Category: Education

8 Ways to Support Your Kids in School

When you become a parent, you also become your child’s first teacher. The examples you set and the lessons you teach them are the foundation for their entire lives, even within formal education. With this thought in mind, it bears stating that being present in their lives and their educations is one of the most important aspects of their lives you can be involved in.

Sometimes it can be difficult, juggling it all and trying to maintain a presence for them. Many students do well on their own. Other students are underserved and need all the support they can get.  Still, it is possible make a big difference in a child’s school life by focusing on a few key areas.

1. Be Involved With School Staff and Teachers

Meeting your child’s teachers and getting to know who’s who among the staff at the beginning of the school year can help establish a partnership that serves to benefit your child’s education. The teacher may have many students to contend with, but you can help ease the load and lessen their stress if you show you want to be involved. Your children will see your involvement and feel emotionally supported as well.

2. Keep Track of How Your Child is Doing

Doing this in order to punish them for bad grades will only stress both of you out, but ensuring you keep up with their needs is a significant way you can have an impact on their learning. Communicating with their teacher and seeing where their weaknesses and strengths are can allow you the headway to aid them before they get too far behind.

3. Help Them With Homework

Whether it’s math, social studies or book reports – most children dread homework. After a long day at school, most just want to be done and go play, but this isn’t always conducive to proper learning or information retention. If you can’t help them with their homework directly, make sure you give them a special, quiet place to work. Check in with them to make sure things are getting done, rewarding them if they finish.

If you might be worried that you can’t help them with homework because you don’t know the subject or language very well, finding someone who can help may be a wise decision.

4. Have a Positive, Praising Attitude

An overlooked aspect of children’s education is their mental health, and constant criticisms have been shown in studies to reduce both productivity and self-esteem. You are your child’s first source of validation, and as such, you need to be their biggest fan. Without sacrificing their learning potential, it’s important to support their strengths and praise them where they deserve it, while not letting them lag behind with their weaknesses.

By showing genuine interest in your children’s education and giving them positive, constructive feedback, you can feel their enthusiasm to learn.

5. Don’t Underestimate Organization

Having a routine, a schedule or an organized way of handling your child’s curriculum can reduce stress not only for you but for your children as well. There are ways to organize at home for your children, such as designated areas for their home studies, whether it’s for homework or distant learning. Another way is through an online school agenda, which stores everything you need within the cloud and reduces the likelihood that anything gets lost or forgotten.

6. Monitor Screen Time

Ensure your children aren’t spending an excessive amount of time playing video games or mindlessly watching the internet or TV programs. Practical media usage is important, as is recreational. Finding a balance between screen time and keeping your children focused and productive with their homework is vital.  Ensure they have ample time to read or play away from a computer screen and look for ways to improve your child’s learning skills outside school.

7. Encourage Independence

Micromanaging every aspect of your child’s education is something you want to avoid, both for your time management and your child’s stress levels. Be involved, but not overt. Help them develop their own routines and rules and show them how to follow through. Taking responsibility is an important life skill to learn, and doing so early can set good foundations.

8. Talk With Your Child

Talking and listening are important in equal measure; validating your child’s feelings can help them feel seen and heard by you, their first teacher. Never underestimate the value of being an open-source of communication and a safe place for your children.

Success!

Becoming involved with your school and getting to know your child’s teacher will also make your aware of the needs of school. You may have time to volunteer or assist by providing free school supplies or supporting your child’s academic life through school fundraisers.  As a parent, you want nothing more than the happiness and success of your children, hopefully, this article has helped aim you in the right direction.

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How Writing Skills Can Help Kids Master a New Language

How Writing Skills Can Help Kids Master a New Language

Learning a new language is hard, but writing can help make it easier. Writing is one of the most effective ways for people to learn and retain information. It can also help kids master their second language faster and with less frustration than any other method out there.

With this in mind, we’ve created a series of blog posts that will teach you how to use your child’s natural love of storytelling as an opportunity to develop their skills in reading comprehension, vocabulary development, spelling and grammar mastery, creative expression through writing – all while learning a new language! The first post uses narrative stories as an entertaining way for kids to practice their target foreign language.

Writing is a process of thinking through what we’re saying before we say it. This means kids get better at expressing themselves verbally as well as understanding others’ verbal communication.

Why writing skills in language learning?

