Today’s Motherhood

Ms Areena Loo is the Founding Director of Bridge Learning, Singapore’s Leading Early Intervention Institution. Prior to the compelling call to Bridge Learning, she was with the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore as a qualified schoolteacher, a certified Teacher Counsellor and a trained Learning Support Coordinator.

We sat down to ask her more about her center and views on early intervention and learning disability.

In your definition, what is early intervention?
Early intervention is a specialised support system with a series of programmes and services targeted to help children bridge the gaps or delays in their developmental milestones, adaptive lifeskills, learning, social-communication, behavioural or/and emotional needs.

Occupational, physio and speech therapies are some forms but not the only types of intervention available. There are other types of psycho-educational intervention especially needed for high functioning children and/or with mild learning difficulties/disabilities as therapies alone are insufficient or unnecessary for them. For moderate to severe cases of Learning Disabilities, generally one or more forms of therapies is required.

Bridge Learning provides early intervention for both learning difficulties (lds) and Learning Disabilities (LDs). Can you explain the differences between learning difficulties (lds) and learning disabilities (LDS)?

How do you diagnose and assess whether a child has lds and LDs?
At Bridge, Diagnostic Assessments (DA) are reliable tools used to identify a child’s strengths and weaknesses that affect learning and performance (without the stigma of Psychological Assessment), target the learning areas in need and monitor the progress and development. Some areas of learning skills will be assessed more in-depth, dependent on the child’s needs.

DA is likening to a trip to the doctor for a health check-up and receiving immediate help if required. It is like what Chinese proverbs describe, “Effective remedy happens when we examine the root of the problem and act accordingly”. Bridge Learning’s Diagnostic Assessment (DA) is likening to a personalised health check-up for learning and development. Our unique child-centric assessment is based on our exclusive non-categorical and interdisciplinary methodology.

What normally happens during a Diagnostic Assessment (DA)?
DA is the time whereby an individual child attempts a series of stress-free and enjoyable activities and games with Bridge Specialist. The child will be assessed on his/her range of learning skills and developmental levels such as reading age, comprehension age, spelling age, receptive and expressive language, auditory and visual memory, fine and gross motor skills, attention span, maturity of social skills, spatial and numeracy concepts.

The DA is followed by immediate consultation with the Bridge Specialist to provide feedback and recommendation(s) to parents on the observations made and scores obtained. Every child will have an Individualised Developmental and Progress Profiling (IDPP) at Bridge.

We systematically identify a child’s strengths and weaknesses that affect learning and performance, target learning needs, and monitor progress and development. Learning skills assessed may include auditory and visual memory, motor skills, attention span, reading and comprehension age, receptive and expressive languages, social maturity, visual spatial, conceptual development, thinking skills etc..

How important is it for all children with lds and LDs receive early intervention?
A child with learning difficulties may or may not need early intervention while one with Learning Disability must receive it. The earlier they receive quality intervention, the better is their progress.

You determine when your child needs early intervention when it is obvious:
• difficulties or delays in developmental milestones, adaptive lifeskills, learning, behaviour, emotional or/and social-communication.
• typical tuition and enrichment do not help much or at all.
• the child’s learning and life functions are hindered.

What is the difference between the traditional Label-Focused (Categorical) approach and Needs/Abilities-Focused (Non-Categorical)?
Traditionally, children are categorically diagnosed and given intervention according to prescribed labels eg: Asperger Syndrome, Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD/ADHD), Dyslexia, Auditory Proccessing Disorder (APD). Intervention could happen only when a label is used as entry requirement.

Non-Categorical is an interdisciplinary approach that understands the labels but tears down the divides that separate the labels and look across laterally at the child’s needs. Intervention help can be given regardless if a child can be formally diagnosed with a label. While labels are useful in enabling us to know the specific characteristics under each category, it may make diagnosis inefficient and intervention ineffective.

