Tween & Teen - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Emotional Intelligence: The most important gift you can give your child in this post-pandemic world

EQ. Two simple letters that wield such a determining influence in our children’s lives. Emotional Intelligence (or EQ as it’s more commonly known) is not a novel concept. For years the importance of developing children’s EQ and IQ in tandem, has been discussed and promoted in scholarly articles and mainstream media alike. The question being asked now (and louder than it’s ever been asked before) is – were we paying attention? The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the calling upon of resilience, empathy, confidence, adaptability to unpredictability, embracing of change and countless other skills that the emotionally intelligent child possesses. And in doing so, it has shone a spotlight on the vast difference in the coping capacity of the high-EQ child versus the not-so-high. But does this matter? Yes. Yes it does. It matters because the pandemic has demonstrated that being emotionally intelligent is an outlook, an approach to life and a determinant of success that will be more important than ever in the aftermath of multiple levels of lockdown and the severe restrictions that were and still are being placed on our children’s complex socialisation needs. The socio-emotional consequences of 2020’s school closures and mandatory isolation are manifesting fast and furiously. Increased cases of childhood anxiety, depression, peer-related issues and behavioural challenges are presenting at schools and in homes…And it’s only through increased efforts in EQ Education that we can hope to offset these consequences for our children in the long-run. But where do we even begin? At the very beginning, ofcourse. Much like learning the basics of reading and writing requires first learning the alphabet – children should be taught emotional awareness and expression (the basic principles of EQ) by first being taught to identify their feelings accurately. Too few children are able to differentiate their feelings and the feelings of others beyond “happy”, “sad”, “scared” or “angry”. But “sad” is not the same as “guilty” and “angry” is not the same as “rejected”. Storybooks like those in the “Game Ranger Grace & The Big 5 Feelings” series have been specifically created to expand the emotional vocabulary of young children. To expand a child’s emotional vocabulary is to help them take their first step on the road to emotional intelligence, because the ability to accurately identify an emotion directly impacts the ability to effectively regulate and express it. And the good news is that the younger the child when EQ Education efforts start, the greater the long-term benefits will be. So start at the very beginning…it’s a very good place to start! Visit www.tjtrainingsolutions.co.za to order copies of the first book in the “Game Ranger Grace & The Big 5 Feelings” series or email info@tjtrainingsolutions.co.za to query available EQ resources and workshops.

October 5, 2021

8 Study Habits of Highly Effective Students

High school learners have a lot on their plate, especially during a time where everything has gone topsy turvy. Study habits have been broken new habits have crept in, and it can be difficult to get back to the way things were or even learn new ways of doing. Where do we even begin? Why are good study habits so important? It’s not always about having “smarts”, but rather studying smart. Ironically, intellectual ability plays a small part and developing effective organisational skills and good study habitsgo a long way. Having the right tools and resources is a great place to startand can make sticking to those habits easier. Paper Video is a platform that can help. High school learners from grade 8 to12 can accessresources and materials needed toget to grips with challenging subjects like Maths, Physical Science, Life Scienceand Accounting. The tutoring and video lessons, with expert teachers in each field, give learners the freedom to work through the material at their own pace with a progress tracker to help them stay on track and get into the study habit of things. Here are a few more tricks and traits highly effective studentsuse to develop new study habits and ditch the bad ones. What’s the secret recipe to becoming an efficient student? “They are passionate and love school.”Yes, we can hear your eyes rolling and it couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth, in fact, passion and a love for school have no relationship with learners’ effectiveness or success. People think, for example, you have to love math to be good at it, sure this helps, but success actually comes down to one surprising factor: Self-belief. According to Jihyun Lee, Associate Professor at the School of Education at the University of New South Wales, an almost 4-year study concluded that direct correlations between students’ academic achievement and their attitudes toward school were near zero. The factor that sets academically able and less able students apart is self-belief. Being able to believe in their own problem-solving abilities is far more important than their perception of school itself. 8 Habits of Successful Students So, “self-belief” is easier said than done. Doubting ourselves and our capabilities will always be an uphill battle. Along with a tutoring resource like Paper Video to really help students understand their work without any added pressure, good study habits for high school learners can slowly, but surely, build up the confidence to know “that we know” the answers. Time Management You don’t have to be Doctor Strange to understand and appreciate the vital element of time – so give yourself enough of it. Prioritise difficult content or projects first – things you know will take longer. Create a timetable, especially during exam season. Spelling out what you will be doing each day and a visual indication will help you avoid panic and fear. Cramming it all in tires out your brain. Contrary to belief, and to most of our studying ways, spacing out the workload gives your brain time to digest (Yes, like a stomach, if you eat too much in one sitting… let’s just say we know you know how Biology works) Set timers and scheduling, if you have an event coming up, work it into yourcalendar andcompromise: If you don’t do “X” you can’t do “Y”. Think bigger than “If I finish this chapter, I can have a cookie.” Plan when and where. Routines help build good habits, so just like your set dinner and breakfast times have times reserved for studying. Be goal orientated We’ve spoken about thinking bigger than giving yourself a cookie after one chapter. Think of the bigger picture, what would you like to achieve? Whether it’s an A-plus or simply making sure you stick to your timing schedule, goals help you keep track of your progress and when you feel like you’re progressing, you feel confident in your abilities. #Self-belief Finding the best techniques You might already have a few study techniques up your sleeve, and some might work better than others depending on whether you’re left-brained (logic) or right-brained (creative) – a theory where one side of the brain is more dominant than the other. In the book Make it Stick by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. McDaniel, the authors identify a few effective and ineffective techniques: Affective: Pre-test. Setting up mock tests to help you answer questions. Build on something you know. Connect new information to concepts you already understand. For instance, electricity streams, like a stream of water, slows down when there is resistance i.e. a resistor. Visual diagrams. An oldie, but a goodie. Anything that generates active learning helps your brain absorb and retain information. Paraphrasing and reflecting. See the content from a different perspective, even something as simple as changing sentence orders around or saying the text in your own words helps you understand the work better. Ineffective: Re-reading can make work feel foreign and garner frustration because your brain isn’t retaining information Don’t cram, space out your study time If you get it right the first time, don’t assume you know it all. Don’t multitask here we don’t mean distractions, although that’s vital too. Try and keep the content and information topical. If you’re doing Trigonometry stick to it until you understand it and avoid jumping to another topic. Learning to focus and minimising distractions Distractions; social media, web browsing, game playing, texting. Make sure you create an airtight imaginary bubble to help you focus and cultivate those good study habits.Think PSP.No not in gaming: Prep, Setting and Pre-empt. Prep: Eat, drink, use your bathroom break and get all your materials ready, nothing breaks your focus like getting started and finding out you need a new pen. Setting the scene: a picture of your beach holiday or random titbits that can cause your mind to wander – remove them and declutter your desk. Pre-empt: Let friends know when you’re studying so they don’t text you and think of other factors that might creep up; noisy neighbours, mom’s Zumba time. Put boundaries in place to prevent

September 27, 2021

Wingu Academy – changing the face of online home schooling in South Africa

The on-going Covid pandemic has changed the schooling landscape in South Africa completely, especially the traditional schooling environment. With very little notice, parents had to become teachers while still maintaining a full-time job. Learners’ routines were abrupted and remote learning became the “new normal”. This, however, also lead to homeschooling and especially online home schooling, becoming a contending alternative. Wingu Academy offers a distance, blended learning platform that provides educational support to home-schoolers all over Africa, offering live classes and tutorials along with interactive online content. It has been developed by teachers, UP alumni, and postgraduate students who are experts in their respective fields with additional collaboration with researchers from the Wits School of Education. Not only this, it is a by-product of collaboration between two innovative start-ups, TutCo Tuition and EduWingu Cloud Education Solutions. Their ever-evolving platform currently provides the internationally recognised British curriculum, but as of 2022 Wingu Academy will extend their high-school offering to include the South African CAPS curriculum. Wingu focuses on student-led learning, utilising gamification and implementing constructive feedback providing a wide variety of choices to support individual learning at home along with alternative options through their tutoring centre. Mrs Becker who has both her children enrolled at Wingu Academy has the following to say about her experience as a “Wingu Parent” : “Wingu is passionate about learning. They saw what did not work, listened to parents and made the necessary changes. My children are happy. My oldest says, it is so nice to be able to ask a teacher a question when you don’t understand the work. If a student is shy, they have the option of asking in a classroom chat. The teachers don’t mention who asked, so the child is saved the potential embarrassment that would have prevented them asking in a traditional setting. The blended learning approach is fantastic. Teachers are available for consultations if students struggle. Teachers have a consultation session once a week in the afternoons and students can freely ask any questions. The students have experts in their fields as teachers. They hold Honours and Masters degrees. There are even a few PhD candidates among the teachers. The feedback the students get on home work is very valuable. Mistakes become learning opportunities.” Many parents may be worried that their children will miss out on social interaction but they still get to meet friends and even form study groups as they are not bound by geographical borders. In fact, Wingu also offers a variety of Club options to learners varying from fitness to chess to photography clubs and parents have the opportunity to become involved too. Furthermore, Wingu Academy’s flexible environment also caters for learners who would like to pursue their passions and professional aspirations in sports, music and other extra-curricular activities. Another “Wingu Parent”, Mrs du Preez says what she appreciates most about Wingu Academy is the positive and respectful attitude of support and patience. “They make the idea of home schooling worth it and a lot easier. If it was not for the Wingu platform, I would not have done it. Even more so with the help of the online coach to get them on track. My daughter had to catch up two terms in one and still managed to do very well.” Student well-being is at the heart of Wingu’s core foundation. Their Wellness Hub offers professional guidance to both learners and parents in areas of concern. Wingu’s innovative learning platform equips learners for the 4IR with a forward-thinking strategy of anywhere, anytime, staying connected and offering the future classroom today!

