Incredible Adventures That Will Boost Your Child’s Education

August 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

adventure for kids

Do you want to give your child the best education possible? If so, you should consider sending them on an adventure learning trip. These types of trips offer many benefits that can’t be found in a classroom. From learning about new cultures to developing problem-solving skills, there are plenty of reasons to send your child on an adventure learning trip. This blog post will explore the top nine benefits of embarking on a school trip.

The Many Skills That Can Be Taught Outside the Classroom

Many skills can be learned on an adventure learning trip. For example, students can learn about different cultures, how to navigate in unfamiliar surroundings, and how to problem-solve in challenging situations. There are plenty of reasons to send your child on an adventure learning trip. In this blog post, we will explore the top nine benefits of embarking on a school trip:

  • Adventure learning trips offer students the opportunity to learn about different cultures.
  • Students who go on adventure learning trips have the chance to meet new people worldwide.
  • Adventure learning trips allow students to participate in activities they may be otherwise unable to experience.
  • Students on adventure learning trips often develop greater independence and self-reliance.
  • Adventure learning trips can help students develop problem-solving skills.
  • Students on adventure learning trips often return home with stories and experiences they can share with friends and family. For example, they can learn so much about exotic and indigenous animals. They can answer random questions like, what do wallabies eat? And so much more.
  • Adventure learning trips provide students with the opportunity to bond with their classmates.
  • Adventure learning trips can help students better understand the world around them.
  • Adventure learning trips are an excellent way for children to learn outside the traditional classroom setting. 

So if you’re looking for an educational experience to boost your child’s education, consider sending them on an adventure learning trip.

Adventure Learning: Definition

Have you ever gone on an adventure? An adventure is defined as an unusual or exciting experience. It can be as simple as exploring a new city or hiking in the woods.

Adventure learning is experiential learning that takes place outside of the classroom. Adventure learning activities include anything from camping and canoeing to rock climbing and white-water rafting.

How to Encourage a Love of Learning in Your Child

One of the best ways to encourage a love of learning in your child is to model it yourself. Let them see you reading, writing, and exploring new things. You should also provide them opportunities to try new things and learn about the world around them. Finally, be sure to praise their efforts and celebrate their successes. This will help them to see that learning can be both fun and rewarding.

Embarking on an adventure is one of the best ways to boost your child’s education. These experiences can offer a wealth of benefits, from fostering a love of learning to teach valuable skills that will help them in their future endeavors.

Filed Under: education Tagged With: , ,

Homeschooling At It’s Best

August 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

There are many different types of schooling available to children these days. Traditional public schools are the most common type of school, but there are also charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, and online schools.

kids back to school

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh all the factors before making a decision about which type of school is right for your child.

Public School

One type of schooling is a public school. Traditional public schools are government-funded and open to all students who live in the district. They offer a wide range of courses and extracurricular activities and typically have lower tuition rates than other types of schools. 

Public schools are free, and they offer a wide range of educational opportunities. However, public schools can also be quite large, which can make them overwhelming for some children. In addition, public schools typically have a more diverse student body, which can be both a good and a bad thing. 

On the one hand, it’s great for children to be exposed to different cultures and backgrounds. On the other hand, it can also mean that there is more competition for resources, such as attention from teachers.

Private School

Another type of schooling is a private school. Private schools are independent of government funding and typically have higher tuition rates than public schools. They may offer a more rigorous academic program and often have smaller class sizes. 

However, private schools can be exclusive and elitist, and they may not offer the same range of extracurricular activities as public schools. Private schools typically have smaller class sizes, which can be beneficial for children who learn better in a more intimate setting. 

Private schools also often have more resources than public schools, which can mean that the quality of education is higher. However, private schools can be very expensive, and they may not offer the same range of educational opportunities as public schools.

Charter School

Charter schools are public schools that are given more freedom to operate than traditional public schools. They often have innovative programs and curricula, and they’re usually smaller and more intimate than public schools. However, charter schools can be difficult to get into, and they may not have the same resources as traditional public schools.

