Child - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School A look into our Assisted Learning Stream

In the heart of Kensington, lies a hidden gem. This gem is Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School. As a strong establishment of 52 years in remedial and special needs support, Glenoaks offers a unique and comprehensive educational experience for any child who presents with wide-ranging barriers to learning. The school has a specific stream dedicated to learners with special educational needs. This stream is run by a team of dedicated teachers and therapists who are passionate about special needs and strive for each child to reach their true potential. The GOAL (Glenoaks Assisted Learning) Stream caters for learners from the ages of 6 to 14 years, who have special educational needs which inhibit them from learning in the ‘traditional classroom’. Our learners are unique, inspiring and present with a variety of different and individualistic learning styles. Even though they cannot cope with the pace and complexity of an academic curriculum, neither in a mainstream nor in a remedial classroom, they are able to learn within our supported environment – this is because we focus on what our learners CAN do! Each of our learners have differing areas of strengths. Some have promising potential in one or two subject areas but demonstrate functional abilities in other areas and some of them demonstrate strengths with tasks of a practical nature. A placement in the GOAL stream allows for teachers and therapists to work on enhancing the learners’ strengths whilst developing their skills in areas they find difficult without having to abide by a pre-determined curriculum that may not be suitable to their learning style or needs. Our learners all benefit from repetition, positive reinforcement, and reduced time pressure, aiming at developing skills within their levels of ability. At present we have a Junior, an Intermediate and a Senior GOAL Stream class. These classes are divided according to a child’s age and ability. Our class sizes are between 5 – 7 learners, and the younger classes have a classroom facilitator. This allows for individual attention and support throughout the day. We also have a multi-disciplinary team consisting of psychologists, occupational, speech and language and remedial therapists, as well as facilitators, all working together to ensure that no stone gets left unturned when it comes to your child’s educational needs. Subjects in the GOAL Stream include life skills, activities of daily living, cooking, supported reading, home management, current events and world knowledge, basic administration skills, computers, drumming, library, sport, social and emotional skills, Occupational Therapy groups, Speech-Language Therapy and communication groups, social skills groups, work experience groups, and arts and crafts. We also work on individualised numeracy and literacy programs with each of our learners. Our classroom themes are all-encompassing themes and many of our activities are ‘out of the box’ to best support learning needs and styles. Older GOAL Stream learners have many opportunities for project-based learning in preparation for in-house work experience. Our core focus for these learners includes developing their life skills, and functional mathematical and literacy skills so that they can be productive and contributing members of society, whether it be within independent or sheltered working environments. Our school has a warm and nurturing environment. Please spend some time looking at our website, and make an appointment if you wish to come and see our gem of a school! The staff at Glenoaks take inspiration from each child as well as their families, and this poem written by a mom who was asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability, has made us look at special needs differently. It’s like this… Welcome to Holland Written by Emily Perl Kingsley When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans. The Colosseum, the Michelangelo David, the gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It’s all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland.” “Holland?!” you say. “What do you mean, Holland?” I signed up for Italy! I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy. But there’s been a change in the flight plan. They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to some horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It’s just a different place. So you must go out and buy a new guidebook. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It’s just a different place. It’s slower paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around, and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills, Holland has tulips, Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy, and they’re all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life you will say, “Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.” The pain of that will never, ever, go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss. But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland.

July 7, 2021

Five ways to help build your child’s communication skills and confidence

We start communicating from the time we’re born, heralding our arrival with a wail – but that’s just the first step in our communication journey, as we learn to engage with our parents, our friends, our teachers, and others. It’s worth remembering that nurturing effective communication with your children is about so much more than the humdrum of daily routines – it also helps grow their skills, makes them feel safe and secure, and helps them develop strong and intuitive relationships with people outside the family. With the 2020 LEGO® Play Well Study highlighting that 96% of parents say that play facilitates communication with their child, and 88% of children saying that play helps their parents get to know them better, these five ideas to build communication skills are a great place to start: Play ‘chatting catch’. Toss a ball or bean bag between you, with the throwing person asking a question while it’s in the air, and the catching person answering the question when they catch it. This will distract your child from the awkwardness or shyness they may be feeling – with the added bonus of boosting their catching and throwing skills! Talk about non-verbal communication, or body language. You could do this in a ‘charades’ format by acting an emotion and then asking your child to identify it – they could even show you what they think they look like when they’re feeling that emotion too. Play describing games with construction toys, such as ‘What is it?’ and ‘Communication House’ from the LEGO Six Bricks booklet. These games, and others that encourage children to describe what they are doing well enough for their friends to build items based on their descriptions, are great ways to stimulate thoughtful communication. Consume content together – whether it’s a TV programme or reading a book together – and then discuss what happened afterwards. Ask questions about the plot, about the characters, and even about how the story made your child feel. Remember to let your child express their thoughts and views about the story – you may even see the world from a completely different perspective! Use car time to talk. When you’re doing the school or extra-murals parents’ taxi run, ask your child about their day – but avoid questions that can be answered with that dead-end word – ‘fine’. Ask what the best and worst parts of the day were, or what their favourite activity was – and share those elements of your day too. Helping your child improve their communication skills could be as simple as talking about what you’re doing as you go about your daily tasks, or it could be as focused as playing a game that’s purpose-designed to improve their confidence and vocabulary. Whichever activity you choose, it’s important to be engaged and to listen to the feedback you’re getting – communication does, after all, go at least two ways! By Kristian Imhof, country manager for LEGO® in South Africa

July 6, 2021

Have you had your Vit D3 sunshine shots?

Here’s a winter health fact. Our bodies need Vitamin D for many important processes including supporting the immune system, bone and muscle building, and to promote better sleep and mood. We can even produce enough vitamin D ourselves. That’s if we bare our arms, legs, back, chests or faces to the sun for a limited period of time, because the sun’s UV rays produce Vitamin D in our bodies. Scientists reckon that five to 15 minutes, or five to 30 minutes for darker skinned people, of sun exposure two or three times a week will do it. But during winter, just when we need this immune boosting and stress relieving sunny gift to help us through the season of colds and ‘flu, the days are short, we stay indoors, and are usually covered up head to toe for much of the time. But, fun tip ladies: if you wear a cami under your warm clothing, you can head for a sunny spot at a warm time of day, strip off the top layers and you’re all set for a short spot of winter sunbathing. You may not wish to try this at the office! For those of us who can’t do the sun thing, vitamin D is also available in some foods, mainly in fatty fish like pilchards, tuna and salmon. Milk, yogurts and cereals are often fortified with Vitamin D too. Still, there are good reasons why many of us can’t get enough Vitamin D from sun or food (being elderly, covered up clothing for religious reasons, no time to go outside, being darker skinned…). In those cases, a one-a-day Nativa Complex® Vitamin D3 https://www.nativacomplex.co.za/immune-health/#nativa-complex-vitamin-d3 can fill the gap. It’s the newest addition to the well-established Nativa Immune Complex® range. Nativa Complex® Vitamin D3 supplies 1000 IU of Vitamin D and can be administered from 6 years of age. Cost is around R100 for a month’s supply, from Takealot, Dis-Chem, Clicks and selected pharmacies nationwide. Read about this well formulated immune boosting range at https://www.nativacomplex.co.za/immune-health/#immune-complex-product, and then enter our competition for a chance to win one of two R750 vouchers from Cotton On . Their stylish men’s, women’s and kid’s clothing can see you through winter, and (yay) into Spring. #VITAMIN D3 #sunshine vitamin

July 1, 2021

The Myths and Facts about socialisation and homeschooling

The socialisation myth was born out of a misconception of what it means to be homeschooled. Many critics, educators, and parents still believe that homeschoolers hit the books at 9 am do schoolwork until 4 pm, and spend the entire day alone and isolated from the rest of the world. This notion, of course, is quite uninformed! This topic of the effect homeschooling has on socialisation has been one of the most heavily researched issues for years now. People still have trouble conceiving how or if a child can develop optimal social and emotional skills when homeschooled. These concerns are almost always goodhearted but usually said from a position where people assume that the conventional way of schooling is the only way, and have done very little research on the subject. These assumptions arise from a variety of misconceptions and If you’re thinking about homeschooling, this article can help you understand the myths and facts about socialisation and homeschooling. Let us first understand the definition of socialisation. Socialization is (1) the activity of interacting with other people through which (2) the process of internalizing occurs. We internalize norms, rules, appropriate behaviors, values, ideologies, basic attitudes, self-image, and everything else that’s culturally dependent. Children do not always respond well in large groups of 20 or 30, where peer pressure is high and kids feel the need to look and act the same way as their counterparts. Learners find themselves surrounded by rivalry, competition, and ridicule. Large groups of children become noisy and result in kids becoming nervous and over-excited. Learning becomes difficult and this is when behavioral problems develop. Does this sound like an environment for healthy socialisation? Dr. Raymond Moore, an author of over 60 books and articles on human development, who has done extensive research on homeschooling and socialisation says this in his book, The Hurried Child, “The idea that children need to be around many other youngsters to be ‘socialized, is perhaps the most dangerous and extravagant myth in education and child-rearing today.” After analyzing over 8,000 early childhood studies, Dr. Moore concluded that, contrary to popular belief, children are best socialized by parents – not other children. A homeschooler knows she is part of a family unit that needs, wants, and depends on her. She does not have to follow the crowd or continuously be compared to her peers. By interacting with her parents and siblings she has a greater opportunity to build confidence, self-respect, and self-worth. The result is an independent thinker who isn’t influenced by peers and is self-directed in her actions and thoughts. Children need time to dream and grow and find out what it is they love to do. This is something few children enjoy today as they spend the majority of their time at school trying to fit into the same mold as every other student, never given the freedom to be an individual with their own set of needs. They are never alone at school, and their after-school lives are packed full of activities, as well. Homeschoolers have a wonderful opportunity to spend more time on the things that drive them and by joining sports clubs and group programs in their community they can enjoy all forms of socialisation. Socialization, like learning and life, takes place every day. How you interact with your kids – and how they watch you interact with the outside world – teaches them all the social skills they’ll need to know. Stop worrying about socialization. It’s a “problem” that never existed!

July 1, 2021

MARIO GOLF: SUPER RUSH TEES OFF ON NINTENDO SWITCH!

