Hello Reader, Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating! Bored Children I have conducted hundreds of observations over the years and seen multiple settings in which teachers are uncertain and children are either running around or completely disengaged. One of the reasons is that the lessons are boring, predictable and leave the children feeling unseen and unheard. What Can You Do as a Manager to Combat Boredom in Preschools? Here are 3 (of many) solutions: Be prepared. Show up as a leader who is...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, How are you today? How was the month of March? Let's meet this coming Tuesday 8 April 2024 | 7p.m. Dubai time, to check in for accountability, learning and networking! Here's the link to register in advance for this virtual meeting of Ask Your Mentor: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ode6rqz4oEtDxF8qB3SrGxY7mMUmpzLgN After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Tell a female professional friend of African...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Dear fellow educators, I'm happy to share insights from a groundbreaking research project conducted by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), aimed at enhancing children's early language and literacy development in the Early Years in the UK. Overview of the Research This project, designed to narrow the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers, could provide invaluable guidance for our practice. At its core, the project focused on fostering communication and...
6 months ago • 2 min read
Hello and Good Day Reader, You have been selected to receive a survey from Professional Minds MEA, the first choice for tangible preschool solutions in the UAE and beyond. My recent research has shown that the nursery inspections will take place in Sharjah, UAE in April and May 2024. For nursery owners and leaders, that means quick and effective preparation. My work as head of kindergarten As the previous and founding head of the kindergarten at Raffles International School, Dubai, I learned...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, That's me with two ladies during a session to support NGOs How are you this Monday? This is not the normal newsletter. I am writing to ask whether anyone in this community is leading or managing a non government organisation (NGO) in Sub Saharan Africa? OR Do you, Reader, know anyone who is running such an NGO/nonprofit organisation? What's New at Professional Minds In addition to my early childhood advisory service, I will be starting a paid membership for women of African...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, That's me on a recent trip to Salalah, Oman. Lots of frankincense there! It has been a while. How are you? As we navigate the intricate tapestry of life, I can't help but smile at the notion of me growing more 'mature' – though, let's be honest, laughter is one of the secrets to staying young. In self-reflection I realise that: joy is not a destination we strive to reach but a companion we invite to walk with us in the present. In the HERE and NOW. Yesterday On Friday, I sent someone...
8 months ago • 2 min read
Hello!!! Reader, As the Christmas and holiday season approaches, a lot of us will be around family. Some family members are part of our daily lives, others will be visiting. I’m not sure what that looks like for you. Drama My Christmas is usually overshadowed by haunting memories from childhood when my parents were usually at loggerheads. It evidenced a time of unease, tension and overall lack of peace. Hmm.. nothing that the arrival of the Messiah should represent:). No More Drama Over the...
10 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, ‘Done is better than not done’. I spent over two months, in total, in the UK this year refurbishing a small apartment that I own. At the start of the project I had no idea it would take so long and made multiple wrong assumptions regarding the entire process. I took a Dubai mindset (organised and mostly efficient) into London territory (simply not as efficient). As stress built up and my perfectionism kicked in I came up with a phrase, leading to a daily mantra as I walked...
10 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, ‘Time set aside for you is just fine’. As I pen those words, I realise that they have not always been an acceptable truth. Do you sometimes feel the same and catch yourself looking over your shoulder to check whether the question is actually directed at YOU? The SAHM The truth is out there! For most of my married life (over 25 years) I have been a stay at home mother to two wonderful children (now young adults). I must tell you it is something that did not sit well with me for...
10 months ago • 2 min read