Interesting Facts about DNA Profiling

Genetic Tests and Genome Mapping for kids

Over the past decades, DNA profiling has played a major role in solving crimes as well as to check if two people are related to settle disputes. Companies such as MapMyGene offers DNA profiling as a commercial and accessible service through Genetic Tests and Genome Mapping.

Below are some interesting facts about DNA profiling:   

  1. DNA profiling was discovered in the year 1984 by a scientist, Alec Jeffreys from Leicester, Britain. He used this technology to solve a murder case in Leicestershire that involved 3 girls.
  2. The DNA profiling technology makes use of the fact that a very tiny portion of the DNA repeats its self over and over in a unique manner. The amount of time a DNA repeats itself is what is measured when building up the profile of an individual.
  3. A genetic test examines about twenty sections under the DNA. Ten of these sections are from the father while the other ten is from the mother. The chance of two people having an exact match in all twenty sections is one in a billion. The chance of having a complete match is higher. Identical twins have the same profile.
  4. One of the most effective ways scientist collect DNA is through the use of a mouth swab. It could also be through the collection of blood traces, saliva, semen and other body fluids. Samples collected at a crime scene are very difficult to analyze obviously because they are microscopic and at times might be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, fungus and other organisms. Even more, a sample might contain the DNA of several people.
  5. Presently government organizations are working hard on building a very large DNA database with a goal of matching suspects with evidence gotten from a crime scene. Right now the United States has the largest DNA database with over five million profiles and the number keeps growing every day. Britain, on the other hand, has the highest people that have been catalogued. They currently have more than four million records which amount to about six percent of their original population.

Next, we are going to be looking at some limitations of DNA profiling. Of course, DNA profiling can be very effective and accurate most of the time, but it still has some limitations.

Below are a few or them.

  1. DNA evidence can be planted and thus can be used to incriminate an innocent person.
  2. Recent DNA profiling equipment may give results that are inaccurate mainly because a sample may have been contaminated.
  3. Older DNA profiling equipment and technologies are liable to errors that can give a misleading result.
  4. The result from DNA profiling is not absolute; rather they are based on probability.
  5. If more people are tested, the lower the statistical probability becomes.
  6. DNA database that is owned by government organization can be exploited by hackers.
  7. Some people view DNA profiling as a form of violation of a person’s DNA.

Advantages of DNA profiling

Below are some of the advantages of DNA profiling.

  1. DNA is resilient because they do not degenerate even after they have been contaminated by microorganisms like bacteria or chemicals.
  2. DNA profiling can help prevent law enforcement agencies from arresting an innocent person.
  3. A DNA profiling test can be carried out with the use of a very tiny sample, unlike other tests that require a large amount of samples.
  4. Any sample can be used to perform a DNA test. For example, samples of saliva, semen, hair, urine and other biological remains can be used to carry out a DNA test.

Final note

DNA profiling has now been applied to a new field of study and in the future, it is going to play a major role in the growth and development of different industries.

Inborn Talent Genetic Test: A Thorough Study

Inborn Talent Genetic Test for Kids


Since 2009, Map My Gene has specialized in the field of Genetic Testing. It offers a gene test that can produce the complete study of your DNA. Why does one need genetic testing? It is essential to know the characteristics of a child right from its birth in order to explore its potentials, talents and abilities. If you are too eager to know what your child may become in the future or want to know what he/she likes, dislikes, potentials, skills and so on, it is good to take your child for a genetic test. Map My Gene offers a genetic test named Inborn Talent Genetic Test (ITGT) which has become so popular especially in the countries Singapore, USA, Malaysia and Indonesia and has created a revolution in the field of Genomics.


What is an Inborn Talent Genetic Test?



It is a genetic test that can be taken by new-born children whose innate talents, behavior, abilities, likes, dislikes and a lot more information can be known with precise details. Knowing their hidden talents well in advance can help parents guide them in the right path and also provide them with a bright future. Knowing their potentials can provide them with essential career advice and guidance that would lay a great foundation for their lives. Prediction of which diseases your children may be prone to, which substances they are intolerant to, their strengths and weaknesses and so much more can help you mould their lives in a better path. Before you get your child to take this test, you must be thinking about valid reasons for taking it.


Why Inborn Talent Genetic Test?



Some parents might find it difficult to find out their childs talents and interests. Some may find them but there are a lot of chances that they might be wrong. Forcing a child out of your own presumptions on what he/she likes may ruin his/her career and also mentally stress them out. There may be cases where your child himself may find it difficult to explore his innate talents and abilities. When you have this wonderful test that can provide you with utmost useful data regarding his/her whole DNA profile, why do you want to struggle by guessing? Just take a deep breath and let your child take this test as early as possible. You would never regret spending money for this test and would certainly end up astonished after looking at so much intricate information from the test results. Now that you are aware why your child needs to take this test, it would be even beneficial if you know its pros.

Pros of taking an Inborn Talent Genetic Test:

  • Explore your childs innate skills and abilities to a great extent.
  • A vivid understanding about your childs behavior, character, likes, dislikes and much more.
  • DNA Profile that lists out around 46 traits belonging to the categories personality traits, IQ, EQ, artistic, sports, physical fitness and addiction.
  • Guidance and consultancy for proper growth and development of your child to be one of those gifted children.
  • Finding diseases that your body can be easily affected by.
  • Testing procedure is so simple and natural.
  • Extremely accurate results.

How is Inborn Talent Genetic Test done at Map My Gene?


1. Firstly, the medical professionals need your DNA sample. This is taken from the cells of your cheek using the designated instrument.

2. Once the sample is taken, it goes to the Map My Gene lab for further testing.

3. At the lab, the sample is studied extensively by the worlds most reputed and talented scientists who garner a lot of information about your DNA.

4. The genetic data is further converted to human-understandable language and is delivered to the respective people.

5. The data once transferred will be kept highly confidential and will be used later for further guidance and consultancy only when people associated with the respective profile approach them.

