leading expert advice from Dibber International Preschools
DIBBER SA

Managing Temper Tantrums in Toddlers

Every parent has faced the challenge of managing their toddler’s temper tantrums. These intense emotional outbursts are not only common but also a natural part of a child’s developmental journey. Dibber International Preschools, known for its nurturing approach to early childhood development, shares insights into why tantrums occur and practical strategies to handle them effectively. “Temper tantrums are a form of communication for toddlers,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “While they may feel overwhelming in the moment, they present opportunities to teach children emotional regulation, patience, and effective communication skills.” Why Do Tantrums Happen? Toddlers, typically between 1 and 3 years, are learning to navigate their emotions and express themselves. Tantrums occur when they experience frustration, disappointment, or a desire for control. “At this age, children are still developing the language and emotional tools needed to convey their feelings,” explains Assis. “Tantrums are their way of processing big emotions when they feel overwhelmed.” Strategies to Manage Tantrums Assis advises parents to remain calm and empathetic during a tantrum, emphasizing that a parent’s response significantly influences the outcome. What to Do After a Tantrum Assis recommends using calm moments after a tantrum to guide your child toward better emotional awareness. Preventing Tantrums While tantrums can’t always be avoided, proactive strategies can minimize their frequency: “Children thrive in environments where they feel safe, loved, and understood,” Assis emphasizes. “Mutual respect and patience are key to helping children develop healthy ways to process their emotions.” Building a Strong Foundation for Emotional Growth At Dibber International Preschools, tantrums are seen as an opportunity to nurture emotional resilience and psychological growth. “Our goal is to create a supportive environment where children learn to channel their emotions positively,” Assis concludes. “With love and patience, we help them build the skills they need to navigate their world with confidence.”

December 23, 2024
DIBBER SA

Top Seven Advantages of Early Childhood Care and Education

The early years of a child’s life are filled with wonder, curiosity, and adventure. At Dibber International Preschools, we believe these formative years are the perfect time to nurture a child’s innate curiosity through early education and care, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and development. “Early childhood education is not just about preparing children for school; it’s about setting them up for success in all areas of life,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “When we engage young minds early on, we help them build essential skills, develop confidence, and foster a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.” The Benefits of Early Childhood Education and Care Research and experience show that early learning has a profound impact on a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Here are seven key advantages: Creating Holistic Learning Experiences At Dibber International Preschools, our approach to early childhood education goes beyond academics. We provide children with opportunities to explore, create, and connect through play-based learning and carefully designed activities. “Every moment in a preschool setting is an opportunity for growth, whether it’s discovering new concepts, building friendships, or understanding the world more deeply,” says Assis. Dibber’s commitment to holistic development ensures that children receive the emotional, social, and intellectual support they need to thrive. “Parents can trust that their child is not only gaining knowledge but also developing the skills and values needed for a fulfilling life,” Assis concludes.

December 17, 2024
DIBBER SA

Preparing your Toddler for Preschool – Practical Tips

Starting preschool is a major milestone in a child’s early development, and for many families, it comes with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Dibber International Preschools is here to support parents through this transition with expert advice to help toddlers feel prepared and confident as they begin their preschool journey. “Preschool is often a child’s first step into the world outside the comfort of their home, and this transition is significant for both children and parents,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “By focusing on preparation and creating a sense of security, we can help young learners embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and curiosity.” Building Confidence Through Play and Familiarisation Preparation begins at home, and playful activities can make a big difference. Assis recommends using pretend play to simulate typical preschool routines. “Take turns being the parent, child, or teacher, and act out scenarios like saying goodbye, singing songs, or playing with toys,” she suggests. “This role-play helps children feel more in control and eases the anxiety of stepping into a new environment.” Books about starting preschool are another effective way to spark conversations. Reading stories together can help children understand what to expect and provide an opportunity to talk about their feelings. “Ask your child how they think the characters in the story feel and relate it to their own emotions,” adds Assis. Practising Independence Preschool encourages independence, and parents can support this by teaching simple self-help skills. “Activities like hanging up their coat, unzipping their backpack, or opening a lunchbox can be turned into fun games,” says Assis. “These small practices build confidence and help toddlers feel capable on their first day.” Visiting the Preschool Visiting the preschool before the first day is crucial in familiarising children with the new environment. “A tour of the classroom and some time on the playground can go a long way in making a child feel comfortable,” advises Assis. “It’s about helping them see this new space as safe and welcoming.” Easing Separation Anxiety The first day can be emotional for both parents and children, but there are strategies to make goodbyes smoother. “Plan to stay for a short while, exploring the classroom together before saying goodbye,” suggests Assis. “It’s also helpful to create a special goodbye routine, like a secret handshake or a kiss on the palm to ‘hold’ throughout the day.” Assis emphasises the importance of maintaining a positive and confident tone during drop-offs. “Children take their cues from their parents, so staying upbeat and reassuring can make a world of difference,” she says. Supporting the Transition Even after the first day, some children may show signs of worry or regression. Assis encourages parents to be patient and understanding. “Acknowledge their feelings, offer extra support, and celebrate their small victories,” she advises. “This helps children navigate their emotions and adapt to their new routine.” At Dibber International Preschools, the team understands the significance of this transition and works closely with families to make it a smooth and positive experience. “Preschool is the start of a lifelong love for learning,” concludes Assis. “By preparing children with care and intention, we set the foundation for a successful and joyful educational journey.”

December 10, 2024
DIBBER SA

Raising Environmentally Conscious Children

As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, fostering eco-consciousness in young children has never been more critical. Dibber International Preschools is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of environmentally responsible citizens by instilling sustainable values and practices from an early age. “Children are the stewards of tomorrow,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “By teaching them to respect and care for the environment, we are not only empowering them to make a difference but also ensuring a more sustainable future for all.” Building a Connection with Nature One of the most impactful ways to raise environmentally conscious children is by fostering a connection with nature. Spending time outdoors, whether exploring a local park or planting a garden, helps children appreciate the beauty and abundance of the natural world. “Children who develop a bond with nature early on are more likely to grow into adults who protect and nurture it,” explains Assis. Teaching Resource Conservation Understanding the efficient use of natural resources is another key aspect of environmental education. Assis advises parents and educators to demonstrate how small actions—like turning off lights when not in use or conserving water—can collectively make a big impact. “Children are naturally curious and eager to learn. By involving them in simple conservation efforts, we can instil habits that last a lifetime.” The 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Introducing the concept of waste management through the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle helps children understand their role in minimising waste. “At Dibber, we incorporate these principles into everyday activities, turning them into fun and educational experiences,” says Assis. “For instance, children can create art projects using recyclable materials, combining creativity with environmental stewardship.” Practical Activities to Inspire Eco-Consciousness Hands-on activities like gardening or planting saplings provide children with tangible ways to engage with nature. Caring for plants teaches responsibility and nurtures a sense of pride in contributing to the environment. “It’s through these small, meaningful actions that children begin to understand their role in nurturing the planet,” Assis explains. Additionally, fostering a love for animals helps children develop empathy and a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of life. Visits to conservation parks and safaris offer opportunities to teach children about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. Leading by Example Children learn by observing the behaviours of adults around them. “If we want our children to care for the environment, we must model sustainable choices in our own lives,” says Assis. Simple actions, like reducing plastic use or choosing eco-friendly products, demonstrate the importance of making thoughtful decisions. Dibber’s Commitment to Environmental Education At Dibber International Preschools, environmental education is a cornerstone of the curriculum. “We believe that by unlocking children’s creativity and curiosity, we can encourage them to think beyond textbooks and embrace the importance of sustainability,” Assis notes. Dibber’s initiatives focus on three key areas: “Our goal is to show children that small, everyday actions can lead to significant change,” says Assis. “By embedding these values early, we’re helping to shape a generation that will prioritise the health of our planet.” A Shared Responsibility Raising environmentally conscious children is a collective effort that involves families, schools, and communities. “Together, we can teach children that they have the power to make a difference,” concludes Assis. “It starts with simple, intentional steps—steps that not only protect the environment but also instil hope for a brighter, more sustainable future.”

December 4, 2024
DIBBER SA

Tips for Potty Training Success 

Potty training is a milestone that brings both excitement and challenges for parents and toddlers alike. Dibber International Preschools offers practical, easy-to-follow strategies to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. “Potty training isn’t just about timing; it’s about building trust, consistency, and creating a positive experience for the child,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “By following some essential tips and remaining patient, parents can make potty training an enjoyable journey for their toddlers.” One of the key tips for potty training success is consistency. Toddlers thrive on routine, and establishing a regular potty schedule – such as after meals or first thing in the morning – helps them adjust to the idea more quickly. “The familiarity of a consistent schedule makes toddlers feel secure, making it easier for them to understand and embrace potty training,” explains Assis. Incorporating rewards can also be a powerful motivator. Simple incentives, like stickers, a small treat, or even a congratulatory high-five, reinforce the child’s success and make the process more enjoyable. “Using rewards teaches toddlers that each successful potty trip is an achievement worth celebrating. It builds a foundation of positive reinforcement, encouraging children to continue developing their new skills with enthusiasm,” says Assis. Making the potty-training process fun is another effective approach. By introducing a potty-training song, reading a favourite book, or creating a playful atmosphere, parents can make the experience feel more like an adventure than a task. “The goal is to ensure that children feel relaxed and comfortable,” says Assis. “When toddlers associate potty time with fun, they are much more open to engaging in the process.” Dibber also emphasises the importance of recognizing each child’s individual readiness. “Not every toddler will be ready at the same time, and that’s perfectly normal. If your child is showing interest in the potty, waking up dry from naps, or indicating they’re uncomfortable in diapers, these are signs they may be ready. But if they’re not, giving it a little more time can prevent frustration for both parent and child.” Potty training is a unique journey for every family. Dibber International Preschools encourages parents to approach it with patience, positivity, and a willingness to celebrate each small success. “Every child’s potty-training journey will look different, but with consistency and encouragement, you’ll reach that milestone together,” concludes Assis.

