Sunday, August 31, 2008

The Playway Monthly News

Dear Parent,

Hope you had a wonderful vacation with your family!
I had a great experience with a series of professional development conferences. The slelta, Sri Lanka English Language Teachers’ Association where I serve as the Editor of their Young Learners’ Special Interest Group (Y L SIG) had the 5th International Conference at the National Institute of Education, Sri Lanka with the cooperation from the Ministry of Education Sri Lanka. I had the privilege of meeting most prominent and eminent International Educationists and experience the most modern educational findings. This was a Four Day Conference.

Subsequently, I was invited by the British Council, Colombo for the Hornby Regional in-house School for Teachers of English at Villa Ocean View, Wadduwa. The conference there was on Bilingual Education and the importance of Bilingualism. I shall provide you with some vital information on this within the next month. We developed materials for English Language in the Bilingual Classroom. It was a five day Conference where we had a quality experience studying about learners within the range of 0-18 years and their needs with many professionals in the field.

Apart from all these the lectures at the University of Sri Jayawardenapura went on as usual in the week- ends bringing the final year exams closer. It is great to attend all these professional development activities as they are filled with knowledge and expertise; I have no doubt will help me develop my own skills to teach your children.

While you rested over the holiday, playway has enjoyed a makeover. It now opens its doors with freshly painted interiors and more space. There are a few more features to add up during the near future. I trust that these developments will only help our children at playway be confident true learners.

Our Current Theme: Help! Help!!
We are inquiring into the topic to find out “Who helps us”.
There are many activities lined up to make children enjoy the theme while learning the most important skills through them. It is an interesting topic where language, number, social skills, art and craft, music and movement can be developed. We shall take a closer look at the people who help us without getting any reward for their work.
Parents, If you are a resource person on this topic you could also talk to us and arrange a time to share your experience or resources with the children at the playway.
Many Happy Returns to all who celebrated their Birthdays during the vacations and Happy, Happy Birthday to Jaana and Apoorva who are celebrating their B’days in September!!!
Dates for your Diary will be sent with a memo next week. We are striving this semester to fill it with fun activities to keep the children happy, active and true learners throughout.
Have an Awesome August and a Super September!

Neelika Edirisinghe,
Director, the playway nursery