September 27, 2021

Why extra classes online can be the smarter option right now

There’s no doubt that “online” has become the new norm for almost everything. From business meetings and work to entertainment and socialising. School curriculums are also no exception to the rule and extra school lessons have had to move from in-person tutoring to a more digital realm. But here’s why extra classes online aren’t all bad, in fact with Paper Video you might even find them more engaging and favourable compared to traditional tutoring. You decide when and where Flexibility has become one of the most important factors. Busy schedules can make it difficult to stick to set tutoring times and we’ve had to tailor our lives around them. Travelling around from one extracurricular to the next has also become a thing of the past, especially in our current climate. Online tutoring allows learners to catch up in the comfort of their own homes at convenient times that suit an entire household. Paper Video gives learners instant at-home-access to the ultimate collection of revision resources with thousands of embedded video lessons, taught by experienced and engaging teachers. As a result, learners can simply log in, whenever, wherever, to get access to an extra teacher. It’s not just one expert teacher on the line Traditionally, personal tutors specialise in one or two subjects and learners might find that they would like to excel in or need help with more than one subject. Signing up for Paper Video gives learners access to Maths, Physical Sciences*, Life Sciences* and Accounting all on one platform (*covered in Natural Sciences for grade 8 and 9 learners). Not only that, an exceptional list of teachers from a selection of some of the top schools in the country, means that one platform gives you access to specialised experts in each subject. You still get your one-on-one time Many digital learning platforms do come with the perception that there’s not much room for one-on-one interaction. This may be a deal-breaker from some, but many e-learning, online tutoring and online schooling platforms are adapting and making sure their lessons are as engaging, animated and in-depth as possible to accommodate learners who need that extra personal touch. To ensure this, Paper Video has created over 11,000 video lessons that cover everything from individual past exam questions to entire topics in the syllabus. Each video follows a step-by-step approach to explain the required concepts, so the platform ensures that the resources cover any question learners might have. Find what you’re looking for, faster Convenience has become a key driver in the modern world and digital tutoring platforms are making it easier to not only get down to the specifics, but also finding answers fasters. Paper Video helps learners find what they’re looking for with their past exam questions and topics in each subject linked to searchable keywords. Learners can simply type in a word in the platforms’ search box and find a list of all related past exam questions and topic video lessons. Less pressure, more learning While participation is encouraged in many classes, it can often place a lot of pressure on learners and cultivate a competitive environment. Learners all engage and study differently, so while the typical classroom environment is stimulating for some, it does not work as well for others. Today, digital resources can give learners the option to study in a way that’s comfortable for them, and the more comfortable they are, the easier it is to retain information. With Paper Video, learners can study online in their own time and track their own progress. The platform also gives learners the freedom to study at their own pace and revisit concepts they might not have understood, all without the pressure of feeling left behind. Whether you’re a parent or a learner that’s still getting used to the idea of the online migration, the fact remains that online technologies have blown digital education and tutoring opportunities right open. It’s not only saving time but money. Its accessibility, individuality and flexibility are what’s making it more appealing by the day, especially with the unprecedented challenges being faced by learners at the moment. Visit www.papervideo.co.za or contact Paper Video on 061 357 2304 for more information on how to get started.

September 24, 2021

How to raise a confident teen with a positive identity

Helping your teen to navigate through difficult challenges and still come out resilient, knowing they will recover after a set-back, is an important part of parenting. When a teen has confidence, they are equipped to make decisions. When they have a better understanding of the world around them it’s easier to risk opportunities which helps them exceed in life. A study by Harvard University’s Centre on the Developing Child found that: Resilience requires supportive relationships and opportunities for skill-building. Resilience results from a dynamic interaction between internal predispositions and external experiences. Learning to cope with manageable threats to our physical and social well-being is critical for the development of resilience. Some children respond in more extreme ways, therefore individual traits need to be acknowledged. Individuals never completely lose their ability to improve their coping skills, and they often learn how to adapt to new challenges. Research has identified a set of factors that help children achieve positive outcomes in the face of significant adversity. Individuals who demonstrate resilience in response to one form of adversity may not necessarily do so in response to another. Yet when communities and families strengthen these factors, they optimize resilience across multiple contexts. Factors include: Providing supportive adult-child relationships; Scaffolding learning so the child builds a sense of self-efficacy and control; Helping strengthen adaptive skills and self-regulatory capacities; and Using faith and cultural traditions as a foundation for hope and stability. Good self-esteem activities that parents can apply according to Dr Serahni Symington, Child and Adolescent Counselling and Play Therapist, include the following: Encourage independence to make their own decisions about how they dress, for instance. Having responsibilities at home like walking the dog or making dinner. Enable problem-solving by assisting your child in making choices in a safe space. This will help equip them to make good decisions when they find themselves in less protective situations. Encouragement is good, but over-praise can do more damage than good if they lack the ability to take responsibility for their actions. Praise effort not outcome. Your teen can control their effort, but not always the outcome. Set realistic bars for outcomes. Emotional expression is crucial. TALK about emotions and feelings. Explore all aspects of anger, grief, fear, joy and happiness in a thoughtful and logical way. Help develop positive self-talk. How teens talk about themselves says a lot about how they see themselves. Help them identify thoughts that aren’t true by pointing out how being overly harsh can be detrimental. Teach them to reframe the irrational with something more realistic. Lead by example. It’s important to model self-confidence and resilience during challenging times as children look to their parents as role models. “Identity is grounded in feeling safe in your environment. Nurturing growth and believing in yourself, is an important stepping stone to raising a confident teen with a positive identity, “ Dr Symington concludes. Wingu Academy realises the importance of encouraging a positive identity. This is why they established a Wellness Hub that assist both students and parents with guidelines and counselling to find a healthy balance between self-improvement and self-acceptance.

September 21, 2021

Keeping education on track in the disruptive school year

After a school shutdown of more than two months, teachers, parents and students are all gearing up to save the 2020 academic year. However, as Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and the Department of Basic Education kickstart their phased approach there are still many questions around the ramifications of the disruptive year and how parents and teachers can help limit its effects on our children.

September 17, 2021

How do I help my child cope with exam stress?

Exam time is usually a dreaded and stressful period for parents and children alike, but a little support and motivation can go a long way in reducing stress levels. Here are some guidelines of what you can do to make life a bit easier on your child (and in effect you too!): Create a consistent study environment. According to parentinfo.org it’s best to set up a study corner that is comfortable and inviting to work in, with as few distractions as possible. Everything should be close at hand so they don’t have to spend time searching for things like highlighters, post it notes, paper, etc. Keep communication open. It’s important to show that you are interested in your child’s studies. Ask them how they are doing, do they need any help, how did the exam go. Sometimes a child just needs to vent or know you care about their well-being. Encourage relaxation and taking part in other activities to unwind, like exercising, listening to music, painting and interacting with friends. These can aid significantly in stress management. When it comes to studying and breaks the Pomodoro Technique is the most effective in the world. Study for 25 minutes with 5 minute breaks in-between each study session. After four cycles of 25 minute studies, take a longer 30-minute break. Help your child stay focused with following a well-structured study schedule. According to brainbuxa.com discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. It’s important to enforce restrictions, but don’t micro-manage. Show your child that you trust him/her enough to take responsibility. If your child prefers being quizzed to prep for exams, put in the effort and make it a time of bonding rather than a time of frustration. Stay calm, do flash cards and reward accomplishments by sneaking in a favourite snack. Ensure that your child eats healthy and gets enough sleep. These are very important factors for the brain to recharge and function properly, especially during exam time. Always remember to use words of encouragement. Whether the exam went well or not. Help your child to stay positive. Most children are less worried about the exam itself than about disappointing their parents or losing the respect of their fellow classmates if they do badly. So if it didn’t go well, instead of dwelling on the mistakes, which they cannot change, rather help them relax and prepare for the next exam. “The role of the parent is very important in this online teaching journey. Parents should create and promote a positive learning environment for the student. Parents should also encourage the student to follow a routine to stay focussed and to develop responsibility, self-discipline and independence. Our teachers, student mentors and tutors all have one goal in mind and that is to see our students succeed and prosper,” says Belinda van der Westhuizen, Wingu-Academy’s Director of Education and Assessments. “Most importantly, celebrate your child’s accomplishments and enjoy the journey with him/her.”

