A Taste of Discovery: How Our Icons Explored Food in Nature

At Jabneh Christian Academy, learning isn’t just about books and lessons—it’s about experience, discovery, and engagement. Our recent outdoor adventure was proof of this! We introduced the concept that food is anything meant for eating. Our icons took their learning beyond the classroom. They ventured into nature to explore firsthand what that really means.

Armed with curiosity and a sense of adventure, our young learners went on a food hunt, searching for edible treasures in the great outdoors. The highlight of the exploration? A mulberry tree bursting with ripe, juicy berries! With giggles of excitement and eager hands, the icons gathered around, some cautiously taking their first taste while others confidently enjoyed nature’s sweet offering. The joy on their faces as they savored the berries said a lot. It was a reminder that learning is most powerful when it’s experienced.

How We Make Learning Stick

At Jabneh, hands-on experiences are key to deep and lasting learning. By engaging multiple senses—seeing, touching, smelling, and tasting—the icons understood what food is and developed a connection to nature and a curiosity about what’s safe to eat. These real-world encounters help them retain knowledge better than any worksheet ever.

The Benefits of Exploration in Early Learning

  1. Curiosity and Critical Thinking – Exploration encourages children to ask questions, make observations, and think critically about the world around them.
  2. Confidence and Independence – Finding and trying new foods outdoors builds confidence as children engage with their environment.
  3. Sensory and Motor Development – Picking berries, feeling their texture, and tasting their flavor strengthens fine motor skills and sensory awareness.
  4. Healthy Relationships with Food – Understanding where food comes from helps children appreciate fresh, natural foods and make healthier choices.

By stepping outside the classroom and into creation, we are not just teaching our icons—we are shaping their love for learning, encouraging them to engage with the world, and equipping them with knowledge that sticks.

Who knew that a simple mulberry tree was such a powerful teacher?

#JabnehChristianAcademy #LearningThroughExploration #FoodDiscovery #IconsInAction

Just before you go, we are now accepting applications for new students for the new school year. Use or share the link with a friend. https://forms.gle/rE4ccTfaRCeQfz6d7

Learning Through Play: A Unique Activity with Our Icons at Jabneh Christian Academy

At Jabneh Christian Academy, we believe every moment holds an opportunity for learning—sometimes in the most unexpected ways! Today, we engaged our icons in a hands-on activity. They rummaged through a suitcase to find specific items of clothing. This was based on verbal descriptions. While this might not be a traditional classroom lesson, the experience provided countless learning opportunities:

Vocabulary Development – Some icons were unfamiliar with the names of certain clothing items. This activity expanded their vocabulary and improved word association.

Listening & Comprehension Skills – They had to carefully listen to descriptions, process the information, and identify the correct item, sharpening their comprehension abilities.

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Faced with multiple choices, they had to assess each item, apply reasoning, and make decisions—valuable skills for everyday life.

Confidence & Independence – Encouraging icons to search, choose, and identify items independently built their confidence and sense of independence.

Social & Teamwork Skills – Working alongside their peers fostered cooperation, patience, and communication.

We encourage you, our parents, to engage your icons in similar real-life learning experiences at home! Whether sorting laundry, setting the table, or describing objects in a fun game, everyday tasks can become powerful teaching moments.

Let’s continue to make learning dynamic, engaging, and meaningful!

#LearningThroughPlay #BuildingSkills #JabnehIcons

We are now accepting applications for new icons for the next school year. Here is the link to apply. https://forms.gle/Dqy4JgevWmwpaVyNA

Values Day Recap: Finishing the Race with Perseverance

Today was an inspiring and uplifting Values Day at Jabneh Christian Academy. Our theme, “Finishing the Race,” encouraged all our icons to embrace the power of perseverance. Our value word for the month of January was Perseverance. It reminds us all that true success comes from staying committed. This commitment is important even when challenges arise.

Our virtual icons participated in a thrilling Race of Determination. They demonstrated resilience and teamwork. They overcame various obstacles in their indoor session. Meanwhile, our face-to-face icons took part in the exciting Relay of Perseverance. They pushed themselves to give their best effort. They supported one another to the finish line.

