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Food for Thought One of the best parts of working with children is celebrating birthdays at schools and that means birthday cakes! I remember one in particular: the parents had brought the most enormous chocolate fudge cake and everyone was just ecstatic about it, except for one small boy who was allergic to it and was not allowed a slice for risk of a reaction. I had some run of the mill testing to do that day to assess the children developmentally in relation to their peers and the statistical average. What was meant as a 15 minute exercise turned into the longest two hours of my professional career as I tried (quite hopelessly) to get the kids to cooperate; with the amount of refined sugars, processed carbohydrates and chemical additives they had ingested, it was hardly a surprise! After I managed to calm them down, it was insisted that I proceed with the assessment. Needless to say, most of the children did very poorly and to no extent was anyone's true ability actually reflected in the scores. The more obvious side effects were, of course, hyperactivity, followed by irritability and exhaustion as the sugar levels dropped. The only exception was the boy who did not have any cake: he did great, outperforming even the brightest students in his class. This assessment was meant to go on the children's academic record, which would have determined their placement in the next year as part of their end of year evaluation. Fortunately it did not, as I pushed for reassessment, but the basic point is that a child at a young age is a lot more vulnerable to a diet loaded with such treacherous components than we might realize, as these pollute the system and may even have adverse consequences on overall development, impacting academic performance and behavior. Excessively high levels of sugars and additives in a child's diet temporarily impair their ability to concentrate and to retain information; something as seemingly harmless as breakfast cereal can be loaded with refined sugars and chemicals that will prevent the child from staying focused in class for most of the morning. This is not to say that children should be deprived of all sugars and be served dried fruit mix on their birthdays. Moderation is key: we all know how important a balanced diet is to a growing organism and the essential role nutrition plays in our lives, but everyone enjoys something not so healthy on occasion! We just shouldn't make junk food our staple diet every day. Allowing your child to eat something unhealthy (within reason) every once in a while removes the temptation of "the forbidden" so the child might not lash out at the vending machine at school. Here are some simple guidelines for healthier food choices: - Try to cook meals from fresh "in season" ingredients rather than using canned, pre-cooked, frozen or otherwise treated food, such as ready meals, which are often filled with preservatives (including dry mixes, e.g. pancakes) - Try to use as little oil as possible, opting for grilled, oven baked or steamed dishes, thereby preserving the vitamins and nutrients - Check the labels on cereal boxes and, if your children are not crazy about muesli, opt for cereals made from complex carbohydrates high in healthy fiber (e.g. containing whole wheat such as Weetabix or Nestle's Shredded Wheat) and offer honey or fruit instead of chocolate or sugar - The general rule for sweets and cakes should be: the more bright and colorful it is, the more chemical additives have been used - If you can, try and make your own treats, such as dark chocolate mousse or baked cinnamon apples, or choose organic wholegrain options such as oatmeal and raisin cookies - When it comes to ice cream, fruit sorbet is a better option than chocolate fudge - Bio Gourmet specializes in healthy organic foods (they also have a cafe and wine cellar): http://www.bionerg.ru/en/index.html. There is also Grunwald at 30/1 Rublevskoye Shosse, Nastoyarshi Edi (Real Food) at 24/1 Bolshaya Nikitskaya and Globus Gourmet on Bolshaya Yakimanka and Pokrovka - The less expensive option would be the big markets where everything is delivered fresh each morning, ranging from meat and dairy to fresh produce and a myriad varieties of honey (I would strongly suggest going in the morning) As a concluding note, sometimes difficulties digesting certain foods (but not actual allergies) can also affect behavior, mood and level of concentration. If you notice your child is particularly distracted and/or unruly after eating certain foods, it might be a good idea to consult a child nutritionist. The treatment would most likely be an enzyme supplement to help with digestion as well as some diet modifications. Although nutrition does not solve all problems, you might be amazed at how even the smallest adjustments can bring bigger changes. Contributed by Jeyla Shikhlinskaya MA, Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Family Counselor. Contact: jeyla.s@moscow-counseling.com. Giving Birth in Moscow as a Foreigner When I moved to Moscow in the summer of 2006 I was already three months pregnant and began looking into the possibility of giving birth here. I was initially discouraged when I learnt that none of the international clinics, which seemed so well equipped, provided facilities to give birth. However, I was reassured when I first visited the Perinatal Medical Centre (PNC), which had only just begun operating. The facilities are very modern and the hospital seemed to be extremely well equipped and clean. I was also impressed by the patient- (or rather client-) oriented approach of the staff, who were all very friendly and helpful. My only concern remained that most of the staff only speaks Russian, whereas neither my husband nor myself could speak any Russian when we first arrived. Fortunately, the gynecologist at the PNC who took care of me was able to speak some English. Yet it still meant dealing with all the administrative matters in Russian, as well as facing hours of labour with only Russian medical staff around, until the gynecologist arrives (which is usually towards the end of labour). We were able to find an English and Russian speaking midwife from outside the PNC, who would be allowed to assist the birth and interpret in case of need. With this in mind, we decided to go ahead and have our baby here in Moscow at the PNC. All went extremely well and our son was born in Moscow in February 2007. We ended up not calling the English speaking midwife since we found that we had no real need once the process of labour had started (by this stage we had some very basis notions of Russian). The medical staff was all very friendly and we managed to make ourselves understood without too many difficulties. We were particularly impressed with the hygiene in the hospital and the efficiency of the staff. Since our traditions are slightly different than the Russian ones, I wrote out a “birth plan” which I gave to the gynecologist well beforehand. This was extremely useful, since I found that the medical staff had taken good note of our wishes. For instance, they were fine about my husband being present throughout the birth. They also involved him in taking care of the baby right after birth. All in all, our experience at the PNC was a positive one and I am now preparing for our second baby to be born in a few months. It must be said, however, that I did not have a complicated