Child - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

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 [email protected].

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

Impaq can help you make the switch to full-time homeschooling

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all aspects of human life. It has made people across the globe think differently about how we work, how we play, and most importantly, how we learn. The virus prompted one of the most significant shifts in education since the 1st Industrial Revolution, and many parents are now embracing homeschooling as a viable alternative to mainstream schooling. Rethinking education The pandemic presented a unique opportunity to reimagine what we teach, how we teach, and where we teach. Impaq, South Africa’s largest home education curriculum provider, shares the what, how, and where of homeschooling below: What we teach – Impaq follows the same CAPS-aligned curriculum that almost every school in the country follows. This means that your child can easily shift back into a traditional schooling environment if you so choose in the future. How we teach –Impaq’s lesson materialhas been designed specifically to enable individualised learning. The lesson material is based on a distance-learning model, making it easy for children to study at their own pace. Where we teach – Impaq allows children to continue their schooling at home in a clean, safe and nurturing learning environment. Children can study anytime, anywhere. Homeschooling with Impaq Homeschooling is easy and accessible to all parents, thanks to the guidance, support, content, and online learning advances from Impaq. Impaq provides everything you need to complete Grades R to 12 at home. Over the last 19 years, almost 164 000 learners have placed their trust in Impaq, with over 24 800 learners choosing Impaq as their learning partner in 2020. Why home education might be the best choice for your child Before embarking on a homeschooling journey, it is important to consider whether home education is the best option for your child. Below are only some of the reasons why home education might be a good fit for your family. Homeschooling is based on a distance-learning model Impaq is not only the biggest provider of homeschooling solutions in the country, but it is also an established leader when it comes to online and distance education for Grades R to 12. Our comprehensive approach provides parents and learners with the option to buy printed or electronic books for all their learning needs. Our online learning platform further helps learners prepare for examinations with live online lessons hosted by our team of qualified teachers, as well as video content and quizzes in selected subjects. Impaq parents receive access to detailed facilitator guides that inform them about how to teach a subject. These guides feature step-by-step instructions, lesson planning, assessment materials, as well as videos and online resources. In addition, our easy-to-use online portal is there to help parents take care of administrative tasks such as capturing marks, generating reports, and monitoring their child’s progress. We also form part of the Optimi Group, which provides several other leading online education solutions such as Cami Maths, one of the country’s best-known learning software tools. Impaq provides additional support Impaq learners have access to our team of experienced education specialists who can provide additional subject support. So, if you are worried about educating your child in a subject you struggled with at school, don’t be. Our specialists are just an email away and will gladly answer any academic queries you may have. Parents may also be interested to know that Impaq is affiliated with Optimi Campus, a first-of-its-kind distance education facility. Optimi Campus provides in-person support for Grade 10 to 12 learners. Currently, there are Optimi Campus facilities in Lynnwood, Tshwane and Auckland Park, Johannesburg. Homeschooling offers a pathway to matric Learners who use Impaq’s lesson material fall under the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), an assessment body overseen by Umalusi. Learners, therefore, receive a National Senior Certificate (matric certificate), issued by Umalusi, same as that of public and independent IEB schools, upon successfully completing their final Grade 12 examinations. The NSC provides them with an opportunity to further their studies on a tertiary level. Impaq offers choice Homeschooled learners have access to more subjects than those that are typically offered in mainstream schools. Impaq provides more than 26 subjects in the FET Phase, including: Hospitality Studies, Dramatic Arts, Agricultural Management Practices, Agricultural Sciences, Visual Arts, Computer Applications Technology, and Information Technology. Impaq also offers Robotics and Coding for learners who wish to explore this field of study at their own leisure. It’s clear that there are established options available to help you keep your child’s education on track during these challenging times. Homeschooling is an exciting alternative that can make all the difference in getting your child to the next level. By Louise Schoonwinkel, MD of Optimi Home, a company that operates Impaq, South Africa’s largest home education curriculum provider.

April 6, 2021

How to support a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: tips and strategies

