February 2017 February 2017

★ “Mum I’m Bored!” Why being bored can be a good thing

★ Postnatal Pampering With a Jamu massage

★ UK Schooling For secondary education

★ Arty Crafty Kids Extracurricular activities  he air Love is in t !

Will you be my Valentine? Shopping and date night ideas contents February 2017 38 44 SECONDARY BANISH THOUGHTS BOREDOM

February 2017 news 18 EDUCATION MATTERS International and local education news 08 WHAT'S ON February 2017

★“Mum  I’m Bored!” The hottest happenings around town 19 GETTING BACK TO NATURE Why being bored can be a good thing Exploring the concept of a Forest School ★Postnatal  Pampering With a Jamu massage 10 AROUND TOWN

★UK  Schooling For secondary Things you won’t want to miss this month education resources ★Arty  Crafty Kids Extracurricular activities 12 FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD! 21 BOOKSHELF

Mouth-watering menus and food news Tales of friendship n th air! Love is i 14 LOOKING GOOD 22 TOY BOX Children’s fashion and fitness A selection of toys your child will love

Will you be my Valentine? Shopping and date night ideas 16 THIS MONTH WE: 23 SHOPPING Take to the ice Red-hot buys for Valentine's Day

Bookshelf Toy Box Shopping pg 21 pg 22 pg 23

February 2017 1 February 2017

contents34 ARTY CRAFTY KIDS

56 RELIGHT MY FIRE

24 THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT features 50 MANDARIN RESOURCES – Art and craft inspired apps WHAT’S OUT THERE? 34 ARTY CRAFTY KIDS In our final article, we look at 26 AND IT'S A WRAP So many activities to do and so little technology and how it can help Postnatal pampering with a Jamu time to do them. Janet Walker looks those learning Mandarin massage and abdominal binding at the benefits of extra curricular art activities 56 RELIGHT MY FIRE 28 WARTS AND ALL Nealy Fischer offers advice on how to The difference between molluscum 38 SECONDARY THOUGHTS make your relationship succeed contagiosum and warts We speak to two specialist education advisors on how to tackle the UK 60 CURIOUS ABOUT KEFIR? 29 CHARITY SPOTLIGHT education system What is Kefir and how can it help your Seeing Eye Dogs for the visually impaired digestive system? The Silent Ocean Killer, marine debris 44 BANISH BOREDOM Believe it or not, hearing “Mum, I’m 68 LAST WORD bored!" can be a good thing Nury Vittachi on stupid names

www.playtimes.com.hk 2 www.playtimes.com.hk Think International Schools Group

An IB World School

ur mission is to provide a safe, IGCSE Secondary School

supportive, child-centred, and 11 Kwong Lee Road Cambridge Secondary in Years challenging environment that Cheung Sha Wan 7 to 11, leading to the O Kowloon internationally recognised CIE uses an inquiry based approach to foster 2157 2111 IGCSE examinations diversity and to develop knowledgeable [email protected] • Pre IB Diploma Foundation Year and open-minded, courageous and caring • IB Dipolma in Years 12 & 13 life-long learners.

Admission Enquires: For our application and further information please email us or visit our website at www.think.edu.hk

PYP Primary School 117 Boundary Street, Kowloon Tong 2338 3949 [email protected]

Other Kindergartens Laguna City Campus Kowloon Tong Campus Mei Foo Campus Ma On Shan Campus 2727 4747 2338 0211 2727 7585 2633 7800 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] contributors

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Karen Sherwood Louise Drake Karen grew up in Australia, in the seaside city of e: [email protected] Warrnambool (she won’t take offence if you’ve never heard of it!). After a blissful childhood of PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR beach, books, imagination and travel, she attended Jo Allum university in Melbourne. Unsure of what one t: 2201 9719 e: [email protected] does with a degree in International Relations and Medieval History, she went backpacking until a

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER cash shortage saw her working at an investment management firm in Florence Choy Wan London. Whilst there, she interviewed the dashing British analyst who later t: 2201 9721 became her husband. A travel-obsessive with a penchant for moving house, e: [email protected] Karen jumped at the chance to accompany him to Hong Kong with their baby son in 2011. Now with a feisty little daughter to keep her son in line, Karen spends ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER her days writing, refereeing arguments and finding excuses not to cook. Narelle Edwards e: [email protected]

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Heloise Lagarde John Dabell t: 2201 9713 e: [email protected] John is a teacher and ex-school inspector from Nottingham in England. He has taught all age groups, from kindergarten to adults, across the UK HEAD OF ONLINE STRATEGY and in Norway. He is the author of 10 books and Tessa Bull numerous educational articles. He loves practical maths, creative problem solving and lateral thinking puzzles. He passionately believes in the value of

DESIGNER using puppets as teaching tools and his interests Cristian Checcanin include chimney pots, sphagnum mosses, waistcoats, orangutans, making pasta and the sound of London Underground trains. When he’s not out walking his Cockapoo dog with his nine-year-old daughter, he can be found in a coffee shop somewhere or climbing and zip wiring through Sherwood Forest. He hates DESIGNER Benjamin Cessford shopping for clothes but loves popping bubble wrap.

DESIGNER Reita Wong

DESIGNER Sharon Chong

CONTRIBUTORS: DESIGNER Hollie Allman, John Dabell, Angelina Draper, Nealy Fischer, Gillian Johnston, Fred Yip Ben Kirkman, Freya Paleit, Karen Sherwood, Nury Vittachi, Janet Walker, Dr Alan Wong,

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t: 2201 9727 Published by PPP Company Limited. The publication is sold on the understanding that the publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether e: [email protected] a purchaser of the publication or not, in respect of any action or omission or the consequences of any action or omission by any such person, whether whole or partial, upon the whole or part of the contents of this publication. All rights reserved, 2017 PPP Company Limited. No part of this work, covered by the publisher’s copyright may be reproduced in any form by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval, without the written permission of the publisher. Any unauthorised use of this publication will result in immediate legal proceedings. All images are shutterstock.com unless otherwise indicated.

4 www.playtimes.com.hk 2017-2018 welcome

ecember and January seem to have flown by in a blur, especially with Christmas and Chinese New Year being so close together this year. It’s nice to get back to normal, and, if I’m honest, for the kids to spend a little more time at school! How’s a mum to get anything done when the children are complaining they’re bored? Perhaps we should have run our Banish Boredom article (p.44) before the school holidays? In the article, JohnD Dabell looks for a balance between keeping boredom at bay, and encouraging it. The ‘bored jar’ will definitely be making an appearance in our home. Maybe adding some creativity to your child’s life will help on the boredom front? In Arty Crafty Kids, Janet Walker explores the benefits of the arts as extracurricular activities, be it art and craft, drama or learning a musical instrument. Did you know that according to the Independent Schools Council census, 4,621 students from Hong Kong were studying in the UK in 2016 (with parents living outside the UK)? Of these, 1,598 were first-time boarders. I spent time talking with two school advisors this month – Charles Milne of Quintessentially Education, and Arabella Davies of Their Best Years – to learn more about secondary education in the UK. Finally, let’s not overlook that February offers yetanother excuse to eat chocolate and to go out for dinner, courtesy of Valentine’s Day. We have restaurant suggestions in Food Glorious Food (p.12) and in Relight My Fire (p.56) and there are some Red Hot Buys, too. As we say on the cover, love is in the air!

Until next month,

6 www.playtimes.com.hk

news February THE HOTTEST HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN

10-12 10-12

4 Why The Whales Came Watch as the multi-award-winning performer Barefoot Walk and storyteller Danyah Miller perfectly brings Masters of Hong Kong Participate in this 4km barefoot walk through to life another enchanting tale by Michael Experience exhilarating, world-class innovative the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club Morpurgo. Created by the team who brought show-jumping during this three day event held in aid of South Sudanese children. Booths the much-loved production of I Believe in at AsiaWorld Expo. There are also various and activities will teach participants about Unicorns, Why the Whales Came is full of fun, associated social events to help you discover the challenges South Sudanese families face. mystery and adventure for children age seven the passionate world of equestrian sport. www.worldvision.org.hk and above. www.hkticketing.com.hk www.cityline.com 12

11-12 Romeo & Juliet Untold A Musical Fantasy Bringing a fun twist to Shakespeare's in Animes Romeo and Juliet, the Untold version is an The China Hong Kong Youth Symphony unforgettable show which retells this ultimate Orchestra will perform various exciting and romance from the perspective of the Capulet’s inspiring anime theme songs, accompanied party planner. Suitable for children age six by a slide show, transporting kids and adults years and up. www.hkticketing.com.hk into a musical fantasy world. ticket.urbtix.hk

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16-18 Journey Journey’s rock ‘n’ roll story began more than Anyone for Cricket? James Taylor & His All 35 years ago. Since Arnel Pineda joined as the The Netherlands are coming to face Hong new lead singer in 2007, the band has gone on Kong in fixtures crucial to both the ICC Star Band to reignite their flame, releasing two albums and Intercontinental Cup and ICC World Cricket With his distinctive style of guitar-playing performing on four continents in front of more League Championship standings. It's a and warm baritone voice, James Taylor has than five million fans. massive few days for cricket in Hong Kong. become one of the most recognised voices of www.hkticketing.com.hk www.ticketflap.com popular music. www.hkticketing.com.hk

For more events go to www.playtimes.com.hk

8 www.playtimes.com.hk

news

Beware the T-Rex! Dinosaur lovers won’t want to miss T-Rex Revealed – The Augmented + Virtual Reality Experience at the Hong Kong Science Museum from 2nd February to 1st March. Family Day at India by the Bay Thanks to technology, visitors will India by the Bay (17th–25th February, Asia Society Hong be immersed in a virtual prehistoric Kong Centre) brings India’s rich cultural diversity to Hong Kong world and will be able to interact through a programme of music, theatre, dance, food, film, with elements of the exhibition – and literature. The Family day on the 18th is specially curated flying through the sky looking at for children and parents and will feature storytelling, theatre, footprints while avoiding the scary crafts, cuisine, yoga, and dance to fire up the imagination of T-Rex. hk.science.museum children of all ages. asiasociety.org/hong-kong Around Town Dragonland Music Festival The Dragonland Music Festival brings electronic, dance and pop music to Hong Kong in a unique three-day outdoor festival. Leon’s Penguins will perform a full concert on 24th February, the 25th will see ‘One Night of Dance’ and 27th is ‘One night of Pop’ .

featuring Black Eyed Peas, Iggy Azalea and Carly Rae Jepsen. e g n

www.dragonlandmusicfestival.com a h c x e

r o

s n

GIVEAWAY r u t e r

r

Sweetwalk Bouncy Castle Festival o f

e

Don't miss the exciting Sweetwalk Run Bouncy Castle Festival – the largest l b i

inflatable obstacle family fun run where children get to bounce, run and slide g i l e

through bouncy castles – on 11–12th February at the Hong Kong Science t

Park. We have 10 individual tickets to giveaway for children age six to 12 o n

e

years. The event is suitable for children age three upwards and their families. r a

For your chance to win, visit www.playtimes.com.hk/giveaway d Calling all Lego lovers! n a

e Children between six and 12 years are invited to l a s

let their imagination run wild creating a new social l a n

hangout for Heartlake City in the Lego Friends i f

e

Designer Competition. The Hong Kong winner gets r a

a three-day, two-night trip to Legoland Malaysia s m

(with one adult family member), while the worldwide e t i

winner gets to turn their design into a Lego Friends e l a

product. Closing date is 28th February, so get S * building! friendsdesignerapp.lego.com/zh-hk

10 www.playtimes.com.hk *Sale items are final sale and are not eligible for returns or exchange. news

Making mealtimes fun Perfect for keeping little ones amused at the dinner table (but without resorting to gadgets) Let's Make More Great Placemat Art, available from Mirth for $175, features 36 generously sized mats printed on art activity paper. Kids can draw birds in a tree, create their own comic strip or sketch their favourite meal. www.mirthhome.com

