Latest news with #preschool
Independent Singapore
9 hours ago
- Health
- Independent Singapore
Mum transfers 1-year-old daughter to another preschool after fall that required 12 stitches on her tongue
IG screengrab/ @mypussykatt SINGAPORE: A mother decided to move her toddler from the school she had been attending at Ang Mo Kio after an accident caused the little girl to need 12 stitches on her tongue. However, it was not so much the accident in itself that caused Renny Izzatie, a 35-year-old tutor, to transfer her daughter, but rather, how it was handled. The accident involving Ms Renny's daughter, Lisa, happened on Jul 3 at Little Footprints Preschool on Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5. She shared her feelings about it in an Instagram post that has received a lot of attention. 'Was I angry about the fall? No, accidents happen,' she wrote. IG screengrab/ @mypussykatt Shortly before 1:00 p.m., the mum received a call from Lisa's teacher, stating that the little girl had fallen while playing and bitten her tongue. The mum thought the injury was minor since the teacher said Lisa was no longer crying and the bleeding had stopped. She added that the toddler was permitted to go on sleeping, and she was asked to pick up the child so her injury could be monitored. See also Gerald Giam: Why not adopt Child Protection Policy for preschools? Ms Renny went to the preschool at 2:00 p.m., and when she saw her daughter, the girl seemed calm enough. The teacher apologised repeatedly for the incident. On their way home, Ms Renny saw how big the laceration was on her daughter's tongue. She realised that the injury was serious and needed medical attention. She brought Lisa to KK Women's and Children's Hospital, and a few hours later, Lisa had an operation. She was put under general anaesthesia, and her tongue needed 12 stitches. Fortunately, Lisa's surgery went well, and her doctor was satisfied with the immediate outcome. The incident is under investigation by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). The school has apologised again, and the person in charge has been dealt with. The little girl, meanwhile, has continued to recover. On Instagram, Ms Renny wrote she was angry that the school did not take Lisa to the nearest GP, despite the amount of blood on her and her teacher's shirts, so that a medical professional could assess the wound. 'That's why we buy insurance with the school so that if anything happens, we can claim,' she wrote. 'The teacher said if I wanted to go to the doctor to get it checked, she would check how to claim the insurance. IF I WANT TO. But the fact is, the moment we were seen by the ER doctors, they admitted her immediately, and she was seen by a surgical team at the ward. She had the surgery… the same night. That was how serious the injury was,' the mum added. She also appeared to be dismayed at the lack of concern from the school, which sent messages through the app, and did not even call. They merely said they would review the CCTV and call the family the following Monday. In contrast, Ms Renny wrote about how grateful she was to everyone at KK Women's and Children's Hospital. 'I am a firm believer in being your own or your child's advocate. Seek a second opinion, trust your instincts,' she added in her post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Renny Rahman (@mypussykatt) /TISG Read also: 17 months' jail for ex-Kinderland preschool teacher who force-fed water to children () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
BBC targets adults in the latest adventure for its top dog Bluey
Each episode may only last seven minutes, but the bite-size length of Bluey's adventures has not held back the world's most popular blue dog from creating endless money-spinning opportunities for the BBC. Grateful executives are open about Bluey's status as the golden goose driving a record £2.16bn in sales from commercial operations last year, spawning branding deals for everything from headphones to baked beans. They are now clear on the next target: turning Bluey from one of the world's top preschool favourites to an all-encompassing 'lifestyle brand' for all ages. 'Bluey's role is quite enormous,' said Suzy Raia, who heads global consumer products at BBC Studios, the corporation's commercial arm. 'We're just at the beginning of something that I hope will be a generation-defining brand for children and then families today. From a retail sales standpoint, we are generating about $3.6bn (£2.7bn) in global retail sales across our entire portfolio and Bluey is a really, really big chunk of that.' The popularity of the cartoon heeler – an Australian dog bred to herd cattle – is a phenomenon. Bluey was the most watched show in the US across all genres in 2024 and kept that spot in the first half of this year. Its music is also a hit and has been streamed 1bn times, as of last week. The show has spawned a dizzying array of product deals. Fans can buy Bluey-inspired paddling pools, bumper cars, tents, hot-water bottles, board games and nappies – on top of the usual merchandise staples of lunch boxes, pyjamas, books and toys. There is already a Bluey theatre production and Bluey's World – a 'one-of-a-kind guided immersive experience' – has opened in Queensland. Meanwhile, Bluey has an unprecedented deal with Lego covering regular Lego sets and Duplo, which is designed for preschool children. Despite the BBC's background in traditional broadcasting, it has been the ability of BBC Studios to exploit digital channels such as YouTube and TikTok that has led executives to conclude Bluey can appeal to parents and young adults. Bluey's official channels now have more than 21 million subscribers, amassing 13bn lifetime views. The show has almost 5 million TikTok followers. Evan Shapiro, a Hollywood producer turned media analyst, said BBC Studios was leading the way in its understanding that digital platforms were now the drivers of brands and popular culture. 