Online School

Online schools are a type of school that delivers all or most of its curriculum online. Online schools can be a good option for students who learn best independently, but they may not offer the same level of social interaction as traditional schools.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is another option that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Homeschooling offers a number of benefits, such as the ability to tailor the curriculum to your child’s individual needs and interests. In addition, homeschooled children often have more flexible schedules, which can be helpful for families with busy lifestyles. 

There are many reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children. Some do it for religious reasons, others because they feel their child would be better educated at home. Still, others believe that homeschooling offers a more customized education that can cater to a child’s individual needs.

Homeschooling can be a great option for families, but it’s not without its challenges. 

Here Are Some Things To Keep In Mind If You’re Considering Homeschooling Your Child.

1. You’ll Need to Be Organized

Homeschooling requires a lot of planning and organization on the part of the parent. You’ll need to create lesson plans, keep track of your child’s progress, and ensure you meet all state requirements for homeschooling.

If you’re not naturally organized, homeschooling may not be the right choice for you. However, plenty of resources are available to help you and your kids get started, including how-to books, peer pressure worksheet books, websites, and support groups.

2. You’ll Need to Be Patient

Teaching can be a challenging and frustrating endeavor, even for experienced teachers. When homeschooling your child, it’s important to have realistic expectations and be patient.

Remember that learning takes time, and your child may not understand a concept immediately. So it’s okay to take breaks and even to have days where you don’t get anything accomplished. The important thing is that you’re both enjoying the process.

3. You’ll Need Support

Homeschooling can be isolating, especially if you don’t have any other homeschoolers in your area. Therefore, it’s important to seek support from other homeschooling families, whether through an online forum or a local support group.

You might also want to consider joining a co-op, which is a group of homeschooling families who pool their resources and teach classes together. Co-ops can offer social and academic benefits for both kids and parents.

4. You’ll Need to Be Flexible

No two children are alike, and no two homeschooling experiences will be alike either. What works for one family might not work for another. So be prepared to be flexible in your approach and willing to change things up if something isn’t working.

There’s no right or wrong way to homeschool, so trust your instincts and do what feels best for you and your child.

5. You’ll Need to Be Prepared for challenges

Homeschooling is not always easy, and there will be challenges along the way. You might face criticism from family and friends or feel like you’re not doing a good job. However, don’t be discouraged – these challenges are normal, and you can overcome them with perseverance and support.

There is a growing body of evidence that homeschooling can have positive effects on mental health. In fact, it is believed that homeschooled kids are more likely to have higher self-esteem and be less anxious than their peers who attend traditional schools.

Here Are Some Of The Ways That Homeschooling Can Benefit Mental Health:

1. Homeschooling fosters independence and self-motivation.

One of the best things about homeschooling is that it fosters independence and self-motivation. Because homeschooled kids are not bound by the rigid schedules and expectations of traditional schools, they learn to take charge of their own education and motivate themselves to learn. This can be a great boon for mental health, as it teaches kids how to set and achieve goals, a key skill in life.

2. Homeschooling allows for customized learning.

Another benefit of homeschooling is that it allows for customized learning. Because each child is homeschooled individually, the curriculum can be tailored to fit their unique needs and interests. This can make learning more enjoyable and effective, both of which are good for mental health.

3. Homeschooling gives kids more time with family.

Homeschooling also gives kids more time with family. Because they are not in school all day, homeschooled kids have more time to spend with their parents and siblings. This can improve family relationships and provide a support system that is crucial for good mental health.

4. Homeschooling provides a more relaxed learning environment.

Finally, homeschooling provides a more relaxed learning environment. Because there are no classmates or teachers to worry about impressing, homeschooled kids can learn at their own pace and in their own way. This can reduce stress and anxiety, both of which are detrimental to mental health.

In Conclusion

With these things in mind, homeschooling can be a great option for families who are looking for an alternative to traditional schooling. Of course, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re prepared for the challenges that come with homeschooling before you get started. But if you’re up for the challenge, homeschooling can be a very rewarding experience.

