FROM GARELDA HANS

The story of Tim, his teddy bears and other milestones:

Teddy bears

Everyday the teachers empty the toy box in the centre of the playground. I saw Tim, and many others fight for the same toys on more than one occasion. After three months of fighting, Tim decided to take his teddy bears to creche to end all the animosity amongst his peers. For three to four months, he took his teddy bears to creche and gave it to those who cry or those who did not get a toy. Even though he gave the teddy bears to his peers, he will ask his teacher to place it in his bag after they played with it. So, he reminded me every day to check his bag if the teddy bears were there.

Sharing of food

The latest development is the sharing of food with those who do not have. All parents are expected to provide a healthy snack every day for their child/ren. It was brought to my attention on Friday that Tim shares his yoghurt, fruit and other snacks with some of the children who do not have. There is one girl that he always shares with, but when Tim gets home he will ask us for the same snacks before supper.

Seat belt

Tim is quite aware of his environment and the mechanisms of the car. It was raining a month ago, and I seated him in a passenger seat and not in his car chair. When I sat in the driver's seat of the car, he reminded me I have to put on his seat belt before I start the car. When I did that, he indicated that I have to put my seat belt on as well.

Hanger

Tim also assists with household chores. He will carry the peg bag, pass the washing, give me the correct washing powder (because I use 3 types), throw his dirty laundry in the washing machine and carry his items (pampers or new clothing) to his room. On Monday he hung his hanger on his door. He then realised when you pull the hanger, the door opens. This new development made him open the door and take out his toys that were in his closet.

This is not the first time that Tim finds ways and means to reach a goal. At 3 months and 1 week, he used his right arm to measure the distance between him and a packet of chips. He moved from my side to the end of the bed, using his right arm to see the distance he needs to move/travel to get to the chips. When he reached his goal, he grabbed the chips and threw it in the air...LAUGHING so LOUD. I will never forget the experience.

Praying

Tim started folding his hands before his first birthday. I can still recall the evening when my husband did the table prayer. When we opened our eyes, Tim stood against the fridge with folded hands and trying to balance himself. Besides that, he wants all prayers to be a family prayer. There are times that I need to pray or his dad needs to pray...but Tim would take one of our hands and lead you to the other parent. We need to pray as a family ALL the time. This behaviour and desire occurred before his second birthday.

I hope this explains how proud I am with my child's development. My mother will tell you how he assisted her with finding potatoes in July month. She needed some potatoes to cook food. The potatoes are in the study. After she spoke to him, he took her by the hand and showed her where the potatoes were. She was very surprised!

FROM ANNETTE MOUTON

Hallo Vanessa

Ek is so beindruk met dr Lanser se aanbevelings oor Simon en het alreeds vir hom 'n bestelling gemaak vir sy oë. Dis ook weer 'n "eye opener" om te hoor Simon se indruk is dat ons te besig is, so dis iets waaraan ons beslis alreeds aandag gee.

Simon het beslis sy tyd saam met dr Lanser geniet. Ek vind haar baie professioneel en dis baie insiggewend om te kon hoor waaraan ons alles moet aandag skenk. Baie dankie vir die geleentheid om vir Simon na Dr Arina Lanser te bring. Dit het my sommer oortuig om albei my kinders weer so teen 13-14 jaar te laat toets, aangesien mens potensiële probleme so vinnig optel.

Dra asb ons dank aan haar ook oor.

FROM CHRISTINE DU TOIT

Hi Vanessa

It was a great experience and the information we received is very valuable.Thank you for this service that Practica provides. It surely adds value.

FROM HERMIEN VAN DER MERWE

Dear Vanessa,

I was extremely satisfied with the appointment with Dr. Arina last Wednesday.

She did an excellent assessment in such a short time. She immediately picked up that there is an attention issue, and that the first root cause might be that Jani was possibly not hearing well at the time due to fluids in her ear, since she was also off balance. She picked up on this without any of my inputs.

I had Jani at the pediatrition, who referred me to the ear surgeon that same afternoon, and Dr Arina’s assessment was spot on.That same evening at 20h she had the operation for grommets. The drained a large amount of fluid as part of the operation, but the grommets also assisted with the rest of the drainage up to Saterday.

I am so grateful for Dr Arina’s inputs. Who knows what would have happened if we did not pick up on it soon enough? The surgeon did indicate that she should not have any permanent hearing damage, but we will have it tested before she starts grade R.

Thank you Dr Arina for the difference that you made to our lives – keep up the good work.

FROM JEAN HAZLITT

Sean is now 2 years and 7 months old. He started school in January and attends morning only. He has already move up to the older class as they mentioned that his fine motor skills are very well developed. He knows all his colours and can now count up to 19.

I must say he has great fun playing with his Practica set. He does have toys in his room, but he likes to go and fetch games to play out of his Practica box.

I can’t tell you which is his favourite as each week he is picking something new. This week it’s the pegs in a hole.

Thank you for convincing me it was a great investment and now my sister and her 5 month old have got theirs too.

FROM SUSAN BOTHA

My seun, Derick geniet sy practica program nog vreeslik baie. Baie dankie.

FROM KARIEN

Hi Vanessa

It was good to see you at the show last week. Herewith the photo’s as promised - Kayla takes Louis to her room every night after supper to play with her Practica set (luckily the two of them are both neat freaks and it is neatly packed away at the end of play).

FROM NADIA PIETERSE

Hi Vanessa

Dit gaan regtig goed met ons seuntjie, Andries, hy raak Augustus 2 jaar oud. Ons doen nog elke dag van die practica oefeninge. Hy het so ontwikkel, ek kan dit self nie glo nie. Hy is baie oplettend, tel baie gou woorde en gebeure rondom hom op. Hy gesels al lekker en se hoe hy voel. Ek is seker Practica het ‘n groot bydra gemaak, saam met ouma’s, oupa’s, ouers, tannies, ooms en sy oppasser wat lekker met hom gesels en vir hom dingetjies leer.