Join your favourite Mushroom Kingdom characters on the fairway for a super speedy round of golf. With Mario Golf: Super Rush, the Mario Golf series makes its return in its speediest instalment yet. Players can join a variety of Mushroom Kingdom characters in different multiplayer modes or start your own Golf Adventure now that the game is available on the Nintendo Switch. Watch the latest trailer here: Simple button controls make it easy for new players and seasoned pros alike to get their game on. It’s as simple as taking aim, choosing the shot strength and sending the ball flying. Players can curve their shot to avoid hazards and put spin on the ball to affect how it rolls after landing. Several features are on hand to help players conquer the course, including a shot gauge that adapts to the angle of the slope and a scan that lets you read the terrain. Additionally, it’s possible to use motion controls by holding a Joy-Con controller like a golf club*. Players can choose from a cast of 16 Mushroom Kingdom characters, each featuring different strengths and equipped with their own unique special moves. Pauline, Chargin’ Chuck, and King Bob-omb will make their first appearance in the series. Players can hit the fairway with up to three others, both locally and online**, in a variety of modes. With a selection of six lavish courses to choose from, including standard courses and courses with special hazards, every round of golf is different and there is still more to come from the Mushroom Kingdom-infused golf game. Free updates to the game that include additional courses and playable characters will be released in the future. Modes range from Standard Golf to the energetic Speed Golf, Battle Golf – a more frantic variation of Speed Golf – and an RPG-like story mode in Golf Adventure. In Golf Adventure, players can enrol their Mii character in golf training at a prestigious country club and go all the way from rookie to pro. They’ll be able to interact with familiar Mushroom Kingdom characters, learn how to play and take on a variety of challenges. Players can even bring their Mii character – and their customised stats – into other modes, too. Mario Golf: Super Rush is now available only on Nintendo Switch. Swing over to store.nintendo.co.za and take advantage of their Star Bundle offering, where you can build your own unique Nintendo Switch bundle including Mario Golf: Super Rush and get a free carry case and Nintendo Labo Kit with your purchase. * Motion controls cannot be used during Golf Adventure. ** Internet connection required. To use online services, you must create a Nintendo Account and accept the related agreement. The Nintendo Account Privacy Policy applies. Some online services may not be available in all countries. Online play requires paid online membership. Find out more about the paid membership service.

June 28, 2021

Review: REMY – A Book About Believing In Yourself

REMY is a short story revolving around the everyday life of a school boy named Remy. This young boy has very own battles to face and conquer. Along the way, comfort characters not only come to give him comfort but some guidance which would really love to master. Naidoo has written an encouraging story to help and direct others in conquering their own battles. I enjoyed the journey of Remy going through bumps and realistic fallbacks as the lessons throughout the story can be applied in other scenarios. I feel that not only would young children, tweens and teens relates to this book but to many adults who lack self confidence in themselves and what they would like to achieve. Remy’s character was developed in a way I do not often see or read about. I think that everyone would benefit from taking a page out of his book. The story makes sense and gave a simplified view on growth at a well written flowing pace that replicates a natural journey for someone to go through. Overall, I highly recommend this book. I found Remy’s story to be quite heartwarming, enjoyable and encouraging in my own story. This book is perfect for parents who are encouraging self growth and the understanding of emotions. You can grab yourself a copy at www.mayurinaidoo.com. This lovely story was written by Mayuri Nadioo

June 25, 2021

14-year-old mental health advocate Jess Robus shines a light on youth mental health in her inspiring debut book

A FEW SLIVERS OF LIGHT A collection of poetry By Jess Robus With a maturity that belies her 14-years, vibrant Jess Robus is already a singer, songwriter, debater and musical theatre aficionado. On 3 June 2021, she added ‘published author’ and ‘published poet’ to those accolades, with the release of her debut book A Few Slivers of Light, now available for purchase online on Amazon, on her own website or via PayStack. A Few Slivers of Light is a beautifully-written, vulnerable and emotive collection of poems of a teenager’s journey with anxiety and depression. Author Jess Robus hopes she will inspire other teens and young adults to speak up about their struggles and to reach parents who might have children experiencing these challenges. With May having just been Mental Health Awareness Month and June being Youth Month, there is no better time for Jess to release her poetry collection for the world to see. Starting to write poetry at the tender of age 8, Jess chose this medium as a means for her to process the world around her. Jess explains; “I’ve always loved writing, and poetry in particular I’ve found to be a very engaging medium both from the perspective of the reader and the writer. It’s an art form that can so eloquently capture emotions and thoughts and enables me to deal with them and process them constructively. Publishing this book is a way for me to share my struggles and recovery and hopefully show others that they are not alone.” Award-winning author & poet, Raashida Khan has written the Foreward to the book. An excerpt of that Foreward captures the essence of the book; “A few Slivers of Light is more than a collection of beautiful and evocative poetry. It is a revelation. An insight into the psyche of a young woman walking her journey of life while dealing with challenges, both internal and external. Jess Robus displays insight and talent that belie her young age. Her writing journey mirrors her personal journey so that as readers, we are drawn in and are captured by the turn of phrase, use of words, and interesting take on writing style. The imagery used in her descriptions are sometimes startling, but always concise and targeted. Jess fearlessly invites us to experience her thoughts, feelings and emotions in the most intimate way. That takes courage and is inspiring to see in one so young. As readers, we are more than observers being given a glimpse of the depths of despair and heights of triumph. The poems speak to the heart, mind and soul of the reader, taking us into deep recesses of our own consciousness.” Mental health and awareness around it is very important to Jess. She went through a two-year depressed anxiety spiral and has witnessed the struggles that her friends and fellow teenagers have experienced with their own mental health. Her poetry book as well as some of her music, chronicles her own journey of accepting and constructively dealing with the challenges she has faced. With A Few Slivers of Light, she gets to share her story and reassure others that whatever they may be going through, they are not alone. Jess is often asked what motivates her to put her thoughts into poetry; an unconventional medium for teenagers. She responds; “In terms of self-expression, poetry is honest, raw and real. It can truly capture the emotions of a moment and in doing so helps me to recognise them, express them and deal with them.” Jess had her guests captivated at her book launch held in Johannesburg on 3 June. Family, friends and members of the media were mesmerised as she shared her poetry with the group. This captivating teenager showed maturity beyond her years as she answered question after question by convenor Raashida Khan and then the audience. Says Jess; “It was really such a wonderful experience to get to share the book and my thoughts with people and to see how many are passionate about normalising discussions about mental health. If I can reach just one person and let them know that their feelings are real and valid and that they are not alone, then this book will have accomplished its purpose.” Jess concludes; “I’m so excited for my poetry to be out in the world and for people to have the opportunity to read it. I’m hopeful they’ll find some meaning from it.” A Few Slivers of Light is self-published, and now available for purchase online on Amazon, via Jess Robus’s website or via PayStack Follow Jess Robus on Social Media Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Wattpad JCDuValier For interview and photo requests, please contact Collett Dawson from The CoLab Network on collett@thecolabnetwork.com Publicity Photographs courtesy of Vivid Images Photography

June 23, 2021

It’s all about control

As parents, we all want to protect our children. The question for many parents is how you can monitor what games your children are playing in order to avoid exposing them to content you might deem unsuitable depending on their age. Luckily, most consoles have some kind of parental control system in place, and the Nintendo Switch is no different. The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls supports a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience So what kind of functionality can you restrict with the parental controls and how do you do this? To begin with, there are the obvious reasons – you think some of the games on your console, which might be appropriate for you as their parent, are just too violent or with too many adult themes for children to understand. You might want to restrict what your children can buy on the eShop, which is likely loaded with your credit card details. Or perhaps you might want to restrict the amount of online time your child has every day. There are a number of ways you can do this – either directly on the console, or via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, which you can link to your Nintendo account (which you will need in order to be able use this feature). The app also offers a few more features if you’re looking for additional levels of control. On the console itself you go into System Settings, and scroll down to Parental Controls, which will encourage you to download the app. You’re not required to do this but it really is the more comprehensive and the easier option, especially if you have kids who might be able to circumnavigate the parental settings. You can set the age level of your child in order to be able to control what kind of age-appropriate content they’re exposed to, select the rating board of the country in which you reside, disable voice communication so your child can’t speak to others online, and disable VR controls which is recommended for children under the age of seven. Make sure you choose a PIN that your child isn’t likely to be able to guess! Setting up the controls on the app is likewise very easy. You’ll need to sign into your Nintendo account, and once you’ve linked your Switch to the app via a registration code (remember where I told you it would tell you to download the app earlier?), and now you’re ready to set up things like daily play limits. You’ll be asked to enable push notifications so you can monitor your kids’ activity. If you want to restrict access to the Nintendo eShop, there are a separate set of restrictions for those as well which will ensure your child doesn’t make unauthorised purchases, whether those are games or add-ons you might not want your child spending your money on! Ultimately you can remove the parental controls as well if you feel you no longer need to monitor your child’s activity – for whatever reason – but it’s comforting to know that Nintendo is equally as invested in protecting your child as you are. Feel free to read more about how Nintendo is supporting a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience here. By Pippa Tshabalala on behalf on Nintendo Distributor SA

June 22, 2021

How to cope with school closures amidst the third wave

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues its upward trend, more stringent lockdown regulations could follow, including the closure of schools and a return to more regular remote learning. Several schools have already taken the step to start closing partially or fully amid community or localised outbreaks. In addition, many parents may be taking their children out of school in a bid to protect themselves. For many parents, especially homeschoolers, this is familiar territory by now, but for others, they may need some extra advice on how to cope with learning at home. We look at five tips on how to cope with school closures. Talk about the current situation Firstly, have a conversation with your children to make sure that they are calm and understand what is going on regarding the current situation. By now, many children may have a better grip of this situation. However, it’s still important to try to reduce any possible anxiety while also communicating that learning will now occur at home for the next few weeks. Also read: How to help a child struggling with (coronavirus) anxiety Supplement learning with e-learning If your child’s school has handed out learning packs, make sure you have them on hand. If possible, look through the lesson material and search the internet to see if there are ways to supplement the learning topics with e-learning. There are many providers out there who offer free e-books. One local South African example is this e-book library from Optimi Classroom, which consists of 45 000 free e-books Stay organised Being organised is critical. Make a schedule that you and your children agree to and stick to it. You don’t have to follow a strict timetable to complete academic work throughout this period, but having a plan does help. If you need assistance with setting up a timetable, we have put together this simple daily schedule to guide you and your children with staying on track during school closures. Bear in mind that you might not be able to stick to a timetable if someone in your household is sick, needs to return to work, or do other activities. Your child will then have to adapt the schedule and complete the academic work at another time. However, even loosely sticking to a timetable will help everyone know what is expected while ensuring that learning takes place. Also read: Ten tips to help you cope with school closures Exercise It’s also critical to ensure your children engage in physical activities such as playing in the garden or even going for walks. You can add playtime into your timetable as a reward for completing academic work. Apart from this, you can also encourage your children to participate in hobbies or even certain extracurricular activities, where it is deemed safe from a social distancing perspective. Also read: Why exercise is important for good academic results Hire a tutor Finally, if you feel you need extra help and resources, look to credible homeschooling providers out there that follow the CAPS curriculum. Homeschooling providers, such as Impaq, can offer a structured approach to learning and guidance on what to teach and when. Learners can also continue their learning journey at home amidst school closures when registering with a home education provider. Plus, you do not have to do it alone. There are independent tutors across the country who can meet virtually to help guide you and your children during this time. Calling in a tutor is also a great option when you have children in multiple grades or at different levels; the tutor can work with one child while you help another. In addition, tutors are also a valuable resource for more challenging subjects, especially in the higher grades. by Louise Schoonwinkel, MD of Optimi Home