Filed Under: education Tagged With: , ,

Every Library Reports Link Between Low Literacy and Negative Health Outcomes

March 9, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Low health literacy levels account for hundreds of billions of dollars spent each year on health care that would otherwise be unnecessary, with recent estimates settling around $236 billion. Unfortunately, low health literacy is common, difficult to spot, and negatively impacts health outcomes.
Libraries can be a front-line in the fight against low health literacy. In order to fund and utilize libraries and librarians in realizing health literacy goals, new policies must be created. That is why EveryLibrary Institute has commissioned a report on the effects of Low Health Literacy. The EveryLibrary Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Institute gifts fund our research, data, training, and public education efforts.
Authors Ellen Thieme and Christina Pryor review current issues with understanding and delivering health literacy services and make recommendations for changes to systems for better outcomes.
Why is the report important?
Studies show that a patient’s level of health literacy impacts their ability to:
Carry out their treatment plan
Fill out forms
Find providers and services
Share relevant health history
Understand risk and probability
As a result, those with low or no health literacy are more likely to:
Require emergency care or be hospitalized
Return to the emergency department after 2 weeks
Struggle to manage a chronic illness or disability
Miss needed tests and screenings
Underuse preventive health care
“Nearly 40% of the population suffers from low health literacy rates,” said John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary Institute. “Our report shows that this problem frequently goes unnoticed. Now more than ever, our communities need their libraries to provide literacy services that will provide valuable assistance in access to healthcare.”
Libraries are particularly situated in communities and schools to help identify and support people at risk. Thieme and Pryor observe that “dedicated funding to libraries for literacy programs aiming to increase print, information, and health literacies is vital. Within these programs, curricula could be subject-focused – as opposed to the more general education sometimes seen in adult language and literacy initiatives – to most readily target the appropriate literacy in adult learners while respecting the demands of the bandwidth of adult learners.”
How can you access the report?
Policy makers, voters, and interested individuals can access EveryLibrary’s report through their website: https://www.everylibraryinstitute.org/literacy_health_outcomes_report_2022
“This report has taken on a new relevance to our society, because of the ongoing COVID crisis,” said Chrastka. “Access to healthcare means the difference between life and death.”
The EveryLibrary Institute is a national 501c3 non-profit with a mission to support libraries and librarians in the United States and abroad. We partner with allied organizations including foundations, philanthropic organizations, associations, non-profits, and academic institutions to enhance the perception of libraries and librarianship through direct engagement with the public.
Filed Under: education Tagged With: , ,

STUDY: Women Sleep Better Next to Their Dog Than Their Partner

February 13, 2022 by 1 Comment

Women and dogs are a match made in heaven and this was even supported by Honest Paws newly released study about dog and human relationships, where it listed down 95 benefits of having a dog.  Having both dogs and a husband, I can concur- the dogs are WAY easier to sleep with, LOL.

women sleep study

Dog provides women:

  • A dog’s gaze (think of those puppy eyes!) induces a release of oxytocin, “the love hormone,” which is linked to a strengthened emotional bond between mothers and babies
  • Women are more intuitive to dogs’ emotions than men because they have a higher emotional sensitivity
  • Dogs who interact with women are 220% more likely to be treated like people versus dogs who don’t interact with women
  • Single women place more value on how a potential partner interacts with their dog than single men do
  • Women are more likely to view dogs as members of their family
  • Young women who own dogs take fewer days off sick from work
  • Women sleep better next to dogs than they do other people

Most of the time, my dogs are super easy to sleep with. The bigger dogs can be a little harder to move, but not always. None of them hog the bed or the blankets anywhere near the amount that my husband does, haha.

Sleep in whatever way works for you- which for me, most of the time, is with at least one dog, and my bed-hog husband. Goodnight!

Filed Under: animals, education, health, lifestyle items Tagged With: , ,

Should Your Child Be Taking STEM Classes?

