How to switch schools in the middle of the year without affecting your child

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Figures from the U.S.Census Bureau state that nearly 36 million people move every year in the U.S. .As a result of this many children obviously have to transfer schools. Most families try to arrange moving during the summer break but sometimes it is not possible to wait and a family with children must move in the middle of the school year. Other reasons for changing schools in the year maybe related to social or economic conditions .

If you have to move your children school during the school year there are some things that can be done to minimize the impact for the children.

Things to consider before the move

  • If possible to arrange then switch schools at the start of a new quarter or semester.Find out when the grading period ends at your child’s current school and try set that as a target date to move .
  • It is important to be familiar with the new school . Try and arrange to visit the school meeting the principal and also the teachers before actually starting at the school .If this cannot happen most schools have a detailed website .Look through this with your child highlighting positive aspect.Include your child in the decision making of which school to attend .
  • Get all the paperwork organized ahead of time .Talk to the new school and see which documents they require.If it is the middle of the semester check with the teachers to see what material has already been covered.Request or make a portfolio of your child work at the old school to take to the new school .
  • Help your child make a scrapbook of memories of the old school include contact numbers so that they can still have a connection

Your child’s new School Community

  • As previously mentioned meet with the principal of the new school .Start building school relationships.
  • Request that the school provide a buddy for a few days that will help your child settle in and assist with finding classes etc .
  • If you have a few days in your new community before school starts then reach out to neighbors to try and arrange a meet up before attending the first day .
  • If your child has special needs , make sure that the school is aware of this . If need be make contact with local help groups who can assist with advice in settling your child into the new school.
  • If possible get a copy of the weekly timetable so that both you and the child are prepared as their first school week goes on .
  • Find out if there are extra curricular school or community activities that your child can enroll in to help make new friends.
  • Allow your child time to adjust .Meet regularly with teachers and discuss school days and fears with your child. Keep the lines of communication open.

Finally take a look at the points below which list the positive benefits to moving within a school year .

  • Everybody know you are the new kid . Classmates often make a special effort to welcome you . (i.e. in younger grades each child draws a welcome card .
  • Teachers make allowances for new kids and tend to help and watch out for them.

As normally the moves involve starting school straight away there are no long periods of anxiety during summer waiting for the school to re open.

How to reduce exam fear in kids

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For many children the word exam or test is a very stressful word. Many children suffer from exam fear .As soon as exam dates get closer their anxiety increases. There are various steps that a parent can take to try and reduce exam fear.

Defining Exam Fear

This is best described as an anxiety that a child experiences ,leading up to and during exam time .It can result in poor performances in exams.These children can even experience sickness which seems real to them and as a result they have to miss an exam .Almost 40 % of children experience this at different levels.Mostly children find it very difficult to vocalize their anxiety.

Causes of Exam Fear

  • Pressure by Parents and Teachers to get good grades.They may be worried of punishment that they may get if they do poorly.Also of letting their parents down .
  • The child themselves has too high expectations .
  • A child may suffer from low self esteem and confidence in their abilities.
  • Fear can arise when a child has failed in the past and they are worried that the same will happen again in the coming exams.
  • A child can be fearful of the exams if they know that they have not prepared adequately.

Symptoms that children may show when they fear exams

If you as a parent have a good relationship with your child they will hopefully discuss there exam fears with you.However there are a few symptoms that parents  should watch out for :

  • The child seems to suffer from a complete blank out of memory when sitting the exam
  • Signs are shown as the exam approaches of increasing anxiety and nervousness.
  • The child has a problem with falling asleep .
  • Increasing nervousness about situations even if they are unrelated to an exam.
  • The child will experience frequent urination.
  • A very common sign of anxiety is a stomach ache .
  • These along with headaches ,nausea and even shivering can mean the child is extremely worried about exams.

Things to consider to help reduce exam fears

Good parenting -reduce the pressure

As a parent it is important to think carefully if the pressure you may be placing on your child is contributing to their exam anxiety.Support the child tell them that it is alright if they don’t do as well as expected.Don’t compare their current results with others.Once a child finds out that their parents will be supportive they often relax.

