Education - Parenting Hub

Leading Educational Advice from Wingu Academy

Advice from the experts

The importance of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is best for babies. Breastmilk is made especially for your baby by you, so it has everything your little one needs for their first months of life. At Junior Colleges, we recommend that you breastfeed your baby for as long as possible, and we will assist you as much as possible through this period of your life while your child is at our school. There are advantages and disadvantages to breastfeeding that we have listed to assist you with your decision. Advantages for the Newborn Baby Breast milk is a complete food for the baby. It is well-balanced and provides water and nutrients. It is easy to digest. During feeds, there is a bonding between mother and child. The milk changes according to the specific need of the baby. High protein content encourages brain development. Protects against infection as antibodies are passed from mother to child. Less nappy rash, colic, gastric disturbances, and constipation. Lower risk of cot death. Advantages for the Mother Mother will regain her figure quicker. Lower risk of breast cancer. Easy to travel with the baby. Always fresh. Always in sterile containers. Always at the right temperature. Breast milk is free of charge. Disadvantages Daddy cannot be as involved as with bottle feeding. Mommy may have limited movement and activities. Poor techniques may cause nipple problems and painful feeding. Any mother’s medication, drugs, or alcohol use may affect the baby she is feeding. Breastmilk digests quicker than formula, and the baby may need more frequent feeding. Breastfeeding and the Working Mother Usually, the working mother will feed early in the morning when the baby wakes up; during the working day, she should express milk into sterilised containers and keep it in the fridge. She should feed as often as possible in the afternoon and evening to keep up the milk supply. Remember, the more you feed, the more milk your body will produce. The baby may also demand more feeds during the night, which can be quite difficult if the mother gets up early the next morning to go to work. Breastfeeding is Still Best Breast milk is the best choice for the newborn baby. It is the perfect first food, and the mother should try her best to breastfeed her baby if possible. Babies only need breast milk during the first few months of their lives.

August 15, 2022

Virtual Social Anxiety: Support for Online Learning

We can all relate to feeling nervous or anxious, child or adult. Social settings, whether in the virtual space or a physical “meet-up”, seem to be a significant cause of this! In today’s uncertainty, children are the ones that are experiencing social anxiety at its core. Moving back and forth between the virtual and physical space has undoubtedly influenced our children’s socialising ability. Children have shifted from everyday social experiences such as meeting at school to a virtual experience where social connections are harder to make and may require intervention from a parent or teacher who can feel uncomfortable. Feeling disconnected or isolated can happen in both a physical and online environment as revolutionary as online learning or online home-schooling, those involved need to be aware of the importance of social connections. Being in the comfort of our home allows learning to happen in a truly comfortable environment. Due to this, children can experience higher levels of virtual social anxiety when needing to connect with their peers outside of the learning environment. As a parent, it is essential to combat these developments or move and work towards remedying them once they have been identified. The following behaviours can be signs of social anxiety and should be monitored: They lack the desire to connect and communicate outside their immediate family circle. Showing significant discomfort when communicating with others on a personal level, beyond learning and teaching content. Showing an increasing lack of desire to interact with children of their age in a “real-life” setting. Hiding away. Not wanting to talk or play. However, providing opportunities and creating expectations can be a healthy way to overcome or combat the development of social anxiety. Some coping strategies for online learning and creating a space that fosters social interaction may be: Getting out of their “comfort space” to go for walks. Going to a library where there are opportunities to talk to and see other people. Participating in non-academic activities and even something as simple as getting involved in community projects. More particularly, creating opportunities for them to connect with children with the same or similar interests is an effective way not to force social interaction but rather encourage it, as this will be the best footing when overcoming the discomfort of social anxiety. Written by Cherie Pieterse – Evolve Online School Activator

August 12, 2022

HOW TO ENROL FOR CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS

Benefits of a Cambridge Education A Cambridge education gives students the skills they need for life and helps them achieve in their schooling, university and work. Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) qualifications are accepted by South African and international universities, including Harvard, Cambridge and MIT, and are valued by employers across the world. An International Qualification Cambridge programmes and qualifications are followed by almost a million students aged 5 to 19 (and older) in 160 countries. Whilst the Cambridge curriculum is taught in over 10 000 schools worldwide, students who don’t attend a Cambridge school can enter for the CAIE exams as private candidates. There are many students in South Africa and in other countries who successfully acquire CAIE qualifications as private candidates. Academic Pathway In previous articles, I discussed the importance for students to plan their academic pathway to ensure that they keep their options open for matric and university exemption with Cambridge International qualifications and for possible future careers. For guidelines and information, please click here The Cambridge pathway comprises the stages Primary, Lower Secondary (Stage 7 to Stage 9), Upper Secondary (IGCSE) and Advanced (AS & A Level). We encourage our students to start following the Cambridge pathway from the lower secondary years to build their foundations, but it is not a requirement for students to complete a formal lower secondary course before starting an IGCSE course and to enter for the IGCSE examinations. It is also not a requirement for students to write the IGCSE examinations before starting their AS and A Level courses. However, we strongly encourage students to first complete their IGCSE courses and to write the IGCSE examinations. Not only does this prepare students in the Cambridge instructional and assessment approach, but universities require students to submit their certificates for admission to university during their last year of school. The latest results most students have obtained at this stage, are their IGCSE’s. By achieving high IGCSE results, students greatly increase their chance of successful admission into undergraduate courses, and particularly for admission into selective programmes. Enrolling as a private candidate If you don’t attend a Cambridge school, you should enter for the CAIE exams as a private candidate. There are many schools in South Africa and in other countries that accept and register private candidates for Cambridge exams. 1. Find a Cambridge school that accepts private candidates We suggest that you find a Cambridge school where you would like to enrol for the CAIE exams about six months prior to your intended exam sitting. South Africa falls in administrative Zone 3. There are two exam sittings a year, June (April to June) and November (September to November). To find more information and to search schools and their contact details, click here Contact the school and request that they include you in their mailing list for entries for the upcoming examination series. Enquire about their examination registration dates, fees and any other requirements. The school will then communicate any further information and arrangements regarding the upcoming examinations with you. 2. Register for the upcoming examinations Once their exam registrations open, you need to make arrangements with the school and liaise directly with them to ensure that they register you for your required examinations. Make sure you receive the entry form, subject price list and school policy for external candidates from the school. The school will also assist you with any exam-related queries, such as special arrangements. Contact the school should you have any further questions once you have gone through the documents. You will need to complete and return the entry form and make payment of the fees to the school. The completed entry form, ID document and proof of payment needs to be returned to the school. 3. Communication regarding upcoming examinations You should receive a Statement of Entry from the school, with your entry details and all relevant information regarding the examinations. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for each examination with the required documentation and proof of identity. 4. Communication regarding exam results The results for the June examinations are released in August and the results for the November examinations are released the following January. You should receive communication from the school regarding accessing your Provisional Results when these are due to be released. The communication should also include information regarding the process for collecting your official Statements of Results which generally arrive about three weeks after the release of the provisional results. You should also be advised of the process to collect your official Certificates, which generally arrive from Cambridge about two months later. 5. File your documents securely Once you have collected your official Statement of Results and Certificates, we advise that you scan and copy these, and file them securely. You will be required to submit your official documents in the process of applying for matriculation exemption, university or college admission and for job applications. We suggest that you keep the original documents in a secure place such as a wall safe. After all your hard work and study, you acquired a valuable international qualification, which will open doors to universities worldwide and which has got you future ready so that you can forge your own independent paths in the world. We wish you well as you venture into the next exciting stage of your life. ABOUT CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is part of the University of Cambridge and provides international education qualifications for children worldwide. FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL VILLAGE COLLEGE Tracey Howard is the founder and director of Global Village College. She has experience and expertise in education and organisation development and consultancy, which equips her to understand the human capital requirements of organisations and to facilitate solutions for today’s students who are eager to learn the skills they require to thrive in our rapidly changing and competitive global world. Tracey holds a MSc in Organisation Development and Consultancy from

August 11, 2022

TIME MANAGEMENT FOR KIDS: HOW TO HELP YOUR KIDS EXCEL

Time management for kids is a life skill that can set them up for success. It is particularly important for children to learn time management at an early age in order to be successful in their education, as well as other areas of life. Having time management skills as a child is important because it allows them to focus on priorities and accomplish tasks without feeling overwhelmed. But how does one establish good time management skills? We put together some steps to help you work with your child to develop these essential skills. 1. Help them become aware of their time It’s important to remember that time is limited. When considering all the tasks to complete, break them down into sections by prioritizing and planning. Talk with your child to help them know what is urgent and important to ensure that is where they begin. Explain the breakdown to your child to show them that time is being allotted for different topics such as school, extracurriculars, family events, etc. 2. Define priorities It helps to know what needs to or should get done. For school activities, make sure to have discussions with your child’s teachers or review the assessment information that comes home to know the main areas that need attention. Talk with your child to help them understand the importance of each task and then develop a routine that will ensure enough time is set aside for each activity. Discuss these priorities and let them know that their schedule can be made to give them time to focus on these tasks. 3. Create a schedule and develop a routine Once you have an idea of what to focus on, create a daily and weekly schedule together with your child. Make this process fun! You can do this by allowing them to work on a visual board with pictures or writing down the time slots on a calendar and colour-coding, adding stickers or decorating it with drawings. 4. Break down goals A schedule will help plan time, but what is done in that time depends on your child’s goals. Compile a checklist to encourage them to know their goals and work independently to accomplish them. For example, if your child needs to learn three new maths concepts, they may need to focus on assignments that help master them. In other words, they may need to read and practice examples in the textbook. It may even be chores that should get done after school. Plan out the goals to know what to focus on in the timeframe. This will help them feel less overwhelmed and help to track progress for each goal. 5. Track progress and reflect on time spent As your child continues to complete tasks, track their progress to see if there are any areas for improvement or accomplishments to celebrate. Together you can reflect on what happened within the time frame to see if they need to reassess their time in the future and understand how to plan accordingly. Also, your child can see how their time well spent led to an achievement, which will encourage them to continue setting aside time and planning for future goals. 6. Celebrate even the small wins One of the biggest motivators for kids when it comes to time management is celebrating small wins. Completing tasks and becoming closer to the main goal is a huge accomplishment! Be sure to celebrate the successes by praising your child and encouraging them to continue making strides while managing their time. Seeing that their hard work resulted in something positive will make them more inclined to continue these efforts in the future. The Takeaway Time management for kids may seem like a challenge, but it is beneficial to establish this life skill early with them. Focusing on these steps when completing schoolwork is a great place to begin, as other tasks will likely fall into place throughout the process. Being able to manage time as a kid will help them feel less overwhelmed and in turn make them feel more accomplished and confident in completing tasks throughout all areas of life. The Kumon Maths and English programmes not only help children to improve academically but also develop other life skills which including goal-setting. Should you be interested in learning more about Kumon and how it can support your child, visit www.kumon.co.za This article is taken directly from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/how-to-help-your-kids-with-time-management-skills/

August 11, 2022

MEET KOA ACADEMY

Online schools are not all the same. Technology in education is rapidly evolving, digital education is ever-expanding and new and improved models of online schooling are providing families with far more choice when it comes to their children’s education. In South Africa this year, online schools have experienced record-breaking enrolments. Koa Academy is the realisation of the vision of Mark Anderson that he calls ‘School 2.0’. As Koa’s Principal and Co-founder, Mark has unwavering focus on providing today’s children with an education that truly prepares them for the real world. “That’s a world with a significant, continually advancing digital realm and workplaces set in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he says. “We’re educating kids for the fastest-changing world humans have ever known. They need to learn different skills and have different learning experiences from the generations before them. At Koa, we’re educating digital natives to be digitally literate.” What makes Koa Academy unique though, is its focus on high engagement. Learners attend school in 8-person Pods with a dedicated teacher who has an extraordinary opportunity to know them well. The school day starts with a Pod Connect session focused on socio-emotional learning and small group connection. Koa teachers curate globally sourced learning content that plays to each child’s strengths as they progress through the IEB curriculum. Subject specialist teachers are available for one-on-one and workshop sessions that promote academic achievement. Learners, teachers, and parents easily keep track of learning progress through individualized dashboards and timetables. The school community comes together for online assemblies, expert presentations, student-led clubs and expos, as well as in-person social events. Mark says, “At Koa, we root learning in real-world issues. We follow a mastery-based approach, so no one gets left behind or goes through school with frustrating learning gaps. Age-appropriate feedback is ongoing, and assessments are meaningful because they are embedded in the learning process. Our dedicated teachers facilitate content at each child’s own pace, and there is focused academic support exactly when it is needed. All this leads to the development of flexible and agile lifelong learners who are mastering the skills most needed for them to succeed in future work and citizenship.” Discover Koa Academy here.

