Leading expert advice from Wingu Academy
Wingu Academy

How Wingu brings freedom of choice and peace of mind to online schooling from home

Wingu Academy prides itself to meet our Wingu family and our Wingulians’ needs to have flexible schooling and still excel and thrive academically. Following is the account of one of our Wingu parents, Margo Meier’s testimonial of how Wingu was able to provide a stable and structured schooling solution which also affords them the flexibility the children need to pursue their passion for sport.   “As a single working mom I faced an unknown territory when I removed Ané from mainstream schooling in Grade 6. My heart sat in my throat. Within a year I removed Morné, then in Gr 9, as well. Two years later Covid struck and with all the uncertainty of where schooling was heading, I removed Conrad in his Gr 6 year as well. (My eldest had matriculated from a mainstream school by then). There I was, mom alone, but not home alone. Having to take on the responsibility of raising these three all on my own, not mentioning getting them through school alone, was daunting, or even better phrased, outright terrifying! Wingu has changed our lives for the better. It has brought a structured peace of mind to the schooling atmosphere and general household. From falling around from one home schooling system to the next, feeling overwhelmed with the standard of Cambridge and not knowing if my children would ever see a matric certificate, to complete structure, giving over to those who know how, and knowing my children will achieve their best results. The first two years we fell around from online school systems, to cottage style school going, to private tutoring, but all in vain.  Progress was slow, frustrations were high and money was wasted. It was as though a heavy weight was lifted off my compressed shoulders and I could stand upright and face this challenge of homeschooling prepared and backed by professionals. Wingu came as though it was sent to me on angel wings. I was at a dead-end with options. Wingu offered the correct standard (for the British International Curricula like Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel), affordable education with flexible options. For the first time there was structure (a set time table). These systems where the children work completely at their own pace is a tall order for a teenager and working mom to keep tabs. The blend of structure and flexibility that Wingu offers, stroked the best balance for our family.  Furthermore, the lessons are recorded. We have a set rule that no class is skipped. But oh dear, we forgot about load shedding (scheduled power outages in our country) which sort of happens to be in the middle of the mornings sometimes when most classes are scheduled. No problem! – my children can catch up on missed lessons by the touch of a button. In that same breath, it teaches them self-discipline and responsibility from a very young age. More than any mainstream system can, for the sole reason that they are on their own (except for the support the Wingu team provides), nobody except themselves check in if they are up to date in our family. I am blessed with kids that have the right mind-set when it comes to schoolwork. Ané is a top SA swimmer which requires her to miss classes for big galas and occasionally for extra swim practices. Wingu allows her to catch up in her own time without the pressure she would have experienced in a mainstream school. Now she can focus on both academics and her swimming, without sacrificing any one of them.  In a nutshell Wingu gives a child freedom they never knew before. Freedom of choice: To choose between pyjama uniform or dress up for the day. To choose to have slippers or socks on for the school day. To choose what time to make their lunch in between classes. To choose what hobbies to do in leisure time between the classes.  Autonomy with responsibility.  My two children currently still at Wingu are excelling academically. I am extremely proud of them as I do the minimum with them as a working mom. Ané excelled in her IGCSEs scoring A’s for many of her subjects including Chemistry (A*, 87%), A* for Physics (85%), A for Biology (80%), A for English (82%) and A* for Afrikaans (93%) and an A for Maths (75%). All the while becoming an SA swimming champion. We are extremely proud of her. What they achieve is on their own or if necessary, with the help of a Wingu teacher. I feel this is one of the most valuable assets which the Wingu system allows, is for the child to be able to continue daily, taking responsibility and self-discipline into their hands. Wingu gave my kids wings To fly or not to fly is their choice, but Wingu taught them to fly high.  Conrad applauds Wingu for the lower levels of stress and freedom to work at his own pace. Ané thanks Wingu for teaching her how to explore extra avenues and how to learn by herself.” Margo Meier is a mother of four and a physiotherapist from Pretoria in South Africa. Her family has been enrolled at Wingu Academy since 2020 and has enjoyed the growth and innovation of the online school and the flexibility it offers. Margo appreciates the work-school-life harmony in her family that Wingu offers.

July 10, 2024
Wingu Academy

Education rooted in innovation to encourage learner engagement and healthy competition

It is no secret that kids enjoy gaming. It’s fun, introduces the element of competition and has become a very big part of how they socially interact these days. With this in mind Wingu Academy has embarked on a journey to take education to the next level by incorporating progress based gamification into their course development and learner support. According to the gamification theory in education is that learners learn best when they are also having fun. Not only this – they also learn best when they have goals, targets and achievements to reach for, of course in a way the learner still perceives as fun. This involves using game-based elements such as point scoring, peer competition, team work, score tables to drive engagement, help students assimilate new information and test their knowledge. “We’ve always believed that research-led education, rooted in innovation, is the best way to enable our learners to develop, thrive and prepare them for life after school,” says Ian Strydom, Managing Director of Wingu Academy. There are a number of reasons Wingu believes that this will not only benefit our learners, but also empower our teachers and parents to foster responsibility and accountability. How does this benefit learners? We’ve introduced the gamification component to automatically be added as a course function. Learners will be rewarded for engagement rather than just achievement, so it immediately alleviates the stress of having to compete with other learners who may score higher grades in a subject whilst at the same time, promote healthy competition. Learning that healthy competition is a natural part of life and that effort can lead to success, is a huge benefit related to this approach. It also increases self-esteem as learners discover that there are many valuable lessons in both winning and losing. According to https://www.verywellfamily.com/ aside from preparing kids for wins and losses later in their adult life, competitive activities help them develop important skills like resilience, perseverance, and tenacity. How does this benefit teachers? Teachers will have a track record of activity, participation and engagement. This is important for teachers to identify any possible shortfalls where learner support may be required. It also assists teachers to identify how best to assist and encourage learners to master course material. How does it benefit parents? Education needs to be personalised and adapted for each learner to be motivated to learn and digest course material based on their own learning style.  Because parents will have access to the activity logs, it will be easy for parents to stay up to date with their child’s progress. It also creates opportunities for parents to engage with their children and reward them for effort and responsibility. How can parents foster healthy competition within children? According to Dr Serahani Symington, Child and Adolescent Counsellor and Play Therapy Specialist, it’s important to realise that every child responds differently to any form of competition. “It’s pivotal to reward your child for effort, rather than results, because this can play a huge role in building their self-esteem and how they experience competition. Rather focus on an approach of encouraging cooperation and teamwork and that it’s not about the outcome of the competition itself. This teaches children empathy, resilience and emotional intelligence, which is one of the most important skills to master to thrive in life. Finally, lead by example since children look to their parents for guidance in dealing with failure and success, because we live in a competitive society.” At Wingu Academy we believe that teaching children resilience is one of the best tools to set them up for success in life. Read more here  

July 2, 2024
Wingu Academy

Personalised learning – the best educational approach

In today’s educational landscape, personalised learning has emerged as a transformative approach, particularly in the context of online schooling for students. This paradigm shift from traditional methods is redefining how education is delivered and received, focusing on tailoring educational experiences to meet the unique needs, strengths, and interests of each student. What is Personalized Learning? Personalised learning is an educational approach that prioritises the individual learning paths of students. It involves customising the curriculum, teaching methods, and learning environments to align with each student’s specific needs and goals. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, personalised learning ensures that each student can progress at their own pace and receive support that caters to their personal learning style and pace. Benefits of Personalized Learning Individualised Instruction: Personalised learning enables educators to identify and address the specific learning gaps of each student, thereby enhancing their overall academic performance. This approach ensures that students receive the necessary support to master fundamental concepts before moving on to more complex topics. Increased Engagement: By aligning learning activities with students’ interests and preferences, personalised learning can significantly boost student engagement and motivation. When students are interested in what they are learning, they are more likely to participate actively and enjoy the educational process. Enhanced Learning Outcomes: Research indicates that personalised learning can lead to improved academic outcomes. By allowing students to learn at their own pace and offering targeted support, personalised learning helps students achieve a deeper understanding of the material. Challenges of Personalized Learning Resource Intensive: Implementing personalised learning can be resource-intensive, requiring significant time and effort from educators to develop customised learning plans and materials for each student. Technological Dependence: Effective personalised learning often relies on advanced technology to track student progress and adapt learning experiences. This can be a challenge in areas with limited access to digital resources or for schools with constrained budgets. Scalability: Scaling personalised learning to accommodate large numbers of students can be difficult. Ensuring that each student receives individual attention and tailored support becomes increasingly challenging as class sizes grow. Why Personalized Learning is the Future of Education The future of education lies in embracing personalised learning, especially within the online schooling environment. As digital platforms evolve, they offer unparalleled opportunities to implement personalised learning on a large scale. These platforms can provide real-time data and analytics, enabling educators to continuously monitor and adjust learning pathways to better meet each student’s needs. Moreover, personalised learning fosters a more inclusive and equitable educational environment. By catering to diverse learning styles and needs, it ensures that all students, regardless of their background or abilities, have the opportunity to succeed. In conclusion, personalised learning represents a significant advancement in education, promising to enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes, and prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Join Wingu Academy to learn how we integrate technology into education to increase personalised learning as it will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the future of learning.

