Child (May 2017)

The magazine for parents

CHiLD ISSUE 55, May 2017

Ozzy the alien helps revive old games FIGHTING CYBERCRIME

FOREST-INSPIRED EDUCATION SAILING TO SUCCESS Plus: tips on summer revision, outdoor activities, limiting screen time

Cover photo

by Sebio Aquilina

CHiLD ISSUE 55 May 27, 2017

Contents

Be smart this summer

Features 6 Culture: Reviving traditional games 10 Education: Summer studying 15 Health: Preventing measles 20 Nurture: Developing through play 28 Media: Fighting cyberbullying and child grooming 33 Nature: Observing the world around us 35 Arts: Ballet conservatory to open in Malta 38 Schooling: A class immersed in nature 44 Sport: Riding the waves

Regulars 23 Top Tips: Limiting screen time 42 News You Can Use: Benefits of sleeping well 49 Shop Window: The best of goods and services

Children are increasingly becoming dependent on electronic devices and not just for school-related matters. They switch on their tablets or smartphones for entertainment purposes wherever they are, seemingly oblivious that there is another world outside the screen.

Malta’s entry at Schoolovision, a schools’ version of the Eurovision Song Contest, suggests that today’s children have indeed forgotten about traditional games, which would stimulate their creativity and improve their social skills.

Another simple way to while away the time is to observe the world around us with its many land and sea species.

Birdlife Malta has some suggestions on how to connect with nature this summer.

San Anton School knows the benefits of instilling a love of nature among our little ones and recently held a forestinspired education week, in which their youngest students engaged in alternative learning sessions in the great outdoors.

Another initiative currently taking place in the open air is the President’s Secret Garden, which gives children the space to engage in fun activities that promote, nurture and enhance their well-being.

As regards sports, sailing certainly makes children feel at one with nature while helping them become responsible and mature citizens. A number of young sailors who are about to take part in international competitions have their say on why they love this sport.

I invite you to read these articles and be inspired. Encourage your children to switch off their devices and enjoy nature and the simple things in life. Reassure them that they can be smart – or even smarter – without their smart devices!

Correspondence to the editor may be sent to: The Executive Editor, Child Magazine, Allied Newspapers Limited, Strickland House, 341, St Paul Street, Valletta VLT 1211 or send an e-mail to child@timesofmalta.com Executive Editor Stephanie Fsadni Editorial Assistant Lorella Fava Publisher Allied Newspapers Limited Printing Progress Press Limited Production Allied Newspapers Limited Contributors Sandy Calleja Portelli, Faye Camilleri Preziosi, Ronald Cassar, Joanne Cocks, Desirée Falzon Photography Sebio Aquilina, Matthew Mirabelli Design Manuel Schembri Advertising Sales Amanda Gauci (tel: 2559 4705; e-mail: amanda.gauci@timesofmalta.com).

This publication is being distributed as part of the Times of Malta.

All rights reserved. © 2017 Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers is prohibited.

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Clarification In the article ‘Coping With Grief’ published in the March edition of Child, counselling psychologist Stephanie Borg Bartolo was quoted as saying that “children should be at least five years of age before being taken to a funeral”.

This was incorrectly inferred from the following paragraph: “Children, especially five years upwards, tend to show more of an interest in engaging in tangible activities related to death such as funerals and rituals. Any form of ritual in which the child is able to say goodbye to the person that has died is important. If the child does not want to do this, respect their wish but they should always be given a choice.”

The error is regretted.

Also available at Early Learning Centre:

early learning centre 193, Merchant Street, Valletta – Tel: 2123 6228 • 61, St Paul Street, Rabat – Tel: 2145 6385 Triq Fortunato Mizzi, Victoria – Tel: 2156 0157

www.elctoysmalta.com

CulTurE Photos by Sebio Aquilina

TURNING BACK THE CLOCK While children are spending more and more time on tablets and other high-tech gadgets, a song is urging them to switch to some traditional games which would let their imagination run wild. Lorella Fava listens to the message of Malta’s successful entry at Schoolovision. hile everyone was disappointed following Malta’s poor placing at the Eurovision Song Contest, a class at San Ġorġ Preca College Ħamrun GP Primary was celebrating its nearwin at this year’s Schoolovision.

Schoolovision is an eTwinning project which offers a platform for those working in a school in one of the European countries involved, to communicate, collaborate and develop projects.

Furthermore, Schoolovision brings together one primary school from each of 30 eTwinning countries from all around Europe, who compete with a song that is representative of their country. All the videos of the participating songs are uploaded on a blog and each country votes for their favourite entry.

In its ninth participation, Malta placed second with a song entitled Time Expedition, with music composed by music teacher John Anthony Fsadni and lyrics by 10-year-old Zachary Sammut. The same team placed fourth in the competition last year with the song Teddy Bear Magic.

This year’s entry is about the way today’s children spend most of their time on tablets and other gadgets instead of playing outside and letting their imagination run wild.

In today’s society, the song suggests, children do not understand what it is like to play freely and integrate with other children like they used to do in the past.

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In the accompanying video by Sebio Aquilina, you’ll see ‘Ozzy the Alien’ landing in a park and inviting the children to play traditional Maltese games thus, in a way, taking them back to a simpler, perhaps more innocent, time.

Organiser Maria Antoinette Magro says that despite her seemingly negative message about how children need

“Traditional games have lost their importance and have been forgotten to such an extent that the majority of children do not even know about them”

to sometimes step away from technology, she nonetheless believes that technology is nowadays an essential part of children’s lives and could be highly beneficial if it is used appropriately and responsibly.

“Technology has changed how teachers teach and students learn. By embracing and integrating technology in the classroom, we are without a doubt setting our students up for a successful life outside of school.

“Technology makes learning more fun, interesting and helps the children to focus and be more motivated,” explains Ms Magro.

Yet, she says that one does not need to forget all the games that have been

Children alienated by their tablets and headphones in Time Expedition.

Ozzy, the alien from the past, is in the background.

CULTURE

The children from San Ġorġ Preca College Ħamrun GP Primary who participated in Time Expedition.

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CULTURE

Traditional games such as Żugraga, Lasktu and Żibeġ feature in the music video.

associated with the Maltese – some of which have been in existence since the Middle Ages – in order to benefit from technology.

“In today’s modern and technological world, traditional games have lost their importance and have been forgotten to such an extent that the majority of children do not even know about them,” claims Ms Magro.

Expanding further on this, the lyrics writer, Zachary, says that the only way he thought he could introduce the games was to create Ozzy, a character from the past.

“It had to be the past as nowadays no one seems to be playing these games anymore,” he laments.

Ms Magro enthuses that when the children were introduced to these traditional games at the beginning of the project, “they truly loved them”.

“I think that, to some extent, the games helped the children become aware of how fast and progressive modern life has become, even at their age, when compared to the simple, easy and peaceful life our ancestors lived,” she adds.

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The teacher admits that the decision behind the choice of games portrayed was somewhat personal as she included the games she used to play when she was a little girl and the ones that used to be played in her street – something which unfortunately cannot be done anymore in most places due to the increase in traffic.

One of the traditional games included in Time Expedition is Żibeġ (beads), where children compete for beads dealt out by every player.

“The girls spent a lot of time playing with lots of colourful beads […] something they had never done before,” says Ms Magro.

Another game portrayed is Żugraga (top), which some children were familiar with. Żugraga sees children winding a string several times around a wooden top and throwing it sharply while holding on to the end of the string. This allows the top to spin for a brief time.

Other games that feature in the song include Boċċi tal-ħġieġ (glass beads) which the boys loved to play. Ms Magro concedes she was surprised when she

found out that many of them were familiar with the game and possessed their own marbles.

Also portrayed are Ħabel (rope); Pupa taċ-ċarruta (rag doll), whereby the female students played with old dolls and a rag doll created by Margot Sammut, an art teacher at the college; Lasktu (elastic band), a game Ms Magro happily maintains children are still playing during their lunch breaks; and last, but not least, the popular Pizzi pizzi kanna.

The message behind this cheerful song is the importance of tradition and how the advancements in today’s modern life should not take our kids away from these fun games.

Time Expedition places a spotlight on the importance of these games, however, not simply because they form part of tradition but because they allow children to be children again in a world that somewhat forces them to grow up much faster than they need to.

You can watch the song’s video on http://schoolovision2017.blogspot.com. mt/search/label/Malta.

