Monday, 22 September 2008
How to raise smart children
www.wikihow.com
A child's brain growth comes from experience and the exercise the brain receives. Sight, sound, touch, taste and smell stimulate the brain's cell connections (called synapses) and create trillions more. The more complex these interconnections, the smarter your child will be. When you provide your child with early stimulation and a wide range of experiences, you can accelerate his brain development.
1. Interact with your child. Scientists have observed that babies who were not cuddled, played with and loved have stunted brain growth. They also observed that babies who were not held and did not receive attention failed to grow, became depressed, and eventually died. On the other hand, many studies have shown that hugging, interacting and playing with your child has a strong effect on developing his intelligence. The loving connection formed between you and your child and your one-on-one interaction with him provide the foundation for his higher thinking skills.
2. Talk to your child. Also, listen to your child when he’s talking. This reinforces his effort to communicate and develops his facility for language. You may also read books to your child. Start reading to him even if he does not understand the words. This gives him a head start in developing language skills. Children who are read to when young are more likely to develop a lifelong interest in reading, do well in school, and succeed in adult life. Reading books is one of the most important activities that make children smart.
3. Let your child play – When your child plays, he is creating the foundation for his intellectual, social, physical and emotional skills. When he plays with other children, he learns to combine ideas, impressions and feelings with others.
4. Encourage your child to exercise - Physical exercise does not only make your child strong, but it also makes your child smart! Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain and builds new brain cells. Exercise is good for adults' mental sharpness, but it has a more long-lasting effect on your child's developing brain.
5. Make music a part of your child’s life – Studies have shown that listening to music can boost memory, attention, motivation and learning. It can also lower stress that is destructive to your child's brain. Learning to play a musical instrument has an effect on the brain’s proportional thinking and spatial temporal reasoning that lay the foundation for abstract math. If possible, start with the piano. After learning to read music and play up to 10 notes at a time, it will be much easier for them to learn any of the other instruments. But starting them with music young--no matter what the instrument--is the important thing.
6. Let your child witness you doing smart things - Children learn by modeling adult’s behavior. If he sees you engaged in reading books, writing, making music, or doing creative things, he will imitate you, and in the process make himself smart.
7. Let your child play smart computer games - The best computer games teach your child about letters, math, music, phonics and many others. It also develops his hand-eye coordination and prepares him for tomorrow’s technology. More importantly, he learns these while he plays. Learning and having fun at the same time is the best way for your child to learn.
8. Feed your child properly - Giving the right food is important to raise a smart child. A protein-rich diet (egg, fish, meat, beans, peanuts, etc.) improves his attention, alertness, and thinking. Carbohydrates give his brain the fuel that is used in thinking. The best ones are those that come from whole grain and fruits. Processed carbohydrates and sugar have bad effects on attention span, focusing ability, and activity level. Vitamins and minerals are also important.
A child's brain growth comes from experience and the exercise the brain receives. Sight, sound, touch, taste and smell stimulate the brain's cell connections (called synapses) and create trillions more. The more complex these interconnections, the smarter your child will be. When you provide your child with early stimulation and a wide range of experiences, you can accelerate his brain development.
1. Interact with your child. Scientists have observed that babies who were not cuddled, played with and loved have stunted brain growth. They also observed that babies who were not held and did not receive attention failed to grow, became depressed, and eventually died. On the other hand, many studies have shown that hugging, interacting and playing with your child has a strong effect on developing his intelligence. The loving connection formed between you and your child and your one-on-one interaction with him provide the foundation for his higher thinking skills.
2. Talk to your child. Also, listen to your child when he’s talking. This reinforces his effort to communicate and develops his facility for language. You may also read books to your child. Start reading to him even if he does not understand the words. This gives him a head start in developing language skills. Children who are read to when young are more likely to develop a lifelong interest in reading, do well in school, and succeed in adult life. Reading books is one of the most important activities that make children smart.
3. Let your child play – When your child plays, he is creating the foundation for his intellectual, social, physical and emotional skills. When he plays with other children, he learns to combine ideas, impressions and feelings with others.
4. Encourage your child to exercise - Physical exercise does not only make your child strong, but it also makes your child smart! Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain and builds new brain cells. Exercise is good for adults' mental sharpness, but it has a more long-lasting effect on your child's developing brain.
5. Make music a part of your child’s life – Studies have shown that listening to music can boost memory, attention, motivation and learning. It can also lower stress that is destructive to your child's brain. Learning to play a musical instrument has an effect on the brain’s proportional thinking and spatial temporal reasoning that lay the foundation for abstract math. If possible, start with the piano. After learning to read music and play up to 10 notes at a time, it will be much easier for them to learn any of the other instruments. But starting them with music young--no matter what the instrument--is the important thing.
6. Let your child witness you doing smart things - Children learn by modeling adult’s behavior. If he sees you engaged in reading books, writing, making music, or doing creative things, he will imitate you, and in the process make himself smart.
7. Let your child play smart computer games - The best computer games teach your child about letters, math, music, phonics and many others. It also develops his hand-eye coordination and prepares him for tomorrow’s technology. More importantly, he learns these while he plays. Learning and having fun at the same time is the best way for your child to learn.
8. Feed your child properly - Giving the right food is important to raise a smart child. A protein-rich diet (egg, fish, meat, beans, peanuts, etc.) improves his attention, alertness, and thinking. Carbohydrates give his brain the fuel that is used in thinking. The best ones are those that come from whole grain and fruits. Processed carbohydrates and sugar have bad effects on attention span, focusing ability, and activity level. Vitamins and minerals are also important.