Writing is a form of thinking. In a sense, we are always writing – from the grocery list to a paragraph in a book, everything we write has been thought about before it’s put to paper.  The act of finding words that convey meaning without being overly complicated or losing clarity is an important and useful skill for kids learning foreign languages.

Writing also helps kids develop better reading comprehension skills. Even though they are not yet reading the language and rely solely on their writing abilities, developing an understanding of a foreign language through writing about it will help speed up reading comprehension. Writing forces children to slow down and think about how words work together into a sentence, making them more comfortable.

Writing is a great way to get kids interested in learning new words.

Writing is a great way to remember what we’ve learned.

Writing helps us develop dictionary skills, such as word comprehension and spelling:

  • Finding the meaning of new words.
  • Writing down new vocabulary in our own language.
  • Writing down new vocabulary in the target language.

The process of writing allows kids to focus on their mistakes and learn from them, which does their reading and speaking better.

By writing in the target language, kids develop a deeper understanding of it.

Kids who learn to write before they speak are more likely to learn a new language.

Writing allows kids to express their ideas in a different language and understand the perspective of others who think differently than they do.

Doing an activity through writing is one of the most effective ways to memorize facts and information.

When we form words with our mouths, it’s often hard to control exactly what comes out. Writing is a great way to “test out” what we want to say in our heads.

By developing their ability to write, kids get better at expressing themselves through speaking as well.

Through writing, kids learn about grammar and sentence structure while being able to focus on the creative side of putting their thoughts on paper.

Writing allows kids to explore their creativity and be expressive in a way that it’s not always possible when they’re talking.

Importance of writing skills in mastering a new language

The number of skills kids develop when they write in a foreign language is enormous and invaluable.  It’s also the best way for kids to learn to express themselves – which is helpful for them as native speakers!

Writing helps us find our voice. As we become aware of the words that come out of our mouths, we start to discover our own unique way of expressing ourselves. This is a very personal process that ultimately gives us the freedom to express anything we want!

Writing skills will help you become more successful in learning your new language. Writing forces you to slow down and think about what you’re going to say, which helps you develop better reading comprehension skills.

Common mistakes that people make when teaching their children how to write a new language:

Assuming that children should be writing in the target language from day one. Your kids are still early on in the process – and it will take time for them to become aware of what they’re doing!

As a rule, you need to write down a new word several times before they “get it.” It’s also helpful to read a sentence aloud and ask your kid to repeat it – that will help them internalize the new word.

Writing in a language that is too formal for their level of understanding. Kids feel awkward and stilted when they’re forced to write long, complex sentences when they understand simple ones. This goes back to step 1!

Giving up too quickly on a wrong word.  Kids will often make mistakes or misspell words that are hard for them. The fastest way to learn is by making mistakes – so don’t get frustrated by this step!

Using complicated formats and styles of writing.  Start with simple shapes, such as squares or triangles; then try circles and smiley faces. Once they understand those, you can move to more complicated shapes that will help with their writing.

Not focusing on the meaning of what they’re writing.  If your kid wants to write about a video game, don’t be afraid to encourage them to use specific vocabulary from it – this is a great way to learn and practice!

Tips for teaching children how to read and write in a foreign language

Early education is key for children in any subject and never more important than when learning a new languge. When kids first learn to write or read, they should start with elementary forms of writing and reading.  This is a process that should be fun!

Encourage your kid to keep going even if you don’t understand all the words they’re writing down. This will help them feel comfortable with writing, and they’ll soon get better!

Give your kid time to explore the new words in different contexts. Once you have a few words, make sure to ask questions about them – this is how kids figure out what a word means as it’s used in context.

If something doesn’t work for your child, try something else. As we said earlier, there’s no “right” way to learn and grow!

Practicing reading is a great way for kids to get familiar with the letters.  You can take this opportunity to work on spelling as well – it’s a win-win situation!

Writing in different formats is a fun way for kids to experiment with how sentences are formed.  Try to add extra vocabulary in there and see what kind of sentences they can make!

Keep writing exciting by offering rewards for certain achievements.  This is a great way for your kid to build excitement and confidence as they learn to write in their new language.

The best way for kids to learn is through Writing practice and repetition.

By writing in their target language, kids develop a deeper understanding of it and gain more confidence to use it as they learn.

The key to success is starting early, especially in vocabulary development (using the words you want them to use). The sooner your child learns how to write in the target language, the faster they will become more fluent in it, and the easier learning a new language will be.

