teach uae magazine vol 2 issue 2 nov-dec

EDUCATORS ! It is time for us to blog about all that we share in common. Teach UAE invites you to share your articles with us as we strive to connect, develop and empower our colleagues within this noble profession. We welcome educators from KG to tertiary. All contributions will be credited to the authors.

Teach UAE Magazine @TEACHUAE_MAGteachuae.com

SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES

• Student Engagement• Behaviour Management• School Inspection• 21st Century Skills• Knowing Your Learner• Education Trends• Classroom Environment• Reading/Literacy• Teaching Mathematics• Teaching Science• CPD Opportunities• Lesson Planning• Assessment

SUBJECT AREAS:

For additional information on how you can share with us, please send an email to [email protected] along with your area of interest and a sample of your writing. We value your input and look forward to meeting with you.

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CONTRIBUTORS ADMINISTRATORS’ CORNER – THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT TRAP5 IMPORTANT LESSONS MY STUDENTS TAUGHT MEARE YOU BEING BULLIED AT WORK?

CREATE THE CLASSROOM OF YOUR DREAMSFEATURED SCHOOL – THE JESS JUMEIRAH SCHOOL… EXCELLENCE IN ICT INTEGRATION & STUDENT LEADERSHIPFEATURED TEACHER – STEVE BAMBURY: AN ICT GURU WHO BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN STUDENTS

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HOW TO HANDLE MISTAKES IN THE CLASSROOM

5 ACTIVITIES TO ENGAGE STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS USING TECHNOLOGY TO BRING PURPOSE & CHALLENGE TO LITERACY LESSONSINSIDE THE STAFFROOM – PET PEEVES

NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL FEATURE

INTRODUCTION – HAPPY 43RD NATIONAL DAY UAE!

SHEIKH ZAYED: A TRUE VISIONARY & AN ICONIC LEADER

THE CORE LEADERSHIP: SHEIKH KHALIFA, HH SHEIKH MOHAMMED AL MAKTOUM & HH SHEIKH MOHAMMED AL NAHYAN

UAE NATIONAL SYMBOLS

NATIONAL DAY EMIRATI PERSPECTIVES

SNAPSHOTS OF THE EMIRATES

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CON TENTA MOMENT WITH AMAL AL REDHA

POLAND: A POIGNANT REMINDER OF HISTORY

CREDIT CARDS: FRIEND OR FOE?

HEALTH ARTICLE – KEY FOODS WHICH HELP TO COMBAT THE COMMON COLD

BELLA ARTICLE – DETOX IDEAS TO HELP YOU LOOK AND FEEL GREAT

AFTER THE BELL

TRAVEL SNAPSHOTS – BERLIN, GERMANY

LEISURE – WORDS OF WISDOM FOR TEACHERS

DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY: CAUSES & TREATMENT OPTIONS

IN THE UAE – FACT FILE

KNOW YOUR UAE – SHARJAH HERITAGE MUSEUM PT 2

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY: DECEMBER

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Teach UAE Magazine®

EDITORIAL DIRECTORCarolyn Lee [email protected]

ART DIRECTORm&m [email protected] 00971 50 693 5986

SALES MANAGERGrace [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSRichie Chin, Aaron Crotty, Aisha Shakti Hakim, Jan L. Jones, Carolyn Lee, Maryann Reid, Leisa Simapili, Betina Fuentes, Dr Kaizad Kermani, Melissa Monney, Alona Ballard, Jenny Murray, PreSha Barnes

PUBLISHED BYMoftah Publishing FZ LLC(Registered at Fujairah Creative City)

[email protected]

WEBSITEwww.teachuae.comwww.facebook.com/TeachUAEMagazine

Teach UAE Magazine has now amassed over seven thousand followers on Facebook. We are grateful for your support as we continue in our quest to build the largest network of teachers in this region. Thank you all for taking the time to share with us as we continue on a journey that has been filled with rich moments of discovery, speed-bumps that made us pause to reflect and re-evaluate. We are also inspired and challenged by your comments and continued support. They keep us motivated.

The new school year started with a bang for many new and returning educators who all had to hit the ground running, preparing for school inspections, teacher evaluations and lesson observations. The first term is now winding down to another welcome break, which we hope will allow for some relaxation.

We at Teach UAE Magazine also found ourselves quite busy with numerous meetings, conferences and getting ready for our fourth issue. We have reshuffled our portfolio which has resulted in a change that we would love to share with you. Teach UAE Magazine is now a bimonthly publication.

Our Class Time section as usual includes interesting articles from our valued contributors and a special feature on the JESS Jumeirah School in Dubai. Our After the Bell features snapshots from Berlin, great advice on credit card use in time for

the holidays and a range of other great topics that you will enjoy.

On the occasion of the 43rd National Day celebrations, we are pleased to share with you a special supplement on the UAE. It includes the perspectives of Emiratis, snapshots of the emirates and other useful information. Leading up to this significant milestone, we will be sharing the historical timeline of the UAE and important quotes by HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Father of the Nation, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE president and other members of the country’s core leadership on www.teachuae.com. Make sure you keep checking the website regularly to benefit from these and other web only articles.

As we go forward, we remain heartened by those of you we meet at conferences who take the time to share your ideas with us. We are encouraged by the numerous requests from educators who want to join our team of contributors and we are thankful for the administrators who continue to take the time to share the work that we are doing with their teachers. Educators, we appreciate you and celebrate you. Thank you for reading and sharing Teach UAE Magazine!

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CAROLYN LEEEditorial Director

Copyright 2014 Moftah Publishing FZ LLC. All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may

be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or

by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,

without the permission of Moftah Publishing FZ LLC. Where opinion is

expressed, it is that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the editorial

views of the publisher or Teach UAE Magazine.

All information in Teach UAE Magazine is checked and verified to the best of the publisher’s ability, however, the

publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistake or omission enclosed in the

publication.

EDITOR’S MESSAGE...

CONNECT. DEVELOP. EMPOWER.Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second. Give your dreams all you’ve got and

you’ll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.

- William James, Psychologist, Philosopher, Author

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS...

Jan L. Jones (Associate Professor) is currently the Travel and Tourism Management Advisor and Undergraduate Coordinator in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut. Born in Halifax, Canada, she earned both a Bachelors and Masters of Arts in Sociology from Acadia University. She also holds a PhD in Sport, Leisure and Exercise Science from the University of Connecticut with a particular focus on the impacts of tourism development. Her research has taken her abroad to Cuba, Ireland, Jordan, Jamaica, Cyprus, and Crete conducting studies about community-based tourism development, responsible tourism and VolunTourism.

Richie Chin is an avid traveller who enjoys cooking and sharing his exploits with close friends. He has been an educator for over sixteen years. Mr Chin currently teaches in the UAE.

Aaron is a certified Senior Financial Planner with over seven (7) years experience in the financial industry. Originally based in the UK, Aaron has enjoyed an illustrious career in which he has functioned in a number of senior advisory and managerial roles…including that of Financial Advisor with leading UK bank NatWest. Mr Crotty is based in Dubai where he utilises his expertise representing Guardian Life Management. In his current role, Aaron advises fellow professional expats on every aspect of their financial planning needs. He is perfectly placed to ensure his clients’ financial plans become a reality.

Shakti is an educator who has also worked as a Licensed Healthcare Practitioner of various healing modalities. Originally a native of Brooklyn, New York, Shakti now lives & works in Al Ain, UAE. She is the author of “The Busy Babe’s Guide to Wellness: 8 Steps to a Healthier You Now!” which is available online on amazon.com.

Alona Ballard, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA has been teaching in Abu Dhabi since 2010. She received her M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati and holds a B.A. in Communications from Howard University in Washington, DC. Prior to teaching, Alona worked in television news. In her free time, she enjoys filmmaking, attending events and reading fashion blogs.

Maryann, an educator from New York, has a passion for writing stories that address the lifestyle concerns of busy, successful women.

Dr Jan L. Jones

Richie Chin

Aaron Crotty

Shakti Aisha Hakim

Alona Ballard

Maryann Reid

http://www.amazon.com/The-Busy-Babes-Guide-Wellness-ebook/dp/B00BV6GI62


Betina Fuentes is a middle school English teacher from Florida. She is an avid reader, writer, wife and mother to four children. Follow her on her teaching journey in the UAE by checking out her blog: Fishy Trees.

Betina Fuentes

GUEST WRITER

Dr Kermani is a Dental Surgeon who has been practicing Dentistry in the Middle East since 1999. He has over twenty years of general dental experience and about fourteen years of specialty experience. He also has approximately four years of teaching experience.

Dr Kermani

Jenny is an experienced teacher, educational consultant and writer from Scotland. She taught in Dubai for 6 years and recently completed her M.Ed. Her research interests include intercultural understanding in education, teacher professional development and technology across the curriculum. Jenny now leads the work of www.lendmeyourliteracy.com in the MENA region. @JennyLMYL

Jenny Murray

Bettina Bennett is an ADEC employee. Her previous jobs include being a reporter and Community Relations Manager. She is currently a Cycle two and three educator. She is also a Teach UAE Magazine Blogger.

Bettina Bennett

PreSha Barnes has been an educator for the past seven (7) years. She is a freshly minted ADEC employee and Teach UAE Magazine Blogger.

Melissa Monney is a passionate educator from the United States of America. She has worked in Paris. She currently works with the Abu Dhabi Education Council. Melissa is highly qualified and experienced. She is fluent in both French and Spanish, and has a basic level of Arabic.

PreSha Barnes Melissa Monney

http://fishytrees.blogspot.ae/

www.lendmeyourliteracy.com


So, you have been teaching for the past five or more years. You have completed your postgraduate degree in

education, actually, in educational leadership. Every observation is followed by glowing comments and commendations echoing how fantastic a teacher you are. You begin to think that you may need a new challenge. You are encouraged to apply for the latest management post at your school. However, you have never really seen yourself behind a desk or doing enormous amounts of paper work. Interacting with the students is what you enjoy. It is what wakes you up in the morning.

The pressure from peers and even family to pursue a management role is great. You like the idea of becoming an administrator, but your heart is still in the classroom. You begin to look at your options and realise that moving abroad to teach might be just what you need. After doing some research online, you find a possible solution in teaching abroad in the United Arab Emirates. This opportunity comes with the ability to travel, meet new people and an attractive salary. Despite the

potential challenges that come with teaching in a new country, you are happy because you still get to teach.

You apply for a position to teach in the UAE and are successful. The first year of teaching in your new country was a blur. You adjusted well to the new school and you have made some great friends. Three years have passed and your administration ensures that you are happy and why not? You are the same fantastic teacher you were in your home country. Then, that sneaky, familiar feeling of wanting to do more begins to crowd your mind. Once more, you are being encouraged to apply for the position of an administrator by your current administration and by those closest to you. You are well aware of the trap. Going into management and getting stuck doing something you do not want or even like to do. What’s worse is that unfortunately the UAE does not have a clear-cut pathway for you to become a leader and remain in the classroom doing what you love to do; teaching children.

In the United States this plight has

been long recognised and a new career pathway called “teacher leadership” was developed. Teacher leadership programmes recognise the talents of the most effective teachers and deploy them in service of student learning and school system improvement. Their time is spent between actual classroom practice while coaching and mentoring their peers. Teacher leaders are also compensated on a similar salary scale as the school’s administration. The programme draws on the skills of excellent teachers while keeping them in the classroom.

The United Kingdom has a similar programme called the ‘advanced skills teacher programme’. Like the teacher leaders in the United States, the advanced skills teacher splits his or her time between actual classroom practice and teacher training. Teachers are recognised for their talents, knowledge and dedication. They get the respect they deserve without having to completely leave the classroom.

The dilemma teachers in the UAE face is that in order for them to earn more or be recognised for their hard work and innovation in the classroom, their only option is to move into management. Many administrators may not openly admit it but they often regret such a move, as they end up feeling trapped. Both private and public schools in the UAE could benefit greatly by developing pathways for teachers to advance without leaving the classroom. It is time that schools in the UAE fully recognise that teachers can lead and encourage growth in both their colleagues and their students, all in the same job.

Schools in the UAE and the region would be better served by actively creating pathways for teachers to progress without having to leave the classroom if they do not want to. The benefits of keeping great teachers in the classroom are many, but above all students will not lose out and it might just help with reducing teacher attrition.

THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT TRAPBy Leisa Simapili

Administrators′ Corner


One of the greatest things about choosing teaching as a profession is the opportunity for lifelong, everyday learning. In

my years in the classroom, I’ve learned everything from the latest dance crazes to which boy bands were in (and out). Consistently, each year, I learn and relearn how to be a better teacher from the very students I’m teaching. Below are five of the most important lessons that I have taken away from the classroom.

Teach the Whole ChildThe student in your classroom is not just an English student, a maths student, or a science student. He is an athlete, a dancer, a gamer or a musician. Find what makes each student shine and incorporate it into the classroom. Assign projects where the outcome is open to interpretation, as long as the objective is met. As a teacher, bring your own interests into the classroom as well. Seeing each other as people, not just teachers and students, helps to establish community and rapport in the classroom.

Trust Until Given a Reason Not ToMost of our students want to help us, do well, and take responsibility. When

we show respect and trust to our students, they will return the sentiment. Give students jobs in the classroom, trust them to make good choices, and guide them when they stumble. One of the most rewarding experiences I had in the classroom was when I gave a Grade 8 student the responsibility of doing the lunch count each morning. He was so excited to do his job each day. He relished the praise from the lunch lady and me. When his mother came in, she raved about how his behaviour had improved from the year before. He actually wanted to come to school – because of a simple thing like a classroom job. Sharing responsibility with students can also make classroom duties more efficient.

Leave Your Troubles At the DoorMake your classroom a haven for your students. If you had a bad morning, try your best to leave it outside. Take some deep breaths, have a cup of coffee or tea, enjoy an uplifting article or website before the school day begins. When students come in, they deserve a smiling face and a positive attitude. Happiness is contagious; so spread it around. When you encourage positivity, students will bring it to class.

Teach Empathy By ExampleSo many of us have experienced teachers who taught by fear, sarcasm and bullying. Students respond to these methods by shutting down, talking back and bullying others to increase their own self-esteem. One of the most important lessons I have learned is to truly listen and empathize with students in order to help them have the best experience they can. When students see me taking time to care about another student, it gives them a good example of how to act.

Laugh Every DayWe are lucky enough to have jobs where we get to experience many different personalities. Embrace the silly times, the passing period conversations, and the flat-out funny things that happen in school each day. Keep a journal or silly wall in the classroom where you can record funny sayings, jokes, or even pictures of activities that entertained the class. When you laugh every day, everything else will fall into place.

Use these lessons from students to assist in being an effective, empathetic and efficient educator. Have a wonderful year and keep learning!

5 IMPORTANT LESSONS MY STUDENTS TAUGHT MEBy Betina Fuentes

Sharing Good Practice



Have you been the victim of repeated mistreatment or workplace humiliation through intimidation or even sabotage? If

you have, you are not alone. According to WorkPlaceBullying.org, bullying is “repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons (the targets) by one or more perpetrators.” It includes “abusive conduct that is: threatening, humiliating, or intimidating; work interference - sabotage - which prevents work from getting done” (www.workplacebullying.org).

