Parent Education Activity Information Hub

Lee Siu Chan Kindergarten-Cum-Nursery - Parent Education Activity Information Hub

Seminar Topic:

Safety of Toys and Children's Products

Objectives:

Learn how to identify and choose safe and regulated toy products
Identify the characteristics of "unsafe" toys and avoid purchasing them to prevent harm to children.

Details:

Although all toys available in the Hong Kong market are subject to Customs regulation and can be reported to Customs in case of problems, it is crucial for parents to prioritize their children’s safety and prevent harm to children by purchasing safe toys. Let's explore the dangers associated with “unsafe” toys.

Brightly coloured toys:

Bright colours are helpful for visual development in infants and young children. However, some toy coatings/paints may contain high levels of lead and barium, which can be toxic. Parents are advised to buy toys with these coatings from reputable stores.

Crystal babies (Gel beads):

Crystal babies are gel beads that expand when they absorb water, and have attractive colours. But if children accidentally swallow them, their swelling properties can cause choking, intestinal obstruction, and even death!

cry

love bobo

Aeroplane Chess:

Aeroplane Chess is a commonly enjoyed childhood game, but the thin plastic chessboard sheet can pose a suffocation risk if it covers a child's nose and mouth. The plastic bags used for packaging may also pose a suffocation hazard. Be careful about this.

Magnetic toys:

Toys containing small magnets are absolutely not suitable for children to play with without supervision. If a child swallows two or more magnets, it can cause intestinal obstruction, resulting in serious harm to the body or even death.

Toy guns:

Toy guns are often popular with boys, but when they are capable of launching and shooting dangerous projectiles such as chopsticks, they are no longer just "toy" guns.

Toys indeed can pose various dangers. By following these guidelines, parents can significantly reduce the chances of harm by choosing age-appropriate toys and supervising their children during playtime.

Highlights

Lecture Topic:

Parental Lecture - A Basic Overview of Young Children's Physical Fitness and Nutrition

Objective:

To understand how to establish healthy eating habits and physical activity for children, enabling them to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Content:

Parents often become concerned about their children's nutrition when they are picky eaters, worrying that their diet may be imbalanced or inadequate. On the other hand, when children overeat, parents may fear that their child will become overweight. Therefore, the school has invited a nutritionist and physical fitness advisor from “[email protected]” Campaign to conduct the lecture. Let us review the recommended daily dietary intake and physical activity for young children!

Grains:

1 serving of grains = 1 tablespoon of rice; 1/3 bowl of pasta; 1/2 slice of bread

N-K1: 8-12 servings

K2-K3: 12-15 servings

Vegetables：

1 serving of vegetables = 1/2 bowl

N-K1: at least 1.5 servings

K2-K3: at least 2 servings

cry

bobo

Fruits：

1 serving of fruit = 1/2 bowl/1 medium-sized fruit

N-K1: at least 1 serving

K2-K3: at least 2 servings

Meat：

1 serving of meat = the size of a ping pong ball

N-K1: 1.5-2 servings

K2-K3: 2-3 servings

Milk：

1 serving of milk = 1 cup

2-5 years old: low-fat milk

5 years old and above: skimmed milk/low-fat milk

We all know that adults should drink eight glasses of water a day, but did you know that four to five glasses of water are enough for children, including milk, soy milk, and clear soup? Remember to check if the drinks are too sugary!

Suggested physical activities for young children:

For 2-year-old children:

It is recommended that they accumulate at least 180 minutes of physical activity at varying intensities each day.

For 3–6-year-old children:

They should aim to accumulate at least 180 minutes of physical activity at varying intensities each day, including at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity activity.

* Low-intensity activities include sitting quietly, sweeping the floor, playing the piano, etc.

* Walking, brisk walking, social dancing, swimming or ball games are medium to high-intensity

activities.

* Screen time is recommended to be limited to one hour a day, which should include electronic

information with educational and interactive elements.

* Parents who would like to learn more can refer to the “Start Smart Parent Guide”.

Highlights

Objective:

Parents’ Seminar on Positive Discipline

“Positive discipline” is the cultivation of children’s self-discipline through mutual respect and cooperation, guided “gently and firmly”. To alleviate the pressure of discipline on parents, Ms Fung, Deputy Director of Wai On Home for Women of the Kuk, held a “Parents’ Seminar on Positive Discipline” for parents. We now invite parents to learn the key points shared in the seminar on that day!

Methods of Establishing “Positive Discipline” - Communication Skills

Encourage children to actively engage in conversation

1. Use encouraging statements

2. Assist children in expanding the topic

3. Avoid using Yes/No questions or asking “Why”

Listen actively

1. Concentrate

2. Observe the child’s tone and expression

3. Put oneself in the shoes of the children

4. Response simply

Concentrate on the “I” message

1. Take “I” as the subject (e.g., I am feeling

embarrassed now. We might affect the others

who want to rest if we talk loudly on the street.

