Parent Workshop: Promoting Independence during Online Learning

This week we wrap up our series of three Online Parent Workshops aimed at supporting children during online learning.

To join us for our third workshop on Thursday, 21 April 2022 at 3:00pm, please scan the QR code below or click ‘Read More’ at the bottom of the article. Complete the attached registration form. The link to the Parent Workshop will be emailed to all registered parents ahead of the session.

How to Support and Promote Independence in Children

3:00pm - 4:00pm, Thursday, April 21 2022

Independence is an important skill for children and young people to have. Children want to do things for themselves, and as parents and educators we need to foster this curiosity. It is imperative that children are independent, as it promotes confidence and self-esteem as well as motivation and perseverance in school. It also provides them with the belief that they are competent and capable of taking care of themselves which makes them resilient to external challenges. Being independent empowers children to become good decision-makers who have the freedom to consider various options before choosing the one they feel is best. Independence fosters confident and competent communicators, curious and resilient explorers, and creative thinkers.

Giving children and young people the gift of independence lets them know that we value them, so that they grow up with a strong sense of self-belief; knowing that they can do anything they put their mind to. This workshop will focus on what independence looks like at different ages and stages of growth, and how we can promote and facilitate independence as parents and educators.

These workshops are part of the ongoing Parent Academy programme available to parents within the Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi community. We are proud to extend this valuable opportunity to the broader Shanghai community to support parents during this unique time in our lives.

While led in English, the workshop content is presented bilingually, and Chinese speakers will be on hand to respond to questions and provide support for those with less proficiency in English.

The workshop will be led by the following members of the Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi Student Services team:

• Ms. Natasha Dennis
  Well Families and Student Services Lead
• Ms. Alex Yang
  Social and Emotional Counsellor
• Ms. Elliot Lu
  Student Services Assistant Teacher

Natasha Dennis
Well Families and Student Services Lead

Natasha began her teaching career carrying out an undergraduate degree in Special Needs and Inclusion Studies at the University of Wolverhampton. She then went on to obtain her PGCE in Primary Education with Special Educational Needs through the University of Cumbria. In the UK, Natasha taught at a leading school for children with special needs. In her five years at the school she taught in the primary, secondary and further education departments. She developed extensive curriculum planning as a curriculum lead, and spent time demonstrating to colleagues how to be creative in teaching practice to engage learners as well as developing outstanding safeguarding practices. Natasha's philosophy is that all children have the right to the best possible education they can achieve. She believes in promoting independence and ensuring children have high expectations of themselves in their learning. 

Alex Yang
Social and Emotional Counsellor

Alex Yang is a fully qualified mental health counsellor with four years of experience in Australia. She has completed two master’s degrees in Education and Counselling at Monash University. As a current member of the Australian Counselling Association, she has experience in supporting clients from various background and age groups, with diverse issues ranging from anxiety and depression to PTSD and psychosis. Alex enjoys undertaking continuous professional development and finds immense satisfaction in providing support to children as they develop over time.

Elliot Lu
Student Services Assistant Teacher

Elliot graduated with an honors bachelor degree in Primary and Secondary Education at Monash University, Australia, before being registered in the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Majoring in maths and studying French as a minor for four years, she has teaching experience across three public schools in suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. After gaining her Chinese teaching qualification certificate, Elliot joined Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi as a Student Service Assistant Teacher and dedicated her time to supporting the Parent Academy programme. She values the importance of building trustful and strong relationships with students.