birth. Hence, I cannot say how well the PNC would have dealt with the birth had there been any complications. I’d suggest that anyone who fears a problematic birth or has post-birth concerns should find out more about giving birth here in Moscow. This personal experience was contributed by Sasha Baillie in October 2008. For further information, please visit our "Medical Centres" page. Contact your embassy or consulate directly for information about registering a birth and applying for a passport. British nationals should visit the Foreign Office website at: http://ukinrussia.fco.gov.uk/en/ (click on "help for British nationals" then "how to register a marriage or birth" or go to "passports" for more information). Following the birth, you will need to obtain a birth certificate from the local ZAGS office (the closest one to the PNC is at 13/12 Profsoyuznaya Ulitsa, tel: 499 125 5567). You will need to take the hopsital birth certificate, a translated and notarised copy of your marriage certificate, translated and notarised copies of your passports and a copy of your Russian visa registration forms. It is advisable to call the ZAGS office first to check their opening hours and paperwork required. At least one parent must go to the office in person (with a Russian speaker). Got to Go: Minimizing Schooling Challenges When Repatriation is Abrupt Due to the recession, some families are being moved home earlier than had been planned, or transferred to local status. How does an abrupt repatriation affect your kids? How will it affect their schooling and emotional well being? The Social Experience It is commonly known that repatriation is difficult. Repatriation for children may be as hard, if not harder, than it is for adults. Just as for their parents, children have changed as a result of their time abroad, and so have their friends back home. Fitting in with the old group isn't easy and, in fact, may not be possible. Expectations of the return home are typically high. For many children, the entire assignment has been spent waiting for this date. Invariably, hopes are shattered, and the former community doesn't meet a child's expectations. The Academic Experience Among children who repatriate, whether or not they return to their previous town or city, curriculum rarely matches, courses may be taught in a different sequence and students may find that they lack prerequisites for classes they are about to take. Other children find that they have already read the books on their reading list, or may be ahead in a foreign language. Teachers at home may be threatened by their advanced levels of knowledge or simply may not know how to teach a child who is out of step with his or her classmates. For high school students, meeting exit requirements for graduation may not be possible or may require significant negotiation or manipulation. The Current Climate The present economic climate has caused companies to look carefully at every expenditure, and expatriate packages are easy targets. Families are being moved home earlier than had been planned or transferred to local status. These corporate decisions have a huge impact on families with children who have expected to complete an academic year in one location, or had not applied to desired private schools within the necessary timetable. In addition to the typical challenges that repatriating children face, children moved home abruptly may have even a more difficult time getting into private or specialized public schools that do not offer mid-year admissions. They may not have the ability to participate on sports teams or in plays or musical groups because these roles already have been filled. They may lack knowledge or prerequisites to thrive in classes in a different country where a different curriculum is studied. Even able children who may succeed without a foundation in a given subject may not be allowed to enter a class mid-year if placement testing is required. Time is a luxury that sudden repatriations do not permit. Got to Go, What to Know If you must move a family on short notice mid-year, providing them with an education departure toolkit goes a long way towards relieving anxiety for them and retaining their loyalty to you. A toolkit should prepare parents and children with what to expect and give them an approach for entering their new school environment. Tips for Emotional Departure Success: - Say goodbye well; - Take lots of pictures; - Revisit favorite places; - Get all important email addresses; - Have a party. Tips for Academic Departure Success: - Identify key supporters at school and obtain contact details; - Take hard copies of transcripts and know how to obtain soft copies; - Ask school to write up basis for grading if appropriate; - Get teacher recommendations; - Talk to teachers about types of school where child would thrive in new home; - Bring description of curriculum by subject; - Gather awards, certificates, or physical evidence of qualifications achieved; - Bring medical certificates in hand luggage. Tips for Academic Success on Arrival: - Have any documents translated; - Find out health requirements for new school and plan for medical exam in new home; - Understand age/grade relationships as well as schoolwork/grade relationships; - Discuss relative merits of age vs. schoolwork for grade placement with head of school; - Understand curriculum; - Learn application process and deadlines; - Advocate for child about entering sports and other extracurricular programs mid-year. Most of all, parents must understand and take the time to explain to their children that they have done nothing to cause the premature move. Children have to be able to save face in front of their friends. Families might develop a script, explaining that economic circumstances have affected everyone worldwide, and for different people the consequences have played out in different ways. In some cases, parents have lost jobs, others have moved to new houses and their family has moved home early. Written by Elizabeth Perelstein, President and Founder of School Choice International. www.schoolchoiceintl.com Learning a Second Language This is an area of concern for many families moving abroad with their young children; and no less a concern for non-Russian speakers moving to Moscow. The following snippets of advice were originally given on the Expat Women website (www.expatwomen.com) in answer to a query from a British family moving to Brazil. To read the full article, please visit the web link given at the end. While reading these excerpts, please just substitute “Portuguese” for “Russian” and “Brazil” for “Russia” – the same words of wisdom and encouragement are bound to help ease your concerns as you settle into Moscow life! Learning a second language is indeed a consideration and source of concern for many families raising children abroad. Although many parents would like their children to speak another language, it can be a potential source of worry before their children start. As a parent, you need to provide plenty of love and support to your children in the early stages as they come to terms with their new environment. Encouraging them to learn the language is a great way to help them adapt, feel part of the larger community and if you choose to learn the language also, it can be a great bonding experience for the entire family. Yes, initially, your children might feel a little isolated and mix their words up, that is very common in the beginning, but it does not usually last. Young children such as yours are generally very flexible and fast learners – they will probably pick up Portuguese quicker than you expect. Teenagers sometimes struggle a bit more, especially if they resent being forced to learn a new language, but again with your love, patience and support they too should learn quickly. With a little persistence, your children’s vocabulary will increase, so should their confidence, their ability, their sense of inclusion and their happiness in their new host country. To motivate you and your children to learn Portuguese, take a look at the following list of benefits your children might acquire by learning Portuguese: 1. Your children could become fluent in Portuguese and carry this skill with them for life. Even if they lose the ability to speak Portuguese, they will retain the skills to learn a language. 