While I have not been the victim of workplace bullying nor am I an expert on this topic, I have witnessed it and understand the challenges it presents for people. Being bullied at work is not something that is openly dealt with here in the UAE or in fact this region. The following are a few suggestions that may assist you with moving forward to a bullying free work environment.

Don’t be afraid to get help and talk about it!If you are in a situation at work where you feel bullied, talk to those people in your inner circle that you trust. Too frequently people bottle up their emotions and hope that the situation will improve on its own. Don’t be afraid to speak with a counsellor about ways to manage your stress while you figure out a way to move forward. Sometimes moving forward means changing schools as there are instances in which the bully is a member of the administrative team. Have confidence in yourself and your workSometimes when one is being bullied, that person’s self esteem may also come under attack. It is important that you continue to believe in yourself and your work. There are a variety of reasons that lead to someone bullying another person. Keep in mind that their reasons have nothing to do with you. Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Do not allow a bully to diminish your sense of self or potential. Go back to old lesson observation feedback and letters of commendations you may have received in the past and read them. Sometimes all we need is a reminder of how good we really are at what we do, to give us the confidence to move forward.

New Country - Build A NetworkMost persons who are new to a country will need to do some networking in order to find people that they can rely on and trust. If you are being bullied, it helps to surround yourself with the people that you do trust. Speak to someone in your new network who may have lived in the country longer and who should be able to give you some advise on how to proceed. In the work environment, focus on showcasing your abilities to the people that you trust and pay little attention to those who are not trustworthy or supportive.

Find a mentor in a department other than your ownSome institutions will connect their incoming faculty to a mentor in another department. If your institution does not do this, make time and get to know where the other departments are. Make some new acquaintances. A mentor outside of your department can give you a fresh perspective on the situation and is more likely to offer unbiased advice.

Don’t be afraid to reportSilence is never good in cases where someone is being bullied. Keep a log of the instances in which you felt mistreated. Talk to people about how to make a formal complaint. Speak up and report it to the relevant person/bodies. Sometimes there have been similar reports and your report will only help to strengthen the case against the perpetrator.

Speak to someone in administrationThis can be at your school or from another school in the UAE. The expat community is huge and you are sure to meet other administrators outside of your assigned school who should be able to help. If the problem is with your administrator, try to observe protocol as much as possible. Create and leave a paper trail so you can have evidence that you followed protocol.

Do Some ResearchThere are hundreds of articles that tackle the issue of bullying. Do some research and visit forums that deal with this topic, so as to learn about what others have experienced and possible solutions. In many instances, trained counsellors provide advice. For more scientific research on this topic, I would recommend checking out WorkPlaceBullying.org as a starting point.

ConclusionNavigating the pressures of teaching can be stressful and overwhelming enough without the added stress of being bullied. Remember that in order to be a good teacher, you must take care of yourself first. If there is one takeaway, it should be that YOU ARE NOT ALONE and that there are resources and people who can assist you. Believe in yourself and get the help that you deserve.

ARE YOU BEING BULLIED AT WORK? By Jan L. Jones

http://www.workplacebullying.org/


After four years of teaching kindergarten and sharing a room with a partner teacher, I was delighted to make the

transition into teaching Cycle 1 for the 2014-15 school year.

Before I made my first visit to the new school, Ain Jaloot in Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi, I didn’t know what to expect, but what I found was delightful.

This new space immediately reminded me of the infamous text, ‘Last Lecture’ by the late Randy Pausch (its subtitle was ‘Achieving Your Childhood Dreams’).

In it, the computer science professor recalls the dreams he achieved and how he did it. He also urges his audience to enable others to achieve their childhood dreams. One quote from that lecture really stands out for me. Pausch, who had painted everything from a quadratic formula to a submarine on his walls in his childhood home said, “If your kids want to paint their bedroom, as a favour to me, let them do it.”

While walking the hallways for an initial tour, I saw something that I had never seen at my former school, or any other school for that matter. Words, written on a wall -- with a sharpie! At that moment I knew I was in the right place.

“Is it okay if I paint on the walls in my classroom?” I asked my Head of Faculty kind of sheepishly. I knew that an affirmative response would mean something magical was about to happen. “Sure, no problem,” she said.

Now with the go-ahead, I headed to Ace Hardware and bought cans of paint in the primary colours as well as black and white. I painted on the walls a baqala, a McDonald’s, a bank branch and an ATM. These are places the students and/or their parents encounter daily.

In the McDonald’s, we role-play good manners in a store, placing an order and paying for the meal. We count chicken nuggets, burgers and fries in our math lessons. In the baqala, we do more of the same. Our bank branch and ATM are also popular. Students know that their ability to count to 100 will make them a manager. Also, in the bank I have a debit card with each child’s picture on it. Behind it is the money of their checking account. When a child is naughty, I take away five dirhams. They can earn it back by doing great work. Our ATM accepts real dirham coins and the children know that this is our savings for things we need in the class.

As I worked on my project, I was inspired to do even more. I created “Miss Alona’s Neighborhood,” the series. This features regular video presentations that demonstrate the activities in the class to extend the lessons into the home, and ultimately the entire community. These can be found at www.vimeo.com/MissAlonaUAE.

I was heartened by the positive reactions that the project got from the students, parents, administration and my colleagues. I intend to study

the students so as to discern whether or not those who watch Miss Alona’s Neighborhood achieve more in meeting the objectives.

Every teacher has his or her own unique philosophy on how learning is best achieved. These philosophies may be rooted in what best works for them as a learner. I believe that learning should be fun for the students. Miss Alona’s Neighbourhood allows my students to learn each day in an environment that is designed for them to have fun.

It is said that ‘experience is the best teacher’. This means that I am in a unique position to be the mastermind behind organic real-life experiences that my students encounter inside my classroom.

Could this model that I have created become the standard for the 21st century classroom? Is this implementation of aspects of students’ experiences outside the classroom being used to facilitate their learning of the various subjects, one of the keys to shaping critical thinking?

I hope so. This is the essence of Miss Alona’s Neighbourhood.


CREATE THE CLASSROOM OF YOUR DREAMSBy Alona Ballard

www.vimeo.com/MissAlonaUAE


“JESS Jumeirah is a school with very high standards and expectations; a school where children and adults

are challenged to be the best that they can be! Set on a large, established campus, JESS pupils have space and opportunities to work and play in a stimulating learning environment.” – excerpt from Head Teacher, Mrs Ruth Burke’s message on the JESS Jumeirah website

The JESS Jumeirah School is one of two schools under the Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) umbrella. The sprawling campus, which is located near Safa Park in Dubai, is known for its outstanding academic performance, as evidenced in their inspection reports over the years.

JESS Jumeirah has been lauded for innovation and successful leadership at all levels. It is noted that the school enjoys a vibrant relationship with parents, students, teachers and non-teaching staff. In addition to these strong attributes, the school has implemented the effective use of technology, significantly adding to its continued academic success.“One of the ways in which we empower

our teachers is by allowing them to make the decisions about what they are going to teach,” said Mrs Burke, Head Teacher at JESS Jumeirah, “So, rather than the model where teachers are teaching a curriculum, we are very much a school where teachers are teaching the children.”

She elaborated by saying, “all our teachers are lead learners who are in charge of their classrooms. As lead learners, the teachers are empowered to look at what their children need to learn. It is not so much about simply following a curriculum anymore. Through formative and summative assessments, the teachers are able to define what the curriculum for particular groups of children is, as well as give focus to the needs of individual students within the classroom.”

According to Mrs Burke, teachers are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas on projects that will benefit their growth, that of their students, colleagues and the school. They are given numerous opportunities to do this during the school week. Teachers are involved in school groups, which include assessment groups that

look at assessments from ages 3-18 within JESS. They are also urged to take opportunities that will enhance their professional and personal development. As such, a number of teachers have done presentations at the What Works Conferences, which are held by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human development Authority). They have also written articles on education for magazines such as Teach UAE Magazine.

“The aim is to get teachers out there, so they can get involved and make a difference,” she continues, “through meta-cognition, they are able to deepen their own understanding of what’s going on in their own classrooms.”

A key element to the success of any institution is the establishment of solid relationships between all stakeholders. JESS Jumeirah has found a formula that works very well in securing and maintaining meaningful relationships on all levels.

“We have a culture in the school. Picture a triad where the child is in the centre and then you have the staff, the parents and the school. We all work

THE JESS JUMEIRAH SCHOOL… A LEADER IN ICT INTEGRATION & PROMOTING STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Featured School


together and this has added to our success. Right before the children start school, we have meetings where we explain our expectations and routines, so parents have a good understanding of what it is to be a member of the JESS community,” stated Mrs Burke.

To facilitate this, each fortnight, learning objectives are sent to parents to keep them updated on what their children are learning in the various subjects. It is important to note that the school’s senior management team (SMT) welcomes students at the gate each school day. This means that SMT and specialist teachers are accessible. It allows for both parties to interact with each other in an informal setting where small queries and lighter issues can be addressed.

“Parents are welcomed into the classroom during the first few years of school. This allows them to be in the learning environment where they can see the expectations, learning displays and resources. They are also able to see first-hand, as a teacher interacts with their child and other children. This

means that if there is an issue, it can be dealt with promptly before it becomes a formal problem,” Mrs Burke shared.

The school employs the use of mobile technology, the D6 communicator to connect with parents. D6 communicator is used to keep parents well informed of school activities, new developments or news within the school. They are able to access this information online as well as via direct emails. Parent evenings and reports also play a key role. However, much emphasis is given to daily liaisons between the school and parents.

A few years ago an inspector asked the question, ‘When will ICT be no more, no less than a pair of scissors in your school?’ This question became a call to action and JESS Jumeirah took the initiative to assess the ways in which ICT could be integrated in lessons. This in turn led to a commitment to embed the use of ICT in lessons so that it became as routine as using traditional learning aids such as a pair of scissors. The use of Ipads and laptops has now become routine in

every classroom.

“We looked very closely at ICT within the school. Sometimes it is useful to use an Ipad or a laptop; however, sometimes it is more beneficial to use a book,” Mrs Burke explained.

She continued, “We had to fund resources in classrooms to make our school as ICT efficient as it is now. This was a shared vision that our school community undertook. It led to a number of fundraising events with the support of our superb parents’ group, the Jumeirah Parents Group (JPG). Our school Board also made significant financial contributions to provide us with mobile technology such as; iPads and laptops, in every classroom.” This initiative also involved educating the teachers, students and parents on how to use the technology. This led to parents developing an understanding that the use of technology would not be at the expense of the children’s literacy or numeracy skills.

Featured School


Featured School

“Sometimes the problem that some schools face when implementing ICT is that, they are not able to establish a balance between ICT and preserving students’ literacy and numeracy skills. These skills are crucial for students to be able to function in the world of work. We were very aware of this, so we did a lot of background work. Today, the children are more discerning and critical about when it is best to use the available ICT,” disclosed Mrs Burke.

She further explained that, ICT is also utilised for revision and consolidation, as Home Work is often linked to work that can be done online via designated websites. This has contributed to improving students’ use of multimedia software in their presentations.

“In some instances our students have excelled so much in ICT that they are better at it than some of our educators. I don’t think as educators we should be scared of that,” says Mrs Burke, “we have a group of students that we call Tech Leaders. These students really have a passion for technology and are very skilled. We encourage their skills by taking them to the KHDA conferences where they can show off what they know. We have them train our parents and some of our teachers in how to use ipads.”

She continued, “I also had a personal Tech Leader, who would set me specific ICT tasks once per week and follow up to ensure that the tasks were completed correctly. This has significantly improved my skills on the ipad. It goes to show that no matter where you are or what job you have, you still have to learn and very often,

children are great at guiding us through learning processes.”

Tech Leaders also assist parents who may have difficulty in understanding how to use the mobile technology that the school offers. In one case where parents were experiencing challenges in how to use the D6 communicator after its launch, the Tech Leaders were given small kiosks at each gate of the school and parents were invited in to meet with them so as to be guided through the process. The school received an overwhelmingly positive response from the parents who were especially proud that it was students who were doing this. This empowered the students, resulting in them being engaged learners equipped with transferable skills.


The school’s community is dedicated to developing the leadership qualities of the students. Leadership opportunities that are available to students include; student council, playground monitor positions and enterprise groups that are in charge of specific fundraising activities and events.

JESS Jumeirah has also implemented a system of parent helpers who are volunteers assigned to various classrooms. Their responsibilities include making resource materials, carrying out administrative tasks and more importantly, working with small groups under the guidance of the classroom teacher. Parent helpers are instrumental in building the relationship between parents and the school.

The Jumeirah Parents Group (JPG) is yet another way in which the school fosters close ties with the parents. The JPG is responsible for organising fundraising events, socials and other opportunities for parents to get together within the school community. They also plan Easter egg hunts, student discos, Night Market, five-a-side football tournament for fathers and coffee mornings for new parents among other activities. These school events are very significant in bringing parents together.

The Jumeirah English Speaking School produces a magazine at the end of

each school year. It features messages from the director, Mr R D Stokoe and the head teacher, numerous pictorials that include the school board, the various year groups with their teachers, students involved in various learning and extracurricular activities, special events (competitions, festivals and tours) and quotes from students who have completed the primary stage. It also features great achievements by students, such as a Guinness World Record won by nine-year-old Luca Matta of Year Four. Luca earned the record for most national flags identified in a minute in October 2013.

“We are committed to finding in every child something that they really excel at and enjoy. Our end of year magazine is a culmination of all the great moments that we have had within the school. It is also a great memorabilia for the students,” Mrs Burke said.

JESS Jumeirah believes strongly in promoting the achievements of the students. They celebrate each child’s gifts and talents. Added to this, the senior leadership focuses on transparency as they work to maintain a strong relationship with teachers, students and parents by fostering a sense of community. A school that has just over 700 students and over 60 staff members, could easily succumb to the challenges that come with running a fairly large school. However, they

have proven without a doubt that the numbers are not the key focus. Their goal is to continue to empower the students, teachers, parents and the school community. JESS Jumeirah gives credibility to the JESS motto ‘Achieving excellence together’ as they continue to achieve outstanding results on all levels.

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TESOL Arabia hosts the largest education conference in the Middle East annually in March, offering more than

400 concurrent sessions along with an exhibition including over 30 of the most prestigious publishers and innovators in the field of education. Over 1500 delegates from 50 countries attended last year’s conference. This year, the conference received a record number of 609 proposals.

The theme of the 21st International TESOL Arabia Conference and Exhibition, to be held March 12-14, 2015 in Dubai, is “Theory, Practice, Innovation. Teaching and Learning in a Digital World.” TESOL Arabia encourages the use of available educational technologies and the adoption of instructional methods that best suit the needs of students in the region. The conference offers delegates the opportunity to interact with world-renowned scholars in the field of education. This year the conference hosts 12 plenary and featured speakers from around the globe including Deena Boraie, the immediate past President of TESOL International, Lindsey Clandfield, author of the Global series of course books, and Ken Hyland, from the University of Hong Kong, an expert in the field of academic writing.

