Research indicates that the early years of childhood form the basis of intelligence, personality, social behaviour, and the capacity to learn and nurture oneself as an adult. Understanding the importance of these foundation years for South African children, Tea4Kidz has been sponsoring Early Childhood Development (ECD) workshops, the most recent one taking place at the Jessie Keet ECD centre in Stellenbosch.
The workshop, hosted in collaboration with StellCARE (formerly Child Welfare) and Renee Lighton of LightOn Education, welcomed teachers, volunteers and social auxiliary workers from the five StellCARE ECD centres for a morning of fun and learning through play.
Renee Lighton, educational consultant, author, speaker, life coach and founder of LightOn Education, explained that attendees benefitted from an environment of sharing and learning: “We shared practical ideas of how to play simple card games which are used to develop important skills. Through these games we are able to connect with presence, eye contact and touch, in a playful way, which sets up the environment for learning success. These skills lay the foundation for all future learning.”
Every attendee was provided with playing cards and a parenting booklet from Tea4Kidz that includes parenting tips, recipes, healthy lunchbox ideas and educational games. This instructional workshop forms part of a series of free workshops that Tea4Kidz and LightOn Education are running together.
“We want to thank Tea4Kidz and Renee Lighton for this learning opportunity,” said Charleen Meiring, Social Auxiliary Worker at the StellCARE ECD centres. “We learned so much and will gladly implement what was learned in our schools, as well as with the local community. The feedback from teachers was positive and they want to learn more so they can help their learners grow.”
At StellCARE’s five ECD centres there is a focus on the physical, mental, emotional social development of children. The social auxiliary worker has a monthly positive parenting programme, as well as trainings – such as these - to help develop teachers with new skills for the classroom.
“Part of our Tea4Kidz social mission is to provide the tools, products and information to empower parents, teachers, and caregivers,” explained Candice Sessions, Marketing Manager of Tea4Kidz. “This was another incredibly successful workshop which will result in more interactive learning sessions.”
Learning Through Play with Tea4Kidz and Card Games
Cards are inexpensive, small enough to fit into a handbag, picnic basket or rucksack, and are adaptable to suit any age group. Card games can be played and enjoyed as a family, in the classroom, with a group of friends, or on your own - you can even use the pack to build card houses! Visit www.more4momz.com to download printable Tea4Kidz character cards and card game ideas for hours of fun learning and playing.
If you would like to host an educational Tea4Kidz workshop in your area, please contact Candice@joekels.co.za.
