Reasons why changing to 4-Day School weeks in a good idea

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The idea of shortening the school week to four days is a new trend that is becoming popular across the U.S. About 500 school districts have been granted permission to experiment the idea and many more are catching on. Colorado is leading the charge; over one third of their school districts have adopted the four-day school week. While no student will complain about enjoying a long weekend, some parents are unhappy about the choice for obvious reasons like not knowing how to manage their job and the extra day kids have to stay at home coupled with the belief that kids are not getting sufficient education. However, if the saying that ‘All work no playing makes Jack a dull boy’ is not satisfactory enough, there are several reasons why studying for four days a week is beneficial.

Financial Benefits

This aspect dates as far back as the 1930’s when economic hardship in America triggered the idea of reducing school days to cut back on spending. It is estimated that eliminating a day per week accounts for 20% less spending on items like buses, food, transportation of all sort, utilities, snacks and extra bonuses.

Teachers have enough time to plan their lessons

Teaching in itself is stressful and overbearing for teachers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2015), an overwhelming one million teachers in the U.S. left their jobs for a new job. Several factors account for this; one reason that stands out is the lack of time and the pressure imposed by the job. Getting an extra day to relax and prepare lessons will increase the efficiency of teachers in planning their lessons.

Long weekends are great for teachers and children

Long weekends are like a short vacation. This is enough time to visit friends and family, have fun and reduce the pressure from a hectic week. Children also have enough time to spend with their parents, having fun and reviewing lessons they studied during the week. Having enough rest during a long weekend increases student’s ability to perform in school.

Increased performance in school

A recent study published in the journal of Education, Finance and Policy found out that Colorado schools that switched to a four-day week actually saw increased math scores amongst 5th graders. A study by researchers in the University of McGill in Montreal showed that students who had enough rest and slept adequately performed well in the languages and math. Therefore, having a long weekend and enough rest is key to boosting performance at school.

Children have time to learn other skills

Having enough time over the weekend is a great opportunity for children to visit parks, the zoo, museums, cultural events etc. They can also partake in competitions and games that their school environment cannot provide. During this process, meeting different people also goes a long way to improve their social skills.

So far, we have seen that there are several benefits to a shorter school week. However, the following questions still keep bugging parents as follows: does the four day week impact academic performance negatively? Is the four day week benefiting the school authorities more than parents and the kids themselves? Share this article and give us your thoughts on the issue.

The No-Zero Grading Policy: Is It Hurting or Helping Students?

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The no-zero grading policy is a law that sets the lowest possible grade for any test or assignment at 50%. For an old school parent, this sounds so out of the blue. Based on the no-zero grading policy, a student could still get a 50% score even if they turned in a blank test paper. This policy has opened up a can of worms, yet there is a rationale behind it. To dig deeper into the debate, let’s examine two scenarios as follows:

Cira Haveson (2014) in a vivid response on Quora paints a picture of the pros and cons of the no-zero grading policy through two examples of students she observed in her math class. Jake a quintessential slacker who never did his homework, always spent his time doodling in class, never participated in projects and always ended up with D’s in his report card. In addition, he never participated in extra-curricular activities and cared less about everyone. The other student was Emily; she was the complete opposite of Jake. She worked very hard, was very cheerful, did her homework, participated actively in class and took down notes during lectures. She was the kind of student who owned up to her mistakes.

In all, Jake had failed to do all his assignments during the semester. One day, there was a graded homework assignment on which Emily worked very hard. It was an assignment that was tracked through a LMS and the teacher noticed that she failed with 49%. She was very furious, not at Emily, but at Jake. Why? Because in spite making no effort, they both ended up with 50%.

What we can learn from this story is congruent with the opinion pool curated from 300 members of edutopia.com who opine that ‘A no-zero grading policy allows students to do minimal work and still pass, pushes students forward who haven’t mastered the content, and doesn’t teach students the real-life consequences of not meeting their responsibilities’.