August 10, 2022

SCREENTIME: BALANCING THE BENEFITS VS PERILS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Screens have become ubiquitous among young children, whose often exhausted parents need their child entertained and engaged while they work, go out or take some much-needed me-time. Whereas parents used to lug around huge bags filled with toys in the past, these have now been replaced by bright, responsive and, frankly, more compelling devices. The screentime debate got virtually muted during Covid, as parents needed the electronic nanny more than ever, and kids moved onto their devices for schooling. But the time is right again to have a discussion not about cancelling screentime, but about how to strike the right balance between screentime and green time, as well as the differences between different kinds of screentime as children, continue their educational journeys online to a significant degree, an education expert says. “We need to avoid the scaremongering and bad science that leads to an unbalanced understanding of the importance of screens in today’s educational ecosystem and instead consider the specific types and uses of a screen when deciding on how to strike a balance in terms of screentime,” says Colin Northmore, Principal at Evolve Online School, a brand of ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider. Northmore points out that the issue of screentime has become more vexing than ever before, as the “relaxation” type of screentime has now become augmented by “educational” screentime, and parents struggle to make a call on where to draw the line. “Most research recommends that children spend no more than 1 to 4 hours a day looking at a screen. As an online school, one could say that we have a vested interest in arguing that screentime is not harmful. However, the truth is that like most things in life, it is a bit more complicated than that because screentime as a catch-all phrase is not a useful measurement on its own,” Northmore says. “Additionally, as many students are in front of a screen for educational purposes – would that be considered screentime or not? The answer lies in defining three different types of screentime: passive, active and engaged.” PASSIVE SCREENTIME is when the person is watching a screen for entertainment reasons without interacting with the content physically or cognitively. Typical examples are watching television or YouTube videos. It can also include some games that require routine and easily learned responses, like various popular games in the app stores. Unfortunately, where an online school uses mostly pre-recorded lessons or lectures, those should fall into the ‘passive screentime’ category. Northmore says passive screen time should be limited to one hour a day for younger children. ACTIVE SCREENTIME requires the viewer to interact with what is on the screen. Many computer games fall into this category. Documentaries can also sometimes be considered active if the student takes time to make notes about the content or debate it with family or classmates. Online classes are considered active if the teacher’s process requires children’s full attention (but not necessarily active participation). Some apps used for mathematics, reading and grammar practice can also lead to a child actively using a screen. Active screentime can be rationed at 1 to 3 hours a day, depending on the length of and spacing between sessions. Grade 0 to 3 students should not spend more than 30 minutes in any active session. COGNITIVE SCREENTIME requires active engagement from the participant and should form the bulk of an online school’s teaching, failing which this time should be allocated to passive screentime. Northmore says meaningful online schooling should use systems that make it possible to interrupt the video and ask questions before the viewing can continue. Teachers can then decide if the answer is correct before the video proceeds. If necessary, the video can be rewound to require children to watch a piece repeatedly until they demonstrate understanding. Students can spend between 2 to 4 hours a day on cognitive screentime activities. “It is important to ensure that the screentime that your child is exposed to is a combination of the three types and that schooling isn’t automatically considered cognitive screentime when it is, in fact, passive screentime,” says Northmore. He adds that parents should also keep in mind that children need, in addition to time spent on screens, green time, team time and Dreamtime. Green time is outside time without devices – the backyard, park, or sports field. Kids need outside physical activities, and ideally, an online school should provide opportunities for such just the same as a physical school would do, such as assigning tasks requiring students to get outside to find answers. Team time is also essential, particularly in the online schooling environment, which can be isolating if not actively supported. Dreamtime develops a child’s imagination and is the most powerful tool for overcoming obstacles and finding creative solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems. Mindfulness exercises and imaginative play are crucial to developing the imagination, and even online schools should actively include Dreamtime in curricula. “Parents must carefully consider the approach of screentime pedagogy in an online school or not. Screentime cannot be regarded as valuable learning time if it is mainly paper behind glass. Children still need social interaction and collaborative learning. “So when making the call on screentime limits for children, parents need to carefully weigh up the categories into which their child’s screentime falls every day, and make their assessment accordingly.

August 5, 2022

The Importance of exercise in education

Compelling evidence suggests that exercising regularly is not only good for a child’s physical health but has great benefits for their mind too. Research has shown that children who do physical activities are more productive, are able to better manage their time, and are more motivated in their studies. Some of the benefits of incorporating regular exercise into your child’s routine include; Improved Concentration Sharper memory Faster learning Prolonged mental stamina Lower Stress and anxiety Enhanced creativity Children learn better when they want to learn and when they are self-motivated. Enrolling a child in a flexible and personalised schooling environment, like CambriLearn, allows for more effective and conscious learning routines and frees up more time for kids to do daily exercise. Productivity and performance Improved productivity is a by-product of both the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise. Exercise improves student productivity by increasing blood, glucose and oxygen levels in the brain. This leads to being more alert and receptive, sharpening our awareness, and helping us to focus on our tasks and think more clearly. Scientists suspect that exercise alters the biology of the brain in ways that make it more malleable and receptive to new information, a process that scientists refer to as plasticity. It also increases the size of the hippocampus (the part of your brain responsible for memory and learning), aids brain cell health and thickens your cerebral cortex which is known to be associated with human intellectual ability and general intelligence. Based on research conducted by Harvard University, it was found that exercising boosts mental abilities such as enhanced creativity, quicker learning, sharper memory and improved concentration. Enhancing our cognitive (memory & concentration) processes through exercise enables us to soak in more information, work more efficiently and be more productive. Exercise also benefits other forms of cognitive performance including multi-tasking, concentration, alertness, and decision making – all of which are essential elements for productive and focused learning. Our physical regimen and efficient learning schedules have also been shown to mitigate some of the effects of the post-afternoon slump, where productivity and focus can be harder to maintain. Briston University conducted a study using a sample of 200 employees at three different types of organisations. The employees evaluated output on a day with exercise and a day without. It was established that on days when participants worked out, they experienced 21% higher concentration, 22% higher for meeting deadlines, and 41% for feeling more motivated to complete their work. The same results can be applied to the classroom as students who exercise regularly show increased productivity and performance. In addition to sharpening mental performance, regular physical activity improves time-management skills, which in turn improves your ability to meet deadlines. It has been reported that exercising on schooldays can boost one’s time management skills and daily completed workload by 72%. Natural mood enhancer Regular exercise can improve your well-being beyond the physical perks, by enhancing your mood and attitude. It also potentially improves a child’s ability to act as a team player. Studies by McKenna university have found that people who exercise regularly are less likely to lose their tempers with others. With this in mind, feeling irritable is no longer simply an inconvenience – it can directly influence the degree to which a child is successful. Working out releases feel-good neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin, and reduces the circulation of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This helps students to manage their stress and anxiety. Stressed-out students have trouble focusing, thinking clearly, and making rational decisions. Whereas students who exercise report positive effects including increased tolerance, lessened tempers, relieved anxiety and depression, heightened morale and a greater sense of calmness. Productivity is also known to increase how good a person feels. One study indicated that people who were in a good mood tended to produce better work and be nearly 10% more productive overall. Ultimately, students who exercise report that they simply feel more productive and more satisfied than those who don’t. Exercising lowers the physical effects of stress that often results in tense muscles, painful headaches, or a sore neck. With physical activity, our muscles relax, inflammation is reduced and tension is relieved throughout the body. Exercise can also increase motivation at a chemical level with the release of dopamine. The dopamine hormone energises and encourages happiness. Researchers now believe that dopamine is also partially responsible for motivation and persistence when chasing goals. In addition, choosing to take part in physical exercise has real physiological benefits by teaching us persistence and building resilience, not just for your next exercise session, but for life in general. An underrated cure for burnout With the never-ending pressure being placed on children in a traditional schooling environment, student burnout has become a more common issue. Exercise has been recommended by psychologists to treat student burnout. Symptoms of burnout include exhaustion, demotivation, and a drop in productivity. One study identified that “cardiovascular exercise was found to increase well-being and decrease psychological distress, perceived stress, and emotional exhaustion.” The study concluded that exercise is a great way of helping learners recover from burnout. Reduced exhaustion Although it might seem contradictory, one of the best ways to battle fatigue is to work out. Exercising can actually give you more energy and help children avoid the afternoon crash. Researchers have found that exercise can decrease chronic fatigue and provide children with more energy. Our energy levels are an important indicator of wellbeing and engagement. Exercise improves circulation and strengthens the heart muscle, providing an instant rush of energy. When our bodies are physically active, our energy capacity increases. Specifically, every time you exercise and push yourself a bit harder than you did the last time, your body recovers, and your energy capacity is increased. In particular, working out in the morning gives you an instant sense of accomplishment which can last for the remainder of the day. This sense of accomplishment can give you more energy to tackle other tasks in the afternoon.

August 4, 2022

Brainline, pushing the boundaries of online schooling

Many learners find that they do not fit into the current school system. However, the 21st century has paved the way for an alternative form of education, which is facilitated by the latest technology and offers a new and innovative option to learners of the digital age. For more than 35 years, Brainline has been a leader in the area of home education, with a virtual school that offers virtual classes as well as assessment from Grade 1 to Grade 12. These classes are presented by qualified teachers, with all the elements of a traditional school, but adapted to your own lifestyle. Brainline is a home education CAPS curriculum provider, enabling you to complete Grades R – 12 from home. Our service offering is extensive: The IEB-aligned product includes live classes and has a set time schedule that must be adhered to. Brainline is proud of its cohort of qualified teachers who present these classes, which are recorded for future reference. Valid and compliant assessment is managed by an independent division, Assessment Aspects. The BrainlineEXPRESS product provides tasks, tests and examinations for Cycle 1 – 3, which may be completed and marked by yourself at your own pace. You may also enrol for the final examination, marked by Brainline, at an additional fee. The latter is recommended if you wish to obtain an academic report for presentation to an educational institution. Brainline is recognised by the Independent Examinations Board, which means that learners follow the South African national curriculum (similar to the curriculum offered in South African public schools,) resulting in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) upon successful completion of their matric exams, but the curriculum is aligned to the superior standards of the IEB. At the helm of the Brainline Team is co-founder and CEO, Coleen Cronje. ‘Home education in South Africa has experienced significant growth over the last few years. Several factors have driven this growth as an alternative option, ranging from increasingly sophisticated distance e-learning technology to an ever-growing network of tutors. Because it’s based on individual needs, home education can provide a safe space for children who may have found the traditional schooling environment challenging.’ Meanwhile, Covid-19 has forever changed the school environment and many schools are still making use of a rotating roster whereby learners only attend school on alternative days, putting more pressure on adhering to high academic standards and completing the curriculum as required. Cronje says while there has been calls for the Department of Basic to scrap the rotating system, now is the opportune time to look at restructuring the current traditional school system by phasing in e-learning elements. ‘The pandemic has made online access to learning and teaching essential and urgent. It is therefore important that the basic education authorities partner with the private sector to empower learners and teachers programmes with data, devices and ICT training as a start. This will go a long way to ensure a fairer education system as e-learning and mobile learning could serve as an additional learning resource that can assist in accessing learning tools,’ Cronje says. Meanwhile, Cronje says as an online school, Brainline, who also adheres to the CAPS-curriculum, has been able to continue uninterrupted despite disruptions due to Covid over the last 2 years. She says learners have been able to access weekly online classes, provided by qualified teachers. Enrol now for 2023 and save! Brainline is the ultimate online schooling option for students who: Require a flexible education solution Can’t attend live classes Need to work at their own pace Are not comfortable in a traditional classroom setting Enrol now for 2023 and receive a 15% discount. Use code: EarlyBird15. Valid from 1 – 12 August 2022. Click here to register: https://brainline.com/enrol-2023/

August 3, 2022

“PLAY” The best teacher your child can have!

