Autumn Break – Wattle Crane Cottage

2014-04-05 | puppy1952

On Thursday morning my darling granddaughter was on cue with steaming cups of coffee for grandpa and me She is an ace coffee maker and I am threatening to take her home with me as her counterpart cousins don’t score highly on the coffee making front. This was the day we were to depart for the mountains – not far away but a four by four vehicle is highly recommended to get there. Our destination – Wattle Crane Cottage owned by the Raw Family who are cattle farmers and let out their rustic cottage next to the highest farm dam in South Africa. The scenery on the way is spectacular.

Allan would join us later as he had first to attend a business meeting in Kokstad. We set off for town to replenish our provisions and then it was an hour’s drive to Wattle Crane Cottage. The weather was sunny but in the mountains it is always chilly.
After checking in at Sailor’s Gift we negotiated rough roads to a nearby neighbour whou had offered to lend Earl a boat with a motor. The old man is finding oars a bit strenuous these days!

Shannon was an excellent gate opener and before long we arrived, unpacked and Gramps was out on the dam. He returned with a lovely rainbow which had Simon all excited and demanding to be taken out. Although Grampy was cold and tired he could not resist the pleas of his youngest grandchild and off they went. Si is just learning to cast a fly rod but is getting the hang of it. He was well rewarded with a catch which he released.

Allan arrived before dark but was upset as he’d damaged his sump on the rough road – really they are not the best for ordinary sedan cars. We were lucky enough to get Nicoline’s bakkie for the trip.
It was too cold to stand in the chill to braai so we grilled our chicken wings, pork rashers and chops in the oven and did our sweet potatoes in the micro. All accompanied by a lovely salad – scrumptious.
On Friday morning, Grandpa for the first time in history did not get up early to take the boy fishing. Instead, Allan obliged but not as early as his dad-in-law expected! No problem they were still successful – Alan with 3 and Simon with 4.

They returned for breakfast cooked by the Master Chef and then Lauren took Allan back to Kokstad for a meeting.
Earl and I and the grandchildren took a long walk, saw cows and birds but no Oribi which had been our mission. Gramps was feeling a bit tired so we stopped to rest and admire the view.

This is where Lauren found us as she led the flat bed truck which was coming to collect Allan’s ailing car. We all piled in and the watched the process of getting car onto truck – very exciting for one particular small boy!
While this procedure was underway the cows decided to take advantage of the open gate and trespassed into greener pastures. My rural grandchildren rose to the occasion and chased them back to where they belonged.
After bidding the car goodbye we went in for a much needed cup of hot coffee and biscuit. The kids persuaded us to have a game of 30 seconds which had us in fits of laughter then Gramps decided it was time for a nap.

Simon went onto the jetty to practise his casting. After 20 minutes we heard yells – I’ve caught a fish Shan ran out with the net and I woke Grandpa and grabbed the camera. He had a beautiful rainbow caught all by himself – and right in front of the cottage to boot.

After lunch we played another game of 30 seconds then Grandpa went out on the boat and I went for a long walk. I saw some interesting birds.

African Pipit

Egyptian Goose

Dabchick

Reed Cormorant

Male Amur Falcon

Non-breeding Yellow Bishop

Female stonechat

Black-winged Lapwing

Before supper we were prevailed upon to play another game of 30 seconds which had us once again in fits of laughter as we tried to get our partners to guess the right word.

Earl braaied before it got dark and the chill set in. He captured a lovely sunset.

This morning it was very misty and cold. The guys did not go fishing although the sun did come out later. Look at the mist hovering above the surface of the water.

After a leisurely Early breakfast we packed up and hit the road back down to civilization. Shannon spotted a pair of reed buck on the hill.

The Cosmos is still in full bloom and makes the roadsides look so pretty. I could not end this post without showing it to you with Mount Fifty in the background.

Autumn Break – Last days at Sani Valley Lodge

2014-04-02 | puppy1952

When Earl went Reception, he chatted to the manager outside, told him he wanted to book a massage for the two of us and before Gareth could go in to organize it Sindile came out to say it was all sorted for 3 pm. She’d overheard the request and got right onto it. How’s that for service. We had a thunderstorm at 3 o’clock but it had passed by the time Earl’s massage was over so he was able to get his afternoon fishing in. The masseuse came to us and set up in our bedroom. It was bliss!
This is what the lake looks like in a thunderstorm.