2. Language is a window into another culture. By learning the language, your children may gain a better appreciation of other languages, cultures and people – helping to create and shape more globally-aware citizens. 3. Some say that multilingual skills can translate indirectly into improved analytical, social and academic skills. 4. Speaking another language can help your children feel at ease in different environments, especially when others are speaking different languages, and 5. Additional language skills can be considered advantageous for university and job applications. Some people who really want their children to learn Portuguese send their children to a local school over an English-speaking school. Language immersion is the fastest way to pick up a language, but again, be sensitive to your children’s needs and think about the short- and long-term effects of this strategy. Next, think about the motive (yours and theirs) to learn Portuguese. Children must develop their own reasons to want to learn and use a second (or third) language. For older children, it is important to explain to your children about the upcoming changes and opportunity to learn Portuguese. Let them get used to the idea, rather than forcing the idea on them suddenly. If you give them time to absorb the concept and encourage them to see the advantages of learning more than one language, it might help their motivation and willingness to learn. Maybe the goal is not for your children to become bilingual, but for them to speak enough Portuguese for them to adapt and enjoy living in Brazil. All in all, I would say that encouraging your children to learn Portuguese might be a fabulous investment. Be positive, be proactive, but also be sensitive – you might need to adapt your strategy along the way once you see how your children are responding to life and a new language in Brazil. This article has been copied with kind permission from Expat Women. To read the full article and more, please follow the link given below. www.expatwomen.com/expat_confessions/raising_bilingual_children.php Literacy in the City Moscow is a busy city. Add children, a job, groceries, errands and traffic to the mix, we start seeing very little time spent sitting with our children tending to their literacy needs. Although reading is a skill that schools will inevitably help your child with, there are countless simple tips that parents can utilize in order to reinforce good literary skills within small expanding minds. What’s even better is that skills can be reinforced without having to sit down and study with your child in the time-consuming, traditional way. We lead hectic lives; this is an article about simple instructions busy parents can follow in non-conventional, non-sit-down settings and really help their children learn to read. 1) READ ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. - Menus in restaurants: When you are dining out, ask for the English menu. Read the different dishes out to your child and let them choose what they want to eat. You can show them the dish they chose and note the first letters in the names of the dishes. - Signs while walking or driving: Try to read all the signs out to your child. Look at the signs and ask your child which letters they recognize. Although most of the signs are in Cyrillic, there are a few English signs. Try to spot them and identify the letters. At the very least, try to recognize the Cyrillic letters that look similar to English ones. - Words/Letters on the television: Same as above, just in a different setting. Anywhere that you can find words (eg, newspapers, magazines, the box of their new toy or even instruction manuals!) is a good place to work with. 2) TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THE NAMES IN YOUR FAMILY - Children take a keen interest in the names of their family members or close friends. Names are one of the first and most relevant pieces of literacy that children pay attention to; spelling out their own names, the names of their siblings, grandparents, cousins, friends, the postman; anyone really! - Take the first letter of any name and see what other words start with that letter (for example: “Since my name is Patey, my name starts with the letter P). - Make fun nicknames out of rhyming or same letter words and names. - If parents want to take the learning a bit further, each letter has a name then a sound. For example, the letter S: “That’s the letter S. The letter S makes a ‘ssss’ sound.” To take it even further you can say “Sock, Silly and Spin are all words that start with the Letter S, which makes the ‘sss’ sound.” - Try to put all the sounds in simple words together. If the child is familiar with all the sounds of the letters, they can put the sounds together to pronounce the words: kk-aah-tt; CAT! - With time and space permitting, writing out these letters and words could help quite a bit as well. - The “Family” theme for words is a good place to start, but also note that any theme that the child may be interested in, for example, dinosaurs, princesses etc, are all great places to begin saying, writing and sounding out words. 3) PLAY FUN LITERACY GAMES - Letter X day: Pick a letter a day, for example “today is letter D day”. Every time you see the letter D, or find something that starts with a D, you have to say it (for example: “There’s a Driver!”), then find a word that rhymes with it. - Break into spontaneous singing! Sing the ABCs or any English song. Ask your child if they know any. You don’t have to be the entertainer; let your child entertain you! - I-SPY letter game. Pick a letter and try to spot things around you that start with that letter. This is similar to the first activity, although you can use many different letters. You can also alter it a bit to pointing out an object and then figuring out the first letter. 