For reservations please contact Tel: 038 769 999 or E-mail:  d2pa@dusit.com

For more information please contact 038 411 755

E-mail: dcounsel@minornet.com

Personal, social and emotional development are just as important as academic development at kindergarten level (starting age 4 in the British system), and at pre-school level (starting ages 2 and 3) many would argue it is more important. All too often parents make the mistake of focusing on pushing two areas of their young child’s educational development — literacy and numeracy (academic skills). This is a mistake, especially with such a young age group.

Personal and social development are crucial in terms of promoting a child’s self esteem, relationships with others, independence, social responsibility and anger management. For example, if pupils lack self-esteem and cannot relate well to others, they are unlikely to make progress in academic classroom learning. Conversely, success in learning builds self-esteem and confidence and lays the foundation for further learning. There is no point focusing on pushing the academic development of a child if he/she doesn’t ‘fit in’, is not accepted by others, is selfish, is emotionally immature, is unable to control temper tantrums, etc.
All school children need to learn how to build relationships; they need to understand about giving and taking; they need to learn how to become socially responsible; they need to learn how enjoy and share success but also learn how to deal with setbacks and difficulties. Some children may experience problems within their own families associated with poverty, violence, alcoholism, unemployment, racism, divorce, loss or bereavement. Some children may suffer from depression or ill-health. Being equipped to deal with these issues is particularly important as children grow up in the 21st century, which is increasingly an uncertain and complicated world.
A 2008 study of 120 primary schools concluded that where pupils have low self-esteem and lack confidence, self control and can’t form relationships with others, they will struggle to cope with class work. But if children have achieved good progress in personal and social development they attain more academically.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) of the British National Curriculum is a comprehensive and well researched framework which sets the standards for learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years of age.
There are six areas of importance covered by the early learning goals, which try to create the balance needed to educate the whole child:
■ Personal, Social and Emotional Development;
■ Communication, Language and Literacy;
■ Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy;
■ Knowledge and Understanding of the World;
■ Physical Development;
■ Creative Development.
Apart from the Early Years Foundation Stage, a number of other approaches to ‘whole child’ education are holistic in nature. (Holistic is a way of thinking that tries to include multiple layers of meaning and experience rather than simply that which is got from a score on an academic test or worksheet. For example, Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner, among others, insisted that education should cultivate the moral, emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual dimensions of the developing child. Waldorf education (adapted from Steiner) balances artistic, academic, practical work, hand, heart and mind.
According to Angeline Lillard in her book Montessori the Science Behind the Genious (2005), Maria Montessori approached education as a scientist by using the classroom as a laboratory for observing children and finding ways to help them to achieve their potential. She observed that learning was increased by combining philosophy of freedom and self-development within a structured setting, but again, by nurturing the whole child.
If parents want to serve the best interests of their child, they need to understand that a whole- child approach is essential – whether it includes the holistic approaches to education or the six areas of the Early Year Foundation Stages (or both). If they don’t want to harm their child in the long-term, they must understand it’s all about balance, particularly with this age group. A balanced person is more likely to be better able to deal with a complex and uncertain world when they are older.

The most impressionable years are your early years, with those around you having a big influence on how you will develop. This includes your parents, peer group and, arguably, most importantly your teachers. Teachers make a huge impression. For example, I bet you can remember your best teacher when you were at school. They are the unsung heroes of society’s evolution.
I am passionate about giving children the very best foundation through education, which is why at International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE) I demand the very best in teaching standards. The staff is drawn from ten countries to ensure breadth, and all classroom teachers hold a bachelor or masters degree in education and continue to develop their professional expertise.
Teachers are one of the conduits passing on experience and knowledge of yesterday and ensuring students then know how to go on and develop this and take society forward. Can you imagine the impact of bad teaching in passing on flawed or inaccurate messages? It’s fundamental for a school’s success that teachers are not only driven but qualified to deliver good education, and this often is lacking in Thailand.
To successfully pass on information – education – you need to create the right environment and stimulate students’ minds. At ISE we achieve this through small classroom sizes and encourage student interaction and participation. As a parent your role is to encourage and motivate your children into not just wanting to learn but to enjoy learning. Indeed your own wealth of experience is invaluable in helping your children get the most from their education. Our children are indeed our future and so equipping them with the best education we can afford is one of the most vital gifts we can give to them.