EDUCATION

Summer studying Sandy Calleja Portelli discusses the importance of revising during the holidays for a specific group of students – those approaching the Sec examinations. She argues that the key to successful summer studying is achieving the right balance between learning and relaxing. he scholastic year is coming to an end; exams are looming on the doorstep and, before we know it, the calendar will read July 1, the first day of the glorious summer holidays. Twelve weeks free from school and the stress of homework, deadlines and tests. However, it is good to keep children’s minds active over the summer by reading and trying new things, among others. This is particularly important for a specific group of students – those in the last three years of secondary school – who should be getting ready to sit for the Sec certificate.

Preparations for this certificate start in earnest when students enter Year 8 (Form 3) and it is important to remember that, unlike the end of year exams, the Sec exams can include any topic covered in the last three years of secondary school. Thus, students need to learn, understand and remember the material covered over three years.

Considering that each school year brings new information to be mastered and that research has shown

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that children actually lose about one month’s worth of learning over the summer, spending some time revising during the summer holidays is not only advisable but crucial. However, getting teenagers to study is not without its challenges, including the issue of your child’s motivation and boredom threshold, how much vacation time to devote to studying and, finally, the best way to study.

Teen motivation It’s perhaps one of life’s odd quirks that students’ first major test of discipline and dedication to their studies coincides with a period of growth and rebellion as they assert their independence. It isn’t unusual to find that a child who has so far always been a good student is suddenly not quite so keen to focus on studying, supremely confident that he or she knows best and that the examination session is absolutely ages away.

It’s important to strike a delicate balance between encouraging your child to give up a portion of his summer

holiday for study without seeming to control the process. Mastering time management and discipline will be crucial for your child after fifth form regardless of his next step in life, so it’s important that the child is the driving force behind summer studying.

In her Student’s Guide to Exam Success, Eileen Tracy recommends breaking down the workload into time available. A realistic assessment of the time available for study would account for a break of at least one week between the end of exams and commencement

EDUCATION

of revision and another week off before school resumes.

Thus, without accounting for any travel or family breaks, there are 10 summer weeks in which to revise the work done over a year or two depending on whether your child is in Year 8 (Form 3) or Year 9 (Form 4). This may seem like a daunting task but it’s important to remind your child that she has already learnt the information and is simply cementing the knowledge to make it easier to recall and build on during the next scholastic year.

“It’s important to give your child as much autonomy as possible in deciding how to manage one’s own time and finding one’s own balance among being physically active, studying and relaxing” The key to successful summer studying is achieving the right balance between learning and relaxing.

Over the course of the school year, most children’s lives are so strictly structured as to border on being regimented. Between after-school activities, homework and studying they

have little time at their disposal, so it is important that you make sure they have ample unscheduled time over the summer.

With so many changes and adjustments an adolescent has to make, having time to chill out completely is crucial as is a degree of independence, so it’s important to give your child as much autonomy as possible in deciding how to manage her own time and finding her own balance among being physically active, studying and relaxing.

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EDUCATION Geography teacher Ivan Calleja suggests limiting the time spent studying to six hours a week and research has proven that studying in regular sessions of about an hour each are more effective than long but infrequent study sessions. In short, studying for an hour a day five days a week is more productive than studying all morning once a week. However, this is the perfect time for your child to establish the study routine that works best for him or her.

The issue of private lessons Private lessons in the run-up to important exams have become almost de rigueur but may not necessarily be the best option for your child. English teacher Pat Camilleri says that while private lessons can help students who are struggling with a particular subject, there are other ways to consolidate learning more informally. Ms Camilleri also recommends monitoring the student’s improvement while attending private lessons “if the concepts are still not clear and the skills not improving, then the lessons are not much use,” she says.

Private lessons are by their very nature, directed and formalised modes of learning and, in some cases, are a replica of a school classroom. If you identify a subject in which you feel your child would benefit from attending extra lessons, then try to select the teacher whose methods suit your child best. For instance, if a student is too shy to ask for help in class at school, then she is unlikely to ask for help in a different class with almost the same number of students. In such a case, perhaps individual attention might be the best solution.

Breaking it down It would be neither feasible nor productive for a student to focus on every subject with the same intensity so the first task at hand would be to decide how much time to devote to each subject. It would be wise for your child to concentrate more on the key subjects needed for progression to sixth 12 CHiLD MAY 2017

form (maths, English, Maltese, a science subject and the two optional subjects). Even if your child does not intend to study further, these six subjects would probably be the ones most likely to serve him in good stead in the employment market. The remaining subjects might need no more than revising notes already in hand a few times during the summer.

Having identified the six key subjects to focus on, encourage your student to analyse her aptitude in each subject so that she can allot more time to her weaker subject. Let’s imagine that Natasha feels she needs to take private lessons in Maltese, finds physics somewhat challenging but is pleased with her performance in English, maths, and her optional subjects.

Natasha would be advised to devote a great deal of independent study time to physics, followed by Maltese and then the remaining subjects.

fluency in that particular language while reading about other subjects also helps to consolidate and enhance the information covered in school. For example, reading an article about life in Shakespearean times may bring a Macbeth to life or it may at least help your student place the work in its proper context.

Similarly, the teen may benefit from watching the play, after all drama was meant to be performed not read, although videos should not be restricted to the study of drama or literature. There is a vast array of reliable YouTube videos covering every subject under the sun and Mr Calleja recommends students should ask teachers to suggest reliable sites for them to access over the summer.

Learning and studying does not need to be limited to books, notes and the internet but can be taken outside. Play the tourist and visit

“Perhaps one of the best advantages of summer studying is the freedom to explore new ways to take in the material at hand” Summer learning techniques Perhaps one of the best advantages of summer studying is the freedom to explore new ways to take in the material at hand. This is the perfect time for exploring new ways to learn, memorise and, ideally, internalise the information and finding the studying method most suitable for the individual student. This experimentation is also a useful way to stave off the onset of boredom – there is a limit to the number of times one can go over the same information without being bored to tears.

Ms Camilleri strongly recommends reading to “enhance language skills, helping to augment vocabulary and help create an automatic awareness and correct use of the grammatical structures students will have covered at school”.

Leisurely reading in any of the languages being studied enhances

Malta’s historical sites taking in the guided tours wherever possible – this may be the perfect way to help your child contextualise and visualise dates and facts covered in the syllabus. Perhaps a visit to Esplora or the Aquarium could also make science topics more accessible.

There’s no escaping the fact that the lion’s share of studying involves going over notes, textbooks and coursework but simply reading the same thing a thousand times is not only boring to the extremes but also largely ineffectual. We each process information in our own way and finding the study method that suits us best is akin to finding the holy grail of exam success.

Summer revision provides the best opportunity for experimenting with different techniques because it helps stave off boredom and, free from impeding tests and homework deadlines, teenagers can try studying different material in different ways.

EDUCATION The nitty gritty The best way to internalise information is to use it and reproduce it, so working questions from past exam papers is obviously a great way to start.

However, the Matsec board does not supply model answers which is not particularly helpful for independent study, so if your child would like to work through past Sec papers, you would need the assistance of a teacher or someone knowledgeable enough in the subject to correct her work. Another option would be to repeat work done over the year and comparing the new answers with the teacher’s corrections.

In addition to working papers, flashcards may be very useful memory aids. By simply writing the question on one side of an index card and the answer on another, students are actively processing the information by analysing key data, composing the question and then writing the answer.

Having gone through the process, the cards are then a versatile study tool because each time the student uses the cards to study from, they must engage their memory skills. The cards are also useful because they can be shuffled about, ensuring that the information can be recalled randomly not necessarily in order.

Author Tracy also recommends mind maps, making notes in the margins of texts and repeating texts out loud. Recording notes and listening to them is also helpful for students who favour an auditory learning style.

Once students find the learning technique that suits them best, they will be able to adopt this technique during the next scholastic year.

With a little planning, collaborating with study buddies can be fruitful and fun. If your teen plans to watch a documentary, play or film adaptation, let her turn the event into a ‘film night’ with friends.

As for those flash cards she’s made?

Well they can double up as quiz cards which can be played along the lines of Trivial Pursuit. The beauty of a quiz

“Private lessons may not necessarily be the best option for your child” Socialised studying This may sound counter-intuitive but studying doesn’t always have to be a solitary affair and, especially over the summer months, studying with company would break up the monotony of studying solo. While study groups run the risk of being derailed by chitchat, a focused group study session helps students consolidate their learning as they discuss their work with their friends.

night is that by having different question banks for each player, the flashcards can be used alongside the official quiz cards while siblings or guests can bring their own cards allowing everyone to ‘study’ their own material (and maybe learn something extra along the way).