November 26, 2024
DIBBER SA

How Mealtimes Shape a Child’s Heart for the World

The simple act of sitting down to a family meal can sometimes feel like a lost tradition, but the transformative power of shared mealtimes in shaping a child’s sense of connection, confidence, and belonging is as essential today as it was in the past. “Mealtimes are so much more than just nourishment for our bodies; they’re a time for children to feel truly seen and valued,” says Kelly Eyre, Quality and Pedagogy Lead at Dibber International Preschools. “When families and educators make time for these moments, they create a space where children learn that their voices matter, instilling confidence and a sense of belonging that prepares them for the world.” At Dibber, mealtime is a cherished part of each day, providing sustenance and an opportunity for fellowship and connection. By encouraging children to set aside screens and distractions, Dibber creates an environment where children can fully engage with each other. The table becomes a vibrant place of learning and bonding. Conversations are encouraged—about the food they are eating, where it comes from, and how it nurtures their bodies. “These discussions allow children to connect with their food and each other, gaining a deeper appreciation of the world around them,” explains Eyre. The experience of shared meals also fosters independence in young children. At Dibber, children are encouraged to serve themselves, use utensils, and make choices about their meals. This practice, often mirrored at home, helps children develop a sense of autonomy and confidence. “When children feel empowered to make their own choices at the table, it gives them a sense of responsibility and pride that they carry beyond mealtime,” adds Eyre. Dibber believes that mealtimes are equally valuable for families. Sitting together as a family without screens or interruptions opens up moments for genuine conversation. “When parents take this time, they discover so much about their children’s worlds—their joys, worries, and curiosities. It builds a foundation of trust and emotional security that is vital to a child’s development,” says Eyre. Regular family mealtimes also establish a comforting rhythm in a child’s life, creating a shared space for stories, traditions, and values that shape who they become. “What happens at the table extends far beyond our school walls. When families continue these mealtime conversations and practices at home, they’re nurturing their child’s physical growth and emotional and social development. These are the moments where memories are made, and traditions are born.” At Dibber International Preschools, mealtimes are about more than eating—they are about nurturing children’s hearts and souls. We give children the foundation to thrive in a connected, compassionate world through simple, intentional acts at the table.

November 19, 2024
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Parenting Hub

How to get your child big school ready

For parents and children, the step up into Grade 1 is a time of excitement and great anxiety.  How do you know if your child is ready for this step? Firstly, parents should be guided by qualified teachers to assess a child’s readiness to begin and take the step up into the start of their formal schooling.   What exactly is school readiness? School readiness is a measure of how prepared a child is to succeed at school and involves two types of readiness: a readiness to learn (which is continuous) and a readiness for school (which is associated with a fixed age). School readiness depends on both emotional maturity and scholastic ability. It is split into different areas and, although these areas are separate, they do interact with and reinforce each other. Children need to be developed across these key five areas. 1. Physical and motor development Gross motor, example running, skipping, standing on one leg. Fine motor, example comfortable using a pair of scissors, successfully doing zips and buttons, is able to use cutlery. Perceptual development, both visual and auditory. Taking care of themselves, example manages to go to the toilet by themselves. 2. Emotional and social development A child who is emotionally well-adjusted has a significantly greater chance of early school success. Gets along with peers, can interact within a group or shows an interest in other children, willing to help a friend. Can express feelings and needs. Can share. Can sit still, example long enough to listen to a story. Can concentrate on a task for a reasonable amount of time. Able to deal with frustration in an acceptable way. 3. Cognitive development Can make independent decisions and follow through. Have ideas of their own. Can follow simple directions or instructions. Shows an interest in learning. 4. Language development (includes literacy, listening, speaking and vocabulary) Should be able to communicate effectively in home language. Be able to sequence (retell a story or a set of events). Identify similarities and differences between objects. 5. Emotional maturity Independence. Reasonable control over emotions. Basic problem-solving skills. Confidence. Shows responsibility. Handles separation well Jenny Trollip, Head of Department at St Martin’s Junior Preparatory Phase in the south of Johannesburg, encourages parents to begin getting their child into the routine in preparation for Grade 1. St Martin’s is well-known for their smaller classes, passionate teachers, individual attention, and holistic education, and Trollip offers the following advice for establishing a routine. Establish a morning routine Your child should follow the same sequence of activities each morning so that it becomes an automatic chain of tasks. This leads to a sense of independence on the part of your child. A suggested morning routine could include the following: wake up, breakfast, ablutions, get dressed, collect school bag and lunch, walk to the car. Set up an evening routine The aim of this routine is to calm your child. They can relax knowing that they are prepared for the next day at school. Ideas for this routine could include taking out the school uniform, bath time, quiet play with no screen time, story time and finally bedtime. A Grade 1 child should be in bed between 19:30 and 20:00. Allocate a homework space Your child will require a place to do their homework where distractions are limited. Have specific stationery available so that they can complete the given tasks properly. Create a homework routine, with a specific time, sequence of activities to be followed and end off with packing the school suitcase. Homework in Grade 1 needs to be supervised by an adult who can create a positive environment. Prepare a healthy snack box Discuss nutritious options and treats with your child. Prepare a menu together. Take into consideration that these snacks will have to sustain your child for at least six hours at school. Communication is key When you child starts Grade 1, make sure that as parents you are on the school App and class Dojo, or whatever communication mechanism is used at the school so that you know what is happening and do not miss out on special days. In addition to establishing a routine, parents can take time to prepare their children for this new phase in their lives by Reading to their child. Teaching their child songs, nursery rhymes and poems. Take your children on excursions to, for example, museums. Make regular opportunities for play-dates. Play games so that your child starts recognising colours, numbers, and letters. Cherish moments spent with your child and enjoy their school journey with them. Grade 1 is exciting, and memories made in this year should be filled with laughter and enjoyment.

October 15, 2021
Parenting Hub

Reading to children today paves the path for their development in the future

Raising your child to love reading is one of the most wonderful gifts you can give them and as Emma Cox said, “Reading is the most powerful gift we can give a child: it puts stardust in their imaginations”. While improving a child’s imagination is one of the benefits of reading to children from as early as the day they are born, there are also other significant benefits to children listening to stories that will help them throughout their school careers and beyond. While more than half of parents do not read to their children before the age of 3 according to research from Nielsen which found that 45% of 0–2-year-olds are read to daily or nearly every day increasing to 58% of 3- to 4-year olds. By the time children reach 5- to 7- years this figure drops to 44%, this is the most important time to be reading to children. According to research on children’s brain development, by 2-years-old a child’s brain is as active as an adult’s and by age 3 it is more than twice as active as an adult’s brain[1]. Further, as cognitive processes develop rapidly in the first few years of life and by age 3 approximately 85% of the brain is developed[2]. As such it is never too early to start reading to children and promote early development. Speech development and vocabulary Exposing young children to stories is the first step to helping develop their speech. By listening to adults speak and read, children are exposed to a wide variety of sounds and words that help them to develop their speech. As children listen to stories, their brains make cognitive connections to how language is used and exposes them to words that are often not used in spoken language.  This is supported by a study on early language exposure[3] which states that there is a definite relationship between language development and early exposure to adult language which positively impacts children’s language ability through primary school. The study emphasises the importance of interacting with children between the ages of 18-to 24-months which is the period of a language explosion. It states that reading aloud gives children enriched vocabulary and prompts enriched interactions.  Cognitive ability  Cognitive ability refers to the way in which we perceive our world and experiences and is the ability to think and understand. Stories expose children to different topics, issues, experiences, and information through the characters in the story. This background information gives greater context to the world around them and is used to help them make sense of what they see, hear and read. This knowledge helps children develop problem-solving and decision-making skills as stories aid children with information processing, reasoning, language development, attention span, and memory.   Listening and comprehension skills When children listen to stories they develop their comprehension and listening skills. Not only are these skills important to help children to learn to read, these are important skills that they will use when learning at school. According to Scholastic, listening is a skill that children must learn before they can learn to read themselves. Further, when children are listening to a story, they learn to sit still, develop longer attention spans and develop memory-retention skills which are all important skills that will benefit them at school in the later years. Audiobooks embellish storytelling Often a parent’s busy schedule prevents them from finding time to read to their children daily and as a result, their children miss out on the opportunity to gain the benefits of this much-loved past-time that will shape the future of their development and their school careers. However, today there are many options available for parents to engage their children in storytelling on their own. For example, audiobooks provide entertainment value to children while engaging them in stories and providing many of the benefits of reading to children.  According to Scholastic[4], many audiobooks include interesting sound effects, music, and multiple narrators, that embellish their storytelling with silly voices and dramatics which are especially motivating and fun for young children. These stories reinforce the pleasure of reading rather than the skill while helping children to understand narrative structure, language use and how to convey meaning. To provide a safe listening environment for young children the Yoto Player is a screen-free device that gives children control of their listening experience and access to a range of well-known and loved stories from various authors as Yoto has secured partnerships and content deals with trusted household names such as LEGO and Disney as well as licenses with Penguin Random House, Abbey Road Studios, Sony Music, HarperCollins, Hachette, Pan Macmillan and more to bring children stories from Julia Donaldson, Enid Blyton and more.  The Yoto Player is available from selected Toys R Us and iStore stores or online from istore.co.za and takealot.com. By Jonathan Drake, Head of Accessories at The Core Group

October 13, 2021
Parenting Hub

How does baby’s physical development contribute to learning?

