How Speech And Drama Classes Can Build Your Child’s Self Confidence

I will be forever indebted to my parents for encouraging me to take speech and drama classes from a young age. It has helped my self confidence and ability to speak to an audience when the need arises. I in turn have encouraged my children to participate in speech and drama classes, and with very different personalities, they have both benefitted in different ways from their time with Trading Faces Galway. 

As a parent, I honestly believe that speech and drama classes offer students a skill set that will remain with them throughout their lives. And gives them a creative outlet in a safe space while encouraging them the use their voices, facial expressions, body language and movement to convey the message of the pieces they are working on. 

While the benefits of speech and drama are many the seven highlights for me are:

Improved Self Confidence

Think back to the last time you had to speak in public or even to a room of your peers, it can often be an overwhelming experience even for adults!

Speech and drama classes encourage children to speak their thoughts, recite what they have learned in front of their teachers and peers and listen to feedback in a safe environment.

Children learn to maintain eye contact, project their voice and mange those nerves. Improving self confidence is a gift you can give your child today, by signing them up to take part in a speech and drama class. 

Improved Vocabulary And A Better Understanding Of Language

Children who participate in speech and drama classes develop a wide vocabulary helping them articulate their feelings, thoughts and words with confidence and self belief.

In addition they learn about the rhythm and intricacies of language and words inspiring them to write confidently too.

Finding Your Voice

Speech and drama classes offer students an opportunity to find their voice and use it clearly and with confidence to get their point across.

They learn to listen to and be heard. It equips them with the skills to converse confidently in the group, in any classroom, friend group and later on in interviews and discussions with others. Who wouldn’t want this for their child?

Give The Gift Of Confidence

We all have hidden talents and at Trading Faces they help students fulfil them.

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More Empathy

Getting into character, seeing things from a different perspective and listening to others opinions and thoughts improves empathy. Your child will develop this skill through the work they do in speech and drama classes. They become more confident in expressing their own beliefs and views while gaining a deeper understanding of how it feels to be someone else entirely.

Fosters A Love Of Literature

Literature of all kinds offers an escape from the world around us and an opportunity to improve our knowledge and feed our imagination.

During speech and drama classes your child will learn prose, poems, monologues, mime and more and will be exposed to a broad range of literature styles, authors, characters and books they may not otherwise read. They become confident readers and orators and it can foster a lifelong passion for reading.

Improved Concentration and Learning Skills

From listening in class to the teacher and other students reciting their work, to finding a system to learn and remember your own work in preparation for exams, speech and drama classes will help improve concentration and self belief.

Students work to find a way to remember and retain information so they can recite it when they need to. These skills translate into everyday life situations such as studying for exams and being more organised with their time, giving your child the confidence to take on the challenges they face throughout life.

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The post How Speech And Drama Classes Can Inspire Self Confidence appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Kids Sports

While all these extra activities can help your child make friends, learn important skills, and increase their chances of attending higher education, some children’s sports can come with a pretty hefty price tag.

In recent years, the cost of youth sports has continued to rise, with equipment, travel, and tournament fees burning huge holes in the wallets of dedicated parents.

If you’ve found yourself struggling to keep up with the increasing costs associated with your child’s sport of choice, consider these tips to help reduce the costs:

#1. Leverage The Power of Pre-Registration

The early bird gets the worm when it comes to registration fees. Many sports clubs offer hefty discounts if you pre-register your child months ahead.

If you know your child is going to get involved in sports this upcoming year, check online or ask their coach for the registration dates and see if you can save by remaining on top of the game (pun intended!).

#2. Volunteer Your Own Time

If you have any knowledge of your child’s sport, you might consider volunteering your time to coach or manage their team. If you’re hesitant to coach your own child, or you know little about the sport they’re involved in, consider offering to serve refreshments, or recording the scores, times, or anything else necessary.

Helping out with tasks like these can sometimes garner a discount, so ask around and see what might be available. If you don’t ask you don’t get!

#3. Shop Around for Sports Equipment

One of the most expensive parts of some sport is the constant need for equipment. As your child grows, you’ll likely have to repeatedly replace and upgrade equipment, so the money can really add up. Here are some ways to shop around:

• Always check out local consignment and secondhand stores. If you’re lucky, and patient, you can find nearly new equipment that’s hugely discounted.
• If you’re looking for specific gear, always go online. The rise of e-commerce stores means you can often find the best price with a simple google search, and there are websites focused on each sport with all the equipment needs your child may have. For example, if your little one is getting into baseball or softball, check out the baseball bats here. If they’re on their way to becoming a soccer star, be sure to look at cleats and shin guards here.
• Ask around other parents to see if they are selling on any equipment that has been outgrown (as long as it’s still in good condition of course).