While the chaps were fishing I saw Wendy on a walk and went to meet her. We walked back to our lodge together, sat on the deck and drank in the amazing view while sipping an excellent Sauvignon Blanc.
Below: It was easy to recognize Wendy by her beautiful white hair.

The light kept changing making photography interesting.

Spot the zebra on the hillside.

Two crowned crane flew in and settled down for a drink.

It was dark when Simon and Earl returned. E drove Wendy back to her friends who by now had wondered what had become of her.
Simon was a happy lad as he had caught the only fish of the day – a 2kg Rainbow Trout!
Hereunder – Simon on the boat

Eric in his element

Simon with his catch

Lauren, Allan and Shan were out visiting their friends Mitzi and Peter while the supper was roasting in the over. We sat down to eat and after a brilliant day it was early to bed! Thanks for a delicious dinner, Lauren!

This morning, Eric was already at the door when Earl was about to fetch him at his lodge. They spent another lovely couple of hours on the water and then returned so that we could pack, have breakfast and leave by check out time at 10. Mitzi and Jordan popped in to say goodbye and later Eric and Wendy before they took a trip up Sani Pass. They will be leaving for Clarens tomorrow.
Below are some last minute pictures we took of this beautiful and highly recommended venue. Remember the name – Sani Valley Lodge near Underberg in KwaZulu Natal

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Sani Valley Lodge Day 1 and 2

We were woken at some unearthly hour with steaming cups of coffee and instructions that there was lots to do so we’d better get up. Really – we’re on holiday! But wait today was the day we were to go to the most beautiful trout lodge in the country – Sani Valley at the foot of the Drakensberg.
So with the kids in the back, a shopping list for supplies and instructions to meet the parents at The Lemon Tree at 12:30 sharp we set off for Underberg at quarter to 10. The drive from Kokstad to said destination is utterly stunning and we were blessed with the most glorious weather. Let the photos do the talking!

Cape Town has a beauty of its own but when we don’t feel that we are truly in African until we cross the border of the Western Cape and the further north we go the more African it becomes.
Underberg has the true African feel about it. We stopped her to make our obligatory visit to NUD’s Sports Shop to stock up with fishing tackle. Simon also scored a new fishing rod and a soccer ball. Shan we’ll make it up to you soon!

Next we did the grocery shopping at the local Spar before meeting the parents at the appointed time. The Lemon Tree has a patio section under a tree where we sat to enjoy our lunch – Spinach and Feta pancake for me, Eggs Benedict for Allan, Smoked Trout for Earl, Mega Hamburger for Lauren and toasted sandwiches for the kids.

The last stretch to the lodge is quick but we took it slowly so as to get a coupe of bird photies. The parents went ahead and checked us in.

As soon as we arrived Earl had to get down to see his boat and throw in a line.

As fete would have it our friends from Australia landed up being booked at Sani on the same dates as ours! They arrived at 4 after a long drive from Hogsback. We arranged for them to have a braai with us and a fabulous time was had by all as the weather was perfect.

This morning I was in a deep doze when the sound of voices woke me. It was before 7 a.m. but Nicoline and Sean had made an early start from Kokstad and were ready to rouse Allan and Earl to go fishing!
While they were out on the lake with the Simon and Scott (in stages) Nicoline, Lauren and I took a walk. We found Eric and Wendy at the Boathouse having a luxuriously catered breakfast. The day was brilliant again. In fact my early rising enabled me to get a good sunrise shot.

What a view for breakfast

Looking toward the Boathouse

We continued our walk and I took photos of Sunset where they are staying. It has a view over a smaller dam that joins onto the larger one.

Here are some photos of the guys on the water.

Our lodge – Rainbow

Lauren and Nicoline greeted a friendly cow.

When the guys were back from fishing we enjoyed an Early Breakfast and then more fishing, chilling and chatting. The Bakers then took their leave at lunchtime and it now looks like we may get a thunderstorm. On the other hand it could clear and the sun might shine again soon. That’s all for now as I have managed to get online at reception – no wifi or MTN coms in the lodges!

