Advice from the experts
Syllabis Learning

How mainstream schooling is dumbing down our kids and stifling their creativity.

Perhaps we can find a hidden blessing in the current pandemic crisis that we are all experiencing. Our schools have been shutting down for lengthy periods and have allowed many parents to consider alternate methods of education.  The problem with mainstream or traditional schooling is systemic: it is a system that, at best, is designed to dumb our children down; at worst, indoctrinate them. Dumbing down the population is, if you think about it, the main way you can control a population. You can control the cultural narrative because people who haven’t learned to practice the important art of questioning everything will be easily manipulated by the mainstream educational narratives. A study of the history of traditional schools quickly reveals that this “dumbing down” was the intention from the start. Public schools in the West were modeled after the worst aspects of the factory style of education developed in 19th century Prussia. “Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth learning can be taught.” — Oscar Wilde Traditional education focuses on teaching, not learning. It incorrectly assumes that for every ounce of teaching there is an ounce of learning that happens by those who are taught. However, most of what we learn before, during, and after attending schools is learned without its being taught to us. A child learns fundamental things as how to walk, talk, eat, dress without being taught these things. Adults learn most of what they use at work or leisure while at work or leisure. Most of what is taught in classroom settings is forgotten, and much of what is remembered is irrelevant. In most schools, memorization is mistaken for learning, and most of what is remembered is remembered only for a short time. Young children today are increasingly aware of the fact that most of what is expected of them in school can better be done by computers, recording machines, cameras, and so on. We should then ask ourselves a few questions. Do the schools that we have designed best suit the world we are entering into? Has the old industrial form of education that our current system is based upon become obsolete? How can schools be designed to prepare young people for a changing world with increasing needs for a future that will be very different from the industrial age of the past? The central argument here is that the way the schooling system is designed and enacted stifles the possibility of many individuals while reinforcing a broader system of control and teaching young people skills for an era of the past. In general, schools today have become places where we actively discourage thinking that is not predefined, approved, and stamped by the larger social system of the day. In the educational process, students should be offered a wide variety of ways to learn, among which they could choose or with which they could experiment. They do not have to learn different things the same way. They should learn at a very early stage of “schooling” that learning how to learn is largely their responsibility — with the help they seek but that is not imposed on them. Homeschooling provides for this offering to your child, as the responsibility to learn or not to learn, lies with the child. Homeschooling gives your child the opportunity to be their own teacher and it is in teaching themselves that they learn.  Subjects are not learned in isolation like they are forcibly taught in mainstream school, rather homeschooling is holistic in its approach, as so much is learned from applying one’s interest and skills to what is being learned. Entrepreneurial education like homeschooling or independent learning teaches the important skills of innovative and creative thinking, helping students develop a flexible “growth mindset” that can adapt to new problems. These kinds of skills are useful beyond the job market. They give students the tools to be active citizens in a complicated and fast-changing world If we want our children to be able to think critically and thrive in the marketplace, it starts with taking back our children’s education any way we can.

Parenting Hub

Turn your kids into bargain hunters not impulse buyers

According to a study by Invesp, 84% of shoppers admitted to making impulse purchases when shopping – with 8 out of 10 impulse buys being made in store as opposed to online. The likelihood of making an impulse buy is sure to increase when shopping with your children, as they spot items they are interested in throughout the store. Is giving in to these requests teaching your children negative spending and saving habits?  African retail giant, Game’s 2021 price perception survey found that over 80% of shoppers were prioritising bargain hunting more so now than they did a year ago – largely due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have seen a massive shift in the shopping and spending behaviours of our customers. There is an increased appetite for specials and deals across all our categories – especially essentials like groceries,” explains Katherine Madley, Vice President of Marketing at Game.  With the consumer budget under more strain than ever before, responsible spending saving habits are increasingly important. Curbing impulse buying habits is an easy and effective way to ensure you are sticking to your monthly budget and spending within your means. As a responsible retailer, Game has looked into ways that parents can instil a culture of healthy habits for their children in this regard – whether shopping in-store or online.   Give Kids Responsibility   Allow children to take responsibility when going shopping, whether it is to ensure you are getting all the items on the list or making sure you do not exceed your shopping budget for the day. This will give them practical experience in managing a budget, and ensure they are focused on planned purchases rather than impulse purchases.   Do Your Research   Teaching your children to shop around for the best deal, rather than buying on impulse, is an incredibly important lesson for them to learn. Game’s survey found that while 64% of consumers compare prices online when bargain hunting, a larger percentage (55%) are using printed leaflets than those carrying out Google searches.   The survey also showed that price comparison programmes are important, with 75% of respondents saying they see the value in comparing prices to receive 10% back on the difference, with Game’s Price Beat Promise, for example.   Define Wants and Needs   When children spot items they want in store, it may be an opportune time to talk to them about the difference between wants and needs. Establishing how much they’d need to save for their wants can make it a rewarding experience when they are able to make the purchase.   Game’s survey showed the importance of essential items in today’s economy, with consumers looking to save predominantly on groceries, baby products and furniture, where household income was less than R2000.  Interestingly, groceries remained a key driver for those with household incomes between R10 000 and R20 000.     Save Your Savings   Only 25% of shoppers are putting retail-related savings into a savings account, while the majority are spending these on extra items they need for their homes – no matter their monthly household income.  Encouraging your children to save these amounts, no matter how small, can build healthy saving habits and help them to reach their financial goals rather than giving into impulse purchasing for immediate gratification.   Establish Ground Rules  Establishing ground rules upfront with your children before going shopping can curb impulse buying by setting clear boundaries. Game is assisting its customers to teach children and teenagers the pitfalls of impulse buying, and has created a downloadable Shopping Agreement that children and their parents can sign that looks to promote responsible shopping and spending habits. Game has also partnered with Nicolette Mashile, author of Coco the Money Bunny – a children’s book that looks to teach children about money – as part of its Simply Save campaign.    “An important part of teaching children about money and the best ways to make it work for them, is teaching them about how best to spend and save their money,” says Mashile. “This agreement is aimed at setting clear boundaries and expectations around shopping trips and ensuring that parents and their children are clear on the rules around spending and saving. This is a way to teach these lessons through positive reinforcement.”  “In light of Savings Month, and as a responsible retailer, Game is focused on assisting our customers in ensuring they are shopping smart, spending responsibly and saving as much as they can,” concludes Madley.  

Prima Baby

Chicco Seat4Fix Air

Whether you’re expecting your very first baby or shopping for a lively toddler, every Chicco car seat is engineered for comfort, safety, and peace of mind. World-class innovation and user-friendly touchpoints make Chicco car seats reassuringly easy to install, making every ride that much safer.  If it is versatility you’re looking for – look no further than the Chicco Seat4Fix Air Group 0/1/2/3 Car seat!  This car seat is suitable for us in all 4 stages of your little one’s life – from birth all the way to 36kg and comes with all the bells and whistles. This seat provides comfortable and secured seating in both the rear and front facing position, thanks to its unique rotating base.   With 3 available recline positions this seat ensures your little one is comfy – even on those extended trips! Breathable fabric allowing for more comfort whilst in the seat UV canopy  Durable shell with additional, removable Side Safety System ensuring exceptional protection in case of a side impact. Soft padded headrest 5 point harness – which adjust easily as your little one grows What more does one need? From R6999.99 this superb car seat can be purchased from participating Baby outlets. For more information head to www.chicco.co.za 

Parenting Hub

FIVE WAYS SAVING IS AS SIMPLE AS… FINDING A DRAGON

When children are young, a few things are generally true. Firstly, a fantastical story is far more likely to grab their attention than a hum-drum one. Secondly, their little minds are like sponges and they are rapidly learning money habits that are likely to last. So, it is the best time to start them on the right financial journey and set them up for a lifetime of financial confidence! This National Savings Month, when the spotlight is on learning how to put money away – for rainy and sunny days – now’s the time to have crucial, meaningful conversations with kids about good money habits. Sadly, not enough South African households have these discussions. To avoid that glazed-over look on your six-year-old’s face – her mind is 100% on ponies again – making money discussions fun is key. Sanlam recently launched its free Sanlam Savings Jar app which uses Augmented Reality and animation – in the form of a life-size growing dragon – to teach children the wonders of saving. Mariska Oosthuizen, Head of Brand at Sanlam, says that the app was designed to get families talking about money. “We recently rebooted our brand to be purpose-led, with a mission to empower more people to live with confidence. We believe this starts in childhood. With this app, we wanted to create something fun, that entrenches positive saving behaviour through repetition and reward.  Children become young dragon masters and the more treasure they save in their virtual jars, the more their pet dragons grow.” To help you explain simple money concepts in ways that will keep your children engaged, why not take them on a magical money quest? In keeping with the mystical and magical dragon theme, here are the five things that savings and setting out to find a dragon have in common. 1.To start your quest, you need a goal! Every adventure starts with a goal! This could be anything, from finding a dragon (because of course they exist) to building a magical castle out of jellybeans. When it comes to saving, you also need a goal, which should be simple and achievable!  Perhaps it is to save enough to buy a skateboard. Or enough to buy gifts for less privileged kids at Christmas. Or the family a round of ice creams next time you go out. Whatever you decide, this goal is very important. It gives you the focus and direction when it comes to saving. 2.Next you need to plan your quest… How exactly are you going to find this dragon? Do you have an ancient map, drawn up by the dragon riders of old? How long do you think your quest will take? What equipment do you need to wrangle your mystical beast when you find it?  Will you need some help from others on your adventure? A dragon tamer perhaps? These are very important considerations indeed. And saving for your goal is no different. You need a plan that says how long you are going to take to reach your goal and what exactly you’ll do with the treasure you earn on the way. A goal without a plan is just a dream! Make yours a reality. 3.How will you pay for your adventure? Dragon-wrangling costs quite a bit of treasure! Do you have enough saved, or will you need to use your talents to make more money? Think about the things you’ll need for your quest. They all come at a price! Once you find your winged wonder, it’ll also be pretty pricey to feed your new pet. Dragons eat A LOT of spaghetti. Similarly, when saving, you need a budget that will allow you to cover your needs and wants and still put enough aside to reach your savings goal. 4. What talents can you use to make more money for your quest? By now, you’ve probably realised that having a pet dragon is pricey. You need to feed your beastie, get his wings regularly serviced at the dragon-wash, and employ a talon-ted nail artist to file his claws. That’s not cheap! So, how will you earn more to grow your treasure? Think about what you can do around your castle to earn more money. Can you do extra chores for cash? Or do you have a special talent you can use? Could you paint your dragon and sell your art for money? Or bake cupcakes and sell them to family and friends? Make a list of ways you can get your paws on more shiny coins! 5.  Big adventures take time… but they’re so worth it! One does not simply find a dragon overnight. It takes time. A long time, sometimes. Dragons are pretty sneaky. They know how to hide. So, you might be looking for a while. But that means that when you find your precious pet, it’ll be all the more special, right? You might be tempted to settle for lesser dragons on the way. Like maybe you’ll see a lizard and think it’s just a baby dragon in disguise. But it’s not really! It will be fun for a while but deep down, you’ll still long to find yourself a bona fide dragon pet. One cannot fly into the clouds on a lizard. That would be ridiculous. When it comes to savings, the same can be said of spending on something that you don’t really need, just because you feel like getting something new. Think quickly before buying a small Lego pack with some figurine, rather than saving and waiting until you can get the bigger box set. A lot of adults struggle with delayed gratification and it can land them in all sorts of debt. Learning this skill during childhood can be invaluable for a successful and financially confident future. For more information about the Sanlam Savings Jar, visit Sanlam.co.za or download it from the app store. Or to complete a 21-day savings challenge with your kids, visit Sanlam.co.za And for more about the app, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9lNrMnTTws 