4) VISIT A BOOK STORE INSTEAD OF A TOY STORE - An educational option to gifting is buying books for children versus toys. There are countless literacy related games and toys nowadays that help literacy acquisition in low-maintenance ways. Why not? Important Notes: - Please remember that although these tips can be used in a traditional sit-down setting, they are meant for educating your children in an informal setting, therefore the child should never feel like they are working. People learn the best when they are interested and keen. - Look at your child’s mood. We all get moody and tired sometimes. It’s normal! Use your best judgment and realize that sometimes even with your best intentions, it is just best to leave learning on the back-burner to pick up another day. Even if you adopt only one of these suggestions and practice them on a regular basis, improvements can be seen in not only faster language acquisition, but in all areas of literacy. Happy learning and happy reading! Written by Pin-Tsu Patey, English Teacher at the Petit Cref. Submitted by Virginie Durand, Head Teacher. www.ptitcref.ru Moving with Children 1. Share Your Feelings A parent in touch with their feelings will help their family a lot more effectively than one who's in a frazzled emotional state. Effective communication is one of the most useful stress management techniques. Pre-departure anxiety can also come from the overwhelming fear of the unknown. Reading books and speaking to people who have already been to your destination country arms you with information. The unknown becomes more familiar and less daunting. Remember to pass on any information to your children and your spouse, not only will it keep them informed, it can assist in the transition process and resettlement. 2. Moving with Young Children Reassurance, Stability and Security: Young children feel protected and comforted by the presence of parents. They will probably worry less about the move, and be more excited about the new city they are moving to. It is necessary to involve your children in the moving process. Give them things they can do like sorting through outgrown toys and clothes. The move must not come as a surprise to them at the last minute. The earlier you start taking about the move, the better. Keeping things light and fun is important. What young children want to know are things like how their toys and furniture will go from one place to the next, or what will happen to their house. Something as simple as explaining modes of transporting their belongings is effective and fun. Books, music and play are also natural ways to help your children to become more familiar with where they are going. School-aged children will also want to be involved in the move. Give them a list of things they can do. Don't exclude packing. Helpful Activities: - Sorting through belongings for outgrown clothing and toys. - Putting items into boxes. - Planning their new bedrooms. - Learning about the new country. This will assist with your knowledge at the same time. - Helping with the easy chores, like putting stickers on boxes. - Reading books and playing games relevant to moving. - Helping pack their flight bag by selecting the books, toys and snacks they would like to bring along. - For slightly older children who can read and write, making lists of items they want to take along on the trip with them and then packing will help in omitting a task on your "to do" list. Children of this age are also capable of playing games and reading books to their younger siblings to free your time up to get on with other chores. 3. Moving with Teenagers Extreme Social Situations for Children: The study of mobile children adds a new dimension to the field of child psychology. Children who fall into this category often experience extreme social situations during the process of moving and need to be prepared to deal with them. Moving to another country definitely qualifies as a major change, and parents who recognize and accept that emotions will be running high, especially with teenagers, have already crossed the first hurdle in preparing for an international move. Teenagers, like adults, face issues about moving. Leaving friends, changing schools, giving up coveted sports positions and various hard-earned opportunities are areas in which it will be difficult to come to terms. Emotions they may experience can range from anger and sadness to relief (depending on the situation). Encourage Them to Talk: Although your teenager may be able to understand the idea of belonging somewhere other than where they are presently living, they may not have the skills to accept the idea of moving easily. They will need encouragement to talk through some emotionally charged issues. A parent's role is to encourage communication and provide comfort and emotional support. By doing so, feelings such as anger, sadness and uncertainty will begin to dissipate. Once a teenager feels respected and listened to they become more open to discussing positive aspects of the move. Initiating communication with teenagers especially on the touchy subject of moving can be rather daunting. Topics for discussion can vary but it is imperative that you cover some basic points. Arrange Weekly Meetings: Establish lines of communication at the beginning of the moving process, preferably through weekly meetings allowing the whole family to share and address their feelings and concerns right from the start. The first topic to discuss is why you think the move is in the family's best interest. Make sure you include the whole family's interests not just the working parents' career gains and the opportunities for travel. Give your teenager the chance to respond. Feeling that they too are consulted over major family decisions will make them feel valued. Organize Something Fun: If you find yourself already in a strained situation, you may want to approach your teenager one to one. Spend time just creating a fun memory unrelated to the move, something you both can share and remember. You will be amazed at how you can connect and open up to each other. Helpful Hints for Family Discussions with your Teenager: - Be respectful. - Choose times for meetings wisely. - Speak precisely and concisely (Don't bring up negative past experiences). - Anticipate some concern that may arise and have responses prepared. - Watch your voice levels and body language. - Suggest that they can exchange visits with friends during holidays. 4. Helpful Hints to Assist Moving and Resettlement Before You Leave: - Encourage your teenager to start making an album with photos and mementos. - Encourage your children to exchange addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses with their friends and encourage them to stay in contact. - Encourage them to keep a journal, as this is non-confrontational and allows the teenager to work through their concerns. - If you find it too awkward to speak about the move at first, begin to build bridges by spending an evening together on a one-to-one basis. Allow your teenager to choose the activity. - Print change of address cards for your teen to hand out to his/her friends. - Encourage them to arrange a farewell party. - Search the Internet for interesting information on your new country and city. - Prepare a package for each child containing snacks, some clothing, and a few favorite toys for the move. When you Arrive in your New Country: - Include the children in making plans for the move. For example, take them house hunting with you. - Let the children help decide how their new rooms are to be arranged and decorated. - Take a family break as soon as the major unpacking is done. Don't try to do everything when you arrive. - Parents should spend time after the move listening to each child about new schools and new friends. - Follow progress in new schools. Accompanying your child(ren) to school the first few days may ease tension. - Any lingering abnormalities (loss of appetite, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea, menstrual disorder) should be reported to a doctor. Most importantly, don't be consumed by your own