#4. If Travelling, Share the Burden with Other Parents

If your child happens to be good at competitive sports, it can be an extremely expensive business. With overnight stays, mileage, food and subsistence costs it can add up, never mind entry fees to tournaments and competitions. So sharing the burden with other parents can really help save and after all everyone is in the same boat.

• Why not team up with other parents in the same boat to car pool for events or to practice?
• Look for discounted hotel rooms online to try to keep accommodation costs low. Or ask hotels for a group booking discount if a number of rooms are booked at the same time.
• Ask your club or coach if they have a list of upcoming events so you can book ahead and budget too.
• Consider putting together a Whatsapp or Facebook group for the parents of kids in the same group so organising car pools etc is easier

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Tips on Capturing Those Special Moments of Sporty Children

Don’t Miss…

Family budgeting can be tricky at the best of times. Take our 52 Week Savings Challenge so you can gradually put away some cash to help with unexpected expenses!

The post 5 Money Saving Tips to Reduce the Cost of Kids Sports appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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When Kayla Montgomery was 14 she had to give up playing elite soccer due to a devastating diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. While contact sports, like soccer, were now no longer possible for Kayla, she didn’t quit sports entirely. Instead, she put her unwavering focus and determination in a new direction and took up running.

When Kayla started running, even she says she was “average”. But she wanted to keep running while she was still able to.

With guidance from her coach Patrick Cromwell, she soon picked up speed and joined the indoor track, outdoor track and cross-country teams at her North Carolina school. Now one of the best young distance runners in the States, Kayla is an incredible athlete – but also collapses at every finish line.

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Image: ABC News

Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable and progressive condition that affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and leads to motor, sensory and cognitive issues. Reduced mobility and fatigue are very common symptoms, but balance, vision, memory, concentration, and speech can all be affected.

When Kayla runs, her body naturally heats up – but for Kayla that means that the muscles in her legs burn and the feeling in her legs deadens. She is completely numb from the waist down.

”It’s a very strange feeling, or lack thereof, to know that your legs are moving but not be able to tell how fast, or tell where, or, I guess, tell anything. You don’t know what’s going on. You just know it’s happening.”

With no feeling in her legs, Kayla can’t slow down, co-ordinate her feet or even stop – she goes from full speed to collapsing at the finish line. Every single time, caught by her coach.

With ice and cold water to cool her down, Kayla soon starts to get feeling back in her legs. She went on to run for Linscomb University, and continues to inspire through fundraising, and awareness.

Watch just how inspirational Kayla is in this video from ABC news – amazing!

If Kayla’s story has inspired you then Great Moments of Sportsmanship, a collection of true, two-minute stories about sportsmanship from all sports and countries around the world is a must read. Each story gives an inspirational boost every day.

These deeply emotional and inspirational stories reveal how the brotherhood of sport brings people together. The book, by Irish author PR Smith founder of The Great Sportsmanship Programme, has a foreword by Ireland’s golf hero and Sky TV pundit, Paul McGinley, and is packed with photos and links to see videos of the stories.

This limited edition classic book would make a unique Christmas present and also presents an opportunity for fireside story-telling (or reading). And there are more short stories (categorised by country and by sport) free on the Greatsportsmanship website. Audio recordings of the stories can be found here.

The Great Sportsmanship Programme is an inspiring programme that helps kids and teens read more, play more & respect more. They offer schools and clubs a 6 week programme that helps inspire, boost literacy, nurture an interest in sport and increase self-esteem & positive thinking. If you think your school or club would be interested then you can find out more and get in touch here.

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What did you think of Kayla Montgomery’s story? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post Kayla Montgomery Collapses After Every Race – But Keeps Running While She Can appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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While many parents see music lessons as a great way to introduce a new skill and activity for their children, they may be unaware of all the other positive side effects. Here are the things you need to consider before making that step and committing yourself and your child to the work, discipline and time commitment music lessons require.

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Why Are Music Lessons So Important?

This is the first thing a parent should consider before giving their child the opportunity of music training. The many benefits reach from developing cognitive skills to social conduct.