HeronBridge College

Practical tips for developing your child’s social and emotional skills

As children grow and develop, certain milestones are used as a basic measurement tool. When they are babies, these milestones tend to be more physical in nature: is your child sitting, smiling, crawling, saying simple words? As children get older, parents and teachers look for things like reading and language skills, understanding numbers, catching a ball, tying shoelaces.  The more a child grows and begins to understand the world around them, the more complex developmental progress becomes. They start to develop an understanding of relationships, who they are, how certain things make them feel and the consequences of their actions.   As parents, it is our responsibility to help our children to grow into well-rounded and socially adept adults. We need to equip our kids with the skills to live successfully in the ‘everyday’, as good and kind human-beings who are able to think critically, cope when things don’t go as planned, and improve the lives of those around them.  After living in a global pandemic for the past year and a half, social and emotional learning is now more important than ever. While normality has been turned on its head, our children have had to cope with things that even we, as adults, are finding incredibly difficult.  The teachers and educational psychologists at HeronBridge College developed the GROW programme in the Preparatory school to focus on social and emotional learning as part of the school curriculum. GROW presents activities that encourage children to use their internal resources, question how they think about certain things, whether their actions are kind – to others as well as themselves – and walks them through coping mechanisms for moments of anxiety and stress.  The curriculum in the GROW programme is flexible and changes depending on the specific needs of the children in each grade. Last year, as children faced the new challenges presented by the pandemic, GROW was adapted to respond to the anxieties that they were facing and assisted them with tools to navigate this space.  Megan-Lee Spence-Ross, Educational Psychologist & Head of Learner Support at HeronBridge, offers the following activities to support social and emotional learning at home:   Invent a heart-powered super-hero Ask your child what they believe to be their special ‘heart power.’ This could be kindness, generosity, caring for others, positivity, etc. Then carve out some time to talk about why this makes them special and what they would do with their super-power. Take it to the next step by drawing their super-hero, giving him/her a name, creating an outfit and presenting them to family with a story.  This activity helps children to conceptualise and vocalise what makes them unique. Creating a super-hero allows them to look inward in a fun way that is relevant to them, and using their super-power for good encourages empathy.  Make a worry jar For children that need help coping with anxiety, this is a great exercise that provides a tangible way to verbalise and control their worries.  Find a glass or plastic jar, give your child some colourful paints or stickers and help them decorate it, and then label the jar. Work with your child to write down all their worries on strips of paper, place them in the jar for safe-keeping, and schedule ‘worry time.’  During your set ‘worry time’ – which can be after school or in the afternoon, but not right before bed – allow your child to open the jar, add some worries to it, or take some out to talk about with you. Use open-ended questions to help guide your child’s thinking, encouraging them to find solutions to their problems.  To help your child learn the skill of compartmentalising, stick within a given timeframe for ‘worry time’. Having an end to this dedicated exercise also allows your child to move forward, even if something is bothering them.  If your child finds that worries creep in during the day – as is natural for many of us – have them write it down and save it for worry time. You might find that your child doesn’t want to worry on a certain day, or has none – celebrate this – and even better, if something is no longer causing anxiety, find it in the jar and throw it away.  Find the gifts  Whether your family has been in a self-imposed lockdown, school has been closed, or parents have been working from home, work with your child to find the ‘gifts’ in your ‘pandemic situation.’  Ask your child to snap some pictures or make a video of the things that they have enjoyed or found special. This could be something as simple as being home with beloved pets, sleeping in late because of online school, or afternoon bike rides with dad.    By shifting the focus onto positive things, children are encouraged to create their own narrative in a space or time that might be very difficult for them. You might find it helpful to print out the pictures and stick them on your child’s bedroom wall as an encouraging reminder of the things that they find joy in. Whatever tools you choose to assist your child in growing their social and emotional skills, the most important thing is to be there with them, actively engaging and showing them your love and care. Sometimes our children have feelings they can’t explain – that’s okay, so do adults – be their safe space and journey with them on figuring things out together.    

Fluent Panda

TESOL – What is it and do you need it?

TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a teaching certificate that qualifies you for teaching English to speakers of foreign languages. It is a course that allows anyone, regardless of their previous qualifications or fields, to have the ability to teach students – with the main requirement being that you are a native English speaker.  However, is this qualification worth it and what should you choose?  Important TESOL information Largely, the TESOL certification is very unregulated – with anyone able to advertise and offer TESOL courses without it being regulated or without them having an accredited TESOL course. This can lead to many people joining a course and receiving a certificate that is NOT internationally recognised.  When choosing the TESOL course, try look out for the following: Pricing. Does it seem too good to be true/much less than any other services provided? Proper accredited TESOL courses do not come cheap – most of the time certificates have to be sent from overseas to South Africa and externally moderated before being granted.  Accreditations. Ask the service provider who they are accredited with if you can’t find any details and check if the company is an actual TESOL course accreditor. This is very important as most times this is what foreign employers will look for. A certificate that does not have any accreditation or standing will seem very unreliable to future employers regardless of how good the course was.  Beware of pop-up courses or schools. You should only consider TESOL institutes that have had a good number of students who recommend the course and that has been around for some time. It is not to say that there are no new schools that are accredited, but always be sure they are correctly accredited! Try choose the 140 hour course over the 120 hour course. The difference between the 2 is simply that the 120 hour course is JUST assignments and course materials. It does not include any teaching practice. The 140 hour course is the same content, but includes the extra 20 hours of teaching practice. This is generally better received by employers as they know you then have some sort of experience in a classroom vs. none. What are the prerequisites to studying TESOL? This varies from institution but most institutes require at least a matric certificate. You need to have completed high school studies in order do TESOL. The second pre-requisite is that you are a fluent / native English speaker.  It should however be noted, that when applying for a job overseas, TESOL alone will not usually be their only pre-requisite. Most international schools in addition to TESOL also require completion of a tertiary education degree – at least an undergraduate degree but some also require up to honors level. Be sure to check with the program / country / place you are seeking employment at all the requirements they have. Naturally, if you are planning on teaching, a teachers degree or qualification is favoured over others.   Who should get a TESOL degree? This is a difficult question to answer but in general it is best for people who are looking to immigrate to a foreign country. In this respect it is useful for matriculants or graduates who aren’t sure if they want to stay in South Africa, or for adults who are looking to relocate but are worried about finding employment overseas with their current qualification / job.  If you are planning on staying in South Africa, TESOL will not be as useful a qualification and it will be very difficult (not impossible) to find a teaching job just on TESOL alone. This is the general rule with any English-speaking country. There will always be exceptions, but it is not the rule. This is because TESOL is to teach non-english speakers English – it won’t qualify you to teach any other subject locally or abroad.  For people wanting to immigrate to non-English speaking countries, particularly European and Asian countries, then TESOL is an exceptional way to get your foot in the door of employment with many countries requiring TESOL as the main requirement for employment.  Of course – it does always help if teaching is also a career path you are interested in pursuing.  In general, the certificate itself never expires once passed – and as it is an internationally recognised qualification, if you have a young matriculant or graduate in your family, the course is worthwhile in helping them have foreign opportunities in addition to their qualifications.  Why study TESOL with Fluent Panda? If you’ve decided TESOL is for you, then the next step is to register – and Fluent Panda Language School offers one of the best TESOL courses for the following reasons: INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED. Our TESOL courses are internationally accredited by the TESOL committee based in the United Kingdom. Certificates are internationally sent and assignments are externally moderated. This has led to many our students being granted jobs in foreign countries easily.  120 and 140 HOUR COURSES AVAILABLE We offer both the 120 hour and 140 hour course in order to complete your certification.  IN CLASS OR SELF STUDY OPTIONS AVAILABLE Fluent Panda allows you the choice – you can choose to self study the course material and hand in assignments in your own time or have a teacher led class where the material will be taught to you FLEXIBLE STUDY HOURS We are aware life is busy and not everyone is able to commit to a 120 hours or 140 in class in order to complete their course. This is why we offer self study options where students can learn the material in their own time with certification being granted upon completion and marking of assignments.  FURTHER STUDYING AVAILABLE In addition to this, Fluent Panda also has accredited courses in Business English for those requiring it for their employers or further self-development. 