However much or little studying your teen decides to take on this summer, savour the season because September will be upon us before we know it.

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HEALTH

Measles:

are your children at risk? ews of measles outbreaks around Europe may have worried parents but if your children are vaccinated against the disease, you don’t need to be alarmed.

Paediatrician Joseph Mizzi says that the chances of Maltese children getting measles is low.

“Maltese children receive the MMR vaccine which gives over 90 per cent protection. Infants are indirectly protected. However, getting infected is not impossible because of international travel and tourism,” he warns.

The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is not mandatory in Malta. An outdated legal notice (1989) only mentions rubella but the vaccine is recommended and given for free at health centres at 13 months and three years of age.

Measles can be serious in all age groups but children under five years of age are most at risk.

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The disease is very contagious as it can spread though air and contaminated objects.

“Most people who are close to the patients will be infected unless already immune. Spread starts four days before the rash appears and hence before one is aware that the patient has measles,” the paediatrician explains.

The disease can be deadly or debilitating. Dr Mizzi gives some figures: • One in every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia – the most common cause of death from measles in young children.

• One child out of every thousand develops encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that can lead to convulsions and can leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability.

“Getting • About two children out of infected is 1,000 die from measles. not impossible The World Health Organbecause of isation says measles killed international 134,000 in 2015.

Even if one’s child is vaccinated, one should be a little more cautious when travel and travelling abroad, tourism” especially in countries which have reported a surge in measles.

In 10 countries – Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain and Sweden – the number of cases reported in JanuaryFebruary 2017 was more than double that of the first two months of 2016.

Dr Mizzi reassures parents that chances of getting measles abroad are small if one is immunised. However, one should be prudent and avoid crowded places.

He recommends the vaccination whether one intends to travel or not and is adamant that it is still vital today.

“Measles should be a disease of the past. We can keep it that way if we vaccinate our children,” Dr Mizzi says.

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PROMO

BOOKS,

GLORIOUS BOOKS An illustration from Jien ma nibża’ minn xejn!

ocal bookshops nowadays have stacks of beautiful Maltese books, whose stories and illustrations capture the imagination of thousands of children.

There is, however, a shortage of Maltese books for a particular age – those aged over four who start to explore words and not just look at pictures.

“There has recently been a surge of lovely picture books with plenty of text because picture books are meant to be read to children by adults, at least initially. We are somewhat lacking books with just little text per page. These are essential in acquiring Maltese literacy because they give children the confidence to attempt their own independent reading,” says Chris Gruppetta of Merlin Publishers.

With this aim in mind, Merlin has launched three brand new titles targeted at this age group. These are Maltese translations of French books: Kukkużejt by Celine Claire and illustrated by Hector Dexet; Jien ma nibża’

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minn xejn! by Geraldine Collet and illustrated by Aurélie Abolivier and Brr, x’bard! by Sylvie Misslin and illustrated

by Geraldine Cosneau.

“When we’re researching current trends in international picture books, we try to look for something a bit different to what we usually see and read here in Malta. These books were originally published in France by a small independent publisher, Amaterra. Independent publishers are traditionally more likely to take risks and push the

envelope. At book fairs abroad, I see plenty of books vying for attention: these were immediate candidates to be given the ‘Merlin treatment’,” remarks Mr Gruppetta.

These books manage to tell a story with only one line of text per page and challenge the children to make some fun predictions.

“An easy misconception is that with such little text, one cannot have a story.

False. As you can see from these three books, there can still be a narrative – a CHiLD MAY 2017 17

PROMO In Kukkużejt, readers have to guess how each animal carries its offspring.

Polar bears are the protagonists of Brr, x’bard!

simple one – in very short texts. Most importantly, the story is fun, it engages children and encourages them to approach reading as a game.

“In one of the books, for example, the child tries to guess and anticipate what animal we’re talking about.”

Brr, x’bard! is about a mother polar bear trying to get her son bear to snuggle up in warm clothing.

Jien ma nibża’ minn xejn runs the gamut of animals and humans who each proudly say they’re not afraid of anything, before punctually having to make a caveat that there is one animal/person they are in fact scared of.

In Kukkużejt, the characters are animals and readers have to play a game and guess how each one carries their young. Who carries their young on their backs? In a pouch? Or hanging upside down? Or in their arms?

These books also make clever use of repetition, which is recognised as a key learning aid to boost reading confidence, especially in a new language.

In the process, they also learn new vocabulary.

The contemporary continental style of illustration and page design enhances the reading experience.

Mr Gruppetta was charmed by the seeming simplicity and minimalism of the books’ illustrations.

“At that reading age, we’re used to busy illustrations with lots of colour in every nook and cranny of the page.

These images, with their simple block colours and mostly white or clean colour backgrounds, attracted my attention. It’s never too early to explore not only texts and reading, but also illustrations and visual styles, with children. Moving beyond our comfort zone doesn’t apply only to us adults. It makes for inquisitive, curious children.”

All three books are available on sale at all leading bookshops or online from merlinpublishers.com.

Competition Pemix Distributors Limited is giving readers the chance to win €50 worth of Babylino Sensitive products by answering the following question:

What properties should baby wipes have?

Answers, including your name, surname, telephone number and e-mail address, are to be sent to Pemix Competition, Child Magazine, 341, St Paul Street, Valletta, until the end of June. The winner will be announced in the next issue of Child, out in September.

Terms and conditions: The voucher is valid for six months. It can be redeemed on Babylino Sensitive products only (whole available range). Products will be given at consumer prices.

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NURTURE

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NURTURE

POWER PLAY Joanne Cocks is given access to the President’s Secret Garden – a weekly event which focuses on the importance of play and fun in childhood development.

“I believe the children are our future Teach them well and let them lead the way Show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense of pride” Whitney Houston, The Greatest Love of All oday’s children are the children of tomorrow – no doubt about that. And who wouldn’t want to hand them a better and stronger legacy, possibly based on ideas and initiatives put forward by the children themselves?

This is precisely the aim behind the President’s Secret Garden – a project which promotes child participation and focuses on the importance of play and fun in childhood development. Activities aim to promote, nurture and enhance their well-being.

It was in May 2014 that President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca expressed her wish to have an interactive and creative area at San Anton Gardens to give children the “space to express their personality, express their opinions and become more conversant in life skills”.

Nearly a year later, in April 2015, the garden opened to the public. Since then, hundreds of children and their parents have participated in the events.

The Secret Garden is open between April and June for children aged over six. It is open to schools on Friday mornings, while Friday evenings are dedicated to the public.

Events held in the Secret Garden are based on ideas and suggestions brought forward by the Children’s Council.

Subjects which have been tackled in the Secret Garden include animals and attending to pets; the environment, recycling and waste management; obesity and healthy living; dancing and exercise; and science. Professionals in the field are brought in every week to make the sessions not only informative but also fun.

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The experiment seems to be working and children have been turning up regularly since the Secret Garden first opened its doors.

One regular is Shannie-Lee Ciappara, 8, who has been attending for at least two years.

“I remember that first time. I was very excited and a little bit shy as I did not know who I would be meeting. However, I’ve really come to enjoy it. I have made new friends and look forward to coming here every week.”

Shannie-Lee has actually become one of the protagonists of the weekly event. A stickler for detail and CHiLD MAY 2017 21

NURTURE

Shannie-Lee Ciappara, 8, regularly sets up a corner dedicated to crafts at the President’s Secret Garden.

organisation, she is into crafts and regularly sets up a crafts corner. This falls in line with this year’s edition of the Secret Garden, which is encouraging sessions led by children for children.

“My mother loves making crafts and this passion has been passed on to me. I use wool and cardboard mainly.

I look up new crafts online to then share with other children,” she says excitedly.

Shannie-Lee is also a member of the Children’s Council.

She explained that the 11-strong council meets regularly and puts forward proposals which are then passed on to the President.

“We are given a voice, even at a high level. We all come from different backgrounds. We discuss different issues and topics. We have a right to be safe and it is important for adults to listen to us children,” she emphasises.

Another council member and frequent visitor to the Secret Garden is 12-year-old Jerome Cachia.

“This is a place where we can all have fun together in a safe and secure environment,” he says.

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Jerome had also felt shy and uneasy when he first turned up at the Secret Garden three years ago.

“Now it’s like my second home. I have made new friends.

They’re all like a large family for me,” he remarks.

Every week he looks forward to the events taking place at the Secret Garden. Crafts and physical exercise are by far his favourite.