What is “play”? Well, think of it this way, play is a medium that all children use to explore and experience the world around them. It is the best teacher your child can have. The best “play” is motivated, spontaneous, and focuses on the process rather than the product. The idea is for them to have fun even if there is a specific outcome you are trying to accomplish. Children love to use their imagination, and to get creative, “play” should be free of rules so that they have the freedom to create their own games, experiences, and ideas. This helps them create a new world in which their reality experience can be reflected. The main goal is to learn; all children learn best when having fun! During “play,” children are constantly thinking, problem-solving, developing memory, planning and investigating, concentrating, and developing language and social skills. “Play” contributes to your child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development throughout their lives. This is why play is so important. As parents and teachers, we must ensure that our children have stimulating environments that encourage play and creativity and allow them to use their imagination throughout their day. There are many different stages of play that a child will go through and experience from birth through early childhood. These stages of play are based on and refer to the levels of social interaction during play or the main characteristics of the types of play a child can use or take part in based on their already developed skills. Some examples of these stages of play include: Unoccupied play is your baby’s random movements with no purpose or thought. This is the first initial form of play a child will experience. They will rely on their parents to create different stimulation. Solitary play is when children play alone and independently without noticing other children playing around them. Onlooker play is when children watch and observe others play and perhaps ask questions but do not join in. In parallel play, children play side-by-side but without interacting directly. This is the first step of socialization. They will begin to play together and interact in associative play, but there will be no coordination in the game or activities. Cooperative play is when children start interacting and participating in group games and activities with specific goals like “hide and seek.” This is vital for team and future leadership skills. There are different types of play that can be identified. The types of play are based on and refer to the specific type of activity involved and skills being learned, such as language or construction. Types of play can include: Constructive play is play that involves building and creating. This type of play supports visual, spatial, fine motor, and math skills. Physical play is any play with physical activities that support muscle development, healthy exercise, and coordination. Expressive play is any play that allows children to express feelings. This can be through art, music, and writing or telling stories. This is vital play to inspire creativity. Competitive play is play that will help children learn about rules, fairness, and taking turns. These can be games, and activities like Simon says or races on the playground. Fantasy play is when children have the freedom to use their imagination and think beyond their world. This is good for learning creative problem-solving. Digital play this type of play would involve modern-day technology such as tablets, cell phones, or laptops. Children are growing up in a digitally influenced world, so it is important to teach them these skills. This would be considered solitary play but will still impact their social skills like eye contact and attention. It is important to remember that your child needs to experience all types of play to learn the necessary life skills needed to grow into independent thinking adults.

August 1, 2022

Preparing your child for the 4IR

The on-going impact of a pandemic, looming price increases and unstable markets might have parents wondering what they can do to prepare their children for an unknown future work environment. Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are many new opportunities, and the future is bright if your child is properly equipped to take on the challenge. Where do we start? In this modern and ever-evolving world, careers can be made out of almost anything. The world really is filled with opportunities at every turn, however the first lesson you should probably help your child learn is that a career does not have to be static. You no longer choose one job for life, then retire from that industry 40 years later as was the norm in past generations. There is great value in teaching your child the importance of being flexible, and that the working world is dynamic and changing so they need to be too if they are to survive and thrive. That said, your child, just like you, will sometimes have to do things they don’t like. Help them get used to that concept too from a young age. Like every adult, every child has inclinations, skills and interests that vary. It’s important to teach your child to explore their interests. The ideal time to start encouraging them to do this would be during middle school (Grades 7 to 9). Encourage your child to participate in various extra murals and holiday clubs, to learn and develop their interests in a variety of different things. It’s important to invest in your child this way. By experiencing many different sports, clubs, activities and interests, you’ll give them a better perspective on what the world has to offer. A tip for parents: Take an interest in what your child is interested in. This will help them feel supported and excited (a child who is engaged and excited will learn skills quickly). Remote and international learning/work has opened up exciting opportunities The traditional ‘South African dream’ of leaving school, going to university, getting a job, buying a house, having two kids and retiring is an outdated ideation. Most members of Generation Z (born 1997-2012) and most certainly Generation Alpha kids (born 2013-2025) are unlikely to follow the life path their parents had anticipated or hoped for. What we’re seeing in education is that students are looking at international learning opportunities once they have completed their secondary and, in some instances, tertiary education. They are even considering remote study opportunities where they can receive certifications from the comfort of the sofa in a chosen location around the globe. There are many programs that support South African students and gear them towards applying to international universities. Organizations such as NCUK facilitate these options which mean that students now have more opportunities than ever before to learn in new and exciting parts of the world. Young Generation Z adults who’ve already graduated recognize that traditional jobs aren’t necessarily for them. With remote work opportunities and the ever growing “Gig Economy”, we see skilled individuals choosing to consult and work on a freelance basis over full-time regular positions. It is not uncommon to become your own boss from a young age, work when you need money and prioritize enjoying and experiencing youth. Skills, skills, skills… Although I am tempted to write the word ‘skillz’ as the sort of skills your children should be developing might not necessarily be in line with anything you understand right now, or particularly value as a traditional skill. Digital content creation, editing skills and personal branding are some of the areas where we see young people ‘sharpening their sticks’. With more than one million students enrolled in South African universities in 2022, how does your child stand out from the crowd? While this may only recently have been a thought in your mind, it’s been a thought in their minds for years thanks to social media. Standing out from the crowd, developing unique and sought-after skills, talents and abilities is critical for young people to rise above their peers. Skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution are often not necessarily learnt at all schools. This is where support from parents is crucial, the need to facilitate, encourage and support unique skill development in the home cannot be stressed enough. Practical things you can do right now One thing that has come up time and time again is the need for young students to develop business savvy and entrepreneurial skills. Help your child start a small business – by doing so they will learn a few harsh lessons such as, how tough it is to make money, managing your money = success, selling and developing a product or service people actually want or need, the importance of reinvesting into your business and saving money rather than spending it. Teach your children to repair things. Now, you yourself might not be so ‘handy’ and that’s okay. Let’s say your fan stops working. Encourage your children to take it apart and watch a few YouTube videos on how to problem-solve and possibly fix the fan. This might be a strange example, but it’s the sort of thing that you may throw out rather than repairing, so if it can be fixed, you just saved the cost of replacing the fan. That’s a valuable lesson for a child. Take risks. Encourage your child to sign up for things they might not have been inclined to do. The thing about risks, is that they are associated with failure. This is not a negative thing; in fact, it is quite positive! When children are making mistakes, it also means they are learning to fix those mistakes as early as possible. Failure and learning to deal with failure are some of the most important lessons young people can learn. The reality is that our children are stepping into an unpredictable world. Failure helps children develop confidence and identity if handled and supported correctly. An old teacher

July 29, 2022

Education Vs Teaching – What is the difference?

In this article, we explore these differences and how both play a role in moulding our children’s learning experience. “A child educated only at school is an uneducated child” – George Santayana 1863 – 1952, philosopher and Harvard Professor. Ponder that for a while. What about this one – attributed to Albert Einstein (who?) but in fact, its true origins are unknown. “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school”. These are rather deep statements, and the reason I say this is as follows. I find that many parents often think that if their child is not actively working i.e. reading or writing or learning things off by heart, then they cannot possibly be learning. We ourselves are products of a schooling system that was one size fits all. Everybody sat in a classroom, which had been arranged neatly in rows, and the teacher Presented material, and we Practiced the material until it was Perfect. There is so much more to an education than what a child is taught in the classroom or the space inside your home that you have dedicated to home schooling. The opportunities for an education are endless and present themselves on a daily basis. An education is something whereby a child is offered far more than only content and material. An education is also about common sense (although I don’t know why it’s called common sense. If it was indeed common, more people would have it). Having self-awareness and awareness of others, being kind to one another. Having empathy, compassion and respect – that’s an education. Teaching is the imparting of facts, the transference of subject matter from a teacher to a student after which the student is tested to see how well the teacher delivered the subject matter and whether the student retained it. We need to break out of this traditional mould and review what we value more – our kids simply being taught, or the education they receive. Both have their place, indeed, but I’ll leave you with one more quote from the already-mentioned Mr. Einstein. “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think”. Disclaimer – The views expressed are that of the author C. Wickham Interested in homeschooling your child? Feel free to Mindscape Education, e-mail [email protected] or call (+27) 11-704-0687. Visit the Mindscape Education website to find out more about our curriculum options.

July 28, 2022

4 EASY WAYS TO ADD MATHS TO YOUR EARLY LEARNER’S DAILY ROUTINE

Whether you realise it or not, we use maths concepts to solve real-life situations every day. From cooking with recipes to figuring out the correct money to give at the store, maths is everywhere. Teaching your children fundamental maths skills at a young age is easier than you think! With research stating that 80% of a child’s brain develops by age five, it’s important for parents to take advantage of the critical early years. The great news is that children are naturally curious and often question the world around them, so there are many chances to naturally weave in learning opportunities. By just adding a little maths to your everyday routine, you can help your toddler or preschooler begin to recognise numbers, learn the proper number sequence and eventually develop the ability to count. Here are four easy ways to add maths into the everyday routine for early learners: 1. Play simple card games Learning about numbers is the first step in a preschooler’s maths journey. In addition to using number flash cards, playing card games using regular playing cards is another great way for children to learn about numbers up to 10. The cards between two and ten not only have the numbers on them, but also the amount of symbols that represent the quantity. The pattern on the cards helps children to conceptually understand what the number represents. 2. Count outdoors or with items you use each day To help your preschooler learn to count, start by heading outdoors. Find items in nature that can be easily counted, such as the petals on a flower, the leaves on a branch, or even trees in the yard. Ask questions such as: “How many flowers have pink petals in the garden?” “Which flower has more petals than the others?” “How many red leaves are there?” These questions will spark their curiosity to explore the answer. If needed, help your child by pointing and counting with them. By modelling how to do it, your child will feel encouraged and motivated to count with you before doing so on their own. You can also count items you use each day such as different foods or toys. 3. Sort and understand groupings Look for teachable moments during everyday play. While playing with their toys, ask your children to sort by colour, or by similarities, or by differences. You can even introduce sorting during clean-up by asking them to put toys into the right bins. One great place to start with sorting is by using different coins. These all vary in size which makes sorting by their differences simple without introducing the values of each coin. Once you show the differences of each coin, help sort these out into different groupings. For example: “Can you count the ten cent pieces? Let’s put them into groups of 10.” Once you master sorting out the ten cent pieces and setting aside the groupings, then you can count the total. Repeat this with the various other coins. 4. Cook to teach measurements and shapes Not only is cooking useful, it’s a great way to learn maths. Begin by finding an easy and fun baking recipe. Some will call for measurements such as “two cups of flour” or “three teaspoons of baking powder.” You can have your child help with counting these measurements out with you. Next, work with your child to form shaped cookies and count as you lay them on the baking sheet. Young children tend to notice the different sizes, for example, one giant cookie versus 24 mini ones. You can then get different sized plates and ask questions like “Which plate holds the most cookies?” or “How many cookies fit on the blue plate?” This will encourage your child to think through this by experimenting and counting different groupings. Maths is something we turn to for everyday tasks. With these simple tips, your child will begin learning some maths concepts without even really knowing they’re learning. It is great to start teaching these skills at a young age to get them prepared for Grade R and ensure they are on the right track for their academic future! This article is from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/4-easy-ways-to-add-math-to-your-early-learners-daily-routine/

