The Advantages of Homeschooling and What Homeschoolers are Doing Right.
Homeschooling has become a popular option for many families worldwide, and for a good reason. It offers parents the flexibility to design a personalized education for their children that takes into account their individual interests, strengths, and weaknesses. This approach to education allows children to learn at their own pace and in a way that works best for them.
How common is homeschooling?
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, the number of homeschooled students in the United States has increased by 2.2% per year over the past ten years, with an estimated 2.5 million students homeschooled in 2019. Homeschooled students also tend to score higher on standardized tests and have higher college attendance rates than traditionally schooled students.
Some of the ways homeschoolers are doing things right include:
Tailoring education to the child’s needs
Focusing on character development
Encouraging independent thinking
Building strong family bonds
Providing a safe and nurturing environment.
Tailoring education to the child’s needs
Focusing on character development
Encouraging independent thinking
Building strong family bonds
Providing a safe and nurturing environment.
Advantages of homeschooling and what homeschoolers are doing right.
Character Development
One of the main advantages of homeschooling is parents’ emphasis on character development. Homeschooling parents often instill virtues like honesty, empathy, and kindness in their children, which helps them to develop strong values and a sense of responsibility. This focus on character development can help children grow into well-rounded individuals equipped to face life’s challenges. Add Social Emotional Learning to your homeschool.
Encourages Creativity
Another important aspect of homeschooling is that it encourages independent thinking and creativity in children. Homeschoolers provide a learning environment that fosters curiosity and exploration, which can help children to become more self-motivated and capable of thinking outside the box. This approach can also help children to develop a lifelong love of learning.
More Quality Family Time
Homeschooling also allows families to spend more time together and build strong family bonds. Parents can be more involved in their children’s education, which can help to create a closer relationship between parents and children. Homeschooled children often have a closer relationship with their siblings as well, as they can spend more time together and learn from each other.
Safety Concerns
One concern that some families have with traditional schools is safety. Homeschooling provides a safe and secure environment for children to learn and grow without the risk of exposure to negative influences that can be found in traditional schools. This can bring peace of mind to parents and allow them to focus on their children’s education without worrying about their safety which can help to create a more positive outlook on life and increase confidence in themselves.
There are many benefits for homeschool families.
In conclusion, homeschooling offers many benefits for families. Homeschoolers are doing something right by tailoring education to the child’s needs, focusing on character development, encouraging independent thinking, building strong family bonds, and providing a safe and nurturing environment. It is no surprise that more and more families are choosing this educational option for their children.
You may have heard that the Schoolio Digital Platform relaunched its epic learning platform. With this launch comes many new, exciting features, progress tracking measures, testing and more. If you have an existing account on the Schoolio Digital Platform, you may log in and see no changes at all. How could this be? You might need to empty your cache. Are you wondering how to clear your cache? Let’s take a look!
First, let’s identify what type of computer/tablet you have when learning how to clear your cache.
As you are aware, there are many different computers and tablets available. And with that comes many different browser options also. So, let’s identify your computer type, Mac or PC? Are you using an iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo Smart Tab or another device?
Second, let’s identify what browser you use on your device.
Now we can figure out what browser you use on your device. So many different types of browsers are available on other devices. If you have an Apple Device, you are likely using Safari unless you have opted for another browser like Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
So, which browser are you using?
Internet Explorer
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Safari
Opera
Konqueror
Lynx
Now that you have identified which device and browser you use, let’s learn about how to clear your cache.
What do you do to empty the cache on Internet Explorer:
If you have an Internet Explorer browser, emptying your cache is pretty simple! This quick video by The RhinestoneWorld can help you quickly and efficiently clear your cache.
Clear Your Cache in Internet Explorer by Rhinestone World
Let’s Clear the Cache on Google Chrome.
Another popular web browser is Google Chrome. Watching this quick video by Gauging Gadgets will have you doing this on Google Chrome in no time.
Clear Cache Chrome by Gauging Gadgets
Clearing Cache on Mozilla Firefox.
Are you using Mozilla Firefox for all your online browsing needs? Like the other browsers, emptying the Mozilla Firefox cache is much easier than you’d think. This video by Hostinger Academy will have you becoming a Firefox cache-emptying genius in no time.