Jerome insists that the Secret Garden has helped him grow and mature: “It has helped me make new friends and brought me out of my shell. I have my own opinion and I can understand and accept that others have a right not to agree with me.

“There was an event where ambassadors in Malta visited and we were encouraged to ask them questions. It was a day I will remember forever as I got to be photographer for the day.”

Anyone interested in attending the afternoon sessions of the President’s Secret Garden may find information and the registration form on www.pfws.org.mt.

TOP TIPS

LIMITING YOUR CHILD’S SCREEN TIME As much as children are attached to their electronic devices, it is important that they take a break every so often. They can do a myriad other fun things to while away the time, especially now that the summer holidays are around the corner. Here are some tips on how to encourage them to switch off their tablet or the TV set.

Kids tend to replicate what they see a lot more than you would possibly imagine. So, if you want to limit your children’s screen time, make sure you limit yours first. It is essential to be a positive role model.

Following the same frame of thought, it is important to be active yourself and, in turn, encourage everyone in the family to do the same. For instance, instead of watching yet another episode or film, go swimming, ride a bike or go on family walks. Look for things to do together that do not involve being huddled round a screen.

You can actually set a limit to screen time. This could make it a lot easier for parents to control their children’s time but some have argued that children need to work out for themselves that sitting in front of a screen all day is not healthy. So, if you do decide to set an exact limit, make sure the kids know why you’re doing this rather than presenting it as just another ‘because I said so’ rule. Talk about why too much time in front of a screen can be a bad thing. Talk about how most things are okay but in moderation.

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Turn off the TV and electronic devices during family meals.

This does not only help you bond with your children but it also indirectly teaches them that they don’t need to watch television or play with their phones while

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they eat their supper. Have a rule about no mobiles at the table – for anyone, including yourselves.

Do not take their tablets with you wherever you go, especially if you’re going on a possibly fun outing for them, like the beach or the countryside.

Be very careful about putting a screen, or leaving electronic devices, in your child’s bedroom. Many complain that their children are constantly locked away in their rooms and never come out to socialise with the rest of the family.

In later years, do not use ‘no TV’ or ‘no computer’ as a reward a punishment. Presenting screens as forbidden only makes your teenagers want them more.

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DEALING WITH NAPPY RASH appy rash can happen however carefully nappy changing is carried out.

Some babies only get it occasionally, while others suffer from it frequently. The incidence of nappy rash is highest in infants between eight and 12 months of age. It can occur at any time but it is more likely to happen while the baby is teething, weaning or receiving antibiotics.

Nappy rash normally starts with a slight redness in an area of the skin covered by the nappy. It tends not to affect the skin folds but areas such as the buttocks and upper thighs can become red and moist. The skin can look fiery red and spotty, blistered or flaky, often as a result of a secondary infection.

Nappy rash can be caused by a number of things. Urine can react with stools in the nappy, with the resulting chemicals causing inflammation. In severe cases, this can result in breaks or blisters in the skin.

It is then possible for the skin to become infected. Babies with severe nappy rash should always be seen by their GP. Other causes of nappy rash

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include friction from the nappy rubbing against delicate skin and washing detergents not being thoroughly rinsed out of cloth nappies.

Rare causes of nappy rash include zinc deficiency and Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis.

Other dermatoses may affect the nappy area but are not necessarily confined to it. These include: infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis, atopic eczema, psoriasis, bacterial infections, including impetigo and perianal streptococcal dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

exposed to air. A water-repellent nappy cream should be used at each nappy change to help protect against irritation from urine and stools.

• Cloth or other reusable nappies should be washed in a mild, nonbiological washing powder or detergent and rinsed well.

• The nappy should always be changed before putting the baby down to sleep.

Parents should see a doctor if: • nappy rash blisters or begins bleeding; • the rash spreads to other parts of the baby’s body, outside the nappy area; • the rash does not improve after a week or stops and then reoccurs; • the baby is unwell or runs a temperature.

Tips to help prevent nappy rash • Nappies must be changed as soon as possible when they become wet or soiled. Newborn babies could need changing up to a dozen times a day and older children at least six to eight times a day.

• The nappy area should ideally be cleaned with warm water and cotton wool or sensitive wipes and gently patted dry.

• Whenever possible, remove the nappy and leave the baby’s bottom

Developed over 80 years ago, Sudocrem is a favourite awardwinning nappy rash cream and has been used by healthcare professionals for decades.

Clinically proven, Sudocrem is a licensed medicine and helps to treat nappy rash by soothing, healing and protecting delicate skin. It is available at all pharmacies.

This is a paid advert

MEDIA

CYBERCRIME A growing concern Many perils lurk online, with cyberbullying and child grooming being among the most prevalent dangers. Ronald Cassar finds out how these crimes are being tackled on a national level and what help is available for victims.

he internet is nowadays considered a necessity as it provides instant access to a plethora of information, entertainment sites and social networking facilities. But while for the majority of its one billion users, the internet is a boon as it facilitates communication, for others, it is a bane which may lead to exploitation and abuse.

A recent report in Britain, published by the Marie Collins Foundation, says that the internet has transformed the nature of abuse and sexual exploitation and made it more difficult to identify which children are in danger of harm.

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28 CHiLD MAY 2017

Every single child with access to the internet is, in fact, at risk of being bullied or groomed and sexually exploited online. Paedophiles are finding it much easier to target naïve youngsters because they can lure them over the internet via smartphones, tablets and computers, rather than stalking the streets.

Children as young as eight have been tricked into sending naked photos of themselves online, the research reveals.

Increasing numbers of children are being groomed from their bedrooms because victims no longer fit the ‘stereotypical vulnerable or at-risk child profile’, the report adds.

This modern scourge is prevalent worldwide, including Malta.

During her keynote speech at a recent conference on digital dangers, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca called for a new law on cyberbullying.

“The fight against cyberbullying should not only include the strengthening of existing legislation but also the enactment of a specific law.

“We must do more to ensure that online bullying is acknowledged as a major offence. To be able to do this, we must strengthen existing legislation and also consider a specific law that highlights the crimes of cyberbullying,” the President said.

MEDIA in Malta in the light of the growing risks of cyberbullying.

She said media literacy had to become an essential part of the national and European educational curriculum because children had to be educated in the correct use of electronic and digital media to keep themselves safe at all times.

A section within the Police Force, which is at the forefront in fighting internet crime is the Cyber Crime Unit.

Established in 2003, the main role of this unit is to provide technical assistance during criminal investigations. Other proactive work at operational level includes joint operations with Interpol and Europol, where intelligence on criminals and illicit operations are shared.

Prevention sessions are also part of the unit’s remit and, twice weekly, police officers from the unit provide presentations in schools and youth organisations. They also meet teachers, parents and students individually.

The team is headed by Inspector Timothy Zammit, who believes that the problem of bullying and child grooming in Malta is the same as in other countries.

“We have nothing to be alarmed about but we must also not be naïve. We must keep our guard when facing these challenges,” says Insp. Zammit.

“Bullying has always existed, like someone putting pressure on someone else, be it in a classroom or a place of work.

Constant bikering and putting someone down is also a form of bullying.”

However, he concedes that cyberbullying is more severe since it exposes the victim to a bigger audience and any act of bullying is exposed from one person to another on social media.

“Schools should nowadays focus more on situations arising from bullying.

They are more equipped to deal with these issues and should involve parents more when there are problems with bullying in classes,” he stresses.

“Parents of students involved should be directed right away by the guidance

“The fight against cyberbullying should not only include the strengthening of existing legislation but also the enactment of a specific law” She stressed that bullying of any sort did endless damage to the peace of mind of children, their families and communities. Society could not remain passive “in the face of so many broken children, due to any sort of bullying”.

She added that one could not be complacent or content with sporadic initiatives to address this “crime which is ruining the innocence and positivity of our children and young people”.

A European Commission report last year, entitled Cyberbullying Among Young People, showed that more than one in 10 children aged between 11 and 16 had experienced serious bullying online.

A majority of those affected by bullying — 55 per cent — said it made them depressed.

EU countries have been focusing on such issues for over a decade. The first European public consultation on media literacy was held in 2006 and the first European congress on media literacy followed in 2009.

However, according to a recent report, only four European countries have a well-developed media literacy policy and 12 have an underdeveloped policy.

Malta has no such policy.

Ms Coleiro Preca felt that a media literacy policy was particularly necessary

CHiLD MAY 2017 29

MEDIA teachers to the Anti-Bullying Section within the Education Department and Aġenzija Appoġġ.

“Through more awareness and education, parents would be more able to handle the problems inflicted on their children through any sort of bullying.”

