Child magazine | JHB August 2014

J O B U R G ’ S

b e s t

gu i d e

f o r

p a r e n t s

education issue the

www.childmag.co.za

August 2014

free

health

helping children concentrate are marks really necessary in school? raising a confident child my child doesn’t have a best friend inspiring storybook destinations

education

entertainment

education noun

Hunter House P U B L I S H IN G

Publisher Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za

Editorial

the act or process of acquiring knowledge, especially during childhood and adolescence

Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Features Editor Marc de Chazal • features@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Simone Jeffery • joburg@childmag.co.za

Health, education and entertainment are the foundations we’ve built the Child magazine story on as we journey with you through the trials and joys of parenthood.

Health is our primary concern, but I often wonder if education should come first. As parents we may feel that our children’s future happiness, confidence and longterm success are indelibly linked to “the right school”. It is, but it isn’t. Your children’s school will play a vital role in their education, but so much of what they learn is home-grown. That’s why I love our August issue so much. This month, we fall in love with maths and science, explore schools that focus on learning and not marks, and take a look at the potential

Editorial Assistant Lucille Kemp • capetown@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Debbie Hathway

Art Designers Nikki-leigh Piper • studio@childmag.co.za Mariette Barkhuizen • studio@childmag.co.za Mark Vincer • studio3@childmag.co.za

Advertising Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za

Client Relations Renee Bruning • jhbsales@childmag.co.za

Subscriptions and Circulation PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: BROOKE FASANI

Nicolene Baldy • subs@childmag.co.za

Accounts Nicolene Baldy • admin@childmag.co.za Tel: 021 465 6093 • Fax: 021 462 2680

Joburg’s Child magazineTM is published monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: Unit 5, First Floor,

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hazards of Wi-Fi. We’ve also filled this education issue with inspiring books to line your shelves, but we’ve taken it a step further... Having read the wonderful tales of Beatrix Potter and Roald Dahl, have you ever dreamt of taking your child to see where their stories originated? In “live the story” (pg 32), we bring you getaway ideas inspired by some of our favourite authors.

Our children learn to love learning at home. We hope you’ll get great ideas from Child magazine to fuel this passion.

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copy. We are under no obligation to return unsolicited copy. The magazine, or part thereof, may not be reproduced or adapted without the prior written permission of the publisher. We take care to ensure our articles are accurate and balanced but cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage that may arise from reading them.

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August 2014

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contents august 2014

22 upfront

regulars

3 a note from lisa

8 upfront with paul more than

6 over to you readers respond 10 reader’s blog when husbands work away from home, things can get chaotic, says Nicky Fourie

features 18 on your marks Caryn Edwards questions the relevance of the school grading system

20 confident or cheeky? how to raise a child with the right amount of confidence. By Gary Koen

22 wireless hazards is Wi-Fi

problematic to our children’s health? Glynis Horning investigates

24 make the circle bigger

Ruth Rehbock looks at whether your child needs one best friend or a group of mates

26 food made fun Debbie Wareham

and Kim Jurgens share recipes that the whole family can enjoy

29 a model for the future

Lucille Kemp finds out how we can nurture a love for maths and science

32 live the story Marina Zietsman

brings you getaway ideas inspired by classic literature

health

anything else, school is about the learner, says Paul Kerton

11 best for baby – head space Marina Zietsman discusses causes and preventative measures to avoid so-called flat head syndrome

12 pregnancy news – living with loss Glynis Horning considers the devastating psychological effects of a miscarriage

16 dealing with difference – wandering minds there may be a number of underlying reasons that can cause your child to lose concentration. By Marc de Chazal

36 resource – bring the teacher home Marina Zietsman and Simone Jeffery compile a list of educational resources to aid learning at home

38 a good read for the whole family 42 what’s on in august 54 finishing touch Cassandra Shaw and her son get busy in the kitchen

classified ads 49 family marketplace

9 get the bite right Marina Zietsman looks at the importance of braces

52 let’s party

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

St Mary’s School, Waverley grahamdelacy.com

Lizelle Potgieter limelightphotography.co.za

Cotton On Kids cottonon.co.za

St Mary’s School, Waverley grahamdelacy.com

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August 2014

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letters

reflexology for pregnant women

online responses

As a practising reflexologist and massage therapist I find Izelle’s [Louw, from Mommy Wellness Day Spa in Cape Town] comments absolutely ludicrous (“a healthy glow”, July 2014). The role of reflexology throughout pregnancy and even during childbirth is highly beneficial and fantastic for all moms. In my experience, a qualified reflexologist can even assist in turning babies ready for birthing.

Debi Martin-McKay Childmag says The purpose of our article was to advise pregnant women about potential beauty treatment hazards and we chose to err on the side of caution. If you intend using reflexology during pregnancy, we advise that you chat to your doctor first as it can reportedly induce labour.

in response to the article “20 birthday traditions” I really liked the birthday ideas you have mentioned here.

These are joyful and very useful ideas for a child that will make the day memorable for years.

Shorya

My daughter Keira has decided that for her 13th birthday party she would like to ask folks to donate money to Tears (The Emma Animal Rescue Society). We have arranged for her and some friends to do shadowwaitressing at a restaurant that will donate 10% of their earnings that night to Tears. She really is a determined young lady. [Keira’s letter to follow.]

Liz Moran (Keira’s Mom)

m Tears , which she adopted fro Keira with her cat Lily

to whom it may concern My name is Keira and I am turning 13 on 8 October 2014.

What I would like to do is to raise money for Tears for my birthday, instead of having presents and a birthday party.

My goal is to raise R13 000, as it is my 13th birthday, but I wouldn’t mind getting more. Please could you help me raise money; if money is tight you can even give donations of boxed biscuits, tinned dog/cat food, chews and dog or cat toys. I have already raised R7 000 and I am extremely happy and can’t wait for more. Thank you in advance for all of your wonderful donations.

Keira

over to you new regulations for travelling with children We are looking at travelling to Europe with our family this December. It’s both my husband and my second marriage, and we want to take the children (six of them!), but apparently the laws and regulations for travelling overseas with children have changed quite drastically.

Can anyone explain this to me?

Karen Childmag says The Department of Home Affairs encourages parents and guardians to apply for an unabridged birth certificate for their children at their nearest home affairs office. This was announced on 10 June 2014, though the department has realised that this new law can have an effect on families that have already booked flights and accommodation, so the implementation of the law has been postponed to 1 October 2014, when it will be strictly implemented. An unabridged birth certificate carries the particulars of both parents. Provision has been made for one parent travelling with a child where one parent is deceased or the child is travelling with a relative or another person. Details are listed in the Immigration Regulations, 2014 (visit dha.gov.za). Certified copies of unabridged birth certificates and parental consent where applicable will be accepted when travelling with minors under the age of 18 years old. The unabridged certificate is more secure and reliable with added information as it contains particulars of both parents, where possible, and their ID numbers. The aim of this new regulation is to safeguard children from trafficking, abduction and kidnapping. For children born

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August 2014

in response to the article “understanding tourette’s syndrome” I am a 33-year-old female with Tourette’s syndrome (TS). While my tics have become less severe and more manageable with age, my childhood and teen years were not that easy. My parents were not really aware of TS, so nothing was ever really done about it. I commend you for doing all the research. Unfortunately I have found TS awareness in South Africa to be lacking and I want to change that. I have contacted The Parkinson’s Association of South Africa, as they deal with other movement disorders, to see what they are doing regarding awareness. They do have support groups: visit parkinsons.co.za/support-help.

Catherine Versfeld

Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters or comments to marina@childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010.

before March 2013, parents need to apply for unabridged birth certificates to replace the old abridged certificate.

This application costs R75 and the process takes about six weeks. For more info: contact David Hlabane 071 527 9463 or Thabo Mokgola 071 712 9710.

manners maketh the child I would like to comment on manners, or lack thereof, in children these days: children that whine and demand, push and shove, have never heard of “please” and “thank you”, and children who don’t know how to address adults. I am even more shocked that parents see this happening and either don’t say anything to their children, or make a half-hearted attempt to correct the child. Even worse are the stay-at-home moms who don’t bother to firmly discipline their children, and I am not talking about corporal punishment here. I am talking about taking your child aside and giving them a firm talking to, or taking away a privilege until the behaviour is corrected, or at the very least, demanding an apology from the child. Stay-at-home moms are in the best position to teach their children manners, values and morals, but many don’t bother. I work from home, but still spend a lot of time ensuring that my four year old learns proper manners, and it annoys me to no end when she is exposed to the bad habits of children whose parents just couldn’t care less, and I end up having to make sure she “unlearns” the bad manners she picks up. I have been complimented on numerous occasions

for how well-mannered and pleasant my child is, and it just takes a bit of effort... anyone can do it.

I have read that children often model their parents’ behaviour (which is scary), or, if left to their own devices, mostly due to lazy parenting, end up raising themselves and are even more at the mercy of the way their peers act.

I apologise if my letter sounds very negative, especially to the many parents who do take the time to effectively discipline their children. Your children are a pleasure to be around. Those who are not taught the correct manners are being set up for a hard time later in life, and it’s not their fault.

Manners are the backbone of a decent society, and will prevent moral decay, which is extremely prevalent these days. It is not something to take lightly. We have one shot, and it needs to start at a young age.

Anonymous

thank you Your magazine is amazing and the parents can’t wait to get their hands on the next issue. Thank you for all your hard work and for making a difference.

Claire, Play Buddies, Norscot, Fourways subscribe to our newsletter and win Our wins have moved online. Please subscribe to our newsletter and enter our weekly competitions.

To subscribe, visit childmag.co.za

We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters.

The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing.

Post a comment online at childmag.co.za

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: mike moran

giving is better than receiving

Thank you for these awesome party ideas, which I found very interesting.

Viona

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upfront with paul

we all need good

educashun

School should be a fun place of learning and social interaction,

chool is such a massive part of everyone’s life that it’s important to try and get the mix right if your children are going to get the maximum out of it and actually learn something. If all goes according to plan, they should develop into upstanding adults and become productive members of society while pursuing personal goals that are achievable and fulfilling.

A teacher can either make or break the learner’s ability to excel at any given subject. A bad teacher can completely kill off any interest in a subject, while a good teacher can inspire and motivate even the most uninterested to thrive. A great teacher will do the same, but teach twice the material in half the time.

As parents we tend to think of school and the education process the way we

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remember it, which is a huge mistake as schooling has changed radically since “our day”. You only have to walk into a modern classroom awash with audiovisual teaching aids, computers and iPads flying about, to see how schools have embraced the digital age.

Most teachers are excellent, model professionals who take their pastoral and nurturing responsibilities seriously, taking note of early signs of “trouble”, whether it be a sudden drop in a child’s standards or appearance, the friends they mix with, or any drastic changes in mood or personality. Authorities have also woken up to the fact that children learn differently and at different rates and there are now processes in place to ensure that each child gets adequate

support and a curriculum that suits their learning profile.

School is about the learner more than anything else. You can tell immediately when something is wrong at school. First, your child doesn’t want to get dressed in the morning and their enthusiasm for normal school-day routine dissolves.

Some children suddenly develop a “sore tummy” in the car, which gets increasingly worse as you approach the school.

Invariably the problem is not really about school work. They may have fallen out with their BFF, who is now being spiteful.

However, lurking in the darker school corridors may be far worse problems, such as teasing, cyberbullying, being left out, drugs and sexual blackmail, which we need to be aware of.

It’s easy to think that a child’s problems are minor compared to our own, but for a seven year old who is being teased or left out, walking into the classroom is an enormous problem they have to face every day that overrides and subverts the learning process.

Luckily with the right amount of subtle observation you can monitor your child’s progress and be aware of any radical ups and downs. School should be fun, although this isn’t to say it shouldn’t be hard work too. I think the hardest thing for a child to grasp is the importance of doing well and why they have to. The world is getting increasingly competitive and any edge you can give your child to thrive is going to make their lives easier in the long run.

Follow Paul on Twitter: @fabdad1

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ILLUSTRATION: MARK VINCER

s

but it can be hell for some children, says PAUL KERTON.

health

get the bite right Braces are a fact of life for many children.

o

MARINA ZIETSMAN looks at why you should consider them.

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

rthodontic treatment done at a young age is often less costly than having to treat serious dental problems later in life. Here are seven reasons braces may be advisable early on:

Braces can ensure an attractive smile. “Aesthetics is usually the main reason why parents take their children to an orthodontist,” says Dr Antoinette Ackerman, an orthodontist in Craighall Park, Joburg.

When teeth are crooked or crowded, keeping them clean becomes difficult. Braces move the teeth into the correct position, allowing for toothbrushes and floss to reach everywhere properly.

Braces can also prevent and fix an over-, cross- or underbite. If these are not fixed, it can cause wear on the teeth, lead to gum problems and a painful jaw and joints.

It can also interfere with the proper chewing of food.

Braces can help the prevention of gum-related problems. If it’s difficult to clean your teeth, it’s more likely to enhance plaque and tartar formation. The more plaque and tartar you have, the greater your chance of developing gum disease.

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“Orthodontic treatment improves function, such as the way you bite down,” says Ackerman. “Braces can help to establish better occluding teeth (the way our lower and upper teeth come together). The more normal the occlusion, the less wear and tear occurs,” says Ackerman.

Teeth are a key element in speech. Having crooked teeth can influence pronunciation.

Ackerman says braces can also help to fix protruding teeth, which are more prone to accidental trauma.

when is the right time?

“Around the age of seven years old, children should get an x-ray done to establish whether or not all their teeth are present and developing,” advises Ackerman. Treatment is usually only recommended later when most permanent teeth are out and the child is still growing. “Between the ages of 10 and 12 years old for girls and 12 to 14 years old for boys,” says Ackerman. However, children may need treatment sooner, for instance to correct a crossbite. Treatment lasts between one and two years. People undergoing orthodontic treatment need to be even more dedicated to oral hygiene.

Ask your dentist to suggest the best treatment plan.

types of braces available Fitting braces is like fitting shoes, and depending on the problem area, your orthodontist will recommend the most effective treatment.

• Plates: a simple, removable clear plate can be sufficient to correct minor orthodontic issues, such as gaps between the front teeth.

• Stainless-steel braces: today you can personalise metal braces with different colours and shapes.

• Tooth-coloured aesthetic braces or ceramic braces: with these braces, the brackets are transparent or tooth-coloured, though there’s still a metal wire that runs across the teeth, which is held in place with elastic bands.

• Lingual braces: these are placed out of site on the backside of the teeth.

• Invisible aligner trays: the aligners consist of a sequence of clear, removable trays that fit over the teeth. These are only recommended for moderate to minor orthodontic problems.

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reader’s blog

wonder women It’s not easy juggling all the balls at home when a partner is away for extended periods of time, but moms who hold

i

’m just an ordinary mom with two beautiful children and an amazing husband. Like many South Africans, he works away from home for long periods of time.

This kind of lifestyle for young families has become the norm and is less and less frowned upon. As I juggle the responsibilities of my busy home, my thoughts go out to the wives and moms out there who also manage their households day in and day out without their husbands around to help. “How do we cope?” you may justifiably ask.

In my case, I had to adjust quickly to my husband working away. I guess I’m fortunate as he travels within South Africa, yet being away from us for days on end is still not how I envisioned our family unit growing. After spending months thinking about how best to survive this change in our lives, I kept wondering where a mom goes when she is looking for support or for a group of moms online that simply share the common denominator of their husbands working away from home. You may ask me why on earth I’d search the internet for support.

Don’t I have “real” friends who I can chat to? Of course I do. I have very supportive family and friends, but none

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of them are in the same boat as me. No one can ever replace my husband and the role he plays in our family unit, but it is always good to know that someone else shares my experiences.

It hasn’t been an easy journey or smooth sailing for me, but I’ve come to believe that one of our roles as moms and wives is to hold the fort if our husbands are away. If we don’t have extra help in the home, we are often the chef, the nanny, the repairman and, sometimes, even the mechanic all rolled into one. We are pillars of strength for our children. It’s a tough, but extremely rewarding job.

Evenings around our house can be quite chaotic – with dinner on the go, children chasing the dog, homework scattered on the table, manic bath times and often the need to nurse cuts and bruises with lots of kisses. Moms like me are just doing their best to keep their households loving and caring, even if they’re not always as organised as they can be. We remain optimistic.

I am very proud of my husband who, sadly, misses out on seeing his family grow. He missed seeing our seven

year old start Grade 2 and our two year old swimming solo (with wings), but we always look forward to his return with a reminder that we make sacrifices every day for the ones we truly care for and love.

Here’s to all the strong, brave and loving moms and wives who miss their partners dearly and who only want the best for their families.

