International Dot Day, an annual school-wide event at Canadian International School (CIS), is a special occasion that brings the CIS community together to celebrate positive values of creativity, individuality and kindness – messages that are inspired by the award-winning book, “The Dot”, by Peter H. Reynolds.

“The book truly emphasizes the importance of creativity and collaboration. I believe International Dot Day empowers students to unleash their potential and creativity, while emphasizing that making mistakes always takes us to a different level in our growth,” says teacher librarian Stojana Popovska.

She shares that the event, a school-wide celebration, engages kindergarten and primary students in fun experiences that revolve around the theme of dots and making connections.

Besides dressing up in their finest polka dot outfits, students participated in library reading sessions and art activities that encourage teamwork, creativity and imagination.

In a kindergarten integrated art class students modelled plastiscines into orbs, and learned the concept of volume and balance by creating an artwork with a spinning circular contraption. They poured paint into the cups hanging off the spinner and had to work together to balance it just right in order for it to work.

For grade 1 French students, the theme of dots and connections go beyond aesthetics. French language acquisition lead teacher Melina Lobos combined elements of art history and pointillism, a painting technique invented by famous Impressionist artists Georges Seurat and Paul Signac. Students observed, compared and drew different circular graphics to create their own interpretation of the theme, and expressed their emotions using colours and composition.

All of the students’ artworks were then displayed at the main foyers of both campuses to share with the whole community how International Dot Day has enriched learning experiences at CIS every year.

“All the masterpieces are a product of collaboration among grades and an example of the ‘unleashed creativity’ that lives in all our students and teachers. Creativity and kindness are contagious and this was evident in all classrooms across the campuses,” says Stojana.

Find out more about the CIS community by signing up for one of our open houses on 18 and 19 November. More information at cis.edu.sg/admissions/open-house.

Ask the Dentist: Is dental sealant necessary for my child’s teeth? Is it safe?

Dental sealants help to protect teeth which have grooved and pitted surfaces. These tiny grooves and pits are mostly found on chewing surfaces of the back teeth and can be difficult to clean. This results in food and bacteria building up in these crevices, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Teeth that will benefit most from sealants include: 

• First permanent molars: These usually erupt between 6 to 7 years old
• Second permanent molars: These usually erupt between 11 to 13 years old
• Baby or permanent teeth with dental defects 

Other teeth may also benefit from the protection of dental sealants when children are at higher risk of developing dental problems. These include the premolars and baby molars. 

As every child is unique, you are recommended to bring your child to see a paedodontist or child dentist to check which teeth would benefit from dental sealants. 

Dental sealants are made of clear or shaded plastic. The procedure is safe and commonly performed. 

The application of dental sealant is also fast and comfortable for your child. After the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the sealant is flowed into the grooves and crevices of the tooth and hardened with a special light. After the appointment, your child will be able to eat and drink as per usual. 

When properly cared for, dental sealants can last many years. It is important to note that a dental sealant is not a substitute for routine dental care. Hence it is important to continue brushing, flossing and making regular dental visits to keep your child cavity free.

Dr Tabitha Chng is a Dental Specialist in Paedodontics (Children’s Dentistry) with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Paedodontics from University of Toronto, Canada. She is currently the only Paediatric dentist to be dually certified by both the American Board of Paediatric Dentistry and the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Dr Chng loves to see children smile and constantly strives to create a safe and relaxed environment for kids to enjoy their visits. Besides fighting cavities, she has a special interest in paediatric sleep medicine (eg. tooth grinding, snoring) and early management of crooked teeth without braces. 

http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883