Studies have found a correlation between early childhood music lessons and gray matter expansion. Compared to amateurs and non-musicians, musically instructed children were found to have more gray matter in the auditory, motor, and visual-spatial areas of the brain.

Although he or she may not become Einstein, there is evidence that fluid intelligence (the ability to solve new problems, use logic in new situations, and identify patterns) can be improved through musical training as well.

Can Music Lessons Pay Off In Other Areas of Life?

There is no more creative and engaging way of teaching patience, discipline and hard work than through music. In order to enjoy the perks of standing ovations, travelling for concerts, playing gigs or having fans, a musician has to go through a rocky path of constant hard work, discipline and sometimes even sacrifice. Music lessons can teach your child much more than just music skills.

Furthermore, music develops children’s verbal and motor skills, it gives them confidence and energy to explore the world around them and share it with others. If a child is struggling with being too shy or adapting socially, learning to play an instrument or sing can be an effective way to help deal with social anxiety, stress or isolation.

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Is My Child Too Young For Music Lessons?

Technically there isn’t a specific age most appropriate for starting music lessons, and the perfect age will vary from child to child. The key is to find a music program that is appropriate for your child’s age and interests.

Two-year-olds are capable of recognising rhythmic patterns in music and can be taught to clap along with the beat of their favourite tunes. The younger a child is, the more efficiently and easily it will be for them to acquire music skills in the future. Therefore, if they show an interest in learning, that’s when you should sign them up.

Once your child is around three, it may be time for more formalised music lessons. The goal is not to learn to play an instrument, but to further develop skills like identifying a beat in music, identifying melody, or identifying instruments.

For more formal instruction in singing, five is usually a good age to start. By that age, children are usually able to sit still longer and focus better. Make sure, however, not to force your child into doing something they don’t enjoy. This could lead to them developing an aversion towards music in general and make negative associations to learning and taking lessons.

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What Is the Right Instrument For My Child?

Be sure to consider the age and physical limitations of your child. Don’t choose an instrument that is too heavy or too large for them to play properly. Violin and piano are great instruments to start out with, especially for children under six because they help to develop a proper foundation for other instruments.

In any case, the right thing to do is follow your child’s desires and inclinations. You can always ask a music teacher for professional advice, and don’t be afraid to change your mind. Sometimes trying out different things is best for finding the perfect fit.

Learning different playing skills will be beneficial for your child whatever instrument he or she eventually decides to turn to.

Are Music Lessons Very Time Consuming?

Like any other extracurricular activity, music lessons requires time and dedication. Understand that things may get overwhelming, especially since playing an instrument or learning to sing requires on-the-side work after class. Make sure your child can fit music lessons in without being too stressed or letting schoolwork suffer.

Similarly, parents like to think they are superheroes, but sometimes enough is enough. If you can’t commit to taking your kid to lessons regularly, they are likely to make very little headway.

Before finding a good music school or a tutor, check your schedule and determine if music lessons can be added.

Do We Have Space For a Musical Instrument?

In some cases, having your living space adapted for music playing is a must. The point is to figure out where the instrument is going to be played and stored before you bring it home. A piano, drum set, cello and other bulky instruments are more demanding than a flute or a violin.

If giving up a room for the sake of music playing is just too much, there are always ways to make things work – for example, electric instruments are usually smaller and more compact, so it can be at least a temporary solution for home practicing.

How Am I Going to Deal With the ‘Noise’?

Unfortunately, for a person to learn how to play an instrument or sing, music (sometimes very loud) needs to be produced. There are ways to avoid annoying the neighbours though!

You can set up a practice space with DIY soundproofing courtesy of thick rugs and heavy curtains, or start your child out on an instrument that can be played through headphones. Nowadays electric instruments are so enhanced and adapted that you won’t even feel like you have a budding musician in your home.

Can We Afford It?

Music lessons can be a great expense. On top of that, buying a musical instrument and the accompanying equipment is an investment on its own. Keep in mind that the gift of music is a valuable investment, and worth every penny for your child in the long run.

If you’re on a budget, consider renting an instrument from a music studio or purchasing
secondhand ones. Some schools might even have loaner instruments your child can use for a while. Books and sheet music can often be found online, too.

The cost of the lessons themselves is another consideration. Online lessons are often cheaper than in-person lessons, so be sure to look into that option. Perhaps your music school or tutor offer cheaper shared or group lessons, rather than 1-to-1.

