There are many benefits in your children attending different after school classes. Not only the obvious of course where they can enjoy activities they are keen to be part of but also as well as the physical and mental stimulation but there are also great benefits for development of your child’s social skills with both other children and adults.
Whatever type of activity or programme your child is offered an opportunity to interact with their peers in an environment different from the school or home set up.
A well run programme or activity will promote support, respect and cooperation between the participants. This can help your child grow in confidence and feel more secure about joining in a game, asking a question or starting a conversation.
Particularly if the class isn’t too large your child should get a certain degree of one on one attention.
If the activity is a physical one, eg soccer, touch, swimming, dance, etc this not only helps them keep fit and healthy but they will learn teamwork and fair play as well as good coordination skills!
If the activity is more creative based, eg theatre, music, arts and crafts, etc this will not only develop your child’s creative skills but also teach them problem solving skills.
Not only that spending time in an environment that shouldn’t offer your child any pressure is a great stress release – yes, nowadays, even our kids can feel stressed!
Encourage your child to try a variety of after school activities. If your child loves sport encourage music or art classes as well for variety or the creative child may just discover that dancing is a wonderful way for them to express that creativity.
This also encourages your child to discover new interests and develop a wide variety of talents and skills!
If you are looking for things for your kids to enjoy check out our Linku2 After School and Term Activities.
The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the main national qualification for secondary school students in New Zealand, but the government has proposed changes due to perceived shortcomings. Below is a short summary of the reasons behind the suggested changes, the current shortcomings of the current system and the benefits of the proposed new system.
If you would like more information or to have your say on this matter there is a link at the bottom of this article to the Ministry of Education Consultation.
Have Your Say: Ministry of Education Consultation
For parents who are feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to start when dealing with a disruptive or vulnerable child, it’s important to remember that help is available. Here are some ideas and steps to consider:
With a range of organisations and services on the Coast dedicated to supporting children and young people, whether through mentoring, youth programs, or family support groups, these services aim to create a caring and inclusive community.
For parents unsure how to begin supporting a disruptive or child who may be struggling mentally, taking small steps and seeking professional help, building understanding, and connecting with support networks can make a significant difference in their child’s well-being and development.
And if you would like guidance to some of the services available locally check out our blog "Services Supporting Young People on the Hibiscus Coast"
Here on the Coast, we are a vibrant area known for our stunning beaches and strong community spirit however we are also no less vulnerable than any other areas to issues that affect our young people.
On the Coast you can find a variety of services aimed at supporting young people, particularly those who are vulnerable. With an increasing focus on mental health, education, and community engagement, these services play a crucial role in fostering the well-being and development of our local youth.
A few of our local services include -
Local youth centres serve as vital hubs for young people in a community and on the Hibiscus Coast we are lucky to have the Hibiscus Youth Hub who offer a safe space for youth to gather, socialize, and access a range of activities. Hosting recreational programs, workshops, and events that promote personal development, resilience, and healthy social connections. By providing a welcoming environment, the Hub helps help reduce social isolation and encourage community bonding among young people and now also providing a programme of intervention for young offenders and those at risk of offending.
Big Buddy Mentoring Trust is a prominent organization on the Hibiscus Coast, dedicated to pairing young people with caring adult mentors. The program focuses on building positive relationships that help children and teenagers develop confidence, resilience, and life skills. Through individual mentoring, Big Buddy supports at-risk youth, providing stability and encouragement during critical developmental stages.
Big Buddy Mentoring Trust
Phone: 09 834 2270
Website: bigbuddy.org.nz
Email: info@bigbuddy.org.nz
With groups in Orewa and Whangaparaoa, GirlGuiding offers girls and young women opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and community service. These Guiding units focus on empowering girls through outdoor adventures, skill-building activities, and community projects. The organization fosters a sense of belonging and encourages girls to become confident, responsible leaders.
GirlGuiding Orewa and Whangaparaoa
Phone: 09 426 3260 (Orewa) / 09 429 9142 (Whangaparaoa)
Website: girlguidingnz.org.nz
Email: info@girlguidingnz.org.nz
This organization provides vital support to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren within the Hibiscus Coast community. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these caregivers, the group offers emotional support, practical advice, and social activities that help strengthen family bonds and ensure the well-being of the children involved.
Hibiscus Coast Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren Inc.
Phone: 021 692 986
Email: hibiscuscoastgrandparents@gmail.com
Facebook: Hibiscus Coast Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren Inc.