Readers, this is your column – it’s a space to air your views, share a valuable parenting lesson, vent your frustrations or celebrate your joys. Send your writing to features@childmag.co.za

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

the fort play a vital family role. By NICKY FOURIE

best for baby

head space Flat head syndrome, the layman’s term for a skull deformity, is on the increase. MARINA ZIETSMAN looks at possible causes.

f

lat head syndrome appears in approximately 48% of babies. Dr Kathy Krige, a paediatrician at the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town, explains the syndrome (also known as plagiocephaly and brachycephaly): “Plagiocephaly is when a baby’s head is flattened on one side. The head no longer looks symmetrical and often the baby’s ears do not align. Brachycephaly is when the back part of the baby’s head is flattened and may cause the rest of the head to widen and the front part of the head to bulge out.”

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

what causes it?

The bones in your baby’s skull are loosely held together and as your baby grows, these bones gradually join. However, at birth and for the first few months, the skull is soft and the shape can change if pressure is applied.

Krige says these “pressures” can happen in the mother’s womb with a multiple pregnancy or a lack of amniotic fluid to cushion the baby. Congenital torticollis, which literally means “twisted neck”, where the baby keeps its neck in one position for extended periods, can also lead to a flat head. Other causes are a premature birth (the baby’s skull is even softer) and when the baby passes through the birth canal. The prevention of Sids (sudden infant death syndrome) is another culprit, because parents are urged to let their baby sleep on their back, which in turn has contributed to the increase in flatter heads.

Research also shows that more and more babies spend extended periods of time in car seats, bouncers, baby carriers and other reclining equipment. The combination of this and babies sleeping more on their backs has increased the risk of flat head syndrome.

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counter measures Back sleep is still the safest option for a baby, but rotate your child’s head during sleep to make sure the pressure alternates. You can even move your baby to different parts of the cot, which may encourage your baby to sleep on different sides of the head. To prevent your baby from spending too much awake time on his back, give enough supervised “tummy-time”. Experts suggest about 30 minutes a day. Apart from tummy-time helping the development of fine and gross motor skills, it also strengthens the neck muscles and gives the back of the head a break. Basic tummy-time exercises include placing your baby on her stomach on your lap for short periods of time and when your baby gets older, on a flat surface with age-appropriate toys in sight to keep them occupied. Ask your paediatrician for guidance on other exercises. Also, avoid leaving your baby for too long in car seats, infant seats or baby carriers.

treatment In the majority of cases, if you stick to the recommendations to treat a skull deformity, the head will assume a more natural shape. If the flat spot gets bigger or does not disappear at six months, other measures might have to be taken. “Positional plagiocephaly can take a few months to resolve,” says Krige. “Premature fusion of one or more skull sutures (the strong tissue that connect the plates of bones in the skull) can cause permanent damage, and may need surgery. You need to consult your paediatrician, though, who will evaluate the deformity and refer you to a neurosurgeon if surgery is needed,” Krige concludes.

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pregnancy news

living with loss Although 50% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, it’s rarely talked about and society tends to neglect the devastating psychological effects it has on both

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today’s advanced detection of pregnancy, an unborn baby can become part of our consciousness soon after conception, and the repository of our love, hopes and dreams. “With technology we can see ultrasound pictures and hear the baby’s heartbeat very early, so attachment to the unborn baby begins early,” says Joburg psychologist and bereavement counsellor Illeana Cocotos.

Our bodies feed into this. As Rochelle Friedman and Bonnie Gradstein explain in Surviving Pregnancy Loss (Little, Brown & Co), the physiological and psychological processes of pregnancy start soon after conception. The levels of reproductive hormones in our system rise dramatically, our uterine lining thickens to sustain the new life, our breasts swell in preparation for feeding and our emotions change gear.

A sense of attachment and “oneness” with the foetus can form even when the pregnancy is unplanned. Unless we’re set against the pregnancy, and considering abortion or adoption, we can be left feeling empty and incomplete when a miscarriage ends it.

“You need time to grieve your lost dreams, the psychological impact of miscarriage and the physical trauma of it,” says Cocotos. “It’s been found that even women whose pregnancies were unwanted were shocked by the physical process of miscarriage.”

Coping with miscarriage, she concludes, may be one of the most difficult processes a woman ever has to face. Yet levels of grief can range widely. “All loss follows the stages of denial, shock, bargaining, anger and depression, which

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

a

fter an easy first pregnancy that produced a perfect son, I was breezing through my second until a 12-week checkup. “I’m sorry,” said the gynae softly, after a pause in our usual banter, “I can’t detect a heartbeat.”

A scan confirmed I had miscarried. In a trance, I heard the nurse book a D and C (dilation and curettage) for the following day. Driving home to tell my husband, anguish poured from me in wracking sobs that frightened me and passing motorists.

Miscarriage is a complicated kind of loss. It’s easy for those who haven’t experienced it to underestimate it, especially in the first trimester, when the being you are carrying is barely bigger than a plum, and losing it is common (see box “causes of miscarriage”). But with

partners, writes GLYNIS HORNING.

We should not prescribe how a mother should mourn based on which stage of pregnancy she lost the baby, but rather allow her to mourn in the manner she feels is right for her. you can cycle in and out of before acceptance begins and you can move on,” says Dr Colinda Linde, another Joburg psychologist and author of Get the Balance Right (Metz Press).

Cape Town teacher Nicole Masureik, 35, went into labour at 37 weeks, but was not worried as her firstborn, Janel, had arrived at 33 weeks. Besides, a scan the previous day had shown the baby was fine. By the following morning, however, labour had stopped and the baby was not moving. An ultrasound showed no heartbeat. “I was in such shock and denial that I couldn’t accept that this meant she was dead until they brought in a paediatric specialist who confirmed it.”

Nicole was induced the following day. “(The) staff were wonderful, but there’s no way to get your head around giving birth in circumstances like that.” Afterwards, she and Graeme were encouraged to hold their daughter, take a lock of her hair, ink a footprint, and hold a brief naming ceremony. They called her Zoe, and the grief counsellor advised Graeme to bring in Janel, who was 18 months old, to see her sister. “They said to tell her straight that Zoe was dead, or she’d see how upset we were and think she was the cause. Janel gave Zoe a teddy, and when they wheeled her away she started crying. She knew Zoe was not going

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home with us. She completely got it. Children understand death in a way we don’t.”

An autopsy and a battery of blood tests showed Nicole had a rare autoimmune blood disorder, APS, which produced too many clotting factors, and had blocked blood flow in the placenta.

In the weeks that followed, Nicole retreated to her bed.

“I fell apart – I couldn’t make a decision about anything, even if I wanted a cup of tea. Graeme was forced to put his grief aside to cope with work, care for me, and get Janel to preschool each day. I couldn’t bear to be with people, especially her, it was too painful. I lay with my nose in a book, unable to face reality.”

Next came anger and frustration. “I knew the medical staff had done what they should, but I was frustrated my APS wasn’t picked up earlier, and hugely angry with God. It’s only recently I’ve been able to say it wasn’t his fault.”

A major help in getting there has been the birth of a third child, Nathan. “I got pregnant within 18 months of losing Zoe, but I was convinced we’d lose this baby too, even though doctors had me injecting myself daily to counter the APS and reduce the chances of another stillbirth. We bought our own foetal heart monitor and I used it constantly. I kept telling myself not to bond with

how to support a friend who miscarries: • Never underestimate the impact of miscarriage, however early.

• Don’t be afraid to talk about the baby or her loss.

• Be there for her – simply hold her and listen.

• Encourage her to express her pain and anger.

• Don’t try to minimise her loss (“you were just three months”).

• Don’t offer platitudes (“it’s for the best”).

• Don’t offer your own war stories, except fleetingly to show you care.

• Don’t say you know how she feels unless you too have had a miscarriage.

• Don’t hurry her healing, but if it persists and tips into depression, suggest going with her to get help.

• Remember that the anniversary of her loss can awaken emotions – call or send a card of remembrance.

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pregnancy news

the new baby – impossible, of course. Poor Graeme just disconnected.”

It was only when a healthy Nathan was born some two years after Zoe’s death, that they realised how stressed they had been.

“Graeme burst into tears. And I was so exhausted and overwrought that the instant he’d assured me Nathan was breathing and had all his fingers and toes, I passed out.”

ways to cope The effects of miscarriage or stillbirth (when you lose a baby in the third trimester) are individual and most women would benefit from counselling, says Cocotos. “It can help you identify feelings and reduce the risk of emotional problems months, even years, later.” acknowledge your loss “The usual social rites of death are normally absent after a

If you don’t feel like talking, keep a journal or express your feelings by painting, making music, and when you’re ready for it, by getting physical – dancing, running or exercising, which also releases feel-good hormones. Don’t be tempted to escape with alcohol or drugs, or rush into another pregnancy before you are ready. And don’t be hurried by well-meaning people who tell you to “get over it – you can always have another baby.” Everyone takes a different amount of time to heal, and you will get there. In one study, 55% of women who miscarried presented with “significant psychological distress” immediately afterwards, 25% at three months, 18% at six months, and 11% at one year after the miscarriage. Should you seem stuck, get counselling.

We don’t work through the grief cycle in a linear way, and are often at different places in it from our partners, and deal with it in different ways. miscarriage, and this often prevents parents accepting the reality of the loss,” says Cocotos. Holding a small ceremony (lighting a candle, planting a tree) can help bring closure, however early the miscarriage, and if the pregnancy is advanced, naming your baby, holding it and having a burial ceremony. “We should not prescribe how a mother should mourn based on which stage of pregnancy she lost the baby, but rather allow her to mourn in the manner she feels is right for her,” she adds. Talk through your loss with your doctor once you are over the shock, to establish the reason for the miscarriage. “In most cases the cause is a chromosomal defect in the foetus,” says Cocotos. “Knowing this may help you realise you could have done nothing to prevent the miscarriage and that you didn’t contribute to it.” let yourself grieve Be aware of, and identify, the well-known stages as you experience them, says Linde. “Tell your story as much as you need to,” she says.

“Cry, scream or punch a pillow. The point is to feel the emotion enough to be able to process what happened, but not be so overwhelmed or cut off that you cannot move on. Sometimes the only way out is through.”

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consider your partner In the initial shock it may be all you can do to keep yourself together, but spare a thought for your man.

“Men and women grieve differently,” says Nicole. “We are often at different places in the grief cycle from our partners, and deal with it in different ways. You need to be tolerant and very gentle with each other or it can tear a marriage apart.” Friedman and Gradstein report a study showing women are more likely to see miscarriage as the loss of a person, while men often see it as a sad event, but not death. In general, men talk about feelings less, and feel they must take care of women by staying strong, so they delay their grieving, as Graeme did. Women can interpret this as not caring about the miscarriage, which can strain the relationship. “As men tend to get caught in the double bind, the impact a miscarriage can have on a father tends to go unrecognised,” says Cocotos.

“It’s important to communicate your feelings, and try and stay connected.” If you struggle, get help. “Instead of blaming each other and harbouring resentment, use what has happened to bond through shared grieving,” advises Linde. offload with others Nicole found solace unburdening not just to family and friends,

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but with the online community she found in chatrooms, and with contacts she made through the British chapter of the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS).

When she and Graeme could find no equivalent in SA, they started a local version, Born Sleeping. It enables parents bereaved by miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death to share their experiences at meetings, through a Facebook group, by email or by phone (see useful contacts).

“This is especially useful where emotional support is lacking in the existing family or social structure,” says Cocotos. adjust to your new reality “Give yourself time to change your perception that you were a mom, and now you are not,” says Linde. Understand that you have changed,

even grown, through your grief. Take time off work if need be, and try a change of scenery. “Reinvest emotional energy in new relationships, as women recover and benefit from nourishing existing relationships and building new ties,” says Cocotos. Finally, keep reminding yourself that most women who have miscarriages go on to have healthy babies. “It’s a process,” says Nicole. “On what would have been Zoe’s birthday, I still cry. But the pain gets much less.” You never get over something like losing a baby, but you learn to live around it, she concludes. “As someone said to us, it’s almost like joining a secret club. It’s painful, but you are not alone. Reach out and you will find others happy to help.”

causes of miscarriage First trimester One in four known pregnancies end in miscarriage, threequarters in the first trimester (many more happen before women even realise they are pregnant). Chromosomal abnormalities feature in more than half. Most happen by chance and are unlikely to recur, but chromosomal problems due to a parent’s genes are also possible, especially in repeated miscarriages. Progesterone deficiency also causes early miscarriage and while progesterone supplements may delay it, they may not prevent it.

Second trimester Some 15% of miscarriages are estimated to be caused by uterine malformation, uterine growths such as fibroids, or cervical problems, 20% by umbilical cord problems, and others by placental problems.

Third trimester Causes of stillbirth include haemorrhage, maternal illness (such as uncontrolled diabetes), infection (such as measles), lifestyle (smoking, drug use, malnutrition, exposure to radiation or toxic substances), umbilical cord problems, and incompatibility between the mother’s and baby’s blood groups.

Other causes at any stage can include incomplete implantation of the egg, maternal age, maternal health problems such as high blood pressure, certain medications, maternal trauma, hormonal problems and infections.

For all this, nearly half of all miscarriages and stillbirths globally occur for no discernible reason, says Nicole. “In spite of all the advances in medical science and improvements in antenatal and postnatal care, the percentage of unexpected miscarriages and stillbirths has hardly declined since the early 1980s.”

useful contacts Born Sleeping Contact Nicole: 084 524 1541/2, bornsleeping@gmail.com or visit bornsleeping.wordpress.com or visit their Facebook page: Born Sleeping ZA The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) If you battle with ongoing depression: 0800 567 567 or sms 31393

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August 2014

15

dealing with difference

wandering

minds

If your child is struggling to concentrate at school, there may be a number of underlying causes.

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By MARC DE CHAZAL

he ability to concentrate long and hard enough in class so that what is being taught truly sinks in comes easier to some children than others. In any classroom there will be a range of levels of concentration, and there may also be numerous underlying reasons why children battle to concentrate. If your child struggles in class to such an extent that his work progress suffers noticeably, you should obviously address it. But before you jump the gun and pin the blame to ADD/ ADHD, the scapegoat of concentration problems, there may be any number of other root causes, from a noisy classroom to sensory integration problems and even epilepsy.

is a plethora of things that may cause concentration problems. “There may be too many visual distractions in the classroom, the child may have auditory discrimination or visual perception problems, a learning disability or have high levels of anxiety that cause the brain to be in overactive mode,” she explains. “Different therapies work for specific problems, but one should never just ignore them.”

shooting in the light If the problem lies deeper than the child simply being bored with a dull learning activity, they may need professional help.

But when do you make that call? “The golden rule for me,” says Skea, “is if it is

Some are relatively easy problems to fix, but others can be complex and require a battery of tests to get to the bottom of them.

Nutrition and sleep are two of the simplest, yet most common factors that can affect concentration, claims Justin Skea, head of St Cyprian’s Preparatory School in Cape Town. “In my experience, the fact that a child does not sleep enough or has a diet that is lacking in essential nutrients such as iron, is often overlooked, yet it plays a huge role in how a child concentrates.”

Skea points out other issues in a teaching environment that may be relatively easy to resolve: a fidgety child’s desk and chair may be incorrectly sized, and a child may be a kinaesthetic or tactile learner, which means he is able to concentrate best when he can move, stand or touch something rather than be forced to “sit and be quiet”. Children who have slightly slower processing skills or poor working memory may also struggle to concentrate.

According to Andrea Kellerman, a Durban-based educational psychologist and neurofeedback practitioner, there

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affecting two or more aspects of a child’s life. School performance should never be the sole yardstick.”

Cape Town-based educational psychologist Sharon Aitken advises a good psycho-educational assessment before choosing a therapeutic route for your child.

“If you don’t know what’s really wrong you may end up wasting an awful lot of money on interventions that won’t make a difference,” she says. Aitken explains that the four- to five-hour-long assessment should provide a clear understanding of the child’s intelligence level and cognitive skills, as well as scholastic, emotional, physical and sensory functioning.

Depending on the outcome of the tests, your child’s psychologist may refer you to other specialists, such as a behavioural optometrist, audiologist or paediatrician to check for an underlying illness. “Once all the findings are in, the supervising psychologist will then create an intervention, ensuring the child is not overloaded with therapies,” explains Aitken.

If your child cannot concentrate due to anxiety, professionals such as Kellerman magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

If you don’t know what’s really wrong you may end up wasting an awful lot of money on interventions that won’t make a difference.

may formulate a brain training programme involving sensors that will stimulate the brain with the correct brainwave frequency. “The stimulation trains the brain to change and to create new, desirable neural pathways,” says Kellerman. “Other techniques that may help with anxiety include relaxation and guided visualisation to help them gain more control of their mind and emotions.

The exciting thing is that the brain can be trained and can change.”

focal point When Melissa Smith’s* daughter was in Grade 0000, the school recommended that she start occupational therapy. “They also wanted to do an assessment, because they believed she had sensory issues,” explains Melissa, a Joburg mom. “The assessment threw up a few red flags that I hadn’t identified at home – she wasn’t finishing what she started and would get bored quickly with tasks.”