After receiving an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, it can be overwhelming for the parents or caregivers of an autistic child to cope with the various challenges ASD may present. However, with the appropriate support structures and strategies in place, caring for an autistic child can become more manageable. Also read: Autism 101 – what is it and what should you look for? Support strategies for managing ASD Many autistic people are likely to experience communication difficulties, especially difficulties with social communication and understanding other people. Autistic children are also easily frustrated and made upset by unexpected events. Often, these feelings of frustration lead to intense meltdowns, and parents can help alleviate such feelings and prevent breakdowns by having support strategies in place. Prepare for future events Autistic children may become easily overwhelmed by minor changes in routine. Parents and children can benefit from preparation for the day’s or week’s events. Parents also need to ensure that structure and routine are upheld in the household so that the child knows exactly what to expect. Make use of visual aids Visual aids can assist autistic children in improving their skills in processing information, understanding and using language, and becoming more interactive within their environments. Visual aids can be used to communicate with autistic children to inform them of what is happening at present, what will happen during the day, and what will happen during the coming days. Examples of how to use visual aids include: Showing the child a picture of relatives who may visit Showing them photos of the dentist or doctor before a visit Creating a picture chart with the steps to follow when using the bathroom or getting dressed in the morning Not only are visual aids helpful for communicating information to autistic children, but they also help ensure that autistic children are well-informed of daily events. When children are informed, the likelihood of intense meltdowns is significantly reduced. Avoid sensory overload Sensory overload is commonly found in autistic children and is a contributing factor to meltdowns. Sensory overload means that autistic children may sometimes experience certain sounds, textures, tastes, lights, and sensations as painful and intolerable, which may lead to a meltdown. Parents can try to prevent a sensory overload by identifying their child’s specific trigger(s) and reducing the number of triggering stimuli in the environment. It may be helpful to reduce loud noise and avoid bright lights. Ease children into public spaces Trying to reduce noise and avoid bright lights is often impossible in public spaces like shopping malls or grocery stores. That is why it is essential to ease a child into visiting public spaces by starting with preparation using visual aids and very short visits. Once a child can manage a short trip, gradually increase the time of the visit. The same strategy can be used when visiting friends, family, or relatives. Autistic children may develop an attachment to a particular item, for example, a toy or a blanket. It may help to bring this item along when going into public spaces because it gives the child a sense of familiarity and comfort, which may help keep the child calm for the duration of the trip. Plan ahead when eating at restaurants Visiting a restaurant can be challenging for an autistic child. To make the outing manageable for a child, it may be helpful to do the following: Make a reservation at the restaurant ahead of time Visit restaurants during their quieter hours Request seating in a booth away from the play areas or bathrooms to reduce sensory stimulation Pre-order meals Request the bill before dessert to prevent the child from getting frustrated with waiting Additionally, parents should request permission to bring the child’s favourite food along, as some autistic children have very specific dietary preferences. Try rewards charts Some autistic children exhibit defiant behaviour, and, therefore, it is crucial to utilise strategies to encourage compliance. One strategy that can be used at home and at school to achieve cooperation is a rewards chart. Also read: How to reward your kids the right way Since many autistic children often have very particular interests, it is vital to ensure that the rewards chart is meaningful and appealing. For example, if a child has an intense obsession with a particular superhero, the rewards chart should incorporate that infatuation to gain a child’s interest and, consequently, compliance. When trying to encourage compliance from autistic children, parents are advised to provide as much praise as necessary and to reduce such praise gradually as children exhibit increased cooperation. Take care of yourself Lastly, parents are very often the primary caregivers of autistic children. To be able to give to others, your cup cannot be empty. It is, therefore, crucial that parents attend to their needs and mental wellbeing such that they are well-equipped to face the challenges that accompany caring for an autistic child. Parents should make time for self-care and join support groups to draw social support to prevent feelings of isolation they sometimes experience. Although the challenges are present, they do not make parenting any less rewarding. By implementing tips and tricks in your daily life, caring for an autistic child may become more manageable. by Dr Jeanné Roux – educational psychologist

April 1, 2021

A Guide To Teaching Kids About Healthy Nail Care

Having strong, neatly-groomed nails is a sign of good health and hygiene, and health experts recommend that parents should help their children care for their nails until they’re about nine or 10 years old. After that, kids can be taught to trim and keep their nails in good condition, and develop healthy hand and nail-care habits that will benefit them as they grow. If your child feels comfortable trimming or filing their nails on their own, here’s what you can do to teach them about proper nail care at home. Have the right tools on hand To encourage your child to care for their nails, you’ll have to assemble a nail care kit that they can use whenever they need it. You’ll need some child-friendly nail clippers or manicure scissors, an emery board, and a small bottle of hand lotion or baby lotion to start with. If your child wants to try painting their nails, include a few bottles of nontoxic nail polish, such as vegan or cruelty-free polish. To prevent nails from splitting due to constant use of nail lacquer and polish remover, add a bottle of nail strengthener, which is a good alternative for polish, as it delivers shine and a hint of colour while protecting your child’s nails from damage. Trim nails the right way The best time to cut nails is right after a bath, since they become much softer, making trimming so much easier for your little one. Teach them to trim their fingernails straight across, then round them at the edges to prevent them from snagging onto clothing. Meanwhile, toenails should be cut short and straight across to reduce the risks of having ingrown nails. To get rid of rough or sharp edges, nails should be filed in the same direction with an emery board. Ideally, children should cut their nails at least every two weeks to keep them at a healthy length, but they can also file them every week to keep their nails in good shape. Encourage them to moisturise after washing Constant hand washing can cause nails to split or break easily, as soap and water can dry your child’s nails. Encourage them to apply lotion on their hands and rub a bit into their cuticles and nails to keep their fingernails strong and flexible. Place a bottle of hand lotion on the sink so that your child will be reminded to use it after washing their hands. Use nail polish sparingly It’s okay for kids to use nail polish, and it’s a fun way to express themselves, but remind them to use it sparingly as it can stain or damage their nails. After they take off their polish with a non-acetone remover, encourage them to stay polish-free for at least a week before trying out a new colour. You can also let them apply nail stickers that are specially made for children if you’d rather let them wait a few years before trying nail polish. Encourage good hygiene habits by teaching your child how to care for their nails the right way. In case of nail problems or signs of infection, consult a dermatologist for proper care and treatment.