Many babies learn how to crawl at the same time they learn to sit on their own. Crawling, however, takes longer to perfect than does sitting without assistance. At six months, expect your baby to sit for a second, but balance will come later; also, you will probably notice your baby get into a crawling position, but not know how to proceed after that. Even though ‘crawling’ usually means progress on hands and knees, many babies use other moves to get them where they’re going. Rolling, slithering, ‘bottom shuffling’ (when a baby pushes around while sitting, using one hand to make the propelling motion), and pulling along on elbows are all manoeuvre used instead of the conventional crawling, so don’t be surprised if you see those first. Still other babies learn to crawl in the ordinary way, and then figure out that they can move faster on their hands and feet than their hands and knees. If something is out of reach of a six-month-old baby, you may see that baby pull up the knees under the body, push up with hands and often manage to get the tummy off the floor. For that moment, the baby is in a crawling position, but needs encouragement to actually add forward motion to the mix. By the ninth month, early crawlers start to make some real progress – though it’s often backwards, away from the object they’re trying to reach! Upper-body control is more developed than leg-control, so a baby tends to push harder with hands and arms than with knees – propelling the baby backwards. Not to worry (and try to reassure your frustrated baby, too!), this is just a short-lived phase. The biggest advantage baby has when it comes to solving problems is with the development of large and small muscles over the course of the first year, helping various tasks become easier. The two-block stack that will seem too complicated for your little architect one month will become an easy three-block stack just a few weeks later. When baby starts to focus on lower muscles (around 10-12 months), you might want to put favourite toys on the couch, encouraging your child to stand in order to reach them. This helps build balance and strong leg muscles necessary for cruising, a forerunner to walking. Once a baby solves the problem of how to stand and balance, and how to move one foot in front of the other, watch that glowing smile of accomplishment – your baby is now beginning to walk. Who’d ever thought it would happen so fast? Once you’ve reached this stage, you know your baby really ‘did it’ – and your family will never be the same. Talk about an accomplishment you can be proud of! Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition. A perfect product to help a child develop like this would be the Fisher-Price® 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot available at retailers nation wide. The Fisher-Price® 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot is a transforming playtime buddy for baby featuring 4 ways to play and lots of fun music, lights and hands-on activities. Each bot has its own fun for little ones to discover, from spinning eyes to silly popping balls to exciting crawl-and-chase play.  Baby can play and explore each bot individually or build them up into one big interactive buddy with fresh music, sounds and phrases! And with Smart Stages® technology, you can switch up the learning content to best fit your child’s age and stage. 4 toys in 1 to keep playtime going as baby grows from infant to toddler to preschooler (ages 6 months-5 years) Each individual toy is filled with fun activities for babies to explore. Put them all together to build an interactive electronic robot buddy! 3 Smart Stages® learning levels with 120+ songs, sounds and phrases about numbers and counting, the alphabet, shapes, colors and more Press any button on the motorized bot to send it zooming forward with music & lights, encouraging baby to crawl and chase Lots of hands-on activities for sitting babies, including press-down antenna, twist & flip gears, ball-popper, and spinning & clicking arms By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education.

October 11, 2021
Parenting Hub

Play & Social Development

If you ask any 4-year-old what he does in preschool, he will probably say something close to, “I do my work and I play with my friends”. Of course, that 4-year-old’s ‘work’ includes painting, listening to stories, carrying out suggestions made by teachers – ‘play,’ in most of our vocabularies. But we all know what is meant by ‘play with my friends.’ It involves the interaction between and among children by which they learn how to get along with one another, to be helpful and share, and to understand the consequences of their own behaviour. In short, in their social play, they are full participants in the laboratory of life. Although cognitive development tends to be stressed in today’s world, many parents enroll their children in early childhood programs primarily because of the unparalleled opportunity it provides for social play. Just as is true for muscular advance and cognitive development, social play in young children goes through several stages. One classification that teachers find helpful is as follows: Onlooker The child remains at the edge of the group, possibly playing half-heartedly with a toy of her choosing, but merely watches the other children at their play. Solitary Play The child plays intently with available materials but remains totally alone. Parallel Play The child does the same things that a group of children is currently doing but does not interact with them to any extent. Cooperative Play The child truly plays ‘with’ other children—takes roles (‘You be the mummy and I’ll be the daddy’), gives instructions (‘No, that chair belongs in the corner’), offers and asks for help. During the early childhood years, the social play goal of parents and teachers is to help children move through these different levels until they become successful at cooperative play. This is not to suggest that the earlier levels are inappropriate, as children will switch from one level to another on the same day. But, in general, they move toward true interaction with one another, recognizing the needs and interests of all the children in the group. Although I am descoting social play as consisting mainly of interaction between children, much of it also involves interaction with adults. For example, it has been shown that if an adult occasionally joins in the play, the level of complexity and creativity can be sharply increased. Children often engage in repetitive activities in their play with one another—pouring coffee, putting bread in the toaster, putting hats on and taking them off. A participating adult (who should not take over as director of the play) can enrich the level of play by commenting, ‘Watch that coffee; it’s hot.’ Soon the ‘pouring’ child will be cautioning the other children not to burn themselves. Or, ‘I think you look better in the red hat’ can launch a search among the play hats requiring identification of the correct colour. And the parent or teacher can help establish an awareness of the excluded or ignored child. ‘I think Heather would like to join your group. Do you have a cup for her?’ In their social play, children develop an awareness of their own effectiveness with others and have an opportunity to try to improve it. The girl who is listened to as she assigns roles to the other children gets a boost as she strives to develop a positive self-concept. A child who refuses to sit in the circle next to a classroom bully can exert influence to help the bully learn more constructive ways of dealing with anger and frustration. Parents and teachers need that kind of ally. Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition. A perfect product to help a child develop like their social skills & play at the same time with their friends would be the Fisher-Price® Little People® Load Up ‘n Learn Construction Site™ available at retailers nation wide.  Suitable for ages 3 and up! By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education

September 16, 2021
Parenting Hub

Early learning brand PlayShifu makes foray into South Africa

Tech toys loved by children, educators, and parents in over 35 countries will now be available in iStore, Takealot, and ToysRUs PlayShifu, an award-winning early learning brand, announced its launch in South Africa through the distributor Core Group. The brand’s innovative educational tech toys cover a wide range of essential skills, STEM, STEAM, and beyond, a solution that every parent of Gen Alpha child is looking for.  Founded in 2016 by two doting fathers on a mission to turn around unhealthy screen time into meaningful time, PlayShifu currently sells in more than 35 markets across the world. PlayShifu toys have been designed to provide innovative, phygital interactions that combine hands-on physical play with fun and interactive digital games. The brand has 12 unique offerings on three product lines – Orboot, Plugo, and Tacto.  Orboot by PlayShifu  Orboot is a series of first-ever AR educational globes, Earth, Dinos and Mars, encourages children to learn through thousands of facts and hours of game-based exploration.  Orboot Earth lets children travel through every nook and corner of our planet and learn scores of facts about wildlife, cultures, cuisines, monuments, maps, and much more. Orboot Dinos brings alive dinosaurs in 3D. Children can learn about evolutionary traits, explore habitats, and see what their favourite dinosaurs looked like up close. Orboot Mars inspires children to discover the Red Planet through the Mars missions that have brought in-depth knowledge of our neighbouring planet.  Plugo by PlayShifu  Plugo is a STEM gaming system powered by AR. It consists of one Gamepad and four interchangeable gaming kits that work with one companion app. Plugo makes learning fun and engaging for children, whether mathematics, vocabulary, problem-solving or logical reasoning.  The Plugo universe comprises Letters (word building kit), Count (hands-on math kit), Link (building blocks kit), and Tunes (music learning kit). Each kit comes with multiple games with hundreds of levels in the app that adapt to the child’s grade.  Tacto by PlayShifu  Tacto is the first-ever phygital board game platform that uses tablets, innovative touch technology, and AI to reimagine board games. Tacto uses real figurines to drive the games on screen and adds immense richness, variety, and storytelling to the experience. Tacto has 6 different game sets – Classics, Chess, Coding, Laser, Electronics, and Dinos. The experience unlocks a world of foundational skills for early learners like strategic thinking, reasoning, analytical thinking and more.  PlayShifu products start at R899 and can be purchased from, iStore, Takealot, and Toys’R’Us. Designed for ages 4 to 12, all the product platforms are supported by free to download apps that work with a range of devices on iOS and Android. 

