The second semester has continued to be an amazing time for teachers and children at the Ronghua campus. As all continue to explore the space and make use of the incredible facilities the year levels have continued to embrace the learning communities in a variety of ways. We have also been able to enjoy some wonderful events in the first few months.

The Year 2s gave an incredible performance through their Violin assembly. Presenting parents and families with a vibrant and engaging culmination of their work and efforts in violin practice. The Year 1s, while preparing for their own Violin Assembly, went on an amazing field trip recently, exploring the remarkable Biofarm. Here the children were able to explore a working farm, gain a greater understanding of how people are working to create a more sustainable, environmentally conscious and healthy way of farming and producing food. For many it was also the first time coming into contact with farm animals; pigs, goats and rabbits, and being given the opportunity to interact and feed these creatures. The field trip included a farm fresh lunch and the children were able to bring home some fresh produce to share with their families. The children all came back enthusiastic and highly engaged by their experiences.

As the year heads towards the end of an amazing and fulfilling year for the 2 year levels, the Year 2s are making preparations for the transition to Year 3, back at Hongqiao campus. A transition visit is planned towards the end of the year and some of the Year 3 teachers have also been visiting the Ronghua campus to gain a greater sense of how these children are being engaged in an open learning community. As plans are being made for the new school year, it is wonderful to see the work going in for the completion of the current one.

Lower Primary Coordinator – David BURTON

 

Chinese Studies classes are popular with the children. In recent weeks, Year 2 students became more absorbed in the classes every week as they began the unit on learning about Chinese Paintings.

In order to provide the children with the vivid understanding of Chinese Paintings and its charm, we invited a professional artist to our classroom to provide face-to-face instructions. The children became amazed to see the masterpieces brought by the artist. Under the teacher’s instruction, the students learned to hold the paintbrush and paint on the rice paper with ink. With quick outlining and painting, we could see a cucumber with several melon leaves on the paper.

After seeing the magic of Chinese Painting, every child was excited and eager to try. The Chinese calligraphy and paintings have much in similarity. As the children had previously learned to use the paintbrush, ink, rice paper and ink stone in their calligraphy lessons, they became more confident with the paintbrush. Although they could not hold the paintbrush in good posture or master the ink professionally, they still brought their imagination and innovation into full play. They used the paintbrush and ink to express their feelings and emotions with paintings. Through this topic, the children gained more passion towards Chinese Paintings as well as with Chinese culture.

 

Y2E Co-teacher – Rachael YAO

A group of 40 parents and children from our Hongqiao Campus visited the Seeds of Hope School in Xiu Ning, An’ Hui Province from May 23^rd to 26^th. During the 4-day excursion, we visited Hong Cun Ancient Village, taught in the classrooms and climbed the beautiful Yellow Mountain. The highlight of the trip was certainly our time spent in the school. Parents made detailed lesson plans before we went. On the day our students, supported by their parents carried out all sorts of fun learning activities with the local students which were enjoyed greatly by both parties.

When the group visited a village by the school, we were greeted by the locals with big smiles and occasionally a dance to show off. The students were amazed by finding fish in the rice fields and plants they had never seen before.

The journey into the Yellow Mountain was physically challenging but it has proven to be worthwhile in all aspects. On the morning we descended, some students were worried about making the way down in pouring rain. However, by the time we reached the pickup point, all students felt extremely positive and proud of being able to face difficulties and pass the test with flying colours.

This Seeds of Hope Trip had everything that we hoped our students would experience: fun, teamwork, friendship, flexibility and so much more which are all valuable and memorable experiences.

As you may remember, Parent Organisation Puxi (POP) held the 10^th Annual International Food and Culture Fair on May 12^th, where many parent-led stalls and second hand uniform sales raised 62944RMB for SOH projects. After Puxi parents visited Xiu Ning School, SOH helped to install air condition machines which will greatly improve the learning environment for students. Therefore, a huge thank you to every YCIS Families for your continuous support!

Parent Relations Officer – Carol MAO

Your child walks like you, talks like you, and absorbs everything you do. So, set the right example when it comes to reading. If you want your child to be a good reader, be one yourself!

Surround yourself with reading material

Books don’t belong only in libraries and classrooms. Make the written word a part of your living space, with books, magazines, and newspapers readily available throughout your home.

Draw attention to all the things you read.

Provide a bibliography for the things you talk about: When you explain why the sky is blue or who the first president was, tell your child which book helps you know these facts. You’ll show them how knowledge is largely shaped by the things we read and how reading connects us to the world.

Buy or borrow books together

Whenever you’re going to the library or bookstore, let your child come along. Even if you aren’t looking for anything in particular, practice the art of book browsing and admiring. Make an event out of it and they’ll learn to be exhilarated by the sight of books.

Don’t be a solo reader

Open up conversations through reading by pausing to read an interesting fact aloud or wonder what an unfamiliar word means. Knowing that the reading experience is not a solitary activity will motivate reluctant readers.

Read for leisure

Show that reading isn’t work. Cuddle up with a good book and you’ll model how reading can be just the thing to make your day.

Bring something to read everywhere you go

From the office to home, or even the living room to the bedroom, make sure you’re equipped with reading material — for yourself and your child. You never know when you’ll have some downtime. Show them that reading is a constructive (and fun!) way to pass the time.

Emphasize the universal importance of reading

Librarians, teachers, students, mechanics, lawyers, doctors, architects, athletes… everyone reads. Show your child that reading is part of everyone’s life by reading diverse works that serve different purposes. Consider cookbooks, television manuals, online magazines, and cereal boxes. Make a habit out of living through reading.

… to be continued…

 

 

 

—— Scholastic, Inc.

Where are you from?

I am from Taiwan, China.

How long have you been at YCIS HQ?

5 years

What do you enjoy most about learning here?

There are so many nice teachers and it is a wonderful environment.

Tell us an interesting fact about you?

I have a twin sister.

Can you share a favourite book?

The Story Treehouse series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton

 

Interviewed by:

School Captains –  Owen Tianmiao BANKS & Qing Levona SHU

Where are you from?

I am from Shanghai, China.

How long have you been teaching at YCIS?

This is my tenth year with YCIS.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at YCIS?

The international community.

Tell us an interesting fact about you?

I can play the Gu Zhen.

Can you share a favourite quote?

No pain, no gain.

 

Interviewed by:

School Captains –  Owen Tianmiao BANKS & Qing Levona SHU