July 27, 2022

Little kids, big feelings – helping young children manage anger

The past couple years have had a tremendous impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of most people, and young children have not escaped the impact of Covid-19 and the lockdowns in this regard. Parents may have seen a change in their children, including increased instances of anger outbursts, sometimes of the explosive kind. “There has definitely been an increase worldwide and in South Africa of children struggling to manage anger and anxiety – outbursts that are quite distinct from run of the mill so-called tantrums which some children exhibit under normal circumstances,” says Educational Psychologist Dr Greg Pienaar, Principal at The Bridge Assisted Learning School, a brand of ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider. The Bridge, which opened its doors in January 2018, has filled a niche demand in education, catering to students of average to above average ability who face certain learning barriers and social or emotional challenges. Pienaar says that parents whose children exhibited out-of-character anger outbursts, with an increase in frequency or intensity, may have been left baffled by these incidents. “The first thing to note is that, given the unusual circumstances of this year, this behaviour is relatively normal. However, having said that, parents definitely need to address the situation to ensure it is resolved, and seek help should they struggle to do so,” he says. A September report by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), noted that Covid-19 affected children directly and indirectly beyond getting sick or the threat of them or their loved ones falling ill. “Many children’s social, emotional, and mental well-being have been impacted by the pandemic. Trauma faced at this developmental stage may have long-term consequences across their lifespan,” the report said. Listed as contributing factors to this impact were: Changed routines Breaks in continuity of learning Breaks in continuity of healthcare Significant life events that were missed Loss of safety and security “All the above factors, and many others, mean that children have had to deal with a major and historical life event at a very young age, when they are still learning to process feelings and emotions. Unusual behaviour may have arisen as a result,” Pienaar says. “This includes anger outbursts, simply because children often don’t know, or don’t have the tools, to express their feelings effectively when they are young. Anger is their way of communication, their way of telling you there is a problem.” Essentially, the misbehaviour is the language the child has available to express themselves. So, parents and teachers need to respond appropriately to meltdowns and not immediately react with harsh punishment, arising from their own anger. It is important to model calm and considered behaviour at this point, Pienaar says. “The most important first step is to understand that there is a reason for the meltdown, and then to determine what that reason is. This involves spending time with the child, and communicating as effectively as possible,” he says. “Remember we as adults have the ability to understand what is going on, even in our uncertainty. But our children were faced with a tremendous amount of unexpected and immediate changes, ranging from wearing masks, having to social distance, giving no hugs or not seeing important people in their lives. Children had to learn to grow up and face fear of death, uncertainty and the fallout from their parents’ fears and anxieties before they were mature enough to handle these big changes and big feelings. So it is not reasonable to expect all children to just have absorbed these changes and coped forthwith.” Pienaar says to bring the situation back to normal, parents should ensure they: 1. GET ALL ROUTINES BACK TO NORMAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE Try to get life at home back to a predictable routine, explain why it is necessary and why everyone is going to stick to it. Children need predictable routines, boundaries and restrictions to give them the parameters in which they can explore and thrive. 2. HARNESS ‘IN THE MOMENT’ SITUATIONS Under normal circumstances, an anger tantrum may call for a timeout. However instead of timeouts, try time-ins. Sending children away and into isolation may sometimes worsen the situation. Rather take the child for a walk, or sit in a park, and be there for them. Discuss the feelings the child is having, and discuss how the child can manage those feelings in an alternative way. Listen and learn. “Remember that there is a difference between a tantrum and an outburst of anger, although they may seem similar on the surface,” Pienaar says. “A tantrum occurs when a child doesn’t get his way. The way to address this is to consistently not indulge the demands of the child, which ultimately allows the child to learn that the parent will be consistently enforcing rules and boundaries, and that tantrums are pointless.” Anger issues however point to larger problems outside of the child’s control. “Developing a close connection with the child, spending quality time and developing language around emotions, is the best way to empower a child to manage their anger effectively. If this does not help, and the outbursts continue or escalate, it is advisable that parents seek additional intervention to address the matter early and before greater emotional trauma develops.”

July 27, 2022

How teachers can manage diversity in the classroom

South African teachers grapple with diversity each day as they implement methods and strategies to deliver the curriculum in ways that inspire all the young minds in their classrooms. From schools to workplaces there are clear all-round benefits in engaging fulsomely with diversity, appreciating it and drawing on its systemic strengths. The concept of neurodiversity promotes the recognition that cognitive differences are to be understood and respected as accepted human variations and are not grounds for exclusion from general school life and classroom participation. Neurodiversity in the classroom may include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the autistic spectrum, amongst others. As a result, teachers may need to optimally manage students experiencing specific learning disorders and presenting impairment in reading, written expression or mathematics. However, when it comes to the classroom, diversity is always inherently present because children’s brains are growing and changing. They follow unique learning paths and develop different styles of learning. While we organise classes by fixed age groupings, learners demonstrate a notable variability in their capabilities which can impact on reading, motor skills, mental processing, word retrieval, telling the time, arithmetic, executive function, memory, estimating, social skills and more. Teachers need classroom strategies that help them keep a diversity of learners altogether inspired to learn while keeping their curriculum delivery on track. This is the topic of an upcoming SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology) webinar – Diversity in the classroom on Saturday, 23 July 2022 from 09h00 to 10h30. Free for teachers, SACAP’s professional panel will unpack the impact of diversity in the classroom and the role of educators in managing it. Natalie Donaldson, SACAP’s Head of Teaching and Learning says, “Over the past two decades, we have seen South African classrooms become more and more diverse. This is not just about the cultural backgrounds of the learners but also the ways that they engage and learn. In order to ensure a quality learning experience for all, educators need to find ways to meet the unique needs of all learners in their classrooms.” The webinar will also include a presentation by Educational Psychologist and SACAP educator, Juan-Pierre Moller who will deep-dive into the five areas of cognitive functioning and the diverse levels that a teacher can face in one class. Juan-Pierre will include practical ways teachers can apply inclusive education in and outside of their classroom. Other presenters include SACAP’s School Liaison Co-ordinator, Kiara Parsuram and Dr Diana De Sousa, Educational and Research Psychologist, and Chair of SACAP’s Research and Ethics Committee. Teachers are invited to join the conversation and discover new inclusive education strategies. Registration is free here SACAP webinar – Diversity in the classroom: Date: Saturday, 23 July 2022 Time: 09h00 to 10h30

July 20, 2022

Value of an international Education in a world where working borders have fallen

International education has existed throughout time and in those times, people have sought education elsewhere in order to better their lives, equip themselves and contribute in their societies and communities. International education provides a comprehensive approach to education that intentionally prepares students to be active and engaged participants in an interconnected world. Having an education that transcends borders is essential in order to participate in a global economy. An International qualification helps build understanding and respect among different people and enhances constructive leadership in the global community. International skills and education can help graduates to gain the traits required to move on to more senior positions or management roles in their chosen fields. However, it’s also as basic as being to communicate with global peers whether for work or studies, and to benefit from such interactions. One cannot underestimate the importance of global networking. Internationally or locally. International education provides students with opportunities to network with peers around the world. This often leads to collaboration on projects, which leads to gaining exposure to different cultures. Students that have an international education gain intercultural skills in the process. By enrolling in an education that gives you access to Universities locally and internationally, you’ll be exposed to a lot of things that you don’t see every day. The benefits of an International education can be seen on several levels. One is simply achieving international education and the benefit to pursue a further higher international education. When you’re done studying and you have an international education, opportunities open up for you and you can apply for work anywhere in the world. You get to have a global perspective of what happens in the workforce in other countries. You also get to have an international alumni network, and this could help with finding jobs internationally. Ready to tackle the demands of tomorrow’s world? Cambridge International helps students become confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged. The Cambridge Pathway allows students to build more than just a deep understanding of their subject. They importantly develop higher order thinking skills so that they can apply their skills and knowledge so they can be capable of shaping a better world for the future. Over 1,400 universities worldwide recognise Cambridge qualifications. They are accepted by every UK university, by 600 universities in the US (including all the Ivy League universities) and in many other major student destinations, such as Canada, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, Germany and the Netherlands. Universities and employers recognise our qualifications as evidence of academic achievement. They understand that the demand of our curricula and the rigour of our assessments give students what they need to flourish in higher education. Look to a global future with Cambridge.

July 19, 2022

Neurodiversity: How to support a Dyslexic child?

Children each learn and develop at their own pace, and reading is no different from any other skill. However, for some children they find it challenging at one point or another. They battle to build, recognise and manipulate the sounds in language. They also have difficulty in decoding words. Often children battle with barriers to learning, which may include dyslexia. Studies show that dyslexic children face many difficulties in their academic and social surroundings. Also, they suffer from a low self-esteem because of the lack of accomplishments, particularly in academics, which may affect their long-term life opportunities. Therefore, parents’ awareness about dyslexia and the impact it has on their child is imperative in ensuring support as well as a sustainable development of their child. At the Bridge Assisted Learning school we aim to work with our parents to create environments both at home and school that will be conducive to learning. Much can be done to alleviate this by utilising the following interventions, both at school and at home, in order to develop processes to support a comfortable confidence and self-esteem within children battling with dyslexia. These include: Explicit direct instruction in phonological and phonemic skills. The intervention also needs to include ‘The Big 6 of Reading’: oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Font style: The most commonly referred to fonts for people with dyslexia are: Comic Sans, Verdana, or Arial. It does not matter which font is used, it is more about using the particular font exclusively, so that the person becomes accustomed to the font used. A specific font developed for dyslexic people can be found on the Open Dyslexic website (www.OpenDyslexic.org). Open Dyslexic is a free font to use for the children who are battling with dyslexia. The letters are spaced out and wider in some instances. Also, when you use any font for a child with dyslexia, always justify left: it spaces the words out evenly and makes it easier for the child to read. Time constraints: Always provide extra time for students with dyslexia, especially for reading tasks. Always allow additional time in test or exam situations. Lowering the stress when learning is taking place: Create a learning culture where making mistakes lead to learning. Provide adequate time for thinking. Don’t place too much stress on children to read aloud in front of other people. Children with dyslexia should be aligned with an empathic teacher mentor. Building reliance and self-esteem: Dyslexia impacts on the social and emotional well-being of the child. Use terms of encouragement when talking to your child. Parent activities: Try to nurture children’s love for stories. Encourage them to collect books and build their own library and practice reading their favourites with them. Also invest in audio books that you can listen to while driving to school that gives phonetic sounds to practice. Showing them that you care and that you are just as invested to help them succeed. Children don’t outgrow dyslexia, and their troubles with reading can affect how they behave in school. However, with the right teaching and support, children can overcome reading challenges and learn coping mechanisms to make them thrive in school and throughout their life. By: Dr Greg Pienaar, Principal at The Bridge Assisted Learning School

July 18, 2022

How to choose an online high school

South Africa has seen a proliferation of online high schools over the past two years – but not all of them offer the same standard of learning. For parents of ambitious students, who have their sights set on top universities or international jobs, choosing the right online school is a critical step in their child’s academic and work career. From class size and participation, to extracurriculars, and subject and curriculum choices, there are a number of factors to consider when making the leap to digital schooling. “The key to choosing an online high school is to think about what you want for your child when it comes to their education. If studying at a top university is one of their goals, then you’ll need to find a high-engagement school that offers international curricula and prepares them for the academic rigour of those institutions,” says Executive Principal of Crimson Global Academy (CGA), John Morris. Morris is the former head of Auckland Grammar School, founding Chairman of the Association of Cambridge schools in New Zealand, former goalkeeper for the New Zealand national football team, and an appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education. With over 40 years of experience in education, he heads up the international team of CGA educators, based across five different countries. “Before you finalise your decision, do your research to find out what your child’s lessons are like; how experienced their teachers are; what the school’s results are, and even what extracurricular opportunities are available to your child to ensure that they are actively engaged in their passions and interests, both inside, and outside the classroom,” says Morris. Students from more than 30 different countries, including South Africa, are currently enrolled at CGA. The online high school is built on Crimson Education’s vision of empowering students to unlock their potential, through personalised education to support students getting into top ranked universities abroad. CGA is registered to offer International GCSEs, International A-Levels, Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge Assessment, International Examinations (CIE), and the United States High School Diploma. As an international school, the next CGA classes begin 5 September 2022. Morris advises parents to consider the following when deciding whether an online high school gets a passing grade: Live versus pre-recorded lessons: Live lessons offer more opportunities for classroom-based discussion, which improves student engagement and allows them to ask questions, make comments and create meaningful personal connections. Class size: Smaller class sizes help students feel more comfortable to ask for help and ensure they receive individualised support. Small classes foster greater interaction between students and teachers. International curriculum: Graduating with globally recognised qualifications improves your child’s options when it comes to applying to university or finding work internationally. Leading technology: Online learning works best when it’s facilitated via purpose-built platforms that are designed with learning principles in mind. Avoid schools that simply use existing video conferencing technologies for classes. Experienced teachers: Teaching staff should be trained to provide instructions virtually, and have extensive experience in teaching both on and offline. International online high schools provide access to subject specialists from all around the world. Extracurriculars: Teacher-led clubs, group activities, and leadership positions are critical to a full high school experience, and a well-rounded university application. Crimson Global Academy is a fully registered online high school delivering live, real-time teaching to students in their own homes. By providing internationally recognised, academically rigorous qualifications, including the International GCSE and A-Levels, the school aims to give ambitious local students the opportunity to achieve their full potential. For more information, visit www.cga.school/za or email [email protected].