Post script
Have to post these last to piccies

Kokstad Day 2

2014-03-30 | puppy1952

We had a lovely late lie in before the kids came in with steaming cups of coffee. Then Grandpa made one of his legendary breakfasts. We had a chilled morning. Nicoline, Robyn and Scott came for tea and then our kids rode their bikes the 8km back to their farm. Robyn came on her horse but the others were on bikes.

Later Earl and I took a drive to Nicoline to fetch the kids. We were excited to spot a male Amur Falcon and a few females. One hovered and then dropped down to catch a juicy grasshopper. I managed to get some awesome photographs.

We also stopped to photograph a male stonechat, a banded martin and a white stork.

As we crossed the stream we came across a road block. Quite a common occurrence in rural areas. Cows have the right of way but don’t seem to mind is you slowly make your way through them.

As we approached Nicoline’s we saw a huge flock of crowned crane on her property. They took off and circled and then settled in the field behind the dam. As soon as we could we made our way quietly towards them. The land was boggy and I squelched through a particularly muddy section to get some good shots. I was dressed in a skirt and sandals. The latter had to be removed. What was I thinking. When on the farm dress as the farm girls dress!

I was so intent on getting the photographs that I did not realise that we had wandered into the camp where a bull was watching us with a wary eye. I wanted to go back to the house the long way round but Earl made me walk past the moody bull and climb over the fence near the dam. O my word – he mock charged me and then went to have a gentle drink with is mate!

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Autumn Break Cape Town to Durban to Kokstad

Finally the first term is over. It has had its fair share of delights and dramas but I am satisfied that my girls have now settled into the routine of Grade One. Experience tells me that from here on things only get better.
The holidays have now begun and the short week we have will be just enough to charge the batteries sufficiently to get back into the swing of things for a long second term which will be punctuated by a number of public holidays.

We sent the children home at 11 on Friday and after doing a few chores at school I dashed off home at about quarter to one, did my final packing and then Earl and I set off for to his office where one of his men was waiting to take us to the airport. Our Mango flight was delayed but it was perfect weather for flying and once we were up it was a pleasant trip midway through which we heard an urgent call for a doctor. Somebody had suffered a heart attack a few seats behind us. It was all very dramatic. Our travelling companion was an actuarial honors student from Stellenbosch university. Ooohh she said – how cool to be a doctor – nobody asks for an actuary in an emergency! The flight attendants rushed around finding medical equipment in the baggage compartment above our heads. A fibrillater appeared and soon the patient was stabilized.
The ambulance was waiting on the runway and we had to wait for the paramedics board before we could deplane. Hopefully all went well for the hapless passenger
After collecting our luggage we got our hire car and drove through the Durban traffic to Eddie’s house. Shirl was away looking after her granddaughter while Mom was having a baby. Andrew had been staying with Eddie all week while Barb was in hospital where she landed up after complications after her appendectomy. One of their kids had brought them up and it was a great convenience that we were now there to take them back.
Eddie had a lovely supper waiting for us. We caught up with everyone and then dropped into bed.
We had to travel slowly as Barbs had doctors instructions to stop every hour for a break. Our first stop was Gorge’s View where their son in law’s mom works. We had excellent service and fabulous cofffee and crunchies while we enjoyed the view.

Our second stop was at Ingeni Forest Lodge where we had lunch. Also a lovely spot. Travelling at this pace is to be recommended. We enjoyed the company and the took in the views that we would normally just rush past.

It was then just another hour to Glynis’s house where Andrew had his car. We spent a few minutes chatting, settled Barb into the car and then went our separate ways. Lauren, the kids and dogs were there to greet us at Karg’s Post and later in the afternoon we went for a lovely long walk – well the dogs, Lauren and I walked while the kids rode their bikes. What a stunning day it was and how lovely to be able to walk is such beautiful surroundings.

Simon said, Get your camera ready, Granny – and lifted a stone under which lay this snake!

A female stone chat posed obligingly.

The kids rode on ahead an got home before us and we were nearly there when Allan drove up behind us on his way home from golf so we drove the rest of the way with him. Lazy I know but we’re on holiday!
Lauren cooked us a delicious corned beef with mustard sauce for supper. The meat was from their own cattle and prepared by the butcher. Quite delicious!