Toptots Head Office

3 healthy foods to feed your toddler

We all know the importance of our children having a healthy diet, but it’s not always easy to get your toddler to eat what they should. We know the struggle of trying to get your child to eat what they should, and so we have put together a list of ‘Superfoods’ that aren’t only amazingly good for your child’s health, but also taste great. 1.Bananas for a healthy child This simple and affordable fruit is packed full of nutrients for your child.  What do they have: Vitamin B6 for producing red blood cells and keeping up a healthy nervous system Vitamin C to prevent tissue and cell damage, boost their immune system, absorb iron and help them produce serotonin (the hormone that amongst other things helps them sleep better). Potassium to grow a healthy heart and keep a stable blood pressure. Fibre to keep a healthy gut, control blood sugar, aid digestion and minimise constipation. Energy that is slow releasing and will give your child what they need to play and learn If your child doesn’t like the texture of bananas, try incorporating them into this healthy flapjack recipe instead: Mash one ripe banana well with little to no pieces. Add 1/8 tsp baking powder, 1/8 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of raw honey to the bananas Combine banana mixture and two eggs thoroughly Cook on medium heat using a non-stick pan 2.Sweet potatoes for a healthy child Again, these are easy to make, affordable and tasty. They also have numerous health benefits for your child. What do they have:  Beta Carotene helps raise Vitamin A levels in their blood – and works really well in children Vitamin C to prevent tissue and cell damage, boost their immune system, absorb iron and help them produce serotonin (the hormone that amongst other things helps them sleep better). Potassium to grow a healthy heart and keep a stable blood pressure. Vitamin B6 for producing red blood cells and keeping up a healthy nervous system Vitamin E to protect their bodies against oxidative damage. Fibre to keep a healthy gut, control blood sugar, aid digestion and minimise constipation. Energy that is slow releasing and will give your child what they need to play and learn You can cook these like potatoes and mash them up, for a sweet potato mash dish. Or try this Sweet Potato chips recipe: Pre-heat your oven to 200C Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, dry them and slice them into chip sized strips with the skin on. Coat the strips with a tablespoon of olive oil Sprinkle with salt Sprinkle with Rosemary (only if your toddler doesn’t mind seeing green things on their food!) Bake in the centre of the oven for 35-40 minutes, shifting them half-way through 3.Plain Greek yoghurt and Blueberries for a healthy child Even though both of these foods carry their own benefits, together they taste good enough for most fussy toddlers to eat. What does Greek yoghurt have:  Calcium for optimal bone health and growth in children Protein is essential in any diet; it also helps them feel fuller for longer and keeps their metabolism functioning. Probiotics to balance your child’s gut with good bacteria, which has an effect on many things within their bodies.  What do Blueberries have: Vitamin C to prevent tissue and cell damage, boost their immune system, absorb iron and help them produce serotonin (the hormone that amongst other things helps them sleep better). Antioxidant compounds to help your child’s cells fight damage, help prevent chronic diseases, and boost brain function. Blueberries have the highest levels of antioxidants compared to other fruit and vegetables Fibre to keep a healthy gut, control blood sugar, aid digestion and minimise constipation.  While blueberries are great to eat as is, depending on the age of your toddler, they may be a chocking hazard. Try incorporating the Greek yoghurt and make this Smurf Shake for your child. Blend together: 1 cup of blueberries  1 banana ½ cup of plain Greek yoghurt ½ cup of milk of your choice ½ cup of water Raw Honey to taste

Syllabis Learning

The Wonderful New way of Learning

Traditional approaches to education are no longer relevant in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With the pace of change accelerating in the 21st century, a key requirement to thrive is lifelong learning and the ability to acquire new skills quickly.  How can “learning to learn” and the ability to be continually reinventing oneself be fostered in children from a young age? It starts with recognizing that the world is changing faster than ever before. To prepare children for the future, parents need to be forward-looking and re-access the type of education that your child needs in this day and age. In today’s world of artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, you must prepare children for uncertainty and promote agility and adaptability. This requires a reorientation from early childhood education through to university.  It means encouraging flexibility rather than specialization. Parents and children need to completely reimagine education. Instead of learning to memorize facts and figures, students need to “learn how to learn” and how to solve problems. They should be allowed to learn independently, which means that changes are needed at every level. We must infuse things like entrepreneurship into the curriculum because with the disruption we are experiencing in society, many individuals will need to be able to create their own jobs.  We may end up in a world in which people are more likely to be autonomous contractors rather than having a secure job that lasts for a lifetime as our parents and grandparents had. We need to completely reframe the system of education based on where the world is going, instead of repeating the same failing patterns that are no longer applicable in the new world we are living in.  Education has always been seen as merely the first twelve to fifteen years of your childhood, It needs to be re-identified as a lifelong opportunity, as we truly never stop learning. Working on projects for real organizations, going out into your community, and understanding real-life challenges that people are facing helps you to shape your learning into experiences that you will benefit from throughout your life. These experiences cannot be learned from a textbook but rather by looking at the world head-on. Education has historically been what one can call “Just in case education”, which gives you all kinds of facts and figures just in case it may become relevant to you. But today what we need is “just in time education,” which has three main characteristics:  It never stops. Education is lifelong, we always hold the opportunity to learn. It is focused on learning how to learn and learning how to solve problems. You learn independently outside of the traditional classroom, you learn from projects, from playing, from mentors, from experiments, and in a variety of other ways.  Instead of giving students a menu of academic disciplines, we should rather present them with a menu of problems and challenges that the world is facing. So, when we ask students to declare a mission and not a major, we are saying: “Pick a problem you want to solve and build your learning around that.” It is about giving a purpose to learning and not just learning for learning’s sake. It is about creating problem solvers because problem-solving will always be relevant even as the world changes. When a machine makes your job obsolete – if you are a problem solver, you will still have relevance in the world.  How can your child be his or her own teacher? From the moment a child is born, they have a raging desire to learn, and we believe that if you just follow their lead, provide them with a rich environment, give them the undivided time and attention of the people who care about them the most and encourage their efforts, they will not only learn but exceed all expectations Students have the capability of teaching themselves which makes teachers unnecessary for independent homeschooling.  Kids are born with a love of learning. And strategies like repeated testing and flaunting failure stifle a child’s desire to learn The secret to motivating your child is to always let them know that how great you believe they are and remind them that they have the potential to achieve anything.  At Syllabis Learning we strive to ensure each student has everything they need within their grasp, creating an environment that enables the child to reach their full potential. We provide all you need to give your child a safe and secure learning environment. We offer a guided program, a roadmap of studies to meet each child’s learning objectives. All our content is written and developed by qualified teachers and curriculum experts. Syllabis Learning offers a refreshing new choice to the learner of the digital age. 

Squish

Super Immunity, Super You

In a world where regular hand washing and sanitising, social distancing, and wearing of masks has become the new normal, so too is more attention being placed on the immune system than ever before. The immune system is the body’s natural defence, working 24/7 to protect our bodies from diseases and infections caused by invading viruses, bacteria, and other germs. Think of the immune system like an army of soldiers always ready to defend their battlefield. And just as soldiers have a range of protective equipment and tools, if these germs do get into the body, these intruders are backed up by white blood cells, proteins, tissues, and organs like the skin. The good news is that there are ways that we can support our family’s immunity through good food and nutritional choices. Vitamins and minerals, known as nutrients, fuel the body for healthy functioning each day. Like superheroes that each have different superpowers and strengths, so too do the various nutrients help you and your family be stronger every day in different ways. Let us take a closer look at a few key immune-supporting nutrients that you can include in your child and family’s diet on a daily basis to help give their immunities a fighting chance. Vitamin A We do not really think about it, but our skin is an organ that can provide great support to our immune system as the first line of defence against invading bacteria and viruses. To stay healthy, our skin needs vitamin A. Almost 4 in 10 South African children under 5 are vitamin A deficient, which can irreversibly affect the growth and development of a child as well as weaken the immune system. Butternut, pumpkin, and carrots are examples of foods that contain beta-carotene, which  the body converts into vitamin A. Beef or chicken liver is also a cost-effective source of vitamin A. Find fun ways to eat more of these vegetables. For toddlers try grated carrot salads with raisins and pineapple or offer up butternut purees to your baby, with added flavours like cumin or cinnamon for variety. For a convenient and tasty meal or on-the-go snack, why not try Squish 100% fruit and veg puree and Squish pressed 100% fruit and veg juices? Vitamin C We all know that vitamin C is important to keep the immune system strong, protecting the body cells from damage. It also supports the normal function of the skin. The body cannot make or store vitamin C, so it needs to be eaten regularly. Luckily, many fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C. Unfortunately, our South African children are not eating enough fruit and vegetables. Citrus fruits like naartjies and oranges are a good source of vitamin C, as are strawberries, paw, mango, kiwi, peppers, and broccoli. Squish offers a range of 100% fruit and veg purees and pressed 100% fruit and veg juices. The convenient pouches are well-loved amongst mommies and are perfect for babies from the first introduction of solids, right through the weaning process – from babies to toddlers and beyond. Zinc Zinc is an essential mineral that is not made or stored by the body, which means that we need to eat enough every day to meet our needs. Zinc is found in almost every cell of the body, supporting immunity, wound healing, and normal growth and development in children, teenagers, and pregnant women. It is concerning to think that 1 in 2 children in South Africa is at risk of zinc deficiency. In these tough financial times, focus on the more affordable foods that help us meet our zinc needs such as baked beans, porridge, and yoghurts which have added zinc, as well as small portions of chicken and beef. Try to incorporate your little one’s favourite Squish into the meal or as a side.