The Smiths were soon facing a therapeutic mountain. Each grade their daughter went into, the teacher had the same thing to say – she needed OT. After her first term in Grade 0, the teacher recommended audio therapy, as she was struggling to sound out words and recall sentences, with auditory processing and with instructions.

Therapy did help to a point, explains Melissa, but by Grade 1 her daughter’s problems had escalated. “Her teacher recommended that we see a neurologist to have an electroencephalogram (EEG) as well as a full educational assessment to pinpoint the problem areas,” says Melissa.

“Her teacher was concerned with her particularly short attention span and that, despite being happy and well-adjusted, she was falling behind her classmates.

She was also concerned that she may have petit mal epilepsy, which is a brief disturbance of brain function due to abnormal electrical activity.”

Fortunately the hour-long EEG was normal, but because of her low score for concentration, the neurologist suggested giving medication a try. “We went through various options and eventually settled on Concerta 18mg,” says Melissa. They will magazine joburg

reassess her daughter in six months, but the medication has already made a huge difference to her ability to focus.

home help You will discover any number of programmes that claim to assist with developing concentration, but Aitken advises caution.

“Unfortunately, many of them don’t have clinical trials or studies to support their claims,” she points out. Consultation with a psychologist or another professional is highly recommended before implementing home programmes.

Having said this, there are things you can do at home to help your child improve her concentration. Skea recommends the following: • routine A structured routine at home and at school gives every child the foundation they need for emotional wellbeing. Routine includes ensuring that your child gets sufficient and proper sleep each night. Exercise should also form part of this daily routine.

• homework If your child is overwhelmed by the end product, help him break the task into bite-size chunks. In this way he will be able to work steadily and systematically through a task that may seem insurmountable at the outset.

• concentration challenge An egg timer or countdown clock is a fun way to get a child to focus on the task at hand.

Challenge him to complete a task in a set time. For the kinaesthetic learner, you could add a fun element by getting him to run outside and back in before being set the next time challenge.

• study area Create an area in the home or classroom, which allows the child to work or read quietly without disruptions and distractions. For the highly sensory child, you could even create a “mock” cave or tent for a quiet place to “escape”.

• limit exposure to TV and other electronic devices.

• quiet time Avoid filling your child’s day with endless activities. Allow time for them to be quiet and still. *Name changed for privacy.

August 2014

17

education

on your marks Is grading an archaic practice or a necessary tool used to reveal how well our children

a

are learning the content taught to them at school? CARYN EDWARDS investigates.

popular cartoon by Daryl Cagle has been doing the social media rounds, featuring a set of parents in 1960 yelling at their child for his poor school grades. The next frame skips ahead 50 years and shows similarly irate parents and the child lambasting the teacher for the child’s abysmal academic achievements. It’s a humorous look at what has, unfortunately, become a common response to an unacceptable school report.

Now, skip ahead a few more years… what if a system in South Africa could be developed in which grading and marks are done away with almost entirely, a system in which assessment results are gathered in a more holistic manner?

To most people who have passed through the South African education system, this may seem like a far-fetched goal, but there are schools that are already implementing alternative methods of assessment.

“The learner’s atmosphere is very important to us,” explains Karen Wood, the school’s principal. Entirely aware of the pressure that grades and published results can put on a learner, the school conducts weekly assessments, but the marks are not revealed in class. “We want our learners to be free from the burden of competing for ranks, grades or prizes, free to learn for the joy of learning – the pursuit of, and love for, knowledge.”

with learning. The classes are small, and learners are taught a method of self-managing their learning through narration.

This is a far cry from the “jug-and-mug” philosophy that dominated South African education 30 years ago – the belief that the educator held the facts and that these facts could be poured into the minds of learners through repetition.

Ultimately, test results separated the great from the weak.

But was this system all bad? Some would argue that competition in a classroom is necessary to extend the capable learners in the class and to encourage the weaker learners to try harder to achieve better grades. Grading learners also offers parents, learners and external facilitators, such as psychologists and occupational therapists, an insight into how learners are performing. Often, a drop in marks can reveal problems in a child’s life that may extend beyond the classroom.

the joy of learning Ambleside School of Hout Bay in Cape Town implements a method of teaching and assessment that takes the focus off marks, shifting it to a personal understanding and achievement in a subject.

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Assessment is a necessary part of education, but philosophy trainer at Ambleside, Natalie Thomson, believes that cramming for tests is not the way to ensure that children learn. “This puts undue stress on primary school students and does not give a true reflection of what is being learnt in the classroom,” she says. Instead, learners at the school are called on constantly to narrate what they are currently learning, which ensures that no student is left to disengage

taking responsibility One way of enabling success and happiness is to allow children to be aware of their own mistakes so that they are able to learn and grow from them. “At The American International School there is a stronger focus on learners

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

Often, a drop in marks can reveal problems in a child’s life that may extend beyond the classroom.

marking their own work, thus allowing them to reflect on the areas with which they require further assistance,” explains Candida Crawford, a Grade 5 teacher at the Cape Town school. “When we go through assessments together as a class, I am able to elicit answers from them, giving me a fuller understanding of how much each child truly understands – there is often a divide between what learners think they know, and what they actually know.”

Another benefit to learners marking their own work is that the focus is diverted from the marks and shifted towards identifying how much content is understood. “When a mark is not given for work, the focus swings to what is known and what is unknown, rather than who did best in class.

This encourages learners to take responsibility for their own learning, and to seek help in areas where they have not performed as well,” says Crawford.

healthy competition It can also be argued that schools that do not follow the mainstream method of grading are stunting the competitive streak in learners. Crawford feels differently. “Although a more traditional method of marking tests and examinations is encouraged, because our learners are trained to be critical

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system. But a child who is naturally anxious may find the pressure of achieving grades difficult to handle, and a nonmarking school would suit this type of child a lot better.”

the future

of their own work and mark their own assessments through the year, when it comes to big tests the learners continue to produce work of a high standard – it is in their schooling DNA,” she says.

Catherine Blankfield, who attended a Waldorf school for much of her schooling, believes that a school without marks is very good for a child’s confidence. “Free thinking from an early age is encouraged, so children are equipped to solve their own problems – an invaluable life lesson. Building confidence is a key feature in the school’s philosophy.”

However, she feels that a school system such as Waldorf is not for everyone. “Children who are driven by competition with their classmates would not find a non-marking methodology beneficial. Unless the learners became driven to compete only with themselves, it would fail them as a

Will the eradication of a marks-driven education produce a more content, self-competitive generation of learners? Mark Marcon, a dad from Cape Town, believes it can. “Before I put my son into Ambleside School of Hout Bay, I spoke to some graduates and was impressed with the intellect, strength of character and the well-rounded nature of the young adults with whom I interacted,” he says. “A future generation of children who are not taught what to learn but how to learn is sure to be successful.”

While the benefits of a mark-free system are clear, it may not be the answer for all learners. Parents should gauge the nature of their child’s response to education and determine which system would best suit each individual – even if it means sending children within the same family to different schools. A child learns best when he or she is happy and feels secure – a child forced into a system of education that does not suit their personality and response to education cannot be expected to achieve well.

August 2014

19

parenting

confident or cheeky?

GARY KOEN gives helpful advice for raising

i

t’s a big, wide world out there and it takes a certain measure of confidence to face it head on. In order to nurture confident children, we need to realise that growing up is about getting to know who you are and being able to express yourself meaningfully to others. It’s our role as parents to do what we can to help our children achieve this.

express yourself Children are going to find out who they are through their emotions. It’s not too

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August 2014

complicated, because feelings are as natural as breathing. The challenge is for our children to learn to relate to their feelings, to understand them and be able to communicate them.

So, the first message we want our children to get is that all of their feelings are okay and that they need to learn how to identify and express all of them. There are no wrong or right feelings. But it’s just as important for them to learn how to contain their feelings. By “contain” I mean that in time our children will need to become aware

that they can’t simply say and do whatever they want, whenever they want.

Your role as a parent is to acknowledge and affirm your child’s feelings and then to begin establishing the appropriateness of these feelings. But try to avoid two relatively common mistakes that parents make at this point: common mistake #1 Parents sometimes get confused between their children feeling good as opposed to being good. While most parents want their

children to be happy and feel good about themselves, they sometimes overemphasise the importance of being well-behaved rather than being who they really are. The message they hear from their parents is that what they think and feel about themselves is less important than what other people think of them. The result is that children are taught not to trust their feelings, are discouraged from getting to know who they are, and end up being filled with self-doubt instead of self-confidence.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

children with the right amount of confidence.

common mistake #2 Parents place far too much importance on how special they think their children are. Of course, we should think that our children are special, but this doesn’t mean that the rest of the world has to agree with us. It’s up to every child to earn respect from the rest of society; it’s not an automatic right.

Some parents, however, truly believe that the rest of the world will relate to their child in the same adoring, permissive way that they do. Every mood, whim, tantrum and outburst is seen as nothing more than a glorious expression of their child’s burgeoning sense of self.

too much to handle In some respects, children whose parents make “common mistake #2” do seem to be the epitome of emotional health – in touch with themselves, outspoken when it comes to their own needs, certainly not shy, always ready and willing to express an opinion or to take control of a situation.

So why is it that so few people can bear to spend time with them?

The short answer is that they are just “too much”. There is just too much of them, and not much space left for anyone else. These children don’t know when to stop, have no clue what “enough” means,

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and to boot are highly sensitive and easily offended when anyone either refuses to give in to their demands or when they point out to them how they are behaving.

They are quick to speak, but slow to listen.

They are the type of child everyone claims to love, but almost no-one likes. They may be great to go to a party with, but they are almost impossible to just spend time with.

Their main problem is that they have no limits, and as such, they don’t really know who they are.

ultimately they don’t really know what they want. While the good news is that they have all the ingredients to grow into truly confident individuals, the difficult part is that they still have to go through the very painful process of discovering their limits, which should have been set by their parents.

Children need limits, otherwise they simply expand in an aimless and outof-control way. But this is not to say that parents should impose limits that are stifling, constrictive and lifeless, concerned

are blended with your deep feelings of love for your growing child.

The type of confidence you are trying to instil in your child is not that of someone who always gets everything right and always gets what they want. Rather, it is the type of confidence which comes from knowing and liking who they are – despite their flaws and difficulties.

about the author Gary Koen is a clinical psychologist

Proper limits are like a jungle gym, which is there to support your child and help them climb.

in private practice with over 20 years’ experience, working mainly with adults and adolescents. He also does presentations at schools on a range of teenage-related topics.

These include all the general aspects

While a lot of their behaviour can masquerade as confidence, deep down they are basically extremely insecure individuals, uncertain about who their true friends are, unsure about who to trust and often overwhelmed by a painful loneliness that prevents them from being able to spend any time by themselves.

know your limits Unfortunately for these children, their confidence doesn’t work for them because

only with behaviour and appearance – the type of limits where children “should be seen and not heard”. Parents need to realise that the purpose of limits is not to cage, confine and restrict children. Proper limits are more like a jungle gym, which is there to support your child and help them climb. They are limits with substance and come from an authentic place of love, care and concern and genuine responsibility.

They come from your knowledge and understanding of the outside world, and

of normal adolescent development.

He developed, and successfully runs a course, “An introduction to adolescence”, aimed at parents. He is also working on a book that deals with the challenges facing parents and teenagers and, as a father of three, he is heavily invested in everything he says. For more information, visit garykoen.co.za

August 2014

21

health

wireless hazards Today children are increasingly connecting to the internet at school as well as at

ore and more South African schools are following the international trend to “chalkless classrooms”, adopting smart and mobile technologies to give children the advantages of access to the internet, cheaper ebooks and “having the curriculum move and live instead of being static in a textbook”, as one enthusiastic science teacher put it at Northwood School, one of the first Durban government schools to go this route.

Like most schools, Northwood is using Wi-Fi (wireless technology), which allows children to move freely between classes with their tablets or laptops, and costs considerably less than wired systems. But a small, yet vocal, international group of parents is rallying against the use of Wi-Fi in schools. Through organisations such as Powerwatch UK and the Electromagnetic Radiation Research Foundation of South Africa (EMRRFSA), they argue that studies show it emits electromagnetic (EM) radiation, which may pose health risks, particularly to young people. Children’s nervous systems and brains are still developing, they say, and their thinner, smaller skulls allow radiation to penetrate deeper.

In 2011 the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation classified radiofrequency (RF) EM radiation emitted by wireless

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that his health improved when he left, but he missed his old school so much that she reluctantly allowed him to return.

“He has rashes and is tired again. Another child has just been diagnosed with a brain tumour.”

Although no link has been proved to Wi-Fi, Dorny is rallying parents to replace it with an ADSL wired system.

“No one’s arguing about the educational benefits of accessing the internet, but Wi-Fi should never have been allowed into schools, which are supposed to be safe places for children,” she says.

on the wire communication devises as Type 2B: “Possible carcinogen to humans.” In children, it noted, “RF energy may be two times higher in the brain and up to 10 times higher in the bone marrow of the skull than in adult users.” It concluded that more research was needed, and advised that steps be taken to reduce exposure, especially for children.

Last year the founder of EMRRFSA, Joburg communications company head Tracey-Lee Dorny, removed her 14-year-old son from a Wi-Fi-enabled school. “He had rashes on his arms and feet, headaches and concentration problems, and was irritable and tired,” she says. She reports

Dorny launched EMRRFSA some four years ago with a group of medical, legal and business professionals after studying the impacts following personal experience.

She says radiation from a nearby cell tower caused her headaches, nausea and itching, and she eventually moved home. Putting a Wi-Fi router in a classroom, she adds, “is like putting up a cell mast in there – exposing children to highly pulsed RF radiation.” She quotes the American Academy of Pediatrics, which has described Wi-Fi in schools as “an unprecedented exposure with unknown outcome on the health and reproductive potential of a generation.”

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

m

home, mostly with Wi-Fi. How safe is this for their health? By GLYNIS HORNING

Many disagree. Dr Wimpie Beeken, IT capacity development manager at the University of Pretoria, sees no reason for parents to worry. “Wi-Fi equipment and installations are vetted by the Health and Safety Act, and the SABS is strict on manufacturers complying with regulations,” he says.

Grantham Daniels, information and communication technologies specialist at the SABS, agrees: “Everything is tested. There are numerous standards with respect to Wi-Fi emissions and the effects of RF on humans, and we look at international specifications. The band frequency we adhere to is in line with EU band frequency allocated through the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA).”

Kobus Engels, a support engineer at a leading South African Wi-Fi company, says he wouldn’t work with Wi-Fi if it wasn’t safe. “Besides, even if you turn it off, children will still be exposed to signals from cellphone towers, which are far stronger.”

Dorny is not satisfied. “Other countries have reassessed their radiation levels independently, and the Swiss and German governments and others are advocating wired over wireless networks, and warning of possible dangers of Wi-Fi. In Switzerland optic fibre has been rolled out by Swisscom to all their schools. The South African Department of Health just says they adhere to the guidelines devised by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), and sits back.

But these guidelines are based on thermal exposure and effects, not non-thermal biological ones that can affect the way body cells work and interfere with natural biological processes, as recent studies are showing.”

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Dorny cites a 2012 study published in Fertility and Sterility, which showed the use of Wi-Fi-operated laptops decreased human sperm motility and increased sperm DNA fragmentation. She also points to factors such as “the massive increase in ADD in South Africa in correlation to the roll out of wireless communication,” although the exact causes of ADD remain uncertain. She quotes Frank Clegg, former CEO of Microsoft Canada, who left to form Citizens 4 Safe Technology and warned last year about the dangers of Wi-Fi in schools: “This is a real hazard and we shouldn’t wait for the government to catch up to technology.”

the jury is out Bodies such as Public Health England, an agency of the UK Department of Health, concluded last December that “There is no consistent evidence to date that exposure to radio signals from Wi-Fi and WLANS adversely affects the health of the general population. The signals are very low power…

Based on current knowledge and experience, RF exposures from Wi-Fi are likely to be lower than those from cellphones.”

Northwood parents have expressed no qualms, says Jenny van Niekerk, head of marketing for the school.

“Boys are all using laptops and cellphones out of school anyway,” she says. Parents are more concerned that they will use social media or “play games instead of working, but they don’t. Marks are going up in everything from maths and science to the arts, and no one has complained of headaches or anything.”

The controversy seems set to continue until more definitive studies have been carried out. In the meantime, there are steps concerned parents can take that may help minimise exposure to EM radiation.

precautions for parents • If possible, rather use wired ADSL lines instead of Wi-Fi. • Turn on routers and the Wi-Fi/3G functions of computers, laptops or tablets only when needed.

• Don’t let children use laptops on their laps.

• Encourage them to use tablets and laptops in flight mode.

• Don’t let children sleep near a router or a wall near a neighbour’s Wi-Fi (radiation penetrates walls and floors), and turn off the power at night.

