Five benefits of game play

a “pay-what-you-can-afford” basis so that all children would still be able to take part.

Her efforts were recognized by Canada Post’s 2020 Tales of Triumph contest, and she was a runner-up in the Doing Good category. Prizes included national online advertising, which led to children from B.C. to Quebec joining her online classes.

The experiment with Zoom classes was so successful that Downs plans to continue some even after the risk of COVID-19 has subsided. Since she is not physically present, those classes require that a parent be present to ensure that all safety precautions are carried out.

Safety is also a priority for Downs in preventing the spread of COVID-19 because her children, and many others in the classes, are at high risk. “I’m not going to attempt to do in-person, indoor classes until I can be pretty confident I’m not putting anybody at risk,” she says.

Downs’s children now use their experience to help teach cooking to others. “My kids come to every class when we do in-person classes. They take part in every aspect — they help with menus, recipes and taste-testing. If there’s someone who is extra-shy or doesn’t have a partner, they jump in so that nobody is alone,” she says.

Downs believes it’s important for her children and others to learn to cook because it’s a skill that will benefit them throughout their lives. She added, “It’s definitely more enjoyable if you’ve learnt it when you’re younger so that when you need to do it, you know how and it doesn’t become a chore.”

For more information, go to facebook.com/patricias. cooking.classes.for.children/

Even children as young as three, like Patricia’s granddaughter Jeune, can have fun in the kitchen learning cooking and baking skills. SUPPLIED

Five benefits of game play for children

Parents walk a fine line when trying to determine how much time to allow their kids to engage in game play. Game play has traditionally had a bad reputation, but parents can rest assured that by letting their children get involved in entertaining games of all types, including video games, they’re actually helping their youngsters in various ways.

1. Board games present chances for learning

Board games are some of the first games young children get to play, and they can serve as introductions to lessons kids will ultimately learn in school. Simple games help children follow directions, learn colours, numbers, and develop hand-eye coordination, according to Scholastic. As kids age and games become more challenging, the chances for learning increase.

2. Games help with physical development

Parenting magazine reports that outdoor play entices children to be active and can boost fitness and physical stamina. All types of games work the body by strengthening muscles and bones. Being outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine is good for the body and mind. When a child is physically fit, he or she also may have a strong immune system that reduces the risk of developing diseases like obesity or diabetes later in life.

3. Games can boost creativity

Whether they’re following the rules or finding ways to circumvent them, games offer opportunities for children to delve into their creative sides and utilize their imaginations. Video games can immerse them in different worlds where they can ponder the what-ifs of role play.

4. Boost interest in school subjects

Certain games depict historical settings or events that drive the play. Players may want to learn more about these situations and events. In addition, sparking an interest in various subjects and keeping the mind active can improve basic cognitive functions, states the pregnancy and childcare resource Maternity Glow.

5. Games allow for broadened social activity

Much in the way that game nights can help adults bond and make new friends, children who play games together may be able to meet others and engage with kids their age due to this shared interest. (Metro)

SPONSORED BY MI DW ES T KA RATE Here’s why karate is the ultimate fitness solution

BY CAROL TODD Postmedia Content Works

Regina’s longest-running karate studio is back in full swing after a scaled-back year due to the corona virus.

“We’re excited to be back and to be able to train again in person,” says Heather Nelson, one of three black belt instructors at Midwest Karate. Classes were limited this past year, with measures in place to keep students safe on site, and with some students opting for on-line training.

Now, the school is ready for a return to a full schedule after this Labour Day, the week of September 6. “Although there was less participation in the last year, we did have a lot of students continue to train in person and on-line, and we’re hoping this year that we’ll be back up to our usual numbers,” says Nelson. Steps will be taken to ensure the safety of students who are under 12 years old; Nelson says the school will adhere to Saskatchewan Health Authority guidelines. And, with 3,000 square feet of hardwood floored practice space, there is lots of room for students to spread out.

Midwest Karate opened its first dojo (training hall) in Regina in 1978, and has been at its current location at 1100 Broad St. for more than 30 years. It is a member of the Saskatchewan Karate Association and the Canadian Traditional Karate Federation (CTKF). As a member of the CTKF it is affiliated with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF).

The school teaches traditional Shotokan Karate, named after one of the most well-known karate masters to bring the martial art to the public. Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) brought karate to Japan in 1922 and formalized the art as karate-do (the way of the empty hand). The style became known as “Shotokan” as “Shoto” was a pen name used by Master Funakoski and “kan” means hall. Funakoshi and his senior students founded the Japan Karate Association (JKA) in 1955. Originally, the martial art that came to be known as karate is said to have begun in China and was brought to the island of Okinawa in the 1300s where it mixed with Indigenous Okinawan fighting arts.

With all that history behind it, the martial arts also offer a wide range of benefits. “Our big thing is mind, body, spirit, so we focus on human development as our larger goal in karate,” Nelson says. With today’s emphasis on physical fitness combined with the stresses of the modern world, an activity that brings both together could be the ultimate fitness solution. “The martial art is one of the best ways to combine all aspects of fitness,” she says.

Midwest’s technical director is Rick Jorgensen, seventh degree black belt and president of the CTKF and chairman of the ITKF. While he currently lives in Ontario, he visits Regina frequently and is in constant contact with the instructors to ensure quality and consistency in Midwest’s classes.

Nelson says the school’s commitment to quality continues to result in high ranking athletes. “We have high quality instruction locally and we bring in high quality instructors from abroad. Our instructors [train and compete] internationally so they keep up to date on their skills and, and that’s why we continue to have high level athletes,” she says.

The classes are taught at all levels and for all ages. No one sits on the bench, says Nelson. “Everyone at all levels can be active all the time,” she says. “Midwest Karate provides an opportunity for people to participate at whatever level they want to, so, if they would like to participate recreationally, we’re more than happy to provide that, but if they would like to compete at a higher level, we have the skills and abilities to coach them to that level,” Nelson says.

Everyone is welcome to watch or even take a class or two for free to find out about the physical and mental benefits of traditional karate. Visit midwestkarateregina.com or its Facebook page for updated information on available classes and session dates.