MsHari | ExpatWoman.com
 

MsHari

MsHari
26
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 13:09
you could try something like these for developing creative writing http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/make-your-own/story-maker http://littlebirdtales.com/ there are many others online that add fun and prompts
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 17:14
Dubai education shinning through again, why can't they just teach the words rather than following phonics schemes that do not teach children how to spell! arohadxb how lovely your DD did this. I think you will find that 'back home' school will be teaching phonics as well, and I would bet that most schools teaching phonics are teaching alongside other methods (as many do here). Phonics gives young children the ability to take a risk and get on with [b'>creating[/b'> writing. If they were only taught "the words" then they possibly would not be as free to be as creative as this little miss has been, because they would only have knowledge of the words they learnt. That would be pretty limiting. We have a pile of letters and lists my daughter wrote at the same age. We used to have family competitions by email to see who could decipher the most words. Hilarious. Now she is a beautiful speller.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2011 - 13:41
Thanks for the info tkoshy. Do they give you any tips for making this safer? Thank you everyone for your comments. Not sure that I have found an answer, but does seem that if I stop at least I am not breaking the law. Unbelievable how selfish and unthinking a lot of people here get when they get in their car, especially given that pedestrians and school children are at risk.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2011 - 10:45
you should always stop.... A pedestrian crossing is just that...... Also bear in mind that if you hit the pedestrian you can be liable for blood money, so if common curtsey does make you inclined to stop perhaps the 200k will. As someone who walks a lot, it really grates that drivers don't stop and half the time don't even indicate when they are turning into a road you are crossing. Should also bear in mind that you can also get fined if the pedestrian calls the cops and reports it. It is not really as easy as just having common curtesty Izzy. If it were just about that I would [b'>aways[/b'> stop. The dilema is, that often it is potentially [b'>unsafe[/b'> to stop both for the driver and the pedestrian (as illustrated by other posters). Drivers here, is seems, do not expect someone to be stopping. If my car gets rammed from behind because the driver behind is unprepared for the driver in front to stop, then even if the pedestrain has not started walking, there is still a good chance that they could end up being injured from the knock on. Is it [b'>definatley[/b'> the law? Because I have seen police cars sail past pedestrians. If it is not actually the law then I guess if an accident were to happen as the driver that stopped the flow of traffic i would be liable. Hence the dilema. I want to stop but I dont want an accident. Some times it is clear cut. I dont stop if someone is tailgating, that's asking for trouble. I do stop if there is no one immediately behind me. But sometimes it is a hard call, which is why I wrote the post. edited by MsHari on 04/02/2011 <em>edited by MsHari on 04/02/2011</em>
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2011 - 10:15
Glad someone else does Lesley - I thought I was the only one! LOL Do you happen to know if it is the law to stop or not?
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 22:28
Could you get together [with other parents feeling the same way'> for a face to face with the owners and demand some answers/plans/projections so that you can make a more informed decision? Through the PTA perhaps?