• Minimise time in Wi-Fi hotspots.

• E ncourage

children

to

use

cellphones

only when necessary, to switch sides of the head when a call is long, and to sms or email rather than talk, or to put the phone on loudspeaker, so it’s as far from their heads as possible.

• Don’t let them use cellphones in enclosed metal spaces such as cars, trains or lifts (when the signal is poor, devices need more power to communicate with base stations, so radiowave emissions are higher).

• Don’t let them sleep with cellphones in their bedrooms, or switch them off at night.

• Don’t agree to a cell mast on or near your property or your child’s school.

• Don’t let children stand or sit near microwave ovens while these are in use.

August 2014

23

your child’s life

make the circle bigger

Does your child really need a best friend or is it healthier to have a number of good

w

friends growing up? By RUTH REHBOCK

e’re all social by nature, which is easy to see from a young age. Children begin to relate to others outside their families in crèches, at preschool and in play groups. Although they can’t duplicate the relationships they have with their parents or siblings, friendships are critically important to a child’s healthy development. We all need friends for companionship and stimulation, and we find out who we are by comparing ourselves to others.

Experts say that friendships contribute a great deal to our children’s psychological development because they create opportunities for growth. Relationships offer opportunities for children to express emotions and interact, to develop the social skills they will need in order to function well in groups. But if parents are worried that their child doesn’t have a “best friend”, research shows children can be just as happy with a circle of friends.

Experts also say it’s healthy to promote having several friends because each friendship highlights, enhances and develops a different aspect or facet of your child’s personality.

“Through a variety of friendships, your child learns to understand different traits and to adapt his behaviour accordingly. This makes for a more socially adept personality,” says Lynette Morgan, a counselling psychologist based in Cape Town.

Irina Wozniak, mom to Julian, nine, and Sofia, seven, says, “Both my children have a ‘best’ friend, though I think it’s not written in stone at this stage. They sometimes ‘change’ best friends briefly if they suddenly share a new interest, such as a new game or the latest movie they’ve seen, or they see a lot of another child for some or other reason. I think our oldest friends’ son is also regarded as a ‘best’ friend, since my children are aware of how happy and relaxed we are when we’re all together.”

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PHOTOGRAPH: ASHLEIGH ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Having more than one friend means your child will have diverse interests and a wider repertoire of social skills.

According to many teachers and researchers, it’s safer and healthier not to have a “best” friend. Encouraging children to have lots of good friends will help your child avoid overly possessive relationships and upsetting disagreements. So, if your child prefers to have a few close friends rather than a favourite, it’s most definitely healthy and normal.

And having more than one friend means your child will have diverse interests and a wider repertoire of social skills, as a critical function of friendships is that they develop conflict management and problem-solving skills.

stand by me Friendships also give children the opportunity to feel valued outside their family circle.

“Friendships offer children the chance to feel competent, significant, accepted, supported and cared about,” says Katie Bromley, a Joburg-based psychologist. You ought to take note if your child focuses heavily on one particular relationship. Some “best friend” relationships are not mutually satisfying or healthy. For instance, a child who feels powerless and vulnerable may end up being friends with a child who needs to dominate others. In this scenario your child may need to find ways to feel empowered through raising his self-esteem.

On the other hand, some research has shown that best-friend-type friendships protect children from victimisation, decrease feelings of loneliness and improve a child’s sense of well-being. Experts also say it’s natural for children, and adults, to want to form special friendships and that this may be because children have usually bonded very strongly with one parent and wish to “recreate” this type of bond with someone at school.

“Children don’t all need a best friend, but I have noticed that boys choose a group in which they socialise – and perhaps choose one or two favourites within that group, while girls tend to get into twos fairly early on in their friendships,” says Morgan. But younger children often choose friends of the opposite gender too.

Hayley Schiffman, mom to four-year-old Gabriel, says that he has two friends at school and a “best” friend who isn’t at his school. “His best friend outside school is a little girl and they have been friends since they were newborns,” says Hayley. “He calls her his ‘girlfriend’ and is convinced he’s going to marry her. He often asks me to make a playdate with her. My son’s two friends at school see him separately, but there is also a group of boys forming that includes all three of them.”

Psychologists advise parents not to worry about special friendships, but to focus on supporting their child in healthy, meaningful and rewarding relationships. “Parents obviously want to protect their children from sadness, disappointment and hurt, but we can’t. It’s more realistic to try and empathise with and to support them when the going gets tough,” says Bromley. It’s important to listen to children and to acknowledge their feelings.

If you are really anxious about your child’s social skills, you should talk to a teacher or consult with professionals.

possible signs that your child isn’t socialising If your child isn’t making friends, he may be a little reserved and may need encouragement to play with others. However, if he isn’t talking about other children, or shows any sign that something is wrong at school, talk to the class teacher or a psychologist about the steps you need to take to help your child. Look out for these signs: • Your child is not being invited to parties or playdates.

• Your child doesn’t talk about any friends from school at home.

• Your child is withdrawn at home or at school.

• Your child is aggressive at school.

• Your child refuses to go to school because he is anxious about being alone at break time or in the classroom.

• Your child develops psychosomatic symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches.

what to do if your child struggles to socialise • F or children of school-going age, it’s important to arrange regular playdates with different children.

• Allow your child to take part in extracurricular activities such as sport, dancing, music or drama.

• Make contact with other mothers at your child’s school. By making friends with other moms, you are creating opportunities for your child to socialise with their children.

• Throw a birthday party for your child – there’s nothing like a party to break the ice between children; your child will be the centre of attention and you will get to meet your child’s peers and their parents.

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book extract

food

made fun If you’re looking for healthy and delicious meals that babies, toddlers and the rest of the family can enjoy, you’ll find loads in Mealtimes Made Fun by DEBBIE WAREHAM and KIM JURGENS.

crudité platter serves 2

method Lightly steam all the vegetables for 10–15 minutes until they’re soft but still crunchy.

Pour the dip into an interesting container and serve alongside the veggies.

hummus ingredients • 1 x 410g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 15ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice • 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed • 60ml (¼ cup) olive oil method Place all the ingredients into a blender and pulse until a creamy paste has formed. Serve with the crudité platter.

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tzatziki ingredients • 10ml (2 tsp) olive oil • 5ml (1 tsp) vinegar • 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed • 60ml (¼ cup) Greek yoghurt • 60ml (¼ cup) sour cream • 60ml (¼ cup) finely grated cucumber • a pinch of chopped, fresh dill method Whisk the olive oil, vinegar and garlic together in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk the yoghurt and the sour cream until smooth.

Add the olive oil mixture to the yoghurt mixture, stirring until well combined.

Finally, stir in the cucumber and dill. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Hint: Other popular dip options that require less effort are plain yoghurt, chunky cottage cheese and smooth plain cottage cheese.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: sEAN CALITZ

ingredients • 4 baby carrots, washed • 2 florets cauliflower, washed • 2 florets broccoli, washed • 4 mini corn spears, washed • your choice of dip (see options below)

cheesy biltong wheels serves 4 ingredients • 50ml salted butter • 4 slices white bread, crusts removed • 100ml Marmite or Bovril • 160ml ( cup) grated cheddar cheese • 125ml (½ cup) biltong shavings method Spread the butter over both sides of each slice of bread. Spread

Marmite or Bovril over one side of each slice of bread and sprinkle with the cheese.

Roll each slice up tightly over the cheese filling to resemble a Swiss roll. Cut into 2cm wheels.

Roll the wheels in the biltong shavings and serve (the biltong should stick to the butter).

Hint: This is an easy and healthy snack to serve at children’s parties.

isistambu makes 4 baby portions ingredients • 250ml (1 cup) samp, soaked overnight and rinsed • 375ml (1½ cups) sugar beans, soaked overnight and rinsed

method Place the samp, beans and water in a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, partially cover the saucepan and cook for

• 750ml (3 cups) water

approximately 3 hours, checking every

• ½ onion, peeled

30 minutes that the water hasn’t cooked

and chopped

away (add more water if it has). When

• 1 potato, peeled and diced

the samp and beans are soft there must

• 1 tomato, diced

be about 1 cup of water left in the

• 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil

saucepan (add or drain accordingly).

• 15ml (1 tbsp) vegetable stock powder

Add the remaining ingredients and cook for a further 20 minutes

• 5ml (1 tsp) salt

until the vegetables are soft. This is a

• 5ml (1 tsp) mild curry

lovely late afternoon or early evening

powder (optional)

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winter meal.

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27

book extract

about the book Mealtimes Made Fun (Random House Struik) by Debbie Wareham and Kim

fresh tuna kedgeree

Jurgens contains over 120 healthy, delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes that

makes 6 baby portions

use only South African ingredients. They ingredients

• 500ml (2 cups) chicken stock

Melt the butter in a saucepan and

range from soft foods and purees, such as

• cooking oil

• 250ml (1 cup) uncooked white rice

fry the onion until translucent. Stir

mighty meaty vegetable puree, to toddler

• 2 rashers bacon diced

• 15ml (1 tbsp) chopped chives

in the turmeric and bay leaf and cook

treats, finger foods and family meals such

for 1 minute, allowing the flavours to

as chicken lasagne, bobotie and paella.

infuse. Add the stock and the rice.

The authors also give ideas for healthy

(to give the kedgeree its smoky flavour) • 325g fresh tuna fillet

Heat a bit of cooking oil in a frying

Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and

children’s party snacks. The book is jam-

• 15ml (1 tbsp) salted butter

pan and fry the bacon until done

simmer for 20 minutes. Stir intermittently

packed with everything you need to cook

to stop the rice from catching.

for your family, as the authors are well

• onion, peeled and chopped • 1ml (¼ tsp) turmeric • 1 bay leaf

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August 2014

but not crispy. Set aside for later use.

Steam the tuna for 5 minutes until cooked through. Using a fork, flake the tuna and set aside.

Stir in the fish and bacon and

aware of how demanding life can be for

cook for 2–3 minutes until heated

working parents. Mealtimes Made Fun is

through. Mix in the chives and serve.

available at all good bookstores for R240.

magazine joburg

education

a model for the future LUCILLE KEMP finds out what the experts believe will make for fertile learning ground

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

for the maths and science disciplines.

s

crolling through my Facebook newsfeed, I come across a piece on a 15-year-old Canadian girl, Ann Makosinski, receiving top honours at the Google Science Fair for inventing a hollow flashlight that is powered by the holder’s body heat. I also read about a 16-year-old Turkish girl, Elif Bilgin, who receives an award for finding a way to use banana peels to produce bio-plastic in place of the traditional petroleum-based plastic. Reading more about Elif, I find it interesting that her journey to greatness started in Grade 4 when she was placed in a school for gifted students,

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to encourage her already advanced skills – a school funded by the Turkish government. I rush to the TEDtalk website for more on amazing young people with maths and science prowess and I find 12-year-old Amy O’Toole from England, and her neuroscientist mentor talking impassionedly about the beauty of science and discovery.

Closer to home, I’m slowly deflated by the news of South Africa’s recent dismal ranking by the World Economic Forum (WEF), which placed the quality of our maths and science education dead last out of 148 countries.

A ministerial team tasked with investigating teaching of maths and science revealed an “education system that needs urgent intervention,” thanks to an “out-ofdate national strategy, a shortage of qualified teachers and curriculum changes over the last 10 years that had negatively affected teaching”. The WEF’s ranking therefore does not reflect the potential of South Africa’s school pupils, which means that, unlike Ann, Amy and Elif, the talent of many South African children to really achieve in maths and science is going to waste.

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education

a new age International education advisor Sir Kenneth Robinson brings the culture of education down to the basics in his April 2013 TEDtalk, “How to Escape Education’s Death Valley”, saying that we need to remember when we’re talking about education, we’re talking about learning.

As we know, learning is constant for a child and takes place way before they have their first teacher. Guy Lynton, science teacher and education manager of the Cape Town Science Centre, explains that parents can make the world of science and maths come alive for a child by “following a recipe, using percentages on food labels, taking medicine, counting money, showing how weather forecasting uses probability and explaining how area and geometry is used when builders or painters are at work,” he says. For parents not adept at this type of thinking there are many online resources that can help with activities at home.

When looking to the education experts for answers to “the crisis in the classroom,” each one of them places teachers at the heart of the solution and calls for transformation.

In his talk, Robinson looks to countries that are performing well in education and notices an approach to learning that is very different to the one we know. The Finnish are regularly top in the world for maths, science and reading. For Robinson, the reason is because their education system emphasises “individualised teaching and learning, where the student is the focus, a high status for the teaching profession, a focus more on teaching to learn and less on teaching to test, and school level, not state, empowerment and support, to get the job done.”

Renowned physicist Neil Turok – who was born in South Africa, has worked closely with Stephen Hawking and has stated that the next Einstein will be African – believes good teaching also means “avoiding droning at a chalkboard and chasing grades, and rather working in groups and emphasising problem-solving”.

a human system Most of us can understand the repercussions of having a waning number of maths and science electives at school: fewer matriculants will study engineering and the like at university, which will see a slowdown in economic growth. In fact, we’re seeing this already. “The ability to make and test models has become essential, not only to every single area of science today, but also to modern society itself. As a society, if you don’t have maths, you’re not going to enter the modern age,” says Turok. For the love of maths and science to flourish and translate into professional skills in our country, we have to make a good job of unlocking this world to children from a young age.

Robinson’s TEDtalk is incredibly compelling because he recognises that the Finnish system is successful because it embraces three principles that drive human life to flourish.

The first is that we are naturally diverse – children have different learning styles that need to be considered. The second is curiosity. If you can spark a child’s curiosity they will learn without any further assistance. Third, we are all inherently creative and are designed to imagine alternatives and possibilities. Turok, as a 17-year-old volunteer teacher based in Lesotho, experienced this firsthand: “I used to take the children outside as often as possible, to connect the academic stuff with the real world. I took them outside one day and I said, ‘I want you to estimate the height of the building.’ And I expected them to put a ruler next to the wall, size it up with a finger, and make an estimate of the height, but

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there was one little boy, very small for his age, the son of one of the poorest families in the village, who wasn’t doing that. He was scribbling with chalk on the pavement. So, I said, ‘What are you doing? I want you to estimate the height of the building.’ He said, ‘Okay. I measured the height of a brick. I counted the number of bricks and now I’m multiplying.’

I hadn’t thought of that one.”

arriving at the “aha!” moment Experts propose a few key points to help facilitate a more creative approach to teaching: innovate Teaching is a creative profession that, “when properly conceived is not a delivery system, there just to pass on received information. Great teachers do that, but what great teachers also do is mentor, stimulate, provoke and engage,” says Robinson. A fine show of great teaching is the new SAL integrated learning programme currently offered to the Grade 8s and 9s at Cedar House School in Cape Town. Through various subjects, students produce the ultimate project. Accounting teacher Melissa Jedeikin outlines it: “Students will be asked to create a new product such as yoghurt. So they’ll use physical science (how to make the product), life sciences (nutrition and flavourants), maths (break-even analysis), business studies (mission statement and marketing mix), history (globalisation and the company’s constitution), design (packaging and trademark), English (writing advertising copy) and Computer Applications Technology (how to use iMovie to make an advert).” be hands-on Melodie de Jager, educator and founder of the Mind Moves Institute, recently spoke to some of South Africa’s principals at a SAPA conference on “taking the sting out of maths and science”. She says: “To quote Gavin Keller, principal and CEO of Sun Valley Group of Schools in Cape Town, ‘if the bum is numb, the brain is dumb’. Children shouldn’t be expected to sit still and concentrate for longer than the age-appropriate period of time.

Maths and science is found in life, not on paper. Children learn hands-on and need to use as many senses as possible while being actively involved in measuring, calculating, comparing and finding patterns.” make it mean something Good teachers draw children in by starting with the big picture of why they are learning a particular topic, relating it to everyday life and quickly incorporating hands-on activities to demonstrate the topic as well as create investigations where the children discover the answers for themselves, says Lynton.

De Jager suggests teachers use the resources available to them. Children can be challenged using their cellphones, data and IT savvy, and given marks for finding relevance.

“Relevance improves concentration, motivating and aiding the transference of information to memory. Nothing will motivate as much as showing what’s in it for me?” says De Jager.

Dave Ryan, of the Royal Bafokeng Institute, who is responsible for overseeing maths in 43 schools, recommends bringing mathematical and scientific thinking into practice in the home using “apps, chess, battleships, tangrams, soma cubes, building shapes, origami and the abacus”.

For help with familiarising your child with maths and science in a dynamic, fun way, visit childmag.co.za/resources/extramurals

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getaway

live the story Ever read a story and wish you could be magically whisked away to its setting? Well, you can.

MARINA ZIETSMAN brings you great getaway ideas with classic stories as inspiration.

a tale of a rabbit The idea of Beatrix Potter’s A Tale of Peter Rabbit was born in 1893, when she bought a pet rabbit and called him Peter. The title was published in 1902. She had experienced difficulty finding a publisher, having sent the manuscript to six publishers and receiving six rejections. However, London firm Frederick Warne & Co eventually accepted the book and it was an instant success.