Categorical approach may miss out other vital needs and difficulties about a child outside of the label. Also, if a child does not meet the criteria under the label, the child cannot be formally diagnosed. Worst of all, the child won’t receive the help needed targeted at the root issues.

There is a misconception that most children can be formally diagnosed and classified under a label. Some may not be severe enough to be formally diagnosed or labelled under the DSM IV criteria. The truth is that majority of the children are hybrid cases and cannot be formally diagnosed. Meaning most children may show a couple of symptoms under a label and another few characteristics under another category, making Non-Categorical approach highly useful and effective.

Bridge Learning uses the Non-Categorical approach in our Diagnostic Assessment and also intervention programmes. It is more child-centred, looking at the needs and abilities of the child instead of label-focused whereby it is trying to fit a child into a specific label. It takes greater expertise and experience to be able to know how to execute both approaches.

An analogy is that you keep treating your neck because it gives you pain. The root cause is actually your lower back when you found an expert who go beyond looking at just your neck!

What other methods are helpful in helping these children cope with learning?
Strong and sound pedagogies such as Jean Piaget’s concrete learning for better abstract understanding, Vygostsky’s proximal zone of learning, multi-sensorial experiential learning and making learning meaningful and fun, are trustworthy. There is no one method that works with every child no matter of how expensive, “branded” or good marketing it is. Sometimes the most effective learning strategies doesn’t even have a name to it but has loads of common sense in them. However, we don’t recommend flashcards for children under age of 2 though as it may cause some language learning difficulties later on.

What can parents do to help their children?
• Parents should do self care by taking time out just for yourself. Do not have self-belief that by being 24 hours involving yourself with your children or being overprotective means you are a good parent. Often, it has adverse effects in stifling the children’s healthy development and straining the marriage.

• Establish explicit and clear boundaries, expectations and consequences like for any other children. Make sure you deliver what you say. If you can’t, don’t verbalise it.

• Don’t neglect your spouse & the siblings of the child with lds/LD.

• Ensure there is consistency in the parenting style between you and your spourse. One parent being passively lenient and another being overly strict is not beneficial for any kind of children.

How can parents and teachers of these children work together to help improve the child’s condition?
Parents need to learn to let go and trust. You maybe the people whom love your child the most but you may not necessarily be the best persons to help them in their intervention. We all need others to help us help our children develop and reach their potential.

Teachers need to get training to empower yourselves with the knowledge and skills to handle such children. As long as you believe the child can be helped, it can be done. It all starts with our attitude in mind. Remember why you answer the call to teaching, it was not because you want the kids to get As, it’s because you believe you can impact and shape their lives.

For both parents and teachers, try to master this art mixed with science; know in your heart that the child has different needs but know in your mind to treat him/her as you would like other children. The more you normalise the child through the way you treat him, the easier for the child to assimilate and grow with his peers. Never over-compensate out of guilt, sympathy or misguided theories.

What is one thing people should know about children with lds and LDs?
They are normal kids who have average to high cognitive abilities and the majority of them (with mild lds & LDs) are in mainstream schools, not special schools.

More about Ms Areena Loo
A celebrated Social Entrepreneur, Areena’s burning passion is to create wealth through honourable and profitable businesses so as to reach out to the needy, abused, oppressed children, orphans and street-kids. She envisioned them being educated and growing up to become strategic marketplace leaders with great influence for societies. She has also recently been honoured as a Young Global Leader and became the first speaker to bring awareness and education of children with Learning Disabilities to the world leaders and governments at the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF).

For more info, log on to Bridge Learning website or email them.

Bringing a peace of mind to breastfeeding mums

Renowned for its consistency of dedication to mother and baby care products, Pigeon has launched its state of the art Peristaltic PLUS – a new nursing bottle designed to mimic a baby’s natural sucking behaviour and minimise nipple confusion.