The inspector adds that there are still people who do not know about the services available to combat cyber crime and that these institutions should be reinforced and made more accessible to the public.

One initiative which is making sterling work in this field is BeSmartOnline – a project co-funded by the European Union through the Safer Internet Programme and which forms part of the joint Insafe-Inhope network.

How to realise that your child is This project provides an ongoing awareness being bullied online and what to do campaign which includes different stakeholders, among them the Malta Communications Authority, Aġenzija Appoġġ, the Malta Union * Watch out for any change in behaviour. Young people suffering from cyberbullying will not necessarily avoid going of Teachers, the Commissioner for Children, online (contrary to children wanting to avoid offline bullythe Education Department and the Cyber ing situations such as not wanting to go to school) Crime Unit. but they might actually increase their online “Through the BeSmartOnline initiaactivity to monitor what is being said about tive, we are able to combine the “Schools them. Having said that, they might still different expertise which every resort to isolating themselves physically stakeholder from different fields should nowadays from family and friends. possesses in our efforts to focus more on situations combat cybercrime and bullyarising from bullying. ing,” says Insp. Zammit. * While cyberbullying, when compared They are more equipped to to traditional bullying, may present However, these institutions deal with these issues and more severe consequences, it offers cannot monitor everyone 24 the benefit that a victim or loved ones hours a day. Parents must be should involve parents more and witnesses can save evidence. This more aware of their children’s when there are problems is crucial should things escalate. behaviour and the time they with bullying in spend online. classes” “First of all, parents should also * It is highly advisable that parents and educators give cyberbullying significant imporbe their children’s ‘friends’ to encourtance due to the nature and lasting impact that age them to talk openly to them. Usually, such bullying may have on individuals. It is important the perpetrators of crime and abuse are relato remember that cyberbullying is 24/7, has a vast worldwide tives or neighbours who use technology which audience, it is permanent, and research shows that while is popular with teens to be able to get to words may be forgotten when such malicious behaviour is them,” claims the inspector. visually absorbed by the victim, it is harder to overcome.

“These criminals keep pestering their victims and would not take no for an answer easily.

Once barriers are put down, the victims are * By not taking action when witnessing any form of cyberbullying, one directly contributes to it. When coming across more in danger since they start feeling comsuch behaviour, one should report to the platform itself fortable with whoever is grooming them.” through dedicated reporting mechanisms or approach a Investment to combat cyber crime is onperson of trust who can guide or help in putting an end to going even though there are many challenges, the abuse. Parents should encourage their children to open one of which is that technology is constantly up to them or contact a teacher. evolving.

“Investment in human resources and new technology, some through EU funding, is of * Victims, witnesses or their loved ones should contact 179 or visit www.kellimni.com immediately for any assistance. paramount importance. Specialised training of personnel is also ongoing, some of it at EU level,” points out Insp. Zammit.

30 CHiLD MAY 2017

NATURE

FOLLOW THE TRAIL OF BREADCRUMBS Desirée Falzon gives parents simple ideas on how they can help instil a love of nature in their young ones this summer. ut pieces of bread close to a trail of ants and you can keep a child occupied for half an hour. Why so? Because children are naturally curious and, let’s face it, ants are fascinating.

Nature is the perfect question-maker and it’s exactly what children need. It effortlessly motivates them to ask, explore, experience, discover and develop the mental skills screen-addicted children are being short-changed on.

The research is compelling: nature allows children to learn across subjects, promotes healthy lifestyles, encourages play and exploration, lightens the mood and develops the caring relationship our planet so badly needs.

How can you be a nature-parent this summer? No need to be an expert – just let nature tickle your curiosity alongside your child. Here are some tips on two common places you’ll be at this summer.

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BirdLife Malta’s education mission is to connect children with nature and trigger behavioural changes that will lead to more sustainable lifestyles. Photo: Desirée Falzon

DOWN AT THE BEACH

Two molly millers pop out of their hidey holes for a hand-held snack.

Photo: Victor Falzon

s around d mullet root The striped re rbels near ba o tw th wi in the sand Falzon oto: Desirée its mouth. Ph

Go snorkelling with your children and explore the shallows. Don’t forget the golden rule: watch but do not disturb, pick or poke – respect living things. Most shore life can be found in one to two metres of water.

If it’s a rocky shore, look for blennies: small fish that live in little rock holes close to the splash zone and use their fins like hands to hold on. Hold out a piece of bread and watch them pop out

of their holes for a nibble, then wiggle back to safety.

On both sandy and rocky shores, point out how some fish swim in the open while others lurk at the bottom.

Watch how those near the surface are generally silver to make themselves invisible to predators. Check out the bottom-feeding mullets and see how they use two moustache-like ‘feelers’ to disturb the sand and uncover prey and how other clever fish stay close by to pick an easy meal from what the mullets have brought up.

CHiLD MAY 2017 33

Nature

How you can join BirdLife One can join BirdLife Malta online by visiting http://birdlifemalta.org/ y become-member/ and The Sardinian warbler is easil our spotted in the bushes around choosing the relevant The male Spanish sparrow’s Tanti villages and towns. Photo: Aron colours become richer in spring category or by filling in and summer. Photo: Victor Falzon a membership form at Is-Simar or Għadira nature reserves. there are different types of Now walk on and notice man’s ALONG THE membership for adults, children most common bird-neighbour: the VILLAGE STREETS and families. When children join Spanish sparrow. Compare its chirp, BirdLife Malta by choosing the Have you ever noticed a repeated how it nests in all sorts of human children’s category (under-18), chattering, “CH-CH-CH-CH-CH!” bird structures, what food it finds and they automatically become memsound as you walk through streets or how it keeps out of harm’s way by bers of Klabb Ħuttaf – the largest squares with bushes or low trees? nesting out of our reach. junior club in Malta. talk a walk with your child and count this summer, hold your child’s hand Klabb Ħuttaf members receive how often you hear this. See if you and follow that trail of breadcrumbs their own magazine (Il-Ħuttafa) can spot the small bird with black together, letting nature into your lives every two months, which is filled head, white breast and grey back and giving them the key to a relationwith nature stories, fun facts and who’s calling. the Sardinian warbler ship that will last a lifetime. activities to get them excited is our second most common birdabout wildlife. neighbour and it catches insects Desirée Falzon forms part of BirdLife’s around streets and public gardens.

education team.

ArtS

The National Ballet Conservatory to open in September he National Ballet Conservatory is opening its doors in September. Students at this centre of excellence for classical ballet are to achieve outstanding training in a happy, supportive and professional environment. the word ‘conservatory’ comes from ‘conservare’ meaning ‘to cultivate’. Principal and artistic director Sandrina SpiteriGonzi explains that, in essence, the conservatory’s goal is to cultivate and expand classical ballet in Malta. “the National Ballet Conservatory (NBC) will offer a thorough education devoted to the training of classical ballet. On the one hand preparing students for end-of-year examinations, as is traditionally expected by parents, but also focusing on artistry and performance-based skills,” she says.

Classes will be offered from nursery level to advanced level with a curriculum based on a unique, tailor-made model of training that incorporates elements of the French, Italian and russian systems. Lessons are designed to offer a stimulating programme for those aiming to progress to full-time training and those aspiring to achieve their personal best.

“Classes will give utmost importance to one-to-one coaching to ensure that students are closely mentored and achieve results at the highest calibre,” adds the artistic director.

Students will be prepared for IStD Cecchetti ballet examinations and will be closely monitored in terms of their progress, development and goal achievements.

Nursery classes are suitable for boys and girls of all abilities. they aim to introduce children from a very young age to the enjoyment of music and movement, developing gross motor skills, rhythm, coordination and confidence.

“Getting them moving is a great way to assist in their development while engaging their creativity,” Ms SpiteriGonzi remarks. the conservatory will open a wide range of opportunities to local dancers, for example, by connecting young aspiring dancers in Malta with professional dancers and ballet companies worldwide. the NBC is proud to have taken on board a guest faculty from English National Ballet, the royal Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Birmingham royal Ballet, royal Swedish Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and Staatsballett Berlin.

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the conservatory has also collaborated with some of the world’s best artists to ensure that students are mentored by leading professionals and exposed to unique opportunities in the performing arts. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their talent to local and international audiences and take part in international competitions.

A number of local and overseas scholarships to ballet institutions of high repute will be awarded to those attending the National Ballet Conservatory. registration for the scholastic year 2017/2018 is now open.