A Cantonese love 50 shades of pink at story at Duddell’s What better way to start the evening than The Langham with a glass of Ruinart Rosé Champagne? Indulge in an array of mouthwatering pink Follow this with sumptuous Cantonese delights created by executive pastry chef delicacies including roasted duck broth; Matthieu Godard with the 50 Shades of Pink fried king prawn; and mushroom dumpling Afternoon Tea at the Palm Court lounge, in pumpkin soup, enjoyed in the stylish The Langham. The 50 Shades of Pink surrounds of Duddell’s, and you’ve got a Afternoon Tea is available from 11th to 14th pretty perfect Valentine’s meal. The cost February 2017 and is priced at $598 for two is $1,380 plus service per couple. persons. www.langhamhotels.com Food Glorious Food ! That’s nuts! A recent Learning Early About Peanut (LEAP) allergy study monitored over 600 children age four to 11 months with high risk of peanut allergy. Divided into two groups, one group consumed peanut while the other avoided peanut until age five. Of the children who avoided peanut, 17 per cent developed a peanut allergy by age five, while just three per cent of the children who consumed peanut developed an allergy by age five. “For decades allergists have been recommending young infants avoid consuming allergenic foods such as peanut to prevent food allergies,” notes Professor Lack, the lead investigator for the LEAP study. “Our findings suggest that this advice was incorrect.” www.leapstudy.co.uk

From the heart Hong Kong’s only chef-driven pizzeria, Motorino, invites guests to share their hearts one slice at a time with the return of its heart-shaped Neapolitan pizza this month. From 11th to 17th, all Motorino’s pizzas can be made heart-shaped (upon request) in-restaurant, for takeaway or delivery to your door. Motorino restaurants are located in Ship Street Wan Chai and Shelley Street Central. www.motorinopizza.com

12 www.playtimes.com.hk

news

Cigogne BéBé celebrates its new address with a GIVEAWAY Cigogne BeBe’s range of children’s She’s a Doll! clothes are stylish, comfortable and created with a conscience. China Doll Special Offer Products are made with organic, naturally coloured cotton. Fabric dyes Throughout the month of February, Playtimes readers contain only gentle, eco-friendly chemicals, while the resin buttons are can purchase one of China Doll’s stunning oriental recyclable and the packaging is made out of 100 per cent recycled inspired girl's dresses with a 20 per cent discount. paper. To celebrate the new store at 69 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Orders can be placed via www.chinadollkids.com four lucky Playtimes readers will each receive $500 worth of vouchers to using the promotion code CDKPLAY. The tough part is spend in the store. www.playtimes.com.hk/giveaways deciding which of the eye-catching dresses to choose! Looking Good !

Get fit with Garfield! Garfield Fit is a fitness app designed for parents and kids to go outdoors, have fun and be active together. It includes a personalised coaching plan to help kids get fit over time and weekly health data for parents to keep track of their kid’s progress. Available on iOS and Android!

Fairy Fantasy Ballet Theatre Camp Sign ups have opened for HK Ballet’s Easter Ballet Theatre camp on 14 – 15th April. The three-day camp is suitable for children age four to 10 years and will introduce many aspects of theatrical ballet productions. Children will learn about the background and themes of various stories and act and dance the roles of enchanted characters. The application deadline is 6th March and places are limited. [email protected]

14 www.playtimes.com.hk Playtimes-GIS_jan.pdf 1 11/1/2017 5:13 PM

GIS OPEN DAY Join us on 18th February at 2:00 pm and experience the IB PYP rst hand with inquiry-based trial activities designed for your child! Meet our sta and get to know more about the curriculum and innovative teaching approaches.

Sign up online at www.gis.edu.hk

Peace Garden, 2 Peace Aveune Ho Man Tin, Kowloon | Tel: 2390 3000 news

It’s Pucker! Learn to play the world's 'coolest' sport, Ice Hockey, at Mega Ice. The professionally designed courses are suitable for beginners to advanced students and focuses on skating skills, stick handling, passing and shooting. For absolute beginners, enroll on the How to Hockey Skate course, first. The classes are suitable for children aged three upwards. And if your little one takes to it, they can join the Penguins Hockey Club. www.megaice.com.hk This Month We Take to the Ice Legends On Ice, 24–26th February For inspiration on how figure skating should be done, Legends On Ice features a creative mix of figure skating and circus performance. You'll be amazed by the graceful movement of figure skating, exciting jaw-dropping acrobatics, and laugh-out-loud clown routines. The performance also features video projection and lighting effects. https://ticket.urbtix.hk

The Rink at Elements Mall is ideal for Hong Kong Ice Rinks those looking for a more flexible option; Mega Ice in MegaBox is Hong Kong’s there are no fixed time sessions and the largest, only international sized, rink. cost is calculated at a rate of $0.5–$1 per It offers lessons and hosts the Hockey minute, payable by Octopus. Rent a penguin 5s tournament, it also boasts stunning skating aid to help young beginner skaters harbour views. Opening hours are: get round the rink safely. www.rink.com.hk 10:00–19:00 Monday – Wednesday, 10:00–15:30 Thursday, 10:00–20:00 Friday and 12:00–19:00 Saturday and Sunday. The price is $50–$80 per Cityplaza Ice Palace in Tai Koo Shing is open 09:30–21:30 Monday and Thursday, session. www.megaice.com.hk 09:30–22:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 12:30–22:00 Saturday and 12:30– 18:30 on Sunday. Per session cost is $60–$85. There is a well equipped shop and multi-level skating classes are available. www.cityplaza.com

16 www.playtimes.com.hk East Coast Cuba Cot/Bed & Dresser Recaro Young Sport Hero New instore at (Black/Ruby)

Cot/Bed $3,999 / Dresser $2,999 $2,999

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from $450 from $65 from $25 $899 Stompa Classic Kids Bunk Bed Infantino Grow-with-Me Activity Toys & Books LittleLife Traveller Carrier S3 Gym & Ball Pit

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Entertainment Building Store, Central T 2522 7112 | Horizon Plaza Store, Ap Lei Chau T 2552 5000 Stanley Plaza Store, Stanley T 2555 6318 | Sai Kung Store, Sai Kung T 2976 0223 | D Park Store, Tsuen Wan T 2799 2923 www.bumpstobabes.com www.facebook.com/bumpstobabeshk news

Boosting social skills, and speech and language development Bebegarten continues to offer its Bebeplus programmes for children who require a helping hand. Social Plus is a weekly social skills group for three to five year olds. The group aims to develop the play and interaction skills of younger children, with a ratio of two staff to six children in the group. It offers children a great opportunity to practice skills directly with their peers, in realistic activities. Speech Plus is designed to support children who have a specific difficulty with their speech sound development. These children typically have good language development, but find saying the words a bit tricky. Both sessions are run by a UK trained Speech and Language Therapist. For enquiries, please email [email protected] or call at 3487 2255. Education Matters Nurturing young minds to follow their passions One of the most valuable benefits of the IB curriculum is that it challenges students to think critically. At Galilee International School (GIS) the children learn through exploration, hands-on experiences and play based activities. By doing purposeful inquiry, they find out answers and learn new concepts revolving around the transdisciplinary themes. Join Galilee at their open day on 18th February and experience the IB PYP first hand. Meet Galilee’s experienced staff and get to know more about the school's curriculum and innovative teaching approaches. www.gis.edu.hk

UK Boarding Schools Festival 18th February will see the inaugural UK Boarding School Festival at the JW Marriott hotel. Bringing together a selection of UK primary and secondary boarding schools, it will provide the perfect opportunity for Looking to the future? families to meet with schools for guidance The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016–2017 list is the on the best boarding options for each child. only global university performance table to judge world-class universities www.boardingschoolsfestival.com across their core missions – teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. It can’t hurt to keep university in mind, can it?

1: University of Oxford 5: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2: California Institute of Technology 6: Harvard University 3: Stanford University 7: Princeton University 4: University of Cambridge 8: Imperial College of London

The University of Hong Kong comes in at 43, while Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is placed at 49. Information is courtesy of www.timeshighereducation.com

18 www.playtimes.com.hk Fairchild-ExpatLiving-Feb2017.pdf 1 16/1/2017 12:57 PM for ourselves. If we’re looking at insects in the classroom, then let’s go out and investigate them in real life. Let’s grow seeds, produce our own vegetables and then make vegetable soup. This provides a very rich learning experience for the children,” enthuses McNalty. While the philosophy of a Forest school is “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing,” children in Hong Kong will spend the remaining three days a week at the school site in West Kowloon. “The architect has been very innovative with their use of the environment,” says McNalty, “the building is cleverly designed with a large indoor sandpit and other great features which mean we really can run an indoor/outdoor programme all under the roof.” Children will still be able to spend plenty of time outdoors, running and moving around to ensure a good deal of fresh air and exercise. Getting Back to McNalty says she was drawn to work with Malvern College due to its 150- year history and the solid curriculum foundation this entails. The pre-school will use the UK government’s Early Years Nature Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework alongside the Reggio Emilia approach Hollie Allman explores the concept of a Forest from Italy, in which teaching is guided by School and talks to Jacqueline McNalty of the interests of the children. “There will be plenty of firsthand, real and practical Malvern College Pre-School, Hong Kong. learning opportunities, which require collaboration and teamwork,” says McNalty, “we know that this is how young orest School is a style of education Level 3 certificate. “This world-leading children learn best and that leadership is that is focused on learning in a programme is unique in Hong Kong, built from these experiences.” The pre- Fnatural outdoor environment. The where most children live in an urban school will employ Mandarin-speaking concept is thought to have developed in environment,” says school principal, staff to take advantage of young learners’ Scandinavia in an effort to give children Jacqueline McNalty. “It’s really important ability to soak up language, as well as living in cities an experience of the natural with the emphasis on sustainability providing regular Mandarin classes. world, and was adopted in the UK in the that children can get out into nature Topics will be taught in a cross- 1990s. As well as educating children and experience tangible, hands-on, curricular way, meaning that learning in academic subjects, there is a strong multi-sensory experiences in the great is fully contextualised for children, emphasis on personal skills such as outdoors.” Children will be taken to a providing a good base for those teamwork and problem solving in order commissioned seafront site in the New continuing their education with the to build independence and self-esteem. Territories twice a week, where they can Primary Years Programme and the Malvern College Pre-School, set explore the pebble beach, the forest International Baccalaureate. Malvern to open in August 2017, will be the and the nearby organic farm. “Rather College will also open a primary and first authorised Forest School in Hong than just studying the water cycle in a secondary school through to Year 9 in Kong, with all educators possessing a classroom, we can go out and see it Hong Kong in 2018.

20 www.playtimes.com.hk resources

Sophie’s Squash Go to School by Pat Zietlow Miller When Sophie goes to school for the first time, she has no interest in making friends that aren’t squash. Her classmates find this a little strange, but there is one boy who wants to be friends with Sophie. This humorous read-aloud book, aimed at children age three to seven, shows that making friends, just like growing squash, takes time. Available from Kelly & Walsh, $180

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends? by Jane Yolen & Mark When little dinos fuss and fight, they find a way to make things right. And that is how their problem ends: they share, they hug, they stay good friends. Suitable for children age three plus. Available from Pollux, $170

The Midnight Gang By David Walliams The Midnight Gang tells an extraordinarily heartwarming and funny story of five children on a hospital ward – and on a quest for adventure. It is a story of friendship and magic – and of making dreams come true. Available from Bookazine bookshelf

Flora and the Flamingo Hedgehugs and the Hattiepillar The Peanuts Guide to Friendship By Olly Idle by Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper by Charles M. Schulz This wordless picture book tells the story Horace and Hattie Hedgehog see a The Peanuts gang celebrate the highs and of Flora and her graceful flamingo friend as caterpillar become a butterfly and take flight. lows of friendship in this beautifully produced they explore the highs and lows of friendship They decide to try a transformation of their gift book for all generations. We learn that through an elaborate, synchronised dance. own and when these two best friends put happiness is a thoughtful friend who brings With a twist, a turn, and even a flop, these their minds to solving a problem, nothing supper and that a little friendly criticism can unlikely friends learn at last how to dance can stand in their way. Suitable for children go a long way. But, most of all, we learn that together in perfect harmony. age three to seven. friendship is being one of the gang. Available from Pollux, $169 Available from Book Depository Available from Bookazine, $128

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2017JAN_PLAYTIMES_175Wx38H_3BLEED_.indd 1 16/1/2017February 13:54:28 2017 21 resources

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6 toy box Ride-on Fire Engine Sparkle Jewellery Box Personalised Puzzle $1,390 $165 $249 1 Age 1+ 3Age 6+ 5Age 2+ This charming fire engine will make little Children can decorate their very own These new wooden Stuck on You ones squeal with delight. The high quality heart-shaped jewellery box with sparkly Jigsaw Puzzles make a beautifully metal ride-on vehicle is almost one metre stick-on gems. Simply gem by number, crafted, personalised gift and long and has removable ladders, roll-out- matching the colour of the gem to educational toy for kids. Made from high hose and a bell that is fully functional. the number on the box. It makes the quality, laser cut plywood, they are lead Available from Monster Kid. perfect place to keep a girl's treasures, and MDF free and are available in pastels or to give as a Valentine’s gift! or bright primary colours. Baby Doggy Tricycle Available at Bumps to Babes. Available from www.stuckonyou.hk $1,360 2Age 1+ Chocolate Box Zookiez Made by Sevi, the oldest wooden toy $199 $160 manufacturer in Europe, this solid, 4Age 3+ 6Age 0+ handcrafted wooden tricycle with silent Children will love playing make These adorable stuffed animals come rubber wheels can be used indoors or believe with this exquisitely in six varieties and can be attached outdoors. But most of all, the cute dog packaged gift box containing nine to your arm, bag, chair or almost theme will make it fun! wooden toy chocolates. anywhere you like with just a click. Available from Monster Kid. Available from Bumps to Babes. Available from Bookazine.