March 31, 2021

Autism 101 – what is it and what should you look for?

What is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of developmental disorders that impair a person’s ability to communicate and interact with other people. As the name suggests, ASD refers to a broad range of conditions characterised by a person’s challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech, and nonverbal communication. Despite ASD consisting of a range of conditions, there are no subtypes since ASD may present very differently from person to person, along with differences in presentation among genders. How does autism present? Every person will have a different set of strengths and challenges but still fall under ASD. People diagnosed with ASD may present with more mild symptoms, while others may present with more severe symptoms – such individuals require significant support to function in their daily lives. As aforementioned, the presentation of ASD may differ between people in both severity and characteristics. People with ASD may also differ in their level of intelligence, as some have average or above-average intelligence while others may have a learning disability and require assistance with daily functioning. Common characteristics of ASD Characteristics that have been noted with some typicality include: Challenges with communication and interaction with others; Difficulties in reading social cues (i.e. how others may think or feel); Challenges in expressing their thoughts and feelings; Sensory sensitivity (e.g. bright lights, loud noises, etc.) which causes these individuals to become overwhelmed, stressed, or uncomfortable; Repetitive behaviours; Becoming anxious, upset, or angered by unfamiliar situations or changes in routine; Taking additional time to process information. Verbal ASD challenges It is common for roughly 40% of ASD individuals not to speak at all, while between 25 – 30% of others will develop language skills. Some language and speech challenges may include: Delayed speech development; Using a flat, robotic voice or speaking in a sing-song manner; Echolalia; Difficulties with pronouns, i.e. using I/me/he/she/they incorrectly; Rarely using physical gestures; An inability to stay on topic. Behavioural ASD challenges Autistic people may also display or engage in behaviours such as: Repetitive behaviours; Specific rituals; Fixation on certain activities, objects, or topics; Constant pacing back and forth; Fussy eating habits (many ASD individuals have textural issues); Not participating in pretend play; Impulsiveness; Aggression; An inability to pay attention or a short attention span; Clumsiness. What causes ASD? Several factors may influence the development of ASD, but there is no known singular cause. There have been rumoured causes of ASD such as diet, infections, or vaccines; however, each of these has not been conclusively proven to cause ASD. Typical comorbidities include medical challenges such as gastrointestinal disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties. How to identify autism Signs of ASD typically appear by the age of two to three years. Some children present with developmental delays as early as 18 months. In other rarer cases, ASD may be picked up by caregivers and teachers only later in the person’s life. Typically, when making a diagnosis of ASD, it will either have been identified by a doctor during early check-ups or when a parent becomes concerned and consults a multidisciplinary team of teachers, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and doctors. Also read: Might my child have ADHD? Signs of ASD Signs of ASD to which a parent/teacher may want to pay special attention include: Preference for solitary time; Avoidance of eye contact; No response to their given name by their first birthday; Lack of response to the emotions of others or appearing not to understand the emotions of others; An unwillingness to be comforted when upset; Avoidance or rejection of physical contact; Meeting of some developmental milestones but later losing them; Appearing to have a lack of facial expressions (i.e. smiling); Challenges with abstract thinking; Fixation on or a very clear preference for certain subjects; Challenges in making friends or maintaining friendships. Also read: Parental self-care If your child is experiencing one or a combination of these signs or symptoms, they may need professional help. Consult a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine the correct treatment and course of action for your child. by Dr Jeanné Roux – educational psychologist