September 1, 2021
Parenting Hub

Play Sense launches winter holiday program for pre-schoolers

South Africa has a long winter school holiday over July, when the harshest, cold weather is usually at its peak.  With SA’s third wave of the pandemic on the rise and more lockdown restrictions, families are mostly planning to batten down the hatches at home.  That’s going to be a particular challenge for parents of pre-schoolers who have to adapt to a homebound, indoor existence.  Having your little one home for the entire holidays can be daunting when the opportunities to ramble and play outside are so limited, and many parents are wondering how they are going to cope.   Award-winning early childhood education specialists, Play Sense are coming to the rescue this winter with a free four-week holiday platform, Play Box, which will guide South African parents and their pre-schoolers through an enriching, connected time.  The winter holiday program, aimed at two- to four-year-olds is easily accessible on-line, so parents around the country can sign up and tap into an array of professionally developed resources that will give them structure for their day and loads of fun content. “The winter holiday program artfully blends on and off-line so parents can choose what works best for them,” says Play Sense CEO and Co-founder, Meg Faure.  “Each holiday week has a lovely learning theme, and every day there are two fresh activities that ignite imaginations and enable sensory play, which is so important for this age group.  We have also included optional zoom sessions with our best-loved online teachers who are experts at engaging interactively with little ones on-screen.” The beauty of Play Box is that parents are empowered to proactively share in their child’s development, and it gives them unique opportunities to experience their child learning through play like they do in their pre-school environments. Lara Schoenfeld, Play Sense’s Co-founder and Director of Education says, “It’s a simple, straightforward way for parents to access early childhood education content this holiday.  It’s a simple free registration to Play Box with no need to access any additional platforms or go through a range of logins.  It’s so interesting for parents to get these first-hand insights into how their child responds to different learning materials and activities, and the whole experience fosters deep parent-child bonds.” Play Sense is a SA trailblazer of a unique home environment micro-playschool model based on the development of super-skills, such as creativity, self-regulation and executive function, through imaginary play.  Play Sense learning programs are developed by occupational therapists and qualified pre-school educators to meet the specific needs of toddlers, who are arguably, in the most exciting development stage of human life.  Play Sense offers both off and on-line playschool programs and are adept at getting the best out of both high-touch and high-tech. “What many parents will appreciate in the Play Box holiday program is that it gives them a structure,” says Faure. “Week by week they will journey through the fun worlds of the Jungle, MyTown, Dinosaurs and Bugs.  This is the answer to parents wondering what they are going to do to keep their little ones occupied.  As parents ourselves, we know how to make it easy for others to access well-developed activities and to be smoothly guided through a learning by play experience.  The real spin-off benefit is that your child is going to delight at connecting with you this way, and day by day, your heart will fill up as you see how you are making a wonderful difference for your child.” Here are some activities you and your little one can expect from Play Box this school holiday:  Imaginary play ignites your child’s language, social and emotional skills development  The Jungle-theme week includes going on a safari. Using language and props that are easily found around the house your toddler will be engaged in an imagined scenario. Imaginary play is one of the most powerful ways toddlers learn, and by facilitating this activity, parents will improve their skills to facilitate other fun games to play with your child around the house. Sensory play develops your child’s motor skills, cognitive reasoning, language, creativity, and imagination The Bug-theme week includes creating the amazing butterfly lifecycle using play dough, one of Play Sense’s favourite toys. This extra sensory activity will spark other ideas of the magical worlds and scenarios you can create together at home using simple and inexpensive materials. Creative play encourages your child’s cognitive and language development, as well as motor skills The My Town-theme week will explore different human roles and includes engrossing art activities. Your toddler’s creative activities from working with paint to create pictures to building Lego walls is more about the creative process than the end product. Movement play develops your child’s language and gross motor skills while having so much fun The Dinosaurs-theme week includes lots of enriching music and movement play. Movement play activities are not only designed to develop your little one’s body sense but is perfect for setting off fits of giggles and having silly fun together.  The Play Sense Winter holiday Play Box is available from 28 June to 28 July 2021.  The program is accessible for free, and you can register here.

July 1, 2021
Advtech Group

The importance of developing organisational skills from a young age

Developing organisational skills is important in holistic child development, and a key step in their path towards independence and academic success. Children are capable and competent and will respond to the opportunity to be organised, an education expert says. “Organisational skills help children create order in their environment and the world, and they feel empowered to take on increasingly more complex tasks as they build on this foundational skill,” says Desiree Hugo, Head of Academics at ADvTECH Schools, a division of Africa’s leading private education provider. She says parents can progressively start introducing organisational skills into the everyday lives of their children by making it a fun and empowering experience. Essential to this introduction is ensuring your child has good role modelling, and this is easily done by parent and child preparing for the school day before bed time. Ensure school uniforms are prepared, school bags are packed, lunch boxes are ready to be filled and plans for collection from school are discussed. Involve your child in these preparations and give them the responsibility of participating in the organisation of their day and space. Leave early in the morning to avoid traffic congestion, and prevent your child becoming anxious by late arrival. The impact of arriving late will be affect the child’s settling in and learning throughout the day. “Teaching, modelling and allowing the child autonomy to practice these essential skills have a significant and long-lasting impact on a child’s ability to succeed throughout their academic career; since these are essential life skills and they are the foundation to building a child’s ability to feel prepared, and ready to learn and engage in the classroom. Hugo says that all children are unique, and while some may have an innate drive to organise their environment, others may be quite content to let chaos compound around them. These differences in personality may very likely translate to schoolwork and responsibilities at home as well, she says, so organisational skills should be encouraged and introduced in an age-and personality appropriate way from a young age. “Your average preschooler isn’t going to be keeping a diary or to-do list, for instance, but they can understand, develop and share routines at home and in the classroom,” Hugo says. “Teachers can help students stay on track by following a general schedule each day. Maintaining structure in the classroom supports students to establish a schedule and remember what is expected of them.  Structure in this second year of Covid is important, given that most children in South Africa still have a disrupted educational experience, so where possible, structure helps alleviate some of the impact of this disruption by providing a measure of certainty and predictability.” She says at home, chores such as cleaning up toys, putting away clothes and helping set or clear the table – or whichever recurring chores arise within the home environment – are good ways to teach children the methodical approach to following directions and focusing on a task. “Establishing an after-school routine for having lunch, planning their work timelines, and completing homework promptly is also helpful, not just academically, but it provides a sense of structure and achievement.” Hugo says that parents can help their child on their organisational journey by creating a nurturing environment conducive to learning and developing important foundational skills, but always believing in the competencies of their child. “With the right encouragement and approach, children will gradually start to build organisational muscle, and be proud of their contribution within the home and at school.” Playful family time is essential and co-creating games are interactive. An exciting way to introduce new concepts – particularly to an otherwise reluctant child – is to turn it into a game, says Hugo. The LEGO Foundation www.legofoundation.com and UNICEF www.unicef.org share useful elements of playful pedagogy and these online platforms offer playful learning ideas, materials and strategies for schools and families, which can support organisational thinking. “As academic demands start to grow, children may experience challenges setting priorities, making plans, sticking to a task and getting things done. These skills become increasingly important as your child moves through different grade levels. Many people think of organisational skills as the ability to keep things in order, but it is much more than that – it sets a child up for success and enjoyment of their learning journey.”

June 18, 2021
Hannah Brauninger Occupational Therapy

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
Parenting Hub

Playschool startup achieves government accreditation on top of international funding

