Category: Education

There’s no doubt that the field of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is among the most important areas of study. This isn’t just due to the promising career paths this field affords. STEM education helps people navigate the tech tools needed in everyday life. Unfortunately, there is still a gender imbalance in STEM that needs to be addressed.

One potential tool to encourage more girls toward STEM is coding. We’re going to take a closer look at the gender gap and how to utilize coding effectively as a gateway to a rich and rewarding experience for girls interested in STEM education.

Why the Gender Gap in STEM Exists

There is still a significant gender gap in STEM. Only 28% of STEM workers are women.

However, the statistics on girls in STEM also show us that female learners have no less biological aptitude for math and science than their male counterparts. Indeed, in higher education, we can see female students tend to gravitate toward biological sciences.

However, there’s still work to be done in balancing other STEM subjects. While coding can be great to get girls more enthusiastic about the field, it’s still just a tool. To utilize it effectively, it’s important to understand what is influencing the gender gap.

Lack of Mentors

Mentors play a significant role in guiding students through the challenging academic elements of STEM and toward meaningful careers. Unfortunately, there is too often a fewer number of female mentors available to help girls thrive. This can be discouraging. Part of effectively utilizing coding to get girls involved in STEM has to include establishing inspiring and practical female mentors in the field.

Gender Stereotyping

A common issue with STEM is there’s an unhealthy and incorrect stereotype of science being a male field. This is often bolstered by the tendency for schools to teach men’s historical achievements in the field. Yet, there are incredible female STEM leaders, like Katherine Johnson and Tu Youyou, that students should also learn about. When using coding to encourage girls into STEM, there needs to be clarity that it is a field as much for female contributors as males.

Jessica Wade, a London-based physicist, has worked to draw attention to the thousands of women in STEM history who have been left out of the history books.  She did this by writing Wikipedia biographies about women and minority scientists who did not get recognition and credit for the work they did.

Where To Find Coding Programs for Girls

There are growing resources specifically aimed at getting girls into coding. Among the most prevalent and active is Girls Who Code. They are dedicated to closing the gender gap in programming and run more than 8,500 coding clubs and camps around the world. Black Girls Code is also instrumental in helping young women of color overcome the hurdles contributing to the gender and race gap in STEM. They have 15 chapters around the country running code camps, hackathons, and enrichment programs.

There are certainly some schools offering coding clubs to highlight the value of STEM education. However, it is often the community-operated programs that are most dedicated to helping girls explore the career potential and personal enrichment coding has to offer.

Making Learning To Code Fun

Part of the hurdle with getting kids in general into coding is that it can be seen as a dry subject. Students tend to be put off by the idea that they need technical proficiency to engage with it. This illustrates one of the causes of gender disparity in STEM. Girls, in particular, already have lower self-confidence in their STEM abilities than boys. One way around this is to emphasize the fun of coding.

There are some fun platforms to introduce younger students to coding through making simple games and animations. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed the Scratch and ScratchJr applications that teach the foundations of coding in a practical and fun way. This is also something girls can engage in, both by utilizing guided courses and working independently.

For teens, it’s worth getting them involved with fun events. Hackathons can be particularly exciting with many accessible to beginner coders. Part of the fun here is that these coding events involve various disciplines, including coding, bug testing, and graphic design.

Finding the Time To Code

As with any STEM subject, learning to code certainly takes some time and commitment. It’s important to find ways to help young girls include coding in their schedule without adding to the stress of juggling other activities.

One effective approach is to make their daily schedule more visible. Young students may find keeping mental track of their tasks overwhelming. Making a digital planner she can access on her smartphone or laptop via a PDF-annotation app can be a practical way to keep her day organized and manageable. This allows her to see all her responsibilities, prioritize them, and establish spaces for coding sessions, clubs, and hackathons.

Creating a Supportive Home Environment

One of the most important ways to encourage girls to code is by making sure their home life is designed to support them. As parents, you must make certain they have the resources they need to focus on their coding. This might be extra time allocation on family computers or making arrangements to take them to events.

One of the most simple yet impactful ways of making your home environment supportive is to be demonstratively encouraging about their efforts. Praise young female coders, listen to their ideas about the subject, and even get involved as a volunteer with their coding organizations. Regardless of your parenting style or guardianship situation, there are ways to support young girls looking to get into STEM.

If your family is one in which you’re coparenting in different households, there needs to be consistency. While it’s not always easy, divorced parents need to communicate regularly and openly to provide the most effective support for their kids. Cooperate in providing your daughter with the coding resources and education she needs to thrive. Ensure you’re both actively involved in her clubs and in helping her overcome hurdles.

