Leading Educational Advice from Wingu Academy
Wingu Academy

How to become a super organised Wingulian

At Wingu Academy we encourage our Wingulians to develop good study habits and get organised from the word go. According to daniel-wong.com here are some of the top tips to get organised, focused and avoid falling behind. 1. Develop a routine Consistency is the key to student success. So write down your general weekly schedule and create a routine. Include things like when you’ll do your homework, when you’ll review the things you’ve learned, when you’ll exercise, and so on. It’s not possible to stick to a routine 100% of the time, but at least set up the framework to keep you focused and on track. 2. Set rules for yourself Set some very specific rules for yourself. These could be things like “complete all projects and assignments at least two days before they are due” or “start studying for tests at least one week in advance”. Review your rules once a month and adjust them if necessary. 3. Work on one task at a time; don’t multitask One of the most important organisational tips for students is to focus on one task at a time. Multitasking seems like a good idea because you can pretend that you’re working twice as hard. We all get bored of the tasks we’re working on, so jumping about seems more fun. The problem is that it doesn’t result in the best outcomes. Here’s what I recommend: Take a scrap piece of paper and write down the task you’re working on right now, e.g. Math assignment, questions 1 to 5. Put that scrap piece of paper on your study table, to serve as a reminder for you to stay focused on the task at hand. 4. Keep one notebook and one binder for each subject Take all your notes for one subject in one notebook. When you run out of space, start a new notebook. Label each notebook clearly, e.g. History Notebook 1, History Notebook 2. This will make it easy for you to find the information you need in the future. Don’t take notes on loose sheets of paper you may lose. Also, don’t just use only one notebook, in which you take notes across all your different subjects. 5. Do five minutes of daily planning each day Before you start doing your homework or studying for a test, look at your planner first. Take note of all upcoming deadlines, and think about your schedule for the rest of the day. Then you can decide what specific tasks to work on for the day. Doing daily planning will ensure that you’re always working on the most important tasks, and that you don’t leave anything out. 6. Block out time in your schedule for the things that matter most Blocking out time in your schedule is a critical time management strategy for students. If you don’t do this, other things which are less important will fill your schedule. 7. Break down big tasks into smaller tasks Breaking down big tasks and projects makes them seem less overwhelming and more manageable. Doing this also makes it clearer what your specific next step is, so you’ll be less likely to procrastinate on your assignments. 8. If a task takes two minutes or less to do, do it immediately The “two-minute rule” was popularised by productivity expert David Allen. When you follow this rule, small tasks don’t pile up and become overwhelming. Things like texting a friend, sending your classmate some information via email, or asking your parents to sign a consent form are all quick tasks that take less than two minutes to complete. When you do these tasks immediately, you’ll feel a sense of achievement too. 9. Create a conducive environment at home for studying You need to have the right environment to work. You need all the necessary materials, stationery, paper and study tools. You also need a suitable table and lamp. And if you want to be productive, you definitely shouldn’t study on your bed! 10. Before you start work, eliminate all distractions Take a moment and think about the distractions you typically face when you’re trying to study. Common ones include text messages, notifications on your phone, social media and YouTube. 11. Every day, review all the new information you learned in school earlier that day A quick review of the key concepts should only take you about 20 minutes. Doing this helps to ensure understanding, so you stay on top of the material. If you really can’t do this review on the same day, do it the following day while the information is still fresh in your mind. 12. Keep an ongoing list of the questions you have about the class material As you read your notes and the textbook, keep a list of the things you don’t understand and the questions you have. As soon as you’re able to, ask your teachers about the items on your list. If you do this consistently, you won’t need to spend so much time studying for tests and exams, because you already understand the information. These are only some of Daniel Wong’s tips.  He has lots more in his article: https://www.daniel-wong.com/2017/04/10/students-get-organised-for-school/ It may seem overwhelming, but adopting one new habit at a time will take you further then you know until you’re comfortable to tackle the next one.  Remember that your journey as a student is about progress and not perfection.

February 11, 2022
Wingu Academy

Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning hub provides a unique learning space for learners to thrive with their tribe

Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning Hub has officially opened its doors to learners between 6 – 18 years. Wingu Academy offers the internationally recognised British curriculum and has recently also introduced Grade 10 CAPS. Wingu’s CAPS curriculum is SACAI accredited and will be expanded from 2023. Wingu’s Learning Hub provides a safe space for a blended learning approach which allows learners to learn from home or get support in person at the Learning Hub. It offers the opportunity for children to have access half or full day at the hub, as well as a 3-day or 5-day option per week. This provides a unique level of flexibility between working at home or hub with uninterrupted education for learners as an alternative to attending a traditional school.  Learners can engage and interact with fellow learners in a safe and friendly environment that promotes learning and personal growth. The Learning Hub further provides support such as learning spaces to attend seminars and tutorials, collaborative learning spaces, learning coaches, science and robotics laboratory access and a variety of extra-curricular support.   Learners are encouraged to take part in activities such as sports, drama, art, music and many others as part of the school’s extracurricular programme. “We understand that the development and learning of our learners requires a balance of academic and personal development in and outside the Academy and Hub. Taking part in physical and cultural activities provides an invaluable opportunity for children to develop physical, emotional and cognitive skills,” says Leza Petersen, Wingu Centurion Learning Hub Manager.  Some of the activities are presented at the Learning Hub, which also lighten the burden on parents, whilst other activities are accommodated at trusted service providers.  The host of activities include: Arts & Performance  Drama Swimming Arts & Crafts  Music Baking Horse-riding lessons / Equine Therapy  Golf Hockey Drone Club Chess Science  Early Childhood Development STEM principles  Robotics  Software Engineering  Wingu Academy believes these unique learning opportunities will assist children to thrive in a positive environment to build trust, coordination, teamwork, motivation, attitude and mobility and foster a spirit of healthy competition with fellow Wingulians (Wingu Academy learners). Enrolments are still open until mid-February 2022. To join Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning Hub or for more information, you can book a free consultation session at: https://wingu-academy.com/book-now/ or send an email to [email protected]. The Learning Hub Manager can be contacted directly on email: [email protected] or mobile:  084 552 6546.

February 4, 2022
Wingu Academy

The changing landscape of homeschooling in South Africa

More and more families are starting to realize the numerous benefits associated with home schooling. It is no longer a stigmatized, isolated learning experience. Due to the global pandemic and the rise of online curriculum service providers, home schooling has evolved into a bespoke educational offering that merges the best elements of a traditional brick-and-mortar school system with the advantages that independent distance-based learning can allow. However, despite the great benefits of homeschooling, there are also certain disadvantages to this approach.  Let’s explore some of these pros and cons of a home schooling approach. Disadvantages A possible disadvantage experienced by a homeschooling parent, is that the parent might become frustrated by having to take on the role of a teacher. Deciphering not only the coursework, but the curriculum outcomes as well, can create a lot of anxiety for parents. Parents might struggle to know whether they are “doing the right thing” or not. Especially in cases where learners are older, parents might be intimidated by the difficulty of some of the coursework, as they are not subject experts themselves, but are now expected to teach their children mathematics or physics that they have done 20 odd years ago – or sometimes not at all! In cases like the aforementioned, parents often start to invest in expensive private tutors, which can lead to a high financial burden. However, by making use of an online curriculum service provider, such as Wingu Academy, these disadvantages can largely be mitigated. Through a reputable online curriculum service provider, learners can have access to subject expert tutors and learning coaches, which eliminates the need for parents to act as teachers themselves. With this in mind, let’s focus on the benefits of homeschooling, and in particular the benefits of online schooling. Benefits 1.    Academic flexibility The traditional education system allows for very little flexibility in learning, when in reality, education is not a one-size fits all solution.  Some learners are very strong auditory and visual learners. Other learners might learn best through repetition. Some might prefer learning through practical application. Home schooling affords an individual the opportunity to learn in a way that suits him/her best, especially if combined with a blended learning teaching strategy – which incorporates live classes and remote learning elements, such as interactive lessons, quizzes and games, as well as practical project based learning. For learners who are professional athletes, or who have parents with careers that require frequent travelling, the flexibility of a home schooling system is particularly beneficial. Furthermore, in a traditional schooling context, with high student-to-teacher ratios, a lot of time is often spent waiting for assistance. Learners are often expected to partake in extracurricular school subjects which do not interest them. The flexibility of homeschooling allow learners more time to focus on things that truly interest them. Learners can progress according to their own ability and interest. 2.    Fosters independent learning skills Learners who are homeschooled and allowed the freedom to learn in a way that suits him/her best, naturally also acquire the ability to learn more independently. In other words, these learners don’t need someone to guide them through all elements of the learning material step-by-step. They are more confident in assimilating academic resources for themselves – a skill which they have honed during their years of homeschooling! This sense of autonomy is an invaluable ‘soft-skill’ that will aid learners for years to come, whether at university or at work. Furthermore, learners who homeschool with the help of an online curriculum service provider learn how to be adept at using technology, often from a young age. These learners learn how to use cloud computing tools to collaborate remotely – an essential future of work skill, which is becoming even more important in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. 3.    Health and safety Learners who struggle with anxiety, social anxiety or depression, or who were victims of bullying in a traditional school context, can study from home in a safe environment.. Learners have the opportunity to focus on their mental and emotional wellbeing. In small amounts, stress can be good, but the incredible pressure that is placed on learners to perform academically – or that they often place on themselves – can become debilitating. There is less pressure on learners to conform or fit a traditionally expected mould, which is beneficial to a student’s self-esteem. Learners with special needs or learning disabilities might feel especially marginalized in a traditional school setting, and their confidence can suffer. In a home schooling environment, parents are better equipped to introduce certain interventional strategies to address learning challenges.  With the global pandemic learners can study from the safety and comfort of their homes without the fear of being infected or having to wear a mask. Schooling remains uninterrupted and unaffected. Parents sending their children to school for the first time, have peace of mind knowing that their child isn’t affected by the current circumstances surrounding Covid-19.  4.    Social development A fear that many parents who are considering homeschooling have, is the fear of social isolation. Parents fear that their children will not develop social skills or have no friends. However, due to the flexibility of homeschooling, learners often have more time to engage in social extracurricular activities or community initiatives – such as joining a sports club, or volunteering at a local shelter – where they can still make friends and interact with peers. For learners who make use of an online curriculum service provider, the shift from parent-led to facilitator-led education means there is an even greater opportunity to interact socially. In an online school environment – which essentially emulates some elements of a traditional school environment, such as live classes – learners continually interact with classmates and tutors. 5.    Higher quality education In traditional classes with high student-to-teacher ratios, learners do not get individualized attention. In a home schooling context, learners can receive more individualized attention, either from a parent or tutor. When making use

January 31, 2022
Wingu Academy

Wingu Academy’s Wellness Hub provides next-level services to ensure learner well-being in online environment

Learner well-being is a core focus area for Wingu Academy, especially due to the increase in mental health awareness in the online environment.  In fact, Wingu Academy takes this so seriously that they have a dedicated wellness hub, called Wingu Wellness. The vision is to collaborate with students, guardians, and parents, as well as the valued staff of the Academy, to build a safe online learning environment. “Wingu Wellness provides up to date information on mental health issues, learning barriers, coping mechanisms and stress management, to mention a few. Working alongside top names in the field, like Dr Serahni Symington, counsellor and play therapist specialist, we will be providing counselling and mediation sessions and webinars free of charge, to anyone in the Wingu Family.” says Ian Strydom, Wingu Academy’s Managing Director. Services offered by Wingu Wellness Hub Current services include: Organising concessions for learners with learning barriers; Wellness consultations with a wellness coach or qualified counsellor; Monthly webinars; Sensitivity training; Resolution of behaviour misconduct; Assisting students and parents with day-to-day educational needs, i.e. study assistance, identifying learning styles, etc. Diagnostic Testing facilitated by Educationist, Dr Belinda van der Westhuizen Family mediation offered through Dr Serahni Symington How does Wingu Wellness assist students? The Wingu Wellness Hub will be assisting students by offering consultation sessions with either the Wellness Coach or a trained therapist. This will act as a safe space for learners to talk about what is weighing on them. They also provide learner applicable content to assist them in matters that they do not feel comfortable coming forward about. They further facilitate external coaching in the form of play therapy for the younger learners, by referring them to Dr. Symington. Wingu Wellness will also act as a means to further promote the many social clubs within the Academy to assist learners in still benefitting from the social aspects that are sometimes lacking in the cyber world.  How does Wingu Wellness assist parents/guardians? Assistance includes the same support as to students, but on top of that also offering family mediation through Dr Symington. “We offer comprehensive and professionally verified content to assist in matters dealing with how to cope with situations such as moving a learner from a mainstream school into an online learning environment or to things like dealing with family trauma.” says Panashe Tiffany Saungweme, Associate Director of Human Capital. Aiming to assist the Wingu Family with their overall well-being. “Wingu Wellness is not just an initiative to create awareness of mental barriers we may all have, but rather a platform providing a safe space to find solutions and encourage positive well-being behaviour for everyone part of the Wingu Family.” Strydom concludes.