June 18, 2021

30 Brilliant Reasons to Homeschool!

Thinking about homeschooling your kids? Or perhaps you have already made the decision to homeschool? This could be due to various reasons, some of which may include wanting to remove your kids from a negative school environment, to protect them from bullying or giving them the freedom to learn in a progressive way that may be more appropriate for them. An environment where creativity is nurtured and celebrated, a method of schooling that better prepares your child for his or her future. Here are 30 reasons you should consider homeschooling your child: Your child can learn at his or her own pace. Your child can create their own curriculum. Your child can learn a wider variety of subjects. Learning can happen anywhere and at any time. When they are done work for the day, they have free time to focus on things they enjoy. Your child will learn valuable life skills. Your child’s creativity can be nurtured and celebrated. Your child’s work is not done for mastery, not for a grade. It is easier to accommodate your child’s specific learning needs. Your child can learn in the way that suits them best. Your child won’t fall through the cracks. There will be less peer pressure to deal with. Children learn to challenge assumptions and think for themselves. Your kids will have more time to play. Homeschooled kids grow to become independent thinkers. You can limit the opportunity for your child to be bullied. You can ‘shelter’ your child from negative influences like drugs and sex for longer or until they are older and can handle things better. Your kids can relax and be themselves and be free of the pressure to conform to the masses. Children become empowered when their ideas are heard and validated. Family bonds become stronger as your family will spend more time together. Kids are able to learn in a safe and supported environment. School can be taken outside, or anywhere for that matter. Kids are more confident. Kids learn time management skills, a valuable skill to have. Your child will not have to wait for everyone to reach the same level before moving on. Children get to be themselves. Kids get to learn for the sake of learning – not to pass a test or mark a box on a list of set standards. Greater opportunities for kids to focus on hobbies. Kids can work with fewer distractions than there are in typical classroom settings. Your child will be able to set their own schedule as they get older. These are only a few of the amazing advantages to homeschooling, Syllabis Learning can help you achieve all of the above and more with our integrated and independent learning curriculum. Make the decision to give your child the best in education.

June 16, 2021

Helpful tips for moving when homeschooling

Moving home is said to be one of the most stressful life events, ranking alongside divorce, loss of employment, and long-term illness. However, moving – whether to a neighbouring suburb, a different province, or abroad – can also present wonderful new opportunities, including new jobs, new friends, and new possibilities! While the period immediately before and after a move is stressful for any family, it can be doubly so for those educating their children at home as all the packing and preparation happens with your children around. Although moving takes up an incredible amount of time and energy, it does not mean that learning has to come to a halt when you are planning a move. In fact, the flexibility of home education becomes an added blessing during this potentially stressful time. Another great advantage of home education is that when you move, your children don’t have to change schools. While their surroundings may change, their approach to learning will largely stay the same. What may change are extracurricular activities, as you may have to find new places for your children to take art classes, play sport, or study music. This, however, is part and parcel of moving for all families. Read more: Can homeschoolers take part in extracurricular activities? Moving tips Here are a few things to consider when moving: Teach creatively: look for alternate ways to engage your children while you are buried neck-deep in boxes. Helpful options include audiobooks, documentaries, educational content on the internet, or maybe even a ‘substitute teacher’ (ask a friend or family member to present a few lessons). Stick with the basics: do not try to do an entire day of subjects if it is going to stress everyone out. Focus on one or two subjects like Mathematics or English, then get packing. Pack like a pro: when you pack, clearly label your children’s books and lesson material. This will allow you to grab the required box at your new house easily when you are ready to start teaching. Involve your children: there are so many life skills involved in moving – organising, planning, etc. – making it a perfect opportunity to teach your children valuable life lessons. Take a farewell tour: visit any favourite playgrounds, museums, or other special places around town before the move, and enjoy a final meal at your favourite restaurant (remember to take plenty of photos). Learn about your new area: let your children do researchabout your new area. They can look at different communities, places to visit, and activities to try once you are settled. Bring a backpack: your children may feel stressed on the day of the move, so let them pack a few favourite items in a backpack that they can carry with them. Included items could be a blanket, toy, book – whatever brings them comfort. Also include items to help pass the travel time, such as materials for drawing or games. Read more:Benefits of playing games with kids Keep a watchful eye: moving is a big deal. Children who are home educated may have smoother transitions in some ways, but moving does represent a transformation in life. Even if your children are excited about the move, there are still plenty of emotions to work through: sadness about leaving friends and familiar places, anticipation about what is coming, and possibly apprehension, fear, and anxiety about the unknown. If your child displays unusual behaviour – sadness, moping, crying, yelling, defiance, hyperactivity, or inattentiveness – try to be understanding and supportive rather than punitive. Read more: How to foster resilience in children Take a breather: flexibility is one of the keystones of homeschooling, so use it to your advantage during a stressful situation such as moving. Know that things will be different for a while, and that is perfectly fine. In fact, it is part of life. So, take a few days off to allow your children and yourself to adjust, explore, and get things unpacked. Learning to adjust and adapt to change is just as important as any academic subject. Home education allows your children the freedom and flexibility to learn these necessary life skills. It also gives your family time together to work through the emotions associated with change. So, try to be present and include your kids in the process because there is much to learn during a move! Read more: Supporting your child’s emotional intelligence development By Danielle Barfoot

June 11, 2021

Which Switch is which?

I’m hoping by now that most parents have heard about the Nintendo Switch. If you haven’t, here’s your chance to find out why this is one of the most family-friendly consoles around, or if you have it’s your chance to figure out which one would be the best fit for your family. Launched in 2017, the Switch took the gaming world by storm as it launched a year or so after its competitors, primarily based on its versatile nature. Small and already portable in nature, players can dock the console so the game is transmitted to their television where they are able to play it on a big screen, then reattach the controllers or Joy-Cons, and take it with them as the ultimate gaming system. Unlike previous handheld consoles, from any manufacturer, the transmutable nature of the Switch garnered it a great deal of attention as well as a solid fan base from gamers everywhere. An updated version with better hardware was released in 2019, increasing the power of the console and making it even more attractive to gamers. Later the same year, Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch Lite. Unlike its companion, the Switch Lite is a single, handheld unit unable to dock to a television, and so functions entirely as a portable console. It is slightly smaller than its big brother, but with an extended battery life that makes travelling that much easier, and comes in a range of colours to suit every taste. The games you’re able to purchase are the same as for the standard Switch, but you’re limited to those you can play only in handheld mode as opposed to one where you detach the Joy-Cons as the Switch Lite is an all-in-one. If you’re considering buying a Switch for your family (I’m not going to limit this to your kids as they are equally attractive to adult gamers!), you’ll want to think about a couple of things. The first is how you’re planning on using it and what types of games you want to play. Certain Switch games that require Joy-Cons to be removed to function with the motion sensors, will be difficult with the Lite because it’s a single unit. You’re not able to dock it with a television, so if you had to pair an extra set of Joy-Cons you’d struggle to see the smaller screen from a distance. If you’re looking for a small, portable console that you can pop in your bag easily for a trip, with a wide range of first party and third party games then the Switch Lite, which comes in at a lower price point than its counterpart is probably what you’re looking for. If you’ve jumped on the gaming exercise bandwagon, or you like the idea of getting up and moving a little more than what you’ve traditionally come to expect from video games, then you might want to go with the classic Switch instead. Games like Ring Fit, which gamifies exercise and really works up a sweat, will need the Joy-Cons to work and you really need to dock it on the TV to get the best experience there. It’s definitely still small enough to fit into your bag if you’re travelling, but being able to play on a bigger television screen is something you do much more than you might expect. It also comes with the full range of games. One of the biggest draw cards of the Switch for me, is the fact that it really does do what it says on the box. Set it up, play, network it with other friends and play together, then undock it and take it with you when you leave the house. It’s really that simple. Pricing might be your biggest consideration when making your purchase. The classic Nintendo Switch currently retails at R7999, while the Nintendo Switch Lite retails at R4999. Both are excellent consoles, and which once you make a part of your life, should ultimately depend on the experience you’re looking for out of it. By Pippa Tshabalala on behalf of Nintendo Distributor SA

June 8, 2021

The difference between Dyslexia and Dyscalculia

Dr Leoné Roux – Educational Psychologist – Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School Charleen Crous – Educational Psychologist – Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

June 7, 2021

Choosing a school — does size matter?

At this time of year, many parents are considering which school is the best fit for their child as they move from pre-primary into their primary school years. Ultimately, it is about the right fit for your child, as well as your personal views on educational methods, differences in ethos from school to school, and differences in facilities and services provided by the school. Covid19 has seen an increase in homeschooling and cottage schools as some parents opt for a smaller school environment. Some children thrive in a more intimate space, while others prefer the more traditional school system. Kairos School of Inquiry believes that, when life at school is happy and meaningful, children are able to go out and have a positive impact into the world. Based in Parkview, Gauteng, Kairos is a proud member of “small school movement”. They provide a full primary school service from Grade R to Grade7, and graduates flourish in a wide variety of mainstream, upmarket high schools around Joburg. Currently accommodating 42 children, Kairos will always be a small school, growing gradually to 80 in the future. Along with its ideals around its unique mix of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), inquiry based learning, integrated studies and whole-brain learning, Kairos enjoys the advantage of being small. Kairos head teacher ,Marc Loon , offers some insight into choosing a small school for your child. “Choosing a small school comes with advantages and disadvantages. Certainly, the economy of scale of a large school creates more choices of in-house extramural activities, and a small school requires more involvement from parents compared to larger schools. Fortunately, there are many significant advantages to compensate for the disadvantages,” says Marc. He offers four advantages of sending a child to a small school. 1. Relationships between children Small schools create closer relationships between people. When everyone knows everyone, the consequent emotional safety nurtures self-assurance. There is an inevitable friendliness in the social atmosphere. Also, in a small school, children are obliged to befriend children different to themselves, improving social skills such as tact and awareness of difference (unlike the norm of grade-specific friendships and social cliques in large schools). “At Kairos, friendships between grades are the norm, since everyone is implicitly pressed to get along with everyone else,” says Marc. “Moreover, tensions and conflicts are more easily addressed and resolved in a small school. This in turn brings about improved self-awareness in individuals and deep social harmony in the school community.” 2. Teacher-pupil relationships A similar principle applies with teacher-pupil relationships. Every child knows each staff member, and sees them as full human beings, not merely a repository of knowledge and test results. Teachers know each child in the school, the implications of which are educationally significant: all teachers can contribute collaboratively to a deep understanding of each pupil — including their whole school experience as well as their biographical background and home context. “Although some parents prefer the anonymity of the latter, this deeper knowledge of our children’s lives invariably enhances the educational effectiveness of the classroom,” continues Marc. 3. Systemic innovativeness and flexibility A small school means sudden changes are more possible than in a large school, for any change will affect fewer people. Taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves at short notice has huge educational value. “Our flexibility has been essential to much of our educational success in general, for innovations such as, inter alia, our ‘Rosses’ school currency and the associated weekly Market Day, our annual Cardboard Challenge, Partner Projects, our Pop-Up School days, our whole school birthday blessings and many other incidental experiences. These types of innovations would normally need to be planned long in advance in larger schools, but we can adapt easily to the need at the time. A small school enables us to be open to opportunities at hand, and maintains innovativeness as a sustained aspect of our small school,” says Marc. 4. Greater individual agency Linked closely with our innovativeness and flexibility, a small school also implies greater agency for individuals — both teachers and pupils. From a purely statistical perspective, each individual is a more significant member of the community than in a larger school community. Kairos’s size (combined with our particular ethos) allows teachers and pupils to consider new possibilities for innovation. The self-confidence, initiative and personal sense of agency children are encouraged to acquire in a small school such as ours has profound educational value for their futures. Acquiring such qualities are intrinsic to a small school, and such qualities are particularly relevant to the future requirements of society. In 2016, the World Economic Forum embarked on a study of what competencies and character qualities will be important for students to acquire in preparation for the rapidly changing society of their adulthoods. The “competencies” and “character qualities” are more likely acquired in a small school environment than a large one. “Certainly, it is not guaranteed that all small schools will achieve these educational objectives, but a small school community makes it more likely. In a large school, certain individuals will shine above the rest for reasons related to their academic and sports performance, or their innate capacity for social leadership. In a small school, everyone tends to shine — the particular “genius” in each individual child tends to be more noticeable in a small school community. And when the community values qualities in an individual, those individuals tend to value those qualities in themselves too,” concluded Marc. Admissions for 2022 are open. If you would like a tour, or more information, please contact Kairos on 011 646 6221 or info@kairosschool.co.za.