Potter went on to produce a total of 23 “little tales”. They have never lost their popularity and today more than two million Beatrix Potter books are sold every year worldwide. That’s four books every minute.

The Lake District’s (North West England) natural beauty and abundant wildlife inspired Potter to write her much-loved stories. You can explore this wonderful landscape where the tales are brought to life. Meet your favourite characters from Potter’s magical tales, including Mrs Tiggy-

Winkle, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-Duck and the mischievous Peter Rabbit at The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. Enjoy delicious, homecooked food in the family-friendly tea room, as well as the special Peter Rabbit picnic basket.

Their show garden faithfully recreates some of the scenes drawn by Potter. The Old Laundry Theatre on the premises offers regular shows and there are often music shows and other events. There is a lot for children to enjoy, whether it’s doing the activities in the activity booklet, painting a ceramic Peter or enjoying a cupcake.

The English Lake District is a stunning holiday destination with a choice of accommodation from big hotels with luxurious spas to cosy cottages and homely B&Bs. The attraction is situated in Bowness-on-Windermere, a scenic and bustling town on the banks of Lake Windermere, with panoramic views of the lake and mountains.

For more info: visit hop-skip-jump.com

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

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the chocolate factory Roald Dahl once said in an interview: “I go down to my little hut, where it’s tight and dark and warm, and within minutes I can go back to being six or seven or eight again.” Wouldn’t it be great to see that hut where one of the best storytellers of our time conjured up his “mischief and mayhem”? Born to Norwegian parents in Llandaff, Wales, Dahl’s dad and older sister died when he was very young, and his mom was left to raise two of her own children and four stepchildren. It was expected that she would move back to Norway, but she wanted her children to go to British schools, as these were believed to be the best in the world. This is where Dahl’s boarding school years, which he despised (“it’s just filled with rules, rules and more rules”) began.

After finishing school and a bout as a fighter pilot in World War II (he was shot down by German planes, but thankfully rescued), Dahl made “Gipsy House” in Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire his home. Today, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is based here. Aimed at children six to 12 years old, the museum houses two fun, fact-packed galleries, including Dahl’s original Writing Hut

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and an interactive story centre, which tell the fascinating story of Dahl’s life, looking at how his experiences shaped him as a writer. In Boy Gallery, find out about Dahl’s childhood, his love of chocolate and his schoolboy pranks.

Here you can explore the archive on the touch screen monitors, rummage through the Dahl photo album and smell the giant chocolate doors. The centrepiece of their display in the Solo Gallery is Roald’s Writing Hut, complete with all its original contents and furnishings.

Visitors can see the “little nest”, as Dahl called it, exactly as he had it set up, with all the extraordinary and fascinating objects he kept at hand for contemplation and inspiration.

The Story Centre puts the imagination of the visitor centre stage, and encourages everyone (young and old) to dress up, make up stories, words and poems or get arty in the craft room.

If you visit on a sunny day, why not take the Village Trail? Great Missenden is the village where Dahl lived and wrote for over 30 years and he often found inspiration in places and things you will see on the High Street.

For more info: visit roalddahlmuseum.org

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

going to the bushveld The South African legend, Jock of the Bushveld, was born around 1880 in a location where the Kruger National Park is today. The Staffordshire bull terrier was the runt of the litter and faced certain death by being drowned in a bucket, when Sir James Percy Fitzpatrick saved him. Dog and master became instant friends and companions. Jock travelled with Fitzpatrick, a transport rider, between the towns of Sabie, Graskop, Barberton, Pilgrim’s Rest and Lydenburg in Mpumalanga and also as far as KwaZulu-Natal to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo in Mozambique).

Fitzpatrick’s three children loved his stories of adventures with Jock, and urged on by none other than fellow storyteller Rudyard Kipling he started writing down these tales. To relive this very brave pooch’s routes, take a self-drive from Lydenburg to Pilgrim’s Rest, on to Graskop and Sabie, into the southeastern Kruger National Park and then to Barberton. Along the route are memorials, references to the book, a statue or two, places of interest and souvenirs.

For more info: visit graskop.co.za, krugerpark.co.za and sabie.co.za

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getaway

Alnwick Castle

Best known for its “starring role” as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle has made many appearances in film and television over the years. Costumed guides regale you with behind-thescenes anecdotes from the filming days, take you on a guided tour of the various film locations within the castle’s grounds, and share tales of more than 700 years of the castle’s turbulent history. You can take a tour of the State Rooms or dress up in medieval finery at Knight’s Quest, and meet the characters of the castle as you join the hustle and bustle of medieval life. Become an artisan apprentice in their marketplace, play traditional games in the square, practise your knightly skills and take your place upon the throne. Also try your hand at various medieval crafts, taught by the resident costumed artisans. With a different craft each day you could have a go at anything, from the traditional art of creating an illuminated manuscript to making a witch pot or a medieval tile. Broomstick training is also on offer by the resident wizard professors. Alnwick Castle is in Northumberland, the northernmost county of the UK. It is closed from end October and reopens late in March.

For more info: visit alnwickcastle.com

loveable anne When the novel, Anne of Green Gables, was first published in 1908, most people could only dream of visiting its magical setting. As the book became popular around the world, millions of Anne lovers have made the trip to Prince Edward Island, on the east coast of Canada, and discovered the land that captivated Anne in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s stories.

In Cavendish, you’ll find Green Gables Heritage Place, Avonlea Village and the site of Montgomery’s Cavendish Home, where the writer’s descendants still live. Lower Bedeque is home to the schoolhouse where the author taught, and in July there’s the L.M. Montgomery Festival. The musical, Anne of Green Gables, is performed every year at the Charlottetown Festival (from late May to mid-October). At the Anne of Green Gables Museum at Silver Bush, you will find artefacts from Montgomery’s time at this home of her relatives, the Campbells.

Also take Matthew’s Carriage Ride around the Silver Bush property, down at the Lake of Shining Waters, overlooking pastoral farmland on the way to the beach.

Visit the Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace, which contains genuine Victorian period pieces and is located above New London Harbour. Major attractions include a replica of Montgomery’s wedding dress and personal scrapbooks noting her many stories.

For more info: visit tourismpei.com

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PHOTOGRAPHS: World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness-on-Windermere / the roald dahl museum and story centre / alnwick castle / tour pooh country

battle-axe to broomsticks

fairytales in germany There is more than one option when you want to follow the German Fairytale Route. You can opt for several prebooked tours or take a self-drive tour. The route stretches over 600km from Hanau near Frankfurt in the south to Bremen in the north, meandering through the towns and cities where the Brothers Grimm lived and worked, connecting the places and landscapes of their collected fairytales into a route of wonders. It offers culture and history, enchanting medieval towns of half-timbered houses, castles and fortresses, museums and art galleries, concert halls and theatres. Expect to visit towns such as Alsfeld with its Alsfeld Fairytale House, a half-timbered house built in 1628, with rooms filled with a variety of fairytales. In Bremen you’ll be reminded of the Grimm’s tale, The Town Musicians of Bremen. In the District of Kassel you’ll visit Sleeping Beauty’s castle, Sababurg. There is also The Murhardsche Bibliothek (library), which houses the Brothers Grimm archives. The Brothers Grimm Society is also there. The Schwalm-Knüll region comprising the flat Schwalm region and the hilly Knüll Mountains is Little Red Riding Hood Land. Polle is the home of Cinderella and the Count of Everstein. In Wahlsburg you can go on a fairytale ferry ride. On a ridge opposite Bad Wildungen’s Old Town sits a proud castle, Baroque Schloss Friedrichstein. This was the home of Margarethe von Waldeck, a count’s daughter.

While still a beautiful young princess, she was poisoned. It is believed that her fate served as the basis for the Brothers Grimm fairytale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Today, in the village of Bergfreiheit (12km from Bad Wildungen), one can follow traces of the princess and the dwarfs and learn some interesting history.

In Hamelin you can see the Pied Piper’s House and go on a Pied Piper city tour.

Fairytale lanterns with cutout silhouettes of Grimm fairytales and sagas of the Reinhard Forest decorate the Old Town of Trendelburg.

For more info: visit deutsche-maerchenstrasse.com

more inspiration Tour Pooh Country – Hartfield in East Sussex in the southeast of England was the inspiration and setting of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, originally written by A.A. Milne and illustrated by E.H. Shepard. There’s a Pooh country tour and Piglet’s Tearoom, among other things. For more info: visit pooh-country.co.uk Sherwood Forest – In the late 13th century it is said that Robin Hood called this Royal Forest, in Nottinghamshire, England, home. You can go on walks, cycle or horse ride. Every summer the Robin Hood Festival takes place and the forest turns the clock back to medieval times. For more info: visit robinhoodfestival.org or sherwoodforest.org.uk Lord of the Rings – Relive Middle Earth with a choice of one of three tours through the Southern Lakes district, which is found in the Southern Alps of the lower South Island of New Zealand. They take you to the exact locations used in the trilogy, with weapons to handle and costumes to wear. Tours differ in length and diversity to accommodate all ages. For more info: visit lordoftheringstours.co.nz In the footsteps of Heidi – Maienfeld in the Bündner Herrschaft in Switzerland inspired the poetess, Johanna Spyri, to write her novels about Heidi. The hiking trail takes you through the vineyards to Heidi Land. You can experience life as Heidi would have lived it, and some walking tours are easy enough to take with strollers. For more info: visit myswitzerland.com Hats off to Dr Seuss – The Dr Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is now open at the Springfield Museums in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where Theodor Seuss Geisel was born and which appears to have inspired much of his work. For more info: visit catinthehat.org

Pooh Corner

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resource

bring the teacher home MARINA ZIETSMAN and SIMONE JEFFERY compiled a list of educational resources to assist you and your schoolgoing child at home.

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First Fact Finder by Helen Lewis (Metz Press) – Based on the National Curriculum (CAPS) for children from Grades 1 to 3, it covers the following areas of learning: life skills, maths, home language and the first additional language. Also invest in the book, Fact Finder, for Grades 4 to 6.

All About South Africa by various contributors (Random House Struik) – This is a comprehensive reference book for South African school children looking for information about the country.

Children’s World Atlas for South Africans (Map Studio) – The book has interactive map activities, a South Africa overview map, maps of the country’s provinces, a world political map, a physical world map and more.

Multilingual Illustrated Dictionary by John Bennett and Nthuseng Tsoeu (Pharos) – This is a seven-language glossary, fully illustrated with colour pictures and photographs.

The English-Afrikaans-Xhosa-Zulu Aid by Isabel Uys (Pharos) – A compact guide for children who are learning a new language, this book lists words alphabetically, covering 51 topics, as well as often-needed phrases.

Oxford School Dictionary and Thesaurus (Oxford University Press) – This publication combines a comprehensive dictionary at the top of the page with a companion thesaurus at the bottom, for the upper primary student moving into secondary school.

Early Learning Resource Unit – They publish a series of books that deal with everyday situations, including references to maths, nature and social sciences that are written in English and two other official languages. The reading level of the books is for early graders and preschoolers, but any second-language student can use them to practise words and sentences.

Be Bright Level 2 by Anita Potgieter (Human & Rousseau) – This educational activity book is aimed at children aged seven to nine years old. It is designed to help children sharpen their maths and language skills, while challenging them to be bright and creative.

Be Bright Level 1 for six to eight year olds is also available.

Oxford Primary Atlas for South Africa For Grades 4–7 (Oxford University Press) – This atlas is based on the most up-to-date maps and data and is fully revised for the CAPS curriculum, which equips learners with all the content and skills needed to excel at map work. The Oxford Secondary Atlas for South Africa For Grades 8–10 is also available.

My First Book of Southern African… (Random House Struik) – This fully illustrated series introduces young children (from the age of four years old) to various subjects through simple, informative text in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa and isiZulu. Themes covered are the seashore, wildlife, mammals and more.

Preparing for High School Maths (Cambridge University Press) – The book consolidates key CAPS skills and has been written for students in their final year of primary school who want to make sure that they are fully prepared to begin secondary school maths.

other helpful resources • A SP Schoolprojects Download digital products or buy CDs with study material for exam preparation based on the CAPS syllabus for Grades 1–7. Visit asp-schoolprojects.co.za • Bubblegum This tablet is preloaded with educational games and parental control software. Choose from arithmetic, storybooks and memory games.

• E-Classroom This website was created for educators and parents to access support material to use in the classroom and at home. Visit e-classroom.co.za • Getahead.co.za and click2learn.co.za Shop for English and Afrikaans educational worksheets and software.

• Indigo Learning They focus on building the cognitive skills required for learning (working memory, attention and concentration, processing rate and sequencing), and address language convention, fluency and comprehension skills.

• Leap Frog They create games, books, e-books, writing activities and more to help children overcome obstacles and master new skills.

• My Maths Buddy This maths dictionary is available in several formats, including an app.

• Puo The Lula and Lebo series is aimed at children from the age of four years old and is written in English and isiZulu, English and isiXhosa, English and Sesotho, and English and Afrikaans. Visit puo.co.za • Readers are Leaders They have a wide range of exercises to help improve many aspects of reading, which will also help in learning and understanding various subjects. Visit readersareleaders.co.za • Smart Kids The series from Pearson Education is written by experienced South African teachers. It was developed to support a child’s learning at home and the workbooks contain worksheets designed for South African children.

• Stimulearn An app with three different games based on memory, learning time and making stories that stimulate your child’s learning.

• The Toddler Playbook An app created for android phones with a platform for affordable, educational play ideas all in one place. Search for Toddler Playbook in the Google Play store.

• Umfundi Books They offer a Zulu Workbook series with activities to help learners in Grades 1–3 with isiZulu. The series is aided by the Picture Dictionary, which is available in English and other indigenous languages. Visit umfundibooks.co.za

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books

a good read for toddlers the ance import ship d of frien

Herman’s Letter

By Tom Percival (Published by Bloomsbury, R129) What do you do when your best friend has to move away? You promise to write to each other all the time. But it’s not always easy, especially when your friend seems to be having a lot of fun. Henry the Raccoon moves to a warmer climate and writes to his friend Herman the Bear about taking rides in a hot air balloon and making new friends. Herman’s jealousy threatens to turn him into a very unpleasant bear. Join Herman as he embarks on a journey to deliver a very special letter to Henry.

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Archie’s Holiday

By Domenica More Gordon (Published by Bloomsbury Publishing, R129) Archie is off on holiday. He has his suitcase packed and is ready to go, but oh dear… just when he wants to wrap up the packing, a new train of thought holds him up. What if it rains? What if he gets a sore tummy? What if there’s a jellyfish attack? What if…? What if...? Archie keeps packing for all kinds of eventualities, and when he’s finally convinced that he’s covered every possible scenario, his suitcase is too full. And trying to close it ends dramatically with a big bang! This is the second book in the author’s charming series about this lovable mutt and his many adventures.

for preschoolers All Kids Love Yoga

By Gabriele Petra Becker (Published by Rogue Works LLC, R259) This is a step-by-step guide to enjoying yoga with children of all ages with fun illustrations for parents, teachers or anyone working with children. The author is a yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner. She teaches remedial yoga with a focus on stressrelated symptoms, including backache, insomnia and respiratory conditions, as well as lifestyle and nutrition management, based on Ayurvedic principles. The book provides children with invaluable tools to deal with their everyday pressures and changing moods, while their bodies release built-up tension and remain healthy. It is a user-friendly tool that gives warm-up exercises, as well as fun, colourful illustrations that explain the different postures and their benefits for the body.

Ella’s Kitchen – The Big Baking Book: The Yellow One (Published by Octopus Books, R219) Children can get involved in the kitchen with this collection of child-friendly recipes. The book takes them beyond licking the bowl or spoon, with a wide range of recipes for all occasions, from lunchtime to party time. Cook up a host of nutritious treats, and let them learn about counting, weighing and measuring at the same time. Try the savoury snack bakes to fill a hole until dinner. Take your meal outside with the selection of picnic recipes, and take the edge off long days out with help from their On-the-Go section with quick, easy recipes in individual portions.

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for early graders save ou r planet

Keep the Beach Clean and I Love Turtles

By Marguerite Venter (Published by Two Oceans Aquarium, R55 each) Based on popular puppet shows at the aquarium, these interactive books, published in English and Afrikaans, include an important environmental message. The books are also part of the aquarium’s support for the Rethink the Bag Campaign, which encourages us to stop using plastic bags. The interactive storyline and activities are designed to encourage free and creative thinking. Both books have stories that deal with human waste and its dreadful impact on our marine life. Children from as young as two years old will enjoy the stories and illustrations, while older children can also take part in brain tickles and other educational activities.