March 26, 2021

UNO® Celebrates 50 Years of Bringing People Together

This month Mattel marks the celebration of the 50th anniversary of UNO, the number one game in the world* that fosters inclusive play and leans into culture. Conceived in 1971 in a barbershop in Cincinnati, Ohio, the iconic card game was created as a way for families to spend time together, and quickly became a household staple. Five decades later, UNO, now available in over 80 countries and with 17 decks sold every minute, UNO, has grown into a global sensation that offers fans of all ages a variety of innovative card-based and digital games. “For 50 years, UNO has brought people together by transcending language, culture and age through gameplay. As the number one game in the world, we’ve maintained its origins of a beloved family pastime, while evolving into a cultural phenomenon,” said Ray Adler, Global Head of Mattel Games. “Combining the brand’s roots of inclusivity and simplicity, the passionate global fan base, and unprecedented momentum, UNO’s 50th anniversary is a yearlong celebration of the brand’s past, present and future.” The brand is celebrating 50 years of bringing people around the world together through: NEW AND EXCITING WAYS TO PLAY This year UNO is sharing different ways to plays, allowing you to put a different spin on hours of gameplay, with products available for purchase now. Discover 13 Creative New Ways to Play UNO®!: The new ways to play debuted on the UNO® Instagram page with UNO® Bingo, which challenges players to carry out a number of moves during their game in order to call Bingo! Everyone can play with their family and join the social conversation using the #KeepPlaying hashtag.

March 25, 2021

This Easter…. Discover 13 Creative New Ways to Play UNO®!

13 creative new ways to #KeepPlaying and have UNO® fun with family and housemates while staying home! Methods of play include UNO® Big Hands and UNO® Bingo, helping to make games last longer UNO® new ideas come as Mattel launches Mattel Playroom a helpful resource to keep all families entertained during these times Mattel today announces 13 creative new ways to play UNO®, making games more fun and extending the game play! This Easter, Mattel encourages friends and family to #KeepPlaying and stay home, offering players all new different challenge alongside the nostalgia of the classic UNO® brand game – the worlds #1 card game. The new ways to play debuted on the UNO® Instagram page with UNO® Bingo, which challenges players to carry out a number of moves during their game in order to call Bingo! Everyone can play with their family and join the social conversation using the #KeepPlaying hashtag. Featuring UNO® Bingo, UNO® Slaps and UNO® Big Hands as some of the methods of play, families and friends of all ages can enjoy challenging new ways to play. UNO® SECRET UNO® has a secret! At the beginning of the game, everyone is dealt a card face down. They can look at it, but it has to stay face-down the whole game, and then becomes the last card you are allowed to play to win the round. Game play continues as usual until one player gets rid of ALL the cards in their hand. They then yell “UNO” to indicate they are down to one card (the “Secret” card). On their next turn, they have to be able to play their Secret card to win the round. If their Secret card doesn’t match the discard pile (or isn’t a Wild card), they have to draw a card from the Draw pile and keep playing. If they can play their Secret card, they WIN! UNO® SLAPS Get ready for some hand-slappin’ fun! With this rule, you play UNO® like normal, except whenever someone plays the EXACT same card as the top of the discard pile (for example a Red 2 on Red 2), everyone races to slap the Discard pile. Once you slap it, keep your hand there and the last player to get their hand on the pile has to draw 2 cards! UNO® TINY HANDS No, you don’t need small appendages at the end of your arms for this rule, everybody just starts with three cards in their hand (instead of the usual seven). The action will come fast and furious, so be ready to yell “UNO” when you’re down to one card! UNO® BIG HANDS When it comes to UNO, big hands mean big fun. Players start with 12 cards each and the rest of the game plays like regular UNO. Games may last longer but that’s where the big fun comes in! UNO® GOLF The object in real Golf is to get the LOWEST score, and it’s the same in UNO® Golf. After each round, whoever doesn’t win has cards left in their hand. Count those cards and keep them in a running tally on a separate sheet of paper. For example, Brian wins a round and Sally has three cards in left her hand so you mark three cards for Sally. Do the same for all other players (except Brian, who won the round) and then start another round. Keep playing, and when any player’s tally reaches 50 cards, look at everyone’s tally and whoever has the FEWEST amount of cards WINS! UNO® BINGO UNO® has a new way to play and Bingo is its name-o! Simply print out the UNO® Bingo sheets from https://www.mattelgames.com/en-us/cards/uno and distribute one to each player. As you play, if you can pull off an achievement such as “Play a Zero” or “Reverse a Reverse” and it matches a square on your sheet, mark it off! If you’re the first player to get 5 in a line or all 4 corners, you WIN! UNO® STACK Get ready to pass the pain! If someone plays a Draw 2 card on you, normally you would have to draw the two cards and that would be your turn. But if you have a Draw 2 card in your hand, you can “stack” it on top of the one played on you and pass it to the next player. They now have to draw four cards because of the “stack.” If they have a Draw 2 card, they can “stack” it, too – and the next player now has to draw six cards! The stacking can continue until one player has no Draw 2 card to play and they have to draw the accumulated cards. Oh, and you can “stack” Draw 4 cards as well – OUCH! UNO® REVERSE BOUNCE-BACK Right back atcha! When someone play a Draw 2 card on you, if you have a Reverse card of the SAME COLOUR, you can play it and the penalty bounces back onto them! Now they have to draw the penalty cards! UNO® SKIP BOUNCE Skipping never felt so good. If someone plays a Draw 2 on you and you have a Skip card of the SAME COLOUR in your hand, you can play it and “bounce” the penalty to the next player! The next player must draw the two cards, unless they have a Skip card (of any colour) they can play, in which case they pass the penalty to the next player and so on until no one has a Skip card and must draw two cards. UNO® WILD +1 Just like the name says, when you play a Wild card and choose a colour, you may play a card of that colour card on top of it! Normally you would have to wait until your next turn, but you can play this card IMMEDIATELY! UNO® KEEP DRAWING Normally when you don’t have a card in your hand to play, you take one card from the Draw Pile