FROM ELSIE HANYANE

Hi Vanessa

we love the Practica activities! Its really helped me bond with Lwazi and be more aware of his milestones & development.

FROM CECILE

This is Hannah Laura, an exceptionally happy toddler. She lives at the foothills of Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania and her favorite pastime is foraging for new specimens of insects, spiders or caterpillars to be kept in a glass jar for observation for the day.

Karibu sana! (Swahili for you are most welcome)

Thank you for doing such a great job. They always say: babies do not come with a manual, but your guidance makes the experience so much more fun and rewarding.

Keep it up.

FROM EMMERENTIA VAN DER MERWE

Hi Vanessa

Ons het Practica in Augustus laasjaar gekoop. My seuntjie Stefan geniet dit baie. Ons dogtertjie is toe die 17de Oktober 2010 gebore en haar naam is Leané. Eintlik is ek so spyt dat ek nie met my seuntjie Practica van die begin kon gedoen het nie. Dit is so lekker om te sien hoe hulle ontwikkel.

FROM MARYKE SYMINGTON

Liewe Lizette

Ons het vandag Daniel & Alexys se vorderingsverslae van die Kleuterskool ontvang & ek kan eenvoudig nie stilbly nie! Hulle verslae is UITSTEKEND! Ek is so dankbaar vir die Practica program se hulp, jou hulp & ag ... sommer almal wat die Here oor ons pad gestuur het tot nou toe. Ek doen nie eens elke dag oefeninge uit die Practica program nie & ek kan reeds die verskil
sien tussen ons kinders & kinders wat nie die Practica blootstelling het nie.

Sedert verlede jaar het ek met Alexys begin knip - sy was Saterdag 3 jaar oud. Toe ek vanmiddag met haar onderwyseres gesels oor haar handgreep ens. toe is juffrou baie verbaas dat sy al knip! Juffrou begin eers knip in die laaste kwartaal net so voor die skole sluit.

So Lizette, BAIE dankie vir al jou moeite & energie wat jy insit wat ons nie eens sien of bewus van is nie. Sommer vir almal wat by die program betrokke is : 'n GROOT dankie! Die Practica program is werklik die geld & tyd saam met ons kinders werd.

Seen op julle handewerk!
Maryke Symington

FROM ANINE
Hi Lzette

Ai, ek dink enige ma sal maklik kan gesels oor hoe oulik hul kind is.
:-) En ek sien die oumas is net so trots op hul kleinkinders. :-)

Ek was 'n Business/Systems analyst by Discovery Health toe ek swanger was met Jana. Ek en my man het besluit dat dit die beste is vir ons kind as ek bedank en voltyds by die huis is. Dit was so opwindend, maar terselfde tyd baie intimiderend omdat ek geen idee gehad het wat om met 'n baba te doen nie. Gee vir my 'n projek en laat ek 'n specification skryf vir die sagteware developers. Maar wat doen ek met 'n baba? Dis waar ek so dankbaar was en steeds is oor Practica. Dit was my redding en 'n wonderlike hulpbron om my baba te verstaan en om idees te kry wat ek elke maand met haar kan doen en wat ek van haar kan verwag.

Jana het sommer al op 8 maande begin praat. Op 10 maande kon sy al die dieregeluide maak. En op 'n jaar kon sy 2 tot 3 woord sinne praat. Sy sal byvoorbeeld wakker word in die nag en huil en in haar bedjie regop sit en sê: "Jana dosh, tee". Dan weet ek sy is dors. :-) Sy was ook net mooi 'n jaar oud toe sy vir my kon sê as sy bang of skaam is. Dit is sulke abstrakte terme maar sy het presies geweet wat dit beteken en wanneer sy so voel. Jana het 'n groot liefde vir nommers, vorms, en syfers. Ek onthou toe sy een jaar oud geword het, het ek in my Practica leêr gekyk hoe sy gaan ontwikkel en watter speletjies ek met haar kan speel. Ek sien toe dat hulle sê dat 'n mens al vir 'n 1-jarige kind moet leer van 'n sirkel omdat hulle dit later gaan gebruik soos hul ouer word. Ek maak altyd notas wat kortliks opgesom is en plak dit teen my yskas sodat my man ook kan sien wat ek op die oomblik met Jana doen en dat hy ook idees kry vir speletjies met haar. Toe ek weer sien het my man vir Jana al die vorms geleer - insluitende ovaal, silinder, vyfhoek, ens. Ek was sommer vies want ek het geweet hy gaan haar net deurmekaar maak. Maar ek was so verbaas om te sien hoe maklik dit vir haar is om dit te onthou en hoe sy dit geniet.

Sy was 1 jaar en 4 maande, toe kon sy tot 10 tel en ook die nommers van 1 tot 10 op papier herken as jy dit vir haar skryf. Sy het 10 kleure geken sonder om 'n fout te maak, sy het al haar vorms geken, en sy het sommer kort stukkies dialoog uit haar leesboeke begin opsê. Sy is mal oor boeke en lees. Ek het eenkeer in 'n artikel gelees oor wanneer kinders reg is om te leer lees. Die artikel het genoem dat 'n kind reg is om te leer lees as hulle vir jou vra: "wat staan daar?". Jana was 22 maande toe sy vir my eendag vra, mamma, wat staan daar? Ek het amper op my rug geval. Sy was 18 maande oud toe sy verstaan wat 'n rooilig en 'n groenlig beteken by 'n robot. Dan raak sy sommer ongeduldig en sê: "Kom groenlig, kom! Ons wil ry!".

Ek sien dat Practica sê dat 'n 2-jarige kind basies tot 2 kan tel as hulle objekte moet tel. Hulle het 'n begrip van wat 1 is. En 2 verteenwoordig objekte van 2 of enige iets meer as 2 is steeds 2 vir hulle. Jana kan baie mooi objekte tel tot 20 as sy moet. Ek het ook al begin om met haar van die wiskunde speletjies te doen vir 4-jarige kinders.