At the heart of Thailand’s northern capital, Chiang Mai, the 384 room Le Meridien is a fascinating blend of European tradition and local Thai style to deliver a contemporary experience and new perspective. The hotel is a convenient seven kilometer journey from the airport whilst nestling close to Tha Pae Gate and many of Chiang Mai’s cultural and entertainment attractions.
The location is ideal as the majestic Le Meridien is surrounded by ancient and peaceful temples, numerous boutiques offering local handicrafts, restaurants to suit every taste, the celebrated night bazaar and the relaxing Mae Ping river.  The hotel uniquely reflects a 700-year-old cultural heritage and a background of forested mountains whilst being located in the city’s business district.
Outside of Chiang Mai, a natural panorama unfolds, inviting visitors to waterfalls, elephant rides, forest trails, hill tribe communities and Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, and its national park. There are three top quality golf courses in the area as well as the celebrated Phuping Palace, the orchid and butterfly farms and, a little further afield, the Chiang Dao Shrine Cave.
At Le Meridien Chiang Mai, the air-conditioned guestrooms feature minibars, premium bedding, sofas and all the expected extras including TV, showers, bathtubs, multi-line phones and wired high-speed and wireless internet.  Rooms include irons, ironing boards and clock radios. A nightly turndown service is offered with optional wake-up calls. Bathrooms are glass and marble with massaging rain showers. There are breathtaking views of the Doi Suthep peak.
Dining options include a restaurant and coffee shop. The hotel’s executive chef has crafted a simple yet classic Italian menu with fresh pasta and succulent meals from the rotisserie, whilst international and Asian cuisine can be explored at Latest Recipe. The poolside Plunge bar offers drinks and light refreshments as well as a new chef’s signature buffet breakfast which is the talk of early diners in Chiang Mai.
At the Spa, visitors can indulge in a vast selection of traditional Thai or Swedish massages, full-body treatments and bath rituals as well as luxurious facials and skincare services, whilst the outdoor swimming pool provides unobstructed views of Doi Suthep mountain. Guests can flex, tone and sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Adventure excursions and cultural exploration are available from the concierge.

LE MERIDIEN CHIANG MAI
108 Chiang Mai Road, Tambon Chang Klang, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50100

Tel: +66 5325 3666

Fax: +66 5325 3667

www.lemeridienhotelchiangmai.com

For more information please call 038 259888 or email: Pinyaphat.Nusila@sheraton.com. Address: 437 Phra Tamnak Road, Pattaya, Chonburi 20150.

The vast majority of new mothers must put up with belly skin sagging, skin blotches, hair growth in unusual areas, thinning hair on their head, rashes, acne, stretch marks, brittle or splitting nails, and worsening of existing skin conditions from pregnancy.

Some moms are worried about taking time away from their hectic schedules to undergo any procedure. While time is a precious commodity for all of us, stop and think about how much your beauty and health are worth to you.

Loose Belly Skin

Pregnancy stretches your skin to its limits, so it’s no surprise that after giving birth the skin around your belly ends up saggy and wrinkled. Many women after pregnancy find it difficult to get back their shapes and want to tighten sagging skin and flatten those unwanted bulges.

ThermageProcedure can help you get back to your pre-pregnancy jeans.  This procedure helps smooth, tighten and renew your skin’s collagen through all the skin layers without surgery or injection.

Stretch Marks

More than 90 percent of pregnant women will develop stretch marks in response to the pulling and stretching of underlying skin during pregnancy. Stretch marks are pink or purple bands in the stomach area and sometimes on breasts or thighs. Never lose hope! Carboxytherapy combined with laser treatments is the answer to your prayers.

Spider Veins

Spider angiomas are collections of tiny dilated blood vessels that usually radiate from a central point and resemble the legs of a spider. They are thought to be related to changes in hormone levels, which is why they appear during pregnancy. Some women develop angiomas on their face, chest, or sometimes on the arms or the abdomen. These may clear up after pregnancy, but if not, they can be treated effectively with laser.