March 25, 2021

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOUR KIDS ENTERTAINED OVER THE HOLIDAYS

It’s hard to believe, as it feels like the school year has only just started, but school holidays are almost upon us! During the break you may find yourself searching for new ideas to keep your kids entertained. Although things may look a little different, there are still so many fun activities to make the holidays fun while still keeping you and your family safe. Here are some creative activities to keep your kids entertained over the school break. 1. Take a Hike Take advantage of the beautiful weather and get outside! Research local trails in your area and explore nature. You could also just go on a neighbourhood scavenger hunt. Draw up a list of 10 or 20 items to search for, and see if you and your kids can tick them all off. If you prefer to stay home, you can also play a game of I Spy! Look for details around your home such as, “I spy something that’s the colour red,” and try to see if your child can locate that item. 2. Take an Adventure from Home Zoos, historical landmarks, and museums alike have all created innovative alternatives to allow children to take virtual field trips and escape to destinations around the world. Some possible resources for you that allow you and your little one to explore the world without leaving the living room include: Access Mars: https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/ Viewers can explore Mars through a virtual ride-along by the Curiosity rover. The Hidden World of National Parks: https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service Google Arts & Culture takes you on a journey to places most people would never dare to go through. The Louvre Art Museum in Paris: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne See the treasures of the world’s largest art museum from the comfort of your home. Go on a Game Drive: https://wildearth.tv/live-safaris/ Game drives streamed live directly from the Kruger National Park and other African game lodges. 3. Holiday Reading The magical thing about books is that they can make our imaginations soar by whisking us off to faraway lands or transporting us back into history. They can also spark new interests. Designate a cozy nook for your children where they can relax and get lost in a book. Try a hammock in the backyard or build your own reading fort with blankets and pillows. Read the same books as your kids! Tackling the same reading list as your children can be your own form of a book club. Engaging in thoughtful discussions will further develop their insight and critical reading skills. 4. Plant a Seed Planting a garden or a tree right in your own backyard is the perfect outdoor project for you and your little one. Plant yummy fruits and vegetables for nutritious snacks to enjoy. Your children will love reaping the benefits of their hard work! 5. A Night Under the Stars Plan a family campout in the backyard to stargaze. This is a fun way to learn the name of the constellations, which may even spark an interest in space exploration and Greek mythology. 6. Family Game Night Family game night is a great time to put problem-solving skills to the test with fun games and puzzles like Scrabble, Sudoku, and word searches. 7. Creative Writing Have your child tap into their imagination and write a creative story or even keep a journal. This is a fun way to strengthen motor skills and build critical writing skills. 8. Backyard Picnic Whipping up a delicious recipe with your child can be a fun way to incorporate maths, reading, and following directions. Pack your meal in a basket, lie down a blanket in the backyard, and enjoy a family picnic. 9. Outdoor Movie Night Bring the movie theater to your home! Set up a projector and screen outside. Prepare popcorn and snacks and gather around to watch a newly released movie with the family. 10. Sign up with Kumon Taking the opportunity during the holidays to enrol your child in Kumon’s Maths or English programmes will give them a good head start for the upcoming term and keep their brains active and stimulated at the same time. To find out more, visit www.kumon.co.za . This article was mostly taken from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/10-creative-activities-to-keep-your-kids-entertained-over-the-summer/