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
EDUCATING YOUR CHILDREN IN RAMADHAN
Children (who did not reach puberty) are not commanded to fast. However, their parents or guardians are strongly recommended to encourage them to fast few days so that they get used to it and they grow up knowing of the worship of fasting as they would know that of praying. In fact this was the practise of the first women of Islam who were living around the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam. An example of that is ar-Rubayya' bint Mu'awiyyah who reported that: "The Messenger of Allah,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, sent a man on the morning of the day of 'Ashurah, to the residences of the Ansar, saying: 'Whoever has spent the morning fasting is to complete his fast. Whoever has not spent this morning fasting should voluntary fast for the remainder of the day.' We fasted after that announcement, as did our young children. We would go to the mosque and make toys stuffed with cotton for them to play with. If one of them started crying due to hunger, we would give them a toy to play with until it was time to eat." [al-Bukhari and Muslim.]
Dear sister remember that among the seven that Allah will shade under His shade onthe Day of Judgement is a young man who grew up in the worship of Allah. Therefore let your children be one of these.
There are many ways to educate your children about Ramadan, the best and most important of which is to set the good example by fasting properly and behaving according to the Prophetic teachings. This is what your children will take from you first. When you are fulfilling this you can very easily [and they will accept it and practise it easilly as well] teach them what you want. Here are few tips that you can use with your children [you can think of others as well]:
Depending on their age encourage them to fast a number of days upto every other day or more for those who are almost at the age of puberty. For those who are still young let them fast a day or two and praise them in front of friends and relatives for their achivement.
Let your children go with their father to the Masjid for Maghrib prayer and break the fast with the larger Muslim community to make them feel the gretness of fasting and the unity of Muslims in worshipping Allah.
- If your children cannot fast let them eat with you at the time of Maghrib and teach them that you are breaking the fast even if they ate before.
- Teach your children the supplication of breaking the fast.
- Take your children to the Taraweeh prayer so that they get used it and know about it from their early age. They may sit or stay in the back of the prayer room if they get tired.
- Teach them to give charity. Do it in front of them and tell them you are doing it because the reward increases in Ramadan.
- Teach them to recite Qur'an regularily and inform them that the Prophet (S) used to do that in Ramadan.
- Correct them if they behave wrongly or say unaccaptable words and remind them that they are fasting ot they are in Ramadan and this may alter their reward.
- Wake them up for Suhoor [even if they don't fast] and Fajr prayer.
- Teach them to feed the people fasting and tell them about the reward for that.
- Dress them in the best clothes, give them a bath and take them with you to the Eid Prayer.
- Teach them that this is our feast and celebration and that christmas, easter, thanksgiving and other holidays are not ours. Stress the distinction.
and remember that the Prophet salla allahu alaihi wa sallam said:
"One who is given the responsibility of the bringing up of daughters and treats them well will be a shield for him from Hell. [Bukhari and Muslim]
Dear sister remember that among the seven that Allah will shade under His shade onthe Day of Judgement is a young man who grew up in the worship of Allah. Therefore let your children be one of these.
There are many ways to educate your children about Ramadan, the best and most important of which is to set the good example by fasting properly and behaving according to the Prophetic teachings. This is what your children will take from you first. When you are fulfilling this you can very easily [and they will accept it and practise it easilly as well] teach them what you want. Here are few tips that you can use with your children [you can think of others as well]:
Depending on their age encourage them to fast a number of days upto every other day or more for those who are almost at the age of puberty. For those who are still young let them fast a day or two and praise them in front of friends and relatives for their achivement.
Let your children go with their father to the Masjid for Maghrib prayer and break the fast with the larger Muslim community to make them feel the gretness of fasting and the unity of Muslims in worshipping Allah.
- If your children cannot fast let them eat with you at the time of Maghrib and teach them that you are breaking the fast even if they ate before.
- Teach your children the supplication of breaking the fast.
- Take your children to the Taraweeh prayer so that they get used it and know about it from their early age. They may sit or stay in the back of the prayer room if they get tired.
- Teach them to give charity. Do it in front of them and tell them you are doing it because the reward increases in Ramadan.
- Teach them to recite Qur'an regularily and inform them that the Prophet (S) used to do that in Ramadan.
- Correct them if they behave wrongly or say unaccaptable words and remind them that they are fasting ot they are in Ramadan and this may alter their reward.
- Wake them up for Suhoor [even if they don't fast] and Fajr prayer.
- Teach them to feed the people fasting and tell them about the reward for that.
- Dress them in the best clothes, give them a bath and take them with you to the Eid Prayer.
- Teach them that this is our feast and celebration and that christmas, easter, thanksgiving and other holidays are not ours. Stress the distinction.
and remember that the Prophet salla allahu alaihi wa sallam said:
"One who is given the responsibility of the bringing up of daughters and treats them well will be a shield for him from Hell. [Bukhari and Muslim]
Monday, 25 August 2008
A parent's guide to helping their child with homework
source:www.essortment.com
Homework is an important part of a child’s learning process, it is also a great way for parents to get involved and stay informed about what is being taught. The best way to ensure a productive learning experience while doing homework depends on the child. Being stuck at a desk, in a quiet room, alone is not always the best way to learn.
When your child gets home from school, it is important to discuss their day and find out what homework they have been given. This allows you and your child to create a plan for getting the homework done.
Some children would rather jump right in and complete their homework rather than have it on their mind all afternoon. Others need a mental break from the day before they can delve into more schoolwork. Either scenario is fine, as long as there is a mutually agreed upon plan.
It is also important to give your child a healthy snack or dinner before they begin their homework. Hunger can be a major distraction, and kids are usually looking for any excuse to put off doing their homework. Eliminate the chance of this distraction by providing a healthy snack, preferably with protein. Good snacks include a piece of bread with peanut butter, some turkey and carrots or a fruit smoothie. These snacks should keep their energy level up and keep them from feeling lethargic.