Youth in Transition is a service catering to young people navigating the challenges of adolescence, especially those facing disruption or instability in their home or schooling environment. The program offers counseling, mentoring, and resources to help youth transition smoothly into adulthood, fostering independence and resilience.
Youth in Transition
Phone: 09 489 8010
Website: youthintransition.org.nz
Email: info@youthintransition.org.nz
CYC Trust specializes in youth development programs, including initiatives focused on leadership, mental health, and life skills. On the Hibiscus Coast, CYC Trust collaborates with schools, community groups, and families to deliver services that address young people's diverse needs. Their holistic approach aims to equip youth with the tools necessary for success and well-being.
CYC Trust
Phone: 09 850 0860
Website: cyc.org.nz
Email: admin@cyc.org.nz
Recreational activities also provide an excellent way for young people to develop skills and connect with their peers. Local organisations such as Surf Life Saving Clubs and sports clubs offer coaching and structured activities aimed at both skill development and teamwork. Participation in these activities not only promotes physical health but also provides a sense of belonging and accomplishment for participants, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds.
If cost is a barrier for a child to participate in their local favourite sports activity reach out to the club who may be able to point you in the right direction to get help and support.
There are lots of great sports clubs including two life saving clubs on the Coast and you can find details of most of these at Linku2 Hibiscus Coast | Community | Sports Clubs and Groups.
In this digital age, online services have also emerged as crucial support systems for young people. Websites and apps designed to provide information about local resources, support networks, and mental health information make it accessible for youth to find the help they need. These virtual platforms can effectively reach those who might be hesitant to seek help in person, ensuring that every young person on the Hibiscus Coast has access to support.
The Hibiscus Coast is rich in resources and services aimed at supporting young people, especially those who are vulnerable. The collaborative efforts of local organisations, schools, and community members ensure that youth have access to valuable support systems, recreational activities, and educational initiatives.
By fostering a nurturing environment and creating opportunities, the Hibiscus Coast has many services that stand committed to empowering its young people and ensuring their well-being, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for the entire community.
If you are a parent worried about your child or not sure where to start check out some tips in our blog "Supporting Parents with Disruptive or Vulnerable Children".
If there are services we do not have listed yet but which support our young whanau please let us know on hibiscuscoast@linku2.co.nz
What is reading comprehension and why is it important?
Quite simply reading equals thinking. In order to truly read and understand, a reader must be thinking about the meaning of the text. Here are 5 simple ways to improve your child’s reading comprehension.
Particularly children who struggle as readers, comprehension is a big deal. Comprehension of a text starts before the child even opens the book. Before they start to read they should know what they are going to read about. Look at the title, cover images, synopsis of the book. What do they perhaps know about the topic? Do they think they know what might happen in the story.
Before they start reading find out the child’s background knowledge of the particular topic in the story. Perhaps spend time talking to them, expanding their knowledge. It is always wise to have at least a little background knowledge on a subject to assist with understanding.
How fluently a child can read the text also affects comprehension. If a text is too hard the child will be spending too much time on simply reading the words and lose the understanding of the text. The child feels pressured to read clearly and is unable to focus on what they are actually reading. Avoid this problem by ensuring the text is age or ability appropriate. Fluency can be built by re-reading texts once they have an understanding.
As you build on a background knowledge of a topic start introducing and widening their vocabulary. Having a wide vocabulary is one of the best ways to more easily understand.
Make sure your child reads a variety of both fiction and non-fiction texts. The format and structure of writing is different. Also as they grow older read across a wide variety of genres and subjects.
After reading introduce activities relating to the book and topic to increase their understanding. Perhaps talk about the opposite effects or conclusions from the story and what the child might do in that different scenario.
Exploring and digging in-depth is not only great for reading comprehension but introduces development of knowledge which will hold them in good stead when they start to explore the next topic.
There is no doubt a few small changes to a routine or environment can make a huge difference to anyone’s ability to learn and retain information. Here are a few tips to help both yourself, if you work in a home environment, and your kids make the learning experience more valuable and better.
Follow these tips and we’ll see you at the top!
Also check out our blog post: Effective Study Tips for Exam Success
When exam season arrives, it's time to focus and dive into studying - but it’s easy to get stuck in procrastination. Where should you start? How can you retain all that information? Here are some key study tips to help you succeed.
Following these study tips can lead to stronger exam performance and reduced stress.
Also check out our blog post: Study Tips for Better Learning