Help your child Prepare

If you do not know then find out what the test format is .Is it in the form of multiple choice ?Is it a few short questions followed by essays?If your child is familiar with the format it will help them feel  better prepared.

Reorganize study material

Talk to your child and try and establish which big events and issues they have discussed in class.Think about themes that may unite these. This is often a more attractive way of studying for a child .It will help them to get a richer understanding and interest in the topic.

Think about questions that may arise

Talk through with your child and try and predict some of the questions . Practice writing these .Even if they do not come up in the exam it will help your child practice the overall revision.Look at questions from old assignments.

Set aside a study Area

Make sure that your child has a calm quiet area to study in .In this sort of environment a child will study well helping to reduce those exam pressures.

Make sure there is  Relaxing Time

Make sure that your child also sets aside time to relax .It is important that time to listen to music ,play sport or chat to friends is built into their day .This will as well help to reduce pressure and in fact helps concentration when study sessions are broken up into manageable time periods.

Exam time is a stressful time for students and their families.A parent should encourage and support their child. Make sure that the above suggestions are taken into account . Love your child be patient and supportive during this time.

How to engage children and make a boring lesson exciting

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It is very important that children while at school are able to study in a creative and stimulating environment. If a student is not interested in a topic and nothing is done to try and make the topic interesting, then little or no learning will take place.

One of the major factors in providing a stimulating environment and engaging with children of all ages is the attitude of the teacher. If children are interested in the lesson then the teacher will in  turn be stimulated. Below are some suggestions that may assist with keeping students attentive and excited about a lesson.

Surprise and Mystery

Learning can be fun. It will be more so if it is fun and and full of surprises. A teacher who just imparts knowledge without any extra information on the subject will not help their students to remember and understand what they are being taught. Start the lesson with an interesting and unusual detail about the subject to be taught. Get the students attention. Highlight any weird or strange facts.

Be involved in class projects

When a a teacher sets a project to work on in class, a good idea is to bring some materials that you as the teacher can also work with. With smaller children in elementary school, the teacher often has to walk around helping children. Make it fun for the students with praise and positive comments. With middle and high school students, teachers can work on a project themselves and show that they too are invested in learning the topic.

Start with a warm up

This tactic works for all grades. If you begin the class with a fun warm up whether it is physical (particularly with lower grades ) or a mental challenge it will get the students in the correct mindset and shape for the lesson.

 Allow Students a Choice

At the beginning of the lesson and also at then end, allow students the choice of how they would like to have the lecture structured. For example

  • Presenting the subject in a talk to other students
  • Making a newspaper article about the subject
  • Acting out a small play.

This works because students becomes an active part in planning the lesson. It also supports and encourages children to present a topic that may take into account their strengths and interests.

Link to current events or examples

If you can, try to link the lesson / subject to a current event in the student’s lives. At elementary school this could be as simple as tying it into a favorite break-time game. Even a Maths example can be made relevant and interesting if a teacher links children’s names and the activity together. At Middle and High School, current world events can be used as an example. Introduce bizarre facts and stories which will help the student remember this lesson and keep it fun for them.

Include any WOW factor  

Make the lessons fun and interesting by using Apps that you can find on the internet.

  • Show a specific part of the country on Google Earth .
  • Bring unusual pictures to school from a personal collection that help illustrate your lesson.
  • Play music that may be relevant to the topic
  • Play short video clips from YouTube or any video sharing platform.

Remember if it’s not fun for the teacher its not fun for the students ! If you have any brilliant ideas on how to engage children and make a boring lesson much fun and exciting, feel free to contact us.

How to discipline a teenager getting bad grades

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When your teen brings home a bad report card, the first reaction by parents is usually disappointment and sometimes anger. It is important that you as a parent handle this very carefully. As a parent you need to understand your teenager and find a way to help and motivate them to improve their grades. Below are a few ways of disciplining your kids who bring home bad grades.

Talk to your teen

It is necessary that you set aside a quiet and comfortable time to talk to your child. Before disciplining them, try to understand why their grades are so poor. A teenager normally will be able to tell you why they are struggling with a subject. Listen to them. Try not too preempt  answers and give your teen time to articulate an answer rather than a shrug on their shoulders.