June 27, 2024
Wingu Academy

Developing 4IR Skills Through Art: An Online Approach

The Importance of Art in Education Art is often seen as a break from the ‘real work’ in schools, but its role in developing critical thinking skills is substantial. According to education experts, art can significantly enhance a child’s cognitive abilities if integrated effectively into the curriculum. Parents and teachers can leverage art to provide a holistic developmental experience for children by asking insightful questions about their artwork and encouraging deep observational skills. Developing 4IR Skills In the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the ability to think critically and creatively is crucial. Wingu Academy’s accredited Art Program nurtures these essential skills by encouraging students to explore, experiment, and express themselves through various artistic mediums. Engaging in art helps students develop problem-solving abilities, enhances their analytical skills, and fosters innovative thinking. Practical Ways to Use Art for Developing 4IR Skills Integrate STEAM Education: By incorporating arts into STEM education (creating STEAM), students can develop creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Artistic and design-related thinking processes enhance their ability to innovate within scientific and technological domains. Enhance Creativity through Artistic Expression: Encouraging students to engage in various forms of artistic expression—such as painting, music, and digital media—fosters creativity, a key skill in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Creativity fuels innovation and adaptability in technology-driven environments. Art as a Medium for Soft Skills Development: Activities like visiting museums, creating art, and engaging in performances can enhance soft skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork. These skills are crucial for collaboration in 4IR industries. Use Art to Anticipate and Prepare for Future Changes: Engaging with art can help individuals develop the ability to anticipate and adapt to future changes, a crucial capability for thriving in the dynamic environment of the 4IR. Reduce the Skills Gap through Arts and Humanities: Integrating arts and humanities into education helps bridge the skills gap by developing well-rounded individuals who possess both technical expertise and creative, critical thinking abilities. This holistic approach is essential for future workforce readiness. Benefits of joining an Accredited Online Art Program International Recognition: Accredited by Pearson Edexcel and aligned with iGCSE standards, ensuring global recognition. Flexible Learning: Study from anywhere at any time, accommodating other commitments. Cost-Effective: Reduces costs associated with commuting and relocation while providing high-quality education. Personalised Education: Tailored learning experiences with personalised feedback and support. Innovation in Learning: Engaging and motivating teaching strategies that prepare students for future challenges. Join Wingu Academy’s Art & Design Program today and embark on a journey that enhances your artistic skills while equipping you with the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for success in the 4IR era. Read more about the program here

June 18, 2024
Wingu Academy

Balancing Screen Time and Online Learning: A Modern Challenge for Students and Parents

In today’s digital age, screen time is an integral part of online learning. As education increasingly shifts to digital platforms, understanding when screen time counts as productive learning is crucial. Screen time dedicated to educational activities—such as attending virtual classes, engaging with interactive educational software, and conducting research—should be considered valuable learning time. However, balancing this with other important activities is essential to prevent overreliance on screens. When Does Screen Time Count as Learning? Screen time is educational when it directly contributes to a student’s academic growth and knowledge acquisition. This includes: Participating in live or recorded online classes. Using educational apps and software for skill development. Researching for assignments and projects. Engaging in collaborative learning through virtual group work. Teaching Your Child to Balance Screen Time and Learning To ensure a healthy balance, parents can adopt the following strategies: Set Specific Screen Time Limits: Define clear boundaries for how much time can be spent on educational versus recreational screen activities. Encourage Breaks: Promote regular breaks to reduce eye strain and mental fatigue. Activities like outdoor play or reading physical books can provide a refreshing change. Create a Schedule: Develop a daily routine that includes designated times for online learning, physical activity, and offline hobbies. Preventing Screen Addiction Excessive screen time can lead to tech addiction, impacting a child’s overall well-being. To prevent this, consider these tips: Tech-Free Zones: Establish areas in the home where screens are not allowed, such as the dining room and bedrooms [2]. Model Healthy Behavior: Demonstrate balanced screen use by limiting your own screen time and engaging in non-digital activities. Alternative Activities: Offer engaging alternatives to screen time, such as sports, arts and crafts, or reading. Embracing the Challenges Allowing children to face the challenges of managing screen time is essential for their development. It teaches them critical skills such as self-regulation, time management, and the ability to discern productive from unproductive activities. These skills are invaluable in preparing them for future academic and professional environments. In conclusion, while screen time is an inevitable part of modern education, its effective management is key to fostering a balanced and healthy lifestyle for students. By guiding children in using screens wisely, parents and educators can ensure that digital tools enhance learning without becoming detrimental.

June 6, 2024
Wingu Academy

Unveiling the power of technology in online education: Why it matters and how Wingu Academy Online School leads the way

Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge and tools to solve practical problems or achieve specific objectives. It encompasses a wide range of tools, systems, and processes designed to facilitate human activities, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity. Examples of technology include computers, smartphones, software applications, internet services, and digital devices used in various fields such as education, healthcare, communication, transportation, and manufacturing. Why is technology important for online tutors and students? Technology plays a crucial role in online education by providing access to resources, facilitating communication and collaboration, enabling personalized learning experiences, and enhancing flexibility and convenience. Specifically: Access to Resources: Technology enables online tutors and students to access a wealth of educational resources, including textbooks, articles, videos, interactive simulations, and online courses, regardless of geographical location. Communication and Collaboration: Online platforms and tools facilitate communication and collaboration between tutors and students, allowing them to interact in real-time through video conferencing, messaging, and virtual classrooms. This fosters engagement, participation, and interaction in online learning environments. Personalized Learning: Technology enables personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs and preferences. Adaptive learning platforms, AI algorithms, and data analytics tools analyse student data to provide customized recommendations for learning resources, topics, and study strategies, optimizing the learning process for each student. Flexibility and Convenience: Online education offers flexibility and convenience, allowing students to learn at their own pace and schedule. Technology enables asynchronous learning, where students can access course materials and complete assignments at their convenience, accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences. How can we manage the negative effects of technology? While technology offers numerous benefits, it also poses potential challenges and negative effects that must be managed effectively. To mitigate the negative effects of technology in online education, consider the following strategies: Digital Literacy Education: Provide students with digital literacy education to teach them how to use technology responsibly, ethically, and safely. Educate students about online privacy, cybersecurity, information literacy, and critical thinking skills to navigate digital environments effectively. Balanced Use of Technology: Encourage a balanced approach to technology use by incorporating offline activities and face-to-face interactions into the learning experience. Encourage students to take breaks from screens, engage in physical activities, and maintain healthy habits to avoid excessive screen time and digital overload. Monitor Screen Time: Monitor and limit screen time to prevent technology addiction and digital fatigue. Set guidelines and boundaries for screen time during online learning sessions and encourage students to take regular breaks to rest their eyes and minds. Promote Digital Wellbeing: Foster a culture of digital wellbeing by promoting mindfulness, self-care, and healthy technology habits. Encourage students to practice mindfulness exercises, set digital boundaries, and prioritize offline activities to maintain a healthy balance between online and offline life. By implementing these strategies, educators can harness the power of technology in online education while mitigating its negative effects, ensuring a safe, effective, and enjoyable learning experience for all students.

