Back to School

2016

Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/714129

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 6 of 7

B A C K T O S C H O O L , M U S I C & D A N C E … A N D M O R E ! S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E W I N N I P E G F R E E P R E S S T H U R S D A Y, A U G U S T 11 , 2 0 1 6 7 303 – 2200 McPhillips Street Ph: 204-633-5566 Email: grandvisiontherapy@gmail.com www.grandvisioninstitute.ca DOES YOUR CHILD SUFFER FROM A VISUAL DISORDER? CAN YOU RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS? • Has difficulty learning to read • Frequently loses place or omits words when reading • Excessively moves head while reading • Can't recognize words seen in prior paragraphs • Has poor reading comprehension • Needs to use finger or marker as a guide when reading • Holds head too close when reading • Leans on arm when copying • Gives up easily, won't try, avoids reading A regular eye exam does not check for the conditions that cause these difculties. Call us today, to book a DEVELOPMENTAL VISUAL EVALUATION. Correction is possible. The earlier the vision problem is discovered, the less your child will struggle, but it is never too late. Even for adults. 20/20 VISION IS NOT ENOUGH! By Todd Lewys | Winnipeg Free Press Over the past decade, screen time among children has increased dramatically. B ack in 2006, average screen time on hand-held devices, video games computers and televisions was about four-and- half hours a day. Today, it's about seven hours per day — and climbing. Even during the school year, kids tend to be glued to the screen of their tablet, smartphone or family TV. That's why it's a good idea to enrol kids in recreation programs during the school year. Fortunately, there are some excellent programs available, among them programs run by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg and YMCA- YWCA. Best of all, the programs offered by both organizations are not only very accessible, but very affordable. "All programs and services that we offer are free," said Boys and Girls Clubs director of programs, Michelle Schmidt. "We run 11 different locations around the city, and offer various programs anywhere from two days to seven days a week. All of our locations have drop-in programs — kids always have the opportunity to participate in an activity. They also get fed, as well." The enrolment process is a simple one. "All a parent has to do is fill out a registration form," Schmidt said. "Once that's done, their child can participate in a wide range of programs that include basketball, art, doing homework, cooking and more. Our programs offer an opportunity for kids to learn important skills in a safe place where they can connect with other kids and develop a sense of belonging — and learn about themselves." Likewise, the YMCA-YWCA is doing what it can to encourage families to build more activity into their kids' lives, said Angela Worthman, centre manager for the Y's downtown location. "These days our focus is to be all-inclusive, and to give every kid an opportunity to participate in some kind of activity," she said. "With a membership to the Y, you get access to everything included in the program schedule. There are also casual and drop-in programs, as well." Contrary to the belief of many families, programs at the Y are also very affordable, said Worthman. "A family membership — which can include parents plus one to six kids — features an all-inclusive, flat rate. If you walked in today and started an Advantage membership, the cost would be $85 per month, and that includes swimming lessons and all other programs. Total cost for the year is $1,020, which is quite reasonable." She added that one of the most popular programs at the Y is its swimming program. "It's available year-round, and more importantly, there's no pass-fail associated with the program. Each child develops differently, so we take a progressive approach, teaching at the rate a student learns best at. To us, it's just important that a child gets active. Activity imparts so many benefits to a child." Those benefits include learning discipline, focus, physical development — and learning how to interact with others, something that doesn't happen when you're perched in front of a screen for hours on end. "Being involved in activities with other kids and adults just helps kids grow and develop," said Worthman. "For example, kids typically need five other important adults in their life other than their parents, and these activities allow kids to develop meaningful relationships with other adults — and friendships with other kids." Schmidt agreed. "There's a real intentionality to what our staff does with kids. Not only do they play ball with them, but they listen. Getting involved in recreational activities helps kids develop physically and mentally — and build character. We're happy to do our part to support parents and families." For registration information on programs offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg and YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg — registration for programs at the Y started in early August — visit bgcwinnipeg.ca or ywinnipeg.ca. Both the YMCA-YWCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg offer affordable — or no-cost — options to get kids active and engaged. YMCA-YWCA photo YMCA-YWCA photo Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg photo

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Back to School - 2016