Claudia Rautenbach - Learning Centre

I'm not anti-screen. I'm pro-brain development.

Here's what we're actually losing when choosing screens over movement:

VESTIBULAR SYSTEM (inner ear balance):
* Tree climbing = spatial awareness and risk assessment
* Swinging = rhythm and bilateral coordination
* Rolling down hills = gravitational security and body mapping

PROPRIOCEPTIVE SYSTEM (body awareness):
* Digging in dirt = heavy work for joint stability
* Carrying rocks = strength and motor planning
* Gently wrestling with siblings = force regulation and social boundaries

The child who melts down when the iPad dies? They might not have developed the sensory regulation that comes from varied movement experiences. That's why we need to raise awareness about screens and lack of movement, now more than ever.

“Zebra Question” by Shel Silverstein

I asked the zebra
Are you black with white stripes?
Or white with black stripes?
And the zebra asked me,
Or you good with bad habits?
Or are you bad with good habits?
Are you noisy with quiet times?
Or are you quiet with noisy times?
Are you happy with some sad days?
Or are you sad with some happy days?
Are you neat with some sloppy ways?
Or are you sloppy with some neat ways?
And on and on and on and on
And on and on he went.
I'll never ask a zebra
About stripes
Again.

(A Short Note):
“Zebra Question” is a thought-provoking poem by Shel Silverstein that explores themes of perception, identity, and perspective through a playful conversation between a zebra and the speaker. The zebra asks whether it is black with white stripes or white with black stripes, leading to a deeper reflection on how individuals interpret the world differently.

The poem was published in Shel Silverstein’s famous poetry collection A Light in the Attic in 1981. This collection, known for its whimsical and imaginative poems, is one of Silverstein’s most celebrated works, appealing to both children and adults with its clever use of humor and deeper philosophical insights.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 (PreK-Gr. 1)
https://www.whps.org/uploaded/Offices/Curriculum_Instruction_and_Assessment/Families_-_Academics/Stages_of_Writing_Development.pdf (West Hartford Public Schools)
See below, the developmental stages of writing that are typically represented in a classroom of pre-kindergartners. It is important, as a parent, to know where your child is in this continuum but not to stress over it, as your child will pick up on that stress or anxiety. In this way, you will know how to appropriately support her as a learner. Your child’s teacher is your best support partner in your efforts. Discuss any concerns you have with that teacher. Work together to support your child!

Communication is key 😆

This dad follows his kid's PB&J sandwich instructions very literally 🥪🤣