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How Can I Be Supportive?

There is a simple answer to this question – just be there for your child. Like in other times in life, your child may struggle with practicing, patience and sticking to what they’ve started. Find time to talk to their music teacher and try to get to the bottom of it. Is it just a temporary situation, or there’s an ongoing problem? Feel free to talk to your child about how they see their music teacher, their instrument and even their progress.

Your job is to remind your child that it will all pay off eventually and that it’s worth all the time and effort.

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Do your children take part in music lessons? What advice would you offer other parents? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post 9 Things You Need to Consider Before Your Child Starts Music Lessons appeared first on MyKidsTime.

7 Benefits of Performing Arts

#1. Builds Self Confidence

From improvisation to performing to their peers, friends and family, Performing Arts will take your child out of their comfort zone in a safe and fun environment. Taking part in classes slowly builds confidence and self belief in all students as they are nurtured and taught how to express their thoughts and ideas in a creative way.

Always culminating in a show where they will perform on stage for an audience. This confidence and ability to stand up in front of an audience and perform will stay with them throughout their lives.

#2. Improves Listening And Communication Skills

From conversing with their peers and coaches to get their thoughts heard to projecting their voice onstage or directing fellow students from behind the camera, there is no doubt that one of the main benefits of performing arts is to improve communication skills.

An added benefit is also the improvement of listening skills as they hear the opinions of other students and coaches and wait for their turn to shine.

#3. Increases Empathy And Compassion

Masterclass with Nicola Coughlan (Claire in Derry Girls) and past pupil of Trading Faces

Having to ‘get into character’ will teach your child empathy and compassion for different characters and situations. They may also find themselves performing different roles such as behind the scenes and not always in the limelight which teaches them to see the world from a different perspective.

#4. Teamwork

The teamwork involved in performing arts is unlike that of any other activity. It is not about winning or losing. You learn to work with your peers for a common goal of creating a great performance no matter how big or small your part is.

#5. C.A.O. Performance Points

NUI Galway and other 3rd level institutions currently offer special performance points for students who show artistic promise and achievement in:

• Drama & Theatre
• Film
• Music

Successful applicants will gain a bonus of 40 points. Trading Faces strives to help students achieve those points!

#6. A Fun Way To Express Yourself

Performing Arts is a really fun way to express yourself whether it be through dance, music or acting. No matter how you are feeling, there is a character to suit your mood. And whether your skills lie behind the scenes or in front of the camera there is an opportunity for you to express your unique talents.

#7.  A Fun Workout!

It is physical from learning dance steps to performing on stage to singing you are constantly moving and having a fun workout in the process!

The post 7 Helpful Benefits of Performing Arts for Your Child appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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#1. Do They Have a Child Protection Policy?

All of the parents on Mykidstime said that it was important to find out if the camp provider has child protection policies and insurance cover in place. It is essential for all organisations that have contact with children and young people to introduce a child protection policy.

This policy helps to provide safeguards and support for staff when they are working with children and young people. You can contact the Department of Children and Youth Affairs for further information on Child Protection guidelines.

Find out what the policy is on photography, video and mobile phone usage by children too. Camps should offer consent forms in advance so you can say whether you mind your child being in photographs or videos that could be used in future for promotional purposes by the camps provider or that other parents or kids may take and wish to share on social media sites.

One further tip: be sure to ask what the adults to children ratio is. Ideally it should be 1 adult to 8 children.

#2. Check What Time is Pick Up Time

Siobhan’s tip is to ask if there is after-camp care available if you are working and can’t get there at the end of the camp, or what to do if you are running late.

They may be able to accommodate late arrivals but sometimes they can’t so it’s good to know what their policy on this is.

#3. Do They Need to Bring Refreshments and Food?

Katherine always asks if they need to bring lunch, drinks, snacks. It is rare for organisations to include lunch so it’s good to know how much you should send in with your child.

If it is a particular active camp, make sure you send in extra water and something high energy like a banana to refuel them during the camp.

You may also enjoy reading: Top tips for healthy lunch box ideas and How to read nutrition labels

#4. Is a Change of Clothes Necessary?

Mary Kate says to check if they need to bring a change of clothes or swimming togs/towel. And if there are on-site changing facilities and secure storage for items like watches, jewellery and clothes.