TESOL stands for “Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages.” TESOL Arabia is an international affiliate of TESOL International (USA) and an associate of IATEFL (UK). Founded in 1994 by a group of teachers at the United Arab Emirates University, TESOL Arabia is a professional development association for everyone who teaches through the medium of English at all levels, K-12 to tertiary, in both private and public educational institutions, to students who speak other languages at home. This fits the student profile of just about every student in the UAE, where diversity is celebrated and all are welcome. TESOL Arabia encourages both practical and theoretical scholarship.

Members of TESOL Arabia receive the benefits of greatly reduced conference fees and free admission to all regular workshops and conferences hosted by area Chapters and Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Over 40 events are held every year throughout the UAE. Members also

receive Perspectives, a peer-reviewed educational journal, three times per year, and have access to a variety of professional development grants for travel, courses, and research. They may also apply for complimentary memberships from TESOL International and conference fee waivers for TESOL Arabia affiliate organizations, such as Cambodia TESOL, Qatar TESOL, and the Middle East Extensive Reading Foundation.

TESOL Arabia has an area Chapter located in each of the 7 emirates as well as 10 SIGs. SIGs include: Educational Technology; English for Young Learners; Leadership and Management; English for Special Purposes; READ; Independent Learning; and Testing, Assessment and Evaluation. TESOL Arabia Chapters promote events and activities in coordination with the SIGs and facilitate discussion and the exchange of ideas between members. SIGs encourage research and professional development in their specialist areas.

TESOL Arabia helps teachers to develop professionally by providing opportunities for attending workshops and presentations; giving presentations; writing for, reviewing, and editing book and journal publications; sharing knowledge and concerns with others; taking on leadership roles; inspiring other teachers; and achieving success as an educational professional. TESOL Arabia

enables teachers to connect with educators teaching in other venues, other levels, other specialties, and in other parts of the world, so teachers can take charge of their own professional development.

A not-for-profit organization, TESOL Arabia is run by volunteers elected from its membership to the TESOL Arabia Executive Council. The organization also hosts an annual book drive at the conference to provide textbooks for schools and educational institutions in the region in need. To find out more about TESOL Arabia or register to attend the 21st TESOL Arabia International Conference and Exhibition, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Dubai, from March 12-14, 2015, please visit our website at www.tesolarabia.org or contact [email protected]. To have a look at some of the highlights from this year’s conference and its significance to educators, please visit https://vimeo.com/92605129.

21ST INTERNATIONAL TESOL ARABIA CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

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STEVE BAMBURY: AN ICT GURU WHO BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN STUDENTS

The rapid pace at which technology has grown over the past few years has left many educators fumbling to keep

pace with the rapid advancements and the growing call for them to use more technology in the delivery of their lessons. Steve Bambury, however, is not one of those teachers. He is not the kind of educator who likes to sit on the side-lines. He is a seeker of knowledge and an innovator, whose passion for technology has driven him to become one of the best information and communications technology teachers in the UAE.

Mr Bambury hails from Essex, England. His work in the field of education, especially the integration of technology in the teaching and learning process is well documented. He has had a documentary done on his work by Channel Four in the UK, which showcased the work he did using film with his students. He has also had BBC do a spotlight on him. Even though he has shifted focus to technology, he still uses his background in film to the benefit of his school and students. Last year he took a team of Year 6 students to the first Children’s International Film Festival where they won awards in four of the five categories they contested in.

He has been an educator for almost thirteen years, seven of which he has spent at JESS Jumeirah School in Dubai. After a few years of teaching in England, he was ready for a change of pace and scenery. The beginning of a new and amazing chapter in his life brought him to JESS Jumeirah.

Who inspires you most?There are a lot of people at this school that inspire me. In my position as Curriculum Innovation Leader and Head of Computing, I find myself in and out of every year group, where I get to see brilliant innovators at work every day. I am lucky that I get to work at such an amazing school where we have such a strong staff. In terms of the use of technology, Tony Vincent who runs Learning In Hand in the U.S. inspires me. A good friend of mine Sabba Quidwai who works at the

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University of Southern California also inspires me. I look to these people when it comes to best practice with the use of technology in the classroom.

What are some of the ways in which you use ICT to help other educators to improve in their practice?JESS has always been at the forefront of using cutting edge mobile technology. We adopted the use of the iPad in 2011. Asa Firth, who is now our Deputy Head Teacher and Head of Key Stage 2, and I spoke about the use of mobile technology at the very first What Works event held by the KHDA. We presented on ideas that are still being used today at conferences all over. Both Asa and I were very passionate about finding ways to infuse the use of technology in lessons at a time when it was not as prolific as it is today. I have been running Tech Byte sessions for the past few years. These are optional professional development sessions that staff can attend. In these sessions, I look at new apps, how to use them effectively in lessons and also new software that might be useful to teachers and students. We have hosted Apple Distinguished Educator David Kirtlan of Elsium Solutions in the UK at our school twice and we have also hosted Spark teach meet events here.

Within the student body, we have the Tech Leader Programme. Tech Leaders are trained to assist other students, parents and even teachers with understanding new applications that they may need help with. Students applying for the position of Tech Leader have to submit a short one minute video clip in which they tell me why I should consider them for the position. I insist that as a requirement of the application process, they need to upload their videos to our Dropbox.

From Year 4-6, we have a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy in effect that allows students to use their own iPads. The students and parents are given a contract, which they both have to sign. In rare instances, we have used this contract to remind them of their agreement with us about the acceptable use of these devices.

Share with us two successful ICT projects that you ran in the school.The one that we always go back to is the project that led to our current use of mobile technology in the school. This was in 2011. Asa was Head of Year Four and I was working with him then. At that point, the school had invested in a number of iPads so each class had one. We sat down before Christmas to discuss potential projects for the next

term. We mulled over a particular idea for hours… what if we did everything on an iPad? What if we taught exclusively on an iPad for an entire week? This formed the foundation of what we named Mobile Tech Week. We used all the iPads that we had in the school and trialled the BYOD system for the first time to supplement the numbers. Overall, we had enough devices for the entire year group of 88 students to share one between two.

We used Book Creator, which is still one of the best apps to use in schools, to create multimedia ebooks throughout the week. The focus of the work was habitats and adaptations. Students chose particular habitats to research and represent using various forms of multimedia within the ebooks. On the final level, students were told to plan a trip to the habitat, so they were looking at apps like Skyscanner, Google Maps and Apple Maps to find the locations of restaurants and safaris. In the end, students had ebooks with dozens of pages of text, images, video and audio footage.

Last year, when I moved to Year 6, I ended up with the same cohort that I had taught back for the Mobile Tech Week project. Obviously, we couldn’t use the same type of project, as it


would not engage or challenge them. I love being ahead of the game and by then, so many great new apps became available. One project involved having them choose mountains from around the world which they presented in video form using the amazing Tellagami. They wrote non-fiction pieces to use as the script. Some of them even used iMovie to create split screen conversations (similar to journalists).

What were some of the surprises that these projects revealed?One of the main surprises that the project revealed was how ready the children were for technology-infused learning. My own kids are two and three years old and they both have had iPads since they were one year old. My three year old daughter Jessica has just started in Foundation 1 and she’s been learning about shapes. She came home from school the other day and started to point out all the circles around our home to me. I told her to use her iPad to take photos of all the circles that she saw which she set off doing independently. I then sat down with her and opened up a collage app called Moldiv and used it with her to help present her circles. The next day she took it to school and was so proud of herself. How can other teachers implement similar projects? What resources

would they need?It’s about gauging how confident your staff members are and not expecting them to run before they can walk, where technology is concerned. It involves ensuring that your staff are trained and confident. Also, of optimum importance is having the right infrastructure to support the technology. There is nothing worse than training the staff to use something and then on Day 1 it breaks. After a while people will not trust it to work and won’t bother to try.

You have to be realistic with the goals that you have in mind. There are many apps that are great to use in the classroom. However, you have to be careful so as not to spook anyone by being overly ambitious with what they can or should be able to achieve. The point is that being able to use just one properly, can be a great achievement for those who are not as confident using technology.

Another thing that teachers need to keep in mind is that they need to be receptive and open to learning from their students. I consider myself fairly good at what I do. However, I learn from my students all the time. A few weeks ago, I was doing E-Safety work using iMovie with my Year 5 students. I changed the flow of my lesson based on a suggestion from a 10-year-old student. So, don’t be afraid to learn

from your students. A lot of the time they are the experts. They are versatile and great at problem solving especially when it comes to technology.

What project do you have next?My focus this year, in my new role as Head of Computing, is on Computer Science – mainly programming. This is not new to us at JESS Jumeirah, as we have been integrating it for the past few years. We want to make sure that it is being delivered in a progressive way. I’m currently doing a lot of game design. I’ve just used Sketch Nation in Year 3, to design a 2D computer game similar to Flappy Birds. They were doing a healthy eating project, so they had burgers as obstacles and cabbage-like Pacmen characters. In Year 4, we have been using the world-renowned Scratch programme out of MIT for digital literacy. Year 5 students have been creating games using Pixel Press Floors. The focus here has been on effective game design rather than actual programming, so that when we move on to that side of things, their actual design thinking will be more strategic. Our Year 6 students are currently coding using Kodu from Microsoft to design full 3D games.

Share with us three gadgets that every teacher should have and use in their classes. Why?I do love gadgets. I have a bunch of


them in my room and I’ve even tried Google Glass, which I think is a little ahead of its time. It’s still got bugs but the future is pointing towards wearable technology. In terms of actual gadgets that are practical for the classroom, I would obviously go with iPads. If you have iPads in your classes, I would recommend that you look at getting cases that protect the corners. If you don’t protect the corners; it will be more easily damaged. A Charging solution is another gadget that is effective especially for BYOD classes. There are always a few kids who will walk in with their iPads out of charge. I was sent a Charge Bus from a company in the UK, which is a brilliant gadget. This is essentially a box that allows you to charge up to 16 iPads at the same time using just one plug socket. It can also fast sync the iPads to iTunes if you want it to. Styluses are another worthwhile purchase and they are getting better at last. They are particularly useful when using smaller screens. The next generation of styluses should be more precise and should be similar to using an actual pen or pencil for writing.

What is the best advice that you would give to teachers who are afraid or nervous about integrating technology into their lessons?I may have touched on it earlier. Don’t be afraid to learn from the students. It is O.K. to take small steps until you understand how to use the technology more effectively. Do what you are comfortable with. When I train teachers who are not tech-friendly, I like to look at apps that are not complicated or ones that they are already familiar with. A brilliant example is Nearpod. If you are already familiar with PowerPoint then you don’t have to start from scratch with it as you can convert a tired old PowerPoint into an engaging, interactive Nearpod session in a short amount of time.

Mr Bambury is highly respected by his colleagues, students and parents. His background in film, passion for technology and education provides him with a unique skill set that makes him an asset to the JESS team. Educators outside of the JESS community have also benefitted from his vast knowledge of technology via his presentations at the What Works Conference, the Global Education Forum at GESS and other events around Dubai.

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Remember how much you hated pop quizzes? You just knew that the teacher was out to get you. However, now that

you are the teacher who is giving pop quizzes, you know that maybe back then, he or she was trying to help. As parents and teachers, we know our kids need to sometimes fail in order to learn. We know this because we also learn by trial and error.

How could I be so silly? I should have known better. I know how to do this. These are all questions we ask ourselves and statements we make when we make mistakes. But mistakes do not have to be as final as we often feel they are. Our reactions to making mistakes will determine how much we do or do not learn from them. As teachers we teach our students how to deal with mistakes by the way we react to the mistakes they make in our lessons.

“I know for me,” says Dawn Grogan, who has taught for five years and has been teaching Cycle One in the UAE for the past month, “I learn better if I’m doing versus being told. When I mess it up, I look for what I did wrong and then fix it or work hard on doing it better next time.”

Dawn adds that when her students get something wrong, she asks them to prove their answers. “Eventually they realize they aren’t able to prove that answer, so they search for how to get it right. It’s more important for them to learn or see how that process needs to be, so that they learn the concept versus just the right answer.”

Kendra Gray has taught for six years, three of them as a Cycle 3 EMT. She notes that peer editing is a great way for students to see where they’ve gone wrong.

“It’s a lot easier for them to see when a peer has made a mistake than when

checking their own work, which then causes them to realize that they may have made the same mistake.”

Another plus to peer editing, she says, is that it helps her students to build confidence in telling each other how to improve. This ultimately helps them better identify their own areas for improvement.

Working with students who are assessing their learning, also helps validate the work that goes on in the classroom. “When I watch students learn from their mistakes,” says Ms. Gray, “It makes me feel like what I’m teaching is actually being used and reinforced. Ultimately, it reassures you that what you are teaching works.”

Teachers also learn from their students’ mistakes. An 18-year veteran of teaching, Elize Marais, who has taught in South Africa, Korea and UAE, states, “I’ve learned more from my students than I think I’ve taught them. I’ve had some amazing kids in my life. Nobody can explain that feeling you get when you’re bonding with the kids and they are opening up to you.”

“That bond,” she says, “includes them trusting their teacher enough to share their mistakes. This trust is something special. I have had the most beautiful experiences. My students have carried me throughout some of the most difficult moments of my life.”

An added benefit for her is her students have also helped her become a better parent. “I have learned from their mistakes and their complaints to see what I’ve been doing with my own child.”

An important lesson in failing is to recognize where you went wrong. It also helps to understand that there are other options that can be explored that could get us the answers that we need. It is O.K. to fail. It is our ability to learn from our mistakes and become better that will lead to success. As educators, it is good to admit when you have made a mistake. Your students will understand. We all make mistakes, but each mistake is an opportunity to learn something new about what we failed at and more importantly about ourselves.

HOW TO HANDLE MISTAKES IN THE CLASSROOMBy Bettina Bennett


Teaching requires great effort to ensure that all students receive the most from every lesson. However, teaching students

with special needs or as I like to call them “unique” learners, is a theatrical exert that entails a little extra. Whether you consider “unique” learners as those who are gifted and talented or those who require more support and/or scaffolding to complete a task, they all bring out the most creative sides of us, as educators. So what happens when your lesson does not go as planned or students are either just not comprehending the material or are quite simply not motivated enough to engage? This can be even more challenging when working with students with unique learning needs. The goal of a teacher is to ensure that no student is left behind, but how does one motivate, encourage and engage unique learners? Here are 5 activities that I have often utilized to engage my unique learners, which can be used to engage all learners

Word BuffetAfter a grammar lesson, such as simple sentences, divide your class into groups (ability, flexible, etc.). Use sentence strips (or pieces of paper) to write out as many words as possible, including the different parts of speech. Spread the words out over a large table and give each group a paper plate, hence the name “word buffet.” Have 1 learner from each team go to the table and take as many words as they want (“all they can eat”) from the table in 30 seconds. Let them take the words back to their team and sort the words out by part of speech. As an extension activity, you can have them create simple sentences using the words on their table. This can be taken a step further by asking them to create specific simple sentences, such as a “simple sentence about a classroom object, animal, person, etc.”