Your One-Stop Online Childcare & Toy Store www.little-whale.com

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/littlewhale.com.hk /littlewhalehk LIKE us and find out our latest products & promotions. Discovery Bay 5690-4960 Ÿ Tung Chung 6310-7074 [email protected]

22 www.playtimes.com.hk Kissy Lips Air-filled balloon resources 14 inches, available from Partytime, $30

Tin mistletoe heart, available from Tree, $95

Artificial red hybrid tea roses, Amaranthine Blooms, $840 for six stems In the mood for love? You’ll love these red-hot buys

Faux Leather Biker Jacket, available from Zara Kids, $499

Hot! Stokke Xplory chassis with red seat, from Ball Chair red, Indigo Living,Red available from Indigo $11,480 Living, $1,890

Phoenix & Peony Tray White, available from Thorn & Burrow, $600

Fire Engine Frank Trunki, available from Indigo Living, $499

February 2017 23 resources There’s an app for that Angelina Draper gets creative for this month’s art and craft apps

Foldify (Apple) Artkive Aimed at children age nine and above, the So you spent the day making a hand-shaped idea is to digitally decorate paper shapes that family tree with your little ones but once it's when printed, cut and glued, become three- finished, you’re stuck figuring out what to do dimensional objects. The app provides a number with the masterpiece. This is where the Artkive of templates which are already decorated, or app comes in handy. Take a picture of the various shapes that users can decorate with creation and add it to your child’s folder within digital pencils or paintbrushes. Alternatively, print the app. Grant access to family and friends so the templates and decorate with actual pencils. they can enjoy your little one’s creative spark or turn their art into books, mugs etc. Paperama There are loads of 'how-to' origami apps Houzz available, but if you will never actually get around With over 12 million inspirational images of to folding little pieces of paper, Paperama could rooms, furniture, gardens, kitchens and more be an option. At first glance it looks like a game, in the Houzz vault, there truly is something for however, it is more of a mind-bender that will everyone. You can interact with over 1 million have you folding digital sheets of paper in your professionals as well as create photo collections sleep. A good one to give your older kids as it and share them. It’s a great way to get your teaches dexterity and problem-solving skills. ideas across to builders and other suppliers, especially when there is a language barrier. Craftsy Ever wanted to learn the art of cake decorating Kids Crafts or perhaps take a quilting class? Although This is not an app that will win design awards, Craftsy (website and app) allows you to access but it does have some interesting crafts with a vast array of free recipes and tutorials, the detailed instructions for two age categories online classes are where the true magic comes (toddler & preschoolers and school-age). Most to life. Courses include jewellery making, projects take no more than 15 minutes. As cooking, woodwork, photography and weaving. the app is developed by a craft supplier their There are also free mini-classes, including some products are highlighted, but they are usually to do with kids. simple items that are readily available anywhere.

Guidecentral Quiver This member-based community of creative Quiver combines traditional colouring pages people from around the globe is like Pinterest with augmented reality to make the characters in that it uses a tile format and lets you save your children colour come to life. Simply print and comment on each tile. Where it differs, Quiver's colouring pages (through the app or however, is with step-by-step tutorials on how to website), let your children fill them in and then complete mini-projects. There are over 20,000 overlay your phone or tablet over the image. guides divided into six categories: Crafts, Then watch your child’s reaction as they see Beauty, Food, Home, Style, Technology. their drawings come to life. sponsored feature BrainyTap

re you looking for fun, eBooks on the BrainyTap platform. The BrainyTap is free to download, interesting reading material collection has eBooks in English and and you can sign up to access free for your child? Looking for Chinese, and covers a wide range of fun content and creation tools. For only a platform where children topics that encourage children to read HK$23 monthly subscription, you can Acan make their own learning games and explore at their own pace, including also access premium learning content and stories? BrainyTap is a new Phonics, Pinyin, Maths, Science, Arts, and share your creations privately with eBook app with thousands of learning History, Geography, Music, Technology, your children. You will have unlimited materials, eBooks and activities Literature and Sports. opportunities to play, explore and created and shared by a worldwide Are you a teacher or parent looking share in this fantastic new educational learning community, that can give your to make interactive materials for your app that is designed to unleash your child an engaging and personalized children? Using BrainyTap on the iPad, inner creator. learning experience. you can use the creation suite to make BrainyTap has attracted high quality exciting learning games. Enjoy creating learning content from teachers, writers activities in a few taps, without any Download and children. Kids Dailies – a Hong Kong programming skills. You can then BrainyTap on the based children's newspaper dedicated share your creations with the rest of App Store, or scan to producing fun reading material for 5, the BrainyTap community of educators the QR code here. 7 and 10 years – have produced 400+ and learners.

February 2017 25 advice

And it’s a Freya Paleit experiences some postnatalWrap pampering with Restoring Mums’ Jamu massage and abdominal binding

wo months after having had hugely appealing, especially when it pregnancy, photographing your stomach my third baby, I was totally comes with the promise of helping to get (to compare with after the treatment), smitten with my utterly her body back on track to recovery? It’s assessing whether you have fat deposits delightful and amazing a double win! and if so, what areas need special Tdaughter and thrilled to have a attention and what kinds of oils to use newborn in the house again but I was The treatment during the week of treatment in order to also very, very tired and resigned to the The set of sessions started with a help meet the relevant goals set out after fact that I probably wouldn’t be feeling consultation with Karen, who has the assessment. like sporting a bikini any time soon. brought over much of her expertise One of the great things about this And so, I was of course delighted when from Malaysia. Her passion for the treatment is that you don’t need to leave I was approached by Karen Loke, relationship between traditional the comfort of your own home, which also a mother of three, and owner of postpartum recovery methods of her is something most new mums really Restoring Mums, offering me to trial own culture and advances in scientific appreciate, what with feeling exhausted, five days of traditional Jamu massage massage techniques and therapeutic often not wanting to venture out too far and abdominal binding at home. treatments, led her to study and train in and wanting to be close to ‘bubs’ most this area. Alongside formal courses and of the time. What’s it all about? professional training, Karen has explored Jamu is a traditional Indonesian the field at a grassroots level, learning Day one treatment that uses herbal oils, in a traditional methods of Malay postpartum The therapist arrived at my home and deep and thorough massage to help the care from midwives, industry experts and set about transforming my bedroom into body heal itself naturally. The ‘binding’ local native therapists. I was confident a mini spa complete with heated bed, is exactly what it sounds like: having that I was in good hands. relaxing tunes and aromatic fragrances. the area that has grown most during She meets and consults with each She then got to work with preparing pregnancy (stomach and hips) wrapped client so that the treatments can be tailor- the bespoke oils and lotions previously up tightly to help bring the body back made for your body and your postnatal selected for me by Karen. together again. experience. This includes measuring I laid down face first on the heated What new mum wouldn’t find the idea any tummy muscle split you may or bed, with my stomach placed carefully of being pampered in her own home may not have experienced through on top of the warm, scented cream,

26 www.playtimes.com.hk with ingredients designed to work on The results toning my stomach while the massage Whilst Karen did say that to get the best began. I then slipped into a state of semi results, you should really have 10 days of slumber for a full hour and a quarter of treatment, I have to say that I do actually blissful massage. The complete body think my stomach looked more toned rub from top to toe was heavenly with after the five days I experienced. My very the therapist paying special attention pronounced ribs seem to have been to the three areas I had mentioned in brought back in slightly and my ‘muffin the consultation: my shoulders that are top’ seemed to spill over a little less. All always tight from carrying the stresses in all, these were good results in only a and strains of motherhood, my love few days. handle/stomach/lower back area that I really appreciated having an hour was in need of some extra TLC and my a day for myself – I really cannot stress upper thighs. My therapist responded to enough how luxurious this felt. Just as my request for a strong, hard massage you finish one amazing massage, you and really gave my body the treatment I realise that the therapist is coming back craved. She also spent a good amount of again the next day! If there is one time time actually massaging my stomach and in your life that you really deserve a fully working with the muscles on bringing the indulgent pamper, it is after giving birth stomach split back together. and taking care of a newborn. Afterwards, I was wrapped up tighter Each night I slept very well. Apart than an Egyptian mummy with what from having the time to relax and be seemed like a very long, wide and strong pampered safe in the knowledge that you bandage. This covered my midriff from are doing something positive to help your my hips to my breast bone and I was body recover after labour, having your told to try and keep it on for six hours muscles massaged actually makes it or so, which I didn’t quite manage on easier to sleep at night (that is, of course, day one. if you are not woken every hour by your lovely little bundle of joy!). Day two As is the case with most bespoke, The following day, the therapist returned home-based treatments, this doesn’t for a repeat. The session was pretty come cheap at $9,200–14,000 for five similar to day one with more time spent sessions and $17,440–26,400 for 10 on my stomach, plus arms and hand sessions, but I would say that after all massage and a full head massage. I the hard work, love and care you’ve put managed to keep the binder on a little into your new little family, it is money well longer this time around. spent on someone who truly deserves it.

Day three Top tip This was set to be a tummy day which My advice would be to arrange your consisted of a hot stone massage on the appointments for the end of the day or tummy drawing the separate muscles on a week that you don’t have much on, back together again, rubbing toning as it is quite difficult to do much bending, oils into the area and more massage. lifting or sitting when you are wearing the I also had a head massage and breast binder. Apparently, many clients actually massage designed to help the milk flow choose to sleep in theirs and I can for breast feeding. understand why. Day four was a repeat of days one All in all this was a very pleasant and two and the final day a repeat of day experience: who said “No pain, no three, with each ending with me being gain”?! wrapped up tightly with the binder, pulling in my tummy, ribs and hips. www.restoringmums.com

February 2017 27 advice Warts And All Dr Alan Wong introduces the characteristics of warts and molluscum contagiosum – both caused by viruses and common among children

Warts burning, applying topical acids, or the disease can persist for three to five Warts are bumps that develop on the surgical removal. years. Although scarring can occur as skin. They are firm and raised and may Of course prevention is the best the lesions disappear, most molluscum have a cauliflower surface appearance. cure. Patients with warts should avoid contagiosum lesions do not resolve with Most people will have warts at some deliberately touching warts on themselves scars. Again, as with warts, treatment is point in their life. They're generally or others. Always use slippers or other not mandatory. Treatment options include harmless and tend to go away on their footwear in public showers. The HPV scraping off the bumps (curettage), own eventually, but this can take months vaccines have been developed for the using medicines (liquids or creams) such or even years. prevention of genital warts and HPV- as those used to treat warts, freezing You can get infected with the virus related anogenital cancers. However, the bumps (cryotherapy), or putting a that causes warts by touching another there is currently no effective vaccine for chemical on the bumps like Cantharidin. person's wart. You can also get infected the prevention of cutaneous warts. Potential advantages of successful by touching objects that have the virus treatment include limiting the spread of on them. For instance, people can catch Molluscum Contagiosum lesions to other sites, reducing the risk of warts by walking barefoot around pools, Molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus transmission to others, soothing itchiness locker rooms, or gyms. that causes a localised skin infection. when present, and the prevention of Treatment of warts is not mandatory. The infection appears as skin-coloured, scarring that can result from lesions Most of them will go away on their dome-shaped bumps on the skin of an that become inflamed, traumatised, or own eventually, particularly in children. infected individual. Infection is spread by secondarily infected. Treatment may Some reasons for treatment include direct skin-to-skin contact and can occur also reduce psychological stress over pain or discomfort, cosmetic reasons, anywhere on the body. Infection can also the appearance of lesions. However, or for children with immunosuppression be spread by objects containing the virus depending on the chosen therapy, (because of the risk of extensive infection). such as on bath sponges or towels. The treatment can be time consuming or can If treatment is warranted, options diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum result in adverse effects such as pain, include mechanical destruction, is usually made by the characteristic irritation, dyspigmentation, or scarring. adjustment of the patient's immune appearance of the lesions. In most cases, system through medications, and individual lesions usually go away on their Dr Alan Wong is a registered medical observation. The most commonly own within two months and the infection doctor in the US, Canada, UK, Australia employed treatments involve destroying often clears completely within six to and Hong Kong. He practices at the affected tissue by freezing, twelve months. In a minority of cases, Southside Family Health Centre.