Parenting Hub

Preparing for baby with Mom2B®

Oh, the happiness of hearing about a longed-for pregnancy! And what fun preparing for the tiny arrival. Where will baby sleep? What baby equipment and cute clothes are needed? Don’t forget mom’s pregnancy wardrobe to cover that expanding tum…  Meanwhile during all this activity and joy, little one is calmly doing his or her unseen baby work – growing and developing to meet the world on that important due date. To help baby and herself during this time of preparation, mom-to-be knows that it is important to eat nourishing food. But because she is the one doing the running around while baby is just a passenger, finding the time and energy isn’t easy.  What helps is to stock the house with chicken, fish, salads, vegetables, fruits and high fibre foods like brown rice, chick peas or oats. These meet her need for smaller and more frequent meals and help her cope with typical tummy problems like nausea, constipation, and cravings.  Mom2B® Pregnancy Shakes can go on the list as part of her pregnancy and breastfeeding preparation too. They are affordable and yummy meal supplements in chocolate, strawberry or vanilla flavours and can be taken once or twice a day, helping her to acquire important nutrients for herself and baby. Just add milk or water for a drink of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and an impressive nutritional content. No wonder Mom2B® is South Africa’s number one pregnancy shake. (*Nielsen MAT Aug 2019) Mom2B® Pregnancy Shakes, available from Takealot, selected pharmacies and retailers, cost around R144 for a 400 g tin of 8 servings.  For more information: www.mom2be.co.za or Facebook https://web.facebook.com/NativaMom2B  WIN! Are you preparing to welcome your little baby, or perhaps organising a baby shower for family member or friend? Enter and stand a chance of winning a Mom2B® hamper comprising of of 6 shakes, Nema the Mom2B® lamb, and a shaker bottle. Valued at over R1000!   

Sanlam Savings Jar

SANLAM’S FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND APP USES GAMIFICATION TO MAKE SAVING MAGICAL FOR KIDS

This National Savings Month, Sanlam has launched its Sanlam Savings Jar  – an interactive app that introduces children to the wonder of saving. The free, first-of-its-kind app helps little ones start a journey of financial confidence by setting them on the path to savvy savings habits for life.  Children become young dragon masters embarking on a fantastical quest. The more they save, the more their mystical dragon grows. Gamification is used to incentivise goal setting and bring the topic of saving to life. The app – which is available on iOS and Android – is an informational tool for parents seeking to introduce their children to smart money behaviours. It forms part of Sanlam’s longstanding purpose to target financial literacy to empower more people to live with confidence, go after their goals and believe they can create a better life for themselves. This doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey, which starts in childhood. Therefore Sanlam has consistently fostered foundational financial and numeracy skills in young people, through various initiatives, including a 21-year relationship with Takalani Sesame. Mariska Oosthuizen, Head of Brand at Sanlam, says, “We know that gamification is a powerful means to educate young people. The Sanlam Savings Jar breaks down basic financial concepts, like planning, goal setting, needs versus wants, and appreciation of money and how to earn it. It’s critical to teach children these concepts early on as habits are formed from as young as seven. Research has shown that South Africa has a notoriously poor savings culture. We hope this app gets the whole family talking about money – a topic that’s often taboo. Our goal is for it to improve families’ financial confidence and success. This has been an underlying theme in all our previous Savings Month campaigns, from ‘Conspicuous Savers’ to the famed ‘One Rand Man’. We consistently use the currency of creativity to attempt to reach people in meaningful, innovative ways. It’s important to note the Sanlam Savings Jar teaches children savings habits through virtual ‘treasure’, rather than actually asking people to save in the current, difficult Covid-19 climate.” Gamification means better learning outcomes Gamification has long been seen as a silver bullet of sorts when it comes to educational outcomes. Multiple studies point to improved engagement and learning. The Smithsonian Science Education Centre says gamification stimulates more activity in the regions of the brain that facilitate cognitive development. So-called ‘brain games’ improve the brain’s processing and information retention. Crucially, children learn morebecause they want to stick with the learning task for longer. Marilize Botha, occupational therapist, says that gamification works well because the focus shifts from expectations to fun, “That’s when we learn and retain information much more easily. For example, when children play games like hopscotch, they’re learning maths without being aware of it.” She says apps work when they have a competitive component, “For example, a child has to apply the learned skill to reach their goal. That’s when the repetition aspect lays down and consolidates the skill.” In Sanlam Savings Jar, saving is the skill reinforced through rewarded repetition. This instant feedback loop is another key part to gamification’s success. With the Sanlam Savings Jar, the closer children get to their goal, the more powerful their dragon grows. The behaviour merits a tangible reward. Pavlovian and powerful, this kind of conditioning helps habits to form. The Sanlam Savings Jar app also allows little ones to learn anywhere, in their own time and on their terms. And it is accessible. The proliferation of mobile means young people are familiar with smart phones almost from the get-go. So, it makes sense to reach them with fresh learning opportunities through a medium they’re active on. Botha adds that play is pivotal to learning, “It’s the main functional task every child must engage in to acquire new skills. In the ‘space’ of playing, children experience the freedom to try – and sometimes also fail – to gain a new skill in a stress-free environment.”  Apps can provide powerful platforms for play. Botha advises that when choosing an educational app, parents ask whether it will help a child to learn a contributing life skill and if the child will experience gratification through the learning process. The Sanlam Savings Jar was designed to make learning as fun and effortless as possible. Oosthuizen concludes, “In 2021, we rebooted our business and brand to become a purpose-driven organisation focused on giving millions of Africans the chance to live with financial confidence. The Sanlam Savings Jar is one of several initiatives that is strongly driving this purpose. It builds on our long journey in the lives of South African children, led by a 21-year partnership with Takalani Sesame and our Foundation’s work in schools and communities. To date, we’ve invested R209 million in Takalani Sesame alone.” For more information, visit the Sanlam Savings Jar site.

Syllabis Learning

Why Homeschool with Syllabis?

From the moment a child is born they have a raging desire to learn, and we believe that if you just follow their lead, provide them with a rich environment, give them the undivided time and attention of the people who care about them the most, and encourage their efforts, they will not only learn, but exceed all expectations. We are all a product of our schooling experiences and in teaching our children we sometimes unwittingly make the same mistakes schools make. Schools arrange for kids to fail. Do you remember how the teachers always caught your mistakes and rarely, if ever caught your successes?  And what about tests? Tests are given to reveal not how knowledgeable we are, but how ignorant we are. The school system is set up so that no matter what you do, you lose. Kids are born with a love of learning. And strategies like repeated testing and flaunting failure stifle a child’s desire to learn. If you want a kid to hate something – be sure to point out all the ways in which he doesn’t measure up. Don’t you agree that most of us avoid doing things that we don’t do well. On the other hand, when we do something well, people notice and give us praise. Our reaction to their praise is believing that we are good at it, and with this boost in confidence we are ready to do it over and over again. Success produces high motivation! The secret to motivating your kid is to always let them know that how great you believe they are and remind them that they have the potential to achieve anything. At Syllabis Learning we strive to ensure each student has everything they need within their grasp, creating an environment that enables the child to reach their potential. We provide all you need to give your child a safe and secure learning environment. We offer a guided program or roadmap of studies to meet each child’s learning objectives. All of our content is written and developed by qualified teachers and curriculum experts. Syllabis Home Education offers a refreshing new choice to the learner of the digital age. Our component based learning plans empower students of all ages  to successfully complete a home based education in a distance learning like environment. It is like having your own virtual school right in your hands. The curriculum consists of a blended mix between online lessons, textbooks, study plans and practical projects and assignments. We present study material to the learner in a simple, concise and understandable way and we provide tangible, creative and technological materials to enhance the learning experience. Our educational material is flexible and easy to use. Give your child the independence they crave, as they progress at their own pace, and because very little parental assistance is required, our curriculum works great if you’re homeschooling more than one child. Our curriculum gives the child the freedom to be flexible.  Self-paced means student-paced and Syllabis students have the ability to work as much as they want every day, which aligns perfectly for a successful homeschooling experience.  We provide everything you and your child need to make is easy to be and stay organized and on top of your learning objectives. Homeschooling is a most suitable way to raise and educate children. Trust the children. Trust yourselves. Embrace the magic, after all the magic is in the child.

Vital Baby

Benefits to using a soother

Should my baby use a soother? When should I introduce a soother if I choose to use one? What if it causes confusion? Who do I speak to if my baby becomes too reliant on a soother? All of these are common questions that every parent thinks about and there are many benefits to introducing a soother to your baby such as distracting and soothing a fussy and uncomfortable baby, assisting with lulling a baby to sleep, easing pain and discomfort during a flight and it may reduce the risk of SIDS. A soother may even lead to a shorter hospital stay for a preterm baby.  The vital baby® SOOTHE™ Airflow Soothers (R119.99) have been developed with the care of you and your baby in mind.  The range helps soothe your baby when they – and you – need it most. Vital Baby symmetrical soother teats make the soother easy for baby to hold in their mouth. 100% soft silicone is taste and odour-free and comfortable for baby. The wide-open Airflow shield helps to protect delicate cheeks against skin irritation. The simple safety ring folds neatly and inconspicuously against the soother and comes with a microwave steriliser box for easy sterilising and storing. The soothers are also dishwasher safe. Available in 0 – 6m and 6m – 18m sizes and available in two different shades. 

Toptots Head Office

Signs your young child may be suffering from Anxiety

There are many reasons why children develop anxiety. From genetics to traumatic events, personality types that are prone to it or natural fears that have deepened. However, it is important to remember that if your child suffers from anxiety, they may not have it for the rest of their lives, and it is a condition that can be managed. Here are signs to look out for to spot anxiety in your child. Unusual tantrums may be anxiety. If your toddler has started throwing temper tantrums and showing disruptive behaviour – these may stem from them being anxious about something. If the tantrums aren’t associated with tiredness, and come about in specific situations, try to take a step back and see if there is something about that scenario that could be overly stressful to your child. Young toddlers often can’t communicate their fears and emotions, so they act out instead. Avoiding situations Have you noticed your young child hiding behind your legs whenever you are in a new place or doing everything, they can not to go to school every day? While both of these situations can be absolutely normal reactions, if you find it persists and becomes more intense, your child may be suffering from anxiety.  Sleep disruptions If your child suddenly battles to sleep through the night, and you find them tossing and turning when they didn’t before – this could be caused by anxiety. Just like adults who suffer from anxiety battle to sleep, so too can affect your child’s sleep.  Physical signs If your toddler or young child often complains of things like tummy aches or a sore head, however, doctors have said that there is nothing wrong; this could be a sign of anxiety. And they aren’t pretending. The stress that anxiety can cause their bodies can induce these psychosomatic symptoms.  The difference between being anxious and a disorder Everyone has moments when they feel anxious. This doesn’t necessarily mean you are suffering from an anxiety disorder. In actual fact, anxiety in the form of fears can be good for our children – it is our brain’s way of telling us something may be dangerous. When usual fears and stress start to become debilitating and stops your child from doing everyday things – this is when they may be dealing with an anxiety disorder. What you can do to help Not all of the above signs mean your child has anxiety – however, if you spot more than one on a regular basis, the best bet would be to take your child to their doctor and let them know your concerns.

