Math is a beautiful subject for so many reasons. For starters, it’s the same in every country; not many subjects are universal. Plus, there isn’t one way to teach math, and teachers can get as creative as they want. If you’re struggling to get your class excited, check out how to get your students excited about math again.

Always Push the Positive

When your students feel irritable about math, it’s not because they have actual disdain for the subject. Most of the time, they feel resentful and negative because they don’t understand what’s happening, and they’re not hopeful about ever understanding the subject.

This is where you step in as their instructor. Always push the positive and constantly remind them that they can learn to grasp the material. Sometimes you just need to back into it from a different angle. Break down the parts of the problem and ask them where they get stuck. Once you find the spot or spots, brainstorm some new ways to explain the material.

Get Them Active

Who says you need to learn math while sitting down? You need to get the blood flowing. Have your students stand up and find another way to learn the subject. Consider doing a few math drills, such as having them come to the board and work on a math problem. Don’t make them solve the entire problem, just a portion of it. Then, have a new student come up to complete it.

Or consider including a project with whatever subject you’re teaching them. Teach your students math with model rockets because the subject plays a big role in the construction process. They construct and get to launch the rocket, so they learn math and have fun. Talk about having a blast!

Combine Other Fascinations

Combine math with something that the students love. Maybe math isn’t a fan favorite, but everyone loves music. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with math. In fact, the intersection between math and musical theory is fascinating.

Music helps students focus on the problems they’re learning in one of the most unconventional ways. The rhythm, timing, pitch, harmony, and musical structure relate to math and connect in a way students wouldn’t have predicted.

Make Life Connections

At the end of the day, we need math in life. If your students ever say, “When am I going to need to know this?” take that as a clear sign that it’s time to show them the exact point. You need to remind them that there’s a point behind all this learning.

You’re not trying to waste their time, and when they see how math relates to their personal lives, they’ll have more of an interest in learning the curriculum. It will impact them directly, and they need to prepare for it.

Getting your students excited about math again may take some finesse and creative approaches to learning on your part, but with these tips, you can do it.

If you are a parent, you must already know that it’s not an easy job. It is a great balancing act that needs to be mastered, particularly when you understand that the exposure that your child receives is not always within your control. Even when watching TV, you never know what is going to come on the screen even when you are watching with them.

The amount of time kids spend in front of screens is a huge dilemma. And long gone are the days when a TV was the only thing to worry about. In our present day, it is not only important to manage screen time. One should also consider screen distance. This is where watching TV can be a good option for entertainment so that your kids are not always glued to watching a tablet or small smartphone.

So, in this endeavour to balance your child’s allowable ‘entertainment time” with options, we’ve done a little research to let parents know what channels provide the proper kind of kids’ entertainment.  Here are the best kid-friendly channels that you can safely expose your child to. Explore them in detail and check to see if they are being offered by your cable provider.

Kids Street

This channel came into being in 2017. It essentially is a source of entertainment for Spanish kids (ages 3-7). This channel provides fun, amusement as well as learning opportunities for both kids and families. The best feature of Kids Street that sets it apart from the competition is that it goes above and beyond to create a nice, parent-approved, kid-friendly environment.

The channel caters to a diverse audience. It essentially is a network with strong cultural appeal, and you’ll be happy to know that each program is accessible in both English and Spanish languages. It’s a little-known fact that younger children from other countries quickly learn English watching TV.  Likewise, younger English-speaking kids could learn Spanish if you were so inclined to have them watch a TV show in another language on a regular basis. To find age-appropriate shows that can aid in their language learning, consult a TV Guide for recommendations that feature engaging content for children.

Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon is a perfect channel for both children and teenagers. The shows being aired on this channel are super hilarious and always have an amazing cast. Even silly cartoons are very entertaining to watch.