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28 www.playtimes.com.hk advice

Seeing Eye Dogs Gillian Johnston discovers how, thanks to Seeing Eye Dog Services, some of Hong Kong’s visually impaired will “never walk alone”

an you imagine walking all alone in a totally dark Seeing Eye Dog history in Hong Kong. We believe that we environment, not just from a lack of light but from a lack must be able to breed, to train and to match locally if we want C of sight? Next try to imagine going about your daily life to sustain the Seeing Eye Dog services in Hong Kong. We did in our busy city. For visually impaired people, a companion it!” Raymond proudly stated. to help them navigate is more than important, it’s essential. As well as being caring companions, it is true to say that Essential as it is, human companions aren’t always available, SEDs are like guardian angels to visually impaired people. which is where caring canine companions come to the rescue. Sharing her experience of being matched with Yoyo (the “Never Walk Alone” is the catchy slogan of Hong Kong mother of the first locally bred litter) back in March, Joby Seeing Eye Dog Services (HKSEDS), which was established Wong said “Since Yoyo is with me, I no longer tremble by Raymond Cheung Wai Man in January 2012 to help visually with fear while walking down the street. I rarely bump into impaired people, not only physically but also psychologically. obstacles anymore and can walk as fast as a normal person. Prior to that there had been no Seeing Eye Dog (SED) services I no longer feel lonely as Yoyo is just like my sister looking in Hong Kong for nearly 40 years – not since the first donated after me.” Job added “Yoyo also helps break the ice between dog died in 1975. According to Raymond, the main reason me and others. I have a much closer relationship with my for this was the lack of a local long term development plan friends. What Yoyo brings me has already outweighed a cane! and services support. This inspiring (fully sighted) individual She brings me the sense of security and makes my life full realised his dream of creating a service in his home country of of colours!” Hong Kong upon retiring here after experiencing such dogs Without any financial support from the Government, funding whilst working in New Zealand for many years. Raymond is one of the main difficulties and challenges faced by HKSEDS, qualified as an SED trainer in New Zealand before learning along with a lack of puppy walkers. When puppies grow to about setting up a business in Taiwan and subsequently seven weeks, they need to move to a separate family to learn undergoing instructor training in Melbourne. basic obedience rules. More importantly, puppies have to Starting with only two dogs, HKSEDS (a registered charity) undergo what’s called “socialise training”, a critical factor to now has 33 SEDs including eight fully trained and graduated, determine whether they can be successfully trained when they eight studs and others under training. Raymond was delighted grow up. Since public housing does not allow SED puppies this when Google – the first locally trained SED in Hong Kong – significantly reduces the amount of potential puppy walkers. was matched with a visually impaired person in July 2012. If you want to support the local Seeing Eye Dog service and help Realising that relying on foreign SEDs wasn’t a sustainable a visually impaired person get matched with a caring canine solution, the charity bred their first puppies in 2015 when four companion please donate and/or apply to be a puppy walker. bitches were born. More encouraging, two litters of artificial insemination puppies were born in March and July this year, For more information, visit www.seeingeyedog.org.hk or totalling 13 new dogs. “This is an important milestone for contact Ben Tsang via [email protected].

February 2016 29 advice

photo credit © Christine Figgener The Silent Ocean Killer Two events in Hong Kong this month highlight the problem of marine debris. Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, organisers of Run for Survival, talk us through the problem of plastic waste in our waters

30 www.playtimes.com.hk eing home to nearly 6,000 marine species, Hong What we can do Kong is blessed with rich biodiversity despite its small Considering the harm plastic is doing to our territory. However, the beauty of our waters is now environment, it’s time to look for ways to reduce plastic clouded by man-made marine debris. consumption in our daily lives. B With more than 95 per cent of the refuse generated locally, marine debris is a serious issue in Hong Kong. Plastic wastes, The last straw in particular, contribute to 60-80 per cent of the debris, with the Save marine lives and say NO to a plastic drinking straw most commonly found ones being packaging and disposable next time you order your favourite drink. If you are already utensils. From the Environmental Protection Department’s used to drinking with a straw, you can go for the stainless report, more than 2,100 tonnes of plastic waste were dumped steel alternative to stay green and cool. in the landfill every day of 2015, accounting for over one fifth of the total municipal solid waste produced. Takeaway plastic Marine debris takes countless marine lives every year. If you are a frequent takeaway diner, you can still enjoy Commonly mistaken as food by marine animals, plastic great food while bringing your own utensils and reusable waste, e.g. disposable utensils, plastic drinking straws, plastic food wrap for a plastic-free ocean. bottles, plastic bags, block the digestive system of marine lives and create a false sense of satiety, resulting in malnutrition, BYO starvation or even death. Bring your own bottle to reduce plastic waste. If the A video taken in Costa Rica showing a straw being removed use of plastic bottles cannot be avoided, ensure they from the nostril of an Olive Ridley turtle received worldwide are disposed of properly and responsibly, and recycle attention. It took about eight minutes for the researchers to wherever possible. Plastic of different types should remove the 10-12 cm plastic straw. It is very likely that the turtle be cleaned and dissembled accordingly before being ate and regurgitated the straw, which ended up in the wrong placed in recycling bin. passageway. Plastic has indeed made our lives more convenient; The Power of Natural Beauty nevertheless, it has created a catastrophe for the environment Choose skincare products with natural ingredients, as it takes decades, and even centuries, for plastic litter to such as nutshell, oatmeal, and sugar instead of plastic naturally decompose. Contaminants and toxins in plastic debris micro‑beads. Pamper your skin while protecting are absorbed by marine animals and bio-accumulate through the ocean! the food chain, affecting the ecosystem. Plastic micro-beads are another culprit which threatens the oceans’ health, and Join OPCFHK in Run For Survival on 26 February ours. These micro-beads are too small to be filtered by our Participants will run as a marine animal in the 3km Fun sewage treatment facilities and so are flushed out to the sea Run or 10km Time Challenge, with Ocean Killers and directly. Through filter feeders, which feed on small planktons, other obstacles standing in the way of the finishing line. micro-plastics get into the food chain, polluting fisheries and What’s more, there will be game booths, up-cycling aquaculture, ultimately threatening human health. workshops, and Mamasmart market for you to learn Now in its third year, Run For Survival charity race continues more about marine conservation and tips on green living. to be themed around marine conservation. In light of the Don’t miss the Group Booking Offer, which will end with seriousness of marine debris in Hong Kong, race organisers the registration period on February 12th. Ocean Park Conservation Fund HK are highlighting the impact www.opcf.org.hk on nature of plastic litter, as well encouraging us to make small changes to our habits to start a plastic-free life.

Coastal Watch Project – Turning the Tide Against Marine Litter Coastal Watch is a two-year conservation project launched by WWF-Hong Kong and several partner organisations to bring attention to the worsening problem of marine debris in Hong Kong waters. A display at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, until 2nd April, showcases the severity of the problem and summarises the survey reports of the project. On 25th February 16:00–17:00 there will be a talk Tales of Coastal Defense (in Cantonese) by project manager Patrick Yeung. www.hkmaritimemuseum.org

February 2017 31 Media Partner Organiser

The Hong Kong Young Writers Awards 2017 The New Tales of Old Shanghai

he shortlisting process is now complete; our Chairman of the Judges, Nury Vittachi, has read all your wonderful entries. We were all impressed with the quality of the entries this Tyear, and how they all explored a different perspective of the Old Shanghai. We hope that you enjoyed writing about this topic, as much as we loved reading your entries. Please ask your teacher to see if your submission has been shortlisted and you have received an invite to the Awards ceremony, in March.

HKYWA Team would like to wish you a Happy Year of the Rooster!

Calling all sponsors If you or your company is interested in sponsoring the Hong Kong Young Writers Awards 2017, we would love to hear from you. On initial contact we will send you a copy of our sponsorship kit, which shares our vision and goals created to support charities and enrich the educational community of Hong Kong. Please email [email protected]

Sponsors

Search Investment Group Venue features Media Partner Organiser

The Hong Kong “Give th children“ love, more love and Young Writers Awards 2017 still more love – and th common sense The New Tales of Old Shanghai will come by itself” – Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking he shortlisting process is now complete; our Chairman of the Judges, Nury Vittachi, has read all your wonderful entries. We were all impressed with the quality of the entries this Tyear, and how they all explored a different perspective of the Old Shanghai. We hope that you enjoyed writing about this topic, as much as we loved reading your entries. Please ask your teacher to see if your submission has been shortlisted and you have received an invite to the Awards ceremony, in March.

HKYWA Team would like to wish you a Happy Year of the Rooster!

Calling all sponsors If you or your company is interested in sponsoring the Hong Kong Young Writers Awards 2017, we would love to hear from you. On initial contact we will send you a copy of our sponsorship kit, which shares our vision and goals created to support charities and enrich the educational community of Hong Kong. Please email [email protected]

Sponsors

Search Investment Group Venue

February 2017 33 Arty Crafty Kids Janet Walker investigates why parents and children love to get creative in their free time

he sheer volume of activities available to children in Hong Kong can be overwhelming for parents, and their pockets. With only limited hours in the day, where on earth do you start – academic, sporting, performance,T crafty? Many of our children will have made their stage debut in a pre-school show; showing off their elf or reindeer skills in the Christmas show or participating in a lion dance for Chinese New Year. Is this the start of a glamorous showbiz career, or the most nerve-wracking experience they’ll ever go through? At a time when the UK, for example, is seeing falling numbers of drama teacher training courses, children in Hong Kong have ample opportunity to tread the boards from a very young age. Sometimes it’s the least likely children who shine too - being shy in the real world doesn't always translate to stage fright, so drama is a great way for even the smallest children to take on a new persona. Keon Lee, General Manager at Faust International and a father of two, says “The arts are vital for a child's overall development. The arts are how we view, express and understand the world. Children understand themselves and others better through the arts, whether it is an image, a story or a performance. Drama, in particular, also helps children develop their confidence and creativity. Children learn skills and knowledge of how to express their ideas, tell stories using physicality, voice and imagination.” Three of Sarah Rooney’s four children have taken dance or drama classes and she feels the same as Keon. Her daughter The Jungle Book, performed by Faust

34 www.playtimes.com.hk February 2017 35 has been dancing since age two and it feels amazing for kids to perform in All three of my children play at the proud mum says this has produced front of an audience and to receive least one instrument, not because a “very self-assured, mature and appreciation − whether it's an we force them to but because they responsible teenager.” impromptu show in the living room, love the sound of it. For them there's Music is another performance art or a larger performance in a concert an exhilarating feeling, when after with proven benefits for the learner. hall. Being part of an orchestra is a practising and practising and learning It doesn’t have to be about endless wonderful way for our ‘Wall Flowers’ to new notes each week, they go from scales and reaching the highest grade, perform with their friends, to feel part the start of a music book or a music though, it’s about fun. Mother of three, of a team and to gain confidence. That piece thinking, ‘How will I ever learn Rachel Tandy explains: confidence can be used in so many the James Bond Theme Tune?’ to “The benefits to children of learning other areas: the playground, the sports mastering it and playing it beautifully an instrument are amazing. As field, the art room, public speaking and knowing that it sounds great and parents, we tend to look at it as a great and ANYTHING new they care to try! their hard work has paid off. developmental tool for fine motor skills When our kids are confident and have It doesn't make a difference which and for helping to build muscle memory, good self-esteem, they are better instrument they choose, they all have posture and listening skills. We all know equipped to deal with peer pressure benefits − drums give great rhythm; it has the added benefit of helping our and responsibility, which is something trumpets are fab for breathing – just kids learn how music goes from being we all want for our children. pick something and try it. So, if your a few notes on a page, to being a song The direct benefits on our kid says to you, "I want to learn the..." they hear on the radio or a carol that children's organisational skills aren't talk to a music teacher, see if it will they sing every year. It also helps them immediately apparent but they do build suit your child and give it a go. Not learn to appreciate other types of music up over the years, trust me. Musical for a week or two, but for at least six and where their instrument fits into a development works in many areas of months. Long enough for them to know band or an orchestra. the brain including helping children it's not the easiest thing they'll ever A hidden boon is that music can with organisation, maths, language, do; long enough to learn about the be a great tool in confidence building; programming, sports and concentration. instrument, reading music and playing

36 www.playtimes.com.hk ART AND DRAMA

Pinocchio 15-17th February. Take your little ones along to see the adventures of Pinocchio, the puppet who is desperate to be a real boy, performed by the Faust International Youth Theatre this month. It's a great way to inspire your children to join some drama activities themselves. www.urbtix.hk.