FlipbookThis flipbook is comprised of plain sheets of paper folded to create several leaves of paper for a book. You can write down key terms or information at the bottom of each page. Have your learners draw a picture to represent the term or concept that is written at the bottom of each page.

Vocabulary/Term SquaresVocabulary seems to be one of the most challenging aspects for learners, especially within the ESL context here in the UAE. Vocabulary boxes are a great way to engage the visual and kinesthetic learner. Simply take a blank sheet of paper, fold it in half vertically then do 3 or 4 horizontal folds (depending on the number of terms). In each square, have learners write a term at the top in big letters. Have learners fill in the squares with short phrases and pictures for each term as it is discussed.

High FiveIn the USA, there is a colloquial term ‘to know something like the back of your hand.” With this activity, have learners trace their hand on a blank sheet of paper. On each finger of the paper hand, they can write 5 things they learned during the lesson (the 5 things they know like the back of their hand).

Dialogue BoxCommunication is key in learning. It can also be used as a form of informal assessment and ticks the box as assessment of learning. An activity that can be used is that of the dialogue box. In a shoebox, put pictures of various images related to the lesson. In small groups, have learners pull out one picture at a time. Let them discuss the image and how it relates to the lesson(s). When all the pieces have been removed from the box and discussed, learners can discuss how all the pieces fit together like a puzzle, or create a collage using the pieces.

As we look to engage all of our learners, I always say, “That which engages you, stays with you.” Engaging unique learners involves providing them with the opportunities to ‘create with the language,’ and also making the material relevant to their everyday lives, interests and future goals. Let us be reminded that while the rest of the education sector is focused on mastery, teaching unique learners (dare I say all learners) should be about the growth and progress they are making with each skill.

5 ACTIVITIES TO ENGAGE STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDSBy Melissa Monney“Teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theatre.”- Gail Goldwin




As a primary educator and technology enthusiast, I have had countless conversations with colleagues around the

world about using technology in literacy lessons. Common questions and topics for debate include: What happens to fine motor skills when students switch pencils for screens? What if my students know more than I do about the technology? Is it safe for them to be reading and writing for hours on screen? How can we preserve traditional literacy skills while moving with the technological developments of our times? These are all very valid questions, however the correct use of technology will serve only to enhance the teaching and learning process.

Educators should be innovative, risk takers who enjoy a challenge and are keen to try something new if it has the potential to excite, engage and support their students. They should also keep in mind traditional teaching techniques that work. Yes, students need to be ‘tech-savvy’, as new technologies are being introduced constantly. This means that when many of our current students complete their studies and enter the workforce, they will be using technology that is not yet available to us at present.

From a traditionalist perspective, focus should be kept on spelling strategies, encouraging students to write creatively and to take pride in the presentation of their ideas using pencil and paper. So, how can this balance be achieved? Technology, when used should add value to traditional pedagogy and bring something different to teaching and learning.

Here are three of the ways that I’ve recently used technology effectively in my literacy lessons. Each of these tools helped to excite and motivate my students as writers.

Make writing matter - LendMeYourLiteracy.com This website offers a variety of innovative and creative ways in which you can use technology to engage your

students. Writing for a purpose doesn’t get more real than this. Use the daily writing prompts to launch your day, as children respond to the ‘Picture of the Day’ while you take your register. While planning for your lessons, you can view thousands of teaching and learning ideas and real work samples from around the world. These can be used as immersion tools. Allowing children to analyse real work by other students will hook them in to a new genre and facilitate the development of peer assessment skills. It can be used to encourage them to do some writing of their own. Perhaps the most exciting way to use LendMeYourLiteracy (LMYL) is to upload a photograph of literacy work from your class (maintain the traditional skills and use technology as a tool!) and watch views and moderated, supportive feedback come in from around the world. Giving your students opportunities to write for a global, supportive and responsive community will engage even the most reluctant of writers. They will ultimately realise that writing matters and that the audience goes way beyond their classroom walls.

Make every character count - TwitterWriting concisely within 140 characters is challenging even for the most able writers. Reflections on lessons, responses to texts, engaging with other tweeting classes across schools and sharing learning journeys with parents, provide students with numerous opportunities for purposeful and concise writing. As with any use of technology for learning, boundaries need to be set and good practice needs to be modelled. Lock your class’ Twitter

page and only allow members of the school community to follow. Try putting a ban on ‘text speak’ and encourage your students to think carefully about their vocabulary choices. A lesson in how quickly Tweets can spread is also a valuable exercise in internet safety and author accountability.

Make writing a team effort – Padlet.com Using a Padlet board to share students’ questions or complete a pre-assessment to launch a lesson can be a powerful tool. Students can respond anonymously to a question by posting their responses, which can then be revisited and challenged throughout the learning journey. Alternatively, flip that idea and ask your students to summarise their learning in one sentence on Padlet as part of a plenary – this will give you a clear indication of their next steps in learning. Padlet can also be a great tool to support collaboration. Providing online access to a shared brainstorming area, allows students to continue their cooperative work after and between lessons. Set students a ‘real life’ persuasive writing challenge and support them to share their arguments on a collaborative forum. This can promote deep thinking and ownership of ideas. The ideas shared can then provide the basis for a written persuasive letter or inform a more traditional classroom debate.

Technology has an important role to play in our classrooms today. Ensuring that we use it effectively to add value to our lessons, while preserving traditional literacy skills can help both students and teachers enjoy the best of both worlds.

USING TECHNOLOGY TO BRING PURPOSE & CHALLENGE TO LITERACY LESSONS By Jenny Murray


We all have them…pet peeves. These little habits that most people tend to find annoying, intolerable

or obnoxious. Many of us are usually quick to point out our pet peeves when it comes to others. However, are you aware of the things that you do, that may make others not want to spend time with you? When it comes to being inside the staffroom, dealing with pet peeves can be quite more challenging, given that you spend the majority of your day at work and in the presence of your colleagues. Here are a few common pet peeves that people have and how they can be addressed diplomatically.

Foot Tapping: Foot tapping is a common pet peeve that the offender is usually not very conscious of. Some people tap one foot constantly when they are in deep thought or if they are nervous. If this is a pet peeve of yours, gently suggest to the person doing the tapping that it is distracting. You can also excuse yourself from where they are by going for a walk.

Obnoxiously loud laughter: There are times when a good joke will make you laugh out loud. Laughing out loudly can be distracting to others. It is frowned upon in public because it is considered to be impolite to do so. Culturally in the UAE, ladies are encouraged not to laugh out loudly in public. Laughing out loud is definitely not appropriate in a work environment. If you have a colleague who is guilty of this, take that person some place quiet and tell them about it. If he/she continues with the behaviour, distance yourself.

Staring in silence: Have you ever felt like someone was staring at you from behind, then you turn around just to catch them staring and the person says nothing, forcing you to react?

Your reaction may be to say something to the person, look away quickly or use body language to show your discomfort. Staring at someone without speaking to that person can definitely cause tension in the staffroom. If you are caught staring, in order to avoid an uncomfortable situation, just apologise for staring or offer up a compliment!

The interrupter: There is usually one person who is very good at constantly interrupting others when they are having a conversation. While some persons will refrain from pointing this out, others find constant interruption to be annoying. Someone who constantly interrupts clearly isn’t listening to the other person and is showing disinterest in what the other person is saying. If you are guilty of constantly interrupting, to avoid being snapped at, practise listening more and talking less. If you must interrupt, please ask permission of the speaker.

Open Mouth Chewers: It could be chewing gum and it could be actual food. There are a handful of people who forget to close their mouths while chewing or to complete chewing before continuing a conversation. Open mouth chewers unwittingly cause those around them to see what’s inside their mouths. This also puts those within close proximity at risk for particles of food flying at them, when the chewer is speaking. Solution: walk away briskly from an open mouth chewer or wait until the person has completed his/her meal before you start a conversation.

The Complainer: “The complainer” is usually a colleague who always has some negative comments to share about any and everything on a daily basis. Some people will distance themselves from a colleague who constantly complains. However, it helps to guide this kind of person by rebutting

each complaint with a positive. After a while, this colleague will either stop complaining to you or start to appreciate more of the good things in life.

The Borrower: This pet peeve is specifically for those who like to borrow but never return what was borrowed. A normal reaction would be to point out to the borrower that the last loan is still unpaid/unreturned. It may be easier to simply say no to the person who never returns what is borrowed or what he/she owes.

Personal Space Violation: A violation of one’s personal space would include hovering over someone’s shoulder at their desk, standing very closely so you can feel their breath on your face and sitting on their desk while the other person is trying to get work done. If a colleague is constantly invading your personal space, to avert confrontation, smile, step back (if you are standing) and politely ask your colleague to allow you a bit of space/privacy. You can also excuse yourself from the situation/space until he/she gets the message.

WHAT ARE YOUR PET PEEVES?

Inside the Staffroom

Special FeatureNov - Dec 201428

43rd National Day

As expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates, many of us have come to love this country and enjoy its traditions

and culture. We have vacationed in many, if not all of the seven emirates and are proud to call many of the locals our friends.

The UAE is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating countries in the world today. The rapid rate at which the country is developing, coupled with the many successes in key industries, has added to its undeniable progress

since the federation was formed on December 2, 1971.

We would like to extend out sincere congratulations to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, “May God protect him”, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “May God protect him”, HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, “May God protect

him”, and their brothers, rulers of the emirates of Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman, Highnesses and the people of the United Arab Emirates on the celebration of the UAE’s 43rd anniversary.

To commemorate this milestone, Teach UAE Magazine has compiled a special feature that includes short profiles on the leaders, snapshots of the emirates, perspectives from citizens and memorable quotes among other great offerings.

HAPPY 43RD NATIONAL DAY UAE!Photo: Ramesh Shukla Source: National Archives, UAE

Congratulations on your 43rd anniversary, UAE!

تهانينا لكم بمناسبة الذكرى ال43 لليوم الوطني لدولة اإلمارات العربية المتحدة.

Special Feature Nov - Dec 2014 29

43rd National Day

His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah bestow mercy upon him, is the beloved ‘father’ of the

United Arab Emirates. His courage and tenacity to forge ahead in creating the country of his dreams… all contribute to the adoration and high esteem in which other rulers, his countrymen and expatriates living in the UAE hold him.

Hailed as a visionary and a man of great integrity, Sheikh Zayed is credited with instilling in his people, a genuine love and patriotism for the UAE. This is evident in the numerous initiatives that place the interests of the people of the UAE first.

He was notably a firm believer in education and personally funded the first modern school. Today, there are numerous education institutions and awards that carry his name.

Sheikh Zayed was instrumental in creating an atmosphere of tolerance among expatriates and locals who live together in the UAE. Expatriates are encouraged to be mindful and

respectful of the culture of the UAE and the laws that govern the country.

He enjoyed and maintained positive diplomatic ties with other nations, while holding firm to his country’s beliefs. This has positioned the UAE as a powerful and respected ally of many

countries globally.

His Highness Sheikh Zayed left behind a rich legacy of kindness and humility, which is evidenced in the actions of today’s rulers, who are also humble and philanthropic.

HH SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN… A TRUE VISIONARY & AN ICONIC LEADER

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Quotes

“A country’s greatest investment lies in building generations of educated and knowledgeable youth.” (Source: Distinguished Students Scholarships)

“The UAE Federation was a realistic personification of the hopes and aspirations of the Emirati people. The federation was the dream of a nation who struggled to build a free society and a glorious future under the banners of justice. The UAE Federation will play a pioneering role toward the unification of all Arab peoples. It will serve as a nucleus for a comprehensive Arab unity.” - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

“Since God, bestows His graces on us providing us with wealth, it is our role to use this wealth for the benefit and prosperity of our people as an expression of gratitude to our Lord.” - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

“The education of our people is a great wealth. We are proud of our educated nation because through knowledge and science we will open the horizons of a glorious future.” - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

“The process of construction and development requires the efforts not only of the government but also of all the citizens of the UAE.” - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

“We should preserve our traditions and national heritage. We should stick to our roots and our Arabic and Islamic traditions.” - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

“It is my duty as the leader of the young people of this country to encourage them to work and to exert themselves in order to raise their own standards and to be of service to the country. The individual who is healthy and of a sound mind and body but who does not work commits a crime against himself and society.” – Gulf News

http://www.szgmc.ae/en/





http://gulfnews.com/


43rd National Day

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the President of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Abu

Dhabi, which is the largest emirate in the UAE. He is also the Commander of The Union Defence Force and is reknowned for his philanthropy.

HH Sheikh Khalifa is the eldest son of HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, visionary, former ruler and

‘Father of the Nation’ He became president of the UAE, after HH Sheikh Zayed died in November 2004. Like his father, Sheikh Khalifa is known for putting the interest of his country and people first. He is beloved and highly respected by his people.

The Burj Dubai, the tallest building in the world, was renamed the Burj Khalifa in his honour in 2010.

HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Quotes:

“Educating the individual is the country’s most valuable investment. It represents the foundation for progress and development.”

“A true commitment to tapping all of the available work field, combined with a high enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge, broadening horizons and benefiting from modern science is necessary for the UAE to succeed in taking a forward step into the 21st century.”

“In an effort to successfully build our nation, a large portion of this country’s income is invested in compensating opportunities for progress that may have passed us by, and in moving along with the progress of developed countries in order to support our main aim of advancing the UAE and the UAE national.”

“Despite the educational achievements, the educational process is an ever-growing challenge in need of meticulous planning and rigorous efforts of programme development in order to keep up with modern technology and the fast paced technological advancement.”

Source: Distinguished Students Scholarships

HH SHEIKH KHALIFA BIN ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN – PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES & RULER OF ABU DHABI

http://www.pso.ae/aboutus.htm


43rd National Day

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is perhaps one of the most photographed rulers of the UAE. He is

recognised and celebrated for his many fruitful initiatives which have led to Dubai’s growth into a global city.

He is a distinguished poet in classical Arabic and the Bedouin Nabati style, an aviator and qualified pilot and an astute businessman. He is also a keen equestrian and very well known in the international thoroughbred horse racing and breeding circuit.

Sheikh Mohammed became the Ruler of Dubai on January 4, 2006 and was selected by the Federal National Council as the new Vice President of the UAE. On February 11 of the same year, the Council approved President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s nomination of Sheikh Mohammed for Prime Minister.

He is viewed as a compassionate, humble and visionary leader. He is known for his zero tolerance policy on corruption within government. His philanthropic work includes the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation which focuses on education in the Middle East with a view towards bridging the gap between the Arab region and the developed world, Dubai Cares, a campaign which was started to raise funds to educate one million children in poor countries and Noor Dubai among many others.

HH Sheikh Mohammed is very respected and loved by his countrymen.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Quotes

“I want a government that toils 24 hours a day, just like airlines. I want it to be close to people, welcoming all clients akin to that welcome received by hotels’ guests. I want the citizens to be able to process all their government transactions in one place, on a mobile one-stop shop.”