January 25, 2022
Wingu Academy

Future-proof your child’s employability from an early age with 4IR Skills

The world of work has been changing over the past decade. There were talks of the 4th industrial revolution by many forward thinking individuals, but the trends towards the revolution has become very clear in the workspace. Trends such as remote work which seemed an impossible consideration for many companies, has become centre stage and many will pay the price if an effective remote work policy is not put in place. Most employers had to rapidly change the way they worked, resembling the 4IR trends that have shaped the vision of the Future of Work. The catalysing effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned leaders to focus on what the lasting effect of the pandemic will have on their workplace. Leaders in education have turned their focus on what the lasting effect will be on (a) educators and (b) the future leaders – the youth – and they have a responsibility as a transformative element in society to be paving the way to thriving, growth mind-set individuals ready for the 4th and even the 5th industrial revolutions. But how?    According to a report by the World Economic Forum, titled “The Future of Jobs”, the skills that will be most in demand during the fourth industrial revolution are: Complex problem solving Critical thinking Creativity Managing people Coordinating with others Emotional intelligence Judgement and decision making Service orientation Negotiation Cognitive flexibility “Education can no longer be about learning facts. Educational organisations must focus on being transformative experiences, delivering an individual that has gained more than knowledge after completing a program. Central to these future skills is a mindset resembling that of the entrepreneurial-mindset where resilience and personal growth are centre stage in determining success. Education systems and mindsets – striving to master a fixed set of learning outcomes and avoiding failure are outdated viewpoints. Instead, critical and creative thinking, embracing failure as a positive growth opportunity, resilience and collaboration should take centre stage in transformative education strategies. It’s important to future-proof your child to thrive with skills of the future, like lifelong purposeful learning, unlearning and relearning, adaptability and rapid (re)skilling, says Ian Strydom – Managing Director Wingu Academy.  Why is it important to future-proof your child’s employability? The industries tied to the defining 4IR technologies (robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, nanotechnology, cloud computing, quantum computing, machine learning, additive manufacturing, genetic modification) will birth new areas of work. McKinsey and Company predicts that by 2030, up to 30-40 percent of all workers in the developing world may need to move into new jobs or at the least up- or re-skill significantly.  At Wingu Academy learners are introduced to subjects such as coding, robotics, app development and game development from an early age to build a foundational grasp of these fields.  Learners and parents have a preconceived idea of Robotics and Coding and in general believe it’s for the “smarter” kids or for learners who are doing really well in other subjects. In doing so, they automatically disqualify themselves from enriching their future careers with these skills. We want to challenge this mindset. Every field in the future will incorporate coding and robotics to some extent and having a keen understanding of the underlying principles will set them up for success.   Apart from the hard practical skills learnt, integrated robotics and coding curricula teaches students invaluable soft skills such as  critical thinking, collaboration and solving problems logically and has the added advantage of teaching them to persevere in solving problems. Employers are looking for high-performance individuals – young people and mid-career employees- who are in sync with the demands of a rapidly-changing digital workforce. Learners that have these skills at school will be at an advantage, even if a child doesn’t go on to pursue a career in coding/IT. Even if a learner doesn’t go on to pursue a career in coding/IT, how will this benefit them? The first obvious advantage is the opportunity to be employed directly in the IT industry which offers huge employment potential. Currently SA has 200,000 unfilled positions that require a knowledge of coding.  Coding has emerged as a new literacy that allows us to leverage the power of computers.  At school it is important that children learn to use computational thinking to solve problems as this way of thinking is best developed early on. A keen understanding of computational processes allows team members to collaborate with programmers, to better understand the impact of actions and decisions on enabling digital technological processes (and the teams that develop them) and use design thinking principles to drive innovation effectively.   Coding and IT are becoming prominent in almost all career fields. For instance; artists are using machine learning algorithms to create unique art, acting and entertainment machine learning algorithms are used to write scripts and in medicine or biology it is used for diagnosing diseases and finding new treatments by repurposing medicine. “Our aim is thus that learners who complete these courses will not only be more desirable to employ, but at the same time exceed employers expectations,” Strydom concludes. What will the learners be taught to master with these programmes at Wingu Academy? Learners in the Coding and Robotics programme will use a variety of different programming languages such as Python and JavaScript to solve various problems, some translating into creative solutions in the real world. They will apply their skills in various different fields of interest including music, robotics, science and others to demonstrate the power of coding in various fields. More mature learners enter the Software Development programme where they work on front-end and back-end solutions and build a variety of web applications to develop a portfolio of evidence, equipping them with many entry level skills in the IT industry. Parents who would like to find out more about Wingu Academy’s Kukua Programme can visit https://wingu-academy.com/innovation/. The internationally recognised curriculum at Wingu Academy prepares learners for entering University degrees locally and across the globe, and focuses on building critical and creative thinking skills. The

January 18, 2022
Wingu Academy

How Wingu Academy changes lives – one Wingulian at a time!

At Wingu Academy we pride ourselves in doing school differently. Schooling is no longer one-size-fits-all and therefore we believe the fundamental purpose of education is to unlock potential. We also have the privilege of schooling learners with different needs and requirements. Following; is one Wingu parent’s account of how Wingu Academy creates an environment for a learner (Wingulian), that’s atypical, to thrive and excel: My husband and I were discussing High School options for our children even before they were of high school age.  The decision to change our children from CAPS to Cambridge, brick-and-mortar to online and then specifically Wingu Academy, were made due to the following factors. Living in Pretoria the options for good, affordable, non-private high schools are many, if your Afrikaans speaking, but options for English speaking children are very few and far between. We also wanted to give them the opportunity to study abroad if they wanted to and Wingu’s British curriculum was the best option for this decision.  When we started researching the different online schools, we kept in mind that both my husband and I must work and needed a platform where we weren’t responsible for teaching, but where we could keep track of classes, homework, assessments, etc. A big concern was that towards the end of 2020 our daughter had become super anxious and started struggling with social interaction at her school, distancing herself from her circle of friends and self-harming.   After researching other platforms, we decided on Wingu Academy, because 1. It has online classes where there is interaction with a teacher, and 2. the support structure that exists for students and parents.  In retrospect we can now see that Wingu’s set-up, teachers, and classmates were the absolute ideal option for our daughter. Changing to online schooling was an easy decision, but when she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (aka ASD or Asperger’s) we chose to register with Wingu. The first part of 2021 was extremely stressful for our girl, not only because Cambridge was new to her and doing online schooling had its own challenges, but I was in hospital with Covid mid- February.  The stress of me not being home and not knowing whether I would leave the hospital alive was a huge burden on my family and our daughter had to try and navigate the new schooling system pretty much alone for almost four months, before I was mentally and physically able to focus on anything other than survival.  ASD has a lot of amazing positive traits which we are encouraging.  One of these traits can also be negative though. It is the propensity to stick to a set routine and intense focus on their interests to the detriment of others.  With CAPS she had gotten into a ‘non-homework’ routine as she was so good at retaining any information she heard in class and regurgitating during exams, which gave her 90+% in almost every subject.  Once I could focus on her schooling, I could help her create a new routine of doing online quizzes, assignments, homework and read questions in a way that she would not just regurgitate information but actually apply the knowledge.  This has taken a while and I still need to encourage the new routine on almost a daily basis, but she has made great strides and we are SO proud of her.  There are so many aspects of her life that have been positively affected by being at Wingu. As for most teenagers, not having to get up at the crack of dawn to get to school on time is a huge bonus. The fact that she doesn’t have to leave home to go to school with throngs of other teenagers has reduced her anxiety levels immensely. The Wingu teachers are aware that being on camera is an issue for her and have been very accommodating.  This has made classes such a safe space for her that she now feels comfortable to engage with her teachers and classmates via audio. She has made friends with some of her classmates and not only hosts online homework sessions (off-camera) but goes ice-skating and has ‘live’ visits with friends she made at Wingu. Yes, there will be social limitations for her going forward, but having a platform where she is accepted as she is, given space to interact when she feels comfortable to do so, whilst getting a world-renowned education, has been an absolute Godsend.   For any parents who are considering online homeschooling, whether they are atypical or typical, this is my advice. Do your homework in researching different platforms. Be honest with yourself about your capacity.  I knew with a full-time job I would not have the capacity to teach my children myself, or research extra resources as many platforms would require you to do. You know your children and their abilities – Even with ASD I know my daughter would not cope with just watching videos day after day, she would stop watching them out of utter boredom.  Although she is socially awkward, she needs the structure that a class environment supplies. I also know my son, who will be joining Wingu for Stage 6 in 2022, would get super bored with videos and so a class environment would be ideal. Set up a time with the Wingu admission specialists and consultants and ask every question you can think of.  The staff are super helpful and patient.  After our daughter was diagnosed with ASD at the end of 2020, we had even more questions for the Wingu consultants, and they were very helpful and informative. If you are looking for quality, internationally recognised schooling, Wingu Academy is your answer as SA’s best-rated online homeschool with education rooted in innovation and excellence. Our Wellness Hub and Learning Coaches can assist both learners and parents with professional academic and wellbeing support and guidance to ensure that learners develop, grow and thrive in the Wingulian environment. Enrolments for 2022 are still open. Book a consultation with

January 11, 2022
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Loreto School Queenswood

Inspiring the Love for Books at Loreto School Queenswood

September month is International reading month! Every year we celebrate it with “Donate a Book Day”-DAB DAY At Loreto School Queenswood, we are inspiring the Love for Books through initiatives like DAB Day, these initiatives have a positive impact on our children.  In a world filled with screens and digital distractions, fostering a love for reading in our children has never been more critical. DAB Day, short for “Donate A Book Day,” is a remarkable initiative that not only encourages children to read but also instils in them the profound values of giving and sharing. As we celebrate this wonderful tradition, it’s vital to recognize the invaluable lessons it imparts and the long-lasting benefits of cultivating a reading habit from a young age, particularly during primary school years. DAB Day, typically observed in primary schools, is a day of celebration and learning rolled into one. It involves children donating books and dressing up as their favourite book characters. This simple act of generosity opens doors to numerous educational and moral lessons that stay with them throughout their lives, lessons that resonate with our vision, mission, and values.  DAB DAY Inspiring a Lifelong Love for Reading One of the most significant advantages of DAB Day is its power to ignite a passion for reading among young children. By encouraging them to donate books, the event communicates the idea that books are meant to be shared and cherished. When children see their peers donating books, it sends a powerful message that reading is a communal and enjoyable activity. As a result, they become more eager to explore the magical world of books, thereby laying the foundation for a lifelong love for reading. Teaching the Values of Giving and Sharing Beyond the love for books, DAB Day instils essential values in children, namely, giving and sharing. It teaches them that giving can be as rewarding as receiving. When children donate books, they experience firsthand the joy of helping others access knowledge and stories. This selflessness fosters empathy and compassion, qualities that are essential for personal growth and building strong, caring communities. Fostering a Sense of Community DAB Day also promotes a sense of togetherness and community within the school environment. The act of dressing up as beloved book characters creates a shared experience that bonds children together. They begin to see their classmates as fellow readers and adventurers in the world of books. This sense of belonging not only encourages collaboration but also makes reading a social activity, reinforcing the idea that books are meant to be shared and discussed. The Cognitive and Academic Benefits The benefits of reading from a young age cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that children who read regularly from an early age develop stronger vocabulary, better comprehension skills, and improved cognitive abilities. Reading is not just a source of knowledge; it’s a tool that sharpens young minds and prepares them for academic success. DAB Day is not just a celebration; it’s an investment in the future. By inspiring children to read, teaching them the values of giving and sharing, and fostering a sense of community, DAB Day equips our youngest learners with the tools they need to become compassionate, educated, and successful individuals. The benefits of reading from an early age ripple through their lives, influencing their academic achievements and shaping their characters. As we embrace DAB Day, let us remember that in promoting a love for books, we are nurturing the leaders, thinkers, and compassionate citizens of tomorrow. Encouraging our children to read and share the magic of books today will undoubtedly lead to a brighter, more literate future for all. Written by: Nthabiseng Sherillyn Nyamane, Loreto School Queenswood

October 5, 2023
Evolve Online School

UNLOCKING SOCIAL POTENTIAL: HELPING HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS DEVELOP HOLISTICALLY

Homeschooling offers numerous benefits, including personalised education, greater accessibility, safe environments, and flexible schedules. However, one concern many homeschooling parents still harbour – rightly or wrongly – is that their children might not benefit fully on the social development front. “Traditional school environments provide ample opportunities for social interaction, and it is natural for homeschooling parents to be concerned about the comparative exposure their children enjoy (or not),” says Colin Northmore, Principal at Evolve Online School, a brand of ADvTECH, SA’s leading private education provider. However, he says there are several proactive steps parents can take to ensure their children also develop strong social skills to address this concern. Northmore says practical strategies for connecting homeschooled students with peers and fostering essential social development can include a combination of the following: HOMESCHOOLING GROUPS “One of the most valuable resources for homeschooling families is local homeschooling groups or co-ops. These groups bring together homeschooling parents and their children, creating opportunities for social interaction,” Northmore says. “Joining a homeschooling group allows your child to meet and connect with peers with similar educational backgrounds,” he says, adding that there are some very active Facebook groups that can also assist parents and students. These include Homeschooling in South Africa, SA Home Schooling Group, Socializing Home schoolers South Africa, Homeschool South Africa, KZN Homeschooling and Cape Home Educators. “These groups often organise field trips, extracurricular activities, and social events, providing homeschooling students a chance to develop friendships and practice social skills. At Evolve Online, we organise several live events each year to facilitate the development of relationships between families, and these events are open to all families who have chosen homeschooling for their children.” SPORTS AND EXTRA-MURAL ACTIVITIES One of the challenges of homeschooling is for your children to find a balance in how they spend their time, notes Northmore. “If they use an online curriculum, you must carefully manage screen time. Getting your children to participate in Green-Time, Team-Time, and Dream-Time is crucial to their health and directly impacts their academic performance. “Enrolling your homeschooled child in sports teams, music lessons, art classes, or other extracurricular activities can be an excellent way to facilitate social interaction. Not only do these activities provide opportunities for children to make friends, but they also allow them to develop teamwork, communication, and cooperation skills. Be sure to choose activities that align with your child’s interests, as this will increase their motivation to participate and connect with peers who share their passions.” PLAYDATES Organise playdates with neighbours, friends, and family members with children of similar ages, and encourage your child to initiate inviting peers or joining others for playdates, recommends Northmore. “Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, skill, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Playing is vital for enhancing curiosity and creativity, building neural pathways to allow for questioning and to deepen learning. “It allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practising adult roles, sometimes with other children or adult caregivers. As they master their world, play helps children develop new abilities that enrich their confidence and resiliency to face future challenges. Playing without someone telling them exactly what to do helps kids learn to be in groups, share, solve problems, and stand up for themselves.” COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Engaging in the local community and local community initiatives can create a supportive and enriching environment for the homeschooled child. “Encourage your child to volunteer for community events or community service projects. Such activities expose them to diverse groups of people and teach valuable life skills like empathy, leadership, and cooperation. Older children should also consider developing leadership skills by creating events in the community or being part of an organising committee.” LOCAL EVENTS & CLASSES Northmore says homeschooled children greatly benefit from exploring and getting involved in local events, workshops, and classes that align with the child’s interests. “Many libraries, museums, and community centres offer educational programmes or workshops designed for children. Attending these events enhances your child’s learning experiences and provides opportunities to meet and interact with other kids.” OPEN COMMUNICATION Communicate openly with your child about their social experiences and encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, and challenges when connecting with peers. “You can help them navigate social situations and build self-confidence by actively listening and offering guidance. A rule of thumb when doing this is to ‘listen twice and speak once’. Your child may not want advice but perhaps a sounding board,” says Northmore. This approach is especially true for teenagers as they try to establish their identity. Building social skills in homeschooled students is essential for their complete development, concludes Northmore. “As a homeschooling parent, you can provide your child with a rich social life by leveraging local resources, online communities, and extracurricular activities. Through these strategies and your support, your child can thrive academically and socially, forming meaningful connections with their peers while benefiting from the advantages of homeschooling.”