June 2, 2021

Youth Month: Tackle Illiteracy One Book At A Time

With June being Youth Month, READ Educational Trust encourages all South Africans not to turn the page on our children’s fundamental freedom to learn and access to reading and literacy. For READ Educational Trust, a non-profit organisation that has spent nearly four decades promoting literacy among the poorest of the poor, this month is all about sharing in the love and value of books and empowering Early Childhood Development (ECD) caregivers with the tools required to teach little ones how to read with confidence. 1 Children who have never been exposed to the magic of books might perceive reading as boring, mundane, and futile. They don’t realise the beautiful impact that reading has on their brains, lifestyle, and future. READ is determined to change that. While you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can play a tangible role in shaping a child’s success by teaching them how to read and, in turn, cultivating a deep love for literature and books. And this starts at grassroots. Learning to decipher the code of how we use symbols to represent spoken language is a big part of why children go to school. They learn the distinctions between “b” and “d,” or “p” and “q.” They read about pirates, pigs, and pixies, as well as earthquakes and igloos, as they advance from letters and syllables to words and sentences. The possibilities are endless once children have “cracked the code”. This is the delight of being initiated into the world of literacy.2 As famed children author, Dr. Seuss so simply put it, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Whether you were a fan of Alexander And The Terrible, Frog And Toad Are Friends, or Fantastic Mr. Fox, when you were a child, there’s no doubt that your favourite book helped to shape your creativity and imagination in some form or another. Books open doors into dreams of a world without limitations, and those dreams can inspire action to change the world as it is. Aside from magic in the act of reading itself, benefits of early reading habits for children include :3 Supported cognitive development Improved language skills Preparation for academic success Increased concentration and discipline Improved imagination and creativity Cultivating a lifelong love of reading While one would think that being able to read and write in today’s modern world is little more than being able to breathe, this is sadly far from the truth. More than half (58%) of South African children do not learn to read fluently and with comprehension in any language by the end of grade four, according to nationally representative surveys. A staggering 29% are completely illiterate.4 READ has successfully addressed some of these issues over the years, thanks to the implementation of ECD Programmes that assist caregivers, educators, and principals of ECD Centres in overcoming our country’s challenges. READ also provides practical training, hands-on support, and valuable resources that have been highly effective. The need, however, is both dire and vast. It takes time, dedication, a well-designed formula, and creative resources to instil a reading culture. A collective effort can change the face of South Africa. The only way to succeed is for governments, non-profit organisations, big businesses, and private individuals to stand together and do all they can to combat illiteracy by actively promoting and funding reading and educational incentives. What better time to act than during Youth Month? The message is loud and clear: Reading is fun, relevant, exciting, and has the power to transform lives! If you give a child a book and gift them with the skills to read it, you are giving them not just the world, but the universe, which is infinite in possibilities. Visit http://www.read.org.za/ to find out more and join the conversations on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/READEduTrust/, Twitter: https://twitter.com/READEduTrust, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/read_educational_trust/.

June 2, 2021

World Milk Day reminds us why milk is great for busy parents and families

There’s little doubt that our pandemic experience over the past year, has increased our focus on our family’s health and well-being. The trend towards ‘functional foods’, those with benefits beyond simple nutrition, has been accelerated and is likely to carry through into our post-Covid lifestyles. In this quest for healthier eating, many of us are discovering more about some of the foods that have been our favourites since childhood. Milk is a good example. It’s a whole food with a unique combination of nutrients that contribute to health at all stages of life. 1 June is the celebration of World Milk Day, and it highlights that dairy offers the family multiple benefits, from meeting our daily energy requirements and promoting gut health, to helping us get a good night’s sleep and strengthening our immune systems. As a parent, dairy has your back Dairy gives everyone in your family nutritional support to help cope with busy and demanding days. Always delicious and amazingly versatile, it’s a favourite kids’ food. That’s such a blessing because dairy is a powerful daily nutritional boost, ideal for growing bodies. Registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy, Maretha Vermaak says, “Milk is a source of valuable nutrients such as good quality protein, naturally occurring sugars, and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals and an array of different fats. This one-of-its-kind nutritional profile offers a range of benefits from building bones and strengthening teeth, to supporting digestion and the immune system.” It’s so convenient to use, any time of the day, and in so many different ways. Dairy can easily be part of every meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks and lunchboxes. Including milk, maas, yoghurt or cheese in your family’s diet three times a day will help to ensure that your body gets what it needs. Check out these family-focused dairy ideas from Rediscover Dairy. Energy to get your family through the day – Dairy foods deliver a package of naturally occurring nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body while also providing energy. Vitamin B12 helps with energy metabolism and also keeps both adults and kids mentally alert throughout the day. The protein in dairy is complete, which means it provides all the essential amino acids needed to build and repair body tissues. Essential amino acids cannot be made by our bodies and need to be taken in from protein-rich foods. Milk protein also makes you feel fuller for longer and can help to prevent unnecessary snacking. For the active family, milk and flavoured milk also offers a good rehydration option after high energy games, sports and outdoor family fun, while also helping with muscle recovery and repair. Gut health for overall wellbeing – Young or older, a healthy gut microbiome – your intestinal community of microorganisms – supports overall health and wellbeing. Fermented dairy foods such as yoghurt, maas and kefir provide probiotics, which are active bacterial cultures that benefit the gut microbiome and impact on overall health. Adequate, daily portions of yoghurt, maas and kefir in your family’s eating regime helps to promote the diversity of the gut microbiota. Strong immunity supports a productive and active lifestyle – We are all concerned about keeping healthy and warding off infections and illnesses that may impact on our family’s wellbeing. Eating a balanced diet that includes foods from all the different food groups will help build a strong immune system, so that each member of the family can lead a productive and active lifestyle. The protein, vitamin A and zinc provided by milk are especially beneficial in keeping immune systems strong, and the probiotics provided by fermented dairy products give extra support. A good night’s sleep – It’s true, a glass of warm milk at night will help you and your children sleep more peacefully. Elevated stress levels often interfere with our ability to get a good night’s rest. Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan and our bodies use tryptophan to produce the ‘feel-good’ hormone serotonin, which aids relaxation. Dairy is affordable all-round nutrition Milk and dairy are nutrient rich, packed with many essential nutrients, and are definite nutritional value for money. By just adding milk, maas or yoghurt to a meal, you can make healthy food choices and give your family much-needed nutrients to stay strong and healthy. Celebrate World Milk Day Milk and dairy are worth celebrating indeed! Join in on 1 June this year and be part of World Milk Day. Connect with Rediscover Dairy on Facebook and Instagram and tap into all the great ways to include dairy in your family’s healthy lifestyle.

June 1, 2021

Be a part of the Jurassic World Adventure

A Jurassic World Adventure awaits! If you have a dinosaur crazy kid, these action figures provide hours of fun and adventure. These Movie-inspired dinosaur action figures have realistic sculpting, movable joints, authentic colour and realistic texture that make the figure come alive! Stygimoloch, the plant eating dinosaur comes with movable joints and watch out for her tail whipping action! That is not even the best part. If you download the Jurassic World Facts App (Andriod and iOS) and scan under your Jurassic Creatures Foot, whole world opens up even more. Once your Dino is scanned, interesting facts become available. Not only will your child be able to learn more about these prehistoric creatures and hear them roar, but they will be able to watch a short clip from Jurassic World showing where their dinosaur appeared in the movie! The App allows for your child to rotate the dinosaur to be able to see a 365 view of them and their habitat. Move up the ranks using the App and unlock facts, making this a really enjoyable interactive experience for your child. Whilst you cannot see all the features of the other Jurassic World Dinosaurs in the App, you are able to hear their various noises. But, of course, as your child adds more to their collection, this will certainly change. Dinosaur of the week allows players to view a dinosaur clearly in its habitat. Your child will be able to rotate the dinosaur and to hear them roar even if the dinosaur is unowned. However, no clip of them is provided. You can watch Camp Cretaceous on Netflix to extend the hours of fun! Follow six teenagers who stay at the camp and go through various experiences to help them better understand the dinosaurs and to get to know the other campers. Each Jurassic World Dinosaur Action Figure is sold separately, subject to availability. Colours and decorations may vary. For ages 4 and up. RSP: R399,99 Jurassic World is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. Licensed by Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