To further emphasise perseverance, we focused on the Bible character Joseph, a true example of steadfastness. He faced many hurdles, including betrayal and imprisonment. Yet, he remained faithful and finished his race. He ultimately rose to a place of great purpose and leadership.

Our scripture for the day, Philippians 3:14, reminded us to “Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
This verse encouraged our icons to keep their eyes on their goals and push forward with unwavering determination.

One of the most powerful moments of the day was when our icons wrote out their measurable goals, setting clear and achievable targets for their personal and academic growth. By putting their goals into writing, they took an important step in committing to their own race of perseverance.

We concluded Values Day with a Perseverance Award Ceremony, celebrating those who exemplified resilience, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. Each award was a testament to the strength and dedication our icons displayed throughout the month.

As we step into a new month, we encourage our icons to take the lessons learned today and apply them to their everyday journey. Perseverance is the key to success! Let’s continue pressing toward our goals, lifting one another up, and striving for excellence in all that we do.

Keep running your race with faith, strength, and perseverance!

#FinishingTheRace #Perseverance #ValuesDay #IconsOnAMission

The Value of Repurposing Items to Enhance the Classroom with Auntie Nats

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, innovation often stems from creative problem-solving. One particularly impactful way to foster a dynamic learning environment is by repurposing everyday items for classroom use. By breathing new life into objects that might otherwise be discarded, educators can save costs. They can also reduce waste and create an engaging atmosphere. This atmosphere stimulates learning and imagination. At Jabneh Christian Academy, they transformed an old refrigerator into two versatile classroom assets. This transformation serves as a perfect example. Here’s how repurposing can make a difference and why it’s valuable for enhancing the educational experience.

Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solutions

Classroom supplies and furniture can be costly, and budgets are often tight. Repurposing allows educators to innovate without breaking the bank. The refrigerator, now functioning as a cubby for the icons’ lunch kits, is a testament to this principle. What was once an unused appliance is now a storage solution, cutting down the need for new, expensive furniture. This approach also aligns with sustainable practices. It reduces waste and promotes environmental stewardship. This serves as a lesson in itself for students about the value of reusing and recycling.

Encourages Creativity and Imagination

Repurposing items in the classroom is not just about practicality; it’s about inspiring creativity. When students see familiar objects used in new and unexpected ways, it sparks curiosity and encourages them to think outside the box. The refrigerator door is a perfect example, cleverly repurposed into a library space. This unique bookshelf draws attention, inviting icons to engage with reading in a fun and interactive way. It subtly communicates that learning doesn’t always have to follow conventional paths—creativity is welcome.

Fosters a Hands-On Learning Environment

Repurposing also supports hands-on learning, which is essential for young students. Involving them in the transformation of everyday items into educational tools can become an engaging project, teaching them practical skills and the value of problem-solving. By observing or participating in repurposing projects, children learn that learning spaces can evolve, adapt, and be tailored to meet their needs—whether it’s transforming an appliance into a cubby hole or finding other ways to optimise classroom space.

Creates a Sense of Ownership and Community

When students see familiar objects transformed for their use, it creates a sense of belonging and ownership over their learning environment. They feel that their classroom is not just a space where they receive information but a shared community where their needs are considered and creativity thrives. At Jabneh Christian Academy, the icons are encouraged to feel pride and ownership over the unique space they help create. The repurposed refrigerator-turned-cubby symbolises this communal spirit, providing a practical yet personalised solution that meets the needs of every student.

Teaches Valuable Lessons Beyond Academics

Repurposing teaches children to look at the world critically, fostering a mindset that sees possibilities where others might see waste. This practice nurtures resourcefulness—a skill that extends far beyond the classroom. It’s a lesson in stewardship, teaching students to care for their environment and wisely use resources, aligning with broader educational goals of building responsible, thoughtful citizens.

