AIS Voices

In Part 2 of our Online School Series, I had the opportunity to speak with our Head of School, Ms. Anita Simpson about her journey leading the school’s response to the pandemic. We will get a glimpse into the guidance provided to the community by the AIS Leadership Team as Ms. Simpson explains the importance of sending the right message to help create a positive mindset.

It is no surprise that Covid-19 has changed our lives in many ways. This virus has changed the way we live, connect, and learn. In this 3 part series on online learning, I look to my AIS family to discuss important issues that parents, students, and teachers face during this unique time. We will explore and discuss topics such as leadership, wellness, and technology in hopes that people who are seeking connection or answers can begin their journey with us.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Kim Yaris about learned helplessness and how we can support and empower our children to take agency. Helping children become agents in their learning is a wonderful gift. Agency will help our children become successful problem solvers, communicators, and innovators. They will have the passion and drive to overcome challenges and learn new skills. Most of all, our children will change the world with the gift of agency.

In this episode, I speak with 2 high school students, Parban and Choa along with their High School English Teacher, Miss Kathleen Abel about the rewards of learning outside of the classroom. Through the Writer in Residence Program, students gained insight on what it was like to be a professional writer. Students pitched ideas, collaborated, and interviewed people in the community.

Speaking in front of a crowd of people is NOT easy. It is challenging and nerve-wracking at the same time but a necessary skill to learn. At AIS, we want our students to have the confidence to use their voice to share ideas. This was the goal of Mr. Josefino Rivera when he offered high school students the opportunity to join a well known community of TEDx presenters. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mr. Rivera to find out more about TEDx at American International School.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of children about STEAM. In November, AIS students explored STEAM through projects thoughtfully designed by teachers. Listen in to what they had to say about their experiences.

Reading is an important lifelong skill that we must acquire to help us in all facets of life. The list of benefits are endless but there are many misconceptions in reading. Some popular ones include reading aloud, reading levels, summarizing, picture books, and audiobooks. It is important for us to understand them and to move away from them to help our children become readers for life.

What happens when teachers encourage students to step out of their comfort zone? The answer is that our students will grow into people who reflect on their failures and learn how to succeed on future opportunities. Teachers at American International School are providing students the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone to prepare them for life outside of school. Our goal is to teach children to be confident, well-spoken individuals who welcome challenges. This is our very first episode of AIS Voices and I am extremely excited to share it with you! So, take a seat and enjoy the show!