10 Child Friendly Summer Activities With just six weeks left in the academic calendar and the year drawing to a close, many families are looking forward to a well-deserved break. As summer approaches, we have put together a list of child-friendly activities to make the holidays memorable. From family outings to engaging activities for teens and younger children, these ideas are tailored for our school community, ensuring plenty of fun and learning opportunities. Summer Activities to Do as a Family Beach Day and Sandcastle Competition South Africa boasts stunning beaches, from Clifton in Cape Town to Umhlanga in Durban. Spend a day building sandcastles, swimming, or exploring rock pools. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sun together as a family. Visit a Local Nature Reserve Explore South Africa’s biodiversity by visiting a nature reserve or national park. Parks like the Kruger National Park offer day trips where families can experience wildlife, have a braai, or simply enjoy the outdoors (SANParks, 2023). Outdoor Movie Night Set up a projector in your garden for a cosy family movie night under the stars. This simple activity creates lasting memories without leaving home and can be as elaborate or low-key as you like. Stargazing and Astronomy Night On a clear summer night, take the family outside to explore the night sky. Apps like SkyView Lite can help identify constellations, planets, and stars, making it a fun and educational experience. This activity encourages curiosity about science and the universe and is perfect for both kids and teens. Summer Activities for Kids 5. DIY Art and Crafts Day Gather some basic supplies and let the kids get creative with arts and crafts. Set up stations for painting, clay modelling, or making jewellery. Not only is this fun, but it also promotes fine motor skill development. 6. Learn-to-Swim Programmes Many local pools offer learn-to-swim courses during summer. Swimming is a valuable skill and an excellent way for kids to stay active in the heat. Look for heated pools nearby that run swimming programmes tailored for young children. 7. Library Story Time and Reading Challenges Visit your local library, which may offer holiday reading challenges and story time events. Libraries like the Johannesburg City Library often have children’s programmes to keep younger kids entertained and learning over the holidays. Summer Activities for Teenagers Join a Holiday Workshop Teens can explore interests like coding, photography, or cooking through holiday workshops. These sessions provide valuable skills and are available at youth centres across South Africa, often with a variety of topics to suit different interests. Outdoor Adventure Sports For active teens, outdoor options like mountain biking, zip-lining, or indoor rock climbing provide an exciting challenge. Areas like the Drakensberg offer trails and zip-lining courses suitable for beginners and adventurous teens (Adventure SA, 2023). Volunteer at a Local Charity Many charities and non-profits welcome youth volunteers during the summer holidays. Volunteering is a meaningful way for teens to give back to the community, develop leadership skills, and gain valuable experiences. With these ideas in mind, parents can ensure their children enjoy a balanced mix of fun and educational activities this summer. Whether it’s a simple day at the beach or learning a new skill, these activities provide enriching experiences for children of all ages.
The Importance of Block Play for Toddlers When we consider essential play activities for young children, block play often takes centre stage. This classic activity, involving building with wooden, plastic, or foam blocks, offers much more than just entertainment. For toddlers, block play is a cornerstone of early development, fostering a range of physical, cognitive, and social skills that lay the groundwork for future learning. At Crawford International, our holistic, play-based approach integrates activities like block play to support well-rounded development. What is Block Play? Block play is the process where young children stack, build, and arrange blocks, allowing them to create structures while developing motor skills and spatial awareness. This type of play falls within the constructive play stage, one of the key stages of play where children use materials to build or create something (Fleer, 2021). Constructive play helps children understand the physical properties of their environment, forming an early foundation for problem-solving and critical thinking. How Block Play Supports Stages of Childhood Play Development Aligned with recent insights into play-based learning, block play fits well within constructive play, often beginning as toddlers advance beyond solitary play into more interactive, purposeful play forms (O’Connor, 2020). During block play, toddlers start to engage in parallel play, where they play alongside peers without directly interacting, gradually moving into associative and even cooperative play as they reach preschool years. This gradual progression, from building alone to constructing shared structures with friends, enhances social and communication skills. Why is Block Play Important in Childhood Development? Block play plays a vital role in several key areas of development for young children: Physical Development Manipulating blocks builds fine motor skills as children learn to pick up, stack, and balance different shapes and sizes. This activity strengthens finger and hand muscles, supporting early writing skills and overall dexterity (Cohen & Emmons, 2021). Additionally, Crawford International’s Learn-to-Swim programme complements these fine motor skills by encouraging whole-body coordination, creating a balanced approach to physical development. Cognitive Development Block play helps children grasp fundamental concepts in maths and science. Through trial and error, toddlers learn about balance, gravity, and spatial awareness, discovering how structures work and why some designs are more stable than others (Trawick-Smith, 2021). As they group and sort blocks by colour, shape, and size, they lay the groundwork for early maths skills. At Crawford International, we incorporate early STEM concepts into play-based learning, encouraging young learners to explore and hypothesise within safe and engaging environments. Social and Emotional Development As children progress through stages of block play, they begin to engage in collaborative building, learning to share, take turns, and communicate ideas. This naturally fosters patience, cooperation, and confidence. At Crawford International, we prioritise these interactions by encouraging inclusive play in a nurturing environment, helping children to feel secure and supported as they develop social skills (Gibson et al., 2022). Creativity and Problem-Solving Block play nurtures creativity by giving children freedom to build whatever they imagine. Whether constructing a simple tower or an elaborate castle, they experiment with ideas, solve problems when structures fall, and exercise critical thinking to try again. Crawford International’s approach encourages this kind of innovative thinking early on, supporting creativity as a fundamental part of every child’s learning journey. Why Crawford International Embraces Block Play in Early Years Education At Crawford International, we understand that early education is about building more than just knowledge; it’s about building skills that empower lifelong learning. Our teachers use block play as an interactive tool that’s both engaging and educational, offering toddlers a unique opportunity to explore the world of shapes, sizes, and relationships in a fun, inclusive environment. With our IB framework, we bring an academically rigorous yet age-appropriate approach to all stages of early learning, preparing our youngest students for a future filled with discovery, curiosity, and a strong sense of self.