The most effective way to learn any new skill is through practice and repetition. This is also true for writing; just a few minutes of daily handwriting exercises can help your child master their second language much faster than if they only relied on classroom lessons and school assignments. It can be hard at first, especially if your child is used to writing in their native language, but the more they write in their target foreign language, the better they will get at it!

Introducing your child to an unfamiliar word through writing activities will help him, or her remember what it means and how to spell it.

This is also a great way to help your child develop an interest in the language you teach them.

Why do kids need to learn multiple languages at an early age?

Learning a second language can be a difficult task, especially for adults, so why not have your child learn their first foreign language early?  Not only do parents help children to develop and grow every day (much like they did when the kids were babies), but kids also get practice with building verbal skills in a given language – something that is a precious resource for your child’s future.

Kids can learn so much when they begin to explore their world, and one of these things is how to appreciate other people who aren’t just like them.  Learning about new cultures and traditions helps kids understand the world better and become more open-minded and aware of things.  If you live in a country where two or more languages are spoken, learning these other languages will also help your child to communicate with people who speak different native tongues from one another.

Learning a language well enough at a young age can even impact your child’s mental development.  The earlier your child begins to write in their new foreign language, the faster they become fluent in it.  This will also help them learn other subjects better (such as math or history) because they learn how to apply concepts of a given subject by using more than just one way of thinking.

How learning another language has helped students succeed academically and professionally.

Being skilled in two or more languages has given individuals a clear edge in both their personal and professional lives.  Kids who can speak another language fluently have not only been found to have higher self-esteem and academic success, but they can also make more money as they enter the working world!

If your child is interested in making more money or becoming a leader in their future career, they need to know how to speak and write in another language.  Especially if they’ve grown up in a foreign country where two or more languages are spoken frequently, your child has the edge over the rest of their peers when it comes to getting ahead.

Learning to communicate in a new foreign language can improve your child’s self-esteem, ability to work independently, and even how they complete tasks.  It may be hard at first for young kids, but it will help them become more confident and willing to try other things they wouldn’t normally attempt.

Conclusion

Using these strategies will help your child master the new language faster!

Writing in their new language will help your child learn to read, write and speak in the foreign language they are trying to learn.  It can also improve memory function and attention span because of the processing that needs to be done when an individual is writing.

Learning a second language at an early age can benefit young kids with an open mind.  It doesn’t just help them develop a better ability to communicate and work with individuals in other countries. Still, it can also improve their grades in school or even help them get ahead and start making money sooner than most adults!

Author Bio
K C Raj is a career counselor and recruiter with many years of experience. Interested in topics like human development, education, immigration, inequality, and many other international issues.

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How Teachers Can Recognize the Signs of Stress in Students

How Teachers Can Recognize Stress in Students

Teachers play a pivotal role in the life of children. Not only are they responsible for teaching them the foundations of a variety of topics and subjects, but they work to encourage, inspire and motivate kids daily. It’s all about prepping them for their future, which is made up of more than just a career.

With that said, teachers also need to be tuned in where the mental health of students is concerned. This means knowing what the signs of stress are in a child so that you can act quickly and appropriately. Here are some of the ways teachers can recognize the signs of stress in their students.

You See the Student Start to Withdraw

This particular sign can be one of the first red flags you notice and that’s a student pulling away or withdrawing from their friends and participating in class. This will be more noticeable in students who previously were very active and social in the classroom.

There Can be Physical Signs of Stress

Did you know that stress can also cause physical symptoms that make the child sick? This can include chronic headaches, stomach pain and discomfort and even muscles aches and pains. The fact is that stress does a number on a person’s immune system, leaving them more susceptible to catching illnesses.

Their Emotions are All Over the Place

A child who is stressed may also appear to have emotions that are all over the place. They can go from happy to sad in the snap of a finger and they may get over-emotional in situations that don’t warrant that kind of response. Some examples can include:

  • The child is quick to lose their temper
  • They yell when losing their temper
  • They are overly anxious.
  • They cry often
  • They are irritable
  • They don’t have a lot of patience
  • They seem to have a hard time controlling and regulating their mood

Because their emotions are swaying from one extreme to the other, it can leave them feeling scared and frustrated, unsure of what they should do.

What Can be Done About It?

While it’s important to recognize the signs of stress, the emphasis should be on reducing and even eliminating it so that it never spirals out of control. Kids should be encouraged to use stress-busting techniques and tools such as learning meditation, which can be done throughout the day to calm themselves down.