September 14, 2021

OAK HOUSE VOCATIONAL ACADEMY FOR SPECIAL NEEDS LEARNERS

Glenoaks is a private remedial and special needs school in Johannesburg that unleashes potential! We nurture academic, functional, social and emotional growth for learners and personalise support according to the needs and strengths of each learner. We create a nurturing and inclusive environment for our learners which is supported by our dedicated, passionate and professional team. We achieve this through innovative adaptation, accommodation, differentiation and individualisation for each learner. Oak House Vocational Academy, part of Glenoaks School is aimed at learners between the ages of 12 and 18 who have special needs and the potential to eventually be more independent and enter the open labour market. What the future holds for learners with special needs Learners in South Africa with special needs experience significant barriers in terms of their education and future prospects as adults. Many of these learners will not achieve a Grade equivalent education, which in turn prevents them from entering tertiary institutions or the workplace. This can be a difficult fact for parents to accept considering that society still perceives academic excellence as the ultimate achievement and determinant of success. At Glenoaks we believe that some learners are academically inclined, and others are functionally or practically inclined, which is simply an indication that a different way of learning is needed, and that more practical outcomes can result in the kind of success that is required for life and for many jobs. We believe in unleashing a learner’s potential, encouraging them to persevere through the challenges and focus on the possibilities! Many parents comment that our curriculum should be taught in all schools to all children because life and work skills are critical for survival, and seriously lacking in learners who are leaving the traditional school system. Oak House Vocational Academy Oak House Vocational Academy was conceived from the need to provide an appropriate setting for specific learners with special needs from our school, and from the broader community, whose abilities and needs are not met in an academic setting. After intense research and planning both locally and abroad, a blueprint was formulated for our vocational academy – highly particular, uniquely crafted and finely tuned to Glenoaks’ vision. Our Curriculum Life Skills Our students are taught a creatively crafted curriculum which includes functional English and Maths, social skills; business skills; entrepreneurship; IT and admin skills; world knowledge; home management; hospitality; gardening; crafts and enterprise. Learning across subject areas is practical and integrated, so that learners understand the purpose of the skill, can transfer that skill to other tasks, and experience an end goal which is tangible. When learners can see and participate in a process from start to finish, they tend to retain skills far better, they get excited about learning and start demonstrating more independence and maturity at home. An example of this approach is that learners will create a shopping list for a recipe; they will learn to purchase those items from a shop and understand the costs; they will plant and harvest some ingredients; make the recipe, sell the food to customers, and explore concepts such as profit and loss. This holistic style has exposed learners to relevant skills in English; budgeting and money management; shopping; growing produce; food preparation; packaging; admin (stock take, order forms); teamwork; customer service; understanding deadlines and appropriate social skills for different environments. Work experience Oak House Academy learners are exposed to the concept of work from the beginning of their journey with us. Younger learners participate in internal contract or project based work, and older learners benefit from external work experience placements aligned to their strengths, abilities, and areas of interest, culminating in years of work experience by the time they graduate. All learners gain the skills required for entry level jobs, and focus on critical social skills, appropriate behaviours and attitudes required in the workplace. Learners in the external work experience program are gaining exposure to a variety of industries and businesses including retail; IT; hairdressing; production line; garden nurseries; schools; sport; robotics and many more. If further training or employment opportunities exist for a graduate, those are facilitated and supported by Oak House Vocational Academy. In 2019 the first group of learners graduated from the Academy and successfully commenced with further training, part time or permanent employment. Here are just a few of our very capable learners at work experience. These young men and ladies, who would inevitably have very limited opportunities to gain meaningful employment, are using their strengths to add value to their work experience sites, learn important workplace skills, explore their strengths and change perceptions about people with special needs in the workplace. Keila is gaining experience with the merchandising team at Moishes unpacking stock, restocking and organising shelves, packing orders for customers and pricing stock. Qhawe is doing work experience at Lesco on the production line, assembling various electrical products for large retailers. James is hosted by Tumbling Tigerz where he assists the coaches to set up and pack away equipment for obstacle courses, demonstrates activities to the children, and encourages them during sessions. On her work experience days, Sabrina assists the operators at Blue Door Hair Salon to clean, straighten and dry foils. She folds towels and cleans basins, brushes and the hairdresser’s work stations. Jack is a tech wizard and is gaining experience at Stem Dynamics, a robotics company. He is learning programing and coding and using resistors and transformers to build working circuits. He also assists younger students in their weekly coding lessons. Khotso has an artistic flair and loves his work experience at Greens Vintage Lane where he uses special paint techniques to assist with refurbishing small pieces of furniture and décor items which are sold in their shop. Aligning with local and international standards / programs From 2022 the Academy will integrate the ASDAN programs and courses into the curriculum. ASDAN is a UK based organisation offering a variety of accessible and practical courses for learners with special needs focusing on personal, independent living and employability

September 8, 2021

How can parents encourage entrepreneurship at home?

It has become increasingly important for children to hone their entrepreneurship skills, not just in the classroom, but especially at home. It’s important for parents to encourage their children to succeed and by applying the following guidelines by Sue Scheff, author and parent advocate, it’s easier than you think! Kids earn an allowance for chores, not for existing: Instil a good work ethic in your children by requiring that they earn their allowance. Emptying the dishwasher, mowing the lawn, and washing the family dog are all ways that kids can learn how to earn money. Take it a step further by encouraging them to do similar tasks for neighbours as a way to earn additional money. Create a bank account for your child: Lay the foundation for earning money by giving it a place to go. When your child earns money, have fun helping your kids do the math and figure out how much they’ve put away in the bank for all their hard work. Share opportunities for extra earning: Teach your children that going above and beyond leads to increased earning. Give them the opportunity to do more difficult chores that go above what they’re normally expected to do. Encourage good personal finance skills: Kids begging for items at the store might be annoying, but it’s a teachable moment. When your child asks for something that’s out of budget or not really necessary, make it a goal to earn enough money to buy it. Encourage your child to come up with ideas on how to buy it themselves. Encourage them to follow their ideas: Whether your kids want to start a blog or sell vegetables from your garden, give them your time and encouragement. Let them learn by doing, and find opportunities for lessons along the way. Ask them to consider how they’ll fund their start-up, where to get supplies, how much to charge, how to find their customers, and of course, what to do with the money they earn. You should of course set some limitations for time, legality, and safety, but be open to let your kids explore their own ideas. Allow them to fail, and turn failures into learning moments. Teach good teamwork: Rarely do entrepreneurs succeed completely independently. Even if they’re in business alone, they’re networking, getting others interested, and meeting with people that can help get their business off the ground. Learning how to work with others is essential for success, so be sure to encourage group work in school, in your home, and beyond. Encourage team sports: Team sports are a great way to teach kids to work with others, and they’re also great for learning business lessons. Chances are, they won’t win every game, but the setbacks and hard work that are a part of playing sports can teach kids how to work toward success. Be available: Every great entrepreneur needs a mentor, and for your kids, you are that person. Although you should encourage your child to operate independently, always be there to answer questions or offer helpful suggestions. If you don’t know how to solve a problem, learn how to do it together. Teach your kids to be self-starters: Doing what they’re told is easy for most kids. Asking them to complete certain chores is simple and straightforward. But if you want them to start thinking creatively, encourage their initiative. Ask them to come up with ideas for chores that need to be done, or encourage them to plan a meal and cook for the family once a week. Encourage adventure and observational skills: Some of the best entrepreneurs found success simply by filling a need that no one else even knew existed. The world is full of business opportunities, if only we could notice them. Parents can help their children learn to recognize these types of opportunities by developing observation and creativity. Walk around your neighbourhood with your kids and consider which needs are not being met. Do you have neighbours that need lawn care? Businesses that need a website? Teach kids to recognize and anticipate the needs of others. Teach problem-solving: Entrepreneurship can be a bumpy road full of obstacles and challenges to overcome, even for the best-laid plans. Show your children that problems are just solutions that have not been solved yet. Give them small challenges to overcome, and nudge them in the right direction to find a solution. Play business games: Many games exist to teach kids the basics of business. Make learning about entrepreneurship fun by engaging your children in these games. Read the full article here: http://www.suescheffblog.com/15-ways-parents-can-promote-entrepreneurship/

September 7, 2021

Preparing our children for school or preparing school for our children?

“What if we prepared schools for children, instead of preparing children for schools? What would that look like?” I resonated with this question popping up on my social media feed the other day — many others did too. Who wouldn’t, right? Yes, why don’t we redesign our schools around the needs of our children? Consider some of the intrinsic needs a child may experience during school: physical and emotional safety, time to play, physical movement, creative expression, agency, inspiration, meaningful conversations, respect from adults and classmates, authentic human connection, empathy — indeed, how about simply a pervading celebration of life? Imagine a schooling system designed to meet such needs. Human beings are social animals: what we learn happens in community — by engaging with each other. With classmates, with teachers: internal shifts of a student’s understanding are stimulated through exploring and sharing ideas (and feelings about them). Imagine an educational ethos that conceives of learning as collaborative inquiry being normal in our society? Instead of conceptualising education around the individualised acquisition of facts and concepts, imagine purposefully acknowledging the broader reality that learning occurs across a multiplicity of “intelligences” or “literacies” Even if we don’t intend learning to happen that way, it always will. We are holistic beings, and learning is a whole-body, whole-brain experience. And this means learning will be most effective when multiple literacies are valued and celebrated. Multimodal learning is more enjoyable, helping achieve genuine understanding (rather than simply getting the correct answers), self-motivation (instead of the external motivation of tests) and self-initiative (instead of passive reproduction of facts). When education is done well, a child excels across multiple literacies — both where he/she is customarily strong as well as weak. The issues that hit the media — like high school initiations, intense exam stress, a pervasiveness of bullying, incidents of racism or sexism, and so on — are mere sirens of a deeper problem. At its core, there is a covert violence within the mass schooling system, as we know it. How can it not be so when “the child is being prepared for school” and not the other way around? Imagine a network of schooling communities that commit themselves to exploring ways of infusing empathy into our schools. Marshall Rosenberg, founder of the Centre for Non-Violent Communication, alerted his students to the covert violence that lies concealed in the way we relate to each other, including the way we have been accustomed to being educated. Rosenberg alerted us to various examples of covert violence in the way we communicate. Hiding or suppressing our true feelings and needs, neglecting to genuinely listen to the feelings and needs of others, making demands instead of requests, imposing rules and punishments instead of making agreements with others … Most of us have been schooled in this violent sort of communication culture: much unlearning is needed for a school community to acquire an ethos of empathy and non-violence. The democratic ethos of mutual respect between adults and children can be an adjustment for many teachers. But imagine a movement across schools where this is the case. Where we agree to remember the importance of listening to each other — properly. To hear everyone’s feelings and needs, and for everyone to be invited to express their own. An ethos where everyone remains open to what is alive in each other and themselves, from moment to moment. So let’s change the system, yes? Not so easy! Unfortunately, there is invariably a profound resistance to changing the system. Established schools struggle to meet these needs as it would require escaping the established conceptions of a “good school” within those communities . The communities of these schools are accustomed to ideas of a good school that go back generations. Established schools need their traditions. While I understand the inertia of well-established schools, I find it tragic how brand new schools fail to leapfrog over the intrinsic problems in the system. In South Africa, the public companies have created an abundance of new, for-profit schools that are invariably reproductions of the conventional system. Clearly our society colludes in the problem. We want what we know. We know the system is dated. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has alerted us to the new requirements for employability in the 21st Century — “character qualities” of curiosity, initiative, persistence, adaptability, social & cultural awareness and leadership, as well as “competencies” like critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration. This constitutes a new curriculum. Parents are beginning to recognise the need to create opportunities for their children to achieve these requirements outside school if the school doesn’t teach them, or to seek out a school that does. So much about the conventional school system emerges from a mindless obedience to traditional school rituals. Frequent testing with punitive consequences; a competitive win-lose ethos in both the classroom and the sports field; isolated archipelagoes of classrooms; rigid silos of schooling grades; disconnected school subjects that discourage cross-context learning: none of these are necessary to achieve the academic outcomes needed for a child’s future. None of them are intrinsically educational. None of them serve the WEF’s character qualities and competencies for the twenty first century. None of them serve to satisfy a child’s intrinsic needs mentioned above. And all of them are integral to the conventional schooling system. In Ancient Greece, people had three conceptions of time, and each represents a different sort of schooling system. We have Kronos (the time of the clock), Aeon (the time of eternity) and Kairos (the time of the moment). The conventional school orients itself firmly around Kronos: the timetable, the school calendar, the lesson plan. Then there are the deschoolers — the dispersed community of parents homeschooling (and “unschooling”) their kids. They orient themselves around Aeon time. And then there are those schools that endeavour to achieve the seemingly impossible, (and Madiba reminds us it always “seems impossible until it’s done”) and orient themselves around Kairos. That is: remain constantly adaptable to the moment: play the Kronos