Next, decide on the best environment for your child to do their homework in. It could be at a desk in their room, at the kitchen table or in an office. Any area is fine as long as it is relatively free from distractions. Never allow your child to do homework with the television on. Many people prefer light background music, and studies have shown that it could be beneficial to thought, versus a room that is dead silent.
Before your child sits down to work, be sure that all the supplies they will need are readily available at the table. Also be sure that they have used the restroom and that they have a glass of water to drink. Avoiding these potential distractions will save your child time once they begin their homework, as well as preventing breaks in their concentration level.
The amount of assistance you provide your child with their homework, again depends on the child. If you are concerned, consult their teacher for guidance on how much help they should be getting. In general, you should be available to answer questions but not hanging over their shoulder doing the work for them.
It is especially important to not overly assist your child on school projects. Parents tend to put too much emphasis on the quality of their child’s cotton ball igloo or Popsicle stick replica of the White House. Oftentimes, parents end up making it their project and the child loses out on a valuable learning experience.
The most important things to remember when helping your child with their homework is to help them stay organized, provide a comfortable work environment and answer any questions they ask without being too involved.
Homework is an important part of a child’s learning process, it is also a great way for parents to get involved and stay informed about what is being taught. The best way to ensure a productive learning experience while doing homework depends on the child. Being stuck at a desk, in a quiet room, alone is not always the best way to learn.
When your child gets home from school, it is important to discuss their day and find out what homework they have been given. This allows you and your child to create a plan for getting the homework done.
Some children would rather jump right in and complete their homework rather than have it on their mind all afternoon. Others need a mental break from the day before they can delve into more schoolwork. Either scenario is fine, as long as there is a mutually agreed upon plan.
It is also important to give your child a healthy snack or dinner before they begin their homework. Hunger can be a major distraction, and kids are usually looking for any excuse to put off doing their homework. Eliminate the chance of this distraction by providing a healthy snack, preferably with protein. Good snacks include a piece of bread with peanut butter, some turkey and carrots or a fruit smoothie. These snacks should keep their energy level up and keep them from feeling lethargic.
Next, decide on the best environment for your child to do their homework in. It could be at a desk in their room, at the kitchen table or in an office. Any area is fine as long as it is relatively free from distractions. Never allow your child to do homework with the television on. Many people prefer light background music, and studies have shown that it could be beneficial to thought, versus a room that is dead silent.
Before your child sits down to work, be sure that all the supplies they will need are readily available at the table. Also be sure that they have used the restroom and that they have a glass of water to drink. Avoiding these potential distractions will save your child time once they begin their homework, as well as preventing breaks in their concentration level.
The amount of assistance you provide your child with their homework, again depends on the child. If you are concerned, consult their teacher for guidance on how much help they should be getting. In general, you should be available to answer questions but not hanging over their shoulder doing the work for them.
It is especially important to not overly assist your child on school projects. Parents tend to put too much emphasis on the quality of their child’s cotton ball igloo or Popsicle stick replica of the White House. Oftentimes, parents end up making it their project and the child loses out on a valuable learning experience.
The most important things to remember when helping your child with their homework is to help them stay organized, provide a comfortable work environment and answer any questions they ask without being too involved.
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Fasting Story
"But, Mum, I do not want to eat. I am a big boy and I can fast," Thabit told his mother.
"But you are fasting, Thabit. 7-year-old children eat in the morning and a little in the afternoon and then they don't eat anything else till evening."
"But you do not fast like that, Mum," the little boy insisted.
"I am older, Thabit. Grownups fast that way."
The young gentleman sat deep in thought and then asked, "Mum, why do we fast?"
"That's a good question, Thabit." She got up and went to the kitchen cupboard. She removed something from it.
"Do you know what this is, Thabit?"
"It's a blender."
"Do you know what it is supposed to do?"
"It blends passion fruit for juice." His mother laughed. "Yes, it does blend. Our body does the same thing. It grinds the food we eat; it takes what it needs and removes the rest. It does this everyday, day in day out."
"Doesn't the body get tired, Mum?"
"It does. Just like the blender. When we have blended juice for too long, it refuses to work. Then it needs fixing. So we have to give our body a rest so it can work better for us. That's why we fast in Ramadan and some other days in the year."
"Does everybody fast, Mummy?"
"Not everybody. If you are ill or expecting a baby or if you are old and weak like Daddy's grandpa or if you are 7 years old then you don't fast.
The little boy thought some more. He ate the food his mother had set before him without much fuss. "What if you don't want to fast?"
"What is your sister Nur's favorite color?" "Pink".
"And what is the color of her uniform for Madrassa (School)?" "Blue".
But she says she'd like to wear her pink hijab when she goes."
"And why doesn't she?"
"She is afraid Ustaadh (Teacher) will punish her."
"You see, she was afraid Ustaadh would punish her. Ustaadh will punish her because she has broken the rule of the madrassa by wearing pink.
You see, Thabit, Allah knows what is good for us and so we have to do as He commands, because He sees and knows everything. We love Him and fear Him and we don't want Him to be displeased with us."
"But don't you get hungry, Mum?"
"Of course we do. But we keep ourselves busy on other important things to take our mind away from the food. We read the Qur'an, or we visit the sick people or we go to the mosque and listen to dars. You see there's plenty to do and before you know it, it's time to eat!"
"Is there another reason why Muslims fast?"
"Yes. You are lucky, Thabit, because you have food everyday. Not everyone has food to eat."
"Like the poor people at Baroda Road?"
"Yes, like them. If we go hungry like them, we will be able to understand that they need help."
The little boy seemed satisfied with the answers, his mother had given him. "Mum, can I go with you and Daddy to help the poor?" "By the Grace of Allah, you can."
http://www.ezsoftech.com
"But you are fasting, Thabit. 7-year-old children eat in the morning and a little in the afternoon and then they don't eat anything else till evening."
