preschool on our LITERACY PAGE - scroll down on the Subjects tab. Mindfuless in preschoolFriday 2nd September - Parent daySign up for one or all of the events HERE. This day should provide opportunities to find out more about the programme, see the classes in action, have lunch with the students and then get to know each other a little better. If you have any questions, please contact me directly at [email protected] parent book clubThe aim of the Parent Book Club is to provide parents with an opportunity to discuss books about parenting and advocating for children. The first book up for discussion is Mindful Discipline: A Loving Approach to Setting Limits and Raising an Emotionally by Shauna Shapiro PhD & Chris White MD. We will read the book over several weeks and meet each week starting from Friday 16th September from 08:20-09:00. Venue: Erica's learning support classroom. Lower Primary Building. You will need to purchase your own copy of the book or ebook. Please read chapters 1,2, and 3 so we can discuss them on 16th September. We will then usually read 1 or 2 chapters each week. The Book Club will be facilitated by Heidi Sanchez, Preschool teacher at UWCT with a Masters in School and Guidance Counselling. Please contact Heidi if you have any questions. [email protected] MEET THE PRESCHOOL TEAM Caryl Medilo I am thrilled to be your child’s teacher this year. You can call me Kru Caryl. I come from the Philippines and have been working here at PIA now UWCT since it started in September 2008. I have worked as a learning support and Early Childhood classroom teacher. This year I will be working as a Preschool teacher and ECC Coordinator. I am very excited for this new role. I graduated with a Bachelor of Elementary Education Degree from Holy Cross of Davao College. I have spent most of my teaching career overseas. I worked as a Kindergarten teacher in Bangkok, as well as a Special Education and Primary teacher at REED International Institute. I have been involved in the IB PYP for 7 years and have done training and seminars in other IB World Schools. I have recently completed online courses, The Clinical Psychology of Children and Young People on Coursera (The University of Edinburgh) and Early Childhood (Gowrie, Australia). Thank you for sharing your child with me. I look forward to creating wonderful and fond memories of Preschool for your child. My email address is [email protected] should you wish to email me to arrange a meeting. Olivia Symons I am excited to be teaching Preschool at UWCT this year! You can call me Kru Liv. This will be my third year at the school. My family (Kru Ned and our three children) moved to Phuket from New Zealand two years ago. In New Zealand, I was involved in starting a Steiner-inspired Early Childhood Centre for 3-6 year olds and I worked there for two years. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. I am passionate about Early Childhood Education and providing the right start for the young child. I am looking forward to working with you and your child to ensure they have a happy, warm and secure time in Preschool. My email address is [email protected]. I look forward to getting to know you well over the year! Heidi Sanchez I would like to welcome you and your child to Preschool. I am Kru Heidi. I am Australian and have worked as an overseas educator for more than 14 years. I previously taught students in Australia and England before joining international schools in the Philippines, China and Vietnam. My husband, Phillip is a Middle School teacher and Coordinator at UWCT and our son, Kai will begin Preschool this year. We are excited to be part of the UWCT community. I have a Bachelor of Primary Education and a Masters in School and Guidance Counselling. I am very interested in Child development and aim to create an environment in which your child can reach their highest potential. I encourage students to be curious and express themselves creatively in a variety of ways. I am inspired by young children and look forward to working with you and your child this year. My email address is [email protected]. Teacher Assistants: Kanjana Nupankhao - You can call me Kru Nan. I was born in Phuket and finished my studies at Kasetsart University in Bangkok. I previously worked in the Kids Club at the JW Mariott for two years. This is my fifth year working at PIA. I enjoy working with young children. Sukanya Julparn - I am happy to be called Kru Lek. This is my third year working in the Early Childhood Centre. I previously worked at the British International School Phuket as a teaching assistant for 4 years in the Early Childhood Centre. Phatsara Konglerd - I am Kru Bowling, I joined the ECC last year. I have worked as a Teaching Assistant in Nursery. Previously I worked in the Kids Clubs in Thanyapura and the Holiday Inn. I have a son called Shayne who is 1 1/2 years old. I am excited to be working with the Preschool team this year! Renu Youthongkam - I am Kru Pla. I have worked in the Library and Nursery as a teaching assistant. I am married to Len Peters the Guidance Counselor at UWCT and have a son who lives and works in America. GIVING CHILDREN A GREAT STARTThank you for your support in giving your child a great start to the school year. There are many new teachers, classmates and routines to learn. It is not uncommon for some children to cry or be upset in the their first few weeks of school. While some children feel comforted with a hug or acknowledgement from their teachers or familiar parents, it can upset other children even more. If you see a Preschool student crying on their own at the beginning or end of the school day it may be best to check in with a teacher or assistant rather than try to comfort them. Please talk with your child's class teacher to find out more. navigating the preschool weeblyThe Preschool Weebly will be updated every Monday afternoon. This homepage will be used to share Preschool highlights and updates. The above 'Preschool in Action' tab contains a drop down menu with links to each Preschool class page. We will also regularly update the other tabs as they relate to our inquiries and learning each week. We will provide a link to you on this homepage so that you are aware of what page has been updated. Please let us know if you would like some support accessing our Weebly. UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY22-26 August - Hopes and Dreams Conferences
2 September - Intro to the Primary Years Program (PYP) Learning in Action workshops 08:15-14:30 9 September - Teachers' work day - no school for students 23 September - ECC Family Picnic - time to be confirmed 24 September - UWCT Benefit Gala - see your class rep for tickets |