A Call to Embrace Repurposing in Education

Repurposing everyday items for the classroom isn’t just a trend; it’s a meaningful way to innovate and create a dynamic learning environment. At Jabneh Christian Academy, the transformation of a refrigerator into a cubby hole and a library space is a prime example of how repurposing can meet practical needs while also enriching the educational experience. As educators, parents, and students continue to look for ways to make learning spaces more engaging and sustainable, repurposing will undoubtedly play a vital role.

By embracing the concept of repurposing, schools can turn challenges into opportunities, encouraging creativity, saving resources, and making education not only about books and desks but about creative exploration and discovery. It’s about showing our icons that even the most ordinary object can become extraordinary with a little imagination.

The Power of Pretend Play: Unlocking Learning in the Dress-Up Corner with Auntie Nats

Pretend play, particularly through the simple yet impactful dress-up corner, is one of the most enjoyable ways young children learn. This fun, engaging activity allows learners to step into different roles, explore various professions, and imagine a world beyond their everyday lives. But the benefits go well beyond a child’s delightful giggles and inventive stories; let’s explore why the dress-up corner is a wonderful space for learning and growth.

1. Boosts Imagination and Creativity

Dressing up as a doctor, firefighter, chef, explorer or for different occasions allows children to create entire worlds within their minds. This kind of imaginative play is crucial as it pushes learners to think outside the box, make up stories, and develop characters. The dress-up corner becomes a stage where they can perform, dream, and expand their creative horizons.

2. Develops Social and Emotional Skills

Through role-playing, children practice empathy and understand different perspectives. For example, by playing a doctor, they explore the role of a caregiver, practising kindness and problem-solving. They also learn to cooperate with others, share costumes, and communicate effectively, building emotional intelligence that supports future relationships.

3. Enhances Language and Communication

Pretend play often includes dialogues and storytelling, which enhances vocabulary and sentence structure. As children describe who they are and what they’re doing, they practice language in context, building strong communication skills. This is particularly helpful for young learners, as they engage in conversations that expand their expressive language.

4. Improves Problem-Solving Skills

Pretend play scenarios often present “problems” to solve: How will the chef serve the hungry customers? What does the firefighter do in an emergency? These imaginary situations encourage children to think critically and make decisions, strengthening their ability to handle challenges in real-life situations.

5. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem

Trying on various roles helps children build confidence as they discover new strengths and abilities. Playing a leader, a helper, or a brave hero helps them feel empowered and capable. Over time, these experiences can reinforce a child’s belief in their potential, making them more self-assured in other areas of life.

6. Encourages Fine and Gross Motor Skills Development

From buttoning a jacket to tying a scarf or slipping shoes, dressing up encourages children to practice fine motor skills. Moving around, acting out roles, or pretending to carry items helps develop gross motor skills, strengthening their coordination and physical abilities.

Creating Your Own Dress-Up Corner as a Parent

Setting up a dress-up corner is simple and can be done with a few costumes or even repurposed household items. Offer clothes representing different characters or professions, and let the child’s imagination do the rest! With various options and gentle guidance, a dress-up corner can become an inspiring learning environment, sparking joy and supporting essential childhood development at school and home.

Embracing Single-Parent Families: Building an Inclusive Community at Jabneh Christian Academy

Single-parent families often face unique challenges that are sometimes overlooked in broader community settings. Balancing work, household responsibilities and the emotional needs of children can be overwhelming when only one adult manages everything. Time becomes a precious commodity, often leading to stress and fatigue. Additionally, financial strain is a common issue, as there is typically only one income supporting the family. This can make it difficult to afford extracurricular activities, school supplies, or even basic necessities, adding to the stress.

Emotionally, single parents may feel isolated, lacking the support of a partner to share the ups and downs of raising children. This absence can take a toll on their well-being and that of their children. The situation is sometimes compounded by societal judgment or misconceptions about single-parent families, making it harder to build connections within the school community.

Creating a supportive environment is equally crucial. Fostering a culture of understanding and support within our school can help single parents feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of judgment. Being a listening ear and showing genuine interest in their challenges can go a long way in making them feel valued.