Parenting Hub

Avoid financial fraud when getting your vax

People are feeling more positive about dealing with the pandemic now that more healthcare workers and senior citizens are being vaccinated – but financial caution is still the name of the game, warns personal finance website JustMoney.co.za. “Keep tabs on your personal information when getting your jabs,” says JustMoney.co.za marketing manager Shafeeka Anthony. “Sadly, even a pandemic does not stop fraudsters in their tracks. The vaccination programme has the potential to increase economic activity and restore some business confidence, but it also offers new opportunities for charlatans and tricksters.” People may also be tempted to spend cash more freely when they are vaccinated, return to office work, and participate again in social and sporting activities. However, even if the vaccine rollout picks up speed, it’s vital to remain vigilant when it comes to managing your money. “The pandemic is by no means over, and we were already in a recession before Covid hit,” says Anthony. “South Africa has the highest unemployment rate in over a decade. Many people who enjoyed permanent jobs have had to adapt to contract or freelance work. Even those who were on track to pay off their debt have experienced setbacks. The situation is dire for many, and likely to remain so for some time.” Vaccination scams News that the vaccines are being rolled out has made many people impatient to get their jab. It’s important, however, not to allow your anxiety or eagerness make you vulnerable to Covid-related scams. For example, you could fraudulently be asked for a payment in order to get a place in a queue or to obtain a vaccination. Scammers also use telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms and door-to-door visits to pick up personal information. This can lead to medical identity theft, when someone who has no right to claim on your medical aid uses your information to gain access to healthcare services. This usually involves out-of-hospital claims, such as filling a prescription at a pharmacy or visiting a general practitioner and accessing medical services in your name. Read an article on medical identity theft here. People are also vulnerable when they search online for better prices for specialist medication. You could end up buying a fake drug, not only losing your money, but potentially damaging your health too.  “Should you require accurate information pertaining to Covid, vaccinations and other medical questions, check out the official Covid government site, contact your medical aid provider, or get in touch with a health professional. Do not share your personal or health information with a stranger,” says Anthony. If the pandemic has made you more aware of medical costs, read a handy JustMoney.co.za guide to medical aid here.  Ailing investments People with some spare cash could also be tempted to invest in companies that produce medical devices or drugs. The healthcare sector has caught investors’ attention as some companies have received regulatory approval for drugs to treat Covid, while others are rushing to develop products and get approval. Unscrupulous operators are well aware of this. “If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” warns Anthony. “Before you invest in a potentially dodgy company, do your homework. Preferably discuss your personal circumstances and goals with a qualified financial advisor. The key to reducing investment risk is to have a balanced, diversified portfolio and to plan for the long term.” Read a handy JustMoney.co.za article on who can benefit from the services of a financial advisor, and how you will be billed for this here. Unhealthy debt A key tip to remaining financially healthy is to avoid getting into debt, and if you already have one or more loans, do your best to keep up your repayments. The general rule is that 20%-30% of your salary should go towards repaying your large debts such as a house or car. “Create a budget, stay in touch with your creditors, and if you experience problems with repayments, discuss your situation. People will be more understanding if they see you have a plan.” Read a JustMoney.co.za article on how to keep your debt under control here. If you are having problems with debt, find out more about debt counselling and consolidation here. “Taking the time to learn a few critical financial rules can help you build a healthy financial future,” says Anthony. “At JustMoney.co.za, we understand that juggling all the demands of a pandemic is stressful enough without worrying about how to manage your money matters. “That’s why we’ve made it straightforward to find trustworthy articles, guides, budget calculators and products on our website and our credit management portal, CreditSav. You can quickly get the information you need on your desktop or mobile phone and make informed decisions,” Anthony concludes. Find advice you can bank on at https://www.justmoney.co.za/.

Parenting Hub

HeronBridge College – Coming soon

Are you looking for an educational institution for your little one in 2022? Watch this space to learn more about all that HeronBridge College has to offer.

Prima Baby

Kaily car seat incl Base

When it comes to your little one’s safety, the absolute first item to consider when it comes to transporting your baby is a suitable car seat!  The fact is that when your baby is correctly strapped into their car seat their risk of dying in a car accident decreases. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN INFANT CAR SEAT? Rear Facing Bucket shaped with the handle  Installed Base for easier transitions The Chicco Kaily car seat is a new Group 0+ car seat that is homologated for babies up to 13kgs.  It really is the perfect ally for little ones who will be rear facing for the first few years of their lives. The base is installed with your vehicles seatbelts, which allows the seat to click into the base, providing a sophisticated and easy travel experience – the less times we wake a sleeping baby the better!  This car seat is compatible with several of our Chicco strollers allowing for a versatile travel system solution.   From R3999.99 at participating outlets, the Kaily car seat is a safe and reliable choice for travel with your most loved treasure – your little one!

ChildSafe

Preventing Childhood Burn Injuries

It is winter again.!!! Time for warm clothes, hot drinks, food, heaters and fireplaces. Young children like to explore.  They do not know what is dangerous and what is not. Many parents do not realise how many burns hazards are within easy reach of a child. A child’s skin burns much quicker than that of an adult. Let us continue to take care this winter not to endanger a child’s life through one careless moment. Here is some useful information to keep your family happy and safe this winter season.

Toptots Head Office

Baby’s physical milestones for every age

As parents, we naturally want to keep track of how our little ones are developing or if there are any concerns around things they are supposed to be doing. This milestone guide, written by Occupational Therapist Megan Smith, gives you the average milestones children reach at certain ages. It is important to note that not all children are the same, and many develop at different paces than others. If you are concerned about drastically missed milestones, we always suggest booking an appointment with your child’s doctor to check everything is on track.  Milestones for 0 to 6-month-old babies During the first 0 to 2 months of the baby’s life, they have limited control over their own movements as they are generally due to reflex actions. (Baby massage and exercises will assist in muscle strength and tone development).  During the first few weeks, babies will lie in a flexed position (tucked inwards, knees to chest and arms towards trunk centre). This mimics the position they maintained in the womb and allows them to feel safe and secure. Swaddling assists babies in maintaining the contained position.  Babies first motor milestone are to overcome flexion and uncoil into a more neutral lying position. As their back muscles strengthen, this becomes easier and more natural.  4 to 6 weeks – during tummy time, babies will start to lift their heads off the mat for short periods of time. As the neck muscles start to strengthen, this movement becomes easier and will be sustained for longer.  By six weeks, they should be able to hold their head up for a few minutes in supported sitting and on their tummy.  12 weeks – arm movements start to appear more controlled as babies start to swipe for objects held in their visual field. This is important for developing arm strength.  By 3 months old, when babies are placed on their side, they can roll over onto their back. 3 months – babies can hold their heads up at a 45-degree angle during tummy time.  During the 8 to 12-week period, babies will start to notice their hands and bring them to their mouths actively. This is the starting point in developing hand-eye coordination.  4 to 6 months – babies start to prop up on their elbows during tummy time and may even hold themselves up on straight arms in this position. They may collapse on one arm, causing them to roll over accidentally.  4 to 6 months – when lying on their backs, babies will start to play and engage with their toes, bringing them right up to their mouths. This is important as the position strengthens their tummy muscles.  By 6 months, babies should be rolling one way – back to tummy or tummy to back.  By 6 months, babies will love to be supported on your lap in the standing position and bounce. This strengthens the leg muscles to prepare them for pull-stand.  6 months – babies should achieve the sitting position.  6 months – babies hands become more functional, and they start to actively grasp and manipulate objects.  Milestones for 6 to 12-month-old babies 9 months – independent sitting where babies will be able to get in and out of the sitting position on their own.  While sitting, babies will start to reach forward for objects and turn their trunks to the sides to reach objects. During the reach, they may find themselves propping forwards into the crawling position.  9 months – babies should have a good contralateral crawl.  By 9 months, babies can pick up an object between their thumb and forefinger.  Around 9 to 10 months, babies can pass toys from hand to hand.  At 9 to 12 months, babies will start using external objects to pull themself into a standing position.  Once in a supported standing position, babies will bounce and rock on their legs, preparing their muscles for weight shifting needed to achieve walking.  During this period, one bounce will eventually turn into a step, and they will learn how to cruise – holding onto something with their hands for support and moving their feet. Walking is the most variable milestone and really depends on the individual child. Some walk at 9 months, others at 16 months.  Milestone for 12 to 18-month-old babies  At 12 months, they will point to objects with their index finger.  At around 15 months, they can now bend in standing to pick up a toy. At 15 months, babies can crawl up a few stairs.  At 18 months, babies can start to take a few steps backwards. At 18 months, babies can page through a thick paged book.  Milestones for 18 to 24-month-old babies  Towards 2 years, toddlers can now run more rhythmically, faster and with better balance.  At 2 years, toddlers can walk up and down stairs unaided, holding onto a rail.   They can stand and kick a big ball without losing balance.  They can catch a ball if you through it into their arms.  Milestones for 2 to 3-year-old’s At 2 years, they will start to ride a tricycle.   They can hit a ball lying on the floor with a bat.  They are able to hold a crayon with all fingers and their thumb in opposition, using elbow and shoulder to draw.  They can jump down a step with two feet together. At 2,5 years, they can walk between two lines.  They will start to cross the midline of their body during activities.  They can stand on one leg momentarily.  They can throw a ball in a specific direction.  They can kick a ball without losing balance.  They can use their fingers separately – touching their thumb to their index finger.  Milestones for 3-year-olds They can walk backwards, forwards and sideways.  They can walk heel-toe with good balance. They can walk on a straight line.  They can throw a ball from above his head.  They start to use an inferior pencil grip – holding the pencil between their thumb, index

