If you’ve noticed that the amount of homework your child receives on a daily basis is significantly less than the workload you received when you were in grade school, you’re not alone. Many schools have been reviewing their homework policy over the last few years and replacing the notion of “more is better” with value-based homework practices. 

However, educators want parents to know that less homework doesn’t equal a less educated student. To further examine this change in education, we talked with Richard McIntosh, Deputy Head of Junior School at Dulwich College Beijing, about how much homework kids should be getting, what meaningful homework looks like, and how you can best support your child’s learning after school hours.

Homework should be intentional and add value

So how much homework should kids be doing on average? According to McIntosh, no school could ever come up with an average that every member of the school community would be entirely satisfied with. “It’s important to recognize that homework is not just busy work… when homework lacks purpose, that’s the kind of thing that can frustrate students…,” he says. “Homework should be intentional, it should be adding value, [and]  value cannot be measured in terms of minutes spent on homework. It’s about what skills are being developed and what kids are gaining from it.”

McIntosh notes that if a piece of homework is purposeful, then there should be an appropriate time frame set to complete that task. “Some of the most exciting and creative homework tasks [at Dulwich]  are quite open-ended – teachers will set an objective and students will have some agency of how to do that task. There is potential that somebody could spend hours on a small research task so we do set some clear guidelines and the amount of time we would expect them to spend on it, depending on the year group. That means if it’s purposeful and adding value and enhancing the experience, it could actually be done within that time frame set in the context of what should be a well-rounded home experience.”

Appropriate homework assignments can build creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning

To give a specific example, McIntosh shares with us a “Learning Log” assignment his son and the rest of Year 5 recently completed at Dulwich. As part of Year 5’s studies on “Champions for Change: People who have made a significant impact on the world and promoted change,” students were asked to research someone that they considered a champion of change and present it to their class. The estimated time the school sets for these “Learning Logs” at the Year 5 level is about 30 minutes. He explains, “In theory, you could spend 20 hours on a project like that, but we set guidelines. The focus is not just on facts such as when these people were born, but in this example, how they were leaders of change.” For McIntosh, this assignment is an excellent example of an appropriate, meaningful homework task that allows kids ownership over their learning and develops research and presentation skills.

Another factor that influences the amount of homework given at Dulwich is the school’s commitment to its students’ well-being. Homework assignments are set in the context that downtime and time for family are also important. “We’re not setting a homework task expecting it will take all evening or a weekend,” McIntosh says.

Homework can be a great opportunity for family time

That being said, McIntosh points out that some homework assignments are great activities for family time and partnership between parents and child. At Dulwich, children are expected to read for 10-15 minutes at least three times a week. “Besides being valuable in an educational sense, spending time having your child read to you or reading with your child is quality time,” he says. As a father of two boys, he remembers bonding with his sons over the first books they brought home from school. “Sometimes you might explain a word to your child or sometimes you might see a word you don’t know so it’s an opportunity to learn together”.

We asked McIntosh what else parents can do to support their child’s learning outside of school hours. In general, he believes parents can focus on building curiosity and a love of learning. To take part in furthering their child’s knowledge of school subjects, he recommends that parents simply ask their child questions about what they are learning in class and transition the questions into a topic-specific conversation. 

Richard McIntosh, Deputy Head of Junior School,
Dulwich College Beijing

As a parent, McIntosh admits that sometimes children claim they “can’t remember” what they did in school some days. If your child doesn’t remember what they did in school, McIntosh recommends taking advantage of curriculum overview resources schools put out for parents. Parents can use these materials to ask more specific questions instead of asking about the general day. At Dulwich, every few weeks a current topic review pamphlet goes out to each parent so they can follow their child’s studies. The pamphlet includes keywords, learning objectives, links to useful websites, and discussion points that parents can use to engage their child further. If your child’s school doesn’t provide something like this, a simple peek at your child’s agenda and some research on your part can also help you to ask more specific questions to jog your child’s memory, stimulate their curiosity, and test their understanding in a meaningful way.

This post is paid for by Dulwich College Beijing
Photos: PXHere, courtesy of Dulwich College Beijing

The reality of the emotional roller coaster associated with pregnancy is of course widely researched and accepted as part of the joys and challenges of impending motherhood. From sleepless nights worrying about the health of their babies, to dealing with uncertainties related to the changes in their bodies, to the angst some might feel about becoming mothers, the stream of consciousness that can berate women from all backgrounds can seem endless.

It turns out that the emotional changes associated with pregnancy are largely neurological.  A lot of course changes, but for new mothers in particular some of the starkest differences are also the most intimate and life reorienting. Even before giving birth, pregnancy begins to transform the very structure of a woman’s brain. Behavioral changes in new mothers have definitively been connected to what is happening in her amygdala, prefrontal cortex, parietal lobes, midbrain and elsewhere.