March 24, 2021

World Down Syndrome Day: What to expect parenting a child with Down Syndrome

Finding out that you will be a parent is an exciting time for many. But finding out you will be a parent to a child with Down Syndrome, is often met with shock. If you will be raising a child with Down Syndrome, it can be challenging, so make sure you have a good medical team who can support you. 18 March 2021: With the world observing World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) on 21 March, it is a good time to demystify what parents can expect from the first few months of life if they are expecting a child with Down Syndrome. This is especially so given that there are many cultural taboos around talking about, or having a, child with Down Syndrome. “The most important thing to understand is that raising a child with Trisomy 21 is challenging, given that the entire family dynamic will be affected. High levels of support and understanding are essential,” says 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. Down Syndrome is caused by the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and affects approximately 1 in 800 newborns. According to Dr Karbanee, it is the commonest chromosomal abnormality. He says that there are many features of Down syndrome that can be picked up during pregnancy and screening is readily available. The screening is offered mostly in high risk cases of which the commonest is an older expectant mom. “If you are pregnant and are diagnosed, it can be a major shock and parents have to face the choice of carrying on with the pregnancy or not. This is an intensely personal decision and should be carefully considered after discussion with all involved, and importantly, also the medical team.” Babies affected by Down Syndrome have a higher risk of abnormalities affecting multiple systems of the body. Parents will need to understand that the newborn will require a cardiac assessment as well blood tests to ensure the body’s systems are functioning normally. Feeding can be a problem as low muscle tone is associated with Trisomy 21. “The best way to approach this is to ensure the medical team is involved often as regular follow-ups and check-ups will be important. You need to make sure you can trust your medical team; this will be essential to getting the help your baby needs,” says Dr Karbanee. He adds that if you already have other children in the family, the needs of the child with Down Syndrome will be different to other children and will require everyone to adjust accordingly. “Developmental milestones will be delayed so expect the baby to sit and crawl much later than normal. Special schooling will be necessary as well as ongoing visits for physiotherapy and possibly Occupational and Speech Therapy,” says Dr Karbanee. “Having said that, while having a child with Down syndrome may be a huge adjustment for the entire family, the good news is that children with Down syndrome tend to have a pleasant personality and parents report that they are a delight to the family. “Speak to your paediatrician about all of your concerns, fears, or expectations, as it is her or her role to co-ordinate the care of the child and ensure that the health of the child is optimised,” concludes Dr Karbanee. About Paed-IQ BabyLine Paed-IQ BabyLine is a trusted, telephonic medical helpline for pregnant moms and new families. With healthcare advice given by qualified, experienced and medically trained nurses, we aim to improve health outcomes during the first 1000 days of a child’s life, starting from conception to birth and beyond. We are there for mommies-to-be at all stages of their maternity journey as well as new parents or caregivers to young children. By offering early and appropriate medical intervention through advice, we have helped to safeguard the health of over 10000 children, and helped moms and families successfully navigate the medical concerns of their young children. Visit https://paediq.com/ for more.

March 18, 2021

Video games: good, bad, or both?

