PurgaHealth

To prepare for school entry, Prep teachers provided me with this list of skills that are important for 5-year-old children to master. If a child is missing several skills in several areas, then developmental assessment by an Occupational Therapist, may be needed. Gross Motor, Language, Self-Care and Social-Emotional skills are necessary for children's co-operation and participation, as well as skills discussed previously on the previous  School Readiness Blogspot (part 1).  Snack time is a social occasion at Prep. Children use language, self-help, and social skills. "preschool photoshoot: snack time" by cafemama is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0  Emotional regulation is important for positive behaviour and participation in everyday activities. Difficulties with language may frustrate a child when trying to communicate. Listening is important for taking part in group and individual activities. Lack of attention, vision o...

With the new school year fast approaching, Prep Teachers were asked what skills children need to start school. I was provided with a list that allows parents and caregivers to check if their child's developmental milestones are on track.  "Writing" by dotmatchbox is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0  If children are yet to acquire skills in several areas, they may need referral to an Occupational Therapist for further assessment, and advice on skills development. Occupational Therapists assess development, especially school-related functional skills. Fine motor skills, visual perception and thinking skills are important for manipulating tools in the classroom, handwriting, and carrying out activities of daily living.  Referral can be made through local doctor (Medicare funding). Early Childhood Teachers usually spot areas that require further development. It is helpful to bring education and health reports and background...

 This week, we have been preparing for celebrating NAIDOC Week at a private hospital in Brisbane. The celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is for all Australians, held from 8-15 November. The usual annual NAIDOC celebration held in July, was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The idea is to provide art and craft materials in the social areas of the ward, for people to participate if they want to. The theme "Always Was, Always Will Be," recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.  Read more on the NAIDOC website . https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2020-theme The kit includes a red tub with wool in the colours of the Aboriginal flag, and chubby colouring-in pencils. Colouring sheets are provided with some stencils for drawing Australian native animals (https://www.brisbanekids.com.au/aboriginal-colouring-pages/). The green tub contains 8-ply yarn in the colours of the Torres Strait Isl...

When I start out for my walk, I like to prepare a basic snack to have before or after: Ham / Tomato & Cheese Toastie Ingredients Wholegrain Wrap Hommus Cheese grated or sliced Ham of Tomato slices Parsley chopped finely Paprika Tomato Relish Equipment:   Sandwich Toaster Method 1.  Heat sandwich toaster.  2.  Spread hommus down the centre of the wrap, and top with cheese, parsley and paprika. 3.     Lay ham or tomato slices on top. 4. Fold in the bottom, top, then both sides of the wrap and place in sandwich toaster.  5. When cooked, plate up the wrap on a bed of green salad leaves and tomato relish. Enjoy! Refrigerate if necessary. I have chosen Australian made ingredients. The tomato relish is from Glen Aplin near Stanthorpe.

The Purga Nature Reserve is a beautiful, shaded place for a morning walk.  Location is at 840 Middle Road, Purga, Ipswich City.   The bees enjoy the flowers on the irbyana melaleuca (Swamp Tea Trees). Conservation of this nationally threatened species is very important. Parking is in close proximity to toilets and walking tracks. There are picnic tables and benches nearby, and a few bench seats on the tracks. No dogs or cats are allowed. There is a short, wheelchair accessible boardwalk for traveling through Swamp Tea Tree forest. This connects with level pathways through two circuits .  The Tea Tree Boardwalk Circuit is 350 metres long (easy walk). The Melaleuca Circuit Walk is 500 metres long (easy walk).  Walking both circuits at brisk pace takes about 15 minutes.  The paths are angled to allow water drainage with a slight camber to each side. This may be an issue for some people with a disability. The water is not flowing at the hand basin on the toilet b...