Popular shows featured on this channel include:

• Drake and Josh
• Jimmy Neutron
• Instant Mom
• SpongeBob SquarePants
• Danger Force
• Rugrats
• iCarly

All of the above-listed shows are everyone’s all-time favorites. If you are a parent to preschoolers, then you’ll be happy to know that this channel also has proper series for preschoolers like Blaze and the Monster Machines, PAW Petrol, etc. If you want to expose your kids to good entertainment and information, then sign up with a cable provider that offers this channel and other similar ones.

The good thing is, being a Latin-American consumer of Spectrum; you get access to this channel using your TV subscription. By subscribing to its plans, you get your hands on 140 plus channels, including 75 plus channels in Spanish. Just take a quick glance at Spectrum mi plan Latino to learn more about the incredible features as well as Latin networks that will be ideal for your Hispanic household.

Cartoon Network

How can we forget everyone’s favorite Cartoon Network? It is one of those old, classic channels that have long entertained millions of kids and adults alike worldwide. This channel broadcasts high-quality, entertaining cartoons that are loved by both children and teenagers:

• Powerpuff Girls
• Looney Tunes
• Dexter’s Laboratory
• Courage the Cowardly Dog
• The Amazing World of Gumball
• The Amazing World of Gumball
• Tom and Jerry
• Scooby Doo

All of these cartoon shows are super entertaining, and we assure you that this channel will provide your kids with a worthwhile entertainment experience.

Disney Channel

Disney Channel is greatly loved by teens and kids all around the globe. With super high ratings, the channel is the proud owner of TV shows like:

• Hannah Montana
• Wizards of Waverly Place
• Brandy and Mr. Whiskers
• Recess
• That’s so Raven
• Kim Possible
• Good luck Charlie
• Gravity Falls

All of these shows are super popular among children of ages 10-16. The cherry on top is that teenagers can watch the theme songs of their best-loved Disney movies on the Disney Channel. So, if your kid is also a Disney show and movies fan, then make sure this TV show is part of your TV subscription.

Wrapping Up

As you manage screen time on all the devices your children have access to, balancing the right entertainment from safe sources can be a tough job.  Kids’ TV channels are one of those avenues you can offer your kids that can be an engaging experience for them.

In academia, knowledge grows when students and researchers promote or expand on ideas and concepts on a particular subject. Anyone who has ever written an essay or research paper does so by building on the knowledge of those who have gone before them.  This is true whether it is recently released information, or decades and even centuries old studies.

However, copying what others have done word for word, or even paraphrasing it in a different arrangement of words serves little purpose.  For students and respected scholars, it’s plagiarism and not acceptable in a valid educational system.  So, how do you build on the work of a previous writer and add value to the subject without copying them?  This is where citing sources becomes essential.

Avoiding Plagiarism by Citing Sources

Citing sources allows you to acknowledge the contributions of others and give credit where it is due, the original source material your are basing your own work on.  By doing so, you demonstrate academic integrity and ethical conduct, showing that you have engaged with existing research and built upon it. Secondly, citing sources enhances the credibility and transparency of your own work.

In this guide, we will explore how to properly cite sources to avoid plagiarism and ensure the reader of your essay or research paper learns something new, while maintaining accuracy from reliable sources. Citing must be done whenever you summarize or paraphrase text, or quote information from source materials.

Gather All Necessary Source Information

From the moment you begin researching your chosen subject matter, keep notes of all the information you plan to use to inspire your own thoughts and ideas.  These are the citation details you’ll need to include in your final paper.  They include titles, author names, publication dates, page numbers and websites.  Anything that would allow readers to easily fact check your work will ensure you avoid passing on the work of others as your your own. These source details will vary depending on the format, such as a book, a journal, or website.

To be as original as possible in your writing, you need to learn the subject well.  This way you can write as much as possible in your own words, while still verifying the source behind your learned knowledge in specific areas. It’s ok to quote someone word for word as long as you put it in quotation marks and give credit to your source.

Choose the Appropriate Citation Style.