Candidates will be assessed to determine their suitability for the programme and appropriate level for commencement. to register or to obtain a prospectus, send an e-mail to info@nationalballetconservatory.com or call +356 9948 2846. www.nationalballetconservatory.com

CHiLD MAY 2017 35

PREPARING CHILDREN FOR TOMORROW’S WORLD

By Nollaig Mac an Bhaird There is not a person in the country that does not have an opinion on education; either on education itself or an opinion of the teacher that stands in front of your child each day.

Curiously this opinion is often a memory from days gone by. This, I believe, presents one of the most difficult quandaries in which you, as a parent, find yourself in.

We all know and agree that the world is changing. We read often enough that the skills that we as parents were taught are more than likely to be redundant, soon. You

want the best for your child; you want your child to be equipped with not just the skills needed for today but those needed for a tomorrow… a tomorrow that is unclear.

You are not an expert in investments, so you find someone that you trust or, at least can give you some sound advice, and you listen. You are not a doctor but you are feeling a bit out of sorts, so you go to a doctor you trust and you listen (you might try the ‘net’ – highly inadvisable!).

When it comes to education, there are many experienced professionals here in Malta that you need to listen to. Fortunately, in Malta, you also have a great choice of schools, each with its own approach to education.

St Edward’s College (SEC), founded in 1929, caters for children from early childhood to sixth form. SEC is

licensed by the Maltese Ministry of Education and recognised as an examination centre for the Cambridge OCR and IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). The college also prepares students for the Maltese SEC examinations, the IGCSE and the IBDP. A student with an IB diploma or certificates can apply for the University of Malta and universities abroad. In fact, IB graduates from SEC have attended UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), McGill University, Montréal, Canada, University of Southampton, UK, The Arts University of Bournemouth, UK, Lille Catholic University, France, University of Groningen, Netherlands, University of Aberdeen, UK, University of Debrecen in Hungary and Kadir Has University, Turkey.

Previous cohorts have moved on to other prestigious universities such as University College, London, UK, Imperial College, London, UK, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland,

LUISS Business School, Rome, Italy, University of Liverpool, UK and Bocconi University, Milan, Italy.

Most importantly, at St Edward’s College, teachers use contemporary, proven, international teaching methodologies. Most importantly, it is no longer sufficient for that uncertain world of tomorrow to have students simply focus on learning; students must think, understand and then learn!

Children at St Edward’s College receive the best teaching of the highest standards from experienced, dedicated and, most importantly, caring individuals. We are supported in our endeavours by our international colleagues, in particular, the International School of Amsterdam, where we have an on-going PD programme.

I have been around the block often enough to know the difference between the latest educational fad or fashion and something that is truly of benefit to the student. At St Edward’s, we are currently ‘rolling out’ Visual Thinking (VT), a teaching methodology that can be applied to all subjects in all year groups.

Developed by the Project Zero think tank at Harvard Graduate School of Education and currently spearheaded by Ron Ritchhart, VT focuses on developing those skills that will be of use to a student in that uncertain world of tomorrow. As they move from year to year and subject to subject, students will experience the same approach from all their teachers. They will know that they themselves have a role to play in their own education, they will take on responsibility for their own learning and they will learn that it is of benefit that they themselves take ‘ownership’ of their learning.

Subjects and academics are important but are not education in and of themselves. Here I distinguish between teaching and education, hence the following story.

I recently had a telephone conversation with one of Malta’s

leading investment companies. It was what is called in the business a ‘cold call’. I asked the receptionist to be put in touch with someone for information I needed.

On the spur of the moment, I asked if, by any chance, there might be an Old Edwardian (OE) in the company.

“Yes, of course we have OE’s,” was the reply. The response was so

energetic and almost proud that I was prompted to ask, “How can you be sure that you have an OE working with you?” “You can tell a graduate from St Edward’s” was the reply.

This was not delivered in a snobbish or a cynical manner but was a response that indicated this person had observed there was something about an ‘OE’.

This prompted me to start thinking of the SEC Mission Statement and guiding code, Virtus et Honor. I believe that the belief in and application of the SEC mission statement, the SEC holistic approach to education, is what makes the SEC graduate stand out. The SEC mission statement reads: “At St Edward’s College, we strive to create exemplary citizens in this increasingly globalised and technological world, placing strong emphasis on character formation, genuine intercultural understanding and leadership skills which will assist them to contribute to the wellbeing of society.”

Any successful organisation must remember and adhere to its core values. At St Edward’s College, your child will receive an excellent contemporary education in an incredible setting. He or she will understand science, math, music, drama and the ‘subjects’.

But, of equal importance, at SEC we are very conscious of our responsibility of “placing strong emphasis on character formation”. We consider this aspect as important and perhaps more relevant for tomorrow’s world as learning the ‘subjects’. We expect our graduates to be “exemplary citizens”, decent people who know the meaning of Virtue et Honor.

Nollaig Mac an Bhaird is the Headmaster of St Edward’s College.

This is a paid advert

SCHOOLING

Into the wild woods they go Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have the classroom transferred to the countryside? To hear birds chirping during lessons and the wind in your hair during fun activities?

This is exactly what young students at San Anton School experienced during a forest-inspired education week. Faye Camilleri Preziosi gives all the details.

Photos by San Anton School

Teachers, parents and students at a campfire in San Anton School’s nature area.

A multisensory path in Ta’ Qali

38 CHiLD MAY 2017

he Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss was one of my favourite stories as I grew up. Life in a tree house surrounded by nature, where lessons were hands on and practical, seemed so idyllic. What greater joy is there than being out in the wild, with no one to tell you to wash your hands, keep mud off your clothes or to be careful!

As a child, like many of my generation, I often roamed free on the long-gone scrublands of Ta’ Xbiex with my motley crew of friends.

So when I heard about the forest-inspired education week San Anton School had just embarked on, I was filled with nostalgia. In a world dominated by TV, iPads and electronic games, a group of teachers decided to give their kindergarteners memories to last a lifetime.

Their mission was to expose the children to an alternative way of learning in natural surroundings and they successfully managed to fully immerse their precious wards in the blissful environment of Ta’ Qali and Buskett, while still covering all the requirements of the national curriculum.

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SCHOOLING

One of the children’s favourite activities: the spiderweb at Buskett.

San Anton School has its own nature area and has always maintained a strong interest in this style of education, dating back to the foundation of the school and their first premises across the road from San Anton Gardens – their extended classroom.

Last summer, the school sent five kindergarten teachers to Wiesbaden, Germany, on a teacher shadowing week to explore the concept of forest education. On their return, they shared what they had learnt and decided to undertake the task of bringing that unique experience to their four- to five-yearold students.

Key to forest-inspired education is exploring, investigating and discovering the natural surroundings.

“Children were allowed sufficient time for unguided, playful and sensory activities,” said teacher Sabina Sixsmith.

“They took charge of their learning, collaborating together as they invented games, expressed themselves and

learned about the world in their own way. They developed decision-making and problem-solving skills, and a great sense of community.”

The children contributed to the planning of this unique event.

had to walk on barefooted. My daughter enjoyed wiggling her toes and describing how each of the materials felt!”

Teacher Donna Desira, who used Buskett as her ‘classroom’ of choice, said that the spiderweb was the favourite activity.

“Key to forest-inspired education is exploring, investigating and discovering the natural surroundings” “The children were asked what they would like to learn or do. Climbing trees, camp fires, learning about bugs and how they fly, digging and planting were some of their ideas,” added teacher Francesca Agius Vadalà.

According to mother Becky Demajo, one of the children’s favourite activities at Ta’ Qali “was the multisensory path consisting of various materials such as grass, pebbles twigs and soil all kids

“The spiderweb included wool being webbed around a close group of trees and bushes creating the web effect. The children then went about making their way through it, which assisted in their gross motor skills,” she explained.

Another mother shared her enthusiasm for this new concept.

“My daughter enjoyed so many activities, including the spiderweb, scavenger hunts, making mud, bark rubbing, CHiLD MAY 2017 39

SCHOOLING

Bark rubbing at Buskett

Building shapes at San Anton School’s nature area

Making mud pies at Ta’ Qali

climbing trees, singing scout songs and writing her name by choosing letters written on stones,” said Gillian Cutugno.

Besides being extremely fun, these activities helped reinforce things the children learned in class, in a fun and unstructured way. The children also worked as little teams reinforcing friendships.

“My daughter got her hands dirty and did things for herself instead of sitting down, perhaps passively, in a classroom,” said Ms Demajo.

Ms Cutugno continued: “The week was organised in such a way that my daughter was using all her senses by seeing, listening, feeling, smelling and tasting.”

