Dear Parents,
This semester, almost 50 High School students have chosen "Service for Small Frys" as their Wellbeing choice during our bi-monthly sessions. They have done different types of service for the Elementary School teachers and students: creating Design activity models or non-English videos for Jen Cypra; creating video lessons of Wellbeing concepts for Mr. Jack; leading 4th and 2nd graders in games. These photos show us this week with 2nd graders scavenger hunting and at the end of our 4th grade Kahoot session.
Classes had a great time celebrating Halloween. Students had on creative costumes and enjoyed listening to read alouds, playing games, having a dance party, and doing Halloween related activities. Some photos are at the end of the blog
Important Dates
India Week - November 2nd-6th
Next week the Elementary School celebrates India Week! There are lots of exciting events and activities planned for each day. Please use the Lower ES and Upper ES links to get more information including the Zoom links and times for various for events throughout the week.
India Week Book Fair
In celebration of India Week, from November 2nd-8th, our local partners at Tara Books and Tulika Publishers are offering the AISC community a 20% discount on any purchase! If you are looking for handmade books, unique gifts, local artwork, or beautiful stationery, please take a look at the links below.
Please use coupon code AISC20 at checkout at the below link:
Literacy Coffee Mornings
Please join Alex Ray, our ES Literacy Coach, to learn how to support your child’s literacy development during virtual learning.
Early Years Parent Coffee - November 10th
Please join us for an Early Years Parent Coffee on Tuesday, November 10th at 3:30 p.m. We will be talking about creating independence in play and learning in the Early Years.
From the Counselors
Many of you may be wondering, “when can my child safely play with other children again?”
This is a frequent question from families who recognize the developmental importance of friendships for their children and how to promote safe opportunities for socialization.
Depending on where you live, and the level of COVID in your community, you CAN arrange safe playdates for your children. There are several factors to consider, such as your own comfort level with interacting with other families in your community and the level of risk that is present in your community. Here are a few ideas for ways to facilitate meet-ups with other friends. And remember, when we all wear masks, it reduces the chances of transmitting viruses even when we are outside together.
Please email Ms. Linda (glinda@aischennai.org) or Ms. Michele (nmichele@aischennai.org) if you need other ideas for safe get togethers for your children.
#1. Meet somewhere outside! If you live in Chennai, arrange for a beach meet-up! Bring a picnic blanket, set up 6 feet apart and let kids dig in the sand, play cricket, throw a frisbee around, play soccer. This is a great way for your child to socialize and get exercise at the same time.
#2. Plan a bike ride on a bike path or promenade with another child. Biking on quiet side streets or promenades is a fun way for kids to be together and exercise!
#3. Meet up for kids to skateboard or scooter together.
#4. If you have a pool, outdoor spaces are great for fun and friends to meet up.
#5. Meet up at a tennis court or badminton court or set up a badminton net in your yard for some fun!
#6. Kids could meet up to do service together, like a beach clean up, or neighborhood trash pick-up. Kids could bring water to street dogs with adult supervision. Get creative!
#7. Host an outdoor arts and crafts get together. Set up spaced apart tables outside for kids and they can work individually on craft or art projects together while enjoying each other’s company.
#8. Meet up to walk dogs together if there is another family with pets.
#9. If parks are open in your community, these can be great places to meet and allow kids free and unstructured play, which is so essential for development.
If you are doing something innovative to socialize with other families, please share your ideas with us!
Happy Halloween!
Have a spooktacular weekend.
Regards,
Lynn Schneider, Dave Allen, and Elliot FijmanElementary School Leadership Team