“I live a simple life, my life away from leadership is very simple. I wake up early, clean up and pray. I have breakfast with my family. Sometimes I visit my friends, have a cup of coffee, or visit shopping malls and have lunch at a restaurant one of them recommends and see people. This simple life makes me happy.”

“We should always be practical, realistic and optimistic.”

“Dubai’s success is an extension of Abu Dhabi’s success and vice-versa. The same dynamic applies to the other emirates; Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The union of these seven emirates represents an unshakable force and an impregnable fortress that cannot be weakened by challenges. This union is the source of all our confidence and our strength.”

“Our aid has humanitarian objectives only; it is never governed by politics or limited by the geography, race, colour or religion of the beneficiary. We provide humanitarian capital and are a major relief station for the poor; we do not hesitate to help and support the brother, the ill-fated friend or the needy wherever they are. This is our message to the world, and this is the United Arab Emirates.”

Source: sheikhmohammed.com

HH SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM – VICE PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER OF THE UAE AND RULER OF DUBAI

http://sheikhmohammed.com/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=630d0cb40c7bd210VgnVCM1000004d64a8c0RCRD&appInstanceName=default


HH Sheikh Mohammed is a highly recognised leader who works tirelessly in promoting the UAE’s interest both locally

and internationally.

He serves as special advisor to his older brother HH Sheikh Khalifa and has significant influence on important policies and decisions which affect the UAE. He is a member of the Supreme Petroleum Council, the head of the Abu Dhabi Council of Economic Development and the head of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) among other important positions.

He is the driving force behind numerous key developments in real estate and tourism within the emirate of Abu Dhabi. He is known for his philanthropic work with educational projects, health care projects involving Pakistan and Afghanistan, environmental protection and humanitarian affairs with specific focus on the prevention of human trafficking.

HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyan is the recipient of numerous awards and citations and is celebrated in the region, the United States and countries within Europe.

He is very respected and admired by his people.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Quotes

“Education is a country’s single most important priority and investing in the educational development of the individual represents the only real investment.” “Our educational development plans allow us to look forward to an even brighter future of generations capable of handling twice the responsibilities as a result of being founded on knowledge, learning and adherence to customs and traditions.” “The true wealth of a nation lies in its youth…one that is equipped with education and knowledge and which provides the means for building the nation and strengthening its principles to achieve progress on all levels.”

“Every UAE national considers the founder of this country and leader of this nation his role model …and all nationals have responded to this leader’s call for progress and advancement thus making the UAE individual the backbone of the country’s development.” “The future holds no place for those who lack knowledge and education.” “Education is the priority of any nation that hopes to occupy a distinguished position among the countries of the world. It is the means by which it can build a strong generation, cautious of adhering to its customs and traditions and able to adjust to the ever-changing needs of our times and to the ever-developing technologies of the modern world.”

Source: Crown Prince Court

HH GENERAL SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN – CROWN PRINCE OF ABU DHABI AND DEPUTY SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE UAE ARMED FORCES

43rd National Day

https://www.cpc.gov.ae/en-us/thecrownprincecourt/Pages/default.aspx


43rd National Day

The United Arab Emirates has several national symbols that are intricately tied to the country’s rich history, culture

and traditions. As the UAE celebrates another year of remarkable growth facilitated by its leaders and achieved by both locals and expatriates, we take a look at the national symbols and what they mean.

The FlagThe UAE flag is a national symbol for the seven emirates. The colours red, green, black and white are Pan-Arab colours that represent the unity among the emirates. White represents peace, honesty and purity, green is for hope, love, prosperity and success, red is for sacrifice, bravery, strength and power and black represents dignity, authority and strength of mind.

The Dallah Coffee Pot Many expatriates have come to enjoy the unique taste of Arabic coffee, which is widely served in both social and business settings. Arabic coffee is served from the dallah coffee pot, which is considered to be a strong symbol of local hospitality.

This well-known traditional coffee pot is a metal pot that has a long beak-like spout specifically designed for serving Arabic coffee.

Today, many locals have dallah pots in their homes that they use to entertain family members and other guests.

The Dallah coffee pot is proudly displayed on the one-dirham coin.

The Arabian Oryx This is the national animal of the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar.

Also known as the white oryx, their bodies are distinctly white, whilst their legs are dark brown as far down as the last joint above their hoofs, with the last part to the hoofs being white. The white body colour helps to deflect the sunlight. Both males and females carry a pair of symmetrical horns, very slightly curved to the back.

The Arabian oryx was hunted in the wild to extinction over forty years ago. However, captive breeding and reintroduction programmes have resulted in a thriving number today. HH Sheikh Zayed’s family is among those who have been credited with saving the oryx by breeding them in captivity during the 1960s. Herds can be found at specific locations within the UAE.

The FalconFalconry is one of the oldest traditions of the UAE. It remains one of the most popular pastimes among locals. Falconry is traditionally related to hunting for food in the past, when falcons were used to supplement diets by hunting hares and houbara mainly.

Falconry teaches patience and endurance. It requires skill and courage to tame and train the falcon.

Arabs admire the falcon for its beauty, posture, sharp eyesight and grandeur. Today, there are laws implemented to protect falcons and to ensure that the birds are treated properly.

As a national symbol, the falcon

represents courage, grace, pride, strength and force.

The DhowPrior to the discovery of oil in the UAE, much of the country’s industry focused on pearling and fishing. The famous Dhow is a symbol of that era. The Arab dhow is considered to be one of the world’s most graceful sailing crafts, with the emirates being credited throughout history for the prowess of their sailors and the sleek lines of their vessels.

Today, traditional boatyards in the Emirates still value the dhow as an ancient boat building tradition. It is a powerful reminder of the country’s history, the hard work of their ancestors and their skill in creating such a powerful and elegant watercraft. The Dhow is a symbol of early trade and water industry.

The Palm TreeThe palm tree is a symbol of sustenance. It is one of the more recognised symbols of the United Arab Emirates and is lauded for its numerous attributes. It is also the most highly valued tree in the Arab world.

The palm tree is a source of food for humans who eat the date fruit and animals that are fed the seeds. It provides shade from the sun. It has been used in the construction of houses, household items such as pots, mats and fans. It has medicinal purposes among other good attributes.

The palm tree serves as a reminder of the country’s history of a time when food was not easily accessible. It is a symbol of food and water.

THE UAE NATIONAL SYMBOLS…


Vox Pop

NAT IONAL DAY 2014 VOX POP – EMIRATISWhat does National Day mean to you?

I am happy to be from the Emirates. Our rulers are helping

us to become a successful people. National Day is very important to us. It helps us to work together, so we can be among the top countries of the world. I would like to thank His Highness for giving us that opportunity.

National Day means a lot to me. There is always a festival or some

kind of celebratory event happening. In the evening, our family heads to the Corniche here in Sharjah where everyone is celebrating with their flags. It reminds us that this is our country and we need to work really hard to build it. National Day inspires us to be loyal and to give more to our country. It is special too because everyone living in the country celebrates, not just the locals.

I am very proud of my country. National Day means a lot to me

because in 1971, we established the 7 emirates (UAE). Since then our country has been developing at a rapid pace and our people are very happy. Our country is safe and each year the new developments attract many people who come here to live and work.

Huda Thani Ali,Sharjah

Alya Burhaima,Sharjah

Mohammed Obaid Hilal,Dubai

For me, it is simply the best day of the year. It is a great and joyful

day which is celebrated in unison, from the noblest of sheikhs to the least of the emirates. It is a day when we reflect on and celebrate the wisdom of our forefathers, who sought unity and prosperity for their children and generations to come.

UAE National Day can be compared to a mother who embraces her children with love to foster peace and

unity in her home. Once love, peace and unity prevail in the home, the mother sets a day of commemoration, as a reminder to her children to guard and celebrate, with pride, what has been achieved… We celebrate and express our joy on this day by feasting and decorating almost everything in the national colours of the UAE.

Hamdan Al Aryani,Al Ain

Muna Abdul Rahim,Al Ain


Vox Pop

NAT IONAL DAY 2014 VOX POP – EMIRATIS

Though this day was first commemorated 43 years ago

and I am only 28 years old, I can’t help but still feel what His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan felt when he pioneered the idea of uniting the emirates into one impressive nation. This is a day of hope, peace and unity for the UAE, which I also wish other countries to equally experience.

National Day means a lot to us. The most important one

is that it marks the day on which our forefathers came together to create one great country. We can face anything together. This means a lot to both children and adults. It also reminds us to preserve our traditions as we celebrate what our forefathers have done.

National Day is a big day for all UAE nationals. What we feel for

our country is greater than love. We are very patriotic, so on this day, you will see all the homes and everywhere decorated with the UAE flag. Everyone celebrates, Emiratis and expatriates together in the streets, at festivals and other celebratory events.

This is a great day for me. Leading up to National Day, in Al

Ain, all the streets are decorated with beautiful lights. Then on this day, we go out with our friends to celebrate. Sheikh Zayed is our father and we look to him as his children. We have learnt a lot from him about preserving our traditions, how to treat our elders and to love our country.

National Day represents the unity among the seven emirates. It’s an occasion to

remember the achievements of our leaders and the development of our country.

Ahmed Al Remeithi,Al Ain

Thamer Al Shammry,Abu Dhabi

Abdulla Al Bloushi,Al Ain

Mahmoud Al Shamsi,Al Ain

Ahmed Al Ameri,Abu Dhabi


Snapshot Of The Emirates

The emirate of Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is also the second most populous of the

seven emirates. Under the diligent guidance of their visionary founding father HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the current Ruler of Abu Dhabi, President of the UAE and commander of the Union Defence Force, HH Sheikh Kalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi has grown into a cosmopolitan metropolis.

Here are some interesting facts about Abu Dhabi:

• The literal translation of the words Abu Dhabi means “Father of the Deer” which has references of gazelles that inhabited the emirate.

• Abu Dhabi is full of archaeological evidence that points to civilisations dating as far back as the 3rd

millennium BC.

• Jebel Hafeet, located in Al Ain, is the UAE’s second tallest mountain and has evidence of early civilisations around it.

• Abu Dhabi was also known for conducting business in the pearling industry.

• Oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi in 1960. Production and export began offshore in 1962 and onshore in 1963. The emirate remains the largest producer of oil in the UAE.

• Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest emirate in the UAE as it relates to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income. In 2007, Forbes and CNN named the emirate as the wealthiest in the world.

• The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the official mosque of the UAE and is also considered to be one of the most important landmarks in Abu Dhabi.

• The first town bus entered service in 1969 but was part of an informal service. Today, transportation throughout the emirate includes public buses, taxis, ferries and airplanes.

• The Abu Dhabi International Airport is the city’s main aviation hub and the second busiest airport in the UAE. Its terminals are dominated by Etihad Airways, which is the UAE’s national carrier and the country’s second largest airline.

• Abu Dhabi is the home to numerous education institutions, which include local and international schools. All schools in the emirate are under the authority of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

Source: National Archives – Abu Dhabi(Photo Credit: National Archives, UAE)

Founding Father: HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan (1966 – 2004)

Current Ruler: HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan (2004 – present)

Important Landmarks: The Grand Mosque, Maqta Bridge

Key Industries: Tourism, Oil & Gas Production and Free Zone Business Investment Opportunities

ABU DHABIHH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE and former Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan, UAE President and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

http://www.cdr.gov.ae/ncdr/english/index.aspx



Today, travellers from all over the globe flock to the emirate of Dubai, which has fast developed from what was

originally considered to be a place that was inhabited by nomadic tribes who left very little trace of their existence, to an in demand, international destination, rich with industry and productivity.

In the 18th century, members of the Bani Yas tribe settled along the banks of the Dubai Creek and used their natural commercial instincts and liberal attitudes to attract neighbouring traders from India and other Gulf countries. By the late 1870s, Dubai had become the main port of the southern coast, developing major souks to enable visitors to trade their wares. It was a chaotic home to Iranians, Omanis and tribal Bedouins.

Here are some interesting facts about Dubai:

• Pearl collected from offshore beds and gold were key contributors to Dubai’s prosperity during the early years.

• Dubai first received electricity in

1961, approximately 50 years after Times Square in New York already had multi-coloured illuminations.

• Oil was first discovered in 1966 after many years of drilling.

• When the pearling industry crashed in the 1930s, Dubai bounced back from a deep depression by implementing favourable tax incentives.

• Port Rashid opened in 1971 out of a desire to provide access to large container ships. It had only two gantry cranes. By 1978, the port was expanded to include 35 berths, 5 of which were used by the largest ship containers of the time. As a result of continued growth in this industry, Jebel Ali Port was opened one year later. Jebel Ali is the world’s largest man-made harbour and the biggest port in the Middle East.

• The Sheikh Rashid Tower opened in 1978 and had 39 stories. It was the tallest building in the city and the first high rise building along Sheikh Zayed Road. Today, this tower has grown into the renowned

Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). It is the region’s largest purpose-built complex welcoming 2.2 million trade delegates a year.

• Emirates Airline was launched in 1985 with two aircrafts. The idea was received with much scepticism at the time. Today Emirates has a fleet of 218 aircrafts flying to over 142 destinations in 80 countries. It is often lauded as the “World’s Best Airline”.

• In 1999, Dubai grabbed the world’s attention with the opening of the Burj Al Arab on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach. This sail-shaped building has become a world-renowned icon and is dubbed by many as the ‘world’s only seven-star hotel’.

• The Burj Khalifa opened on January 4, 2010 and is the world’s tallest tower. It is seen as a symbol of strength, determination and a demonstration of Dubai’s capabilities.

Source: Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.(Photo Credit: National Archives, UAE)

Founding Father: HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1958 – 1990)

Current Ruler: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (1990 – present)

Important Landmark: Burj Khalifa

Key Industries: Tourism, Shipping Port and Free Zone Business Investment Opportunities

DUBAIHH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Founding Father of the UAE and former Ruler of Dubai.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.

http://www.dubaitourism.ae/



Today, the industrious emirate of Sharjah is the scene of a constantly blooming Metropolis. However, like all

her sister emirates, Sharjah has a rich history and can be counted as one of the fastest developing emirates within the United Arab Emirates.

Sharjah is the third largest emirate following Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Its settlements date back to approximately 6, 000 years ago when it is believed to have been called Sarcoa. Back then, the small population relied on trade, farming, fishing, hunting and pearling.

The emirate of Sharjah is renown throughout the Arab world for its commitment to art, culture and preserving local heritage. In fact, in 1998, UNESCO named the emirate as the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World.”

Places of educational value to educators include the wide range of over 20 museums that are located

within the emirate. These museums constantly provide great exhibitions that feature interesting artefacts, valuable information on the UAE and the Gulf region, as well as, timeless photography that visually transports you back in time and informs you about how Emiratis and the people of the Gulf region lived in the past. These museums are excellent for field trips and social outings for anyone who is keen on exploring and discovering the secrets of Arabian lifestyle and Islamic culture. Sharjah also offers impressive art galleries and beautifully restored heritage sites.

