USING AGENDAS 101
How to maximize the best organizational tool available We know why using an agenda is important, right? Short-term memory is imperfect, kids forget their homework assignments, organization skills are important to academic success: these are just some of the great reasons that schools to provide agendas and/or planners to students. But one major shortcoming of […] […]
Back to School Time! Five Things to Consider To Kick the School Year Off Right
Consider reviewing last year’s final report card. This will give your family an academic refresher and a little remind of the highs and lows of last year. Consider setting some academic goals. Now that you’ve reviewed the outcomes of last year, start considering what academic achievements could be reached THIS year. Both parents and children […] […]
Too Much Online Time is Bad For Your Brain
Studies show that too much online time can actually change brain structures. The study looked at college students who spent about 10 hours a day online in comparison to those who spent less than two hours a day. The study showed that heavy Internet users actually had different brain structures in the “thinking” part of […] […]
Five Years of High School, By Choice
High School is typically a four-year commitment. However, an increasing number of teens are choosing to return for a a so-called Victory Lap. The Victory Lap is a term that refers to returning after graduation for an extra semester or two. Why would teens want to return to high school? There are many reasons: • […] […]
Kids, Learning, and the Education System
Take 10 minutes to watch this great video that looks at how our current education model is outdated, and how it’s failing to teach today’s children. “Today’s kids live in the most intensely stimulating period of the history of the earth. They’re besieged with information…and we’re punishing them for getting distracted.”–Sir Ken Robinson. […]
What I Learned on Grade 9: The Basics
Dylan shares lessons that he learned in his first year in high school. The Basics I just finished grade nine and I have to say, it wasn’t as bad as far as high school stereotypes go. But, there are still some things kids should be aware of before starting grade nine. 1. Popularity. It’s a […] […]
The ABCs of Summer Learning: N-Z
Or, 13 more ways to make learning part of your summer. N: Nature. Take a nature hike, stopping along the path to look at plants and animals. This is a great place to practice description skills. Engage children to think actively about what they encounter by asking questions, “why do you think that tree is […] […]
The ABCs of Summer Learning: A-M
Or, 13 ways to make learning part of your summer… A: Activity. Studies have shown that exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which feeds brain cells, and helps to make neural connections strong. B: Board Games. Not just for rainy summer afternoon inside, board games are actually great learning tools. They help kids develop […] […]
Too Much Computer Time Can Be Bad For Your Brain
The brain is elastic—it can change and grow. This is not breaking news. In fact, it’s the scientific foundation on which Oxford Learning’s instruction model is based. Poor learning skills can be unlearned, and new and improved learning abilities can replace them. This is known as neuroplasticity. Generally, it’s a good thing. However, a recent […] […]
The Brain Never Goes On Vacation
Before finalizing summer plans, there is one very important fact that families need to keep in mind . It is this: the brain never goes on vacation. Kids may be off for the summer, but the brain doesn’t have an off switch—it’s always on. In fact, kids never stop learning—even during sleep, when the brain […] […]