Hope you are aware and convinced about Inborn Talent Genetic Test and its benefits. For further information regarding DNA testing refer to Map My Gene.

Importance of Genetic Testing for Health & Body

genetic testing for medical conditions

There was a time when 23andME was the only company operating in the context of genetic testing. With the advancement in science and technology and more demand for genetic testing for medical and health reasons, many companies started working in this domain after getting approval from the FDA.

Some Known DNA health tests:

With new companies coming up for genetic testing, the competition in the market has also increased. There are some recommended genetic tests for health.

Key benefits of DNA Health testing:

The benefits of genetic testing also say a lot about genetic health which can be from being funny to serious. The critical areas about which you can learn from the testing are:

  • Carrier screening
  • Nutrition and dietary intolerance
  • Genetic health risks
  • Health and Wellness traits
  • Cellular aging and
  • Fitness

Can you choose the best comprehensive DNA testing system?

It is not easy to check and look for the best available choice of DNA test for both wellness and health today. Mainly it depends upon your objective as to why you intend to get yourself tested. There are guides available for simple people to see, designed concerning all areas involved in genetic testing.

For sustaining health balance in the domain of DNA health testing, the following areas need to be considered:

  • The accuracy of the test
  • The abundance of the available data
  • the over budget in hand
  • The capability of putting the genetic insights in a broader perspective
  • If the health report shows accurate and precise results
  • How timely are the activities planned?

The accuracy of the DNA Testing:

When certified and high standards labs are considered for DNA testing, the test results are pretty accurate. The same is true as far as all recommended tests in this domain are concerned. It is pertinent to mention that if the same group of individuals goes for DNA testing, the accuracy of all may vary from one another. However, the level of accuracy may range from 98 percent to 100 percent.

You, thus, need to check which DNA health test is accurate. It is not just about the accuracy of the DNA testing; it is also about the test being within budget. Many factors need to be discussed before and during taking a health DNA test. If you plan to take some health-related DNA test, then there may be some expectations from your side as far as the benefits of the tests are concerned.

Final Thoughts:

You should discuss in detail the alarming and worrying aspects of DNA health testing and results with a health counselor and healthcare consultant. You should not interpret results on your own. This way, it would be better to get an insight into the overall results of the health test.

The Medical Importance of Genetic Testing for Inherited Disease

genetic testing for hereditary diseases

In the context of medical science, genetic testing for finding out hereditary diseases is essential when criteria for the individual being tested upon and for a genetic disorder are fulfilled.

The specific requirements of the Individual:

The specific requirements of the individual, in this case, would be:

In case the individual has a risk of getting any genetic disease due to some specific illness in the family history. He/she could also be one of the suspects.

He/she has already received any genetic counseling for the following reasons:

  • All the required knowhow on genetic testing, inheritance, management of the diseases, the resources and the preventive measures, etc
  • Relevant counseling for all the psychological side of the genetic testing
  • Studying the medical history of oneself and the family members to check the reoccurrence as well as the occurrence of any specific disease
  • Adaptations and the preferred choices for all the risks involved in the presence of any genetic conditions

Genetic testing requirements:

In the second set, the genetic disorder testing requirements may include:

Any specific mutation or genetic mutation has been essential to study for the scientific literature. Also, the link of that particular disease with the medical literature

When the tests or the biochemical tests have been identified but the results are hard to determine. In other words, the genetic disorder and mutation; both are hard to he identified using the genetic testing

The genetic disorder is somehow linked with some specific disability or has some lethal family history which is hard to be diagnosed

If the genetic testing results are going to impact the overall clinical management of the individual, including diagnosis, prevention, therapeutic or prognostic. In other words, genetic testing also works on surveillance, making decisions on adopting the proper treatment, and taking all the required precautions.

How does family history impact inherited disease genetic testing?

In the context of medical sciences, the importance of genetic testing is increased in case of the following:

A child who is infected has been identified with an x inherited disorder or an autosomal recessive disorder. In this case, the test is performed to determine the inheritance pattern concerning reproductive decisions.

Either both parents are second or first-degree relatives, and one of both is suffering from the autosomal recessive disorder or an inherited disorder, or an x linked to disease. In this case, genetic testing is done to recheck the inheritance pattern concerning reproductive decisions.

Either one or both parents are at the risk of getting infected with a genetic disorder, and testing is done to check the reproductive decisions.

Both parents belong to some specific ethnic group, and their probability of getting the genetic disorder is higher. In this case, the status of the parents is also considered to check if both or either one is a carrier of that disease for future reproductive decisions.

The decisions mentioned above are taken in the light of medical sciences and are dependent upon many factors, as highlighted in the article.

All You Need to Know About Genetic Testing and Hereditary Diseases

genetic testing for inherited diseases

Genetic testing is about the detailed study of the DNA of any person. It is all about the revelation of gene mutation and the change in the genetic makeup, which makes genetic testing essential in medical science today. In the case of early detection, the chances of finding the right cure are possible. In the case of chronic diseases like cancer, early diagnosis means more chances of fast recovery.

Hereditary factor in genetic testing:

Concerning the above, the probable inherited reasons can well be diagnosed in case of any chronic disease. At the same time, genetic testing can also check the probability of getting infected with any sickness due to any family member already having that particular disease. As per the research done by National Cancer Institute, there are more than 50 syndromes of hereditary cancer, for which genetic testing is available.

Genetic testing – pure personal decision:

As far as going for genetic testing to find out the presence of any hereditary diseases is concerned, it is a purely personal decision if anyone intends to go for the testing or not? It can, of course, have far-off implications and consequences as well. Before going for genetic testing to diagnose hereditary diseases, you need to know your family medical history, identify the risks involved in testing, understand the benefits and the limitations concerning testing. You can also consult physicians or medical geneticists, or genetic counselors to see how you have to respond to the test results and learn from the results.