life and work, and leave out the children. This will definitely lead to problems in adjustment in the new country. Communicate: It's important for parents to demystify the moving process by providing children with as much information as possible and allowing them to participate in decision-making discussions. This will give children a sense of control and help relieve anxiety. Talk about the positive aspects of their new home, school and neighborhood. Try to communicate the idea that the new home, if given a fair chance, can be even better than the old one. Encourage questions and invite children to talk about their worries. Rehearse: For younger children, the move should be made into an exciting adventure. Encourage your child to pack his or her own things, but be sure to leave favorite toys out until the very end. Act out moving day well ahead of time. A conversation could go something like this: "On Friday when you wake up, there will be a big truck in the driveway. We will have breakfast, then go into your room and show the movers which things to put on the truck. Then, after the truck is filled, we will get in our car and go to our new home. Then we will tell the movers exactly where to put your things in your new room..." Because we all fear the unknown, if possible, take children with you to look at potential neighborhoods, homes/apartments, and schools. It may be more expensive and require extra effort, but it will ease the transition and help children begin to make the adjustment. If this is not possible, take a camera or video recorder with you when you go. Your children will appreciate the photos and/or video that you bring back, and it will help them begin the transition. You can also use a map to help them understand the new area and the route you will take to get there. If your children are really young, consider hiring a baby-sitter while you pack and on moving day. Otherwise, resist the temptation to send children away during the move. Participating will help them understand what's happening and adjust more easily to their new surroundings. Even so, don't be dismayed if your child exhibits regressive behavior such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking. It's quite normal. Make it Fun: For older children, a move that involves leaving friends, sports teams and favorite hangouts behind can be extremely difficult. Help them say good-bye to friends by hosting a good-bye party. Emphasize how easy it is to keep in touch through e-mail and the telephone; you could even give each of your children his or her own address book and make the party an opportunity for friends to write in their personal contact information. Give older children a disposable camera and ask them to photograph your move. Once you arrive and are settled in, make time together to create the "moving" chapter of your family photo album. Have your kids draw a picture of how they will arrange their new room. If at all possible, time the move to coincide with the start of a new school year or term. Contact coaches and club advisors at the new school and ask them to assist your child with the transition. Get Back to Status Quo: When you are settled in your new home, resume familiar routines as soon as possible. If it is a tradition in your family to watch cartoons on Saturday mornings, for example, you could continue the practice as soon as possible in your new home. It's O.K. to Cry: Finally, don't take it personally if your children blame you for the difficulty of a move. No matter how well you've prepared them, expect them to be a little upset and allow them some time to grieve. They will almost certainly grow to love their new home just as much as the old one. Submitted by Barbara Spier from Allied Pickfords Moscow, author of the "Living in Moscow" relocation guide and "Fun Stuff" emailing (for further information, visit www.livinginmoscow.ru). www.alliedpickfords.ru School Systems: Transition from American to British Moving from the American system into the British system is probably one of the trickiest transitions of all, and success very much depends on the age of the student and on his/her ability and willingness to adapt and take on the extra work that will undoubtedly be required. It would be exactly like jumping onto a jogging machine already going at full tilt. It's obviously easier for students to make a reasonably seamless transition from an American school into, and back out of, an American school, but not just because the American schools are in step with the range and level of curriculum in the US and at international American schools. American schools are also very much geared to welcoming and absorbing new students, often with a structure in place to ease them (and their parents) into school life quickly. A side benefit is that they often also take full advantage of living in a foreigh city, planning classes around the museums, theatre, concerts, history, etc whenever they can. Getting into US universities is possible from either system; US universities are familiar with GCSE and A level qualifications, and as long as the student will be able to sit the exams like a normal British student this should not prohibit entry into a US university. Five GCSE passes at grade C or higher are considered the rough equivalent of a US High School Diploma (without Honors or 'Advanced Placement' (AP) classes). This will be sufficient for a student to gain entry to less selective US colleges and universities. However, the student will have to wait until he/she is 17 years old to apply. If a student with good GCSEs definitely intends to go to a US university, and wants to apply to more competitive universities, s/he should either complete A levels or the International Baccalaureate, or should attend an American high school that offers AP classes. The IB curriculum is especially recommended if the student might be applying to other countries for higher education (besides the US and UK). Selective US universities will have the same entry expectations as UK universities. The concern when switching over to the UK National Curriculum is that, after 14, students in the British system begin preparing for GCSEs (national exams taken at 15, with class work very much teaching to the tests), and that's when the US system begins to differ significantly from the UK system. After 14, it is key that a student complete an appropriate course of education: UK GCSEs, GCSE + A levels, GCSEs + US High School with AP curriculum, US High School + A level exams, or US High School Diploma depending on circumstances and educational goals. Swapping mid-course would present the student with extreme challenges. After 16, students have already begun to specialize and concentrate on science, or maths, or literature etc. After GCSEs, they are working towards their next and final major tests - the A levels (for "advanced") in three subjects, taken when they are 17 and 18. The best students in the best British schools do end up with a very advanced level of education in their chosen subjects, but they have been working towards that level of proficiency for several years, and graduate from high school essentially ready for graduate school (18 year olds go on to medical school, law school, etc), since university is simply a sharper end of the ever narrowing (but extremely deep and thorough) educational road they've been traveling. For many students from outside that system, there may