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Honouring the Men of Jabneh Christian Academy

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!

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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

Jabneh Christian Academy , , , , , , , , ,

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

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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.

Making a Splash: The Developmental Delights of Water Day

Jabneh Christian Academy

As the weather heats up, it’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors and dive into some water-filled fun! There’s nothing quite as exhilarating and joyous as spending the day splashing and frolicking in the water.

While some parents may have reservations about water play, they’d be pleasantly surprised to discover the incredible developmental benefits it offers for children. Water Day, specifically designed for such play, is an opportunity for children to engage in a range of enriching activities.

Water Day isn’t just about water – it’s a dynamic experience where children interact with various tools and toys, including buckets, containers, balls, and toys of different colors, textures, shapes, and sizes. These tools allow children to unleash their creativity and curiosity as they splash, scoop, pour, measure, submerge, and explore their senses.

The interactions during Water Day foster numerous aspects of development, including language, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social skills. Through playful exploration and experimentation, children not only have a blast but also lay the foundation for essential developmental milestones.

In essence, Water Day offers an invaluable opportunity for children to learn, grow, and thrive in a stimulating and enjoyable environment. So, let’s grab our swimsuits and dive into the adventure of Water Day!

Wedding Day Role Play @ JCA- Celebration Time

Jabneh Christian Academy , , , ,

Term: 1

Theme: Celebrations

Sub Theme: Wedding

Group: 4-Year-Olds

A wedding is a special ceremony in which a man and a woman become married to each other.

Weddings are very joyous occasions for families but not all families celebrate weddings. 

 We celebrate when we feel happy, proud, and excited about something. A wedding is a special celebration.

Usually, an invitation to a wedding is issued and the recipients are expected to confirm their intention to attend the wedding by responding to the invitation.

Families take many photographs at weddings

Special clothes are made to wear to weddings using a variety of fabrics. Some fabrics are plain, and some have patterns, e.g. floral, striped, and plaid.

Some fabrics have different textures, e.g. smooth (silk, satin), coarse (linen), thin, and thick.

 The bride usually wears a special white dress called a gown. The bridesmaids also wear special dresses that look alike. The groom wears a special suit and the groomsmen dress up in matching suits.

 

Most married couples wear special rings on their ring fingers.  Do you know which finger is the ring finger?  

Most wedding ceremonies are held in a church, but some are held in other places, e.g. hotels, gardens, and homes.

After the wedding ceremony, there is usually a reception where we talk, give a toast, eat, drink, dance and have fun together. The reception is one of the ways that the bride and groom show their appreciation to the attendees. It is called a reception because it is the first time the bride and groom receive society as a married couple. 

 

We eat different foods such as chicken, fish, beef, pork, vegetables, rolls, cakes and fruits at the reception. Some people are vegetarians and eat no meat but only food from plants.  They are provided for as well.

Foods have different tastes, e.g. salty, peppery/spicy, sour, and sweet.

There is usually a special wedding cake with pretty decorations that the bride and the groom cut to eat and share with others.

 

We dance to different kinds of music at a wedding reception. We can move the bodies that God made in different ways, e.g. to the left, right, in front of, behind, beside others or objects.

We must be respectful to others when we speak, play, dance and eat with them at the reception.

The months of June and July are very popular for weddings.

 June is the sixth month of the year; July is the seventh month of the year.

A wedding is conducted by a marriage officer.

At Jabneh Christian Academy our aim is to make learning stick.  Guess what?  Having taught our icons about weddings during the last week of term 1, intentionally, we had a wedding and the reception as our end-of-term event.  Take a look.  Tell us what you think.

Pajama Day 2023 | Bedtime Activities

Jabneh Christian Academy , , , , , , ,

Pajama Day is another one of our anticipated events in term one. We are aware of the difficulties that are likely to arise in homes over bedtime or getting children to relax into a sleepy state.

Let us consider that children are coming off the summer holiday where bedtime routines were probably relaxed somewhat. For those kindergarteners who have just started to interact with the world around them and learn new things, it can be daunting and cause them to experience difficulties relaxing before bedtime. Some children do find the rigors of daily life stressful and anxiety-laden which can result in sleeping challenges.

With that said, we can surmise that adults should be more mindful about bedtime for children and try to do their very best to make it enjoyable and beneficial to their children. There are many important things to consider to achieve this, however, in this article, I want to pay attention to suitable activities that children could be engaged in to prepare them for bedtime.

