UNLESS a family is outdoor sports-oriented, it is likely that a child gets his or her early introduction to team sports via their school CCAs. In the primary school, the common ones would be netball and football with greater participation by those in the upper primary (late tweens, ages 11-12). And since 2007, there's a new team sport CCA, floorball. Some experts may argue, based on developmental criteria, that the early to mid tweens (7-10 years) may be too soon for team sports participation. Others may disagree citing other benefits. But the existence of such team sports CCAs in our primary schools underscore the value(s) a child can acquire if the participation is under proper guidance. Former athletes (individual and team sports) and educators provide their perspectives in this two-part article.
Continue Reading
GREEK mythology merges with 21st century teenage life to bring forth this interesting novel, part of a series of books by award-winning fantasy writer Rick Riordan. Our teen reviewer Juanita Joseph from CHIJ St Joseph who had perused the series provided this review of the first book which forms the basis of the 2010 movie release, now playing at a theatre near you.
Continue Reading
MAKE a family date with Singapore museums this holiday period and into 2010! The National Heritage Board (NHB) presents exciting activities that include interactive WWII adventures for families and young adults (War-on-Wheels tour), performances and workshops for kids at the Asian Civilisations Museum, to bargain hunting at the Flea & Music Alley at the Peranakan Museum among others (some of the activities may not be available after 6 December...check the NHB site for a complete updated listing). With these and other engaging activities that become available at individual museums moving into 2010, the NHB seeks to rekindle the community's love for our heritage through the 'I Love Museums' theme.
Continue Reading
IN a world which we share with germs, we must understand that it is not unusual for every square inch of our bodies to be covered with millions of germs, and that some of these germs have the potential to cause disease. "The trick is to try and minimize and limit your exposure within a reasonable context," says Dr Aaron Glatt, a spokesperson for the Infectious Disease Society of America. The best approach is to use soap and water.
Continue Reading