be no realistic entry point at 16, scholastically or socially. That having been said, there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting that students transferring from very strong American high schools (public and private), particularly in the North East, to even the best British public schools (independent schools) have successfully made the jump and lived to tell the tale. It undoubtedly depends on the school, how well the student does on the entrance tests, how willing the new school is to support the student's adjustment, and the toughness (academically, emotionally and socially) of the student. This article has been copied with kind permission from the Good Schools Guide International. To read the full article and more, please follow the link given below. www.gsgi.co.uk/articles Taking Care of Your Child's Dental Health At what age are my children supposed to see a dentist? The general rule is between 18-24 months. If an area of concern is noticed, the child should see a dentist as soon as possible. Why is it important to fix baby teeth that have decay? It is very important to maintain healthy baby teeth. If a baby tooth decays, or is removed too early, the space for the permanent tooth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected baby teeth can lead to stained, pitted and weaker permanent teeth. When will my child lose his/her baby teeth? Children will begin losing their teeth at approximately 4 years old and will continue to lose their baby teeth until the age of 12 when all the permanent teeth finally erupt. When is thumb-sucking damaging? Generally, if the child has stopped sucking his/her thumb by 5 years old, there is no permanent damage. If the child is a vigorous and constant thumbsucker, however, there can be moderate to severe movement of teeth and prevention of normal bone growth. Should my child wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports? Yes. It is always better to prevent an injury than to repair one. The earlier a child begins to wear a mouthguard, the easier it is to become comfortable and continue to wear it as they get older. What should I do if my child gets a tooth knocked out? If the tooth is a permanent tooth, time is crucial. Immediately stick the tooth back in the socket (don't worry about getting it straight), and call your dentist. If you cannot place the tooth in the socket, put it in a glass of milk and get your child to the dentist as quickly as possible. Do not put the tooth back in the socket if the tooth is a baby tooth. If in doubt, put the tooth in milk and go to your dentist immediately. Children, as well as parents, need to understand the importance of cleaning teeth regularly, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist. By visiting their family dentist regularly, children have less chance of suffering from dental health problems, such as decay and crooked teeth, as they develop and grow. Contributed by US Dental Care (with information provided by the Academy of General Dentistry). www.usdentalcare.com The Great Outdoors You don't have to go far to enjoy a day out with your children in Moscow. Here are some suggestions where you can relax whilst your children run around freely. Explore Moscow’s greener side! Start by taking a look around your neighbourhood and see what's on offer. Chisty Prudi's tree-lined park, for example, with its pond, fountains and "floating" restaurant is a popular meeting place to go ice-skating in winter and boating in summer. The park, with its playground and large pond, at Novodevichy Convent is also very pleasant. Sparrow Hills, near the University, offers excellent views of Moscow and walks through the woods and eco-trail. During the winter months, you can also watch the ski-jumping. Other central parks worth a visit are the 600-hectare Sokolniki Park and Frunzenskaya Detsky Park. Sokolniki Park, surrounded by woods, was where Tsars would bring their falcons ("sokoli") to hunt foxes and other small animals. Now, however, the park is enjoyed for its ponds, summer houses, pavilions and maze. The Frunzenskaya Detsky Park is another large park with ponds and children's play areas. Izmaylovo, better known for its market, is also home to the dominating Cathedral of the Intercession on the 200-hectare island where Peter the Great grew up. The island is great for walking, fishing and boating in summer and ice-skating in winter, making a refreshing change to the market's congestion. Moscow's Zoopark is Europe's oldest Zoo, established in 1864. Animals and fun fair attractions are spread over two sections, connected by a bridge. The 300-acre Park Kultury, otherwise known as Gorky Park, offers fun fair rides, as well as boating in summer and ice-skating in winter. Further afield, visitors are attracted to Tsaritsyno, where boating and horse riding are as popular in summer as strolling down the lime tree avenues or having a picnic in the woods. In winter, the troika rides are fun, as is watching "ěîđć" ("walruses") swim in the frozen lake. Crowds gather to watch fantasy war gamers practising their mock battles and some of the renovated buildings and open parkland house temporary art exhibitions. Another place to swim in the frozen lake is Serebryanny Bor, where many gather at Orthodox Epiphany to cleanse themselves in this baptismal ritual (children might prefer to ride the ice slides rather than take a dip in the icy waters!). Along the same Metro line is Kolomonskoe, a conservation zone on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Kolomonskoe's village dates back 2,500 years and its oak trees date back 600 years. Its wooden palaces did not survive various wars and its cemetery was destroyed during the Revolution, but its 16th century churches, considered by some as Russia's finest, still exist. Other notable buildings include Peter the Great's cabin and the Museum of Wooden Architecture. As well as hosting festivals throughout the year, Kolomonskoe offers horse riding, boat trips and sledging. Just off the MKAD, Prince Yusupov's impressive Arkhangelskoe estate will appeal to romantics, who will, no doubt, fall in love with its rose gardens, riverside walks and park with pavilions, statues, chapel and palace. Even the Military Convalesence Home, built after World War Two, fits into its surroundings well. Year-round activities include donkey rides, boating and ice skating. It also has a museum and art gallery. The pink and white neo-classical Ostankino Palace, built out of wood by serf craftsmen for the noble Sheremetev family, is located near the Botanical Gardens, VVTs and Cosmonaut Museum, making it a great day out for all the family. The formal gardens are small but peaceful, featuring a Hill of Parnassus as well as statues and pavilions. The nearby Church of the Trinity was once the Palace's private chapel. Meanwhile, the place for roller-bladers and skate-boarders to hang out is Victory Park. Built to commemorate the USSR's World War Two victory, this large park attracts huge crowds on Victory Day (May 9th). The towering feature is the obelisk, but the memorial church, mosque, synagogue and Great Patriotic War Museum are also worth a visit. Victory Park is also popular with sunbathers, walkers and younger children, who enthusiastically climb the disused tanks. Fresher air and more sporting fun can be found at the Krylatskaya Sports Complex and Forest, offering sledging, snow-mobiling and cross-country skiing in