Impaq

How to support your family during a crisis

What is a crisis? Crises are pronounced adverse life events typically accompanied by some type of loss. A crisis can include a death or accident in the family, a parent losing their job, or violent crime. Sometimes, even good things – like a new marriage or a pregnancy – can feel like a crisis because of the associated stress and how these events change a person’s life.  How children react to a crisis Children are very perceptive and will notice when there is something ‘wrong’ in the family. Depending on a child’s age, they may not be able to verbalise their feelings. Consequently, children may present with behaviours that are not standard for them. During a crisis, it is important to keep an eye out for behavioural oddities such as: Aversions to stimuli that previously did not bother them Disturbed sleep or nightmares Diminished interest in school and other activities Poor concentration Age regression (acting younger than they are) What parents can do for themselves As the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup: parents cannot help their children unless they help themselves. Here are some tips on how you, as a parent, can look after yourself during a time of crisis: Focus on the most significant and pressing responsibilities. By concentrating on what is essential and paying less attention to less important things, you will not burn yourself out trying to ‘do it all’. Determine what you can and cannot control. By focusing on the things you can control, you will be able to reduce your stress. Practise self-care. Although self-care is something we should always be practising, it is imperative during a crisis. Take an hour to read your favourite book, have a luxurious bath, or treat yourself to a delicious snack. While self-care might feel unnecessarily indulgent, it is crucial for helping you keep calm and to keep your stress in check. Read more: Parental self-care  Make sure to reach out and connect with loved ones. Humans are inherently sociable creatures, and no man is an island. Keep in contact with friends and other family members, as they are a vital source of support during a crisis. Keep loved ones informed of the situation, and spend time with them when and where possible. Respect that people deal with crises differently. Some people are more openly emotional than others; some find it more challenging to cope with stressful situations – be mindful of the different personalities in your family. Do not expect everyone to recover at the same rate, and remember that healing is not linear: there will be ups and downs. Be easy on yourself and your family. Allow yourself to recognise and express your feelings. Ignoring them will not make them go away, and trying to repress your emotions will backfire in the long term. Give yourself the necessary time to grieve and heal. Acknowledging your fears and anxieties is good not only for your emotional wellbeing but also for your children’s wellbeing as they will see that it is okay and normal to have and talk about these feelings. What parents can do for their children Above all else, during a crisis, children need to feel safe and know that they have people in their life on whom they can rely. They will need reassurance, understanding, support, and acceptance. You can help do this for them by: Talking openly about the situation with your child. Share accurate but age-appropriate information about the problem, do not keep them in the dark. Use simple language and avoid sugar-coated metaphors. Answer their questions but refrain from giving them details they do not need. If you do not know the answer to a question, be honest and let them know you will try to find out. Being positive. While it is important to be honest and realistic, be optimistic and tell your children that you are dealing with the situation and expect things to get better. Reassure and encourage them, but do not make false promises. Listening to children. Too often, parents brush off or invalidate their children’s concerns, but you must tune in to their feelings and take them seriously. Take time to ask them how they are feeling and if they would like to talk about their feelings. If they are non-verbal or unsure how to verbalise their feelings, encourage them to draw, write, or use toys to ‘tell a story.’ Read more: Supporting your child’s emotional intelligence development Helping children socialise. As mentioned, parents need external support from loved ones, and so do children. Facilitate contact with people with whom you know your child likes spending time and feels comfortable, whether this is a best friend, an aunt, or anybody else! Read more: You’ve got a friend in me Spending extra time with children. Children might feel the need for extra attention from caregivers during a crisis, so be sure to give it to them if that is what they need. Do a fun activity together (like watching a family-friendly movie), or take some more time putting them to bed. Ask them what you can do for or with them that will make them feel better. Most importantly, for both parents and children, try to stick to your routine as much as possible. Predictable routines help children feel safe, and giving them – and yourself – things to do will give all of you a feeling of control. Make sure you and your children eat well, exercise, and get plenty of rest, where possible.  Read more: New normal, new routine  If you are concerned about your wellbeing or that of a family member, seek professional help. A general practitioner can refer you to a psychologist or counsellor specialised in trauma and distress. By Jacqui Smit

Toptots Head Office

ins and outs of Positive Parenting

You may have heard the term ‘Positive Parenting’ thrown around lately. While it may seem like just another parenting trend, it is actually a parenting philosophy and style that is rooted in years of research. Positive Parenting is taking your child’s individual needs, personality and sensitivity into account when raising them. It is based on five main principles. Positive Parenting principle one: Respect This one seems simple, but it’s actually not that common amongst parents. We tend to want to teach our children to respect; however, the first thing we should do is respect our children. Acknowledging that our children are people, just like us, that have the right to their own decisions and emotions. It focuses on giving your child space when needed, respecting their body and their dignity – just like we would want others to respect ours.  Positive Parenting principle two: Proactivity The next foundation of Positive Parenting is being proactive when it comes to responding to your child. Instead of waiting for your child to throw a temper tantrum and then dealing with it, this philosophy urges parents to try and spot the behaviour as it starts or just before. While you get to know your child, this will become easier. Suppose you are at a birthday party and see your child begin to isolate themselves or rub their eyes. In that case, proactive parenting means you will see these signs, know that your child is tiring and reaching their sensory limit and removing them from the situation before a temper tantrum ensues.  Positive Parenting principle three: The Bond Did you know that when babies and young children establish a deep bond with their parents, it helps their brain development and chemical production? It also helps them develop their emotional IQ as they get older. The one sure way to ensure the strength of the bond between yourself and your child is quality time. By quality, we don’t mean amazing adventures or doing special things together. Quality time is simply uninterrupted time with your child. No phones, no TV, no distractions. Just you and baby being together. It can be playtime, reading time, cuddle time, or walk time. Whatever works for you. But spending this close time together will be the foundation of your parent-child bond and will assist you in your parenting for years to come. Positive Parenting principle four: Empathetic Leadership You may find many people against Positive Parenting, as they tend to think it is letting your child do whatever they want. However, this is not the case. As a positive parent, while you are understanding of your child’s needs and individuality, you are most definitely still a leader. This means you don’t let them choose what they want, but you do give them options that suit their personality and your boundaries. You still have rules and consequences; you just make sure that these are centred around mutual respect and empathy. Positive Parenting principle five: Positive Discipline Positive Parenting doesn’t mean your child does not get disciplined. It means that you approach it in a very different way than what is seen as ‘traditional punishment’. Punishment is a way to make your child suffer so that they think twice about doing it again. Positive discipline teaches your child not to repeat the same action by giving them the tools to do things differently. As a positive parent, when your child needs to be reprimanded is seen as a teachable moment. It’s a chance to guide them to understand their actions and show them how they can start learning to act differently. When you approach discipline with empathy instead of anger, you take away the shame and replace it with an environment where your child feels safe to learn.

EXCOM

Our “talking textbooks” help learners engage with their studies

Excom provides the following textbooks: EMS Grades 7 – 9 Accounting Grades 8 and 9 Life Orientation Grades 8 to 12 Business Studies Grades 10 to 12 Learner books are available in English and Afrikaans in both printed and e-book format. Talking textbooks Our ‘talking textbooks’ help learners become active participants in their learning journey. ‘Bubbles’, which are short online lessons, are embedded in our textbooks. The lessons expand on the concepts being taught in class with additional examples and explanations. Learn more about our ‘talking textbooks’ below: All our books are in colour and make use of contemporary case studies and examples. Content is updated regularly Content is developed by experts in their relevant fields, including examination panel members, senior examiners, and moderators. The EMS and Life Orientation ranges follow the CAPS curriculum, and the Business Studies range follows the SAG (IEB) curriculum. All our books have a corresponding educator’s guide. Excom Business Studies workbooks Online learning has become more important than ever, and these workbooks are the ideal tool for learners to manage their learning and ensure they cover essential theory. The framework format is based on the short questions learners can expect in examinations and allows them to plan their answers to fit the available space. Help your learners make the most of their study time – buy Excom textbooks and workbooks today.

Prima Baby

We Black Travel System – Stroller, car seat & carry cot

BUYING A TRAVEL SYSTEM When looking for a travel system, there are a few things that parents must keep top of mind: Comfort Versatility Strength Convenience for parent Longevity and value for money The Chicco We Travel system super combo which includes the We stroller, Kaily car seat and Chicco Soft Carrycot offers parents all they could ask for in a travel system in spades!   This versatile We travel system hits the trifactor!  A safe car seat for complete peace of mind, a buggy-style stroller and a super soft carry cot for those nap times on the move. WHY THE KAILY CAR SEAT? Suitable for use from birth, the Kaily car seat is rear facing for added safety and comes with a based that remained installed in your vehicle with your seat belts for quick transitions in and out the car with a simple click. WHAT MAKES THE WE STROLLER PERFECT FOR PARENTS ON THE GO? It is super lightweight and has a compact fold.  A large canopy with UV50+ protection ensures your little one is always kept safe from harsh conditions.  The cushioning is premium and with full recline capability, your little one can easily nap whilst out and about.  A large storage basket is complimented by slick leather details. SNUG AND SAFE IN THE SUPER SOFT CARRYCOT This carrycot is created from soft breathable fabric with superb inner support for nap times on the go with your little one.  Slotting easily into the reclined We Stroller, you can ensure your baby feels snug and safe even whilst on the go.  Suitable for use up to 9kg, this strong durable carry cot is a super addition to the travel system.   Available from participating baby retailers, this ultimate We Travel system can be purchased from R11 999.99. For more information head to www.chicco.co.za