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Meet Dr Langa Twala - A Crawford Lonehill alumni taking quality healthcare to South Africa’s rural citizens Current occupation: Medical Doctor at the Tzaneen Mediclinic Hospital and Peacemed Medical Centre Further studies & qualifications: MBChB - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery – University of Cape Town Post graduate qualifications in Basic and Essential Surgical Skills, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Paediatric Life Support. Currently reading towards an Ophthalmology specialization From the classroom to the operating room, Dr. Langa Twala’s journey from Crawford International Lonehill to the forefront of rural healthcare is nothing short of inspirational. Graduating with an impressive 8 distinctions in 2013, Langa wasted no time in pursuing his passion for medicine, earning his MBChB from the University of Cape Town in 2020. After completing his internship and community service, he now serves at Tzaneen Mediclinic Hospital and Peacemed Medical Centre, where he brings hope and healing to underserved rural communities. His work fuels his deep commitment to serving others. “As a medical professional, I pride myself on working in a rural setting where access to quality care is limited. It’s an honour and privilege to be a part of so many big moments in people’s lives, from the birth of a child to the passing of a loved one,” Langa reflects. On his Crawford journey Langa credits the quality of education and the support of his teachers and peers at Crawford International Lonehill in preparing him for life in the real world. “It is often said that a good high school should prepare you for post school studies, however Crawford - in many ways - prepared me for life. In addition to the high standard of academics, the guiding principles instilled in me at Crawford have stood the test of time.” Throughout his school career, Langa loved the individuality and autonomy that students were instilled with. “I was fully aware that I was captain of my own fate and responsible for my outcomes, which taught me a great deal of self-discipline. As I transitioned from high school to university, I never got the sense that I was drowning or that the jump to varsity was too big. Teachers and management staff in Crawford offered support even beyond the classroom. The care and interest that they showed encouraged me to choose a life of service as well, which I have never regretted.” As SRC President at Crawford, Langa was instrumental in launching the very first ‘Crawford’s Got Talent’, an event run by and for the students, with all proceeds going to charity. The support received from the staff was immense, and Langa had no idea how mammoth a task it would be to coordinate so many moving parts. This invaluable experience empowered him with valuable skills that he would use long into his tenure as Health Sciences Students Council (HSSC) Chairperson at UCT. Making a difference while at med school Langa’s leadership abilities only grew at UCT, where he chaired the Health Sciences Students Council and sat on upwards of 10 university leadership structure committees, including with the Vice Chancellor. He also contributed to the reigniting of the Mayosi Impilo Student Bursary Fund in his tenure as HSSC Chairperson at UCT - the fund has since continued running strong through the commitment of many stakeholders, ensuring future generations of healthcare professionals have the support they need. Langa’s leadership has earned him both local and international accolades, including the prestigious Kerry Capstick-Dale Leadership Award. Langa’s proudest achievement stems from his various leadership roles at UCT and seeing the doctors and therapists who today are serving their communities in part because he played a small a role in ensuring they were not financially or academically excluded through helping to reform policies. What’s next? Looking ahead, Langa dreams of expanding his reach in healthcare, specifically by bringing much-needed eye surgeries to rural areas. “Being able to give the gift of sight would be incredible,” he says. Soon to be married, Langa’s personal goals are just as meaningful as his professional ones - hoping to be a loving husband, devoted family man, best son and brother to his siblings. When he is not serving and caring for people in hospital, he is serving them as a minister in his church congregation. Personal reflections To current Crawford students, Langa offers this advice: “Make the best use of your time and the resources that you have at your disposal at Crawford. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience surrounding you, but it needs you to tap into it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid not to know every answer, even about yourself or where you want to go. Be anchored by your principles and the people around you who are in your corner and want to help you succeed. Also remember, there are many different variations of success.” Dr. Langa Twala is the embodiment of Crawford’s values – a solid work ethic, compassion, accountability and leadership. His journey reminds us that the impact we can make in people’s lives is limitless.