May 28, 2021

Supporting your child’s emotional intelligence development

Emotional intelligence (also known as ‘emotional quotient’), briefly summarised, refers to a person’s ability to recognise emotions in themselves and others, differentiate and label emotions appropriately, and adjust emotions based on different environments. Regulating, expressing, and adapting emotions is, in essence, a set of skills and behaviours which – very importantly – can be learned and refined. People who score higher on emotional quotient (EQ) tests tend to be better able to form healthy relationships, succeed at school and the workplace, and control negative impulses. High levels of emotional intelligence are essential for people to thrive in all facets of life, and it is vital to start developing it from a young age. By supporting your child’s emotional development at every phase of their life, you can help set them up for a happy and prosperous future. The stages of emotional development As a child grows, they will learn different emotional skills depending on their age. Although there is no single linear model that perfectly captures human emotional development, there are rough milestones at every age. That said, it is crucial to remember that every child develops at their own rate. If you are concerned that your child is not meeting their markers, consider consulting a medical professional. Read more: How our childhood personality affects us as adults, and why it’s important Toddlers (18 months – 2 years) At this stage, children are just beginning to feel more complex emotions. Because they typically are unable to verbalise their feelings, they are often likely to have fits and temper tantrums. Toddlers tend to be preoccupied with their concerns and needs. Pre-schoolers (3 – 4 years) Children of this age will start to show and communicate a broader range of emotions as their vocabulary grows. They begin engaging in play in earnest, showing affection towards and cooperation with others, and resolving conflict to some degree. Read more: You’ve got a friend in me Young children (5 – 10 years) 5 – 6 years: children become more conversational and independent. They start learning adult social skills like praising others and apologising for mistakes. 7 – 8 years: children’s awareness of others’ perceptions and opinions and the ability to express feelings with words increase. 9 – 10 years: children now show a plethora of emotions and behaviours, and demonstrate increasing independent decision-making. Adolescents (11 – 18) Pre-teens and teens are now starting to think more logically and become more introspective, often needing greater levels of privacy. They increasingly consider and value the opinions of others. As they strive to be more independent and discover themselves (so to speak), they might seem moody or self-centred. Supporting emotional development at every age As children’s emotional intelligence develops, they will need different kinds of support at each stage of development. Parents are encouraged to be a kind of ‘emotion coach’, using their children’s most emotional moments as opportunities to teach children to recognise, analyse, and handle their feelings. Read more: How to foster resilience in children Toddlers The most important thing to do at this age is to stay calm when they are not. Ask children guiding questions to ascertain how they are feeling and give them labels for these feelings. Working through a meltdown is much easier when a child can say, “I am feeling this way because of this thing”. Pre-schoolers At this stage, children will start needing coping strategies for their emotions. The goal now is to help children recognise what they need when they feel distressed, whether it be some alone time to process their feelings or a distraction until they have calmed down. Young children During this phase, children might stop disclosing as much information about their lives, so it is up to you to be aware of their feelings. Ask them what might be going on and how that is making them feel. Listen with empathy and mirror what they are saying so that they know you understand what they have said. Adolescents Adolescence might be the most challenging life stage in terms of emotions. Pre-teens and teenagers need to be given space and independence (to a reasonable degree). It is prudent to help them feel good about themselves by promoting self-confidence, as many children at this age struggle with their self-esteem. Ensure your child feels safe and comfortable enough to discuss their feelings, and be sure not to minimise their feelings when they do. Remind them you are there for them and help them if and when they make mistakes. Read more: Setting boundaries with your teenagers What not to do Equally important as doing the right thing to support your child is making sure you do not do the wrong thing. When discussing your child’s feelings, be careful to avoid mean or sarcastic remarks and excessive criticism. Do not attempt to do any type of coaching when you are upset or tired, as this will likely end in a very unproductive argument. Likewise, if your child is being manipulative, leave the conversation for a later stage. Stay clear of discussing your child’s feelings if you are pressed for time – these conversations tend to be quite lengthy! By Jacqui Smit

May 21, 2021

Empowering Children Through Stories In Their own Language

A love of reading is sparked when children see themselves in stories and relate it to their lives, even more so when it is shared in their home language. Xolisa Guzula – early literary specialist, author and translator – agrees that when children learn to read in their mother tongues it’s much easier to build on that foundation. However, a survey by the Publishers Association SA (2016) highlighted that only approximately 2% of children books published commercially in South Africa are in local African languages*. The effects are seen in our schools, based on the 2016 Progress in International Reading Study (PIRLS)*, which is conducted every 5 years across several countries, 78% of South African Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning. According to Nic Spaull*, Senior Researcher at the Stellenbosch University Economics Department, “Those who do not learn to master the basics of reading remain in catch-up mode for the rest of their lives.” Nal’ibali, a national reading for enjoyment campaign to spark children’s potential through storytelling and reading, is founded on the ethos of giving children access to stories in their home language. The organisation firmly believes that literacy skills are a strong predictor of future academic success in all subjects – and children who regularly read and hear engaging stories, in languages they understand, are well equipped and motivated to learn to read and write. Knowing this Cadbury Dairy Milk, through its inherent generosity, has committed to addressing this need through the recently established Read To Succeed initiative. This three-year initiative aims to ignite a love for reading amongst children across the country by making books in their home language more accessible. To achieve this, Cadbury Dairy Milk, in partnership with Nal’ibali, has set a goal to create and translate “a Glass and a Half” (1 500) new stories for children in their home languages, over the next three years. “Cadbury Dairy Milk is rooted in generosity, driven by the genuine desire to act on improving someone else’s situation. We know the ability to read for meaning empowers children to succeed and although there are a myriad of hurdles that may hinder this, a significant one is the sobering lack of storybooks children have access to in their mother tongues. We look forward to working with Nal’ibali, and the public, to create new children’s stories in African languages and making them accessible to all South African children. Ultimately, we want to create an impact by igniting a true love for reading amongst our children,” says Lara Sidersky, Mondelez SA Category Lead for Chocolate. Reading aids learning Guzula says, “Children are naturally intelligent and just need us to create immersive spaces conducive for learning. If there are no African language books in our libraries or homes, how can we blame children for not being able to read?” She adds, “If children never read about airplanes, mountains, cars, dinosaurs and more, and encounter these words – and concepts – for the first time in tests translated from English into their home language, how can we expect them to do well?” Language as a frame of existence Lebohang Masango, anthropologist, poet and award-winning author of Mpumi’s Magic Beads – a children’s book that has been translated into nine official South African languages – echoes Guzula, “I think it’s important for children to be able to read in their own mother tongues because that is the language that they first use to think, to communicate and to exist in the world. “This is the language that frames their entire existence, so it follows that they should be introduced to reading, mathematical literacy and other kinds of learning concepts in that language as well. I think it’s incredibly jarring to learn one language and then have to master literacy of all kinds in a different language.” She adds, “The written word is the present word. When we use indigenous languages in children’s books, instruction manuals etcetera, that’s how you legitimise them and allow them to grow. You never want a child to feel like their language does not matter. If they can learn in their own language from a young age, that gives them more dignity and pride in their mother tongue and culture.” Cultivating a culture of reading Yandiswa Xhakaza, CEO of Nal’ibali, shares that the organisation aims to make reading material accessible to children in their home languages and to create a demand for reading, “Our primary focus is to bridge the gap between speaking and reading in African languages. We understand that it’s not enough to teach children how to read if there’s no material for them to engage further with text and start to learn to decode and read for meaning. Reading books in one’s home language also enhances self-worth. “We can’t just translate stories from other countries because the context needs to reflect the people of this country. When children read stories by South Africans – or Africans – about areas they know and people they relate to, they feel seen. It changes how they view themselves and gives them the confidence. That’s why I believe this partnership with Cadbury is so powerful.” “We’re excited about working with Nal’ibali to give South African children access to stories they can relate to, understand, enjoy and feel empowered by,” ends Sidersky. Join the conversation and follow how you can participate @CadburyDairyMilkSA (Facebook) or @Cadbury_SA (Twitter and Instagram), and visit https://cadbury.co.za/promotion/our-own-words #GlassAndAHalf *Sources: https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2019-01-11-solving-sas-literacy-crisis https://nicspaull.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/nic-spaull-and-elizabeth-pretorious.pdf https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/want-to-read-to-your-children-in-your-mother-tongue-check-out-these-books-20190221 https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pirls/ https://africasacountry.com/2019/04/why-are-south-african-children-struggling-to-read-properly https://www.publishsa.co.za/file/1519203677awr-2016publishingindustrysurvey.pdf https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/companies/retail-and-consumer/2021-04-28-game-pins-hopes-on-selling-african-language-childrens-books-in-turnaround-drive/

May 21, 2021

Teaching Your Children About The Fascinating World Of Spiders

It has been estimated that up to 33% of the population is afraid of spiders. Arachnophobia can really affect someone’s everyday life. One of the best ways to ensure that your child doesn’t develop a fear of spiders is to teach them about these beautiful animals when they are young. We shouldn’t be afraid of spiders: they’re fascinating creatures that are a valuable part of the earth’s ecosystem. They weave webs that would make any architect jealous, and live on a protein-rich diet of flying insects, including mosquitoes, which can be extremely harmful to humans – spiders are doing a great job! Spending some time together identifying the different types of spiders can be fun, interesting and educational to your child. Identifying species In South Africa, there are more than 2,230 different species of spider, and the majority of them are harmless. The most common spiders to identify are garden spiders or huntsman spiders – you can find these in your own backyard. Cellar spiders are also common in homes (particularly in damp areas like the bathroom) and they don’t move too fast to study. These are the ideal spiders to look at with your child. You can identify the main part of the spider’s body, including the legs and the thorax. You can talk about some of the most fascinating things about spiders – did you know that along with eight legs, they also have eight eyes? Just imagine what your vision would be like if you had eight eyes – you can even draw some pictures together. Looking at spider webs Spider webs are fascinating – they are shiny in order to reflect UV light and attract their prey. The intricate designs even mimic vegetation gaps, where insects more commonly fly. Some spider webs can be up to a metre in diameter, and structurally, they’re super-strong. What’s more amazing is that many spiders will weave a brand new web every day. Learning about how spider webs are made, and even drawing your own web, is a fun activity for children that will really engage them. You could also have a go at making your own web with coloured string. Spiders to avoid It is important to help children to identify the spiders that they should avoid. In South Africa, these include Black and Brown Button Spiders, the Violin Spider, Sac Spiders, the Six-Eyed Sand Spider, and the Baboon Spider. They are not aggressive spiders, however, and the best advice you can give to young children generally is just to keep away and to let you know if they think they’ve been bitten. It is important to remember that South Africa’s “Big Five” spiders aren’t here to harm humans: they’re just ordinary spiders that eat insects, so spider bites on humans are extremely rare. Learning about their diet and their habitat can help your children to know where to look out for these spiders and stay safe. Spiders are beautiful and fascinating creatures. Teaching your child how to identify the different species can be a fun activity that will educate them about the amazing natural world that we live in – and it will reduce the chances of them developing a fear later in life.

