If you are like many parents with newborn kids and looking to find others with fresh buns out of the oven who are ready to socialize, then look no further than the Open House Coffee Morning at the British School of Beijing Sanlitun (BSB Sanlitun) happening this coming Tuesday at 9am. Not only is this a great opportunity to give your little one some valuable playtime with other kids of the same size and cuteness, but also a chance for parents to get together and network, while possibly sharing some of your thoughts and feelings about being a new parent.

Along with a valuable introduction to the Early Years facilities at BSB Sanlitun, there will also be plenty of games, stories, and sing-a-longs going on, along with enough coffee to get even the most reserved of parents enthused about the morning’s merriment. So don’t expect some drab affair as we are sure there will be plenty of fun had by all, and best of all the event is free of charge.

To get a better idea of what to expect we connected with Kristen Harding, head of BSB Sanlitun’s Early Year’s program. She was able to shed a little light on all of the mini-people themed fun that will be had by all in attendance.

What are some of the activities going on during the Open House Coffee Morning at BSB Sanlitun Early Years?

A variety of activities will be on offer for the children, including a sensory exploration table, cause and effect toys, water play, big block building, motor skill development activities, small world play, role play and books in our special story tent. The event will finish with a singing session led my myself. The little ones can expect a morning full of fun, stimulating activities, in a safe environment, where they can socialize with other children.

What are some of the benefits of getting your child to socialize with other kids at such an early age?

Allowing your child to socialize at an early age builds the foundations for forming positive relationships and introduces children to new experiences.

How would you define stimulating play?

My definition of stimulation play is; children actively having fun and are engaged in their play/learning through a sensory approach.

Will this be a good opportunity to socialize with your baby?

The coffee morning at the BSB Sanlitun Baby Group will be a great opportunity for your child to have social interactions with others. It is also an opportunity for parents to meet, chat and make new friends, especially if they are new to Beijing.

What are some good things you can do at home to start preparing your baby to meet lots of other kids?

At home, parents could expose their children to lots of new experiences. They could develop their child’s confidence by encouraging them to explore and interact with others in their own environment.

Finally, what are some of the things that you have planned for the parents?

The parents will have an opportunity to meet our Early Years teachers and to visit our classrooms and our outdoor learning area. We have also invited some of our current parents along to share, with others, their own and their child’s experiences, at BSB Sanlitun’s Early Years. Refreshments will also be provided.

If you are interested please RSVP here to make sure they are prepared to host you and your child.

photos: courtesy of BSB Sanlitun

Imagine having been an expatriate during a time when a handwritten letter took months to reach the recipient and then months for a response to return. Technologies like Skype make expat life seem bearable for families. Nonetheless, making a home thousands of miles away from where one was born breeds tough issues, especially for children and teens.  Identity, language, and child-rearing culture clashes are obvious issues every international must face, but most expats will also wrestle with what to do when grandparents are ill, cousins are born, or one working parent needs to leave for a few months.  Sonya Porcher, Researcher and Pre-Kindergarten Instructor at 3e International School, recommends parents use books to “assist students with dealing with their feelings and emotions in situations where they feel hopeless or powerless.”  This may help in “building the student’s level of comfort so that they can develop open communication with parents and teachers.”  She advises that parents communicate with the child and then the child’s teacher, especially for children experiencing difficult family anxieties. “Share with the child’s teachers when there are changes at home that may cause the child to behave differently, act out, or withdraw from the academic and social school environments.”
For preschool children, Porcher recommends I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, and Waterbugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney. I Love You All Day Long and The Kissing Hand both address how a child can be loved by a parent or family member when there is separation.  The parental figures in these books reassure the child-sized main characters that their love will follow them no matter where they are or what they are doing. Waterbugs and Dragonflies ”uses metamorphosis to explain death to children.  Children learn how when people die, they are waiting for us in a better place,” says Porcher.
For primary aged students, Porcher recommends The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Be Sad by Rob Goldblatt, The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, and When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown.

Sonya Porcher of 3e with the book Kissing Hands.