July 15, 2022

Neurodiversity – We don’t all think the same

In the same way that every person has their own unique set of fingerprints, each person has a unique brain. We all process information and think about things differently. If we didn’t, we’d be robots who all acted the same and were interested in the same things. What a boring world that would be! You may have read the book or watched the movie, Divergent (if you haven’t, spoiler alert!). In the story, the society is split into five factions. The people in each faction share common traits. Most of the people in the society happily fall into one of the five factions and fit into the system. Although, not everyone fits into these rigid categories, they are called the Divergents. Initially, the Divergents are hounded or forced to fit into one of the factions. However, in end the Divergents are actually necessary to save the society. Similarly, many people in society fall into our factions/norms, in terms of how they think, process information and behave somewhat uniformly. They are considered to be neurotypical. People who don’t fit these factions/norms are considered to be neurodiverse. As a disclaimer, the story is a dystopian romance, so we shouldn’t take the metaphor too seriously. What is neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is the idea that certain differences in brain function are not disorders (as previously considered) but actually normal variations in human development. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for a range of differences in the way some people think and process information. These differences may occur in their social interactions, attention, mood, and/or the way they learn. Neurodiverse people may identify with labels such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Tourette’s syndrome, among others. Biodiversity is crucial for the health of the natural world, in the same way, neurodiversity is essential for a healthy, functional human society. It is not surprising then that an estimated one in five people may be neurodiverse. Despite this, many neurodiverse people may experience negativity or stigma. Students who are neurodiverse may struggle in the classroom and be labelled as lazy or stupid. This shouldn’t serve as a prediction of lifetime failure though. Being neurodiverse doesn’t mean you can’t succeed and achieve your dreams. There are many famous and successful neurodiverse people, such as Albert Einstein, Billie Eilish, Emma Watson, Simone Biles, Richard Branson, Daniel Radcliff, Steven Spielberg and Steve Jobs, to name a few. In fact, Richard Branson has many positive things to say about dyslexia. In one statement he said: “Don’t be discouraged. Dyslexia is just a different way of seeing the world, a different way of processing information, and a different way of coming up with great ideas. And many of you will discover that it’s actually a superpower that can take you to great heights”. Neurodiverse people may face struggles, but remember it’s not about comparing yourself to others, it’s about being proud of what makes you unique. Strengths of someone who is neurodiverse may include problem-solving, vivid imagination, excellent memory, creativity, and an eye for detail. There are many advantages to being neurodiverse and workplaces that welcome such people are often more successful. This being said, we must remember that every person is an individual, thus we should be careful not to stereotype. Just because you know one person who is neurodiverse, doesn’t mean you know or understand everyone else. Remember to ask someone about themselves and be willing to learn about who they are and how they function, don’t assume you already know. Things to be mindful of Here are some things to be mindful of when engaging with someone who is neurodiverse (or just anyone really): Respect and communicate boundaries. If someone gets overwhelmed, let them leave the situation. If someone tells you they don’t like/want something, stop e.g. touching their fidget toys Realise that behaviour isn’t about you. For example, if someone is struggling to make eye contact or is silent, this may be related to what’s happening internally with them and has nothing to do with you. Don’t fuss over tics or stimming. Tics are sudden and repetitive twitches, movements, or sounds, which are involuntary and uncontrollable. Stimming is repetitive movements or sounds performed to cope with emotions. We all stim (e.g. twisting hair, tapping feet and hands, etc.), but this may be more pronounced in someone who is neurodiverse. Drawing attention to tics or stimming can increase the movements and make the individual feel embarrassed. Every day is different. We all experience mood and energy changes daily. Therefore, we should be mindful that things that were ok yesterday may not be so today. Don’t make fun of someone for being different. Be polite, respectful and patient. Making fun of someone won’t get you ahead in life. Treat others as you would like to be treated Key take away Everyone is different; our uniqueness is important and valuable. Some people have more notable differences, and that’s ok, in fact it can be a great asset. We humans often don’t like things we don’t understand or are different, leading us to judge it. However, just because something is different or unknown to us, that doesn’t make it wrong. Let’s challenge this human instinct and strive to approach people with an open-mind and try to understand things from their perspective. Imagine if we could create a world where we are all free to become the best versions of ourselves. To aid us in achieving this we should heed the words of Gandhi: “if you want to change the world, start with yourself”. If we want a happier and more inclusive society, change has to start with us and the way we choose to interact and learn from those around us. At Wingu Academy we realise that schooling isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. For this reason we have developed our own unique, research-based teaching methodology to accommodate the every student’s different learning style. Coupled with this approach, we also offer a curriculum enriched with subjects that equip our students with 4IR, soft and life skills to prepare them for

July 14, 2022

How do you build a safe and positive environment for learning at home?

Safety can take many forms – from physical and emotional to psychological. Your child’s perception of safety, or the lack thereof, can greatly affect how and what your child learns. Therefor it’s pivotal to create a safe and positive environment for learning at home, especially in a home-based learning setting. According to a recent paper published by the American Institute for Research it starts by understanding what physical and emotional safety entails: Physical safety—which includes preventing injury, protecting against violence from others or self-harm, and safeguarding against weapons and threats—is one of the most basic human needs. When someone does not feel safe, they will seek out ways to feel safe in their environment before they can attempt to meet any higher level of survival, like connecting with others or learning new skills. Emotions trigger responses in our brain that affect how we feel and behave, and these emotions have a powerful effect on learning. For example, it is harder for us to learn when we are worried, angry, anxious, grieving, or humiliated because these emotions limit attention and concentration. When we feel emotionally safe—that is, when we feel calm, happy, and supported—our brains are better at taking in information, learning new things, and being productive. It is also important to remember that children’s needs will be different based on their developmental age, gender, their strengths and needs, family expectations, and previous experiences with school. Your family’s culture and community norms will also influence your child’s needs. These differences will affect how children express themselves and how you respond to them. For example, younger children and children who have experienced trauma (for example abuse, divorce, or the loss of a loved one) may express anxiety by physically acting out or becoming more “clingy.” Adolescents, on the other hand, have great needs for respect, autonomy, and how they maintain their newly developing senses of their identity. As a result, they may react by working harder to protect their freedoms during this time of limitations, or by acting out with belligerence or withdrawal. How do you proactively create the social and emotional conditions for learning? Make sure that YOU are ready to provide the physical and emotional safety your child needs. Seek help to prevent conflict or violence in your home. Make sure your child has their own physical space to learn where they are safe from fear, humiliation, or high levels of stress. Too many distractions can add to our stress, especially when we are trying to learn something new. Try to set aside a specific space—either a separate room or in a shared room—for your child’s learning time and work. If you have multiple children in the home, this may mean alternating space and resources like computers or other devices, so having a plan can help to minimize conflict. Accept your child for who they are and build on their strengths. Although all children will vary in their academic strengths and sense of who they are, it is essential that they develop a positive self-image. You play a critical role in helping them to develop that. Establish predictable routines at home. Doing so can prevent emotions like stress and can help your child’s brain to work better because they’ll know what to expect. Involving your child in creating the routine or schedule can not only teach them about time management, but also will help them to feel a sense of control. When responding to emotions, behaviours, or challenges: Make sure your child knows that they can express their feelings and share emotions with you. Let your child know that it is OK to make mistakes, especially when they are trying to learn new things in new ways. (This applies to you, too!) It’s important to remember that mistakes are how we learn. If your child makes a mistake, it can be helpful to talk through what might have gone wrong and what they could do differently next time. Encourage and reward persistence over perfection. Avoid punishing failure Listen, acknowledge, and affirm your child’s feelings. Help them identify what they or you can do to help them feel better. Discuss what is outside of your control and identify ways to deal with frustration. You can help your child to understand what they can and cannot control while acknowledging how they feel. Soothe children in ways that work for them. If you don’t know what works for them, have a conversation to learn more about what would work for both of you. Ask them about what helps them to calm down. If they don’t know, try different strategies together (like hugs, taking deep breaths, colouring a picture, or taking a walk) and talk about what was helpful. Monitor your child’s time online, in developmentally appropriate ways. Whereas younger children may need more support from an adult – thus making it easier to check on them – older youth and teenagers may want more privacy. What to look out for While children may tell you how they feel in words, they may also show signs in other ways. Please note that these signs won’t necessarily mean there is a problem. Knowing what to look for can help you to decide if you need to explore this more deeply or seek additional support. These signs will be different based on age, culture, and your individual experience. Here are a few examples: Primary school children may show new or more irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, and withdrawal from activities and friends. Adolescents may reveal they are having problems by new or increased sleeping and eating disturbances, becoming more irritable and getting into more conflicts, physical complaints (for example, having a stomach-ache or headaches), delinquent behaviour, and poor concentration. If you notice any of these signs or other new behaviours, it will be important to respond in a supportive way. Make sure your child knows that you are there to help them and that you will help them in a way that

July 8, 2022

EXPANDED OPTIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS: FIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR CHILD

A mere cursory glance at social media and parent groups shows the anxieties and frustrations of parents with school going children today regarding access to an excellent education. Lack of access at public schools is a major challenge, with parents whose children qualify on all counts not gaining admission – through no fault on their part, but because of capacity constraints. Another observed challenge is that of children already at school, but where the environment is simply not preparing them for the modern world because of outdated pedagogies and ways of working, non-productive homework requirements, or a system that no longer serves the needs of students. An education expert says while the above and other issues related to schools may feel like an impossible hill to climb for parents, the reality is that there are many options in the private sector of which parents may not be aware. Additionally, parents sometimes discard the idea of private education out of hand because of the perception that it might not be within their reach financially, when that is not necessarily the case. “Over the past weeks, many parents have had to tell their children that they were not accepted at any of the schools to which they applied, despite them qualifying for access,” says Kassandra Strydom, Academic Advisor: ADvTECH Schools Division Central Academic Team. “We’ve also noticed parents highlighting the struggles their children are facing because of personal challenges or circumstances, being just a number at school, being required to take subjects that are of no interest to them and being subjected to teaching methods and approaches that are out of touch regarding what is required in today’s world and what will be required of them in future. “Parental concerns are becoming evident. We urge these parents to investigate the options open to them in the private sector, because it can make a world of difference in a child’s educational journey, their self-actualisation and future prospects, and their general wellbeing,” says Strydom. Strydom says a key consideration for parents when investigating options in the private sector, is to consider WHAT KIND of school is right for their child, because unlike in the public sector, different private schools have very different offerings designed to cater to the specific needs of students and their families. She says top-level considerations when assessing any private school, will include the following: Class size Teacher qualifications, experience and expertise Commitment to continued professional teacher development on the part of the school Teaching styles, methodology and environments The selection of curriculum and whether qualifications will be internationally recognised Fee structures Sport and extra-curricular offerings as well as facilities Additional academic support as well as programmes such as core skill development and EdTech integration The kinds of private school offerings include the following: MODERN AND PROGRESSIVE SCHOOLS Emphasis on learning by doing – hands-on projects, expeditionary learning, experiential learning Integrated curriculum focused on thematic units Strong emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking Group work and development of social skills Understanding and action as the goals of learning as opposed to rote knowledge Collaborative and cooperative learning projects Education for social responsibility and democracy Integration of community service and service-learning projects into the daily curriculum Selection of subject content by looking forward to ask what skills will be needed in future society De-emphasis on textbooks in favour of varied learning resources Emphasis on lifelong learning and social skills Assessment by evaluation of child’s projects and production Ed tech enabled learning opportunities These schools prepare students for responsible adulthood and potential leadership by laying an excellent academic foundation supported by future-focused skills that will ensure students have lifelong success TRADITIONAL HOLISTIC SCHOOLS/ RELIGIOUS TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS In addition to the above elements, traditional schools offer a strong academic focus with excellence in sport and culture opportunities for students. They seek to retain traditional values while preparing students for an ever-changing world. The recipe of following time-honoured traditions has been very successful and recognised for the excellent contributions it makes in every sphere of education and to the social and emotional development of each student. SPECIALISED ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND ASSISTED LEARNING These schools offer a non-traditional approach to education to support neurodiversity. The unique strategy creates opportunities for the academic support and nurturing of all students on their journey to achieving academic success. All students are included, catered for, and receive the additional support they require. The school believes that when a student joins the school, they are taking the first step toward their best future. creating opportunities for self-fulfilment and self-actualisation for all students, to develop their potential regardless of differences. Each student is taught according to their unique needs and in accordance with an individualised development plan by a multi-dimensional specialist team who follow a neurodiverse approach. School types as above can be broken down into top tier and mid-tier schools. The variety of school fee options can be aligned to the school’s offering. It is important to highlight that investigation into the academic success of students is important as this is possible at all fee levels, but the offering of additional subjects and activities vary. ONLINE HOME SCHOOLING Parents may consider investigating online/ homeschool options, but are urged to ensure that their chosen school focuses on ‘cognitive’ screentime – where students are able to engage during lessons – rather than opt for a ‘paper behind glass’ approach, which may impact successful study. “Very importantly, parents should feel comfortable that whichever school they choose, it has academic excellence at the core of its offering. Once that has been established, and the basic top-level considerations have been satisfied, parents can settle on the perfect environment for their child which fits with their budget, which will not only impact on the wellbeing and future preparedness of the child, but also on the family’s wellbeing as a whole,” says Strydom.