What is so special about Pigeon Peristaltic PLUS

Aware of a baby’s natural sucking behaviour, the bottle enhances the peristaltic movement, therefore encouraging the baby to employ an unerring sucking pattern, cultivating healthy sucking behaviour.

Made from sophisticated materials, meticulous measurements and production methods, Pigeon’s bottles are uniquely crafted with roll-free bottle hoods. In addition, the Peristaltic PLUS nipple is made using a thick silicone rubber, made soft and flexible for a baby to drink with comfort. With the increasing number of women empowered by their careers, Pigeon strongly believe that the launch of Peristaltic PLUS bottles will add significant value to the needs of the mother and baby.

Available in two sizes, the new Peristaltic PLUS bottle is now available at leading departmental stores, supermarkets and baby product stores.

Price and product line:
Peristaltic Plus plastic bottle (Polyphenylsulfone) 160ml $18.90
Peristaltic Plus plastic bottle (Polyphenylsulfone) 240ml $19.90
Peristaltic Plus plastic bottle (Polypropylene) 160ml $12.90
Peristaltic Plus plastic bottle (Polypropylene) 240ml $13.90

Release the Creative Genius in you! Take part in Kidabion’s Creative Genius Contest

Design Kidabion’s Limited Edition Packaging and see your design printed on the box!

Send in your designs today and stand a chance to win these attractive prizes*:

1st Prize: iPad2 & 6-month supply of Kidabion
2nd Prize: Family Pass for 4 to Universal Studios
3rd Prize: $150 cash

Download your entry form now at www.kidabion.com.sg

Free colour pencils with every purchase of Kidabion!

Competition ends on 31 Dec 2011

*Terms and conditions apply

Celebrate Christmas with your Child’s Music & Videos!

Let them feel the true meaning of Christmas as they celebrate it with GOOD MUSIC +
POSITIVE LYRICS + Personalized with CHILD’S NAME = THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT!

LIKE us @ Music & I today and stand a chance to win FREE Personalized Music CD with your CHILD’S NAME!

Double your chances of winning by posting this to your Facebook status

Grab a Unique & Personalized children’s gift this Christmas! @ facebook.com/Music.and.I

For our existing followers, join too by posting the above to your FB status.

One winner every week! (Draw dates: 11 Dec, 18 Dec, 25 Dec 2011)

To listen to sample songs and watch sample videos, go to: www.music-and-i.com/catalogue.html

To listen to sample songs and watch sample videos, go to:
www.music-and-i.com/catalogue.html

For Iphone and Ipad users (devices that doesn’t support FLASH), go to: http://www.facebook.com/Music.and.I (and select Videos at the left menu)

PERSONALIZED MUSIC CD or MUSIC Video DVD

Your child’s name is included in the lyrics and sung throughout the songs. Products contain the talent of professional writers, musicians, and vocalists and composer from USA. The list contains more than 2000 names (from the USA, Australia, the UK and Canada) with the capability of generating unique spelling as long as the pronounciation is correct in our database.

We have different albums that caters to every occassion like birthday, Christmas, Sports, Graduation, Christening, Christian songs and language (Spanish) themes.

PERSONALIZED PHOTO DVD

Your child’s face and/or name is used either the main character or a playmate of the main character thus making your child as the STAR of these 22 to 30 mins videos.

To listen to sample songs and watch sample videos, go to:
www.music-and-i.com/catalogue.html

For Iphone and Ipad users (devices that doesn’t support FLASH), go to:
http://www.facebook.com/Music.and.I (and select Videos at the left menu)

Questions and Comments, Email us at sales@music-and-i.com

Interested to start your own business, Be our dealer! Email us at dealers@music-and-i.com

The search is on for the new faces of GapKids and babyGap!