At Jabneh Christian Academy, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another. To make our school village more inclusive, we can establish a support network specifically for single parents. Our vibrant PTA body will lead this charge.

By being mindful of the challenges single-parent families face and taking intentional steps to include them, we can ensure that every member of the Jabneh Christian Academy community feels valued and supported. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where all families thrive, united by our shared faith and commitment to one another.

As we unite in prayer today for our single parent families, here are some prayer points:

Hope and Joy: Pray they will be filled with hope and joy, trusting in God’s promises and experiencing His presence in every aspect of their lives.

Strength and Endurance: Pray that single parents will be strengthened in their daily tasks and responsibilities, finding the energy and resilience they need to care for their children and manage their households.

Financial Provision: Ask God to provide for their financial needs, opening doors of opportunity for stable employment and the resources necessary to meet their family’s needs.

Emotional Support and Comfort: Pray for God’s peace to surround them and comfort them in moments of loneliness and stress. Ask that they find a strong support network within the church and community.

Wisdom in Parenting: Pray for wisdom and discernment as they raise their children, guiding them in making decisions that honour God and foster a loving, healthy home environment.

Protection and Safety: Ask God to protect the families, keeping them safe from harm and shielding them from any negative influences or dangers.

Healing from Past Hurts: Pray for emotional healing from any past hurts, disappointments, or broken relationships and that God’s love will restore and renew their hearts.

Opportunities for Rest: Pray that single parents will find moments of rest and refreshment amidst their busy lives, giving them time to recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Godly Role Models: Pray that God will place godly role models and mentors in their children’s lives, providing positive examples of faith and character.

Community and Inclusion: Pray that single-parent families will feel welcomed and included in the church and school communities and experience the love and support of those around them.

If possible, check in with a single-parent family today.

#Wenurture #weenlighten #webuild

Honouring the Men of Jabneh Christian Academy

Today, we gather with hearts full of gratitude and respect to lift up the men in our Jabneh Christian Academy community. We recognise your vital roles as fathers, mentors, teachers, and leaders. Your faith, commitment, and integrity are foundational to the spiritual and academic growth of our icons. We see in you the strength of character that reflects Christ’s love and guidance, and we are thankful for your unwavering dedication.

As we pray for you today, we stand on God’s promises, asking Him to bless, guide, and empower you in every aspect of your life. May you continue to walk in His wisdom, shine as lights in the world, and lead with humility and grace.

Prayer Points:

  1. Strength and Wisdom:
    • Scripture: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
    • Prayer: Lord, we ask that You renew the strength of the men in our community. Grant them wisdom in their decisions and endurance in their responsibilities. May they find rest and renewal in You.
  2. Spiritual Leadership:
    • Scripture: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
    • Prayer: Father, we pray that our men will be sharpened by Your Word and by each other. Help them to be strong spiritual leaders in their homes, workplaces, and school communities.
  3. Protection and Provision:
    • Scripture: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.” – Psalm 23:1-2
    • Prayer: Lord, be the Shepherd to every man here, providing for their needs and protecting them from harm. Guide them beside still waters and let Your peace reign in their hearts.
  4. Integrity and Courage:
    • Scripture: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
    • Prayer: Father, instil in our men the courage to stand firm in their faith and to act with integrity in all things. Let love be the driving force behind all they do.
  5. Blessing Their Families:
    • Scripture: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15
    • Prayer: We pray that each man’s home would be a place where Your name is glorified. Bless their families with unity, love, and faithfulness, and let their homes be filled with Your presence.

May this day of prayer strengthen our bonds as a village and empower the men among us to continue walking in God’s purpose with courage and conviction. We are also mindful that some of our men have not yet accepted Christ Jesus as Lord and Saviour. As Women, we agonise in prayer for your deliverance. We can wait expectantly for you to see the Light!   

In Christ’s Love,

Auntie Nats

 Jabneh Christian Academy

Let’s Make National Children’s Day 2024 Memorable for our Little Ones!

Tip: Celebrate your children today by treating them.

As we strive to make this day extraordinary for our children, I’m excited to share some unique ways we can treat them, going beyond the usual gifts and activities.