The reaction shown by every patient is different. Some patients do not show any signs of change in their lives as a result of the testing. Medical science believes that if you are not going to learn anything from the results of your genetic testing, then it’s better not to go for the genetic testing at all. Because if the results remain the same and you will not learn anything from the findings of the products, then the true objective of getting genetic testing done is lost.

Benefits of genetic testing for hereditary diseases:

  • It can well prepare you for making an accurate decision in the light of medical sciences
  • It can provide you with insight on your health in the future, thus less uncertainty
  • In case of any diagnosis, you can consult the family issue and help other family members ensure their family history genetics.

Why is it not so helpful?

  • Yes, it can be stressful for the entire family, especially in the case of a diagnosis of any hereditary disease.
  • In case of negative results, you do not risk aversive. You can still get the disease at some point in time.
  • At the same time, in case of positive results, it is not essential that you will discover the disease; similarly, not always medical doctor predict the future course of action based on a positive result
  • If the results are neither positive nor negative, you cant extract any helpful information.

Thus, there are indeed some benefits and risks involved in getting genetic testing for hereditary diseases. However, it is purely your personal decision if you intend to go for it and how you will use the results.

Effective Ways to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten Schooling in Singapore

Kindergartens and Preschools in Novena Singapore

Whether your child is about to move from home to preschool or from preschool to kindergarten, you are likely going to be worried about how his first day will turn out.

Regardless of how much you know your child, it will be difficult for you to tell if he will be able to thrive in a school environment.

Preparing your child for kindergarten is a surefire way to ensure that they have a pleasant experience on their first day.

In this article, we willbe exploring some proven ways to help your little one prepare for kindergarten.

Click here to view a centrally located (Town and Novena) Kindergarten and Preschool in Singapore.

Talk to your child

Before your child’s first day at kindergarten, you should make out time to talk to him about it. This could be when you are in the car, changing his diaper, or playing with him.

Pay close attention to your child’s response, be it verbal on non-verbal. And be careful not to answer the question you asked your child yourself.

Read to them

Make it a habit to read books that revolve around school preparedness weeks before enrolling your child in a school. Doing this will make the transition process smoother. What’s more, it will help your kid get a clear picture of what to expect in school.

Below are some amazing books about school preparedness.

  • David goes to school by David Shannon
  • Kindergarten, Here I come! By Kevin Henkes
  • The kissing hand by Audrey Penn

Provide experiences away from you

Before your child’s first day in kindergarten, you should take steps to help him become comfortable around other kids. This could mean everything from signing him up for swimming classes or religious education classes.

You can take things up by providing situations where your child will have to take instructions from someone else. If you do this, your child will know how to listen and take instructions from others.  

Encourage independence

In kindergarten, your child will be asked by his teacher to carry out a number of tasks by himself. Encouraging your child to learn how to get things done by himself will help him handle multiple tasks in kindergarten.

Below are some effective ways to encourage independence and self-care in kids.

  • Ask them to get dressed on their own (tie their shoes or zip their jacket)
  • Encourage them to clean up their toys when they are done playing

Don’t expect too much from your child

Many Singaporean parents want their kids to read, write, and perform exceptionally well academically while in Kindergarten.  

If you think this way, you are likely expecting too much from your kid.

Always remember that kids don’t have to become mini scholars in their kindergarten days. In fact, you shouldn’t be worried if your child isn’t able to read fluently in his first few months in kindergarten.

Your child’s focus during kindergarten should be on learning everything from numbers and letters to shapes and colors.

Having a balanced expectation will ensure that your child has a pleasant experience in preschool.

In Conclusion

To ensure that your child has a pleasurable experience in kindergarten, you must take steps to prepare him. This can mean everything from encouraging him to do things by himself to taking him to places or events where he will have an opportunity to mingle with other children, peers, and adults.

Proven Ways to Make Teacher Professional Development More Engaging

online professional development resources

Do you live in Singapore? Are you a school or enrichment centre owner? If yes, it is likely your goal to help your teachers become abreast with new strategies that will help them do their job better.

As you likely know, one of the most effective ways to help your teachers perform better is by having them take part in a teacher professional development program.

School administrators who have had professional development sessions with their teachers can attest that it is daunting. Everything from time, money, effectiveness, and engagement can make the process challenging.

Granted, these challenges are demoralizing, but they shouldn’t deter you from running the programs that will help your teachers become abreast with the trends in their field.

In this article, we will be looking at some tips to make teacher professional development programmes more engaging. Read here for more helpful teacher development resources.

Make it specific

It is easy to assume that a professional development program can help any teacher perform better. But, that is far from the truth.

Since every teacher faces unique challenges, there is a slim chance that just any professional development program can help them.

 If you want your professional development program to be relevant, you have to make it practical and relevant to your teachers.

To do this, you first have to ask your teachers what they will like to learn. Alternatively, you can give them a couple of courses or workshops to choose from.

If because of your limited time and resources, you can’t offer different courses at a time, you should pick one or two courses that can add value to a good number of your teachers and go in-depth.

Ensure that the tips in the program are actionable and can be used in the classroom right away.

At the end of the session, ask your teachers what they think about the session. After a couple of days or weeks, ask your teachers the strategies that worked, what didn’t, and what they will like to learn about next time.

Ensure that they participate fully in the program

Getting your teachers invested in the development program will go a long way to ensure that they get the most out of it.

That said, getting teachers immersed in a development program is no walk in the park. The obvious reason for this is that most teachers don’t like to be treated like students. They see themself as educated professionals who are employed to help kids.

If you have teachers with this mindset in your school, chances are, you aren’t going to get the impact you desire.

Well, the good news is that there are several ways to get teachers engaged in a personal development program without making them feel like they are students. Below are some of them

  1. Ask your teachers to collectively brainstorm the wayto address an issue they are all facing
  2. Give teachers who have had success using a new teaching strategy to share their stories.