May 29, 2024
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Impaq

Why exercise is important for good academic results

Previously, we have written about why a healthy, balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep is important for studying and concentration. We all know exercise is important for our general health, but what many of us may not know is that exercise has many benefits specifically in relation to our brain’s ability to perform optimally. Let’s have a look at some of these benefits: Exercise improves blood circulation and sleep When we exercise, our hearts work harder to pump more blood around our bodies because our muscles are working harder than when we rest, and they need more blood to support their hard work. Our blood carries oxygen, which all our cells and organs need to function and thrive, and the brain is no exception. Our brains need plenty of oxygen so we can think, plan, and concentrate properly. By increasing our blood flow, we also increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, which helps improve our ability to focus, study, and remember, which in turn improves academic performance. Exercise also improves our ability to fall and stay asleep, which is vital for optimal brain functioning. Because exercise physically tires us, we spend more time sleeping, and a better night’s rest means an improved ability to focus (and study!) the next day. Exercise alleviates stress Stress – when at the right levels – can improve our performance at work or school, but often too much stress has the opposite effect. If we are too stressed, the increased levels of cortisol (the “stress hormone”) in our blood actually interferes with our brain’s cognitive functioning. This results in poor concentration and memory, among other things. Exercise helps to combat this by lowering the levels of cortisol in our bodies. Exercising also releases endorphins, which are known as the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, and these also aid post-exercise relaxation. When our endorphin levels are high and our cortisol levels low, we are better able to focus and remember, which results in improved academic performance.  Exercise increases neurotrophins Neurotrophins are a kind of protein that helps protect our neurons (nerve cells). There are over 85 billion neurons in our brain, so it’s important to support their development, health, and survival. Neurotrophins also assist will cell differentiation, which is the process of young nerve cells becoming specialised cells – the majority of cell differentiation happens early on in childhood. With increased exercise, we find an increase in the number of neurotrophins in children’s brains, and this means increased cell differentiation, development, and protection, which all lead to better cell functioning and ultimately, better cognitive functioning. Properly differentiated, developed, and protected brain cells mean improved concentration, mental processing, and memory, all of which are vital for academic success. How much exercise do children need? So, how much physical exercise do children need, and what kind? The World Health Organisation recommends that children between the ages of 5 and 17 should get a total of 60 minutes (1 hour) of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, which means short bouts of exercise performed over the day can be added up. Moderate activity means exercise like walking or riding a bike, where children can still talk while sweating more and breathing with a little more difficulty. Vigorous activities are those that cause us to sweat more and speak only a few words between breaths, like running or swimming for prolonged periods of time.  It is recommended that children between the ages of 5 and 17 participate in vigorous activity specifically 3 times a week, as well as muscle and bone-strengthening exercise 3 times a week. Muscle and bone-strengthening exercises include running, jumping rope, and sports like tennis and hockey.  Also read: Can homeschoolers take part in extracurricular activities?  Encouraging children to participate in physical activity can be tough if your children aren’t athletically inclined, so be sure to give them the freedom to explore different kinds of exercise so that they can find one they enjoy! Once your child has found a sport or activity they like, encourage them to stick to it, and watch those grades improve! by Jacqui Smit

August 27, 2020
Impaq

How to help your child concentrate while studying

The coronavirus and the national lockdown have certainly created new circumstances for all of us and, as parents, one of the most common cries we yell out when confronted with assisting our child with not only homework, but also schoolwork, is “help!”. Our children are suddenly in a new situation where their home is now their school and their teacher is often their parent or another caregiver. One of the important things that helps children manage schoolwork is the very structure of school itself. It is not their home and, by definition, it is a place of learning with structures in place and direct, instructional teaching. Home is home, which means it’s where our kids often get to relax and unwind and play, even if it is after doing homework. Suddenly, they are confronted with a double challenge – home and school are the same thing, and this is difficult to navigate. So, how can we, as parents, help our children concentrate on their studies? The study space Firstly, we need to make sure that they have a study area that is quiet, that the door to the study area can be closed, and that the actual desk/table that they are working on is clutter-free with only the necessary stationery and books in place. It is beneficial if the room is light and well-ventilated with lots of fresh air circulating, as this helps the child to concentrate and stay focused for longer periods. If your child has a phone, they need to put it away as cellphones are a huge source of distraction and many of our children are working using technology already. Ensure that any technology that needs to be used to assist with studies, like laptops and tablets, have only the necessary material downloaded and that no games or internet browsers are open. Also read: parents here’s how screen time can work in your favour Let your child choose their study area and let them set it up in a way that works best for them. Naturally, this depends on the age of the child – only older children should be given more freedom as they know what is conducive to their own concentration, and what is not. However, if they get to choose, they are more likely to be cooperative. For more tips on how to create a good study space, read: tips for studying from home during lockdown.  Study time structure Some children are able to study independently but if your child struggles to concentrate, then either the parent, a tutor or another caregiver can assist by structuring study sessions for the child. Let the child choose which subject they would like to begin with so that they feel more motivated. Having the “teacher” offer different types of input is very helpful for the learner. Sometimes input is just about being there because the learner feels more supported when there is another presence, sometimes it’s about giving words of encouragement or an explanation, and other times it’s about more concentrated input. This last point is seen more often in children with learning or concentration problems. If your child does have difficulties with concentrating and studying, try these ideas:  Break the work down into chunks so that it becomes more manageable. We can “chunk work” according to time periods or goals, e.g., ”Let’s do this maths for 10 more minutes and then we can take a short break” or ”Complete 5 maths sums and then we can take a break”. A break is a wonderful reward for the child and improves their motivation because they know there is something to look forward to, which enhances concentration. Letting them take a break to stand up from their work, doing some deep breathing, stretching, or doing a little bit of exercise are all great ways to enhance concentration. This is because all of these activities increase our oxygen intake, and the more oxygen we have in our blood, the better our organs can function – including the brain! It’s a good idea to vary study techniques so that studying is not always about sitting at a desk. Working outside in fresh air for a change, letting the child move around while doing work that doesn’t require writing (such as spelling words, mental maths, etc.) as well as changing the method of learning are all great ways to enhance studying and concentration. For instance, letting your child teach you the work by using a white board can be fun, having your child use a computer to Google a concept that they don’t understand to make it more visual and real for them, writing sums on the driveway using chalk, or writing on the windows using window markers are all wonderful, creative ways of enhancing studying and concentration. For more tips on how to structure study time and make studying fun, read: studying from home: Impaq learners and parents share their tips (part 2) Learning styles Watch your child and see how they absorb information. We all have different learning styles and when we learn in those ways, information is far better understood and absorbed. There are four main learning styles – visual, auditory, kinaesthetic and reading/writing (there is often overlap between them especially the visual and auditory ones and many learners thrive by making us of all four learning styles). Visual learners like to see the information they are learning. They often like to highlight words in different colours so important facts can stand out, and they like to use charts, diagrams, videos or mind maps to understand the work in more depth. Auditory learners learn best through hearing the work, so reading the work aloud in an expressive voice, making up songs or rhymes based on the material, and even recording the work and listening to the recording later are all helpful ways of learning in an auditory fashion. Kinaesthetic learners like to engage with the work physically – these are the children who want to conduct the