Questions that can be asked are :

Do they like their teacher ? Can they understand their teacher? Are they having problems understanding the subject matter ? Do they feel they lack the motivation? and so on

Set realistic goals

Set goals that both you and your teen feel are achievable. A  ‘D’ grade cannot be changed to an A grade in one term. Some children may be trying their best but still get low grades. If need be, get help for your teen .

Avoid restricting things your teen enjoys

Avoid taking away things that your teen enjoys as punishment. This relates in particular to hobbies. If you remove this from their lives it may actually demotivate your child. Rather work on seeing how limiting an activity may result in allowing your child more time to complete homework .

If you feel that your teen is spending too much time on social activities and texting with friends then try to restrict these for a period of time during the day before returning them. Try working towards a compromise with your teen.

Limit Social outings

Don’t allow your teen to go to any social events or parties until they have improved their grades. Missing out on dances and parties can be a strong motivator for a teen to put extra work into their studies.

Structure life at home

 Your teen should understand that they must finish homework before the television is switched on or before they can socialize with friends. If these home rules are applied fairly and consistently then a teen will be motivated to complete their work. Follow through with any disciplinary rules at home despite any pleading and moaning.

Natural Consequences

Allow your teen to suffer consequences of their bad grades. For some teens this will work and others it will not. Parents don’t want their child to fail. Sometimes though it is better to back off and let the teen fail. If your child ends up being forced to attend summer school it is likely that they will work harder to avoid having to attend again next year. Your teen should understand whilst you will help them in any way you can, if they continue to choose not too work they may even have to repeat a grade.

It is important therefore to be open and encourage your teen to bring their grades up. Get your teen extra help if required and be prepared to use  a variety of consistent disciplinary techniques.

How should parents react to a bad report card

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As parents, we all want our children to perform well in every subject and bring home an impressive report card. Unfortunately the reality is that during your child’s K-12 years there are high chances that they will obtain a few disappointing grades.

How parents handle bad grades is very important as this can effect your child’s future approach to studying. A bad report card can lead to an emotional situation for both the child and the parents.

Here are some tips on how to react if your child brings home a bad report card:

Don’t rush -take your time to absorb

Chances are your child will already be aware that the report contains some red flags . Once you have absorbed the news take time to think about it all. It is important not to react instantly while emotions may be running high.If you are worried, tell your child that you need to look carefully at it and then you will discuss with them. Be calm and they will be too .

Praise the good aspects

It is important that any discussion begins with praise. Acknowledge the comments about their good behavior and the fact that they received a good grade in Music and Art. Even if its just a good attendance record praise it. It is important that your child understands that you are looking at everything not just the negatives.

Check the grading system

Make sure that you understand the grading system that your child’s school uses. Read the key. Sometimes a letter grade is tied to a numerical point system. What might look like a bad grade may not be as bad as first thought. Do not rush to conclusions at first glance.

Talk to your child, don’t lose your temper

It is alright to let your child know that you are disappointed and that you perhaps feel they could have done better. It’s important that you can discuss this calmly with your child and seek their opinion. You do not want to leave your child humiliated or ashamed.

Listen to your child’s point of view

There may be excuses brought up which you feel are invalid, but listen to them. Its possible that your child may have some insights into why they did badly in a particular subject. Maybe they can’t see the board or maybe they are just too tired from having a hectic day after the school schedule. Ask your child what they think is the cause. There are many reasons that could account for a child struggling with poor grades. Also check out how diet affects a child’s performance. We also have an article which suggests that poor sleeping patterns greatly affect a child’s performance at school.

Meet and Talk to the Teacher

It is important to meet regularly with your child’s teacher. This way you can be aware of their teaching styles and be aware earlier if your child needs some extra help with a subject.

Game plan

Discuss a realistic game plan with your child to try and improve their grades. Don’t punish for poor grades, it is better to try and identify problem areas and work with your child. Be realistic; a  child who is obtaining D and C grades is unlikely to be able to get an A for the next report card. Improvement will likely be gradual but praise that improvement. The trend is what matters in this situation, not the score.

Your child will be counting on you to help them out. Follow the above points and if need be, do not be put off to ask for help from the school. Remember children actually do not want to fail so help them get back on track.

Please share your thoughts with us on other better ways of reacting to children who bring home a bad report card.

