Mark Butcher spoke to David Khayesi - a sports coach at the Institute International de Lancy - who explains why sport is so positive, and takes us through his passion - IIL's top football programme. 

Covid induced lockdowns has had a lasting effect on how we live and work. Many are still working from home, at least for a few days a week.
Children – and parents – also experienced schools moving to online lessons.  

Like online working, remote teaching comes with advantages as it allows far more flexibility. 

The Geneva school, Institute International de Lancy, is launching pure online programme which will allow children to follow their unique bi-lingual curriculum. 

Mark Butcher is joined by Marie Galmiche and Amélie Rochais who are behind IIL Online…

https://online.iil.ch/

Louise earned her Master's degree in Fine Arts (Sculpture) from The Royal College of Arts in London, and completed her second Master’s degree in Education at the University of Nottingham. Her dissertation for the later focussed on empathy in children in their non-native language and how visual and performing arts supports lasting empathic development in these students.

Melanie d'Anna, Camp-coordinator at the International Institute of Lancy has curated some activities that are great for the body and the mind for kids throughout the region, in both urban surroundings and the countryside.

She also shares some of the different week-long summer camps available at IIL for kids aged 3-17 years old. 

In the first part of this episode we look at how to revise well; setting a good schedule, how to make sure you're held accountable, and apps that can support learning, including app-based flash cards and specially revision timers using the "Pomodoro technique". 

Then Katt and Tania talk about being kind to yourself during exam season and managing stress. It's important to eat, sleep and exercise properly, practice mindfulness, and focus. Tania also has some visualisation techniques for students to use in exam preparation, and explains why this kind of visualisation is so important to prevent mental blocks in the moment. 

This is an important time, so be kind to yourself. 

Secondary School Heads Yannick Jacomme and Marie Galmiche explain the differing durations, core subjects, diploma structures including coursework and exam requirements of each, as well as the potential restrictions that studying in each might pose. 

For more information about homework for Primary School children, or any other aspect of primary school education in Switzerland, then take the IIL Virtual Tour on Thursday 31st March. Sessions at 09:00 and 18:00 for their English, French, and bilingual programmes. 

It can broaden a child or teen's experience, help young people develop a sense of stake and importance in the community, teach useful skills, and build self-esteem. Children and teens have the opportunity to see the impact of their work and realise that their actions can have positive consequences on others. 

A 2012 study published in PLoS One, an online journal from the Public Library of Science, found that generally toddlers under the age of two were happier when giving treats to others than when receiving treats themselves. The study was called simply "Giving Leads to Happiness in Young Children" So it's clear that it's really never too early to start. 

Practically, the Bioparc in Geneva have some volunteering opportunities for teens 16+ and are currently looking for bilingual volunteers in their eco-boutique, and volunteers to help with gardening. They have family days in conjunction with Serve the City, who also have some volunteering opportunities running a soup kitchen (currently making take-away sandwiches because of covid restrictions) and with some landscaping and ecological volunteering opportunities planned for this summer. Listen to the podcast for more info, or click on the links to contact the organisations directly! Certain city-run events often look for volunteers each year. 

Lastly, we talk to our special guest this morning, Eden Chung, who has created her own NGO Reboot2Kids helping schools in Sierra Leone and Papau New Guinea with hygiene and technology projects. She's 17 years and studying for her IB, but she explains the journey to setting up this NGO and how it all began. 

Do you have a suggestion for a great volunteering opportunity for a child or teen? Contact us!

Dorinda Phillips from Zero Waste Switzerland talks to WRS about how having a more environmentally friendly Christmas doesn't have to mean missing out, it's just about making the right choices. Today we discuss gifts, decoration and food ideas that can become part of your family's holiday traditions. 

00:00 - 05:45 We look at Zero Waste Switzerland and Dorinda's journey to working with them, as well as an introduction to having a sustainable Christmas. We ask how we can motivate children and teens to become passionate about the environment overall, and how we can then  incorporate being environmentally aware into a holiday such as Christmas. 

05:45 - 10:35 CHRISTMAS GIFTS: Firstly we consider the idea of experiences as presents - these can be great for both the child and parent alike. Also DIY gifts that kids can make for the family, particularly some ideas from beeswax such as lip balms and food wrap. We consider second-hand gifts and also, consider wrapping them in something reusable. 