August 21, 2020
Impaq

Skill up during lockdown: Life skills to teach your kids

What are the things you wish you knew when you were at university or when you moved into your first apartment?  There are certain life skills that every person needs to become well-functioning, independent human beings. Luckily, these can easily be woven into your day-to-day routine, meaning that now is the perfect time to help your kids develop these skills.  Budgeting  Budgeting may not be the most exciting topic, but it is never too early for kids to learn to be financially responsible and, considering the current economic climate, there has never been a better time to talk to them about the importance of budgeting and money management.  Tip: If you only teach your kids one financial rule, it should be the power of compound interest. They will thank you for it later. Cooking Having the ability to cook from scratch is essential. Also, bonding over food is an activity the whole family can enjoy together. Cooking has several benefits – it allows kids to put effort into a tangible goal and see it through. It shows them how to follow a set of instructions in the right order, and it teaches them things like patience as they must finish each stage before moving on to the next. Tip: If your kids are older, teach them about meal planning. Encourage them to help you plan family meals by checking the fridge and cupboards to see what’s there and what you need. Then let them make a shopping list that fits your budget. Also read: Do’s and Don’ts for Making Healthy Food Choices During the Lockdown  Dishes Even relatively young children can help with loading the dishwasher or washing up by hand. Depending on your child’s age, supervision is essential to ensure sharp or breakable objects are handled carefully and correctly.  Tip: You can start by teaching younger kids through play, e.g. they could wash and dry a plastic tea set. DIY If you are tackling your DIY to-do list while ‘stuck’ at home, why not involve your kids. Knowing how to do basic repairs around the house will not only foster independence but may save them money later on. Start by teaching them how to handle and safely use various tools.  Fire How to make a decent fire for a braai is an excellent skill to have, especially in a country where braaing is considered a national pastime.   First aid Teaching your kids basic first aid is a great way of empowering them and may even enable them to help others in an emergency. While you are at it, add some general lessons on the importance of good health and hygiene.  Tip: Let your child help you stock your first aid kit. As you add items, ask if they know what each one is for and if they know how to use it. Gardening Whether you have a large backyard or a few pots on a balcony, gardening is an engaging and satisfying activity for kids. Younger kids can plant seeds and be responsible for watering them regularly, while older kids can get involved in weeding and mowing. Laundry Another vital skill! Show your kids how to use the washing machine, how to select the correct programme and how to measure the right amount of detergent. They can also help by hanging laundry out to dry, folding their own clothes and putting it away, and even learning how to iron. Pets For many children, owning a pet is their first experience of caring for something. Use this time to teach your kids to take responsibility for pets by feeding them, taking the dog for a walk, cleaning small animal cages, etc.   Sewing Sewing is quickly becoming a lost art. But luckily, most kids love the hands-on nature of needlework. You don’t need an expensive sewing machine to teach this skill; you can start by teaching your kids the basics such as sewing a button and mending small tears.  Vehicle maintenance After a few demonstrations of how to change a tyre, allow your kids to try it themselves. Even if they are too young to properly secure the tyre at this stage, merely knowing how to change a tyre is essential. Also, show them how to check the water and oil and, while you are at it, tell them what the warning lights inside the car mean.  Wrapping a gift You don’t have to wait for someone’s birthday, simply provide paper and tape and encourage your kids to wrap household objects of different shapes and sizes.   Tip: This is also a great creative activity. Let your kids design their own wrapping paper using coloured pens and stickers or cut up old cards to make gift tags. Bonus life lesson – reuse and recycle. Teaching your kids these life skills – which, as adults, we take for granted – is essential. These life skills not only equip kids with the tools to become independent and responsible human beings, but they also boost kids’ confidence and knowledge. PS: If you find that you do not have any of these skills, you too can use this time to learn. YouTube is a fantastic resource. By Danielle Barfoot

August 20, 2020
Parenting Hub

Online high school brings international education to SA

Global EdTech company Crimson Education has launched their private online high school, the Crimson Global Academy (CGA), in South Africa. By providing internationally recognised, academically rigorous qualifications, including the International IGCSE and A-Levels, the school aims to give ambitious local students the opportunity to achieve their full potential.  “Whether a student is looking to improve their chances of being accepted at an international university or seeking a more flexible curriculum that allows them to simultaneously pursue other passions – CGA is open to students across the board. Students can enrol full-time and complete their entire high school qualification online, or they can enrol part-time, to supplement their education with internationally recognised A-levels, while attending another school,” says Rebecca Pretorius, Country Manager for Crimson Education South Africa. CGA, which launched in Australasia earlier this year, is now enrolling South African students for the new academic term starting in September 2020. They will join a network of learners from around the world, including the United Kingdom, Europe and Russia. Students are enrolled in classes based on their academic ability, regardless of age, location, or commitments, allowing them to learn at a time and pace that suits them.  “There is a common misconception that studying online can make students feel isolated. With CGA, the opposite is true. Students become part of a globally connected school community that facilitates the sharing of knowledge in a way that isn’t possible through traditional schooling,” says Pretorius. “At the same time, the rigorous curriculum and university-style approach to learning sets students up for success when it comes to university applications in South Africa and abroad.”  Leveraging technology to provide a blend of self-driven and guided learning, CGA students are supported by teachers with an average of over 20 years’ experience, who deliver live online classes in real-time. “This is supplemented by chat rooms and multiple apps, which help learners to stay in touch with their teachers and fellow students. Feedback can be given instantly so progress is immediate. It’s a highly interactive way of learning,” says Pretorius.  CGA also offers passion-specific extracurricular opportunities, mentorship programmes with graduates from world leading universities and school social events that will involve traditional leadership positions, house camaraderie and school celebrations.  “With Covid-19 causing so much uncertainty, shifting to online learning gives students and parents the security of knowing that learning can continue uninterrupted, from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Beyond Covid-19, it also enables highly academic and motivated students to take on more challenging subjects that may not be offered at their brick and mortar schools,” says Pretorius. Tuition fees start at R26 000 per subject. South African students can study English Literature, Mathematics, Further Pure Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and History, English Language, Business Studies, Economics, French, Spanish, Psychology (A-level), Information Technology (A-level) and Computer Science (IGCSE). Offering regular information evenings and workshops around the country, Crimson is hosting a free webinar on 29 July for those interested in learning more about CGA. For more information, visit www.crimsonglobalacademy.school or email [email protected].

August 19, 2020
homeschool in johannesburg
Impaq

A homeschool mom shares the 10 best things about homeschooling

There was a time, not so long ago, when I was that parent saying, “I will never be able to homeschool, I don’t have the patience” and “Kids need to socialise, they need school”. It never once occurred to me that I might find myself homeschooling three of our four children because I wanted to.  Our homeschooling journey started at the beginning of 2019, so homeschooling is still new to us. There are many reasons why we decided to homeschool, but the short version is that my kids were just not getting what they needed from the schools they were at. I had tried talking to teachers, we had moved schools, and, in the end, I just felt that it would be best for them if we took them out of a traditional school. Also read: A day in the life of a homeschooling family  I spent months researching various options and different teaching styles. I spoke to parents who were unschooling (i.e. parents who were not following a specific curriculum), parents who were following a “strict” boxed curriculum, and those who were just kind of figuring it out along the way. There is so much information out there that it can be overwhelming, but it is important to understand what your options are.  We are now 18 months into our journey, and we are still trying to find the best way for my youngest – who is 6 – to learn. She is super smart (yeah yeah, I know everyone says that, but she is!) and very much likes to do things her own way. But, for the most part, we have settled into a nice routine and we are part of some great co-ops that are busy with activities daily. Also read: Can homeschoolers take part in extracurricular activities? When we started our journey, I was still not sure that I would have the patience (and some days I don’t) or the knowledge needed to take on this role, but I can honestly say it was one of best decisions we have ever made. These are just some of the best things about homeschooling: No early mornings. When I made a list of reasons why I wanted to homeschool, the morning and afternoon madness was one of them. Our mornings were busy and chaotic, and often when I got home from dropping everyone off, I was exhausted. Our mornings are now calm, gentle, and we follow our own rhythms. Jack is up early so often that we start early, while Emma gets up later so her day starts later. I love that every morning we can eat breakfast in a calm environment and start our day when we feel ready to do so.  We work with each child’s needs. If Emma had been in school, she would have been so bored. She hates the mundane work like writing out words she already knows or doing basic maths. Now, she can move onto harder work whenever she wants to, or we can stay on a topic a little longer if we need to do that.  We learn about things that interest us. I found this to be the best way to reach our reluctant learner. He doesn’t like to read but if we get books on topics he loves, he will read. This means we are learning not only how to read, but also about topics that are of interest to both of us.  No one has to sit still. This may be unique to us, but both Jack and Emma need to move. They do not like to sit still and if I try to force them (like I did in the early days), it ends in tears (theirs and mine). When I stopped forcing them and worked around their need for movement, it got much easier. Emma will rollerblade around the house while I ask her to do maths sums. Jack will do a bit of work, walk outside, fetch a bug, and sit down again.  It is flexible. We are no longer bound by the confines of school hours or school holidays. We can do what we want, when we want. If we want to skip today and maybe do some maths on Sunday, we can do that. As a work-from-home mom this works so well for me because I can juggle and shuffle schedules as I need to. It is cheaper. At its most basic, all you really need to homeschool is access to a library, an internet connection, and stationery. There are tons of free resources online that you can draw from and Google is in and of itself one big free library. Even if you want to invest in boxed curriculums like Impaq, they are often cheaper than private school fees.  Socialising is actually socialising. It took me a while to reach out to a few co-ops in our area but once we did, it opened up a whole new world for us. Co-ops are made up of kids of all ages, which means that my kids can now make friends with kids they identify and connect with, even if they are not the same age. This has been particularly important for Emma who has always gravitated towards older kids.  Learning with my kids. I have learned so much with my kids over the past 18 months. Their interests are different to mine so I am learning more than I maybe wanted to know about spiders and frogs, but it has been and will continue to be, a journey we are on together.  Watching them “get it”. When Emma started reading all on her own one day, it was amazing. When Jack announces “OOOHH I GET IT NOW” or says, “I love History”, it really is an affirmation that we are doing it right. Watching them learn has been one of the greatest gifts we’ve given them, which I love being a part of.  It has made us closer. I love being

