CHALK TALK: helping young children be aware of the purpose of advertising

As with television and the internet, young children may innocently embrace advertisements on kid-friendly apps, such as the recently launched YouTube Kids app, as a resource of viable, unbiased information. While adults and older children have a better understanding of the intention of advertising, children eight years and younger are particularly susceptible to the persuasion of ads sharing the screen with educational content and kid-appropriate entertainment.

Children advocacy groups express concerns about the negative influences of advertisements on these age-appropriate apps. They worry that the ads, specifically those targeting vulnerable young children, contribute to reinforcing children’s fixation on soft drinks, junk food, and other unhealthy habits. The issue matches concerns raised in a report published in 2004 by the American Psychological Association entitled “Television Advertising Leads to Unhealthy Habits in Children.”

Dr. Rebecca Osborne, Technology Enhanced Curriculum Specialist for Fairmont Private Schools, encourages parents to monitor what their children are watching and to be vigilant about the kind of advertising that accompanies the programs.  Parents may want to consider streaming programming such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, which do not include ads, as an alternative to broadcast television or ad-supported apps.

When children watch ad-supported programming, parents can help their children identify the difference between a regular show and an advertisement. Parents can point out how the characters are different, the changes in volume or pacing, and how the content of the program and advertisement does not match.  Since this type of distinguishing will not develop until children are around 5-6 years old, parental guidance is essential for helping them see the differences.

Lastly, parents can help their children think critically about the information they are presented. This skill will develop over time, but parents can encourage children to evaluate statements by simply asking "What do you think about that?" or "Do you agree with what they are saying?"

Children have a natural curiosity, and parents should foster this type of thinking in their children to help them identify advertisements and avoid being unduly persuaded by them.

Contributed by Doug Fleischli, Fairmont Private Schools

Image by sheknows

FRIDAY FOLDER may 15

Highlights of the week:

5th Grade and Junior High Instrumental Program

 

Our Anaheim Hills final concert demonstrated how students have grown musically over the course of the school year. The performance was truly excellent! 

It was wonderful to listen to our 5th graders who have been working so hard to hone their musical skills. The performance of our junior high musicians reflected their advanced experience, skills, and confidence. 

For more exciting updates from our campuses check the weekly newsletters below:

Weekly Newsletters:

Anaheim Hills Campus 

Historic Anaheim Campus 

North Tustin Campus 

May Lunch Menus:

Anaheim Hills (2nd - 8th Grade)

Anaheim Hills (Pre K - 1st Grade)

Historic Anaheim Preschool

Historic Anaheim Campus (JK - K)
Historic Anaheim Campus (1st - 8th)
North Tustin Campus 

Contributed by Neha, Fairmont Private Schools

SNACKTIME: healthy nutrition habits for the whole family

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, produced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recommends a tasty Mediterranean-style diet for promoting good health and preventing disease. The basis of this nutritional recommendation comes from traditional dietary preferences in Greece, Southern Italy, and Spain. Families can enjoy a super healthy plant-based diet of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes (beans, peas, and tofu), and whole grains without giving up meat.

In fact, an analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults demonstrated that following a Mediterranean-style diet provides a host of benefits. The diet helps reduce risks of heart disease and cancer, as well as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

Key components of a Mediterranean-style diet:

• Eat primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts (tofu = soybeans = plant).
• Replace butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil.
• Use herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods.
• Limit red meat to no more than a few times a month.
• Eat fish and poultry at least twice a week.

Practical tip #1
Keep nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts handy for a quick snack.  Pair with fruit or whole grain crackers for convenient after school snacking.

Practical tip #2
Dip celery, carrots, or cucumbers in hummus.

Select natural peanut butter instead of brands with added hydrogenated fat. Try blended sesame seeds (tahini) as a dip or spread for bread. A Mediterranean food guide is available on Health Facts for You, a fact sheet prepared by UW Health.

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Submitted by Leslie Kay-Getzinger, MS RD
Regional Dietitian for Nutrition Management Services Company

Image credit: Nazareth Healthcare

A to Z the secret sauce of summer camp

It’s no secret that children benefit in many ways from participating in summer camp programs. They develop leadership and teamwork skills, develop friendships, and explore new interests. But what is the "secret sauce" of summer camp? What makes camp such a rewarding and memorable experience?

At Fairmont, we value simple moments, such as a camper beaming with pride after learning how to tie his/her shoes for the first time with the help of a counselor. We look forward to the looks of amazement when campers discover something new in science and the sounds of laughter and excitement that fills the bus on the way to our Friday field trips.  These moments are magical and memory-making for children.

We also appreciate this Top 5 list of the "Unique Powers of Camp" compiled by educator/author Michael Brandwein. He explains how summer camp provides these benefits: 

1. Camp leads the way in using the best methods to help children learn and grow. For almost 150 years, camps have been the leader in using the number one secret to teaching: children learn most from doing. 
2. Camp communities remove the typical pressures from school and support children in a positive atmosphere that cherishes effort and persistence. One fast way to explain the incredible power of camping is in two words: "no grades." 
3. Camp offers distinctive value in preparing children for future success. Camp creates communities where kids make daily decisions about activities and learn how to get along with others. 
4. Camp offers an unequaled variety of opportunities to develop well-rounded children. Camps cut like a laser through the negative expectations and beliefs that can stick to children and hold them back. 
5. Camp combats youth isolation by offering positive and accepting communities. Camp is all about belonging to a group that respects and values each member. 

What makes camp special for you? While that definition might be slightly different for each person, the "superpower" of summer camp is undeniable. Visit Fairmont Summer Programs today to learn more about the exciting opportunities that await your child!

Contributed by Doug Fleischli, Fairmont Private Schools

FRIDAY FOLDER may 8

Highlights of the week:

Courtnie B. shows off her award-winning art.

 Fairmont Artists Color the World
Throughout the year, Mrs. Gormin's art students enter their work in various art contests. Students either receive awards or the opportunity to have their work displayed around the county. We are proud of our young artists! 
Click the link below to see the artwork for winning posters by our outstanding young artists:
City of Anaheim Water Conservation Poster Contest Website
Out of a total of 24 awards, Fairmont Historic Anaheim Campus won 11 awards!


Fairmont Summer Programs: Now Enrolling! 

Surf's Up at Fairmont Summer Programs so get ready for an "epic" learning adventure! 

Fairmont’s ACA-accredited camp, our renowned summer school, and a comprehensive line-up of enrichment courses provide dozens of options for customizing a summer experience that suits your child’s needs and your family’s schedule. Whether it's building confidence in academic subjects at summer school or strengthening social skills at camp, your child will come away from summer at Fairmont feeling smart, self-assured and ready to rock a new school year. Enroll Now!







For more exciting updates from our campuses check the weekly newsletters below:

Weekly Newsletters:

Anaheim Hills Campus 

Historic Anaheim Campus 

North Tustin Campus 

May Lunch Menus:

Anaheim Hills (2nd - 8th Grade)

Anaheim Hills (Pre K - 1st Grade)

Historic Anaheim Preschool

Historic Anaheim Campus (JK - K)
Historic Anaheim Campus (1st - 8th)
North Tustin Campus 

Contributed by Neha, Fairmont Private Schools