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Under the Raintree

By Barbara Knutson and Yvette Dunn (Published by Art Publishers, R194) Here is a book for children, and adults, who want to learn about Zulu culture or rekindle their knowledge of this culture. The stories of a family in rural Zululand and authentic art design are brought to life through the brilliant sketches and writings of Barbara Knutson, who is assisted by artist Yvette Dunn. The story relays the conversation between a young Zulu boy and his wise old grandfather. Through their dialogue we discover how the months of the traditional Zulu calendar got their names, which are very different from those we use today. You can also read how animals, birds, crops, insects and the rhythm of the seasons all played their part.

Elves and Feathered Friends

By Isabel Eckleben (Published by Wordweaver Publishing House, R195) This is a beautifully painted children’s book, featuring elves and their friends, the guinea fowls, in a Namibian landscape.

Guinea Fowl Land is a place of magic and wonder. Here, guinea fowls and elves have lived side by side in harmony for a long time. Every day in Guinea Fowl Land, guinea fowls and elves face the same problems as we do in our world.

But no problem has ever been serious enough to cause quarrels and disagreements. It is not like in our world where we squabble and argue, and end up being unhappy with each other. This is why peace and trust exist in Guinea Fowl Land to this very day. Join the author and painter as she introduces you to her friends with wings and feathers.

Oliver Fibbs and the Giant Boy-Munching Bugs

By Steve Hartley

getting boys to read

(Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R114) This is the second book about Oliver Fibbs: the world’s biggest liar. Oliver’s life gets a little dull and boring, so from time to time he gets “creative” with the truth. But this time something exciting really has happened. Dad has been bitten by a strange tropical insect, and has been struck down with Wenghi Benghi Fever. Oliver feels it’s highly likely the bugs will get to him too, and he’ll break out in green spots, orange boils, a red rash and turn into a bloodsucking zombie killer; just like Agent Q in his favourite comic book. Children as young as five years old, as well as preteens up to the age of 12 years old who are looking for a light, laugh-out-loud read, will enjoy the Oliver Fibbs books.

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books

for preteens and teens a classic reborn

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Over the Moon

By Frank Cottrell Boyce

(Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R187) This is the third official sequel to James Bond author Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, written by arguably one of England’s favourite writers. The Tootings are stuck in 1966. Someone has stolen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and left them behind. But that’s not their biggest problem. Their biggest problem is that Little Harry’s been kidnapped by whoever nicked their magical car. There’s only one solution: the Tootings must find the Potts – the family that originally built Chitty. Sharing their combined knowledge of how Chitty works, the families stand a chance of rescuing Little Harry and finding the most brilliant car in the world. But a fiendish criminal has different plans, ones that involve flying Chitty to the moon and putting an explosive scheme into action.

Treasure Hunters

By James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein

Oliver Strange and the Forest of Secrets

By Dianne Hofmeyr

(Published by Random House Struik, R185) From the bestselling author of Middle School: the Worst Years of My Life and I Funny comes a brilliantly original new adventure series, jam-packed with action and humour for children 11 to 15 years old.

The Kidd siblings have grown up diving down to shipwrecks and travelling the world, helping their parents recover everything from swords to gold doubloons from the bottom of the ocean. But after their parents disappear, the children are suddenly thrust into the biggest treasure hunt of their lives.

They’ll have to defeat dangerous pirates and dodge the pursuit of an evil treasurehunting rival, all while following cryptic clues to unravel the mystery of what really happened to their parents.

(Published by Tafelberg, R110) A lost city of gold, anacondas more than nine metres long, jaguars lurking in the dark, and a frog so poisonous, a single drop of its toxin will kill up to 20 people – these are the forests of Colombia, where drug traffickers grow their coca to turn into cocaine. When Oliver Strange arrives at the village of the Embera people with his friend, Zinzi, and his herpetologist father, they meet a mysterious boy called Fabio and come face to face with guerrilla fighters.

Can Ollie help Fabio outwit them to protect a horde of ancient gold? Will he survive a swim through the tunnels of an underwater cave to find Fabio after he disappears?

This is the third book in the series for children from the age of 10 years old.

for us Woodworking for Everyone

By Peter Alkema (Published by Random House Struik, R250) Woodworking for Everyone will inspire you to create practical, stylish furniture for your home. This comprehensive and creative book contains projects that will turn your weekends into fun-filled family time as you learn the basics of woodworking to make something useful. Each chapter is packed with photographs and illustrations as well as the background to the project and a list of materials and tools needed. The instructions are clear and easy to follow with tips along the way to help you save time and get the job done. A “tools and techniques” section provides you with practical insight about working with wood. Make a toy box as your first project in just a couple of hours, or finish the nursery shelf before the baby arrives.

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for us local ge m

A Hippo Love Story

By Karen Paolillo

Paradise

By Greg Lazarus

(Published by Penguin Books, R230) In 1992, when her geologist husband was sent to a bush camp in Zimbabwe during a severe drought, Karen Paolillo stepped in to save the lives of a group of hippos that were going to die. With help from the British animal charity Care for the Wild International, she raised over R470 000 to feed them and give them their own artificial water source, because their habitat, the Turgwe River, had completely dried up. The team, with their hippo, have been through natural disasters such as floods, land invasions and having their lives threatened by violent mobs. This is the story of how an English girl came to womanhood and found her dream, one that has at times been harder than you could ever imagine.

(Published by Kwela Books, R165) Maja Jellema is in Cape Town to do what she does best – steal. Her new employer wants a certain item from a building in Long Street, and the only thing that stands between Maja and her prize is Hershel Bloch, the bumbling building manager. But what seems like an easy job for Maja is a whole lot more complicated. Will she be able to save her no-good brother from large Dutch men? Can Hersh turn his topsy-turvy world around before he gets fired? Will Surita make peace with her father and stop using her judo skills on people who just want to hug her? Time is of the essence in this spellbinding novel.

parenting books 50 Things You Really Need to Know: Brilliantly Behaved Toddler

By Lorraine Thomas (Published by Quercus, R181) The 50 bite-sized chapters in this book cover the most trying situations that a parent and toddler are ever likely to face – including mealtimes, sleeping, toilet training and supermarket tantrums. Each idea features an activity box to help parents gauge their progress and see results as they move forward, while informative narrative and quotes from childcare experts guide and equip them with the techniques they need to feel happy and confident in their parenting skills. Whatever the challenge, experienced parenting coach Lorraine Thomas gives parents an instant practical strategy that really works. Chapters cover the do’s and don’ts of discipline, food fights, sibling rivalry, supermarket sanity, family holidays, biting and fighting and easy toilet training; as well as family challenges such as destressing yourself, blended families, managing your time and dealing with tension.

Best Baby Names for 2014

By Siobhan Thomas

what’s in a name ?

(Published by Vermilion, R125) With all the information on the latest naming trends, this comprehensive and easy-to-use guide is full of inspirational names. It includes A-Z directories of over 8 000 names and their meanings. It gives the naming trends for 2014 and offers tips for choosing the perfect name. Including modern names and variants, plus classics that have stood the test of time, this naming guide has everything you need for finding a suitable name. Characters from popular modern novels have now entered the fray. Do you fancy Lisbeth Salander from the Millennium Trilogy or Bella or Renesmee from Twilight? You can even choose a name that works with a hair colour such as Ebony for a brunette and Ron or Scarlett for a fiery redhead.

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calendar

what’s on in august

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

Your guide for what to do, where to go and who to see.

Compiled by SIMONE JEFFERY

2 sat

special events

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FUN for children

45

only for parents

49

bump, baby & tot in tow

50

how to help

51

SPECIAL EVENTS

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Cirque Éloize iD Their performance blends acrobatics, street dance and hip-hop.

Vaal Wine Route Visit 16 participating venues in this year’s meander along the Vaal River.

Genesis Clinic open day Find out more about the natural birthing services the clinic offers.

Host a dinner for The Living Link Wine and dine for charity.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

Children’s craft workshops Two craft workshops are being held at Garden World.

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 friday Chilli and Wine Festival Experience a gastronomic adventure with nine culinary kitchens, numerous stall holders, cooking demonstrations and over 30 wine estates as well as live entertainment and a children’s play park. Ends 3 August. Time: 4pm–9pm Friday, 11am–6pm Saturday, 11am–5pm Sunday. Venue: rooftop parking, The Glen Shopping Centre, cnr Orpen Rd and Letaba St, Oakdene. Cost: free. Contact: 011 435 9252 or visit theglenshopping.co.za Education Expo You can chat face-toface with your local school representatives and have all your questions answered at this all-encompassing education exhibition. Ends 3 August. Time: 9am–7pm Friday, 9am–6pm Saturday, 9am–5pm Sunday. Venue: Jabulani Mall, cnr Koma St and Bolani Rd, Soweto. Cost: free. Contact Natasha: 061 296 4141 or visit thelearningpoint.co.za Slipper Day Buy a R10 sticker and wear your slippers to work, school or the shops to help Reach for a Dream fulfil the dreams of children fighting life-threatening illnesses in hospitals and homes across South Africa.

Tickets are available at any Wimpy, Makro or Hirsch’s store. Contact Melissa: 011 442 0893 or visit reachforadream.org.za

Funtastic Winter Fair There is plenty to entertain the whole family at this fun carnival with large slides, water balls, fishing stalls, tombola, market stalls and a beer tent with a big screen TV. There is a marimba festival and a talent show. Time: 10am–7pm.

Venue: Brescia House School, Pytchley Rd, Bryanston. Cost: adults R30, children under 18 years old free. Contact Helga: 011 706 7404 or visit brescia.co.za Holy Rosary School Carnival This is an annual family event with a tea garden, market stalls, a children’s fun zone, a primary schools’ cook-off challenge, a potjie competition and live entertainment.

Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: Holy Rosary School, 113 Horwood St, Edenvale. Cost: adults free, children R100 with non-stop access to fun rides. Contact: 011 457 0900 or visit holyrosaryschool.co.za

3 sunday

2 saturday Children’s craft workshops You make your own sandart and paint a pot. Also 9 August: make your own bird feeder and enjoy a tractor ride. Booking essential.

Time: 2 August 10am, 9 August 2pm.

Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: 2 August R85, 9 August R50. Contact: 011 957 2545, 083 997 6142 or visit gardenworld.co.za Cooper’s Cave Learn about the fascinating research taking place at Cooper’s Cave, a living museum in which fossils remain embedded in ancient rock to tell tales of a bygone era. The cave is an easy 1,2km walk from Sterkfontein Caves and a picnic rounds off the day’s activities. Booking essential.

Time: 9am. Venue: meet at Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind. Cost: adults R375, children 4–14 years old R150; includes a light picnic lunch. Contact: 014 577 9000 or visit maropeng.co.za

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take part in a social media treasure hunt.

Every 30 minutes a clue is posted on The Dark Carnival Facebook page. Tickets need to be bought in advance as they are not available on the day. Suitable for children 12 years and older. Time: 10am. Venue: Joburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: R100, includes entrance to the zoo. For more info: visit darkcarnival.co.za Marimba and Steelpan Festival As the marimba and steelpan bands compete for top honours, you can take part in hands-on workshops, shop for goodies and let your children loose to have their faces painted and play on the jumping castle. Time: 8:30am–9pm Saturday, 8am–6pm Sunday. Venue: St Benedict’s College, Harcus Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: R80–R140. Contact: 011 685 7300 or visit internationalmarimbafestival.org

2 August – Holy Rosary School Carnival

St Vincent Colour Run A scenic 7km route meanders through beautiful suburbs, with five colour stations positioned along the route. Besides the run, there is a craft market and children’s entertainment area.

All funds raised go towards St Vincent School for the Deaf. The race is petfriendly. Tickets are available on the day.

Time: 8am. Venue: James and Ethel Gray Park, Birdhaven, Melrose. Cost: adults R112, children R89,60. Contact: 082 770 0854 or enter online at entrytime.com Treasure hunt at the zoo Dress up as your favourite creature (fact/fiction) and

Checkmate Think strategically and knock out your opponent during this fun chess tournament at the cinema court. For children 7–13 years old. Time: registration 9:30am, tournament 10am–1pm. Venue: Killarney Mall, 60 Riviera Rd, Killarney.

Cost: R50. Contact Clyde: 061 034 2885 or visit goforchessnow.com Pamper Picnic Market A family picnic and craft market with a bit of pampering thrown in for good measure. Mothers, sisters, girlfriends, wives or friends can enjoy a mani or pedi or a neck massage.

Live music is provided by local band Colour Me Kacey. Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: The River Cabin, plot 35, R114 (just before Heronbridge College), Nietgedacht. Cost: R100 per picnic setting hire, R180 for picnic hire and neck massage, R250 for picnic hire and manicure, R400 for mani, pedi and picnic. Contact: 082 261 4689 or visit therivercabin.co.za

5 tuesday The Ridge School open day Parents and prospective pupils are invited to attend the school’s annual open day. Highlights of the event include the headmaster’s address, music performances by some of the students, and tours of the academic and sporting facilities. Time: 8:45am–11am.

Venue: The Ridge School, 26 Woolston Rd, Westcliff. Cost: free. Contact Liz: 011 481 5800 or visit ridgeschool.co.za

2 sat

Unity College Family Day A fun morning for families with jumping castles, rollerball, pony rides, Zumba dancing, a boxer dog display and a trolley dash.

There are stalls selling food from around the world, and live music. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Unity College, 126 Cedar Rd, Witkoppen, Fourways. Cost: adults R30, children R15. Contact: 011 465 2422/3 or debbie@unitycollege.org.za

6 wednesday Decorex A comprehensive decor, design and lifestyle exhibition that includes everything from fine home finishes to beautiful decor accessories, bathroom fittings, appliances, garden accessories and kitchen finds. This year’s theme is “Design your Life”. Ends 10 August.

Time: 10am–7pm Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–6pm Sunday. Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, 19 Richard Dr, Midrand. Cost: R100, pensioners R85, children under 12 years old R15. Book through Webtickets: 0861 22 55 98 or visit thebereed.co.za/decorex

9 saturday Totalsports Ladies Race Celebrate Women’s Day with a 5km or 10km run or walk. Time: 8am. Venue: Roosevelt High School, Thibault St, Emmarentia. Cost: 5km R50, 10km licensed R73,50, unlicensed R88,50, includes timing chip). Contact: 086 005 1021 or visit totalsports.co.za

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calendar olds. Also 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28 August.

Time: 7am–2pm. Venue: Lollipop Nursery School, 17 Pipers Rd, Douglasdale. Cost: open day free, holiday programme R150 per day. Contact: 011 705 1266, 083 474 9463 or visit lollipopnurseryschool.co.za

15 friday

9 August – Totalsports Ladies Race

Zero-2-Hero MTB festival Superheroes of all shapes and sizes can try out the 50km or 25km mountain bike track, or support the children as they attempt the 6km or pump track challenge. Children’s superhero outfits are available for hire at the venue, but adults will need to arrange their own costumes. There is a children’s area with childminders, water points serviced by superheroes, and food on sale. Time: 8am.

Venue: Hero Adventure Park, Heia Safari, 1747 Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R50–R250. For more info: visit facebook. com/Heiasportpark

10 sunday Aria! Opera for Everyone Soloists perform popular arias, duets and ensembles. They are accompanied by a narrator, as well as a small orchestra and members of Sempre Opera. 10 August. Time: 3pm. Venue:

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Roodepoort Theatre, 100 Christiaan De Wet Rd, Florida Park, Roodepoort. Cost: R120. Book through Joburg Theatre: 0861 670 670 or visit roodepoorttheatre.com Sunflower Fund donor drive Join The Sunflower Fund to be a potential stem cell donor for James Read, a 20-monthold boy who has a rare form of leukaemia and requires a bone marrow stem cell transplant. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Gracepoint Church, 125 Duncan Rd, Glenferness. Cost: free. Contact: 011 781 4026 or visit sunflowerfund.org.za

12 tuesday Lollipop Nursery School holiday fun and open days Parents can view the school while their children enjoy the puppet shows, creative activities, fun and games with obstacle courses, treasure hunts, ball games and more. For 2–5 year

What are comets? Join Unisa astronomy lecturer Patricia Skelton as she explores the world of comets and “cooks up a comet” using ordinary household goods. Bring along your telescope or binoculars for sky viewing. Booking essential. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Eagle’s Fare Restaurant, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Poortview, Roodepoort.

Cost: adults R140, children 6–12 years old R75, includes entrance to the gardens and dinner, but excludes drinks. Contact: 082 671 8382/7, 083 414 9843 or visit eaglesfare.co.za

16 saturday Kairos School of Inquiry info talk Find out more about the school’s culture. Caters to children in Grade 0–7. Time: 9am. Venue: Kairos School of Inquiry, 79 Rustenburg Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 6221 or visit kairosschool.co.za

21 thursday Open day at Oakhill Preschools They are opening their doors to interested parents with children aged 4 months–

6 years old to learn more about the schools.