Art Central 21-25th March Art Central showcases art from around the region and attracts a broad range of visitors, including families. The Sovereign Art Foundation's booth will be based on a book about Queen’s Road West. Aiming to re-create one of the street's lantern shops, the booth will be full of colour and will sell nick knacks, such as lanterns and incense sticks. Original prints the notes; and long enough to learn assist and improve fine motor skills, from the book will decorate the that perseverance is key to success. boost self esteem, improve bilateral walls and children visiting the fair Soon they will get that happy, confident communication between left and right can decorate the lanterns, hanging feeling of playing something beautifully sides of the brain and teach children the them in the ‘shop’ thereby creating and getting it right.” importance of social cognitive abilities. an installation during the fair. Fine motor skills and perseverance Many parents who have hyperactive http://artcentralhongkong.com are great transferable skills that also kids or children with concentration improve with the craft-based side of issues have been telling me how the Melodia 26-29th April arts classes. For example, knitting is craft classes really calm their children Another great opportunity to inspire seeing something of a renaissance down, that the kids come home relaxed young creatives is taking them to these days with several schools offering and excited about their achievements in see Melodia, an original production it as an extra-curricular activity. Honor craft class.” created by Cirque du Soleil Williams, age eight, is in Kellett School’s The arts often get short shrift as a composer and singer duo, Violaine knitting club and tells us “Knitting helps soft option in education, especially in Corradi and Rose Winebrenner, in you focus, and if you stop for a bit it’s Hong Kong. But many parents, teachers collaboration with Hong Kong Youth like riding a bike, you never forget how and children see the benefits, such as Arts Foundation founder Lindsey to do it.” That happy confident feeling motor skills development, social skills, McAlister. This unique cross- of playing a beautiful piece of music is organisational abilities and tenacity. As genre performance mixes word, the same feeling the beginner knitter Adri says, “life in Hong Kong is hectic song, dance, aerial arts, puppetry, gets from completing that first scarf with a high demand on achievement physical theatre and acrobatics. or bookmark. and academics. Parents do not always www.urbtix.hk. Adri Blumberg, who runs Craft Hour have time to sit down and do crafts with Asia − an arts and crafts school with kids, and schools definitely do not allow a focus on life skills − agrees. With a enough time for this development and wide range of small classes, including therefore, I believe, kids miss out.” So, origami, mosaic and upcycling, have your children put on their dancing for children age four up, Adri says shoes, take to the stage or flex their “We focus on stimulating creativity, fingers – the benefits are endless! Art Central: Image William Furniss

February 2017 37 Secondary

Thoughts Many families in Hong Kong think about sending their child overseas for secondary schooling. Louise Drake explores the benefits and application process for secondary education in the UK

alk among parents at our eight- What are the benefits of a UK year-old son’s school often secondary education? turns to secondary education Charles Milne has almost 40 years of and whether children will experience in education. He spent the remainT in Hong Kong for this crucial part majority of his career teaching French of their learning journey. Many families in and English at Eton College, one of Hong Kong consider sending their child the UK's most prestigious boarding overseas for secondary school – be it schools. He was also a house master to the US, UK, Australia or elsewhere and head of admissions for five years in Asia; or (if applicable) they weigh up at the world-renowned school. His vast returning to their country of origin in time knowledge about the UK education for their child’s secondary education. system, and Eton College, has made For our part, my husband and I were him a valuable education consultant with both born in the UK. We’ve been in Quintessentially Education. Hong Kong for 15 years, though, and Charles credits a number of factors for it’s our home. Both our children were the appeal and success of UK schools. born here. They attend a school that we “I think families like the diversity that is (and they) are very happy with and which available in UK schools, which perhaps will see them all the way through their isn’t as available here [in Hong Kong]. secondary education. They really want their children to move into But will we definitely be in Hong Kong a broader, more open environment where for our children’s secondary education? It’s there are going to be more opportunities hard to say. It’s not that we are planning to for sport, music, drama, art – that whole leave, but there is always the chance that range of co-curricular activities. we may have to return to England. If that “The schools in the UK are renowned were to happen, would we be able to get for the strength of the co-curricular our children into a school? Which schools activities. There’s a really high standard would we apply to and should I have of music, drama – the theatre won’t be already registered? Perhaps I should give equally strong across all the schools, this matter some thought! of course, but at a number of the top

38 www.playtimes.com.hk Rugby School

February 2017 39 Maidwell Hall

end schools drama is really good. For view “there are many advantages to a But which school? example at Eton, theatre agents will UK education, the main one being the Are there particular UK secondary come and watch the school plays and confidence that seems to be instilled in schools that overseas parents tend to there will be kids every year that will be children educated in the independent favour for their children? In Arabella’s offered a contract with an agent. sector in the UK.” experience “many overseas parents “One of the other things you've got, and Independent schools, or private initially favour the more well-known I think this is where the UK wins out over schools, are funded through school schools such as Eton College and America or Australia, is the cultural and fees rather than the government. Winchester for boys and Wycombe historical opportunities. If you’re reading These schools don’t have to follow the Abbey or Downe House for girls. These English, you can go to Shakespeare’s UK’s national curriculum, but must be tend to be the most academic, which can Globe, if you’re studying History of Art, you registered with the government and are ultimately lead to some disappointment can go to the National Gallery. inspected regularly. “Independent schools when parents realise that their children “On top of that, a lot of parents tend to have smaller classes, better are perhaps not the right fit.” are looking toward what’s going to facilities and overall excellent pastoral Charles agrees that parents “tend happen beyond secondary school, to care, allowing children to thrive and be very often to have preconceptions or university. There is a real attraction for UK happy in their learning environment,” their own preferences and can very often universities; and even if they are ultimately explains Arabella. be dominated by a school with a top aiming toward American universities, UK “The strength of the academic brand image… Or sometimes parents schools are still a good route in.” teaching in the independent sector in will be led by league tables, which can Arabella Davies of bespoke education the UK is really good,” agrees Charles. be misleading.” service Their Best Years has over 15 “Schools in the independent sector So, if I’m desperate for my son to years of experience working in the UK have got a flexibility about hiring staff attend Eton College, would an advisor education sector and as a researcher which isn’t available to schools in the let me down gently if he is an unlikely fit, I for the highly regarded UK Tatler state sector… In the independent sector wonder? “Although I am keen to satisfy a Schools Guide. Her vast experience you can take somebody who is really parent’s brief, I am also not afraid to give has afforded her valuable insight into interesting and bright; you can take them advice if I feel that they perhaps aren’t a great many schools and the differing straight from university and offer them a going down the right road to benefit their approaches they take, both inside and job; you can take people out of business. children in the long term,” says Arabella. outside the classroom – from education So you can arguably get a more “I’m always willing to gently steer parents in and academic reputation, to pastoral interesting and challenging, stimulating a different direction while at the same time care and co-curricular activities. In her academic staff.” not putting them off their initial choices.”

40 www.playtimes.com.hk But what if I really don’t have a clue where would be a good fit for my child? Charles advises that in this situation using an advisory company, such as Quintessentially Education, is a smart move. “You can’t really find out [what the options are] on the school websites; the websites are very generic. They all say the same sort of thing.” How do Their Best Years advise people like me, who really don’t know which schools to consider? “I question parents regarding a multitude of areas including location, who is going to be their point of contact in loco parentis, how far are they willing to travel (this mostly applies to grandparents), are they considering a co- ed school or single sex, do they want all their children educated in the same school etc. In addition, much of my consultation is alleviating the anxiety that goes with choosing a school for their children. What I try and do is to see exactly what the family want and need, as well as take into consideration the strengths and weaknesses of their children.” How about for children that have been studying Mandarin in Hong Kong? “Most senior schools now offer Mandarin as part of the curriculum. It has less of a Shrewsbury School take-up in prep schools and so is often an after-school club,” advises Arabella. “Having a second language is of huge benefit, whether this be Mandarin, French or German, and schools love to take on pupils with a command of any additional language.” What about curriculum; many schools in Hong Kong follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, how much should this impact the decision-making process for which UK school to join, I ask Arabella. “There are now many schools in the UK which have adopted the IB. I don’t believe it should alter the decision a family might make on which school they choose. Although IB is possibly more internationally recognised, A-Levels are still a good qualifier for most universities across the globe, so I think a family are better off choosing a school which is the right fit throughout, rather than whether Students at Shrewsbury School or not they offer IB.”

February 2017 41 saying ‘ideally we would like a school in this area of London’ and we would draw up some lists,” says Charles. “The choice of prep school is less likely to be based on knowledge of the child because, to some extent, in terms of education provided, a prep school, is a prep school, is a prep school. You won’t get so much of a difference between prep schools. Some will be more competitive, some will be more academically selective than others, but you won’t find the same degree of difference between London prep schools Rugby School as you will with secondary schools.” But is a prep school necessary? What about a timeline? to introduce their children into the senior “Although a prep school experience can When should Hong Kong parents start sector then I wouldn’t necessarily advise only assist in the transition from prep researching UK secondary schools, or coming in later than age 13 (year nine) school to senior school, it is certainly not enlist the help of an advisory company? unless they wanted to delay it to 16+. essential,” says Arabella. “Gone are the Have I missed the boat with my eight- “Regarding day school, this totally days of needing to send one’s child to prep year old? “Being organised is key,” says depends on where a family plans to school at the age of eight in order to get Arabella. “I would recommend seeking relocate. Day places in London are them into a leading senior school. Instead, advice and researching secondary harder to come by than day places in the the entry points are incredibly flexible.” schools around four years before entry country, which means children are better Charles agrees that prep school is not (for 13+ that’s in year four). This gives off going down the structured application essential, “Given that often the option to families plenty of time to research route and starting from the beginning. For a family here [in Hong Kong] would be several schools and allows them to girls’ schools this is mainly year seven; for to send a child to board in a prep school stick to individual admissions deadlines, boys’ schools it is a mixture of year seven – I think that is quite a tough ask these which can be demanding.” and year nine. days. Although you can board your child Getting the timing right for applications “There is always movement within any as young as eight in the UK, it’s not very is a message that Charles is determined school environment but, I would always popular now.” to get across. “We had a parent whose advise playing it safe, being organised son is just over the age of 11 and they in your transition and relocation plans Pay them a visit are trying to find a boarding school. For a and, most importantly, keeping in touch It’s definitely worth paying schools a visit. number of the top schools, the well-known with admissions offices because they are You will find out so much more walking brands as it were, they've already missed usually very amenable to overseas families through the grounds than on the website. the deadline. If you want to have access and are fully aware that plans change at Ideally, visit the school during term time to all British boarding schools, then you've the eleventh hour,” adds Arabella. so that you can see the school when it’s got to have your child registered by the “If parents are thinking of moving alive. A school without the students really time he or she is 10 and a half. If you miss their children to UK for prep school, then doesn’t have the same feeling. Advisory that deadline there are still schools that will again they've got to be a little careful companies are able to help with booking be available to you, but for the prestigious about deadlines,” Charles warns. visits if you wish, or can accompany you. ones such as Eton, Winchester, Wellington A prep, or preparatory, school is an – and one or two others that will very independent primary school catering for Testing times probably feature on your wish list – you will children up to approximately 13 years. So let’s get back to secondary school. have missed out.” A prep school prepares the child for the What about the common entrance exam? In terms of the best age to move a common entrance exam that is required Are children from Hong Kong given some child across to the UK system, Arabella to get them into an independent leeway in the entrance exams for things doesn’t think there is a specific ‘best’ secondary school. they may not have been taught? “Yes age. “I advise families to make the When it comes to getting into a prep – definitely,” says Arabella, “to the point decision as a whole. If a family wanted school, “it’s often a matter of parents where some children don’t even need to