August 14, 2020
Wingu Academy

Mythbusters Homeschooling edition

So you have experienced homeschooling first hand now. Did you have help? Did you do it yourself? What worked? What didn’t work?  In the last decade, homeschooling has globally become an increasingly popular option in the field of teaching and learning. Even with this popularity, homeschooling is surrounded by certain stigmas that cloud its viability as a perfectly suitable and credible educational practice. Many of these myths surrounding homeschooling are widely based on opinions. Below are a few of these myths and a discussion on how these contradict available evidence and research. Myth 1: Homeschoolers do not have social skills Homeschooling kids are not exposed to traditional classrooms, therefore the myth is that these kids do not develop the same social skills as children in a traditional school setting. This myth is centred around the belief that homeschoolers are sheltered from the real world. On the contrary, by not limiting learning to the classroom, homeschoolers are in fact using the real world as their learning environment! The effect that peer groups have on individual behaviour is irrefutable. With advances in communications technology and web conferencing software, virtual schools can also organize exciting online clubs and activities for their students, allowing them to interact with peers in a safe environment. Social skills are not only learnt from peer groups but through interaction between children and parents. Homeschooling does not mean that children are isolated, it merely implies that learning takes place outside the confines of a formal school. Within a family structure co-operation and coordination takes place. These social skills are not only learnt in the classroom. Myth 2:  Homeschooling is not an accepted as a form of education The common assumption that many have is that homeschooling is not an accepted form of schooling because it does not take place in a traditional brick-and-mortar school. Globally, homeschooling has been on the rise with statistics placing the number of children engaged in home-based education in South Africa at about 100 000. Globally and The Department of Education in South Africa, recognizes homeschooling as a valid form of teaching and learning.  Myth 3: Homeschoolers are exposed to a watered-down curriculum This common myth goes hand in hand with the one mentioned previously. Homeschoolers have to comply with the same standards and educational requirements as formal schools do. Homeschoolers write the same final exams as traditional brick-and-mortar students. If the curriculum standard differed from that of formal schools, then homeschooling would not be an accepted form of education. However, homeschooling is an accepted method of educating your children as it complies with the education standards set out across all major curriculums (IEB, CAPS, Cambridge). If anything, since the education presented to homeschoolers is not confined to a classroom setting, it can provide endless learning opportunities which are relevant and tailored to a child’s needs. Myth 4: Homeschooling is unstructured There is a certain amount of freedom when it comes to homeschooling in terms of structuring the day. This does not mean that homeschooling does not have a structure at all. Parents can sit with the child and work out a timetable to follow or allow their child to learn accountability and time management by giving them the responsibility of setting up their own learning schedule.  Myth 5: Parents are not qualified to teach A qualification does not necessarily mean a person can teach. Successful teaching occurs when learners are engaged, nurtured and interested. Parents are the perfect people to provide this by tailoring lessons around their child’s needs, as they know their children best. Parents can access a wide range of lesson plans and resources needed to provide their child with the best education. Additionally, a wide range of homeschooling social networks exists, where parents can share ideas and come together to provide their children with extra support. Furthermore, if a child is enrolled in a virtual school offering live, online classes and access to their teachers, a parent can still work full time if necessary. Myth 6: Homeschoolers do not participate in extracurricular activities Extracurricular activities are not limited to a formal school environment. Activities, whether it be sport or cultural, are available to homeschoolers outside those that a traditional school normally  coordinate. Nothing limits homeschoolers from taking part in cultural and sport programmes, and excelling in these activities. Many a times the non-traditional way of taking part in extracurricular activities allow homeschoolers to develop and grow in ways that a traditional school’s extracurricular activity would not. Parents are able to choose from a variety of extracurricular programmes without limiting their child to the availability of the programme based on school funding and coaches. For example, some schools do not have the resources or space to provide hockey as an extra-curricular, thus limiting students from developing and growing their talents in this sport. Whereas homeschoolers have the option of joining a sports club. At Wingu Academy we bust all these myths through our high quality content delivery, expert facilitators and social clubs. All our content and assessments are curriculum-aligned. Throughout the platform, we provide structure and guidance to our students. To find out more on how Wingu Academy can help you, contact us to arrange a free online demonstration or free trial today at www.wingu-academy.com

August 13, 2020
Impaq

Parents, here’s how screen time can work in your favour

Parents are often made to believe that screen time is inherently bad, but in today’s world we simply can’t escape it – smartphones, computers, tablets and televisions are everywhere – and now, more than ever, screen time has become a survival tool for many families.  While the conversation around screen time for children – how much is too much? – is not new, COVID-19 has forced many parents to review and relax their screen time rules. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  According to a report by UNICEF, the negative experiences associated with screen time is not directly related to the time spent online, but rather to what children do online, the content they look at, and their environment and support network in general.  In fact, the study shows that not only can screen time be positive, but it can actually be a critical tool for teaching children valuable skills and promoting physical and mental wellbeing. An added bonus is that, during these unprecedented times, it allows parents to get on with their own work, do some chores, or simply maintain their sanity.   Ditch the guilt It is important that parents take a realistic approach to screen time. Instead of feeling guilty, consider the following benefits: Social Social connection is important for children and the ability to virtually connect with the wider world is one of the greatest advantages of screen time as it allows children to sustain a sense of normality during this stressful time. Make the most of screen time by getting grandparents to sing, dance, or read to little ones, or let teens play online games with friends – they aren’t nearly as bad for your child as you might think! A study has found that children who play video games show higher levels of family closeness, activity involvement, attachment to school, and positive mental health.  Physical  Screen time is often blamed for children being physically inactive, but now, as the opportunity for outdoor activities and exercise is restricted, the opposite is actually true – screen-based games or exercise videos might be the best way to keep children physically active. In fact, the World Health Organisation recommends it!  Videos and games offer a great alternative to moderate exercise and, in addition to helping children stay active, it may also improve their coordination and motor skills. Mental As exposure to information regarding the current pandemic may elevate children’s stress levels, it is important to be cognizant of their mental health. Activities such as social media exchanges, video calling family and friends, or playing games online can offer meaningful connection, serving as a reminder that they are not alone. It is also a vital tool for helping them deal with uncertainty, anxiety, and even depression. Educational Screens encourage and support learning, so use it to help your children learn new things – there is a tutorial, video, or app for just about everything! That said, it is important to ensure that children are actively engaging with quality content as this will expose them to new ideas and knowledge, it may help them retain information for longer, it can boost literacy levels, and above all, it can make learning fun. It also offers parents who are struggling to assist their children with schoolwork a host of resources, from online tutorials to free classes. For example, Impaq’s education specialists are hosting free online classes every weekday. These classes cover a variety of subjects for children from Grade R to 12 and you do not need to be an Impaq client to benefit. Life skills What might look like a fun waste of time to parents may actually be teaching children valuable life skills. Studies show that time spent in a well-designed game or virtual play space teaches children how to communicate, it develops their ability to think logically and solve problems, and it encourages creative thinking. All of this, in turn, teaches children to think independently and have confidence in their own abilities.   If you are still not convinced about the benefits of screen time, consider this – during challenging times, people tend to find comfort in the things that make them happy, and screen time literally makes children happy by releasing happy hormones! By Danielle Barfoot