Teachers also need to keep parents in the loop and let them know if there are any concerns. Speaking to the parents/caregivers can help shed light on what is happening. This also allows for everyone to be on the same page when it comes to how the stress will be addressed.

Recognizing the Signs of Stress in Students

Teaching kids how to deal with anxiety while they are young to avoid increased anxiety.  Over three-quarters of university students stating they hide mental health symptoms.

  • 42% of university students experience a serious psychological issue for which they felt they needed professional help.
  • The same percentage of students accessed counseling support last year, indicating that help is readily available at university.
  • In January 2021, 63% of students said their mental health had worsened since the start of the academic year.
  • 58% of students who struggle to manage their money say it affects their mental health negatively.

Understanding and managing anxiety is key to reducing issues related to stress as students move through their educational life.

Children, teens and young adults of any age need to learn how to:

  • Understand and embrace anxiety triggers
  • Learn Coping techniques and how to prepare for life in halls
  • How to deal with financial pressures
  • Managing academic pressures
  • Discover the importance of a healthy lifestyle

Knowing what the signs of stress look like will help you to be a teacher that is tuned in and helps your students in every way possible. Just remember – the sooner you spot the red flags and act upon them, the better the outcome will be.

Teaching Kids to Mitigate Online Burnout

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Online Resources That Can Help Kids Grow

Online Resources That Can Help Kids Grow

Kids have always been very receptive to new information, and it’s our job as parents and guardians to help our kids grow by exposing them to quality resources of information.  Of course, it’s a challenge to provide a healthy dose of online freedom to explore, with sufficient online safety measures in place.

When striking a balance between entertainment and learning, or a combination of both, there are a number resources available.  In the streaming world Netflix is great, at times. There is also the Netflix Kids option. Social media platforms are far more vast and difficult to keep track of.  You may even wonder if TikTok is safe.

However, after doing extensive research, we’ve narrowed it down to five of the best online resources created especially to help your child grow.  You can Google these resources in the search bar at the top of our website.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free online learning platform. It provides free programs for children aged four to 18, as well as tools for instructors working from home and parents who choose to educate their children during this period. They even have a timetable to keep kids on track when they’re at home.

Apart from education, safety is also a top priority, especially when kids and teens have access to a wide variety of information. By following a few safety tips for students, you’ll be able to help them navigate the resources better.

CK-12

CK-12 is another excellent education site, with courses ranging from math, English, and science to philosophy and astronomy, among other topics. Run by an NGO, CK-12 uses digital textbooks or “Flexbooks” to diversify K-12 education across the world.

Even teachers and subject matter experts can contribute and use CK-12 resources to create holistic workbooks and models. It also includes some information for university students, but the site is primarily for individuals under the age of 18.

The Adventures of Mo

 As a free, online resource, The Adventures of Mo helps parents, teachers, and homeschoolers engage kids in US geography. Read fun state blogs, trivia or an adventure eBook that can be played as a game. Kids earn $10 if they submit geography trivia that’s posted online. The website also features brief videos of kids sharing information about US states. Guided imagery presentations via zoom are available for a fee. www.adventuresofmo.com

Kanopy

Kanopy is a service that works with libraries to provide online access to movies and TV episodes. For older kids, there are documentaries, docuseries, and film festival selections, as well as a Kanopy Kids area with animated storybooks, Sesame Street, and more.

Kanopy has a monthly limit on how many videos you can watch. You’ll need to sign up for their services with your library card to access their catalog.

Sesame Street

SesameStreet.org is a website dedicated to Sesame Street, the popular children’s television show. It’s ideal for little children at home. The parental controls are extensive, allowing you to lock the user onto the site to prevent your children from exploring the internet, as well as track what your child has been viewing. You may also build activity playlists and let your child loose on them.

DIY.org

DIY.org is devoted to assisting children in learning how to do something by themselves. The DIY sessions develop a holistic understanding of physical objects and improve the logical reasoning of children. The website offers a variety of lessons, including photography, painting, science, and cuisine

Adult and child sign-ins are distinct, and parents can follow their children’s progress through email notifications. It offers a 14-day free trial before switching to a monthly subscription.

Online Guidance

Due to the wide availability of information these days, it’s important to guide our kids through it, point them in the right direction, and keep them safe. These five online resources should help them cultivate a learning mentality and understand the world in a better way.

Teachers, explore these online class productivity tips.

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