There are a number of citation styles that are available for use. The most common three are APA Style, MLA Style, and Chicago Style.  They are as follows;

How to Cite Sources in APA Style

APA stands for American Psychological Association. Therefore, this style is mainly used in the social sciences, such as psychology, anthropology, and sociology. It’s also commonly used in education.  The citing focus is authors and dates. It includes a reference list at the end of the paper and in-text citations within the body of the text. APA style also includes specific formatting guidelines for headings, margins, and page numbers.

How to Cite Sources in MLA Style

MLA stands for Modern Language Association. It’s commonly used in the study of humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies.  The MLA format makes it easy for readers of the work to find the associated source references. There are specific guidelines for formatting headings, margins, and page numbers. Citing consists of author name, title, publication information, and format. In-text citations include author’s surname and page number of the referring source.

How to Cite Sources in Chicago Style

Chicago is a documentation style that has been published by the Chicago University Press since 1906. It is mainly used in history, literature, and the arts. It offers two different citation systems.  They are;

• Notes and bibliography is more often used in humanities disciplines. Footnotes or endnotes are used to cite sources, and a separate bibliography is included at the end of the paper.
• The author-date system is more common in social sciences and sciences. This this system in-text citations are used, and a reference list is included at the end of the paper.

The choice of which system to use is up to the author in accordance with what suits the field of study and the requirements.

Citing Sources Explained

This video explains what the citing of sources is and why it’s important.

Examples of Different Citation Styles

Here are samples of the three main styles of citing sources.

Book citation in APA style

– Author: Rogers, M.

– Year of publication: 2022.

– Title: How to Write a Book.

– City of publication: Denver, CO.

– Publisher: Fluent Publishing.

APA in-text citation: (Rogers, 2022) or Rogers (2022) states that…

APA reference list entry: Rogers, M. (2022). How to Write a Book. Denver, CO:  Fluent Publishing.

Journal article citation in MLA style:

– Author: Johnson, A.

– Year of publication: 2019.

– Title of article: The Impact of Climate Change.

– Title of journal: Environmental Studies.

– Volume number: 10.

– Issue number: 2.

– Page range: 25-42.

MLA in-text citation: (Johnson 30) or Johnson states that…

MLA works cited entry: Johnson, A. “The Impact of Climate Change.” Environmental Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2019, pp. 25-42.

Website citation in Chicago style:

– Author (if available): Brown, K.

– Title of webpage: The History of Jazz.

– Website name: Music World.

– Date of publication or update: March 15, 2021.

– URL: www.musicworld.com/jazz-history.

Chicago in-text citation: (Brown, Music World).

Chicago bibliography entry: Brown, K. “The History of Jazz.” Music World. Accessed March 15, 2021. www.musicworld.com/jazz-history.

Double Check Your Citations for Accuracy

As soon as you have completed your paper you no doubt will feel great relief and even joy that your work. But it’s too early to jump for joy.  Take a break and then go back and check all your citations for accuracy. A simple mistake in a source’s name, date or website URL will make it difficult for others to fact check your research.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Mixing different citation styles can confuse readers and make your citations appear inconsistent and unreliable. When paraphrasing or summarizing ideas from a source, ensure that you rephrase the information in your own words and provide proper citation. Failing to do so can lead to unintentional plagiarism. Knowing what to cite and what not to cite should also be considered. while it is essential to cite sources for specific facts, ideas, or arguments, common knowledge does not require citation. Use your judgment to determine what constitutes common knowledge.

Tips for Paraphrasing and Summarizing

Paraphrasing and summarizing are essential skills for effectively incorporating information from sources into your essays and research papers. Here are some tips to help you paraphrase and summarize effectively:

• Understand the original source: Before paraphrasing or summarizing, make sure you have a clear understanding of the original source. Read the text carefully and identify the main ideas and key points.

• Write from Scratch: When you understand the subject matter, you can write in your own words. If you can understand it the concepts involved, then you can ensure you are conveying the original meaning.