'The case study is Bluey,' he said. 'It isn't just a hit on TV. It is the size of [YouTube's biggest creator] MrBeast. Fandom is the engine of economics and growth. You follow the audience wherever they are.' Raia said Bluey was on the way to becoming 'a true lifestyle brand' across the generations. 'Within seven months, we had a million TikTok subscribers,' said Raia. 'That was a moment where we were really able to find the fans that are not purely preschool – young adult audiences and teens really started to get this exposure. 'We want to be No 1 in preschool, which we're well on our way to achieving. We have so much more to do in terms of growing in the adult space and thinking about what those adult purchasers are open to.' Bluey, produced by Ludo Studio in Australia, was originally co-commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the BBC. However, BBC Studios owns Bluey's global distribution and merchandising rights. The BBC's annual report revealed its record commercial revenues were driven by 'the licensing of the Bluey brand in particular'. Bluey's rise is to continue with the arrival of a movie in 2027. Disney has already announced it will be the first non-Disney children's brand to feature in its parks. Hardened fans may worry about overexposure. However, Raia said her team remained cautious in its acceptance of product tie-ups. 'We say no, quite honestly, a lot more than we say yes,' she said. Kathryn VanArendonk, a critic who is writing a book about the Bluey phenomenon, said its success as a brand came down to the evocative nature of the storytelling. 'Almost no children's television in the history of that genre has managed to do the thing that Bluey does,' she said. 'It is just as entertaining, accessible and emotionally meaningful for adults as it is for kids. 'Multiple audiences see their own desires, interests, concerns and challenges reflected back at them. That's just so hard to do and it's so incredibly appealing when something can pull it off.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Is Tab Time? A Cozy Show For Preschoolers That's Perfectly Balanced
As a homeschooling dad of four kids, including an inquisitive and energetic 3-year-old, I've seen more children's programming than I can count. From flashy cartoons to old-school reruns, I've sat through my fair share of noise and nonsense. But now and then, a show comes along that makes me want to sit down and watch with my preschooler. Tab Time is one of those rare gems. Hosted by Tabitha Brown—a woman affectionately known as 'America's Mom' by many fans of the show Tab Time is a preschool series that first launched on YouTube and has since expanded to platforms like Peacock and Amazon Prime Video. This cozy show for preschool-aged children seamlessly blends live-action moments, animation, musical interludes, and a calm, nurturing energy into short, meaningful episodes designed explicitly for a young audience. It doesn't just entertain, it genuinely supports learning and social-emotional growth in a way that respects young kids' intelligence and their need for calm. And frankly, it respects parents as well. That might be the secret sauce here. Tab Time Is A Show That Knows Its Audience Each Tab Time episode begins with Tabitha welcoming kids into her 'garden of imagination,' where she explores a big question for the day. These questions are always age-appropriate: Why do things grow? What is love? Why do we feel mad sometimes? She speaks directly to the camera, giving kids space to think and respond, just like they would in a well-run circle time or Montessori classroom. My 3-year-old daughter is completely locked in during these episodes. The show speaks her language—visually, emotionally, and intellectually. Whether she's dancing to a song or watching Tabitha explore dirt and seeds, she's not just watching—she's participating. The show's structure supports this beautifully. After Tabitha introduces the theme, she moves on to segments like 'How Things Grow,' a recurring highlight that utilizes real plants and soil to make science hands-on. Later, there might be a cooking bit, where she shows how to make something simple and healthy, or an imaginative animated story set in a whimsical world called Imagination Land. And always, there's an emotional or social message at the center: kindness, self-love, honesty, gratitude. Gently Teaching Real Lessons Is Where Tab Time Shines There's something unique about the way Tab Time approaches learning. It never feels like it's shouting lessons at kids. There are no high-pitched characters bouncing around the screen or jarring sound effects that give you a headache after two minutes. Instead, Tabitha speaks gently, clearly, and with genuine affection for her audience. One episode my daughter particularly loved was about anger. Instead of presenting anger as something bad or scary, Tabitha explored it as a normal, healthy feeling that needs expression. She guided the viewer through a breathing activity and showed how even adults get mad sometimes—and that's okay. That episode led to my daughter practicing breathing exercises the next time she got frustrated—a small but powerful shift. And when it comes to science, nature, and creativity, the show delivers just as well. The planting segment didn't just lead to curiosity—it led to her wanting to water our garden, asking questions about roots, and checking daily to see if sprouts had appeared. The cooking segments inspired her to help prep snacks with me in the kitchen. For homeschool