Kids

Break a Sweat for Harrowthon 2012

Happy_Eggplant — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0800

On March 18, Harrow International School Beijing will host the third edition of the Harrowthon 10km charity fun run to benefit Fengtai Orphanage. Taking place at Harrow’s Lower School in Grassetown from 10am to noon, runners of all ages and skill levels – as well as Harrow students and faculty – are expected to turn out for the run.

Rocker Dad Jorma Kaukonen talks Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and his adopted daughter

pandaroo — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:48 +0800

He’s played guitar for Jefferson Airplane, David Crosby, and Janis Joplin. But Jorma Kaukonen says none of those collaborations can compare to bonding with a Chinese orphan.

4th Annual ISB Charity Fashion Show

charcey — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0800

Combine a passion for fashion and a desire to help others during the 4th Annual Charity Fashion Show, held at the International School of Beijing on Saturday, February 18 from 6-9:30pm. This popular event allows ISB students to showcase their many talents by organizing, preparing, producing and performing this fashion show, featuring clothing that is modeled by the students – some of which is student-designed as well!

The Grass Is Greener (and Duller) on the Other Side

Happy_Eggplant — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0800

In a thought-provoking piece for The New York Times, columnist KJ Dell’Antonia wonders what effect her and her partner’s choice to move to the countryside may have had on their children’s independence. She quotes Dr. Richard Jackson, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of California: “Children who grow up in suburbia can’t meet their life needs without getting a ride somewhere.” For many expat families living in Beijing, this sentiment is likely to hit home.

Be There

charcey — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0800

I have a pre-tween daughter, Leah, who is exercising her independence these days. She tests me with her words, and she certainly challenges authority. She's still a little girl, yet she knows that bigger things are just around the corner. To provide her with some much-requested liberation, I don't meet her at the bus stop anymore, and she doesn't have a great desire to hang out with me if there are other -- better -- options around.

Don't Vacillate – Vaccinate

Happy_Eggplant — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0800

Protecting and maintaining children’s health and well-being is the number one priority on every parent’s list. Childhood immunization is one weapon that helps prevent our children from getting devastating diseases like meningitis, pneumonia and polio. However, navigating the immunization process while living in another country or moving between countries can seem like a daunting process.

Act It Out: Learning By Doing with Dreamaker

Happy_Eggplant — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0800

Growing up in a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada, Rebecca Shatford was painfully shy. That started to change when she discovered drama classes at age 10. She liked the experience so much, she ended up going into acting in university. Since then, she has taught drama in countries like South Korea, Russia, and Thailand. Now, Shatford is the educational manager at Dreamaker (卓美教育), a drama education company based in Beijing.

Stay Healthy and Safe While on the Road This Lunar New Year, Advises International SOS

Happy_Eggplant — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0800

Holiday travels peak during festive periods. With the Lunar New Year around the corner, overseas assignees are making their way back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families while leisure travelers are departing for their holiday destinations. Some are also taking advantage of the long holiday to catch up with their loved ones based overseas. With so many travelers on the road, there is an increased chance that plans, schedules, and travels can go awry.

A Sneak Peek for Chinese New Year: The BCIS Temple Fair

dibeijing — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:00:13 +0800

Before you embark on your holiday or before those fireworks start popping, stop by the Beijing City International School this Sunday for a sneak peek at Chinese New Year festivities.

A Treasure Trove of Math Apps to Sharpen Your Child’s Mind

dibeijing — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:00:32 +0800

With some kids on holiday, and more about to take a break from school for Chinese New Year, the time is right to stock up on some educational, yet entertaining, math apps to help sharpen the skills of the young minds in the family.

The first app in our math roundup is Grow Your Garden by Learning Yard. This adorable app uses visual cues in the shape of water droplets to encourage kids to add and subtract the correct amount of water for each flower that they grow in their garden. Little by little, the plants get properly cared for and eventually fill your child’s garden. Reina (4.5 years of age) enjoyed solving the problems to get to the flowers, with only occasional assistance from mama and baba. Grow Your Garden is rated 4+ and is available for $0.99 for the iPhone and $1.99 for the iPad at the App Store.