November 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Researchers and educators have agreed that literacy experience needs to get noticed early in children’s language development. For over 30 years, educators have tried to foster the children’s literacy skills through the strong movement that got established. It has resulted in the availability of information targeted to parents who mentor them by giving their children the best. They help play word games, repeat nursery rhymes, sing songs, read books, and notice the child’s handwriting.

The aspect has proved to be very important, and many have proposed to continue giving literacy skills to our children. Through this learning and reading, it has been a major success in life and schools.

Early literacy skills have promoted the system which forms the basic, most important part of the success of our children’s academics. Our children’s early childhood forms the starting point of STEM, making them curious to explore a lot in their environment and world.

One parent’s role model, Sundar Pichai, was encouraged and motivated to study STEM and it made him who he is today. Growing up in Madurai, a city in the south of India, he got nurtured towards technology. It got this father listening to what he had to do to solve problems in electrical engineering. Sundar Pichai had displayed exceptional memory of recalling numbers dialed each day on his rotary phone.

He ventured into technology, and currently, he serves as the CEO of Google. Today, Sundar Pichai net worth amounts to 13.8 million dollars with over 4832 shares in the alphabet stock.

The government has helped ensure the children know what they get good at, thus improving their career later. They have also made children interested in politics through their curiosity after making them much emphatic. Moreover, the government has had an influence on making the parents realize their children need to get their skills directed to their future careers.

Parents and teachers need to watch closely and see what motivates a child. This can help them detect what they are capable of, thus detecting their interests in the skills. But, unfortunately, the educators and parents sometimes tend to underestimate the skills and miss the children’s talents. Parents and educators need to look at the following to learn if their children’s skills direct them to STEM.

  • Children get to notice things all around them. They start getting into an environment where they notice the changes in seasons, plants, and even how the wind keeps on moving. Once the educators and parents start observing kids, they tend to get more observant, especially when they seem to get thinking about what is going on in nature. They get advised to encourage them, get into their conversation, and help them understand the language and all the observations. For any science, making observations creates a critical part and ensures the data gathered from the hypothesis
  • Encourage children at the table to describe all the things they see and get involved. Once the parents and educators start to notice, the children can describe the features and attributes of what they see and form the basis of a child’s interest in science. It makes them form the language of STEM, which builds a lot of confidence in science, thus encouraging them to study
  • Children should be asked “what” and “why” questions. It makes them think harder and figure out how things work and what will happen. It helps the children get a confident answer and makes them interested in discussing more of their interests
  • Children might be interested in counting things. They start by counting everything they see, such as pennies or cars on the road. They even tend to count the leaves on a tree. A parent will know their kids have an interest in mathematics
  • Children thinking about space tend to show more interest in sciences. They should be encouraged to study STEM. In addition, children interested in space need to get a lot of encouragement as this will help them take difficult classes as they try to make rocket science their career
Filed Under: education Tagged With: ,

5 Reasons Why eLearning is Valuable

September 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment

With the boost of online education, eLearning awards students valuable learning opportunities anytime and anywhere. Here are five reasons why eLearning is valuable.

  1. Supports Personal Learning Styles

eLearning supports personal learning environments, whether in a classroom or online at home. It accommodates different learning styles since students can choose eLearning platforms and tools that suit their learning style. eLearning supports opportunities for self-paced education. Some students may want to re-watch parts of a video, or read several examples, where others may need less time to a topic if they already have deep understanding. Students also have fun learning how to use a new educational platform intuitively which increases engagement in learning. 

  1. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

eLearning experiences allows students to explore a multitude of platforms for learning. Students can seek new ideas and insights about topics and enhance learning through communication and collaboration. They can choose from several multimedia tools to present their research and views, discuss challenging questions, and problem solve. Groups of students can meet asynchronously or synchronously, providing more options for learning. eLearning also opens the opportunity for students to have global exchange of ideas and views, and collaboration with other students across the world.    