Conclusion

It remains the case that there aren’t nearly enough women in STEM. Coding is one of the most important skills to possess in the modern world and can act as a route to other STEM subjects. There is a growing number of dynamic and community-driven coding organizations young girls can join to learn to code and find mentors. It’s also important to take steps that keep learning fun and practical. When more parents, teachers, and communities commit to encouraging girls in STEM, there is more opportunity to close the gender gap.

About the Author
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in education, mental health, family lifestyle and online safety. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. You can follow her on Twitter.

Adobe Express is the perfect tool for creating stunning visuals for your social media accounts, school projects, logos, and more.  With tons of professionally designed templates and assets, Adobe Express makes it easy to get started with graphic design. You don’t need any prior experience – just intuition and a desire to create beautiful visuals.

Once you start using Adobe Express, you’ll be able to create anything you need with intuitive tools. Plus, you’ll have access to all the photo editing software features that Adobe is known for. To top it off, this powerful piece of software uses cloud-based technology so that you can access it on any device.

3 Great Tips for Creating Stunning Images

Together, let’s discover powerful ways to help you create breathtaking images using Adobe Express software. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, these insights will elevate your creativity and bring your visual ideas to life.

1. Start a Project From Scratch or Remix an Existing Template

Adobe Express offers a wide range of templates for you to choose from. If you’re feeling creative, you can start a project from scratch. Or, if you want to save time, you can remix an existing template to suit your needs.

There are templates for every occasion, including social media content, logos, and more. These are then further subdivided into categories, such as Instagram posts, posters, and presentation graphics. All of these templates can be edited within the application using user-friendly Adobe software.

You will never be lost for inspiration with the suite of templates Adobe Express has to offer.

2. Take Advantage of the Adobe Stock Library

As an Adobe Express user, you can access the entire Adobe Stock royalty-free photo collection. This means you can find the perfect image for your project without spending hours searching online. You can browse millions of high-quality photos and videos to discover the ideal one you need.

The Adobe Stock library also offers a range of fonts you can use in your designs. With Adobe Fonts, you can find the perfect font for your project in seconds.

3. Resize and Edit Your Photos in Adobe Express

If you want to resize or edit your photos, Adobe Express is the perfect tool. With just a few taps, you can easily resize content for any social media site. Plus, you can easily add Adobe Photoshop quality effects to your photos using the in-built photo editor.

Adobe Express also makes it easy to replace backgrounds in your photos. The remove background from image option quickly and easily removes the background from your image. This is perfect if you want to create a logo or focus on a specific subject in your photo.

You can also convert your images to another format such as JPG, PNG, or SVG or change the dimensions of any photo using the Adobe image editing software.

A Powerful Suite of Tools for All Your Design Needs

Adobe Express is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to create stunning visuals. With a wide range of templates, a powerful photo editor, and access to the Adobe Stock library, you can easily create anything you need.

With these 3 Adobe Express Tips, you’re on your way to creating stunning visuals in record time. So what are you waiting for? Get creating!

If you enjoyed this blog post, check out our other posts for helpful tips and tricks for creating stunning visuals

Expand Your Knowledge

Explore the best web design apps and websites for students.

Discover amazing skill development apps for kids.

Learn how to create time lapse videos from photos.

Are you thinking about placing your child in cyberschool? Determining which model of education works best for your child is crucial. Some students perform well in a traditional classroom, while others excel in a learning environment at home.

Cyberschool offers numerous benefits, especially for children where outside forces often disrupt them in a brick-and-mortar class. However, you must consider many factors before enrolling your child in school.

Here’s an exploration to help you decide whether cyberschool is a safe choice for your child.

Factors to Consider When Making Your Decision

Understandably, many families looking into cyberschools may have concerns about the effectiveness of their education. Parents consider the cyber model for various reasons.

Screen Time

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, younger children should limit their screen time to an hour, while older children benefit from limiting screen time to a healthy habit.

However, a cyber environment provides children with quality screen time. It gives students a chance to reflect on their learning. They also enjoy engaging with teachers and find it incredibly interactive since students can participate using a chatbox, a whiteboard and other online tools.

Additionally, students get scheduled breaks throughout the day. Therefore, they have a chance to break away from the screen and stretch their legs when needed.

Socialization

Many parents consider whether their children receive enough socialization in an online setting. They can rest assured that socialization does still occur between students while remote.

