Tots to Teens: Help with easing the change from primary to secondary
Making the move from primary to secondary school can be difficult. While some children look forward to the transition, others can find it daunting.
The ISPCC has designed a programme to help. Smart Moves is a free programme available in Irish and English, and it’s currently being sent to schools across Ireland.
It’s aimed at fifth—and sixth-class pupils and consists of 15 half-hour lessons that cover topics such as making friendships, problem-solving, and feeling so anxious that you can’t sleep. The teacher works from a manual, and each student is given a private booklet in which they can explore their thoughts and feelings as they respond to the topics.
The goal throughout the programme is to encourage pupils to think and talk about potential worries, problems, and support routes.
- If you have a child who is anxious about starting secondary school, you can find out more about the Smart Moves programme at ispcc.ie/smart-moves
Do you remember spending endless hours playing games like Tip the Can and Red Rover with your friends when you were a child? Kildare-based author Kunak McGann certainly does and wants today’s children to enjoy those same experiences.
It’s why she wrote It's a charming guide to childhood games that aims to inspire parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to pass these games onto the next generation.
In many ways, the book is an instruction manual. McGann takes a step-by-step approach to explaining how to play a wide range of traditional team games, ball games, pen-and-paper games, and more. She even provides strategy tips and a safety assessment for the games.
However, is more than an instruction manual. It’s a piece of social history that offers us an insight into a different time. It’s got something for everyone, old and young.
- The book is available in hardback from €9.99
It can be next to impossible to remain calm when your child is throwing a tantrum. If only you knew some strategies that could help.
An event being organised by Hand in Hand Parenting in Limerick City this Wednesday, April 10, promises to teach these very strategies. Hand in Hand Parenting is an organisation that helps parents by providing them with the tools and support they require to connect with their children and meet their needs.
The event takes place at the Urban Coop on Ballysimon Road, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. You can expect to gain insights into why children have tantrums and pick up some practical tips that should help you respond to those tantrums in a positive and supportive manner.
- For parents and guardians of children aged ten and under, tickets cost €10 and are available from eventbrite.ie.
Deirdre Ryan is autistic and is the mother of a teenage autistic son. She is also qualified in education and has years of experience working as a special needs teacher in her native New York and in Ireland.
She now helps other parents by offering supportive coaching sessions via deirdreryanparentcoach.com and this Thursday, April 11, she will run a free workshop in the Hollyhill Library in Knocknaheeny in Cork city.
The Thriving Autistic Workshop for Parents and Carers of Autistic Children and Teens will take place from noon to 1.30 pm.
During that time, Ryan will cover how best to support your child at home and in school and how to encourage their interests. She will also aim to give parents a deeper insight into their children’s executive function differences and sensory needs.
- To book your free place, contact Hollyhill Library on 021-4924928
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