"But you do not fast like that, Mum," the little boy insisted.
"I am older, Thabit. Grownups fast that way."
The young gentleman sat deep in thought and then asked, "Mum, why do we fast?"
"That's a good question, Thabit." She got up and went to the kitchen cupboard. She removed something from it.
"Do you know what this is, Thabit?"
"It's a blender."
"Do you know what it is supposed to do?"
"It blends passion fruit for juice." His mother laughed. "Yes, it does blend. Our body does the same thing. It grinds the food we eat; it takes what it needs and removes the rest. It does this everyday, day in day out."
"Doesn't the body get tired, Mum?"
"It does. Just like the blender. When we have blended juice for too long, it refuses to work. Then it needs fixing. So we have to give our body a rest so it can work better for us. That's why we fast in Ramadan and some other days in the year."
"Does everybody fast, Mummy?"
"Not everybody. If you are ill or expecting a baby or if you are old and weak like Daddy's grandpa or if you are 7 years old then you don't fast.
The little boy thought some more. He ate the food his mother had set before him without much fuss. "What if you don't want to fast?"
"What is your sister Nur's favorite color?" "Pink".
"And what is the color of her uniform for Madrassa (School)?" "Blue".
But she says she'd like to wear her pink hijab when she goes."
"And why doesn't she?"
"She is afraid Ustaadh (Teacher) will punish her."
"You see, she was afraid Ustaadh would punish her. Ustaadh will punish her because she has broken the rule of the madrassa by wearing pink.
You see, Thabit, Allah knows what is good for us and so we have to do as He commands, because He sees and knows everything. We love Him and fear Him and we don't want Him to be displeased with us."
"But don't you get hungry, Mum?"
"Of course we do. But we keep ourselves busy on other important things to take our mind away from the food. We read the Qur'an, or we visit the sick people or we go to the mosque and listen to dars. You see there's plenty to do and before you know it, it's time to eat!"
"Is there another reason why Muslims fast?"
"Yes. You are lucky, Thabit, because you have food everyday. Not everyone has food to eat."
"Like the poor people at Baroda Road?"
"Yes, like them. If we go hungry like them, we will be able to understand that they need help."
The little boy seemed satisfied with the answers, his mother had given him. "Mum, can I go with you and Daddy to help the poor?" "By the Grace of Allah, you can."
http://www.ezsoftech.com
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Ramadhan Tips For Muslim Family
Ti01. Buy all necessities for the month of Ramadan before Ramadan so you can spend less time during the holy month rushing around. You can be more focused on your religious rituals and spiritual development. Everyone in the family, even the kids, can participate, writing a shopping list, preparing some meals to be stored in the freezer.
02. If you have gotten into bad sleeping habits throughout the year, start readjusting now so you can wake up for Fajr prayer.
03. Sunnah fasts of Shaaban (the month before Ramadan) help to prepare for Ramadan and help to make the transition into the holy month a smooth one.
04. Reduce TV watching and prepare the family for the new spirit of Ramadan. Engage with your kids more and more in creative activities that remind them of Ramadan. (Suggested activities including reading the moral story books in group).
05. Organize your tape/CD collection to make it easy to select and to play nice nasheed (Hamd/Naat) to sing along together or Quran and Dua recitation, so as to introduce the spirit of the month gradually.
06. Plan ahead for the time you are spend at home in order not to lose the balance between your responsibility as a parent to supervise the children's studies and your engagement in religious practices such as reading Quran and praying Salat.
07. Plan ahead if your daughter needs a hijab to accompany you to the mosque. If possible, get shoes for the kids that are easy to tie when they leave the mosque. Do you or the kids need prayer rugs for prayer? Plan transportation to the mosque and back home.
08. Prepare as much cooking as you can before Ramadan. Here are some time-saving tips:
Prepare some vegetables and store them in the freezer to have them ready when needed.
If you soak dates in milk or water and eat them for Iftar, pit the dates before Ramadan.
Chop onions, garlic and store them in the freezer to have them ready when cooking during Ramadan.
09. If you are planning to invite guests for Iftar, the best time to do that is during your monthly period (menstruation). This has several advantages:
You will be able to taste the food that is going to be served.
You won't be engaged in some acts of worship so you'll have more time for cooking.
You won't have guilt feelings for staying after 'Isha' with the guests and not going to the mosque.
10. Prepare your kids before Ramadan that they have to help you more in housework and in setting the table and preparing the Iftar. Relate their action with the notion of Sadaqah and good deeds. Remind them that the reward of their good deeds is multiplied during Ramadan.
02. If you have gotten into bad sleeping habits throughout the year, start readjusting now so you can wake up for Fajr prayer.
03. Sunnah fasts of Shaaban (the month before Ramadan) help to prepare for Ramadan and help to make the transition into the holy month a smooth one.
04. Reduce TV watching and prepare the family for the new spirit of Ramadan. Engage with your kids more and more in creative activities that remind them of Ramadan. (Suggested activities including reading the moral story books in group).
05. Organize your tape/CD collection to make it easy to select and to play nice nasheed (Hamd/Naat) to sing along together or Quran and Dua recitation, so as to introduce the spirit of the month gradually.
06. Plan ahead for the time you are spend at home in order not to lose the balance between your responsibility as a parent to supervise the children's studies and your engagement in religious practices such as reading Quran and praying Salat.
07. Plan ahead if your daughter needs a hijab to accompany you to the mosque. If possible, get shoes for the kids that are easy to tie when they leave the mosque. Do you or the kids need prayer rugs for prayer? Plan transportation to the mosque and back home.
08. Prepare as much cooking as you can before Ramadan. Here are some time-saving tips:
Prepare some vegetables and store them in the freezer to have them ready when needed.
