Born & Bred in WA
KIDS PERTH in
The From
our
,
FEBRUARY 2019
Parents Paper
family
The importance of imagination
T
his year the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy is celebrating 40 years of delivering dynamic and engaging drama classes.Their curriculum has been developed to allow creativity and imagination within structured, teacher driven lessons. Einstein said ‘imagination is more important than knowledge.’ Developing improvisation skills helps young people understand how to appraise situations, think outside the box and be more confident in unfamiliar situations. Drama also teaches empathy, cooperation, concentration and memory – and improves motivation and reduces stress! Each lesson contains a different improvisation, short scripts, creative movement and short scenarios using the student’s own creativity. At the end of the
to
yours
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Free
every
www.kidsinperth.com
PRICELESS
month
Why ear health matters
year, each class participates in a short, exciting and stress-free presentation for parents, friends and family.
The art of conversation
A
E
ye contact, greetings, everyday chitchat and meaningful communication is so important. But with technology crowding our lives, it’s easy to see why children are losing the art of conversation. Helen O’Grady Drama Academy’s unique program helps children gain confidence in their verbal communication skills. It’s all done in a fun, stimulating way – and classes include speech training, dramatic play, creative movement, music, storytelling, dressups and more. At the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, children can connect and communicate in a safe environment that fosters creativity and imagination. All teachers are qualified educators with specialist training.
Weekly classes for kids of all ages (3–17) are run at many locations throughout WA. Enrolments are now open. Call 9242 4722, email helen.davey@helenogrady.net.au or visit helenogrady.net.au
s a parent, you are often the first to notice a difference in your child’s behaviour, from a change in their demeanour to a craving for different foods. But what do you do when they’re becoming increasingly withdrawn, or ignoring your instructions? The reason for these changes in behaviour could be an overlooked health issue, according to Telethon Speech & Hearing Head of Hearing Services, Philippa Hatch. ‘Parents might not consider ear health in the first instance with some of these behaviours, particularly in regard to ignoring instructions, becoming withdrawn or not progressing with speech,’ she said. ‘Poor ear health can result in pain, poor hearing and fluctuating hearing levels in children. This can then impact attention, academic performance, as well as cause irritability and poor speech.’ In addition to parents, Ms Hatch said teachers often noticed these behavioural
Kids LOVE Drama
changes in their students. In the classroom, children may struggle with everyday learning activities as well as have trouble communicating with other students. ‘We recently had a child whose teacher recommended he come for a hearing test as he was in pre-primary and was having problems with phonics – learning sounds and letters,’ she said. ‘Tests indicated he had middle ear fluid that resulted in a moderate hearing loss in both ears.’ After receiving help the child’s hearing returned to normal and both parents and teachers shared that he was following instructions in class and interacting more with peers. Healthy ears and healthy hearing is a key factor in determining the development of your child. If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing, contact Telethon Speech & Hearing for a hearing test. Call 9387 9888 or visit tsh.org.au to book online.
The Australian Dental Association recommends children see the dentist for the first time when
dramatic dramatic t pl play aINyCREASE TEEM SELF ES cre attive movement movemen creative story telling story
their first tooth becomes visible
songs language skills confidence
or when they reach 12 months of age – whichever comes first.
Northern Suburbs Ph: 9402 8744
As a paediatric dental specialist, Dr Rod
Western Suburbs
Ph: 9402 5849
Jennings is trained to focus on the
Rockingham / Mandurah
unique needs
Ph: 9593 7194
of toddlers,
Eastern Suburbs
WEEKLY S E S S A L C U
O Y R A E N
children and
Ph: 9378 4332
merylena.sulak@helenogrady.net.au
adolescents.
Southern Suburbs Ph: 0414 689 261
kerry.jones@helenogrady.net.au
8 The Avenue, Midland | 6155 9899
KINDY DRAMA CLASSES HELD FOR 3-5 YEAR OLDS, AS WELL AS PRIMARY AND YOUTH CLASSES FOR 5-17 YEAR OLDS.
www.helenogrady.net.au www.facebook.com/helenogradywesternaustralia
ONLINE WWW.KIDSINPERTH.COM
114 Clarke Street, Bunbury | 9792 4221 admin@toothbuds.com.au
Come and see Dr Rod at his new Midland clinic.
www.toothbuds.com.au
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