Play Sense becomes one of the first programmes of its kind in SA to be registered by the Department of Social Development as demand booms for innovative online and home-based schools The South African edutech startup Play Sense, which recently raised more than R8-million in international investment from an Africa-focused, gender-lensed venture capital fund, has now also become one of the first registered play-focused preschool franchises in the country. The digitally-enabled micro-playschool programme is a first for South Africa and enables teachers to set up their own playschools at home under the Play Sense banner, with its award-winning imaginative play-centred curriculum for preschoolers as its primary drawcard. It has now become one of the first programmes of its kind to be accredited by the Department of Social Development as a registered early childhood development (ECD) programme in terms of the Children’s Act. The business was founded by early childhood expert and author Meg Faure, who also founded the well-known Baby Sense brand, and fellow occupational therapist and educator Lara Schoenfeld, who also founded the successful Nanny ‘n Me franchise. Faure is CEO and Melissa Cumming, previously the MD of ecommerce business Bloomable, is COO.  “Our evidence-based curriculum follows the Vygotskian theory of development which says that guided imagination-based play is the best way to equip kids with the core capacities they need to thrive in a changing world, including self-regulation, executive function, creativity, collaboration and learning readiness,” said Faure.  “Our accreditation by the department is an important validation of the quality of both our educational programme and the innovative business model that underpins it. We’re excited about expanding the programme across South Africa this year and globally in the near future – and in the process bringing the ECD space into the sharing economy as a solution to some of the most pressing challenges faced by children, parents and teachers in the world today. This kind of schooling really is the way of the future.” The Play Sense team raised R8.25-million in early-stage funding from USA-based Enygma Ventures in April. The private investment fund focuses on investing in women-led social impact businesses in Southern Africa. The Africa Trust Group is its local implementation partner.  The Play Sense franchise model was founded to provide high quality, cost-effective ECD business opportunities for teachers and qualified caregivers who want to run world-class preschools from homes. The model is designed for groups of up to six children between the ages of two to four to come together to play and learn in a safe home-based environment for three to five days of the week.  The franchise stable currently accommodates more than 30 groups in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KZN and online, but it is gearing to scale to 200 in-home groups and 15 online groups, as well as to have its global expansion playbook bedded down by the end of 2021. The startup successfully pivoted at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis in South Africa to offer parents and teachers an online learning environment as well. It was this online move that ensured its funding from Enygma, whose investors wanted to see Play Sense scale and roll out its new tech platform in response to the boom in demand for online, independent home-based schools during the pandemic, and empower women entrepreneurs in the process. With the online model, the teacher undergoes the same training but can run an online school for up to 12 families who check in virtually twice a day while teaching their own children at home.  “All our teachers are trained in both online and in-home education so that they can adapt as situations change. We just don’t know what 2021 holds, so we have to be flexible,” said Faure. “What makes Play Sense unique is that it is such a cost-effective and scalable model for highly progressive preschool education – something that the market has been asking for and that will empower lots of women who are passionate about ECD to become entrepreneurs who make an impact in their communities. They can now set up schools that offer exceptional education to learners, without the high overheads of a school building because they can use their existing and under-utilised assets, their homes, instead. The fact that they work with a fully developed curriculum and fully equipped starter kit also saves them time and money, and ensures that a specific standard of education can be upheld,” said Faure.  The Play Sense curriculum is aligned with UNICEF’s National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Early Learning Developmental Areas (ELDAS), National Early Learning Development Standards (NELDs) and Operational Norms and Standards for preschool education. 

January 15, 2021
Parenting Hub

Early Childhood Development: Building Blocks for Lifelong Learning

South Africa has the goal of universal access to a full range of early childhood development (ECD) services in ten years’ time. To meet this target, we will need more than 100 000 additional early learning teachers and 40 000 new venues for three- to five -year-olds alone, say education experts. South African children are surviving rather than thriving, it was agreed at the recent Trialogue Business in Society Virtual Conference. ‘Breaking Barriers to Quality Education’ was a key theme, with these sessions presented in partnership with Old Mutual on 13 October. Panellists Nicole Biondi (Strategic Head of marketing and communications at Innovation Edge), Justine Jowell (Programme Design Lead at SmartStart) and Megan Blair (CEO Earlybird Educare@Work) discussed how to accelerate access to, and drive the enrichment of, ECD.   Moderated by Kanyisa Diamond, senior project manager at the Old Mutual Foundation, the session unpacked different early learning models. Participants considered which ECD interventions are most effective, and what needs to be done differently to achieve the goal of the National Development Plan (NDP):  universal access to a full range of ECD services for all children aged 0-8 by 2030. The South African Early Childhood Review 2019 shows that we have made some progress in terms of ECD. Maternal and child mortality rates are on a downward trend, but we still struggle with nutrition (27% of children under five suffer from stunting), support for primary caregivers, and the stimulation of early learning. Models for social impact Justine Jowell of SmartStart said systems intervention is needed to close the provisioning gap. Some 1.2 million children aged three to four years are not attending an early learning programme, 900 000 of them from poor households.  “To achieve universal access to quality early learning for all three- to five -year-olds, we need more than 100 000 additional early learning practitioners and 40 000 new venues. To reach these high numbers of excluded children, system capacity must be expanded. This needs to happen fast to bring children in sooner.” SmartStart is an example of a national early learning delivery platform that operates under a social franchise model. SmartStart currently includes 13 organisations (independent, locally based NPOs) across nine provinces in the country that form part of the SmartStart delivery platform (as franchisors), enabling SmartStart’s rapid acceleration of reach of new children in a locally relevant and responsive way. This model helps to create direct employment and support microenterprise development, especially for women. In the five years since set-up, this model has allowed SmartStart to reach more than 75 000 children, with nearly 4 000 active early learning social enterprises (franchisees) supported to run quality early learning programmes.  Earlybird, a social enterprise, provides on-site educare services to companies that want to attract and retain top talent, particularly women. “There is a good deal of evidence that employer-sponsored educare improves productivity, reducing single-day leave-taking and enabling greater female labour force participation and progression,” said Blair. A portion of net income from the for-profit side of the business cross-subsidises the non-profit side, which funds young black women to set up Blue Door Educare Centres as entrepreneurs. These high-quality educare centres serve low-income environments and also partner with social housing developers, with a goal to bring quality learning to all young children. Innovation Edge, an innovation catalyst and social impact investor, believes in supporting early learning programmes and ensuring that caregivers get support to equip children for lifelong success. In one of their projects, they work with design and manufacturing company Barrows to print and distribute early learning materials to under-resourced communities, using blank production space available on existing client print runs. The posters and flash cards they create at minimal cost are distributed at their nine business hubs in each province of the country – and they provide more than 50 000 pieces of educational material to children in under-resourced areas each month.  They have also partnered with Out There Media on the 3 Little Minutes mobile SMS campaign, which provides caregivers with data-free access to roughly three minutes of songs and stories located on a mobi-site. The campaign is delivered via the Mobucks™ platform, which links the mobile operator with businesses wanting to advertise to specific audience (thus content is sponsored). “The pilot was in English, but the next stage will include more languages,” said Biondi. “Content on the system is provided by Book Dash and Nal’ibali, and they do have content in various South African languages, in the form of songs and stories.”  Biondi said that Innovation Edge is working with government on compiling data sets of national early child assessments to understand how literate, numerate and school-ready children may be. “We really want to get South Africa excited about how children enter school, because if we can shift the way they enter schools we can surely shift the way they are leaving school.” Effective interventions A snap poll during the session asked delegates which ECD interventions they think are the most effective. The majority (62%) said training teachers works best, followed by providing nutrition (12%) and providing equipment (12%). A further 6% listed helping with registration and 6% said building infrastructure was most effective. Blair pointed out that preventing exposure to violence is also an important factor, as toxic stress has a huge effect on development. Assuming nutrition and infrastructure are in place, training is the most effective way to improve child outcomes, she said.  “There is broad agreement that in-service training is crucial – just-in-time pedagogical support – that involves meeting a teacher on a weekly or monthly basis and finding out what they are battling with.” She said this type of intervention is exponentially more effective than pre-service training. Biondi suggested that companies think about subsidising their employees’ children so they can receive quality educare, as well as considering parental leave. “Don’t just support external ECD providers. Look inside as well as outside,” she recommended.

December 9, 2020
Cleverdon Preschool

Play Based Learning in the Heart of Bryanston

Why Play based learning?  Simply put, children (and adults) learn through play, developing the whole child holistically.  Play based learning is a type of early childhood education based on child-led and open-ended play. This provides a framework for learning where children can organise and make sense of the world around them.  It is a voluntary and enjoyable activity with no purpose or end goal. If you are thinking ‘mud kitchens’ or fantasy play or finger painting, you are on the right track. Children engage in play on their own and explore different materials; they play with each other and use materials to represent other objects (symbolic play) which holds great value in developing imagination, cognitive skills and social competence. One of the elements of play based learning is it encourages the development of language skills. By interacting with their peers they develop their vocabulary and comprehension skills.  The context of play allows this to happen in a natural way and learning is amplified as it is enjoyable and relevant to the child’s interests. Music and rhyme supports the development of pre-literacy skills such as listening skills and sound recognition, laying the foundations for reading and basic literacy. It also helps to develop their memorisation skills and their ability to differentiate sounds. The development of social and emotional skills is crucial to the development and learning of a child.  Engagement in play is closely associated to the development of these skills as children share social experiences and play co-operative games.  Think team work and cooperation, collaborative planning, expressing ideas. It develops a sense of belonging.  Emotional competence and empathy are developed through play as they learn about feelings, emotions and motivation of others.  Engaging in dramatized play demonstrates ways of caring and showing empathy. Fantasy play is a vehicle for a child to make sense of the world around them and to try to understand their emotions. It fosters creativity and imagination, traits that are vital in the modern world.  Using their imagination, they are able to problem solve and find solutions to a variety of problems.  This in turn develops a natural curiosity and improved potential for learning in later life.  Imagination is all about symbols; laundry baskets become a car or a stick a sword and so on. Understanding symbols is key to reading and writing as letters are symbols. The same would apply to mathematical concepts and numbers.  Playing in the mud kitchen or baking; imagine all the measuring and filling and emptying, too much or too little, how many, too thick or too thin, too big or too small and so on;  Thus developing all the pre-maths skills. Basic scientific concepts are developed through play, for example, what happens when you stack block on top of another or  balancing one side with the other to make it stand or what does the feather or a bird feel like or the shell of a tortoise. Physical development refers to both fine and gross motor development and how a child uses their body.  Through play children build physical strength, coordination, balance, position of their bodies in space, fine motor coordination and manipulation, hand eye coordination and foot eye coordination. Running, jumping, climbing, swinging, ball games and so on.  They get a healthy amount of exercise. Children are exposed to so many different tactile experiences through their play; The feeling of wood, sand, soft toys, water, paint and more.  These sensory experiences are important for the development of the neural pathways and their sensory integration system. Art and play also include many sensory experiences.  Creative activities which are process focused, have no rules to guide the children as there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to create thereby allowing them to express their ideas in a way they want to and they feel successful no matter what they make. During this process there is problem solving, sequential organising, logical thinking visual perceptual and many more skills being developed. “A considerable amount of research in the field of play-based learning is indicative of the profound importance of play on the overall development of a child.  Playing helps the brain develop cognitive abilities, establish new neural connections, and make us more intelligent in multiple aspects at once.  It improves the ability to perceive others emotional states and adapt to ever changing circumstances” It’s important that when a child gets to school they are comfortable in a school setting, comfortable engaging with other children and excited to learn.  Emotional learning is as important, if not more, as academic skills learning.  This is what they will acquire in a play-based program.