42 www.playtimes.com.hk take the common entrance exam at the end of year eight!” Charles agrees, “Schools will be accommodating for Hong Kong children doing common entrance because they are very aware that the full range of common entrance papers which will be taken by students in the UK, those subjects won’t necessarily have been taught over here, so for example the Divinity paper. Certainly for Eton College you would still have to do English, the three sciences and a modern language, which can now include Mandarin, but they wouldn’t have to do history, geography, Divinity or Latin (although at Eton every boy has got to do Latin in the first year).” “The exam is very much used by secondary schools now as a setting exam. So the classes students start off in will depend very much on how they've done in the common entrance exam,” Charles explains. THEIR BEST YEARS QUINTESSENTIALLY The interview Their Best Years offers guidance EDUCATION Both Arabella and Charles are completely to overseas families considering Quintessentially Education’s experienced against interview training for children. UK schooling. Whether you require and well-connected experts, such as “What the people doing the interviews assistance with the initial school selection Charles Milne, offer a wide spectrum want for entry at secondary level in year process or help preparing for school of services designed to give parents six, is to get some idea of what the child assessments, UK schools consultant a sense of direction in the midst of is going to be like to teach; is this child Arabella Davies – former researcher for educational decision-making, from early going to be fun to have in the classroom. Tatler Schools Guide – can help. With years to university. We want to hear spontaneous 10-year- knowledge of UK Schools that goes Specialists take pride in the ability old answers to questions, we don’t beyond the front door, Arabella can give to prepare and place students of any want to hear little mini-adults speaking” an honest opinion on a great many prep nationality in some of the world’s top stresses Charles. and secondary schools – as well as get a schools and universities, ensuring that feel for the type of child that will thrive in step-by-step support makes the entire Mistakes to avoid that specific environment. process as stress free as possible. According to Arabella, “The most common Online and private face-to-face Private consultations include advice mistake seems to be choosing a school consultations, workshops in the UK, on what to look for when selecting a based on ‘dinner party chit-chat, or to school visit packages and assessment UK school, detailed explanation of the immediately go for the school that a parent preparation packages are available. admissions process and vital time- or grandparent attended without realising A face-to-face two-hour consultation sensitive information on applications that, apart from the name of the school, with Arabella includes a pre-consultation and assessments. Consultations it will have totally changed over the last questionnaire (which is to be completed are available to parents who are not 30 years. Another mistake is not to ask at least two weeks prior), a private members of Quintessentially. enough questions when visiting a school.” meeting, and within four weeks you will Charles Milne will be hosting Charles advises – “Never ever, ever receive a personlised report tailored to private consultations and interview bring your child for assessment on the your family. You will also receive three prep sessions 1-3 March. Contact day you arrive from Hong Kong, it’s months’ support, free of charge. [email protected] amazing the number that do that!”

February 2017 43 44 www.playtimes.com.hk Banish Boredom John Dabell tries to strike a balance between tackling boredom and encouraging boredom

hen children say they are spirit. I decided it wouldn’t be right or bored, that’s fighting talk fair to introduce her to spreadsheets at for ‘entertain me’. If you such an early age but what I could do hear the inevitable cry was talk to her about options. We talked W for help “I’m bored, what can I do?” about what we could do, making a list a quick escape route is to reach for of satisfying activities that she could the iPad or stick on the TV. But that’s engage with and that list grew and grew too easy. Whilst iPads offer untold like a beanstalk into the sky. Before delights in terms of videos, games long she realised that being bored was and things to do, our default setting actually a choice and there were in fact can’t be to rely on screenlife. Yes iPads millions of things to do, although our list serve a purpose, and on occasion stopped at 100. they do a fine job, but there are piles Some of the things we spoke about and piles of other things you can do were solo activities and things to do to meet boredom head on and give independently. Others involved a boredom the boot. brother, sister or a few friends. Many When my daughter first started to were activities she could do with utter those fateful words “I’m bored”, mum and dad. Essentially, though, I wondered whether she genuinely the activities we listed were things she was bored or whether she had heard could do with the minimum of help. We someone else say it and decided she agreed that if she ever felt bored then would give it a go herself. How was she could take a look at her list and it possible she could be bored with a choose something to do from there. bedroom full of toys and games? But To make this more exciting you then it occurred to me that being only could cut up the following activities six years old, she hadn’t really got any and place them in a ‘Bored Jar’ to strategies in place that she could rely keep in their bedroom. When you think on and refer to in order to help herself. of new activities you can add them to Perhaps she wasn’t bored but she the jar. Here are 60 to get you started needed a gentle nudge in the right whenever you hear the dreaded: “I’m direction to occupy her mind, body and bored, I don’t know what to do!”

February 2017 45 HANG HAU SAI KUNG

TERM 2 Jumpstart SINCE 3/1 - 1/4 Mandarin 2007 Mandarin Learning pathway for non-native speakers from toddlers to teens

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SUMMER TERM - MARCH TO JUNE 2017 EASTER CAMP - 3RD TO 13TH APRIL 2017 [email protected] www.harrywright.com.hk (+852) 2575 6279 60 Things to to do do

01. Invent a dance and perform it to 20. Learn some jokes 43. Measure and weigh things around some music 21. Plan a treasure hunt with clues the home estimating first 02. Create a time capsule 22. Draw a desert island map 44. Learn a poem or a tongue twister 03. Find as many uses as you can for 23. Invent a new board game 45. Make a crown out of paper two polystyrene cups 24. Make up a play 46. Make five wishes and write what 04. Make a dream jar (fill a jar with 25. Decorate an old T-shirt they are dreams BFG style) 26. Learn some magic science tricks 47. Practise writing with your non- 05. Invent five new words, with 27. Have a tea party dominant hand meanings 28. Start a collection and make a 48. Invent a crazy menu or a 06. Think of 50 things that would fit museum display new pizza inside an empty matchbox 29. Make a memory box 49. Take photographs and silly 07. Make a picnic with foods starting 30. Make a pasta necklace pictures or go on a photo safari with only the letters GRUB 31. Make up a secret code or secret 50. Try to replicate a famous painting 08. Learn the alphabet in sign language 51. Draw a floor plan of your perfect language or Morse code 32. Learn a card game house 09. Try some yoga 33. Cut out some pictures and tell 52. Write a one sentence story 10. Have a go at cotton bud painting a story 53. Doodle and design some 11. Find 10 ‘things’ around the house 34. Make a feely box new shapes and invent a story around them 35. Think of a word for every letter of 54. Make a collage or mosaic 12. Make an obstacle course the alphabet 55. Look in your recycling and 13. Create a superhero and describe 36. Invent a new animal, draw and work out different uses for the their powers label it contents, e.g. robot 14. Make fingerprint animals 37. Set up a shop and be a 56. Make a paper plate monster mask 15. Write the words to a new song shopkeeper 57. Make a stop motion video using and record it 38. Make up a quiz, e.g. a true or LEGO or teddies 16. Learn to juggle false quiz 58. Draw a galaxy, an aquarium and 17. Invent a new club and its rules 39. Produce a talent show a dream 18. Interview one of your puppets 40. Play “The Floor is Lava” 59. What can you do with 12 plastic or teddies 41. Make a rainmaker or a dream cups and five pieces of card 19. Write down 10 things you love catcher 60. Invent a new flag and a new and describe them 42. Build a den country to go with it

February 2017 47 48 www.playtimes.com.hk Encouraging boredom that they are bored, rather than refer Whilst you might want to ban the them to their bored jar or list, explain b-word from your vocabulary, don’t. that being bored is the brain’s way of Boredom is actually good for children searching for something new to do and too. Boredom can be exciting. One of it is their mission to feed their brain the world’s top neuroscientist at Oxford with some new foods. Simply staring University, Baroness Greenfield, says out of a window might seem pretty Gimme five that getting bored encourages children pointless but the brain needs to breathe One very powerful activity you might to devise their own entertainment and and rest in order to reinvigorate itself. want to try is the ‘Five word question stimulation. She says that technology Logging off and shutting down from all challenge’. This involves challenging leads to shorter attention spans and the overstimulation is vital for children children to ask a question about that if children are “exposed to this to develop. anything – serious or nonsense – constant stimulation from external Explain to your child that sometimes using just five words. It sounds simple sources, I believe they won’t be able we just have to let our minds wander for enough but it provokes a fabulous to generate stimulation from inside.” our health and well-being. If that means range of wonder filled ideas and helps If we provide children with a highly engaging in some low-level activity children think outside the box. Some structured timetable or strategies and then that’s fine; constant entertainment of the questions they can research, answers for everything this limits their is unsustainable. Letting the brain whereas others are just for the sheer creative capacities rest through downtime is creative fun. Here are some examples, to invent something only the same as having • Why do dogs have tails? original for themselves. Getting a rest after a physically • What is inside a cloud? Having a ‘things to do bored demanding activity. • Is a desert always hot? list’ or a boredom jar When children do nothing, • How can coconuts produce milk? is a good thing but it encourages great things can happen. • Do dolphins dream in colour? doesn’t always have to children Original thoughts come to • Can people stick to walls? be used. Children need the surface and feed new • Can seeds grow in jelly? to think for themselves. to devise ways of thinking, helping to • Are verbs jealous of adjectives? A ‘give, give, give’ their own develop new interests. • What makes bubble gum sticky? approach spoon-feeds Boredom is an • Will gravity ever turn off? children and can kill entertainment opportunity to discover. • How does a fly fly? creativity and problem- and Isaac Newton discovered • Why do we have eyebrows? solving. Finding ways gravity whilst sitting under • Why does green mean ‘go’? to amuse themselves is stimulation. a tree doing nothing. • Do toads give you warts? crucial for children. Archimedes might not • Are elephants afraid of mice? There are benefits to boredom and have had his Eureka moment, or • Does the Sun spin clockwise? unstructured time as children need Edison might not have had his light If five words seems too limiting or to use their imaginations, daydream bulb moment, without some downtime. challenging then encourage children and enter into their own world Doing nothing is doing something, even to write ‘I wonder…’ sentences using without relying on others to provide if it might not feel like it at the time. the 5Ws (Who, What, Where, When, the stimulus. Actually building some It is like a launch pad rocketing the Why) and H (How) question words. boredom (or at least allowing it to mind to new places. It’s about what For example, ‘I wonder why some emerge) into the week allows children to is happening in the background of a peppers are hot and other peppers be more creative and develop emotional child’s mind – the cogs and wheels are sweet?’ intelligence. Moderate boredom is good are still moving but they are moving to Alternatively you could play a for your health. different speeds and rhythms. game of ‘The answer is…’ where you Maybe one day you might just hear provide an answer and children have Tips your child say, “I’m bored of being to think of the question. For example, Build downtime into each day and allow bored because being bored is boring”. The answer is Vitamin D. What is children to find their own space and It’s a fair comment but boredom is the question? or The answer is 31. time to do things for and by themselves. normal and necessary so best not What is the question? If your child comes to you complaining discourage too much.

February 2017 49 Mandarin Resources -

What’s Out Thre? Children learning Mandarin need all the help and exposure to the language they can get. In the third and final part of our learning Mandarin series, Freya Paleit collates some of the most popular resources for supporting your child

nce you have secured a spoken language before undertaking adverse effect on pronunciation − and place at the appropriate the lengthy process of learning all the while having Chinese words written school and signed up for hanzi, or characters. Zhuyin, which is in recognisable script may aid initial complementary extra- still used in Taiwan as a teaching aid learning, it can also hamper immersion Ocurricular activities to set your child on for children, uses its own characters, in the new language. Zhuyin (which the path to learning Mandarin, you’ll whereas Pinyin uses the Roman was used in mainland China until its soon become aware that there are lots alphabet. When your child is learning replacement by its romanised cousin) is of products and resources out there Chinese in school or university, he or a Chinese phonetic alphabet providing to boost your child’s learning of the she will most likely first learn one of you with a system of pronunciation language and to enrich their experience. these systems before progressing on that enables you to completely remove But before you go out looking for apps to the Chinese characters themselves. yourself from the influence of your native and websites, you’ll need to understand While learning a phonetic alphabet is language. Zhuyin characters are tucked some of the basics of how they are an essential part of learning Chinese, in next to the full ones, almost becoming being taught, in particular whether your which one you learn will affect your part of them − so it is virtually impossible child is learning Mandarin using Zhuyin pronunciation, reading ability, and how to read the Zhuyin without being or Pinyin and whether they are learning fast you learn. exposed to the Chinese. The result is the simplified or traditional version. While Pinyin might be easier for that when reading Chinese, the reader of Zhuyin, also known as Bopomofo, westerners to grasp from the outset, the Zhuyin receives increased exposure and and Pinyin are both phonetic forms of use of the Roman alphabet to represent reinforcement of the Chinese characters, Mandarin − basic ways of writing the the Chinese sounds may have an speeding up retention. The main setback