This trend seems to be unleashing a young generation of entitled individuals ill-equipped to cope with the challenges that lie ahead in college. Proponents argue though that giving kids zero grades in tests could affect and destroy their self-confidence. They opine that coming back from 50 is easier than from zero. The counter argument though is that giving a zero grade is a reminder for kids to work even harder.

This policy could make sense to policy makers but could send confusing signals to children who are not sophisticated enough to understand it’s breathe and depth. Emily in the example above could stop trying, while Jake could become the new role model. After all kids love it the easy way.

The debate is still ongoing and we appreciate your thoughts.

Teaching gifted students in an inclusive classroom

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When a student’s talent or ‘gift’ is identified, it should always be encouraged and developed. Although some students are placed into classrooms with students of similar adeptness, others are kept in inclusive classrooms. It is important, though, to promote the student’s gifts while not neglecting the other students.

Enhance the curriculum

Full-inclusion classrooms allow teachers the freedom to tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of the students on an individual level. Choose activities for gifted students so they are challenged and don’t get bored. A student who isn’t challenged is more likely to be disruptive, after all, and this should be avoided for the sake of a well-managed classroom.

Celebrate the gifts, but don’t pressure them

Children want to fit in. Being singled out makes them a target for other students who might make fun of them or call them names. It is important that the student sees the gift as the positive thing it is, while not making the other students feel less for not being able to do the same. However, be careful not to expect too much of them in areas where they are not so gifted.

Encourage positive interactions with classmates

Encourage your students, ‘gifted’ or otherwise, to play, laugh, and interact with each other. This will decrease the chance of the gifted students being labeled ‘nerds’ and seeing themselves as better than the other students. Every student has their strengths and weaknesses, and it is important that both the teacher and the students respect those individual abilities, no matter the gift, level, or disability.

Help them with contests

Encourage the gifted students to enter contests. This provides a challenge and chance to exercise their abilities that the classroom may not provide.

Don’t play favorites

No matter how tempting it is, don’t be biased towards gifted and talented students. Doing so may result in not providing a challenging school experience for the gifted students or even in unfair treatment of students who are not gifted. This is not doing anyone any favors. Be aware of each individual students’ abilities, but don’t let that affect your treatment of them.

Keep in touch with parents

Parents often worry that their gifted children are not being challenged enough at school. Giving them regular updates would help put these fears at ease. Contact them early in the school year and keep in contact. This is a good practice for all parents, not just the gifted ones, and it allows parents to give well-needed feedback and information that may help with the teaching process.

Teachers are responsible for providing the best possible environment for students to develop. Having a class with a gifted student is a great privilege, and, although it may seem daunting, it is all worth it in the end. Please share your experiences with gifted children in an inclusive classroom with us to make this article better.

Using Play dough to Teach the Alphabet

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Playdough is fun for kids. It stimulates their creativity and stimulates their brains. Here are some ways to incorporate it into their alphabet learning.

  1. Tracing with playdough

For this, you’ll need little alphabet cards. Have your child roll sticks of playdough and stick them onto the shapes of the different letters. You might even want to choose a color that starts with the same letter as the one they’re forming out.

  1. Write it out

Again, have your child roll long sticks of playdough. This time, have them form out words on a flat surface like a table or on the floor. It could be their name or a word of the day. You can have them distinguish between capital and common letters, too.

  1. Carve it in

For this one, either you or your child (kids love doing this part!) can roll the playdough as flat as you can with a rolling pin. Then, use a pencil or stick and carve letter or words into the playdough. Once you’re done, you can use pebbles, beans, or beads to trace the indented shape of the letters in the playdough.

  1. Stamp the letters

If you have magnetic letters or any wooden or plastic toy shaped like letters, you can stamp the letters into the flattened playdough. Name the letters as you stamp or have your child do it. You can even encourage your child to trace the shape of the letters with their fingers.

With these fun, creative ways, you’ll help your preschooler learn the alphabet! We are sure there are other fun ways of using playdough to teach the alphabet we haven’t mentioned here. Feel free to contact us with your ideas.

