Sydney siders school holiday suggestion

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world's most prestigious wildlife photography exhibition is on display at the Australian Museum with 100 awe-inspiring images, from fascinating animal behaviour to breathtaking wild landscapes.

The exhibition finishes on 7th October 2013

Get prices
Take a sneak peak to see if it is a good fit for your family

You can also see their extensive school holiday program which includes under 5's.

Basic Learning Disabilities: Symptoms and Advice

Having a child that has learning disabilities can present unique challenges to a parent, but can also provide a way to bond and get closer to your child. Addressing the problem with sensitivity and care can provide your child with the confidence that he or she will need later in life, and will also give them the ability to tackle challenges with far more aplomb.

Identifying Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are usually identified and diagnosed relatively late in the child's school career, usually when the child has been in school for two years or more. However, by then a lot of the psychological damage has been done. Most of the warning signs are in place much earlier though, and if parents can notice these then they can employ strategies to handle the disabilities much earlier.

While there is no single sign of a learning disability that unequivocally indicates a learning disability, having difficulty in learning to read can be the clearest warning sign.

Preschool signs and symptoms

• Problems with word pronunciation
• Issues with learning colours, shapes, numbers, days of the week and the alphabet
• Difficulty in fine motor control such as using crayons, pencils or scissors
• Trouble with following simple instructions or sticking to a routine
• Difficulty in finding the correct word

Primary school signs and symptoms

• Unable to make words
• Misspelling words
• Frequent reading errors
• Confusion of basic words when reading
• Slow to learn new skills

How to Help Your Child
After the learning disability has been diagnosed, it can be intimidating as a parent to help your child deal with it, but it needs to be done with care and sensibility.

The first thing to do is to research the disability. With reading difficulties, the most common disability is dyslexia, so the parent should research the disability in order to understand why and how the child struggles. This helps you to be more understanding and patient when assisting your child. There are a number of literacy resources that can help the parent start understanding how to treat the disability and help their child in their attempts at learning to read.

The most important thing that you can do as a parent is to praise your child often. Children with learning disabilities tend to be good at other things, such as sports or they will be more practically inclined. Praise them when they excel at these activities, and be supportive of them when they struggle.

Also, be open to the idea of counselling. This allows your child to learn how to deal with the frustration of having a learning disability, and increase his or her confidence as well as helping with the development of invaluable social skills.

Extra Help
An instructor who is skilled in helping teach children with reading difficulties will usually work in small groups, and will begin by showing the children how words are made up of tiny sound bits. This can be shown in a number of ways, by having the children clap in sequence to the sounds as the word is slowly pronounced, or moving a marker tab as each sound is made. This engages the children, and shows them how each word is made of a number of bits.

Once this idea is firmly planted in the minds of the children, the instructors will show the children how letters in words stand for the tiny sounds in the speech. This type of teaching is known as "phonics" and helps the child sound out each bit of sound that is written down. Unfortunately, as English has more rules and exceptions, phonics although shown to make massive improvements cannot stand alone in conquering reading disabilities, and it's been shown that this approach favours rote memorization. However, if used in conjunction with getting children interested in reading it can be effective in helping alleviate reading difficulties. Reading/literacy games can help foster teamwork and social skills in children, and will provide the additional benefit of having reading be fun, which in turn will encourage children to read independently and not be forced to do so.

Spring Seed Fun at Centro Box Hill this Spring School Holidays

 

Spring is the perfect time to get the kids out into the garden and start germinating and planting for the fruitful warmer months. To get their little green thumbs started why not take a trip to Centro Box Hill this school holidays for a free and fun school holiday program that will teach them the basics of planting from seeds and have them potting their own fresh produce to take home.

 

Running from September 30 – October 4, Vegecation Spring will show children the fun side of growing vegetables and herbs. Kids will be able to attend interactive workshops, plant a seed in their own pot to take home, and enter the spring blooms colouring and decorating competition to win a $200 Big W voucher.