10:35 - 16:25 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS: We get creative with some different alternatives to Christmas trees, including a few things we've seen on pinterest. Garlands can also be made of biodegradable items such as dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks, and then there's tinsel made out of popcorn. 

16:25 - 24:10 CHRISTMAS FOODS: It's always a good opportunity at Christmas to help kids understand more about their food; such as where certain foods come from and the processes involved in getting it from the farm to the table. Dorinda reassures meat-eaters that they don't have to go without meat for Christmas, perhaps just reduce consumption slightly, and buy organic. When it comes to veggies, buy directly from farms or farmers' markets with children and teens so they're involved in the preparation and use the experience to learn. 

Do you have any other great ideas? Contact us... 

We talk a look at the stereotypes of first, last and middle children of the family, as well as only children, and whether there is any truth in those stereotypes. We also look at this on a practical level, in terms of what it may mean to understanding your child's needs, depending on a variety of different family dynamics. 

00:00 - 06:30 We dive in to looking at an overview of what some of those stereotypes may be, and how a parent's own experience and childhood family dynamics can affect their children. How can a parent identify the blind spots they may have? How does sibling rivalry play a part? 

06:30 - 11:20 Although we might have an idea of a perfect family, with an ideal number of years in mind between children, life doesn't always agree. Unplanned pregnancies, fertility, or adoption administration might be just some ways in which spacing siblings out doesn't quite always go to plan. However, is there such a thing as an "ideal spacing" and what effect might a larger or smaller age-gap between siblings have on children? 

11:20 - 19:45 Dr Weber explains how children coming into the same family can have completely different experiences of that family, depending on where they fall in terms of birth order. We look at nature vs nurture and talk more in depth about those actual stereotypes. For example, is the firstborn more of a worrier, or a perfectionist? Do they display leadership qualities, perhaps harnessed by looking out for their younger siblings. What about the youngest children? Are they the rule breakers? Or perhaps they're the funniest in the family? Given their role in the family, those middle children are often strong negotiators. Can there really be truth in these stereotypes?

19:45 - 28:25 We look at some typical traits of the only child, before closing on what all of this really means. Practically, understanding some of these tendencies can help us identify behaviours and understand children better, so how can parents better support their children depending on how they fall in the birth order. 

02:00 - 08:30 Sascha Schmilling is Head of Student and Teacher Programmes at CERN. He speaks today on the show about some of the different facilities that are at CERN for families and also schools, including visits and various education programmes. We also look ahead to find out what additional facilities will arrive with the new Science Gateway construction, due to open in 2023. 

08:35 - 15:01 Christi McEvoy is a Primary School Teacher who is particularly passionate about science. He talks about experiments and field trips that work particularly well with his primary aged kids (5-11 years) and also the soft skills that children learn through science; including organisation, recording data, reporting etc. 

15:08 - 21:08 Hedwig Ens, from Frontiers for Young Minds organises the peer review process for kids to review scientists' publications. Kids from 8 - 15 years old can be involved in the publication as a reviewer, to find out about the latest discoveries, and have the opportunity to ask the scientists any questions that they may have. Hedwig talks about the benefits of empowerment that this can bring to kids and teens involved. 

21:14 - 27:08 Felicia De Lucia is a teacher at the International Institute of Lancy and she is in charge of the curriculum and coordination of the STEAM programme for early years and primary settings. She talks about how children as young as 3 years old are getting involved creatively with STEM subjects and how they've added an A for the arts! Their STEAM labs allow children the opportunity to create, build, learn and understand in a positive learning environment. 

Francisco Benavente is the Project Manager for the KiVa anti-bullying programme at the International Institute of Lancy. He joins Katt Cullen on the WRS Breakfast Show. 

00:00 - 07:26 Francisco and Katt look at why kids bully, or are bullied. Francisco explains that there are many different types of bullying; some very subtle, such as exclusion or rumours. Is there truth in kids needing the latest computer games, or the newest sports gear in order to avoid being bullied? Francisco reminds us, if you're being bullied, it's not your fault!

07:34 - 12:15 Francisco talks about how KiVa has changed his school. We look at the ways in which the skills taught by the KiVa programme are fundamentally just great life skills, such as recognition, communication and empathy. We look at the time it takes to implement and teach various anti-bullying measures. 