Home Schooling Advantages and Disadvantages

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Homeschooling in America is a growing trend. At last count there were over one and a half million children being homeschooled with the predicted annual growth for this year to be 3%.

If you are considering arranging for your kids to be home schooled take a look at the advantages and disadvantages listed below :

Advantages

Freedom of study

Most states are relaxed about students study routine. The basics obviously must be covered but if they are covered is up to the teacher. This means that parents who know their child can decide on  the best way to cover a subject. There are a few states that still have restrictive legislation, in particular North Dakota.

Freedom of time and action

Once parents settle into the routine of home schooling they and their children enjoy a new sense of freedom as they are not restricted by school hours , school calendars and homework. They are able to plan family vacations out of season.

Freedom to develop emotionally

Home schooled children are often more self confident and self reliant than other children their age. They do not have to deal with bullying or peer pressure.

Freedom of Religion

Often families make the choice to home school children as they feel that their religion or spiritual beliefs are an important part of their family. If the children are home schooled then their beliefs can be a part of their education and daily lives.

Improved Family Interactions

Families that home school their children seem to have loving ties and close relationships. Teens in particular benefit and if they have been behavioral problems it usually shows improvement.

Stable Family Lives

There is much less disruption to children whose families move around a lot. In addition when there is a change in family circumstances the stability of home schooling settles everyone.

Routines that allow for rest and no homework

Children that live away from school often have to be up early to commute and then still come home to lots of homework often only falling into bed at midnight. As home schooled children can cover larger amounts of work in shorter times than regular classes there is no need for homework .

Disadvantages

Learning out of a school environment does consume a lot of parent’s time. Most people think that they can teach their children whilst cooking meals around the family kitchen table. The reality is that, that rarely works. A lot of time is taken by parents in planning lessons and outings. It can be draining .

Financial difficulties

Often one parent stays at home and is unemployed employed in order to give their children the home school advantage.This can be a big sacrifice and it can be come difficult to balance the budget.

24 /7 Interaction

There is no doubt that if you choose to home school you will be with your children most of your time .

Limited team sports and challenges 

In some areas home schooled children are welcomed to join in at local schools with team sports .However this is not always the case and children can miss out on this important part of social interaction.

Most of the pros and cons of home schooling are listed above . It is not for all families but can be a very rewarding experience. Drop us your comments on other advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling kids which are not mentioned here.

Fun ways to teach math word problems

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Math word problems are loved by a few and hated by many. A fun way of teaching math word problems is to keep it informal. Remember word problems could be applied to several real life scenarios which all seem normal until you start making them look complex with math formulas. By relating word problems more to real life experiences (where they are drawn from) than from abstract formulas (that they later become) increases the level of interest.

Fun ways to teach math word problems:

  • Primarily, an analysis needs to be done before solving a math word problem based on the age of the student.
  • Break down word problems into visual representations which kids can easily relate to. Breakdown different segments of word problems into constitutive building blocs which could be understood individually.
  • How you interpret and inculcate the skills is more important than reading out the question and making them solve it. The question might be simple to understand, but to leave a lasting impression on the student, we have to generate interest that lasts longer in their minds. Try to include the answer to the question and get the answer from the students.
  • Encourage team work and a problem solving approach. This encourages bonding between students and they tend to think collectively by sharing their views.
  • Avoid math word problems that seem monotonous. Include variety in the stories behind each problem; also give students problems that push them further into other innovative ways around solving them.
  • Break down math word problem based on the math operations involved. Make students to provide answers for each segment of the math operation. This makes students to have a sense of how mixed operations function in real life. This approach also triggers critical thinking in students. But in the same token let the students do the work.
  • In order to make your students answer math word problems keep the calculations simple for a start. Do not start with complex math operations and big numbers. Students are still learners and we need to allocate the time and problems according to their level.
  • Do not keep math word problems only in the math class; include math word problems in other subjects as well when the opportunity presents. For example in a social studies class, in a science class or in a language class. This might seem intrusive for students at the start but over time they will soon start enjoying this method of learning. It will also enable teachers to shoot two birds with one stone.
  • Make each problem easy to read and understand. Problems that are not clear right from the start set the stage for failure.
  • Make your questions more interesting and funny to the students. Remember making kids laugh occasionally reduces the stress levels in class. And making kids laugh is quite easy, you mustn’t be a comedian to do so.
  • Students should be taught to identify patterns in word problems. The same question interpreted in a slightly different manner leads to a different result altogether.