Regions that control a woman’s social exchanges, anxiety, empathy and compassion all begin to increase in activity. Offset by a number of hormones that begin to shape the perceived and lived new worlds women begin to exist in during pregnancy and the postpartum period, all coincide to create that fierce bond between mother and child. If you want to witness science fiction’s take on how distinct and powerful a mother and baby bond is, check out A Quiet Place, and see the limitless tenacity of a mother in an apocalyptic world.

However, it’s not just the seemingly unbreakable bond between mother and child that is fostered during this period of heightened brain activity and transformation; a woman’s emotional responses to the world around them is also forever changed. I just can’t stop weeping. I weep when watching commercials, I weep when watching the news, I weep when watching one of those atrociously over-stylized “talent” shows, and the other day I caught myself welling up when watching an overwhelmed contestant on the British Master Chef receive good feedback!

This, apparently (and thankfully), is all very normal and I’m not alone. The almond-shaped neuron cluster known as the amygdala, which supports memory processes and is the main driver for emotional reactions, such as fear, sadness, anxiety, and happiness, increases in activity and the amygdala grows quite substantially in the weeks and months after giving birth. This expertly explains why I have become the emotional glug of goo that stands before my child, husband, family and friends. Researchers believe that this growth correlates with how a new mother behaves – an enhanced amygdala can make a new mother hypersensitive. Phew! I’m not going stir crazy and neither are you.

Remember that there are also other reasons why new mothers cry. Complete elation is of course one of them, but sleep deprivation, feeding issues, sleep training issues and hormonal imbalances that can lead to postpartum depression can also co-exist alongside the more positive attributes of increased hypersensitivity.

New and seasoned mothers slay even when they think they’re not. Perfectly sane mothers weep, rejoice and feel anxiety. We give birth to life, nurture, and love, affirm and deeply surrender ourselves to the little people in our lives. There is no love or sacrifice like that of mothers. Yes, motherhood does make you more emotional and we should embrace this season of emotional highs and lows, which for some can last longer than others.

My compassion and empathy for others has become heightened and I also grieve for losses and pains that an individual who has no connection to me might be experiencing, but perhaps these emotional reactions have created a hybrid sense of self. In this unknown territory and season I can grow as a person and so can other new mothers. Weeping at the drop of hat? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!

Photo: Pixabay

According to RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the US, one out of every six women have been the victim of sexual assault, fifty-four percent of sexual assault victims are under 34, and every 98 seconds an American is sexually assaulted.

The office for National Statistics reports that one in five of all women in England and Wales will have been the victims of sexual assault since the age of 16. This is the equivalent to an estimated 3.4 million female victims and 631,000 male victims. A shocking eighty-three percent (5 in 6 victims) of adult victims do not report experiences of sexual assault to the police. These statistics do not take into account the estimated 2.0 million adults aged 16 to 59 who experience domestic abuse each year.

According to UK Children’s Charity, NSPCC, one in 20 children in the UK have been sexually abused, one in three children are sexually abused by an adult and did not report it, and 2,800 children were identified as needing protection from sexual abuse in the years 2016 to 2017.

These numbers are not only extremely shocking but speak of a wider and growing problem with domestic sexual abuse, rape, child sexual abuse, incest, and more, that permeates around the globe. This epidemic creates a number of challenges for local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and the very fabric of society.

The effects of trauma-based experiences, if not dealt with, can last a lifetime and some victims of sexual assault will experience debilitating symptoms that can interfere with daily life. The good news is, there is light at the end of the tunnel should you seek it.

What You Can Do

Recovering emotionally from disaster can be a long journey, but with time and perseverance one can overcome the emotional, physical, and psychological trauma caused by sexual abuse. Understanding the raw emotions and responses that follow traumatic events can help support healing and recovery, and offer coping mechanisms for difficult thoughts and behaviors. Seeking psychological intervention can be effective in preventing and dealing with existing long-term effects, as well as helping you on the path to recovery.

Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Abuse

Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Psychologist Dr. Bojun Hu has initiated a support group for women survivors of rape, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse and incest. The small groups of eight to ten people will facilitate therapeutic discussion centered on the following:

• Managing disclosure
• Emotional regulation
• Self-esteem and body image
• Intimacy and sexuality
• Seeking support
• Self-care

This group will be completely confidential and is aimed at supporting women to cope with feelings such as grief, fear, loss, shame, self-blame, and anger. Together survivors of sexual abuse will be given the tools to start healing and issues regarding, power, control, body image, trust, intimacy, and well-being will be tackled using in-depth discussion and yoga practices.

The sessions will be a place for women to strengthen their cognitive and emotional processing, relax, and reconnect the mind and the body. This group will be a source of hope, comfort, and an opportunity for women seeking support to unite with other sexual abuse survivors as they usher in an era for power, autonomy, and wholeness.