May 20, 2021

The art of destressing: Ways to help your child unwind

Like adults, children struggle with stress. And, like adults, children respond differently to stress depending on their age, personalities, and coping skills. Signs of stress Signs of stress in children often show up as physical or behavioural changes. Physically, stress can manifest as: bedwetting, a change in appetite, sleep problems or nightmares, and complaints of stomach or headaches. Common behavioural signs of stress include moodiness, aggression, or clinginess. It could also result in the development of nervous habits, such as thumb-sucking or nail-biting. In addition, stress can cause children to have difficulty concentrating, withdraw from family and friends, and even hoard items. Causes of stress Common causes of stress in children include: significant changes in the family (divorce, moving, losing a loved one), academic pressure, being overscheduled, bullying, and catastrophic events on the news. Our ‘new normal’ – fear and uncertainty because of a global pandemic – is another major stressor for children of all ages. Also read: How to help a child struggling with (coronavirus) anxiety Ten quick ways to destress Finding ways to relieve stress is essential for children (and parents). Here are some quick and easy activities to try when your child appears stressed and overwhelmed: Blow bubbles: Blowing bubbles can help children gain control of their breathing, which will help calm them. A bonus is that running around popping bubbles is just as fun (and beneficial) as blowing them. Belt it out: Music has a profound effect on mood and listening to music has been proven to help children relax. In addition, the physical act of singing out loud, no matter how off-key, has been shown to release feel-good chemicals in the brain. So let your child belt out their favourite song! Pop bubble wrap: When you receive a package, cut the bubble wrap into smaller pieces and save it for when your child needs some stress relief – it’s difficult the resist popping row after row of bubble wrap. Hydrate: It may sound silly, but if your child seems overwhelmed, pour them a glass of cold water and have them sip it slowly. Dehydration has been linked to a reduction in mental performance, and sipping cold water will have a calming effect on the nervous system. Push against a wall: Let your child try to push the wall over for 10 seconds, three times. This trick allows the muscles to contract in an effort to ‘bring the wall down’, then relax, releasing feel-good hormones, which helps the body to get rid of stress. Jump rope: Put on some music and challenge your child to jump to the beat of the song. If your child is unable to jump rope, you can play hopscotch instead. Also read: Benefits of playing games with kids Make and shake a glitter jar: Glitter jars are easy to make – simply fill a plastic bottle or jar with coloured water and glitter. Letting your child shake the jar and watch it for a few minutes will give them a relaxing focal point, allowing their brain and body to ‘reset’. Play with clay: Squishing and pounding clay – either store-bought or homemade – can help ease tension, release excess energy, and improve focus. You can even add a few drops of calming aromatherapy oil. Bust some moves: Physical activityoffers excellent stress relief, and having a dance party can get your child active in a fun way. When your child is stressed, crank up the music and let them show you their moves. Bring out the colouring book: Colouring is a great mindfulness activity that reduces anxiety as it gives children something else to focus on. If your children are older, let them try journaling or creating a vision board. Writing things down can have a profound effect on their mood, especially if they can do so without the fear of someone else reading it. At the same time, the act of cutting words and pictures from magazines that links to their interests and dreams is not only relaxing but will also allow them to think about what they want from life. By Danielle Barfoot

May 14, 2021

5 Great reasons to shop & sell preloved children’s clothes

It’s a challenge to keep your children in style when they outgrow their trendy clothes so fast! With more people selling and shopping preloved clothing online, you can now keep your little ones in style, while spending less money; saving time; doing good for the planet and even making a bit of extra money! Being a mom of two children and passionate entrepreneur, Aune Aunapuu, CEO and Founder of Yaga.co.za – the fastest-growing online marketplace for buying and selling preloved items – decided to create the solution when she was unable to find a safe and hassle-free platform online to sell a preloved baby stroller. Aune shares her five reasons why shopping and selling preloved children’s clothes is a great idea. 1. Keep Your Kids in Style:Shopping preloved clothing online means you can explore a variety of items, a diverse range of styles and many different brands that are always in fashion. Through preloved platforms like Yaga, parents can buy classic, vintage and stylish branded children’s items including Zara, Cotton On, Keedo, Naartjie and Truworths. 2. Save Money: Buying new children’s clothes is expensive and they outgrow their new clothes so quickly! You can get a lot more for your money by opting for preloved clothes, which are available at bargain prices and often at a fraction of the retail prices. You can replace an entire wardrobe of outgrown clothes without overspending. 3. Save Time: Because children grow so fast, it’s back to the shops every so often for a new wardrobe. Shopping preloved items online, on the other hand, saves you so much time usually wasted visiting shop after shop with a stroller and toddler in tow. Shopping preloved clothes online affords you the opportunity to shop an entire new wardrobe of trendy and branded items without ever leaving the house. 4. Do Good for the Planet: Buying and selling preloved can reduce your impact on the planet because it keeps fashion items in circulation, instead of it ending up in dumps or landfill. As most clothing items are processed with chemicals, the fact that preloved items are already pre-washed multiple times means that they are also less harmful for little ones wearing them close to their sensitive skin. 5. Make money!: All parents welcome a bit of extra money, so why not turn a wardrobe of outgrown fashion items into an extra income! Declutter your children’s wardrobes, organise the clothes your children have outgrown by size and season, and then sell these preloved fashion items online. Selling preloved baby and maternity wear is also super popular! Check out some of these trendy mummy Yaga Shops that sell cool items for children: https://www.yaga.co.za/whatreignwore and https://www.yaga.co.za/makeitrayne For more information visit yaga.co.za.

May 12, 2021

Glenoaks School – Our remedial stream under the microscope

Glenoaks School in Kensington, Johannesburg, in its 52nd year of operation, runs a remedial stream up to Grade 7, an Assisted Learning Stream for special needs learners aged 6 – 14, and a Vocational Stream (Oak House Vocational Academy) for special needs learners between the ages of 13 and 18 . We strive to ensure an intimate learning environment, with no more than 12 students per class, and therapy programs tailored for individual students. What is Remedial Education? Remedial Education is designed to assist learners to achieve expected competencies in core academic skills. By closing the gaps between what a student knows and can do and what they are expected to know by a certain grade, we can help learners who have fallen behind academically. Every effort is made to remove barriers that could prevent learners from achieving future success. The Glenoaks Remedial Stream Glenoaks welcomes a wide variety of learners into our remedial stream. We do not close our doors to learners with an IQ below the average rating but assess every child to ensure that they will be a fit for our school, and that our school will be a fit for them. Remedial learners may face any number or variety of learning difficulties, including, but not limited to dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, ADD, ODD, autism and anxiety. Our aim within the remedial stream is to support a learner’s emotional well-being, supporting their learning difficulties, and providing a safe and nurturing environment in which they can flourish academically and socially. We are committed to providing a learning environment in which all children can meet and exceed their potential. We surround our learners with love, support, and encouragement. Glenoaks follows the CAPS curriculum up until Grade 7, with learners moving on from the school into mainstream, remedial or supportive high schools. This curriculum is offered as an Accommodated Curriculum, in which grade appropriate assessment standards and skills are being worked on within a small class setting and with therapeutic intervention. We also offer an Adapted Curriculum in which learners are offered additional individual assistance and support. The school offers therapy as part of our school fees, with sessions taking place within the school day. These include Occupational, Speech & Language, Remedial and Psycho-therapy. Therapeutic support is targeted to the needs of individual learners. Some students require support in group settings, such as our social therapy groups, whereas others may require targeted individual therapeutic input in a key academic or emotional area. Our Academic Support programme supports students as well as class teachers. Teachers and therapists are able to look at teaching methodologies, classroom environments, content of lessons, as well as different learning styles. In our Intermediate and Senior Phase, we offer in-house accommodations to learners as they may require. These academic concessions are put in place during formal assessments (cycle tests and exams). The accommodations include separate venues, a scribe, a reader, a prompt, spelling concessions, maths exemptions, rest breaks, and rephrasing of questions, amongst others. The school is guided on what accommodations are required for a learner by psycho-educational assessments, as well as other therapeutic assessments. By providing learners with these concessions, they are more able to show their true academic potential without being held back by specific learning disabilities. In our foundation phase, we offer a tailored reading programme to our younger learners, allowing them to develop their reading abilities. Our learners engage in individual reading, as well as guided reading which takes place in smaller groups. We use methods that help students to read, talk and think to ensure a deeper understanding. We are especially proud of our paired-reading programme which includes learners, teachers and parents, and has shown incredible success with so many of our students. Furthermore, our curriculum includes a perceptual component which aims at developing the visual and auditory, as well as both the fine and gross motor skills of every student. These perceptual and motor skills are the underlying skills required for academic success. Classroom facilitators form an integral part of our remedial classrooms. In certain instances, facilitators are placed in a classroom in order to provide support to learners and the classroom teacher. In some instances, individual students require their own facilitator to sit and work with them, and these can be contracted by the parents, or by the school. All Grade 6 and 7 learners may use their own technology device, such as a laptop, Tablet or iPad. They are taught and encouraged to make use of these devices to enhance their learning. Students with specific learning difficulties who find it challenging to put pen to paper, are able to use tools such as voice-to-text, which greatly aid and enhance their learning ability. How Does Remediation Happen? When a learner shows signs of an academic lag, individual remedial goals are established. Remedial therapy goals are derived from the learner’s latest assessments together with input from the class teacher. Remedial education often focuses on using a learner’s strengths and learning style to achieve the individual goals set. It aims to build self-confidence, opportunities for success, and to improve self-esteem and quality of class work. Therapy uses a multi-sensory approach, practical hands-on methods where possible, kinaesthetic, tactile, auditory and visual stimuli. During remedial therapy it is sometimes necessary to revert to the basics of a particular skill, to ensure understanding of the fundamentals. The aim is to build on and move from some concrete to more abstract concepts. An All-Inclusive Education Programme There is far more to a well-rounded remedial education programme than only academics learnt at a desk. In our Intermediate and Senior primary we run a programme known as Terrific Tuesdays, in which learners are exposed to and participate in a wide range of learning activities. These include the creative and dramatic arts, a variety of sports and ball skills, outreach programmes, as well as English extension activities. Glenoaks is proud of each student that walks through our doors. We are excited to discover the potential in our students, working

May 7, 2021

Let’s Talk Left-Handedness

Just because you’re left-handed doesn’t mean you have to be left behind! As a qualified Occupational Therapist and lefty myself, I can help you and your child be the best lefty they can be! That’s why I designed the Lefty Kit! It’s a total myth that being left-handed means that you will automatically struggle with writing and cutting tasks and that it’s a given that a lefty’s writing will look and be awkward. There is really little to no difference in skills whether you’re left-handed or right-handed. It’s just that lefties are the minority and live in a right-handed world and therefore need to learn to adapt to it. They also need to be taught the correct left-handed principles as early as possible. Think about it this way – if you are right-handed, but someone taught you the writing and cutting principles of a lefty, how awkward and difficult would these tasks be for you?! Try to cut with a pair of left-handed scissors if you are right-handed – it will feel uncomfortable and your cutting accuracy will not be as good. It’s the same concept with lefties. If taught writing and cutting principles correctly from the get-go, a left-handed child will look no different to a right-handed child when working in class (other than the fact that they are using their left hand!). The Lefty Kit is designed to assist left-handed children to develop functional cutting and writing skills. As a left-handed occupational therapist, I created The Lefty Kit to assist parents, teachers and therapists navigate little lefties through this right-handed world. The Lefty Kit breaks down common issues that left-handed children encounter, and removes all the anxiety and stress often associated with it. ‘The Guide to Left Handedness’ includes misconceptions about left-handedness and then breaks down writing and cutting principles in a way that is simple, easy to understand and fun for children! It shows how the pencil should be held and how the hand, arm and page should be positioned, meaning that you can easily guide your child to write in the best way. Each kit includes: The Guide to Left Handedness 13 Activities Writing Mat FREE Delivery Nationwide Included in the Lefty Kit are 13 activities that can be done to develop, practice and apply the important aspects of left-handedness in a fun way! One of the activities included in the Lefty Kit is Pompom Flicks. This game requires pompoms (included in the kit) as well as goals (e.g. tape, tins, toilet rolls, etc.). Your child needs to flick the pompoms and try to score a goal by using their thumb and index finger or thumb and middle finger. This flicking movement places the wrist in an extended position. Wrist extension is therefore strengthened during this activity and will assist your little lefty in positioning their hand correctly when writing and will prevent them from developing a hook grasp! Order your Lefty Kit here for only R485! Occupational therapists can assist left-handed children by guiding them, teaching them the principles of left-handedness and helping them practice the application of these principles. They can also assist parents by educating them so that parents can assist their child at home, but can also advocate for them in this right-handed world. What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational Therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well being through occupation. The primary goal of OT is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do. This outcome may also be achieved by modifying the occupation or environment to better support their occupational engagement. (https://wfot.org/about/about-occupational-therapy) How OT can help children A child’s life is also made up of occupations and daily activities. These include playing, learning, sleeping and resting, interacting with others, getting dressed, etc. OT’s can help and support children of all ages, from new-borns to teenagers. OT’s work with children and their families to help them succeed in activities of daily living by incorporating the occupations that are most important to them in the intervention process. The goal of OT is to help children become independent in all areas of life, for example, achieving age appropriate developmental milestones, interacting socially, play skills, gross motor and fine motor skills, sensory integration, coping at school, behaviour, etc. For more Lefty content, follow me on Instagram and Facebook @steadystridesot