 

Natalie McKinnon, children’s garden educator from Spit the Pip, will be running twice daily workshops where the children will discover the origins of different seeds, how they grow and how best to nurture them. Through a hands-on activity of seed sorting, the kids will not only learn fun ways to spruce up their gardens at home, but also inspire environmentally friendly habits.

 

“For kids, growing herbs and vegetables from seed is such an organic, educational experience,” says Natalie from Spit the Pip. “In addition to the practical skills they learn, it also teaches them to be more aware of the origins of everyday food items and encourages an environmentally friendly mindset, especially in children at a young age.”

 

With so much indoor fun for the kids at Vegecation Spring, this program is not to be missed.  It’s all about rolling up the sleeves and getting those hands dirty, in a good way, something that parents can feel happy about this school holidays.

 

For more information, please visit the Centro Box Hill website: www.centroboxhill.com.au  03 9843 3900

 

EVENT INFORMATION

What: Vegecation Spring - a fun and engaging community school holiday activity

Where: Centro Box Hill North Precinct (opposite the food court)

When:  30 September – 4 October

What time: 11am to 2pm each day, with 30 minute seed planting workshops: 11.30am and 1pm

Who: Children aged six - 15 and their families

Price: FREE to attend. Every child receives a goodie bag to take home

 

 

 

School holiday performance

Harbour hoopla

Art Gallery of NSW

Join the Etcetera Duo for a free performance filled with comic mime, magic and illusion as they explore iconic scenes of the city of Sydney and a world of colour and light.
Suitable for children of all ages
Performed by Russell Garbutt and Julia Cotton.
Mon to Fri, 1.30 to 2 pm
23 September - 4 October 2013
Find out more.

feeding a small child: what has worked for me by Mother Who

As we prepare to plunge into introducing food to our second child, the Pixie, I am reminiscing about Birdie’s food journey. I’ve been wondering if there is anything we need to change this time around, which foods first, prepared how and so on.
From her first ever mouthful pictured above to now, nearly 3, I have to say she has been a pretty fantastical eater. She’s good. Yes there are foods she doesn’t like. Yes sometimes she doesn’t want to eat and then complains fifteen minutes later that she’s huunggg-wwwyyy!!! But on the whole, she eats. And she eats well.

Read about:
Why her Mum was amazed
No sugar
Persist
Learn about your child’s eating habits
Get the veg in!
and more at Mother Who

Affordable Baby Shower Gifts

One of the most exciting events for any mother to be is seeing her child born. Of course, next to this would be the baby shower that she will be having. If you are planning to attend one and do not have any idea on what to give, then here are some great ideas for you to choose from.

Affordable Gifts Under $50 For Baby Showers

My first five years baby record book

Some mums register for their shower with select stores where you can shop and see exactly what she wants, if, however, the mum is not registered, then you will need to consider other sensible options to give as presents. These are very affordable ideas that can be purchased at various stores and will not break your budget. For less than fifty dollars, you can get some really useful items that all mums can use.

Childcare in Australia: help with choosing childcare

Whether you choose a nanny, an au pair, an in-home carer, family day care, long day care centre, a pre-school, or a nanny share arrangement the priority is to ensure your child receives quality, professional child care which meets their needs and helps you meet yours.

All of the child care options available have pros and cons and to help you weigh them up against your family's requirements Care for Kids has a useful table that summarises some of the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular types of care. Vist this page to see the table.

Parents say it's becoming unaffordable for them to remain in the workforce

"The overwhelming statements from parents in our surveys are that it's becoming unaffordable for them to remain in the workforce." said Australian Childcare Alliance president Gwynn Bridge.  

Ms Kate Ellis, the Minister for Early Childhood, Childcare and Youth, released a government report stating that the number of children in childcare in Australia had increased by one-third since Labor was elected.  

