Category: Children Education

One of our biggest dreams as parents is to give our kids the best education. We spend a great deal of time going to find out more about schools catchment areas so they can get to the best place for their future, as well as helping them with homework and extra curriculum activities. Maintaining constant communication with teachers is also part of the process. All these efforts are geared towards helping our children learn and pass exams. But challenges are part of the journey. At some point, we receive a call from the school. The first time we are summoned by a teacher triggers so much anxiety. It reminds us of the old days when we were schooling or failed a certain subject. Though unpleasant, this is not time to fight with teachers or blame ourselves. We should turn around our thoughts and focus on the child instead. Such a practice can be the turning point in our parenting journey.

What Shows My Child is Having Trouble in Class?

Our little ones may not be forthcoming about academic performance and sometimes get bored. So, what shows they have a problem at school? These telltale signs call for immediate attention. The earlier we try to solve the issues, the better. Here are some examples:

• The Child spends too much time on small homework
• Their attitude changes
• Refusal to wake up early for school
• Teachers reporting bad behavior
• Refusing to discuss anything to do with school
• They are quieter than before
• Trouble remembering concepts learned in class
• Poor grades
• Fighting with other kids and showing aggression
• They complain about headaches or stomach ache

We Are Not Bad Parents

Sometimes we are quick to question our parenting skills when we notice our kids struggling at school. It is wrong to assume that a young one will follow in our footsteps. Even our own blood can take a unique direction. We may have been good students and loved to learn. But our kids are different human beings. The fact that we have taken them to school shows we are offering the right child support.

So, it is never about us but the children themselves when they struggle at school. The reason could be anything; perhaps they are unable to follow the classes and what they’re being taught. Or, maybe it is something more serious, like not getting along with peers or getting bullied. These things can impact mental health in a very negative way. In most cases, parents tend to remove their kids from that school if they are getting bullied. Fortunately, there are plenty of schools they can transfer their kids to, especially if the current school does not take matters like bullying seriously. They can instead enroll their kid in one of the best private schools in jacksonville fl or anywhere else, where they might feel more comfortable and be able to grow.

However, it’s important to note that changing schools is not a permanent solution. Not addressing the underlying issue and merely attempting to escape it can have serious consequences for the child’s mental and physical well-being. If they were being bullied in their previous school, it’s very likely that they carry some trauma associated with those experiences. This trauma can lead to anxiety or panic disorders, which can, in turn, affect their ability to socialize with their peers and feel comfortable at school.

Anxiety and panic disorders can be debilitating and have the potential to cause serious damage to one’s self-confidence, especially in the case of children, where the impact can be even more profound. To support them through these challenging times, it’s crucial to acknowledge that they may require the assistance of a mental health professional who is capable of providing effective anxiety and panic disorder treatment. Such professionals can help them cope with their symptoms and overcome their challenges.

That said, the reason for their struggle could be their own lack of motivation as well. And as parents, it might be difficult for us to accept that our child is at fault. However, we should put personal feelings aside and focus on what is good for the child. Before heading to meet the teacher, let us keep in mind that it is not about us. It is about our sons and daughters. The truth is kids can stress the teacher as well. The important thing is to find a way for them to work in harmony.

Teachers Are Our Friends Not Enemies

Whenever we are called for a meeting, the agenda is about working with the school rather than accusing teachers. There is no point in blaming the principal or other pupils. Being realistic about our child’s needs is the best attitude. Initially, it is easier to fume about the school failing to notice a bad behavior sooner. We should be grateful that they are even concerned. Partnering with school administrators is one key to creating success. However, if we are struggling to get along with teachers, a third party can intervene. This could be a school counselor, coach, or principal. The mediator should advocate for our kids more effectively than we would normally. They should be willing to communicate with us when they notice any changes or signs our kids need help.

The Curriculum Is Just Fine

School programs are defined by experts, and that is why many students excel in learning. A school environment is designed to meet the learning styles of our children while motivating them to be productive. So, the systems in place have never been bad. However, a few personalities find school curriculums to be boring and repetitive. Some of our children prefer reading outside of normal classes and interacting with other kids. Others daydream while the teacher is explaining a topic. To cater to their imagination, there is room for creativity so that our children can pursue their interests. Otherwise, there is no place for any kid who hates the educational process.