To sign up please email fc-rec@ufh.con.cnto express your interest in joining the group or to ask any questions you may have. Female Adults. RMB 600 (per 1.5hr session). RMB 1,200 (mandatory one-hour pre-group interview). March 21 – May 9. Thursdays 6pm-7.30pm. United Family New Hope Clinical Center, 9-11 West Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang District (www.ufh.com.cn/ 5927 7120)

A child’s school lies at the center of their life, second only to family as the place where they grow, learn, play and make friends. We’ve taken a look back at some of the events and stories from Beijing’s international schools during 2018.

The educational year began, of course, with the Jingkids International School Expo 2018 (JISE 2018). (Learn more about the 2019 event here.) Among the hot topics under discussion was the shortage of graduates in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math):

Shortage of STEM Graduates “a Crisis in Education,” Says Speaker at Beijing International School Expo 2018

In May, artist William Boyd, an old Harrovian, visited Harrow Beijing to talk about his creative work and collaborations:

June 2018 School News: BSB, Shunyi Collaborates with MIT, DCB’s “Sounds of Spring,” and More!

Our most-read education story of 2018 concerned the financial crisis at Beijing BISS International School (BISS). We’re happy to report that the school was saved and is returning to normality.

“No Soap, No Pencils”: Former BISS Teachers Describe Life at Crisis-Hit School

August was an important month for the British School of Beijing, Sanlitun (BSB Sanlitun), as they opened their state-of-the-art new Early Years building, the Li Building:

Space to Grow: BSB Sanlitun’s New Early Years Building Has the School’s Values Built In

And the new school year rang in the changes for several schools, with new principals or co-principals at BSB Sanlitun, 3E International School, the International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB), and Yew Chung International School Beijing (YCIS Beijing).

September 2018 School News: New Leaders, New Facilities

In September our columnist Hamilton Gregg reported on the chaos surrounding the SAT and ACT, tests used by US colleges to make decisions on admission. (Note: although these acronyms originally stood for Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Testing, they now officially don’t stand for anything.)

Old College Try: More Testing Chaos

Amid a competitive academic environment which can be stressful for young people, the city’s international schools are leading the way in highlighting the importance of the mental and emotional health of their students. Harrow Beijing held a “Well-Being Week” from October 29 to November 2, sharing a theme with World Mental Health Day 2019: “Youth in a Changing World.”

December 2018 School News: Well-Being and Sports in Focus!

And the year ended on a high for Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) and Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), with both schools shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious International School Awards:

Beijing Schools Shortlisted for Prestigious Awards

Photo: coventrytelegraph.net

WeChat groups are a vital resource for Beijing’s international community, not only providing information, but bringing together people with shared interests. Each week we’ll be highlighting a thriving group chat, so whether you’re new to town or just looking to expand your networks, you can find your people.

The pace of life in the Jing can be frantic, so it’s no surprise that so many in the international community turn to yoga and meditation, to find balance, calm, and well-being. One of them is Lisa Qin, who came to China to work for UNICEF, and has been in Beijing for four years. We talked to her to find out more about her group, Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Beijing.

Tell us about yourself, and how you came to be admin of this group.

I’m passionate about community-building and cross-cultural communication from growing up ethnically Chinese in Australia. I’ve always loved technology and coded websites as a kid, made friends through online blogging, and have been doing yoga since I was a teenager. So starting the group seemed like a natural intersection of all these interests.

My goal was to create a place where we could “keep it real” and have community for our whole selves, to support our practices with values of respect, empathy, and compassion. The group is also a place to connect with others who are seeking growth and holistic health living in Beijing, as well as find out about events and opportunities you may not otherwise hear about amongst the plethora of activities here.

Who’s in the group and what do you talk about?

The group reflects the diversity of people living in Beijing, from locals, expats, teachers and students of yoga, tai chi, movement, dance, therapists, Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors, and others who are interested in holistic well-being practices.

We discuss all things related to wellness, relaxation and healing, which includes yoga and meditation, and share events on Sundays. We’ve expanded to groups in Shanghai and Shenzhen too.

Given that wellness is such a huge industry now, and yoga is increasingly commercialized and packaged only as exercise when it is so much more, we also have some forthright and critical discussions about these trends taking place.

Do you meet in real life?

We have occasional official offline group meetings, and people have met up through the other events shared in the group.

To join, add the group manager Tang Zhe by searching for his ID tandio, or scan the QR code below. Community is important to the group, so please ensure you read the guidelines and introduce yourself on joining.

Photos: courtesy of Lisa Qin

When I stopped by the newly-opened Beijing Mindfulness Centre (BMC) for a chat with Founder Dalida Turkovic, I had only a fuzzy understanding of what “mindfulness” actually was, let alone how it could be applied in our daily lives.