October 5, 2020
Parenting Hub

Cleverdon Preschool

Our engaging and inspired teachers take a zoom class each morning at a set time where they cover brain gym/movement, theme related topics, songs, sensory activities, science experiments, baking, stories and fun activities, which develop the preschool skills. Further activities and videos are loaded onto the google classroom for each class which the parents and children can access.

May 29, 2020
Impaq

Preparing for Big School: Practical exercises to do at home

One of the most memorable days of your child’s schooling career is most definitely the first day of Grade 1. This day comes with a combination of different emotions from excitement to uncertainty and the question most parents wonder about:

April 24, 2020
Parenting Hub

Build your child’s language skills with Mzanzi Kids

Being unable to be a part of the outside world has created a new trend #learnsomethingnew among adults and children, with most of these new skills being learned through technology. Technology has recently become many things in a household: an educator, a baby-sitter, a news source and quite simply, a view to the outside world.

April 20, 2020
Parenting Hub

The importance of music in preschool

Music has been made and enjoyed throughout history, it is a powerful and effective way to spread a message, tell a story or express your feelings.

September 16, 2019
Impaq

Will your preschooler cope with the demands of school?

When your child turns 6 it usually means that it’s their last year in preschool. In a year, your child will need to start primary school, but how do you know that your child will cope with the formal demands of school? Or be able to function to his/her full potential? As a parent, you may have lots of questions about this new phase in your child’s life. You would want to know that your child is ready to start their learning journey. If your child is not ready, it could influence his/her academic performance.

August 28, 2019
Skidz

The importance of age appropriate stimulation

There have been many studies that focus on the importance of infant stimulation. It is a well-known fact that impoverished environments, under stimulation and the lack of rich and varied experiences can impair children’s development in all areas. Thus, there are many projects that focus on helping these communities and giving them the tools through training and equipping them to be able to change the cycle.  But what about over stimulation? It has been shown that environments that overwhelm children with stimulation beyond their current capacities interfere with the brain’s potential, much in the same way that under stimulation does.  Our society has become increasingly focused on stimulation. Expensive early learning programs, competitiveness and early achieving have become the norm. We have so over scheduled our children with activities that they do not have time to simply be kids and play. We do not expect a 5 month old to walk or run, why do we then expect a 5 year old to read and write?  Many children have not developed or practiced their creativity one should through boredom, as they have not had the chance to be bored. There is actually no evidence that any of this has yielded smarter, better, super babies. In fact, priming infants with stimulation that they are not ready for may cause them to withdraw, thereby threatening their interest in learning and creating conditions much like stimulus deprivation. In addition to this parents may become disappointed when despite the excessive stimulation, their children do not become little geniuses. This creates the danger that parents may view their children as failures at an early age. This in turn could result in infants being robbed of a healthy psychological start while also depriving parents of pleasurable and relaxing interactions with and participation in their children early years. The question this leaves us with is, what would the best conditions be?  Let kids be kids. Do not put too much pressure on them or expect them to do things that are not age appropriate. The ideal is to provide age-appropriate moderate stimulation in a loving environment with lots of social interactions. This has proven to be much more beneficial than expensive toys and gadgets. The Skidz Clever Activity boxes provides a program focusing on this exact finding.  Each set contains all the equipment needed to complete over 100 activities in each box. The age ranges are as follows: 0-6 months  6-12 months 12-18 months 18-24 months  2-5 years.  For more info or to purchase your box go to www.skidz.co.za or follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/skidzsa

July 15, 2019
Toptots Head Office

Process Art and Early Childhood Development

Process art is all about the experience children have when they are creating. We encourage it at Toptots to enable the child to explore and be exposed to different mediums. Process art needs to be open ended and the child should be left alone to explore and create without any adult interference. Children learn through play and open-ended activities – this gives them the chance to explore and ask questions and see how things work. Process art is all about the actual process and not the end product.

July 1, 2019
Advtech Group

How to choose Pre-Primary School

Choosing a school for your little one should not be a last minute, hasty decision. Start looking at least three months before you need to enter your child, if you are looking to place a baby. If you want your child to join a good school when they turn three, you should start looking at birth. This may seem ludicrous but the top Pre-Primary schools have waiting lists several years long! The first decision is whether to place your child in a school near home or near your place of work. Small children suffer from many little illnesses and most schools want a sick child to go home as soon as possible. Choose a school that is close enough for someone to fetch them promptly if they fall ill. No matter how loving the care at school, a sick child just wants the comfort of home. Choose a school whose hours suit your schedule. If the school closes at 5.30pm, you must be able to reach it with time to spare, regardless of the traffic. Does the school open early enough for you to get to work? You cannot leave a small child outside the gate and assume that someone will take responsibility! There are so many places of care to choose from at the moment that you may be bewildered by the choice. Take the time to visit the school unannounced. Check the security first, it should not be possible for you just to drive in. Are there cameras at the door and an entrance procedure? Next, how are you greeted and dealt with by the receptionist? This should be efficient, friendly and with an offer to show you the school, either then or by appointment. An appointment does not mean they have anything to hide; good schools have to allocate time and staff to deal with parents effectively. Is the reception clutter free and efficiently run? Are the admittance forms neatly printed and requesting sufficient background detail on your child? When you look around, watch the children. Under-fives should be playing freely and busily with clean, unbroken toys that are well displayed to enable choice, or engaged in activities that are stimulating creativity or enhancing number or literacy skills. There should be no worksheets or cloned art work. Is the classroom clean and attractive, with good natural light and ventilation? Is there sufficient space for the children? Crowded rooms lead to fights and stress. Has the teacher (who should be SACE registered) an assistant to manage bathroom visits, messes and to support play? Is there evidence of an overall theme that the children are investigating? Are there good quality books in a comfy spot for reading? Are the carpets and floors clean? Beware of schools that are too tidy and immaculate as this could mean that the equipment is for display, not the children’s use. Children should be aware of your presence but not clamouring for your attention. What is your language policy for your child? If they are to attend Primary school in a specific language, they will be at an advantage if their early years are spent in the same language. This does not mean that you should forsake your home language. Bi-lingual children have a cognitive advantage, but do not confuse your child by subjecting him/her to a constant mixture of languages. Choose a school that will help your child enter grade 1 with a strong vocabulary and comprehension, as well as an ability to engage in their intellectual education with understanding. What do you require in the way of meals? Not all schools serve breakfast, lunch and snacks and the price should reflect what is provided. Check out the kitchen, the kitchen staff and the certificates from the local authority indicating that the school is licenced to provide meals. Look at the menus. Is there sufficient variety and fresh fruit and vegetables? Ask about who feeds the little ones and how meals are conducted for the older ones. Are the children forced to eat their meals? Can the school cater for genuine allergies, (Not fussy eaters!) If your child is still a baby, check the policies on formulas, nappies, wet wipes etc. If the school supplies everything, it may be a little more expensive but well worth your while in terms of convenience. Look at the nappy changing areas, where everything should be neatly labelled and the area safe and well ventilated, with proper disposal facilities. Potty training areas should be bright and welcoming, with small toilets for children aged two plus.  Are the baby rooms warm enough for the babies to play and crawl on the floor and not be kept in a cot all day. Who provides the cot linen and how often is it washed? There should be a nursing sister available for very young babies, as well as well-trained carers who will talk to and stimulate your child. The outdoor area should have grass, sand, water, shade and wheeled toys, as well as safe climbing and swinging equipment, appropriate for the different age groups. Children are stimulated by their environment so the garden should be attractive, bright and well supervised. Gross motor development underlies all other development at this age so there should be a minimum of an hour per morning and afternoon set aside for active, outdoor play. Last but not least, the atmosphere of the school should be welcoming and child friendly. Do not be swayed by the latest technological devices and lessons if the staff seem aloof and uncaring. With proper research your child should be happy and well stimulated in the chosen environment until it is time for Big School. Written By: Barbara Eaton (Academic Development Co-ordinator of ADvTECH Pre-Primary Schools)  