Squish

How to Tell if Your Baby is Hungry

Just as your baby is learning how to eat solid food, so too will you be learning the skill to read your baby’s hunger and fullness cues. A healthy baby will eat without being coaxed and stop when full. Being responsive to your baby’s signs of hunger and fullness will help manage many frustrating mealtimes and also leave you rest assured that your little human is happy and content with a full tummy. Feed Me! Your baby will let you know when they are hungry by reaching out or pointing to food. They may even become excitable when placed in a familiar eating place like a highchair, and be rather expressive with smiling, cooing, squeals of glee, and maybe even a frustrated cry. Your baby may also move their fingers towards their mouth or try and reach out for the spoon as you prepare to feed. Fill Up! Adults, babies, and children are less likely to eat beyond fullness and your baby will very clearly tell you if they need more food or if their tummy is full. What started out as a content baby in a feeding chair, now becomes fussier and more irritable. The pace of eating will slow down, and your baby will close the mouth, push food away and even spit it out. Older babies may grab and throw food to the floor. There will be a change in posture from excitable and upright to disinterested and slumping in the chair, and some babies may even fall asleep. It is good to know that it is normal for your baby’s appetite to change from day to day, and even from meal to meal. Be guided by your baby’s interest in food and appetite levels to know how much to offer, rather than worry about an exact amount eaten. It is recommended that you check your baby’s weight regularly and if you are concerned about the amount your baby eats or about its weight you should consult your doctor or specialist. For a convenient way to get your baby to try its first foods, why not try Squish 100% fruit and veg purees? Squish offers a range of 100% fruit and veg purees and pressed 100% fruit and veg juices. The convenient pouches are well-loved amongst mommies and are perfect for babies from the first introduction of solids, right through the weaning process – from babies to toddlers and beyond.

Advtech Group

Mood disorders – know the signs & ways to help your teen

One in eight young people between the ages of 5 and 19 are at risk of developing a mental disorder, of which Mood and Anxiety Disorders are the most prevalent. Emphasis on the mental health of young people recently increased as a result of the disruption caused by Covid-19 and lockdowns which exacerbated challenges that existed before the pandemic. It has therefore once again become important to not only start talking about the mental health of young people, but also to recognise symptoms and know where to look for help, an education and mental health expert says.  “The prevalence of mood difficulties among young people is increasingly becoming a concern internationally,” says Dr Jacques Mostert, Brand Academic Manager at ADvTECH, SA’s leading private education provider. Dr Mostert holds a PhD in Psychology of Education and is globally renowned in his field, having conducted experiential research in education in Denmark, the UK, South Africa and The Netherlands. Dr Mostert notes that an estimated 24% of teens between the ages of 11 to 19 suffer from depression caused by the home environment, 25% are subject to cyber-bullying and loneliness, 92% of LGBT youth report depression during the ages of 11 to 19, and 80% of teens between the ages of 11 to 19 report a sense of isolation that causes them to feel depressed. “It is very important to understand the signs of depression, so that action can be taken timeously should concerns about the mental wellbeing of a child arise,” says Dr Mostert. “Teachers and parents can recognise the onset of depression when a sudden change in behaviour becomes apparent and continues for at least 3 weeks or longer. These include an atypical lack of energy, becoming increasingly irritable and agitated without a rational explanation, and a sense of being down in the dumps for no reason.” Some adolescents may withdraw from friends and family over a sustained period of time, he notes, adding that this is especially concerning if this is atypical of the normal interactions of the teen. “Another red flag is the inability to concentrate in class where ADHD or other non-neurotypical difficulties are not present, as well as regularly failing to complete classroom and homework assignments in time or often being late to class because of feeling overwhelmed. “This, coupled with unusually defiant behaviour towards teachers and other school staff, especially if this is non-typical behaviour, may indicate that the teen is experiencing difficulties with mood and affect.” In the same way as with anxiety difficulties and disorder, the student often asks to go home because of feeling ill with no discernable symptoms.  The teen often has days off from class time due to doctor’s appointments, hospitalisation, or inability to attend classes. Changes in sleep patterns, a significant weight loss or gain in a short period of time and disinterest in hobbies or areas where the teen previously showed interest also raise concerns about the mental wellbeing of the teenager. Finally, a loss of future-mindedness, or talk about death or suicide, engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviour (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or cutting, for example) are clear signs of the teen suffering from mood difficulties or a possible mood disorder. “Not all of the above need to be present, but if there is a discernable and drastic change in a young person’s behaviour which continues for a period of several weeks or longer, intervention is necessary,” Dr Mostert says. He says first steps teachers and parents can take to help their child deal with depression at home and in the classroom include: DEVELOPING COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS Parents of teenagers should develop the habit of listening with empathy and not give in to the easier way out of lecturing. However, it must also be said that parents should be gentle yet persistent when it comes to holding realistic expectations of their child. AVOIDING NEGATIVE TECHNIQUE STRATEGIES Punishment, sarcasm, disparagement, and passive-aggression is a way of affirming the depressed teenager’s belief of not being worthy or a valued member of the family or society. Parents must be willing to be vulnerable and acknowledge their own and their teenager’s feelings, especially at a time of disruption such as the Covid-19 pandemic. NOT LOWERING EXPECTATIONS OR GIVING UNEARNED REWARDS Realistic and earned rewards is one of the most important tools in a parent’s approach to supporting their depressed child. The sense of having earned a reward, and receiving acknowledgement for an aspect of their life they find significant affirms a sense of value. However, the opposite is also true. Unearned praise leaves the teenager with a feeling of inauthenticity and affirms their already negative self-perception.  PLANNING FOR EARNED SUCCESS Activities that are of interest often fall by the wayside when teenagers are depressed. Often parents try to arrange and engage in these activities as a panacea to their teenager’s depression. However, this may exacerbate the young person’s feeling of worthlessness. Parents should find novel and interesting activities that may lead to earned success. This may include DIY activities around the house or asking for help with a specific app or technology in which, when success is achieved, due praise is earned. “Most importantly, parents should trust their gut,” Dr Mostert says. “If your teenager insists that nothing is wrong, despite a prolonged period of depressed mood or being diagnosed with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, parents should trust their instincts and seek help. “Should the above techniques not bring about an improvement in the mental wellbeing, parents should seek advice from their medical practitioner or a psychiatrist.”

Parenting Hub

What kind of insurance should you be considering for older children?

Every parent wants to protect their children to the best of their ability. While the need for long-term insurance for an adult with a career, assets and responsibilities is well understood, few parents consider the value of taking out insurance for older children, particularly those in their late teens and early twenties, to protect them against unforeseen incidents. This age group may not yet be wealthy in terms of assets, but they are ‘rich’ when you consider all their future pay cheques. However, there is a reason that car insurance premiums for young adults under 25 are higher than they are for somebody older – this is a high risk group. But what kind of cover should you be considering for your older children?  Permanent disability or incapacity The most important insurance you should be considering is a permanent disability or incapacity benefit.  In the unlikely event that your child becomes permanently incapacitated, parents and family members are required to assume financial responsibility for providing for the child for the rest of their lives. Expenses could include once-off costs such as modifying your home to accommodate a disabled person, specialised equipment, as well as ongoing monthly expenses for food, clothing, care giving and medical treatment. Life cover Unless your child has financial dependents or significant debt in the form of a student or car loan there is no real need for life cover. However, the advantage to taking out life cover for a young child is that life cover is a whole of life benefit. By taking it out when your child is young and healthy they are guaranteed that there will be cover even if there is a deterioration in their health. Severe illness Statistically speaking there is a lower chance of a child suffering from a severe illness, but that said, there are no guarantees. Each year we see cancer and heart attacks dominate the claims paid out for this benefit although in fairness, this is primarily to older claimants. However, while cancer might be more prevalent in older age categories, the youth are not excluded. Medical aids typically don’t cover the main costs associated with a dread disease such as the cost of a care giver, travel expenses to a rehabilitation centre, and adapting a home for somebody with special needs which means that it is a good idea to have some cover in place to protect against your child suffering from a severe illness. The best case scenario is that your child never claims on this benefit and can chose to continue with the cover when they become an adult. This is a need that remains no matter the life stage one finds themselves and will be needed for one’s whole life. How to insure a child Most insurers offer a “child care benefit’ linked to the insurance benefit taken out by the parent. There will be a maximum pay out in the event of claim. However, the child would need to suffer a very serious illness or injury in order to qualify for a claim. Some insurers allow children from 15 to be comprehensively insured. The disability benefit is only measured against ‘impairment’ definitions as there are no occupational duties to claim against.  It’s time to shake off the perception that only the breadwinner needs disability and illness cover given that the well-being and health of every family member has an impact on household expenses. Speak to your financial advisor for the most appropriate cover for your child. By Trevor Crouse, Private Wealth Manager at NFB Private Wealth Management

Parenting Hub

A Little GLO on the Inside and Out

WHITE GLO UPS THE ANTE ON ORAL HEALTH AND BEAUTY AS ONE  Australian owned brand and leading dental innovator, White Glo is taking over our daily beauty and hygiene routines once again with a new range of hotly anticipated products. No stranger to pushing the boundaries of dental health and beauty, White Glo has launched world first innovations in their Curcumin and Turmeric, Instant White and Micellar Whitening Toothpastes – shaking up our daily brushing routine as we know it.  Maintaining our health and wellbeing has never been more important than right now, and oral health and hygiene are no exception. Our mouths are the gateway to our immune system and vital organs and is often the first port of call when assessing our overall health. But a nod to oral health doesn’t just benefit our insides – taking care of our teeth, tongue and mouth with a consistent routine inevitably brings a freshness to our smiles, and there’s nothing quite like the confidence that a bright white smile brings.   Getting there is not as tricky, disruptive or time consuming as you may think. Enter: the next generation of White Glo. Guaranteed to be working harder and smarter than the toothpaste sitting on your bathroom counter right now, White Glo’s new range heightens every health and beauty routine with a little pizazz you didn’t even know you needed. White Glo Curcumin and Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste (R72.95) – Stockist – Dis-Chem You’ll be forgiven for questioning whether you really did read turmeric in the same sentence as whitening toothpaste. These days, turmeric conjures images of spiced lattes and fragrant recipes, but it also works wonders for gum inflammation and keeping plaque and tartar build up at bay. White Glo’s Curcumin & Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste is equipped with extra strength agents that whitens and protects against decay at the same time.    White Glo Instant White Whitening Toothpaste (R79.95) –  Stockists – Clicks, Dis-Chem & Pick n Pay The joys of a product that make us feel glowing in a moment and has long-term health benefits is truly a thing to behold. White Glo Instant White Whitening Toothpaste has a firm seat at the table, as just one brush will leave you with a new spark to your pearly whites while simultaneously working to whiten the enamel on your teeth in the long term. The Blue Foam Optical technology is based on colour science – blue offsets yellow in the colour spectrum therefore this formula is designed to give teeth an immediate boost for when you need it most. White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste (R49.95) –  Stockist – Dis-Chem Health and beauty gurus are no stranger to the wonders of micellar water for when our skin needs a deep clean. It turns out the same goes for our teeth! White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste is formulated with micelles – an active cleaning molecule which acts as a magnet to capture stains, plaque and tartar on the enamel. No vigorous brushing, no lengthy whitening processes – just a gentle brush with micellar and you’ll be on your merry way to a fresh white smile.                                                                                                              A bright smile goes hand in hand with oral health. It’s never been simpler to satisfy both at once than with White Glo!