Final note

There are a plethora of things you can do to help your teachers get the most out of the professional development program you organized.

Applying the tips discussed in this article will go a long way in helping you achieve the results you desire.

Four Things to Consider When Choosing an Enrichment Class for Your Child

enrichment centres Singapore for children

Student enrichment classes are designed to help kids of different ages expand their horizons and learn a skill that will help them perform well academically and socially.

Presently, there are several enrichment centres in Novena, Singapore. While some of them are great to help your little one to perform better in school and nurture important life skills, others may offer little value.

To reduce the odds of you picking a mediocre enrichment centre that over promises and under delivers, there are a few things you should consider. In this article, we are going to be looking at some of them.

The size of the classes

Before choosing any center, you must visit them in person. During your visit, take a close look at the class sizes in the centre. If there are many children in the classes, there is a huge chance that your child may not be given personal attention by the teachers.

However, if your kid can get along with other children, is in a class with many kids in school, and doesn’t need special attention, he may be able to do well in a crowded class.  

To ensure that your child gets the best out of the class you signed him for; you should enroll him in a class that isn’t too crowded.

Tuition

Let’s face it, tuition can be expensive. If you do not have spare finances, it may be difficult for you to afford them. Well, the truth is that you do not have to enroll your kid into the most expensive enrichment centre in Singapore to boost his performance.

Centres with affordable tuition can compete with some of the leading centres in the city in some categories. Remember that the tuition cost of a centre does not determine its efficiency.

Even if a center has pricey tuition, there is no assurance that they will be able to address the needs of your kid.

Take a look at their curriculum

The reason why you are sending your kid to an enrichment center is to expand his horizon and expose him to new things.

So if the curriculum of a center is tailored around what your kid is learning in school, you should look for another one that offers something new and exciting.

You can get a sneak peek of what is taught in an enrichment center by checking their websites or consulting parents who have kids in the school.

Consider your child’s interest

Most parents sign their kids up for enrichment classes in Math and Science because they feel that their kids will benefit the most from it. While that may be true, there is a chance that their kids may not enjoy the classes their parents picked.

To narrow down the best class for your little one, you have to consider everything from the interests to the habits of your child. Alternatively, you can ask your kid what he wants to learn about.

In Summary

It is easy to assume that all enrichment centers are great, but that is far from the truth. In fact, if you do a little digging, you will find out that many enrichment centers don’t have what it takes to address the needs of every child. Considering the tips discussed in this article will help ensure that you choose the right centre for your child.

How to Prepare a Professional Development Plan for Teachers

professional development for teachers in Singapore

As a school administrator, it is part of your responsibility to help your teachers learn strategies that will help them do their job better.

One way you can arm your teachers with the information they need to overcome the unique challenges they will face is by having a professional developmentsession occasionally.

If you have been a school administrator for a long time and have had many professional development sessions in the past, you surely will be looking for ways to prepare a development plan and make it more effective.

If you are in this boat, you are going to benefit from this article. Read on to learn some tips that will help you put together an effective teaching team professional development plan.

What is a professional development plan for teachers?

To ensure that your professional development program turns out great, you must plan each step carefully.

A professional development plan is a concise document that shows the goals you have set for your teachers or the milestone you want them to achieve.

The plan should outline everything your teachers will have to do to reach the goals you have set for them.

What to write in a professional development plan?

If you are a new administrator in a school, it will likely be difficult for you to figure out what to put down during the planning process. Below are some steps that will guide you.

  • Carefully assess where you are right now.
  • Identify the goals you want your teachers to achieve
  • Ascertain the professional skill your teachers have and the one you want them to work on
  • Do deep and extensive research to find out the best ways to achieve the goals you have set for your teachers.
  • Develop a timeline for achieving each of your goals
  • Put everything down in writing
  • Closely evaluate your plan

Helping your teachers achieve their professional development goals

Even after preparing a comprehensive professional development plan and having several training sessions with them, there is no assurance that they can achieve your desired goals.

Below are a few things you can do to increase the odds of your teachers achieving your development goals.

Picking the right courses

If your teachers don’t have access to the right information, it is going to be difficult for them to thrive in the areas you want.  

So ensure that you do your research in picking an online or face-to-face course for your teachers.

Visit other schools

Regardless of how much experience you have, there will be times when you need the help of others. If you aren’t getting your desired results after your development program or the new strategies adopted by your teachers aren’t yielding the results you expected, you should consider visiting other schools. Seeing new teaching strategies may inspire you or even help improve your development plan.

Finally

There are different approaches you can take when planning a professional development program for your teachers. While you have the freedom to use any strategy that has worked for you in the past, it is wise that you try out new methods.

Enrichment Classes: Are They Really Necessary?

enrichment centres for kids Singapore

Singaporean parents have different views on enrichment classes. While some see it as a programme that can help their kids soar to new heights, others don’t really think it is that important.

If you are stuck in the middle and can’t really determine if an enrichment class will be good for your kid, you are not alone. Presently, there are a lot of parents who are still contemplating whether to enroll their kid in an enrichment centre or not.

This article is a must-read for parents who are clueless about the benefits of enrichment classes. Read on to learn how enrichment classes can help your child grow.  

Excavate hidden talent

You won’t really know what your kid is capable of until he steps out of his comfort zone and try new things. There are enrichment programs in everything from sports and dance to technology and art. Introducing your little one to any of these activities may help bring out his hidden talent.

Besides bringing out the hidden gems in your child, enrichment programs can get your child excited about learning. This will absolutely have a positive impact on the academic performance of your kid.

Help increase focus

Hyperactive kids that love to move around, jump, and play all day are going to benefit a lot from enrichment programs like dancing, karate, and soccer.

If your child spends an hour or two on these fun and engaging activities, he will likely focus better for other parts of the day.

Develop life skills

Generally, enrichment classes are designed to help kids learn a skill that will give them an advantage in their life.

