Science for all ages is best learned through hands-on inquiry. Our Kindergarteners at Northbridge International School Cambodia have been highly engaged in real-life, meaningful inquiry through our Homes and Structures Unit of Inquiry.
The inquiry began in the Makerspace. Our children used their knowledge of houses to build a structure only using paper and cardboard. After discussions about the houses we have seen in real life, the children started building houses using mud. The first step was to create mud bricks.
Meaningful exploration through their senses allowed the children to understand more about the properties of mud, which involved a deep scientific investigation. The children observed how the mud set; supporting them to begin to understand reversible and irreversible changes. They used the mud bricks to make houses, which were unfortunately destroyed in our recent thunderstorms!
From this, the children decided that they would need to build with something a little more sturdy and some suggested cement. With careful supervision, the children were able to mix the cement, and pour it into a mould.
This exploration is invaluable for the children. They are learning to observe and create as scientists do! Please encourage your child (whatever age) to engage in messy, sensory play at home.
Here are some ideas on how you can support this:
- explore mud
- have a very bubbly bubble bath
- bake together
- paint together
We often associate gratitude with iconic moments, such as when our children are born healthy, we are offered a good job, a family member or pet survives an illness or operation, or when our children graduate from school. Events like these can be very moving and emotional, and sometimes even life changing. However, what if we made it a habit to include gratitude in our daily lives?
Lots of research points to a very common problem in student learning: Too much information!
Students can become overwhelmed and consequently processing and memory retention can become difficult. Not just for students with executive function challenges, or neurodiversity; for many neurotypical students too! Especially younger students. Feeling overwhelmed can also trigger stress and anxiety.
Reading is an essential skill for success in school and in life. It is also a skill that can be developed and nurtured at home, from an early age. You as parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping your child develop a love of reading.
Last week, our second annual NISC Cup kicked off, with four schools and over one hundred students facing off to see who would be taking home the silverware on offer in separate boys’ and girls’ competitions. Last year CIA girls’ team won a thrilling final and were hoping that the cup would be returning to their school for a second year in a row, while our own NISC boys’ team were hoping to retain their hard won 2023 title.