Clear Firefox Cache by Hostinger Academy.
Clearing the cache on Safari.
If you’re using an Apple Product, you are likely using Safari for your web browsing needs. This means you need to learn how to clear your cache on Safari. This video by Foxy Tech Tips will help you with this task.
How to Clear Safari Cache & Cookies on Mac by Foxy Tech Tips
Using Opera? This is how you clear the cache.
If you are using Opera for browsing, you can watch this video by Husker’s Tech to learn how to clear your cache.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=733xX0YR7d4
How to Empty Cache in Opera GX Browser by Husker’s Tech
What if I have a different browser?
If you have a different browser than those listed in these how-to videos, a quick Google Search can help you find the answers you seek. When you visit Google, enter your question, “How to empty the Cache on (enter your browser name)?” Then click enter! Results will show instantly, and you’ll be ready to go!
Happy Holidays: The Value of Teaching Your Kids About Different Holidays.
By Chelsea McLeod
Easter is just around the corner! For many of us, this is true. Easter is coming up, so we are in holiday preparation mode, shopping, decorating and planning. However, that is not the reality for many other families worldwide. Many people are preparing for another holiday or tradition that we don’t observe or they are not prepping at all. The increasing popularity of the saying “Happy Holidays”, especially around Christmas, often reminds us that many cultural and religious holidays are celebrated around us, so let’s discuss the value of teaching your kids about different holidays.
Growing up, many of us heard that old saying, “life would be boring if we were all the same.” But what does that mean? Does it extend past personality differences or hair colours? In reality, we should mean that every person of every background and culture is essential to our world. Especially in recent years, we have all been taught that Diversity is necessary, that it is what makes life so interesting, and yet we often aren’t exposed to much in the way of diversity; other religious values, cultures, and traditions, in our day-to-day lives unless we seek them out. This appreciation of diversity and different religious traditions begins at home. The Value of Teaching Your Kids About Different Holidays.
Holidays are not Universal!
The World is Full of Diverse Religions, Cultures and Traditions. Don’t Limit Yourself or Your Kids Learning!
Holidays are not a universal experience, not everyone celebrates or observes the same calendar holidays as others, and as the holiday season approaches, it’s vital that we remember there is a diverse set of holidays that are celebrated all around us, not just our own. It’s essential for children to understand and express their family traditions, holidays and beliefs. Still, as the Easter season approaches, it can also be an excellent time to encourage the investigation of other cultures.
Taking the time to learn about other cultures helps to expand your child’s experiences and the world, and it also helps create more understanding across cultures. One of the best things we can do for our growing kids is to be open and honest, expose them to others’ way of life, and teach them that not everyone’s the same. This is crucial to developing a broader worldview and helping children empathize with others. The value of teaching your kids about different holidays is important to their development. And, in doing this, we are reminded that variety is the spice of life!
Variety is the Spice of Life!
Close up of young people putting their hands together. Team with stack of hands showing unity and teamwork.
The Value of Teaching Your Kids About Different Holidays: Begin By Valuing Other Cultures
How do we do this? How do we teach our children about other holidays and traditions? Well, actually, the expansion of worldview and exploration of others starts with us, the parents, by first seeing value in and being open to learning about other cultures. Learning about different cultures and holidays yourself will open the door to a better discussion with your children.
You may not have grown up knowing about much more than your family traditions and holidays that were celebrated within your family. It is possible that many of those you were friends with or went to school with practiced similar traditions to yours. Therefore, this may take some research and study to investigate and consider other cultures, traditions and holidays.
Discussing new concepts with your children can be daunting, so you should take the time to inform yourself to answer their questions. Don’t be intimidated; just be prepared.
So begin your research and preparation with questions:
Why is a holiday celebrated?
What is the historical or cultural significance of the holiday?
When was it first celebrated, and what was its origin?
Are religious values, commercial traditions or economic interests associated with this holiday?
What are some things that are observed as part of this holiday?
This is a great start, but it is crucial that you don’t just focus on the holidays. Also, think broader and talk about family traditions. Some families may not celebrate a specific holiday, but they may have a family tradition they could share. Along with this, rather than focusing only on the holidays, you can start to explore different cultures year-round.