Human Rights Weekend Struisbaai Day 3

2014-03-24 | puppy1952

Because of the wind, the South League Inshore competition was postponed from Saturday to Sunday. Fortunately the weather played fair and it was a reasonably good day for the fishermen and woman to go out. And the fishing was good.
Karla has just turned 9 and although she has been fishing with her dad, Gus, on Seekat since she was very small, it was her first time fishing for yellowtail in a competition. She caught a mega 7.47kg fish on 6kg line. This is a pending Ladies South African record.

Bobbi who is 10 fished with Earl on Kiora and did really well catching a couple of good sized fish.

Sonja also fished on Kiora and managed not to get sea-sick. It was also her very first competition.

Sam is an old hand now and always does well. He was a good mentor to his sister Bobbi. We are proud of you Sam!

Another junior to do well was Robert Dahl from Overberg. He caught a pending South African junior record – a yellowtail weighing in at 8.26kg

While all this excitement was happening at sea, Jacqui and I had a late lie in and then started stripping and remaking beds for our guests who would arrive later that afternoon. Shock Horror – the new linen I’d bought the day before did not fit both beds. The duvet cover for room one was fine – but the fitted sheets were too small. The sheets for room two were fine but the duvet cover too big for the inner! Now it was Sunday in the sticks and we were stranded with no car – the men had their keys at sea. Fortunately though there was a Nissen Bakkie with keys parked outside and the driver was on Earl’s boat. We made a quick call and he told us where to find the keys and kindly allowed two women to take his prized vehicle to Bredasdorp 30km away. Sheet Street where I’d bought the linen was not open – so we had to settle for Ackerman’s who had just the stuff we needed. Phew! After all this stress, Jacqui and I thought we needed to relax with a Wimpy breakfast before making our way back to Struisbaai. Thanks Roger for saving the day!

Lines up was at 3 p.m. Jacqui and I got the bedrooms sorted and gave the rest of the house as good a clean as we could. Of course when the fisherfolk returned there was more mess to sort out. Our guests who would be staying in the house for the next two nights arrived at 5 after taking the scenic route from Cape Town, stopping at Hermanus for lunch and then continuing via Gansbaai. Wendy and Erich are from Australia and were travelling with friends who are based in Johanneburg. They are doing The Garden Route together and we will meet up with them again at Sani Valley Lodge at the foot of The Drakensberg.
Earl prepared a yellowtail for them to braai that evening and we finally left them in peace at 7 p.m. We arrived home at 10. What a great weekend it was!

Human Rights Weekend Day 2

2014-03-22 | puppy1952

Last night Bobbi declared that she did not like fish. And she certainly wasn’t going to have sashimi! Earl insisted that she at least try his fried red fish. Only if it has lots of batter, she said. Well she came back for seconds didn’t she.
After supper Sam and a couple of other young boys went off to the harbour to catch Shad. Time went faster than you could imagine he declared when I asked him what time he got back – It was 2 a.m. Needless to say he didn’t rise till the later hours of the morning.

There was no sea fishing today as the wind was blowing rather strongly. Earl and I were up early and set off to Bredasdorp before the Saturday crowds. We needed to get things for the house and within an hour we had new linen for the double beds, new pillows, salad servers and an iron and ironing board. It is actually a pleasure shopping in Bredasdorp. We needed a mirror for the second double room and that presented a bit of a problem But guess where we found just the thing? Right here in Struisbaai and it is now hung proudly on the bedroom wall. Who needs the city for effective shopping.

We were back home by 11 and after doing a number of household chores we took Bobbi on a little educational trip. (Sam had disappeared to fish with his mates again) The Agulhas Lighthouse is a compulsory climb for first time visitors. Earl backed out at the last minute so I had to do the climb with her. She looked ever so slightly terrified when it came to the ladder ascent but she managed it fabulously. The wind was gale force at the top and you won’t see Bobbi’s face for hair in the photographs.

The next compulsory stop was the Southern Tip of Africa for the obligatory been there done that photograph. There were lots of tourists doing what they should and we took group photos for them before we got poor Bobbi to do her pose.