July 8, 2022

Education: Nature vs. Nurture

As a parent, how often have you questioned whether your parenting techniques have made fundamental impacts on your child’s development or are they inherently “who they are” based on their genetic build-up? The nature vs. nurture debate is a longstanding question and popular parenting discussion that has fascinated phycologists for decades. Nature refers to genetic and hereditary influences passed down from our parents and grandparents, from physical appearance to our personality characteristics. Nurture refers to environmental influences such as early childhood experiences, parenting styles, social relationships and community. In the past, this debate commonly took a very one-sided approach with contributors drawing a line in the sand and arguing that it was either nature or nurture that had the most significant impact. Today, most parents will agree (through first-hand experience) that both factors play a critical role in a child’s development. Have you ever considered this question in relation to your child’s education and the way in which you approach their schooling? In this article will take a closer look at this question and unpack some ideas on how a child’s learning environment and schooling model impacts their ability to retain information and how this affects their willingness to learn. Teaching styles In a recent interview, CambriLearn student and Mensa member Christopher Oosthuizen says; “I like to be taught how to think and not what to think”. From this 8-year-old’s brilliant mind, we can see how important it is for our teaching methods to reflect the child’s preferred style of learning. With such a profound and analytical mind, Christopher thrives on self-empowerment, learning through experimentation and being provided with the right tools to discover learning concepts. For Christopher, homeschooling provides an optimal learning zone™. Natural abilities No two children are the same and therefore they will not learn in the same way or at the same pace. There is simply no one size fits all solution to education and creating a personalised learning journey based on a child’s natural abilities is the best chance to ensure educational success. As a parent, you might prefer to read a manual whilst your child might prefer to see instructions in a diagram format. Parents should celebrate and strategically approach each student’s preferred learning style in order to promote optimal learning and knowledge retention. According to the VARK system, there are four types of learning styles – visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinaesthetic. This short quiz can help you better understand your child’s preferred learning style Learning environments One of the key factors when instilling a child’s love for learning is to consider their learning environment. One child may enjoy online learning through interactive online materials and gamified learning platforms whereas another child may learn better through one-on-one tutor support. A child’s learning environment has a direct and lasting impact on the way in which they absorb and retain information. Parents need to consider which learning environment best suits their child’s unique needs in order to harness their love for learning. This liberates them to pursue their own interests and teaches them how to manage themselves throughout their education journey. Understanding your child’s preferred learning style can be a difficult task, consider taking this online quiz to help shed some valuable insights on your child’s optimal learning environment.

July 7, 2022

Effective Study Techniques and Methods

Yes, there are in fact effective study techniques that can help learners retain information better and they’re not based on fiction or chance, but years of scientific research. Study smarter not harder. We’ve all heard or read the saying at some point in our lives, but what does “studying smart” actually look and is there, in fact, a science to prepping for your exams. Studying comes naturally for some while others find it challenging. Regardless of your love or hate for the books, effective techniques that help absorb info is a different concept entirely, and it’s one that educators and psychologists have researched for years. Studying “right” starts with understanding There’s a small obsession amongst educators, phycologist and physicists to understand the concept of absorbing information quickly and keeping it locked away for as long as possible. While there has been an endless debate, one thing they can all agree on is that the work should be understood first and foremost. If learners aren’t understating the material, they’ll find it difficult to retain it which is why tutoring platforms have been becoming increasingly popular, helping learners understand over and above simply studying the material. Paper Video’s is one such platform where learners from grade 8 to 12 can unpack challenging subjects like Maths, Physical Science, Life Science and Accounting through video lessons, past exam papers and teachers that help explain the work. Studying effectively is not just about getting information into our brains to pass an exam, it about saving time and effort, and remembering the work well-beyond that final paper. Plus, once you understand what you’re learning studying will feel like a breeze. Find study techniques that work for you. There are no one-size-fits-all approaches when it comes to a study technique that works, and “Learning Styles” is a concept that is slowly but surely being taken off the table. For those who don’t know, “Learning Styles” is a theory that indicates whether or not people are Visual, Auditory, Read & Write or Kinaesthetic learners. New research published by the American Psychological Association stated that there is no scientific evidence to support this concept. In an article published by the Atlantic in 2018, Daniel Willingham, a psychologist at the University of Virginia made a compelling case whereby he stated: “People have different abilities, not styles. Some people read better than others; some people hear worse than others. You can’t visualize a perfect French accent, for example.” He went on to say that people should not think of themselves as visual, verbal or some kind of learner, “Everyone is able to think in words; everyone is able to think in mental images. It’s much better to think of everyone having a toolbox of ways to think, and think to yourself, which tool is best?” So, how do you know what study technique works? With no clear recipe to success amid all the mind maps, rhymes, notes and re-reading, and if not for a “learning style” how can we tell what works and what doesn’t? Luckily there is science and proven research that tells us what techniques should do and how they should affect learners. Ask yourself: Does the technique help me engage with the material (not just reading)? Does the technique help me track my progress, (a test of some sort)? Does it involve repetition? Does it make me more efficient? Am I retaining/remembering information? Scientifically backed Study Techniques Remembering or retaining information is a challenge that can be traced back to when German Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus first identified the “the forgetting curve” in 1885. It was and still is, a hypothesis that highlights how information or knowledge that gets stored in the brain is lost over time if the individual does not attempt to retain it. Now, to us in the 21st Century, it might not sound so ground-breaking, people forget things. But back then, Ebbinghaus identified a problem and gave it a name and scientists love nothing more than to solve a good problem. That’s why they dedicated their careers to finding ways that can help humans study better and retain information successfully and here are a few of our favourites. 1. Interval studying Call it what you may: the spacing effect, distributed practice, spaced repetition or interval studying, it’s a method that was identified by Hermann Ebbinghaus in his book: Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology. While Ebbinghaus identified the forgetting curve he also gave us a snapshot on how to overcome it: Spaced out repetition. A study by the American Psychological Association showed that the method was 96% more effective than massed repetition, otherwise known as cramming (Cepeda 2006). Conclusion? Spacing out your studies over several short periods helps you remember better, so stick to short bursts, but keep them focussed. It’s not about how much time you have, but what you do with your time that counts. 2. The Leitner technique The technique was created by German science journalist Sebastian Leitner and is a learning technique based on flashcards. The technique also adopts interval studying as part of the method, so learners will be studying in short spaced-out bursts. The technique uses several boxes to help track the flashcards you need to study, and each box represents the amount of time and effort learners would need to spend on certain cards. Here’s how: Every card starts in Box 1 If you get a card right it moves to the next If you get a card wrong, you move it down a box How many boxes you have is up to you, but most educators vouch for three or four. 3. Pomodoro study technique If you’re prone to distractions or if you lose focus easily, the Pomodoro method is used universally not just as a study hack, but as a way to help people increase their productivity. It’s a time management system that encourages short, intense bursts of work for about 25 – 30 minutes. Once the time is up, you stop working and take a 5- or 10-minute break. The technique

July 6, 2022

Factors for behaviour regression in young children

When a young child returns to an earlier stage of development and behaves accordingly, this is known as regression. You won’t always have a huge infant on your hands; this is simply your child’s way of informing you that they require more attention and sympathy from you. It is particularly prevalent among young children, and the factors for this will be discussed. The first factor is physical lack of sleep. When children are deprived of sleep for several days or more, fatigue sets, resulting in a grumpy, disagreeable, and unhappy child who begins to regress behaviourally. A second physical stressor is the onset of an illness. For example, your child may be infected with a virus or flu before you realise it, and regressive behaviour is the first indicator. A third physical stressor is a change in diet or a poor diet. For example, you may see regressive, irritable behaviour if there has been an increase in junk food, sugar, or a lack of good nutrition. The second factor is social stressors such as fighting with other kids, being bullied, or being isolated can all lead to regressive behaviour. Younger children are unable to process their experiences in a way that enables them to maintain their self-esteem in the face of social rejection. When a child suffers a social setback, they may become depressed, angry, clingy, overly sensitive, argumentative, hyperactive, or distracted. Change of routine is the third factor to consider. Although some children are more adaptable and less reactive to change than others, most children react to significant changes such as moving to a new home, changing schools, or the arrival of a new child, to mention a few. Reactions can be visible quickly but can also appear later and become more intense. The reactions will undoubtedly be behavioural, which means they will not appear direct. For example, instead of genuine sadness, you may see clinginess or crying when it’s time to leave for school, as well as regressive behaviours like forgetfulness, unwillingness to perform things that are regularly done without difficulty, or baby language. Some children react to hyperactivity more negatively. The birth of a new kid is a significant change for any child and should be considered, as it frequently leads to the most regressive behaviours. It can be determined by several factors: The child’s age, the transition preparations ahead of time, and the parent’s ability to notice and work with emotions as they occur. The fourth factor is marital tension. When parents have marital issues, it s practically impossible to keep it hidden from their children. Even if there is no visible evidence of anxiety or emotional stress in the air, such as arguing or fighting in front of the children, they may sense the tension and emotional stress. This is because children are sponges and acutely aware of changes in their parents’ moods. They may not understand the issue or be mature enough to consider it, but they will sense the tension, internalise it, and react to it. The last factor is basic stress. This arises when there is too much going on and too many demands, resulting in an overwhelmed child. Factors include: There are too many extracurricular activities and not enough downtime. Holidays. Weekends are jam-packed. Seasons of sports are jam-packed with practices and games. Any kind of performance. In general, an overload of activity and responsibility combined with insufficient breaks and periods of rest or downtime can lead to regressive behaviour.

July 5, 2022

Bringing Social Emotional Aspects to Learning

Before the pandemic, online teaching was a choice, but never an essential component of teaching and learning. Certainly, online teaching has its advantages. Among these, online teaching provides students and staff with a choice of location. While there is no substitute for face-to-face instruction, online teaching does offer the advantage of a level of flexibility that provides students with access to both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Online learning provides technical solutions such as artificial intelligence, automatic triggers, red flags to highlight required knowledge improvement, and data analytics. All these support the teaching and learning process. Now that we are starting to return to brick and mortar schools, we have the unique opportunity to rethink how we intentionally engage students online, and monitor academic learning. In my opinion, online teaching, and the innovation of educational technology places new interactive tools at the fingertips of our educators and students that cannot be ignored. These tools mentioned help educators to engage different types of learners and their different personalities. Online engagement tools provide students with a safe way to interact, and this is especially true if the student is shy, introverted, or prefers not to be in the spotlight. As a result, there is great potential to evolve our communication skills with the wider school community. If we embrace these advantages it is my hope that we, as educators, may provide all students, regardless of personality, background, or dominant language, with access to the best education, while developing their individual strengths and potential to engage from a pace of confidence. While we look to take advantage of these great new opportunities, we should also recognise that traditional online teaching has presented challenges that have led to disadvantages. In some cases, online teaching limits student interactions with teachers and other students. These limitations can negatively impact the ability of students to access and process information, and it hinders student acquisition of social skills, collaborative skills, and critical thinking skills, as well as affecting wellbeing. Thus an online platform must address these issues by, for example, monitoring individuals academics as well as personal interactions, having available tutors for academic and social support, and providing modules for true social and emotional learning. The online learning environment also highlights the significance and need for teachers to observe body language that accompanies learning and thinking, and teachers should be able to use those cues to redirect as needed or adjust pedagogical strategies. This is especially true when students are acquiring language or need additional services and accommodations. Teachers must be aware of these challenges and must engage online and ‘face-to-face’ with their learners regularly, to avoid the challenges being compounded by the isolation of students from classroom participation. Teachers must engage in in-person social and emotional learning. A fluid approach to education will serve students best, increase knowledge retention and provide an environment for optimal mental well-being.