winter and walking, canoeing, swimming and cycling in summer. Bittsevskiy Lecopark, a large silver birch forest off the MKAD, is also great for those who enjoy sporting activities in the great outdoors. The Volen and Sorochany resorts along Dmitrovsky Shosse are especially popular during the winter with skiers and snowboarders. Visit the "Places To Go & Things To Do" and "Travel & Transport" sections for more ideas and information. Toilet Training If we look to nature and to 'following the child', there are three things that no one can control, no matter how old: sleep, eating, and toileting. Modern day living and technology unfortunately manipulates and sometimes controls these patterns, causing all sorts of behavior problems and nervous disorders. We must look to the child. Toilet training does not start at age 2 or 3; toilet training starts at birth. What will help the child to be successful? - Feeling wet: Children never feel wet due to modern nappies. Cotton nappies and cotton pants allow the child to feel wet. Children have the ability to control their bladder from the time they can sit up. Children who feel wet and dry learn that the preferred condition is to be dry, therefore they start to hold their urine for longer periods. - Changing children in appropriate locations: Always keep the potty and toileting activities in the same place. A potty that moves around the house confuses the child's sense of order, making it unclear where is the appropriate place to go to the toilet. - Keeping them in touch with the reality of the situation: Show the children the dirty pair of pants/nappy and where it should go. Very quickly they will begin to associate and understand the process. Often when adults change children it is all done so quickly that the child is not even aware of their bodily function. - Children need to be involved in this process: The child should assist in getting the clean pants/nappy and putting dirty pants/nappy in appropriate place. This gives the child the feeling of some power or control in this area ('I can do it, I can master my own body'). Bedtime Training Even at bedtime the child needs to feel wet. This is not always desirable for parents. Use waterproof sheets and towels on bed and set up the situation so it is manageable for the child and parent. All situations should allow the child to 'help themselves' and the more the adult is taken out of the process the less stress is put on the child allowing him or her to master this process when they are ready, in their own time and pace. What should the adult do? We as adults must take ourselves out of this process once the child has the ability to do it for themselves. We must find ways to make them successful and feel confident, i.e. for children who walk, change them standing up, and use a low potty so the children can feel grounded, safe and comfortable. Never force a child to use a potty or toilet and never scold or over-congratulate. Going to the toilet is the most natural thing in the world to do and we must keep it in its proper place, e.g. avoid clapping and celebrating. We must allow them time to be successful. They need to learn through experience. Which pants/nappies to use? Use cheap disposable nappies, so the child feels wet. Use disposable nappies for long journeys, sickness or bedtime. Use cotton training pants for older children at bedtime. When children are learning to walk the use of cotton training pants will facilitate their movement. Disadvantages of disposable nappies: The child never feels wet and their understanding of bodily functions is not clear. The warm humid condition created by synthetic nappies is not good for the child. Nappy rash is often worse as the child stays in a disposable nappy for a longer period of time. Chemicals in nappies react with urine and can irritate the skin. We should bear in mind the following points as we help to raise children in our modern day world: - Present the child with the reality of the situation. - Give control to the child on a level s/he can handle. - 'Help me to help myself': no one should control or manipulate any developmental process of a child. Note that these guidelines are for children who have no medical or sensitive developmental needs; in such cases we should adapt our approach in light of the medical advice and psychological guidance which has been provided. Courtesy of the Moscow Montessori Preschool in cooperation with the Michael Olaf Montessori Company. www.mosmontessori.ru Travelling with Children As life-long expatriates, my brothers and I grew up travelling the world and I strongly believe that exploring and seeing other cultures first hand is a vital and enjoyable part of education. My parents took us everywhere on our active, independent travels: my mother was pregnant when we went pony trekking in the Himalayas. (If this sounds too adventurous, don’t worry – there are now plenty of well organised family-orientated holidays; just ask your travel agent.) The key is to be organised then relax and enjoy your holiday. Children are resilient and take things in their stride. Plan your trip with interesting things for them to do and see, and don’t try to do too much each day (activities or long drives). To stop traveling because of children is to miss a truly rewarding experience. We met a Dutch family in India who were travelling around the world in a converted bus. Taking a year out, their children studied and did homework via the Internet to their school back home. Travelling in Russia is not always easy. Taking public transport in Moscow, for example, isn’t convenient with a pram (it’s advisable to use a back-pack style carrier if possible), but it does create a good “day out” feeling. Generally, Russians are friendly and helpful towards families with young children and babies, and people do offer their seats. Airports here are quite basic, but children are usually happy plane-spotting. Trains are comfortable: you can book a sleeper if traveling overnight and, during the day, business class seats are wide and some compartments have televisions. There are plenty of parks around town, which make for good detours. No matter where you are in the world, children will always find playmates – regardless of language. There are plenty of websites and books covering all aspects of traveling with children but, if you only read one book, Maureen Wheeler’s “Travel with Children” (Lonely Planet) is highly recommended as an excellent source of information. Top tips: • When flying, order a children’s meal and play pack in advance (don’t take anything for granted: we got caught out on a long-haul flight as, although the airline’s website boasted a fantastic play pack, they turned out to be only provided on its outgoing flights. Being light travelers, we didn’t pack much for our son in hand luggage, but the stewardess gave him a free toy anyway). Ask if they provide things like nappies and if your car seat can be taken on board (children prefer the comfort of their own belongings and you can then use your car seat on arrival). • Book the front seats and bassinet if you have a baby. Depending on your children’s age and the airline, you may not have to buy a separate seat (but you may prefer to on a longer journey). • Pack supplies in your hand luggage: milk, bottles, nappies, change of clothing, spare plastic bags etc. • Always have drinks ready for your baby or children at take-off and landing: sucking helps