How to Teach Your Kindergartner to Read

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We all know how important reading is. Kindergarten is foundational for precisely this reason. Here are some tips to help your kindergartner learn to read.

  1. Read aloud with your child

There are lots of fun books for kids around. Find some that reflect your child’s interests and even some that don’t, so they can learn something new. Have them sit in your lap or somewhere they can see the book as you read and encourage them to read, too.

  1. Discussion

Reading is more than just sounding out words. Having discussions about what you’re reading can help you make sure that your child actually understands what they are reading. Ask questions before, during and after reading the book, and allow your child to ask questions, too. Helping them to identify the genre (maybe the word “type” would be more age-appropriate) is also good for developing their thought processes. Reading comes alive when a child can tell the difference between alphabet books, song books, nonfiction, fantasy and realistic fiction.

  1. Be an example

If a child sees those around them reading regularly, they are more likely to develop a love for reading themselves. Even if you are not an avid reader, pick up a magazine, newspaper, or anything for just a few minutes a day and let your child see you.

  1. Identify letters and words around you

When you’re with your child at the supermarket or on the road, identify letters and words. Whether it’s traffic signs, billboards, even graffiti, words are everywhere, and helping your child to associate reading with everyday life rather than just the classroom will help them develop the skill. Remember that learning letter names isn’t as important as learning how to sound them out.

  1. Word families

Teach children words that rhyme. Mop, top, stop, hop… Grouping words together helps children memorize them more easily, it teaches them how to rhyme.

  1. Phonics

Learning spelling rules will help children to pronounce and identify words. This can be hard, but make it fun. For teaching the pronunciation of the vowels in words like ‘name,’ for example, use little rhymes like, “When A and E go walking, long A does the talking.”

Above all, don’t make learning to read feel like a chore for your child. Use creative ways to make it fun! If you have any tips on teaching kids how to read, feel free to contact us.

How to Teach a Disruptive Class

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It’s hard to teach a class when the students are uncooperative. A loud, disruptive classroom setting is distracting to you as a teacher and to students. To deal with this, you need to employ classroom management.

Classroom management begins even before you step into the classroom. You need to have a game plan. This plan will likely evolve as you learn more about classroom dynamics.

It is crucial to develop relationships with your students. Knowing your students on an individual, personal level can go a long way in earning their respect. Learn your students’ names, listen to them, show genuine interest in their thoughts and interests, and build conversation depending on that. Furthermore, it’s important to identify each student’s strengths and weaknesses so you can tailor lessons accordingly. Students are less likely to be disruptive if they see their teacher is interested in them not just as students, but as people.

If you encounter a disruptive student, though, there are techniques you can use to regain control.

  1. Don’t raise your voice

Avoid yelling. It will only result in a yelling match, and it gives students control. Students love staring stories of teachers who “lost it.” Remain calm and in control of your voice and actions at all time.

  1. Just stare

If the class is talking too much or otherwise disruptive, just stand at the front of the class and stare at them. Students will take the hint and quiet each other down. Once things have settled, continue the lesson as if nothing happened.

  1. Use reverse psychology

If a class is taking too long to settle down, you can say something like, “Obviously, you know the information already. I’m not wasting my time with you,” then go back to your desk. A few students will likely start asking you to continue the lesson.

  1. Be firm

If you see there is likely to be trouble, give a warming. For example, let them know you will send the first disruptive student to the hall, and the second to the principal’s office. Students like to test their teachers, so you have to follow through with the threat. No matter the punishment, be sure to let the student know what they did wrong. Find time to discuss it with the student, and (if necessary) with the entire class.

  1. Tell administrators about your class

If you can tell that one class will be a problem, let the administrators know. They often are aware of the students and may even give some background information on them. Talking to the administrators prepares you and them for any situation. You could even ask administrators pop in periodically for a visit, or for discipline if need be.

Classroom management is a skill you hone with experience. Find your own style that works for you and your individual class. Your students may pretend otherwise, but they know they need you. Once you show them respect, they will be more likely to return it.