September 1, 2021

The devastating effects of cyberbullying in South Africa

The devastating effects of Cyberbullying in South Africa and how Wingu Academy protects and supports Wingu students. Did you know that South Africa has the fourth highest rate of cyberbullying worldwide according to a global survey by YouGov? The survey found that one out of every five teens fall prey to cyberbullying and 84% of classmates know of someone who have been victimized. Sadly, with the rise of the digital age becoming a necessary part in our lives, it’s no surprise that this form of bullying has become one of the biggest concerns for both parents and students who suffer and have to deal with the devastating, often life-long effects. But what exactly is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is any form of bullying that takes place online including on platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and gaming chat rooms. Young people today are increasingly exposed to many different tools and apps. Thus, it is very easy to produce videos, memes, manipulated photos, or even simple text messages with degrading comments and name calling. Trolling and cyberstalking of online profiles is also rapidly on the rise. According to the South African College of Applied Psychology victims feel isolated, ashamed, hopeless and depressed wondering if the situation will ever change. They are desperately looking for a way out which often leads to thoughts and attempts of suicide. This form of abuse influences a child’s identity, self-worth and often leads to long term effects like the inability to form meaningful and sustainable relationships. Not to mention trust issues and even mental health issues. Parents often don’t know because the victims don’t tell them. They feel ashamed and don’t want their parents to get involved as it would worsen the abuse. What are the main signs parents should look out for if they suspect that their child is a victim of cyberbullying? If a child’s mood or behavior suddenly changes drastically, from being socially interactive to being depressed, anxious and isolated. If they start hiding their devices and/or no longer allow you access to their social media accounts. If their academic performance drastically decreases. If they avoid any form of social interaction. What can parents do to help and support their children? According to Dr Serahani Symington, Child and Adolescent Counsellor and Play Therapy Specialist, the following approach is recommended. It’s critically important to have an open relationship where your child feels safe to express their feelings, concerns and problems. Don’t overreact and stay calm during the discussion. Don’t tell your child to simply ignore the situation as it’s very real to them. They have the need for the abuse to be acknowledged. Ask your child what their immediate need is. Is it to provide comfort or a solution? Co-create a solution with your child to make them feel safe, secure and empowered to handle the situation. Don’t retaliate. Rather address the issue with the school and not with the bully or his/her parents. Never invite the bully into your home, your child’s safe space, to resolve the issue. Monitor and spot check your child’s devices with the narrative that it’s for their own protection and not because you don’t trust them. Look at the ratings, age-restrictions and if possible, experience the games and apps your child interacts with for yourself to look for possible pitfalls and warning signs that could put your child in danger. How does Wingu Academy protect and support parents and students against cyberbullying? “At Wingu Academy we have a zero-tolerance policy against any form of bullying. Our Wellness Hub offers counselling and support to students and parents. By following a holistic approach of creating a culture of inclusivity and high moral values we teach our students to respect their fellow students,” says Managing Director Ian Strydom. Wingu Academy’s Cyberbullying Policy also offers guidelines to students to protect them. Some of the recommendations include: Do not answer abusive messages but save them and report them to the Student Mentor. Do not delete anything until it has been shown to your parents/carers or a member of staff at Wingu Academy (even if it is upsetting, the material is important evidence which may need to be used later as proof of cyberbullying). Do not give out personal details or contact information without the permission of a parent/guardian (personal data). Be careful who you allow to become a friend online and think about what information you want them to see. Protect your password. Do not share it with anyone else and change it regularly. Always log off from the computer when you have finished or if you leave the computer for any reason. Always put the privacy filters on to the sites you use. Never reply to abusive messages. Never reply to someone you do not know. Always stay in public areas in chat rooms. Article by Melanie Foxcroft from MF Consulting. Mobile: +27 82 650 3414 Email: melanie@mfconsulting.co.za Web: www.mfconsulting.co.za

August 31, 2021

How Can a Second Language Help in My Career or My Child’s Future Career?

Even within our 4 walls at home – the world has become large and accessible. It is no longer the reality that everyone speaks our language or everyone is from our background. The world is changing and progressing and we are more aware of globalization now more than ever. With technology developing as it is – we can be on one corner of the world communicating and doing business with someone in separate countries and different time zones. This means that many businesses are able to stretch out from those in their immediate proximity and the target audience is now international! How does an additional language help me in my career? Most simply – you have a skill that others around you do not have. Not only that – you will be a lot harder to replace. The most important thing about having an additional language is to think of your intention. There is no reason to think that learning Thai for example will help advance your career if you do not work for a Thai company, you aren’t planning on doing business with Thai businesses, or you aren’t planning on immigrating to Thailand (this is not saying that if you have a passion for Thai you shouldn’t learn it! Opportunity may come knocking in many ways!). You should think about what your career is – what your dream company is – and if that company is a foreign country, a foreign country, or if you know they are looking to do business with foreign companies. Immediately this will set you out from other candidates who do not have this additional skill that could seriously help the company with many of their foreign liaisons. What level do I need to be for it to be useful in my career? This is more difficult to answer – most likely most companies won’t really need someone who is just conversational in a language (though the thought is always appreciated!) however – being completely native probably also isn’t extremely needed. The sweet spot would be at a high intermediate level. It would also be good (if possible) to know what sort of company you are working for. If you are working in an import or exports company, knowing vocabulary and the sort of business questions and relations required to do this job would be sort of essential knowledge to know that otherwise wouldn’t be done in a course unless explicitly requested. Let your teacher know this is the sort of field you are going into and would like to do as much vocabulary and grammar etc associated with the field you are planning to work in. What about qualifications? Even if you do not know the field you are going into or what to know – or even if you are learning a language just for the joy of it – You should get some sort of certification behind you to prove you are actually the level you say you are in your application. It can be very difficult to prove to potential employers that you are able to do what you say you are able to do especially if they do not speak the language themselves to “test” you. How can this be done? Well, most simply is doing it either at school or if your tertiary education allows you to also study it. The main thing to remember here is that these qualifications may differ from international standards and may not hold the same weight as some internationally recognised qualifications. Alternatively – Fluent Panda offers courses where you can study towards an internationally recognised exam hosted by various embassies. These courses will prepare you for these international exams. The exam is externally marked and upon passing an exam, you will be issued with a certificate that is INTERNTAIONALLY recognised and certified by the various embassies. The test is also usually the same around the world so you will be tested at an international level. These tests are based on different curriculums as each country follows a different curriculum. Europe follows CEFR whilst places like Japan have their own grading system known as the JLPT. Usually – there are multiple exams to take (Beginner, intermediate, advanced etc). to prove your level of fluency. How do these exams help me? Most notably – these exams open the door of opportunity to different countries. By passing one of these exams – you immediately have an internationally recognised qualification that is recognised WORLDWIDE – not just in one or two countries. It is an indisputable certification to prove your level in any given language. Furthermore – the certification does not expire and can be valid throughout your life without worry of needing to renew at any point once received. These exams are also sometimes required when applying for passports when wanting to immigrate. Including this qualification with your passport submission is sometimes required by embassies for them to have evidence of your ability in the national language of the country you are immigrating to. These qualifications and skills do not only assist in your career but opens many international doors for general options throughout life. How to get started? Contact Fluent Panda for their course times and outlines. State that you are interested in taking the exam and we will help providing you with all relevant curriculum material as well as a teacher that is familiar with the exam in question and understands the different levels that have to be achieved. Fluent Panda has over 32 languages on offer – guaranteeing something for everyone and helping pave the way for future careers!