with the changes in pressure. • Leave plenty of time for check-in. Ask if the airport has a play area. • Some airlines are better than others when dealing with families: ask friends for their experiences and recommendations. • When driving, check the country’s legal requirements on car or booster seats. • Pack the car sensibly: children’s bags should be easy to reach. Leave space to change nappies in the back seat if necessary. • Ask your children regularly if they need to stop, to avoid accidents. • Ask about travel vaccinations. Mothers may have to stop breast-feeding if both mother and child are vaccinated. Take plenty of baby milk and buy only bottled water (check the seal is still intact), sometimes even for cleaning teeth, if you’re traveling in less-developed countries. Your Moscow Diary In addition to our daily Calendar of Events information, here are some notable public holiday and annual festival event dates for your diary. The actual days off work vary every year depending on which day of the week the holiday falls so you need to check announcements in the local press nearer the time. Some of the dates listed are not public holidays but are marked with special weekend events. Other seasonal and expat events are listed below the dated events, along with an important note about giving flowers and an explanation of Maslenitsa and the bi-annual Honey Fair. Further information on what's going on to celebrate these events is given in the local press nearer the time (and on our Calendar of Events). January 1: New Year’s Day One of the biggest holidays in Russia’s calendar, marked in a similar way to Western Christmas with decorated New Year trees, gift-giving, family meals and Father Frost with Snegorichka (the Snow Maiden). Many Russians will also watch The Irony of Fate; a Soviet comedy movie that has become an established tradition. The President’s Speech is shown 11 times on every midnight hour of the 11 time zones across Russia. In addition to the family gathering, many people will go out to celebrate in the streets, creating one big party. January 7: Orthodox Christmas Day January 14: Old New Year February 23: Defender of the Fatherland Day Also known as Men’s Day, this is the day when women give gifts to their men-folk. March 8: International Women’s Day In return, this is the day when men give gifts to their women-folk. Expect to see many flowers! April 12: Cosmonauts Day May 1: Spring/Labour Day May 9: Victory Day This event marks the victorious end of the Second World War with a huge parade in Red Square of troops, tanks and jet flyovers. Veterans proudly display their medals and children often respectfully present them with flowers (even to passing veterans on the streets they don’t know). Schools will often welcome veterans to give talks about the war to their classes. June 12: Russia Day September 1: Day of Knowledge This one of the biggest days in every school child’s calendar, as it marks the return to school after a three month summer holiday. Schools will open in the morning with festivities from speeches to fireworks and children will present flowers and gifts to their teachers. The first graders will usually have an additional celebration to welcome them to school with one of the last grade boys holding a first grade girl on his shoulders: she will ring a little bell to signify the start of school (this is repeated in reverse for the last graders in May to mark the end of school). Boys will wear smart suits and girls will be dressed smartly with big white bows in their hair. September 5: Moscow City Day A big weekend full of festivities, from music and theatre shows to boat racing and fireworks. The centre is closed off to create a pedestrian zone. Many museums, estates and other venues will mark the day with free entry and their own festivities. September 6: Battle of Borodino See the “Beyond the MKAD” page for more information. October 5: Teachers' Day November 4: Unity Day Formerly the anniversary of the October Revolution. Now a combined public holiday since some days were moved to help create the extended New Year public holiday. >> Seasonal Events (and expat celebrations): Spring All Russia Honey Fair (bi-annual) Maslenitsa (Lent) Orthodox Easter Day Museum Day (mid-May) Note: Valentine’s Day and April Fool’s Day are becoming more recognised and celebrated Summer End of the School Year (usually on or around 24th May) Expat: American Independence Day at Kuskovo (organised by AmCham on or around 4th July) Autumn All Russia Honey Fair (bi-annual) Expat: Annual Moscow Village Fete at St. Andrew’s Church (organised by the British Business Club at the beginning of September) Winter New Year public holiday week Expat: check Barbara Spier's Fun Stuff mailing, the local press and direct websites for dates confirming the various annual winter markets during November and December, including the American Women's Organization Craft Fair, the International Women's Club Winter Bazaar, the German Embassy Christmas Market etc. >> Giving Flowers: an important cultural note Giving flowers is a traditional and widely expected way to give thanks or show your appreciation (for everything from teachers at the start of school and New Year’s to birthdays), but it should be remembered that Russians only give odd-numbered flowers. Even-numbered flowers are only for funerals, so never order and present a dozen roses to a Russian – instead, keep to a safe single flower or special bouquet arrangement. >> What is Maslenitsa? Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, is a combination of an old Russian folk tradition celebrating the onset of spring with the Christian tradition of eating pancakes before Lent. The celebrations were reborn with much enthusiasm in 2002 after a quiet 85 years. Maslenitsa is a week-long festival that ends in a parade. Torching the Winter Scarecrow symbolises the end of the cold season to welcome spring. The blini, or pancake, symbolises the sun and is usually eaten as a savoury dish with sour cream and salmon or caviar or as a sweet dish with honey and jam, washed down with vodka or mead (a low alcohol honey-based drink). Orthodox Lent starts the following day, ending on the Orthodox Easter Sunday. (Visit the Church of the Ascension at Kolomenskoe to experience a traditional Orthodox Easter service.) Plenty of Maslenitsa events are held around town every year, including on Red Square and at the many outdoor parks and estates. Many restaurants and cafes will also offer Lent menus. Keep an eye on the local press for further information (including www.themoscowtimes.ru and www.mnweekly.ru) and enjoy the fun! The popular bi-annual All-Russia Honey Fair also takes place at the Manezh exhibition centre and at some of the out-of-town estates (for example, Kolomenskoe and Tsaritsyno). This is a great chance to sample and buy all kinds of honey from all over Russia, as well as learn about different honey products. Entrance is free. This fair can get very crowded, so it's not a good idea to take small children or those in prams. Honey and related produce is also sold at Kolomenskoe and other outdoor venues; check the local press for further information. (If you miss this one, the next one will be held in the autumn.) Link to “A Taste of Honey” article by Phoebe Taplin for The Moscow News: http://www.mnweekly.ru/feature/20090928/55388979.html (issue 37, 2009). |
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