If you soak dates in milk or water and eat them for Iftar, pit the dates before Ramadan.
Chop onions, garlic and store them in the freezer to have them ready when cooking during Ramadan.
09. If you are planning to invite guests for Iftar, the best time to do that is during your monthly period (menstruation). This has several advantages:
You will be able to taste the food that is going to be served.
You won't be engaged in some acts of worship so you'll have more time for cooking.
You won't have guilt feelings for staying after 'Isha' with the guests and not going to the mosque.
10. Prepare your kids before Ramadan that they have to help you more in housework and in setting the table and preparing the Iftar. Relate their action with the notion of Sadaqah and good deeds. Remind them that the reward of their good deeds is multiplied during Ramadan.
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
PLAY IS ESSENTIAL FOR CHILDREN
Joan Packer Isenberg and Nancy Quisenberry
Children are growing up in a rapidly changing world characterized by dramatic shifts in what all children are expected to know and be able to do. Higher and tougher standards of learning for all populations of students are focusing on a narrow view of learning. Consequently, students have less time and opportunity to play than did children of previous generations. Few would disagree that the primary goal of education is student learning and that all educators, families, and policymakers bear the responsibility of making learning accessible to all children. Decades of research has documented that play has a crucial role in the optimal growth, learning, and development of children from infancy through adolescence. Yet, this need is being challenged, and so children's right to play must be defended by all adults, especially educators and parents. The time has come to advocate strongly in support of play for all children.
Children are growing up in a rapidly changing world characterized by dramatic shifts in what all children are expected to know and be able to do. Higher and tougher standards of learning for all populations of students are focusing on a narrow view of learning. Consequently, students have less time and opportunity to play than did children of previous generations. Few would disagree that the primary goal of education is student learning and that all educators, families, and policymakers bear the responsibility of making learning accessible to all children. Decades of research has documented that play has a crucial role in the optimal growth, learning, and development of children from infancy through adolescence. Yet, this need is being challenged, and so children's right to play must be defended by all adults, especially educators and parents. The time has come to advocate strongly in support of play for all children.
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
MANFAAT SEDOTAN
Dari milist tetangga...
Suatu ketika saya dengan teman-teman sedang makan sate. Kemudian seorang teman menyatakan betapa ia ngeri setiap melihat sate yang potongannya besar-besar.
"Kenapa?" tanya saya
."Saya ingat keponakan yang meninggal karena makan sate," katanya.
Dia bercerita, waktu itu sedang ada syukuran dengan makan-makan. Dia masih ingat melihat si kecil keponakannya yang berlari-lari sambil membawasate. Usianya sekitar 4 tahun. Kemudian musibah datang. Anak kecil itu tercekik daging sate.
Semua orang berusaha menolong. Anak itu dibalik, dipukul-pukul belakang lehernya (bahkan sampai biru-biru, kata dia sambil matanyaberkaca-kaca) . Daging sate tak juga keluar. Lalu mereka mencari angkot untuk membawa anak itu ke rumah sakit. Dia masih melihat anak kecil itu tersengal-sengal menarik nafas di kendaraan.
Pemandangan yang sungguh memilukan.Tuhan berkehendak lain. Anak itu meninggal di perjalanan. Sampai di rumah sakit, petugas memberi tahu bahwa untuk mengeluarkan benda yang mencekik tenggorokan, cukup dengan memasukkan SEDOTAN MINUM ke kerongkongan.
Lalu hisap sehingga benda itu menempel..
Lalu tarik.
Sesederhana itu.
Menangislah semua orang.
Betapa sederhananya untuk menyelamatkan nyawa. Betapa berharganya ilmu untuk menyelamatkan nyawa. KALAU ANAK ANDA TERCEKIK MAKANAN KENYAL, keluarkan PAKAI SEDOTAN!
Semoga lebih banyak jiwa yang terselamatkan dengan pengetahuan sederhana ini. Amin.
Suatu ketika saya dengan teman-teman sedang makan sate. Kemudian seorang teman menyatakan betapa ia ngeri setiap melihat sate yang potongannya besar-besar.
"Kenapa?" tanya saya
."Saya ingat keponakan yang meninggal karena makan sate," katanya.
Dia bercerita, waktu itu sedang ada syukuran dengan makan-makan. Dia masih ingat melihat si kecil keponakannya yang berlari-lari sambil membawasate. Usianya sekitar 4 tahun. Kemudian musibah datang. Anak kecil itu tercekik daging sate.
Semua orang berusaha menolong. Anak itu dibalik, dipukul-pukul belakang lehernya (bahkan sampai biru-biru, kata dia sambil matanyaberkaca-kaca) . Daging sate tak juga keluar. Lalu mereka mencari angkot untuk membawa anak itu ke rumah sakit. Dia masih melihat anak kecil itu tersengal-sengal menarik nafas di kendaraan.
Pemandangan yang sungguh memilukan.Tuhan berkehendak lain. Anak itu meninggal di perjalanan. Sampai di rumah sakit, petugas memberi tahu bahwa untuk mengeluarkan benda yang mencekik tenggorokan, cukup dengan memasukkan SEDOTAN MINUM ke kerongkongan.
Lalu hisap sehingga benda itu menempel..
Lalu tarik.
Sesederhana itu.
Menangislah semua orang.
Betapa sederhananya untuk menyelamatkan nyawa. Betapa berharganya ilmu untuk menyelamatkan nyawa. KALAU ANAK ANDA TERCEKIK MAKANAN KENYAL, keluarkan PAKAI SEDOTAN!