August 7, 2020
Impaq

Five brain-boosting foods and drinks

Our bodies need “fuel” for every organ, and the brain is no exception. Giving our brains the right food can aid concentration and memory greatly, both of which are necessary for studying and completing tasks and assignments. In today’s article, we discuss five of the best foods and drinks for boosting brain function. Fatty fish Omega-3 is a type of fatty acid that is most commonly found in fatty fish like salmon. Our brain cells consist mostly of fat, 50% of which is the same kind as omega-3 fatty acids! By eating fatty fish or taking omega-3 supplements, your brain maintains optimal levels of fat.  It also helps strengthen the structure of the brain cells themselves, both of which result in optimal brain function. These acids also increase blood flow, which is essential for optimal organ performance. One last benefit of this fatty acid is that it increases the amount of grey matter in your brain, which is the other component of the nerve cells (the other is fat), and more grey matter means better cognitive function. Younger children might not enjoy the taste of fish like salmon, so be sure to incorporate an omega-3 supplement in their daily vitamin regimen!  Nuts Nuts contain high levels of something called antioxidants, which are natural compounds that slow down oxidation. Oxidation is a naturally occurring process that can damage the body’s cells. With particular regard to the brain, oxidation negatively affects our cognitive function, and consequently our ability to focus, learn and remember. By consuming foods high in antioxidants, we can improve these cognitive functions that are critical for academic success.  Antioxidants can also be found in blueberries. Here, they take the form of something called anthocyanin, which is a type of flavonoid. Flavonoids are molecules that give food its colour, and they contain high levels of antioxidants. Blueberries also improve cell-signalling (how brain cells communicate with one another). Good cell signalling is essential for making and storing both short-term and long-term memory, both of which are crucial for studying and writing tests and examinations. Also read: Do’s and Don’ts for Making Healthy Food Choices During the Lockdown  Leafy greens Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach contain a compound called carotenoids. These are similar to the flavonoids found in blueberries as they are the compound which gives food its colour and, like flavonoids, they also contain antioxidants and help improve cell signalling. When digested and absorbed, carotenoids often migrate to the frontal cortex, which is the region of the brain that is responsible for such functions as problem-solving and memory – in essence, it is the “control panel” of our brain, so keeping it healthy is essential for optimal cognitive functioning! Unlike many other foods, chopping and cooking foods that are rich in carotenoids actually increases the strength of the nutrients when they enter the bloodstream, so be sure to incorporate plenty of steamed spinach or cooked kale in your child’s diet. Water We all know hydration is important given that our body’s cells consist of 60% – 70% water, but it’s particularly important for our brains. This is because dehydration leads to a lack of sufficient water in our cells which, in turn, leads to poor organ function. In the brain, this means reduced/impaired cognitive function, particularly the brain’s ability to create short-term and long-term memories. As a result of this, we are unable to convert the information we are learning into memories, and if we are unable to create these memories in the first place, we’re unable to recall them later on. Experts recommend drinking 6 – 8 glasses of water a day, but fewer are needed depending on your child’s age (generally one 235 ml cup for every year of the child’s age): Green tea Green tea contains a compound called L-theanine, which is an amino acid (amino acids are compounds that make up the proteins in your body’s cells). L-theanine is thought to increase GABA activity (GABA is a brain chemical that reduces the activity of brain cells). Higher levels of GABA tend to make people feel more relaxed, which leads to decreased stress, which in turn helps improve concentration. L-theanine also increases your brain’s alpha waves, which are a type of brain activity that is thought to aid mental coordination, calmness, alertness, and learning, all of which are essential for studying. Now, green tea might not be to the taste of younger children, but certainly, teens might enjoy the flavour, so give it a go! by Jacqui Smit

July 24, 2020
Impaq

How to help a child struggling with (Corona Virus) anxiety

We’re all on edge because of the coronavirus. Our daily lives have been disrupted, we aren’t sure what tomorrow may bring, and, for many of us, the nonstop news and social media coverage are overwhelming. Therefore, it is not uncommon to feel anxious or worried during this time. If you or your children are feeling worried,  learning how to deal with anxiety in a healthy way can help the whole family be more resilient, both now and when the pandemic is finally over.  What is anxiety? Anxiety can be described as feelings of uneasiness or being worried when there is not necessarily any imminent danger present. It is often accompanied by intrusive and often unrealistic “What if” types of thoughts, experienced in the body as stress that continues even after the cause of the stress is gone.  What can parents do to support their children?  Many parents are experiencing a more difficult time dealing with COVID-19 than their children and some of the anxiety that kids are experiencing may be unintentionally passed on by worried parents. As parents, it is important to be a positive role model for your children and this includes showing them how to deal with anxiety during stressful events. You can create a positive and safe atmosphere in the home environment by doing the following:  Living in the “here and now” by focusing on, and staying in touch with, what is actually happening and not getting carried away with worst-case scenarios.  Identifying and getting help for your own anxieties first. Being smart about what you read. Make sure your information comes from trustworthy and credible sources. While it is important that we are informed about how best to keep our families safe, we should be mindful about what we are reading online to make sure it’s actually helpful and not making our anxiety worse. It is easy to get sucked into clicking on “fake news” inadvertently or forwarding social media posts to your family group without verifying them or applying common sense.  Being aware of feel-good news and sharing these stories with your children to facilitate a more positive mindset and create awareness of the “silver lining” despite the crisis. Sticking to an established routine that involves exercise, regular meals, and healthy amounts of sleep – this is crucial for regulating our moods and our worries. It can be hard to accept that our old routines are no longer possible because of COVID-19 precautions. Looking for ways to be flexible and starting new routines can help you and your family create a more productive and healthier lifestyle that can help to lower the amount of anxiety you experience. Monitor your children Parents do not always recognise signs of anxiety in their children. Identifying anxiety in your child can be tricky because it involves a pattern of behaviours that is unique to each child. The following behaviours could indicate anxiety: Reassurance-seeking (“Are we going to be okay? Is Grandpa going to be okay?”) Reluctance to separate from parents Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches Moodiness and irritability Tantrums or meltdowns Trouble sleeping Talk about their anxiety Younger Learners – Younger children may not always be able to express how they are feeling. For younger children, use a “feelings chart” with pictures describing emotions instead of saying “Tell me how anxious you are”. With a feelings chart, which you can find on the internet, you can ask your child to point to the feeling and/or picture representing an emotion that they are currently experiencing. They can also draw pictures about things they feel happy or sad about. Older learners – For children who are more aware of, and able to articulate, how they are feeling, it is better to ask what psychologists call “forced-choice questions.” If you ask a vague question, you’re going to get a vague answer. So instead of asking “How was your day?” which is pretty vague, maybe ask “Did your anxiety get in the way of you having a good day today?”.  Teenagers – If you have teenagers, start talking about yourself first. You can start the conversation with something like, “I saw this article today and it made me wonder about this and that. Did you experience something like that? What’s your reaction to it?”. Do not force your teenager to talk about their feelings unwillingly as this can create tension and cause them to feel hostility towards you. Wait a bit first and then attempt to discuss the matter with them at a later stage when they are calm and more willing to talk. If this still does not work, they can use a journal or art activities to express their feelings and experiences. Also read: Five tips on how to motivate your teen during lockdown  How to help your anxious child   Structure their day. As parents, we often think that setting boundaries for a child is a way to make our lives easier, but kids benefit from boundaries, too. It is easy for children to get bored or fretful if they are facing a day without structure and anxiety can thrive under those circumstances. Make sure that you are structuring their days when they are “cooped up” at home.  Alternate chores or schoolwork with more fun activities that your children enjoy and periods of free time.  As restrictions lift, be sure to incorporate safe, outdoor activities that comply with social distancing principles as well. Make sure children are still getting the chance to exercise. Encourage your child to socialise with friends via video chats and social media if they have access to these platforms. This is especially important for teenagers who thrive on social interaction with their peers. Avoid giving too much reassurance. Avoid getting into a cycle of providing too much reassurance. Children of all ages can become too reliant on reassurance and want to hear it more and more often, and when a parent isn’t able to give them complete reassurance, their anxiety can worsen. Instead, try the following: Remind kids of the things they are