Here are some treats that will take your children into the future that they will thank us for:

Apply for their TRN: Gather the necessary documents today, set a day next week when they are on mid-term break, take them to the tax office, and complete the process.

Apply for their passport: Download and fill out the application today; it’s available online.

Ensure full immunization: If your child is not fully immunized, take them to the nearest health centre. The amazing nurses are eager to assist you, such as those at the Grange Hill Health Centre. You may also choose to use a private paediatrician.

Open a savings account or investment: Consider the Sammy Saver’s Club offer by the Credit Union or other suitable options to start saving for their future.

Family connections: Take your children to meet family members. Utilise video calls for instances where distance is a challenge.

Seek the best educational opportunities: Make a decision to seek the best educational opportunities for the children for the new school term.

Plan summer experiences: Begin to plan their summer experiences to ensure they are enriching and enjoyable.

Teach future skills: Teach your children skills that will benefit them in the future, such as coding, financial literacy, or problem-solving.

Dental check-ups: Ensure they visit the dentist regularly to maintain good oral health.

Specialised medical care: For those who are ill, take them to the paediatrician rather than a general practitioner to ensure they receive specialised care.

Learning and personality assessments: Guide your children in taking the following tests, which will provide relevant insights:

A learning style test – https://www.lovetoknow.com/parenting/kids/learning-style-test-children

A personality test- -https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=your-kids-personality-type

Special needs assessment: If you suspect that your child has special needs, seek to get him/her assessed.

Educational resources: For worksheets that are age-appropriate, visit With Auntie Nats. www.withauntienats.com

Church involvement: Get your children involved in church to help them develop a sense of community and spiritual growth.

These treats will help prepare your children for the future, equipping them with essential documents, skills, and experiences they will appreciate as they grow.

From Auntie Nats with love.

Understanding the Impact of Attachment Relationships on Children’s Emotional Development: Building Secure Foundations for Lifelong Well-being

Rev. Dr Natasha R. Francis-Campbell, April 22, 2024

Attachment relationships are crucial in children’s emotional
development, providing a foundation for their sense of security, trust, and
emotional well-being. Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and
expanded upon by Mary Ainsworth, emphasizes the importance of early
relationships with caregivers in shaping children’s emotional and social
development. Here’s how attachment relationships impact children’s
emotional development:

Formation of Secure Base: Attachment relationships serve as a secure
base from which children can explore the world and develop
independence. When caregivers are responsive, consistent, and
emotionally available, children feel safe and secure, allowing them to
confidently explore their environment and interact with others.
Emotional Regulation: Secure attachment relationships provide a
buffer against stress and promote the development of emotional
regulation skills. When children feel securely attached to their
caregivers, they are better able to regulate their emotions, manage
stress, and cope with challenging situations. Caregivers serve as
emotional regulators, providing comfort, reassurance, and support
during times of distress.
Formation of Internal Working Models: Attachment relationships
shape children’s internal working models of themselves, others, and
relationships. Securely attached children develop positive internal
working models, believing themselves to be worthy of love and capable
of forming close relationships with others. These internal working models
influence children’s expectations about how relationships should function
and guide their interactions with others throughout life.
Social and Emotional Competence: Secure attachment relationships
provide a foundation for the development of social and emotional
competence. Children who feel securely attached to their caregivers
tend to have better social skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
They are more likely to form positive relationships with peers,
communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts constructively.

Resilience and Coping Skills: Secure attachment relationships
contribute to children’s resilience and ability to cope with adversity.
When children have a secure base of support from caregivers, they are
better equipped to navigate life’s challenges, setbacks, and transitions.
They develop confidence in their ability to seek help and support when
needed, fostering resilience and adaptive coping strategies.
Impact on Mental Health: Secure attachment relationships are
associated with positive mental health outcomes in children. Research
has shown that children who experience secure attachment tend to have
lower rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems. They are
also more likely to develop a positive sense of self-esteem and self-
worth.
Continuity into Adulthood: The quality of attachment relationships
established in childhood continues to influence emotional development
into adulthood. Securely attached individuals tend to have healthier
relationships, higher levels of emotional well-being, and greater overall
life satisfaction. Conversely, insecure attachment patterns may persist
into adulthood and contribute to difficulties in forming and maintaining
close relationships.
Attachment relationships play a critical role in children’s emotional
development, providing a secure base for exploration, promoting
emotional regulation, shaping internal working models, fostering social
and emotional competence, building resilience, and influencing mental
health outcomes. By understanding the importance of attachment
relationships, caregivers, educators, and policymakers can support
children’s emotional well-being and promote positive developmental
outcomes from infancy through adulthood.