As dit nie vir Practica was nie het ek nie geweet hoe om my kind te stimuleer nie. En ek sou nooit besef het hoeveel areas van ontwikkeling daar is om aan te werk nie. Een voorbeeld waaraan ek nou
kan dink is om byvoorbeeld jou kind te leer om te luister. Hoe baie ouers leer vandag hulle kinders om te luister? Ons aanvaar dat dit maar net iets is wat hulle moet kan doen.

Buiten Jana se belangstelling vir syfers en letters is sy 'n baie sagte en liefdevolle en sensitiewe tipe kind. Sy sal in die middae na my man toe hardloop as hy by die huis kom en sy arms om hom gooi en
sê: "Pappa, oeee, pappa, ek het jou so verlang!". En as haar ouma hier wegry na 'n kuier sal sy by die hekkie staan en waai en sê: "Ouma, moet my nie vergeet nie, asseblief, ouma". Sy is ook oor die algemeen 'n baie gehoorsame dogtertjie en maklik om te dissiplineer. Sy leer vir my wat dit is om weer te glimlag en sag en liefdevol te wees. Ons het nog 'n babadogtertjie ryker geword in Desember laas jaar. Ek was iewers bietjie emosioneel en het op die bank gesit en saggies gehuil en so bietjie by my man afgepak. Jana het buite gespeel. Die volgende oomblik hoor ek 'n stemmetjie daar buite wat sê: "Agge nee mamma, ons moenie huil en hartseer word nie. Ons moet bly wees!" Ek het so deur
die trane uitgebars van die lag. Sy het my dag gemaak! :-)

Ek het Jana se foto en sommer ons gesinsfoto ook hierby aangeheg.

Lekker dag verder!

FROM SERAH HAVENGA

Hi Vanessa!

Hierby aangeheg is die foto's van Annerie & Nico. Dit gaan goed aan die kant en die twee geniet al die speel.

Lekker dag en goed gaan!

Groete,

Serah Havenga

FROM CHARLOTTE SWANEPOEL

I only found out about Practica when Cara was almost 7 months old - I was very upset not knowing about this program earlier!!
Practica opened a new world for us...being parents is a HUGE responsibility and being a full-time mom I have this constant "guilty" feeling in the back of my head. You want to give your child the best start in life you possibly can and with Practica I feel empowered to do so. The age-appropriate activities enable us to interact with Cara on her level and seeing how she reacts and enjoys it is the best thing in the world! The best part for me is that even if I only have 15 minutes on a day to play with her, I know I'm using that time in the best possible way to help her develop.

I am priviledged to have a full-time nanny at home taking care ofCara. Muriel is an angel and the two of them get on like a house on fire. Muriel is also playing some of the games with her during the day.

In fact I am so impressed with Practica that I have recently become the Practica representative in Somerset West.

FROM NIKI STEENKAMP

This is Alexander. He's 17months old now and we've been using Practica since he was 3 months old. He loves the Practica games and there's never a boring moment in our day. Even Alexander's dad loves playing the games that I write down for him from the Practica folder. He was at a bit of a loss in the beginning and would not have known how to entertain a little baby if it wasn't for Practica. We like that we know how to talk to Alexander at his level and how to stimulate him without ever having to try very hard. It's also nice to know that the games we're playing are exactly the right ones for his age. People often tell me how advanced he is for his age and I only have Practica to thank for that. You would never think that he was a prem baby.

I'm a full time mom and I just know that if I didn't have the Practica program, I would have put him in school as I would not have known how to stimulate him and we would have gotten bored with each other. Now I get to spend all day with him and I actually enjoy every moment!

Alexander is very good with pointing out the right pictures from the PICTURE SET and it blows my mind how quickly he learned these. He also loves the games where I hide stuff and he has to find them. At the moment we seldom use the toys in the box but when we do, it's a big thing for him and he gets super excited!!

I have recently become the Practica representative in Langebaan and would love to come and show you how Practica can assist you with playing with your child.

Regards,Niki Steenkamp

FROM LIZETTE

I must say we are still so happy with our Practica and can really see the difference it makes. Tessa is now 2 years and 3 months old and her language abilities are incredible. Tessa has now also got a little brother, Stian. He is now 6 months old and is also benefitting from the Practica advice J. It’s also interesting to note how kids differ…. Some of the games Tessa loved as a baby is not enjoyed as much by Stian and he prefers other games (especially ball games!!) Not sure if it’s a boy-girl thing or the fact that kids just love different things.

FROM JOLENE SCHOEMAN

Ons het 5 jaar terug die practica program gekoop en alhoewel dit op daardie
stadium 'n uitgawe was wat ons nie regtig kon bekostig nie, is ons nog nie
'n dag spyt nie. My seuntjie is nou 5 en die 'goed in die kis' is sy
gunsteling speelgoed!

FROM MARSHIE EFRAT

Beau is 11 months now and we have been following the programme very well. We have a new au pair, Holly and she is working full time. We absolutely love the Practica CD and play it often.

FROM PAULINE NEL

Baie dankie vir hierdie, ek het die leesstof nou SO BAIE geniet en vind dit ongelooflik waardevol. Baie dankie vir die uitstekende werk wat jy doen. Elke keer as ek jou bel dan kan ek sommer in jou stem hoor hoe 'n groot passie jy vir kinders & opvoeding het. Dit is wonderlik om te kan weet dat ek vir jou kan bel vir raad/ondersteuning. Ek het al vir so baie mense vertel van die ongelooflike Practica program en alles wat dit al vir Carlin (en vir my & Richus) beteken het!

Ek sien baie uit om jou te ontmoet en te gesels by die Toddler sense seminaar (Kelvin Grove) die 16de!!! Ek het ook 'n vriendin saamgenooi wat nog nie by Practica aangesluit het nie, hopelik nadat sy jou ontmoet het en hoor praat het besluit hulle ook om dit aan te koop :-)

Sal jy groot asb vir my aanteken om hierdie nuusbriewe te ontvang (wat op die blogspot geplaas word)? Ek sal dit baie waardeer! Sien jou vlgde Saterdag. Geniet jou naweek! PS: Carlin is nou 13 maande oud (8 September 2009 gebore), sien foto aangeheg asb...dit is op haar 1ste verjaarsdag partytjie geneem...sy het op 5 maande gekruip en op 9 maande geloop...'n lekker woelige enetjie :-)

FROM WILLA BISSCHOFF

I would just like to thank you for your blog!

