Every Thursday, the whole Secondary School has been Dropping Everything and Read (we call it D.E.A.R.) for 20 minutes. We will read whatever we like. 

I am sometimes asked why we do this. Here is a summary of an article that I have read a few times and has influenced my thinking when it comes to reading for fun:

Reading for fun offers significant academic, cognitive, and emotional benefits for secondary school students. Voluntary reading – not just for school assignments – stimulates cognitive development, improves language skills, and fosters a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. 

Research shows that students who read for fun develop stronger reading comprehension, a richer vocabulary, and improved writing skills, which directly contribute to their academic success across all subjects. These benefits are often accompanied by enhanced creativity and critical thinking, as students who read different types of books are exposed to new ideas and perspectives.

Reading for fun also has significant psychological and social benefits. It helps students manage stress and build empathy by connecting them to the lives and emotions of different characters. This engagement with stories can lead to better emotional intelligence, which is very important during the teenage years. Also, reading for fun can connect students with different cultures, different generations, and the broader world.

To nurture a reading habit, letting students select their books is key. It empowers students to explore topics that they connect with personally and motivates them to read by themselves. Creating a supportive reading environment at home and school, where reading is seen not just as an academic task but as an enjoyable activity, is important. By encouraging reading for fun, teachers and parents can help children develop lifelong literacy skills, a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and a lasting passion for learning.

For more insights, you can read the full article here.

Activities & Athletics

Here is a link to Ms.Rebekka Jensen’s Athletics and Activities Blog for up-to-date information regarding Activities and Athletics at ISY.

Discover ISY:  A Community of Compassion and Change

We are excited to share our new video showcasing our amazing school. Tune in and discover more about our outstanding Chinthe Fund partnerships and the remarkably compassionate community at ISY. 

ISY’s Commitment to Child Protection and Safeguarding

At ISY, we take great pride in safeguarding our community, especially our students. We are committed to maintaining a comprehensive Child Protection Policy, which outlines the measures we have in place to protect students from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. This policy, available on our website, details the strategies we employ to ensure student safety, including thorough recruitment checks, extensive training for all members of the school community, and clear expectations for staff behavior.

Our Child Protection Policy is aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the 2019 Myanmar Child Rights Law. It is regularly reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees and the Director to ensure that ISY remains at the forefront of best practices in safeguarding.

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