Finally, the last trick it to encourage students even when they fail and orientate them in other ways to find the right answers. Let us know your thoughts and share with us other fun ways of teaching math word problems to children.

Food kids should eat before an examination

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In today’s world we are very aware how food and drink can affect our health. In particular if your child is expecting to write a long exam then it is a bit like a mental marathon and endurance is important. Nutritionists point out that healthy eating habits especially at this stressful time will help us cope and perform well.

Nutritionists also tell us that the brain uses 20 % of all the glucose, 35% of all the vitamins and minerals we absorb, 40% of all water and 50 % of fat’s in our bodies. Its no wonder that we need to make sure that students eat health foods during exam time.

The ideal food for our brains are ones that have high amounts of fats, nutrients, water mixed with a little carbs. Unfortunately no one food can give us all those things.

Have a look at the foods below which are necessary to eat when preparing for an exam.

Nuts

Nuts are packed with nutrients, fats and tiny bits of carbs. They are considered natures little energy packages. An exception is peanut which actually is not a nut. Other nuts are healthier than peanut.They are perfect for snacks in between exams. N.B ! Below a certain age though, kids are not allowed to eat or take nuts to school for fear of allergic reactions.

Apples

Apples have been shown to reduce anxiety. They contain high levels of Acetycholine which increases sensory perception. Studies show that students who eat an apple at lunch obtained at least a 7 point increase in test scores in afternoon exams. Also remember the saying that ‘an apple a day, the doctors away‘.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains millions of good probiotics that replace bad bacteria in the gut.When the good bacteria in your gut are working well you feel good and have energy.Whilst yogurt alone won’t give your brain the boost it needs, it is the perfect medium for mixing with other super foods.

Blueberries

Blueberries are perfect for brain energy. There are a large amount of antioxidants in blueberries. These help to improve memory, decision making and numerical ability.

Chocolate

Yes it can be good to eat Chocolate! In particular Dark Chocolate . The flavonol in dark chocolate increase blood flow to the brain and can help improve memory. It also contains caffeine which is a stimulant. It is better to eat a small amount of dark chocolate than drink a bucket of coffee.

Protein

Light meals can be supplemented with Salmon or lean chicken. Salmon in particular contains omega 3 which is of great benefit in a healthy diet.

Tips for meals on exam day.

  • Even if your child normally skips breakfast try to make sure that they do eat something on exam day. A brain needs energy from food so that it can function correctly. Healthy food choices on exam day include eggs ,nuts ,yogurt ,fruit and cottage cheese.
  • Make sure that your child drinks enough water before and during the exam. Dehydration can make a student lose concentration.
  • Your child should eat light meals. Food should be enough to satisfy but not make them feel overfull which can then lead to drowsiness. A good idea is a light lunch such as salad with chicken or salmon .
  • Provide your child with energy snacks. Fresh fruit like an apple and some nuts would be ideal .Other options include trail mix or sugar free granola bars.

Finally make sure that your child gets enough sleep. To be able to be at their best on exam day they will need the energy that is gained from a healthy diet but also adequate sleep. What are your thoughts on healthy foods for kids’ school lunches. Also research into foods kids should not east before an examination. It is said that some foods cause kids to feel drowsy and sleepy. Any ideas? Drop us a comment.

N.B. Also consult with a dietitian on your child’s unique situation as what are listed here are generalizations.

Five Warm Up Activities before a class (K12)

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When students first enter your classroom it is important to initiate a few warm up activities.

Importance of Warm up

Set the tone for the lesson . :- An activity that is too difficult will often make students zone out. A fun activity often raises energy levels and encourages students to participate.

Warm ups should be related to the lesson ahead .It makes students think and may also help them to use their minds to relate pre exsisting knowledge to the upcoming subject

Warm Ups allow teachers to assess character and abilities of a class. Students have good and bad days too like all of us. Warming up will help a teacher determine which student groups to form for collective activities.