• Focus on the main ideas: When summarizing, condense the original text by focusing on the main ideas and key points. Leave out minor details and examples unless they are crucial to your argument.

• Attribute the source: Even when paraphrasing or summarizing, it is essential to provide proper attribution to the original source. Include an in-text citation and add the source to your reference list.

• Compare your paraphrase or summary to the original: After paraphrasing or summarizing, compare your version to the original source. Make sure you have accurately represented the author’s ideas and have not unintentionally plagiarized.

By following these tips, you can effectively incorporate information from sources into your research papers while maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism.

We live in an age where kids are increasingly glued to screens. This makes it even more crucial to find ways to encourage outdoor activities that promote their creativity and well-being. One fantastic way to achieve this is by introducing kids tents into their lives. They are a great way to boost your child’s well-being and outdoor fun.

They provide a safe and private space for your child to play, relax, or read with your home or in the back yard. These tents can also be used for camping, sleepovers, and other outdoor activities. Playing in a tent can help children develop their imagination and creativity.

Tips on How to Pick the Perfect Kids Tent for Your Little Camper

Choosing the best kids tent for your child can be a fun, especially if you bring your child along on the shopping trip. However, it can also be a bit overwhelming with so many options available. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some tips on how to pick the perfect kids tent based on your child’s preferences, budget, and safety features.

• Preferences: Think about what your child likes and dislikes in terms of colors, themes, shapes, and sizes. Does your child prefer a bright and colorful tent or a more neutral and natural one? Does your child want a tent that has a specific theme, such as animals, princesses, or superheroes? Does your child like a tent that is round, square, or triangular? Does your child need a spacious tent that can fit multiple kids or a cozy one that is just right for one or two? Knowing your child’s preferences can help you find a tent that suits their personality and style.

• Budget: Consider how much you are willing to spend on a kids tent and compare the prices of different models and brands. You can find kids tents that range from $10 to $100 or more, depending on the quality, design, and features. You can also look for discounts, coupons, or sales that can help you save some money. However, don’t compromise on quality or safety just to get a cheaper tent. Make sure the tent is durable, sturdy, and easy to set up and take down.

• Safety features: Check the safety features of the kids tent before you buy it. Look for tents that are made of non-toxic and fire-resistant materials that are safe for children. Avoid tents that have sharp edges, loose parts, or small pieces that can pose a choking hazard. Also, look for tents that have good ventilation, windows, and doors that can prevent suffocation or overheating. Additionally, look for tents that have UV protection, waterproofing, and insect repellent that can protect your child from the sun, rain, and bugs.

How to Set Up a Cozy and Inviting Campsite with Kids Tents

One of the best parts of camping with kids tents is setting up a cozy and inviting campsite that feels like a home away from home. Whether you’re camping in your backyard or at a nearby park, you can make your campsite magical with some simple tips and tricks. Here’s how to do it:

• Find a level, dry, and shady spot to pitch your tent. Avoid areas that are too close to the road, the water, or other campers. Make sure you have enough space for your tent and your other gear.

• Lay down a tarp or a ground cloth under your tent to protect it from moisture and dirt. Then, set up your tent according to the instructions. Make sure it’s secure and stable. You can also stake down the corners and tie down the guy lines for extra support.

• Make your tent cozy and comfortable by adding some pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, or mats. You can also bring some of your child’s favorite toys, books, or stuffed animals to make them feel more at home. You can also hang some lanterns or string lights inside or outside the tent for some ambient lighting.

• Decorate your campsite with some personal touches, such as flags, banners, signs, or streamers. You can also use some natural materials, such as flowers, leaves, pinecones, or rocks, to create some art or crafts. You can also set up some chairs, tables, or hammocks for relaxing and lounging.

• Keep your campsite clean and organized by storing your food, utensils, dishes, and trash in containers or bags. You can also use some bins, baskets, or crates to sort out your clothes, toiletries, and other items. Make sure you keep your food away from animals by hanging it in a tree or locking it in a car.