The title character in The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Be Sad attempts to remove all sadness from his life by removing its sources, from broken toys to family members and friends. “In the end, he is left in a dark room and realizes that he has gotten rid of the things that make him happy,” Porcher comments. Both The Invisible String and When Dinosaurs Die focus on helping the reader cope with loss and separation, primarily caused by death. Porcher encourages parents to read her recommended books with their children, “discuss how they feel, and listen to [their children’s]thoughts about the stories.”
Salina Sanka, English Teacher in IB and IGCSE at the British School of Beijing, Shunyi, has been in Beijing for seven years and is personally familiar with raising children in an international context, as she has two daughters. One is also at BSB, Shunyi in Year 13, and the other is headed to the University of Manchester, UK, to study Science. The book she recommends is best for high school students and is the final book in a trilogy by Amitav Ghosh. Set in the 1800s and in part following the British empire’s expansion to seek control of both India and China, A Flood of Fire explores ”thematic concerns of identity creation, anonymity, and dichotomy that come with travel, and settling away from the familiar,” Sanka remarks.
The novel follows two men with mixed heritages as they trade and travel for economic gain.  One character’s “clash of cultures… drives his ambition and in part fuels a recklessness with dire consequences for the characters around him,” Sanka explained. She adds, “[Ghosh’s] characters have an opportunity to re-create and transform themselves without the fear of censure from those who know them. Class and caste structures often strictly adhered to in their homeland are re-invented and various characters have the freedom to choose where they think they belong.” As teens often struggle with identity, this large novel would be perfect for a long winter holiday or an addition to a rigorous literature curriculum.

Erinda of BSB, Shunyi poses with the book recommended by Salina Sanka.

This article originally appeared on page 31 of the October 2016 Issue of beijingkids magazine. Click here for your free online copy. To find out how you can obtain a hard copy, contact distribution@truerun.com.

Shunyi Happenings this week offers a chance to catch up with friends over coffee, lend some support at a charity bazaar, and witness a new designer debuting her collection. If you want to promote an event, store opening or closing, sale, or any other fun family-friendly event taking place in Shunyi, please get in touch with our Shunyi Correspondent Anjana Kainikkara by emailing anjanakainikkara@beijing-kids.com

International Newcomer’s Network(INN) Coffee Morning, Jun 16
Adults. If you’re new in Shunyi or if you just want to come and catch up with friends, this is the perfect event to meet your neighbors. A recurring event held every third Thursday of the month, either at Roundabout or at British School of Beijing. For more information click on contactus@innbeijing.org

Free. 10am-Noon. The British School of Beijing (BSB), South Side, No. 9 An Hua Street, Shunyi District. (80473588, www.bsbshunyi.com) Fashion Show and Wine Pairing, Jun 16
Engelsblick is debuting at the Riviera Club House! This new fashion line is launching with a fashion show comprising of five pieces being modeled exclusively. These pieces are the first public line of young designer Vivien Engel. The designs are inspired by 1955 Vietnam during the war. The Riviera Club House will be offering a wine pairing, all French, with each piece, provided by NongChao Freserique Machine. They will also have canapés provided by Andy’s Bakery. Wine tasting starts from 7:30pm and the fashion show from 8pm. A fabulous opportunity to shop and be inspired by thought-provoking clothing!

Free. 7:30pm onwards. Thur, Jun 16. Riviera Country Club, No.1Xiang Jiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District

Photos: Courtesy of Riviera Country Club.

Summer camps are said to play an important part in a child’s growth, altering their behavior for the next six months. Even if children engage in enrichment courses, they are outside their usual classroom setting and shed their fear of failure when they realize they’re not being graded for their performance, yet have a variety of opportunities to excel.

An overseas camp will result in a completely different summer experience for your child as they travel to a foreign country, live with a multitude of children, both local and international, and learn to cross international boundaries via the common English language.  Children will return from their foreign excursions with renewed confidence, rich tales to share, and new friends across borders.  An overseas summer camp is a safe way to let children step into the world.

Switzerland

Champittet Summer Leadership Course, Jun 27-Jul 10
A brand new, two week leadership camp for 12-17 year olds organized in partnership with Swiss Leadership Academy. Students will develop leadership skills via challenges and outdoor activities.  They will have the opportunity to develop communication skills, goal setting, time and stress management techniques. Students will also learn about “savoir vivre” and have the opportunity to participate in first aid workshops while learning effectively in teams.

CHF 4,000 including boarding, or CHF 2,000 for day camp. For more information, email challengecamp@champittet.ch

BSB/Juilliard’s Summer Performing Arts, July 9-22
British Schools of Beijing cooperates with Juilliard to present a two-week intensive arts programme in Geneva, Switzerland. Students will explore the world of music, drama, and dance.
Day and boarding programs available for students aged 10-18. Discounts for BSB students. Fee includes accommodation, lessons, three meals a day, transportation and admission fees, health insurance. For more information, contact summerarts@cdl.ch.