June 18, 2019
Parenting Hub

New Research on the Importance of Learning through Play

The LEGO Foundation and Sesame Workshop Highlights the Importance of Learning through Play in Parent-Child Relationships in South Africa in Celebration of World Play Day The ‘Play Every Day’ program empowered caregivers to effectively guide children in learning through play in South Africa In celebration of World Play Day, the LEGO Foundation and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organisation behind Takalani Sesame, announced the results of a multi-country research evaluation of Play Every Day, a program designed to shift parent and caregiver perceptions about the educational value of play and to encourage play that contributes to children’s early development and learning outcomes. The impact evaluation, conducted by an external evaluator, found significant changes in parents and caregivers’ perceptions of play and play-related behaviour, as well as improved confidence of parents and caregivers as play mentors for their children. Over the course of a 12-week intervention in low-resource communities in South Africa, India and Mexico, Sesame Workshop conducted weekly in-person play workshops or home visits, in addition to reminders utilising WhatsApp and other digital platforms and community events. The research in South Africa was conducted in IsiZulu, IsiXhosa and Sesotho in the communities of Orange Farm, Alexandra, Diepsloot and Braamfontein. Caregivers participating in the Play Every Day program in South Africa reported:  Increased frequency of play by 15% Increased confidence as “play mentors” for their children through quality play time, with an increase of 18% Increased confidence using recycled materials such as plastic bottles, cans, and cardboard rolls as play objects, with an increase of 19% in South Africa An increase of 19% in the ability to make everyday activities playful An 11% increase in the link between pretend play as a foundation for academic learning The research findings will inform the upcoming Takalani Sesame ‘Learning Through Play’ Initiative, which will reach millions of children and caregivers across South Africa through television, digital media, and targeted community engagement. The findings will also inform a USD $100 Million Humanitarian Play Programto support children affected by the Rohingya and Syrian refugee crises. The Play Every Day program empowered caregivers and children to learn together, rather than in parallel, providing valuable insights for the development of caregiver-child programming. “With such a large portion of the South African population being in low-resource settings, this research is invaluable and will guide Takalani Sesame programs in South Africa. We continue to educate caregivers and teachers on the benefits that Learning through Play provides, as one of the most powerful ways for children to learn, develop and overcome setbacks,” said Innocent Nkata, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop South Africa. The facilitated workshops, implemented through local community partners, provided primary caregivers with content that is easy to replicate at home to improve caregiver confidence in playful learning techniques and provide new ideas for engagement with children, such as building toys with recycled materials and playing pretend using everyday household items. To ensure culturally relevant and effective interventions, the 12-week intervention was preceded by three pilot phases between November 2016 and May 2018 that tested a variety of play activities, materials, and methods of facilitation for each country. “The LEGO Foundation is working to build a future in which learning through play helps all children grow into creative, engaged, life-long learners. Parents and other primary caregivers are fundamental to this aim as they are children’s first teachers and playmates. We are excited about the positive results from the Play Every Day program. We hope that these insights will inspire and empower primary caregivers in in South Africa to harness the power of learning through play,” said Kerry Kassen, LEGO Foundation Initiatives Lead for South Africa. The findings have been announced as we celebrate World Play Day on 28 May. To mark this important day, Sesame Workshop and the LEGO Foundation are partnering with Cotlands and Kagiso Trust to host an event at the Multipurpose Centre in Sasolburg on 1 June 2019. Takalani Sesame Muppets Zuzu and Kami will join over 300 children to highlight this year’s World Play Day theme, “Play is a right.” The event will feature songs, dancing, and play activities for children. “We’re deeply committed to bringing learning experiences to children across South Africa through Takalani Sesame, and we too believe that play is a right for all children,” adds Mr. Nkata. “This World Play Day, we have a lot to celebrate; with the new research findings, we will be able to build upon our work to ensure that every child has access to positive, playful experiences.”  Additional highlights from the Play Every Day impact evaluation can be found online here.

June 4, 2019
Parenting Hub

Capriccio! Arts Powered Schools – Learn@Home

Learn@Home, our school’s arts inspired online learning programme, has been specially devised to facilitate and integrate the holistic development of pre-school learners through a unique Play & Learn approach that mimics our school’s fun-filled arts powered curriculum presented on site.

May 26, 2019
Capriccio! Arts Powered Pre-School

The Value of Performance Arts in Healthy Child Development

Although some might view arts education as a luxury, creative expression is in fact a prime basic building block of healthy, well-rounded education in the early years. Learning to create & express is greatly beneficial to all children.  Benefits of Performance Arts  Motor skills: Many of the motions involved in dancing and gymnastics constitutes the foundation of gross motor development. It incorporates balance, weight distribution, strength, coordination and awareness of our bodies. And while these physical benefits are convincing in themselves, the mental and emotional effects of an environment where you are both challenged and encouraged, are of unparalleled value to a child’s development. Not many achievements are more rewarding to a child than learning and creating something, working hard and successfully mastering skills. Language, social & emotional development: Drama has long been used by childcare therapists; the benefits are countless. When exploring movement and emotion, children learn to appropriately express themselves with both verbal and non-verbal communication. This in turn gives them a head start when it comes to social interaction and interpersonal relationships. With poetry and speech, as teachers, we’re given the opportunity to lay a foundation for speech, the way it should be. During pretend play and improvisation, children learn about decision-making and responding to situations as they arise. They get the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, improve articulation and intonation and develop breath control, to name just a few advantages; all of this whilst building self-confidence and healthy self-esteem.    Visual, audio and cognitive development: Playing a musical instrument, drawing, sculpting, threading beads and painting all develop fine motor and visual-spatial skills, which are more important than ever in treating and avoiding sensory processing disorders, as well as holistically raising a well-rounded, expressive, creative and happy child. For more information on our school’s arts powered offerings, please contact Capriccio! Arts Powered Schools for more information, be it our extra-mural programs in the afternoons, or arts powered pre-school & primary education.

April 5, 2019
Parenting Hub

Creating a curious mind and fostering life-long learning by having a growth mind-set

You can teach a student a lesson for a day, but if you can teach him/her to learn by curiosity, he/she will continue the learning process as long as he/she lives – Clay P. Bedford Children are naturally curious. They are constantly exploring the world around them; constantly asking questions, and constantly wondering how things work. The question, therefore, is not how do we create a curious mind, but how do we nurture a child’s curiosity so that they have a continued passion for learning throughout their lives.  Learning is about discovering how life works, and children are not afraid to ask the “How?” and “Why?” questions.  A curious mind is a hidden force that drives learning, critical thinking, and reasoning. It’s about having an open and active mind. It puts the brain in a state that makes learning easier, more enjoyable, and longer-lasting. Stimulating a child’s curiosity impacts their learning and development for a lifetime.  Curious children explore their environment, devour books and information, ask questions, investigate concepts, manipulates data, searches for meaning, connect with people and nature, and seek new learning experiences.  So how do we nurture this curious mind?  Model interest in the world, and teach them to be good observers When walking around wonder out loud about the things you see. The trees, the sky, etc. Follow the child’s lead  Encourage their natural interests. Children learn so much more through activities that capture their attention and interest. Encourage them to ask questions Answer their questions simply and clearly, in a way, they will understand. Before answering though, first, ask them what their thoughts are. If you do not know the answer let them know that not knowing is also ok, and then model how they can go about finding the answers (eg. Internet, talking to someone, etc) Introduce your child to the library and foster a love for books and reading, whether it be story books or about rockets. Stimulate your child with open-ended questions that can’t be answered with only a “ye”, “no” or “fine”. Create an interesting environment, continuously rotate your supply of toys to keep things “fresh”. Redirect behaviour instead of discouraging it. For example, if they like pouring out water from their cup onto the floor from their highchair, move them to the floor or backyard with a bucket in front of them so they can continue experimenting with a water.  This will also teach them problem-solving skills, creative and acceptable ways to do and get what they want.  Allow time for open-ended activities Do not tell them what to do with materials like boxes, blocks, water, sand, etc; how to do it; or what it should look like in the end. Curiosity broadens a child’s mind, and a broader mind helps in the holistic development of the child. Curiosity should therefore never be suppressed or else it can have an adverse impact on a child’s early development. As John Holt says: “Children do not need to be made to learn” since they are already born with what Einstein called “the holy curiosity of inquiry”.    By Lauren Holton, Teacher at Trinityhouse Northriding 

March 11, 2019
Junior Colleges

Does your child have enough space to play?