August 25, 2021

Power Tips on Creating the Perfect Homeschool Environment

With the changes that we have all faced over the last seventeen months, now more than ever before, parents find themselves having to manage their children’s virtual and or home-based education. Despite the many benefits of homeschooling, at-home learning can be challenging for both parents and students. Challenges like creating order and structure in a home learning environment can lead to frustration and even cause students to fall behind on assignments or learning objectives. Your child’s curriculum has many moving parts—and if you have more than one child, that complexity only increases. Teaching your children at home can be an immensely rewarding experience. One of the reasons that many parents choose to homeschool their kids is that they believe they can provide a better education for their children than a public or private school. To provide an outstanding education for your children, you will need to provide an environment that fosters learning. We can help you to keep your kids on track and successfully navigate the ins and outs of independent learning with the following tips. Create a designated learning space While it can be tempting to set up shop at the dining room table or on the couch, these areas aren’t the most conducive to learning. Creating a dedicated learning space can make it easier for children to concentrate on schoolwork. Consider a room that is large and open that has natural light. This dedicated space should be used for schoolwork and no outside activities. It would be best if this room is used solely for schooling otherwise may find that your children lose focus if they have distractions around them. Not all kids like to sit in a chair all day, so perhaps offer different seating options in the room to make the space more comfortable for those who want to sit on the floor or a beanbag chair. You could also offer yoga balls for deskwork. Follow a daily schedule Homeschooling brings a wonderful level of flexibility and spontaneity to a child’s education. However, without a clear structure, it can be easy to get distracted and go off track. Kids thrive when they have a basic structure and routine. Creating a daily schedule will be hugely beneficial in giving your child direction and structure. You can always adapt this schedule as you go along. Pick a system that works for you. Your schedule can be as detailed or as relaxed as you want. The key is having some set routine and structure for you and your child to follow so you can both stay on track. Use Technology Technology plays a considerable role in education, and access to it will make homeschooling that much easier. It enables you to become more productive, efficient, and better communicate with other people. It is, therefore, essential to include the necessities in your homeschool environment. A computer, laptop or tablet, digital calendars, and task managers will be extremely helpful in managing time and progress. Time trackers and cloud-based folders like Dropbox or Google Drive will also be helpful. Information is at our fingertips with internet access so your child will have the ability to research topics and collect information with ease. Map out the school year ahead of time Map out your school year to track progress on your goals and plan out big projects. Breaking up big goals and projects into smaller steps makes them more manageable and you’re less likely to let details fall through the cracks. Setting goals and visualizing your plans can help you stay organized and see your progress at a glance, which makes targets more reachable and less overwhelming. Take learning beyond the classroom One of the best parts of homeschooling, and one of its greatest advantages, is the flexibility to learn outside a traditional classroom setting. Make time for these opportunities in your daily schedule and keep an open mind. Outdoor spaces are excellent learning places for exploring new skills, meeting new people, and experiencing through play. Always look for learning opportunities beyond the classroom and be open-minded about the benefit of learning through a practical example. Collaborate with other homeschoolers It is important to know that you are not in this alone, there are rich and diverse homeschool communities all around the world. It is important and beneficial to connect with other homeschoolers in your area or online to collaborate and share resources. This will not only make the schooling process easier for you, but it will also enrich your child’s experience and expand their educational opportunities in and out of your home. Communicating with other homeschoolers also provides important social opportunities for your child. Leave Time for Breaks It is difficult to work for extended times without a break. When your kids start to get restless or hungry it is a good idea to schedule regular breaks. Morning snack breaks and afternoon exercise breaks allow your kids to get a good balance of work and chill time. scheduling them into your day. While some children might require frequent short breaks, others might like only one or two longer breaks. Read your children and let them help create your schedule in this matter. Learning need not be boring, and neither does your homeschool environment. Always consider what your kids like, who they are, and what are their interests, ideas, distractions, and sources of inspiration to come up with a suitable learning space.

August 23, 2021

Benefits and disadvantages of homeschooling

More and more families are starting to realize the numerous benefits associated with homeschooling. Homeschooling is no longer a stigmatized, isolated learning experience. Through the power of the internet and the rise of online curriculum service providers, homeschooling has evolved into a bespoke educational offering that merges the best elements of a traditional brick-and-mortar school system with the advantages that independent distance-based learning can allow. However, despite the great benefits of homeschooling, there are also certain disadvantages to this approach. Let’s explore some of these pros and cons of a homeschooling approach. Disadvantages A possible disadvantage experienced by a homeschooling parent, is that the parent might become frustrated by having to take on the role of a teacher. Deciphering not only the coursework, but the curriculum outcomes as well, can create a lot of anxiety for parents. Parents might struggle to know whether they are “doing the right thing” or not. Especially in cases where students are older, parents might be intimidated by the difficulty of some of the coursework, as they are not subject experts themselves, but are now expected to teach their children mathematics or physics that they have done 20 odd years ago – or sometimes not at all! In cases like the aforementioned, parents often start to invest in expensive private tutors, which can lead to a high financial burden. However, by making use of an online curriculum service provider, these disadvantages can largely be mitigated. Through a reputable online curriculum service provider, students can have access to subject expert tutors, which eliminate the need for parents to act as teachers themselves. With this in mind, let’s focus on the benefits of homeschooling, and in particular the benefits of online schooling. Benefits 1. Academic flexibility The traditional education system allows for very little flexibility in learning, when in reality, education is not a one-size fits all solution. Some students are very strong auditory and visual learners. Other students might learn best through repetition. Some might prefer learning through practical application. Homeschooling affords an individual the opportunity to learn in a way that suits him/her best, especially if combined with a blended learning teaching strategy – which incorporates live classes and non-live learning elements, such as interactive lessons, quizzes and games, as well as practical project based learning. For students who are professional athletes, or who have globetrotting parents, the flexibility of a homeschooling system is particularly beneficial. Furthermore, in a traditional schooling context, with high student-to-teacher radios, a lot of time is often spent waiting for assistance. Students are often expected to partake in extracurricular school subjects which do not interest them. The flexibility of homeschooling allow students more time to focus on things that truly interest them. Students can progress according to their own ability and interest. 2. Fosters independent learning skills Students who are homeschooled and allowed the freedom to learn in a way that suits him/her best, naturally also acquire the ability to learn more independently. In other words, these students don’t need someone to guide them through all elements of the learning material step-by-step. They are more confident in assimilating academic resources for themselves – a skill which they have honed during their years of homeschooling! This sense of autonomy is an invaluable ‘soft-skill’ that will aid students for years to come, whether at university or at work. Furthermore, students who homeschool with the help of an online curriculum service provider learn how to be adept at using technology, often from a young age. These students learn how to use cloud computing tools to collaborate remotely – an essential future of work skill, which is becoming even more important in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. 3. Mental health Students who struggle with anxiety, social anxiety or depression, or who were victims of bullying in a traditional school context, can study from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Students have the opportunity to focus on their mental and emotional wellbeing. In small amounts, stress can be good, but the incredible pressure that is placed on students to perform academically – or that they often place on themselves – can become debilitating. There is less pressure on students to conform or fit a traditionally expected mold, which is beneficial to a student’s self-esteem. Students with special needs or learning disabilities might feel especially marginalized in a traditional school setting, and their confidence can suffer. In a homeschooling environment, parents are better equipped to introduce certain interventional strategies to address learning challenges. 4. Social development A fear that many parents who are considering homeschooling have, is the fear of social isolation. Parents fear that their children will not develop social skills or have no friends. However, due to the flexibility of homeschooling, students often have more time to engage in social extracurricular activities or community initiatives – such as joining a sports club, or volunteering at a local shelter – where they can still make friends and interact with peers. For students who make use of an online curriculum service provider, the shift from parent-led to facilitator-led education means there is an even greater opportunity to interact socially. In an online school environment – which essentially emulates some elements of a traditional school environment, such as live classes – students continually interact with classmates and tutors. 5. Higher quality education In traditional classes with high student to teacher ratios, students do not get individualized attention. In a homeschooling context, students can receive more individualized attention, either from a parent or tutor. When making use of a reputable online curriculum service provider, students can have access to a highly qualified subject expert at the click of a button. Furthermore, some parents might want their children to be taught using a different curriculum than the one offered by traditional government schools. In reality though, many parents simply might not be able to afford the cost of a private school that offers such an alternative curriculum. For these parents, homeschooling provides a way to

August 18, 2021

Can Adults Learn an Additional Language?