In a virtual classroom environment, peers from various backgrounds — possibly living in different regions — get the opportunity to break the social barriers, connecting with classmates from other communities.

Additionally, students get to make friends with other peers by attending field trips, learning opportunities and outings.

Testing Results

Another major factor that parents consider is the student’s performance in testing. Would they be able to succeed on state-mandated assessments?

The teachers’ experience, support staff, parent dedication and diagnostic tools contribute to a student’s overall success. Diagnostic tools help determine students’ academic needs and support throughout their education.

These points allow cyber students to receive enough support for academic success throughout their schooling career.

Why Should Your Child Attend Online Schooling?

As you consider enrolling your child into cyberschool, you should know how this alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar education offers plenty of advantages.

Firstly, not all pupils have the ability to succeed in a traditional classroom. A cyber class is within a smaller setting. Therefore, teachers can individualize curriculum and instructions for students, making it flexible overall.

Flexible scheduling is one of the many appealing aspects of cyberschool. Students learn at their own pace, which is especially beneficial for families with busy schedules. For instance, parents find remote schooling an excellent fit for their children because they tend to other obligations like sports or family.

Another benefit that cyberschool adds is safety. Students who’ve suffered from bullying are a major reason online schooling is the better option. In fact, some research shows that students experience less bullying when attending a virtual school.

Meanwhile, 19% of students in the U.S. experienced bullying on school property in a 2019 survey reported by the CDC. With all the roughness occurring in schools, cyberschool makes a more desirable choice for parents and children.

Plus, parents don’t have to be concerned about having their children wait for their bus to appear in freezing temperatures. They can gain some peace of mind when their child learns from the safety of their home.

What Makes Your Family a Great Fit for Cyberschool?

If you think cyberschool would make a good choice for your child, here are some essential things to consider when deciding whether it would suit your family.

Parent Commitment

A parent’s commitment is crucial if they want to see their child succeed in this model of academics. In cyberschool, parents or another responsible adult must dedicate their time at home while the student attends school.

Doing so will allow parents to provide academic support while at home. While parent involvement will vary with each grade level, meeting their learning needs is vital. For instance, if you’re a parent of a younger child, they’ll need more direction from parents throughout the school day.

Comfort Level With Technology

Cyberschool requires some familiarity with technology since most learning occurs online. Therefore, parents should ensure they’re computer literate and can set up their devices properly to succeed.

Additionally, parents use email to communicate with teachers, making them responsible for regularly checking it. If you’re uncomfortable using technology, you don’t have to let this deter you.

Virtual schools provide parents with various resources to help their students get started. Students also have orientation, which will help them and their families familiarize themselves with the educational system and technology.

Student Motivation

Before enrolling your child in cyberschool, one last thing to consider is the student’s motivation to learn. It’s critical that your child attends classes regularly and is consistent with scheduling and work.

Students spend most of their time online and attending live classes. Therefore, your child must be able to take on the responsibility of their education, especially as they become more independent. Additionally, teachers will expect your child to participate in class and be proactive in reaching out for guidance.

Some students can shine when using certain techniques to help keep them focused throughout the day. For instance, taking advantage of breaks and setting a daily schedule can benefit your child tremendously.

Cyber Education Can Be a Great Option

While there are several factors to acknowledge when looking at the cyberschool model, online schooling can make a great choice for your child’s education. The main thing is knowing you will benefit from safety and a controlled learning atmosphere.  It will also help them to prepare for future online learning opportunities when deciding where to go to college or university.

However, it’s important to remember that this education model is most suitable for families with motivated, independent children. Therefore, making a list of pros and cons should help you make an informed decision about cyber-education enrollment.

About the Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for her children or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen!

If your child is having trouble in picking up new terms and words quickly, chances are that you haven’t introduced them to the world of vocabulary at a younger age.  At the age of 4, a child with perfect hearing ability has already heard up to 31 million words, meaning that the period of learning new words has already started.

On the other hand, studies have shown that children with hearing disabilities require more speech engagement in order to get the same benefits.

Being a parent, you need to focus on your child’s vocabulary from the very start to make them excellent readers and learners as they tend to pronounce the words more clearly than they already know how to say and read them.

So, if you haven’t done it yet, now is the best time to be prepared to work on improving his or her vocabulary.

A strong vocabulary is the foundation stone for quick understanding, debatable communication, and faster-reading speed.

Though it is not a common practice, still parents should normalize to give proper time to assist their kids to broaden their knowledge quickly.

It is easier said than done. You might be wondering how you can start working on it just now?

