Tessa International School’s Post

Summer camp is not only fun but it helps develop important skills in children of all ages. Read our latest blog from Kristin Heimall, who shares the importance of summer experiences for children: https://bit.ly/3vZNHNh

A Recap from La Plaza's Summer Discovery Camp 2023 – our five-week summer educational program designed for students entering 1st – 8th grade to prevent summer learning loss while encouraging positive personal development and healthy living. This year, 86 students embarked on a journey of learning, growth, and giving back, and the results are nothing short of remarkable! Academic Achievements: 88% of students improved their reading and language arts scores. Pre and post-tests showcased significant gains in both Math and Reading skills. Community Engagement: 100% of our young learners participated in at least one service activity. Our students found these community service initiatives fulfilling, expressing understanding and appreciation for maintaining a clean environment and helping others. Enriching Experiences: 100% of our students had the opportunity to explore new activities through our enrichment partners and exciting weekly field trips, broadening their horizons and igniting their curiosity. Parental Satisfaction: Post-camp surveys revealed that 90% of parents rated our program with the highest satisfaction score of 5, with 10% giving it a 4 on a scale of 1-5. Parents emphasized the positive impact on both their children and themselves, highlighting invaluable resources, educational fun, kind staff, and enhanced readiness for their children for the upcoming school year. We thank our funders, enrichment partners, and dedicated staff for making La Plaza's Summer Discovery Camp a success! If you know a family that would benefit from La Plaza’s Summer Discovery camp, they can fill out the interest form here http://bit.ly/464anbP to receive updates on 2024 dates and location! 

In this article, we will explain why summer camps can benefit your children in the short, and long-term, why and how to choose a summer camp, and what to expect for your children.

In this article, we will explain why summer camps can benefit your children in the short, and long-term, why and how to choose a summer camp, and what to expect for your children.

Choosing the Right Summer Program: A Guide for Parents. The summer break offers a unique opportunity for your child to explore new interests, deepen their passions, or engage in meaningful community work. But how can you start? First, coordinate your family's summer schedule, including any vacations or college visits. This step ensures that your child can fully commit to their chosen program without any overlaps. Next, encourage your child to reflect on what excites them. Is there a new skill they've been wanting to learn? A cause they're passionate about? Or perhaps a community they wish to serve? These reflections are key to identifying a program that aligns with their interests and aspirations. Finally, delve into research. The abundance of summer programs available can be overwhelming, but not all are of equal quality. Reach out for guidance to select a program that not only aligns with your child's interests but also offers substantial learning and growth opportunities. #SummerLearning #ParentingTips #Colledge

Can you smell the pine trees, feel the fresh water, hear the crickets, the song and the laughter? Summer camp… Sleep away summer camp was one of my most formative experiences, and for our two children, it was LIFE-CHANGING. Like the best Montessori programs, most great sleep-away summer camps are screen-free, hands-on, real-life experiences for children. They invite independence, learning to get along with others, and that special blend of challenge and relaxation that makes us feel alive, complete, and deeply happy. With scholarships and efforts to include all children, camp can be an option for YOUR family; I highly recommend searching for one today, and enrolling for this summer! (Personally, I recommend day camps for children roughly ages 6-9, and sleepaway experiences for children 12 and older–but some are ready to go away at age 9 or 10, and some need to wait until their teens–every child is unique, there’s no one-size fits all! Ask trusted camp staff for advice on determining readiness for your situation and their specific camp). The excellent article below touches on why kids need camp in today's cultural onslaught of stress, social media, screens, anxiety and depression, now more than ever: #summercamp #keewaydintemagami #trysomethingnew #montessoriathome #screenfree #screenfreeforkids #kidsandscreentime #getawayfromscreens #jonathanhaidt #afterbabel #camps #sleepawaycamp #michaelthompson #lifechanging #familylife

Quality summer programs and camps play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of summer learning loss, a phenomenon where children can lose a significant amount of the knowledge and skills they acquired during the school year. These camps provide structured, yet enjoyable, educational activities that keep children's minds engaged and active. This continuous engagement ensures that children return to school in the fall better prepared and less likely to struggle with the transition back to school. Camps that offer specialized programs in areas such as technology, arts or environmental studies provide children with opportunities to delve deeper into subjects that interest them, fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. By addressing the educational needs of children during the summer months, these camps play an essential role in combating summer learning loss and promoting long-term academic success.