Play for a child, prepares them for adulthood with all life’s delights and contests. What better way to learn as a child than to be given the chance to play freely in large areas? One of my best memories as a child was of running around the field at Pre-school with my friends in tow, the real excitement at finding new treasure troves, making up games, and the tangible fear we felt, like when we had to climb a high jungle gym or run away from a scary dinosaur! Being brought onto the playground, where we would get stuck in exploring all the new possibilities there for fun, games and imagination. What a treat! Because I was fortunate enough to have a home with a large garden, I remember how liberated I felt being free to meander around without my parents watching me all the time, and how nature became my learning ground. However, I would imagine that this is not the case for most children because of the way society has changed and with many of us now living in townhouse complexes, some with very limited space. Today’s children get so few opportunities to play freely, because we understandably fear for their safety, be it the road or “stranger danger.” My own interest in play and children’s development stems from my experience of working as a Teacher and Principal for the past 27 years, where I meet the most amazing children and their parents every day and fortunately are willing to help them with any issues, usually related to their development, emotions or behaviour. From my work, research, studies and experience, I have gained a good sense of what children need to develop to their full potentials. Not a lot has been written on the benefits of playgrounds, which is surprising given that our children spend so much time in them. Below are 7 good reasons why children should have space to play, based on different aspects of a child’s development: Social, Brain and Language Development Children of all ages develop their social skills on a playground through the creation of “games”, like catch or make-believe play, where the equipment is turned into something else (e.g. obstacle course, hospital, school, etc), where children give themselves roles and they work out the “rules of the game” in cooperation. Playgrounds provide an opportunity for children to practice their social skills, to come up with solutions to problems, and to learn self-control in working out their conflicts. Play also encourages language development, as children often talk aloud during their play (e.g. “Look at me going down the big slide!”), and the interaction with their peers allows them to express their thoughts and feelings and to develop their understanding and spoken skills. I’ve noticed that children who don’t even speak the same language can get on just fine during play! Physical Development and Good Physical Exercise As children progress, they are drawn to different systems of play which encourage their development, like rough and tumble play. Children naturally seek this form of play, which helps them to work out their physical space in the world, where their body begins and where it ends. This is crucial for the development of their motor skills and spatial awareness. It’s FUN! Large open spaces encourage your children to get out there and move! It’s so much fun and exhilarating for them! Playing is your child’s most natural form of expression, regardless of their age, and when they are engaged in it they forget everything else and really enjoy the moment. By Elizabeth Steenkamp, Principal of Junior Colleges Castillian

March 6, 2019
Parenting Hub

MYSCHOOL MYVILLAGE MYPLANET AND GROW PARTNER FOR QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

The MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet community loyalty programme has launched a new partnership with the GROW with Educare Centres project to establish 21 high-quality early childhood development centres (ECD) in under-resourced communities of Cape Town and Gauteng over the next two years.  With funding of almost R5 million, this is one of MySchool’s biggest commitments to a single project to date.  GROW with Educare’s unique model takes a multi-faceted approach to solving the ECD crisis in South Africa in a sustainable and scalable way.  The organisation is establishing a successful chain of ECD centres in under-resourced communities; managed by capable independent principals with trained, qualified teachers.  GROW with Educare is bringing private school level ECD, as well as sustainable job creation, into communities where quality Educare is currently not accessible or affordable.  “Through the use of best practice principles such as social franchising, ongoing mentorship and both business and personal development, GROW with Educare is progressively helping the women who run Educare centres move from a place of dependence to dignity,” says Tracey Chambers, CEO of GROW with Educare.  The first five years of life is the most critical of all child development phases; with nutrition, care and opportunities for cognitive, physical, social and emotional learning laying the foundations for future adult behaviours and abilities.  Deficits in ECD result in a lifetime of being disadvantaged.  Worldwide, delivering quality ECD has been identified as a key strategy to break entrenched cycles of poverty and inequality. GROW uses a tool developed by the World Bank (the MELQO – Measuring Early Learning Quality Outcomes) to evaluate whether children in GROW schools are achieving internationally benchmarked milestones of development.   “MySchool welcomes the opportunity to partner with GROW and see 21 new high quality GROW Educare Centres get off the ground over 2019 and 2020,” says Pieter Twine, MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet General Manager.  “This is a project that brings together vital education and child care, as well as entrepreneurship, employment and sustainable community development.  Each year, under-resourced pre-school centres in Gauteng and Cape Town will be transformed and brought into the thriving GROW brand community.  There will be the upgrading of facilities to meet mandatory ECD standards; leadership, business and education training for the micro-franchisee; educational training for child caregivers; provision of outstanding educational resources through GROW Learning; a healthy, balanced nutrition programme, ongoing monitoring and evaluation, as well as active mentoring, and parent and community outreach. Each school will also start the process of registration with the Department of Social Development. It’s the kind of project that matters to MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet cardholders who can support GROW by simply nominating them as a beneficiary and then using their card every time they shop at our retail partners.  GROW was established in 2013 to counteract the extreme lack of access to quality ECD in marginalised South African communities where there are hosts of working parents and pitifully few safe, quality childcare options available.  Many GROW with Educare Centres have stemmed out of grass-roots, home-based care for very young children where the infrastructure is sub-standard, child caregivers are untrained, over-crowded classrooms are the norm and educational resources are severely limited.  With its ‘education-in-a-box’ and ‘business-in-a-box’ concepts, GROW delivers a deep, ongoing intervention which results in well-supported inspirational centres of excellence that have positive ripple effects and help turn the tide against poverty and inequality in their communities. “GROW is delighted to join hands with MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet and become a cause that matters to the loyal cardholders,” says Chambers.  “We are in an important phase of building an aspirational brand using the best principles of franchising to boost education in the country.  This enables us to manage and maintain the standards in GROW Educare Centres while business owners are empowered to earn a decent salary and also offer others gainful employment.  By the end of 2019, our impact will include almost 1900 learners across 77 classrooms in 52 schools in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, and 218 jobs will be created.” To support GROW, add them as one of your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet beneficiaries.  If you don’t have a card, sign up for free at www.myschool.co.za or download the App and nominate GROW as one of three possible beneficiaries.

February 22, 2019
Junior Colleges

FROM PLAYSCHOOL TO BIG SCHOOL: HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITION

Moving from pre-school into a formal schooling environment is a big step not only for young children, but also for their parents. Doubts and anxiety often accompany this major move, but parents should aim to ensure a conscious transition which addresses specific issues that may arise, so that their child starts their school career on a solid foundation, an expert says. “Some of the practical things can be very exciting – sorting out school uniforms and supplies, learning about the new routine, meeting the new teacher and exploring the new school grounds,” says Trudie Gilmore, General Manager at ADvTECH Junior Colleges. “However, the increased demands and unfamiliar environment can be daunting, and children need to be eased into the new situation. Additionally, parental expectations can cause unnecessary pressure at this young age,” she says. Gilmore says when embarking on this exciting new life chapter, parents and guardians should remember the following: ALLOW FOR MAKING MISTAKES The lesson is in the learning, not only the outcome, notes Gilmore. “At this age, parents should encourage their children to be more independent and, where possible, to think for themselves. Encourage your child to practise small ways to look after themselves such as dressing themselves, ensuring their bookbags are packed, and looking after their belongings. Encourage and praise them for trying, even when they don’t get it perfectly right.” PRACTISE PERSEVERANCE “It can be tremendously frustrating for young children if they are unable to complete a task to their satisfaction. Teach your child that when learning new things, it’s important that they keep on trying, even if they find things challenging. Don’t step in and ‘fix’ the situation, but rather guide, encourage and motivate.” PLAY NICELY Junior school is an important social milestone, and the time when children need to start working and engaging in meaningful play with their peers, even if they don’t automatically get along. Encourage your child to be inclusionary and kind, which will help them develop emotional maturity, as well as  confidence. “You can also prepare together by acting out different situations with toys. Playing games that involve turns or rules, such as board games, are good for practising how to get along with others. This way, children can try out some of the skills they’ll need later to make friends.” ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY “Being interested and curious about the things around us is really important for learning. Encourage your child’s natural sense of curiosity by talking to them about things, people and places when you are out and about. New research has shown clear benefits for children whose parents engage them in productive conversation, that is, where each takes turns to listen and respond appropriately,” says Gilmore. “Listen to and answer their questions, nurture their love of reading – an exciting and empowering new skill – and look things up on the computer together. Try to see the world through your child’s eyes, and talk and wonder about the everyday things you see and hear.” Gilmore says parents must be prepared to help their children navigate and manage increased stress levels caused by more challenging schoolwork, homework, assessments, diversity within the school environment, after-school activities and possible bullying. “Ensure your child is able to respond to the challenges they will face every day, by limiting any additional pressure,” she says. “And remember, sleep is key. Children who get enough sleep are likely to be less short-tempered and better able to handle school stress. Also beware of piling on extra-mural activities. We’ve come to believe that busy equals happy, but over-scheduling means less free time and family time.” Our society is expecting more and more from children at younger ages, says Gilmore. “Our job as parents and guardians is to help them understand and respond appropriately to these demands, and develop their emotional intelligence to set them up for a successful and productive school career.”  

February 15, 2019
Capriccio! Arts Powered Pre-School

Values in the Classroom

As technological advancements have swept through classrooms in the last decade, the way in which children are taught has changed, shifting towards a modernized approach. At Capriccio! Arts Powered Schools, we acknowledge the numerous benefits of technology in the classroom and create a pro-tech learning environment. We are however of the opinion that value-based learning should form  an integral part of the foundation upon which children are educated.  Our uniquely designed curriculum fosters the cognitive, emotional, physical, social and artistic development of little ones and young children. As such, our specialized enrichment programmes focus on preparing children for life by instilling within them important values, which form one of the cornerstones of our learners’ educational journey.   Combining elements of Montessori, Reggio Emilio and Waldorf, we have developed a number of unique enrichment programmes aimed at:  Instilling values like honesty, integrity and sincerity by means of story-telling, games, puppeteering and role play.  Introducing grace, courtesy, etiquette and social skills, reinforcing learning through role play, stories, puppet theatre and other media. Preparing our children for life via practical lessons learnt from the Bible. Our Christian ethos provides a consistent foundation upon which is built to instil family values – Practical lessons from the Bible form part of equipping our learners for a meaningful life.  For more information on our integrated, innovative and creative approach to providing wholesome and well-rounded pre-primary and primary education, visit: www.artspreschool.co.za. 

February 7, 2019
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