The children clearly got plenty out of this event. Ms Sixsmith said: “The children were so eager; even the quietest of children showed enthusiasm.”

“Each child took home a different experience,” added Ms Agius Vadalà.

“Children who are usually reserved in the classroom took the plunge to take leading roles when playing outdoors.

This experience provided children who learn best through active movement with the sensory and physical experience to support their learning.”

Ms Desira saw something similar occurring with her group. She said: “The children were very receptive and responded enthusiastically to all the outdoor activities. A boy with special needs reacted so much more throughout, which was most encouraging. It clearly 40 CHiLD MAY 2017

showed outdoor activities suited him better than classroom activities.”

Ms Desira also witnessed the effect of forest week transferred to the classroom, with the children being “more creative in their thought processes”.

The planning part of the week was the most laborious task but the teachers got some help from parents too, besides the children.

“Working with children’s interests in mind requires constant planning and preparation,” said Ms Sixsmith. “I wanted them to learn about the natural surroundings and how important they are for us and our environment. Planning took a couple of months. We needed resources that were linked to our letters

and sounds programme. Our parent helpers volunteered, printing letters on to logs, setting up the area every morning and clearing up each day.”

Ms Agius Vadalà, who planned and organised the Ta’ Qali event with Ms Sixsmith, commented: “We wanted the children to experience the environment and to show them it has a lot to offer, guiding them into play they can carry out on picnics with their family. I believe when adults and children are outdoors, they engage in exercise, which promotes well-being and healthy physical development. We cannot talk about caring for the environment to children from a classroom before they can experience it for themselves.”

SCHOOLING

A number trail in Buskett

A number value matching exercise Circle time at Ta’ Qali

“One of the most important things in life is to embrace the love of learning and forest week was a great opportunity to show kids what great fun this can be” Ms Desira concurred that the weeklong experiment took weeks of intensive planning.

“The children made all resources for our numbers and letter activities and this took time. Getting resources to the area was a daily routine, but we had the most amazing parents, so all went to plan.

Even daddies came before work to help unload everything and set up things like

tents, a toilet area, and anything else we needed, before heading off to work!!

Everyone was amazing!” she enthused.

Parents were also offered the chance to get involved in their children’s education on a whole new level.

“It was great that my daughter could enjoy the things I used to do when I was a little girl. I enjoyed seeing her run about with rosy cheeks and dirty hands!

It brought us back to basics. Sometimes I try too hard to entertain my kids when all they need is some soil and a rake and they’re absorbed!” said Ms Demajo.

“It truly was a fantastic experience both for the kids, as well as their parents.

Every day was an adventure,” claimed Ms Cutugno. “I stopped from my daily busy routine and I had the opportunity to appreciate the simple things in life. Being out in nature, helping dedicated teachers, watching all the kids engage in every activity with so much motivation and enthusiasm made me realise how important learning through play is and how lucky we were to have had this experience.”

Everyone agreed the perfect end to their forest excursions was a campfire night in the school’s own nature area where children, parents and teachers gathered to cook sausages, roast marshmallows and sing the songs they had practised all week. It also gave the children a chance to apply the fire safety rules they had been taught.

“One of the most important things in life is to embrace the love of learning and forest week was a great opportunity to show kids what great fun this can be,” said Ms Cutugno.

The kids have undoubtedly created memories they will cherish for many years after their schooling has ended, but it is clear they were not the only ones to reap benefits from this forest-inspired educational experiment. “Each day I came home with a great sense of satisfaction, eager to plan the next day. By the end of the week, I was taking note of what I could do to improve the experience next time round. This was a big learning experience for myself too, which makes my job so exciting and motivates me to think outside the box,” said Ms Sixsmith.

This adventure into the ‘wild woods’ appears to have fostered a great sense of teamwork, not only among the children, but the adults too. Both parents and teachers involved were extremely grateful to have been afforded the freedom and latitude to try something new to them and to Malta.

“Although a lot of work was involved, seeing the children’s reactions on a daily basis was worth it all and is definitely encouraging us to look into more such options in the future,” declared Ms Desira.

CHiLD MAY 2017 41

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Getting babies to sleep well may halve their obesity risk etting babies to sleep well at night may halve their risk of obesity as toddlers, research suggests.

Encouraging babies to self-settle when they are tired could prove the key to keeping them slim in their pre-school years, according to a new study.

The research, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Porto, Portugal, followed 802 families for a period of five years.

At the start of the study, they were randomly split into four groups, with the first receiving usual advice on the care of a baby.

The second group was given advice on food, activity and breastfeeding (FAB), including eight specific visits from a health professional focused on areas such as healthy weaning, feeding according to the child’s appetite, access to a breastfeeding consultant and undertaking activities as a family.

The third group was the sleep intervention group. Parents received advice even before their baby was born on what constitutes good sleep.

When their babies were aged three weeks, parents also received a visit from a health professional who gave key advice on preventing sleep problems.

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42 CHiLD MAY 2017

This included working out when a Barry Taylor, dean of the Dunedin baby was tired, putting the baby down School of Medicine at the University of in a quiet, dark room while they were Otago in New Zealand, who led the still drowsy and awake, no bed-sharing study, said the effect on obesity of sleep and not doing things such as feeding intervention in the first year of life reto sleep or patting to sleep. mained strong for at least the first threeAfter six months, parents in this group and-a-half years. were asked if they needed extra support “A lot of research has shown that a to help their baby sleep well. A quarter short sleep duration in children is associrequested extra help. ated with becoming obese but ours is These parents were advised to put probably the biggest trial to date their tired baby down in a showing an effect of a sleep inslightly dark, quiet room tervention affecting how big which also had an extra children grow,” he said.

“We bed for an adult.

“We know that when know that when children, The parent was then children, and even and even adults, told to noisily go to bed adults, are tired, it are tired, it causes to reassure the baby causes you to eat difyou to eat differently. that they were in the ferently. You look for You look for same room and pretend different types of food, different types to go to sleep, but to try it affects your appetite of food” not to react to any crying. and you go much more for The fourth group in the high carbohydrate foods. study had a combination of FAB “There is also an effect on and sleep intervention. your hormones from being sleep deThe results showed that aged two, 4.5 prived. Some studies have also shown per cent of children were obese in the it changes how much food you eat and sleep intervention group – half the prothere is also an effect on how you feel. portion in the control and FAB groups.

“It may be that some of the solutions These lower obesity rates were also to the obesity epidemic are actually similar at age three-and-a-half but had some of the most obvious things like faded away by five years of age. getting more sleep.”

SPORT

Come sail with me Sailing is not a popular sport in Malta even though we’re surrounded by sea. Stephanie Fsadni visits one of the local sailing clubs and finds that the sport is not as expensive or as unsafe as parents might think it is.

Photos by Matthew Mirabelli

t Paul’s Bay is lined with sails at the weekend, and it’s not just those of yachts. You’ll see many small, rudimentarylooking boats and if you had a pair of binoculars, you’ll spot some very young children at their helm.

These would be members of the Malta Young Sailors Club which welcomes children from the age of six. The club formed 20 years ago and, a year later, it introduced the Optimist class which involves single-handed sailing dinghies intended for use by children up to the age of 15.

The Optimist class at the club is divided into three groups, according to the children’s abilities, with the top 12 sailors forming Group A. Malta’s Optimist national team is presently made up of members of this group.

These sailors are currently training hard for the 2017 Optimist European Championship which will take place in Bulgaria at the end of July and the Optimist World Championship 2017 which will be held in Thailand, also in July.

A member of the club, Victoria Schultheis, won last year’s world title in Portugal. Her younger brother Richard, who last year took the bronze medal at

S

44 CHiLD MAY 2017

the Europeans, is vying for the top three positions in this year’s world championship and her sister Antonia is also representing Malta in Thailand.

“Sailing is a very competitive sport and over the last years, the level has been the highest ever,” says Jean-Paul Fleri Soler, the coach of the Malta Young Sailors Club and Malta’s national Optimist team.

From the beginning of the year until June, there is a build-up for children to qualify for the teams that will represent Malta.

“For the Europeans, we are only allowed four boys and three girls per team, while for the world championships, it’s only five sailors,” says Mr Fleri Soler.

The young sailors thus try hard to get into the teams, which are announced some one-and-a-half months before the competitions.

Optimist sailing is an individual sport because it involves a single-handed boat. However, the club tries to instil the idea of teamwork.

The community spirit is evident when you visit the premises at the weekends.

You’ll see the children helping each other out as they set up the sails and push each other’s boat into the sea.