It has become a hilight in my week, after reading your blogs about Daddy and his involvement it really gave me some extra inspiration and shifted our focus back onto what is important to our little one.

In the day and age we live in we can often forget how much an unexpected kiss or bedtime story can mean to the little ones. After reading your blog (separately) on “Dad’s Manual” we had an amazingly memorable hour with our son on Friday night, we just played with him, chased him around the house, kissed his tummy and just laughed!

This reminded us that he doesn’t need to have all the extra we struggle to afford all he needs is Mommy and Daddy to love him (and some cookies.)

And as for me, the blog has made Practica (although I follow the program religiously) almost a person in our home ( “Practica said…”) and now feels like we bought our own parenting couch / inspiration instead of just a file and box of toys!

Thank you so much!

FROM ANGELA GSELL

We are trying our best to incorporate Practica into Sebastian’s routine,which is proving beneficial.

FROM JUNINE PRINS

Michiel Prins from Stellenbsch.

FROM DIANI SMIT

Here is a photo of Daniella for you.

FROM KARIEN ROUX

Here are a few pics of Kayla. She is doing very well! And I have to brag about her fine motoring skills – as I believe they are great! She can easily stack blocks on top of one another that fit into one another. And she can without even looking at what she is doing!! Pick up sweet corn (cut from the cob) and peas out of a container.

I have to admit that I do not always have the energy to unpack the Practica box in the evenings so we play mostly on weekends with the blocks and the picture set. But there are a few things that are always on hand. The animal set is great – I make up, or if I know a nursery rhyme for the particular animal we will recite it! For example the elephant – the Afrikaans rhyme – Oom Olifant – ha ha ha. It has happened that I was saying this rhyme in Pick & Pay the other day as she saw a picture of an elephant and said ha ha ha! We (I) also hop like bunnies and it is hilarious to watch her try and copy me.

Kayla has a great love for music and she picks the xylophone first every time. She will even try and make her own music. We also listen to the CD in the car and she has no problem travelling when I put her CD on.

And her art work is exquisite!

FROM LISA RYSER

Hi Vanessa

Here is a picture of Aurora.

FROM MIEKE SCHULTZ

Jani is now 8months old and on the program for 6months.

She is doing really well and enjoying the "games and activities"

I can definitely see a difference in the stuff she can do in comparison to other kids her age.

 

FROM LUCY

Frankie Focus helped London with his gorgeous smile!

And the Practica System is already helping with London as he is very intelligent and loves being stimulated!

London van Vught is 3 months old on 31 August!

FROM ANNIE DE VILLIERS OF JELLI BEANZ HOME TUTORING

Hallo Vanessa

Just a short note to let you know that I am using Practica in my school. The quality of the material is outstanding! 15 Years ago I have also used Practica intensively with my first born. In fact, we were one of the first users of Practica. I incorporate Practica cognitively as well as a motoric program for gross motor development. The results we achieve are very satisfying. I will send you pictures in the near future!

Have a blessed day!

 

FROM NATALIA AND JUSTIN

The funniest thing in Kingsley's world this week is to put the bean bag on Mummy's head and scream with laughter when it falls off, shouting "BOOM" as it hit's the ground while excitedly clapping his hands together. He also loves to unpack the animal set with daddy... and the picture board set... and the construction set... and the entire contents of anything that can be pulled out and strewn behind him!

 

 

FROM DIANA

Hi Vanessa

Here’s a picture of my little, very bright, almost 2yr old going to 22yr old. She tells everyone she’s 22! It’s a long story but everyone says she’s such a clever little girl who talks up a storm and was fully potty trained at 21mths already. We thank Practica for all the information and guide to raising my bright little jelly bean!

1 September she starts with a play group so that she can interact with other children for half the day. We hope all goes well.

FROM SUSAN BOTHA

My seuntjie Derick is nou 18 maande en ons geniet die practica program nog vreeslik baie.

Baie dankie.

FROM ESTI ERASMUS

Dear Practica,

This letter is a really heartfelt and HUGE thank you for what your program has offered us (and I say US as it was not only amazing for Ameri but it had a HUGE impact on our life as parents!)

Since the first moment we started with Practica (almost 5 years ago!) it opened a whole new world to us. I always said to my husband (in our still anticipating children days!) I wish children came with a manual! Well, in all honesty I think Practica is the manual I referred to! Not only did we know what to expect and when to expect it - we also made optimum use of our time with Ameri and knew everything we did was beneficial to her growth - not only intellectually but also emotionally.

I always said all I want is a happy child - now I not only have a happy, well-balanced and amazing child, I always have a very intelligent and inquisitive little girl.

The evaluation at 4 ½ years was a great milestone in our Practica journey. As parents you follow the guidelines, do the exercises and play the games….but…..is it really making a difference? The answer is VERY simple…….YES!!!!!!!

Dr. Arina Lanser was absolutely amazing. She has such an intimate knowledge about children and how their minds think and work - it amazed me how easily Ameri opened up and "played" with Dr. Lanser to complete the evaluation. The feedback was immediate (we could adjust where needed without delay!) and an in-depth detailed report followed shortly after. The evaluation is definitely worth every cent paid for the program!

To make a long story short (I could go on for AGES about the benefits of this program!!) Practica enabled us to raise a confident child with an emotional and intellectual ability far beyond her age. We are just parents - most probably like anyone reading this letter - we make mistakes, we are often clueless and we do the best we can….but (another but!)….with Practica I can be more than just the best mom I can be - I can be what my child needs me to be to develop in all aspects of her life - I can be Supermom (Okay - maybe not SUPERMOM!) - but I can be better than just good, even better than the best - I can be a Practica mom !