Skin tags

Skin tags or benign hanging things around the neck are hormonally related and tend to increase in number during pregnancy. Skin tags increase in numbers, moles can change color slightly and so can benign tumors, scars can become noticeable–all because high levels of estrogen affect  these tissues. Some may go away or change back after delivery, but some may need a little help from our dermatologists. These can be removed within few minutes by electro-cauterization.

HairLoss

Three months after delivery, many women lose hair. Although hair often grows back, you should consult a dermatologist to make sure there is complete regrowth. Use of hair regrowth serums or a few sessions of Meso hair therapy can bring back your healthy crowning glory.

Acne and Acne Spots

Pregnancy can sometimes trigger acne, which many of us have not experienced since adolescence. Higher levels of hormones can encourage the production of sebum–the oil that keeps our skin supple–and too much sebum causes pores to become blocked, resulting in greasy skin and spots.

The stress, hormonal changes and fatigue that accompany new parenthood can all take their toll on your skin.

You may have had clear skin before and during pregnancy, and break out in spots in the month or so after giving birth.

You may need a few sessions of Acne treatment program, Skin peeling with Microdermabraasion or Chemical Peels combined with an Ultrasonic Vitamin treatment to nourish and lighten the damaged skin.

Melasma

Melasma, or pregnancy mask, is very common. It usually occurs as a darkening of the skin on the cheeks, upper lip or forehead and resembles a mask because the brown discoloration often appears on both sides of the face. These darker patches are caused by high levels of pregnancy hormones. These hormones decrease after you’ve given birth. You’ll find the brown patches become less obvious, usually fading naturally, although some may never go away completely if left untreated.

Whitening creams, chemical peels, Derma Roller and light treatments such as IPL and lasers can help lighten your skin.

It is simply not self-centered or vain to take care of yourself or to want to feel youthful and self-confident. Having a positive self image certainly benefits you as it can improve your interactions with your loved ones as well.

Call 038-411190 or visit Nicha Clinic at Pattaya 2nd Road (Opposite View Talay Beach Condo and Central Festival Pattaya) for more information and to book a FREE consultation.

__________________________________________________________________________________

LA BRAZILIANA KERATIN: Revolutionary new natural treatment with collagen for silky hair!

You like your hair straight, but you’re looking for alternatives to pressing, ironing or relaxing to get that glossy mane you want. You may want to try a keratin treatment, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. Known by several different names, including Brazilian Keratin Treatment (‘BKT’ for short, which you’ll often see on a number of hair forums) and Brazilian straightening treatment, as well as various brand names, this is the newest craze for getting silky straight hair.

Is a BKT suitable for black hair and, if so, what can you expect?

Natural

Labraziliana Keratin defrizzing treatments don’t have the tried-and-true chemicals you’ll find in typical black hair relaxers, such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, or chemicals you’ll find in curling perms like ammonium thioglycolate. Your hair is straightened with the active ingredient keratin, a protein very like one of the components of human hair. Keratin works to ‘naturally’ straighten the hair. Fans of the treatment claim that it actually strengthens the hair since keratin is so similar to hair’s natural protein.

When to use Keratin absolutely?

Just after hair:

- Straightening

- Coloring

- Highlighting

Previously Processed Hair:

Anyone who relaxes her hair knows that some coloring processes are especially harsh on top of already processed hair. You also can’t apply a relaxer to previously relaxed hair without worry about over processing. However, a keratin treatment works well on colored, highlighted or previously processed hair.

Time and Cost:

Expect a keratin treatment to take at least a couple of hours to complete from beginning to end. At De Beaute-Paris professional hair salon, the price ranges from 5,000 baht to 6,900 baht, depending on the length of your hair. De Beaute is on the 4th floor of Central Festival Pattaya Beach. Tel. 038-043-278 or 0822-565-660

A stylist applies keratin solution to your hair, much as she would hair color. Hair is blown dry and then sealed at extreme temperatures of up to 450 degrees. The hot iron is required to seal the formula into the hair’s cuticle.