May 4, 2021

Shaping your children’s attitude to money

Most parents will agree that teaching children about money is important, but what and how should you be teaching them and at what age? It’s an inherent part of parenting. Most children’s attitudes to money are shaped by their parents, whether you pro-actively pass on information or they just copy what you do. It’s also not something you can leave too late. A University of Cambridge Study, commissioned by the UK’s Money Advice Service, found that in that country children’s money habits are formed by the age of seven. Shafeeqah Isaacs, head of financial education at financial services provider, DirectAxis, canvassed some of her colleagues with children of different ages about some age-appropriate lessons to help children become financially responsible adults. Age 3 – 5: You can’t always get what you want, right now We live in an era of instant gratification, from takeaway foods to online shopping. While your three-year old isn’t likely to be ordering Uber Eats during naptime, teaching children early that some things are worth waiting for may prevent them racking up credit-card debt on trendy clothes or the latest tech later in life. Set attainable goals. For example, if your child wants a particular toy explain they’ll have to save for it. Have a savings jar or piggy bank into which you can put birthday money or small rewards for helping out, good behaviour or achievements. Try to set them up for success by making sure the goal is achievable and they don’t have to wait for months and lose sight of what they’re saving for. Each time your child adds money to the saving jar, help him or her count it and work out how much more is needed to reach the goal. Age 6 – 10: You’re responsible for the financial choices you make You can teach your children the basics of financial decision-making by explaining financial priorities. For example, you can tell them how when you get paid, you first need to pay bills such as the home loan or rent. Then you need to buy groceries. If you do this carefully and don’t spend money on things that are too expensive or which you don’t really need, you’ll have some left over. Some of this you can save and some might be used to do something fun together. Practical experience is the best way of driving these lessons home. When they earn pocket money for doing household chores, help them work out a budget. First, they’ll need to pay bills, such as contributing to a pet’s upkeep. Take them along when you buy the groceries. If they want something special get them to contribute to that as part of their grocery spend. Remind them not to spend all their money as they’ll need to save some. Hopefully, if they’ve not spent too much they’ll have a bit left over to treat themselves. “The point is to give children a practical understanding of how to manage money using examples that are familiar. The more you can do this the better, as they’re far more likely to grasp this than abstract explanations,” says Shafeeqah. Ages 11 – 13: The sooner you start saving the sooner you’ll reach your goals At this stage you can introduce the idea of saving for long-term goals. Perhaps set a goal for something more expensive that he or she really wants. Often at this stage children are reluctant to save because they want to buy things such as snacks at school or more airtime. By setting a bigger goal you can teach them that the opportunity cost – what they need to give up – will enable them to save more and reach their goal faster. You can also teach them about compound interest: how by saving over a longer period, they benefit from the compounding effect because they earn interest on the money they’ve saved as well as the accumulated interest. For more information about compound interest visit: https://www.directaxis.co.za/find-an-answer/what-is-compound-interest Of course, when saving larger amounts of money, it’s sensible and safer to replace the piggy bank or savings jar with a bank account. Some banks, such as FNB, offer no-fee transactional accounts for children. This will also teach them how to manage a bank account. Ages 14 – 18: Understand how to borrow sensibly As children grow up their earning potential increases. They may graduate from doing household chores to getting a casual job. Typically, their expenses also increase. They may want to buy a scooter or motorbike to get around or even save towards a car. At some point they’ll probably ask to borrow money. When they do, set a goal in terms of what they’ll need to earn before you’ll match them or lend them the remainder. Work out a reasonable period for the loan and a repayment schedule and charge them moderate interest. Explain there’ll be penalties if they miss payments and that you’ll also be less likely to lend them money in future. While they may not immediately appreciate it, you’re teaching them the benefits of paying what they owe and also how to build a good credit record. As they get older you can use a similar approach to teach them the difference between good and bad credit, such as loans to fund tertiary studies or start a business as opposed to borrowing money to fund an unaffordable lifestyle. As a parent, teaching children about money isn’t something you’ll ever stop doing. Perhaps the most important lesson of all is to remember that you are a role model. “If you’ve ever heard a child use a grown-up word or expression they didn’t learn in school, you know they suck up everything around them. The same applies to how they learn about money. Remember that and the influence you have not just in terms of what you teach them, but your own financial behaviour,” says Shafeeqah.

April 30, 2021

You’ve got a friend in me

Friendship is essential at almost every age, and making friends is an important developmental goal for children. In fact, making friends creates important contexts in which children can learn and practice social, communicative, and emotional development skills. The 5 Cs of friendship for children Compassion: Children who have close friends learn to have compassion and empathy for others because they build a meaningful friendship beyond surface-level social skills. Empathy and compassion are the roots of kindness, and children who learn the importance of these skills tend to be friendly and kind to others. Confidence: Friendships help children build self-esteem and can even provide a barrier against bullying. Healthy friendships can also empower children as it turns peer pressure into a positive force. Conflict resolution: When conflicts inevitably arise, it can be difficult for children. But getting their feelings hurt and making mistakes is all part of the learning process. Not only is it normal for children to argue at times, but it is also a valuable learning opportunity as it teaches them to listen to and respect other points of view. Courage: When children have a friend to confide in as they ride the rollercoaster of childhood, they are better able to cope with and bounce back from challenges and setbacks. In addition, they learn to face problems and work through issues together. Connection:Growing up, children deal with several stresses and worries. They may struggle to verbalise their feelings and, as such, may choose to keep their emotions to themselves. Having close friends afford children the opportunity to work through their worries and stress with someone who can relate. Developing a deep connection with another child in this way can be very powerful for children. Let them be themselves Although friendship is an integral part of life, not all children need or want many friends. While some children are outgoing and love to have a lot of friends, others are more suited to having one close friend or a small social circle. It is important to let your child be who they are and celebrate their unique personality and specific needs. If your child struggles socially or has trouble making and keeping friends, there is no need to worry. It may simply be that they have not had enough opportunities to make friends. Getting children involved in activities with children their age who have similar interests can be a great way to find friends for your child. However, when taking this approach, be sensitive to your child’s energy level and personality. Also read: Can homeschoolers take part in extracurricular activities? Gifted children often have problems making friends with children their own age and may prefer to be around adults. Of course, a medical condition such as anxiety, ADHD, autism, or selective mutism could also affect your child’s social relationships. Finally, if your child suffers from stress, depression, a learning disability, or even bullying, this too could influence their ability to establish friendships. Teen friendships As children become teenagers, friendships become increasingly important. During their teenage years, children are figuring out who they are beyond the family. It is crucial for them to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance from their peers. As with younger children, shared interests, attitudes, social struggles and being in circumstances that may resemble their own are some of the foundations for teen friendships. In adolescence, having close connections can help teens learn about trust, respect, acceptance, and intimacy, all of which are important concepts to understand as they enter adulthood. Also read: What to do when your teen wants to start dating Of course, close friendships also offer a host of other benefits for teens, including: Improved self-esteem. Lower rates of anxiety and depression. Stronger emotional regulation skills. A happier, more optimistic outlook. Greater empathy towards others. Feelings of trust. Better cognitive function. Remember that friendships – at any age – are full of ups and downs. So, if your child or teen is going through a slump, try not to be too worried. Making friends and being a good friend are skills that can be learned, so focus on helping them build and practise their friendship skills. By Danielle Barfoot

April 30, 2021

Are our children spreading the Coronavirus?

While there are widespread reports that children experience milder symptoms and suffer fewer complications from the coronavirus than adults, paediatricians are warning that the issue is much bigger than previously thought. “It seems that the number of children infected with the virus in South Africa is higher than what we believe it is. While it is true that children do not seem to be as adversely affected as adults by the virus, we are seeing a large number of children who are asymptomatic, and this is worrying because they could be spreading the virus,” cautions Dr Iqbal Karbanee, paediatrician and CEO of Paed-IQ BabyLine,a trusted telephonic medical advice service for the first 1000 days of a child’s life, starting from conception to birth and beyond. Data suggests that children under the age of 18 years represent about 8.5% of reported cases, with relatively few deaths compared to other age groups. News reports are now suggesting that children may also be more susceptible to the new strains of the virus, without serious consequences. However, there is very limited data available on the number of children who are asymptomatic. “This is why it is important for children to practice social distancing and hand-washing, even if they do not appear ill, as they can pass the disease on to family members, or others,” says Karbanee. People aged 60 and older or with existing health conditions remain the most vulnerable to the coronavirus. That includes people with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory conditions. Dr Karbanee says that there have also been few pregnant women who have had complications as a result of the virus, and those who have had the virus have gone to have babies who have been fine. But should pregnant women consider getting the vaccine? “If you are a high risk patient and pregnant, I urge you to consider taking the vaccine, provided that you have discussed it with your doctor,” says Dr Karbanee, adding that high risk includes being overweight, being diabetic or having a lung disease. He says that, given the risk of complications from COVID-19 should a mom-to-be a high risk patient, the vaccine offers a relatively safe guard against the Coronavirus. “The vaccine is not a live virus-based vaccine, unlike the Polio vaccine for example. This vaccine is made from a protein extract from the virus, which, when you get exposure to it, lowers your risk of getting extreme symptoms. There have been very few side effects recorded by those who have taken the vaccine.” Karbanee says that each case should be seen on its individual merits and if pregnant women are concerned, they should discuss their worries and the possibility of getting the vaccine, with their doctor and medical team.