12:20 - 18:26 We read a listener email that highlights the significance of groups and how tackling the wider social circle has an effect on breaking the pattern of bullying. We look at parents and the role they have to play in the situation. It's important for parents to be aware of what is going on with their child, and yet also Francisco asks that parents do discuss and trust their team. If a child dreads school or is suffering from a lack of sleep, these can be things for parents to discuss with the school. 

18:34 - 23:00 Francisco wants everyone to adopt this programme! He talks about the last year following the implementation of KiVa at IIL. The cases are less serious and any incidents are now more quickly resolved. The staff have the skills to recognise, identify and resolve any incidents of bullying within the school.

Further information can be found at iil.ch/en/anti-bullying/ and kivaprogram.net

We're looking at what to do over the summer holidays and have three special guests to help us. 

Learn More is sponsored by the Institut Internationale de Lancy

Allison Ochs is an educational consultant, specialising in social-emotional education & development - for schools and families. Her dual degree in social work & social pedagogy is perfect to give us some insight into what structure brings to children and young adults, as well as explain why kids and teens do so much better working around a schedule, although she stresses that this doesn't need to be overdone. 

Adrien Genier is the CEO of Geneva Tourism. He'll also join us to talk about some of the lake activities he personally loves and grew up enjoying, as well as the latest experiences that are brand new. He reminds us about the two-headed turtle in one of the Geneva museums and when and what museums have free access as well as talks about the Geneva Resort Pass if anyone is doing an overnight stay in Geneva, there are activities includes, such as lake activities, classes or train trips. 

Parentville Geneva is a handy website and instagram page with lots of inspiration. Founder Olga Sokolik often shows outings and activities with her daughter. Olga will talk to us today about some lesser known discoveries to make in the warm weather, including some free and budget adventures. She has some great ideas. 

If you're looking for summer camps, look no further than Campzone camps at the Institut Internationale de Lancy. There are many different camps on different themes, including mango, urban dance, basketball, Bricks 4 Kidz (lego) & Build Your Robot, to name just a few. 

CampZone offers fun, creative, sporty and techy camps welcoming all children ages 3 - 12. CampZone is a place for fun, friendships and activity! Located on Institut International de Lancy, CampZone is open to children during school vacations with half or full day options.

Nathalie Wetterwald is CampZone manager at IIL and on this episode of Learn More, she talks to Katt Cullen about the top questions that parents have about camps and how we can make the best decision for children so they enjoy their summer camps. 

00:00 - 05:20 Nathalie and Katt talk about the different things that kids particularly want from their summer camp - such as fun activities, to have or make friends at camp and to meet kind camp leaders that encourage them. When we talk about what parents want from summer camps, of course it's happy kids(!), but also they do need extra consideration to ensuring they fit around family or work commitments. 

05:30 - 11:35 We look at different types of camps that you can go on and reflect on the kinds of questions Nathalie hears most from parents, including questions about the ratio of kids to adults, covid security measures and planning of the day. We talk about tips for less outgoing kids and how camp leaders can help. 

11:45 - 18:00 Nathalie tells us all about CampZone itself. We look at the arty, tech, sporty and even magic camps that CampZone offer over the summer. Nathalie explains how kids that normally go to IIL love how it doesn't feel like school during the holiday, and how they have certain ways to make sure that kids who don't normally go to the school, still feel very welcome. We also look at how CampZone makes things easy for working parents with flexible timing options. For an overview of the prices, a week at CampZone will cost around CHF 275-300 for half day camps and CHF 550-650 for full day camps (price given for the full week), all depending on the camp chosen.

Full details can be found at campzone.ch

00:00 - 01:20 - An introduction to the show topics and our guests

01:20 - 10:20 - Christina Conti is an Expressive Arts Facilitator and Therapist working with children, teens and families for the past 10 years. She's an art and theatre teacher and is currently working on her PhD in Expressive Arts at the European Graduate School in Sass Fee. She's an actor, artist, director, and a mum of a creative teenager. She talks about the importance of encouraging the process over the end result when it comes to the arts, and how to recognise what creative endeavours might be right for your child.

10:30 - 16:20 Jane Davis is a Circus Director and trainer in Wollongong Australia. As well as running circus schools, she's a teacher and trainer of acrobalance and aerials, amongst many other circus disciplines.  She focusses on community circus and the benefits that circus has for children learning about their own bodies, their boundaries and particularly learning about risk taking in a risk-averse society. Jane highlights the celebration of diversity that arts, particularly circus, offers us. She also reminds us that some circus is there to be silly - and this is an important aspect of childhood!