Here are a few examples:

  • Shower/bath – This serves several purposes. It could cool and calm children down, It certainly will clean them up and could prepare them for my next point.
  • Massages- Gentle massages can help children to relax; reduce tension in muscles and help the muscles become stronger; reduce fatigue and maintain healthy muscles. What’s more is that it provides an opportunity for them to be touched. Are you aware that some children are not touched by their parents often although they live with them?
  • Lotioning is a good way to introduce massages to children. Massage their hands and feet, paying attention to those little fingers. They are used during a school day.
  • Treading beads for older children.
  • Puzzles
  • Colour and trace
  • Listen to or play music
  • blow bubbles
  • read books including the Bible
  • Listen to books being read to them
  • listen to audio-books
  • breathing exercises
  • pray for others
  • eat a healthy bedtime snack

Which of the above have you been doing? Which one will you try?

Rev. Dr. Natasha R. Francis-Campbell

October 2023

Photo credit: Jakim Campbell

Developmental Milestones Series- Speech and Language

Jabneh Christian Academy , ,

Speech and language development continues to evolve as children progress through their early school years, from kindergarten through Grade 3. During this time, children typically build upon the foundational language skills they acquired in their preschool years and continue to develop more advanced language and communication abilities. Here is a general overview of what you can expect for students in kindergarten through Grade 3:

Kindergarten to Grade 1:

1. Vocabulary: Students in K3 to G1 should be expanding their vocabulary significantly. They are learning new words every day and becoming more adept at naming objects, describing things, and asking questions.

2. Sentence Structure: At this stage, children are transitioning from simple sentences to more complex ones. They may use conjunctions (e.g., “and,” “but”) to join ideas and form compound sentences.

3. Communication Skills: Students in K3 to G1 are learning to communicate effectively with peers and adults. They should be able to engage in conversations, express themselves clearly, and listen and respond to others appropriately.

4. Reading and Writing: In the early grades, children learn to read and write. They develop phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and begin to understand the concept of written language. Simple sentences and stories are introduced.

Grade 2 (G2) to Grade 3 (G3):

1. Vocabulary: Students continue to expand their vocabulary, becoming more proficient in using a wide range of words to express themselves and understand increasingly complex texts.

2. Sentence Structure: By G2 and G3, students should be capable of constructing more intricate sentences, using a variety of sentence types (declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory).

3. Communication Skills: They become more skilled at engaging in discussions, debates, and presentations. They can express their thoughts and ideas coherently and provide reasons for their opinions.

4. Reading and Writing: Reading comprehension and writing skills continue to develop. Students read more complex texts and produce more extended pieces of writing, including narratives, informational texts, and persuasive essays.

5. Grammar and Punctuation: They refine their understanding of grammar rules and start using punctuation correctly in their writing.

6. Critical Thinking: In G2 and G3, students are encouraged to think critically, analyze texts, and draw conclusions. They learn to use evidence to support their ideas.

It’s important to note that individual variations in language development exist. Some students may progress more quickly or slowly than others. Teachers and parents play a crucial role in supporting language development through reading, conversation, and exposure to a rich language environment.

If a child is experiencing significant difficulties with speech and language development in grade 2 or grade 3, it may be beneficial to seek guidance from a speech-language pathologist or an educational specialist to address any specific challenges and provide additional support. Early intervention can be vital to helping students succeed in their academic and social development.

Prepared by Jakim Campbell, AA

Administrative Assistant at Jabneh Christian Academy

Joy! We’ve Got Joy.

Jabneh Christian Academy , , , ,

Our value word for the month of June is JOY. 

We have intentionally pulled joy to the foreground as it can get lost in the myriad of disappointments, challenges, anxious moments, and lawlessness that appears to occupy the scene constantly.

Joy is not happiness.

Joy is not the result of being healthy, wealthy, or smart.

A friend of mine lost her beloved mother this week. We started conversing a few hours after and though it was obvious she was mourning she exuded such joy.  As a matter of fact, she told me that she was mourning not mournful.  Can you imagine that!

We can, if we understand James 1:2-3 which states,

“Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

Weeping is not indicative of the absence of joy.  Joy is rooted in Christ Jesus.  The fullness of joy is found in Him.

No matter what comes, we have joy.  For the month of June, we pray that you will experience the fullness of joy.

Joy Overflow- We do not own the rights to the song. Dancer- Icon Ajahne Reid