July 4, 2022

MID-TERM EXAM TIPS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

As parents or guardians, most of us work long, exhausting days. We understand that with the price of food, petrol, school fees etcetera, work is a given – if we are fortunate enough to be employed – and this is not something we are ever going to change. The downside is that hard work often leaves us with very little time for anything else. As parents, we often feel guilty that we seem to have so little time with our children. Added to this, we often put pressure on our children to somehow perform, using their report cards as a measure of their effort and intelligence. Many parents trust that teachers are in control simply because they don’t themselves have the extra bandwidth to step into academic support mode after a long day at work. Additionally, we often resort to pressuring our children, whether it be through threats, bribes, or encouragement to circumvent a bad report after examinations. Let’s be honest, not all children are those gorgeous self-starters, in the Top 20 at school who just seem to ‘get on with it’ and never seem to need the parental pressures that so many of us have to use on our children. Most schools’ second term comprise those mid-year examinations where this pressure can bring added anxiety and chaos into a household. The pressure starts to mount when you do not see the evidence of studying. As a principal, at Abbotts College JHB South, I see the despair when the report card comes and parents are called in to visit the deputy or principal about their child’s results. But my advice today to parents is to practice love and patience. Young teenagers are still developing. Their adolescent brains, especially those going through puberty, where cognitive, emotional, and social maturation are being influenced by hormones, have a tremendous effect on the development of executive functioning in the brain. This functioning develops in the prefrontal cortex which is the area responsible for decision-making, planning, prioritizing, strategizing, coordinating thought and emotion, delaying gratification, inhibiting impulses and inappropriate behavior. Research over the past 15 years has shown that these areas do not function as optimally as those of adults. The limbic system and other parts of the brain do not fully mature until the early 20s. Putting extreme pressure and anxiety onto a teenager to bring home the perfect report card will negatively affect them. We need to be realistic about their abilities and remember that one examination is never a determinant for success in life. We have to encourage them to perform to the best of their ability but not at the expense of our relationship with them or the damage parents can inflict on their self-esteem and identity formation. Having said that there are some ways in which we can support our teenagers, by doing the following: Download the Examination timetable in advance and ensure it is visible in your house where you and your child can monitor the calendar. Assist your child in coming up with a study timetable (many schools may conduct workshops to assist with this). Ensure the scope of study for all subjects is downloaded and available in advance (most schools will give this out at least 4-6 weeks before examinations commence). Ensure your child has approached teachers early on if there are concepts that are challenging and need further clarification. If your child is struggling with finishing tests on time, does not get through work fast enough, reads very slowly, or does not write neatly, it may be a good idea to get him/her tested by an Educational Psychologist who can assist with applying for concessions. Buy A4 feint and margin books for every subject so that note-taking is in one place for the full year and not on pieces of paper that are scattered around the house. Ensure your child has a quiet place to study, with a desk and necessary stationery (‘passive studying’ on a bed is ineffective – separate, if possible, the spaces where they sleep and where they work) Eliminate distractions and lay down the rules during examination periods (especially cellphones, social media, gaming). Ensure your child continues with healthy pursuits such as exercising and sport; and that they eat as healthily as possible. Do not always believe your teen! Be aware, switched on, available, supportive yet receptive to how and what they are studying. In my opinion, a little extrinsic motivation during study time for teenagers can be effective. Many are not intrinsically motivated to study and there are pros and cons to rewarding and incentivizing your teen. You know your child best and what they are capable of. Giving them goals and possible rewards, without undue pressure that could create anxiety may be the catalyst for your child to motivate them. We have to inculcate a sense of pride in what they do and encourage effort and autonomy. With so much riding on matric examinations, skills need to be developed early on in the junior grades in preparation for these. This does not happen overnight but with patience, assistance, organization, and loving guidance our children can overcome examination anxiety and learn the tools necessary for examination success. By (Marion Kohler: Principal Abbotts College JHB South)

June 24, 2022

Lagging concentration? Natural ways to boost children’s brains

Many parents find their children lagging in focus and mental energy around the end of the second school term. This may well be exacerbated in 2022, as the first full year after intense COVID disruptions unfolds. It’s not just the South African winter blues, kids, worldwide, have felt the stresses and strains of the upheaval of the global pandemic which didn’t just upend going to school but is believed to have hampered children and teens’ normal development. Like us adults, our children are still adjusting to a ‘new normal’ that remains fraught with uncertainty and the myriad of anxieties that come with the convergence of tough economic times, serious geo-political clashes and the climate crisis. If you are one of those parents who have recently experienced concerning parent-teacher chats or your child hasn’t had great mid-year academic results, you may want to consider giving your child some extra well-being support. Restlessness, poor concentration and focus at school may be caused by anxiety or depression, which have risen in those under 17 years of age so significantly over the last years that we are increasingly hearing warnings of the global ‘youth mental health crisis’. In addition, diagnoses of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are ever-increasing. According to Michele Carelse, CEO of Feelgood Health, one of the country’s pioneering online health and wellness stores, whether or not your child has received a diagnosis of neurodiversity, there are natural steps parents can take to help their child improve concentration and focus. She says, “More and more families are looking for safe and holistic solutions to help support their children’s mental wellbeing. They want options that nourish the brain, calm emotions, improve concentration and help children focus naturally. Medicinal herbs such as Gingko Bilboa, amongst others have proven capabilities in this regard. However, it is important to remember that there are also lifestyle strategies that work hand-in-hand to strengthen your child’s resilience and help them perform optimally.” Having started her career as a Clinical Psychologist helping families deal with issues such as ADHD and ADD, Michele recommends: Embrace a healthy family diet – “You can’t underestimate the importance of healthy eating when it comes to children’s brain development and brain power. Reducing sugar intake, avoiding food additives and focusing on fresh, wholefoods makes a real impact. You want to make sure your child has a good intake of Omega-3 fatty acids from foods such as avocado, tuna, nuts and olive oil, as well as a variety of vegetables and fruit that provide a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals.” Get physically active – “Research has shown that outdoor exercise, whether that’s organised sports or rambling family walks and bike rides helps both children and adults to calm the mind, regulate emotions more effectively and release stress. Plan out your weekdays as well as the weekends to make sure you have time for daily physical activity. Getting out together as a family is also fun and it builds bonds, improving emotional well-being and enhancing resilience.” Limit screen time – “With so much time spent online and so much entertainment easily available on-screen, our children need breaks every day from their devices. Set screen limits for the whole family and stick to them.” Implement sleep hygiene – “There’s a lot of research showing that children today are not getting enough quality sleep. Problems with concentration and focus, as well as feeling moody, anxious or depressed can be attributed to, or worsened by inadequate sleep. Keep your children’s bedrooms free of devices and screens; find a calming bedtime routine that works for your family and make a good night’s rest for everyone a priority in your home.” Find support in natural remedies – “Explore a holistic approach to your family’s health to help support improved concentration and focus, and a calmer outlook in children. The advantage of natural remedies is that they are effective, free of nasty ingredients and non-addictive. This was my driving force as a Clinical Psychologist that led me to formulating specific Feelgood Health products that have helped many thousands of families over the past decades. Popular holistic solutions include our Focus & Calm natural remedy which includes herbs such as Gingko Bilboa, and BrightSpark, which is 100% homeopathic remedy for hyperactivity. For teenagers and adults, we also have a natural study aid called BrainShine, to promote concentration, mental focus, memory and reduce stress.” What’s important to remember is that we are all living through tumultuous times. A less than stellar performance at school or an increase in issues such restlessness and poor concentration can stem from a number of converging causes. Taking charge of well-being and actively building resilience will help both the children and the adults in the family to cope better with the stresses and strains in the world that are out of our control.

June 21, 2022

Why we made the switch from brick-and-mortar to online homeschooling

The following account is the story of a parent, Engela Janse van Rensburg, who decided to make the switch from a brick-and-mortar school to online homeschooling and she has never looked back! “Here’s a riddle for you: What is the most in-demand occupation – no, let me rephrase – profession, in the entire existence of the human race? Which profession needs no qualification, has the lowest monetary reward yet has the highest impact on the human race, and the highest emotional reward? Parenting! Any parent will tell you that the privilege of having a child and the joy that it accompanies, is something very special. But, with this privilege comes a number of choices you have to make. At the birth of your child, you are given a clean slate and you as the parent have to decide what is written on that slate, since this will form the foundations of that little human being entrusted to you. I call these choices the three C’s: Choice of morals and values; Choice of religious beliefs and Choice of education. And it is in this third choice, Education, that many parents faced a new challenge the last couple of years since the global pandemic struck. Three years ago parents who decided to homeschool their children were seen by many as the ‘different’ ones. Two years ago parents who never thought of homeschooling their children, were suddenly faced with a challenge: how do I ensure continuous education for my child, how do I keep my child safe and healthy and protected against an enemy no one can see (Covid-19)? And just like many other families, we were faced with the same questions. When we started to do research, we realised that education entered its own “industrial revolution” phase. We were standing in front of three options: homeschooling where the support from the school was only administrative and I will have to teach my child; a school where classes were presented on a set timetable and the only difference between the online school and a brick-and-mortar school, was that he was at home and did his lessons online; and the third option was a combination of the first two: online lessons combined with self-study. We realised that with both parents also in education and working long hours, there was no time for us to teach our son, although we had the knowledge. It was also for our son a much easier transition from what he knew to something totally different. Two years later we have settled into our new lifestyle and in the process we have learned a lot of lessons. Time management became very important and it was a skill that I had to teach my son. I had to show him how to plan his term, his week and his day. I had to show him how to plan when to start with an assignment to make sure it is completed and submitted on time. He had to learn how to take responsibility and attend classes, even though he has the freedom to make that choice. In a brick-and-mortar school, parents are so much less involved in the day-to-day activities of their children. With an online school, I became involved in what happened in my child’s education on a daily basis. I check on his daily classes, I look at his performance and results when assessment results are released and I assist with his revision planning. Then there is of course the technical side – make sure he has access to Wi-Fi during load-shedding, make sure the printer is working, make sure the laptop is still on standard. The biggest change in our lives was that we became so much more involved in our child’s education. But it also brought another concern with it – we had to make sure that the social development of our son was still taken care of. It is so important to remember that your child still needs contact with his peers and that he can still interact with them outside the academic sphere. It is very easy for a child to become totally isolated and if both parents are working, this can happen very easily. Whether your choice is homeschooling or an online school, any parent will have to remember that your view about your child’s education will have to change. You need to become more involved in the education and social development of your child. Both you and your child will have to focus on time management, your communication about his education will have to be daily and maybe the most important before you even venture into this new adventure is that you have to make sure your child has the right personality to make a success of it. We are very fortunate. Our son is a self-starter, a self-motivator, and can work independently. Our transition was very easy. In the first year, both of us had to get used to the technical aspects and he had to learn time management skills – which learners do not learn in brick-and-mortar schools. But after 9 months at an online school, I did not need to create his calendar anymore or remind him about tasks. Today, two years later, we have an independent 14-year-old who is far above many first-year university students when it comes to planning his academics and taking responsibility for it. Do I recommend it? Absolutely! Why? I wrote on that slate given to me the following objectives to instil in my son: independence, responsibility, work ethic, confidence, self-trust, and high-quality education. What is the downside? Social interaction in the form of sport or cultural activities takes a lot more effort, planning and involvement with the homeschooling/online schooling community. When should you not do it? When you think it is an easy way out of “school” or when your child is not yet emotionally mature enough to take responsibility for engaging with their schoolwork. It is not an easy way out – it will take commitment from both you as a parent as well as your