Warm up activities for Elementary school classes in particular are an excellent way to settle students down after break or first thing in the morning.It gets the students ready to focus on the lesson .

Here are some ideas for Warm Up Exercises:

Object challenge : All grades

Present the students with an object that they cannot easily identify. ( Old plumbing fixtures ,unusual foodstuffs etc ). Ask the students to describe in detail what they are seeing. They must also hypothesize the possible use for the object. Let the students entertain their classmates and you with their answers . When they have finished tell them the true purpose of the object .

Photo Challenge – From Grades 4 upwards

Show students an interesting picture. It can be related to the topic  that you may be about to discuss. Any special photo of a world famous event or other topics that might be of interest. Get the students to comment and complete their descriptions. Students could then share their thoughts and feelings with others. Photos should be age relevant.

Three words – Grades 7 and above

Students should be asked to pick three words that they associate with a topic . It can be a topic that they are about to have a lesson in. Students should be able to explain why they chose these words.This warm up will help teachers to establish the mind set of their students as well as their possible depth of knowledge on that subject

Simon Says – Elementary School Grades 1- 6

This is perfect for elementary school. It has the added benefits of increasing basic coordination skills. Ask students to copy your actions but only if “Simon Says” Students who perform the action when Simon didn’t say should be made to sit down for two turns .

If you had a magic wand – Grades 7 upwards

This activity is great for middle school and high school . Pass a wand around and then where it stops that person should be asked a question if your magic wand can change anything what would you change ? It can also be topic specific to the subject that will be taught. It can break the ice and allow students to open their minds.

Use these warm up strategies in the classroom. If you start a lesson with a good “hook activity” students will be alert and positive to start their lesson. Give us your thoughts on other warm up activities we failed to mention in this article.

Best teaching methods for kindergarten

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Kindergarten is the second place after home where children spend a maximum amount of time. It is also the place where children are not accompanied by their parents or guardians. Hence, kindergarten should be like a second home for kindergartners to learn and grow in life. There are many excellent teaching methods for kindergarten children which can make them feel at home.

Below are the best teaching methods for kindergarten children:

  • Sometimes kids feel more comfortable if  instructors are cooperative and friendly. Hence, a kindergarten instructor should understand that children need a lot of pampering. This should not result to over pampering though; moderation while pampering is required to maintain a balance in the class dynamics.
  • They should inculcate fun activities with learning like reciting rhymes with dancing. This will make children to remain active and also enjoy learning.
  • They should have some time for theater. During theater time they should listen to and partake in the pictorial representation of moral stories. This method of learning stories will have a lasting impact on children and also inculcate moral values.
  • They should be taken out to the playground for outdoor activities. Playing in the sand and other outdoor activities will make them feel lighter and happier. With this approach children won’t get bored and will enjoy school.
  • Since a majority of parents reside in cities, city life has restricted or limited interaction with domestic animals. Kindergarten instructors can arrange visits to a farm and create awareness about their importance in our lives.
  • A wildlife tour can also be arranged. Like a tour to a nearby zoo.
  • Educators can engage kids in protecting and conserving animals and the environment around us. Environmental protection awareness can be triggered through a ‘one child one tree’ planting exercise. At the end of the year, children can come back to see how far their plants have grown.
  • Make them aware that each and every one in the class is important and ensure that group work is practiced.
  • Kindergartners can engage in sporting activities to make them strong and active. They can inculcate yoga and other light physical exercises that suit the child’s age.
  • Make learning fun and simple through illustrations; children get involved easily when their real-world surroundings are represented as illustrations. Hence, emphasize more on real-life examples for children to learn easily. Get them crayons to draw and color different objects in around them.
  • Keep the classroom decorated with pictures that are engaging for students. This in turn will make students love their classroom.
  • As you interact with  children, give them descriptive words and make them differentiate the words. This in turn will enhance their vocabulary. There are many instances where children start speaking fluently with better vocabulary after joining kindergarten.
  • And most importantly, be attentive to children’s needs. They might not be able to express it properly; hence  instructors should have a good entente with their children.

The list is not exhausted and we imagine that there are other good methods for teaching kindergarten kids not mentioned here. Feel free to contact us with other great ideas.