families, it's a goldmine of natural extensions that feel intuitive. Supporting Characters That Spark Joy A big part of what makes Tab Time feel so welcoming and complete is the presence of Tabitha's lovable sidekicks. Characters like Avi the Avocado, DJ Khrafty, and Lenny the Lightning Bug aren't just there for laughs—they play key roles in helping children understand and apply the day's lessons. Avi brings playful energy and curiosity, often prompting Tabitha to explain things in more detail or act out examples. DJ Khrafty is the music and arts expert, encouraging kids to get creative and explore their imagination through crafts and rhythm. And Lenny offers gentle wisdom and a dose of heart, often popping up in Imagination Land to deliver affirming messages or help guide the story forward. Each sidekick adds a unique spark, giving the show variety while reinforcing the central themes of the show, which often center on mindfulness, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking —building blocks that our children need to grow into well-rounded adults. Your preschooler will also probably love the likes of Burnie the Oven Mitt and Starla the Spatula, who bring their own calming but fun nature to the world. Representation That Matters As a parent, I also appreciate how Tab Time reflects a diverse, inclusive world. Tabitha is a warm, grounded Black woman who speaks from experience and models emotional maturity in every frame. Her presence alone offers representation that's sorely lacking in most children's media. And for a young child who's just beginning to understand the world, seeing someone like Tabitha leading the way with kindness and calm is a gift. Beyond Tabitha, the show occasionally features guests who contribute to the day's lesson. But no one ever takes away from the core focus: helping preschoolers feel seen, heard, and loved. Why Parents Love Tab Time Tab Time does something most shows don't: it respects the developmental window of early childhood without pandering. Episodes are around 10-12 minutes long, the perfect window for a 3-year-old's attention span. They're ideal for slotting into morning routines, winding down after lunch, or transitioning between homeschool activities. For families like mine, that kind of flexibility is a must-have feature for a children's TV show. More than that, the show offers real opportunities for co-viewing. I don't always sit through the shows my toddler watches, but I make time for Tab Time. It's not just screen time—it's together time. The messages are so easy to understand for a young child that they open up real opportunity to talk about critical thinking, creativity, cooking, and many other concepts my young daughter is just now starting to learn about and understand at her young age. Another reason parents love it? The show doesn't sugarcoat real feelings. It lets kids ask questions and imagine solutions. It encourages kindness without turning it into a catchphrase. It builds confidence without turning kids into performers. And it invites calm into homes that, let's face it, often feel overstimulated. What You Can Expect as a Parent If you're curious about what to expect when watching Tab Time, here are a few things to keep in mind: Episodes begin and end with grounding, affirming routines. Think breathing exercises, stretches, and reminders that each child is loved. Each show is built around a central question that encourages your child to think critically about the world around them. The content is slow-paced and kind-hearted, which is refreshing compared to so many fast-moving children's programs. You won't need to 'pre-screen' episodes—they're all positive, respectful, and free of hidden agendas. You might even walk away learning something yourself. For homeschooling parents, episodes can be easily integrated into themed days or unit studies. Watching 'How Things Grow' can inspire a desire for gardening time. An episode about emotions might serve as the foundation for building a feelings chart. Unlike shows that give kids a dopamine rush and leave them wild afterward, Tab Time settles the room into a comfortable rhythm. There are plenty of shows that entertain preschoolers, but if I'm being honest, 100 viewings of Bluey or Spidey & Friends leave me wanting a break. Tab Time doesn't just entertain and teach the ABCs or 123s; it also teaches presence. It teaches self-worth. It teaches kids how to breathe through hard moments, how to wonder about their world, and how to feel safe asking questions. As a dad who's trying to raise a kind, curious, and emotionally resilient group of children, Tab Time is one of the few shows I can recommend without a single caveat. It's warm, gentle, affirming, and best of all, it speaks to young children the way we want the world to talk to them. And in my house, that makes it a keeper. Solve the daily Crossword
ABC News
4 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Lord Howe Island's only preschool struggling to stay open amid housing shortage