Mother’s Day Activities for Primary School

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Mother’s Day is an awesome opportunity for fun classroom activities. These ideas will help your students express their creativity, as well as their appreciation for the awesome women in their lives.

Poem to Mama

There is no end to the fun to be had with this activity. You could have your students write an acrostic poem, with every line starting with one word in ‘mother’ or the name of every individual child’s mother, for example. You can have the children write their poems on regular paper or cut out shapes on cartridge paper beforehand for the students to write their poems.

Love Letter

Instead of having the students write something structured like a poem, have them write a story or a letter. Give them the freedom to express it the way they want, and have them give it to their mothers or other women in their lives when they get home.

Custom cards

With some simple, folded construction paper and crayons, your students can create beautiful cards for their mothers. Have them draw their own unique covers and little notes on the inside. Don’t forget to have them sign the cards!

Sing it out

Have a singalong with your students, teaching them a special sing that they can song to their mothers when they get home. There are so many mother-themed songs out there that the possibilities are endless.

Motherboard

Co-opting a bulletin board for Mother’s Day is a great way to showcase how important mothers are to our little ones. You can title it something like “Amazing Moms” or “Moms are Awesome” and post photos or drawings of the students’ mothers on it, along with little notes and ribbons.

Tea Party

Invite the women in the children’s lives to the classroom for an afternoon tea party! You can even have the students make cards with the words “You Are Tea-rrific” and tape tea bags on the inside. Little cupcakes and sandwiches along with the tea would make it even better.

Put on a Show

Have the students come up with a little play or have a talent show and invite their mothers and other female family members to enjoy. The students get to stretch their artistic wings and their family gets an adorable show.

Reading Time

Collect some books about mothers, grandmother’s aunts, etc., and invite the family to sit and read with their children.

Any of these can be done in combination, so have fun with your students! If you have any other interesting mother’s day activities for primary school, feel free to help us make the list more complete.

Getting Your Child to Listen and Follow Directions

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Within the classroom, it is important for students to follow directions. This is difficult for some students, though, especially those with learning and attention issues. Here are some tips to help them improve. They can be helpful both to teachers and parents who have these issues with their children.

  1. Ask for attention

If you see your child isn’t focused, this is a good tactic. Adding to the nonverbal cues that may be missed, say something like, “Look at me, please. I need you to listen.” Being this direct can cut through their lack of focus. Also, moving into the child’s field of vision could make it easier for them. Make sure you have eye contact, and you might even want to consider getting down to the child’s eye level.

  1. Don’t shout

Frustration can lead you to raise your voice and speak over your child, but volume adds another level of communication that the child needs to process, and may even add tension to the situation. You may have a lot more success if you keep your tone soft and even.

  1. Tell, don’t ask

Avoid phrasing your directions as a question. Instead of, “Would you attempt this problem, please?” try, “Attempt this problem, please.” This makes it clear that it is an instruction, not a favor.

  1. Wait time

You may have seen educational TV use this tactic. The animated or stuffed character asks a question, then waits a little for the child to respond. A three- to seven-second pause can help the child process directions or questions. This makes them more likely to respond and gives them time to ask for clarification, if needed. After wait time, you can ask the child to repeat the instructions to be sure they understand.

  1. Limit distractions

This may be difficult in a classroom setting, but it is something that comes into play as early as the planning stage of classroom design. As much as possible, keep classrooms away from noisy areas, for example. While talking to the child, have them put down whatever they are doing, so you are sure you have their full attention. Model the behavior by giving your full attention as well when giving directions.

  1. Don’t give too many instructions at once

Especially with younger children, it is a good idea to give directions one at a time. This helps to avoid the child losing focus once one activity is done. Once they are done with one activity, move on to the other.

  1. Be visual

Along with the spoken directions, use visual cues and gestures to help the child understand. Point out what needs to be done, for example; don’t just say it.

With these tips, you help your child to focus on your directions, and make them more likely to follow them.