We already know that learning anything is easiest as child. But does that mean it is impossible for adults? Of course not! It is never too late to start learning! Our biggest barriers at learning a language as an adult can be attributed to a number of factors – such as not enough time or feelings of shyness or embarrassment. As an adult – our main set back is that unlike a child – we now have to focus on learning and also have a number of adult thoughts and emotions that we want to express outright. However, these are mere mental blocks and with a little perseverance can be overcome! How long does it take to learn an additional language? This is a question we offer get – and the short and simple answer is that it is unanswerable! Learning a language is not something that can be quantified – even in your home language – most likely you learn something new about it each day. It is also not easy to say “how long will it take me to be conversational?” because these are all averages. It is also highly dependent on the target language – are there new alphabets and phonetics to learn before getting to learn the language itself? These all factor into the length of a language When you see a course that says “it takes 2 months to complete this course and then you will be at X level” – what happens if you don’t pass? Then is it your own failure or the teacher’s failure? None. Learning something as fluid as a language is something that depends on you as an individual. If you study everyday and expose yourself to various other materials in your target language after your class lesson – naturally your ability will develop a lot quicker than if you only attend class and do not practice or expose yourself out of class – it is both the same amount of work – but your approach to it determines how you progress through the material. Unfortunately – language is a patient game. It is something that if you decide you want to become fluent in – you shouldn’t put a time limit on yourself – why make something long term pressured? The most important thing to define for yourself is what your goal in learning this language will be. Is it to advance in your career? Is it for immigration purposes? Do you want to just be conversational in another language? Once you clearly know what your goal is – set your sights and work towards it. Once achieved, it will be easier to decide if you are still interested in learning the language or actually you feel you have progressed enough and going any further will be unenjoyable. That sounds bleak – does that mean I shouldn’t learn another language if the road to fluency is rife? Of course not! The joy of learning a language is exactly that! It’s that feeling of progression and the feeling of communication and the breakthroughs – it’s the thrill of hearing someone else say something in a different language and understanding them. This is what connects us. The most important thing when learning an additional language is to decide WHY you are learning that language. If you are learning due to a passion, a love, a goal, greater opportunities, immigration, a holiday – WHATEVER the reason – as long as there is a MOTIVATOR that is enough to learn a second language. Because the thing about languages – is that it requires determination. Your motivation will lead your determination. The main thing to remember when learning a language in adulthood – is that it is much like any skill you need to start from scratch – before you can make an omelette – you probably should learn how to cook an egg first – and build from there. Maybe you won’t be able to express your thoughts and feelings immediately – but if you can begin by introducing yourself and your name – you have a basis to build on. There also is something to be said that as wonderful as fluency is – is it what you need? Would you ever need engage at a fluent level? The main thing should be that you are ENJOYING learning the language and seeing your progression. What is the best way to learn a new language? There are many schools of thoughts and ways to argue this – but something that everyone can agree on is the best way to learn a new language is through IMMERSION. You need to IMMERSE yourself in the target languages language, culture, show, music, books, media, ANYTHING. Even if you don’t understand everything – the more exposure the better! It is always said that you will learn quicker if you move to the country where the target language is the main language. Why? Because this FORCES you to engage in that language. You can no longer rely on your experience or knowledge of your home language – you quite literally have to figure out how to communicate. And this is where linguistic breakthroughs happen. Naturally not everyone can up and leave to a country every time they want to learn a new language (though we wish we could!) so the most important thing is to try and expose yourself to as much of your target lesson as possible. Ask your teacher for exercises to do at home – or a recommended show – or a popular band. The most important thing is working on the language everyday – even if just for a couple of minutes. The good starting point for every language is to be sure you understand their reading and writing system so that you can start reading texts and understanding their phonetics as soon as possible. This may be difficult with languages like Mandarin, but practice those characters given in class everyday until they

August 18, 2021

Things to look for when considering a school | ask the tough questions

While academics are often seen as the hallmark of any good school, a pupil will not achieve to his or her potential unless they are encouraged, believed-in and supported. At the outset, you should look for a school that will nurture and care for your child as a first priority, one that meets your child where they are at and encourages growth of their whole selves. A good school, a school worthy of your child will have teachers that go beyond the terms of a contact of employment. They will be women and men of character, who have empathy and a deep sense of commitment to the young people in their care. They should be people that take on the education of your child as something honourable, exciting and challenging, and will strive to give of their best in growing each and every student in their charge. Here is a simple tip: When scheduling a visit to a prospective school, ask when breaktimes are and plan your visit so that you have your feet on the ground at break. You can tell everything about a school from breaktimes: A snapshot of the sense of community; the way pupils engage with each other and their elders; and how happy, settled and included pupils are from how they act and behave when they are in the social times between lessons. Ask about the school’s support programme for the emotional wellbeing of the pupils. What systems do they have in place to provide for the pastoral care of the young people? Don’t ask about their Matric pass rate, but rather ask them about how they respond to a pupil who they see sitting alone at breaktime. Ask the Head taking the tour for a specific example of when he or she has made a decision that has put the wellbeing of a child as a matter of first priority. Put the Head on the spot. You need to know that the school you are handing your daughter or son to will look after your daughter or son. Ask the Head how they respond to teenagers who are programmed to challenge the system. Ask what they do specifically to ensure everyone feels welcome, everyone feels included, everyone feels supported and everyone feels deeply cared for. Most good schools will tell you about their academic performance and will showcase their top achievers and that is good. These pupils have done well. But what about the pupil who has improved their mark significantly and who has achieved a passing grade for the first time? What about the pupil who battles to make friends? What about the pupil who has a home life that is impossibly difficult? What about that precious child who just needs someone to believe in them? Ask the Head these questions because schools are not just about a few. They are about the many. Schools are so much more than places of academics and sport. They are places where learning happens and where lives are shaped and grown. They are places where untapped potential is tapped and where the individual within the group is seen and matters. Come and talk to us at HeronBridge about the care we will take of your daughter or son. Come and ask us these difficult questions and have a listen to how we approach education in a way that is creative, affirming and inclusive. Come and listen to what it is that we do that allows us to provide an education second to none. By Simon Crane | Deputy Head, HeronBridge College

August 17, 2021

Your children with disabilities want to do it themselves!

From my 20 years of professional experience and a lifetime of personal experience with disability I can honestly say that helping your children with disabilities to learn and participate in activities of daily living is probably one of the most important things you will ever do for yourself and for them. Activities of daily living (ADLs) are essential and routine self-care activities that most young individuals can perform without assistance. The concept was originally proposed in the 1950s by Sidney Katz and his team at the Benjamin Rose Hospital in Ohio. Healthcare and educational professionals often use a person’s ability or inability to perform ADLs as an indication of their functionality, particularly in regard to people with disabilities. A person’s ability to safely care for themselves will significantly impact on their quality of life, will set the stage for future performance in school, work and independent living, and determine their need for different levels of care and support in adulthood. Most people engage in daily tasks, almost automatically with little thought. But for individuals with mental and physical impairments, these essential daily living skills can present barriers to leading a happy, healthy, fulfilling life. Types of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) ADLs are skills needed to manage one’s basic physical needs, as well as more complex activities associated with living independently in the community. They include a person’s ability to: Move around independently. Use the toilet independently. Feed oneself. Bathe / shower and groom oneself.Drive or organize alternative means of transport to get around. Shop for groceries and other items like clothing. Prepare meals. Pay expenses, use a banking service and manage money. Clean a home, do laundry and basic home maintenance. Communicate using technology. Obtain medication and take as prescribed. Do you do too much for your child? When children are young parents intuitively take over the executive functioning role of their child’s brain. They make important decisions for their children, organize their lives, and create structure and routines. Most of the time, the responsibility for these processes moves from the parent to the child as they get older. This is an important part of a child’s development, and a clear indication of this is when children start saying ‘I want to do it myself!’ But what about children who have barriers to learning or disabilities? In these children their executive functioning skills are often compromised, negatively affecting their ability to naturally learn important life skills. These children will need more help and support to participate in ADLs and become more independent. This can be an emotionally taxing and time-consuming burden for parents and becomes a dysfunctional habit which disempowers children and increases stress, burnout, and resentment for parents. Why parents do too much for their children Parents tend to be more protective of children with disabilities, believing that their children won’t manage these responsibilities. Some parents feel sorry for their children with disabilities and believe they shouldn’t have more responsibilities when they already find many aspects of life challenging. It takes a lot of time, energy, and patience to teach children with disabilities to be more independent. Parents struggle to set aside time for this with the demands of work, running a household and caring for other siblings. Many parents believe their children with disabilities will learn daily living skills naturally when they are older and that there is no reason to start earlier. Children are very aware that parents or the helper manage these tasks at home, unfortunately creating the perception amongst children that they will never have to do these tasks themselves. Benefits of teaching your children daily living skills The benefits of teaching your children ADLs are endless, and although the choice to do this could be perceived as the more difficult option, it certainly results in long term advantages for both parents and their children. Increased independence. Improved confidence and self-esteem. A sense of purpose. Reduces the burden on parents. Teaches responsibility and perseverance which are critical life skills. Improves a child’s chances of being a more independent adult. Builds an understanding of following structured activities which is vital for entry into the workplace. Introduces the concept of being rewarded for ‘work’ if incentives are used. How to teach daily living skills Teaching a child with a disability to be more independent will require some planning and different approaches to ensure a positive and successful experience. Do the tasks with your children. Children with disabilities learn and retain information better when the skill is demonstrated, and they can model someone else doing it. Step1: Let them watch you first while you explain what you are doing. Step 2: Allow them to try small parts of the task while you instruct, watch and guide. Step 3: Prompt them to explain to you what needs to be done, allow them to try on their own, observe, assist only if needed and give feedback. Step 4: Leave them to do the task on their own by following a checklist and give feedback once complete. Teach the task where it usually happens – if you are teaching your child to use an ATM do so at a real ATM so that learning is more tangible. Break the task down into simple steps. This helps explain the correct sequence of events so that children know where to start and what comes next. Use visual reminders – checklists, a photo sequence, rosters, and videos. Visual tools work best for children with disabilities and should be exciting to look at, visible, accessible, and linked to a child’s interests where possible. Explore using assistive devices and technology that make elements of the task easier to manage such as alarms, reminders, and adapted / assistive tools. Advances in technology and creative tools can make the impossible possible. Continuously praise and reward. Positive reinforcement is so important for children, it encourages them to keep trying and helps them to believe in their abilities. Use star charts or a points system and link achievements to

August 12, 2021

Should My Child Learn a Second Language and When?