Semoga lebih banyak jiwa yang terselamatkan dengan pengetahuan sederhana ini. Amin.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Anak Indigo
Rekan-Rekan yang Berbahagia:
Dengan pasti saya bisa menyatakan saat ini bahwasistem pendidikan formal yang kita miliki, dari SD sampai dengan Perguruan tinggi, tidak mampu untuk mendidik anak indigo. Anak Indigo adalah sebagian dari mereka lahir diperiode tahun 1980-an dan memiliki aura berwarna nila dengan ciri-ciri kemampuan spiritual bawaan dan sikapnon-kompromistis terhadap segala sesuatu yang dinilainya bersifat pemaksaan.
Penelitian tentang fenomena anak indigo ini dimulai oleh seorang psikologdi Amerika Serikat, dan setelah itu diteruskan oleh media massa di AS dan negara-negara maju lainnnya, yang akhirnya memunculkan "boom" indigo dengan segala komersialismenya. Di Indonesia, Mbak Maria Hartiningsih, seorangpsikolog, adalah orang pertama yang menyorot fenomena ini dalam sebuah artikel yang lumayan besar di harianKompas (Mbak Maria adalah seorang redaktur Kompas). Dengan bekal hubungan pribadi yang cukup intens denganVincent Liong selama periode waktu yang cukup lama, Mbak Maria percaya bahwa Vincent Liong, yang menjadi studi kasus di artikelnya itu adalah seorang anak indigo.
Dr. Erwin Kesuma, Sp.A, seorang psikiater anak diRumah Sakit Angkatan Darat (RSAD) Gatot Subroto dan Klinik Provita kemudian memperoleh banyak pertanyaan dari wartawan dan wartawati berbagai media massa yang melihat adanya sesuatu yang bisa menghebohkan disana. Heboh karena anak-anak indigo ini bisa menggunakankemampuan supranatural mereka untuk hal-hal tertentu. Untuk kemanusiaan, tentu saja: berupa penyembuhan, terawangan, dan sebagainya yang, kita tahu selalu menempati posisi cukup menarik perhatian bagi masyarakat kita yang relijius ini. Dr. Erwin inilah yang kemudian dinobatkan oleh media massa sebagai seorang dokter ahli indigo. Tetapi, Dr. Erwin tidak mau memberikan pernyataan tertulis bahwa anak tertentu adalah seorang anak indigo. Saya pernah bertanya langsung kepada Dr.Erwin, dan ia menjelaskan dengan tegas bahwa yang diperlukan hanyalah mencocokkan ciri-ciri yang muncul di seorang anak dengan daftar dari ciri-ciri anakindigo yang akan diberikan oleh Dr. Erwin kepada siapa saja yang meminta. Apabila banyak ciri-cirinya yang cocok, maka bolehlah anak itu disebut sebagai seoranganak indigo.
Apakah Vincent termasuk anak indigo menurut Dr. Erwin? Dari percakapan antara saya dengannya, saya bisa melihat bahwa memang demikianlah anggapan dia dan para staf Klinik Provita yang banyak menangani anak-anak"indigo". Kata indigo disitu saya tulis dalam tanda kutip karena yang ditangani oleh Klinik Provita adalah anak-anak kecil yang dianggap bermasalah oleh orangtuanya, dan indigo adalah kata yang positif untuk dipakai dalam terapi anak; walaupun sebenarnya anak-anak itu bukan anak indigo. Jadi, telah ada salah kaprah di bidang terapi. Salah kaprah yang agaknya sengaja demi komersialisme (tapi itu soal lain,sehingga saya tidak akan mengulasnya disini). Sejak saat itu sampai sekarang, sudah cukup banyak liputan media massa tentang anak-anak indigo.
Terakhir saya dengar Anissa (seorang anak indigo berusia 6 tahun yang berbicara dengan Bahasa Inggris kepada semua orang walaupun kedua orang-tuanya asli Indonesia) juga muncul di "Dorce Show". Itu acara entertainment untuk publik yang haus hiburan, tentu saja. ---Sampai saat ini saya tidak melihat adanya sesuatu yang positif muncul dari berbagai liputan media massa tentang anak-anak indigo ini. Dari seminar yang diadakan oleh Metafisika Studi Club, tindak lanjutnya juga nihil. Kalaupun ada, paling jauh adalah penerimaan secara pasif bahwa anak-anak indigo itumemiliki kemampuan supranatural untuk membantu sesama. Cuma itu saja.
Sistem pendidikan formal kita juga belum pernah memberikan pernyataan resmi tentang apa yang akan dilakukannya terhadap anak-anak indigo yang tentu saja harus bersekolah.
1) Apakah anak indigo harus mengikuti sistem pendidikan formal biasa walaupun tersendat-sendat?
2) Apakah sistem pendidikan kita yang harus mengakomodasi anak indigo dengan keharusan menciptakanSLB (Sekolah Luar Biasa) bagi anak-anak indigo?
3) Apakah anak indigo harus dimengerti sebagai anak-anak dengan kemampuan di atas normal atau dibawah normal?
4) Apakah sebaiknya dibuat suatu kompromi antarasistem pendidikan umum kita untuk mengakomodasianak-anak indigo? Kompromi disini berarti akomodasi"middle ground". Bukan penciptaan SLB, tetapi program khusus di sekolah-sekolah biasa (dari SD s/d PerguruanTinggi). Program khusus untuk mengakomodasi anak-anak indigo disistem pendidikan kita tidak harus berarti penciptaan program yang mahal dengan SDM (Sumber Daya Manusia) yang canggih. Khusus itu tidak berarti harus mahal. Saran saya sebagai seorang pengamat indigo adalah penciptaan program khusus yang bersifat manusiawi, dan murah dari segi biaya. Cukup disediakan beberapa orang SDM yang secara bersamaan menangani seorang anak indigo di jenjang pendidikan tertentu. Dua atau tiga orang pengajar untuk secara bersamaan menangani seorang anak indigo; dan dengan komitmen itu, tetap bisa memberikan waktu kepada tugas-tugas mengajar dikelas-kelas biasa. Cuma sedikit ekstra waktu dan sedikit ekstra biaya yang diperlukan untuk melancarkan sistem pendidikan.