We then caught up with Sam and his mates who were about to give up on seeking a good spot to fish as the wind was just too unpleasant Their last ditch try was the harbour. While they tried their luck we took a drive and found the private school Zoetendal Akademie which I was curious about. Some francolin grabbed our attention (of course and then we took Bobbi for ice cream at the harbour. Sam was soon back and discouraged Bobbi from attempting to fish today so they are now tinkering about here while I do this blog!

Our friends Gus and Jacqui are coming up this evening as well a few other fishermen so we will be a houseful tonight. A good South African Braai is planned!

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Human Rights Day in Struisbaai

I am trying something new today. I am dong a blog on my Ipaad for the first time. Posting media is somewhat trickier than the laptop version so I hope you can all see what I have posted!

It is Human Rights Day in South Africa today so we have a long weekend. Hubby wants to braai a fish tonight but I have persuaded him to let us use the yellowtail freshly caught today for sashimi. But I am jumping ahead. Let me tell you about our weekend so far.

We have two youngsters with us – Sam – 16 – who is a young protege of Earl’s and fishes competition with him – and his little sister, Bobbi who wants to get into fishing too. What super kids they are and such a pleasure to have.

Bobbi fished in Cape Town last weekend with Earl and Sam and was horribly seasick so this time she came prepared with some preventative medication. They set off early this morning and returned triumphant

On my return walk I spotted a couple of birds – a canary and a common fiscal.

While they were having fun at sea, I was having some much needed alone time. I needed to recover from the exhausting week of fun at school – it’s hard work having fun you know.
I slept in late, did my Back in the classroom blog and then went for a walk. I dropped in on my friend at her gift shop at the mall and then went to the harbour and had brekkie at the Pelican.

Back in the classroom – A really fun week

2014-03-21 | puppy1952

The only ‘normal’ day we had this week was Monday! I put ‘normal’ in parenthesis as no day at my school is ever what I would consider normal – there is always something happening and if you teach here you need to be flexible, on your toes and have a good sense of humour. I am not complaining – I would’t have it any other way. There is never a dull moment. So with a little bit of attitude adjustment I managed to get through Hilarious Heads on Athletics Day and two exhausting days of FUNSCAPES.

So back to the beginning – Monday the ‘normal’ day went off pretty well if you don’t count the chair that fell on my foot first thing in the morning. It was sore for a brief moment but then I forgot about it. But at 1 p.m. it really started to hurt and I couldn’t walk comfortably on it. I sat in on two parent interviews with a colleague and then checked my phone messages only to discover that my dental appointment had been changed and I had 15 minutes to get there! My mouth felt fine but my foot was sore. The dentist apologised that he couldn’t fix that part of my anatomy! By this time I really found hobbling quite painful and as the doctor was just next door to the dentist I decided to have it checked out. She prodded and pulled and it hurt like hell. She told me to ice it, take a Myprodol and go for an x-ray first thing the next morning. I had visions of myself in plaster to my knee for the next six weeks – but a miracle occurred. Fifteen minutes after taking medication, all pain disappeared and I haven’t looked back! Walking normally and not even a bruise.

Enough about me – back to the fun week at SVPS. On Tuesday we celebrated our school’s birthday! 37 years ago my two older daughters started there in Grade One and Grade Three! We even have a member of staff who started there in Grade One too. We celebrated by having a hilarious head day and everyone came in the most elaborate hair styles, hats and face make-up. I wore a wig of red streamers which my amused my little girls no end. But I was so busy taking photographs I forgot to get one of myself!

Such imaginative ideas

Hilarious – these made me laugh

Happy hats and hair

Elaborate hair, hats and make up

Really rather cute

These girls have fun hats

Very smart and cute girls

Love the hair – love the hat

All ready to go down to the field for Athletics Day – Note the big shoes!

The Foundation Phase also had their athletics day which began after the parade of the best hats and singing the birthday song to ourselves. The staff hats were hilarious too.

Winning Staff

The Principal leading a Movement Song

Two of my ‘room grans’ grooving to the movement song.