50 www.playtimes.com.hk Mandarin Matrix Online Classroom

February 2017 51 of Zhuyin is that the learner must first Quizlet Pleco memorise all of the characters that This online learning tool works well both Pleco is an English and Chinese dictionary represent the Zhuyin alphabet. for students using Pinyin and those opting application for iOS and Android devices Another thing to consider is that for Zhuyin. and a tool any Mandarin student shouldn’t Pinyin-based learning materials are far Whether you like it or not, learning be without. Pleco can work with Pinyin, more widely available than Zhuyin based Mandarin requires the memorisation of Zhuyin, English words and handwriting. materials. This means that you are more lots of characters. It can be hard to do this It has many sets of dictionaries, (from likely to find something that interests alone. Quizlet is a mobile app that can Oxford, Longman, FLTRP, Ricci etc), your child in Pinyin than in Zhuyin. aid in the process as it trains and tests audio recordings from two different native Ultimately the decision on whether you students. Truly designed for the digital speakers, and has flashcard functions learn in Pinyin or Zhuyin will most likely age, as well as digitally rendering paper and document readers that look up words be the school’s, not yours, but it is predecessors such as flashcards and in a document. Pleco is a free application something to be aware of. vocabulary lists, it is full of fun games and with in-app purchases, additional Whether it’s Pinyin or Zhuyin, there audio exercises that will blow the minds of functions and large dictionaries (English, may be times when your child could anyone schooled more than a few years French, German, Mandarin, Cantonese benefit from some extra support, ago − for instance in “Gravity”, definitions and classical Chinese). information or simply having the language scroll vertically down the screen in the www.pleco.com. brought to life outside of the classroom. shape of asteroids. The user must type the Unlike my school days, when I had to term that goes with the definition before it Stroke Order rely on only a hardback dictionary and reaches the bottom of the screen. This website, created by the Ministry a grammar book to help my language Quizlet has become a hugely popular of Education in Taiwan, helps you learning, there are oodles and oodles resource − it now boasts more than 100 learn how to write characters in the of resources out there to bolster your million user-generated sets of digital correct way. It’s a learning programme child’s Mandarin learning. No doubt flashcards − that allows you to track your to master the stroke order of your child’s Chinese teachers will have progress in learning just about any subject, frequently used Chinese characters their own favourite animated books, from medical students learning anatomy and covers radicals, Zhuyin and podcasts, apps, movies and Chinese and Spanish students learning verbs to, of Pinyin while also featuring teaching “readers”, or books for early-stage course, Mandarin students getting to grips resources including the basic rules of learners, to recommend. Here are with dozens and dozens of characters. stroke order. some of our favourite resources: www.quizlet.com stroke-order.learningweb.moe.edu.tw

52 www.playtimes.com.hk Google Translate Google’s free service instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages − and these days you can use your phone’s camera to scan the Chinese script you’re looking at. This might be an obvious tool for this list but it’s surely one any modern-day Mandarin learner will want in his tool kit of resources. Google now boasts Chinese- to-English translation with near human- level accuracy, a huge advancement in artificial intelligence on just a few years ago, given the fiendish complexity of Mandarin Chinese and the many different meanings a word can take depending on which characters it is paired with. Max and Mei Storybooks translate.google.com These books, recommended for children aged two - seven, have been created by acclaimed author Martha Keswick to provide Mandarin For Me parents with colourful and engaging bilingual stories they can This website shares resources for learning share with their children. Max and Mei’s adventures captivate and teaching Chinese. Check out the free young children, with each book telling the tale of an encounter with books, posters, videos, games, and much a different animal of the Chinese Zodiac - plus one in which they more. It also offers lessons, which feature meet a dinosaur. dual-language flashcards, interactive Additional activity books teach children about colours, games and quizzes. The site’s mission is to numbers, family and food, while game cards help children help people learn Mandarin “the fun way” − improve their Chinese language skills through play. and it also offers stories, songs and videos. mandarinmatrix.org/products/max-and-mei/ mandarinforme.com Mandarin Matrix Mandarin Matrix provides resources specifically designed for children learning mandarin as a foreign language. These resources are available as printed reading books as well as online for early stage learners. The online classroom features hundreds of e-books for students to read, plus thousands of activities, games and tests. It can be used as an in-class learning tool, or at home as part of an additional learning homework program. It can be accessed anytime, anywhere and learning programs can be customised to fit each students needs and pace of learning. The theme-based readers have 240 storybooks ranging from beginner to advanced. The readers are divided into six colour coded levels that aim to engage the student while systematically introducing new vocabulary, Chinese characters and grammar. Using a theme-based approach with over 1,600 characters that are common to most curricula worldwide, the readers start with basic vocabulary but develop through to advanced storylines based on complex historical and mythological Chinese tales. There are also resources for students studying YCT levels 1-4, and for schools providing a dual language immersion curriculum. Quizlet app mandarinmatrix.org

February 2017 53 Making Mandarin Fun!

Discover a new way of learning Chinese with Mandarin Matrix

• Fun animations appeal to children’s imaginations

• Child-specific themes teach useful every day vocabulary

• Online interactive activities enable children to learn any time, anywhere

• Comics, flashcards and games entertain + captivate young learners

Find out more at www.mandarinmatrix.org

Re light

Love ain’t easy. We know that to succeed, relationships require hard work, communication and honesty. Nealy Fischer explores how to help your partnership thrive

ften we ask ourselves: Is my relationship working wasn’t certain whether he satisfied mine. The truth was, I had for me? Am I fulfilled and happy? But what if you never really thought about it this way before, so I became flipped the question this Valentine’s Day and asked: determined to find out. I challenge you to consider this in your Do I fulfill all of my partner’s needs? own relationship – whether it’s with your husband, your mum O In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see it as or dad, your children, your best friend. I sat with relationship a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take. specialist Shannon Smith and we crafted our take on being the Anthony Robbins, a master of distilling complex concepts best partner you can be. Read on to rock their world. into relatable principles, has devised his version of the six human needs required to thrive. I attended a four-day seminar Certainty with him and returned home startled by the notion that I We all want to wake up each day feeling safe and taken care had no idea whether I satisfied my husband needs – and I of. Trusting that your partner will always be there to support

56 www.playtimes.com.hk My Fire!

you is key to a stable relationship. Make them a priority: It’s like your relationship is solid. Tough times don’t always easy to take your loved one for granted, but it’s not a good have to mean tough endings. idea. Listen when they speak to you. Schedule regular alone time. Answer their calls even if you’re at work or busy. Uncertainty Be reliable: Do what you say you will do and be on time Ironically, we crave the unknown as much as the known. for your dates! Be accountable for your actions – it’s a Adventure, mystery and spontaneity are just as necessary as sign of respecting and valuing your loved one. reliability and predictability. Remember that person you were Communicate: Talk about the things that make you when you first started dating and every day was new and feel “certain” within your relationship. You might be exciting? Keep the mystery alive. surprised to hear what your partner has to say. Initiate a Create surprise: A surprise can be anything from a gift to conversation and discover what your partner needs to feel surprising your partner with your behaviour. Do you usually

February 2017 57 say no to particular requests? Say yes! Plan something daring, passion in a relationship. If both of you have a controlling something unusual. Throw a surprise party. Change your look personality for example, there will be stress, fighting, tension once in a while. and pain. You’ll have a hard time igniting passionate sex or Create distance: Absence does make the heart grow fonder. lasting fulfillment here. As important as it is to do things together it’s good to do things apart. Schedule a solo trip with friends or carve out alone time Growth and return rejuvenated enough to give. Dare to be different: Any relationship that isn’t growing is most likely dying. How when was the last time ‘super woman’ walked in the bedroom much time do you spend on growing yourself and your with stilettos and in her man’s t-shirt? Shift things up to keep relationship? It takes work but the payoff means a radical shift your partner guessing. in all areas of your life. Elevate your conversation: You know that couple at the Significance restaurant who spend their evening glued to their devices From the time we are born, we are conditioned to crave love instead of staring into each other’s eyes? Don’t become them! and attention. Don’t underestimate your loved one’s need Choose to engage in deeper levels of conversation and grow to feel valued, no matter how long you’ve been together. Be your minds together. Read, watch, explore, travel and discuss your partner’s biggest fan: I’m a competitive person; I even ideas that matter. (oops) sometimes compete with my husband. Your partner’s Push each other further: Can you see the potential successes and achievements should make you proud of one greatness of your future self? Can you help encourage another. Keep positive, supportive company with each other greatness in your partner? Consider the impact of success and help bring out the best in your partner. Let them know you rather than the fear of failure and push each other to grow into think they are wonderful. Treat them with respect: Never roll the greatest potential. your eyes or be condescending. Argue in a healthy way from a base of love. Respecting each other makes you each feel Contribution special and needed. As a team, you and your partner need to feel − both individually Be your own biggest fan: Shannon encourages women to and collectively − that you are making a contribution to the become irresistible; not for anyone else – for yourself. No other world together. human can be expected to make you feel like you are enough Support your partner’s purpose: Listen to their passions unless you first believe that you are. Become appealing to and encourage them to contribute. Simultaneously, find ways yourself and you’ll become a magnet that attracts compliments to infuse your own life with meaning and encourage your and affection. partner to support your causes. Shine your world: Help your partner discover their ‘shine’. Love and connection Encourage each other to be a light to the world around you. Intimate love is the key to every relationship’s lasting survival. In We live in a world of far too much tragedy. Go light up your and out of the bedroom, keep your spark. world with the gifts that only the two of you together, as a Date each other: So you think your spouse is no longer team, can offer. checking you out? I’d rather my husband be checking me out than anyone else. Invest in taking care of yourself. Be the same Nealy Fischer is a wife, mother, globe-trotter and lover of a way you would if you were dating. You are dating, just forever. good home cooked meal. She is founder of The Flexible Chef – Keep the spark, Every relationship, according to Shannon, a wellness, food, and lifestyle brand that provides tools to live a must have a “masculine” and a “feminine” pull to create masterful life on one’s own terms. http://theflexiblechef.com

58 www.playtimes.com.hk It’s a date!

Setting th scene Spa-tacular

Taking in a movie is always great for a date night, but Sense of Touch in Repulse Bay offers a couple’s when the film is Fifty Shades Darker − the second treatment inspired by 1950’s film Love is a Many chapter in the bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon – Spendoured Thing. The indulgent 120-minute treat it’s even better. Release date is 9th February. begins with a bit of “four-play” where four exotic ingredients are given to you to apply to each other during a body exfoliating steam shower. A calming massage follows. www.senseoftouch.com.hk

Love to laugh High hopes

What could be better than laughing together? Take your loved one to see comedian Eddie Izzard in his brand new live show, Force Majeure, on 23rd February. www.hkticketing.com.hk

Picnic in th park

The ultimate Valentine splurge! Take to the skies for a 15-minute flight-seeing tour: Enjoy a 60-minute De-stressor Aromatherapy Massage; a 60-minute, skin-type specific Intensive Facial; a light and healthy “Naturally Peninsula” lunch or afternoon tea at the pool and use of the Relaxation Area and Thermal Suite, If the sun is shining, head to one of Hong Kong’s lovely including the harbour-view Sauna, Crystal Steam Room, parks for a picnic by Invisible Kitchen. A seven-course Experience Shower and Infrared Ice Fountain with the gourmet sharing “Pink Picnic” hamper – including pink Peninsula Hong Kong’s “Fly and Relax” package, priced macaroons and two mini bottles of Moet Rose Imperial at HK$ 14,715 for two persons. Champagne – costs $1,500 and has free delivery within http://hongkong.peninsula.com/en/special-offers/ Hong Kong island. www.invisiblekitchen.com fly-and-dine

February 2017 59 Rowena Hunt

60 www.playtimes.com.hk Curious about Kefir? Have you noticed little cloth-covered jars appearing in the kitchens of your friends? Have you observed people swapping packets of white substances, or talking about holidaying their scobys? If you are curious about Kefir and why it seems everyone is suddenly growing it, then read on!