October 5, 2023
Educ8 SA

Educ8 SA

Online education offers numerous benefits, some of which include: 1. Flexibility and Convenience: One of the significant advantages of online education is the flexibility it provides. Students can access course materials and lectures at their convenience, allowing them to study at their own pace. They can also choose when and where to study, making it easier to balance education with other commitments such as work or family responsibilities. 2. Access to a Wide Range of Courses and Programs: Online education breaks down geographical barriers, giving students access to a wide variety of courses and programs that may not be available locally. Students can choose from online courses offered by universities and institutions from around the world, expanding their educational opportunities. 3. Cost-Effectiveness: Online education is often more affordable than traditional on-campus education. Students can save on commuting costs, accommodation expenses, and other related expenses. Additionally, online courses often have lower tuition fees and provide digital course materials, reducing textbook costs. 4. Individualized Learning Experience: Online education allows for personalized and individualized learning experiences. Students can progress through the material at their own pace, focusing on areas that require more attention. They can also choose courses that align with their interests and career goals, tailoring their education to their specific needs. 5. Enhanced Technical Skills: Online education requires students to develop and utilize digital skills and technology tools. By participating in online courses, students gain proficiency in using various online platforms, collaboration tools, and multimedia resources. These technical skills are increasingly valuable in today’s digital age and can benefit students in their future careers. 6. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Online education provides opportunities for networking and collaboration with students and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Virtual discussion forums, online group projects, and video conferences facilitate interaction and knowledge sharing among students, fostering a global learning community. 7. Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Online education offers opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. Professionals can pursue online courses to enhance their skills or acquire new ones, helping them stay relevant in their fields and advance their careers without taking extended breaks from work. 8. Self-Discipline and Time Management: Online education requires self-discipline and effective time management skills. Students must be motivated and proactive in managing their study schedules and meeting deadlines. Developing these skills can benefit students in various aspects of life, including work and personal endeavors. Online education has proven to be a valuable alternative and supplement to traditional classroom-based learning, offering numerous benefits to a wide range of learners.

October 4, 2023
Parenting Hub

Language and successful learning – is it REALLY that important?

Have you ever gazed upon a giant oak tree? These majestic trees can grow as high as 21m and as wide as 3m! In fact, the tallest oak tree ever recorded was a whopping 44m high! Their branches extend for many metres, shading the earth from the hot sun in Summer and shedding their colourful leaves in the Autumn. It is interesting to note that the grandiose oak tree started life on earth as a tiny seed. The giant tap root system was the first part of the tree to emerge at germination – tiny at first, but continually expanding. It is from this giant tap root system that the magnificent oak tree receives all the water and nutrients that it needs to grow and develop to its full potential!

September 27, 2023
Educ8 SA

Educ8 SA – Our Essential Learning Course

Educ8 SA has been around for 6 years now and has thousands of students…all learning on a fantastic platform. The curriculum is easy to navigate, user-friendly and comes at an affordable price. We have a tried and tested curriculum that we are very proud of. We believe that a good beginning never ends! And you can start any time. If you are reading today, need a change and something that’s just easier for your kids, you have found us today and we are here to assist. Start your Individualized Learning Program today! We offer 26 different subject components from Preschool to Gr. 12. If your kids are struggling and have learning Gaps? Not a problem for us, our program is remedial, and we will find and fix the missing learning gaps! Can this curriculum be used as a full curriculum? Yes, it can. We cover grade levels preschool to grade 8 and American high school diploma, grades 9 to 12. We also have GED, which is equivalent to Grade 12. The program is designed to cover skills instead of outcomes, therefore it can be used alongside any curriculum and used as a full curriculum or as  supplementary to any other curriculum. It’s a 100% Integrated Curriculum This is the ONLY completely integrated curriculum covering: Math – Fact Fluency – Number Sense – Reading Stories – Reading Skills Literature Reading Skills Informational – Science – Social Studies – Phonics – Letter Names Letter Sounds – Phonics Blending – Phonics Spelling – Early Reading Trio – Sight Words Foundational Reading – Spelling Rules – Language/Grammar – Vocabulary – Spelling List Writing Workshop – Early Writing – Writing Assignments Key Features: Touch Curriculum Thousands of manipulatives designed for greater engagement and deeper learning Personalized Learning Individualized Education Plan for each student Built-in Engagement Badges, Games, Contests, Messenger, Vibes, Daily Challenges, Daily Comics and more. Find and Fix Identify and fix learning gaps Proven 2X Results The curriculum sets the standard for effectiveness All Subjects 26 subjects from Math to Science to Early Reading to Phonics Complete Solution Progress Monitoring, Diagnostic Tests, Assessments, Daily Goals, IEP, Adaptive Lessons, and Test Prep Our subjects: Science It’s a revolutionary way to teach science! Manipulatives engage students and teach cognitive skills. Students learn science while practising essential STEM skills. Mastery is tracked with quizzes and chapter tests. Social studies Teaching Social Studies will never be the same. Engaging lessons cover geography,  economics, government, history, and  essential social studies skills and practices. Enhanced motivation features hook students in social studies Maths Adaptive  Algorithms are used to find and fix missing skills with targeted lessons that include “Teach Me” Lessons, interactive manipulatives, and targeted practice. Math Students increase an average of 1.5 grade levels with just 40 hours of practice. And many more… Contact us today!

September 21, 2023
Bennetts

How to Develop Early Maths Skills (Number Concept)

Learning to count from one to ten, and later to a hundred, is an important milestone in early math development.  However, it is equally important for young children to learn to understand the “how many-ness” or the value that every number represents. Teachers and therapists refer to this important school readiness skill as number concept.  Grade R’s typically count to a hundred, but few truly understand the quantities that different numbers describe. In other words, many children freeze when you ask: “If you have six balls and your friend has eight balls, who has more?” Children who don’t understand the value of numbers will naturally not be able to conjure up a mental image of two sets of objects (in this case, a set of six balls and a set of eight balls) and then compare the sets against each other to determine which one of the two is bigger or smaller. And, as a result, they won’t be able to add and subtract with understanding.  It’s important to play games with your child on three levels if you want him to develop a clear understanding of the value of different numbers. Firstly, use body movements to demonstrate numbers. Secondly, provide many opportunities for him to use his hands to handle and count off certain numbers of objects. And thirdly, make sure to include games that encourage your child to visualize different numbers of objects in his mind’s eye.  You can, for instance, teach a three-year old to do the following: To include body movements, ask him to move (e.g. clap, jump or twirl) one, two or three times. To incorporate the handling of objects using his hands, you can ask him to hand you one, two or three of something whenever the opportunity pops up. To involve the mind’s eye, you can place a pile of single Lego blocks, 2-block-towers and 3-block-towers in a bag and then take turns with your child to use your sense of touch to find one of each number without looking. Then arrange your towers from one to three.  Games should naturally become more challenging as a child grows older.  However, the basic prerequisite for success remains unchanged throughout the first seven years: the more concrete (hands-on and tangible) the experience, the easier it is to learn. Children progress from concrete functioning to abstract reasoning as they enter primary school. Children function on a concrete level up to Grade R (where they still need to touch and handle tangible objects to discover and understand ideas about those objects) before moving on to being able to fully grasp unseen ideas on an abstract level in Grade 1.  Most importantly, they need time and playful practice or else they won’t grow into being comfortable in the world of representations and symbols. It’s crucial for every Grade R learner to reach the point (by the end of the year) where he or she is able to picture an image in the mind’s eye of a number line. After throwing two dice, he should be able to name the number shown on any one of them at first glance (without counting), before shifting his attention to the second dice to “count on”. In other words, if the dice landed on three and four, he could look at one and say, three”, before pointing to each of the dots on the second dice as he counts on: “four – five – six – seven … it’s seven!” (Alternatively, he could choose to start with four, and then continue with “five – six – seven” on the second dice.) He should be able to arrange the numbers 1 to 10 in order, with each of them in its proper place, based on the value that it represents. When you point to any number from 1 to 9 on the number line, he should be able to name the number that is “one bigger” or “one smaller”. As he enters Grade 1, he can learn to do this without looking. What can I expect from my child at every age along the way? Toddlers discover the meaning of “one and many” during the second year of life. Two-year olds usually learn to rote count to three and you can teach them to hand you either one or two toys. Three-year olds can be expected to count to five and they understand the concepts of one, two and three well enough to be able to hand you that many of an object.  Well-developing four-year olds can be expected to rote count to 10 and count off any number of objects from 1 to 5. Most five-year olds can count to 20 and have a real understanding of numbers up to 10. Finally, a six-year old should be able to count to 100 (also in tens), count off any number of objects between 1 and 20 and arrange the numbers from 1 to 10 in order to build a number line.  Learning to work with numbers is much like learning to speak a special kind of language. Learning the language of mathematics is largely about getting better at understanding the properties of numbers and recognizing relationships and patterns ever more quickly.  Naturally, acquiring these skills takes time simply because learning a new language always involves building new brain wiring. Ultimately, you want your child to reach a point where navigating around in the world of numbers will become second nature to him – like a golfer’s swing. Any kind of math play is better than none, but if you want your child to benefit optimally, you’ll need to play as many age-appropriate games as possible at home from toddler stage, and repeat them often. This article is written by: The Practica Programme is a comprehensive research- and play-based home programme.  This unique system has stood the test of time since 1993, and it comprises of a wooden box with specialized apparatus, parents’ guides, an advisory service and educational newsletters.  From birth to 23 months of age, parents choose from a balanced selection of more than 1000 activities to develop the 14 fundamental skills age-appropriately. For children between 2 and 7 years, the 50 school readiness skills are divided into 6 groups and tackled systematically, year by year, with 10- to 20-minute games that can be adapted to a child’s level of functioning. 

September 20, 2023
HeronBridge College

Taking the leap from Grade R into Grade 1- Helpful hints to prepare your child for “big school”

Taking the leap from Grade R into Grade 1 can be a daunting prospect. As our little ones move from the pre-prep into “big school” they can often experience some nervousness as they are required to be more independent.  At HeronBridge College we are very intentional about the relationship between child, parent and teacher and it is important that everyone feels well prepared for Grade 1. Over the last few years, we have seen the anxiety of children increase and have implemented practical ways in which to better prepare and encourage our children for their journey into prep school.    The HBC teachers offer some practical advice on how to navigate the big feelings that our little people can feel as they get ready for Grade 1: The jump from pre-prep into Grade 1 is developmentally a step into independence. Talk to your child often about what they are feeling, and why, and encourage them to take small steps that build bravery and courage – like walking to their classroom on their own or making their own lunchboxes.  Flip anxiety on its head, having dinner conversations that talk about worry versus excitement. Ask your child to visualise one thing that they can’t wait to do, even if you must give them some examples of your favourite memories at school.  Ensure that your child knows that it’s okay to have butterflies and make sure that you are in this feeling with them, using phrases like “we’ll do this together” and “we’ve got this.”  Reinforce routine and stability by making a weekly planner with your child, drawing pictures or writing out all the activities that they can look forward to at school each day.  When your child’s teacher has been announced, print a picture from the school app and put it up on the fridge. Remind your child often over the December holidays of the lovely person that will be looking after them next year and what they will be learning together.  If your child is new to the school, or going into a class with new people, identify a family at orientation evening and have a play date so that your child can build a friend before the year starts. Meet that friend in the car park on the first day of school and let your children walk to class together.  At HeronBridge we run several initiatives that introduce our Grade Rs to the Grade 1 experience as well as to their teachers and the heads of school. “Relationships are everything when preparing our learners for Grade 1” says Gina Brunsden, head of the junior prep. “We host a Grade R ‘inning’ where our kids play games with our prep staff and are treated to big kid things like a Seattle Coffee Company milkshake that they buy with their own voucher. We run orientation meetings with parents and children separately and even have a teddy-bear picnic with the Grade Rs and the Grade 1 staff, building those relationships in a way that is relevant, meaningful, and not so scary.”      If you’d like to find out more about HeronBridge’s Grade 1 programme or are looking for some advice on the transition from Grade R, you can contact the school or book a personalised tour at a time that suits you and your family. Contact HeronBridge College on [email protected] or 011 540 4800.  www.heronbridge.co.za Educating with heart

September 20, 2023
Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

When the World is Not Making Sense: Navigating Sensory Processing Challenges with Our Children