Do you have any ideas on getting children to follow directions? Please let us know

Why Dance Class is Just as Important as Math Class

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In artistic circles, an anonymous quote has been making the rounds: “‘Earth’ without ‘art’ is just ‘eh’.” A lot of emphasis is placed on the more ‘practical’ subjects like math and biology, but the truth is arts-based subjects like dance and visual art are equally beneficial to a child’s development.

Contrary to popular opinion, artistic skill is just that: a skill. A lot of people believe that art is only for people who have the ‘talent’ for it. Just like anything else, dance is learnt, practiced, and mastered. Even if the child chooses another career, though, there are benefits to learning dance.

  1. Work ethic

For one, dance teaches discipline and work ethic. As children work to master a new skill, they learn the benefit of doing their best and not giving up.

  1. Stimulates the brain

Dance students also develop creative thinking. They learn to appreciate music and about spatial relationships. In other words, dance stimulates both sides of the brain, which means it helps children with other subjects, too.

  1. Social skills

Another key component of dance is social interaction. Dance is a communal affair, and teaches children the importance of taking turns, and cooperating to create something more than the sum of its parts, much like team sports. These social skills will help children later in life.

  1. Fitness

Of course, we can’t forget about fitness! In this sedentary age where we spend so much of our time sitting (even when we’re on the move, many of us are sitting in the seat of a vehicle), dance promotes the use of the muscles. It teaches coordination and is a good way to get children on their feet.

As we can see, dance is an invaluable part of any curriculum. All these life lessons and benefits will stay with your child as they develop, and it is part of why parents all over the world encourage their children to pick up dance classes.

Fast and Easy Math Tricks You’ll Wish You Knew Before

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For lots of kids, math is hard and boring. This makes it challenging for their parents and teachers who know how important the skill is for everyday life, and want to impart these skills to their kids.

That’s where the following five tricks come in handy. They’re not only easy, but pretty much magical and fun! They’re sure to boost your kids’ self-confidence, too.

1. Multiply any two-digit number by 11

It’s easy to multiply any number from 1 to 10 by 11. But what about the bigger numbers? Let’s find out. We’ll use 36 x 11 for this example.

i. Write out the two digits of the number, with a brackets between them: 3 [ ] 6
ii: Add the two digits in the space: 3 [3 + 6 = 9] 6
ii: You’ve got your answer! The first digit is the hundreds place (300), the addition is the tens place (90), and the second digit is the units place (6). That gives you: 396!
Bonus: If a number (75, let’s say) gives an addition bigger than 9, just add its tens place digit to the first digit: 7 [7 + 5 = 12] 5; so, you’d add 7 to 1, which gives you: 825.

2. Multiply big numbers by 9

Let’s try 578 x 9.

i. Multiply the big number by 10; (add a zero, of course): 5,780
ii. Subtract the original number: 5,780 – 578 =  5,202

Simple as that!

3. Multiply by 2

To multiply by two is as simple as adding the numbers! 53 x 2, for example.

i. 53 x 2 = 53 + 53
ii. That gives you 106!

4. Square of any number that ends in 5

We all know that 52 = 25. (Simple, right? 5 x 5.) But what about bigger numbers like 752?

i. Write out the square of 5. The last two digits of the square of any number ending in 5 will be 25
ii. Multiply the first digit of the number you’re squaring with the number that follows it: 7 is followed by 8; 7 x 8 = 56
iii. Write the multiplied number before 25, and you got your answer: 5,625!

5. Adding two-digit numbers

Adding two two-digit numbers can be tricky, but here’s an easy way to do it. Let’s try 46 + 73.

i. Separate the second number into tens and units: 73 = 70 + 3
ii. That gives you a new problem: 46 + 70 + 3
ii. Perform the addition in stages: 46 + 70 = 116; 116 + 3 = 119; and that’s the answer!

With these tricks, your kids can easily solve seemingly complicated problems. They’ll be glad you taught them! If you have any easy math tricks we did not mention here, feel free to share with us.