Published Magazine Articles
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LEARNING FRUSTRATIONS
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Autumn Issue, March 2024
Every year, towards the end of the 1st term of the school year, many parents are concerned that things aren’t going as well as they’d hoped they would.
They wonder whether they should wait and see if learning/reading/working faster/paying attention/working independently/planning and prioritising tasks (the list can go on) improves and how to know when it’s time to seek help.
Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive Development Specialist, Executive Function Skills Coach and co-founder of BrainAbility, explains how to spot learning differences and when to seek help.
Click here to read the FREE online Autumn 2024 issue of the magazine with loads of interesting articles for parents and educators (whether you’re homeschooling or not).
Click here to download the magazine for offline reading.
"ASK DALENA"
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Autumn Issue, March 2024
Dalena will answer any questions or concerns you may have about learning, concentration, memory and cognitive development – and, of course, the frustrations arising from these.
Click here to read the online magazine.
A PARENT'S GUIDE TO SCREEN TIME
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Summer Issue, December 2023
With ample free time on their hands during holidays,
children often turn to screens for entertainment and
connection. Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive
Development Specialist and co-founder of
BrainAbility, explores the latest research
on both the positive and negative
effects of screen time on kids.
Click here to read the FREE online Summer 2023 issue of the magazine with loads of interesting articles for parents and educators (whether you’re homeschooling or not).
Click here to download the article for offline reading.
"ASK DALENA"
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Summer Issue, December 2023
Dalena will answer any questions or concerns you may have about learning, concentration, memory and cognitive development – and, of course, the frustrations arising from these.
Click here to download the article for offline reading.
PLANNING AND PRIORITISING - CRUCIAL SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Summer Issue, September 2023
Does your child procrastinate? Find it hard to start and finish tasks? Do you?
For children, teens and adults with executive function challenges, the smallest project or task can be overwhelming. Planning and prioritisation are essential skills for initiating tasks and following through, writes Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive Development Specialist and co-founder of BrainAbility.
Click here to download or print the article
Click here to read the FREE online Spring 2023 issue of the magazine with loads of interesting articles for parents and educators (whether you’re homeschooling or not).
"ASK DALENA"
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Spring Issue, September 2023
Dalena will answer any questions or concerns you may have about learning, concentration, memory and cognitive development – and, of course, the frustrations arising from these.
Click here to download or print the article or click on the link above to read the online magazine.
LEARNING STYLES MYTHS & TRUTHS
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Winter Issue, June 2023
Does knowing or applying a specific learning style really help your child learn better? Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive Development Specialist, regular contributor to the magazine, and co-founder of BrainAbility, shares what research studies tell us.
Click here to download or print the article
Click here to read the FREE online Winter 2023 issue of the magazine with loads of interesting articles for parents and educators (whether you’re homeschooling or not).
"ASK DALENA"
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Winter Issue, June 2023
Dalena will answer any questions or concerns you may have about learning, concentration, memory and cognitive development – and, of course, the frustrations arising from these.
Click here to download or print the article
UNDERSTANDING THE TEENAGE BRAIN
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Autumn Issue, March 2023
If you've always wanted to understand your tween or teen's brain, then this article is a definite must-read! Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive Development Specialist, regular contributor to the magazine, and co-founder of BrainAbility, shares how the teenage brain works.
Click here to download or print the article
Click here to read the magazine online
"ASK DALENA"
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Autumn Issue, March 2023
Also page to the latest "ASK DALENA" question and answer column! Dalena will answer any
questions or concerns you may have about learning,
concentration, memory and cognitive development –
and, of course, the frustrations arising from these.
Click here to download or print the latest 'Ask Dalena' questions and answers
Click here to read the magazine online
STUDY SMARTER NOT HARDER
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Autumn Issue, March 2023
Great research based study advice from Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive Development Specialist, regular contributor to the magazine, and co-founder of BrainAbility.
Click here to download or print the article
Click here to read the magazine online
GROWTH MINDSET - WHAT'S ALL THE HYPE?
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Summer Issue, November 2022
When scrolling through educational or parenting sites, you’re likely to find yourself bombarded by a growth-mindset overload. It. Is. Everywhere!
But what exactly is a growth mindset? And what’s the hype all about?
Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive Development Specialist and co-founder of BrainAbility, shares some insights in this issue of SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine.
Click here to download or print the article
Click here to read the magazine online
"ASK DALENA"
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Summer Issue, November 2022
Also page to the latest "ASK DALENA" question and answer column! Dalena will answer any
questions or concerns you may have about learning,
concentration, memory and cognitive development –
and, of course, the frustrations arising from these.
Click here to download or print the latest 'Ask Dalena' questions and answers
Click here to read the magazine online
10 STUDY TIPS TO HELP YOU STUDY SMARTER THIS EXAM
Jozikids
1 November 2022
Did you know there’s a number of things you can do to help you study better?
Here's 10 of the very best tried-and-tested, research based Study Tips for you to try.
Click here to read our STUDY TIPS ARTICLE on the Jozikids website.
MATH ANXIETY. IS YOUR CHILD STRUGGLING WITH MATH? HERE'S WHY
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Spring Issue, September 2022
When it comes to mathematics, many parents and children feel anxious and frustrated. This is especially true when a child’s struggling with maths despite already getting help in the form of tutoring, extra classes or maths programmes. Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive Development Specialist, master brain coach and co-founder of BrainAbility, shares some insights.
Click here to read the magazine online.
Click here to download a printable PDF of the article.
"ASK DALENA"
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Spring Issue, September 2022
Also page to the latest "ASK DALENA" question and answer column! Dalena will answer any
questions or concerns you may have about learning,
concentration, memory and cognitive development –
and, of course, the frustrations arising from these.