Parenting is a remarkable journey filled with the joy of witnessing your child’s growth and development. One aspect of this is sensory development as children learn to engage and interact with the world around them. However, for some children, particularly those who face sensory processing difficulties, this journey comes with unique challenges. These challenges become even more intricate when they co-occur with instances of neurodivergence, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Specific Learning Disorder (e.g. Dyslexia), among others. Sensory processing is the intricate process through which the nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information from the environment. A well-regulated sensory system allows children to effectively engage with their surroundings. However, some children may experience sensory dysregulation which can lead to challenges in daily activities, interactions and learning. By recognising the signs that your child is veering toward sensory dysregulation, a proactive approach can be taken to help them effectively navigate sensory challenges and achieve a greater sense of well-being and success.  The Complex Interplay: Sensory Processing and Co-Occurring Conditions Children with neurodivergent conditions often experience sensory processing difficulties at a higher frequency compared to their neurotypical peers. The intricate interplay between their unique neurological wiring and sensory processing systems can result in heightened sensitivities, challenges in sensory modulation, and difficulties in effectively interpreting and responding to sensory stimuli. Many autistic individuals experience sensory processing difficulties, which can be described as either hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory input. They may become overwhelmed by sensory stimuli and have heightened sensitivities to lights, sounds and textures. Children who are under-responsive may not react strongly to sensory input. They might appear indifferent to pain, have a high tolerance for extreme temperatures, or seem unaware of their surroundings. In both instances children may engage in repetitive sensory-seeking behaviours. These challenges can impact social interactions, communication, and behaviour regulation. Children with ADHD may struggle with sensory regulation that leads to increased distractibility, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing. Sensory dysregulation can contribute to difficulties in maintaining attention and organisation, as well as challenges in managing emotions and behaviours. While dyslexia primarily affects reading and language processing, it can also co-occur with sensory processing challenges. Children with dyslexia may have difficulties with auditory and visual processing, which can impact their ability to recognize and decode words accurately. Sensory dysregulation can exacerbate stress and anxiety related to reading tasks. Signs of Sensory Dysregulation Recognising signs of sensory dysregulation in children is a vital step toward providing support. These signs may include: ïSocial challenges: Children may distance themselves from their peers or opt out of group activities as a result of feeling overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. They may try to initiate play or engage in games in ways that are misunderstood by their peers, potentially leading to negative reactions (e.g. play that is rougher than intended). Additionally, they may misinterpret social cues, leading to misunderstandings.  ïImpulsivity and inattention: Behaviour may become increasingly impulsive and disorganised as dysregulation starts to manifest. This may result in conflict with others in the environment. The child’s capacity to maintain focus and attention on tasks or activities might diminish, impacting their participation and engagement. ïCommunication difficulties: Sensory overload can cause communication breakdowns. Children experiencing sensory dysregulation may exhibit irritability, anxiety, or feelings of being overwhelmed, hindering their ability to effectively communicate. This may impede their ability to engage in effective and coherent communication with peers, educators and family members.   ïBehavioural dysregulation: Children experiencing sensory processing difficulties are susceptible to mood swings, meltdowns, and difficulties managing emotions. Precursors to this might manifest as increased restlessness, heightened irritability, physical discomfort (e.g. headache; tummy ache) and heightened emotional sensitivity.  Practical Strategies for Promoting Sensory Regulation Parents play a pivotal role in helping children regulate their sensory experiences. Some strategies to consider include:  ïA sensory-friendly space: create a calming and organised space where your child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Dim lighting, soft textures, soothing colours, reduced noise and fidget toys provide regulating input to the sensory system.   ïDeep pressure and movement: Activities that offer deep pressure or resistance to movement can help regulate the tactile and proprioceptive systems. Examples of these activities include digging in a sandpit, crawling, squeezing (dough; stress ball; theraputty), stretching (theraband; body stretches) and climbing. Activities that involve rhythmic movements, like swinging, jumping on a trampoline or bouncing on a therapy ball provide regulating, vestibular input.  ïPredictability and routine: Establishing consistent daily routines provides a sense of predictability and stability for your child. Visual schedules and timers can help your child anticipate transitions and activities. ïSensory breaks: Teach your child techniques for self-regulation, such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, or simple stretches. Encourage breaks in a quiet, calming space when your child begins to show signs of dysregulation. ïBreak tasks down: Break down challenging tasks into smaller, manageable segments to reduce sensory overload and frustration. ïEncourage your child to engage in activities that align with their sensory preferences, promoting self-awareness and self-regulation. This can be done with an occupational therapist specialised in sensory processing who can develop an individualised sensory diet to address your child’s specific needs.  ïShare the strategies that work and collaborate with other people in your child’s life so that sensory challenges can be successfully managed in all contexts.  Sensory processing and regulation are fundamental aspects of a child’s development that significantly influence their ability to navigate and interact with the world around them. By understanding the signs of sensory dysregulation and implementing effective strategies, you can help your child develop the necessary skills to manage sensory experiences and thrive in various environments. Remember that every child is unique, and the journey towards sensory regulation may require patience, flexibility, and ongoing support. A collaborative approach involving parents, educators, therapists, and medical professionals can empower your child to develop effective sensory processing skills and thrive despite their challenges. Your dedication and advocacy as a parent contribute significantly to your child’s well-being and future success. Written by Julia Hutcheon – Occupational

September 19, 2023
Kumon

DEVELOP YOUR CHILD’S READING RETENTION SKILLS

Children read a lot more than you may think. Every subject your child studies in school requires reading comprehension and retention. Whether it is math, history or science, reading retention is critical to success. Here are some ways you can help your child grow and develop solid reading-retention skills. Start Early Remember, a child’s listening skills are years ahead of their reading skills. Beginning readers can still practice comprehension and retention skills. An easy way to do this is by inserting an extra step into an already existing nightly routine: bedtime stories. As you read your child a bedtime story, take note of some key story lines or events. When the story is over, you can ask your child, “Do you remember how Sam-I-Am finally got his friend to try green eggs and ham? Did he try them in a house? Did he try them with a mouse?” Even though your child is not reading for retention at this level, he or she is still learning to comprehend and retain ideas. Practice and Improve Like any skill, reading comprehension and retention require practice. Board games offer an opportunity for children to read instructions and rules that test their retention skills in a fun way. Try to find a game that your family has never played. Read the rules first to understand how the game works. After you grasp the rules, ask your children to read them. When they’re finished, ask them to explain the rules to you before you begin. For families with more than one child, this exercise can provide a unique perspective on how each child understands what he or she has read. One child may see the game in one light, while another will view the rules completely differently. Listening to your child explain the rules will identify comprehension strengths and challenges as you learn the new rules together. After everyone understands the rules, game on! Encourage Self-Correction When your child shows signs of confusion or frustration with a homework assignment, encourage them to reread the material before explaining the problem to you. In the interest of saving time, you may lean toward explaining the problem yourself. While this may be easier, letting your child self-correct builds their problem-solving skills. Guide your young child toward understanding the problem independently. After conquering the problem on their own, your child will have more self-confidence for the next challenge and greater pride in being able to tackle the problem independently. Reading is one of the most valuable tools in your child’s academic tool belt. Understanding and retaining the material are just as critical as the skill of reading itself. Encouraging the development of this crucial skill will set the stage for a lifetime of success. The Kumon English Programme is designed to build the critical reading skills that will help your child develop a lifelong love of reading – and a solid foundation for academic success. Building strong reading comprehension from an early age will prepare your child to advance through primary school with confidence and appreciation for learning.  When you enrol in the Kumon English Programme, the Kumon Instructor will assess your child’s current reading skills and introduce the appropriate level of Kumon Reading Worksheets. This provides just the right start for building comprehension and writing skills. As each worksheet is completed, you’ll see your child building a stronger vocabulary, a more thorough understanding of the proper use of grammar, and an ability to interpret content. This, together with enjoying books from the Kumon Recommended Reading List, enhances your child’s appreciation for and understanding of the English language and helps to develop a lifelong love for reading. For more information you can visit our website on kumon.co.za This article is from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/develop-your-childs-reading-retention-skills-2/  

September 19, 2023
Opti-Cards

Why is math so difficult for some kids?

Understanding cognitive skills and math. “Math!” This four-letter word is enough to give many kids a knot in the stomach, and many parents sleepless nights in anticipation of the next school report or math test coming up. When it comes to mathematics, many parents and children feel anxious and frustrated. This is especially true when a child is struggling with math, in spite of already getting help by means of tutoring, extra math classes or math programs. For many parents, and similar for their children, their math anxiety began with timed math tests in primary school. They knew the answers, but their brains froze when up when working against the clock. For others, not understanding the why behind a math formula was confusing.  Unfortunately, children who experience math anxiety often grow up without ever understanding the reason for their math struggles and carry math anxiety with them for the rest of their lives. As a parent, they feel helpless when their child brings home math homework.  Some may become teachers who feel powerless when their students don’t understand math or label themselves as not being a math person. Their math anxiety and frustration gets passed on to the children, and the cycle unfortunately continues. Math anxiety is very real, are extremely debilitating, and have been studied for decades. Yet it persists.  But why is math so difficult for some kids?!   The answer to this question usually lies within the strengths and weaknesses in our individual cognitive profiles. Each of us have strong and weaker cognitive skills – those underlying brain skills essential for learning, reading, reasoning, attention, and yes – math.  And when it comes to math (and learning), having strong cognitive skills is a prerequisite for learning math.  If one or a combination of skills like selective, sustained and divided attention; visual processing; visual, sequential and working memory; long term memory, deductive and inductive reasoning are weak, they must be strengthened first, before a child will be able to understand and apply math. So let’s explore the connection between cognitive skills and math. As the foundation for learning, cognitive skills are essential across any curriculum, including math  What, then, are the important underlying cognitive processes that support or impair our learning of math?  According to scientific and educational researchers, math skills can be grouped into the following categories:   SPATIAL REPRESENTATION The relationship of math success to visual-spatial abilities is strongly supported by research, and the correlation appears to increase as the complexity of the math task increases.  The important aspect of visual-spatial processing is not just remembering the shape, size, colour and number of objects, but their relationship to each other in space. It turns out that visual memory by itself (what things are) is somewhat error-prone, but spatial memory (where things are) is associated with correct answers, and is thus an important aspect of mathematical problem solving.  Within visual-spatial processing, we can distinguish cognitive skills such as the following: Spatial Memory: This refers to our ability to remember where we are in space and where we are related to other objects in space. This understanding provides the foundation on which problems (changes in the space) can be solved. Visualization: Our ability to visualize a problem we need to solve or to visualize alternative solutions contributes substantially to our understanding of the problem. When we learn transformations in geometry, for example, interpreting the difference between a translation (sliding an object along a straight line), a rotation (turning an object around a point) and a reflection (mirror image) is greatly aided by our visualization skills. Directionality: The ability to distinguish between left and right, of course, is more than just about math. It comes in handy when tying shoe laces, reading a map, and in playing sport. Here’s an example of how we use directionality – imagine someone hands you a map with a route marked out on it. Do you have to keep turning the map around to figure out what direction to turn next? If so, your directionality skills are not as strong as they might be. COUNTING AND OPERATIONS When it comes to counting and numerical operations, we are again dependent for math success on some foundational cognitive skills, such as sequential processing and selective attention, and on executive functions (the directive capacities of our minds) such as Working Memory: Working Memory: Working Memory is to our ability to hold information in our minds while we manipulate it.  Working memory capacity is highly correlated with reading comprehension, with math performance, and with many other academic and non-academic outcomes. Working Memory serves math processes from the very simple (for example, keeping track of which oranges in the basket we’ve counted and which we haven’t) to the most complex reasoning and mental simulations we perform when calculating statistics or contemplating string theory or manipulating derivatives in calculus. Sequential Processing: Counting is all about sequences, so once again, cognitive skills contribute crucially at even the most elementary stages of math.  As we start to manipulate and calculate, the sequence of steps to solve a problem must be observed. A concrete example is the concept of order of operations and the different result that comes from (7 + 4) x 3 and from 7 + (4 x 3).   Selective Attention: When we have good selective attention skills, it’s easier for us to screen out the irrelevant parts of a complex problem and isolate the relevant facts that we need to concentrate on. For example – if Susan, who is wearing a red dress, is 2 years older than Ben, who is wearing a blue shirt and jeans and just celebrated his 12th birthday, we don’t need to know the colour of their clothes to determine how hold Susan is. LOGICAL PROBLEM SOLVING Undoubtedly, math is problem-solving. There are of course other types of problem-solving, but problems with numbers almost always call for mathematical thinking and logic to be applied.  Above, we have already highlighted some of the cognitive skills we use for problem-solving,

September 14, 2023
Koa Academy

A Principal’s Guide to Exam Season – Tips for parents, teachers and learners

The final exam season of the year is almost here, and it’s not unusual for a sense of dread to creep in.  It’s not just the learners who are under duress; exam time can be stressful for families and the school community.  Parents and teachers want to provide the right support, but it’s not always clear what that should be. For Mark Anderson, Principal of Koa Academy, the 2023 exam season is a milestone event.  It’s the year that the high engagement online school has its first Grade 12 cohort writing Matric exams.   He says, “There’s typically pressure all-round when it comes to Matric.  Learners and their parents feel that there’s a young person’s future at stake, while Matric results are regarded as a critical indicator of a school’s academic rigour impacting on the institution’s track record and reputation.  So, everyone wants to see outstanding performances across the board.  It’s important to recognise these high expectations upfront and put them into a proper perspective.  There’s a certain degree of stress and pressure that is useful for driving performance, but if this becomes too much, it makes it impossible for even the most diligent of students to do their best.  It’s about navigating a high-stakes time by finding balance.” Hands off or on?  How involved should parents be? There’s such a wide range of parent-child relationships in diverse family contexts that it is impossible to find one-size-fits-all advice.  What’s true though, is that during exam season, most parents find themselves treading fine lines. Mark says, “It can help for parents to think of their involvement during exam time in terms of the optimal role they could play.  In my view, this is about supportive accountability.  For instance, instead of seeing their role as a driver of their child’s performance or staying completely in the background, parents are more effective as their child’s primary supporter.  This means taking a keen interest but not taking over.  It helps learners when their parents hold them accountable in an appropriate way.  Your child should have the space to take ownership of their own study schedule and goal setting.  Checking in regularly though demonstrates your interest in their progress and their roadblocks which is supportive and motivational.” Parents also play an important role in facilitating an optimal study environment over exam season.  It’s not just about the studying.  To perform at their peak, your child needs to study in comfort, sleep sufficiently, eat healthily, exercise daily, interact socially and take breaks so that they can recharge.  Parents can help by keeping their focus on their child’s well-being and encouraging healthy habits.  In some families, parents can also play an important role in reducing distractions and household obligations, while monitoring procrastination which can lead to stressful, fruitless cramming before an exam.  Mark says, “Parents will want to be the champions of consistency and balance during exam season.  If your child is sitting up studying desperately until two in the morning, that’s a red flag, not a sign of dedication and determination.  We perform at our peak when we are well-prepared and confident, and you can’t give your best when you are exhausted and anxious.” Who’s the teacher? Teachers play a critical role over exam season in preparing learners and keeping perspective.  Typically, teachers cover study skills, exam techniques and providing opportunities for test practice.  Mark says, “It’s important for parents of learners in online schools to realise that they don’t suddenly need to become their child’s teacher. At Koa, our teachers work in small 8-person Pods and they are well-positioned to individually coach each learner through the exam preparation stage.” Advice for learners – keeping things in perspective Mark says, “Keep perspective, exams are not a sudden disruption to your school year, they are just part of the learning cycle.  Everything you do throughout a school year works towards your performance in an exam. Working consistently on your classwork, courses and projects throughout the year is all learning and preparation that leads you to writing the exams. That’s why consistency wins the day.  So, it is important not to see exam season as a surprise or once-off, or even disassociated event.  Exams are embedded in your learning, and therefore your long-term effort pays off best at exam time.” What’s also important for learners who are feeling like their whole future is at stake during exam time, is to realise that things are not that simplistic.  Life is long, people’s futures take many interesting turns, and the world is full of solutions.  Many parents have experienced this reality first hand and bringing that perspective during exam time can lift our eyes and relieve unnecessary expectations or pressure, while still striving for your best.  If you feel overwhelmed during the upcoming exam season, it’s important to reach out to a supportive parent, teacher or friend.  Remember, you are more important than any mark. Discover Koa Academy, visit www.koacademy.com