US

BCA International Summer Camp, Jul 2-19

Beijing Collegiate Academy takes Beijing families to Camp Speers-Eljabar has been running YMCA camps in the Philadelphia Freedom Valley since 1948.  Children can join a day camp (ages 4-8) while their parents have their own program (including broad exposures to the camp and nearby area). The sleep away camp (ages 7-15, parents don’t need to accompany) participants can select up to six activities.

Registration deadline May 15. Contact for more information: cherry.cai@bj.ccaschools.cn (6681 2563).

Longacre Summer Camps, Jun 26-Jul 16
Offering two programs, a leadership camp for ambitious teens (age 12-18) and a mini camp for younger children (age 8-12), Longacre has been running summer camps for 42 years.  The camps are all hosted on a 200-acre farm in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, USA (four hours from NYC). Onsite activities are divided into play, work, build, explore, create, care and rest. Visit their website for more information (longacre.com/inquire).

UK

TSL Young Learners, Jul 24-Aug 7 Students aged 8-13 will mix with young people from all around the world on the beautiful school campus in St. Albans in the UK. The purpose of the course is to improve their English skills and encourage the ability to free talk. For more information, email info@tslbritain.com.(UK)  TSL Cambridge University Summer Course, Jul 31-Aug 14Students aged 14-18, accompanied by a group of eight Cambridge students, will complete a series of workshops related to university, careers, and successful living at Cambridge University (UK).  Students will also make trips to Oxford University, London School of Economics, and University College London. For more information, email info@tslbritain.com.

Photo: Pixabay, Courtesy of Champittet Pully, TSL, College du Leman
, Longacre

You might recognize CCTV News Anchor Neela Eyunni from Asia Today or News Update, the two live shows that she hosts for the network. The American journalist began her Beijing journey in 2006 as a university student studying abroad. After writing for print publications in Colorado and moving back to Beijing, Eyunni eventually landed a position with CCTV as the first foreign reporter on their reporting team. Recently, students from the British School of Beijing, Sanlitun flipped the script as they became the ones to ask the questions and Eyunni sat in the hot seat.

Hannah Thurbon, 10, Australia
Are you ever nervous about interviewing someone?
I get nervous before I interview people all the time, but I don’t think of it as a bad thing anymore. Now I think of it in terms of “I’m nervous because I’m excited.”

Sarina Soleimani, 11, Iran
What does being a journalist mean to you?
It means learning what’s going on around the world and being able to share that information with others. I want to tell meaningful stories and grab the audience’s attention.

Quinn McKissack, 10, Australia
How did it feel to be the first foreign reporter on the CCTV reporting team?
It was nerve-wracking at the beginning. I had to learn a new editing system, how to communicate with the cameraman, and do interviews in Chinese. It was like jumping into the deep end [of the pool]– challenging but very rewarding.

Chelsey Dong, 10, Australia
If you could interview anyone, who would it be and why?
Hillary Clinton would be a good person to talk to, because I’m doing a lot of political news right now and my focus is on international relations.

William Flanders, 10, US
What is your favorite part about being a reporter?
Becoming a temporary expert. My job forces me to learn about things that are really interesting. You really need to understand what’s going on in order to ask good questions and present the news in an intelligent way.

Lucas Taylor, 10, US
What job did you want when you were small?
I wanted to be a doctor but I took a broadcast journalism class in college and changed my mind. My teacher wasn’t actually in the classroom. He was on a live feed from Washington DC. Everyone had microphones and we would buzz in to ask questions. The first three classes, I was so nervous I couldn’t even ask a question. When I finally did, it felt really good and that started my interest to go into broadcast journalism.

Adam Portch, 10, UK
Where do most people get their news from these days?
Most people get their news online, whether it’s websites or social media. That’s really important as a journalist today because news networks and companies want someone who can do it all. For past jobs, I’ve had to write for the blog and the newspaper, and take my own pictures for the website. It’s really important to understand and be able to work in those mediums.

Hadijia Shimbo, 11, Tanzania
Why did you become a journalist?
It started with a love of writing and developed from there. When I first completed an article, I felt really fulfilled and great about it. Also, I’m a really curious person and that’s key for a journalist. If you see something, you have to want to know more and tell the story.