Although lockdown restrictions have been eased, many parents are still choosing to keep their children at home for safety reasons. Consequently, many children have turned to playing video games (also known as ‘gaming’) as a source of entertainment to cope with boredom. And while some parents might argue that it is a waste of time or that violent video games contribute to bad behaviour, others believe that gaming may have a few positive attributes. We take a closer look at whether video games are good, bad, or a combination of both. Benefits of gaming Studies have shown that video games have many benefits and that playing games can help children develop high-level cognitive functions like logic and problem-solving. Other benefits include: Increasing a child’s concentration and attention span – many children can get easily distracted when asked to sit still for prolonged periods. They often fiddle and fidget with nearby objects and ‘zone out’ quickly. But with gaming, they have an entirely new world to discover. They will pay close attention to the smallest details to ensure they don’t mess up their progress. When they have to restart a level or section of the game, they concentrate even more to ensure they don’t make the same mistake twice. This is a worthwhile real-life skill – paying attention is a skill they will need throughout their lives. Having to replay certain parts of a game also teaches resilience as children are taught not to give up when they have to attempt a challenge again. Teaching problem-solving and effective resource allocation – when playing various games, children are teaching themselves how to manage their ‘resources’ in games like the number of coins they have to spend, the number of bullets they have left to fire, amount of time they have to wait before launching an attack, etc. Managing their resources not only helps children execute the best and most creative outcome in the game but implementing these strategies also teaches them how to budget and save. Developing communication and teamwork skills – while playing in ‘multiplayer’ mode, players have to work together to achieve a common goal. They learn how to delegate duties amongst themselves carefully to achieve said goal. Co-operation like this develops both social interaction skills and motivation that can contribute to leadership and managerial roles and collective team efforts when working within an organisation in the future. Making learning fun – video games make learning fun. Through animation, an exciting storyline, and interactive challenges, children often don’t even realise that they are learning. Gaming is beneficial when it comes to moredifficult subjects such as Mathematics because children use the same logic and analytical thinking to solve problems in games that are used when solving mathematical equations. Having fun while practising their skills will motivate children to keep practising. Cami Web programs are an excellent example of how learners can have fun while practising their skills. Cami offers parents and learners a 14-day free trial to try their educational programs. Also read: Parents, here’s how screen time can work in your favour Problems caused by gaming There’s always a downside to everything, and gaming is not exempt from this. While gaming has many benefits, there are also a few cons that parents must be aware of before allowing their children to play video games. Here are a few factors to consider: Poor physical health – When children spend more time being sedentary behind a computer or TV screen, it stands to reason that the lack of physical activity will have an impact on their physical health. In fact, the negative impacts of gaming on physical and mental health are often related. Negative impacts of gaming include: impaired sleep, poor posture, and unhealthy or inappropriate weight gain. Inadequate sleep has been linked to other cognitive issues like impaired concentration and poor memory retention, both of which are likely to have a negative impact on a learner’s performance at school. Poor posture (hunching over a computer or playing console) can result in musculoskeletal issues like tension headaches and muscle knots. Weight gain from inactivity can be a problem because it can sometimes lead to medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Dysfunctional behaviour – Excessive time spent gaming may cause a child to become dependent on the game, which can contribute to dysfunctional behaviour in daily life. Like physical health, an unhealthy amount of time spent gaming can affect a child’s mental health. Too much time spent in solitude playing games can make children dependent on gaming as a source of pleasure and, consequently, they can become irritable or even violent when they are not spending as much time playing as they’d like. It can be difficult for parents to spot the difference between unhealthy gaming and a healthy enthusiasm for and enjoyment of a game. Some of the symptoms of unhealthy gaming to look out for include: bad grades in school, negative or non-existent relationships with family and friends, a decline in attention to personal hygiene, and adverse mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It’s advisable for parents to be involved in their children’s gaming and to set healthy limits for how much time children are allowed to spend gaming. Parents should also consider balancing time spent gaming with other activities not dependent on technology, such as: socialising with friends, playing outside, participating in sports or cultural activities, playing board games, or drawing and painting. Reinforcing harmful mindsets – The over-representation of male characters is pervasive in video games. Stereotypically masculine behaviour and traits in characters in video games such as aggression and vengeance are praised and earn the player a higher ranking, while other more stereotypically feminine behaviours and traits such as negotiation or forgiveness do not earn players points and are often not even given as playing options for the characters. Games also rarely have women as main characters. A study carried out by the University of Southern California found that only 10% of

March 18, 2021

The ADK Drama & Film Fourways

The ADK Drama & Film offers film, acting and drama classes for all ages. Fully accredited at Cathsseta, we offer a 3-year professional licentiate certificate, for adults, in drama, as well as a Junior Certificate in drama for teenagers. The ADK also offer a radio course, movie making course and a stage make up course. Advantages of Drama: Builds confidence Helps concentration Develops language and communication skills Encourages children to co-operate Develops creativity Encourages relaxation Nurtures friendships Teaches emotional control “BY GIVING CHILDREN OPPORTUNITIES TO SUCCEED IN DRAMA, THEY START TO BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF BELIEVING THEY CAN’T DO THINGS” – GILL BRUNINGS GENERAL: All courses consist of one hour’s class a week. We focus on small classes for individual attention. Classes run according to school terms and may differ from branch to branch. FOUNDATION PHASE (GR.0- GR.3) At this age, drama helps in developing creativity, movement, and speech, amongst other things. These classes focus on relaxation, exploring communication, and interaction with other children. The Junior classes are simply ‘fun’ classes, where your child gets the opportunity to relax while learning valuable life lessons. These classes also form the basis for an understanding of drama, as we start focusing on some of the most important points. Optional exams which help to boost confidence are available. In the foundation phase class, group activities, as well as basic drama skills are the focus. In classes we deal with the following: Relaxation exercises Exploring emotions Poetry Improvisations Stage performances Articulation Poems Cost: R390/month JUNIOR (GR.4 – GR.7) These classes are for older children who can now pay attention to more technical details of drama. We do activities that help with building public speaking skills, refining technical acting skills, as well as improving confidence. Any skill level is welcome. In this class, group activities, as well as refining drama skills are the focus. In classes we deal with the following: Poetry Prose Monologues Acting for camera Improvisations Stage performances Articulation Reading Movement Cost: R390/month THREE -YEAR CERTIFICATE (HIGH SCHOOL) (GR.8– GR.12) A three-year, part-time drama course for high school students. The course is a practical course. The course aims to develop basic skills that will form the basis of stage-, radio-, film-, television and all other forms of public performances. All years also include a theoretical element. As is the case with all part-time courses, it is vital that the preparation is regularly done at home. From grade 10 upwards, students have the option of doing additional theoretical work to obtain a Catthsseta certified NQF level 4 qualification. THE COURSE CONTENT: Voice training on stage and for radio Poetry and Prose Theatre training Camera training The course content is practically applied with the studying of: Monologues Poetry and Prose Improvisations Stage performances Camera courses Camera acting training in class Cost: R410 per month At the end of the three-year course a Junior Certificate in Drama is issued to the students who passed. GENERAL: At the ADK students are expected to attend classes regularly and to do regular preparation. FILM-MAKING COURSE (GRADE 5-12): In this course students get the opportunity to create their own short films. From writing, to filming. The course covers a wide range of film theory, as well as practical elements. It takes place one Saturday a month over a period of 10 months, and includes the following: Basic acting for camera skills Creating ideas that work for film Scriptwriting Shot composition Storyboarding Set and prop design Casting Basic lighting techniques Planning a shoot day Creating an advert Aim and result: By the end of the year, each student will have written, directed, and filmed their very own short film. (ranging between 3-5 minutes), which will then be professionally edited and shown at a special ‘red carpet film-premiere’ where students will get to dress up in their fanciest red-carpet outfits and be the stars of the evening. Cost: R450/month (Existing weekly students receive a 10% discount) NB: Space for this course is extremely limited. Contact Information: Petroné van der Merwe: www.adk-drama.co.za [email protected] 0729414308 Instagram: @adk_drama_fourways Facebook: ADK Drama Fourways