  1. Learning is Accessible 24/7

As mobile learning trends, students’ learning experiences are no longer confined to school hours or within brick and mortar learning facilities. In the modern digital times, students no longer need to wait for a teacher or tutor to answer their questions. Instead, online platforms allow students to find online learning lessons, videos, tutorials, and examples to help them understand content they are learning in class, or new information from questions that sparked their interest from their learning experiences. Round the clock access to content allows students to pursue answers to their own questions or catch up with topics that are unclear.

  1. Access to an Abundant Supply of Resources

eLearning platforms provide an abundance of material for all students. Many sites offer online libraries to search, example problems and practice problems, and quizzes or tests. There are even diagnosis assessments where students can assess their knowledge and identify areas for improving their studies. Students can also have access to online assessments that they can complete multiple times, allowing for more practice and time to become proficient in the content. Repeating similar assignments or exams is generally not an option with traditional paper-pencil test in schools. 

  1. Encourages Exploration and Learner-Centric

Students engaged in eLearning can explore new topics or questions as they arise, using time productively and increasing knowledge in topics that spark their interests. They can easily seek out courses and multimedia that interest them which can help the direction of future studies and goal setting. eLearning offers students choices in their learning which is empowering and leads to positive educational experiences. The multimedia tools within eLearning platforms provide fun opportunities to engage students through their interactions within the apps. They offer a tactile experience where students can be digitally hands-on with their learning. Some platforms include digital simulations where students can experiment with different settings, reset and try again, to explore various outcomes. Students develop inquisitiveness about their learning which builds meaning and ownership to their educational experience.

Filed Under: education Tagged With: , ,

8 Things To Teach Your Toddler Before Kindergarden

September 6, 2021 by 1 Comment

Preschoolers can be pretty savvy, and their ingenuity can be surprising to some. However, when they are preparing to go to kindergarten for the first time, many parents will inevitably worry about coping with being outside the home for the day.

children's books

Children are more amenable than they are often given credit for; however, it can be helpful to teach your child a few skills before they head off to school for the first time, not only to put your mind at ease but to give them the skills to cope in a world where they are away from their parents for long periods.

Their Name and Address

Most children will be familiar with their local area and can find their way home using regular routes if they are close by. If they become lost, they need to know essential details such as their name, parents’ names, and where they live. The chances of being reunited in an emergency can be increased if they know some minor details about their home life.

Emergency Services

Toddlers these days are super tech-savvy. Teach your child how to call for emergency services if you have an accident at any time but especially when you are alone. Discuss with them about not talking or going with strangers and that the police and emergency services are there to help them if they need it. This way, if there is an issue, they will be comfortable going with police or paramedics should they need to.

Basic Math

Simple math problems and number recognition can boost them when they go to school and help them become accustomed to learning in an educational environment. Remember, young children learn better through play, so making it fun will help them retain what you are teaching them.

Check out these 8 Preschool Math Activities And Ideas For Emerging Learners to help you encourage a love for learning and support their ongoing development.

Vocabulary

Your child will likely be able to form whole sentences or at least four to five-word phrases by the time they’re three years old. Three-year-olds should be able to articulate a vocabulary of at least 250-500 words.

There are far too many words to compile a complete list, but you should expect your toddler to be able to express and understand the following popular terms, phrases, and concepts:

  • Body parts
  • Animal names
  • Relatives names
  • Colors
  • Shapes
  • Directions
  • Weather
  • Feelings

Reading

By the age of three, your child should have a solid understanding of the notion of “reading” a book. The goal is not to have them read the words but to navigate a book using the skills they already have.

It should be possible for them to comprehend what is going on in the book by examining the images. They should realize that letters and words on the page have specific meanings, but they won’t comprehend them.

Independence

Allow your three-year-old to attempt several activities on their own so that they learn, understand, and have the opportunity to make mistakes (within limits, of course).

The only way that a child will learn something is by doing it themselves. While they’re working on the task, lend them a hand. Chances are, your child will already be showing solid signs of independence, and gently guiding them and encouraging this can help them to feel more confident.