Holidays are one part of exploring other cultures. Still, if you incorporate year-round opportunities to learn about and explore different cultures, you and your children will have a much broader experience and learn much more. Imagine how your child’s cultural awareness and sensitivity would be increased by learning this new information!
The Value of Teaching Your Kids About Different Holidays. There are Many Ways You Can Introduce New Holidays and Cultures!
Some ways you can explore other cultures and traditions are:
Reading children’s books about different holidays. Check out your local library for activities and books available.
Try food from different cultures for each of the holidays/cultures you are exploring. Not sure where to start? Check out a multi-cultural cookbook or look for recipes on the internet. Take the time to discuss why specific foods are essential and part of a particular holiday tradition.
Compare and Contrast. Attend a local holiday festival as a family. While you’re there, look for things that are different and similar to your holiday traditions.
Visit cultural centres or museums and explore different holiday celebrations related to that specific culture.
Visit with or interview people that celebrate different holidays and ask questions to learn about them.
Here is a suggested resource that could help you explore other cultures and holidays with your children:
PBS Parents: Search for “holiday diversity” or “cultural diversity” for a great list of resources.
When you actively pursue knowledge about others’ traditions and cultural heritage, you will see your world in a new way, and so will your children. This can also lead to many open and honest conversations about the world and the people around us. This openness can lead to developing a more inclusive worldview, which can also open other doors to learning; the possibilities are endless.
10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational!
By Chelsea McLeod
It’s the time of the year when we are approaching March breaks in various areas across the US and Canada and the Easter Holidays are right around the corner! Everyone loves these breaks because we have more freedom to gather with family and spend time connecting apart from our usually busy lives. Therefore by learning these 10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational!
These school breaks are scheduled into the traditional school calendar. In homeschooling, whether or not you choose to take a break, they can still bring a change in routine and focus or a break from extra-curricular activities. Therefore kids, often get some much-needed space for reflection, rest and connection with loved ones, even if they are still homeschooling. More often than not, they can also come with commitments and travelling as tournaments or competitions are often scheduled during this time to align with the traditional school calendar. Therefore, even as homeschoolers, our regular academic focus is put on hold.
This is alright; it’s good to take a break from the everyday routine and bustle of homeschooling life. In a previous blog, we discussed why taking a break from schooling is so important. It is needed for both learners and teachers and provides much-needed rest. Okay, you ask, but what do I do during these breaks to keep encouraging learning? I want to take a break but do not want all of our schooling progress to go entirely out the window. I have taken the time to compile a short list of things you can do over the break.
10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational!
1. Read for fun
Reading is one of the best ways to bond with your kids. Snuggling up with a good book creates meaningful and focused time where you can connect.
For younger children, you may read the book; however, for older school-age kids, you may take turns. So while you and your child take turns reading to each other this holiday break, remember that some crucial brain development is occurring. Reading gives the brain a workout in the same way that going on a run improves cardiovascular health. So make sure to devote quiet time to reading. Older kids may want to read a novel and discuss it with you rather than take turns.
Reading is so essential and needs not to be associated only with learning. Some kids will say that they “don’t like reading,” but when you get down to it, this is mainly because when they are learning, they do not get to choose what they read. This can make it frustrating for them and sometimes make it hard for them to stay engaged because reading in a learning context is not always catered to their interests. So on this holiday break, encourage your kids to choose a book/or a few books they like and want to read and set aside time each day to do so together.
2. Write Thank You Notes or Holiday Cards
Writing is an essential part of Schooling, but it is something we do in other aspects of our lives and holidays are no different. There is often a list of Holiday Cards to write and send out to family and friends. Also, if you celebrate a holiday in which gift-giving is a part of your traditions, have your kids write personalized thank-you notes to the gift-giver. These writing tasks are perfect for your kids to keep their writing fingers nimble and their brains ready for action!
3. Bake Together
For many, the holidays are filled with savoury and sweet treats. The family gatherings are loaded with all kinds of food and traditional desserts. The big task is to bake these items before attending various family and community events. So why not take advantage of this, make some delicious winter recipes, and indulge in math and science?
Next time you are in the kitchen preparing for your festivities, encourage your child to help bake cookies, but maybe double or triple the batch so they can practice their measurement skills. You can also discuss the techniques you might use to achieve a specific cookie texture or the science of how the oven works. And it’s time to serve those squares, cookies or pie masterpieces; use fractions to figure out how much is left over for another time!