One of the magical things about children is their incredible ability to learn without even trying! There reaches an age where suddenly it seems you may have done the most minuscule thing and notice your child has picked this up. The same can be said for children and languages! So, just why are children so good at learning? The main attribute to this is a child’s neuroplasticity – more specifically – the brain being malleable! Although neuroplasticity can occur throughout our lives, children naturally have the most plasticity due to all the neurons making and forming new connections and thus being able to make those connections and stores in the brain much simpler than perhaps an individual over 25. What this malleability allows is for children to basically have an unlimited hard drive with almost very little effort (an ability we all wish we could keep into our adulthood!) The most rapid time for learning is from 2 years until around 10 years old (that is not to say that the brain stops being neuroplastic, just that it is less likely for you to create new connections organically without you focussing on this). It is during these sweet years that once a skill or ability is learned, the brain is able to remember it well into adulthood, easily pick up the skill again, easily grasp similar concepts and the like as the brain has already experienced this skill and more importantly, made the neural links to tap into when necessary. How does learning multiple languages work in children? There is a myth that learning multiple languages at a very young age causes confusion in a child. This is not so. A child can develop and learn multiple languages (and we really mean multiple – this is not restricted to one or two languages) simultaneously whilst growing up – and often leads to greater ability to codeswitch (the ability to switch between speaking one language and another language interchangeably). Why is this? As a child – when we are learning multiple languages – we learn it at the most fundamental basic level – which is by NOT having the ability to translate from a home language. This means – when speaking, a child does not need to first decide which language they want to respond in, and then translate from their home language, because they do not have one yet! They are developing crucial neural links without needing to draw from a reference, that being their home language! The key to teaching children languages is repetition in the target language as often as possible. Why is it better to learn a language as a child vs. as an adult? This is not to say that it is impossible for adults to learn a second language – it most definitely is! But it is unarguable that children are able to pick it up easier. Why is this? It can be attributed to 2 factors. The first was touched on above, as a child – everything we learn is new – that is the foundation of our experience and learning – so those make up our fundamental references – and if you do not have any references, you have to form a new one in order to learn that concept. Conversely to adults – we already speak a language fluently. Our thoughts and words are moulded by that language. So when we are learning a new language – we immediately want to make it relatable by knowing the translations of words. We don’t learn a word as a definition, we learn a word as reference to the word we already know in our language. This will lead us to need to translate in order to speak a second language vs. a child learning naturally and fluidly the definitions of multiple words in multiple languages without the need to translate. The second reason goes back to neuroplasticity. As an adult, although we still have some neuroplasticity, it is not as malleable and extreme as that of children. Our neural networks are pretty much formed and unless we really focus and study that topic, turning new knowledge into long term memory can be difficult. More interestingly, the language centre in our brain decides “ok – this is what we need to know for this language!” when we start learning a new language as an adult, our brain needs to decide where to store this information (our hard drive is no longer unlimited!) and will then decide that the place where the new neural connections will be made will be in the already existing language centre. Effectively, deleting some words that we may have previously known to make space for the new language. This is why most people who become fluent in a second language as an adult, may suddenly find they forget something in their home language that previously they knew. In children, this is not so! That neuroplasticity is so ready – that when the information is coming into our brains for language – the language centre then MOULDS to the number of languages that the child is learning – so instead of forgetting some things in a home language – a child is actually able to store up to double without it affecting either language conversely! Further to this – the brain at a young age is able to say “hey! There are different languages out there – maybe we should keep some neurons available if we ever encounter more” and thus bilingual children are able to learn a new language even as adults. What age should I start teaching my child? The simple answer is – from birth! As parents we mould our children’s experiences and starting to speak in multiple languages from as young as possible will only allow that malleability to really excel and grow. For formal lessons, here at Fluent Panda Language School, we recommend putting children in our kids classes from as young as 4 years old.

August 11, 2021

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.

August 9, 2021

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.

August 4, 2021

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.

August 3, 2021

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.”

July 20, 2021

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

July 17, 2021

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

July 15, 2021

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

July 15, 2021

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 optimipublishing@optimi.co.za / 087 405 2244

July 14, 2021

PARENT SURVIVAL KIT – ADHD

Most parents would never ignore their child’s broken bone or obvious signs of physical injury. Yet, when it comes to a child’s mental state and someone tells you that your child has ADHD or that your child needs medication! Panic sets in. You are not sure what all of it really means. However, what you do know is that you definitely are not keen to medicate your child. However, you are told that without meds your child is likely to make limited academic progress. So, where to from here? All is not lost Your child will be ok! There are many paths to follow, but having ADHD is definitely not the end of the child’s world. It is unfortunately a fact that if you take no action whatsoever, then your child is likely to battle more than they should at school and during their life. Courses of action The first port of call is to find a deep understanding of exactly what ADHD is? Well, it relates specifically to concentration and focus issues. The ICD-11 states that it is “a persistent pattern (at least 6 months) of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that has a direct negative impact on academic, occupational or social functioning.” The ICD-11 further states that the onset of these symptoms occurs prior to age 12 years, typically by early- to mid-childhood. One of the questions that is often asked is: Is there a correlation between intelligence and ADHD? Research has shown that there is no major correlation between ADHD and intelligence, but children with ADHD are often more adventurous, more likely to be entrepreneurs…, more likely to “think out of the box”, but they will battle with formal, long-term study environments. Most adults work with their ADHD, whether they know it or not, they are likely to choose jobs where they have freedom of movement and don’t always have to rely on a structured environment in order to succeed. Symptoms The actual symptoms as observed by a teacher in the classroom are: Inattention Non-completion of tasks in the allocated time Loss of focus General problems with concentration Self-focused behaviour Interrupting Problems with patience Emotional turmoil Fidgeting Problems playing quietly Avoidance of tasks Daydreaming Trouble getting organized Forgetfulness Do we see these symptoms at home? Most of the time our children are playing or are involved in an activity which they want to be involved in: gaming inside, playing a game outside or doing something relatively passive like watching TV or a series or something similar. When we are able to observe our children attempting to complete a focused task like studying or homework tasks, that’s when we are likely to see some of the ADHD symptoms. If there was anything positive about the complete lockdown, we had in 2020, it was that we as parents we got to see our children’s actual classroom behaviour. If we were able to see their online behaviour, then we were extra lucky. In most instances many parents had the opportunity to observe that their children battle to stay focused and/or complete a task, even though their teacher may have advised them of the situation before. What about medication? Which meds should we use? “I have come to the conclusion over a number of years that the possible side-effects as discussed on the medication pamphlets are not always exactly the same for everyone. I believe that each child (person) reacts differently to medication in their systems. From absolutely no side-effects at all, to other debilitating side-effects.” Should we use stimulant medications? Should we use Long-Acting medications (8 hours)? Should we use alternative prescription medication? Should meds be part of the solution at all? “Well, my advice is to use whatever meds your Paediatric Neurologist or Paediatrician recommends, but to stay in close contact with the medical professional. They need to know how your child is reacting, and how to alter and possibly prescribe something else if necessary. Remember, medication is always a last resort, and when the time comes to use whatever medication, the medical professionals prescribe for a better and healthier way forward.” Toolkit A Parent Toolkit that could assist you along the way is as follows: A formal assessment by a Paediatric Neurologist (if possible, otherwise a Paediatrician), including questionnaires for the child’s teacher, as well as your input as a parent, and an assessment at some stage of the process by an Educational Psychologist. Understanding that it is a neurological condition. Creating structure, boundaries, and an appropriate environment for learning at school and home. Correct school placement if possible (small classes, and an understanding teacher). Close liaison with the child’s teacher, medical professionals, and all therapists. Medication if recommended by the child’s teachers and therapists, and prescribed by a suitable medical professional. Your child is exceptional and most likely will achieve great things throughout life. Your job as a parent now, is to understand your child and assist wherever you can to help them on their journey to greatness. By: Dr Greg Pienaar, Principal at The Bridge Assisted Learning School