An enrichment class on sport like soccer, for example, can help teach kids the importance of teamwork and how to get along with others. This skill is going to help him build solid relationships and work well with others.

Even classes on handwriting can help your kid. Wonder how that works? Well, if your child attends a handwriting class and his writing skill improves, it will be easy for him to write clearly in school.In the future, he is going to get loads of compliments for his amazing handwriting.

An outlet for kids to air their thoughts

An enrichment program is an excellent avenue for kids to vent their thoughts, anger, and frustration. As a parent, you can only shield your kid from difficult situations for so long.

Your child will have to deal with tough situations on his own at some point.

Enrichment classes may be the perfect outlet for kids to air their emotions and thoughts through fun activities like painting and handwriting.

In Conclusion

If you are serious about giving your child a head start in life, you should enroll him in an enrichment class. If you live near Novena, it will be easy for you to find a reputable centre with state-of-the-art facilities that can help your kids grow.

Always remember that the skills your child develops during the classes may help him overcome challenges, get along with peers, and build strong relationships in the future.

How to Manage Attention Issues in Children

How quickly a child learns depends on how attentive he is to everything going on around him. Younger children learn by observing. For them to imitate what they see, they need to be attentive. When they get to school-going age, children need to be attentive in class. 

Unfortunately, some children struggle with attention. Some of them have ADHD, while others have a short attention span. Several things can be done to address attention issues in children.  

Separate a child’s inattentiveness from behaviour

Parents and teachers often associate a child’s behaviour with attention issues. Some go about making it a personality problem rather than looking at it as attention issues in children. It is, however, essential for you to tackle one issue at a time. You will find a solution or even a diagnosis much faster this way. 

Observe your child’s actions. Find out how much of his lack of attention influences his behaviour. Don’t assume that he is not a motivated child simply because he shows little interest in what goes on around him. Instead, consider the possibility that his actions are beyond his control. 

Introduce breaks between tasks

Children struggling with inconsistent alertness hardly ever complete a task. They even have a difficult time sitting through a lesson in class. It is best to appreciate that forcing them to complete the work will not have the desired effect. If anything, it may make them despise anything to do with the task in future.

Instead, it is important to look at your child’s poor attention as one of the signs of ADHD in children. It is important to get a diagnosis, but until you do, you should consider the possibility that he cannot control his lack of attention. Instead, you can help him cope by introducing breaks between tasks. 

Look at the breaks as distractions that your child would be looking for anyway. However, you get to decide which distractions are appropriate. These distractions can still be beneficial. For example, if your child was doing his homework, you may introduce a manual task to arouse alertness, such as rolling clay or playing in the garden.

Use different instructional strategies.

This is especially critical in school. Since children with attention deficits lose interest quickly, teachers need to devise ways to help them remain attentive in class. One way is to keep from using the same teaching method for more than a few minutes. 

For example, after teaching for 15 minutes, the teacher can introduce small group work, a video, or for younger children, a play break. This will make school more enjoyable, productive and provides a workable solution for attention issues in children. 

 

Take note of moments when the child drifts off.

It is easy to tell when a child has lost interest in the class or a task at home. Unfortunately, most parents and teachers miss the moment when the child is no longer attentive. Continuing the lesson or expecting him to continue the task may not yield results.

Instead, it is best to identify his attention span. How long was he attentive? At what point does he lose interest? What does he do when he gets distracted? The answers to these questions will help you to know what to expect and how to handle it. 

For instance, you can suggest a break before he gets distracted. This way, you retain control of his schedule, and he will slowly know to expect a change in routine, allowing him to retain attention for as long as necessary. 

Your child’s loss of interest in what he does can be concerning. However, before you verify if it is one of the signs of ADHD in children, you can still help your child be more productive. 

 

How Brain Training Helps to Improve Brain Fitness

If your child’s inattentiveness and poor performance in school are frustrating you, it is best to consider the possibility of a weakness in his brain fitness system. Unfortunately, Singapore’s competitiveness is not just limited to the economy but academics as well. 

This puts children whose brains are not fit at a disadvantage because they are expected to be as competitive as the other children. This is why Singapore’s tuition continues to grow. However, some children don’t see a change in their academic performance even after additional tuition hours. 

Unfortunately, most parents assume their child’s failure to improve in their school performance is because they are unserious or attentive enough. Unfortunately, sometimes it is beyond their control. Fortunately, qualified brain training in Singapore offers a glimpse of an alternative solution to cognitive weaknesses. 

Makes one more alert

Just like physical exercise makes the body more fit and responsive to movement, it also helps the brain to remain more alert. Brain exercises, such as playing board games, meditation, reading, or acquiring new skills, are also great at keeping the brain active. Interestingly, when your brain stops being fit, you will slowly lose interest in body fitness. 

Helps to identify brain impairment

Your child’s supposed disinterest in his education may stem from weaknesses in the sensory processing system. Cognitive training Singapore helps identify any shortfalls in response to visual, auditory or motor sensory functions. 

Brain exercises usually help therapists to identify issues that are usually overlooked quickly. Since the brain’s functions are elastic, some weaknesses can be addressed and even improved using brain training Singapore. 

Improves interest in learning a new skill

A fit brain is creative. It is ready to learn new skills and even stimulates an interest in a person who usually seems disinterested in acquiring new skills. When learning a new skill, multiple areas of the brain are involved. 

Your memory is essential because you need to remember aspects of the new skill. You also learn new movements, and even appreciate different ways to associate with the new skill you are learning. For example, learning how to cook a new dish gives you a different perspective and creativity to do things differently. 

Your speed at understanding issues improves.

A fit brain responds faster, whether it comes to making decisions or analyzing issues. This is one of the benefits of brain training Singapore. A fit brain naturally results in a sharp mind. If you struggle to make decisions or have hard time understanding issues, you should introduce activities that are great at training your brain. 