How Long it Lasts:

Unlike relaxers and curly perms, a keratin treatment gradually washes away. You’ll notice your hair’s natural curl return over time, anywhere from six weeks to a few months. To get the longest lasting results, use Keratin shampoo, conditioner and serum (available at De Beaute for 1,800 baht).

What to Expect:

For the first  three days after the treatment, you won’t be able to wash your hair or get it wet. A secure hair cover while in the shower or bath is essential. During this period, you also won’t be able to exercise because sweating is out, as is putting any kind of product on your hair. In addition, for these few days, you can’t put your hair into a ponytail, pin it up or even tuck it behind your ears as that will lead to kinks that will remain in your hair. Your hair may be so straight immediately following the treatment that it lacks body, but in time, some volume will return.

Results:

As with all hair products or treatments, not everyone will get the same results. While a great degree of the results depends on the competence of your stylist, much also depends on your hair type. Some women will get super sleek hair that has no wave to it until the treatment begins to wear off. Other women will see a lessening of frizz with no real straightening, unless they use a flat iron when styling.

If you’re seeking bone-straight locks, you may be disappointed, but if you’re looking for an easier way to manage your hair without worrying about how straight it turns out, a keratin treatment may be for you.

Notice:

La braziliana Keratin used at De Beaute is formaldehyde-free (different from la Brazilian Keratin). If you’re pregnant or nursing, you can have a keratin treatment.

Before your treatment:

If you’re considering the treatment, ask questions at De Beaute before making an appointment anywhere. Get recommendations; even if your best friend in the whole wide world says that she got the best La Braziliana Keratin ever from her stylist, go in to De Beaute for a consultation armed with questions.

Our stylists at De Beaute are eager to answer your questions clearly, simply and with no obligation.

We’ll provide you with free, professional advice in English, French or Thai. This is your precious hair we’re talking about; you should be concerned about its health. We are.

For information please contact De Beaute at Central Festival – Tel: 038-043-278

Edgar Allan Poe, in his 1844 short story, cashed in successfully on the Victorian horror of being  buried alive.  In the nineteenth century, doctors were not  always properly qualified, resulting in public panic that unconscious dear ones might be mistaken for having dropped off this mortal coil.  There was even a society formed to advise people how to deal with premature interment.  Not to mention all manner of marketed devices, including a bell placed on top of the mausoleum or an emergency oxygen line to above ground level, as well as more obvious precautions such as burying your grandmother with a shovel beside her or a phial of poison placed in her right hand.

Fears about premature burial have survived until our own times.  The escapist Houdini was buried with a live telephone connection on the off-chance that he came round from a coma or wanted to communicate with his wife about what lay beyond the grave.  According to a retired undertaker in the UK, several people recovered sufficiently well in the mortuary during his long career to ask “What the hell is going on?”  Nor should we forget that many people have been deliberately buried alive as a punishment or by way of execution.
The Premature Burial, released in 1962, is the only Roger Corman movie directed for American International Pictures which did not star Vincent Price.  Instead, Ray Milland was hired for the central role of Guy Carrell who is terrified of being entombed alive with the almost inevitable consequence that this is exactly what befalls him. In essence it’s just another predictable tale of catalepsy, madness, dark secrets and hereditary misfortune in the tradition of The House of Usher and The Pit and the Pendulum.
But there is one difference.  This time around, the visitor who comes from far away to visit an incommunicado lover is a woman.  Her name is Emily Gault, played by horror actress Hazel Court, who schemes to marry the isolated and unhappy Guy who just happens to be very wealthy.  Guy seems blissfully unaware he is in the hands of a scheming opportunist, even though warned by his sister, and marries Emily even though he has misgivings about his imagined catalepsy which he believes is a family tradition.