July 13, 2021

10 Notable People Who Were homeschooled

In an age where more students are receiving an education and graduating than ever before it is interesting to take note that education is finally evolving into something far more exciting. Along with the education of teachers, learning tools and teaching techniques have also changed significantly with the digital revolution. There is finally a drive to incorporate technology, mobile devices, and independent learning into the student curriculum. If the thought of homeschooling concerns you then perhaps reading about 15 notable people who were homeschooled will begin to change your view on independent learning and this revolutionary method of schooling. Thomas Edison Thomas Edison is one of the most famous and productive inventors of all time with almost 1000 patents in his name, including the electric light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture camera. He became a self-made multimillionaire even though he was considered a difficult child at the school he attended so at the age of 7 his mother removed him from school and taught him at home. Alexander Graham Bell Bell was homeschooled until the age of 11 before enrolling in a traditional school. Despite his poor grades at school Bell went on to be a noted inventor and held more than a dozen patents. Albert Einstein Although he was named time magazine’s “Man of the Century,” Albert Einstein was not an “Einstein” in school. The Nobel Prize-winning physicist, famous for his theory of relativity and contributions to quantum theory and statistical mechanics, dropped out of high school at age 15 to continue his education independently. Teddy Roosevelt The 26th US president, leader of The Rough Riders and inspiration for the teddy bear, Teddy Roosevelt was born to a family of fourteen children. Roosevelt and his siblings suffered from a variety of physical ailments, and as a result, were home-schooled. The children were taught by their mother, aunt, and a French governess, who did a fantastic job: Teddy was admitted to Harvard in 1878. Abraham Lincoln The remarkable 16th President of the United States known for leading the nation during the civil war and abolishing slavery is a product of homeschooling. History books did not lie when they said he was raised in a poor household by loving but unfortunately illiterate parents. Unlike the parent or private tutor-led homeschool method we know today, Lincoln had to teach himself how to read and write while also supporting his family. Proof that independent learning does rely on someone else teaching you. Leonardo da Vinci The artist behind the legendary paintings Mona Lisa and The Last Supper was a homeschooler! Da Vinci went down in history not only as a great painter but also a polymath with extensive knowledge in various fields like biology, math, architecture, and engineering. This renaissance artist was taught English, writing, and math by his father. Agatha Christie This famous mystery novelist was homeschooled by her father. She taught herself to read at just 5 years old. She wrote some 75 novels, including 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections. Christie is perhaps the world’s most famous mystery writer and is one of the best-selling novelists of all time Maria Sharapova Although she was enrolled in a prestigious school at the age of 9, Maria Sharapova and her parents decided that home learning was the best choice for the athlete t continue her journey to becoming a famous tennis star. Sharapova is a brilliant example that independent learners can become well-rounded and emotionally intelligent people. Emma Watson The bright and fearless Hermoine Granger in the Harry Potter series, as well as one of the highest-paid actresses of all time, Emma Watson was homeschooled for most of her adolescent years. Watson had to be educated by a private tutor on set along with her co-stars as she started acting professionally at age 10. Watson earned her degree in English Literature in 2014 from Brown University. Taylor Swift Singer-songwriter and ten-time Grammy award winner Taylor Swift was homeschooled from the age of 14. She chose to learn independently to accommodate her touring schedule. Homeschooling has become a popular option for numerous celebrities to allot more time to grow their showbiz careers Choosing to homeschool your kids might feel like an all-too-eccentric route to take, but you’d be surprised to find that your child is actually in good company if you choose to set him/her off on this specific path of alternative learning.

July 12, 2021

TikTok, Roblox and game videos: What kids were looking for in 2020-2021

A new Kaspersky Safe Kids study has revealed what children were interested in during 2020 – 2021. Over the past year, their interest has grown in the categories of ‘software, audio and video’ and ‘e-commerce’, while ‘Internet communication media’ and ‘computer games’ have slightly decreased. TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp are at the top of the most popular applications. At the same time, TikTok overtook Instagram with almost double the level of popularity. 2020 turned out to be one of the most unusual years for modern children. The pandemic has changed many common life situations across the globe, including education, meeting friends and family, recreation, and entertainment. Kaspersky analysed anonymised data, such as search queries, the most popular Android applications and website categories requested voluntarily provided by Kaspersky Safe Kids users, to explore how the interests and needs of children have changed under the new conditions. The most popular website categories among children in South Africa were ‘software, audio, video’ (52%), ‘Internet communication media’ (14%) and ‘computer games’ (9%). Among the most popular apps, YouTube leads by a wide margin – the service remains the most popular video streaming service among children around the world. In second place is the messenger WhatsApp, and third is the popular social network TikTok. The top list also includes games, such as Brawl Stars, Roblox, Among US and Minecraft. Children globally are very active in listening to and watching music videos on YouTube – its share is 17.35% in searches for music genres and videos. A number of ‘trend’ videos were also visible in the statistics – ‘pop it and simple dimple’ and ‘ASMR’ account for 4.43% of the queries. This year, requests related to the video game maker Gacha Life also stood out in the top ratings of children from all over the world with a share of 4%. When it comes to music tastes, alongside traditional leaders like K-POP bands BTS and BLACKPINK, singers Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and Travis Scott, another musical genre, like ‘phonk’ became popular. There is also a trend towards ‘creative’ videos – more and more requests for beats, samples and lessons on creating music in various programmes began to appear at the top of the list. At the same time, TikTok remains the main musical trendsetter for children. Cartoons account for half (50.21%) of all video searches by children around the world. The most popular ones are Lady Bug and Super Cat, Gravity Falls and Peppa Pig. In second place were various TV shows – the most frequent search in English was The Voice Kids. In movies and TV series, the most popular trailers were Godzilla vs Kong, Zach Snyder’s recent Justice League and the Disney+ mini-series WandaVision. Netflix also continues to attract the attention of more kids – the most frequent requests via the platform were for Cobra Kai and the now iconic Stranger Things. TikTok remains the undisputed leader among children, but at the same time, the perception of the social network has begun to transform. Now it is no longer only a social network for clips and lip syncs, as more educational and creative content has begun to appear on the platform. At the same time, to create TikTok videos, one person has to do the work of the operator, actor, director, and the entire film crew. All this develops skills that can not only be useful for children in the future, but could lead them to choosing it as a profession. For video games, those trending the most with children globally include Minecraft (22.84%), Fortnite (6.73%), Among Us (3.80%), Brawl Stars (6.34%) – which recently captured the attention of children and is very popular – and the much-loved Roblox game (3.82%). At the same time, the most frequently played game in the top 10 for almost all countries is Roblox. Of all the regions, it was children from Kazakhstan who became leaders in visiting sites devoted to computer games – 26.01%. In second place were children from the UK (19.40%). But we see a very different picture in India, where children hardly ever visited sites dedicated to video games from a PC (just 5.08%). “Modern children grow up with gadgets in their hands from a very young age, so they adapt to the digital space and master new technologies much faster. We see how TikTok has become one of the main trendsetters among children in a short time and continues to keep their attention. At the same time, YouTube hasn’t lost ground and remains the leader in popularity among children, in part due to the huge variety of videos, ranging from ‘let-plays’, documenting the playthrough of a video game, to educational lectures and clips. Understanding and analysing the interests of children on the Internet helps us to pay attention to the issue of safety. By knowing what kind of music a child listens to, who their favourite bloggers are or what games they play, parents can strengthen their trusted relations with kids. For instance, they could film a TikTok video together. This will also let parents help their kids to protect themselves from potential hazards online,” comments Anna Larkina, web content analysis expert at Kaspersky. To ensure children have a positive online experience, Kaspersky recommends that parents: Learn more about your children’s interests. Surf and learn together. See where children spend their time online and explore how to best keep them safe. Explain that sensitive information should only be shared via messengers and only with people they know in real life. Consider downloading parental control apps and discuss this topic with your child to explain how such apps work and why they need them to stay safe online. Spend more time communicating with children about online safety measures. Tell your children what must not, under any circumstances, be published on the Internet and why.

July 9, 2021

Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School A look into our Assisted Learning Stream

In the heart of Kensington, lies a hidden gem. This gem is Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School. As a strong establishment of 52 years in remedial and special needs support, Glenoaks offers a unique and comprehensive educational experience for any child who presents with wide-ranging barriers to learning. The school has a specific stream dedicated to learners with special educational needs. This stream is run by a team of dedicated teachers and therapists who are passionate about special needs and strive for each child to reach their true potential. The GOAL (Glenoaks Assisted Learning) Stream caters for learners from the ages of 6 to 14 years, who have special educational needs which inhibit them from learning in the ‘traditional classroom’. Our learners are unique, inspiring and present with a variety of different and individualistic learning styles. Even though they cannot cope with the pace and complexity of an academic curriculum, neither in a mainstream nor in a remedial classroom, they are able to learn within our supported environment – this is because we focus on what our learners CAN do! Each of our learners have differing areas of strengths. Some have promising potential in one or two subject areas but demonstrate functional abilities in other areas and some of them demonstrate strengths with tasks of a practical nature. A placement in the GOAL stream allows for teachers and therapists to work on enhancing the learners’ strengths whilst developing their skills in areas they find difficult without having to abide by a pre-determined curriculum that may not be suitable to their learning style or needs. Our learners all benefit from repetition, positive reinforcement, and reduced time pressure, aiming at developing skills within their levels of ability. At present we have a Junior, an Intermediate and a Senior GOAL Stream class. These classes are divided according to a child’s age and ability. Our class sizes are between 5 – 7 learners, and the younger classes have a classroom facilitator. This allows for individual attention and support throughout the day. We also have a multi-disciplinary team consisting of psychologists, occupational, speech and language and remedial therapists, as well as facilitators, all working together to ensure that no stone gets left unturned when it comes to your child’s educational needs. Subjects in the GOAL Stream include life skills, activities of daily living, cooking, supported reading, home management, current events and world knowledge, basic administration skills, computers, drumming, library, sport, social and emotional skills, Occupational Therapy groups, Speech-Language Therapy and communication groups, social skills groups, work experience groups, and arts and crafts. We also work on individualised numeracy and literacy programs with each of our learners. Our classroom themes are all-encompassing themes and many of our activities are ‘out of the box’ to best support learning needs and styles. Older GOAL Stream learners have many opportunities for project-based learning in preparation for in-house work experience. Our core focus for these learners includes developing their life skills, and functional mathematical and literacy skills so that they can be productive and contributing members of society, whether it be within independent or sheltered working environments. Our school has a warm and nurturing environment. Please spend some time looking at our website, and make an appointment if you wish to come and see our gem of a school! The staff at Glenoaks take inspiration from each child as well as their families, and this poem written by a mom who was asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability, has made us look at special needs differently. It’s like this… Welcome to Holland Written by Emily Perl Kingsley When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans. The Colosseum, the Michelangelo David, the gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It’s all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland.” “Holland?!” you say. “What do you mean, Holland?” I signed up for Italy! I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy. But there’s been a change in the flight plan. They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to some horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It’s just a different place. So you must go out and buy a new guidebook. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It’s just a different place. It’s slower paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around, and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills, Holland has tulips, Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy, and they’re all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life you will say, “Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.” The pain of that will never, ever, go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss. But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland.

July 7, 2021

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