Ex-Optimist sailors coach the little ones

and parents help out in whichever way they can.

However, when the children set sail, it’s a different story as they have to fend for themselves, whatever the climatic conditions.

Sailing is, in fact, unlike any other sport.

“As we race, our ‘ground’ is always changing… the sea, the wind, the temperature,” comments Mr Fleri Soler.

“You know what to expect before going out at sea but there is always an element of surprise.”

SPORT

“Sailing is a very competitive sport and over the last years, the level has been the highest ever” The children train in most weather conditions, including strong northwesterly winds.

“The biggest problem is the northeast wind (grigal) as we don’t have a breakwater over here and nothing protects the slipway. It’s not a problem if the wind blows strongly from the northwest.

In that case, we go to Mistra, just opposite our club, for some shelter.”

Some sailors do better in lighter winds while others are at their best in stronger winds.

“Some children really enjoy the wind because riding a wave is fun,” Mr Fleri Soler says.

Sailing is, however, not only about fun. One of the benefits of sailing is that it helps children develop and form their character.

“The sport instils a lot of responsibility in kids. It helps them be focused because when they are out there, they have to fend for themselves. They need to make sure their equipment is in full order and they have to be able to sail

in all weather conditions,” continues the coach.

“They’re learning skills for life, not just a sport. Sailing also matures them.

They cannot be negligent; they know that otherwise they may harm themselves and others.”

Expenses involved Despite Malta being an island, few are those who take up the sport. One of the reasons is because many parents think they cannot afford it.

CHiLD MAY 2017 45

SPORT “People are scared of the expenses involved,” says Mr Fleri Soler.

“There are, of course, coaching fees, but the most expensive thing about sailing is the equipment, that is the boat.

When children start off, the club provides all the equipment, except for the clothing. As they progress, and if we see potential, we encourage the parents to invest in a boat.”

One can buy a second-hand boat or eventually sell it if one decides to change boat or if the child progresses to Laser at the age of 15. The latter is

“People also a single-handed boat but has more power and speed.

Boats can also be passed down to a younger sibling or family member.

“People usually believe sailing is for rich people but it depends on your target. You can sail just on weekends or for fun, so you don’t have to travel as much or buy the most expensive equipment,” adds Maurizio Bencic, Austria’s national Optimist coach who travels to Malta once a month for training clinics.

He often brings with him foreign students for these clinics.

If one wants to train to compete internationally, however, it would be more costly.

“To get to an international competitive level, you cannot just train locally. You have to take part in competitions and 46 CHiLD MAY 2017

training clinics overseas, usually believe where the children can comsailing is for rich pete with hundreds of boats,” people but it says Mr Fleri Soler.

One of the parents, Pia depends on Vassallo, adds that sponsoryour target” ships would help a great deal.

“We’re surrounded by sea and have many talented children, but they may not be able to compete on an international level because they “A sailing club should have would not have the experience,” she its own slipway, enough storage space says. “Going on training clinics abroad for equipment, a gym and a kitchen. costs money.”

Basically, you should be able to live in Sponsorships for the national team a club. and to improve the club’s facilities “Other countries have a long culture would also be of great help. of sailing. And even though there has “Malta has the perfect weather conbeen a push towards sailing in recent ditions for sailing but it has poor infrayears locally, the infrastructure is still structure,” comments Mr Bencic. not proper.”

SPORT

Safety at sea Another major concern among parents is safety.

“Safety is a priority,” ensures Mr Fleri Soler.

Most children are encouraged to try their hand at sailing in summer school, which starts in July. The basic requisite is that children are at least six years of age and can swim.

“We test them and ask them to swim, wearing a life jacket, for example, a distance of 10 metres,” the coach says.

So if your children love the sea and want to have a try at sailing, do not discourage them. They may attend the summer school at first and see how they progress before you actually invest in expensive equipment. If sailing is not for them, Mr Fleri Soler says, the important thing is that your children practise a sport.

These promising young sailors have their say on why they love the sport

Patrice Pace, 13

Pa tric e

Pace

This is the second time Patrice is taking part in the European championship after last year’s stint in Crotone, Italy.

“The best thing about sailing is that you’re dealing with nature and you actually become part of the sea.

You also become more responsible.

“It’s nice meeting foreign sailors and integrating with them. It’s a very fun and different experience.”

Kane Gauci, 14

an eG

auci

Kane is looking forward to the European championship and he is very excited. This is why he likes sailing: “You have to depend K on nature and control it.

When it’s very windy, it’s really fun. I like the sea. As regards skills, you learn to think quickly and become stronger.

“Through such international competitions, you get to go abroad, meet different sailors and make new friends.”

Saul Vassallo, 13 Saul has already participated in last year’s European championship in Crotone and other international competitions, such as in Reggio, where he placed third, and in Oman. He’s also looking forward to the Europeans.

“Sailing is unique. You’re on your own and competing against other sailors while taking into account many factors, including the wind and swell.

“You mature doing this sport even by looking after your equipment. It also helps you become competitive, because you have to be competitive to do well in races.

“You learn to think fast because very often you don’t have much time to think about how to beat someone or take advantage of a situation.”

Sa ul V assallo

As regards first-timers or very young children, each coach will have around eight children under his supervision and will be helped by three assistant coaches who would know how to control a boat and sail.

Each assistant coach boards an Optimist boat and the children will take it in turns to get on it. When they understand how to manoeuvre a boat, they will be encouraged to try sailing on their own but they will only go short distances for the first few times.

The Optimist is also quite a slow boat.

“While they’re waiting for their turn in the coach’s dinghy, the children listen to the instructions given to their sailing mates repeatedly and so grasp them more easily,” continues Mr Fleri Soler.

In the first few sessions, the children also learn how to capsize a boat – something which parents and children may fear immensely. But the coaches turn the exercise into a game and the children learn how to capsize the boat themselves and flip it upright.

More games are held on the water to make the session fun while teaching the children tactics to manoeuvre and control a boat. These sessions are also held in the sheltered part of the bay.

By the end of summer school, all children would have learnt the basic skills of sailing.

A debriefing session is held at the end of each training session, during which children are shown videos of their performance at sea and shown their mistakes to improve upon them.

CHiLD MAY 2017 47

Mi

chel a Mizzi

SPORT

nia Schultheis

Ri ch ard

Schultheis

“It’s my first world championship and I’m very looking forward. Sailing is one of the biggest competitions.

“Sailing helped me be less stressed, I feel free on the sea and it’s relaxing. We also work together as a team.

“I hope to make lots of new friends at the championship and rank highly.”

Antonia Schultheis, 14

An to

Antonia has been sailing for five years and she’s really excited about the world championship. This is what she had to say: “I’ve never been to the world championship, so it’s something new and of a higher level.

“Sailing helped me reduce stress as I’m away from everything when I’m out at sea. And it’s not just a competitive sport because it helped me make new friends.”

She also looks up to her older sister and wishes to be as successful. She believes she’ll keep sailing for life.

Nico Drescher, 11

Michela Mizzi, 14

he esc Nico Dr

It’s Nico’s first time at the Europeans and he is also very excited about it.

“While sailing, you get to feel the water… I like the wind in my face and getting wet… even in winter!

“Sailing helped me in teambuilding, become more responsible and even in solo work.”

a Daniel Bajad

Daniel Bajada, 12

r

Daniel is not taking part in the European championship this year but he’s training to make it through next year. Here is why he loves the sport: “It’s a competitive and fun sport. But you have to be passionate about it to succeed. It helps in team-building and you learn to become more responsible because you have to get things done in time and work on your own.”

48 CHiLD MAY 2017

Michela has been training since 2012 and she’s taking part in the European championship for the first time. It’s her last year on the Optimist and she’s definitely looking forward to represent her country.

“The nice thing about sailing is that you keep on advancing… you always have a new challenge to look forward to… you never retire, like in football.”

Richard Schultheis, 12 Richard has been sailing for four years and, together with his sister Antonia, is going to the Optimist World Championship in Thailand in July. He looks up to his older sister Victoria who last year won the world title.

The Malta Young Sailors Club holds a summer school between July and September, with each group, whether beginners, intermediate groups, advanced groups and racing groups, training twice weekly. The club is also offering windsurfing sessions. It also organises a number of other activities, including regattas, during the year, the most important of which is the EuroMed regatta, an Optimist and Laser Class international regatta, which is held in Malta in December. For more information or to register for the summer school, visit www.maltayoungsailors.com or send an e-mail to info@maltayoungsailors.com.

You can also visit the Facebook page Malta Young Sailors Club.

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