4. Take a trip to the Library
Libraries may seem tedious at first glance but look closer; there are so many adventures within those walls. There are more rows and books than can fit on the shelves at home. There are more books than you’ll know what to do with! Whether reading a new series or an old favourite, there is always something to find at the library. In addition to enhancing reading comprehension, you can get your child a library card and teach responsibility. Finally, many libraries are full of children’s programs and classes to interest children of all ages!
5. Visit a museum or science centre
If you are like those of us who live in a cold climate, you may have to keep your kids indoors more than you would like due to sub-zero temperatures and the risk of frostbite. In this case, kids can get pretty stir-crazy and need a change of scenery, which will help preserve the house and your sanity. So if you need to get out of the house, take your children to a local museum, aquarium, or science centre and explore together. During your regular schooling routine, it might be difficult for your family to take the time for these trips; yet they can be educational, rewarding, and fun for the whole family!
6. Play Board Games
Holidays bring with them a break from the usual schedule and the business of life. So, sitting down with your family this season and playing games is a great way to connect and develop social and intellectual skills. Playing board games can help kids expand on critical thinking skills such as strategy, analysis, and planning. Also, board games can help to improve basic schooling skills such as addition, subtraction, and reading comprehension. So don’t feel guilty about playing games; you are all getting an intellectual workout while enjoying some downtime together!
7. Solve puzzles
Be it Jigsaws, sudoku, crosswords, or search-a-words…all puzzles are fantastic. Whether you sit down together and complete a puzzle or spend some time alone working through it, they are a great way to challenge yourself and give your brain a workout over the holidays. So why not give your family a new puzzle under the tree for Christmas (if that’s what you celebrate), enjoy some quality time together, and work on developing those problem-solving skills together?
8. Handmake gifts
A gift made by hand carries a more special and heartfelt meaning than one from the store. The time and effort of your labour show your love for the recipient. If you have a list of gifts to give this holiday season, consider making them. Gather all your craft supplies; markers, glue, pipe cleaners, glitter, and scissors.
Also, you can let your kids raid the kitchen for additional supplies such as macaroni, marshmallows, graham crackers, and candy canes; these are great for DIY holiday gifts. You can search Pinterest for inspiration or let their imagination take over and know that this is an excellent way for your kiddos to work those creative muscles.
9. Create a family tree
Time for a history lesson! Explore your family history and research your heritage together to compile a family tree. Many families spend the holiday season with their extended family, which makes it a fantastic opportunity to encourage your children to take an interest in learning about their heritage. While appreciating a slower season and spending time with your immediate family, take the time to reflect on where the various branches of your family have come from.
Have your kids come up with a list of questions they could ask of older family members. It’s also a unique way to hear family stories and learn about the childhood experiences of older relatives that you may not have previously heard. Everyone, young and old, will enjoy going down memory lane together and connecting over these stories of their lived experience.
10. Stay active
The last of our ten ways to keep fun and learning happening during a school break is to stay active. If you live in a colder area, staying snuggled up with a bowl of popcorn and Netflix may be tempting. While this can be a relaxing way to spend time with the family, doing something active is another great way to enjoy family time over the holidays.
So if you can, and the temperatures in your area allow for it, get moving! Take your kids skating, sledding or out to make a snowman. Fresh air and activity are both great for developing brains. Kids also experience many other benefits from exercise, including maintaining strong bones, muscles, and joints.
Kids who exercise also improve the quality and quantity of their sleep, which means they will be even more well-rested when they choose to resume schooling after the break! Now, if you live in a much colder climate and are in the middle of a cold snap where you cannot spend time outside, you can still keep your kiddos active indoors. Get them to join you for yoga, play some active video games such as Wii Fit (bowling, step aerobics, dancing, etc.) or engage in other healthy fitness activities while still staying warm!
A time to rest and reflect.
During this holiday season, no matter what holidays you celebrate, there are many ways to keep fun and learning happening. This season often brings a slower pace and time to rest, reflect and make space for other activities. A break from our regular schooling routine can lend itself to a necessary reset for the whole family, but it doesn’t have to be a complete departure from learning.