We should lower our voice)

2. Help children understand how others feel

cry

bobo

Methods of Establishing Positive Discipline – Concentration, Attentiveness, Appreciation, Sincerity, Willingness

Concentration：

1. Put down the work at hand

2. Concentrate on listening

3. Respond appropriately

Attentiveness：

1. Observe the child’s expression and tone

2. Body posture

Appreciation：

1. Show appreciation and commend appropriately

Sincerity：

1. Openness

2. Equality

3. Respect

Willingness：

1. Both parties should be willing to communicate

2. Be willing to change

3. Be willing to accept

Highlights

Seminar Topic:

Parent Seminar: Supporting Children in Transition to Primary School

Objectives:

Enable participants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges children encounter when adapting to primary school.
Help participants develop effective strategies to support children in coping with adaptation difficulties.

Details:

Kindergarten and primary school represent distinct environments, raising various concerns among parents during their children's transition to primary school. In response, the school’s social workers recently organized a seminar for parents, aiming to enhance their comprehension of the obstacles children may face when transitioning to primary school. By preparing in advance, parents can facilitate a smooth adjustment and foster a joyful primary school experience for their children.

Common Adaptation Challenges and Recommendations after Transitioning to Primary School:

1. Late submission of homework / Forgetting to bring textbooks

Primary school introduces a greater workload of subjects and homework compared to kindergarten, accompanied by a varying daily curriculum. During the adaptation period, children need practice in filling in the homework handbook and organizing their textbooks according to a timetable. Mistakes are inevitable, so parents can offer early support by guiding their children to follow the timetable and pack their backpacks with the necessary books.

2.Aversion to learning

Kindergartens often encourage children to learn through play, while primary school emphasizes textbook-based learning and assignments, with the content being more challenging. Apart from boredom, children may also experience frustration. It is advisable for parents to provide their children with appropriate rest time, acknowledge their efforts, and avoid undermining their abilities based on less-than-ideal grades.

cry

love

3. Fear of facing unfamiliar teachers and classmates

Leaving behind familiar classmates and teachers, children enter an unfamiliar environment where they encounter new teachers and classmates. Naturally, they may feel nervous and anxious. The time required for each child to adapt to this new environment may vary. Parents are encouraged to validate their children's genuine feelings and foster connections with new classmates, emphasizing the benefits of transitioning to primary school. If necessary, parents can accompany their children back to kindergarten for visits with their previous teachers and caregivers.

4. Incontinence

While children may have successfully overcome bedwetting in kindergarten, primary school imposes restrictions on restroom usage only during designated break times. Due to limited time awareness and a focus on play during breaks, children may be reluctant to raise their hands and ask the teacher for permission during class, leading to instances of incontinence. Parents can establish a structured daily routine at home, reminding their children to use the restroom before engaging in playtime.

Parents who support their children through the challenges of the primary school phase also face their own pressures. However, recognizing this as an inevitable journey for children, providing companionship, affirmation, and encouragement throughout the process will empower children to confront the primary school’s hurdles with courage.

Highlights

Objective:

LITTLE MASTER CHEFS－ Parent-Child Kitchen Adventures and Understanding Free Play

Dear parents, do you still remember playing a lot when you were young? What does the concept of “play” mean to you? How does playing make you feel?

Definition of Free Play

The Education Bureau defines “free play” as behavioural activities motivated by children’s inner desires that emphasise their autonomy, free participation, and lack of constraints from rules or predetermined objectives set by adults. Children can choose play tools, methods, playmates, and activity areas during “free play”.

And for children, what is “play”?

1. Happiness, fun, and excitement

2. Initiated by the child

3. “I have a choice.”

4. Opportunities to establish their own rules

5. Time spent with peers/friends

6. Time spent without adults

cry

bobo

We often discuss the significance of parent-child play in children’s development, yet children perceive play as “time spent without adults”. There is an apparent ontradiction, don’t you think?

Let's reflect on the instances when we played with our children. Did we unknowingly ask them cognitive questions (for example, questions about colours, shapes, or object names)? Did we offer guidance and correction when children played with toys in a manner we considered “incorrect”? These interactions can transform “play” into a form of “learning”.

Actually, the notion of “time spent without adults” simply reflects children’s desire for their parents to become their playmates, fostering an environment of equal and joyful play. Parent-child play continues to be highly important for children.

The Importance of Play in Children's Development

It is normal for parents to hope that children acquire knowledge through play. Furthermore, aside from being considered the most suitable learning method for children’s developmental needs, play can also reduce the risk of children developing depression and anxiety in the future.

Let’s check out the following toy examples and understand how free play contributes to children’s development.

1. Playing with a cooking set:

# Learning food and tool names (cognition)

# Understanding tool usage and operating techniques (cognition and fine motor skills)

# Expressing food preferences to others (social communication)

# Role-playing as a chef, diner, waiter, etc. (empathy, understanding diverse social roles)

2. Playing with building blocks:

# Decision-making on building structures/shapes (creative thinking)

# Material selection (cognition, executive ability, flexible thinking)

# Building skills (fine motor skills, concentration)

# Managing failures during the creative process (emotional regulation, resilience)

# Achieving successful creation (self-confidence, sense of fulfilment)

The Importance of Parent-Child Play

Parent-child play not only fosters emotional connections between parents and children, but also strengthens parent-child relationships. Throughout this interaction, parents can stimulate their children’s thinking, nurture imagination, explore abilities, and enhance social skills. Additionally, older children can learn about rules, discipline, and cooperation.