It was a glorious day and the races went well

Racing to the finish line

FUNSCAPES have taken on a new format. I didn’t get to do what I usually like to do – bird watching but maybe next time. This year instead of the whole school being mixed up into different clubs each grade offered four to choose from. The good part of this was that we got kids in our grade. My Funscape was GAMES. It was well attended by mostly boys! I have to admit it. I missed my girls! But Boys are Fun too – challenging – but Fun. I learned very quickly to change the activity often and to have lots of outdoor breaks too. We played cards games, board games, dominoes, pick-up-sticks, tricky fingers, lego and other construction games. These were wonderful experiences for digikids some of whom had never even heard of snakes and ladders or ludo. It helped with their counting, matching, adding and thinking strategically. Pick up sticks – wow – so good for fine motor coordination. The kids were demanding – I had to split myself in many pieces to help with game instructions, sort out disputes and calm the losers. And it was oh so noisy! At the end of the first day I was wrung out and exhausted and had to brace myself for Day 2 which went way better now that they understood the rules! I asked the kids how they’d enjoyed it. To my surprise the feedback was good. They wanted to do it every day! Well they can as each one received a gift pack of games and a large lollipop to take home.

You go down the snake and up the ladder

Carefully now – don’t let the others move

Construction went down a treat

Now remember which direction to move

Girls are good at this

Now let me think

Beautiful South Peninsular

2014-03-15 | puppy1952

Showing visitors our beautiful land is always a pleasure and it gives us a fresh appreciation of how lucky we are to live in such glorious surroundings. Wendy and Erich from Newcastle, Australia along with their friend and hostess, Nora, arrived at our home at 11 a.m. and we made our way to the shabby chic village of Kalk Bay. We took a leisurely walk down the road and explored some of the shops before going to Live Bait for lunch. The menu offers delicious sea food and throws in a view at no extra cost. Wendy enjoyed her yellowtail (fish of the day) Earl had a seafood pasta, Nora hake and Erich and I settled for Paprika Calamari. All highly recommended. We shared a bottle (or two) of an excellent Robertson’s Sauvignon Blanc and finished with Creme Brulee and coffee. Totally indulgent and delicious.

The Railway Station

A part of the old station converted into a shop

The Subway

This was the tuck shop where we used to buy our ice creams after swimming lessons

The old post office is now a bric-a-brac shop

An old SAR Dining Car – now a popular restaurant next to the railway line

I had to pay R20 for him to pose for this photograph!

Nora, Erich, Wendy and Me at Live Bait

Erich, Wendy, Earl and Me

After enjoying our wonderful meal with excellent company we explored the harbour. We noticed a few people walking around with Nuffield Australia on their caps and stopped to introduce our friends to their compatriots. They were farmers on a Nuffield scholarship touring the country to learn about different types of farming in South Africa . They had found an apple and pear farm in Elgin interesting. There was an Irish farmer and a Canadian on the programme with them. They were also going to Kenya and Russia!

Nora and I with one of the Australian farmers.

A friendly seal looking for a handout from the fishermen

Kalk Bay Harbour

On the Jetty

After enjoying Kalk Bay we took a scenic drive via Kommetjie and through Scarborough to The Cape Boat and Skiboat Club. We did not go through Simonstown as it was Navy Day and congested with tourists.

Looking across from Slangkop to Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay

Looking toward Hout Bay

Looking toward Cape Point from Smitswinkel’s Bay

One of the hidden houses of Smitswinkels Bay

Looking across to Castle Rock – Cape Boat is just around the corner

At Cape Boat and Ski-boat Club where the wind was howling

Shark Boat

We spotted porpoises – cropped and zoomed – but we saw them!

Our day ended with a glass of sherry at the club before dropping our friends back in Kommetjie. Thanks guys for a fabulous day.

Back in the classroom – Speaker Reader and Grade 1 Assembly

2014-03-14 | puppy1952

How often do I begin a blog with, “Oh wow, another exciting week at school is over!” or words to that effect. Yes – there is always something happening at SVPS. There is no time to get into a rut although we do make sure we get into good habits! On Wednesday, four of our Grade Ones competed in the finals of our Foundation Phase Speaker Reader Competition.

The week before that, they all said a poem or told a story to their teachers who chose the most promising to perform before the rest of the Grade Ones and from there we chose four to compete against the best in Grade 2 and 3. You have to have a special kind of confidence to stand up on a stage in a big hall and say your piece before so many children, teachers and parents. Your voice needed to be loud too as no microphones were used. Our little Grade Ones made us so proud but I was the proudest of all when one of my girls came in Second Place when she recited the poem about a castle that needed painting!

