Twinkl

Heritage Through Play: Using Games to Teach Children About South Africa’s Cultures

There’s just something about the games we played as kids — the laughter and the lessons and the stories behind them. Some of them, for many of us, are deeply connected to family and community. When it comes to the old games, they are not just entertainment; they are a cultural heritage and values passed from generation to generation. Why not use play as a medium to familiarise your child with the rich traditions and history of South Africa, this Heritage Month? It’s a fun and easy way to foster cultural appreciation, in the comfort of your own home or classroom. The Value of Traditional Games The traditional games of South Africa, such as intonga, morabaraba, and bok-bok, not only teach an individual how to think and exercise, but also teach the values of teamwork and respect, and even storytelling. While learning and playing these games, children appreciate the way of life of other children around the nation. This can also be an opportunity for parents and caregivers to share the games from their own childhood and share knowledge in a very sentimental way. And the best part of sharing these childhood games is, you only require the simple equipment of a space, a sense of humour, and a willingness to engage. Start with Accessible Resources Twinkl makes the introduction of cultural games and activities super simple with a multitude of pre-made resources for Heritage Month. The Heritage Day in SASL Activity Book includes fun and inclusive activities to celebrate South Africa’s rich cultures while learning the language. It’s also formatted to be read by learners who are deaf using South African Sign Language. For a bit of structure, the Rainbow Nation Heritage Day Addition Board Game combines maths and culture in a fun way, and is perfect for family game night or learning stations in a classroom. Keeping Heritage Alive, One Game at a Time Ask your child to interview their grandparents, teachers, or aunts and uncles about the games they played when they were young,  then play them together! Whether that means drawing a morabaraba board in the sand or teaching a skipping rhyme in your home language, these are powerful tools for connecting generations and building identity. Play is not an escape from learning, it is learning. We teach children resilience, cooperation and the fun of shared experience through traditional games. Celebrating Culture with Twinkl At Twinkl, we’re happy to help make education impactful and easy. Our extensive collection of Heritage Month resources makes it easy for families and teachers to incorporate cultural learning into play. 

August 19, 2025
Parenting Hub

Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids in a Fast-Paced World

In a world that often prioritises performance, productivity, and speed, children are growing up with more pressure than ever before. Between academic demands, social media, and over-scheduled lives, emotional intelligence (EQ) can easily take a backseat. Yet, research shows that EQ is just as crucial—if not more so—than IQ when it comes to long-term success, well-being, and healthy relationships. So, how do we slow things down and raise emotionally intelligent kids in this fast-paced world? What Is Emotional Intelligence? Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions effectively, while also recognising and responding to the emotions of others. It includes key skills such as: According to psychologist Daniel Goleman, who popularised the concept of EQ, emotional intelligence is a better predictor of success than academic achievement or technical skill [source: Goleman, Emotional Intelligence]. Why EQ Matters More Than Ever Children with high EQ are better equipped to: Studies have shown that kids with strong emotional regulation skills are more likely to perform well academically, avoid risky behaviours, and enjoy better mental health throughout life [source: Child Development Journal, 2011]. In today’s high-stimulation environment—with constant notifications, social comparison, and limited downtime—these skills help children stay grounded and connected. Practical Ways to Nurture Emotional Intelligence 1. Model Emotional Awareness Kids learn most from watching you. Use words to describe your feelings and how you manage them. For example, “I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a short walk to calm down.” 2. Name the Feeling Teach kids to label their emotions accurately. A child who can say, “I’m frustrated” instead of acting out is already on the path to self-regulation. 3. Create a Safe Space for Expression Let your child know it’s okay to feel all emotions—even the hard ones. Avoid phrases like “Don’t cry” or “You’re fine.” Instead, try, “It’s okay to feel sad. Want to talk about it?” 4. Practice Active Listening Put away distractions when your child is speaking. Get down to their level, make eye contact, and reflect back what you hear: “It sounds like you were really nervous before your speech.” 5. Encourage Empathy Talk about how others might feel in a given situation: “How do you think your friend felt when you shared your toy with them?” 6. Slow Down the Schedule Overbooked kids have less time for reflection, play, and emotional processing. Prioritise unstructured time and connection over constant stimulation. 7. Use Books and Stories Literature is a powerful tool to teach emotions and perspective-taking. Ask questions like, “Why do you think the character acted that way?” or “What would you do in their shoes?” Building EQ Is a Lifelong Journey You don’t need to get it perfect. What matters is being intentional, present, and open to learning alongside your child. EQ isn’t developed in a single moment—it’s shaped by everyday interactions, moments of struggle, and how we respond to them. Great Resources to Support You