Gwynn Bridge,  Australian Childcare Alliance president , said the report was misleading because it double-counted children who attended multiple services. Kate Ellis is "stating that there are more children in childcare than ever but that could be one child doing after-school care, before-school care and vacation care," Ms Bridge said.
"We are now in election mode. ACA has already done considerable work with all politicians to ensure that families and affordability in early education and care are on the agenda. It is time for Ministers to stop stating that education and care is more affordable than ever and to listen to the voices of families who are being hit in their hip pocket." ACA Facebook page.

You may be interested in a previous post and discussion here about facts and figures in early childhood and  how Australia ranks extremely low, worldwide, on expenditure on early childhood educational institutions by both the public and private sector.

The Australian Childcare Alliance is the national association specifically for long day care services. ACA provides support, information and advice to keep members abreast of current research and information on government funding to families.

Read the story at THE AUSTRALIAN.

Music crucial in early childhood years

PUT IN EARLY PLAY
There are many benefits to including an active music program in an early childhood curriculum. An active music program is one that involves melody, movement, rhythm and speech. It involves the whole child and is enthusiastic, motivated and inspiring. Music can bring joy, fun and a richness and fullness to any early childhood curriculum. Some of our favourite music experiences are: Singing,
Singing and playing musical games and un-tuned percussive instruments. Read full article by Rebecca Andrews and Fiz Halsey at Australian Teacher Magazine.

Don't forget to look at the MUSIC section here on EARLY PLAY AUSTRALIA for lots of practical music ideas. Many of our other bloggers include practical fun ideas on music too.

Thanks to play ideas for the shekere photo

Parenting: Mama Monday

In Australia we are Mums not Moms but that does not make one bit of difference to anything - we are all Mama's trying to be our best.
At EARLY PLAY AUSTRALIA we have some great Mum's blogging about such helpful, interesting and honest topics as:

• It’s OK to be who you are
• 15 Strategies to Conquer Your Next Toddler Hair wash
• Stories of Motherhood – Transforming behaviour with food
• our generation
• The Glass Half Full
• Parenting: Who Is The Better Parent?
• The Cliches of Motherhood – My Top 5

There are many more stories they and other writers here have to share.

Keeping our children safe on line

The Australian Government website - Cybersmart - has some very helpful information regarding online safety, including a series of videos children can watch that show different scenarios and ask questions regarding what they would do in that situation. There is a regular enewsletter - Cyberzine - that details a range of information about cybersafety, including current issues, new resources and the latest research. (Subscription is free). 
This is just a small part of Deb Mills great article which you can read here.

Crafts for kids

Have you been having lots of adventures these holidays? Why not turn them into artistic adventures or memories? Maybe you could make it part of your quiet time activities that the children and you create something after you have been out exploring.

Activitiy suggestions:

Journal: Depending on your child's age ask them to draw or write down something they really liked about each day. 

Scrapbook: Create a scrapbook to record something they did in the holidays or anytime.  Ask them questions and write down the answers. Remember the basic Who, Why Where When  How and What as in Who went with you and Where you went and Why you went there, etc.  Write their answers in the scrapbook and add collected brochures or even photos. They could draw something about the activity on a separate sheet which could be glued in. They could cut pictures out of brochures to glue in the scrapbook.

Make a book: Why not take the scrapbook/ journal idea one step further and actually make it rather than buy it? Here are directions for eight books that you to make.

These are great activities in themselves but you may also be creating a treasured keepsake or a great gift for grandma or grandpa.

Thankyou Susan for this great photo

Susan has a great book for teachers called Multicultural Books to Make and Share

Perfect

"That day, I realised with certainty that there is no such thing as perfection in motherhood. I realised that striving to look the part and trying to keep up with everything, adds nothing of value to our lives. In fact, striving for perfection sucks the happiness right out of us and has the potential to destroy the very things we value.

As mums, there is so much external pressure these days to 'look the part', to show the world that we're doing okay. Society tells us that we must bounce back from birth with a size 8 body. We must juggle motherhood with keeping a spotless house, returning to the workforce, looking like we stepped out of Vogue magazine - all with a smile on our face like everything is okay. The reality is, living that way is not viable. Or fulfilling. Or truthful."