Mungkin itu yang bisa dilakukan oleh Fakultas Psikologi, Universitas Atmajaya, untuk menangani kasus indigo pertama di Indonesia. Apapun kebijakan yangakan diambil oleh Fakultas Psikologi, UniversitasAtmajaya, dan apapun hasilnya terhadap Vincent Liong sebagai anak didiknya, itu akan menjadi studi kasus yang bisa dicontoh atau dihindarkan oleh mereka yang bergerak di bidang pendidikan kita di masa datang.
Kalau menangani anak indigo saja tidak bisa, bagaimanapula sistem pendidikan kita akan menangani anak-anak kristal (yang muncul dari antara mereka yang lahir ditahun 1990-an)?
Leonardo Rimba
Penulis adalah seorang pengamat fenomena anak indigo lulusan Universitas Indonesia dan the PennsylvaniaState University, US.
Dengan pasti saya bisa menyatakan saat ini bahwasistem pendidikan formal yang kita miliki, dari SD sampai dengan Perguruan tinggi, tidak mampu untuk mendidik anak indigo. Anak Indigo adalah sebagian dari mereka lahir diperiode tahun 1980-an dan memiliki aura berwarna nila dengan ciri-ciri kemampuan spiritual bawaan dan sikapnon-kompromistis terhadap segala sesuatu yang dinilainya bersifat pemaksaan.
Penelitian tentang fenomena anak indigo ini dimulai oleh seorang psikologdi Amerika Serikat, dan setelah itu diteruskan oleh media massa di AS dan negara-negara maju lainnnya, yang akhirnya memunculkan "boom" indigo dengan segala komersialismenya. Di Indonesia, Mbak Maria Hartiningsih, seorangpsikolog, adalah orang pertama yang menyorot fenomena ini dalam sebuah artikel yang lumayan besar di harianKompas (Mbak Maria adalah seorang redaktur Kompas). Dengan bekal hubungan pribadi yang cukup intens denganVincent Liong selama periode waktu yang cukup lama, Mbak Maria percaya bahwa Vincent Liong, yang menjadi studi kasus di artikelnya itu adalah seorang anak indigo.
Dr. Erwin Kesuma, Sp.A, seorang psikiater anak diRumah Sakit Angkatan Darat (RSAD) Gatot Subroto dan Klinik Provita kemudian memperoleh banyak pertanyaan dari wartawan dan wartawati berbagai media massa yang melihat adanya sesuatu yang bisa menghebohkan disana. Heboh karena anak-anak indigo ini bisa menggunakankemampuan supranatural mereka untuk hal-hal tertentu. Untuk kemanusiaan, tentu saja: berupa penyembuhan, terawangan, dan sebagainya yang, kita tahu selalu menempati posisi cukup menarik perhatian bagi masyarakat kita yang relijius ini. Dr. Erwin inilah yang kemudian dinobatkan oleh media massa sebagai seorang dokter ahli indigo. Tetapi, Dr. Erwin tidak mau memberikan pernyataan tertulis bahwa anak tertentu adalah seorang anak indigo. Saya pernah bertanya langsung kepada Dr.Erwin, dan ia menjelaskan dengan tegas bahwa yang diperlukan hanyalah mencocokkan ciri-ciri yang muncul di seorang anak dengan daftar dari ciri-ciri anakindigo yang akan diberikan oleh Dr. Erwin kepada siapa saja yang meminta. Apabila banyak ciri-cirinya yang cocok, maka bolehlah anak itu disebut sebagai seoranganak indigo.
Apakah Vincent termasuk anak indigo menurut Dr. Erwin? Dari percakapan antara saya dengannya, saya bisa melihat bahwa memang demikianlah anggapan dia dan para staf Klinik Provita yang banyak menangani anak-anak"indigo". Kata indigo disitu saya tulis dalam tanda kutip karena yang ditangani oleh Klinik Provita adalah anak-anak kecil yang dianggap bermasalah oleh orangtuanya, dan indigo adalah kata yang positif untuk dipakai dalam terapi anak; walaupun sebenarnya anak-anak itu bukan anak indigo. Jadi, telah ada salah kaprah di bidang terapi. Salah kaprah yang agaknya sengaja demi komersialisme (tapi itu soal lain,sehingga saya tidak akan mengulasnya disini). Sejak saat itu sampai sekarang, sudah cukup banyak liputan media massa tentang anak-anak indigo.
Terakhir saya dengar Anissa (seorang anak indigo berusia 6 tahun yang berbicara dengan Bahasa Inggris kepada semua orang walaupun kedua orang-tuanya asli Indonesia) juga muncul di "Dorce Show". Itu acara entertainment untuk publik yang haus hiburan, tentu saja. ---Sampai saat ini saya tidak melihat adanya sesuatu yang positif muncul dari berbagai liputan media massa tentang anak-anak indigo ini. Dari seminar yang diadakan oleh Metafisika Studi Club, tindak lanjutnya juga nihil. Kalaupun ada, paling jauh adalah penerimaan secara pasif bahwa anak-anak indigo itumemiliki kemampuan supranatural untuk membantu sesama. Cuma itu saja.
Sistem pendidikan formal kita juga belum pernah memberikan pernyataan resmi tentang apa yang akan dilakukannya terhadap anak-anak indigo yang tentu saja harus bersekolah.
1) Apakah anak indigo harus mengikuti sistem pendidikan formal biasa walaupun tersendat-sendat?