Lord Howe Island's only preschool may be forced to shut its doors for the second time since its opening last year, as operators struggle to staff the facility due to the island's housing shortage. For more than a decade, resident and preschool committee president Rachael McFadyen advocated for the facility to be built on the island, located 600 kilometres off the coast of Port Macquarie, to help the community's working parents and provide essential early learning. After securing state government funding in 2018, the centre was officially opened in April last year. "That dream is finally a reality," Ms McFadyen said. However, due to staffing shortages, the newly built, $800,000 facility has sat empty for most of this year. Ms McFadyen said that after the resignation of one of their educators earlier this year, the centre did not have the two qualified educators legally required to operate. It meant the centre, which had about a dozen students, was forced to close its doors. "We had to call the parents and tell them there's no preschool," Ms McFayden said. With around 400 residents on the island, Ms McFadyen said a replacement educator had to be found from the mainland. After six months of closures, the preschool reopened in June when the committee secured a fill-in teacher. But Ms McFadyen said securing someone long term had been made difficult by a lack of housing, as the number of homes on Lord Howe was limited by its world-heritage listing. First preference for homes is also given to locals who have lived on the island for at least 10 years, or are descendants of early residents from before the 1950s. The fill-in teacher is house-sitting until the end of September. Beyond that, the committee said the preschool's future was uncertain. Lord Howe resident and preschool committee member Chelsea Holden juggles being a mum of two young boys with her own photography business and a part-time job. She said the preschool's closure cost her downtime and opportunities to grow as a businessperson. "Not only are they in a safe, nurturing environment where they're gaining the social and emotional skills that will set them up as confident learners for life, but it also gives me space to focus." Ms Holden said, despite some challenges, Lord Howe locals loved their island home, and access to essential education like early learning should not be determined by postcode. "Having the early learning on Lord Howe, there are a lot of benefits, and as a family, you feel confident you're making the right decision for your children because they're getting the same exposure they would on the mainland," she said. The preschool committee has called on the Lord Howe Island Board, appointed by the NSW government to manage the island, to consider new housing for essential workers, providing space for a permanent preschool teacher as well as additional nurses, teachers, and doctors when required. The committee has started recruitment for a new, permanent educator, and it has been able to get a local family to reserve future leasing of their property for when they start. But it is little relief for current tenants like Tina Dante, her partner, and one-year-old son, who now have weeks to find a new home. "They let us know a few weeks in advance that they will not renew the lease because they need the house for the preschool teacher," she said. Ms Dante said while she understood the decision, her family would be forced to consider leaving the island if they could not find a solution. In a statement, a Lord Howe Island Board spokesperson confirmed long-term accommodation for the preschool had been found, and that the board was reviewing the Local Environment Plan, which would "also consider adaptive housing solutions". It said accommodation for essential workers was already available, and the limit to the number of dwellings was in place "to protect the island's unique environment". Ms McFadyen said until additional solutions were found, the island's businesses and essential services would remain under strain.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Beloved Balamory stars to return to iconic children's series
Original stars of Balamory, Julie Wilson Nimmo (Miss Hoolie), Andrew Agnew (PC Plum), Kim Tserkezie (Penny Pocket) and Juliet Cadzow (Edie McCredie) are set to reprise their roles when the revamped series airs next year on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. The new series will blend familiar faces with a host of new characters, offering preschoolers a joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures. At its heart remains the charming fictional town of Balamory and its lively inhabitants, where brightly-coloured houses cluster around a scenic harbour and life revolves around the nursery school and its caring teacher. Brand new characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts (played by Danielle Jam), local vet Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer) who lives with his two children and the Harbour Master (William Andrews). Originally produced from 2002 to 2005, Balamory became a staple of early childhood entertainment. Now, more than two decades later, it's being lovingly reimagined for today's families, retaining its original spirit while introducing fresh elements to captivate young viewers. Filming will take place both in studio in Glasgow and on location in Tobermory, the real-life Isle of Mull town that inspired the show's iconic setting. Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning 0-6 for BBC Children's and Education says: 'It's wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together. This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly.' Commissioned for two new series (10 x 14-minute episodes each), the show will continue its tradition of home-grown storytelling about the much-loved nursery school and the small island community that surrounds it. Families can look forward to exploring the world of Balamory once again from 2026. Produced by Lion Television Scotland, an All3Media company, the return of Balamory promises to be a joyful celebration of community, curiosity and colourful characters. Lisa Hazlehurst, Head of Lion Television Scotland, is the Executive Producer, Adrian Mead is Director and Jacqueline Sinclair is the Series Producer. The series was commissioned by Kate Morton for BBC Children's and Education. Mark Barton is the BBC Commissioning Executive. Watch Balamory on BBC iPlayer and add to your Watchlist HH Follow for more