April 22, 2021

How to start the 2021 school year with confidence

The new academic year has begun and, after a year like 2020, it’s no wonder stress levels are already high and confidence in the 2021 school year launching without a hitch is low. As learners, you’ll need to stay flexible in your outlook. “It is more important than ever to start your school year on a confident note and, although confidence does not come easy to everyone, these tips from our team at The Answer Series (TAS) should help learners to start the school year feeling more confident, in control and ready to take on any unexpected outcomes,” says George Eadie, CEO of TAS. Let’s dive straight into 7 ways to start the 2021 academic year with confidence. 1. Feel positive, think positive, act positive, be positive Set an intention for 2021 to be the year you adopt a positive mindset – or at least work on being mindful about any negative thoughts that, if left unmonitored, can start shaping how you feel and even who you think you are. 2. Be prepared for 2021 You cannot control how the academic year will take shape, but you can control how you behave, react and take responsibility for your learning. Have regular contact with your teachers and classmates about academic material and use study guides that are proven and trusted like The Answer Series. These sorts of comprehensive study guides will take the pressure off whilst you move between physical learning in the classroom and remote learning at home. 3. There’s nothing like a good friend Lean on your good friends for support and schedule time to check in with them too. Be a good friend by being real, honest, kind, and dependable, and don’t be shy to ask your friends for help if you feel anxious. Watch out for the warning signs of early depression and anxiety in your friends too, and act with care and compassion if you notice that they are struggling. 4. Forget about mistakes made in the past Everyone makes mistakes in life – it’s only human. Remember that you will not be able to please everyone. Of course, set high expectations for yourself and always do your best, but remember that half the road to success is failing and learning to bounce back from adversity. Learn from your mistakes and move on. 5. Don’t sweat the small stuff Ask yourself if what you are stressing over will matter tomorrow, next week or a month from now. If the answer is ‘no’ or even ‘maybe’, leave it behind you. If the answer is ‘yes’, set short-term and long-term milestones that are attainable and realistic to achieve within the time period you have set out for yourself. And remember, if you’re worried about your studies, additional textbooks, online resources and study guides from TAS are a great way to stay on top of your work, whether at home or in the classroom. 6. Face your fears It is natural that the uncertainty of the year ahead might instil fear in you. Remember that to be afraid of something is a state of mind. Every time you confront a fear you change that state of mind and, in the process, you gain courage and confidence. Control what you can. Ask your teachers for a breakdown of the term’s work and create a weekly study timetable as if you were studying for exams but adjust it to homework and day to day learning. 7. Dress for success Jenny Campbell, a mathematics author at TAS, suggests that teachers focus on looking after themselves, so they can continue to support their learners. Campbell said: “To function optimally at school and after school you need to ensure that you look after yourself by eating well, sleeping well, getting some form of exercise, switching your mind off school for a part of the day, and having me-time.” Learners can do the same. If you feel healthy and well kept, you will feel more confident and will in turn attract the same energy. Eat healthily, create an exercise routine – and make sure you stick to it – and put effort into how you look when you get ready for school. Remind yourself often: The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence.

April 19, 2021

Benefits of playing games with kids

Children of all ages learn through engaging with many different forms of media, including games. Games include board games, video games, and even online games, despite what you may have heard! Playing games help children develop many core skills like mathematical or language skills, social skills and healthy interaction, and logic and problem-solving skills. We all know playing is fundamental for young children’s development, but this is true for pre-teens and adolescents, too! Of course, the type of games children play at different ages will differ depending on their cognitive ability and interests. Still, play and games remain fundamental for a child’s development regardless of their age. Infants: 0 – 18 months Babies respond to visual and audio stimuli, including bright colours, movement, and sounds. Consequently, they respond best to singing and other music, holding and playing with bright toys, and looking at colourful pictures. Games recommended for this age group include: ‘peek-a-boo’ (visual stimulation), and singing rhymes and songs (auditory stimulation). Imitate the noises your baby makes to engage in a ‘conversation’ and let them crawl to discover their world. Of course, at this age, the parent or caretaker is doing most of the playing! Toddlers: 18 months – 3 years Children of these ages can usually talk and move by themselves to some degree, meaning the complexity of games caregivers can play with them increases a bit. Toddlers love exploring their physical environment, so touch becomes a big factor in how they learn. They also begin using their imagination and combine their cognitive skills with their knowledge of the external world to create a world of their own. Caregivers can encourage children’s use of their imagination by pretending to drink out of an empty cup or offering toys that enable pretend play. Read to them and develop games based on stories. At this age, recommended games include: building blocks and stacking toys, easy puzzles, and basic art and crafts activities like finger painting. Pre-schoolers: 3 – 6 years By now, children are starting to socialise with each other a lot more, so they need to start developing their social skills. Many children of this age play fantasy games with one another, like ‘cops and robbers’. This kind of ‘pretend play’ is highly recommended for this age group as it allows them to develop: muscle coordination, fine motor skills, language skills, and cooperation skills. Story time remains important – read your child a story and ask them questions about the plot and characters. Because they can now read and write to a certain degree, even simple card games like ‘snap’ are recommended. Other recommended games include incorporating objects like balls in games such as ‘catch’. Read more: Raising Readers: Tips for Parents Middle childhood: 6 – 12 years At this age, children are increasingly verbal and literate and can communicate with one another and adults. They interact with each other to a much greater degree, and their interests become more pronounced. By this stage, many children have started playing online and video games. While these certainly have their benefits, children must continue to play with one another outside of more formal activities like sports and cultural pursuits. It is recommended that caregivers continue to facilitate play among children indoors and outdoors, like playing ‘dress-up’ and hide-and-seek. It is also recommended that children now begin playing more mentally challenging games such as: more advanced puzzles, chess and other board games, and slightly more difficult card games like ‘go fish’. Arts and crafts continue to be encouraged. Read more: Video games: good, bad, or both? Teenagers: 12 – 18 years We all know teen years are difficult ones. Teenagers face many obstacles like changing bodies and moods and discovering who they are as independent and autonomous beings. Many teens can become reclusive or even self-isolate due to bullying, so it’s important to encourage them – very gently – to continue socialising with other teens who are kind and caring. Recommended games for teens now veer from traditional games to: sports, cultural activities, and social events like music concerts and parties. Teens are also encouraged to join clubs that align with their interests, like debate or ‘glee’ club, or outdoor adventures like hikes or rock-climbing if that is more to their taste. Remember, every child is different – nurture their passions through the activities in which they engage. By Jacqui Smit Sources: ACTP Southern Africa manual; healthychildren.org

April 16, 2021

The puzzle that is Autism

Autism, is currently referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) although people with ASD themselves consider Autism a neurodiversity rather than a disorder. Almost 2% of the world’s population is diagnosed as being on the Autistic spectrum. “Spectrum” because some people appear to be mildly affected and others profoundly so. Since each person is an individual and presents differently, the diagnostic process involves a number of professional assessments to identify strengths and areas of difficulty. Neurodiversity is not anyone’s fault and the causes of Autism are continuously being researched. There is no link whatsoever with vaccine treatments and the diagnosis of ASD. There does appear to be a genetic link, but the genes are not necessarily passed down from parents, since some genetic differences occur spontaneously. Autism can be understood from a medical perspective, as a condition with symptoms that can be improved but not cured, or from a more relevant social perspective, as an alternate way in which the world is experienced. It is not a sign that a person is ‘stupid’, defiant, sick, selfish, crazy, flawed or weird. All people are unique and that is why there are a number of professionals involved in the diagnosis. Paediatricians are perfectly positioned to follow a child’s developmental progress and although Autism isn’t fixed and changes over time, they may be the first professionals who detect neurodiversity in a child. Often paediatricians will refer their patients to other professionals if they detect a difference or delay in the child’s development. Parents can be overwhelmed by the process and feel isolated, but it’s important to remember that this team of professionals is there to support the entire family. Parents may also benefit from speaking to other parents in similar situations. A psychiatrist may assist with high levels of anxiety, attention difficulties, poor sleeping patterns, worries and extreme emotional fluctuations commonly experienced in Autism. There is no medical cure for Autism however prescribed medication is often helpful in reducing these difficulties. A psychiatrist will often refer their patients with Autism to a psychologist, to facilitate an understanding of Autism with the whole family and assist them to address difficulties with acceptance, emotional responses, behaviour and self-expression. People with Autism DO feel emotion and empathy but may battle to communicate those feelings. Psychologists are often also responsible for administering educational testing, to determine existing academic levels and potentials, for correct school placement. Success at school is largely dependent on the learner’s innate cognitive ability boosted by a support team and up-skilled educators. People with Autism often experience the sensory information in their environments differently to the way in which neurotypical people do. This has an impact on the way they behave in different environments and situations, as well as on their emotional resilience and well-being. This is why extremely picky eating; a strong need for predictability and structure; and specific skill sets and interests are often associated with Autism. Occupational therapists are a vital element in the team supporting children with Autism in this regard. The way in which sensory information is processed can fluctuate throughout the day, as well as from one situation to the next. Common responses for children with Autism include either “shutting down” and withdrawing from or avoiding engagement, or “melting down” and having temper tantrums or emotional outbursts and parents and teachers should understand and support this necessary ‘escape’. Neither of these is misbehaviour, but rather an instinctive response to the environment and the way in which sensory stimuli are being perceived. e.g. in a noisy chaotic place, noise reducing earphones may minimise the overload The use of Ayres Sensory Integration® in occupational therapy sessions goes a long way to helping children and adults with their ability to process the sensory information in their environments, thereby facilitating optimal function in daily activities whether they be daily hygiene activities, learning/work activities and/or social activities. A visual schedule at home and school is helpful for the child to anticipate what is coming during the day since people with Autism like predictability and structure and are thrown by unexpected changes in their routine. Occupational therapists can also provide support with motor and visual-perceptual development should this be required. Communication is another significant aspect to consider in the diagnosis of Autism. A speech therapist will support the development of communication skills for developing and maintaining relationships. Often more subtle aspects of communication are missed by a communication partner with Autism e.g sarcasm, facial expression, body language and tone of voice, leaving the person with ASD confused and excluded. While they may be able to define sarcasm for example, they may not realise when it is being used. Parents and teachers may need to point out social cues that have been missed. Fluctuating auditory perception and difficulty starting, maintaining and following a conversation can lead to communication breakdown. This is not necessarily related to the child’s understanding of the topic of conversation so rewording may be necessary. Learners with Autism favour facts and brevity over figurative and inferential information, impacting on academic comprehension and output, and social interaction. People with Autism are not deliberately rude but are to the point, often without an awareness of how their communication is perceived so it may be beneficial to discuss the effect of their own communication on others. Social norms are not always innate in neurodivergent children and adults. They may incessantly discuss a subject of their own interest and pay no attention to their conversation partner’s interest or disinterest in what is being said. Reciprocity in conversation may also be limited, leaving the listener with a sense of frustration and annoyance, shutting down opportunities for socialisation and relationship building. A speech therapist would encourage awareness and understanding of communication behaviours to minimise linguistic, social and emotional misunderstandings. Academic support teachers are the touchstone between learners with Autism, their specialist team and the school setting. They facilitate recommendations from the team to the school and vice versa to maximise the learning potential and happiness of the

April 7, 2021

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