September 12, 2023
Parenting Hub

HOW TO UNLEASH CRITICAL THINKING THROUGH ART EDUCATION

Most good schools, whether public or private, incorporate art into their curricula – especially during the primary school years. This subject sometimes has the reputation for being the class where you can take a break from the ‘real work’, which is why its importance as a developmental tool for critical thinking isn’t well understood. But parents and teachers can use art to the great advantage of the child, if they know how important its role is and how to practically go about art education and appreciation, an education expert says. “Art incorporates all the important factors required in critical thinking – observation, reflection, interpretation and application,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head: Schools Division at ADvTECH, SA’s leading private education provider. “Parents of younger children know this scenario well: your child arrives home with a piece of art, you praise them for their good work, stick the artwork on the fridge, and move on. However, by taking some more time discussing what went into the construction of the work, parents can gain invaluable insight into their child’s thinking, as well as develop their ability to communicate their thinking,” she says. Hugo advises parents to ask their children specific questions about their artwork, for instance “what is that you drew there?”, “why did you decide to do this?”, “why did you choose these colours?”. “When you hear their explanations as to their thoughts, it gives you a window into their world and elevates their work from just another pretty piece to a connection and discussion opportunity. It’s important that parents take the time and make the effort to do that,” Hugo says. Teachers should also aim to guide students to create observational art if they want to develop critical thinking capacity. “If you ask someone to draw a flower, they’ll typically draw that one we all do from memory, with the circle in the middle, the little arches around the circle, and a stem with perhaps a leaf or two. But if you put a flower in front of the child along with a magnifying glass and ask them to draw what they see, you are going to find they do a greater dive into deep observation,” says Hugo. 4 PRACTICAL WAYS TO USE ART TO DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS 1)     OPEN-ENDED ART PROJECTS Provide opportunities and materials for students to freely express themselves without tight guidance or direction on expected outcomes or deliverables. This helps them assess the tools at their disposal, use their imagination and problem-solving skills, and hone their craftsmanship. 2)     ARTISTIC ANALYSIS Expose students to a wide range of art and lead in-depth discussions about their observations. What do they think the artist was thinking, why do they think certain choices were made in creating the artwork, how does the art make them feel, what do they see in the art? This develops their visual processing skills, linking them up to their analytical skills. 3)     COMBINE ART AND STORIES Extend the art lesson by tasking students with developing stories based on their work. These stories can include characters and character development, plotlines, and inspiration for follow-up art. 4)     COMBINE ART AND ACADEMICS Maths problems have long been approached by drawing a simple sketch of the problem at hand. This can be extended to various other subjects, by asking students to create a visual representation of the matter before them, as well as their proposed solution. This helps them visualise the problem and helps with brainstorming all while exercising creative muscles. “Imagine believing that children have the ability to express themselves in more than one way.  Now times that by 100, if they are given the tools and encouragement to extend their potential range,” says Hugo. She notes that Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach, described the “infinite ways that children can express, explore, and connect their thoughts, feelings and imaginings” as follows: “These languages (the Hundred Languages of Children) are symbolic and are open to the endless potentials in children.  They believe in the potential of a child’s ability to wonder.  It is the belief that there are “multiple ways of seeing and multiple ways of being.” “A high quality, holistic academic offering will consider this approach to all learning, to ensure students build critical thinking skills, while being offered opportunities to inquire and develop creative theories.”

September 12, 2023
Parenting Hub

Aftercare or aupair?

Weighing up the best after-school option for your child “Mothers staying at home with their children is simply no longer the viable option of years past,” says Tiffiny Thomas from Blue Bird Aupairs.  As a result, parents are left with the critical decision of what to do with their precious assets in the afternoons – do they send them to aftercare or do they get an aupair? “There is no black and white when it comes to choosing an after-school solution for your child as things like budget, schedules, ages and personality need to be taken into consideration,” explains Tiffiny. She adds that even once you have made your decision, circumstances may change and you may need to seek the alternative which is why it is important to keep an open mind and make sure that you know what the pros and cons of each option are. Aftercare Pros Children get to interact with their friends in an informal surrounding If the aftercare is part of the school, they can take part in extra-mural school sports Food and snacks are generally included in the cost of aftercare If the aftercare is based at their school, your child will not have to travel on the roads without you Aftercare cons Very little (or no) supervised homework which then needs to be done in the evenings when your child is tired and less likely to concentrate Aftercare generally does not cover school holidays A full day at school can leave your child irritable and exhausted No personal, hands-on love and care Pros of an aupair Your child will get plenty of one-on-one love, care and attention An aupair can do homework with your child and spend extra time of subjects they may battle with, doubling up as a tutor Aupairs can transport your child to and from various after-school activities, which is a great help for parents (and children) with busy or unpredictable schedules and extra-mural activities that are off campus An aupair can double up as a baby sitter during the holidays Cons of an aupair It can take time for your child to get to know your aupair Not all aupairs have formal early childhood training You will need to make sure that the fridge is stocked up for afternoon lunches and be prepared to pay for other additional costs like petrol “It is important to remember that no two aftercares (or aupairs!) are the same!” says Tiffiny. She adds that you should ask lots of questions for clarity and also make sure that you align your budget in terms of what you are able/willing to spend on a monthly basis for after-school care. “Both options can be affordable, provided you shop around,” she concludes.

September 12, 2023
Educ8 SA

Note Taking – What is the best note taking ideas for primary school kids?

Note-taking is an essential skill that helps students organize and retain information. For primary school kids, developing effective note-taking strategies can lay a strong foundation for their academic success. Here are some of the best note-taking ideas for primary school kids. Firstly, visual aids can greatly enhance note-taking. Encouraging children to use drawings, diagrams, and charts to represent information can help them better understand and remember concepts. This technique also appeals to their creativity and makes learning more enjoyable. Secondly, teaching kids how to use keywords is crucial. By underlining or highlighting important words or phrases in their notes, they can easily identify key points when reviewing later on. Additionally, using different colors for different subjects or topics can aid in organization and retrieval of information. Furthermore, mind maps are an excellent tool for young learners. By creating a central idea and branching out with related subtopics, children can visually connect ideas and see the relationships between them. This method promotes critical thinking skills while making note-taking more interactive. Lastly, encouraging active listening during class is vital for effective note-taking. Kids should be taught to listen attentively and jot down important details rather than trying to write everything verbatim. This way, they focus on understanding concepts rather than simply transcribing information. In conclusion, developing good note-taking habits at a young age sets primary school kids up for academic success in the future. Visual aids, keywords, mind maps, and active listening are all effective strategies that help children organize information effectively while fostering critical thinking skills. By implementing these techniques early on in their education journey, we empower our young learners with valuable tools that will serve them well throughout their academic careers.  Note taking in general… Note taking is a fundamental skill that has been practiced for centuries. From ancient scholars to modern students, the act of jotting down important information during lectures or while reading has proven to be invaluable in retaining knowledge. The art of note taking involves actively engaging with the material, filtering out key points, and organizing them in a concise and understandable manner. One of the main benefits of note taking is its ability to enhance comprehension and retention. By writing down information, we are forced to process it in our own words, which aids in understanding complex concepts. Additionally, notes serve as a reference point for future review, allowing us to revisit important details without having to go through lengthy texts or lectures again. Note taking promotes active learning by keeping our minds focused and attentive during class or study sessions. It encourages us to listen actively and think critically about the material being presented. Moreover, notes can be customized according to individual learning styles, making them an effective tool for personalizing the learning experience. In addition to aiding comprehension and active learning, note taking also fosters organization skills. By categorizing information into headings or subheadings, we create a structured framework that facilitates easy retrieval when needed. This organizational aspect not only helps with studying but also improves overall productivity by providing a clear roadmap for revisiting topics efficiently. Note taking is an essential practice that enhances comprehension, promotes active learning, and fosters organization skills. Whether it is capturing ideas from a lecture or summarizing key points from a book chapter, this age-old technique continues to be an indispensable tool in acquiring knowledge effectively.

September 8, 2023
Playmore

Supporting Your Child’s Free Play

Play skills, similar to other developmental skills, progress in complexity with time and practice. Caregiver support and their role in nurturing a child’s free play skills changes and evolves throughout the play stages. Free play allows for the development of various physical, cognitive, language and socio-emotional skills, but also contributes greatly to children’s health and well-being.   Free play, with minimal adult interference, will provide them with the opportunity to work on various skills including: problem solving, creative thinking, flexible thinking, initiative and grit, self-regulation skills, working memory, sustained focus, physicality and can provide them with an opportunity to have some quiet time to soothe and calm themselves. Free play with a playmate can further see them developing various socio-emotional skills including: self-expression, negotiation, compromise, perspective taking and empathy. Important skills for the future, wouldn’t you say…? Some children are natural players, skilled at independent free play and can shift easily between free play, screens and other home activities and tasks. Other children, however, may need more support and guidance to help them to play more independently and become captains of their own play adventures. During free play a child can create, direct and adapt the play activity and play script as they engage in their play adventure. Free play is intrinsically motivated, spontaneous, not limited by a certain set of rules or directives and not necessarily reality bound.  If you have a little one that requires support in developing their free play skills, have a look at some of my top tips for free play: Make free play part of your daily routine. Create a safe and calm play space, preferably screen free, that won’t interfere with the flow of their play. Don’t overwhelm with too many toys and objects. Rotate items in boxes and containers, keep a few favourites close and include open ended toys and objects, such as wooden blocks or empty boxes. After your child chooses a play prompt (or you have provided them with a few choices), allow them time and space for their idea to form. Don’t be too quick to offer your own ideas and try to limit the “adult agenda” when it comes to free play. Offer encouragement and support, but try not to ask too many questions at the start while their idea is developing. Children need a longer time to process information and for their ideas to take shape. Asking too many questions too early on may discourage them. For more tips, information and demonstrations on developing and supporting play throughout the play stages as well as other areas of child development, come join our online PlayMore platform. Visit: www.playmoreot.com or our social media platforms @playmoreot on Instagram and Playmoreot on Facebook for more information. Let’s PlayMore! Anandé from PlayMore 

September 7, 2023
HeronBridge College

BOUNCE INTO SEPTEMBER WITH THE NQOBA CHALLENGE

Now in its second year, the Nqoba Challenge is a ‘must’ for the family calendar!  Hosted by HeronBridge College, a Curro Select school located in Fourways, and powered by Planet Fitness, the Nqoba Challenge is a fun-filled obstacle course for families that takes place on 16 September 2023.  Whether you are a family with little ones wanting a fun day out, the cool uncle wanting to race your nephews over giant inflatables, or the competitive family who wants to challenge your friends, this event is just for you! The obstacle course will be run through the HeronBridge College grounds, which are situated along the Jukskei river, and participants can expect a range of exciting under and over challenges. Obstacles range from leopard crawls and tyre jumps, balancing challenges, giant gladiator slides, inflatable walls and more.    Routes are catered to families of all shapes and sizes with a 5km challenger that puts you through your paces, a 3km route for those who are still building their stamina, and a 1km option for young children who are just finding their feet.  “We wanted to create an event that celebrates community, spring and all the joys that come with this time of year” says JP Lübbe, Head of the prep school at HeronBridge College. “The word ‘Nqoba’ means to overcome, and what better way to shake off winter and the challenges that we are facing as a nation, than with a fun-filled obstacle course just before Heritage Day!”    The routes are interactive, fun, and peppered with hydration stations to keep everyone refreshed. An array of entertainment is on offer at the finish, with a host of vendors, jumping castles, music, spot prizes and more.  Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind family day and kick off summer with the Nqoba Challenge.  Entry is R30 per person and free for children under the age of 12.  Visit www.howler.co.za/nqobachallenge to register.  To watch the promo video for this year’s event, click here.  Event details:  Date: 16 September 2023 Start time: 08h00  Venue: HeronBridge College  No. 36 on the R114, Nietgedacht, Fourways  Entry: www.howler.co.za/nqobachallenge Contact: [email protected]  Website: https://www.heronbridge.co.za/events/nqoba-challenge/  

September 6, 2023
Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED REMEDIAL THERAPY