Sandra Arika, 10, Kenya
Have you had embarrassing moments on air?
I make mistakes all the time. One of the first times I was on camera, I messed up the order of the stories so the video and what I was saying was off. They can also be little mistakes, like mispronouncing a word. But I don’t think people focus on your mistakes. You just have to let it go and remember people aren’t watching a robot.

Isaac Scrimgeour, 10, Australia
What was your most interesting interview?
My day-to-day interviews with correspondents. The other day, I was talking to our correspondent in Ukraine and, as I’m asking her if the fighting is over, there was a big explosion. It’s those moments when you really get a sense of what exactly is happening at that place, at that time.

This article originally appeared on p40-41 in the October 2014 issue of beijingkids. To view it online for free, click here. To find out how you can obtain your own copy, email distribution@truerun.com.

Photos by Dave PiXSTUDIO

The Where Are They Now blog series looks at the lives of Beijing International School alumni after the last school bell has tolled. Prateek Kr. Pandey is a BSB Shunyi alumnus from India. He graduated in 2013 and now attends university in the UK.  

What have you been doing since high school?
During my final years at BSB, I was inspired by my teachers to take up engineering at university, and with their guidance and help, I was able to secure a place at the University of Bristol. Living and studying in Bristol has been amazing with great people to help me along the challenges. The University of Bristol is a great place for keen engineers as we get a hands-on experience with the latest technologies and innovations. I am currently in the second year of my four year course and looking forward to the great years to come.

What do you miss most about high school?
Looking back, I really miss the amount of leisure time I was able spend with friends, as life at university is a lot more demanding. Facebook has been of great help when it comes to reliving the great moments together with friends in Beijing. I try my best to take out the time to catch up with them.

What influence, if any, has your experience as an international student in Beijing had on your choices and experiences?
I am really grateful that I had the opportunity to study in Beijing as it gave me the courage to pursue my education in another foreign country. China has taught me a lot, but the importance of knowing the native language was a big surprise. I never thought that I would ever need to speak Chinese in a place like UK, but in fact, not only did it help me make new friends, it also become a major point of strength in my resumé.

Can you offer any advice to high school students?

Cherish this time of your life to the fullest as life is only about to get harder and more challenging.

Photo: Courtesy of BSB

For the last month, we’ve had the chance speak with moms from international schools about their sons and daughters experiences either attending a new school in Beijing or coming to school for the first time. This week, we talk to British School of Beijing (BSB) mom, Clara Motsisi, who shares her sons’, Tshenolo and Otlotleng, first day of school story. The family hails from South Africa and the boys attend BSB’s Shunyi campus in Grade 1 and Grade 5 respectively.

Were your sons scared to come to school?
Both of them were very excited to start the new school. The excitement was brought about primarily by the warm reception that we received from the British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi’s Admissions Team on our first visit to BSB. When our children saw the facilities, they began to look forward to their first day. They have enjoyed their stay at the BSB since their first day. The school provides a different learning environment to them and our involvement as parents makes it more exciting for them every day.

Who had a harder time saying goodbye?
We were all ok for some strange reason. This experience compares to no other. The whole  idea of moving to china was well received by the entire family; we have channeled our thinking to be positive in everything we do. This in a way explains why we all appreciate the new environment. The kids tell me that they are getting along very well with the other kids at school, which in turn allows all of us to relax and let them enjoy their schooling.

How did you prepare them for the first day?
Both of them were looking forward to the first day. They stayed for two months in a hotel in Beijing waiting for school to open so this was the longest holiday they’ve ever had. They deeply missed the contact with other kids and the learning environment.

Photos: Courtesy of BSB Shunyi

As the fall term gets underway at schools across Shunyi, summer camps are replaced by after-school activities. It’s that time of year again to start thinking about which sporting activities your kids will be doing after school and on weekends. To help families, Sports Beijing is hosting a sports day where kids can try out different sports that parents can then sign them up for (for more on sports, look out for our upcoming September issue). Now the kids are back at school, there’s also time to catch up with friends both old and new at one of the local INN Coffee Mornings. And if you find you have some spare time on your hands, get along to Roundabout’s huge book fair, where you can pick up a paperback or two and enjoy reading in peace once again.