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10 Homework Tips for Parents As Term 3 is nearing its end, many of us at Crawford International – parents, families, and the entire school community – are beginning to prepare for a well-deserved break. It’s a time to unwind, reconnect, and take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the school year. However, the homework doesn’t stop just because the term is wrapping up. With assignments still coming in, we thought this Friday would be the perfect time to share some valuable homework tips for parents. Before we dive into the tips, it’s important to remember why homework exists in the first place. Homework is designed to reinforce the learning that takes place in the classroom, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the material. According to Cooper, Robinson, and Patall (2006), “homework is a way to extend the learning process beyond the school day, allowing students to practice skills, apply concepts, and develop self-discipline.” It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about creating a lifelong love of learning. 10 Homework Tips for Parents: Create a Dedicated Homework Space: Set up a quiet, well-lit area where your child can focus on their work. A consistent space helps them mentally prepare for homework time. Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Designate a specific time each day for homework to create a routine that your child can follow. Break Down Big Assignments: Large projects can be overwhelming. Help your child break down tasks into smaller, more manageable parts, and set mini deadlines to keep them on track. Stay Positive and Encouraging: Homework can sometimes be frustrating. Offer words of encouragement and keep a positive attitude to help your child stay motivated. Limit Distractions: Turn off the TV, put away devices, and create a distraction-free environment. This helps your child stay focused and complete their work efficiently. Be Involved, but Don’t Take Over: It’s important to offer support and guidance but remember that homework is your child’s responsibility. Encourage them to work independently while being available for help if needed. Encourage Breaks: If your child has a lot of homework, encourage them to take short breaks to rest and recharge. This can improve focus and productivity. Use Resources Wisely: If your child is struggling with a particular subject, don’t hesitate to use additional resources like educational websites, apps, or tutoring. Communicate with Teachers: If homework becomes overwhelming, reach out to your child’s teacher. They can offer insights and suggest strategies to help your child manage their workload. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Praise your child for their effort and hard work, regardless of the outcome. This helps build confidence and a growth mindset. As we all gear up for the break ahead, these tips can help make the last stretch of Term 3 a little smoother. Remember, homework is just one part of your child’s educational journey. By supporting them with these strategies, you are helping to create a love of learning that will last a lifetime. We invite you to share these tips with other parents in our community to help support each other during this busy time, and make the end of this term as productive and positive as possible.
Deciding if Your Child Needs a New School for 2025 Choosing the right school for your child is never simple, and as the end of the year approaches, many parents might be wondering if it’s time to make a change for 2025. School choice is not just about ticking boxes; it’s about finding the best environment for your child's academic, social, and emotional needs. Education experts from our sister schools, ADvTECH Schools offer guidance on how to determine if your child's current school is the right fit or if a change might be beneficial. Renie Sutherland, Principal at The Bridge Assisted Learning School Morningside, advises parents to consider several key factors: Progress or Regresses : If your child is no longer making progress or is regressing despite the support in place, it may indicate that the current environment is not meeting their needs. Emotional Distress : If your child exhibits consistent emotional distress, anxiety, or behavioural issues that seem exacerbated by the school setting, this might be a sign that the environment is not conducive to their well-being. Lack of Adequate Resources: If the school is unable to provide the necessary resources, therapies, or accommodations that your child needs to thrive, it might be time to explore other options. Mismatch in Educational Philosophy: If the school’s approach to education and support structures does not align with your child’s learning style or needs, it could be beneficial to seek a school with a more tailored approach. Sutherland suggests visiting potential schools, speaking to principals, and even having your child assessed by a specialist to ensure the new school can meet their needs. Visit Schools : Schedule visits to potential schools to observe the environment, meet the staff, and see how the school operates on a day-to-day basis. Speak to the Principal: Have an in-depth conversation with the principal or head of the learning support team. Discuss your child’s specific needs and how the school can meet them. Assessments : Arrange for your child to be assessed by an educational psychologist or a specialist to gain a clear understanding of their needs and the type of environment that would best support their development. Talk to Other Parents : Connect with parents who have children with similar challenges to hear their experiences with different schools. Marion Kohler, Principal at Abbotts JHB South, adds that while some challenges can be overcome with time and support, persistent issues might signal an incompatibility with the school environment. “A school cannot be everything to everybody,” she says. Kohler also highlights the importance of word-of-mouth recommendations and personal visits to potential schools. “You’ll get a feel for the school’s culture and whether it’s a place where your child could thrive,” she notes. As you weigh the decision, consider the potential opportunities a new school could offer. However, also keep in mind the benefits of staying put—building deeper relationships and developing resilience can be invaluable. If you’re thinking about a change for 2025, now is the time to start exploring your options and finding the best fit for your child’s future.