Empowering Your Child’s Learning Journey: Recognising the Need for Academic Learner Support (Remedial Therapy) Every child’s learning journey is unique, and as parents, we play a crucial role in nurturing their academic growth and development. However, some children may face challenges that require specialised support to reach their full potential. In South Africa, academic learner support, commonly known as remedial therapy, is an invaluable resource that can empower children to overcome obstacles and excel in their studies. In this article, we will explore key indicators that can help parents recognise when their child may benefit from academic learner support. Persistent Academic Struggles: If your child consistently faces difficulties in their schoolwork, whether it’s understanding key concepts, completing assignments, or achieving satisfactory grades, it may be time to consider academic learner support. Remedial therapy can provide targeted interventions to address learning gaps and build a strong foundation for future success. Reading and Writing Challenges: Struggling with reading, writing, or spelling can be signs of learning differences like dyslexia. Academic learner support offers specialised techniques and resources to help children with dyslexia and other related challenges to improve their literacy skills and confidence. Mathematics Frustrations: If your child finds math concepts confusing or demonstrates anxiety towards mathematics, it may indicate a need for extra support. Remedial therapists use tailored approaches to help children grasp mathematical concepts and develop problem-solving skills. Attention and Concentration Issues: Children experiencing difficulty focusing, maintaining attention, or completing tasks may have attention-related challenges. Remedial therapy can equip them with strategies to improve focus, executive functioning, and overall academic performance. Low Self-Esteem and Motivation: Academic struggles can take a toll on a child’s self-esteem and motivation. If your child expresses feelings of inadequacy or disinterest in school, seeking academic learner support can foster a positive learning environment, reignite their passion for learning, and boost self-confidence. Uneven Academic Progress: A significant discrepancy between your child’s potential and actual academic performance might indicate the need for additional support. Remedial therapy can identify and address the root causes of these inconsistencies, helping your child achieve a more balanced and fulfilling educational experience. Learning Disabilities or Disorders:  If your child has been diagnosed with a specific learning disability or disorder, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder, a remedial therapist with expertise in that area can provide targeted interventions. Teacher or Professional Recommendations:  If teachers, school psychologists, or other professionals express concerns about your child’s academic or developmental progress, it might be a good time to consider consulting a remedial therapist. As parents, our ultimate goal is to provide the best possible opportunities for our children’s academic and personal growth. Recognising the signs that your child may benefit from academic learner support (remedial therapy) can be a game-changer for their education journey. By seeking early intervention and partnering with a reputable school offering these specialised services, parents can empower their children to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. At Glenoaks School, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based academic learner support to help every child thrive academically and embrace their unique strengths. Together, let’s pave the way for a brighter future for our children. Written by Sonelle Gerneke 

September 5, 2023
Parenting Hub

GRADE 12 SURVIVAL GUIDE: PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS

Tension is mounting in households across South Africa as Grade 12 students embark on the critical final phase towards their final exams. This juncture isn’t merely an academic checkpoint and a transformative phase, but is a daunting and often emotional rollercoaster for students and their parents. Students are submerged in study materials while parents grapple with providing adequate support without becoming excessively involved. And, given South Africa’s distinct socio-economic landscape, many households face unique stresses. “Parents strive tirelessly to ensure their children’s success within this challenging panorama,” says Dr Linda Meyer, MD of The Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College, adding that today’s complex times amplify these challenges. “Virtual parenting platforms abound with stories from parents and guardians of Grade 12 students, with calls for insight and advice revealing parents’ collective uncertainty on how best to be a pillar of strength and guidance for their children.” Dr Meyer says during the next few weeks, parents should adopt the following mantras: Self-Awareness First: Parents should be acutely aware of their emotions and manage them effectively. This stability enables them to be supportive rather than inadvertently adding to their child’s pressures. Adopt a Broader Perspective: While Grade 12 exams are significant, they represent just a chapter in a child’s expansive educational story. Beyond this point, there are myriad avenues for growth and learning, and this understanding can help diffuse undue stress. She says parents can provide meaningful support in two ways: through practical facilitation, and emotional anchoring. Practical Facilitation: Holistic Schedule Design: A comprehensive view of the exam timeline can aid in collaboratively creating a balanced study schedule. This aids in pacing study sessions and reducing last-minute panics. Authentic Test Conditions: Mimicking actual exam conditions at home can offer insights into areas needing further focus and, equally importantly, help students become familiar with the conditions of the physical exam environment. Guided Independence: Being available to address queries is essential, but so is promoting autonomous learning. Encourage students to think critically and find solutions. Digital Discipline: Technology can be a double-edged sword. Setting ground rules is pivotal to ensure digital devices aid, rather than disrupt, study schedules. Emotional Anchoring: Crafting a Serene Sanctuary: A home’s atmosphere can be a game-changer. A serene, clutter-free environment fosters concentration and mental clarity. Holistic Wellness: Beyond rigorous studying, integrating activities like meditation, short walks, or even hobbies can mentally rejuvenate students. Adequate rest, outdoor engagements, a nutritious diet, and avoiding excessive caffeine or sugar are paramount. Empathetic Dialogue: Establish an environment where students can vocalise their fears, aspirations, or academic challenges. Active, non-judgmental listening can be therapeutic. Celebrate Every Milestone: Recognising the results, effort, dedication, and small achievements can tremendously boost a child’s self-esteem and drive. PRACTICAL TIPS FOR STUDENTS Dr Meyer says there are a number of strategies which, if incorporated into the weeks leading up to the final exams, can boost a student’s wellbeing and academic success. Establish a Routine: Plan your study schedule. Breaking down your subjects into manageable sections can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Allocate more time for subjects or topics you find challenging. Incorporate short breaks to avoid burnout and keep your mind fresh. Optimal Study Environment: Find a quiet, comfortable place free from distractions. Ensure good lighting to avoid straining your eyes. Keep all your materials (books, notes, stationery) organised and within reach. Effective Study Techniques: Active Recall: Instead of passively reading, test yourself regularly. Mind Maps: Use these to represent and link concepts visually. Teach Someone: Explaining a topic to someone else can help solidify your understanding. Past Exam Papers: Regularly practice using past Matric papers. They give you an understanding of the exam format and the types of questions you’ll encounter. Time yourself while answering to simulate the actual exam conditions. Limit Distractions: Limit social media and entertainment during study sessions. Consider apps or tools that block distracting sites for specific periods. Group Studies: Studying with peers can provide different perspectives and solutions to problems. However, ensure that the group remains focused and productive. Exam Day Preparedness: Ensure you have all required materials (ID, stationery, calculator, etc.). Arrive with ample time to spare. Rushing can increase anxiety. Before starting, take a moment to calm your nerves. Deep breaths can help. Seek Help When Needed: If there’s a topic you’re struggling with, ask your teacher or a friend, or consider tutoring. Seek counselling or speak to someone if the stress becomes overwhelming. Your mental well-being is crucial. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any changes or updates related to the exams, whether they concern exam dates, venue changes, or safety protocols. Beyond the Books: Remember, while exams are essential, they don’t define your entire worth or future. There are always various pathways to success. Preparing for the Matric exams is as much about persistence and strategy as it is about knowledge. Students can confidently enhance their performance and face exams by being systematic, focused, and proactive, Dr Meyer says. “And most importantly, we need to apply flexibility and understanding in the parenting approach during this time. Young Adults, with their unique personalities and coping mechanisms, require tailored support. But beyond academic challenges and triumphs, we should appreciate the journey and celebrate continuous learning, personal evolution, and the tenacity to bounce back, irrespective of the outcomes.”

September 4, 2023
EZ Learn Books

Why Business Studies are Important for a Successful Future

In the always changing landscape of the modern world, entrepreneurship has become a driving force of progress and innovation. With the rise of tech startups, digital marketing, and the gig economy, the opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to make their mark are ever expanding. At the heart of all this lies one essential subject: Business Studies. In this article, we will explore some of the key reasons why business studies are crucial for future entrepreneurs and the potential they hold for driving success. We will delve into the foundations that business education provides, how it introduces students to the world of business in a learning environment, and how it prepares them for the challenges they will face in the modern business world. Laying the Foundation Business studies serve as the foundation upon which entrepreneurs can build their careers. It provides students with an understanding of the principles, theories, and practices that underpin successful business operations. From finance and marketing to human resources and supply chain management, business education instils in students the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of running a business. Business studies expose students to real-life examples and case studies, providing valuable information on how businesses have succeeded – or failed – in the past. These insights can prove invaluable when future entrepreneurs set out to establish their own businesses. Learning in a Supportive Environment One of the most significant benefits of business studies lies in the structured, educational environment it offers. Students are afforded the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in crucial concepts while receiving guidance from experienced educators. This allows aspiring entrepreneurs to ask questions, take risks, and experiment in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, being part of a business school or program connects students with a network of fellow students, alumni, and professionals. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaboration on projects, and invaluable networking experience – all of which can be incredibly beneficial for budding entrepreneurs. Preparing for the Future Business studies not only equip students with the knowledge and skills they need in the present, but they also help them prepare for the future. By exploring current trends, technologies, and challenges, business education ensures that entrepreneurs are well-equipped to adapt to the ever-evolving modern business world. As the gig economy and tech startups continue to expand and shape the global market, a well-rounded business education can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving in these competitive industries. “It not only teaches the fundamentals but also encourages innovation, critical thinking, and adaptability – qualities that are vital for entrepreneurs in today’s global economy.” Business studies are an essential stepping stone for future entrepreneurs. They provide the foundation, learning environment, and preparation needed to navigate the multifaceted world of business with confidence and adaptability. If you are looking to enhance your business knowledge and skills – whether it is accounting, or any other subject – consider seeking assistance from educational resources and experts. Visit www.ezlearn.co.za for guidance, tips, and support to help you on your entrepreneurial journey.  The pathway to success starts with a solid foundation in business studies.

September 4, 2023
Impaq

There’s no place like (Optimi) Home

Home is more than just a physical space. It is a sense of belonging, comfort, and security. At Optimi Home, we create an environment where Grade R to 12 learners can feel right at home.  Make yourself at home Optimi Home offers two distinct offerings: Impaq Homeschooling and the Impaq Online School. This allows learners to pick a learning pace that works for them. Impaq Homeschooling offers learners a flexible schedule, while the Impaq Online School offers a more structured approach, where qualified teachers present daily online classes according to a fixed schedule. Read more: Take schooling to the next level with the Impaq Online School Find peace of mind  Both Impaq Homeschooling and the Impaq Online School provide learners with quality CAPS-aligned lesson material and resources. Our lesson material has been developed by experts in their relevant fields. With more than 20 years of experience, you can rest assured that our content meets the standards as set out by the Department of Basic Education.  Get all the support you need If you opt for Impaq Homeschooling, we provide detailed facilitator’s guides to help you facilitate the learning process at home. Our education specialists are always on hand to help with academic queries. Read more: How does Impaq help me homeschool my child in 2023? At the Impaq Online School, our qualified teachers guide learners through the content during live online classes and answer learners’ academic questions in real-time. Take the stress out of assessments Homeschool parents will receive all the CAPS-aligned assessment components, such as tasks, tests and examinations, that your child needs to write to complete the grade. At the Impaq Online School, our teachers ensure learners complete the necessary assessments.  All Grade 10 to 12 Impaq learners are registered with the examination board, SACAI, accredited by Umalusi. This means that learners who complete their matric through Optimi Home will receive the National Senior Certificate (NSC), just like they would have if they had attended a public school. Get on like a house on fire When you register with Impaq Homeschooling, you not only join the largest homeschooling curriculum provider in South Africa, but you join a family of over 30 000 learners. We have several Facebook groups that learners and parents can join to connect with other homeschoolers.  At the Impaq Online School, learners are sorted into homerooms and enjoy a year-long journey with their teachers and classmates. Learners also have many opportunities to collaborate while working through their daily lessons.  Be your true self  We encourage our learners to explore the vast array of options available to them. That’s why we offer various elective subjects in Grades 10–12. We also offer isiZulu as a First Additional Language for all grades.  At the Impaq Online School, we are committed to preparing learners for the ever-evolving world of tomorrow. Our classes focus on Computer Literacy and effective communication skills. Read more: Homeschooling with Impaq allows me to conquer the waters of Europe Nurture your body and mind Discover the freedom of learning at your own pace with Impaq Homeschooling! Your learner can organise their schedule to suit their needs*. At the Impaq Online School, we prioritise learners’ overall wellbeing. Fitness classes are incorporated into the timetable, learners can access the It’sOK wellness app, and our experienced counsellor is always available for additional support. Join the Optimi Home family and feel at home. Registrations open on 1 September 2023. Visit our website or email [email protected] to pick your pace for 2024. *Grade 10 – 12 learners must follow a strict test and examination timetable.

September 1, 2023
Educ8 SA

Welcome all Cottage Schools and Learning Centres!

We welcome all Cottage Schools, Learning Centres, Tutoring Centres, and Private Schools to partner with us.  If you’re a teacher looking for a new educational adventure, why not join our team and start your own learning centre?  Listed below are some of the great features we have to offer you: The following components are also included in our package:   Digital Literacy, Core Subjects, and Career Studies.   Our Fees:   Once off Centre Registration Fee: R1500 Marketing Material & Training included.  Preschool – Grade 8: R400/student package. American High School Diploma, Grade 9 – 12: R1600 GED:  R500/student package  (Includes digital course, PDF Study Guide, 1 for each subject, lots of bonus material, Mock Exams) You are most welcome to sign up all your students for our FREE Trial Period (Placement Test included) You may do so here:     https://www.educ8sa.net/sign-up/  Our program is offered in English. We offer a full curriculum solution based on the USA curriculum. Students may log in 24/7/365. Parents are able to log in at any time to view their child’s progress from the parent portal.  Our students work at their own proficiency level and at their own pace. This makes our program the ideal solution for special needs and exceptional students who need to be challenged. Our Student Managers are on duty from 8 am to 4 pm and are always available to help should a student contact them via their messenger for assistance.  These are just some of the fantastic features our program has to offer. Teacher Support:  We make a teacher’s life easier. Simple to use and learn, We immediately start saving time for teachers. For example, students automatically begin fixing missing skills from the automatic placement test. In other words, teachers see progress reports without even having to assign a lesson. Even better, the built-in motivation tools and rewards keep students eager to learn more without teacher intervention.  We are proud to announce our 2022 EdTech Breakthrough Awards:  Classroom Management Solution Provider Of The Year. Our program automatically allows you to monitor student progress in real-time; this makes it possible to know exactly how each student is progressing. Analyze data for all standards in the common core by student, class, school, and district.   Our program simplifies the IEP process by allowing you to set student goals that are automatically updated as students progress, saving you hundreds of hours of reporting. Parent Support:  Parents can log in anytime to view their child’s progress from the parent portal. Our students work on their proficiency level and at their own pace. This feature makes our program ideal for special needs students and exceptional students who need a challenge.  Student Support:  Our Student Managers are on duty from 8 am to 4 pm and are always available to help should a student contact them via their messenger for assistance.  These are just some of the fantastic features our program has to offer! Assessments & Exams: We prefer the continuous assessment approach; therefore, our students in grades K – 8 do not write exams. For our high school students, exams will depend on their chosen matric option. Registration Process: 1.  Complete our online form https://www.educ8sa.net/sign-up/. Your 14-day FREE trial period starts here! 2.  Login, then complete the Placement Test.      3.  Notify us once all Placement Tests have been completed.   4.  You will receive the results of the Placement Test by email. 5.  You will be requested to schedule a zoom meeting with us to discuss the Placement Test results.         6.  We set up your child’s personalized learning plan.       7.  Students may start with lessons.                            8.  We invoice you should you wish to sign up! Term Dates & Holidays: Centre Students will follow their own term dates. Virtual Students may decide when they take breaks.   Accreditation: All our courses are accredited and listed on the SAQA website, and accepted by our universities and Colleges.  Admission Requirements apply.  Our accreditation bodies:  WASC and the US Council on Education. Technical requirements: Internet connection, device with a minimum of 1.6 1.60GHz processor. (laptop/pc/tablet/iPad), headphones or earphones.