16:30 - 26:55 Marquis McGee is a musician, teacher and sound innovator. He plays many different instruments and creates musical scores and soundscapes for film, animation, video games, and documentaries. He also experiments with sound in interesting and innovative ways such as through his SoundSips project and as a foley artist with the Basel Opera. Here he talks about the power of music to understand sound, to heal and as a way to express ourselves. But also practically speaking, as he specialises in wind instruments, Marquis also finds that learning an instrument might be the first time a child has really consciously thought about their breathing. 

26:55 - 27:55 We take a look at highlights for the International Institute of Lancy's creative arts programmes; from visual arts courses which allow kids to develop artistic literacy and sensitivity, to fine arts or film & media studies as different options. They also offer the baccaualaureate specialising in fine arts. 

00:00 - 06:48 - Dr Mehdi Lazar from the Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley in California US, looks at how long it takes to learn a new language. Are children like sponges and can they simply soak up another language? Is it easier for kids than adults? And what other advantages are there to being bilingual, other than simply being able to communicate with so many more people?

06:48 - 14:28 - We speak to Tania McMahon, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator at IIL to talk to us about the long-term benefits of bilingual learning and the advantages of having officially registered bilingual qualifications for your university application, and ultimately on your CV. She also explains that there are many, many different different languages to learn in at IIL. We're not just talking English and French ! 

14:35 - 24:09 - Jean-François Lopez, Director of Bilingual Primary at IIL explains just how a bilingual education is set and how different aspects of different curriculums are chosen to compliment each other. He explains the differences in the written curriculums, but also in the pedagogical approach of different curriculums. He's honest about the challenges of bilingual education, but positive about the advantages. 

24:15 - 31:16 - Tania and Jean-François answer a listener's question about being how he can best support his two trilingual daughters at home, particularly around the structure and flexibility of the rules set out for when to speak any given language. 

More information about bilingual learning can be found through IIL - the Institut International de Lancy who are sponsors of this Learn More show. 

Join their virtual tour in April.

07:10 - 15:48 - Younger children might typically feel more comfortable turning to their parents than teens, but there are still reasons why children might not approach their parents if they have stumbled across inappropriate content online (e.g. porn) and feel responsible. Often kids worry that they'll be reprimanded, their devices might be taken away or that parents will make a scene. Allison explains why it's not the kids' fault and how remaining calm is essential. Also, "how did that baby get into that lady's tummy?"

15:48 - 22:00 - Allison gives us a great tip about using pop culture to open dialogue with children and teens. Hitting the pause button and discussing a character's situation is a way of talking about sexuality or depression, for example, without the awkwardness of making it personal: Try "do you agree with the person in the movie?", "do you agree with the lyrics in the song?", or "do you understand what he/she is going through?". Parents, however, may be surprised that questions aren't just physical, they're also emotional: "Is it OK to just cuddle?" and "what does it mean to have a relationship?". 

22:00 - 28:15 - Allison encourages the adults to work through their own baggage and triggers to not to pass issues on to children. Creating a space for conversation with kids and teens is ultimately the adults' role and it's crucial to repeat and reassure. Whether the situation is personal to the child, or concerning something traumatic online that any child might see, the calm space and an adults' openness to talk remains key. Even if these conversations are tough, Allison reassures us that it's wrong to assume that the kids don't want to talk; they just need to know that the adult is open and willing to have that conversation. 

This episode of Learn More is sponsored by IIL - the Institut International de Lancy

Join their virtual tour in March

04:40 - 12:45 - Mark Bucther talks to Dr Rebecca Weber specifically about homework, including tips for getting homework done with minimum fuss. An improved structure can help and limiting homework time can be encouraging. 

12:45 - 19:20 - We look at the effects of distance learning on mental health, There have been some positives and negatives around distance learning throughout the pandemic. The positives include the reduction in social anxiety, but the negatives can be around the isolation. We'll also start to look at screen time limits for working and recreational time. 

19:20 - 27:30 - Dr Weber explains what happens when kids / teens and parents disagree about these goals, routines and rules around screens, as well as the best way to find resolution. 

This episode of LEARN MORE is sponsored by

IIL - Institut International de Lancy.