Thank you Practica for an amazing program - we LOVE it!

Kind Regards
Esti Erasmus (aka SUPERMOM J)

P.s. If you don't have it - GET it - your life will change FOREVER!!

FROM MARTIN AND EILEEN DE BEER

Kon nie help om aan jou te dink toe ek die fotos geneem het nie. Niemand kan se ons kinders gebruik nie Practica nie.
Die tweeling het 30 Mei al een geword en hulle hou nou vir ons baie besig maar is terselftertyd die grootste blessing en plesier.
Sit nie meer vir 'n oomblik stil nie. Nie eers winkel toe gaan is meer dieselfde nie. Antonie het begin loop op 10 maande en Isabella 'n maand na hom. Ons sal seker die inhoud van die houtboks nou meer begin gebruik. Tot nou toe is hulle vordering mooi in lyn met die handleiding. Hoop andersins gaan dit goed by julle.

FROM VASH AND RUS PILLAY

I very much value the input from Dr Lanser. Her evaluation was thorough and the discussion which followed was informative and a valuable tool to us as parents. We have been seeing evidence of Mikeya being fairly advanced for some time now, and it was fantastic to have this expressed on an unbiased and measurable scale. Dr Lanser's feedback helped us decide on a plan of action geared towards best realising Mikeya's potential. She was clear and concise, and put many aspects regarding Mikeya's education into perspective, making it much easier for us to identify key areas that need to be made a priority.

Thank you Practica for this invaluable service!!

FROM HERMIEN

From left to right - Sofia (2), Ignatius (6 mths) and Jani (3y6mnths) van der Merwe - taken in January 2010.

 

FROM BISCHOFF AND NICOLETTE

Dit gaan goed die kant. Ons wonderwerkie is laasweek Dinsdag gebore. 16 Maart. Sy naam is Eben en hy het 3,78kg geweeg en is 52 cm lank. Dit gaan ook maar rof die kant. Nicolette het ‘n keisersnee gekry en het maar nog pyn en dit gaan ook bietjie seer met die borsvoeding. Geniet die aangehegde fotos.

 

FROM LINDIE VAN WYK

I think the evaluation was excellent. I really felt I could verbalise my fears and worries, as well as proudness with Arina. She is also very good with the little ones and I found it quite amazing that Elske opened up so easily, since she normally loses her tongue when we are with strangers!

She is very receiving and really has a gift to explain something to such an extent that it really is easy for me to understand. She is very patient!

The whole evaluation put me in a spot where I can understand my child better and feel I will be able to deal better with certain circumstances in future. It is also nice to hear that some things we do right, it gives me as a parent more confidence in myself.

FROM KOTHAR

Firstly, thank you so much for the opportunity provided by Practica for the evaluation.

I was really impressed by Dr Arina and the way everything was conducted. And her immense insight and experience in her field. She told me things I would never have known or picked up and she was spot on in other areas of Afnaan's abilities and personality. I think it's really important for every child to visit an Educational Psychologist before Gr1 and I'm really glad I attended. I've already recommended her to a close friend.

FROM THERESE WIBORG

Both Deon and I found Dr Arina’s evaluation of Emily to be right on target. She had never met Emily before and had no prior knowledge of Emily’s history, personality, likes, dislikes, etc. Despite that , it was clear from her feedback that she understood our little girl very well! After she had spent time with Emily she called my husband and I in for a discussion and the feedback was amazing. She highlighted areas that we need to focus our attention on and gave us valuable insight into Emily’s emotional needs and what we could do to assist her where she may need help. Emily is an introvert by nature and yet she chatted away to Dr Arina as if she was her very best friend which Deon and I both found surprising. Dr Arina clearly is a natural with children and we were very pleased we had the evaluation done. She took time to answer all of our questions and was patient, very clear in her analysis and we feel that we now know we are on the right track as parents and that is a huge relief as Emily is our first and only child and as parents you tend to second guess yourself.

Our Practica set and handbook has assisted us tremendously with mapping the milestones in Emily’s growth and we know it will continue to do so. Thank you to the entire Practica team for making us feel that we are part of something very special!

TIMMY HANS

Timmy sitting up, and chilling on his bed.

FROM TRACEY KALANDA

I'm really enjoying Practica, thank you! It has already helped me so much and I do feel much more confident!

FROM NOEL MICHEL

Here is Keagan (7 wks) fast asleep next to his faithful friend "Franki" (our Focus card) on Christmas Day and one taken last week at 4 1/2 months.

 

FROM INGE AND LOHAN
We are thoroughly enjoying Practica together.

Michail is blossoming, and even though I know I shouldn't, I asked a few friends with older babies about what their children are doing, and I am happy to report he is advancing well. He can grasp with one hand, change an object from hand to hand, and clap hands.

Thank you again, Practica is wonderful.

FROM FRANCOIS AND MARISKA

Yes, everything is still going very well and we are very pleased with our investment. Dante is responding very well to most of stimulation provided by the Practica set.

FROM JOY

Hi Vanessa

I am pleased to say that Jordan has progressed to Grade 1 this year at Muizenberg Junior and has adapted well.

I am pleased to report that he is a happy child.

Thank you for all your input in Jordan's development.

FROM ROCHELL AND CONRAD KEYSER

Practica has been an INVALUABLE SOS for us since we got the programme when he was 8 months old. I love the activities and I see the difference between him and other toddlers especially those who stay at home with their moms. I also now see (hindsight is always perfect vision!) the area’s where he still needs to develop and could have if we did a few more of the physical activities with him from a younger more pliable age.

You’ve always been angelically patient and understanding. I find your advice wholesome and easy to receive as it echoes our intuition as parents. It also favours both the parents and baby/toddler, which is exactly what we need in trying to find the ever evasive “balance” in today’s lifestyle.