As a safeguarding specialist and ex Headteacher, I want to highlight the importance of self-care for both teaching staff and children, especially as we approach the end of the academic year and prepare for the transition to the next year group in September. For teaching staff, self-care is crucial. The demands of the profession are immense, and without taking time to recharge, it’s easy to experience burnout. By prioritising your wellbeing, you not only enhance your own mental and physical health but also ensure that you can continue to provide the best support and education for your pupils. For children, self-care is equally important. The end of the school year can be a stressful time, filled with exams, assignments, and the anticipation of moving to a new class or school. Teaching children the importance of self-care helps them manage stress, build resilience, and develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Encouraging activities such as reading for pleasure, spending time outdoors, and practicing mindfulness can help them feel more prepared and confident as they transition to the next year group. Ultimately, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. As we gear up for the new academic year, let’s prioritise our wellbeing and that of our pupils, ensuring we all have the energy and resilience to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead!

Years of enjoying and exploring: During the fundamental years of elementary education, it is essential that children engage in a diverse range of activities. This participation serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it exposes children to an array of activities, helping them in discovering where their individual interests lie. Secondly, it encourages them to embrace the idea of exploration, of trying new things, and of stepping outside their comfort zones, particularly in the realm of sports and creative pursuits. Participation in such activities is not merely a means of entertainment or a way of filling time. It plays a critical role in the holistic development of a child, contributing to physical growth, mental well-being, and emotional balance. It instils a sense of curiosity, fosters a spirit of teamwork, and nurtures the capability to handle success and failure with maturity. At Colvin Taluqdars' College, we are indeed fortunate to possess a wealth of facilities that cater to an array of sports and activities. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to claim that our students are spoilt for choice. Our expansive grounds have been the stage for countless students breaking and setting records, cultivating a rich legacy of excellence and perseverance that we are committed to upholding. We encourage our students to explore different areas, to persistently seek and try various activities until they discover what truly resonates with them, what they can claim as their forte. And even if they do not immediately stumble upon a singular passion, they can take pride in the multitude of experiences they have acquired, the diverse skills they have learned, and the myriad activities they have sampled. In conclusion, it's about cherishing the journey of exploration and learning as much as, if not more than, the destination of finding one's forte. So, let our students revel in this journey, embracing the opportunities and challenges that come their way, for these experiences will shape them into well-rounded individuals, equipped to navigate the future with confidence and grace.

🌞**Summer Program Tips for Parents** Need some help sorting through all the summer program offerings 🤔. Choosing the right summer program for your child can be a daunting task. Here’s my top 5 tips to consider: 1️⃣ **Identify your child’s interests and goals**: Start by understanding what your child wants to achieve during their summer break. Are they interested in sports, arts, academics, or a specific skill? Setting clear goals will help you select a program that aligns with their interests. It makes no sense paying for a camp and they don’t like it. 2️⃣ **Research and compare**: Take the time to research different programs and compare their offerings and methodologies. Look for programs that have a proven track record and positive reviews from other parents. 3️⃣ **Consider the program duration**: Determine whether a week-long, month-long, or the entire summer program is suitable for your child. Consider their attention span, commitments, and overall schedule, ensuring that the program duration is manageable for them. 4️⃣ **Examine the program’s safety measures**: Safety should always be a top priority. Look for programs that prioritize safety through proper supervision, qualified staff, stringent safety protocols, and a well-maintained environment. 5️⃣ **Evaluate the program’s flexibility and value**: Assess if the program offers flexibility in terms of attendance, scheduling, and availability of different activities. Additionally, consider the program’s value for money, including its cost, inclusions, and any additional expenses that may arise.Remember, choosing the right summer program can provide a memorable and enriching experience for your child. 🌟 Don’t be afraid to involve your child in the decision-making process. Together, you’ll find the perfect program that nurtures their interests and talents! 👩👧🌈 #SummerPrograms #ParentingTips #EnrichingExperiences #ChooseWisely #SummerFun #summerinbermuda🐠☀️🌺🚣🏽 #bermuacamps #summercamps