Sharjah is a city of humanitarian service. There is a constant push to promote humanitarian work especially in the fields of health care, education, rehabilitation and reintegration of the disabled into society.

The integrity and character of the people of Sharjah is linked to a deep appreciation for and understanding of

their diverse history and embracing the opportunities of the present that will yield a more positive future for the emirate, its residents and by extension, the people of the UAE.

Source: Sharjah Tourisim(Photo Credit: Sharjah Media Centre and National Archives, UAE)

Founding Father: HH Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (1965 – 1972)

Current Ruler: HH Sheikh Dr Sultan III bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (1972 – present)

Important Landmarks: Al Majaz Waterfront, The Cultural Roundabout (formerly known as the Quran Roundabout)

Key Industries: Tourism, Shipping Port and Free Zone Business Investment Opportunities

SHARJAHHH Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founding Father of the UAE and former Ruler of Sharjah.

HH Sheikh Dr Sultan III bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.


http://www.sharjah-welcome.com/

http://www.sharjahmedia.ae/index.php?lang=en#.VHOTQ1eUdwQ


The emirate of Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates. However, the tenacity and progressive leadership of the

emirate, has positioned it as a place of great industry. Ajman lies on the Arabian Gulf coast along with the northern emirates. The emirate has three cities, Ajman the capital, Mesfoot and Al Menameh, which are known for their rich agricultural land.

The city has all of the government departments, corporate headquarters, banks and malls as well as the Ajman Port. Ajman has become a modern city where all modern services and facilities are provided. It has maintained its traditional character giving the Emirate a balanced blend of the achievements of the modern era and the traditional characters of the past.

Many visitors head to Ajman which has magnificent beaches offering retreats with fresh air and pollution-free recreational activities for all to enjoy.

Source: Government of Ajman(Photo Credit: National Archives, UAE)

Founding Father: HH Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (1928-1981)

Current Ruler: HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi (1981 – present)

Important Landmark: Al Bidyah Mosque

Key Industries: Real Estate, trading and agriculture

AJMANHH Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Founding Father of the UAE and former Ruler of Ajman.

HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman.


http://www.ajman.ae/en/pages/default.aspx




Like many of her sister emirates, Umm Al Quwain boasts a beautiful coastline that is a haven for tourists. Additionally,

it has several sandy islands surrounded by dense mangrove forests, separated by creeks. There are archaeological sites that date back to the dawn of Islam. It is the least populated emirate.

One of its landmarks is an old harbour located in the old town overlooking the traditional dhow-building yard where skilled craftsmen continue to assemble these traditional boats. Old coral stone houses that display features of the original architecture and intricate sculptured plasterwork surround the harbour.

The largest water park in the UAE, Dreamland Aqua Park is located along the coastline of Umm Al Quwain. It is approximately forty minutes drive away from Dubai.

Source: Government of Umm Al Quwain(Photo Credit: National Archives, UAE)

Founding Father: HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla (1929-1981)

Current Ruler: HH Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, (2009 – present)

Important Landmark: Dreamland Aqua Park

Key Industries: Industrial, tourism, agriculture, private sector investments

UMM AL QUWAINHH Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla, Founding Father of the UAE and former Ruler of Umm Al Quwain.

HH Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain.

http://www.uaq.gov.ae/web/guest



The name Ras Al Khaimah translates to ‘top of the tent’ in Arabic. The capital of the emirate is Ras Al Khaimah City. The

city is divided in two by a creek with the Western part known as Old Town (Ras Al Khaimah) and the eastern part called Muairid.

According to the official government website of Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate is ‘the cradle for ancient civilisation which has an impressive archaeological heritage

and rich cultural history.’ Its history spans many important periods such as the Ubaid period (5000 – 3800BC), Hafeet Period (3200 – 2600BC), Umm al-Nar Civilisation (2600 – 200BC) up to the Iron Age (1250 – 300BC) to the later Islamic Era (14th – 19th Century). Monuments from the various time periods can be found at the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah.

Ras Al Khaimah is a popular tourist destination and is known for its beautiful beaches and wonderful hotels. Special

attention is given to preserving traditional sporting activities as well as those done on a global scale. Local sports activities include camel racing, falconry, equestrian sports and hunting with greyhounds to name a few. There are also numerous festivals and sports clubs that focus on entertainment within the emirate.

Source: Government of Ras Al Khaimah(Photo Credit: National Archives, UAE)

Founding Father: HH Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (1948 – 2010)

Current Ruler: HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi (2010 – present)

Important Landmark: The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

Key Industries: Tourism, investment agencies, bulk port

RAS AL KHAIMAHHH Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founding Father of the UAE and former Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.


http://www.rak.ae/en/web/rakportal/home;jsessionid=DE82FD92EDBF37927B0E958F16255D52



The Emirate of Fujairah derives its name from a spring of water located beneath one of the mountains. It is the 5th largest

emirate. Unlike other emirates, Fujairah is almost completely mountainous and is the only emirate that lies along the eastern side of the UAE, along the Gulf of Oman. It has the highest amount of rainfall in the UAE. Its strategic location provides easy access to international shipping routes which has played a key role in its development as one of the world’s top oil-bunkering ports.

Education is a top priority in securing sustained prosperity and building the future of Fujairah. The emirate of Fujairah offers a superior learning environment with an excellent range of schools and leading academic institutions and vocational training facilities. Education options include child education to career development, which are provided through a variety of educational facilities throughout the emirate.

The historical importance of Fujairah dates back to the period before the birth of Christ. It was known in the old ages

as the land of sea giants. Fujairah is home to the oldest mosque in the UAE, Al Bidyah Mosque. The main cities and villages in Fujairah are Dibba, Murbeh, Qidfa, Al Bidiyah, Masafi and Al-Siji.

Fujairah is a land endowed with remarkable beauty. Its beautiful beaches are a key attraction for tourists, sports and water-sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Fujairah is known as the jewel of the Middle East.

Source: Goverment of Fujairah(Photo Credit: National Archives, UAE)

Founding Father: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamed Al Sharqi (1942 – 1974)

Current Ruler: HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi (1974 – present)

Important Landmark: Al Bidyah Mosque

Key Industries: Tourism, Agriculture & Shipping Port

FUJAIRAH HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamed Al Sharqi, Founding Father of the UAE and former Ruler of Fujairah.

HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah.

Thank You! ! شكـــرًاSpecial thanks to HE Dr Abdulla Al Reyes, Greg Iverson and the team at the National Archives, Maitha Ahmed at Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Nesma Ahmed at Sharjah Media, Shamma Musabeh Al Jattal at Sharjah Museums and to all the Emiratis who participated in our National Day Vox Pop. Special thanks also to Bob Cowan for your patience and guidance. Thank you to our sources listed throughout the feature without whom a lot of the information provided here would not have been possible.

http://www.fujairah.ae/en/pages/about.aspx


After The Bell

Travel

Health Finance

Bella

From easy make-up tips to quick ways to relax after a hectic day, Bella has the answers to your beauty tricks and fixes.

Wealth management, savings and loans, retirement planning and so many more

useful tips are provided for you.

Educators love to travel. Check out our Travel Snapshots and Travel Featured stories for an intimate look at some of the places other educators have travelled and find useful tips on how to

make travelling a lot easier and fun.

Here’s to your health! Teaching is a demanding job. These helpful tips should assist you in achieving a healthy and

happy lifestyle.

After The BellNov - Dec 201444

A MOMENT WITH MISS AMAL AL REDHAFundraising Manager at Dubai CaresBy Carolyn Lee

A Moment With

“W hen you are driven by a deep love and passion for what you do, there is

no telling what you can achieve.” - Borrowed.

This sentiment proved to be particularly true of Ms Amal Al Redha, the meticulous, articulate and business savvy fundraising manager, of the philanthropic organisation, Dubai Cares.

Amal graduated from Zayed University armed with a bachelor’s degree in business with a specialisation in marketing. Shortly after graduating, she signed on to be part of the fundraising team for Dubai Cares in 2007. This campaign was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

As she shares with me why she enjoys working at Dubai Cares, their successes and what she envisions for the organisation going forward, it is very easy to see her passion, tenacity and love for her job, shining through.

Tell us a bit about Dubai Cares.

Dubai Cares is a philanthropic organisation that was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with the mandate of providing children in developing countries with access to quality primary education. When we first started it was just a fundraising campaign. We were however, surprised and inspired by the overwhelming support that we received from the UAE community; schools, universities, corporations, and individuals.

This led to the decision to transform the initial campaign into a more sustainable organisation. Our initial target was to reach one million children around the world. Over the past 7 years, we have exceeded that number. Currently, Dubai

Cares is reaching more than 10 million children in 35 developing countries.

What countries does Dubai Cares work in?

Dubai Cares designs and funds programmes in Africa, South East Asia, the Middle East and Haiti. The organisation partners with UN agencies such as UNICEF and other international NGOs such as Save the Children, which are currently working on the ground and have vast experience in the implementation of our programmes.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

Let me first say that I have respect for all my teachers. However, there was one teacher that actually touched my life. It was my Mathematics teacher from Grade 4-7. I was very sad when she left. She was my favourite teacher, because she took time to help me when I was struggling with the subject. She supported me academically and emotionally. She gave me that push to develop the confidence I needed

to think critically and to approach the subject using different skills. She is the reason I advanced in Mathematics.

What are some of the ways in which educators in the UAE can help with the development of education in developing countries?

We are very fortunate that we have a pool of teachers with a lot of expertise in the UAE. Our teachers are advancing daily and our government is very supportive of teachers. Teachers in the UAE can assist teachers in developing countries by volunteering their time and expertise by providing training. In most of these developing countries the teachers are under a lot of pressure. There are sometimes 60 children to a teacher. Some of these teachers live and work in harsh conditions. It takes a lot of dedication and passion to have these teachers show up each day and commit to those children.

It is vital that children receive quality education in these countries. One way to do this is to ensure that the teachers are properly trained. This is an important mandate of our organisation and a key

http://www.dubaicares.ae/en

After The Bell Nov - Dec 2014 45

focus for us in all our programmes. Teachers in the UAE can offer support by volunteering their time and skills to train teachers in developing countries by either travelling to these countries or working with them remotely via the Internet.

At Dubai Cares, we have a number of initiatives in place that allow teachers to participate. One is our Adopt a School Initiative where corporations or schools can adopt a school in a developing country such as Nepal, Malawi or Senegal. While we welcome financial support, we encourage donors from the UAE to visit the school that they have adopted. This way they get to experience first-hand the positive changes resulting from their support. They can actively participate in the construction of the school. It is an experience that allows them to develop long-term relationships with these schools.

What are some of the key fundraising activities carried out by Dubai Cares?

We have initiatives that run throughout the year to assist in maximising the amount of funds that are raised to launch programmes globally. The key fundraising activities are mainly

targeted at academic institutions and the corporate sector, which includes private and public organisations. We have special events for each of these sectors where they can donate as a corporate commitment or mobilise their staff members to raise funds towards that specific initiative.

Dubai Cares was launched during Ramadan; as such each year we have a special campaign during the holy month. Persons who are interested in making donations may do so by visiting http://www.dubaicares.ae for additional information on how they can get involved.

Another annual event/campaign that we have is the community volunteering initiative called Walk for Education. Held each February, the event initially started in 2009 and was dubbed the Water Bucket Walk. At that time, we asked the participants to hold buckets as they walked in order to have an idea of the distance children in developing countries have to walk every day to collect water. The following year, we changed the name to what it is today – Walk for Education. Now participants walk a distance of 3km in support of children in developing countries that have to walk 3 to 6 km every day to go to school. This year we had overwhelming support of 8000 participants. We are looking forward to launching it again next year.

What is the best advice that you have received? How has it helped you?

The best advice I received was from a dear colleague with whom I work. She told me to be fearless and to go out there and convince others to donate to a cause that I believe in. It takes courage to face people and to speak with passion and inspire them to contribute to this cause. It was actually the best advice that she gave me.

What gadget do you find to be most effective in your everyday life? Why?

The gadget that is most useful to me is my iPhone because it keeps me connected. It allows me to function efficiently in both my personal and professional life.

What do you do in your leisure time? Why?

My leisure time is spent with my kids. I have an eight-year-old daughter and a

five-year-old son. As a working mother, I am very mindful that a lot of my time is spent at my job, so I make it a priority to be with my children every chance that I get.

What is one of your proudest achievements to date?

One of my proudest achievements is being part of Dubai Cares and witnessing its growth. When I graduated, I never anticipated that my career would be with a non-profit organisation. Today, I am very happy that this is what I do because it is a very inspiring job. Since 2007, the company has grown significantly and has surpassed a lot of the original goals that were put in place. I am very happy and proud of this and that I was able to contribute to its success.

When asked about her vision for Dubai Cares for the next five years, Amal is keen to point out that Dubai Cares is a pioneer in the field of Primary Education. The organisation was instrumental in achieving a significant positive change in developing communities in approximately seven years. Another notable milestone is that Dubai Cares has been recently selected by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon to join as a partner in his 5-year global “Education First” initiative, which was launched during the week of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2012 to ensure quality, relevant and transformative education for all children across the world.

Dubai Cares has opened the doors to an important dialogue that is worth continuing among educators and corporate institutions, locally and internationally. The message is that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that children in developing countries have access to quality education. In conclusion, we thought it would be pertinent to leave you with this poignant quote that she shared with us:

“HH Sheikh Mohammed launched Dubai Cares because he believed that education is one of the best tools to break the cycle of poverty. By giving children an education, you are giving them an irrevocable asset, something that can be used regardless of their circumstances. Wherever these children are, regardless of the country they live in, the power of education will ensure a better future for them and generations to come.”

A Moment With


Where have the holidays gone? It seems like just yesterday I was headed to the airport to start the

summer break. Alas, vacation time is truly over, but thanks to my camera and trusted notepad, I am able to relive the wonderful memories that keep me thinking of wonderful Poland. Poland was the destination of choice on the journey home this year.

My friend and I landed at Warsaw Chopin Airport to a beautiful summer’s day after a short flight from our connecting city of Amsterdam. We took a public bus to our hotel in Centrum, which was about 40 minutes away with all the stops. As the name suggests, Centrum is in the heart of Warsaw, which, is a bustling metropolis, even on a Sunday afternoon.

After checking in we stuck to our travel routine of bags down, freshen up and head out. You know what they say, there is no time like the present. First order of business was to get some food. We stopped at a restaurant that was packed with locals. The food was just the kind I like, home cooked and hearty. It was here that I was introduced to the humble but extremely delicious pierogi. Those dumplings of delight are not to be missed on any trip to Poland.

Due to the size of the city and the fact that we only had two days there, we

decided to go on a city tour. Our tour took us to the Royal Park, the Jewish Ghetto and the Old City. The park covers 76 hectares and was once a hunting forest. It was converted into the grounds of the last king’s (Stanisław August Poniatowski) summer palace. A short walk trough the gates, near the entrance on Belweder Street, will lead you to a monument in honour of Chopin (‘beloved son of the city’). It is by this statue that free concerts are held every Sunday from May to September.