At a minimum, your child should be attempting to do the following themselves;

  • Dressing
  • Eating
  • Going to the toilet
  • Wiping small messes
  • Tidying toys away
  • Washing their hands

Art

At age three, children will still love to get stuck in and be creative when drawing with different mediums. Art, whether coloring or painting, is a great visual aid for your child to express themselves. Encourage this as much as possible as the control from using different techniques and products can help them master their fine motor skills, which will help them learn to write.

Exercise

Toddlers love getting out and about and being pretty active. There is no denying they won’t need any encouragement to let off steam at any time of the day or night even!

Helping them to develop their gross motor skills can be hugely beneficial. Try things such as;

  • Throwing and catching a ball
  • Climbing up and down on a jungle gym or climbing frame
  • Hopping/jumping/skipping
  • Balancing

While it is essential to support your child, it is important to remember that all children develop at different rates, and what might be ideal for one child will be wholly unsuitable for someone else. Avoid forcing them to do what you think they should be doing and gently encourage their skills at their pace.

Filed Under: education Tagged With:

NASA Lands in Oakland!

April 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment

New Partnership with Chabot Space & Science Center Will Create NASA Learning Opportunities in the East Bay

A new partnership between NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley and Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, California, is now underway. Anchoring the partnership, a new visitor center for Ames will provide an immersive, dynamic STEAM environment called “The NASA Experience,” opening at Chabot in November 2021.

Under the terms of a 5-year Space Act Agreement, the organizations are beginning a long-term collaboration to create accessible STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) community engagement and education opportunities in Oakland and beyond.

“We’ve long collaborated with Chabot for community engagement activities and are delighted to take this next and more formal step to bring a deeper NASA experience into our surrounding communities,” said Eugene Tu, director of Ames. “It’s one of NASA’s founding functions to share our work as widely as possible, and partnering with Chabot will allow us to reach more broadly than we’d ever be able to do with our existing resources and location in the South Bay.”

Under the formal agreement, NASA and Chabot have identified three main areas for immediate collaboration that leverage the strengths of NASA’s research and Chabot’s long-standing programs.

First, The NASA Experience creates an immersive, dynamic, STEAM learning environment that puts the visitor into the role of a NASA researcher. Hands-on STEAM studios highlight the current science at NASA through interactive challenges, models, artifacts, and more. The visitor center brings to life the thrilling, challenging, and inspiring process of scientific discovery by showcasing the real stories and people at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

“We are so excited to share the fascinating science, extraordinary people and groundbreaking research of NASA’s Ames Research Center right here in Oakland,” said Adam Tobin, Executive Director at Chabot Space & Science Center, “Bringing together NASA Ames’ long legacy of innovation and Chabot’s 137-year history in STEM education creates a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of future scientists, engineers and astronomers.”

Leading up to the November opening, Chabot and Ames will provide engaging virtual programs hosted on Chabot Space & Science Center’s Facebook and YouTube platforms to offer participants a closer look at NASA’s mission.

Second, the two groups will create an interconnected network of STEAM education experiences throughout the city that deepens Chabot’s existing “Learning Everywhere” initiative. Building on existing connections with Oakland’s schools, libraries, and local organizations, this partnership will create programs that engage learners in current NASA research.

Third, the partnership will create tangible STEAM career pathways by developing explicit connections between NASA’s career opportunities and Chabot’s youth development programs. NASA will provide speakers, fieldtrips, and independent study on the missions and technology associated with work happening at NASA Ames in collaboration with Chabot’s Galaxy Explorers program, first established in 2000.

Chabot Space & Science Center is a non-profit institution, community resource, and hub for interactive STEAM engagement in Oakland. Founded in 1883, Chabot’s mission is to inspire and educate learners of all ages about the universe and planet Earth.

NASA’s Ames Research Center, one of 10 NASA field centers across the country, is located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. Since 1939, Ames has led NASA in conducting world-class research and development in aeronautics, exploration technology, and science aligned with the center’s core capabilities.

Filed Under: education Tagged With: , , ,