There are so many easy and simple exercises that might assist your kids to develop their vocabulary. Despite their obvious value, we often do not have time for it in the hustle-bustle of daily life.

Explore these often-overlooked hacks to help your child build an excellent vocabulary for the future. So, without further dragging, let’s jump straight into it!

Best hacks to improve child vocabulary

1.   Don’t be afraid to use complicated words

As much as you want your kids to understand you, it doesn’t indicate you can’t use “complicated” words. Don’t be afraid to use phrases that a grownup would comprehend but that your kid won’t grasp.

Push your children to ask questions when they don’t grasp anything and be ready to explain. Your children will learn new words from you if you don’t dumb down your conversation.

2.   Ask your child to tell a story

You may read a bedtime story to your child every night. As a matter of fact, this is a wonderful technique to improve one’s reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Sometimes, it is okay to put the book down and encourage your child to tell a story or just ask them how your day was. Then, let your child grab the controls and go wherever their brain takes them.

Use hypothetical questions to teach new vocabulary and topics as the story continues. With your encouragement, they’ll find new words to express themselves, and your recommendations will assist them.

3.   Converse punctually

Another great hack to help your child’s vocabulary grow is to encourage him or her to speak more. Let them talk to people and open up with them. A child’s brain is continuously absorbing new information.

If they hear your voice more often, the more they will learn from you. Give your children repetitive opportunities to communicate and use their expanding vocabulary as they get older.

4.   Gift junior dictionary

It might be challenging for a child to grasp even the most basic definitions in a dictionary because of the complex terminology. The best bet is to go with a reputable, basic junior dictionary that includes examples and animations for kids.

When a child doesn’t know the meaning of a new word or term, he or she can look it up in the dictionary for meaning. This is also a great approach to make them learn new things on their own.

5.   Turn on the subtitles

While spending time with your child watching a movie or a series on television, turn on the subtitles. As a result, your child will be capable of reading complicated words and attempting to memorize their spelling.

Furthermore, the context provided by movies and television shows enables kids to better comprehend the definition of words in varying situations.

6.   Use the building blocks technique

Using building blocks as a beginning point for educating children using simple words is a good idea. If you can, make it fun.

Ask the child to find the blocks that match the letters of a word you’ve written on a block. Start with easy phrases, such as the names of birds and colours, and then progressively increase the degree of difficulty.

7.   Show them visuals

Regularly show visuals or animations of text to your child from newspapers, periodicals, storybooks, or the internet. It is much simpler for a child to make the connection between two things when they are shown a picture along with a new word.

It also actually strengthens the intellectual and analytical abilities in the children. In addition, images are way simpler to comprehend than text.

8.   Let them write and speak out loud

Asking your child to write words or sentences which they found difficult is often the more neglected hack to boost up their vocabulary skills. This practice works great for primary passed kids as now they are learning to speak and understand the longer texts.

You can give them long sentences and ask them to rewrite them in their own words. They might take time to comprehend and paraphrase the texts correctly as they are constantly finding new terms and words to replace the text while keeping the same context.

You can make use of a paraphrase tool to see how many ways a text can be comprehended without losing the actual meaning. Once you have more ways in mind to rewrite a sentence, the better you can expose your child to new vocabulary.

Last but not the least, ask them to read the text out loud and let them find the errors and jargon.

9.   Patience is key

You need to pay even closer attention to this last hack tool.

Let your child know that he or she is not alone if he or she does not understand anything. Whenever they lose track of a term, let them think back to when they first heard it.

Keep an open mind while educating them and give them more time to absorb the information. Use simple examples and motivate your kids to come up with their own perspectives.

What are the benefits of having a broad vocabulary?

1. According to studies, students who have a more robust vocabulary perform better academically.

A child from a middle-class home starts kindergarten understanding around 45 million words, but a child from a low-income background only knows about 13 million words when they begin school.

Children who come from families where there is a lot of speech and words are more likely to be able to read and do better in the classroom.

2. A well-developed vocabulary aids in the development of effective skills such as hearing interpretation, social interaction, written expression, and subject-specific knowledge.

So, working on your child’s vocabulary is a terrific idea to give your child a bright, confident, and successful future.

Conclusion

To sum it up, it is a never-ending yet wonderful journey to help your child develop his or her intellectual capabilities. Use the above-mentioned easy hacks and improve your child’s vocabulary faster than ever.

Lastly, when your child will be all grown up, they will appreciate you for the efforts you have put into making them a brilliant and sharp student.