Time: 8:30am–12:30pm. Venues: Oakhill Preschool, 47 Bauhinia, Morningside; Pooh Bear Corner, 7 Oleander St, Morningside; Little Oaks Preschool, 5 Kildoon Rd, Bryanston. Cost: free. Contact: 011 783 3108 or visit oakhillpreschools.co.za

22 friday FNB Joburg Art Fair A showcase of the largest selection of African contemporary art in South Africa. Ends 24 August. Time: 11am–8pm Friday, 10am–7pm Saturday, 10am–5pm Sunday. Venue: Sandton Convention Centre. Cost: R50 Friday, R100 Saturday and Sunday, three-day pass R200.

Book through Webtickets: 0861 225 598 or visit fnbjoburgartfair.co.za

23 saturday I Feel Good Expo Visit the health, fitness, wellness and beauty expo with its host of products and services, interactive exhibits, workshops and demonstrations. Highlights include yoga workshops for children. Also 24 August. Time: 9am–6pm Saturday, 9am–5pm Sunday. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, North Riding. Cost: adults R80, students and scholars R50, children under 12 years old free, parking R20. For more info: visit ifeelgood.co.za Rise and Shine Festival This ecofriendly music festival features Shortstraw, Matthew Mole, Nakhane Toure and more. Gates open early with a light yoga session on the lawn

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at 9am. There are numerous food vendors and a design market. Children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult.

No 13–18 year olds. Time: 8am–6pm.

Venue: Sandton Central Park, cnr Grayston Dr and Sandton Dr, Sandton. Cost: R100– R250, children under 12 years old free, parking at Nelson Mandela Square or Sandton City R10. For more info: visit riseshinefest.co.za

24 sunday Old Mutual Music in the Gardens Take a picnic basket and blankets for an afternoon of music with Mango Groove, Josie Field

and Laurie Levine. There is a supervised children’s zone with activities as well as food and refreshments on sale. Time: gates open 10am, concert 11am–6pm. Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcolm Rd, Roodepoort. Cost: R100–R150. For more info: visit dogreatthings.co.za

30 saturday U18 Colour Festival Joburg Come dressed in white and take part in the uniformed colour splash. Tickets are limited and available through Smooch Frozen Yoghurt stores and Webtickets. Under 18s only. Time: 12pm–10pm. Venue: Innesfree

30 sat

Alberts Farm Spring Fair Fly a kite, take part in a treasure hunt, or run and play in the wide open spaces.

There are food stalls, trees to climb, a playground and a market. Time: 10am–3pm.

Venue: Alberts Farm, cnr 8th St and 6th Rd West, Albertsville. Cost: free entry.

Contact Nina: 083 583 5383 or nina@outofthebox.org.za

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Park, Harris Rd, Sandton. Cost: R150, includes one packet of colour powder. For more info: visit their Facebook page: U18 Colour Festival in Johannesburg Living Montessori open day Take the opportunity to find out more about this preschool. Caters to children from 18 months–6 years old. Time: 9am–1pm.

Venue: Living Montessori, 354 Spionkop Ave, North Riding. Cost: free. Contact: 082 494 2335 or visit livingmontessori.co.za Tickey Afternoon Enjoy a day of carnival games, jumping castles, food stalls, and more. For children 6–13 years old. Time: 12pm–4pm. Venue: Bryanston Primary School, 13 Mount St, Bryanston. Cost: free entry. Contact: troman@bryanstonprimary. co.za or visit bryanstonprimary.co.za Children’s Goldmine Adventure Visit the oldest mine on the Witwatersrand, explore a mining tunnel, pan for gold and see how gold-bearing rock was once crushed. For children 6–14 years old; parents can join. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, cnr Galena Ave and Veronica St, Kloofendal, Roodepoort.

Cost: R80. Contact: 079 693 5608 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Animation Generation competition Draw an alien to join the Ben10 Omniverse.

Children can submit their entries digitally on the Cartoon Network website or by post: HDI Youth Marketeers, Postnet Suite 331, Private Bag X51, Bryanston, 2021. For children 6–14 years old. Entries close 2 September.

For more info: visit cartoonnetworkafrica. com/animationgeneration From Sitting to Selfie: 300 years of South African Portraits The exhibition maps out the long tradition of portraiture.

It features watercolours from the 1840s through to video installations from this century. 30 June–6 September. Time: 8am–4:30pm Monday–Friday, 9am–1pm Saturday. Venue: Standard Bank Gallery, cnr Simmonds St and Frederick St, Joburg.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 631 4467 or visit standardbankarts.co.za

classes, talks and workshops Buzzing into Outer Space This term, children are singing, dancing and acting along with Scotty the Spaceman as they head off into outer space. For 5–9 year olds. Time: 2:30pm or 3:30pm Monday– Thursday, 10am or 11:15am every Saturday. Venues: studios in Roosevelt Park, Fourways, Bedfordview, Parktown North, Sandringham, Sandton, Honeydew and Rosebank. Cost: free trial class. Contact: 011 025 2525 or visit buzzdrama.com Comprehension workshop Children are taught comprehension skills to improve their accurate interpretation of questions, understanding nuances in text,

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calendar providing a holistic answer, and more. For learners in Grade 5. 9 and 16 August. Time: 9am–11:30am. Venue: The Workshop Reading Centre, 9 Riley Close, Pineslopes, Fourways. Cost: R800. Contact: 011 467 2193 or visit the-workshop.co.za Fabulous ceramics and mosaics The pottery studio has a wide selection of ceramics and wooden blanks that children can paint, mosaic and decorate. Children 6 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Time: 9am–4pm Monday–Friday, 9am–2pm Saturday. Venue: Pottery Junxion, Glendower Place Shopping Centre, 99 Linksfield Rd, Dowerglen, Edenvale. Cost: R20 per hour, excluding materials. Contact: 011 453 2721 or visit potteryjunxion.co.za Ideal Play abacus classes Children are taught to calculate numbers with speed, confidence and accuracy. The class is held once a week. Booking essential. For children 4–12 years old. Time: 2pm–4pm, every Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Venue: IR Griffith Primary School, Equity Dr, Randburg. Cost: R82,50 per class, R330 per month. Contact Anisa: 011 486 3498, 074 106 8749 or visit abacus4maths.co.za Kidz Take Over drama school Children are taught acting skills for stage over four months. At the end of the course they will stage a professional production. For children 6–18 years old. Term starts 1, 2 or 6 August.

Time: varies. Venues: The Mustard Seed Children’s Venue, Ruimsig; The Italian Club, Bedfordview; The Dance Zone, Bryanston.

Cost: R1 360–R1 460 per course. Contact: 082 871 0034 or visit kto.co.za Teenage workshops A one-day workshop designed to teach teenagers the tools to cope with the constant changes in their lives. The workshop empowers teenagers to understand their relationship with themselves and others. Booking essential.

For children 12–18 years old. 16 August.

Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Houghton. Cost: R450. Contact: 082 829 7091 or visit healyourlifeworkshops.com

family outings Catch your fish and eat it Go trout fishing and once you’ve caught a fish you can ask them to prepare it with a side order of veggies or chips, or have it cleaned and packed to take home. Time:

11am–4pm every Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Venue: Huddle Park Golf Course, Club St, Linksfield. Cost: R75 per fish, includes rod hire and bait; R50 per additional fish. Contact: 011 640 6693 or visit huddlepark.com Good Food and Wine Show A food, wine and lifestyle expo focusing on new sensations, foraging, sustainability and world food trends. Discover the latest trends and tips from the world of food, and bring your children to see celebrity chefs in action and meet Kitchen and Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro. Also at the show, Little Cooks Club is holding frosting and fondant lessons for all ages. 31 July– 3 August. Time: 10am–7pm Friday and Saturday, 10am–6pm Sunday, Little Cooks Club lesson 3:30pm–4:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Coca–Cola Dome, North Riding. Cost: adults R125, children under 12 R50, children under 3 free. For more info visit goodfoodandwineshow.co.za Mapatiza Mine Tour and Gecko Jewellers Visit a replica mine with its colourful underground chambers and passages, and learn all about gemstone mining while you see gemstones being cobbed, sorted and polished. There is a large scratch patch, pedal go-karts and a coffee shop. Time: 8am–4pm Monday–Saturday, 9am–1pm Sunday and public holidays. Venue: 52 Mercury Ave, Crowthorne, Midrand. Cost: tbc. Contact: 011 468 1467 or visit geckojewellers.co.za

holiday programmes Ace tennis For children 2–16 years old.

They should take a water/juice bottle and a snack. 11–15 August. Time: 9am–1pm.

Venue: Parkhurst Tennis Club, 12th St, cnr 5th Ave, Parkhurst. Cost: R800 for all five mornings, R180 per day. Contact: 083 271 3804 or annchapman@telkomsa.net Chartwell Stables pony camp During this three-day, two-night pony camp, children ride twice a day, manage the stables, create crafts, play games and sing songs around a bonfire. Day-only option available. Booking essential for children 6–14 years old.

12–14 August. Time: 8:30am–4pm. Venue: Chartwell Stables, 112 Runnymead St, Fourways. Cost: R1 200 for three days, R400 per day (includes meals). Contact Shirley: 073 952 8572 or visit chartwellstables.co.za

12 tue

Kidz fishing camp Children learn what it takes to become a real fisherman. For 7–15 year olds.

12–14 and 19–21 August. Venue: Villa Nova, Vaal River. Children are collected and dropped off in Bedfordview. Cost: R980. Contact: 083 610 2911 or visit kidzfishingcamp.co.za

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11–15 August – Ace Tennis

Creative week at Seedpod Studio A full week of creative workshops. 11–15 August.

Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Seedpod Studio, Broadacres Garden Centre, cnr Cedar Rd and Valley Rd, Fourways. Cost: R220 per morning, R960 per week. Contact: 011 465 0375 or visit seedpodstudio.co.za Drama Dynamics Film and stage acting workshops for 8–18 year olds. Booking essential. 12 August–3 September.

Time: 9am–3pm, selected Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Venues: Barnyard Theatre Rivonia, Rivonia Crossing 2, Paulshof. Cost: R430 for the two days. Contact: 083 609 9679 or visit dramadynamics.co.za Holidays with Domestic Bliss Children explore various aspects of bush life during the Junior Ranger programme, and create tasty dishes and learn about nutrition during the cooking programme. Booking essential.

For 7–13 year olds. Cooking programme 11, 12, 14 and 15 August; Junior Ranger 22 August. Time: Junior Ranger 8am–2pm, cooking programme 9am–12:30pm. Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: Junior Ranger R295, cooking programme R320 per session, includes drinks and snacks. Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za Holidays with Little Cooks Club Boksburg Children make a variety of dishes from breakfasts to muffins and a chocolate delight. Booking essential. For children 2–15 years old. 11–29 August.

Time: 9am–12pm and 2pm–5pm Monday– Friday. Venue: 231 Trichardts Rd, Cinderella, Boksburg. Cost: 2–6 year olds R160, 7–15 year olds R240. Contact: 072 271 8904 or visit littlecooksclub.co.za In the Forest holiday camp They offer an outdoor programme that includes muddy obstacle courses, relay races, camp games, art and crafts, swimming, hikes and more. For children 6–13 years old.

11–15 and 25–29 August. Time: 7am–6pm Monday–Friday. Venue: on the R82/Old Vereeniging Rd, Eikenhof (transport from Sharondale Nursery in Brackenhurst). Cost: R195 per day, R975 per week, transport R65 per child. Contact: 076 035 4038 or visit intheforest.co.za ITA Tennis clinic A clinic for beginners and intermediate players. Children 3–6 years old play mini tennis. In the event of rain they offer indoor activities. Booking essential. For children 3–16 years old. 11–15 and 25–29 August. Time: 8:30am–1:30pm.

Venue: Craighall Park Tennis Club, 40 St Albans Ave, Craighall. Cost: varies. Contact: 083 443 3391 or visit itatennis.co.za Little Cooks Club Randpark Ridge Make two dishes, play games and do crafts.

For children 3–12 years old. 11 August– magazine joburg

5 September. Time: 9am–12pm Monday– Friday. Venue: Randpark Ridge. Cost: R240 per child. Contact: 083 228 0343 or visit littlecooksclub.co.za Magic Blox 4 Life holiday course Young ones can attend an emotional intelligence course that equips children with the skills and tools to overcome challenges. Booking essential. For children 5–12 years old.

12–16 or 26–30 August. Time: 9am–4pm.

Venue: Northwold, Randburg. Cost: R2 650. Contact: 083 325 6076 or visit magicblox.co.za Musical theatre A theatrical programme covers songs and scenes from some of the great musicals of the Broadway stage.

For 7–17 year olds. 11–15 August. Time: 9am–1:30pm Monday–Friday. Venue: 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: R1 000 per child for the week. Contact: 011 484 1584 or visit nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za Shepherd’s Fold Stables Pony camp for children 6–16 years old. Children 8 years and older can choose to sleep over. 11–13 and 25–26 August. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Shepherd’s Fold Stables, 55 Sunset Dr, Elandsdrift, Lanseria. Cost: R300 per day, R50 extra per night to sleep over. Contact: 084 220 2657 or belinda. milsom@gmail.com Sugar Bay holiday camp Holiday camps with activities ranging from surfing, rockwall climbing, zip lining, scuba diving and kayaking. Each camp lasts for seven to 10 days and follows a different theme. For 7–17 year olds. 10–17 August: Beacon Allsorts week, 17–24 August: Big Bang Theory week, 24 August–3 September: Wet ‘n Wild week.

Time: starts 3pm. Venue: Sugar Bay Resort, Zinkwazi Beach, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Cost: R5 399. Contact: 032 485 3778 or visit sugarbay.co.za Survival camp, level 1 Children learn how to start a fire using only a flint, find food and water, make bows and arrows, build shelters, make string from plant fibres and more. Booking essential. 8–10 August.

For 6–14 year olds. Time: 4pm Friday–3pm Sunday. Venue: Kareekloof Farm, Lanseria.

Cost: R750, includes food. Contact: 076 429 6739 or cashanerangers@gmail.com Wild Kids holiday programme The three-hour programme involves structured outdoor play, supervised free play and a snack time. All classes are supervised by qualified teachers/therapists. Booking essential. 12 August–5 September. Time: 9am–12pm, every Tuesday and Friday.

Venue: Sandton Field and Study Centre, cnr Louise Ave and 14th St, Parkmore. Cost: R250 per child, includes all materials and a healthy snack. Contact: 082 379 2675, 083 457 4106 or visit wild-kids.co.za

markets Hyde Park Corner Antique Fair A monthly fair that features collectables.

31 August. Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Dion Wired Courtyard at Hyde Park Corner, cnr William Nicol Dr and Jan Smuts Ave, Sandton. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 883 4933 or visit ssaf.co.za In2Fresh Farmer’s Market A monthly artisan market that offers a variety of fresh food and produce on the first Saturday of every month. There is an onsite August 2014

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calendar tea garden and activities for the children.

2 August. Time: 8am–1pm. Venue: 37 Reid Ave, Linbro Park. Cost: free entry.

Contact: 082 338 7818 or visit facebook. com/in2freshfarmersmarket Russel Street Ramble – Urban Market A market with numerous stalls and a safe children’s entertainment corner. 31 August.

Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: Tajine and Lemongrass Restaurant, 36–38 Russel St, Benoni. Cost: free entry. Contact: 083 603 4077 or urbanmarketnews@gmail.com Stepping Stones Village Market Pop in to browse the stalls. There is live music

by Tim Debois. 2 August. Time: 9am–3pm.

Venue: Stepping Stones Garden Village, 283 Honeydew Rd West, North Riding.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 083 676 9449 or grantcheryl@polka.co.za

on stage and screen Cirque Éloize iD Get ready to be blown away by the captivating performance that blends acrobatics, street dance and hip-hop.

No children under 3 years old. 19 August– 14 September. Time: 8pm Tuesday–Saturday, 3pm Saturday, 2pm and 6pm Sunday. Venue: The Teatro at Montecasino, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways. Cost: R120–R400. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Kinder Theatre in August Margaret Auerbach performs Penguin and Ice Bear. 2 August. Enquire about interactive puppet shows and shadow theatre. Suitable for

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children from 3 years old. Time: 3:30pm every Tuesday, 10am every Saturday.

Venue: Kinder Theatre, 39 Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: R50. Contact: 011 646 0870 or visit kinderspiel.co.za My Son Pinocchio, Jr The little wooden puppet must show that he is brave, honest and unselfish before he can become a real boy. Booking essential. 19 May–10 August.

Time: during government school terms: 9am and 11am Monday–Friday; during government school holidays, Saturdays, public holidays and on certain Sundays: 10:30am and 2:30pm. Venue: Peoples Theatre, cnr Loveday and Hoofd St, Joburg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein. Cost: R70–R105. Contact: 011 403 1563/2340 or visit peoplestheatre.co.za Puppets in Garden World Two funny puppet shows will delight the little ones.