Empowering Minds: Navigating Addition with a Student on the Autism Spectrum

Today’s focus was on continuing our exploration of addition. With my student demonstrating a solid grasp of numbers from 1 to 9 and a budding number sense, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to introduce the concept of addition.

Navigating the Fundamentals of Addition in the World of Autism

In our first lesson, we began by familiarizing ourselves with the plus sign, an essential symbol in the world of addition. Through repetition and visual aids, my student began to recognize and name the symbol with increasing confidence.

Moving forward to our second lesson, we delved into reading the first half of addition equations. We practiced identifying the numbers involved in the addition process, such as in 3 + 4 or 7 + 2, laying a foundational understanding.

In lesson three, we introduced the concept of the equal sign, a pivotal step in comprehending the balance inherent in addition equations. After revisiting the skills learned in the previous lesson, we incorporated the equal sign into our equation readings, such as in 3 + 4 =.

During this journey, my student encountered challenges, as is common in the learning process. There were moments of difficulty differentiating between the plus and equal signs, leading to moments of frustration. However, through supportive guidance and reassurance, we navigated these obstacles together.

I vividly recall one such moment when my student looked at me with a mixture of determination and desperation, seeking assistance in remembering. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of personalized support and encouragement in the learning process.

Although we encountered setbacks along the way, we celebrated small victories, such as the one captured in the video from today’s session. Witnessing my student’s progress and sense of accomplishment serves as a testament to the effectiveness of breaking down concepts into manageable segments.

Teaching learners in small, digestible segments has proven to be an effective approach, allowing for incremental progress and meaningful engagement. As we continue our journey together, I am inspired by the resilience and determination demonstrated by my student, reinforcing my commitment to providing tailored support and fostering a love for learning.

Engaging my student with autism has been a rewarding journey of patience, understanding, and tailored instruction.

Today’s focus was on continuing our exploration of addition. With my student demonstrating a solid grasp of numbers from 1 to 9 and a budding number sense, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to introduce the concept of addition.

In our first lesson, we began by familiarizing ourselves with the plus sign, an essential symbol in the world of addition. Through repetition and visual aids, my student began to recognize and name the symbol with increasing confidence.

Moving forward to our second lesson, we delved into reading the first half of addition equations. We practiced identifying the numbers involved in the addition process, such as in 3 + 4 or 7 + 2, laying a foundational understanding.

In lesson three, we introduced the concept of the equal sign, a pivotal step in comprehending the balance inherent in addition equations. After revisiting the skills learned in the previous lesson, we incorporated the equal sign into our equation readings, such as in 3 + 4 =.

During this journey, my student encountered challenges, as is common in the learning process. There were moments of difficulty differentiating between the plus and equal signs, leading to moments of frustration. However, through supportive guidance and reassurance, we navigated these obstacles together.

I vividly recall one such moment when my student looked at me with a mixture of determination and desperation, seeking assistance in remembering. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of personalized support and encouragement in the learning process.

Although we encountered setbacks along the way, we celebrated small victories, such as the one captured in the video from today’s session. Witnessing my student’s progress and sense of accomplishment serves as a testament to the effectiveness of breaking down concepts into manageable segments.

Teaching learners in small, digestible segments has proven to be an effective approach, allowing for incremental progress and meaningful engagement. As we continue our journey together, I am inspired by the resilience and determination demonstrated by my student, reinforcing my commitment to providing tailored support and fostering a love for learning.