What stands out most to me is the advice we received about bonding to dad and not being so mamma vas. We were also referred to the lifechanging Baby Love programme by Practica and received fantastic reassurance after our first night of sleep training that we were not destroying our cherub forever, which enabled us to see the process through and reap the sweet reward of a child who for the first time after two years is able to fall asleep unassisted and stay asleep through the night.

THANK YOU !!!!

 

FROM KARIEN AND LOUIS

Here are the latest pics of Kayla – taken Saturday – one day before she turned 8 months! She is small but tough. You will have to come and visit to see how see is “reading” a book, she flips the pages and then stares at the new pictures for a short while then she turns the page again! Just too cute!! I help by loosening the pages of course: if I don’t she flips the entire book.

FROM SANTIE

Hi Vanessa,

Stuur binnekort vir jou 'n update, wou net die volgende vertel. Jeandre en Adrian is hierdie jaar gesplit in hulle skooltjie in 2 klassies. Almal is natuurlik geskok hieroor en vra my gedurig hoe ek dit kan toelaat. Die rede hieragter was egter dat hulle altwee hulle eie identiteit kan opbou, want soos dit mos nou maar gaan, was hulle bekend as die tweeling. Het vanoggend vir Adrian se juffrou gevra hoe dit gaan met hom en was aangenaam verras met haar antwoord. Sy se baie goed en se dat hy kop en skouers bo die ander kindertjies uitstaan in haar klas.
Het ook gevra of ons enige spesiale speletjies met hom speel by die huis. Lekker ne!!! 'n Mamma was nog nooit so trots nie. Moet nog met Jeandre se juffrou ook praat.

Groete
Santie

FROM ANTONETTE KRUGER

Wikus was in 2006, ses weke te vroeg gebore. Destyds het die kliniek suster vir my gesê dat my kind ‘n agterstand sal hê omdat hy so vroeg gebore was. Ons het die Practica Program gekoop toe ek swanger was met hom. Dit was absoluut die beste belegging wat ons nog ooit gemaak het!

Wikus is nou 3 jaar oud. Hy vorder verskriklik goed met die visuele & motoriese stimulasie. Sy skool rapport einde 2009 bevestig dat Wikus chronologies gevorderd is vir sy ouderdomsgroep.

Ons kan met trots sê dat sy stimulering & ontwikkeling te danke is aan die Practica sisteem.

Baie dankie

 

Ek sal vir jou die foto'tjies van my kinders later stuur. ek stuur solank my inputs oor Practica. Ek verwys na ons gesprek vanoggend op die telefoon. Ek wil net vir jou terugvoering gee oor Practica, dit is n fantastiese produk. Ek het toe my eerste dogtertjie omtrent so n jaar oud was n stel Practica gekoop.

Sy is nou 11 jaar oud en my tweede dogtertjie 8 jaar. Ek was verskriklik passievol oor Practica en het omtrent elke dag die speletjies met hulle gespeel. Ek het selfs die lokomotoriese program gedoen met hulle. Vandag pluk ek die vrugte daarvan. Dit was heerlik om te sien hoe hulle alles bemeester. EK moet se dit het my verhouding met hulle baie versterk. Hulle was altyd gelukkig en tevrede, want hulle het altyd aandag gekry. Ek werk voltyds, maar het elke aand en naweke tyd gemaak om speletjies met hulle te speel.

My oudste dogtertjie Chavonne is in graad 5 en haar skool punte is uitstekend.Sy kry omtrent vir al haar vakke in die 90's en hoe 80's. Die lekkerste van als is dat haar luistervaardighede verskriklik goed ontwikkel het danksy Practica. Haar juffrou het verlede kwartaal vir my gese dat Chavonne die enigste kind in haar klas is wat altyd volpunte of een verkeerd het in haar luister assessering/toetse. Ek was baie trots, maar ek sou dit nie op my eie kon doen nie, dis Practica wat vir my al die inligting gegee het in die leer, watter spesifieke speletjies om te speel. So haar punte is hoog sonder veel moeite. Sy het ook n groot liefde vir lees, waarvoor ek baie dankbaar is.

My ander dogtertjie van 8 jaar oud, Audine het verlede kwartaal by die huis gekom met n rapport wat my uitgeboul het. SY het vir haar Numeracy n 4, haar Afrikaans n 4, Engels n 4. Sy het vir haar Life Skills n 3 gekry.(Ek weet nie of hulle al in graad 2 n 4 kan kry vir Life skills nie. Ek was in elk geval baie bly oor die goeie rapport aangesien hulle 30 kinders in die klas is en die juffrou werk teen n verskriklike vinnige
tempo. Sy doen meeste van die tye haar huiswerk onafhanklik. Sy bring net haar huiswerk boek vir my om te teken.

Practica leer jou kinders om n liefde aan te kweek vir leer. Want deur die speletjies wat hulle speel, leer hulle eintlik outomaties nuwe
vaardighede, en dis vir hulle n groot "achievement" as hulle dit regkry. Die ander belangrike ding wat ek net wil noem wat Practica ook besonders maak het my dogtertjie se juffrou my weereens laat besef. Sy het gese Chavonne is omtrent die enigste kind in haar klas wat baie goed vaar met "al"haar vakke. Gewoonlik sien sy kinders vaar baie goed met omtrent so 3 of 4 vakke en kry dan n gemiddelde punt vir sy ander vakke. Maar jou Practica kind is verskriklik goed ontwikkel op al die leerareas, en dis wat Practica so besonders maak.

Maar een ding wat ek wil beklemtoon is dat ouers moet probeer om ten minste elke dag of 4-5 keer n week speletjies te speel. DIs so maklik maak net jou leer oop, lees n speletjie en speel. Jou kind leer nuwe vaardighede en hy kry jou aandag.(wat baie belangrik is in ons stukkende
wereld van vandag).

Ek het ook Practica verkoop jare gelede. Ek het so 9 stelle verkoop. My man het vir my gese "o jy gaan sukkel want dit is duur." Maar ek het nie, want ek kon vir die mense se dat ek self n Practica kind het.EK speel ook elke dag speletjies met haar, en dit werk regtig.