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 19:38
and lucky red envelopes. Has anyone seen any around New Dubai in particular? I would prefer not to travel to Dragonmart as last year the pickings were slim and it took too much time. How many do you need? I have a few to spare if you can't find them in time. That is sweet of you - thank you. I will get back to you if I can't put my hot little hands on any :)
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 17:07
My husband makes currys and Tom Yum frequently and usually enough for left overs for the next day. I think it tastes better after a reheat :)
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 17:01
Great thanks Sue :) Would still be interested to know if anyone has seen any closer to the MOE area (only have a small window of opportunity to buy) No probs. Aroha
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 19:21
... do you really have a choice? It would be very unprofessional of a school to move a child into another class for this reason. So it is most likely if it is a good school that they won't move her. And by all accounts finding a place in this year group at another school will be very hard to do. Given that you said it took a while for her to settle, and that she has friends in this class, wouldn't it be better for [b'>her[/b'> to stay where she is happy, and can develop her self-confidence so that when the time comes to move she has self-assurance enough to deal with any prejudice.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 17:57
My worry is, I don't want other children to laugh at her accent when she goes to school back home. I prefer no accent to an strong accent of some sort (be it aussie/indian/german/whatever). 1. There is no such thing as no accent. 2. If she is going to be in Dubai for some time she will most likely develop some kind of mish-mash accent even if all your teachers are from the UK. So if the children she is going to be mixing with are shallow enough to find 'difference' amusing then they will probably laugh anyway, Indian teacher or not. Persoanlly, I have found some Indians here to have a more 'cultured' British accent than many of the native Brits.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 12:46
Have you tried a focus look at the situation with the whole class. Identifying the problem from your perspective and brainstorming with the children on why they feel the neeeeeeeed. From there, brainstorm on what tales need to be told to the teacher (family/community) and what can/should be solved by the children themselves. After this, the children could come up with a poster of strategies for dealing with common tell-tale 'issues' and phrases they can use to empower themselves. ie "When you do that I feel...". You can cut the tell-tailer off short by referring them to the poster. Good luck.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 19:35
i don't think so. seems like my sis fell for a christmas sale special :( Ooooh, well hold on. If your sister hasn't read them then my comment below doesn't work.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 19:34
I suppose the question to ask is how the books might affect her. Perhaps your niece has read other books of a similar genre and found them interesting and so your sister felt giving her these as a follow up would be OK. When I was about the same age I found a copy of 'The Happy Hooker' :\: under my mothers bed. I read it from cover to cover. It was clearly not suitable for a child of my age, but I found it super interesting. period. At around the same time I read Draculla (or something similar for children) from the school library and had nightmares for years. I loathe horror stories and my younger sister ate them up from a young age. Bottom line, perhaps trust that your sister knows her daughter best :)
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 17:04
Sounds great maria! If the focus is art therapy I would suggest trying a lot of tactile activities such as playdough. Fantastic as is for the little ones and the older ones, once they have had enough 'playing' (and they will want to play) could use it to make things that can then be dried and painted such as beads or picture frames. Very cheap and versatile. Do they have access to at least reasonable quality pencils, paper and paints for drawing and painting? Essential tools for art therapy. Socks are brilliant stuffed and made into dolls (or animals). Fill with fabric, stitch the end closed and draw on a face and you have an instant dolly - perfect (as mentioned below) for role play and even just as a comforter. If you can get your hands on an Australian Womans Weekly Art and Craft for Children it will be well worth the effort (it is not expensive). There are many 'recipes' for making tacile activities as well as ideas using cheap materials for older children. There are a gazillion websites that have great ideas for craft activities for children and teens. Blogs are a fantastic source as well. Here are a couple to get you started http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/ http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/ My interest is mostly with younger years but I could imagine for older children who dont have much privacy or their own belongings that it would be very special and meaningful to make something that could be kept or perhaps worn. Hairbands, jewellery etc. Could you teach them to knit a scarf? Best of luck with the trip. I would love to hear how it goes. :)
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 10:18
Yay - found it. Thanks again - you got me headed in the right direction now all fixed! :) Banners still covering some post on other threads but I guess that must be an EW issue. <em>edited by MsHari on 21/01/2011</em>
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 10:16
Thanks for replying Appeltiser. :) I recall seeing that button on a pc but I have a Mac and don't see one. I know it will be something simple. Have done a couple of fruitless searches.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 22:39
Ugggh - can't edit because of the ad that is covering the right side of the thread (and the edit button) My last paragraph doesnt make sense because I had meant to say, that despite the good intention behind wanting to volunteer im not sure that realistically, it would be sustainable. And I need a 'think' after I :) Any ideas of how to remove or shift the annoying ads?