August 28, 2023
EZ Learn Books

Accounting myths unmasked

Mention the word ‘Accounting’ to a high school student and many will turn a paler shade of grey and want to run a mile. Of course, there are the few lucky ones, like me, who get excited because numbers are their best friend and they’ve managed to manoeuvre their way through the accounting ‘mysteries’ with skill and mastery. I find it incredibly sad that Accounting is so misunderstood, as it actually is an incredibly wonderful and useful language to learn. I hope to debunk some of those myths here.  Myth #1: Accounting is hard It really isn’t. Although it can often be experienced as difficult by many, this is usually because it hasn’t been introduced correctly. In fact, most teachers probably don’t even realise how simple the underlying principle of double-entry is – it took me about fifteen years to figure out the fact that debits and credits arise from the two sides of the accounting equation, then another fifteen for the penny to really drop when I finally realised that ‘debit’ and ‘credit’ are simply derivations of the Italian and / or Latin for ‘own / owed to me’ (debere / debitum) and ‘owed to others’ (credere / creditum). If only someone had shown this to me years ago, as I’ve just done in a short video for Accounting students. Together with a good understanding that the purpose of Accounting is reporting to stakeholders by preparing financial statements based on the principles of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), all Accounting problems are easily solvable. Myth #2: Accounting is boring Yes, recording endless transactions in journals is boring, BUT this is bookkeeping, not Accounting. Bookkeeping in practice is usually computerised and relatively simple using Quickbooks, Xero or similar. Accounting involves the preparation of financial statements according to IFRS principles. Determining the underlying reasons for treating transactions in different ways requires analytical and logical thought. Analysing financial statements can be likened to colouring a ‘paint-by-number’ picture – as different ratios and calculations are applied to the numbers, a hidden picture of the actual workings of the business emerges. Zombie companies are uncovered and financial mismanagement and shenanigans are exposed. Edcon’s demise could easily be predicted by looking at its equity in the financial statements as early as 2012. Steinhoff’s disreputable financials with negative equity figures for the past few years are a large sign, ‘beware!’ Likewise, clever strategies for business success can be identified and learnt from, and companies ripe for profitable investments discovered. Myth #3: There is only one correct way to record transactions Not at all. In fact, as long as you have the correct end destination as your goal i.e. fair presentation of performance and financial position according to IFRS, how you get there is completely up to you. This myth is probably the reason many universities sometimes prefer students with no Accounting background, so that they don’t come in with only one method in mind and are unable to deviate and adapt to alternative approaches that are used. Much like meeting a friend on holiday does not require you both to travel the same path to get there, every syllabus or curriculum uses a different approach for the processing of transactions.  CAPS and IEB use the perpetual inventory system with Debtors’ and Creditors’ control accounts as part of double-entry and subsidiary ledgers as extra. Cambridge school accounting uses the periodic inventory system with a cash book as part of the general ledger and individual supplier and customer accounts as part of double-entry, with control accounts introduced as extra. Every single university in South Africa uses a slightly different approach and terminology, and business practice uses computerised packages that are each different in how transactions are recorded and processed. Students who are unaware of the variety of options can become ridiculously confused, but if they are exposed to different options, they are able to hone in on the important Accounting concepts based on IFRS principles without being distracted by the variety of approaches.  Myth #4: You don’t need Accounting at school to study a BCom / BAccSci / BBusSci Technically, you don’t. Students are accepted for these courses at most South African universities with just Maths and English as requirements. However, students who have not been exposed to Accounting at school are severely disadvantaged. Yes, school Accounting may be covered in the first few weeks of a business degree. Enough said. The concepts at university are more complex, and if the basics are not understood in the excitement of a new student life with all its distractions, most students who did not take the subject at school struggle and often have to repeat. Most of my first year extra lessons are to students who did not take Accounting at school – in all my years of teaching I have only had one first-year student who did Accounting at school and still needed help in first year. Research into the correlation between taking Accounting at school and success in first year Financial Accounting is varied and conclusions differ, but seem to support my personal hypothesis that if students are made aware of the flexibility of possible approaches, prior exposure is definitely beneficial. Moral of the story? Encourage any child interested in studying a business degree to take Accounting at school … with a varied approach, logical explanations and the end goal of financial statements prepared according to IFRS principles in mind, of course!    Those parties with an interest in the continued success of the business, and who can affect / be affected by the actions of the business.   Yes, this is an actual term relating to businesses that are surviving on borrowed money, paying interest but unable to make the repayments.  This research shows that statistical data indicated that Accounting taken at school contributed significantly more to success in the Accounting module at Stellenbosch University. This research showed top performers were those who took Accounting at school, had Afrikaans as a home language and worked hard. This

August 24, 2023
Parenting Hub

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR CHILD CAN’T SOUND OUT A WORD?

“Help Mom, I am stuck on this word?” What is your first reaction, “just sound it out”.  Good advice? Actually, not that good.  Sounding it out is not always the best strategy for figuring out a word. Learning to read individual words is hard work and not always as easy as parents may think. There are words that a child can memorise: these are called sight words. But there are a whole lot more words that children have to decode or figure out. So what should a parent do when their child comes across a word he doesn’t know or may have seen it once or twice but has not committed to memory yet? Tell them to sound it out, NOT ALWAYS. I am not saying phonics is not useful.  It is imperative that children know their letters and the sounds they make, but as a strategy or way to figure out unfamiliar words it doesn’t always work. I suggest you read on and see how many more strategies you can try use to help your child attack those tricky words. Here are some more useful word attack strategies: Picture clues – ‘look at the picture; it will help you figure out this tricky word.’ Beginning Sounds – look at the first letter together, ‘do you know that letter, do you know a word that starts with that letter, what sound does it make’? Chunking – ‘can you find a small word in this big word?’ Let’s read that small word.  Cover the first part of the word, read, cover the last part of the word and read.  Now put the words together and read’ Context – Use the meaning of the sentence to try figure out the unfamiliar word, e.g. “Peter is reading the ……. Answer: book”.  Let your child predict or ‘guess’ the word ‘book’ based on the context of the sentence. Helpful Hint: build vocabulary to maximise this strategy. Stretching the word – ‘use your finger as you try read the word.  Look at it slowly’ Rhyming – ‘this word is tricky but it does rhyme with another word on this page.  Can you read this word (parent points to other rhyming word), well done, now swop the first letter and read the other word.  They rhyme, well done, can you hear the rhyme.’ Go over the rhyming set together to practice. Use the squiggles around the words as clues (Literacy conventions = question mark and capital letters) e.g. if there is a question mark at the end of the sentence, the unfamiliar word could be ‘what’ ‘where’ ‘how’ ‘when’ or ‘why’;  if there is a capital letter in the middle of the sentence the unfamiliar word could be a  name of a person/place ) Miss it out and come back – ‘this word is tricky, leave it out for now and keep on reading.  Come back to this tricky word once you have finished reading the sentence.’ Ask someone – do not let your child struggle too much, encourage him to ask for HELP if he can’t figure it out. Helpful Hint: It takes practice to use these strategies, so give help as it is required, however, instead of just giving the answer straight away model a strategy your child can use and read it together using this strategy. As children gain confidence they will use a strategy on their own next time. Keep a balance of you helping your child and your child helping himself! It needs to sense – ‘Did that sentence make sense?’  Repeat the sentence to your child using his mistake let him tell you which word doesn’t sound right. ‘As you read this time listen to your words and make sure they make sense’.  Helpful Hint: this is a fairly advanced strategy, comes with lots of practice.  Keep modelling it as the fluent reader. Try these out; you will be surprised as to how well they work.  I call it giving your kid a READING TOOLBOX.  Best thing you can do for your beginner reader. Actually it’s the second best thing, the BEST THING you can do for your beginner reader is read to/with or him every day.

August 23, 2023
Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

UNDERSTANDING AUTISM – EMBRACING NEURODIVERSITY

Autism, commonly known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is not merely a disorder but a celebration of neurodiversity. Affecting nearly 2% of the global population, Autism manifests uniquely in each individual, presenting a spectrum of experiences from mild to profound. Through collaborative efforts from a team of professionals at Glenoaks Remedial and Vocational School, we strive to support and uplift individuals with Autism and their families, recognising their diverse strengths and challenges. In this article we briefly explore ASD in terms of sensory processing, communication, academic support, social interactions, and the need to embrace neurodiversity, creating a world that cherishes and values every unique individual. Definition: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodiversity, not a disorder, affecting almost 2% of the global population. Diagnosis: ASD presents differently in each individual, requiring professional assessments to identify strengths and challenges. Causes: The causes of Autism are still being researched, but there is no link to vaccines. Genetic factors play a role, but genes may not be inherited. Medical vs. Social Perspective: Autism can be viewed medically as a condition with manageable symptoms or socially as an alternate way of experiencing the world. Early Detection: Paediatricians are often the first to identify neurodiversity in children, leading to referrals to a team of professionals for support. Treatment: While there is no cure for Autism, medication may help manage anxiety and other difficulties associated with ASD. Sensory Processing: People with Autism process sensory information differently, leading to specific behaviors and needs. Occupational therapists play a vital role in supporting sensory processing. Communication: Speech therapists assist in developing communication skills and understanding social cues, as people with Autism may struggle with subtle aspects of communication. Academic Support: Learners with Autism benefit from academic accommodations and support in school to maximize their learning potential and happiness. Social Challenges: People with Autism may have difficulty understanding social norms and reciprocal conversations. Speech therapists, Occupational therapists and psychologists can help improve social interaction skills. Advocacy: Individuals with Autism and their families are strong advocates for neurodiversity and should be recognized as important voices in destigmatizing Autism. Embracing Neurodiversity: Each person with Autism has unique skills and challenges, requiring individualized support for a happy and fulfilling life. Every person on the spectrum contributes an essential piece to the beautiful tapestry of humanity. By fostering understanding, empathy, and inclusive support, we can ensure that individuals with Autism thrive and flourish in a world that appreciates their unique abilities. Let us stand together as advocates for Autism, breaking down barriers, and embracing neurodiversity with open hearts and minds.  Written by Julia Wood – Head of Oak House Vocational Academy – Glenoaks School

August 22, 2023
Loreto School Queenswood

The Importance of STREAM Education in Primary Schools with the Integration of Religion

In recent years, education systems worldwide have witnessed a growing emphasis on STEAM education, an interdisciplinary approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. At Loreto School Queenswood we have added the R for Religion to the mix. We feel that this approach has proven to be highly beneficial, nurturing critical skills and fostering holistic development in students from Grades RRR to Grades 7. Moreover, integrating religion into STEAM education can enhance its impact, providing additional advantages that go beyond the academic realm. Importance of STREAM Education in our Pre-primary and Primary school:  Holistic Skill Development: Encourages students to explore and apply their knowledge across various disciplines. By engaging in hands-on projects, students develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity skills. Early exposure to STREAM concepts lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and prepares students for future challenges. Real-world Relevance: Emphasizes practical application and relevance to real-world scenarios. By connecting classroom learning to everyday life, students can better understand the significance of scientific discoveries, technological innovations, engineering solutions, mathematical principles, and artistic expressions. Fostering Innovation: Nurturing a spirit of innovation from a young age is essential for fostering a generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers. STREAM education allows students to explore ideas, take risks, and learn from failures, ultimately fostering a growth mindset that is crucial in navigating an ever-changing world. Enhancing Collaboration: Projects often involve teamwork, encouraging students to collaborate, communicate effectively, and respect diverse perspectives. These skills are vital not only in academic settings but also in future professional environments. Understanding Cultural Diversity: Integrating religion into STEAM education allows students to understand and respect the diverse beliefs and customs prevalent in our globalized world. This fosters a sense of cultural awareness and helps build bridges of understanding between different communities. By incorporating religious narratives into STREAM subjects, students can explore how scientific, technological, engineering, artistic, and mathematical advancements have shaped the beliefs and practices of different cultures throughout history. This interdisciplinary approach enriches their understanding of both science and religion. STREAM education offers a well-rounded approach to primary schooling, fostering essential skills and nurturing young minds for the future. By integrating religion into this educational framework, we provide students with a broader perspective on the world and encourage the development of moral and ethical values. This synergy empowers students to become responsible, compassionate, and culturally aware individuals, ready to contribute positively to society and tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Which in turn makes our goal of “Growing Children For Life” even more possible.  Article by Nthabiseng Nyamane For Loreto School Queenswood

