BLOG

Going back to school can evoke feelings of joy for some but not others. One child may be filled with feelings of excitement as they anticipate having to see their friends once again at school, whilst another child may be overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety at the thought of starting school. Although it can be quite normal to experience some degree of uneasiness at the idea of returning to school, changing school or commencing kindergarten some children find it hard to overcome these feelings of anxiety. One may wonder why children sometimes experience back to school anxiety. Let us explore a few possible factors: a) Going back to early mornings, homework and extracurricular activities can be quite overwhelming for some. b) Worries about fitting in and/or making friends c) Conflict with peers or fellow students, d) Insecurities about their physical appearance e) Unpleasant interactions with school personnel, e.g. teacher, coach etc. f) Bad memories of their past experiences in school may make one think that the current year will be the same g) Much younger learners may feel uneasy about being away from their parents and caretakers. This is very common amongst kindergarten and lower primary school pupils h) Fear of academic failure and/or not meeting the expectations of their parents or teachers can be quite anxiety provoking. With that said, it is important that learners are provided with the necessary support to ensure adequate adaptation to a school environment. Tips to help ease back to school anxiety a) Parents are encouraged to check their own temperatures first. The idea of having to reinstate routines, assist with homework, manage after school activities just to mention a few can be daunting for parents. Since children take cues from their parents, it can be quite easy for the parent to transfer their own anxious feelings on the child. Remain calm and model calm behavior for your child. b) Prepare early. Get bedtimes and wake up times back to normal a week or two before school starts. c) Create a routine for getting up, getting dressed, having breakfast and leaving for school. Establish a consistent daily schedule ahead of time. d) Take heed to the child’s concerns. Concerns may range from complaints about homework or a fight with a friend. Try not to be dismissive and listen attentively. Acknowledge the child’s feelings and where possible give comfort, assurance and assistance on how to sufficiently address the difficulties raised. e) Take a trip to the school before school opens. This is especially helpful if it’s a new school. You and the child may take a tour of the school premises to help the child familiarize themselves with the environment ahead of time. For kindergarten pupils you may also practice with them ‘sitting in class’ and ‘getting out of the car at the drop off point.’ The school trip may be conducted repeatedly as exposure and repetition may ease their anxiety. f) Allow for the use of small comfort items, e.g. a photo or favorite toy can help sooth a child in distress. g) Plan a hand-off on the first morning if you anticipate that your child will probably refuse or be hesitant to separate from you, then. A friend or school personnel could get ready to meet your child and distract them by giving them something to do immediately. If the hand-off is successful, be sure to offer positive reinforcement later. You may say, “you did exceptionally well by heading straight to class this morning.” h) Practice relaxation techniques to help your child manage anxious feelings. Teach them deep breathing exercises, mindfulness etc. i) Set realistic expectations. Let your child know that what matters is for them to exert effort in all they do. Avoid emphasizing outcomes. j) Stay positive. Talk with your children about the things that make school fun. For example, making new friends and attending extracurricular activities. Feel free to share some of your own pleasant experiences of the time you were in school Although children are different, ideally a child should be able to adjust to a school environment after some time. However, if considerable amount of time has elapsed and the child still presents with debilitating anxiety, sad mood, refusal to attend school, frequent physical symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches etc., link the child to care. Start with teachers and the School Psychologist so as to offer the child the necessary support. Early intervention can have a significant impact in your child’s wellbeing and overall school success!

Mindfulness is a great tool to help heal your mind and body. Read more about how to practice mindfulness here.

STEM education is the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Learn more here.

In the dynamic realm of education, technology plays a pivotal role in reshaping instructional methods and the learning experience at Gaborone International School (GIS ). From early childhood to higher education, technology permeates every facet of modern learning and unlocks diverse possibilities. 1. Early Computing Exposure: In the past, computer literacy was delayed to later schooling stages, but GIS prioritises early technology exposure. Even our youngest learners engage with educational software , mastering fundamental computer skills before literacy in traditional subjects. This early exposure not only equips them with essential tools but also cultivates comfort and adaptability in the digital era. 2. Online Research Integration: The internet allows GIS students to explore diverse subjects and access academic resources beyond textbooks. Platforms like Google Scholar empower students to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills. 3. Educational Video Utilization: Platforms like YouTube serve as invaluable educational resources, offering diverse content across subjects. Supervised video viewing supplements classroom instruction, catering to various learning styles. For example, science teachers use YouTube to demonstrate chemical reactions, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation among students. 4. Robotics Integration: GIS' Science and Technology lab transcends theoretical learning, incorporating robotics for practical application. Students engage in experiential learning by building and programming robots, honing problem-solving skills across physics, engineering, and programming. 5. Enhanced Parental Engagement: Technology bridges school and home , facilitating smooth communication and parental involvement. Online platforms enable virtual school meetings, real-time access to academic reports, and effortless communication with teachers, strengthening the home-school partnership. In conclusion, technology has become integral at GIS , reshaping education and enriching the learning experience. From early childhood to advanced learning, technology empowers students to thrive in the digital age and beyond.