The rest of the tale is easily summarized.  Guy’s obsession about burial alive gets worse and worse, aided and abetted by the awful Emily who secretly hires grave-diggers to scare the wits out of him.  Guy retreats to a specially built tomb with several escape devices and an ample supply of food and drink, but is persuaded to blow it up to save what he believes is a loving marriage.  The fool-proof mausoleum is easily the best part of the film featuring a collapsible coffin, a special way to unlock the front door, a rope ladder, a bell, dynamite and even poison as a last resort. In the end, Guy is accidentally buried alive but is luckily dug up again by grave robbers keen to sell his body to medical science.  Guy thus returns from the dead and murders the evil Emily before being shot dead as a madman by his own sister.  The final scene is a close-up of a tombstone with the inscription Rest in Peace.  This is revenge of the resurrected beyond a shadow of the doubt. The big weakness of The Premature Burial is that its nucleus is recycled from previous Poe-Corman movies.  Indeed, the only feature of the movie which is truly fresh is Guy’s delightfully paranoid design for a foolproof mausoleum which is sadly blown up shortly after completion.  Everything else – the grave robbers and the catalepsy – is lifted from other movies including the many Burke and Hare pictures which were so popular in the mid-20th century.
Ray Milland, of course, is no substitute for Vincent Price although he is convincing as the lord of the manor terrified of his own destiny six feet under.  Hazel Court is wasted in a hopelessly underwritten role.  The one good result of The Premature Burial is that its semi-flop at the box office revealed to Roger Corman and the American International directors that they had better change tack.  The later Corman horror pics created their own individual characterization, rather than relying on past formulas.
If you watch (amongst others) Masque of the Red Death or The Raven, also later directed by Corman, you will find them refreshingly different with their own unique stories and properly thought out personalities.  The disappointing returns at the box office for The Premature Burial actually did the American company a huge favour by illustrating that the threadbare themes had been done to death.  The later Corman-Poe offerings, all with Vincent Price back in harness, made a healthy profit.  After all that’s what movie making is all about.

The program aims to make Thailand ready to be a part of the ASEAN community in 2015 because the English language is a major medium of communication among ASEAN member countries. Also, the program will raise Thai people’s awareness of ASEAN.
This program will be initiated in schools and involve plenty of academic activities. These activities will let teachers and students have opportunities to speak English and build their confidence in using it without excessive concern about grammatical errors.
According to Woravat Auapinyakul, minister of education, Thailand becomes part of the ASEAN Community in 2015, so English must play a key role in communication for Thais. His ministry will urge and support all schools and universities to place more emphasis on communication in English.
Woravat also said that one day a week teachers and students should do academic activities together by speaking in English. They may include setting up an English corner in a school and English guide training. The Ministry of Education will provide an English preparation course for teachers as well.
Dr. Sasithara Pichaichannarong, permanent secretary for education, said that the program of English Speaking Year 2012 would begin with pilot schools that are ready to implement the proposals. It will be extended to other places so that most Thais will be able to communicate in English.
Dr. Sasithara added that the ministry has to improve teachers’ skills in using English, both in communicating and teaching English effectively. It will work closely with embassies, foreign organizations and representatives from language institutes such as AUA and the British Council.
For further information contact the Ministry of Education at tel: 1579.

QUICK TIP

When you take down your Christmas tree trimmings and other seasonal decorations, store them in egg cartons. The partitions separate fragile items and help keep everything neat until next December.

All That Glitters
Since my husband and I moved to Pattaya nearly one year ago, we have not gone to any glitzy parties or even fancy dinners. However, we were invited to a lovely function on New Year’s eve calling for evening wear. After doing my hair and make-up and donning a new dress, I reached into our safe for my gold jewelry only to fined that after having been stored and ignored for more than a year, it had all become dull or discolored. It was too late to seek out a jeweler for help, but maybe you have some advice for the next time I and others might have a similar problem.
Dina

Yes, Dina, no need to rely on a jeweler. To clean jewelry yourself, soak it in warm, soapy water, then brush each piece gently using a non-abrasive cleanser and a soft brush (a soft tooth brush will do nicely). In an emergency, you can skip the cleanser and use just soapy water. When done, rinse thoroughly in cold water and allow to air dry. Finally, because isopropyl alcohol is perhaps the most effective cleanser of gold and silver, wipe gently with isopropyl alcohol to return the luster. In the future, prevent your jewelry from exposure to cosmetics, and always remove gold ornaments when you are cleaning your skin with chemicals or while taking bath. When applying moisturizer at bedtime, remove jewelry to prevent the effects of chemicals. Remember too that body oils and dirt can also discolor and detract from your jewelry.