Her tip: “It’s good to tuck in a plastic carrier bag to hold wet stuff afterwards“.

If it is a multi activity camp ask if they are doing e.g. a messy paint day to check whether or not to send them in old clothes that day.

#5. Do You Need to Give Consent for Outings?

Michelle reminded us that we should ask if they plan to take the kids on any outings during the camp and if so, what arrangements are in place, e.g. for transport, consent.

Double check that they will be returning to the central camp location for pickup.

#6. Ask if There is a Sweet Shop Onsite!

One Mykidstime parent (she wouldn’t give her name :) ) discovered her boys were raiding their money boxes to buy things from the sweetie shop during lunch!

#7. Check How Lost Property is Handled

After losing jumpers, jackets and even a pair of trousers through several sets of summer camps for her 3 boys, Etain makes sure to ask:

“where lost property can be claimed after camp and for how long after will that remain open.  I’ve been forced to hound the poor camp provider for weeks to get our stuff back!”

#8. Ask How Kids are Released at the End of Camp

Jennifer suggested that particularly if you have younger kids, ask how they are released to you at the end of the camp:

“Younger kids should not be wandering around looking for their parents… there should be some sort of sign out system or system to check if parent is there to collect.”

#9. Find Out Where to Expect to Collect From

Deborah suggests that you ask where in the venue do they finish so you know where to collect your child from e.g. if it is a multi activity camp, is it the swimming pool area so you know where to find them and check if you are expected to come early to dry/dress your child.

“I have been there wandering around trying to find my child at the end! So if there’s swimming involved ask them if you collect from the changing rooms to save yourself the stress”

#10. Check on Age Spread of the Camp and How Younger Kids are Looked After

Jill says “it’s worth definitely worth checking the spread of ages of kids? One of my kids, who was 5 at the time, ended up with 10 year olds the first day. Admittedly they did help take care of her and called her a “dote” when I came to pick her up but I hadn’t realised the ages were put together like that.”

It’s worth checking as well if your child is on the young side, if there will be help for getting changed, doing up shoes etc.

Final tip for parents of the younger kids

if your child doesn’t like the camp, suggest they try it for one more day, sometimes the first day can be a bit overwhelming especially if it is the first time they have been to camp. Often they enjoy the second day better and get into a groove with the other kids.

Over to you now. Do you have any top tips on Summer Camps? Please share them in the comments box below. 

The post 10 Key Things to Ask When You Are Arranging Summer Camps Places appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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Getting the perfect snap and presenting it in the best way possible is a case of skill and practice, plus the right technology!

Tips on Capturing Those Special Moments of Sporty Children

Taking Team Photos

For team photographs, take as many as you can before they lose interest, as you’ll almost certainly encounter shuffling, head movement, blinking, eyes closed etc during the shoot. Here are some tips:

• Instead of “Say Cheese”, I find that saying “Say Underpants” makes the kids take notice and smile more.
• Make sure the light angle is not facing you as you take the photo or their faces will be obscured.
• Try to have a contrasting background so their team strips stand out nicely.

Some teams/clubs have a no-photo policy so make sure to ask them or the permission of other parents if intending to share any photos publicly.

You might also enjoy reading: How to Raise a Good Team Player

Make sure your phone is charged and that you have plenty of picture space

For most occasions, a smartphone will be sufficient for grabbing some photos of your child in action. It sounds obvious but make sure your phone is charged before you head off.

Regularly download your pictures onto your desktop PC/mac so you have enough space for multiple photographs and video, or at least upload them to the cloud so that you know you have plenty of picture space on your device before you head off to events.

There’s nothing worse than having to hurriedly delete photographs as your child strides up to take a crucial penalty or is near the finish line!

You might also enjoy reading: 21 Reasons You Know You’re Mom to a Sporty Child

Consider a better camera than your phone

One issue with mobile phones is the lack of adaptability and technology inside a mobile phone lens means that anything that involves motion can be blurred. In addition, a mobile phone uses a digital zoom rather than an optical lens, meaning that it isn’t actually zooming – it’s simply making the pixels bigger and the picture bigger and probably more blurred.

There is only really one way to capture your child’s sporting prowess during the game properly, and that is to use a bridge or DSLR camera with a good zoom.

If you do go the camera route, then practice taking pictures as they play around at home, or just generally taking photographs of movement such as running to get better before big events.