How to Plan and Prepare Some Camp-Friendly Meals and Snacks that Your Child Will Love

Camping is a great opportunity to enjoy some delicious food with your child. You don’t have to settle for boring or bland meals when you’re camping. You can make some camp-friendly meals and snacks that are easy, healthy, and fun. Here are some ideas:

Breakfast: Start your day with some energy-boosting breakfasts that are simple to make over a campfire or a stove. You can try some pancakes, oatmeal, eggs, bacon, or toast. You can also make some French toast with brioche bread and griddled apples⁵. Don’t forget to add some fruits, yogurt, granola, or juice for some extra nutrition.

Lunch: For lunch, you can make some sandwiches, wraps, salads, or soups that are filling and satisfying. You can use bread, tortillas, pita bread, or crackers as your base and add some cheese, ham, turkey, peanut butter, jelly, hummus, or veggies as your toppings or fillings. You can also make some pasta salad, chicken salad, or bean salad that are easy to pack and store in a cooler.

Dinner: For dinner, you can get creative with some campfire cooking that will impress your child. You can make some hot dogs, burgers, pizza, or quesadillas over the fire or grill. You can also make some foil packets with meat, fish, chicken, or veggies that are seasoned and cooked in their own juices. You can also make some chili, stew, or curry that are hearty and warming.

Snacks: For snacks, you can keep it simple with some trail mix, granola bars, fruit leather, or jerky that are portable and nutritious. You can also make some popcorn, nachos, or s’mores over the fire for some crunchy and gooey treats. You can also bake some cookies, muffins, or brownies in a cast iron skillet for some sweet indulgences.

How to Engage Your Child in Various Camping Activities that Involve Kids Tents

Camping is not only about sleeping in a tent but also about having fun with various outdoor activities that can  involve kids tents. You can use your kids tents as a base for exploring nature, playing games, telling stories, or learning new skills. Here are some examples of how to engage your child in various camping activities that involve kids tents:

Nature exploration: Use your kids tents as a starting point for discovering the natural wonders around you. You can go on a hike, a bike ride, a scavenger hunt, or a geocaching adventure with your child. You can also observe the wildlife, plants, rocks, stars, or weather with your child. You can use some binoculars, magnifying glasses, field guides, maps, or compasses to enhance your exploration.

Games: Use your kids tents as a setting for playing some fun games with your child. You can play hide and seek, tag, capture the flag, or flashlight tag with your kids tents. You can also play some board games, card games, puzzles, or trivia games inside your kids tents. You can also make up your own games with your kids tents, such as tent bowling, tent golf, or tent obstacle course.

Stories: Use your kids tents as a backdrop for telling some stories with your child. You can read some books, comics, magazines, or newspapers in your kids tents. You can also tell some stories, jokes, riddles, or myths in your kids tents. You can also create your own stories with your kids tents, such as tent adventures, tent mysteries, or tent fantasies.

Skills: Use your kids tents as a tool for learning some new skills with your child. You can teach your child how to set up, take down, or repair a tent. You can also teach your child how to make a fire, cook a meal, tie a knot, or use a knife in your kids tents. You can also learn some new skills with your kids tents, such as tent origami, tent yoga, or tent art.

Conclusion

These days, where kids are increasingly drawn to screens, introducing kids tents can play a pivotal role in enhancing their well-being and outdoor enjoyment. These tents offer a secure and private space for children to play, relax, and read, while also encouraging creativity and imagination. Whether used for camping, sleepovers, or outdoor learning activities, kids tents provide a gateway to explore nature and create cherished memories. When selecting the perfect tent, considering children’s preferences, budget, and safety features is essential. By setting up a cozy campsite, preparing camp-friendly meals, and engaging kids in various tent-related activities, parents can ensure a fulfilling and enriching outdoor experience for their little ones.