Discover how Gaborone International School revolutionises education, focusing on technology, adaptive learning, and cybersecurity.

Explore the essential role of physical education in primary schools for enhancing fitness, cognitive skills, and emotional health in our latest article.

Easy Science Experiments to Try at Home This article will share fun and easy science experiments that kids can do at home. We will show how science can be super fun and how kids can learn cool things by doing simple experiments with stuff they find around the house. We want to make science exciting for kids and easy for parents and teachers to share. MAKE A VOLCANO IN YOUR KITCHEN Making a baking soda volcano in your kitchen is a fascinating scientific experiment with the added "wow" effect of an explosion. Ingredients/Materials 3 to 7 cups warm water Red food colouring 5 drops dishwashing detergent 2 tbsp. baking soda 2 cups white vinegar Supplies/Tools Empty soda bottle (2 litre depending on how big you want your volcano) Baking pan or large tray Funnel Instructions 1. Create Your Volcano Structure Place the plastic bottle in a baking pan or large tray and mould your volcano around it using play dough. Whichever technique you choose to create your volcanic cone, be sure to keep the bottle opening free of material. Use the bottle cap or cover the opening with tape to prevent any material from getting in the bottle. 2. Load Your Volcano Using the funnel, fill the bottle two-thirds full with warm water and a few drops of food colouring. Add the dishwashing detergent and baking soda to the liquid in the bottle and give it a gentle stir. 3. Prepare for the Explosion Before adding the final ingredient, make sure that you're wearing some sort of protection over your eyes. Keep your face away from the volcano as the mixture may shoot up quite a bit, especially if you used a smaller bottle. As precisely as possible (without using the funnel), pour the vinegar into the bottle and get ready for your miniature-sized volcanic eruption. Try different amounts of vinegar. Try different amounts of baking soda. Try different sized and shaped bottles. CREATE RAINBOW IN A GLASS Ingredients Sugar, water, food colouring, and 5 glasses or clear plastic cups. INSTRUCTIONS Arrange five glasses in a row. 1 tablespoon (15 g) sugar in the first glass, 2 teaspoons (30 g) sugar in the second glass, 3 tablespoons (45 g) sugar in the third glass, and 4 tablespoons (60 g) sugar in the fourth glass. The fifth glass is still empty. Add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of water to each of the first 4 glasses. Stir each solution. Each solution should be stirred. If the sugar does not dissolve in any of the four glasses, add another tablespoon (15 ml) of water to each. Fill the first glass with 2-3 drops of red food colouring, the second with 2-3 drops of yellow food colouring, the third with 3 drops of green food colouring, and the fourth with 3 drops of blue food colouring. Each solution should be stirred. Now, utilizing the various density solutions, let's create a rainbow. Fill the remaining glass about a quarter of the way with the blue sugar solution. Layer some green sugar solution on top of the blue liquid with care. Put a spoon in the glass, just above the blue layer, and slowly pour the green solution over the back of the spoon. If you do it correctly, you won't affect the blue solution at all. Fill the glass halfway with the green solution. Using the back of the spoon, place the yellow solution on top of the green liquid. Fill the glass three-quarters of the way. Finally, pour the crimson solution on top of the yellow liquid. Fill the glass up to the brim. MAKE A BOUNCY EGG Supplies Needed Raw Egg Clear Glass or Jar White Vinegar Instructions Place an egg carefully into a jar. Fill a jar with vinegar until the egg is fully covered. Leave egg for 24 hours, then drain the old vinegar and add fresh vinegar. Check on the progress each day and note how the egg changes. After three days, carefully remove the egg from the jar and rinse with water. The egg will now look translucent, and the yolk can be seen from the outside. Allow your child to gently “bounce” the egg from a small height, about 6 inches or less. PLAY WITH STATIC ELECTRICITY USING A BALOON What You Need • 2 balloons • Light string, thread, or curling ribbon • Wool fabric (socks, mittens, or sweater) • Gift tissue paper • Aluminium can (empty, on its side) Instructions 1. Blow up the balloons and tie a light string to each 2. Hold a balloon by the string (it should be hanging down) and bring the balloon close to each of the materials (the second balloon, the tissue paper, and the aluminium can). 3.Rub both balloons onto your hair or onto the wool fabric. EXPLORING DENSITY - FLOATING EGG EXPERIMENT Equipment needed Measuring cups (1 cup and ¼ cup) 2 eggs 2 clear beakers or glasses Water Salt Food colouring Spoon What to do 1. Fill one of the glasses with 1 cup of water. 2. Gently drop one egg into the water and watch what happens. 3. Fill the second glass with 1 cup of water and ¼ cup of salt. 4. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved. 5. Add a few drops of food colouring to the salt water and stir to mix. 6. Gently drop the second egg into the glass and watch what happens.

This article explores Botswana's Independence Day, delving into its significance, path to independence, and historical context surrounding this momentous event.

In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing academic excellence, it's vital to remember a student's well-being transcends grades and achievements.