Retain focus for a longer

Do you get exhausted sitting through a two-hour-long meeting? Do you suddenly struggle to stay awake all day? These are signs that your brain is slowly becoming unfit. This is especially problematic if you used to work non-stop for hours and remained alert through long meetings. Cognitive training Singapore helps the brain to function optimally.

People often blame age for the slow performance of the brain. However, people struggle with various issues even when they are young if their brain activity is reduced, either due to idleness or negligence. Remember, the brain, like all other body organs, needs to be fed with the right nutrition and exercise. 

 

Sensory Processing Therapy Activities You Can Do at Home

When your child first starts his journey at a reputable sensory processing therapy in Singapore, it is a sigh of relief, knowing that he is receiving the help he needs. Much as the occupational therapist will do everything possible to help your child manage his responses to sensory stimulation, there is so much you can do at home to complement the professional sessions. 

There are several activities recommended for sensory integration therapy Singapore that you can also use at home. However, before deciding which activities are more suitable, you need to understand your child’s sensory processing shortcomings and which activities are most suitable. 

Does your child crave sensory stimulation? Is he under or over-responsive to sensory stimulation? These sensory processing disorders influence your child’s reaction to various stimulations and environments. 

Your child’s reaction limits his ability to be in particular environments, making it difficult for you to take your child with you to places that children usually enjoy. Fortunately, these sensory processing therapy activities will help your child find a balance in his reactions to sensory stimuli. 

Create a sensory corner

Your child may be struggling to find his space in the house, especially if everything seems so wrong for him. For example, you may prefer a specific light or fabric for your seats, but your child may be uncomfortable. 

Creating a sensory corner for your child means you deliberately provide the right stimulation for an under-responsive child, a safe retreat if your child is over-responsive, or a sensory-rich environment if he craves sensory stimulation. 

When creating a sensory corner, you need to note items your child reaches out to for comfort. Additionally, you can ask the therapist carrying out the sensory processing therapy for ideas of items you should place in this corner. For example, you may choose to place an aquarium or headphones in the corner, depending on your child’s preference and your budget. 

Introduce activities to improve motor development

If your child has weak muscles and joints, leaving him to sit in front of the televising every day is not helpful. You need to come up with a fun activity that will keep your child occupied, and at the same time, help the child “feel” his muscles and joints. This will help your child’s brain to integrate sensory information and send the right response. 

Fortunately, children often crave movement. This is why sensory integration therapy Singapore recommends activities, such as pushing a trolley, working in the garden, or sweeping the yard. Alternatively, you can introduce play that requires vigorous body movements. For example, climbing on playground equipment like slides, as well as jumping on the trampoline. 

You can also allow your child to freely play with mud, sand, bubbles, and water. You can also involve your child when kneading dough. These activities are fun, challenging and sensory-stimulating. 

Suggest play games with food

Taste is one of the senses that children with sensory processing disorder struggle with. For example, most children enjoy ice cream, but children with this disorder may find it too sweet or even disgusting. In some cases, a child may be hesitant to try a meal because they don’t like how it looks.

You can make eating food fun and playful by guessing the different flavours. This may encourage your child to attempt to taste foods that he would usually avoid. This is a great way of introducing new flavours and foods to your child.  

Sensory processing therapy should continue at home, even after sessions with a therapist. This creates a routine that the child can develop even when at home. However, these home activities complement the work of the professional. Your child still needs the therapist’s guidance, so you should find activities that will help your child find a balance in his sensory responses. 

A sneak peek at what your child will learn during preschool

Many parents in Singapore send their kids to preschool to prepare them for kindergarten. Whether you are a new parent or not, you likely may be considering doing the exact same thing.

As you prepare to send your child to any of the reputable preschool programs in Singapore, a part of you may wonder what your child will be taught there.

This article will satisfy your curiosity, as it unveils some key things your kid will learn during preschool.

Sound and letters

Your kid will learn to recognize the alphabets (uppercase and lower case). He will also learn how to write out his first name and other meaningful words like dad and mom. Even more, he will learn to develop a connection between sound and letters.

How to help

You can help your kid become more proficient with the alphabet by singing the “ABC song” with him. You can reinforce letter learning by having your kid play with the magnet letters on your refrigerator.

Shapes, colors, and objects

Preschoolers will be taught to identify body parts, basic shapes, and colors.

How to help

As you walk around with your child, you should ask him to identify the colorsof objects, buildings, or cars around. Another fun way to do this is to ask your child the color of his shoes, shirt, socks, and pants when you are getting him dressed.

As you read through books together, ask him to point out the various shapes in the book.

Numbers and counting

This makes up a large part of the preschool curriculum.

Your kid will learn to name the numerals (0 to 9). He will also be taught how to count.

How to help

A great way to help your kid get a firm grasp of numbers is by asking him to identify the numbers he comes across every day. To help him hone his counting skill, you can ask him to count everyday objects like the toys he has, the blocks on the floor, and so on.

Cutting and drawing

Preschoolers are also taught to draw and cut with scissors. Working with their hands will go a long way in helping them improve their fine motor skill and hand-eye coordination. As their cutting and drawing skill develops, it will become easier for them to work with paintbrushes, glue, and pencils.

How to help

Buy things your child can use to write at home like a drawing board, jumbo crayons, chalk, and markers. You can help you child fine-tune his motor skill by playing puzzle and building games that will make him move his hands and fingers.

Socializing

This is likely one of the most important skills your child will learn during his time at preschool.

To help your child get along with other kids, he will be asked to participate in group activities and taught to communicate his needs and follow directions.

Final note

There are a lot of amazing skills your little one will learn during preschool. To help him learn quicker, you have to play your part. This can mean everything from buying writing and drawing tool to reading and singing with him.

Important things you need to know about social skill therapy in Singapore

Social skill therapy is geared towards helping people with mental issues or developmental disabilities improve their social skills.

Therapy can also help children with autism and people suffering from mood disorder, anxiety disorder, and other diagnoses.