And if you manage to capture that One Great Picture…

If you have managed to capture that one really great picture of your child in action, then there are some great options for presentation and display.

• The giant resolution of photography nowadays allows a good photograph to be blown up to giant size, for e.g. a poster, canvas or wall print.
• As well as a big pic for the wall, a smaller version on a calendar or cup can be a permanent reminder at home or work of your child’s sporting moments, or make a nice gift for grandparents.
• Or why not put together a photo book which details your child’s progression from young, unsteady trier to a more confident player who enjoys their sport several years later for a special occasion or birthday?

You might also enjoy reading: 5 Money Saving Tips to Reduce the Cost of Kids Sports

Over to you now. Any tips to share about taking good photos of kids in action? Tell us in the comments below. 

The post Tips on Capturing Those Special Moments of Sporty Children appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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If your child does only one after school activity, I would recommend Speech and Drama/Theatre Studies. Not only will they have loads of fun with like-minded individuals, it will boost their confidence, increase their self-awareness and provide the foundation for many life skills.

Some children may go on to become stars of the airwaves, stage or screen, others may find a passion for teaching and will leave with the ability to earn a living from their passion but, without fail, all will learn to communicate and express themselves with greater ease.

Betty Ann Norton Theatre School Courses

There are many great speech and drama/theatre schools worldwide. If you live in Ireland, check out the courses on offer at the Betty Ann Norton Theatre School for children of all ages. The school has over 50 years’ experience in teaching children how to communicate well using voice, speech, drama, acting, mime and film, and provides a wide range of courses to choose from. Children can take graded exams and are encouraged to be part of one of the three annual stage productions.

Discover Which Course is Best for your Child

Kindergarten Speech & Drama 

These classes introduce very young children to Speech & Drama using a mix of:  Games, Theatre, Rhythm Exercises, Music, Mime, Movement, Story Telling & Puppetry. The children present in-house work and we encourage participation in Feis Maitiú to develop confidence.
The emphasis is on CREATIVITY, ENJOYMENT and FUN.

Class Ages: 3½ to 6
Duration: 1 hour weekly
Book Now

Acting Up – Pure Drama Course

An innovative new class for your 9-11 year olds who want to have lots and lots of fun! This class is focused on pure drama where children will play games, do lots of improvisation, make up their own stories and get to release all of that extra energy that has been pent up in a classroom all week! This class is all about performance and drama and is a perfect way to build confidence, gain new hobbies and make friends.

Class Ages: 9-11
Duration: 1 hour weekly

Book Now

Junior Speech, Mime, Drama & Acting

A 3 hour class – 90 minutes speech & mime training & 90 minutes drama & acting.

The school places a huge emphasis on Speech Training (which used to be called Elocution) both for performance and everyday communication. This class is also suitable for children with speech problems and lazy speech.

The Children will work on: Storytelling, Poetry Speaking & Writing, Reading Aloud, Speech & Communication Games.

They are also introduced to the art of Mime and work is prepared for a graded examination in Speech and Drama and Feiseanna.

The drama aspect of the course encourages personality development and building of confidence and creativity. Work covers: Theatre Games, Movement to Music, Sensitivity Training, Improvisation, Characterisation, Introduction to Script.

Class Ages: Junior 7 -10 years
Duration: 3 & a half hours weekly
Grades: This course covers initial grades 1, 2, 3 and the Trinity Guild exam.

Book Now

Advanced Junior Speech, Mime, Drama & Acting

A 3 hour class – 90 minutes speech & mime training & 90 minutes drama & acting.

This follow on course for children aged between 11 – 14 years covers grades 3,4,5 with a follow on grade examination in Speech and Drama and Feiseanna.

The Children will do further work and study: Speech Training, Storytelling, Poetry Speaking & Writing, Reading Aloud, Speech & Communication Games, Mime & Drama.

We introduce students to the great poets and dramatists, encouraging them to read their works. This ensures that when students are obliged to study these writers for their state exams, they will already be familiar with these works.

Class Ages: Junior 11 -14 years
Duration: 3 & a half hours weekly
Grades: This course covers initial grades 3 (if not already done), 4, 5 and the Trinity Guild exam.

Book Now

Trinity Guild Hall Courses

Grades 6, 7 and 8, Diplomas for Acting & Teaching Courses.

