Dear Moms, Dads, Relatives, Educators and Business Owners

Happy New World Cup Year!

It's been an early start for coastal families this year as all the public schools countrywide began the first term on the same day. Personally, I found it a whole lot easier this way, although we have yet to firm up plans for the 5 week break in June and July. Fortunately, my children's school will have aftercare facilities open for the entire 5 weeks. I have spoken to a couple of moms in Joburg whose children's school will not be open at all, not even for aftercare. They will have to arrange an Au Pair or alternate with other families to take care of their children whilst they are at work. The holidays are from 10 June to 12 July inclusive. I recommend all working moms and dads start making enquiries and plans now (or just as soon as you have finished wading through the paperwork the school has sent home in the first week). I am not impressed that I have more homework than my daughter in the first 4 days of school.

If you have hit the gym with a vengeance recently then you are off to a good start for 2010. According to Dr John J. Ratey, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, "exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, can improve cognitive performance, soften the effects of stress, help fend off addiction-related cravings and tone down the negative consequences of women's hormonal changes." When it comes to psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, he calls exercise "one of the best treatments we have." (An extract from the article, "Getting Younger By The Hour" by Troy Heie).

Dr Ratey's most recent book Spark is a groundbreaking exploration of the connection between exercise and the brain’s performance that shows how even moderate exercise will supercharge mental circuits to beat stress, sharpen thinking, enhance memory, and much more. You will find a list of very interesting articles on johnratey.com on the benefits of exercise and learning, all well worth reading. I have included a video interview on SupaVideos below. He is not the most exciting speaker to listen to but the content he delivers is worth listening to. Another interesting article I was recently made aware of is "Riding is My Ritalin" by By Bruce Barcott.

If you would prefer some simple physical activities for you and your family that "warm up" the brain for learning, then have a look at the Mind Moves Institute . Dr Melodie de Jager's book, Mind Moves has been reprinted, now with easier to follow pictures and a DVD.

The other video I have included on SupaVideos this week is entitled "Are Schools killing creativity?". The speaker, Sir Ken Robinson, is highly entertaining, even a comedian at times, and delivers a very interesting speech.

I hope all the above information helps you take on 2010. Extra homework you didn't need! I often print out these articles and keep them in the car for times when you have to "hurry up and wait" at extra murals and dentist offices etc.

www.kidzworld.co.za

 January 2010