And sometimes, for parents concerned about the gap in learning, there are numerous ways to keep kids’ brains working, even if they don’t know! So take a look at the list of 10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational and choose one or all of these things to do with your family, and rest assured that the break won’t take away all of the academic progress you and your kids have made.
How to Add Physical Activity to Your Homeschool And Why You Really Should. Read on to Discover The Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important!
By Chelsea McLeod
We all know that physical education is essential to development. Physical Education is So Important!
We grew up being told that physical activity is extremely important and Physical Education classes are scheduled into the day 3-4 times a week. So naturally, when you choose to homeschool, you feel as if you need to make sure this is a part of your journey. But that’s not the only reason you might think keeping your kids active is essential to their academic work.
The world is becoming increasingly digital, so children spend more time indoors and less time engaging in physical activities. While technology is undoubtedly a convenient and essential part of modern life, it is essential to recognize the importance of physical education and its role in a well-rounded education.
What is Physical Education? And Why Is Physical Education So Important?
Physical education (PE) helps children develop their motor skills and build their bodies, making it a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being. PE also helps children develop teamwork skills and improves their self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, regular physical activity has been linked to better academic performance, making it an essential aspect of homeschooling. So not only can it help keep your children healthy physically, but it can also help to stimulate their minds and keep their brains healthy and agile.
Now that we have established what Physical Education is, it is important to note why it is essential and how you can incorporate it into your homeschool curriculum. Let’s explore some of the benefits of being physically active and read about the main reasons why physical education is so important!
The Following List Shows The Main Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important!:
Physical education is much more than just a fun break from traditional academics. Here are some of the key benefits of including PE in your homeschool curriculum:
Improved Physical Health – Regular physical activity can help improve children’s cardiovascular health, reduce their risk of obesity, and improve their overall physical well-being.
Better Academic Performance – Children who engage in regular physical activity tend to have better academic performance, including improved concentration and memory.
Improved Social Skills – PE provides children with opportunities to interact with others and build teamwork skills, which are critical for success in later life.
Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence – Physically active children feel better about themselves and their abilities, leading to improved self-esteem and confidence.
Physical activity has many benefits and provides many physical and mental benefits for growing children.
It can also give kids something to look forward to in their week, as academics are not always a draw, but kids love moving and playing. Next, we need to look at ways you can fit this crucial developmental element into your homeschool days.
How to Incorporate Physical Education into Your Homeschool; Take Advantage of The Main Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important!
So here we are; we understand the many reasons why physical education is so important. Now I’d like to offer some practical suggestions on incorporating PE into your homeschool curriculum.
Here are some quick tips:
Make it a Priority – Physical education should be given the same importance as any other subject. Set aside dedicated time for PE each day and make it a non-negotiable part of your homeschool routine.
Get Creative – There are many ways to incorporate physical activity into your homeschool. From structured activities like sports and games to more informal activities like hiking, gardening, and playing with your children. Get creative and find ways to make physical activity fun for your children.
Use Technology – Many online resources help incorporate physical education into your homeschool curriculum. Look for videos and tutorials on various physical activities, including yoga, dance, and sports.
Make it Age-Appropriate – Make sure that the physical activities you include in your homeschool curriculum are age-appropriate for your children. This will ensure that they can participate safely and enjoyably.
But, Do You Need to Incorporate Physical Education into Your Homeschool?
As you have read in this blog, the benefits of physical education are countless and undeniable. However, it’s also essential for us to remember that not all children will enjoy regular physical activity. For example, some prefer reading, working on more solitary activities, or playing video games. Not all families will also have the resources to include PE in homeschool curriculum or pay for extracurricular sports activities.
Physical education is an essential aspect of a well-rounded education. It offers numerous benefits for children’s physical and mental health and academic performance. You don’t necessarily need to include physical education in your homeschool to provide your children with a well-rounded education.
There Are Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important! One is providing a Multi-faceted Education:
This type of multi-faceted education can come from many other things (tutoring, sports, clubs, etc.). It doesn’t need to be provided by you in the home to be effective. However, if you have the resources and your children are on board, incorporating PE into your day-to-day homeschooling plan will benefit your child’s future well-being. You can also help ensure that your children are getting the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy in all aspects of their lives.
Follow your child’s lead.