August 19, 2025
Parenting Hub

How to Spot (and Stop) Toxic Comparison on Social Media

In the age of perfectly curated Instagram grids and TikTok glow-ups, it’s easy for kids—and adults—to fall into the trap of toxic comparison. What starts as casual scrolling can quickly spiral into self-doubt, jealousy, and anxiety. And for children and teens whose sense of identity is still forming, the effects of social media comparison can be especially damaging. So how can parents help children (and themselves) spot toxic comparison and build healthier digital habits? What Is Toxic Comparison? Toxic comparison happens when someone repeatedly measures their own life, appearance, or achievements against someone else’s online highlight reel—and comes up feeling less-than. This can lead to: According to a 2022 report by Common Sense Media, over 1 in 3 teens say they feel “worse about themselves” after using social media—especially when consuming content related to appearance or popularity. [Source: Common Sense Media, Teens and Mental Health] Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling with Toxic Comparison How to Help Kids Spot and Stop Toxic Comparison 1. Talk Openly About the “Highlight Reel” Remind kids that what they see on social media is often edited, filtered, and only the best moments. No one shares their bad days, struggles, or insecurities regularly. 2. Encourage a Strong Sense of Self Celebrate your child’s strengths, values, and individuality. Help them understand that their worth isn’t tied to likes, followers, or how they compare to others. 3. Model Healthy Online Habits Children mirror what they see. Be mindful of how you talk about yourself, others, and what you see online. Avoid negative self-talk and model digital boundaries. 4. Curate Their Feed Together Help your child unfollow accounts that make them feel insecure or inadequate and follow ones that inspire, educate, or uplift. Encourage a feed that reflects real people and diverse body types, interests, and achievements. 5. Encourage Offline Joy Make sure social media doesn’t become the primary source of entertainment or validation. Support hobbies, real-world friendships, and creative outlets that build confidence. 6. Create Tech-Free Zones and Times Establish family times without devices—like meals, car rides, or 30 minutes before bed—to give kids (and you!) a break from the scroll. 7. Know When to Intervene If comparison is leading to persistent sadness, anxiety, or changes in behaviour, it might be time to talk with a school counsellor or mental health professional. Final Thought Social media isn’t inherently bad, but unchecked comparison can be. Teaching children how to navigate their digital world with awareness and confidence is one of the greatest tools we can give them. It’s not about cutting them off—it’s about helping them understand what’s real, what’s not, and what truly matters. Great Resources:

August 19, 2025
DIBBER SA

Raising Respectful Children Through Gentle Parenting

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but it does come with a million opinions. Some days, it feels like you’re doing everything wrong—too soft, too firm, not enough of this, too much of that. But when you pause and look into your child’s eyes, when you see that little spark of love, mischief, and curiosity all rolled into one, you remember what matters most: connection. In today’s world, raising kind, confident, and respectful children isn’t about controlling their behaviour—it’s about walking alongside them, showing them what care and consideration feel like in real moments. Gentle parenting is not about being permissive. It’s about leading with calm authority and making space for emotions, while still holding firm to values and limits. At Dibber, we believe that children grow through relationships, through experience, and through knowing they are deeply accepted. Children explore boundaries not to challenge us, but to make sense of the world. They don’t need to be corrected—they need to be supported. A child who cries when they don’t get their turn, or grabs a toy in frustration, isn’t misbehaving—they’re still learning. When we respond with calm, get down on their level, and say, “I see it’s hard to wait. Let’s try together,” we’re not fixing a problem—we’re guiding them through a moment of growth. And they’re always watching. They see how we respond when someone cuts us off in traffic, how we greet the lady at the till, how we treat our own parents. They learn more from how we speak in frustration than from any lesson we teach in calm. That’s why respect begins with us. Not in what we say—but in what we show, especially when things don’t go as planned. Children who are treated with respect begin to understand what it feels like to matter. When they feel heard and considered, they start to do the same for others. They share not because we told them to, but because they care. They say “sorry” not because they were forced to, but because they understand that someone else was hurt. And that kind of growth doesn’t come from punishment—it comes from experience, and from being guided with warmth and trust. Boundaries still matter. In fact, they’re essential. But they don’t need to come with fear. They can come with clarity, kindness, and consistency. “I won’t let you hit. I’m here to help.” “You really want that toy, but we’re learning to wait.” When children hear these words often, in a calm tone, they begin to internalise self-regulation—not because someone made them, but because someone helped them. Every day at Dibber, we see this approach in motion. A young child who once struggled to greet a friend now smiles first. A preschooler who cried during transitions now helps the younger ones feel safe. This doesn’t happen through rules or rewards. It happens because they’ve experienced what it means to belong. When we let children choose between two healthy snacks, or decide which book to read at bedtime, they’re not just making choices—they’re learning that their opinion counts. These moments may seem small, but they are powerful. They teach children to trust their voice. And when something feels off, they’ll know they’re allowed to speak up—even if an adult is the one who made them uncomfortable. We don’t need to have all the answers. We just need to be present, consistent, and kind. When we hold our children through the messy moments with love, and guide them gently through challenge, we raise more than well-behaved children—we raise thoughtful, empathetic, and self-aware individuals. And those are the kinds of children who grow into the adults this world truly needs. By Kelly Eyre, Quality and Pedagogy Lead, Dibber South Africa