June 15, 2022

MYSCHOOL AND ACTION IN AUTISM, HIGHLIGHT THE NEED FOR IMPROVED AUTISM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

In honour of the recent Autism Awareness Month, MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet (MySchool), South Africa’s leading community fundraising platform, is highlighting the vital work being done by one of its beneficiaries to support families and individuals impacted by autism. Action in Autism is a MySchool beneficiary, which works to bring much-needed awareness and support to this condition that so many people in the country live with. Situated in Durban and established in 2005, Action in Autism is an advocacy, support and fundraising non-profit organisation for people with autism and their families. The main objective of the organisation is to improve the quality of life for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their caregivers by building partnerships between people with ASD, their families and the community to provide information, counselling and a myriad of other services. “The prevalence of autism is far greater than most of us realise. And as a society, we need to raise more awareness and provide the support that people living with autism, and their families, need,” said Pieter Twine, General Manager at MySchool. Seeing the world differently Autism is a lifelong condition that impacts on all areas of communication and social interaction. The condition can manifest itself in many ways and is highly diverse. Autistic people communicate and behave differently and have different experiences of the world. Sadly, South Africans living with autism continue to face several obstacles like unemployment, a limited choice of schools, discrimination and a lack of support. Limited resource As one of the leading non-profit organisations serving the needs of autistic people, Action in Autism’s service is critical. “There are many challenges facing the autistic community in South Africa. For example, we have few schools that can comprehensively cater for autistic children. The facilities available are completely inadequate for the growing numbers of children diagnosed. Action in Autism’s most important goal is to access education, medical resource and support for all people with autism – to meet the urgent and desperate need for these services in the constituency we serve,” says Kirsten Miller, Director at Auction in Autism. Unfortunately, there are not many organisations that can provide recent statistics on autism in South Africa. One of the most comprehensive recent studies was done by UCT’s Centre for Autism Research in Africa. Published in 2020, it looked at the prevalence of autism in one million school children in the Western Cape. Data showed a reported 76.03% increase in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in schools between 2012 and 2016, with an average increase of 15.18% per year. Early intervention is key Many experts believe that early diagnosis of and interventions for autism are more likely to have major long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills. For this reason, one of Action in Autism’s flagship projects is a unique walk-in resource centre – one of the few in the country – that provides critical aid to the autistic community, including: Counselling and support services to parents. Health information booklets. A database of health care professionals. A comprehensive list of schools and facilities that cater for learners with autism. Access to schooling and social grants for children. “Through our daily interaction with parents, we witness the frightening impact on children and their families when knowledge and access to resources is limited. There’s a lot of work for us to do, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the monies donated to us by the public through the MySchool platform”, adds Miller. “For nearly 25 years, MySchool cardholders have supported schools as well as welfare organisations that help vulnerable people in our communities. We are proud of the difference that our cardholders continue to make every day, by investing in community organizations that are working to promote the well-being of all South Africans”.

June 14, 2022

HOW TO APPLY TO UNIVERSITY WITH CAMBRIDGE QUALIFICATIONS

This is an exciting time for South African matriculants as they complete the final stage of their school career and prepare to enter the next phase of their academic life. We are delighted to see how our students have excelled academically and are now submitting their applications for a place at university next year. GUIDELINES We share here some guidelines to help students and parents with the process of applying for university entrance. 1. Choose a course of study The first step is to select your preferred course of study, and to have a second or third option to include in your application. 2. Choose your university You will need to check which universities offer your preferred undergraduate degree. It is a good idea to apply to more than one university to keep your options open and to improve your chances for a successful application. 3. Check the admission requirements 3.1 Check the conditions and requirements to gain exemption for entry to South African public universities and make sure that you meet the requirements. The Cambridge University Recognition South Africa document provides a summary of the Universities South Africa (USAf) minimum admission requirements for exemption for Bachelor Degree purposes. You can download this document from: https://globalvillageint.com/index.php/academics/university-admission. The exemption requirements are also generally stated in the university’s undergraduate prospectus or undergraduate admissions requirements document. 3.2 You also need to check the minimum requirements for your specific degree and make sure that you will meet these minimum requirements. Each university faculty has different subject and grade requirements. Cambridge students should check the university’s faculty requirements for international schools/applicants with non-South African school-leaving qualifications. Contact the university Admissions Office or search the university’s website for admission requirements for undergraduate international curricula/admission criteria for applicants with non-South African school-leaving qualifications. These requirements are set out in the Undergraduate Prospectus by some universities. You can view available university faculty requirements for 2023 at: https://globalvillageint.com/index.php/academics/university-admission 3.3 Certain universities require that students write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT). Check the requirements of your selected university and faculty to see what is required for your application. For more information about the National Benchmark Tests: Visit: https://www.nbt.ac.za/ Call 021 650 3523 4. Apply for admission Applications for admissions have opened. It is important that you check the application closing dates and that you apply as early as possible. The closing dates for applications vary for each university and for different courses. You should consult your university of choice to find out the closing date for applications. Applications for some courses and universities close as early as 30th June, so we suggest that you complete your application as soon as possible. Admission to non selection programmes in some university faculties is based on the availability of places and when the available number of places for a specific programme have been filled, the programme is closed for further applications. You will need to submit your GCSE certificates (and AS certificates if already completed) in the application process and should have these available to scan and upload according to the university’s requirements. You will also be required to give the university an indication of the subjects for which you are still expecting results, by uploading some form of official proof of these subjects. Each university has their own requirements, but this can generally be a report, a letter from the school or a Statement of Entry, with the level (GCSE, AS or A-level) on which each subject is taken, clearly indicated. Once your application has been registered, the university will advise you of the next steps. 5. Apply for financial assistance, scholarships and bursaries You can search your preferred university’s website for funding/financial assistance/aid or call them to find out about available financial assistance, scholarships and bursaries. Check the application opening and closing dates and the documents required, to allow enough time to get all the documents ready to submit your application in time. NSFAS Students who wish to study or are already studying at a public university or TVET college and come from a family with an income of R350 000 or less, qualify for a government bursary offered via the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The bursary covers amounts for accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials, aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines. All South African citizens, SASSA grant recipients, applicants whose combined household income is R350 000 or less per annum, persons with disabilities whose household income is R600 000 or less per annum and students who started studying before 2018 whose household income is R122 000 or less per annum, qualify. Applications for 2023 are open 1 September to 30 November 2022. For more information: Visit: www.nsfas.org.za Call the toll free number:0860 0067 327 Email:[email protected] You can also search the university’s website for funding/financial assistance for more information. University Financial Assistance, Scholarships and Bursaries Each university has additional funding programmes to assist students. Merit, sport and other bursaries are administered by each university. Search the university’s website for university managed student funding/financial assistance and university administered bursaries or scholarships or contact the university to find out more. External Funding Funding is also available from companies and organisations outside of the university. Information can be obtained through a google search. Try these websites: 6. Find accommodation Each university offers a variety of housing options such as university residences, rooms, apartments, etc. Contact the university’s Student Accommodation Office to find out more. Private accommodation is another option. Students can consider staying in a privately run student housing centre, a student house, an apartment or in a room in a private residence. Most universities assist students to find private accommodation. Students should contact the university’s Student Accommodation Office for assistance. Students can also search the internet for private accommodation options or contact local student accommodation agents or estate agents. MATRIC EXEMPTION Students who intend to register at a South African University, need to apply for exemption for degree studies upon receiving their final results. For

June 8, 2022

Online schooling – how to set your child up for success

Online schooling is on the rise in South Africa, and more families are opting for the flexibility and other benefits of at-home learning. However, it’s important for parents to be mindful of providing a child-friendly workspace that is conducive to learning. A safe, comfortable and well-organised environment is essential for your child to thrive at their online school. When lockdowns in 2020 shut schools down, architect, Henriette Frohlich opted for online school for her son, and saw how fellow parents were struggling to set up suitable workspaces for their children at home. She realised that there was a great need for affordable child-friendly workspace furniture that was locally made. Alongside her husband Markus, an engineer, they started work on designing and producing smart and adjustable furniture and launched HF Design. Henriette says, “Most parents embrace the need to invest in a good curriculum, but few pay attention to their child’s learning environment. We encourage parents to create workspaces for their children that are accessible. That way your child can control his/her own learning experience and journey, without having to be directed/guided by parents. Also think about improving lighting, reducing noise and ensuring your child is sitting comfortable on workspace furniture that is made for his/her bodysize. That way your child will be set up for a lifetime of learning.” Henriette and Markus will be joining Koa Academy Principal, Mark Anderson as well as Occupational Therapist, Nasreen Cariem for a free parent’s webinar ‘Setting Up for Home Learning Success’ on Tuesday, 14 June from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Nasreen says that parents of at-home learners need to be on the lookout for the tell-tale signs that the child’s workspace is not working well for them. “Be aware if your child is regularly distracted and inattentive, or not completing tasks,” she says. “It’s also important to hear them if they are complaining about their learning set-up. It can be easy to assume that children may be acting out or presenting excuses, when in fact their struggles with their learning environment are real and need to be addressed so that they enjoy being in their workspace.” Mark highlights a fundamental for at-home learners – “Emotional safety is key,” he says. “This is the parent’s number one job for a child learning at home and will be the greatest indicator of the child’s academic success. We all learn best when we feel secure and in control. When you are setting up your child’s learning space, consult them! They need to be personally invested in their own workspace. Set your child up in a space that is calm, clean and has good lighting. It doesn’t have to be dead quiet, but it does need to be controlled. Give them a dedicated space for their learning where they can store everything they need, such as their computer and stationery. It doesn’t have to be big, but it does need to be theirs. This is particularly important for younger learners who are still mastering the practicalities of executive functions like following a schedule and meeting deadlines.” Henriette highlights 3 basics for an at-home learner’s workspace: The most important thing is lighting – “If your child is struggling to absorb the content, they will lose interest quickly. Bad lighting may also contribute towards poor eyesight later in life. Many parents place their child’s desk near the window, which can lead to blinding natural light or overheating of the work area. Best is to position your child’s desk perpendicular to the window, allowing natural light to fall on the desk. Natural light is the best, followed by indirect light. The second most important thing is comfort – “Your child must sit comfortably at their desk. The desk and bench or chair should be set at the right height, so as to strengthen core muscles and prevent slouching and discomfort. If a child is not sitting comfortably, they won’t sit for long.” The third most important thing is noise management – “Is your child’s workspace in an area that is shielded from disruptive noises? You can use room dividers such as plants, bookshelves, screens or curtains to create a private space for your child and make quality headphones available for online sessions if they are sharing space with other members of the family. Ensure that your child can control the noise in their area, so that they can focus and concentrate when necessary.” There is no one size-fits-all when it comes to creating an optimal at-home learner workspace, and solutions are going to differ from home to home, and learner to learner. Nasreen agrees with Henriette’s top priorities. She says, “For both older and younger learners, a well-organised space with adequate lighting is of utmost importance. An environment which is relatively free of distractions helps to enable concentration, and a comfortable chair and desk with the right ergonomics will allow for prolonged sitting as well as writing comfortably. The child’s work area doesn’t have to be expansive but there should be adequate space for school materials, stationery and online devices. In making set-up choices, parents need to consider their children’s particular needs and learning styles. Some siblings work well sharing the at-home learning space, others may be territorial and do better on their own. For some children, having the family around in the background promotes accountability and ensures they don’t feel lonely, while other focus better if they are on their own. Obviously, the family’s resources in terms of space available, furnishings and storage systems also need to be taken into consideration.” Parents of at-home learners have a host of questions when it comes to setting up and organising a workspace for their child. Should siblings share an at-home learning space? Is it okay for my child to do their schoolwork on their bed? Is an entry-level laptop adequate for online school? What are the best storage hacks for school materials? I’m working from home, should my children share my workspace so that I can keep an eye on them? Mark, Henriette, Markus and Nasreen will be unpacking the answers at the ‘Setting Up For Home Learning

June 8, 2022

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