Read the full article at Aspiring Mum, one of the bloggers here at EARLY PLAY AUSTRALIA. Her article is Mums on Monday {Perfection vs Perspective}

Perfectionism is a myth.

DIVERSITY IN PLAY THERAPY CONFERENCE

WHEN: 22nd/23rd August 2013 
WHERE: Sea World Resort, Gold Coast, Australia

The ‘Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association’ will be holding their next conference on the Australian Gold Coast this coming August. See the flyer. 

Find out more at their site http://www.appta.org.au/ including What is play therapy?

A Secret to Dad Greatness By Leo Babauta moved to early play

How we learn

Winter recipes for busy families

Pumpkin Soup and Life's Journey

make it in the slow cooker

Toddler Friendly Shepherd's Pie

Left overs soup

Pizza in the bread maker

Eggplant and Beef – easy dinner made by a kid

Bread and Jam Pudding: kids can help make this

Baking and freezing for lunch box treats

Crunchy munchy honey cakes


5 ingredient no need bread that a 4 year old can make

Vegan Bean Burgers

Family Food (ebook) {Review}

Free Fresh Food Fun at Centro Box Hill this Winter School Holidays

If you are in Melbourne this winter school holidays take a trip to Centro Box Hill for free and fun food-related activities that will have the kids creating and enjoying their very own edible pieces of pizza art with a healthy twist.

Running from July 8 - 12, Vegecation Winter will allow children to get involved in hands-on activities. Kids will help to create healthy, homemade pizzas from scratch at interactive cooking classes, enjoy a game or two of Pizza Bingo and enter a colouring competition for their chance to win one of 25 $5 food court vouchers every day, plus the Grand Prize, a $200 Centro Box Hill voucher.

There will also be a special appearance from everyone’s favourite garden helper Dirtgirl on July 11 from 12pm to 3pm, plus kids can take part in the twice daily cooking demonstrations, from Monday to Friday. Designed by grassroots children’s cooking school Kids Say Yum, the demonstrations have been designed to teach children not only about the joy of cooking, but to also develop other life skills in a fun and interactive environment.

www.all-ages-coloring-pages.com 

“Pizza is always a favourite with the kids, but has a bad reputation for being unhealthy,” says Maddie Race, owner of Kids Say Yum. “When cooked from scratch, using plenty of fresh vegetables and herbs, pizza can be a really wholesome lunch or dinner option, and kids love kneading the dough. It’s really important to teach kids that healthy food can be tasty, and fun to create too.”

With so much indoor fun for the kids at Vegecation Winter, and with the chance to meet Dirtgirl, this program is not to be missed.  It’s all about having fun with food, in a good way, something that parents can feel happy about this school holidays.

EVENT INFORMATION

What: Vegecation Winter - a fun and engaging community school holiday activity

Where: Centro Box Hill North Precinct (opposite the food court)

When:  8 – 12 July 2013

What time: 11am to 2pm each day, cooking demonstrations: 11.30am and 1pm

Special Appearance: Dirtgirl, Thursday July 11, 12pm – 3pm

Who: Aimed at children aged six - 15 and their families

Price: FREE to attend. Every child receives a goodie bag to take home

For more information, please visit the Centro Box Hill website: www.centroboxhill.com.au  03 9843 3900

The art of teaching

Awakening the natural mind

If you are looking for something a little more indepth, than a nice quote, try Awakening Children's Minds: How Parents and Teachers Can Make a Difference by Laura E. Berk. In addition to providing clear roles for parents and teachers, Berk also offers concrete suggestions for creating and evaluating quality educational environments--at home, in child care, in preschool, and in primary school--and addresses the unique challenges of helping children with special needs.

Parents, Berk writes, need a consistent way of thinking about their role in children's lives, one that can guide them in making effective child-rearing decisions. Awakening Children's Minds gives us the basic guidance we need to raise caring, thoughtful, intelligent children.

Anyone know a similar book by an Australian author?