The key to helping our kids perform well in school is to be fully involved in their lives. Children are quick to note how supportive we are at home. Being part of our kids’ success is the greatest parental achievement we can have.

When the students finish their final exams in spring, many anticipate the long summer holiday. Most students prefer working during the summer to earn more money other than spending time reading. However, there is a slight percentage of students who may regard summer classes as the best idea. It can be in a college near home or their learning institution. According to Do My Homework Now, there are factors that students must put in place before going for summer classes. Below are among the reasons why some students

take summer classes:

• There are instances where a student must retake a course or two since they failed or attained a low grade.
• Others use the summer opportunity to finish their course early.
• Some students hope to finish the course at hand so that they can have another course later on.
• Other students go for summer classes to analyze the field/subject they want to venture into when they have the focus

Are there any benefits to taking summer classes?

• Some students experience the benefits of summer classes as outlined below:
• Creates more focus- Since summer classes are more serious, students take one or two classes at a time, which improves concentration.
• Summer classes aren’t formal and are low-key- Summer classes provide a serene and calm environment for students to focus.
• There are fewer students during summer; hence, students get the attention they hope for
• The summer period is short and allows students to attain their goals within a short period due to a high focus.
• Summer classes create the study mode for the students all the time

Are there any disadvantages of summer classes?

• Yes, there are many reasons for students to embrace the idea of summer classes. However, the same students face some challenges, as outlined below:
• The students cater for all the tuition expenses since the college financial aid doesn’t support summer classes. However, if you are a veteran or a qualified family member of one, you could still get some financial support. Get in touch with a veteran’s law firm similar to Stone Rose Law if you would like to know more about it.
• Students do not have a chance to break and stay away from books when they continue with summer classes. It can be boring at times.
• The schedules are tight because students can’t afford to miss even a single class. After all, it is short.
• Students must learn how to handle both summer classes and summer jobs. It can be tiresome.

Factors to consider before joining summer classes.

If you are a student or if you have a student in college and they have decided to focus on summer classes, then they should consider the following aspects:

They should seek approval from the current college if they take summer classes away from their college.

The students must evaluate the transfer credit policy at their college since most institutions prefer credits but not other schools’ grades.

Conclusion

To some students, summer classes are the best option, while others prefer to break away from books during summer. It all depends on the priorities and preferences of each student. However, for those who embrace the idea of summer classes, let them enjoy their moments in school. What matters is that every student to gain adequate skills and knowledge to reach their career objectives.

While the concept has been around for decades, many people have never heard the term biophilic. What does it mean? Literally, the term itself means “love of life.” It goes a little deeper than that, however. Biophilia is generally explained as the human desire to interact with nature, and biophilic design is the recognition of how human mental and physical well-being is positively influenced by our relationship with the natural world.  

In architecture, biophilic design refers to the practice of incorporating natural elements into the built environment. Centuries before the term was coined, architects had an innate understanding that we function better when our man-made structures incorporate natural elements. That’s why, throughout history, many buildings were constructed with courtyards, gardens and fountains — restorative elements that give our eyes and busy minds a bit of a respite.

Does biophilic design make us feel good, or does it actually do measurable good? The benefits go beyond simply making us feel rested. Many studies have shown positive benefits that derive from biophilic design. Natural elements lower our stress, which helps us focus on the task at hand. They restore our mental energy. They enhance creativity. And in educational settings, biophilic design has been linked to increases in academic performance.

Because students spend a significant amount of their time in school, shouldn’t their school building and classrooms be designed as calm spaces in which creativity and learning flourish? How should school districts, principals and teachers go about it? Biophilic design is not difficult to understand or put into practice, and while some suggestions are more structural and better undertaken during the school construction process, many ideas can be easily incorporated into any classroom.

The attached infographic, Biophilic Design in Education, provides a brief overview of this topic. It defines biophilic design, presents the results of studies showing the benefits in educational settings, and offers several simple ways to incorporate biophilic design into schools and classrooms.

The main takeaway is that biophilic design goes beyond merely adding plants to the classroom. It encompasses (1) the direct addition of natural elements, such as plants and natural light; (2) the use of natural materials, shapes, patterns and images of nature; and (3) the idea of creating smaller spaces as places of refuge from the larger environment, as exist in nature.