July 17, 2020
Impaq

Plastic-free July: get rid of the “Big Four”

It’s plastic-free July, which means that for the month of July, the challenge is to eliminate single-use plastics and to use as little plastic as possible. Knowing where to start can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be: start small by getting rid of single-use plastics and work your way towards using less plastic overall.  Single-use plastic Single-use plastic, as the name suggests, is plastic that is used only once and then thrown away. And while many of us remember the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle”, the truth is that a whopping 91% of plastic isn’t recycled. We need to rethink our plastic use and change the mantra to “rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse and, only then, recycle”. The Big Four Here’s how you can eliminate the “Big Four” and be part of the solution to plastic pollution: Plastic straws Rethink your use of plastic straws. These lightweight straws can easily blow into rivers and oceans where they get stuck in the airways of animals, or mistaken for food and ingested.  Alternative option: say “no” to straws. If you’re visiting a restaurant, make sure to let the waiter know that you do not want a straw with your drink. If you must use a straw, choose alternatives made from metal, bamboo, or paper. Plastic bags It seems like the easiest option is to say “yes” when the cashier at the supermarket asks if you want a bag. But rethink your use of plastic bags, as they are fatal for animals who mistake them for food.  Alternative option: choose paper bags at checkout or buy reusable shopping bags. Most supermarkets sell canvas or cotton shopping bags in a variety of shapes and colours. Water bottles Having water at hand wherever we go is convenient but has led to us throwing away the bottle minutes or hours after using it, where it then stays in the environment for hundreds of years, clogging our waterways, polluting the oceans, and filling up landfills. Refuse to use single-use water bottles. Alternative option: buy a reusable bottle made from stainless steel, glass, or safe aluminium. Remember to take your water bottle with you when you are out and about. Coffee cups While we all enjoy a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate (especially during the cold winter months), switching to a reusable cup will help you save not only the environment but also money – many coffee shops and restaurants offer a discount when you use your own cup. Alternative option: buy a reusable ceramic, BPA-free plastic, or stainless-steel cup. Using your own insulated cup will eliminate the unwelcome taste of plastic in your morning coffee, and keep your coffee warmer for longer. It’s a win-win. More plastic-free alternatives Now that you have the basics down and have eliminated the “Big Four”, you might want to reduce your plastic use even more. Here are some tips on how to use less plastic during plastic-free July and beyond: Avoid buying any new plastic storage containers. While you might already have a cupboard full of plastic containers (some undoubtedly without their lids), avoid adding to your collection. Go for glass instead. And, if you are a coffee lover, why not save the glass containers your coffee comes in and use them as storage containers? Swap cling wrap for beeswax covers. Need to wrap a sandwich and save it for later? Don’t reach for the cling wrap – choose beeswax covers instead or save it in a container with a lid. Use bamboo. Swap your plastic toothbrush for one made from sustainable, compostable materials, such as bamboo. You can also consider switching to an electric toothbrush to avoid having to buy a new plastic one every few months. Give up on gum. Did you know that chewing gum is made from plastic? Rather opt for plastic-free gum or chew on some healthy carrot or celery sticks. Say no to plastic bottles. While you might have already made the switch to reusable water bottles, what about soda bottles? Rather make your own fruit juice at home or use a soda stream to avoid buying two-litre plastic bottles for your refreshments. You can also consider switching to glass bottles, as these can be recycled. Wrap with love. Instead of choosing wrapping paper from the store, get creative and wrap birthday gifts with newspaper. Your wrapping paper doesn’t have to be boring, get creative with some paint and stencils to create a unique design. Be part of the solution to plastic pollution. Focus on living a sustainable lifestyle so we can stabilise and protect the earth’s natural resources for now and for future generations. Read more about how you can protect the environment and work towards a world free of plastic waste on the Plastic Free Foundation’s website. by Elmien Ackerman

July 17, 2020
Impaq

Improving the Skill of Visualisation

In a previous article, the importance of the ability to visualise – a reading method which strengthens reading comprehension – was emphasised. Being able to visualise allows readers to gain a more thorough understanding of the text and content they are reading by creating pictures in their minds as they read. What is visualisation? Explained simply, visualisation is the process of creating a mental picture based on any given information. This mental picture isn’t just visual – it can include other sensory details like sounds, smells, and tastes. Being able to create this mental picture is vital for absorbing and processing information. Students who visualise as they read have a richer reading experience and they can recall what they have read for longer periods of time (Harvey & Goudvis, 2000).  Readers who can identify with the characters in the text find reading to be a more pleasurable and meaningful experience, and this promotes continued reading (that is, lifelong reading).  How to improve your child’s ability to visualise Children are, by nature, very imaginative and very good at playing make-believe. This capacity for creating fictional worlds and scenarios lends itself to the skill of visualisation. And while most people can visualise intuitively, visualisation – like any skill – needs to be practised to be improved.  So, how can the ability to visualise be improved? Although the ability starts early with parents reading to their toddlers, or with teaching early readers, older readers can also benefit from practising the skill. A series of lessons will be required to practise visualising, described below. Start small: choose a short sentence/paragraph/passage that contains descriptive language. This can provide a good starting point for forming a mental image and sparking discussions. Use a sentence like: “The girl who was taken in for Christmas by foster parents couldn’t believe her eyes. There was a Christmas tree, beautifully decorated with fairy lights, ribbons, and stars. She had never, ever seen such a beautiful tree, with packages and gifts below. She burst into tears of pure joy.” Discuss the mental images created by the story individually or in a group setting. Although descriptions will vary, it will stimulate the formation of a mental picture. Use different passages rich in information to stimulate image formation. Group activities: read a picture book to small groups, sharing only limited portions of the illustrations. Learners then create their own illustrations based on the text they heard. Alternatively, provide a written description of a character in the story. In addition, only the beginning of a story can be read, and the learners can then write or imagine and tell what happened next or how the story ended. More advanced techniques: follow up to independent reading. Ask specific questions about the content, like “What could the main character have done differently to save the princess?”, “Does the main character remind you of anyone you know?”, or “How would you have changed the setting of the story if you were the author?”. Practising visualisation If children are struggling with the early stages of practising visualisation, it might be helpful to guide them by asking them to think about different components of a mental image, such as colours, shapes, movement, and numbers. Also read: Raising readers: tips for parents  Practising the skill of visualising will improve learners’ reading comprehension and, eventually, also their academic achievement, because visualisation helps learners improve their concentration by focusing on specific details, as well as improving their memory by keeping those details in mind. Good concentration and memory are key factors in academic success. By practising visualisation while reading, learners set themselves up for success very early on – and throughout – life. Sources: Harvey, Stephanie, and Anne Goudvis (2000). Strategies That works: Teaching Comprehension to Enhance Understanding. Portland, Maine: Sten house. by Dr Ronelle Venter – Educational Psychologist

July 10, 2020
Impaq

Studying from home: Impaq learners and parents share their tips (part 2)

While some schools in some provinces have recently opened, many learners are still learning at home. Some learners have taken to homeschooling like a duck to water, but others are finding it a bit more challenging, even after a couple of months. Impaq’s learners are always home-based, so we asked them, their parents, and tutors to share their tips on how to study from home on Impaq’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