100 semi-finalists have been shortlisted. Be part of our search by voting for your favourite semi-finalist from now till 25th December at www.facebook/com/gapsingapore

To view a child’s photo, please follow the following steps:

• Log on to Facebook with a valid account
• Go to facebook.com/gapsingapore
• “Like“the page and then click on the Gap Casting Call tab on the menu bar on the left
• Click on the link “Click here to start voting“
• Click on the photo of your favourite semi-finalist and then click on “Vote“

Please be reminded that the Casting Call application works with IE 8+ (i.e. Internet Explorer) or any of these browsers, Firefox, Opera or Chrome.

X’Mas Mega Sale (Up to 50% Off)

Date: 8 to 10 Dec 2011 (Thu to Sat)
Time: 9am to 3pm
Venue: 37 Jalan Pemimpin, Blk A Clarus Centre #07-02D Singapore 577177

Contact: 9730 4413
Email: sgposhbaby@gmail.com

Includes children’s clothings, sleepwear, rompers, training pants, branded toys, bean sprout pillows, Maternity & Nursing Inner / Outer wear, Natural skincare products and more…

By Posh Baby Shop

Giveaway Week 7 (5th December to 11th December 2011):
(by SmartKids Asia, the World’s LARGEST Educational Kids’ Fair)

This Week’s FREE GIVEAWAY – Maxim Activity Play Station Play Set, Worth $599!

Your kids will love spinning, counting, sliding, and more with this activity cube.

The activity station, adjustable Easel combines high quality craftsmanship, fine motor skill development, and fun graphics your children will love.

Activity Station Play Set for ages 3 & Up, includes:

1. Magnet Maze
2. Peg Maze
3. Chalkboard
4. Adjustable Easel
5. Wipe-Off Board

To Celebrate SmartKids Asia, the World’s LARGEST Educational Kids’ Fair coming to Singapore, they are having 30 Weeks of FREE GIVEAWAYS to their Facebook Fans!

Simply be a fan and tag the GiveAway photo here, and you could be one of the lucky winners!

Discover the world of creativity and analogy

Join Us At Our Open House

Dates: 10th and 11th Dec (Sat and Sun)
Time: 10am-5pm

Parents are given a tour of the place and they will also have a chance to understand their child’s learning style. Parents will be more aware of the different learning styles of their child.

There will also be presentations on our various courses, such as Expressive Creative Writing and Complex problem sums.

Our centre specializes in specific areas that are crucial and essential in attaining an A* for their PSLE.

Parents can browse the in-house materials and talk to the trainers.

Lucky Draw Prizes include 4 star resort stay, iPod touch and iPod nano

Door gift to first 25 parents

Contact: 6650 0646
Website: www.discoveryeducove.com
Email: discoveryeducove@gmail.com
Address: Blk 801 Tampines Ave 4 #01-275 (2nd floor)

Children Storybooks Giveaway. Read our Dec 11 Story Book Recommendations and Stand a Chance to Win One of the following books. See end of post for details. Contest ends 31 Dec 2011!

1. Spin created by Ido Vaginsky

Synopsis:
No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you… It’s the magic of optical illusion. Filled with exciting animals that flip, spin and twirl, be delighted and surprised how a bird can turn into a fish, or how a cow turn into an owl. Watch how a squirrel change into a horse and back into a horse again and how cat can change into a mouse! Get ready to dive into a world of illusions like you’ve never seen before. Ready, set, spin!

Recommended for children 3 and above

2. Meg & Mog 3 Favourite Stories by Helen Nicoll & Jan Pienkowski

Synopsis:
Surprises wait for the three beloved characters of the Meg and Mog stories; Meg, Mog and Owl. As always, Meg the witch casts her spells with the best of intentions, but always end up with hilarious results. The dazzling and bold graphic artwork is accompanied with simple yet quirky stories. Perfect for sharing or reading alone, children will love exploring the bright colours, sounds and shapes in the three stories – Meg’s Eggs, Meg at Sea and Mog in the Fog.