The infographic presents specific ways in which we can bring nature into classrooms. These include providing natural lighting with views of the outside; adding natural wood structures and furniture; decorating with wall hangings, rugs and panels that have pictures, colors and textures that evoke nature; and using colors that are calming and mimic the sky, sun and grass. Aren’t our children’s futures worth these relatively minor investments in time and money?

Continue reading the infographic from International Woodworking Fair more information about this fascinating topic.

Parents throughout the generations will have experience with fussy eaters and other food-related problems when it comes to their kids. Different tastes, textures and smells can be overwhelming when encountered for the first time, which is why certain foods must be introduced to children at the right time and in the right way. Becoming a healthy adult relies upon a child’s ability to enjoy a wide variety of food that is nutritious as well as tasty. These habits can be instilled from a young age. Here are a few useful tips to help you teach your children about food in a fun way.

Cook with Your Kids

One of the biggest contributors to childhood obesity is the availability of fast food. While these can be enjoyed in careful moderation, they pose a threat to children’s health if that is all they want to eat. The levels of sugar, salt and fat in fast food can lead to severe medical issues down the line, so instead of treating them to a drive-through meal at the end of the week, why not invite your kids to help come up with a fun recipe?

Walkthrough the supermarket with your kids and help them pick out ingredients for their meal then, when you get home, talk them through the process of preparing and cooking the food. This makes it much more engaging and enjoyable than simply waiting for dinner to be served and will teach them the fun techniques used in food preparation.

Try New Tastes

Make eating an exciting experience by introducing new flavours and ingredients to your kids. You can visit restaurants and encourage your children to try something new. If they don’t like it, at least they gave it a try. A good example would be to order a variety of items from Neds Noodle Bar and share different pieces with your kids, letting them experience something new. Create a light and positive atmosphere around food to make even the fussiest eaters feel more relaxed and able to experiment.

Grow Your Own

Children are inquisitive creatures and letting them loose in the garden or allotment is a great way to teach them about where their food comes from. Help them plant seeds and care for the food that grows right up until it’s time to harvest it and eat it. Kids are more likely to eat vegetables that they’ve grown and cooked themselves since they aren’t as foreign and frightening as something mysterious from the shop.

Eat Together

When children see others trying different foods, they are more likely to join in themselves. Family meals are not only important for sharing food and helping your kids eat well, but they also encourage conversation and good social skills for the future. Even if your kids are desperate to finish their dinner and return to their games, spending time around the table is incredibly valuable and your kids will thank you for the time spent together when they’re older.

Every parent knows that children develop at their own pace. Some will be early talkers, some early walkers. Some will be potty trained like a pro before they reach their second birthday, while some will take a year or two longer to conquer the milestone.

In the vast majority of cases, despite when these developmental milestones take place, all kids will be talking, walking, and using the toilet like any other person by the time they head off to ‘big school’. The pace can vary dramatically in terms of their development. Some kids might need a baby walker (click here for more info), but other kids might start running from the beginning! There are a few red flags to watch out for, particularly when it comes to social and emotional development. These red flags are usually evident from the age of two upwards. The most important ones are highlighted below.

The child doesn’t show interest in kids his own age

By age two, most toddlers will get a lot of joy out of playing with their peers. This play often involves conflict too, especially considering that kids this age have yet to grasp the concept of sharing. Conflict when playing with others is not a cause for concern and most kids will only really start sharing by the time they turn four. Parents should, instead, take note if their child shows little or no interest in playing with other children. This could be a sign of a social complication that may need addressing. However, it could also merely show that the child is shy and takes a while to warm up to new people.

The child is demanding when it comes to his routines

Most toddlers thrive on routine, and this certainly isn’t indicative of a problem. Having said that, if your child becomes rigid about routine to the point that they cannot function in the event of something changing, it could be worth a trip to see a professional just in case. Do your best to encourage more flexibility by replacing various aspects of their daily routine with pleasant activities, such as going out for ice cream or playing a few fun family games. This should provide insight into how significant the ‘problem’ really is.