March 16, 2021

THE INSPIRATION OF FAIRY TALES

Albert Einstein once said: “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” Developing a child’s reading proficiency and igniting their passion for literature is a priority for parents all year-round, however awareness days like the upcoming International Children’s Book Day on 2 April, are beneficial in putting children’s books and authors into the spotlight and further encouraging children across the globe to develop a regular reading habit. International Children’s Book Day is celebrated on the birthday of prolific children’s author Hans Christian Andersen who, with over 150 fairy tales to his name alone, has certainly helped inspire a love of reading in children, past and present. To mark the dual occasion of International Children’s Book Day and Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, we have looked at his favoured choice of medium, fairy tales, and considered why it is important for you to tell and read fairy tales to your child. Fairy tales help develop a range of academic skills As a young listener your child will observe your storytelling skills and learn to mimic these as their own reading ability develops. They will learn how to captivate an audience using tone, accents, acting, dramatic pauses etc., as well as the components of effective storytelling like chronology and attention to detail. In listening to you reading fairy tales and then learning to read from the books themselves, a child will develop strong memory skills; I’m sure as an adult you can still recall the details of your favourite fairy tales. From the actual fairy tale plots they will develop in critical thinking skills, as they will follow the actions of the characters carefully and see the consequences of these actions, boosting their understanding of the world. Through any sort of fictional reading a child will develop in creativity, but the fantasy, myth and magic of fairy tales offers even greater scope for them to think outside of the box. Fairy tales are full of fantastic adventures, enchanting lands and exotic creatures, all of which fuel their imagination beyond the ordinary and every day. Fairy tales teach important life lessons Of course the primary function of fairy tales is to be entertaining, but they also contain valuable and moral lessons for a child to learn. According to The Telegraph, Goddard Blythe, director of the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology in Chester, said: “Fairy tales help to teach children an understanding of right and wrong, not through direct teaching, but through implication.” Of course the real world isn’t a fairy tale but a child can take the over-arching messages of these tales and apply them to their own lives, for example fairy tales teach great lessons in friendship and kindness as well in individuality and staying true to oneself. Fairy tales encourage emotional development Usually you would tell or read your child a fairy tale before bed to settle them into a peaceful slumber; this is important as it creates intimacy, routine, and a bonding experience between you and your child. The majority of fairy tale plots and the messages they convey can resonate directly with a child, and can help them to deal with an anxiety they can’t yet fully explain. Fairy tales can teach them how to better handle and deal with their emotions. Professor Yvonne Kelly of UCL said: “Children who listen to stories show better results in measures such as literacy tests and SATs – but also in terms of social and emotional development“; however, putting the research and studies aside, fairy tales are simply a wonderful way to add a bit of extra sparkle to your child’s day and encourage their love of reading. Why not pick out one of Hans Christian Anderson’s wonderful fairy tales and read it together, act it out, or watch the related movie to celebrate International Children’s Book Day this April? Thumbelina The Ugly Duckling The Emperor’s New Clothes The Little Mermaid (Disney’s version is an all time classic) The Snow Queen (Disney’s Frozen is inspired by this story) For more information about International Children’s Book Day, visit: https://www.ibby.org/awards-activities/activities/international-childrens-book-day/ Source for article: https://www.kumon.co.uk/blog/if-you-want-your-children-to-be-intelligent-read-them-fairy-tales-if-you-want-them-to-be-more-intelligent-read-them-more-fairy-tales-albert-einstein/

March 16, 2021

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