Sports Beijing Registration Day
This weekend, Sports Beijing is kicking off the fall 2014 season with a day of sports and entertainment. On Saturday, August 23 from 10am to 3pm, the whole family can head to the ISB dome to watch a range of sports demonstrations, including baseball, basketball, rugby, soccer, and handball.

You will have a chance to meet the coaches, try out some of the sports, and register the children for the fall season. To make the day even more entertaining, there will be live martial arts and street dance performances, plus plenty of goodies to be had from Sports Beijing’s various sponsors.

For more information: 6439 1370, info@sportsbj.com, www.sportsbj.org

INN Coffee Morning
On Thursday, August 21, INN Beijing is hosting its next Shunyi Coffee Morning at its store. Come along to Roundabout from 10am to 12pm to have a cup of coffee with other locals. While you’re there, you can also do a bit of shopping or drop off some donations. Coffee mornings in Shunyi are held every third Thursday of the month.

For more information: 137 1805 3814, www.innbeijing.org

Roundabout Book Fair
On Saturday, August 30 to Tuesday September 2, Roundabout is also holding its signature book fair at the British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi. Roundabout staff and volunteers will be working with a team from BSB to set up more than 20,000 books, puzzles and games for sale.

Pick up paperbacks from RMB 10, hardbacks from RMB 20, and kids’ books from RMB 1. Thousands of gently-used books will be on sale, with lots of different language books also available. All proceeds from the book fair will go directly to support the survivors of the Yunnan earthquake.

Roundabout still needs volunteers for Friday, August 29 to help set up the booths and on the busiest days – Saturday, August 30 from 10am to 3pm and Sunday, August 31 from 11am to 2pm – to volunteer. If you’re interested, contact Book Fair Coordinator Bettina Haupter at bettinahaupter@hotmail.com.

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Andrei Niememaki, Caroline, Morgan (via Flickr)

This week, The British School of Beijing, Shunyi is hosting an open morning, Roundabout is hosting an INN Coffee Morning (and a chance to donate your used items), O’le Sports offers rollerblading instructors, Human in Motion publishes its new summer schedule, and we spotlight places to watch the World Cup in Shunyi.

Early Years Open Morning
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi will host an open morning on Thursday, June 19 from 8.30-10am. The morning will give parents and their children the opportunity to see the school’s Early Years Foundation stage facilities, join a range of activities, and meet the teachers and other parents. It is a “stay and play” session; kids will have a range of equipment, games, activities, and a story session available to them. Drinks and snacks will be provided. The BSB classes are:
 Teddies 1 – children from 1 year (who are walking)
Teddies 2 – children 2-3 years
Nursery – children 3 – 4 years
Reception – children 4 – 5 years

RSVP at 8047 3558 or play@britishschool.org.cn.

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning
After that, perhaps you’d like to join the INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at Roundabout on Thursday, June 19 from 10am-noon. Coffee mornings are held every third Thursday of the month, so come along for coffee, chat, and some cake. It’s a great opportunity to meet other locals in Shunyi and at the same time you can shop at the Roundabout store or drop off any donations you may have.

Rollerblading Classes
Rollerblading is a great sport that can be done all year round and pretty much anywhere that has a large space. O’le Sports has English-speaking skate instructors who can arrange a variety of activities. Rollerblading can be taught as a weekly private lesson, or you can start a group along with a few friends. Participants are required to buy their own skating equipment and gear. O’le currently provides skating after-school activities for a number of Beijing international schools, so if your school is looking for a new ASA contact 186 1045 3101 or peter@ole-sports.org.

Human in Motion Summer Schedule
The HIM Studio will have a reduced timetable for the summer. Circuit classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9-10am. The River Garden circuit classes will instead take place at the HIM Studio 8.30-9.30am. Saturday and Sunday spin classes will be by appointment only. Text Ruben at 136 7129 4008 to reserve your spot.

2014 FIFA World Cup
Don’t miss out on all the action from this year’s World Cup, as Shunyi has a few options for watching the big games. You can head over to The Garage Bar and Grill between now and July 12 to enjoy a cool beer and a bite to eat whilst you cheer on your home country (or someone else’s if yours have failed to qualify).

Joining in the action is the Long Bar at the Hilton Beijing Capital Airport. Located by Beijing Airport’s Terminal 3, the Long Bar will have big screens showing the games live, as well as a late happy hour from midnight to 2am with buy-one-get-one free on their draught Tsingtao.

 beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos of BSB and chichacha, Thu Wu’s Photo Land (Flickr)