Whether or not you choose to include it in your homeschool curriculum, you must follow your child’s lead. It is crucial to work with them to find an activity they enjoy. That way, even if they are not interested in physical activity they still get some exercise.
Most importantly, remember that you ensure your children get enough physical activity each day outside of schooling. Even if they are not participating in structured activities they will still have the benefits of activity. Healthy development is complimented by any type of recreation children actively participate in. It doesn’t matter whether it is structured activities or simply playing and exploring the great outdoors. So find something that they enjoy and encourage them to pursue it. This way, they will be exercising, doing something they like and taking advantage of The Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important! Happy Homeschooling.
Children are naturally curious and sociable beings. They love to explore, learn and play with others. As a parent, you want the best for your child; you want them to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. However, when it comes to playtime, parents may be hesitant to let their children play with kids of all ages. This is understandable for several reasons, one being that parents may want to ensure their children’s safety. However, there in fact several known benefits of encouraging children to play with peers of various ages. Encouraging your children to play with kids of all ages has a positive impact on their social emotional development. In this blog, we will discuss the 6 reasons why it’s important toencourage multi-age play.
It’s Important to Encourage Multi-Age Play; It Sets Children Up Both Personally and Professionally
Here Is A List Of Our 6 Reasons Why It’s Important To Encourage Multi-Age Play:
Playing Across Ages Builds Empathy and Understanding
When you follow these 6 reasons why it’s important to encourage multi-age play, you can help children learn to empathize with others and understand different perspectives. Playing with kids of all ages can help your child develop empathy. By interacting with others who are different from them, children learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives and experiences. This can help them become more compassionate and understanding individuals. Also, while playing with kids of all ages, children see their metaphorical journey reflected in the overall group. They see what lies ahead of them, as well as what they’ve already gone through. This helps build empathy for others, regardless for others, no matter their age or abilities.
Inter-Age Play Develops Social Skills
Playing with peers of all ages can help develop important social skills. Younger children can learn how to communicate with older children, while older children can practice leadership and communication skills when playing with younger children. Children of different ages also have varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities, which can challenge children to adapt their play style and collaborate with their peers. Children are challenged to design games and cooperate in ways that meet a wider range of needs and skill levels. Younger children learn from older children’s experiences, and older children learn to be patient and nurturing toward their younger peers.
This interaction can foster a sense of community and belonging in children and create a more accepting and inclusive environment. Additionally, when children play with kids of different ages, they learn how to interact with others who have different needs, interests, and abilities. 6 reasons you should encourage multi-age play helps them develop important social skills such as communication, cooperation, empathy, and respect. Playing with older children can also expose younger children to more advanced language and social skills that they can learn from and develop.
Cross-Age Play Encourages Creativity and Imagination
When kids play with others of different ages, they are exposed to more diversity. This means that children of different needs, skills, and interests are included. This exposure encourages more complex conversations, problem-solving and critical thinking. Playing with peers of different ages can encourage children to use their imagination and creativity in new ways. When children play with peers of different ages, they are exposed to new perspectives, ideas, and experiences. This can inspire them to think differently and develop new, innovative ways of playing and problem-solving. Older children can introduce younger children to new games and activities that they may not have thought of before. While younger children can bring new perspectives and ideas to playtime. This interaction can inspire children to think outside of the box and explore their creative sides.
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
Having meaningful interactions with kids of all ages can help boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Younger children look up to older role models and develop a sense of confidence from keeping up with older peers. Interacting with older children challenges younger children, which encourages them to push themselves to do better. Therefore also encouraging younger children to scaffold their learning and challenge themselves in both their cognitive and physical development. Older children will feel pride and accomplishment when they teach younger children new skills. This skill transfer will help younger children to succeed in play. Similarly, younger children look up to older children. In this instance, they rely on them for guidance and support, which can make them feel important and valued.
Encouraging Multi-Age Play and Interaction Can Inspire Kids To Problem Solve And Create Innovative Ways To Play
Promotes Positive Behavior
When children play with kids of all ages they are exposed to a range of behaviours; helping them to learn what is acceptable and what is not. Older children can model positive behaviours and attitudes for younger children, who can then learn from these examples. 6 reasons why it’s important toencourage multi-age play can help to promote positive behaviour in your children. It can also discourage negative behaviours, such as bullying and exclusion.