efir is a symbiotic culture of Kefir as a complex probiotic, as it called ‘grains’) to spare – their rapid bacteria and yeast, otherwise contains a number of different ‘good’ reproduction means excess grains are known as a scoby. That bacteria, as well as yeast. Fresh Kefir often frozen in batches to give away. may not sound like the beverages also contain a variety of There are also online groups such as Kmost enticing thing to have with your vitamins and minerals. Violet notes Fermenting Hong Kong where you breakfast, but when the scoby is used various studies showing that Kefir can can find people with an abundance to ferment liquids, it creates a beverage have anti-microbial, anti-tumour, and to distribute. Once you’ve obtained with probiotic benefits that have inspired anti-carcinogenic activity, as well as your grains, it’s largely just a matter of many Hong Kong residents to have improving digestive health, controlling popping them in a cloth-covered jar of a go at producing it. Probiotics are cholesterol and blood glucose and your chosen liquid and watching them renowned for improving digestive issues; influencing metabolism and immune ‘dance’ for a couple of days – producing alleviating skin conditions like eczema; function. In addition to this rather hefty a stage one ferment. and replenishing ‘good’ bacteria after list, Rowena says that her clients often The type of liquid you choose for a course of antibiotics. Rowena Hunt, notice a reduction in sugar cravings – stage one depends partly on the Wellness Consultant and Yoga Instructor, which might be reason enough to give type of grains you have – some are initially started growing Kefir in 2012 to it a try! used with milk, others with water (e.g. ease her daughter’s eczema. Rowena The Kefir production process is sugar solutions or coconut water). now runs regular Kefir workshops and straightforward – instructions can be Milk Kefir can be useful for those that has seen a variety of health benefits found online, or through workshops. are lactose intolerant but dislike other in her clients. Accredited Practicing Ask around and you are bound to find milk substitutes, as Violet explains that Dietitian, Violet Man, describes a friend with some Kefir scobys (often “during Kefir making, the bacteria partly

February 2017 61 break down lactose into lactic acid, apparent simplicity of the process, personal challenges of atopic dermatitis which people with lactose intolerance online help pages are awash with Kefir and skin sensitivity exacerbated by are more likely to tolerate.” Rowena production problems – it’s important Hong Kong’s humidity.” Ellen was told prefers to use water Kefir grains and to do your research thoroughly and be that regularly taking a probiotic might rotates between different types of sugar prepared to experiment. be helpful. She’s been brewing her own solutions (maple sugar, coconut sugar Once stage one is complete, the water Kefir beverages since 2014 and etc) and plain coconut water. “I think grains are sieved out and the remaining feels it has made a noticeable difference that by rotating the way you ferment the liquid can be drunk as it is – milk Kefir to her skin health − minimizing eczema grains they remain ‘happier.’ If the grains has a slightly sour, yoghurt-like taste. and rosacea flare-ups. “My favourite have stopped dancing, or growing, Alternatively, a stage two fermentation water Kefir drink is a ginger beer-type it’s invariably the lack of rotation that’s can then be undertaken, by adding blend where a slice of ginger is added the issue.” Other pitfalls in the process fruits or spices, then sealing in a bottle in stage two. A pineapple blend has include temperature fluctuations causing for another two days to create a fizzy a classic dacquiri-type flavour.” Ellen slow growth, mould formation, ‘slimy’ probiotic beverage. Sai Kung mum, stresses the importance of ‘burping’ the Kefir caused by carbon filtered water, Ellen Hobson, discovered Kefir around sealed bottles during stage two though, and over-fermentation. Despite the four years ago, “when faced with the to release the pressure. She explains

62 www.playtimes.com.hk that, “Kefir is absolutely a probiotic The fact that Kefir contains yeast, powerhouse! We were woken one sugar and alcohol should also be night by a mini explosion when a stage considered by prospective producers. two ferment (ignored for several days) The length of fermentation will influence erupted – leaving slivers of glass strewn the sugar and alcohol levels, as will across our floor – thankfully there was no the type of liquid and the flavours used one in the vicinity.” – typically alcohol is around 1-2 per Explosions are probably the main cent. The benefits that children may get risk in Kefir production (burp those from drinking Kefir might outweigh any bottles people!), but it is also important concerns regarding sugar and alcohol to note that Kefir is not suitable for content. Violet notes that in addition everyone. Violet cautions that people to the well-stated probiotic benefits, taking certain types of medication Kefir has also been shown to be useful for depression or Parkinsons need with ADHD and sleep disorders, as it to maintain a low tyramine diet, and can have a slight sedative effect. Using the high tyramine levels in fermented Kefir with babies is not recommended – products like Kefir can have dangerous Rowena feels their developing digestive side-effects. Tyramine can also cause tracts don’t need added interference headaches, so migraine-sufferers should prior to the introduction of solid foods. use caution. Those with peptic ulcers, Violet feels that introducing it to toddlers pancreatitis or reflux, or patients taking would be safe, many online resources in the bottle − and get them involved immunosuppressant medications should concur. Regardless of what age your in choosing which fruit flavours for the avoid Kefir. Rowena recommends that family is, always sterilise glass jars/ stage two ferment.” Ellen hides her Kefir anyone new to Kefir “start with just a bottles thoroughly and avoid using water in ice-lollies and smoothies so the shot glass for the first few days, see how metal implements. It’s also important children don’t even know it’s there. Milk they go, then maybe do two shots a to sniff Kefir before consumption – the kefir can be used on breakfast cereal, in day, eventually working up to a tumbler. smell will indicate immediately if a batch soups, dressings, smoothies – recipes You can then have as much as you has gone awry. abound. Adding Kefir to your family’s want.” Having too much, too soon, can If you feel your family could benefit diet can certainly be beneficial – and we lead to headache, diarrahoea, gas and from the introduction of Kefir then getting all know that growing bacteria in Hong bloatedness. However, “most people find the kids on board is going to be vital. Kong is no problem – so if you think it just takes a few weeks to regulate, then Rowena’s advice is to “make it really Kefir is right for you, grab a jar and get everything returns to a place of comfort.” fun and colourful − lots of fruit floating fermenting!

Rowena’s Kefir beverages

February 2017 63 Coming in the March issue

Want to reach over 50,000 families across Hong Kong? For more information or to book advertising space, please email [email protected] Editorial deadline: 10 February I Booking deadline: 18 February I Artwork deadline: 20 February

64 www.playtimes.com.hk Stockists AMARANTHINE BLOOMS | www.amaranthineblooms.com LITTLE WHALE | www.little-whale.com 7E, 26 Lee Chung Street, Chai Wan 6624 3450 Shop 2A, Caribbean Square, Tung Chung 6310 7074 Shop G-10, G/F, North Plaza, Discovery Bay 5690 4960 APARTMENT 49 | apartment49.com MONSTER KID BOOKAZINE | www.bookazine.com.hk Shop 324, 3/F, Landmark Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central 2110 4510 Shop G12, G/F, DB North Plaza, Discovery Bay 2987 1373 Shop 309, Landmark Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central 2522 1785 PARTYTIME | www.partytime.com.hk G/F, 46 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central 2970 3999 Kids Square, Shop 1301A, 13A/F, Tower One, Times Square, Causeway Bay 2521 1649 Shop 117, Shui On Centre, 6-8 Harbour Road, Wan Chai 2802 4932 Shop 225-226, 2/F Landmark Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central 2190 4032 Shop 305-07, One Exchange Square, Central 2542 1133 POLLUX BOOKS | www.polluxbooks.com BOOK DEPOSITORY | www.bookdepository.com 2101, 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2873 6962

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INDIGO LIVING | www.indigo-living.com TREE | tree.com.hk 6/F & 10/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2555 0540 28/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2870 1582 Shop 221-224, Landmark Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central 2801 5512 Shop 101-102, HomeSquare, Sha Tin 2841 8844 G111-112, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay 2592 8721 116 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung 2791 2802 Shop 206, HomeSquare, 138 Shatin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin 2634 1618 Shop 316, The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Cyberport 2989 6557 ZARA | www.zara.com/hk OTG09, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui 2317 0368 Shop 121, Level 1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty 2918 1099 Shop 1065-1075, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central 2234 7305 KELLY & WALSH LTD. | www.swindonbooks.com 2/F, Harbour City, 3-37 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui 2629 1858 2/F, Shop 204, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Central 2522 5743 Shop 335, 3/F, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon 2735 5234 Shop B59-60, Lankdmark Men, B/F, Landmark Atrium 2801 6131

February 2017 65 market place

Want to reach over 50,000 parents in Hong Kong?

Contact the Playtimes advertising team to find out how.

Call Jo on 2201 9719 or email [email protected]

66 www.playtimes.com.hk market place 新 Love the Mag? 年 Want to join Mandarin For Children & Teens Since 2002 the Team? DB – Central – Sai Kung [email protected] Playtimes’ advertising department is looking 2486 9012 for salespeople. Part-time and flexible 9208 7611 working hours available.

Please email [email protected]

February 2017 67 last word

Name Game Nury Vittachi on the IDIOTIC NAMES CELEBRITIES GIVE THEIR KIDS

HENEVER MY CHILDREN express a low opinion of GEORGE: George, I told you to stop that! me, I remind them that author Dallas Clayton named GEORGE: I thought you meant George. W his son Audio Science, actor Jason Lee called his GEORGE: I’m not doing anything. child Pilot Inspektor, singer Frank Zappa called his son Moon GEORGE: It wasn’t me, it was George. Unit, and I have the legal right to change their names at any GEORGE: Did someone call me? time (probably not true). GEORGE: I get blamed for everything. Worst of all, the singer Sting named his daughter Fuchsia. Etc. No, I don’t know what he calls her for short. That in turn reminded me that the planet Uranus was Yes, I CAN guess what the other children at school call her originally called George. for short. The guy who discovered it named it Georgium Sidius which A reader sent me a news report about names. After an is Latin for “George the Star”. (I am not making this up.) election in Romania had been won for years by a man named I wish they’d kept the name, which is easier to grasp than Vasile Cepoi, a rival political faction fielded a candidate who they the usual names for things in space, such as Corona Borealis also named Vasile Cepoi – and a third challenger also changed Epsilon Tau Seti Majoris Twinkle IV, etc. his name to Vasile Cepoi. But going back to massive egos, did you know that all three of Result? That election saw Vasile Cepoi re-elected, Vasile Cepoi Michael Jackson’s children are called Michael, including the girl? pipped to the post, and Vasile Cepoi humiliated by low support. It sounds like a made-up story, and there IS a wonderful piece This gives me an idea. If everyone on Earth changed of literature with the same plot: Too Many Daves by Dr Seuss. their name to Vasile Cepoi, we might all start acting like one Worse than giving all your children the same name is giving big family. your child the same name twice. Cepoi apparently means “big onions” in Romanian, so that’s In a column I mentioned a real person named Ho Ho, kind of an ego-booster, right, guys? commenting that she had one of the happiest real names ever. That incident reminded me of the boxer George Foreman, Reader Angela Sias responded: “Not if she is a girl.” who has five sons, all called George. (His daughter’s name I know there’s a famous politician in Afghanistan called is Georgetta.) Abdullah Abdullah. IMPORTANT NOTE: I am NOT implying that Mr Foreman has What if his middle name is also Abdullah? a pathetically over-sized ego, because I would never say such a Years ago, I met a guy in Hong Kong named So So-so. thing about a man who can crush a metal garbage can with one I was tempted to ask him how he was feeling, purely so that I hand, even though it’s clearly true. could have the following conversation. On a practical basis, it must be hard for George to get the ME: “How are you feeling today, So So-so?” kids to do anything. SO SO-SO: “So-so.”

68 www.playtimes.com.hk Lam Tin Tin Wan Open Day 2017 - Campus Campus Lam Tin Tin Wan VisitOpen Our Day School 2017 - Campus Campus Year 1 to Year 13 Nursery, Reception & OurVisit Open Our Day School is a great opportunity for Year 1,2 & 3 parentsOur Open to Daycome is anda great explore opportunity our state- for Year 1 to Year 13 Nursery, Reception & of-the-art campus and understand NAIS’ Enrolling for Year 10 Opening August 2017 parents to come and explore our state- Year 1,2 & 3 philosophy of ‘Be Ambitious’. from August 2017 *Subject to receipt of customary of-the-art campus and understand NAIS’ Enrolling for Year 10 regulatoryOpening approval August 2017 from August 2017 *Subject to receipt of customary philosophy of ‘Be Ambitious’. regulatory approval Come visit our campus in Lam Tin and meet ourCome outstanding visit our campus teachers. in LamOur teachersTin and meet areour passionate outstanding about teachers. your Ourchild’s teachers growth andare passionatethey will be about engaged, your challenged, child’s growth and inspiredand they throughout will be engaged, their educational challenged, and journeyinspired with throughout us. their educational journey with us. Date: Saturday March 18, 2017 Time:Date: Saturday9:30am to March 12:30pm 18, 2017 Venue:Time: 9:30am Lam Tin to Campus, 12:30pm 11 On Tin Street Venue: Lam Tin Campus, 11 On Tin Street

www.nais.hk/openday [email protected] +852 3958 1488 www.nais.hk/openday [email protected] +852 3958 1488 Places are first-come, first-served. Email us today at [email protected] to secure your place. ForPlaces more are details, first-come, please first-served. visit our website. Email us today at [email protected] to secure your place. For more details, please visit our website.

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