Recommended for children 4 years and above

3. Blueberry Girl

Synopsis:
“This is a prayer for a blueberry girl…” A much loved baby grows into a young woman embarking upon the journey of life. As she explores the world, she begins to learn how to be brave and true to herself. An enchanting lullaby poem, this book celebrates the glory of growing up. Filled with charming and heartfelt wisdom, this book makes a perfect gift for parents or parents-to-be and young children.

Recommended for children 5 years and above

4. Magnet Fun with Hairy Maclary by Lynley Dodd

Synopsis:
Filled with fun rhymes and magnetic animals for your children to stick on the pages of the book, follow the black and very Hairy Maclary as he goes on a walk and meets other furry friends. After each short poem verse, there is a short instruction at the end of the verse for children to follow. This interactive book is a delight to read aloud to young learning readers.

Recommended for children 3 years and above

5. The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse by Eric Carle

Synopsis:
In Eric Carle’s latest book, a young artist starts his artistic adventure by painting a blue horse. Next he paints a red crocodile, followed by a yellow cow! With growing confidence, the young artist starts to joyfully paint other animals in bold, unrealistic colours and forms. This latest book by Eric Carle hopes to inspire young artists everywhere to use their imagination, and how they don’t have to paint ‘within the lines’ or use the ‘right colours’. A wonderful book to help children be comfortable and confident in their own creativity.

Recommended for children 4 years and above

6. A Bean’s Life – From Tiny Bean To Leafy Plant

Synopsis:
Green beans, red beans, kidney beans… how do beans grow? This informative book filled with fun facts and pictures to explain the life cycle of a bean plant from the beginning to the end! Some burning questions that this book might answer are, what magic ingredients make a bean grow, how a bean drinks without a mouth and why is a ladybird and why a ladybird is a bean’s best friend.

Recommended for children 5 years and above

7. Save The Sea – How You Can Help Animals In Danger

Synopsis:
Our seas and oceans are in danger! All the fish and mammals and other amazing creatures that call the sea and ocean their home needs your help! This informative and illustrative book educates young readers on how the sea gets dirty and what animals are in danger from pollution and what you can do to help.

Recommended for children ages 5 and above

Reviewed by Michelle Ang

The above reviwed books can be bought at The Genius Kids

Giveaway Contest

We have one book of each of the above children book titles to giveaway. Total 7 winners. All you have to do is

1. Join Today’s Mother Mailing List below (existing members need not sign up again)

(Existing members need not sign up again. New members need to check your email after signup to confirm subscription)

2. Be a fan of The New Age Parents (Today’s Motherhood)

3. Fill in the form below and indicate your choice of book you would like to win

The contest has ended

The prizes are sponsored by

Terms and Conditions Apply.

The world’s largest Park for birds is now home to Singapore’s newest children’s playground! Birdz of Play at Jurong Bird Park is the only place in Singapore where kids of all ages can get wet and wild amidst a colourful avian paradise.

Designed with children, fun and colour in mind, Birdz of Play is decorated with vibrant bird motifs of all shapes and sizes liberally placed all over the play area. The 9,700sqm playground unique features include wet and dry zones for both toddlers and older children.

Toddlers who enjoy frolicking in the water in this tropical heat, can have hours of fun just going over and under water sprays; getting splashed by a “Flamdingo”; and catching the little water sprouts at the Dandelion Dome. Older kids can hold mock water fights by squirting each other with the “Little Sqwerts Fish and Duck”. They can also ride the fun slides, and get a tremendous soaking under the overhanging, tipping bucket at the splash zone.

Over at the dry area, young kids can explore two-seated see-saws, swings and slides, which feature sensory elements that will invoke a child’s intellect, hearing and sight. Older children can also challenge and test their upper body strength and agility by taking a ride at the Disc Challenge and the Flying Fox sections.

What’s more, the park is also organising a series of wholesome programmes for the entire family at Birdz of Play all through December! These weekend activities include ‘egg-citing’ creative art and craft stations to a celebratory Hatch Day Party.

For more details, log on to their website