Takeaways at home
We often reach for the phone when we’re looking for a quick dinner. But are takeaways really faster and how much more do they cost? Ben’s decided to make his own version of an Indian-inspired ‘takeaway’ the whole family will enjoy.
The value of early childhood education
You are your child’s first – and most important – teacher. Every time you hug, talk to, play and interact with your child in a positive way, you are helping their brain to grow. But as the saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, so at some point you will probably enrol your child in more formal early childhood education (ECE). This could be at your local Playcentre, Kindergarten or Kohanga reo – or at one of the many centres that provide early childhood education and care. ECE has benefits for families, the community and most importantly for children.
Play is learning
Play is vital for children; it’s their work. It is how children learn, and how they work out who they are and where they fit in the world. No wonder Albert Einstein said, “Play is the highest form of research.” It’s so important to optimal child development that it has been recognised by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child.
Transitioning to school
Starting school… it’s a momentous milestone for everyone in the family! The key to making the transition from home/ECE to school a happy one is to get your child comfortable and familiar with the idea. Talk to them positively about school, bring them for school visits and make sure you – and they – are well prepared before (and on) the big day.
Bouncing eggs
Bouncing eggs? Is that possible?! Your child will marvel at this scientific transformation.
Parachutes
This is a fun experiment to do with your child. Let them choose their favourite Lego minifigure (or similar) and marvel as it floats to the ground.
Locomotion and crossing midlines
Locomotion – moving your body from one place to another – is one of the three fundamental themes that underpins all physical movement. Once they’ve mastered crawling and walking, children will naturally start to run, skip and hop.
Stability and manipulative skills
Alongside locomotion, stability (balance) and manipulative skills make up the three fundamental themes that underpin all physical movement.
Special occasion food
Gorgeous to look at and delicious to eat, these special occasion iced treats will woo any partygoer! Strawberry or chocolate … such a difficult choice!