My little star saying he piece

Receiving her Certificate

The Four Winners

The standard was high and we were all wonderfully entertained by these talented young people. But of course sitting still for so long gets us fidgety and so we had to have a break for a movement song.

The Robot Song

Today the girls arrived at school in a high state of excitement. They were all dressed in their clean white shirts ready to present their very first assembly! Everything in Grade One is new and we have been learning routines and habits this was the theme of our presentation. Congratulations girls, you made me proud. You recited your poem beautifully, moved wonderfully well to the Healthy Habits song and said your words loudly and clearly. I know your moms and dads were thrilled to see you up on the stage this morning.

Our First Assembly for 2014 – Routine and Habits

Take Positive Risks

Our teacher are helping us on this journey

Moving is important – The Healthy Habit Song

Believe it or not Moms and Dads, in spite of all the practising for assembly we still managed to fit in a lot of work this week. Our reading is improving by leaps and bounds, we are getting to grips with doubling and halving and having fun learning big numbers with dot to dot and other counting activities.

We are also playing hard on the sports field and some of us went to an athletics meeting in Kommetjie this week. We have some very talented runners in our class!

Remember our Foundation Phase Athletics Day on Tuesday. The fun race requires mom or dad’s shoes! We are having a hilarious head day – so I am looking forward to seeing some funky hairstyles and hats.

Back in the Classroom – School Ready?

2014-03-08 | puppy1952

I have to confess that this week I have neglected to take photographs of the angels doing their thing. It has been a crazy week of teaching and assessing, Speaker-Reader Round One and Athletics trials to interrupt the normal routine. I am super proud to announce that one of my girls has been chosen to go the the Foundation Phase Final with her poem. This will take place next week – more on that then.

In addition to the daytime chaos – organised chaos of course – my evenings have been pretty hectic too. It is my own fault for having a life outside of school! Isn’t it weird how everything always falls in the same week! There was Book Club and Bird Club and a meeting at school on consecutive nights. In spite of it all I still managed to get all my assessing done and my reports in to my Grade Head by 8:00 a.m. this morning! No I did not do an all nighter – I am an early riser and was determined to get them done before the obligatory trip to the mall!

Instead of writing about the angels today I have decided to tell you about the Wednesday evening meeting I attended at school. At our school we are big on teaching in a brain-based way. We believe strongly in gearing our day to suit the child. We move frequently, we vary our activities, we consider the learning style of each individual child and make our classrooms as child friendly as possible. Much of our movement activities are based on what we have learned from the speaker who spoke on Wednesday night. She is highly qualified in her field and is listening to her is truly inspirational.

She reminded us of how early development is so essential to the school readiness of a child. If they have not suckled correctly, rolled and crawled, their later development will be delayed. The good news is that it is correctable but ideally it should be done before entering Grade R. All too many of our children still have developmental delays which is why they cannot sit still, listen attentively or hold a pencil correctly.

Of course we don’t always have the ideal so we have to help our children bridge that gap. Parents can help in so many ways too. Give your child plenty of opportunity to play outdoors. Let them build their own obstacle courses, swing in a tyre, roll down hills, crawl through pipes or tunnels, climb on jungle gyms or trees. Teach them to listen first time. Make sure there is routine in the home. Have your child do things for herself even it it takes longer. Can she do up her own buttons, put her toys away help with simple household chores? Do you read to her every day?

If you have a baby or toddler, now is the time to get them school ready. Do not make the hole in the feeding bottle too big – working hard to get the milk is essential for the development of the small muscles in the mouth and will ensure that the child is able to talk correctly later on. Do not even think of purchasing a walking ring. Rolling, creeping and crawling are essential. Occupational Therapists have their work cut out to correct the damage that these contraptions cause.

A simple rule of thumb is to do things as naturally as possible. Let your child develop the way nature intended and you will avoid problems later on. Some delays are unavoidable due to premature birth, cesarean sections etc. But there are things that you can do to make up the lag in development.

I am now looking at my girls with fresh eyes and I insist that our mind moves, movement songs and other physical activities are done properly. Together we can make a huge difference to our girls.