August 18, 2025
St Teresa's School

The Transformative Power of Reading

As a Junior Primary teacher, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable power of reading in shaping young minds. Reading is not just a skill we teach. It unlocks doors to learning, understanding, and communication on many levels. It lays the foundation for academic success, fosters emotional growth, and builds connections, both with others and within ourselves. A child who reads becomes an adult who thinks Teaching reading and comprehension is a deep passion of mine, one rooted in my own love for books. From the moment my daughter was born, I began reading to her. Our home has always been filled with books. These books have not only filled our shelves but have shaped our conversations, our imaginations and our shared moments. Creating an environment rich in reading materials allows children to engage deeply with language. Not only does reading expose them to vocabulary far beyond what they may encounter in everyday conversation, but it also stretches their expressive capabilities and builds confidence in communication. The benefits of reading, however, go far beyond vocabulary. Stories strengthen memory by encouraging children to recall characters, events, and sequences. They nurture critical thinking through plot twists, problem-solving, and inference. Discussing stories helps children analyse, interpret, and evaluate, all essential skills not just in school, but in life. One of the most beautiful aspects of reading is its power to promote empathy. When children read about characters from different backgrounds or facing unfamiliar challenges, they begin to understand perspectives beyond their own. In my classroom, when small disagreements arise, as they often do in the Junior Primary phase, I sometimes turn to stories to gently explore the situation. A book about sharing or managing anger can open the door to meaningful conversation in a non-threatening way. It allows children to reflect, relate, and respond with more kindness and awareness. Reading also fosters social and emotional connections. Bedtime stories are a cherished tradition in many households, creating a moment of calm and closeness at the end of a busy day. For younger children, being read to reinforces their listening skills, attention span, and the rhythm of language. For older children, reading together, even silently, can be a quiet and comforting way to bond. Now that my daughter is in the Senior Primary phase, I no longer read aloud to her each night, but we still make time to read beside each other in bed. These peaceful, shared moments, each of us lost in our own book, are deeply meaningful. They keep our bond strong and highlight the importance of making space for reading, even as life gets busier. The magic of reading is that it grows with you. A love of reading evolves from a simple joy into a lifelong habit that informs your worldview, sharpens your understanding and enriches your ability to communicate. As teachers and parents, we have the immense privilege and responsibility of planting the seeds of literacy early on. With every story we share, we are not just teaching children to read; we are teaching them to listen, to imagine, to question, and to dream. And that is where true learning begins. Natalie Sales St Teresa’s School Grade 2 Teacher

August 18, 2025
Parenting Hub

The Truth About ‘Screen Time’ and Online Learning Tools

In today’s digital age, screen time has become an unavoidable part of childhood—and a major source of concern for many parents. With educational apps, online classes, and digital homework platforms becoming more common, it can be difficult to distinguish between productive screen time and overexposure. So how much is too much? And does screen time always mean negative outcomes for kids? Let’s unpack the realities of screen use in the context of learning and how parents can strike a healthy balance. Not All Screen Time Is Created Equal The term “screen time” often lumps all digital activity into one category. But there’s a big difference between watching cartoons for hours and using a reading app to improve literacy skills. Educational screen time can enhance cognitive development, especially when interactive, age-appropriate, and paired with parental engagement. In fact, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) acknowledges that not all screen time is harmful, especially when it’s designed to support educational goals and used thoughtfully source: AAP Guidelines. Benefits of Online Learning Tools When used appropriately, digital learning tools can: According to a study by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, digital learning can be particularly effective when combined with adult interaction and when it targets specific skills like math or reading source. When Screen Time Becomes a Concern Excessive screen use—especially of entertainment content—can lead to: It’s important to monitor not just how much screen time your child is getting, but what they’re consuming and how they’re interacting with it. Passive consumption (like endless videos) is less beneficial than active, goal-driven use. Tips for Managing Screen Time with Online Learning Tools to Help You Manage Usage Final Thoughts Screens are part of modern education, and when used wisely, they can be a valuable tool in your parenting toolbox. The goal isn’t to eliminate screens but to guide your child toward using them in ways that support their learning, growth, and overall well-being.

August 18, 2025
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