6 minute read
Pulse Asia
Saturday-Friday | December 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021
GLOBAL NEWS 91% of Filipinos hopeful for 2021 – Pulse Asia
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Almost all Filipinos will begin with a hopeful view of 2021 amid the global health crisis, a Pulse Asia national survey said on Wednesday. "Despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and other concerns, Filipinos have a positive attitude as far as the year ahead is concerned," the survey said.
Pulse Asia interviewed 2,400 Filipino adults from Nov. 23 to Dec. 2, and only 1% said they are facing the coming year hopeless, while 8% were undecided or ambivalent. The fi gures were the same as last year's survey results, the group said.
Meanwhile, 55% of Filipinos earlier said they expected this Christmas season to be as prosperous as last year's celebration. This view was mostly shared by respondents from Metro Manila (60%), the rest of Luzon (60%) and Visayas (55%) as well as socioeconomic classes A, B, C and D.
On the other hand, 38% thought this year’s holiday season will be less prosperous for their families. At least 48% of Mindanaoans said this season will be less prosperous while 44% said it will be the same.
There were also 8% overall who believe it will be a more prosperous occasion.
Comparison between 2019's Christmas season outlook and the expectations for this year showed there was a big drop in the percentage of Filipino adults who were looking forward to a more prosperous holiday celebration. The number fell by 40 percentage points in total, Pulse Asia mentioned.
There were also more Filipino adults now who expect the current holiday season to be less prosperous, compared to last year's survey fi gures. The number increased by 27 percentage points at the national level, it said.
The tally of Filipino adults who said the Christmas season this year will be the same as the previous year also rose by 14 percentage points.
Pulse Asia said the survey was not commissioned. It has a ± 2% error margin at the 95% confi dence level and sub-national estimates for each of the geographic areas (Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao) have a ± 4% error margin, also at 95% confi dence level.
It noted events that transpired before and during the interview period: a series of deadly typhoons that devastated parts of Luzon, massive fl ooding in Cagayan region, Pfi zer and Moderna's announcement that their vaccines were 90% and 94.5% effective, the appointments of COVID-19 task force chief implementer Carlito Galvez, Jr. as vaccine czar and former Metro Manila Police Chief Debold Sinas as Chief of the Philippine National Police. (MNS)
The Benefits of a Dual Language
One of the easiest ways you can help your child get ahead in life is by introducing them to both a home language and English. Young brains are primed and wired to pick up languages, especially during their earliest years, and the benefits will pay off for the rest of their lives. Now is a great time to talk, read, and sing to your child in multiple languages!
Dual language learners tend to demonstrate greater working memory, reasoning, flexibility, and problem solving. Knowing more than one language also can expand their career opportunities, keep them mentally sharp in their twilight years, and help them gain an appreciation for the culture and roots of their families.
MYTH TRUTH
“I’m not fluent in my second language. I’m worried that I won’t pronounce words
The truth is, the language parents speak to their children doesn’t have to be perfect or grammatically correct. The most important thing is to introduce them to it.
Studies show that children are born with the ability to identify sounds from every language, and as they grow, their skills narrow to focus on the language(s) they hear most often. Learning more than one language at the same time is not confusing to young children. Rather, it helps them develop multiple, but interrelated, language systems, and increased cognitive functions.
than one language at the same time is not confusing to young children. Rather, it helps them related, language systems, and increased cognitive functions.
Ways to Help Your Child Expand Dual Language Skills:
• Let your child read books in different languages and take them to dual language reading groups at the library. • Play children’s music in multiple languages. Catchy songs played over and over again help a child learn and understand new words and concepts. • Puzzles, maps, and other games are often available in different languages. Join dual language playgroups and encourage your child to talk with other kids their age in different languages. www.first5california.com
Tips for Creating Special Holiday Memories Together, Even During a Pandemic
By CAMILLE MABEN First 5 California Executive Director
In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, one gift young children always love is the gift of time with you. And this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this holiday season may be smaller, (with young children I hesitate to say quieter) than past years. Restrictions on travel and large gatherings, as well as the need to protect our friends and family probably mean your celebrations will be diff erent.
But your holidays can still be warm, merry and bright. Here at First 5 California, we off er these suggestions for fun activities that will help your family make the most of this special time together.
Read together — Now is the perfect time to enjoy special holiday-themed books and stories. Carve out time every day to read to your children and share your childhood memories of holiday traditions.
Sing-along with holiday songs — Play your favorite holiday songs throughout the holiday season. Create a new tradition of singing and dancing together with your children.
Go for a drive to view holiday lights — Members of your household can enjoy decorated homes and neighborhoods from the safety of your vehicle. Talk about the colors and shapes with babies and toddlers. Bring along favorite car snacks for the ride.
Make holiday art — Make and share homemade cards, wrapping paper and decorations. Think about what you can make with items you already have in your home. Remember that handmade gifts are always treasured.
Cook and bake together — Holiday meals are special when prepared together. Involve children in identifying, describing and measuring ingredients, and other kitchen tasks. Talk about special family recipes and your memories of holiday foods and gatherings.
Watch a holiday movie together (even across the miles) — Some streaming platforms off er online tools to watch a movie together in real time. Enjoy your favorite holiday fi lms with friends and family wherever they are. Talk about the movie and the characters with your children. Ask them what they thought of the fi lm.
Stay safe — This holiday season, take steps to protect you and your loved ones from getting or spreading COVID-19. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and practice social distancing. More information, tips, support, and resources for parenting during a pandemic are available at https://www.fi rst5california.com/covid.
ABOUT FIRST 5 CALIFORNIA:
First 5 California was established in 1998 when voters passed Proposition 10, which taxes tobacco products to fund services for children ages 0 to 5 and their families. First 5 California programs and resources are designed to educate and support teachers, parents, and caregivers in the critical role they play during a child's fi rst fi ve years – to help California kids receive the best possible start in life and thrive. For more information, please visit http:// www.fi rst5california.com
