Sensory Overload!
Imagine walking into a supermarket and finding objects – trolleys, people, everything – moving at twice the normal speed. This often is the experience of a child with autism. Sensory overload results, and it can be terrifying.
Reflexology and Foot Massage
Does your child need soothing or to learn to tolerate something touching their feet? We find reflexology and foot massage work wonders! Here’s why we do it, and also how to do it.
Great Child Photography
Childhood moments are precious and fleeting. Unexpectedly a baby tooth falls out and a new smile begins. There’s not a moment to lose. Follow our Top Ten Tips for great child photography! Shared by Roxanne Kotze, Photographer Our Top Ten Tips for Photographing Children Perspective: The best shots come when you get to the child’s […]
New Slant on Writing
New Year, New Enhancements! We keep pushing for improvement at Mindstretch. In 2021 we trialed slant board writing. A great success. Now we take the technique into all our classes. A slant board is an inclined surface angled at between 20-23 degrees. Read below how we supported a local craftsman in making them. The FIVE […]
Soothing Spinal Massage
The Two-Finger Spinal Massage is a HANDLE® technique. Our teachers will try the spinal massage on children who need soothing. Most times it works beautifully. HANDLE = Holistic Approach to Neuro Development and Learning Efficiency. Use the technique to relax your own child, if they’re open to the touch. Use it prophylactically and regularly. Just […]
Better Sleep
Sleep is the ultimate recuperative therapy. A change in routine, confusion or worry can all negatively affect it. Covid has surely caused those stressors in most of us. Try these 10 steps to help solve insomnia issues in your children. Apply the measures for at least two weeks, to give time to reset a good sleep […]
Getting to Grips
Appropriate pencil grip may seem a small thing, yet it’s important. A child with a good grip will write more clearly and quicker. This helps confidence, which spurs creativity. They’ll want to show off their skill! At Mindstretch we begin work towards a good pencil grip early, through a focus on improving hand strength and […]
💙 Puzzles
We love puzzles at Mindstretch. We love how they teach our children about the concept of a ‘whole’ and that each piece is a fraction of the bigger picture. They give lessons in shape recognition, colours and patterns. They aid spatial awareness and visual memory. Our children learn to set a goal and concentrate on it. And […]
Act Early for Maximum Impact
We admit children from age 2.5 at Mindstretch because that’s how we can have a maximum positive impact. Early intervention is critical for addressing learning challenges, including autism. ‘ The bulk of brain development occurs in the first 5 years of life. This is when brain pathways are laid down to govern emotion, language, motor […]
Community Counts
A community may be defined as one that shares a sense of place situated in a given geographical area – for instance our Pinelands-based preschool in beautiful Cape Town in wild and wonderful South Africa. We take the definition a step further: we believe strong communities share a commonality of values. Mindstretch’s key value proposition […]