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 18:59
I the the answer is relatively easy - the school (not the bus company) employs specific responsible, trained female staff that have good communication skills. Problem is, that hikes up the bus fees and at the end of the day it is a user pay business and people can't/dont want to pay. Bus pick up times in the morning are very early, I have seen some at 6.30. What if a mum has a sick child or just doesn't turn up. You have no bus service or a bus with no assistant.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 19:41
Well the good news is that she was did to say "no" to a much older (than her) teenager. I agree with aroha's comment below and I think that your DD deserves considerable praise for having refused to comply - I would reward my child enormously if she did this - would make me happier than straight A's! So, what next? I find that it is helpful to relate a similar story to my child from my own experience at a similar age (I have been known to make some up). Sometimes the questions they ask about your anecdote can be very revealing without putting the child in the spotlight. Re the boy, I'm not sure how you should respond. I find it very disturbing given the age difference and the fact that he said not to tell. To me, this would indicate that he knew perfectly well that what he was doing was unacceptable (as opposed to innocent/inquisitive "you show me yours" play) and he also chose someone much younger and therefore more vulnerable. I wonder if the boy himself has been victimised? It's tricky - you don't want to create a situation where in any way it comes back on your daughter and the parents will quite rightly ask for details. I guess there is a reasonably high chance that your daughter has not been his only target - I do think his behaviour needs to be addressed and the boy needs help.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 14:51
Yes, I do think it is possible, but people need to be proactive! Ensure your school improves for your child - get on the PTA and campaign for positive changes. I know we shouldn't [b'>have[/b'> to, but if it's not working somehow and our childrens education and wellbeing are at stake then just do it. So many of us here have the time.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 19:48
honestly, it sounds a bit like sour grapes. Why sour grapes? ...what a good portion of you are say is I can only speak for myself but... 1.if she lets him pay, she does ot have self respect I think it shows more self respect if you don't allow others to always pay for you 2. if she pays then she will not *owe* him anything (ie, s e x?) yup, pretty much 3. if he pays he will not respect her He may he may not - depends on the guy 4. M.aybe this man is just very old fashioned and even opens the car door for her, lets her go first, has her walk on the inside, pulls out her chair :). True, and those old fashioned types are more likely to tend to expect their wives to do all the house work - no thank you for me. But if someone is happy with that - then why not It certainly does not ruffle my feathers because he pays, Mine either, just giving my opinion in response to the question and I think the others are doing the same it does not, in my eyes make her any less than she is, you're right, she is what she is I am not sure why some are patting themselves on the back for paying their share I think it might be more about congratulating ourselves on being emancipated :) <em>edited by MsHari on 10/01/2011</em>
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 18:24
In the past (I am married now) I ALWAYS made sure I paid, perhaps not as much, but regularly. You're right, it is awkward but it was important to me because I firmly believe in equality and also didn't want there to be any expectations that there would be *** in return for dinner (part of my culture!) Now his money is mine and visa versa so it doesn't matter - and I think we have a very balanced marriage (ie we share the cooking etc.) So in answer to your question. - no, but it depends on what your priorities are :)
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2011 - 18:08
Ditto to LT's post Florals, and... I just want to add that I thought you were asking for a tutor to teach English (as an additional language). In terms of literacy, has the teacher at school asked you to work with him? Many young children are simply not developmentally ready to be sound blending let alone reading sentences. Many countries dont start formal reading and writing until 5 for this reason and others as late as 7, and they catch up very quickly. So unless your teacher has made the request then I suggest that perhaps you just relax and expose him to the pre skills that he is ready for (try the starfall alphabet below and then move onto learn to read free when he knows all his letter sounds. You might find that it is fun and not the struggle that you seem to be having teaching him something that he is probably not ready for.
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 16:51
Florals, I don't know of anyone that can help you, but I can give you some direction if you could give me a bit more information. Can I ask specifically why you are seeking a teacher - has the school requested it? Formal [b'>teaching[/b'> English is quite a difficult job with children of this age as they don't yet read or write, also, their attentions span is not that long, so unless you can find someone who could give short lessons frequently, you might find that your child loses interest or does not take everything in unless you teacher is dynamic and very experience with this age group. Little and often seems to work best with this age group. Immersion (being around others speaking English) is the best approach. Play dates with other children will help, also listening to children's music in and even tv. There are a lot of great websites that you could work with, with your child. Search for [b'>esl kindergarten[/b'>. Here are some more http://www.starfall.com/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/games/ http://pbskids.org/ http://www.seussville.com/ http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/ http://www.learntoreadfree.com/
MsHari
26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 17:58
Not sure if this will help, but... I bought a box of Greens cup cake mix and it came with pink edible glitter. This was from Spinneys in the Marina a while ago. I have seen Greens products at Waitrose as well.
 
 
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