August 18, 2023
Evolve Online School

The Importance of Play in a Child’s Development

Children are increasingly suffering from low muscle tone, low memory, poor speech, poor vocabulary, poor motor planning, and lack of proprioception or spatial awareness. Mostly because many children spend hours in front of computers, IPads, or television instead of playing. Most people are unaware of is the impact playing has on a child’s development. A child’s motor skills develop from the outside in. When babies lie on the ground and kick and punch the air, their muscles are becoming stronger. According to a recent article by Pamela Li, MS, MBA (Importance of play in Early Childhood), “an infant’s brain is equipped with an abundance of brain cell connections (synapses). Synapse overproduction allows information captured from the early years to build a foundation for the brain.” A study showed that a child’s language skills improved when a mother interacted with her baby when they started playing with toys. She would tell the child what the toy was and what it did. When the child was tested 3 months later, they had better language skills. (Newland LA, Roggman LA, Boyce LK. The development of social toy play and language in infancy.) When adults talk to them, read to them, and play with them babies’ brains are stimulated. Children need to run, climb, push, pull, cycle and jump before they can draw. This helps with Gross motor development. Children need to have strong gross motor skills before they can do small motor tasks such as drawing, cutting, and writing. They also need to play with materials like play dough, blocks, bean bags, skipping rope, monkey bars, push bikes, water, sand, and foam, to name a few. Play develops: Brain growth. Improves intelligence.                                                                                   Sparks creative thinking. Improves communication, vocabulary, and Language. Promotes impulse control and emotion regulation. Grow social competence and empathy. Better physical and mental health. Teach life lessons. Strengthen relationships with caretakers and peers. Play, takes so many forms, physical play (dancing, ball games, movement activities), Social play (playing with other children or adults), Constructive play (drawing, music, crafts, and building), Fantasy play (imagination, dress-up, dramatization), Games with rules (board games, Simon says, musical chairs, dominoes, etc.) Courtesy – HSE LIVE – We’re here to help. We could write and talk about this topic forever as I feel very strongly about it. Even more so being an online teacher. I try to incorporate as many games and movement activities as I can in my lessons. This also helps with children’s concentration. According to https://publications.aap.org a pediatrics article – “Playing allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.” So, Moms and Dads, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, the washing, and cleaning can wait for a while. Rather play with your precious little ones. They grow up too quickly.          Tracey Binge – A teacher at Evolve Online School

August 14, 2023
Abbotts Colleges

MARKS LEAVING A LOT TO BE DESIRED? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO

Life has its own plans; sometimes, things do not work out as we hoped. Some high school students and parents are currently finding themselves amid a relatively stressful time, having to come to terms with June exam results that were not at the standard they expected.  Perhaps some red lights are going off for you as a parent, with the prospect that your child might need serious academic intervention. The good news is that it is never too late to re-evaluate and make the necessary changes to reach the desired outcome. Suppose you are keen to pursue Tertiary studies. In that case, it is essential to ensure that you are ready from the get-go and that you can successfully apply without creating additional stress and anxiety. If you take action now, this is doable even if you didn’t perform at your best in the mid-year exams. Here are some tips to assist you on your academic journey: 1. Setting goals Ensure that you set measurable goals for yourself, both academically and personally. Measure this timeously and regularly,  and reward yourself for reaching goals. Remember to review and revise your goals continuously! A good idea would be to write them down and keep them somewhere visible at all times. 2. Are you in the right school? Make sure that your schooling environment supports your needs. At Abbotts College, for example, we issue 7 academic report cards throughout the year, which assists you in setting up reasonable goals. We also offer after-hour academic support, where you can contact your subject teachers to get academic support until 20:00. During our Homework lesson, students can consult on a one-on-one basis with any of their subject teachers. Parents often think they should only move students at the beginning of the year, we have found that students that move now have the benefit of adapting before the start of the new year.   3. Softer skills are important The softer skills such as effective time management, planning study times and schedules, and self-management skills are critical. It is vital to balance academics and free time to exercise and spend quality time away from the books with family and friends. Click here to download a template that can support your needs. 4. Plan your future Do the necessary research at different Tertiary institutions. Note the entry requirements, AP scores and subject choice combinations which are required to apply. Measure your current results to these requirements. If you do not currently meet them, put goals in place to ensure sufficient improvement to be able to apply. Two or three options is a safe space, as life does not always go according to our own plans. If you are still unsure, consult an educational psychologist who can assist you with aptitude tests. If you are uncertain about educational psychologists, contact your closest Abbotts College, which can assist you with a referral. Not all schools are the same, and you must ensure that your chosen school is the best fit for your child and their academic needs. Do not hesitate to consider a school such as Abbotts College that might be less traditional yet more focused on academic processes, allowing it to go the extra mile to facilitate academic success for our students. The right environment combined with the right approach can make all the difference.  In closing, remember a negative mind will never give you a positive outcome. Good luck for the remainder of the academic year. By Izak Stander: Principal of Abbotts College Northcliff

August 14, 2023
Educ8 SA

Online Education for Homeschoolers and Learning Centres

What does Educ8 SA offer? Educ8 SA’s Online Learning Program is the ideal choice for your homeschooling curriculum – offering teaching excellence and a broad curriculum at an affordable price. It offers an online education solution for homeschoolers and learning centres. Online Learning Programs Our Online Learning Program is the ideal choice for anyone looking for top-quality, proven, flexible online schooling. Affordable, Quality Curriculums The ideal choice for you, offering teaching excellence and a broad curriculum at an affordable price to students. Convenient and Flexible If you are looking for the convenience and flexibility of online homeschooling from the comfort of your home, you have found it! We provide quality online education that is affordable, flexible, and personalised for all students from Pre-School to Grade 12. Our Mission Improving Lives Through Learning We connect students and teachers to world-class curricula and resources, helping them reach their goals and pursue their dreams. Our Vision Expanding Learning Opportunities To make quality education more accessible and improve lives through learning. Our content is presented in an interactive, engaging, and effective way. We cater to different learning styles. What curriculum options does Educ8 SA have to offer? We have many different options such as… Preschool to Grade 8 @R400 per month (All resources, assessments, and tests included – no hidden costs) American High School Diploma Grade 9 – 12 @R1600 per month (Includes all resources, assessments, and exams) GED: R500 per month (Includes digital course, PDF Study Guide, 1 for each subject, lots of bonus material, Mock Exams) Individual Student Registration Fee:: Registration fee of R1000 per student or R1500 per Family Registration What sets Educ8 SA apart from other curriculum providers? Educ8 SA was established in 2017 due to a gap in the South African Education market for students and families with unique needs and circumstances seeking an innovative learning environment. We recently won the EdTech Awards 2022 for our online Mobymax program and to date we have received more than 215 awards in the past 4 years. Lots of evidence that we are doing something right. Educ8 SA has harnessed global technology and has partnered with the best providers in the eLearning industry to enable a revolution in quality education. Today, we have students enrolled all over the country as well as in other parts of the world. Students who desire more flexibility and choice can design a learning plan to suit their needs. Our program is one of those programs that you log onto, learning is simple and easy to navigate. Kids are able to log on and complete work at any time and work according to their pace. Making it easy to complete more than one grade level a year. You can sign up for our 14 day free trial period, this is amazing as your kids will do placement test which helps them place them in the correct grade level. Parent Support: Parents can log in anytime to view their child’s progress in the parent portal. Our students work on their proficiency level and at their own pace. This feature makes our program ideal for special needs students and exceptional students who need a challenge. Our solution allows you to monitor your child’s progress as they work through our accredited curriculum, in a safe controlled environment, your home. All you need is a laptop and Wi-Fi. Student Support: Our Student Managers are on duty from 8 am to 4 pm and are always available to help should a student contact them via their messenger for assistance. These are just some of the fantastic features our program has to offer! Assessments & Exams: We prefer the continuous assessment approach; therefore, our students in grades K – 8 do not write exams. For our high school students, exams will depend on their chosen matric option. Registration Process: 1. Complete our online form https://educ8-sa.com/sign-up/. Your 14-day FREE trial period starts here! Please make a calendar entry/reminder of the date that your student’s trial end and let us know whether to remove or permanently add the student to your roster and invoice. 2. Login, then complete the Placement Test. 3. Notify us once all Placement Tests have been completed. 4. You will receive the results of the Placement Test by email. 5. You will be requested to schedule a zoom meeting with us to discuss the Placement Test results. 6. We set up your child’s personalized learning plan. 7. Students may start with lessons. 8. We invoice you, should you wish to register the student as a permanent learner. We aim to produce citizens who are innovative, entrepreneurial, creative, and independent in their thinking. We are making sure that our students are future-ready for an ever-changing world. Up to 250 000 children are schooled at home in South Africa, with the numbers growing at 20% per year, home-schooling is now an important option! In today’s society, learning is mobile. Adapt your child’s education to suit their needs, as well as yours. Contact Educ8SA today! [email protected] 084 685 2138 www.educ8sa.com

August 10, 2023
Junior Colleges

Sensory, Sensory, and again Sensory

Why do you always hear Sensory play so much in Pre-school? Sensory play forms part of playing. It plays a big role in a child’s development from an early age. That is why we, as teachers, always say that children learn through play. It helps children to develop neuropathways and better comprehend classroom subject matter such as language and motor skills Throughout the world, there are four different ways to learn things, which is also called the VARK method.  1. V for Visual learner (eyes/sight),  2. A for Auditory learner (ears/hearing),  3. R for Reading and Writing learner (eyes/hands) and  4. K for Kinesthetic learners (whole body/physical/hands-on) or a combination of these Our five senses are used when we take part in sensory play, which stimulates the neuro system. This is very important because having different senses stimulated allows children to learn and figure out through which sense they learn best. How can you, as a parent, make a sensory bin at home? You will need a large container where children can explore space, measurement, and textures (www.himama.com) and use their five senses. You don’t always need to add all five senses at once. Fun, interactive, and messy are a must. The messier, the better (sorry, Moms!). You can include the following items in your sensory bin: beads, cotton, cups, feathers, flour, flowers,measuring tools, play dough, raw and cooked spaghetti/pasta, rice, wool, etc. What does a sensory bin look like? https://i.pinimg.com/236x/5f/3d/d2/5f3dd2c9fb56d0fcf60b7a1465a3330c.jpg

August 10, 2023
Future Nation Schools

Unlocking literacy: 5 simple strategies parents can use to give pre-schoolers a head start

South Africa faces a significant literacy crisis in children under the age of 10. Despite efforts to improve educational outcomes, a new report from the 2030 Reading Panel has found that most children leave grade one without knowing the alphabet, while 82% of children cannot read for meaning by the time they reach Grade 4. While teachers are essential in imparting knowledge and nurturing academic skills, parents possess a unique advantage of being intimately involved in their child’s day-to-day life. By actively working on literacy with their children, parents can create a supportive learning environment that complements the efforts of teachers.  “The first five years of life, when the brain is developing and maturing, is the most intensive period for acquiring the speech and language skills necessary for literacy later in life. These skills develop best in a world that is rich with sounds, sights and consistent exposure to the speech and language of others. It is for this reason that pre-school forms such a crucial part of your child’s developmental journey. But it is not the responsibility of teachers alone to help children develop these skills,” says Mampho Langa, Head of Schools at Future Nation Schools (FNS), “parents play a crucial role in this too. In this article, we share some of practical steps, inspired by ta combination of project-based learning, learn-to-play and Montessori pre-school teaching methodologies we use here at FNS, that parents can use to boost literacy rates during the pre-school years and set their children up for lifelong academic and personal success.” 1. Nurture your child’s curiosity Project-based learning (PBL) promotes curiosity and prompts learners to gather information, analyse it and arrive at conclusions based on evidence. This makes it an effective approach to engage children in meaningful, hands-on activities that promote literacy buy encouraging your child to explore topics that they are interested in and create projects around them. For example, if your child loves animals, you can help them research different animal species, create a mini zoo with toy animals, ask them questions that prompt them to think about animals differently (like why zebras have stripes) and then read books to them that answer those questions. In so doing, these PBL techniques will develop your child’s comprehension skills while nurturing their curiosity and creativity. 2. Make learning tangible and multisensory PBL emphasises a child-centred approach to education that empowers children to take an active role in their learning journey. One of the key ways this is done at a pre-school level is by incorporating a wide range of materials that promote language development. For instance, use textured materials for tracing letters, engage in sensory play with letter-shaped sand, or encourage your child to write words in shaving cream. These multisensory experiences reinforce letter recognition, fine motor skills and memory recall, making the learning process more engaging and effective. 3. Foster a love for independent reading Independent exploration and self-directed learning is a key component of project-based learning. By simply engaging with books, your child embarks on a journey of appreciating literature and narratives, igniting their imagination and nurturing their curiosity. Encourage your child to engage in independent reading by creating a literacy-friendly environment. Set up a cosy reading nook with a bookshelf containing a variety of age-appropriate books. Encourage your child to choose their own books in order to foster their independence and personal preferences. Describing pictures in the book, explaining the meaning of the story and encouraging the child to talk about what has been read to them and to ask questions will not only improve their understanding of the world and their social skills but it will enhance their literacy skills as well.  4. Encourage collaboration and language development: Collaboration and effective communication are essential skills emphasised in PBL education. Encourage your child to engage in group activities that promote language development and social interaction. Set up playdates with peers, engage in shared storytelling sessions, or organize mini-group projects where children work together to create a story or a book. Collaboration enhances language skills, vocabulary development and critical thinking abilities. 5. Connect literacy with real-life experiences PBL education emphasise the importance of connecting learning with real-life experiences. Help your child make meaningful connections between literacy skills and their everyday life. For example, while grocery shopping, ask your child to help you find items on a shopping list or read labels to you. Encourage them to illustrate their own recipes or create a menu for a pretend restaurant. By linking literacy to practical experiences, children develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for reading and writing. “There you have it”, concludes Langa, “five simple ways that you can incorporate aspects of project-based learning, learn-to-play and Montessori pre-school teaching into your child’s day-to-day activities that can greatly enhance their child’s literacy skills during the preschool years. By embracing hands-on projects, promoting independent reading, utilising multisensory approaches, fostering collaboration, and connecting literacy with real-life experiences, you can create a vital foundation for your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning.” Literacy skills are one of the five areas that schools test for when assessing whether a pre-school child is ready to go to primary school. At 6pm on 29 August 2023, Future Nation Schools will be hosting a free virtual talk about School Readiness Assessments for parents and guardians interested in finding out more about this vital step in their child’s education journey. Book your seat for this talk here.  About Future Nation Schools Founded in 2017 by Sizwe Nxasana and Dr Judy Dlamini, Future Nation Schools are a network of independent schools that aim to lead the African Education Revolution through relevant, futuristic, Africa-focused and technology-enabled education. Future Nation Schools, which has campuses in Fleurhof and Lyndhurst, offers quality, affordable, African-centred education for Pre-School, Primary and High School. The curriculum comprises an enhanced National CAPS curriculum, delivered through Project Based Learning, and an IEB examination in Grade 12. 

August 9, 2023
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