2) Apakah sistem pendidikan kita yang harus mengakomodasi anak indigo dengan keharusan menciptakanSLB (Sekolah Luar Biasa) bagi anak-anak indigo?
3) Apakah anak indigo harus dimengerti sebagai anak-anak dengan kemampuan di atas normal atau dibawah normal?
4) Apakah sebaiknya dibuat suatu kompromi antarasistem pendidikan umum kita untuk mengakomodasianak-anak indigo? Kompromi disini berarti akomodasi"middle ground". Bukan penciptaan SLB, tetapi program khusus di sekolah-sekolah biasa (dari SD s/d PerguruanTinggi). Program khusus untuk mengakomodasi anak-anak indigo disistem pendidikan kita tidak harus berarti penciptaan program yang mahal dengan SDM (Sumber Daya Manusia) yang canggih. Khusus itu tidak berarti harus mahal. Saran saya sebagai seorang pengamat indigo adalah penciptaan program khusus yang bersifat manusiawi, dan murah dari segi biaya. Cukup disediakan beberapa orang SDM yang secara bersamaan menangani seorang anak indigo di jenjang pendidikan tertentu. Dua atau tiga orang pengajar untuk secara bersamaan menangani seorang anak indigo; dan dengan komitmen itu, tetap bisa memberikan waktu kepada tugas-tugas mengajar dikelas-kelas biasa. Cuma sedikit ekstra waktu dan sedikit ekstra biaya yang diperlukan untuk melancarkan sistem pendidikan.
Mungkin itu yang bisa dilakukan oleh Fakultas Psikologi, Universitas Atmajaya, untuk menangani kasus indigo pertama di Indonesia. Apapun kebijakan yangakan diambil oleh Fakultas Psikologi, UniversitasAtmajaya, dan apapun hasilnya terhadap Vincent Liong sebagai anak didiknya, itu akan menjadi studi kasus yang bisa dicontoh atau dihindarkan oleh mereka yang bergerak di bidang pendidikan kita di masa datang.
Kalau menangani anak indigo saja tidak bisa, bagaimanapula sistem pendidikan kita akan menangani anak-anak kristal (yang muncul dari antara mereka yang lahir ditahun 1990-an)?
Leonardo Rimba
Penulis adalah seorang pengamat fenomena anak indigo lulusan Universitas Indonesia dan the PennsylvaniaState University, US.
How Preschool Education Helps Brain Development
Morning Greeting
Whenever an adult speaks directly and personally to a preschool child, cascades of impulses go through the child's neurons (nerve cells), which are connected to one another by synapses. The repetition of these kinds of positive early interactions actually helps the brain reinforce the existing connections and make new ones.
Fingerplay
By a couple of months of age, babies can process the emotional contours of language (prosody), which means they tune in to the emotional variations in your voice. (In fact, toddlers can memorize nursery rhymes because rhymes have prosody!) As the preschool teacher raises her voice an octave and draws out her vowels, the child's brain responds by sending even more chemical and electrical impulses across the synapses.
Story time
Early childhood teachers are careful to have small groups for story time so that preschool children are able to get involved and process information. Young children need real interactions in order to learn. As she reads, the teacher will use melodic voice tones to ensure children's involvement and learning.
Free play / Work time
During free play, preschool children interact with one another. As they communicate, whether through beginning language or more sophisticated use of words, the neurons in their brains are making more connections, critical for reinforcing learning.
Snack
Further opportunities for communication lead to the repetition of impulses sent through the brain. The more repetition that goes on, the more the brain grows sure in its understanding. Repetition of language sounds is crucial to brain development.
Circle time
As the early childhood caregiver focuses her attention on each individual child in the large group activity, the child must think about the topic for the day. The child's brain will be active as he/she retrieves from memory something special in her own personal history that she has learned. Each day children reap the benefits of preschool education.
**Brain development information from an article in Scholastic
Parent & Child, by Alice Sterling Honig, Ph.D. April/May 1999
Whenever an adult speaks directly and personally to a preschool child, cascades of impulses go through the child's neurons (nerve cells), which are connected to one another by synapses. The repetition of these kinds of positive early interactions actually helps the brain reinforce the existing connections and make new ones.
Fingerplay
By a couple of months of age, babies can process the emotional contours of language (prosody), which means they tune in to the emotional variations in your voice. (In fact, toddlers can memorize nursery rhymes because rhymes have prosody!) As the preschool teacher raises her voice an octave and draws out her vowels, the child's brain responds by sending even more chemical and electrical impulses across the synapses.
Story time
Early childhood teachers are careful to have small groups for story time so that preschool children are able to get involved and process information. Young children need real interactions in order to learn. As she reads, the teacher will use melodic voice tones to ensure children's involvement and learning.
Free play / Work time
During free play, preschool children interact with one another. As they communicate, whether through beginning language or more sophisticated use of words, the neurons in their brains are making more connections, critical for reinforcing learning.
Snack
Further opportunities for communication lead to the repetition of impulses sent through the brain. The more repetition that goes on, the more the brain grows sure in its understanding. Repetition of language sounds is crucial to brain development.
Circle time
As the early childhood caregiver focuses her attention on each individual child in the large group activity, the child must think about the topic for the day. The child's brain will be active as he/she retrieves from memory something special in her own personal history that she has learned. Each day children reap the benefits of preschool education.
**Brain development information from an article in Scholastic
Parent & Child, by Alice Sterling Honig, Ph.D. April/May 1999
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PG/ TK ISLAM SMART BEE - Children Education
- PG/TK SMART BEE
- Based on Islamic system. We commit to be partner for parents to provide educated play ground for their beloved children. Contact us: Jl.Danau Maninjau Raya No.221, Ph 62-21-7712280/99484811 cp. SARI DEWI NURPRATIWI, S.Pd