Warsaw is a city that was greatly affected by the Second World War. On our visit to the Jewish Ghetto the tour guide helped us to get a better

understanding of the barbarism the city endured. There, she described the process by which the residents of that area were targeted on a daily basis, for no other reason than the fact that they were of a different ethnicity. The physical city also suffered at the hands of the Nazis. This is evident in the many newer buildings that exist, in what is a centuries old city. Many of the older looking buildings are actually replicas of the structures that had stood there until the bombs took them down. I can only imagine how much more stunning the city would have been had it not been ravaged by war.

On our third day, we took a train to Kraków. The city was the exact opposite of Warsaw. Even though it had had a strong German presence

during WW2, the city’s proximity to Warsaw meant that it was spared any damage. If you are as pressed for time as we were, I would suggest hiring one of the many tourguides to help with exploration of the city. They are easily spotted, on their golf carts, darting in and out of the narrow cobbled lanes around the Old Market Square.

The most significant experience I had on this trip was visiting the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkeneau. They are about an hour away from the center of Kraków and a must on any visit to that part of the country. It was by no description a pleasant excursion but rather an education into the extent to which human beings are capable of exacting pain and suffering on other humans.

We ended our visit to Kraków by exploring the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The highlight of that tour was being able to see the amazing rock salt sculptures that were produced by some of the miners.

Tips: Where available, be adventurous and make use of public transportation. Buses and trains are usually much more friendly to your pocket. A city tour or hop-on/hop-off bus is great for saving time and your feet.

All photos courtesy of Richie Chin.

POLAND: A POIGNANT REMINDER OF HISTORYBy Richie Chin

Travel Featured


When it comes to credit card usage, people can often misconstrue this as a negative thing. A lot of

people use a credit card as a short-term loan, which can have a snowball effect due to high interest rates on repayments. However, this month’s article is not about the ills of using or misusing credit cards, rather it is to outline the positive benefits of credit card use.

InsuranceAlmost every credit card provider will offer worldwide protection against fraudulent activity on a credit card. The reason for this is that technically, the provider is lending to the consumer against an agreed limit, should there be any fraudulent activity the loss will be attributed to the provider itself. Therefore, the provider will act very swiftly to stop any further fraudulent activity, as well as, working at recouping the loss as soon as possible. Unlike bank account fraud, the funds lost are technically not owned by the consumer. This makes the fraud less of an inconvenience.A great case study I refer to from experience is protection against travel. For example, gone are the days when you would take a trip to a travel agent to book a flight. Today we find it, much more convenient to book online. This

is now the most popular way to plan a vacation, book a flight or even a stay at a hotel. With so many low cost online providers trying to undercut each other for competitive prices, should a company of your choice fall into liquidation, you would be fully insured against the looming potential loss, by having booked through your credit card. If you had booked using a debit card, then you would risk suffering the complete loss, unless additional assurance was bought.

Universal AcceptanceCertain purchases are difficult to make with a debit card. When you want to rent a car or stay in a hotel room, you’ll almost certainly have an easier time if you have a credit card. Rental car companies and hotels want customers to pay with credit cards because it can be easier to protect themselves against customers for any damage they cause to a room or a car. So if you want to pay for one of these items with a debit card, the company may insist on putting a hold of several hundred dollars on your account. Also, when you’re travelling in a foreign country, merchants won’t always accept your debit card as payment, even when it has a major bank logo on it.

Incentives Most providers will offer an incentive for

certain levels of usage; this could come in the form of ‘cash back’, air miles or loyalty points.I personally use the Emirates NBD skywards card for the bulk of my transactions, with this, each month I accumulate a certain level of air miles which I can use at any time. This is a great incentive for an expatriate. Please note, in the small print of the terms & conditions from any provider, they will outline that any incentive or bonus’ provided are subject to no default payments on your monthly bill.

Building CreditIf you have no credit or are trying to improve your credit score, using a credit card responsibly will help your credit score. This is due to the fact that credit card companies will report your payment activity to the credit bureaus. Debit card use doesn’t appear anywhere on your credit report, so it cannot help you build or improve your credit.

Correct usage of a credit card can be extremely beneficial. As a Financial Advisor, I cannot stress enough against the use of a credit card, if you are looking for a short-term loan or if you cannot clear your credit card balance in full at the end of each month.

For additional information, contact Aaron Crotty at: [email protected]

CREDIT CARDS: FRIEND OR FOE?By Aaron Crotty

Finance


Health

KEY FOODS WHICH HELP TO COMBAT THE COMMON COLDBy Aisha Shakti Hakim

There’s a misconception that the weather contributes to developing a cold. Many people believe that when it’s cold,

rainy, or windy, they’re bound to “catch a cold.” This misconception might stem from the fact that the symptoms associated with this uncomfortable state of being – runny or congested nose, coughing, sneezing, headache, scratchy throat, or watery eyes – are referred to as having a “cold.” However, weather has nothing to do with it, as many people in the UAE, with its year round sub-tropical climate also succumb to these symptoms.

In fact, when you have a cold, it’s because you’ve contracted a virus. There are over 100 viruses that can cause the common cold, with the most likely one being the rhinovirus. You can develop a cold if, when experiencing a lowered immune system, you touch an infected surface followed by touching your nose or mouth. You can also contract the virus if you come in contact with the secretions of someone else who is infected. Having a lowered immune system is the biggest gateway to contracting the virus. Your immune system can be lowered as a result of stress, depression, certain medications or nutritional deficiencies.

In addition to washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and running water, or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer, there are certain foods that will strengthen your immune system and should be included in a healthy diet to help prevent colds. First, ensure that you‘re taking a good quality multi vitamin and mineral supplement.

GarlicGarlic is known for its amazing health benefits and should be at the top of your super food intake. Include it in your meals, as with sautéed vegetables. If you’re concerned about the smell, take an odourless supplement like Kyolic (aged garlic extract).

YogurtThe live active cultures found in natural yogurt brands are excellent to keep your digestive system functioning properly. A healthy digestive system leads to a strong immune system. Make sure the container says “live and active cultures”, otherwise it’s little more than sugar filled junk food.

Tumeric & CayenneSpice up your meals and improve your immune system with turmeric and cayenne. Turmeric has been known to have many incredible health benefits and is found mainly in curry. Cayenne is a digestive aid and helps to break up congested mucous.

CinnamonStudies have shown that cinnamon reduces inflammation and has a high antioxidant count. Antioxidants prevent cell damage and are an important factor in healthy foods. Add up to a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your hot cereal or hot chocolate for a delicious flavour. Cinnamon is also great for boosting the immune system.

Berries & NutsAlso high on the list of super foods to include in your diet are berries, especially blueberry and goji berries. You can add frozen blueberries to a smoothie and dried goji berries to your afternoon snack of a handful of nuts, especially walnut and/or almonds which are excellent sources of fiber and minerals.

Use your kitchen as your healing laboratory by stocking up on these super foods to enhance your health, boost your immune system and liven up your taste buds. Also, remember to get adequate rest. You’ll find that your incidence of catching a cold will decrease and you’ll feel much better.


DETOX IDEAS TO HELP YOU LOOK AND FEEL GREATBy Maryann Reid

Taste It - Share It

Detoxes and fasts are considered to be traditional ways to lose weight without exercise. Juggling an exercise

routine and a job during the school year, can be a burden. Fortunately, there are ways to jumpstart a detox before any school the holiday without too much disruption. We all want to be able to relax on the beach during our downtime and look great, but it takes two things: patience and a plan.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t manage more than 3 days on a detox. Your goal should be to pick one that is manageable, affordable and transportable. A detox plan does you no good if it can’t go where you want to go.

Additionally, please ensure that you do through research on the detox that you are hoping to try in order to determine if it is best for you. It helps to speak to your health professional if you have any questions and concerns as to how a detox can impact your health.

Here are some ideas to help you get started quickly:

Veggie StockPrepare a stock of your favorite vegetables on a Saturday before work on Sunday. Carrots, cabbage, spinach, and leeks are plentiful this time of year. Add garlic and a bay leaf to give the stock taste. Place it in a thermos, this will allow you to sip throughout the day and reheat when needed. Place any leftovers in the fridge, tightly sealed, for daily refills. You can do this for 3-5 days. This will help clean toxins from your system while replenishing it with nutrients. In the evening, enjoy a simple dinner of brown rice and chicken with ginger and scallions. It is important that you always check with your medical provider if you are diabetic or take medication before embarking on any reduced calorie plan.

Master CleanseProbably the simplest and hardest detox available, yet the most popular. It is simple to make: several lemons, cayenne pepper and grade B maple syrup. The ingredients may be easy to grasp, but takes a strict resolve to commit to 3, 7, or even 21 days. However, there are thousands of reports online that taut its miraculous benefits. Purists of the Master Cleanse

warn not to eat anything else during that time.

Juice Fast Does the thought of drinking vegetables and lemonade all day already have you feeling hungry? A juice fast gives you the option to make different choices and enjoy daily variety. This is the most time consuming option, and requires quite a bit of cleanup. Keep your juices to two ingredients to save time. Some ideas are apple and carrot, pineapple and kale, and cucumber and celery.

Detoxes on the job can slow you down because of the reduced calories, especially if you are a first timer. Make sure you take your vitamins, and include mindfulness activities like reading or writing to help you stay focused. Posting your progress online or inviting a friend to join you can be the ultimate motivator.

A well-planned 7-10 day detox before the holidays can help you to make smarter food choices and flaunt the results of your detox well into the Year. It may just inspire someone else to start something new.


The Bode MuseumThe Bode Museum is on the island’s

northern tip. It was opened in 1904

and then called Kaiser-Friedrich-

Museum. It houses an impressive

collection of sculptures, Byzantine

art, coins and medals.

Summer in Berlin is perhaps the time that both locals and visitors are most fond of. There are days of sunshine when visitors can head out to see some of the rich architecture and experience the culture of this constantly evolving, beautiful and pulsating city. Then there are days when the rain caresses the earth, slowing down the pace, so you can really drink in the sights, sounds and vibrations that make Berlin wonderful.

Best time to visit: July and/or August Currency: Euro Language: Deutsch but most speak English Easiest mode of transport: On foot, train or taxi Most affordable: on foot or by train

Travel Snapshots

BERLIN SNAPSHOTS… 1

The Altes

Museu

m

The Altes Museum is one of

several internationally renowned

museums on Museum Island in

Berlin, Germany. S

ince restoration

work in 1966, it houses the

Antikensammlung (collection of

classical antiques) of the Berlin

State Museums.

Boat & Bus Tours

Explore Berlin’s rich culture and history

on your own or get a more detailed tour

by taking a boat or bus tour or both if

you like. The boat tour takes you on

a smooth ride up the Spree River for

approximatelyone hour to an hour and

a half. The bus tour takes you through

the city where you can get an elevated

view of historical landmarks and more.

Both boat and bus tours come with a

tour guide who gives the tour in both

Deutsch and English. Prices may vary

depending on the tour provider.

Berlin CathedralThe Evangelical Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church also known as the Berlin Cathedral (German: Berliner Dom), is also located on Museum Island. The dome is intricately decorated with mosaics. Other notable artworks include Sauer’s Organ, the Neo-Baroque pulpit and stained glass windows designed by Anton von Werner. The main altar dates back to 1850.

The Alexa Sh

opping

Mall

This is located at Alexanderplatz

and has five floors with

approximately 180 shops and a

food court. Some of its offerings

include fashion and accessory

stores, trade stores, speciality

shops, bookshops, electronic

stores and restaurants. It is

said to be one of the largest

shopping malls in Berlin.


Travel Snapshots

The Old &

New

Reic

h

Chancelle

ry

Adolf Hitler

assigned his

favourite

architect A

lbert Speer to

build the New

Reich Chancellery which se

rved as h

is

official residence. It shared the large

garden area with the Old Chancellery.

The Old and New Reich Chancellery

served as a gathering place for m

ilitarist

s,

scientists

, artis

ts, industri

alists,

economists, nobility

, socialites, a

thletes,

and politicos fr

om throughout the world

during the 1930s and 40s. Elaborated

parties were hoste

d here. It is

said

that Hitler committed suicid

e in his

Führerbunker, located underground.

The Fernsehturm (Berlin TV Tower)This is a TV tower located in central Berlin. It is 368 meters (1,207 ft) in height and stands as the tallest building in Germany. It is easily visible throughout the central and suburban districts of Berlin. The tower was constructed between 1965 and 1969. It is a popular tourist attraction and features a visitors’ platform (observation deck) and a revolving restaurant in the middle of the sphere. Visitors who are interested in dining should call ahead to make reservations. From the observation deck, visitors are treated to a spectacular panoramic view of Berlin.

Wall Symbolism

Throughout the city of Berlin, there

are numerous reminders of the

Berlin Wall, which was constructed

to effectively segregate East

Germany from West Germany. A

few of these reminders include

Check Point Charlie, where pieces

of the actual wall and installations

that were done to memorialise

those who died can be seen. It is

estimated that over 136 people died

trying to get over the wall. The Wall

was destroyed in 1990.

The Alexa Sh

opping

Mall

This is located at Alexanderplatz

and has five floors with

approximately 180 shops and a

food court. Some of its offerings

include fashion and accessory

stores, trade stores, speciality

shops, bookshops, electronic

stores and restaurants. It is

said to be one of the largest

shopping malls in Berlin.

Berlin Victory

Column (Siegessä

ule)

This 67 meters (approximately

220 ft) gilded monument

was built to commemorate

the Prussian victory in the

Danish-Prussian War. Later

victories in the “unification

wars” inspired the bronze

sculpture of Victoria which

weighs 35 tonnes. It is a

major tourist attraction. It has

been featured in a number of

music videos and was also the

location for President Barack

Obama’s speech in Berlin

during his campaign in 2008.

Asia Food Sushi RestaurantAsia Food Sushi

Restaurant, like so many other eateries in Berlin

comes with an outside seating space where you

can enjoy the scenery while enjoying delicious

sushi.


WORDS OF WISDOM FOR TEACHERSBy PreSha Barnes

At the start of a new school year, most educators go through a range of emotional responses. The two most

common emotions experienced are feelings of excitement and some amount of anxiety. Then the early morning wake-ups, rush to avoid traffic, teaching, meetings, CPD sessions and driving in traffic to get home all begin take their toll on you. The weekends end quickly, giving way to a new week of the same routines. Naturally, some educators begin to feel a bit disconnected after a while. The inspiration disappears and counting the days until the next break in the school semester is all they seem to be able to do. If you find that you are already beginning to feel detached, here are a few inspirational quotes that will remind you of why you teach and the intrinsic rewards that this noble profession offers to us as educators.

“A good teacher, like a good entertainer first must hold his audience’s attention, then he can teach his lesson.” - John Henrik Clarke, writer, historian, professor.