Parenting Hub

Teaching children how to spend

You don’t have to wait to leave a monetary legacy for your children, instead, help them develop healthy savings and spending habits now that will set them up for future financial freedom.  As parents we have a significant role to play teaching our children the value of money. These lessons should not be limited to lessons around saving money but should be extended to how to spend. I was shopping with my children a few months ago when my son asked me to buy an expensive Lego set. “Put it on your card,” was his solution when his Lego request was denied. You still have to pay for whatever you spend on your credit card, I explained, adding that you have to earn enough to cover your spend. Since ‘spend less than you earn, buy less than you can afford’ is my personal mantra, I only spend on my card what I can afford to ‘repay’ at the end of each month. Having decided that my children would benefit from a money chat at this point in their lives, I adapted a story from a children’s book, ‘More Than Enough’, distributed by Foord Asset Management. Here’s what I told them: When squirrels get old, they don’t have as much energy as they did when they were young, and they like to rest and enjoy the forest a little more. However, when squirrels are young, they are full of energy and need to collect as many acorns as they can, for a few different reasons: They collect acorns so that they and their family can eat.  They collect acorns for the winter in case food is more difficult to find during these months. They also collect acorns for when they are old and don’t have the energy, or the ability, to go out and look for acorns. These three reasons easily translate into our daily lives and are the motivation both to earn and save: Earn so you can buy food and clothes, pay rent or a bond, pay school fees and maybe even go on holiday.  Create an emergency pot of money in case things do not go to plan – making provision for, for example, unanticipated expenses, job loss, health issues, and so on. You can also add long-term insurance to this pile of acorns; this is a crucial part of an investment portfolio to provide for you and your family in the event of death or disability. Save money for retirement.  Out-of-pocket principles Arguably as important as why to save, it’s imperative to teach children how tospend their earnings and savings. I have often heard friends proudly noting that their children save all their pocket money.  That means that they continue to spend their parents’ money … thereby losing a valuable opportunity to learn a lesson on the value of money. Following our squirrel tale, my children started to receive their own pocket money and manage their own credit cards (debit cards for now, but they don’t yet know the difference). I advised them that half the pocket money was going into a ‘spending account’, for whatever purchases they wanted, and the other half into a ‘savings account’, not to be touched until they turn 18. For now, I put R50 per month into each spending and savings account, and separately have a unit trust for each of them that they are unlikely to be aware of until adulthood. What’s important is not the amount, but the principle. There is already seen evidence of the spending lesson taking root. Over the past few months, my children’s spending habits have changed. What started off as spending on rubbish and sweets has transformed into waiting for a few months of pocket money to get something they really want.  They occasionally ask me how much their savings account has accumulated so they can weigh up a purchase. Each child has had a birthday since we started this and any cash gifts from family and friends go into the spending account. Their savings accounts earn interest, albeit at a paltry rate, which is an opportunity to teach them about the free money (interest and compound interest) they earn by leaving the savings pot alone. Now is the time  We have a duty to teach our children about money and, more importantly, the value of money. This does not mean your sole purpose needs to be to find a job that pays the most. What it does mean is understanding where you are and where you want to go. Financial security, I believe, is within most people’s reach although this will mean different things to different people. If you earn R30 000 a month, for example, it’s unlikely you will drive a Ferrari and go on annual overseas holidays, but you can probably put something away to secure your future.  It’s never too late to start learning about money and savings – it’s also never too early. By Stephen Katzenellenbogen, Senior Executive and Wealth Manager at NFB Wealth Management

Parenting Hub

No mid-years? No problem. How to make the best of extra Matric teaching time

The Matric mid-year exams normally provide a valuable opportunity for Grade 12s to get in the right frame of mind for their all-important final exams later in the year, and for them to get a good idea of how far they’ve come and how much ground still needs to be covered. However the Department of Basic Education has announced that the Matric mid-year exams will once again fall away this year as a result of the impact of Covid, lockdowns and other mitigation measures, to allow for additional teaching time so that Matrics can complete the whole curriculum. An education expert says while it is unfortunate that Matrics will once again lose the opportunity to write an official mid-year exam as a result of our current circumstances, Matrics can, with the right approach, turn this negative into a positive and use the extra time to their advantage. “Unfortunately, like the Class of 2020 before them, the Class of 2021 are again facing the most important year of their school careers under very difficult and unusual circumstances,” says Nola Payne, Head of Faculty: Information and Communications Technology at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. “As pointed out by Minister Angie Motshekga, many Grade 12s would have lost as much as 60% of teaching time this year, on top of the fact that they didn’t finish last year’s curriculum. Additionally, they also had to sacrifice holiday time to make up for lost teaching days. All things considered, it is clear that this year’s Matrics are again under a lot of strain, and being called upon to perform to the best of their ability under rather difficult circumstances,” says Payne. However there are ways in which they can mitigate the impact of their circumstances, and ensure they make as much as possible with what they do have available before sitting for their final exams later this year, she says. “It is important to realise that you are not alone, and that it is okay to not feel okay all the time. But then also to make the choice that you are going to do the best that you can with the resources and support you do have available, and even to get a little creative in the process,” says Payne. STEP ONE: MAKE THE BEST OF TEACHING TIME “Get as much as possible from your contact classes, and be sure to do all you can to grasp key concepts. If you don’t understand something, keep asking for assistance and clarification until you do. If you are studying at home and you find there is something you don’t understand, keep a list of questions to ask your teachers when you are back in class again.  “Don’t just move on to the next thing and think you are going to come back to challenging work later – steadfastly build on your knowledge so that you can continue with confidence.” STEP TWO: TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING Matric is a tough year even under normal circumstances. This year’s Matrics didn’t only have to face the unprecedented challenges of last year, but have now had to contend with an environment filled with uncertainty, unusual requirements such as masking and interrupted teaching time, and fear of the future for close on a year and a half. “Unfortunately, things didn’t return to normal at the strike of midnight on December 31 2020, and the tough times continue to this day. The events of the past year have left their mark on the psyches of all, and Matrics should understand that it is okay to not be okay given the circumstances. “So if you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, recognise and acknowledge this fact, and reach out to a trusted adult for support and assistance. Try to look after your physical wellbeing as much as possible, by getting enough sleep, fresh air, and exercise if you are up to it. When things get too much, take a timeout, practise deep breathing, and return to the task at hand when you are feeling better.” STEP 3: GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR LEARNING Payne says that even though most Matrics in South Africa won’t be writing their mid-year exams, anyone can still set up their own mock exams – alone or with friends. “Make a fun activity of it, by getting past exam papers from your school library, your teacher or online, and simulate an exam environment. Sit down with your clock and all the supplies necessary, and pretend you are in fact writing an exam within the allotted time. “This will give you a good framework from which to proceed with your learning, because you’ll be able to see whether you need to work faster, get a feel for the different formats of questions, and also insight into which work requires additional attention. After completing the paper, you and your study partners can go over the questions together, which is an additional learning opportunity.” STEP 4: FIND AND USE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Last year, and continuing this year, the national and provincial education departments ensured that they loaded a host of additional resources on their websites – from exam and study tips to past papers and other resources. Additionally, the public broadcaster regularly schedules lectures which can be viewed for free. “Look further than just your own province’s website and see whether you can find additional resources on the websites of education departments in other provinces,” says Payne. “There is also a myriad of videos on YouTube which can assist with those subjects or concepts in which you need additional help.” STEP 5: KEEP THE END GOAL IN MIND Things are tough right now, and the circumstances not ideal for performing at your best. However, by keeping the future in mind and connecting that to your daily efforts, you’ll be able to keep the momentum while building on the small victories of each day, says Payne “Always remember what you are

Optimi Publishing

Quanta Books

Quanta is your at-home physical science teacher. Top universities across the country use the Quanta Books series What makes the Quantaseries unique? The content is divided into bite-sized ‘quanta’; each quantum contains a crisp and to-the-point summary of a specific topic enriched with hints and tips, followed by an exercise containing numerous questions on the subject. The series addresses three essential aspects that are often overlooked when studying Physical Sciences: Practice: The series contains hundreds of exercises (mainly from national examination papers from 1990 to 2012), and examples from the Department of Education, to help learners practise their skills. Catering to all learners: The content targets both the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Many learners are ‘right-brained’ learners, who either get bored in Science class or who battle to understand the abstract concepts. The DVDs, which accompany the books, contain cartoons, animations, and demonstrations that enable the ‘right-brained’ learners to visualise difficult and abstract concepts. Detailed explanations: The back of the book includes a memorandum with step-by-step answers to all the questions. The answers to the multiple-choice questions are also fully explained! *All our books are available inboth Afrikaans and English. Get in Touch with Optimi Publishing [email protected] / 087 405 2244

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