The child suffers from extreme separation anxiety

Few children find it easy to separate from their parents. However, it usually gets more manageable as they grow older. If, by the time they turn four, they are still struggling with extreme separation anxiety, then it could be wise to make an appointment with a child psychologist. There may be an emotional issue or the child may simply not be happy in the environment in which he is being left when mum and dad go to work. Establishing the underlying cause of the separation anxiety is essential before trying to help a child learn to cope with it.

If you notice any of the aforementioned red flags in your child, it is not a sure-fire indication that something is amiss. However, it is always worthwhile to bring to your paediatrician’s attention. After all, early intervention is key if there are indeed any problems present.

Raising children in today’s world demands responsibly, a healthy world outlook, and a lot of learning on the go. The beautifully diverse society that we are striving to create in 2019 requires new generations of caring, inclusive thinkers who are not bound by gender norms or toxic stereotypes. To this end, some children’s authors are taking it upon themselves to lead the way. By creating books that will have a positive influence on children’s relationship with gender in their formative years, young generations will enter society with the best possible outlook. 

Books that teach kindness and acceptance are so important during a child’s early years. And books that inspire children to achieve whatever they want are fundamental in creating an inclusive and more equal world. These four books are trailblazers for the cause. Each of them discusses gender in their own unique way. Adults and children alike could learn a lot from their example.    

Inspiring women: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

Girls can achieve whatever they set their mind to. This is the message that Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo express in their wildly popular book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. From Joan of Arc to Beyoncé, these books tell the stories of women throughout history who have sparked change and achieved their goals. When interviewed, authors Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo said, “we felt Rebel Girls was so needed, so timely” and that “Rebel Girls comes from a very personal place, but it is not just joyful and celebratory — it is also a place of pain.”. After facing sexism in each of their careers and throughout their lives, it was clear to these two women that young girls needed to feel supported, motivated, and inspired — their stories endeavour to provide these things at an early age. 

In an era of climate change protests, young women such as Greta Thunberg are taking the reins and proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. It is an incredible time to grow up as a young woman, and books like this one remind girls of their unfathomable potential. 

Gender Fluidity: Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

More and more children are feeling comfortable expressing their gender fluidity, despite the difficulties society might throw at them. Transgender and non-binary children need to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Books like Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love do an incredible job in this respect. The book tells the tale of Julián and his abuela (his grandmother) through beautiful illustrations and few words. After seeing a group of mermaids on the subway, Julián decides that he wants to be a mermaid as well. He then dresses up in a make-shift mermaid costume as soon as he gets home. After his abuela seems initially disgruntled, she then returns to Julián with a gift and reassures him that she will love him no matter what. 

Jessica Love tells a beautiful story about acceptance and finding your true self. It is a heart-warming read which tells children that they can be whatever they want to be, while teaching adults to show unwavering support.   

Same-sex relationships: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

It’s a timeless tale: a love story set in New York City. But this time the spotlight is on Roy and Silo, two male penguins who live in New York Zoo. Peter Parnell tells the story of these two penguins who spend all of their time together and decide to build a nest to share. 

When all of the other penguins start finding eggs in their nests, Roy and Silo are at a loss as to where their eggs are. Then, one of the zookeepers has the idea to give them another couple’s unwanted egg. The romantic pair nurture the egg and start a family together, proving that love can combat all boundaries no matter who you are. 

Based on a true story, And Tango Makes Three warms hearts and teaches children valuable lessons about love and acceptance. 

Toxic Masculinity: The Storybook Knight by Helen Docherty

Books for boys don’t have to be full of dramatic feats and displays of chivalry. They can celebrate gentle heroes too. The Storybook Knight tells the tale of Leo the mouse, “a gentle knight in thought and word and deed.”. Leo prefers reading to fighting, choosing to face his opponents armed with a book rather than a weapon. He encounters a pugilistic griffin, a ravenous bridge troll, and finally the fiery red dragon and teaches them about reading and kindness one by one. 

This delightful story offers a gentle alternative to the toxic masculinity narrative. It teaches children about kindness and tolerance, while challenging outdated gender stereotypes. 

The world of publishing and book printing is clearly waking up to the demand for a more diverse range of children’s books. Thanks to innovative authors like these ones, we are seeing an influx of inclusive books which offer a new narrative to young children. Breaking down gender binaries at a young age is crucial for children to flourish and feel accepted in an ever-changing world. 

Sources