Presently, there are a lot of centers in Singapore with professional therapists that use social skill therapy to help kids and adults alike.

These experts use science-backed techniques and proven strategies to slowly build the social skill of their patients and help them communicate better.

If your kid or someone you know has autism or other issues that are retarding their social development, you likely will be considering them for qualified social skills therapy in Singapore. Before you do this, there are a couple of things you must know. Read on to learn more.

The following article by Arlin Cuncic is basically an overview of social skill training.

An Overview of Social Skills Training

Social skills training (SST) is a type of behavioral therapy used to improve social skills in people with mental disorders or developmental disabilitiesRead more here.

The above article is absolutely an eye-opener and a must-read for parents with kids suffering from autism and other mental issues that can impede social skill development. As pointed out in the article, therapists usually carry out an exam to find out the specific skill deficit in their patients before doing anything. After narrowing down the issue, the therapist will use the best techniques to address it. To prevent patients from being overwhelmed, changes are made in one area at a time. If you are curious about what can be taught with social skill therapy, the following article is for you.

The following article by appliedbehavioranalysisprograms shed light on the answers to some frequently asked questions about social skill therapy.

What is Social Skills Training (SST), and when is it Used?

One of the core features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) relates to understanding and behaving in social situationsRead more here.

The above article is an interesting read that can quench the curiosity of people who want to learn more about social skill training. The article also brought to light a wide range of social skills like greetings, empathy, appropriate eye contact, body language, and gestures that are taught with social skill therapy. Read the next article to learn why it is important to seek therapy if you notice difficulties with social skills in your kids.

The following article childdevelopment discusses why therapy is necessary for kids with autism and other mental issues.

Social Skills

Social skills are the skills we use every day to interact and communicate with others. They include verbal and non-verbal communication, such as speech, gesture, facial expression, and body languageRead more here. 

You surely now know that therapy is one of the most effective ways to help kids with autism and other mental issues improve their social skills. As you likely saw in the article, the building blocks needed to develop social skills are somewhat complicated. This is why kids with these conditions need trained experts who have a firm grasp of these issues to help them.

Final note

As a parent, you have a vital role to play to improve your child’s social skills. This can mean everything from using games, masks, songs, visuals, role play, and a few other techniques.

You can speed things up and help your child develop quicker by signing him up to a center where he can get social skill therapy.

His condition will be closely examined by trained therapists and the best treatment strategy will be used.

Why Americans should Learn Spanish

Most natives might think that Spanish is a foreign language and that learning it isn’t helpful. Wrong. Studies and experiences show that learning a second language provides a handful of benefits in the personal growth of an individual. Whether for work and for leisure, being bilingual is a must. History tells us how influential the Spanish culture is and how up until today, its effect could be seen globally.

If you are looking for a Spanish course in Singapore, you should check out Berlitz Language School Spanish Class. They are one of the most established and oldest language schools in the world, and they offer a wide range of language courses and at varying proficiency levels. If you want to learn Spanish seriously, you should check out their site above.

Roque Planas discusses why Spanish isn’t foreign and why is it useful to learn and use.

Why The Spanish Language Isn’t ‘Foreign’ In The United States

Anyone who’s ever enrolled in a Spanish class knows that schools generally refer to it as a “foreign language.” Most of us repeat the phrase uncritically, as if it were actually true. But is it?

Take a look around. Spanish isn’t “foreign” to the United States, at all. The names of many of our states and cities are Spanish — a testament to the fact that Spanish-speakers colonized many areas that later became part of the United States before English-speakers. Many of us use Spanish words when speaking English, often without being aware of what we’re doing. According to a 2013 Pew report, Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the country and many people, both immigrant and native-born, were raised speaking it.

When you really think about it, Spanish is no more “foreign” to the United States than English. Still not convinced? Allow us to break it down for you a bit. Here are nine reasons why Spanish is really is not a foreign language in the U.S. Read more here.

Spanish is everywhere and we cannot deny the vastness of its influence personally, socially and economically. The Spanish impact could be traced back to America’s history where it has implanted its roots. It is interesting and so much fun to be able to delve in its culture by learning the language that helped build the foundation of what we know today as America. In the following article by Tanisha Love Ramirez and Roque Planas, we will further know how important it is for Americans to learn the Spanish language.

15 Reasons Every American Should Learn Spanish

If you don’t already speak Spanish, you really should consider learning, like, ahora!

Whether you want to improve your job prospects, keep your mind sharp, or explore new cultures without having to rely on Siri to ask for directions, Spanish is the one tool that will help you achieve all of that and more — and we’re not just saying that because we’re Latino Voices. No (said in español )!

Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the United States, after English, and is the dominant language in many of our neighboring countries in the Western Hemisphere. It also happens to be an extremely beautiful language that is as useful as it is melodic. Read more here.

See? The Hispanic heritage runs deep in America. Whether in schools, politics, and even in entertainment. From street names to songs to movies, traces of the Spanish culture could be found. There is no denying that the Spanish culture has become a huge part of the national fabric of the United States. And how more could we get a better grasp at it than to make it a part of us by learning the language.

An article by Realfastspanish enumerates reasons that could motivate us to delve into this Spanish mambo once and for all!

25 Reasons Why English Natives Should Learn Spanish

21 million students learn Spanish around the world. In this post you will discover why you should join them.

Back in 2008 I was on a trip to Africa when I realised something important. I realised that I had been living with blinkers on. I realised that my view of the world had been shaped by one small cultural corner. And if I wanted to see things from a different perspective I would have to take my blinkers off.

What I decided was on my return to Australia I would start to learn Spanish. And here’s the thing—it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

So what was the reason I decided to spend the next 7 years dedicated to learning a second language?

In reality, there are a lot of reasons. But, when I reflect on that decision, I think one of the main drivers was that I felt my education was missing something. Read more here.