Subjects covered: Mime, Poetry Speaking, Acting, Theory of Speech and Film. Voice Training for Acting & Radio Work

Class Ages: From 13 / 14 years – adults
Duration: 30 weeks
Grades: Each course will cover advanced grades: Grade 6, 7, 8 or Diploma for Acting or Teaching.

Book Now

Teen Film Studies

A new exciting course for teenagers that covers acting to camera and film production, with some acting on stage. The emphasis of the course is on film production with the student’s writing, acting, producing and directing their own scripts. Students will get to write and develop their own scripts in a creative and supportive environment. Some scripts will then be chosen to be made into short films in Term 2.

Student’s also take part in a script writing competition in Feis Maitiú in Term 3.

Tutor: Conor Armstrong Sanfey BA, ALCM

Class Ages: From 13 years
Duration: 10 weeks

Book Now

For further information on any course or production visit the website or call (01) 2809219

The post Teach Children How to Communicate Well for Life appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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Signs of Concussion in Children

Before I started writing this article, I have to put my hands up, if you had asked me what the signs of concussion are, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you. So here are some of the signs and symptoms of a concussion:

• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
• Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
• Dizziness or “seeing stars”
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Doctors now recommend these steps after a suspected concussion:

1. The player should immediately stop playing or practicing.
2. The player should get checked out by a doctor before returning to practice or play.
3. Children who get concussions usually recover within a week or two without lasting health problems by following certain precautions and taking a break from sports and other activities that make symptoms worse.

What Parents Can Do

1. Make sure you know those signs of concussion in children (above) and take a minute to visit www.concussionaware.ie, there’s lots of info and videos on the website.
2. If your child plays a sport, keep an eye on potential concussion symptoms after games. If in doubt take your child to the doctor to get them checked.
3. If you’re a spectator at your child’s games, then watch to make sure that the coaches or teachers sit them out after a bang to the head.
4. Make your child take a break from sport and other strenuous activity for a few days if they have had a suspected concussion.
5. Ask your school and club what they are doing to protect kids from concussion dangers. Do they have clear concussion protocols in place? Is everyone involved being educated on the risks of an injury? Tell them about posters that can be downloaded on the ConcussionAware website.
6. If you feel that your child’s club isn’t taking this seriously enough, then consider switching clubs. While it might be awkward in the short term, a long-lasting brain injury is worse.
7. Consider buying a set of the elite performance Concussion Aware Laces for your child’s shoes to help raise funds for Headway, Brain Injury Services & Support. Headway acts as lifeline to people in Ireland who acquire a brain injury after strokes, concussions or other traumatic brain injuries.

Over to you now. Have you had experience of your child getting concussion? Tell us in the comments below.

The post Sport Causing Concussion in Children, Should You Be Concerned? appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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1. You spend your days ferrying them around to practice, matches, competitions…
2. You spend your evenings and weekend in cold and freezing weather on the sideline
3. You spend any spare money on footballs, boots, equipment…
4. You know the rules of the game or sport inside out, in fact, you could write a book about them
5. Your car constantly smells of wet grass, wet clothes, wet wet…
6. You have visited parts of the country that you never even knew existed
7. Your weekend going-out outfits are no longer dresses and heels, but macs and galoshes!
8. You find yourself making 300 sandwiches after a match
9. You’re up at 4am regularly (and it’s not because you’re coming in from the disco…) to take your child to a gala or competition or match
10. You can explain what “offside” or “on the full” or “square ball” means in 30 words or less
11. You are a regular visitor now to A&E with suspected strains, breaks, broken noses…
12. You now have a healthy stockpile of thermal underwear
13. You find yourself shouting at the referee (* blush *) as your kids look like they want to sink into the ground with embarrassment
14. You now spend more time in your car than you do in your own house
15. Your phone calendar/wall calendar/diary has more match or car pool dates than social dates
16. Your washing machine is on full time duty washing team strips / sports gear
17. You find yourself turning to the sports fixtures in the local paper first
18. You’ve long since given up on ever owning a clean car again
19. You never seem to have hot water any more with all the post training and post match showers
20. You never before knew that one child could own so many pairs of trainers/boots/studs/*** substitute other equipment ***
21. There’s a constant hum of balls being kicked or hit up against your wall outside

Over to you now! Any other essentials for being parent to a sports mad kid? Tell us in the comments below.

The post 21 Reasons You Know You’re Mom to a Sporty Child (aka Soccer Mom) appeared first on MyKidsTime.