An excellent way to approach teaching is to do so from the perspective of an entertainer. Prepare, be creative, inject some fun and laughter, and ensure that your students learn something new. Always leave them with something to think about. Would you want to view an entertainer who isn’t entertaining? If your answer is no, apply the same principle to how you approach your lessons. This does not mean that you are going to do tricks to make your students laugh. It simply means that you find creative ways to engage them, thus keeping their attention while you teach. Students who are engaged and excited about the lesson will display good classroom behaviour and will also find ways to surprise you during lessons. Include a bit more games, videos, group assignments, and special projects in your lessons. Ensure that the activities support the objectives that you have for your lesson. Teach students in ways that they learn best.

Perform. Be an entertainer and soon you will find that you are inspired to do more. You will also realize that your students will become your biggest fans!

What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, lecturer, poet.

A lot of our motivation comes from a deep desire to succeed. We desire success to make ourselves proud, to inspire others and to feel purposeful. Often times, the biggest hindrance to our success is our affinity for thinking that we can predict the future, this way of thinking keeps us from enjoying the successes that we have in the moment. Inside all of us, is the extraordinary potential to surpass every goal that we could set for ourselves. When you are distracted by the noise of the past and the uncertainty of the future, you are not tapping into that powerful resource inside you. What lies inside of you is

there for you to use now. The past is over, the future is not promised, you are here now. Be present in your moments, recognize what is happening and use it to create the life you desire.

These are just a few of the inspiring quotes that you can use to snap out of the monotony of daily routines. True happiness comes from within. Tap into that reservoir of inner strength, creative genius, love of life and gratitude inside you. You will find that there is no need to count the days until the next school break. You will wake up excited about your day; waiting in traffic will be a time utilized to further add to creative ideas that you have for your students and lessons and class time will be enjoyable for everyone. A happy teacher will ultimately find inspiration in the simplest of things and will be an inspiration to others without even trying. There is true inspiration right in front of you, take a look in the mirror.

Leisure


DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY: CAUSES & TREATMENT OPTIONSBy Dr Kazaid Kermani

Dentin sensitivity is more common than you may think. This condition causes a sharp pain when one consumes

certain foods and drinks.

Dentin hypersensitivity is a short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin (the layer of tooth below the enamel) and is in response to stimuli that are typically thermal (cold or hot), evaporative (drying of teeth), tactile (the dentist running a probe over the affected area), osmotic or chemical (sugars and acidic things). This pain needs to be differentiated from other dental pathology that can cause similar pain.

The pain associated with dentin hypersensitivity is prevalent in the majority of the countries worldwide. The majority of sufferers are unaware that the condition is easily identified and treated. The dentist would normally examine the teeth and assess the degree of pain through qualitative parameters such as slight, medium, and severe pain or through using quantitative parameters such as a visual analogue scale.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is typically found in patients whose dentin has become exposed by recession of the gums around teeth, gum disease and therapy. Some of the causes are:

•Enamel loss and tooth wear resulting from aggressive and incorrect methods of tooth brushing causing abrasion.

• Ingesting acidic foods and drinks.

•Acid regurgitated from the stomach causing tooth erosion.

•Tooth erosion (also referred to as tooth wear) due to attrition in people who grind or clench their teeth excessively.

•Excessive tooth whitening.Research indicates 55-75% of patients may experience tooth sensitivity during professional whitening treatments.

•Receding gums that expose tooth roots.

Despite many theories being propounded for dentin hypersensitivity, the Hydrodynamic theory proposed by Brannstorm is the most widely accepted theory. The theory was proposed based on the movement of fluid inside the dentinal tubules. Dentinal tubules are like microscopic pipes or canal like spaces making up most of the dentin.

When enamel is worn off, exposing the dentin, it is these tubules that are opened and exposed to the environment. Stimulus causes movement of fluid in tubules which stimulates a nerve receptor at the ending of the tubules next to the nerve of the tooth deep within. This leads to neural (nerve) discharge and the sensation of pain.

Once a thorough examination is done and after a diagnosis, it is important for the dentist to explain that there is usually a multifactorial cause for tooth sensitivity.

Treatment usually focuses on prevention and management. It begins with correction of teeth brushing techniques, using soft and super soft brushes, avoiding abrasive toothpastes and brushing and flossing excessively. Oral hygiene and dietary advice are important in preventing further tooth loss. Additional advice is to use desensitizing toothpastes, which after several applications, helps block pain associated with sensitive teeth.

If receding gums are the cause of your sensitive teeth, your dentist might apply a sealant to cover the exposed tooth roots, consider resin and glass ionomer-filling materials.

Gum grafting to cover the exposed areas is another option that you can enquire about.

Your dentist should re-evaluate the diagnosis and resort to in-office treatments, if dentin hypersensitivity remains a problem. This course of treatment should begin with the application of topically applied desensitizing agents, such as fluorides that work by blocking the open exposed tubules with deposits of crystals.

Today, the use of lasers show much promise in treating moderate to severe cases. The low-level power lasers or “soft lasers,” act directly on nerve transmission, while high-power provokes a melting effect with crystallization of dentine inorganic component and the coagulation of fluids contained in the dentinal tubules. Among these “high power” devices, diode lasers are the most studied and the ones that provide the best results.

If you are suffering with any of the symptoms outlined in the beginning of this article, please speak to your dentist to ascertain if you have dentin hypersensitivity. This will allow you to better understand what is happening and will lead to the correct course of treatment to correct it.

Dentistry


In The UAE

IN THE UAE – PROVERBS, RIDDLES & FOLKLORE

Emirati ProverbsProverbs are important messages that are often used to communicate cultural and social values. They may offer advice or teach an important lesson. Here are a few Emirati Proverbs.

The one who knocks at the door gets the answer.Meaning: You reap what you sow.

Hair loss from the moustache falls over

the beard.Meaning: If misfortune falls upon a family member, it affects the entire family.

Plates in a house are bound to clash.Meaning: Misunderstandings are common and natural in the home.

Extend your leg to the end of your blanket.Meaning: Spend only what you can afford.

Tie a horse to a donkey and it will imitate its sound.Meaning: Habits are gained from those in close contact.

If it had any use, the bird would not have left it.Meaning: Leave what others reject.

Emirati RiddlesRiddles form a small part of many cultures. Most people use them to provoke thought, so as to unveil a deeper meaning. In this case, the following riddles are intended to put a smile on your face. Can you guess the correct answers to the following riddles without looking at the answers?

A. It is tall and its shadow is within… What is this?

Ans: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

B. It is green in the souq and red in its mother … what is this?

Ans: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

C. This has teeth but does not bite… what is this?

Ans: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

D. What has a loud voice and an empty stomach?

Ans: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answers:

During our visit to the Sharjah Heritage Museum, we came across a few interesting Emirati proverbs, riddles and

folklore. These are located in the

children’s section of the museum. Children are able to sit comfortably and listen to audio and watch a video of stories in both Arabic and English. This would make for a great

field trip for Islamic Studies, Arabic or even English. The following are a few of the offerings that are available.

henna, a drum, a well, a comb


In The UAE

Emirati FolkloreThe following stories are Emirati folklore told to children in order to get them to stay off the streets.

Um Karba Wa Leef – The Menacing Palm Tree

Um Karba Wa Leef is a tall, decaying palm tree that is inhabited by a djin and is believed to frighten people. It is most often found in remote places. Reading the Holy Qu’ran is believed to prevent an encounter with the fearsome palm.

An unexpected meeting with Um Karba Wa Leef occurred while a man was visiting a friend’s farm. After seeing the farmer’s well-kept palm trees, he noticed an old palm far in the distance. The farmer explained that it was Um Karba Wa Leef and warned his friend to stay away. Ignoring the farmer’s warning, he approached the tree and suddenly felt very nervous and scared. He agreed that the lone palm tree was really Um Karba Wa Leef.

Baeir Bala Ras – The Headless Camel

Baeir Bala Ras wanders the narrow streets of Sharjah and Ajman seeking revenge against the people that cut off its head. The story is told to help keep children from wandering the streets and getting into mischief.

One incident involving Baeir Bala Ras is said to have taken place in Sharjah during the early 1970s at a butcher’s

shop beside the sea. After restraining a camel, the butcher prepared to cut off the animal’s head. He made a clean cut and began to untie the camel so that he could divide its meat. Suddenly, the camel rose to its feet and started running towards the sea, where it eventually collapsed and died. Witnesses were shocked and stories of the legendary camel were told to children who grew to fear the headless camel.

Um Al Helaan

Um Al Helaan is an untidy, elderly woman who tricks people into letting her into their home. Once inside, she judges the home and its owners for signs of wealth and good fortune. Before leaving she curses them using the power of her evil eye.

While a woman was hosting her friends, one afternoon, an odd looking elderly lady appeared at her door requesting for water. Feeling concerned for the stranger, the woman invited the elderly woman into her home. As the old woman sat down to drink, she looked around and started talking nonsense. Soon after, she excused herself and left. That evening, the woman of the

house unexpectedly fell ill and died. Her friends finally understood that the stranger could only have been one thing - Um Al Helaan. At the Sharjah Heritage Museum, there is something for everyone. They are open Saturday to Thursday from 8:00am - 8:00pm and on Fridays from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. English speaking tour guides are available on request. To book an appointment and for additional information call +97165680006. You can also visit their website www.sharjahmuseums.ae for additional information.

Photos and information, courtesy of the Sharjah Heritage Museum.

www.sharjahmuseums.ae


know Your UAE

In our September issue, we took a look at the Sharjah Heritage Museum. The museum holds a wealth of information that is useful

to those who are visiting the UAE for the first time, as well as to those who live and work here. Some of the areas that were covered in the last issue included snapshots of traditional knowledge, important cultural rituals involving babies, the Drour calendar and the Al Rolla tree. In this issue, we continue to explore the UAE’s rich history as we look at jobs and occupations of the past, a few traditions and the role of the mosque.

Al Sha’sha (Fishing Boat) Building

In the past, using the raw material from palm trees, two skilled men could build a sha’sha (boat) in 3 days. Palm branches were bent around a wooden frame and held in place by palm fibre

rope. Pieces of palm trunk, leaves and fibres were used to fill the inside of the boat. These boats were designed to carry two or four men and their fishing equipment. Imported wood was used to build fishing, pearling and transportation ships of various sizes.

Al Gargour (Fish Trap)

This was traditionally made from palm leaves and took the shape of a basket. Al gargour was used to catch a variety of fish. Traps were weighted with stones and baited with fresh or rotted fish. Today, most gargour is made from galvanised steel.

Pearl Diving

There were two types of pearls harvested by UAE pearl divers…these were the Black-lip (pinctada margaritifera) and the Rayed (pinctada radiate). The Black-lip was the central focus of the pearling industry as it could grow up to 30cm in length. The inner lining of pearl oysters and some molluscs have an iridescent layer composed of calcium carbonate known as mother of pearl. Pearls were used to make buttons and jewellery. Due to their high cost, pearls were used sparingly and in combination with other precious metals and gems.

THE SHARJAH HERITAGE MUSEUM 2


know Your UAE

Al Huwai (herbalist or spice dealer)

Al Huwai had an extensive knowledge of herbs. Selling of; herbs, cosmetics and traditional medicine in the past was the job of the al huwai. The term ashabeen (herbalist) was applied to people who used herbs as medicinal remedies. In the UAE, herbalists were highly regarded and respected members of the community. They were valued for their efforts in preparing and making medicine. Herbs that could not be grown in the Emirates were acquired through trade. Some people still use the products and services of herbalists today.

Perfume

Perfume is an essential component of Emirati life. Traditional scents include ‘oud, muhamariaa, zbaad, anbar, musk and rose. Different types of fragrances are designed to be placed on specific areas of the body. Fragrances are customarily placed on the head, cheeks, neck, behind the ears and on clothes. Perfume is often kept in an airtight container so that none of the ingredients evaporates and changes the original scent.

Al Kandari (water seller)

Al Kandari would distribute the water to houses by using metal cans. He either carried the cans tied to the ends of a stick resting against the back of his neck and shoulder or used a donkey to carry the water.

Al Mutawa

In the past Al Mutawa (religious teacher) or Imam helped children to study and memorise the Holy Qu’ran. When necessary, he also acted as traditional healer, judge and documented marriages and divorce contracts. People paid their mandatory zakat fees to the Imam who distributed the money to those who were eligible. The amount of zakat is determined by the calculating of 2.5% of a person’s yearly, savings and assets. Al Mutawas wore traditional Emirati clothing. They wore a bisht and a white agal with their ghutra.

The activities in the mosque have a great impact on strengthening the community bonds. The mosque has several roles; spiritual, educational, physical (health), political and social. Muslims pray five times a day. The Moa’then recites the adhan (call to prayer), to draw Muslims to the mosque. Muslims do not have to pray in the mosque, they can pray anywhere, as long as they are oriented towards the qiblah (ka’ba in Makkah).

For more information, please visit the Sharjah Heritage Museum located at Al Mareija, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. They are open Saturday to Thursday from 8:00am - 8:00pm and on Fridays from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. English speaking tour guides are available upon request but be sure to call +97165680006 to book an appointment and for additional information. You can also visit their website www.sharjahmuseums.ae for additional information.

The information provided in this article and photos is courtesy of the Sharjah Heritage Museum.

www.sharjahmuseums.ae


The month of December signifies the end of a calendar year. It is usually one that is rich with festivities. Each month brings

with it a series of interesting, historical events. Let us take a quick look at the month of December.

The Observer was first published in Britain on December 4, 1791. It is now the oldest newspaper in the world.

Educator Thomas Gallaudet was born on December 10, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He co-founded the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817.

On December 5, 1791, renowned musician and composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died a pauper at age 35 in Vienna, Austria. At the time of his death, he had created over 600 musical compositions. He is widely referred to as one of the finest composers who ever lived. He began composing at the age of five.

Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of France in Paris on December 2, 1804 by Pope Pius V111.

On December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery.

On December 10, 1950, Dr Ralph Bunche became the first African American man awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, for his efforts in mediation between Israel and nearby Arab states during the previous year. He was involved in the formation and administration of the United Nations. In 1963, he was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President John F. Kennedy.

December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama for refusing to give up her seat to a white man and moving to the back section of a municipal bus. Her act of bravery is considered to be the start of the modern civil rights movement in America. Her arrest led to a yearlong boycott of the bus system by African Americans. It also led to legal actions that resulted in the termination of racial segregation on municipal buses throughout the South.

December 2, 1971: The United Arab Emirates was formed, consisting of

seven Arab kingdoms on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. These kingdoms include the former Trucial states Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Qaiwain and Fujairah. Ras al-Khaimah became a member in 1972.

On December 2, 1982, Dr William Dvries implanted the first permanent artificial heart in Barney C Clark, who was on the verge of dying. The operation took place at the University of Utah Medical Centre in Salt Lake City. Clark, who was 61 years old, survived for 112 days after the operation.

On December 1, 1988, Benazir Bhutto was nominated to become the prime minister of Pakistan. She is the first woman to govern a Muslim nation.

photos courtesy of wikipedia

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY DECEMBER

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet

Ralph Bunche

Napoleon Bonaparte

Rosa Parks

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

teach uae magazine vol 2 issue 2 nov-dec

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