July 3, 2020
Impaq

Do’s and Don’ts for Making Healthy Food Choices During the Lockdown

With restaurants and most fast food outlets closed since the start of the national lockdown, more South Africans were cooking from scratch at home (if the banana bread photos on social media were anything to go by). Many saw this as an opportunity to start making healthier choices but for others, however, the stress of isolation resulted in bad eating habits such as regularly choosing sugary snacks or overeating.  If you are part of the latter group, don’t worry! You can still turn things around. We spoke to Chrisna Brand, a paediatric dietitian and the owner of LEAP Moms and Kidz, to find out what the do’s and don’ts are for making healthy food choices during the lockdown. Do’s Do keep your immune system up by making sure you get all the essential nutrients in your diet. “An ideal diet is one where you have a variety of foods from all the food groups in the correct amounts,” Chrisna explains. Especially focus on having fruit and vegetables at all your meals and snacks to reach those five+ servings a day. Do have a healthy balanced plate for your three main meals consisting of two fruits and/or vegetables, a portion of protein-rich food and a wholesome wholemeal starch.  Healthy lunch example: A whole wheat wrap filled with tuna, onions, grated carrots, and cucumber strips.  Healthy dinner example: Curried mince mixed with carrot squares, peas, and corn on brown basmati rice.  Do plan your snacks and meals in advance. “Planning is key!” Chrisna says. “A week is ideal but planning 3 – 4 days ahead might perhaps be more realistic,” she adds. Get your children to help you with the meal planning and making a grocery list. Not only will this help ensure you have healthy food and snacks that they will eat at hand, but it can also teach them the value of planning ahead.  Do keep to a schedule. While your children are probably already sticking to a study schedule,sticking to set times for snacks and meals is just as important. Chrisna explains: “This will avoid snacking all day long and ensure that they sit down for that planned meal and snack”.  Do eat as a family.Try to have most meals as a family while preferably sitting at a table. “This will ensure you properly relax and bond at the same time,” Chrisna says. She adds: “Eating at a table while chatting along, also helps your brain to realise when it is satisfied”.  Related: Tips for studying from home during the lockdown  Don’ts Don’t eat snacks and drinks high in sugar like sweets, soda drinks, biscuits, etc. “Although you might feel peckish when at home, grabbing that high sugar snack is not a good idea if you want the best chance to fight infection. Studies have shown spikes in sugar intake suppress your immune system,” Chrisna explains. Don’t forget to choose healthy snacks in between your meals like calcium-rich yoghurt/milk and fresh fruit, or nuts and raisins, or cut up veggies with hummus, or oatcakes with sliced avocado.  Don’t skimp on fatty fish. “Ensure you have oily fish like salmon, fresh tuna, pilchards, sardines or mackerel three times a week for those important immune-boosting Omega-3 fatty acids,” Chrisna says. Don’t forget to hydrate. Water is essential to your immune system as it helps in the production of lymph. Your immune system uses lymph to circulate white blood cells and nutrients to all of your body’s tissues. “To keep your body fighting fit, 6 – 8 glasses of water a day is, therefore, recommended,” Chrisna advises.  Don’t keep less healthy snacks in the house. “If there are no unhealthy snacks available you will have to eat the healthier ones,” Chrisna says.  by Elmien Ackerman

June 26, 2020
Impaq

Why sleep is important for better academic results

When we think of a learner getting good results in tests and examinations, we usually picture that learner cramming until the early hours of the morning, or “burning the midnight oil”. Many people think that sleepless nights are the way to achieve good academic results, because sacrificing sleep means working hard, right? Well, no, not at all – research has shown that depriving one’s self of sleep to cram information the night before a test is not a good way to achieve better academic results. In fact, the opposite is true – sleep is essential for a student to get good results in tests and examinations for a variety of reasons. Let’s have a look at a couple below:

June 19, 2020
Impaq

Five tips on how to motivate your teen during lockdown

Many teenagers are stereotyped as lazy and unmotivated children who want nothing more than to sleep in, socialise with friends and entertain themselves with their smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles. But this stereotype isn’t really fair at all. It’s an understandable stereotype because this behaviour is what parents see, but it’s ultimately misguided. Teenagers can be, and are, motivated when they have reason to be, and when this motivation is properly instilled. Here we discuss five tips on how to motivate your teenager.

June 12, 2020
Impaq

Fun educational activities to do with your children during lockdown

Having to stay at home is hard for everyone, especially children who would otherwise be at school. When they’re not doing their lessons or homework, they might get frustrated or restless. This is tough to contend with, especially when the alternative is often hours spent on smartphones, tablets or game consoles. But we’ve rounded up a few fun and educational activities you can do with your children at home, regardless of how old they are, or at what stage they are in their learning journey.

June 5, 2020
Impaq

Studying from home: Impaq learners and parents share their tips

Many learners who normally attend traditional schools have temporarily become homeschoolers due to the national lockdown. While some are finding it easy to adjust others are struggling. We wanted to help, so we asked the experts: Impaq’s learners and parents. They successfully study from home all year round, so we asked them to share their creative tips and tricks on how to study from home during the lockdown.

May 26, 2020
Impaq

Tips for studying from home during lockdown

Keeping up with your studies during the national lockdown? Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or usually attend a traditional school, keeping up with your studies during lockdown can be challenging. You’re confined to your home with family members around. To succeed in studying at home, you need to be prepared and become actively involved in your studies.

May 19, 2020
Impaq

Teacher shares what it’s like teaching during lockdown

The national lockdown due to COVID-19 has not only seen many parents temporarily become teachers but it has also changed the way many teachers teach. While some struggled to make the transition to online teaching, others did not have quite such a hard time. We asked a local teacher to share his advice on how to teach during the national lockdown.

May 15, 2020
Impaq

How to work and homeschool your kids

The national lockdown due to COVID-19 has seen many learners who normally attend a traditional school temporarily become homeschoolers. Parents in turn now have to juggle working from home and educating their children. And, while it might seem like a daunting task at first, the flexible nature of home education means that you can work and homeschool your kids. With some planning, flexibility, teamwork, and creative scheduling, it can be done.

May 8, 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
Impaq

The importance of practice in your learning journey

It is no secret that practice is a crucial element in the learning journey and is effective in many different educational contexts. Proverbs such as “practice is the best master” and “practice makes perfect” all contain a grain of truth, and in this article, we discuss why this is the case.

April 16, 2020
Parenting Hub

Coronavirus and homeschool-parenting

The world is reeling! Panic buying due to the lockdown on Thursday has left most people feeling overwhelmed, helpless and a little frightened. It is unprecedented and we are all trying to cope with the uncertainties of our current reality as best as we can. Cindy Glass, Owner and Founder of Step Up Education Centres explains, “We are all in the same boat and it is essential to understand that, at this time, there are things that are out of our control – the virus itself, other people’s reactions and government’s decision to lock down institutions, borders and other activities. The GOOD news is that there are many things that we CAN control – our own attitudes and reactions, personal hygiene, social distancing and of course, homeschooling!”

April 14, 2020
ROCA Kids Furniture and Decor

Home Schooling is here……

Well I used to look at those parents who chose the home school option and thought wow that is impressive. I would never be able to do that. This is a lesson indeed, excuse the pun, but homeschooling has come knocking at my door very quickly. Well it was pretty much the only thing knocking at my door for weeks, so I had no choice but to reluctantly let it in.

April 13, 2020
Impaq

Ten tips to help you cope with school closures

After the announcement of school closures by President Cyril Ramaphosa, many parents are worried that their children might fall behind with their schoolwork. This as public schools closed two days earlier and are likely to only reopen after the Easter weekend.

April 2, 2020
Impaq

Homeschooling: The importance of having a dedicated study space

For a learner to get information from the textbook into their long-term memories requires many cognitive functions. In this blog article, we’ll explore the role of a dedicated study space for a homeschool learner and try to answer why this is important. To answer this question, we look to cognitive load theory.

March 16, 2020
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