From SABINE AMM

Christina is almost fourteen months old now and enjoying her Practica activities!

From ANGELIQUE NIEUWOUDT

Dit gaan baie goed met ons al 3. Aangeheg is die foto’s waar Josua tog te lekker simbale slaan met die foeliebakkies. (6maande). Die tyd gaan so gou verby – hy is al 7 en ‘n half maande oud en ons spog al met twee tande!

From MONIQUE van NIEKERK

Mia is 9 months old now and has been using Practica since 3 months old. My little angel is getting so clever and definitely having Practica in our lives as a family as made all the difference! One does not always know what to do with little ones and which games are age appropriate and so Practica has helped us tremendously in the matter. As Mia reaches the end of every month, we all get very excited to see “what is in store for Mia” in Practica as she grows a month older!. To make our lives easier and make sure that we play Practica as much as possible with her, what I have done every month is work through the month pages, selecting a few of the great activities, typing them up, adding some colour and then sticking the squares of Practica Activities all over the Lounge (which is now officially Mia’s playroom J). SO when we all sit the lounge or have some floor time, the Practica games are all around us to read and implement. At 9 months, Mia can clap hands, kiss mommy when I ask, cheers with her sippy cup and Oupa’s beer, give daddy a High 5, eat finger foods with no problem, crawl, stand and move along ALL the furniture, climb on top of her Practica Box without help J and say mama, dada and baba. Thank you again for introducing our family to Practica! An investment we will always be happy about.”

PS – The messy photo is of Mia playing her Practica Game – Exploring different foods and textures (cornflakes and sticky ice-cream) Was lots of sticky and messy fun.

From JEAN HAZLITT

While I can't believe that he is already 7 months. It was just the other day you came to visit me. Sean has been keeping us extremely busy. The box of tricks does help to keep the active mind happy.

When we went to the Doc for his 6 months check up, the doc was very impressed with his motor skills. At that stage he was rolling all over the place and had learnt to leopard crawl. Now only a month later, he is motoring around on his stomach. He as started to go up on all fours, but finds if much quicker to leopard crawl. However our new thing is that he as decided that walking is more fun.

He crawls so any object that is high enough and then pulls himself up until he can stand. Windowsills are his best as he can see outside. His favourite game is when we sit on the floor and roll a ball to him. He thinks he is throwing it back, but it is more like hitting it back.

Everyone says he is very advanced for his age, I just say that he is working things out at his own speed.

From ESTI ERASMUS

Dear Practica

I would like to compliment you on this FANTASTIC system you developed! I've been using the Practica system with my daughter from the age of 3 months! It has been astounding.

Not only does the program assist me on what I need to do to develop all the different skills to have a stunning future but it really helped me in the early developmental stages on when I can expect crawling, sitting and even smiling (First time mommies tend to want to know these things!!) Not only that, with the help of Practica we have a well-balanced, HAPPY daughter (practica advise on how to discipline and incorporate changes in their little lives!) that is willing to take on anything in life.

If I compare my daughter (which we should NEVER do!!!) to her peers she is MUCH more inquisitive and eager to learn and adapts to changes easily and without fret. Her language abilities astonish us each day and this is due to the fact that Practica teaches you from day one to incorporate language skills in their daily routine. Even as small babies you learn to speak in a way that will help them build sentences and read later in life. She would, at age 3, use sentences like: "Don't you think this perfect turquoise sky needs fluffy clouds and a rainbow".

Attached is a photo of a book she has been playing with at 30 months. We have been playing with her and teaching her she can wipe it of when done. She came strolling into the kitchen two nights later: "Look what I wrote Mommy!" At two and 1/2 I was dumb smacked!!! We learned that in grade 1!!

Only one thing left to say:

IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PRACTICA - GET ONE!!!!!!! it really makes the world of difference. If you don't believe me, mail me and I'll talk to you about shat it has taught me and my child and my family!

Greetings
Esti Erasmus

From LIZETTE VAN NIEKERK

Thank you very much for introducing us to the Practica Program. We are really enjoying working and playing with Tessa using this program. We have really been surprised by how many of the things one does with babies, you instinctively do, but it has been very helpful in knowing which things we should continue doing as they have educational value. Tessa will be one year old on the 26th of July and we are so glad that we have started using the program with her from a very young age. She stays with my mom during the day and my mom then also uses the program with her during the day.

 

From LEZA and JOHAN van HEERDEN.

Hello Vanessa,

We are very happy with the Practica! I can already see the effect that the very easy and enjoyable games are having on my daughter Lara! Lara loves the interaction and the activities that we do with her. Best investment we could have made for her so far!

Thank you very much!

From LOUISE BEZUIDENHOUT

I am just starting to read 1.3 "2 months old". So far I have made the paper plate with the bells and I've played the zylophone from the box and had some fun! I am attaching a few photos of Amelie, enjoy! She is 8 weeks old on Wednesday and going for her first injections!

From ANGELIQUE NIEUWOUDT

Baie dankie vir WEEREENS uitstekende diens!! Jy verdien ‘n medalje.

Josua is al 3md’e oud – amper 4, en die suster is baie in haar skik met sy vordering (op die maag le ens)

Aangeheg is ‘n foto wat onlangs in die Bosveld geneem is.

Liefde groete

 

From TARRYN JENNEKER

Hi there, I must say, i'm thoroughly enjoying Practica and so is Gian. he actually ends up laughing when we do some of the activities. Thank you guys so much for providing such a wonderful learning experience.

From ANGELIQUE STRAUSS - "A Happy Mom"

Hi Vanessa,

Myself and Rachel are really enjoying Practica. Its wonderful to see her developing in her different stages. Some things take a little longer than others to grasp, but she is doing great! She loves building and breaking down games. I'll stack/build something and she'll knock it over. She also loves to just explore her world, sit and stare (she does that quite often), unpacking things, popping bubbles, tearing paper and she loves the xylophone.