Spanish has an extensive range of vocabulary that defines numerous emotions in ways that English maybe feels short sometimes. Sticking and actually dedicating time to learn the language provides lots of opportunities for incredible experiences in the future. English speakers would also find that learning Spanish could actually help improve their English because of how much of the English language is rooted in Spanish and Latin.

Interior Design Education – InfoBarrel

There is a thing quite mesmerizing about flames dancing over the logs of the burning fire. This style is sometimes called Feng Shui, which is becoming very popular. In lieu of buying costly furniture or add new scopes to your home, a far more affordable and easier way can be done – purchase some planned well accessories that can bring out the best in your home.

Any particular mood you would like to generate may also possess a direct relation to the purpose of the space. There ought to be contrast in the colors, as with the cypresses and olives. Credit: roof truss designs.

Exterior elevations are important for the overall house plan and in general, each set of home designs includes all applicable front, side and rear elevations also as any special exterior details. The engine can make its debut appearance in 2010 in the F-150 SVT Raptor. Focal points give the eyes an area to rest along with a place to express your personal style in a method in which gets noticed.

At Artistic Windows, interior planning is absolutely a collaborative effort between homeowners and designers. There are a variety of decorating ideas on the market today, however the best way to complete your interior Christmas decorating is to make the things yourself or with your family. One elderly client may be too frail to make her bed and vacuum her floors. . If you’re the dog owner of this website:.

Another popular house building CAD software programs are Envisioneer Express. There are a few tricks and tips to making it a bit easier, but a majority of would suggest having it done by method of a professional to save yourself the time and money that might be needed to fix mistakes. Any changes made to the model during design are d in all views, such as 2d elevations and 2d plans also because the 3D model. There are some tricks and tips to making it a bit easier, but a majority of would suggest having it done with a professional to save yourself the time and money that might be necessary to fix mistakes. Take the time for you personally to pick a unit that’s suitable for you, and you may be rewarded having a beautiful structure that will grace your backyard for many years to come.

If you might be somebody who loves serving your friends, guests and family members steamy hot dishes, having a U-shaped modular kitchen, you might be in to get a treat. It resembles a human tent and is composed of ‘heavy-duty polyester’ and contains ‘nylon zipper’. Lighting your kit can be a fun yet challenging time. You can use a valance or cornice box over it to soften the harsh edges. Submit ArticlesMember LoginSubmission GuidelinesArticle RSS Feeds.

One of the most difficult areas of home design for living rooms is sticking to your budget. schoenfeldinteriors. Best recognized for its functional and great looking sundecks, Hunterstruct showcases its best Vancouver decks on the Hunterstruct. schoenfeldinteriors. There may be more significant prices involved whenever you make use of a professional, nevertheless the cost is usually worth the investment within the long run.

Freddie, Fannie, AIG and Bonuses, What About It Barney

This is not a post in support of bonuses, just a call for parity.

When AIG paid retention bonuses to their employees of $165 million dollars all hell broke loose.  When it was announced that AIG had paid the bonuses (approved by the government) politicians led by Barney Frank were furious and led the protests. President Obama chimed in with his famous “pitchfork mobs” analysis. Unions organized protests in front of the houses of AIG executives.

Now we read in the WSJ that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are going to pay $210 million dollars in retention bonuses. I wonder who will lead the protests in front of the houses of Barney Frank and his fellow representatives who just 18 short months ago extolled the virtue and health of these two organizations while they were in essence bankrupt.

As an aside has anyone asked Franklin Raines (Obama Advisor) to return his $50 million dollar bonus like they asked the AIG executives?  Of course not, these are the “do as I say not as I do Dems” in charge.

What Positions of Your Minister Do You Share?

I do not attend, the church of my choice, on a regular basis. My attendance dwindled when the minister, in my opinion, crossed the line from minister to politicians. I am a firm believer in the separation of church and state and thus when politics enters the sanctuary I am not inclined to be there.

When Senator McCain was endorsed by Rev. John Hagee a  televangelist the Democratic National Committee demanded that McCain renounce Hagee’s support because of past remarks made by the minister that was controversial. Does Senator McCain’s believe and agree with Rev. Hagee’s anti-Catholic and anti Muslin remarks?

Senator Obama, do you agree with your longtime spiritual advisor Rev. Jeremiah Wright when he says that African-Americans should not say “God Bless America,” but rather “God damn America.” Do you agree with Rev. Wright when he claims that Zionism contains “white racism”?

Ok Lefties, Let The Call For Impeachment Begin?

Remember during the Bush years how you lefties called for the impeachment of the President for his illegal wiretapping of citizens.

Well, President Obama (rightly so) is invoking government secrecy in defending the Bush administration’s wiretapping program in a case against AT&T

A lawyer for the customers, Kevin Bankston stated that he was disappointed in the President since during the campaign he made a promise of transparency and unceasingly criticized President Bush for his secrecy. To become a lawyer Mr. Bankston you have to be smart enough to not believe everything you hear in a campaign and further understand there is a hell of a lot of difference between rhetoric and actually governing.

Ok lefties, let the call for impeachment begin.

Ethics Reform Pelosi Style

Ethics Reform Speaker Pelosi Style as reported by Congressman Eric Cantor Chief Deputy Republican Whip: 

Only the Democrat House Leadership could find an unethical way to pass an “ethics” bill.

House Democrats had crafted legislation, an ethics bill in name only, that will do nothing to clean-up Washington. In fact, many non-partisan experts believe that it will only further empower the special interests.

Tonight, on the House floor, House Democrats were headed towards defeat. They were opposed by a bipartisan coalition of Members, who wanted to work towards meaningful ethics reform, rather than accept the empty rhetoric offered by the House Democrat Leadership. At the end of the vote, the bipartisan coalition had prevailed; yet, Speaker Pelosi held the vote open and strong-armed less senior Representatives into voting her way. This action violated House rules that were enacted in January of last year.

One thing is clear – House Democrats have failed the American People. They can’t even pass an “ethics” bill without violating the rules.