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a “pay-what-you-can-afford” basis so that all children would still be able to take part. Her efforts were recognized by Canada Post’s 2020 Tales of Triumph contest, and she was a runner-up in the Doing Good category. Prizes included national online advertising, which led to children from B.C. to Quebec joining her online classes. The experiment with Zoom classes was so successful that Downs plans to continue some even after the risk of COVID-19 has subsided. Since she is not physically present, those classes require that a parent be present to ensure that all safety precautions are carried out. Safety is also a priority for Downs in preventing the spread of COVID-19 because her children, and many others in the classes, are at high risk. “I’m not going to attempt to do in-person, indoor classes until
I can be pretty confident I’m not putting anybody at risk,” she says. Downs’s children now use their experience to help teach cooking to others. “My kids come to every class when we do in-person classes. They take part in every aspect — they help with menus, recipes and taste-testing. If there’s someone who is extra-shy or doesn’t have a partner, they jump in so that nobody is alone,” she says. Downs believes it’s important for her children and others to learn to cook because it’s a skill that will benefit them throughout their lives. She added, “It’s definitely more enjoyable if you’ve learnt it when you’re younger so that when you need to do it, you know how and it doesn’t become a chore.” For more information, go to facebook.com/patricias. cooking.classes.for.children/
Even children as young as three, like Patricia’s granddaughter Jeune, can have fun in the kitchen learning cooking and baking skills. SUPPLIED
Five benefits of game play for children P
arents walk a fine line children follow directions, when trying to determine learn colours, numbers, and how much time to allow their develop hand-eye coordinakids to engage in game play. tion, according to Scholastic. Game play has traditionally As kids age and games become had a bad reputation, but more challenging, the chances parents can rest assured that for learning increase. by letting their children get involved in entertaining 2. Games help with games of all types, including physical development video games, they’re actually Parenting magazine reports helping their youngsters in that outdoor play entices various ways. children to be active and can boost fitness and physical 1. Board games present stamina. All types of games chances for learning work the body by strengthBoard games are some of the ening muscles and bones. first games young children get Being outdoors in the fresh air to play, and they can serve and sunshine is good for the as introductions to lessons body and mind. When a child kids will ultimately learn in is physically fit, he or she also school. Simple games help may have a strong immune
system that reduces the risk of developing diseases like obesity or diabetes later in life.
3. Games can boost creativity
Whether they’re following the rules or finding ways to circumvent them, games offer opportunities for children to delve into their creative sides and utilize their imaginations. Video games can immerse them in different worlds where they can ponder the what-ifs of role play.
drive the play. Players may want to learn more about these situations and events. In addition, sparking an interest in various subjects and keeping the mind active can improve basic cognitive functions, states the pregnancy and childcare resource Maternity Glow.
5. Games allow for broadened social activity
Much in the way that game nights can help adults bond and make new friends, chil4. Boost interest dren who play games together may be able to meet others and in school subjects Certain games depict histor- engage with kids their age due ical settings or events that to this shared interest. (Metro)