Today she started walking thanks to the 'popping bubbles with your forefinger' game. She took three steps, I was so excited! I am happy we got Practica for her and the rest of our children. It's a really good investment to make.

 

From HAMED BEHAIRY

Practica is the best investment we have ever made for our daughters. It is the perfect way to unite the whole family in a very fun way. The most important element is the structure. There is a structure in place to avoid concentrating on some skills and ignore others. For more than two years now, we still find it very interesting. My daughters come to me and ask me to play with them. You will never run out of ideas on what to do with your little ones. There is always new excitement and new skills to develop. The whole family loves Practica.

From MONIQUE VAN NIEKERK

Dear Vanessa,

Here is a photo of your “latest” practica baby !

I have already started implementing some of the activities today during our new “practica play time”. Mia is already doing things that I did not know she was capable of doing, like holding something in her hand and taking it straight to her mouth.

 

From HILMA & VERINA SMIT

Dear Vanessa

Tristan is now almost 3 weeks old, born 11/02/2009.

It’s still very early days, but I have to say that we are extremely happy to have bought the Practica system. Even at this early stage the system has really helped us to locate all the reflex actions and he really settles down during the massage that Practica so brilliantly explains.

 

From JANINE BRANFORD

Hi Vanessa. I thought I would just pop an email to say how much Dylan and myself are still enjoying our Practica. He is now 15 months old…can you believe it. I can’t begin to tell you how much PRACTICA has helped him. His concentration span and social interaction is excellent. He LOVES his container with plastic animals as well as the one with the blocks. I spend half an hour a day picking up blocks. He plays with the Xylophone but I have to be honest…taking it apart seems to be more fun that making music.I have attached a photo of Dylan for you. I am 7 months pregnant and can’t wait to get my new baby started on the program too. Thank you for the difference Practica has made to my child and his future!

From DEBBIE DE LANGE

Hi Vanessa

Yes I receive the newsletter and find them most interesting!!

We luv the Practica box... I find using the empty formula tin great for the "drop-in" activities.. Makes a great sound when it hits the bottom and Josh of course likes to shake the tin and make a noise!!

Have a great festive season!

Regards
Debbie de Lange

From LIZE AND PAUL FERREIRA


Dear Vanessa

Our little Mia is already 6 months old!

We are enjoying our practica and are fascinated to see her develop and grow. We find Practica’s guidance invaluable and look forward to many more hours of playing.

Mia is happy, contented and stimulated. What more can you ask for?

Happy festive season to you and your family.
RegardsDr Lize and Paul Ferreira (Boston)

Beste Lizette

Graag skryf ek hiermee 'n getuigskriffie vir nuwe voornemende of bestaande praktika mammas en pappas. Toe ons oudste dogtertjie vyf jaar gelede gebore was het ek totaal onbeholpe en oorweldig gevoel deur die ongelooflike verantwoordelikheid om hierdie wesetjie so te help vorm en ontwikkel, dat sy eendag haar volle potensiaal mag bereik. As spraak-taal terapeut, was ek oormatig bewus van die waarde van vroee stimulasie, maar daar is soveel areas waarin ek so totaal onbekwaam gevoel het.

Dankie dankie dankie tog vir praktika!!! Vandat sy nog babatjie was en later ook toe haar sussie by ons aangesluit het, was praktika ons spesiale mamma en dogtertjie tyd en hoeveel oneindige waarde het ons nie daaruit geput nie!! Vir my as taakgerigte ouer was dit so bevrydend om nie self te moes uitwerk watter mylpale wanneer verwag hoef te word en watter aktiwiteite vir watter ouderdom gepas sou wees nie.

Aanvanklik het die inhoud van die leer my bietjie oorweldig laat voel, maar onthou daardie inhoud is 'n kurrikulum vir sewe vol jare!! So ek het elke dogtertjie se jaar inhoud uitgehaal en in 'n apparte leer tussen my resepte boeke in die kombuis gebere, sodat ek vinnig kon loer so tussen die kosmaak deur wat ons vandag kon speel en doen. Speel kom nie vir my vanself nie, maar danksy praktika kon ons ure en ure en ure se saamspeel geniet en boonop was ons dogtertjies gebalanseerd verryk in al die nodige ontwikkelingsareas. Vir enige voornemende egpaar wat dit oorweeg om praktika aan te koop, maar wat voel dit is te duur, wil ek tog net aanmoedig om die volle prentjie in oorweging te neem: Teen die huidige prys van speelgroepies kan 'n mens ie prys van 'n praktika stel verhaal in 'n jaar of minder as ons kleintjies nog so rapsie langer by die huis kan wees en glo my, daar is geen manier wat hulle meer sal kry selfs in die heel beste speelgroepie, as 'n mamma wat gewapen is met haar praktika stel nie!!

Verder moet die waarde van die ondersteuningsdienste wat praktika bied ook in oorweging gebring word, ons oudste dogtertjie is pas evalueer vir skoolgereedheid, volledig op praktika se koste. Dankie praktika, al is sy nou eers vyf, is sy heeltemal skoolgereed en 'n jaar in amper elke ontwikkelingsarea voor kinders van dieselfde kronologiese ouderdom. Het ons hulle gedruk? Nie toegelaat om net kind te wees nie? Allermins, ons het bloot die kansies wat daar was konstruktief gebruik om speel sinvol en lekker te maak. So terloops, die kwickpick werkboekies werk heerlik op die langpad om hulle besig te hou, om die waarheid te se is dit al tyd wat ons hulle gebruik,

maar dit is vir hulle 'n heerlike assosiasie met ontspanne tye saam. Dankie praktika, verseker het julle in ons gesin se lewe 'n baie groot verskil gemaak!

Vriendelike groete
Zelda Wolmarans (Namens Henk, Charle en Johanni Wolmarans ook)

FOR MORE PHOTOS OF OUR VERY SPECIAL PRACTICA KIDS, AND WHAT THEIR PARENTS HAD TO SAY ABOUT PRACTICA, CLICK HERE ...