Click here to download or print the latest 'Ask Dalena' questions and answers
Click here to read the magazine online.
TIME MANAGEMENT AND PROBLEM SOLVING
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Winter Issue, June 2022
With the first quarter of 2022 and the usual mad rush of settling into a new academic year firmly behind us, Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive Development Specialist and co-founder of BrainAbility, suggests focusing on non-academic skills that will make learning and thriving a little easier.
Click here to read the magazine online
"ASK DALENA"
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Winter Issue, June 2022
Also page to the latest "ASK DALENA" question and answer column! Dalena will answer any
questions or concerns you may have about learning,
concentration, memory and cognitive development –
and, of course, the frustrations arising from these.
Click here to read the magazine online
7 QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S ADHD
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Autumn Issue, March 2022
When a parent suspects or has recently received an ADHD diagnosis, they usually have many questions. Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive Development Specialist and co-founder of BrainAbility, answers some of them.
Click here to download a printable PDF of the article.
Click here to read the magazine online.
"ASK DALENA"
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Autumn Issue, March 2022
Also page to the latest "ASK DALENA" question and answer column! Dalena will answer any
questions or concerns you may have about learning,
concentration, memory and cognitive development –
and, of course, the frustrations arising from these.
Click here to read the magazine online.
Click here to print or download the questions and answers
MY AMAZING BRAIN
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Summer Issue, February 2022
In this issue of SA Homeschooling Magazine, we share interesting facts about our amazing brains!
The magazine is always full of interesting and really useful info for ALL parents and teachers, whether you're homeschooling or not.
Click here to download a printable PDF of the article.
Click here to read the magazine online.
MY KIND SE SWAK AKADEMIESE JAAR
LIG Tydskrif
Somer/Desember 2021 uitgawe
Hoe gemaak as hierdie 'n teleurstellende akademiese jaar vir jou kind was - hoe help mens die teleurstelling verwerk, en wat kan jy doen om jou kind te help sodat 2022 'n beter jaar is?
LIG tydskrif het met Dalena van der Westhuizen van BrainAbility gesêls vir advies hieroor.
Klik hier om die artikel te lees of af te laai.
STAYING ON TOP OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Summer Issue, December 2021
If I asked you to describe your child, would the words “lazy, distracted or unmotivated all the time” be included in that description?
Then it might be time to learn more about the brain’s Executive Functioning Skills!
Dalena van der Westhuizen, Cognitive Development Specialist and co-founder of BrainAbility, share 5 easy strategies to implement this holiday season.
Click here to download a printable PDF of the article
Click here to read the magazine online.
TOP STUDY TIPS FOR 2022
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Summer Issue, December 2021
With a new academic year looming – and the first year of tertiary study for some – it’s time to unlock possibilities with these 10 research-based study tips by Dalena van der Westhuizen of BrainAbility.
Click here to download a printable PDF of the article
Click here to read the magazine online.
IS YOUR CHILD LAZY? OR IS IT WEAK EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS?
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Spring Issue, October 2021
Is your child lazy? Or could it be weak executive functioning skills? Cognitive Development Specialist and co-founder of BrainAbility, Dalena van der Westhuizen, explains.
Click here to download a printable PDF of the article.
Click here to read the magazine online.
TWO KINDS OF SMART
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Autumn Issue, August 2021
Did you know that there are Two Kinds of Smart, and what the skills are that will be required in the future? Cognitive Development Specialist and co-founder of BrainAbility South Africa, Dalena van der Westhuizen, explains.
Click here to download a printable PDF of the article.
Click here to read the magazine online.
15 RESEARCH BASED STUDY TIPS TO MAKE LEARNING EASIER THIS TERM
ParentingHub
6 August 2021
The new school term has started, and many parents are already wondering if there’s anything they can do to make learning a little bit easier for their kids. You’re in luck!
Here’s 15 research based study tips that will positively impact learning.
Click here to read the article.
WHEN LEARNING IS HARD, LIFE IS HARD - Cognitive Skills Explained
SA Homeschooling & Beyond Magazine
Issue 4, 2021
There are always ways to solve learning challenges. Cognitive Development Specialist and co-founder of BrainAbility South Africa, Dalena van der Westhuizen, explains cognitive skills and the role they play in the learning process.
Click here to download a printable PDF of the article.
Click here to read the magazine online.
MY KIND SUKKEL AKADEMIES. WAT NOU?
afrikaans.com
19 Mei 2020
Daar is baie vrae wat ter sprake kom wanneer jy as ouer vermoed of bevestiging ontvang dat jou kind akademies sukkel. Met die einde van die akademiese jaar amper in sig, is baie ouers alreeds bekommerd.
afrikaans.com het onder andere met Dalena van der Westhuizen van BrainAbility gesêls vir antwoorde en advies.
Klik hier om die artikel te lees.
KRITIESE DENKE ONDER KINDERS
Vrouekeur
24 Mei 2019
Vrouekeur tydskrif het met Dalena van der Westhuizen van BrainAbility gesêls oor die rol van kritiese denke en hoe jy jou kind kan help om hierdie belangrike vaardigheid te ontwikkel.
Klik hier om die artikel te lees.
MY KIND SUKKEL OP SKOOL
Vrouekeur
25 Januarie 2019
Vrouekeur tydskrif het met Dalena van der Westhuizen van BrainAbility gesêls vir hulp en advies.
Klik hier om die artikel te lees.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRAIN TRAINING APPS AND COGNITIVE TRAINING
JSE (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) Magazine
September 2018
Are you an ambitious executive looking to improve your brain function? The difference between brain apps and brain training explained.
Click here to read or download the article.