Olive Oil Isn’t Always
As a health fanatic, I have long made it a habit to include at least some olive oil in my daily diet. But recently it has come to my attention that just because the store label says “olive oil,” that doesn’t mean it is. How can I be certain what I am getting, particularly in a country that is so lax about food safety and faux products of all kinds?
Ted

Yes, Ted, problems with olive oil are huge and the public is basically unaware of being ripped off. However, it must be pointed out that the problem is not limited to Thailand and that little fault can be pinned on the Thai government. That said, there is much oil out on the market that is pure rubbish. In some cases it is old, in other cases it is marked “extra virgin” when it isn’t, and in still other cases it is not even olive oil. To answer your question we turned to a book devoted to the topic: Extra Virginity: the Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil. Written by Tom Mueller, an American who lives in Italy, the book advises, in part, that when you buy olive oil you should:
• Favour bottles or containers that protect against light (not in clear glass bottles, for example).
•Buy a quantity that you’ll use up quickly.
• Don’t worry about colour. Good oils come in all shades, from green to gold to pale straw, but avoid flavours such as mouldy, cooked, greasy, meaty, metallic and cardboard.
• Ensure that your oil is labelled “extra virgin,” since other categories—”pure” or “light” oil, “olive oil” and “olive pomace oil” – have undergone chemical refinement.
• Try to buy oils only from this year’s harvest – look for bottles with a date of harvest. Failing that, look at the “best by” or “expiration” date which should be no more than two years after an oil was bottled.
• Though not always a guarantee of quality, PDO (protected designation of origin) and PGI (protected geographical indication) status should inspire some confidence.
• Some terms commonly used on olive oil labels are anachronistic, such as “first pressed” and “cold pressed”. Since most extra virgin oil nowadays is made with centrifuges, it isn’t “pressed” at all, and true extra virgin oil comes exclusively from the first processing of the olive paste. For further information, see extravirginity.com.

If Men Had Maids
This isn’t really a household problem, Andy, except to the extent that I am in a household of three and this morning my wife asked me a question I was unable to answer. So I turn it over to you: Why do men’s clothes have buttons on the right while women’s clothes have buttons on the left?
Ray

When buttons were invented, they were very expensive and worn primarily by the rich. Since most people are right-handed, it is easier to push buttons on the right through holes on the left. Because wealthy women were dressed by maids, dressmakers put the buttons on the maid’s right, and that’s where women’s buttons have remained since.

Counter Intelligence
I just transferred to Pattaya in my work and find myself in a lovely condo with lots of pristine marble or alabaster or whatever this stone-like substance is on my kitchen counters and sideboards. I asked several old hands here how to best care for it, and two of them advised me to contact you, saying you had written about it once or twice in your column. So, Andy, can you tell me the best way to clean it and avoid stains?
Charlie

First of all, Charlie, odds are your stonework is more likely granite than marble or alabaster. Granite is used in places like the kitchen because it is a harder stone and its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives and such. Also it’s unaffected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans, or spilled liquid; nevertheless, it’s a good idea to use hot pads and coasters, and to clean up any spills immediately. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. If it is important to maintain the beauty of your countertops, have the granite professionally sealed periodically. Beyond that, it’s a relatively easy surface to care for. To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off the surface. Wipe down the granite countertop daily with a sponge and plain water. Do not use soap, vinegar or any household cleansers. Once a week wipe down with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner formulated with a neutral pH. No harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. They can scratch, pit, and etch the surface of the stone. For oily stains, try a poultice made of a cup of flour or baking soda and 5 tablespoons of dish soap. Add water to make it the consistency of sour cream or yogurt. Place the solution directly on the stain and cover with plastic wrap overnight, before washing away the poultice.

Closing Line
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

–Handy Andy