Puppet Idols: 30 August, The ABC of Africa:

31 August. Time: 11am. Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift.

Cost: R40. Contact: 011 957 2545, 083 997 6142 or visit gardenworld.co.za Stars of the Russian Ballet Yuri Vetrov, a former director of the Bolshoi Ballet, has prepared a special programme of classical ballet. 2 and 3 August. Time: 3pm and 8pm Saturday, 3pm Sunday. Venue: Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park. Cost: R150– R280. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Time Warp The new Barnyard Theatre at Emperors Palace is opening with Time Warp, a musical adventure featuring timeless rocking hits and dance sequences from the best movies and musicals of our time. 31 July–31 August. Time: 8pm Tuesday–Saturday, 2pm Sunday. Venue: Barnyard Theatre, Emperors Palace, in the

Emporium, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park.

Cost: R100–R160. Contact: 011 928 1108 or visit barnyardtheatres.co.za Under the Baobab Tree After their beloved grandfather dies, the children gather under the baobab tree to carefully uncover a treasure of mementos, some old photographs, a tape recorder and some odds and ends. Not knowing what this all means, they have great fun making up stories and listening, singing, and dancing to music from their grandfather’s collection. Booking essential. 18 August–12 September. Time: 9am and 11am Monday–Friday, 2:30pm Saturday. Venue: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: R70–R110. Contact: 011 484 1584/5 or visit nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za

playtime and story time Rosebank Library’s story time Suitable for 4–9 year olds. Time: 3pm–4pm every Wednesday. Venue: 8 Keyes Ave, Rosebank.

Cost: free. Contact Juliet: 011 442 8988 Story time at Love Books Suitable for 4–8 year olds; younger children are welcome with their parents. Time: 10am every Saturday. Venue: The Bamboo Lifestyle Centre, 53 Rustenburg Rd, Melville.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 726 7408 or visit lovebooks.co.za

sport and physical activities 2 and 3 August – Stars of the Russian Ballet

Abseiling and caving adventure Get togged up in overalls, helmets and

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torches and abseil through the roof of a wild cavern and enjoy an adventure by torchlight. Booking essential. For children 8 years and older. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: meet at Engedi Lodge, Krugersdorp. Cost: adults R350, children R250. Contact: 011 956 6197, 082 486 2464 or visit wildcaves.co.za Tap dancing A 30-minute dance class led by enthusiastic instructors. Children can use their school shoes when starting out. For 5–7 year olds. Time: 2:15pm–2:45pm, every Monday. Venue: The Art of Movement, same property as Greenside Clinic, 9 Gleneagles Rd, Greenside. Cost: free trial class, R660 per term. Contact: 011 880 6725, 076 686 3280 or visit theartofmovementsa.com

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Beat the Bullying Understand bullying, why it is happening and how you can help children handle and overcome bullying.

Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Psych Matters, 9 Park St, Bedfordview. Cost: R400. Contact: 011 450 3576 or info@psychmatters.co.za Courses at Domestic Bliss An accredited childcare and elementary cooking course for domestic workers. The courses take place over five weekly sessions. Booking essential. Childcare course: 21 or 28 August, elementary cooking course: 13, 20 or 27 August. Time: 8:30am–2pm.

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Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R2 200–R2 400.

Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za Fun with words Parents, teachers, therapists and tutors of children 4–9 years old can find out more about educational tools for practising letters and sight words.

1 August. Time: 9am–10am. Venue: Sunninghill Gardens, Sunninghill. Cost: free.

Contact: marian@raisingreaders.co.za or visit raisingreaders.co.za In-depth course on herbs An intensive 16-module course on planning a herb garden, companion planting, natural insecticides, making a herbarium, herbal tinctures and macerated oils, and more.

Booking essential. Starts 29, 30 or 31 August. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Patsy’s Potions, 161 Rienert Ave, Kempton Park West. Cost: R250 per module, includes notes and refreshments. Contact: 011 393 3427 or visit patsyspotions.co.za Ladybug Health and Safety A basic CPR and first aid course with demonstrations.

24 August. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Ladybird Corner, 24 12th Ave, North Parking, Linksfield Netcare Hospital. Cost: R500. Contact: 011 485 3057 or sweetypie. booysen@yahoo.com Left-hand learning workshop Discover simple solutions to the daily challenges lefties face, such as cutting, pencil grip and handwriting skills. Booking essential.

2 August. Time: 9am–11am. Venue:

Beginners’ guide to social media

2 sat

A basic understanding of how to utilise the most widely used social networking platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Skype and YouTube. Booking essential. Time: 8:30am–3pm. Venue: The Living Link’s Computer Centre, 1 17th St, Parkhurst. Cost: R500. Contact: 011 447 7183 or visit thelivinglink.co.za

Constantia Kloof. Cost: R250. Contact: 083 417 3316 or visit lefthandlearning.co.za Living an Inspired Life A talk for parents and teachers who want to create holistic experiences for young children aged 4–6 years old. 16 and 30 August.

Time: 9:30am–11:30am. Venue: 16 August: Olivedale Library, Pres Fouche Rd, Randburg; 30 August: room 3, Field and

Study Centre, Louis Ave, Parkmore Central, Sandton. Cost: R250. Contact: 011 706 0413 or visit helenhansen.co.za Organic vegetable gardening A comprehensive guide to organic vegetable gardening on your rooftop, balcony or garden. Booking essential. 17 August.

Time: 11am–4:30pm. Venue: Sandton.

Cost: R580, includes a light lunch. Contact: sales@soughtafterseedlings.co.za or visit soughtafterseedlings.co.za Pilates reformer group class Space is limited. For 16 years and older. Time: 8am–9am every Saturday. Venue: Pilates Dynamics Studio, cnr 2 Nicolyn Ave and Silverpine Rd, Randburg. Cost: R200.

Contact: 011 792 5459, 072 999 2229 or visit pilatesdynamics.co.za Relationship dynamics workshop A workshop gives you an overview of Imago Relationship Therapy principles and how this can help improve your relationships.

30 August. Time: 2pm–5pm. Venue: Body Brilliance Wellness Centre, 11 East River Rd West, Bryanston. Cost: R490. Contact: 083 307 0918 or visit ati2ud.com Urban gardening Jane Griffiths talks about container gardening and gives you tips. Booking essential. 16 August. Time: 10:30am. Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R110, includes lunch. Contact: 011 957 2545, 083 997 6142 or visit gardenworld.co.za

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calendar

on stage and screen A Handful of Keys There’s a firecracker script for the banter that underpins the virtuosity produced by Ian von Memerty and Jonathan Roxmouth on two grand pianos. 14 August–11 October. Time: 8pm Tuesday–Saturday, 5pm Saturday, 3pm and 6pm Sunday. Venue: The Teatro at Montecasino, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways. Cost: R100– R170. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Evita and Co Evita reminds audiences what a special place we live in. 9 and 10 August.

Time: 5pm and 8pm Saturday, 3pm Sunday.

Venue: Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park. Cost: R100–R150. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com Joe Barber VI – Life With the clever use of filmed sequences, this mockumentarystyle production takes a humorous look at life and leadership in a Cape Town community as the characters compete for recognition and glory. PG13. 25 July–24 August. Time: 8pm Tuesday–Saturday, 3pm Sunday. Venue: The Market Theatre, cnr Bree and Miriam Makeba St, Newtown, Joburg. Cost: R83–R160. Contact: 011 832 1641/2/3 or visit markettheatre.co.za My Favourite Swings The Johannesburg Big Band and two of South Africa’s finest vocal talents, ChianoSky and Timothy Moloi, pay tribute to some of the greatest jazz and swing songs interspersed with contemporary numbers popularised by the stars who performed and composed them.

2 August. Time: 8pm. Venue: The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City Casino, Northern Park Way, Ormonde. Cost: R130–R180. Book through The Lyric Theatre Box Office: 011 248 5000 or visit goldreefcity.co.za Nataniël: Rainbow at Midnight A story told in true Nataniël style, with original music, stories (in both English and Afrikaans) and breathtaking designs.

No under 16s. 24 August–28 September.

Time: 3pm. Venue: Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park. Cost: R160–R220. Book through the Emperors Palace box office: 011 928 1297/1213 or visit emperorspalace.com Paul Potts and Friends Three international TV talent show winners appear live on one stage: Paul Potts (Britain’s Got Talent), Amira Willighagen (Holland’s Got Talent) and James Bhemgee (South Africa’s Got Talent). No children under 3 years old. 16 and 17 August. Time: 8pm Saturday, 3pm Sunday. Venue: The Teatro at Montecasino, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways. Cost: R250–R560. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com

out and about Cape Winemakers Guild An opportunity for wine enthusiasts to taste the smallvolume, cutting-edge auction wines that will go under the hammer later this year.

27 August. Time: 6pm–9pm. Venue: The Atrium, Nedbank Head Offices, 135 Rivonia Rd, Sandton. Cost: R170, includes a tasting glass. To buy tickets: visit webtickets.co.za Chantilly Network Forum A fundraising evening to honour the strong women in our society. The evening includes a talk

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2 August – My Favourite Swings

by clinical psychologist Dr Colinda Linde, and a performance of I have a life – Alison’s Journey, a drama starring Suanne Braun.

Proceeds from the event go towards Sadag and Women and Men Against Child Abuse.

Space is limited. Suitable for 18 years and older. 7 August. Time: 6pm–9pm. Venue: Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square. Cost: R300. Contact: 082 653 5128 or sheilagh@chantillynetworking.co.za Home-Start Benoni quiz night A battle of wits in aid of Home-Start Benoni, an NPO that supports families in need in the Daveyton and Benoni area. Form a team of eight, choose a theme for your table, dress up and decorate the table. Booking essential. 2 August. Time: 7pm. Venue: All Souls Church, O Reilly Merry St, Rynfield, Benoni. Cost: R100 per person. Contact: 011 845 1116, 082 571 5619 or visit homestart.org.za Vaal Wine Route Visit 16 participating venues in this year’s meander along the Vaal River, with 44 wine estates and over 300 wines represented. Get a passport at any of the participating venues and plan a self-drive route. 12 July–17 August. Time: 12pm–6pm every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday. Venue: Vaal River. Cost: R20 per venue per person. Contact: 082 465 1243 or visit vaalwineroute.co.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Angelcare breakfast seminar An interactive seminar for pregnant and new moms. The speakers discuss baby massage, stimulation, kangaroo care and sleep. Booking essential. 1 August. Time: 8:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Azalia Room, Randpark Golf Club, Setperk St, Randpark.

Cost: R295. Contact: brigitte@mediamoms. co.za or visit angelcareseminars.co.za Baby ballerinas Ballet classes for 2–5 year olds. Six-year-old newcomers welcome.

Time: 8am–8:30am every Saturday. Venue: Dance Café, cnr Main Rd and Witkoppen Rd, Bryanston. Cost: enrolment R100, R550 per term. Contact Maree: 082 450 5187 or info@thebarre.co.za Genesis Clinic open day Find out more about the natural birthing services that Genesis Clinic offers. You have a chance to meet the experienced midwives and take a tour of the facility. Like-minded exhibitors have their products on display and a series of educational talks are held throughout the day. No booking necessary. 23 magazine joburg

August. Time: 10am–2pm. Venue: Genesis Clinic, 5 Northwold Dr, cnr Jan Smuts Ave, Saxonwold. Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 3923, 011 486 4632 or visit genesisclinic.co.za

playtime and story time Parkhurst Library’s story time Children as young as 6 months old are welcome to take part in the library’s weekly story reading. Time: 3:30pm every Monday.

Venue: cnr 5th Ave and 13th St, Parkhurst.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 788 4510 or sandisiwed@joburg.org.za Play dates at Bambanani Children can take part in pottery classes, sit in awe during a magic show, or enjoy a movie night or story time. Contact them for the week’s schedule. For children up to 12 years old. Time: 2:30pm every Tuesday– Thursday. Venue: 85 4th Ave, Melville. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 482 2900 or visit bambanani.biz

support groups Compassionate Friends A support group that offers friendship, comfort and encouragement to bereaved parents and siblings. Contact: 011 440 6322 or visit compassionatefriends.co.za Dyspraxia SA support group Support for parents and/or caregivers who have, or take care of, children and young adults dealing with dyspraxia. They meet in the northern suburbs. Contact Trish: info@dyspraxiasouthafrica.co.za or visit dyspraxiasouthafrica.co.za Mom Squad A weekly support group run by the Trinity Methodist Church for new or expectant moms to share the joys and challenges of motherhood. For mothers with newborns up to 18 months old. Time: 9am–11am every Thursday.

Venue: Linden. Cost: R10 donation towards refreshments. Contact Karin: 082 334 4029 or vandermerwekj@gmail.com

Thirsty Tuesdays A breast-feeding support group for new moms to relax and talk to other moms. You are able to weigh your baby and get advice and support from an expert. Time: 10am–12pm, every Tuesday. Venue: Ladybird Corner, 24 12th Ave, North Parking, Linksfield Netcare Hospital. Cost: R60 per session. Contact: 011 485 3057 or 082 524 5611

how to help Children of Fire Africa’s first burns charity helps to repair burnt children surgically and psychologically. They also assist with schooling and physiotherapy. Donations are welcome. Venue: 58 Auckland Ave, Auckland Park. Contact: 011 726 6529 or visit firechildren.org Choc Charity Shop Choc requests donations of quality goods to sell in their charity shop to raise funds to support children with cancer and their families.

Donations can be dropped off at 219B Louis Botha Ave, cnr 11th St, Orange Grove; or at Choc head office, 152 Bram Fischer Dr, Randburg. Contact: 011 485 3164 or visit choc.org.za Fore! An annual golf day in aid of Down Syndrome South Africa. 14 August. Time: 10:30am. Venue: Germiston Golf Club, Rand Airport Rd, Germiston. Cost: R4 000, includes 18 holes, halfway house and light supper. Contact Wilna: 0861 369 672 or visit downsyndrome.org.za Host a dinner for The Living Link Invite your friends, family or colleagues for dinner and ask them to contribute R100 towards the meal. Donate the proceeds to the Living Link’s Sponsor, a student initiative. This is a nonprofit organisation that supports the inclusion of people with intellectual impairments into society and independent living. Contact: 083 300 7048 or visit thelivinglink.co.za

Mom Squad

don’t miss out!

For a free listing, email your event to joburg@childmag.co.za or fax it to 011 234 4971. Information must be received by 1 August for the September issue, and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za

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it’s party time For more help planning your child’s party visit

childmag.co.za/ resources/birthday-parties

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finishing touch

fashioning a foodie Cooking together with her son proved to be a big hit for

fter taking a cooking class recently I was inspired to teach my son how to cook. I thought it would be a fun activity for us to do together.

Cooking was always a big part of my childhood. I remember the first time I was given my very own recipe book, recipe box and apron. Having these items of my own made me feel so grown up. They were my prized possessions and I used to consistently look over them – taking note of the recipes I wanted to try next.

Looking back now, it was a great thing for my mom and grandmother to teach me. Not only did I learn how to cook, read a recipe, decipher measurements and prepare something yummy, but it also allowed us to spend memorable times together. As I entered my teens, my mother took it to the next level, and gave me and

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Cassandra and her son

my friends group cooking classes. This way she was able to ensure an activity that we both could do together, and get to know my friends at the same time.

In the hopes of recreating this quality time with my son, I decided to follow my mother and grandmother’s lead. I bought him a fun children’s cookbook and what I thought would be a playful-looking apron.

Although he was very pleased with the book, he was extremely unimpressed with the look of the apron – it was covered with a number of multicoloured chickens. In hindsight, maybe it wasn’t the best choice for a four-year-old boy. He probably would have preferred something more “masculine” with cars, superheroes or ninjas on it.

He insisted that we get started straight away. So, we had a look through his book and tried to find a recipe that we had

ingredients for. Luckily for him, we decided on raspberry and meringue ice cream. I thought it would be fun to get my husband involved, so when he came home from work, we set up a cooking space in our kitchen, conducive to our son, and the two of them got started on the ice cream while I made us dinner just a few feet away.

I think he really enjoyed being part of the action in the kitchen – making a small mess, learning and creating something that he could contribute to our family meal. But I suppose the fact that he asked for seconds and thirds could indicate that his favourite part of the process was getting to eat a tasty treat at the end.

Whatever he enjoyed the most, he was very proud of himself and it was a wonderful family activity – one that we plan on continuing weekly.

a few tips • S et up a surface conducive to your child’s height.

• Use an apron so their clothes stay clean.

• Choose a simple recipe that your child can fully participate in.

• M easure out and prepare the ingredients needed ahead of time.

• Stay calm and have fun.

After her son’s reaction to his apron, Cassandra is thinking she should buy a few more garments with multicoloured chickens for her son. Maybe this way he’ll finally take the initiative to dress himself in the mornings.

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PHOTOGRAPH: MENKE BONNEMA

a

CASSANDRA SHAW, but the apron she got him was a bit of a letdown.