Distance Learning is challenging for everyone involved and parents, students and teachers are doing a wonderful job of navigating the ‘new normal’ for schooling.

Here are 7 tips to support your children at home;

1. Provide an environment conducive to learning

This isn’t always easy and is challenging when everyone is home and the house is full. Make sure they have a quiet place to work, with a table, suitable chair and all necessary materials. Not lying on the couch or bed.

2. Create a daily ‘to do list’

Review your child’s schedule each morning and create a list of ‘to-do’ items for that day. These items can be ‘checked-off’ once complete – this gives children a sense of achievement and perspective on what must be done for the day.

3. Keep in mind that it’s about the child, not the work

It can feel like there is so much pressure (on everyone) to complete the work. However, if a child feels anxious or stressed then it is difficult for learning to take place. Prioritize your child’s emotional health above school work. If they need to take a break that’s okay.

4. Learn to identify the barriers

This is something teachers have to learn early on in their careers–how to pinpoint exactly what’s happening or going wrong. Try to identify precisely why your child might be struggling: Is it focus? Motivation? Too much or too little structure? Do they need a hug or a firm reminder or for you to sit with them? If it’s a knowledge deficit, exactly what do they not understand? When students say, ‘I don’t get it,’ the first step is to identify exactly what ‘it’ is–and this isn’t always easy. Most students don’t know what they don’t know. Let the teachers know anything you notice and they will be happy to provide suggestions for support.

5. Encourage a growth mindset

This isn’t about what to learn or how to learn but rather how to think about what they’re learning. Children need to believe that they can learn and develop and must be encouraged and praised for trying even when they fail.

6. Encourage self-direction

The more the children own their learning–and ideally have voice and choice in their work–the easier and more fulfilling everything will be for everyone. Praise the self-management skills and independence that your children demonstrate.

7. Praise and reward effort and perseverance

Make sure to acknowledge when your child works hard even if the output may not be perfect. Online learning is difficult for everyone, your child is demonstrating great reliance and adaptability at this time and have developed a whole range of new skills and coping strategies.

Joe Aldus

Lower Elementary Vice Principal

email: j.aldus_gaa@Gemsedu.com

As we continue to monitor student attendance during Distance Learning, it is important that our families inform us regarding any student absence. In the event of positive COVID-19 case of a student, we must report it to relevant authorities, in line with ADEK and GEMS HSE Requirements.

Furthermore, your child's teachers and department vice-principals will be informed of student absence due to illness and provide relevant support.

Student absences exceeding 10% must be justified, in order to avoid consequences, such as retention or possible blocked enrollment for the following school year.

• For KG and Elementary student absences, please contact Elementary Secretary at elemsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com

• For Secondary student absences, please contact Secondary Secretary at secsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com

We thank you for your continuous support.

Hello Parents!

I need your help. I am putting together a bulletin board of examples of students showing the Learner Profile Attributes. If you have stories, quotes or pictures of your child showing the Attributes, please send them to me at t.pulci_gaa@gemsedu.com Please include your child’s name, grade and teacher.

We have been busy reading and having lots of fun during our KG1, KG2, and Grade 1 virtual Library sessions in January! The KG students read and listened to Clifford the Big Red Dog stories while identifying the characters in the story, and they celebrated being Superheroes and super readers by reading their favorite superhero books, drawing their favorite characters, and decorating superhero capes.

Grade 1 students have been researching weather using PebbleGo, listening to books on buildings and materials, creating houses with various materials (tied to their Share the Planet UOI), and reading books by one of their favorite authors, Mo Willems. Check out some of the projects they have been working on!

Dear GAA Families,

We proud ourselves to be a multicultural, diverse community. Our school is home to students from more than 80 nationalities, with the cultural contributions from their own unique backgrounds, experiences and knowledge.

Every year we celebrate our diversity by putting together the best family event “International Food Festival”. This year, due to current situation, we will not be able to enjoy the delicious food, amazing performances, colorful national costumes. As experience taught us, when there is a will, there is a way! We will need your help to celebrate this year! Here are the ways every family can contribute:

• Send a video of your child or the whole family (the more - the merrier!) greeting in your language. You are welcome to wear your national costume or film it in front of your Country’s flag.

• Send a recipe of your national food. We will compile it into a GAA Recipe Book and share with our families to enjoy!

Please email to pre_gaa@gemsedu.com by February 18, 2021.

Thank you!

GAA Parent Association

• February 10 - Tune in to YouTube to watch our first ever, Secondary Virtual Production of The Wiz, Jr. Link will be emailed soon.

• February 11 - Re-enrollment Opens!

• February 14-15 - Half-term, No School!

• February 16 - Expected Return to Face-To-Face Attendance.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE GAA EVENTS CALENDAR

(please note, updated regularly)

We present, the first ever, Secondary Virtual Production of The Wiz, Jr. Check out the promo video! The show will be presented on YouTube Live, Wednesday, February 10th. We hope you tune in!

In celebration of Innovation Month, the ADNOC CSR team is hosting a series of free workshops, events and competitions for youth, teachers, families and schools:

Event: Ready, Set, Data! Special Workshop

Date: February 3, 4-5pm

Description:

Play with data and learn about ways that ADNOC scientists use data at work. Learn about data and how the ADNOC team uses data visualization to make critical decisions. Complete the ADNOC STEM @ HOME Ready, Set, Data! Challenge. Prizes will be awarded for the top submissions.

Event: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Awards

Date: February 10, 4-5pm

Description:

Learn about AI and Machine Learning! Come celebrate the student winners of the ADNOC STEM @ HOME Digital Creators Challenge: AI & Machine Learning. See how youth in the UAE think that AI and machine learning can make the world a better place.

Event: ADNOC Energy for Life Competition for Schools

Date: February 24, 4-5pm

Description:

Join the launch of the ADNOC Energy for Life Competition for Schools. Book ADNOC Virtual Energy Center Tours for your students and learn how to participate in the ADNOC Energy for Life Competition. Five winning schools will receive a fully equipped VR studio for their school.

Event: Launch of ADNOC STEM Learning Portal

Date: February 28, 4-5pm

Description:

Join us for a launch of the ADNOC STEM Learning Portal. This portal will allow students to register, access learning content, challenges and competitions. Additionally, they will be able to track their progress, earn points and get certificates. Join us for an exclusive tour of this new portal!

All of the programs are free, online and accessible for teachers, parents and youth ages 7 to 18 years old.

RSVP here.