Over Serbian cookies and tea, we talked for an hour and a half about the roots of mindfulness, its growing mainstream appeal, and the benefits for people of all ages. Here are highlights from that conversation.

An executive and wellness coach by training, Turkovic has been working with individual and corporate clients for over 20 years.

The BMC was born out of a small weekly mindfulness group she’d been running at the same location in Qian Yongkang Hutong for the past year. When the entire space became available, Turkovic seized on the chance to realize the mindfulness center she’d wanted to open for years.

Currently, BMC offers three weekly programs – Mindful Mondays, Mindful Body, and Weekend Meditation – in addition to regular yoga classes, film screenings focusing on spirituality and personal growth, full moon meditations, and occasional workshops with visiting experts.

Recently, Turkovic wrote and illustrated a book called Mindfulness for Beginners designed for parents and children (available at BMC and on Amazon). There will be an official book launch on June 1 to coincide with Children’s Day.

I’d really like to talk about this concept of mindfulness. It’s been written about so much in the past year and it seems like every big corporate is incorporating some element of “mindfulness” into employee programs. What’s your take on the definition of mindfulness and how it applies to everyday life?
Usually we’re talking about secular mindfulness, but the Buddhist practice of mindfulness has been around for thousands of years – and that’s going to stay.

What I’m really curious about is the research related to mindfulness: what happens to the brain when we practice mindfulness and why is it useful? We had a boom in [the prominence of]emotional intelligence with [psychologist and author]Daniel Goleman. It seems to me this stream of emotional intelligence is now under the umbrella of mindfulness, and mindfulness is under the umbrella of positive psychology.

There’s a Chinese story about a frog in a well who says “I’m the king of this well.” At the top of the well, there’s another frog looking at the space outside – not being the king, but having that perspective. This is what I think mindfulness enables us to have, this larger perspective.

For each person, the benefits are going to be very individual. It depends why we start to practice it. I started practicing mindfulness because I had depression, and [the techniques]were shown to me by the doctor; I didn’t even that’s what it was at the time.

If you start observing your thoughts in a more conscious way, you’re going to realize a lot are related to past or to future. Whatever I’m saying now, you’re most likely connecting to what you have read or what you need to write about.

Yeah, actually.
You’re not in here, right? That’s what it means to be present – to become aware of how the mind wants to go in these two directions and to say “no” to that.

In order to do that, we need to use certain anchors, otherwise we get lost. One way is through breath; if you start noticing how your chest rises or falls, thoughts of past and future are removed.

Another anchor is mindful listening. [Turkovic pauses.] Right now you’re really curious; you’re searching for the sound. You may notice that your thoughts go back to past and future, but that’s OK. Each time that happens, bring it back to this moment.

Tell me about your book, Mindfulness for Beginners.
[The book] is actually for parents to better understand what [mindfulness]really means, but to do it together with their child. So far, I’ve gotten comments like “This is amazing, because so far the books I’ve seen are for parents to learn [mindfulness]and then teach it to my child.”

It can’t be “Here’s a book, I’m going to teach my child mindfulness techniques and they can practice them on their own.” First off, it’s not fair. Walk the walk. Second, it becomes quite difficult to help them through obstacles if you don’t yourself practice mindfulness.

Our education system is full of examples like this; we tell children, “You have to practice piano, you have to practice violin! But me? Oh no, I don’t have time.”

What are some mindfulness exercises we can do with kids?
At the moment, I’m not sure which age group is the most appropriate to start mindfulness practice because we’re talking about alertness, awareness, and the ability to meditate.

But if we’re talking about teenagers, there’s one technique where thoughts can be seen as buses. You don’t want to get on every single bus that comes to the bus stop. If there’s a bus that says “Destination: Worry,” just let it pass. If there’s a bus titled “Kindness,” you can jump on this bus and explore it from beginning to end.

Another exercise is to sit quietly and observe. There are apps where you can set up the timer to go off every 30 seconds or minute. Have the child to sit down and count how many times they hear the bell, and it becomes a game. They can also count their own breaths – times inhaling and exhaling – within a given period. Once they get better at [these techniques], you can start extending the amount of time.

Mindfulness is a long-term practice; there will be bad days. It’s about climbing the peaks and going through tunnels.

To find out more about BMC or join one of the center’s regular sessions, call 6416 6125 or email hello@beijingmindfulness.com.

Sijia Chen is a contributing editor at beijingkids and a freelance writer specializing in parenting, education, travel, environment, and culture. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Independent, Midnight Poutine, Rover Arts, and more. Follow her on Twitter at @sijiawrites or email her at sijiachen@beijing-kids.com.

Photos: Courtesy of BMC