The presence of younger children allows older children the opportunity to learn about caregiving and leadership roles. This practice of caregiving can also lead older children to take responsibility for more vulnerable members of the group. Moreover, playing with kids of different ages can help your child build friendships with a much wider range of people. This can be especially helpful if your child has trouble making friends their own age. By playing with kids of different ages, they may find kindred spirits who share similar interests, values, or hobbies.
Multi-Age Play Prepares Better Children for the Real World:
Finally, 6 reasons why it’s important toencourage multi-age play can impact your child’s future. Playing with kids of all ages will help your child prepare for the real world. When playing and interacting with others of diverse ages, all children are able to experiment. In these groupings, children have space to take on various roles. They can experiment with hierarchies, power dynamics, leadership roles, and group rules in a way that reflects real life. In real life people of all ages interact with each other in a variety of contexts. Therefore, having the ability to communicate and collaborate with people of all ages is a valuable learning opportunity for children. They have the space to prepare for their future personal and professional life without adult consequences.
6 Reasons Why It’s Important To Encourage Multi-Age Play; It Sets Children Up For Life
In Conclusion;
There are many benefits that can be seen from our 6 reasons why it’s important toencourage multi-age play. Making space for children to play with peers of different ages has a positive impact on their socio-emotional development. In doing so, they develop important social skills, build self-confidence, foster creativity and imagination, encourage empathy, build friendships, foster confidence and self-esteem, promote positive behaviour and finally help to prepare them for the real world.
As parents, knowing that this type of mixed-age interaction is crucial for your child’s socio-emotional development; it is, therefore, essential for us to intentionally create opportunities for our children to interact with peers of all ages, whether it’s through playdates, community events, family gatherings or extracurricular activities. By doing so, we can help our children develop important socio-emotional skills that will benefit them throughout their whole lives and can help you to set them up for future personal and professional successes. So, the next time you’re arranging a playdate, consider inviting a child of a different age group and watch your child’s development soar!
We hope you enjoyed reading about the 6 reasons why it’s important toencourage multi-age play. If you would like to read more helpful articles about child development or homeschooling please visit our Blog.
Math is one of the more challenging subjects in school, and it can be difficult for students to see how the concepts they’re learning will be helpful in the real world. Math is more meaningful and engaging for students when we teach real-world applications. By making connections between math and the world around us, we can help our children understand the relevance of their learning. While also seeing how it will benefit them in the future, demonstrating real-world math. In this blog, No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way we will discuss some fantastic ways to help your math lessons become more relevant to your child’s life.
Math is all around us, making it vital to Add Real-World Context to your child’s education and Teach Math in a Creative Way.
Unfortunately, many students struggle with math, and it can be challenging to understand why. So frustration and meltdowns can be a very real part of your homeschool day. Many children struggle with math because they do not see it applied in the real world. They can solve a mathematical equation, but do not understand why it matters or how it might come up in their daily lives. So, therefore, why should they care about it or want to learn it? Math is a fundamental skill for students to learn. It is everywhere, in our everyday life, and as such, it is crucial that children develop a strong understanding. So by reading this blog; No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way, you will find some practical strategies to help overcome this.
To help children better understand math, it is vital to Add Real-World Context and show them how math applies to everyday situations. Connecting math concepts to everyday situations can help your child understand why math is important and give them a better chance of mastering the subject. So say goodbye to your homeschool math struggles with No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way and make Math a subject you and your child both look forward to again.
DoesNo More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Waysound like a dream?Here are a few tips to help you make this a reality:
Get Visual
One of the best ways to help your child understand math is to use visual aids. There are a variety of ways in which you can do this, such as using pictures, models, or diagrams. Visual aids can also help your child understand the concepts they are learning by giving them a better understanding of how to apply these concepts in the real world.
If your child is learning how to calculate the area of a triangle, you can use a diagram of a triangle to help them visualize the concept. This can make it easier for them to understand and apply the idea to real-world problems.
Use Everyday Examples
When teaching math concepts to children, it is vital to provide real-world math examples to help them understand the concept. When teaching about addition, ask your child to help you figure out the cost of groceries at the store.
It can also be helpful to provide your child with everyday examples of how to use math concepts. If they are learning how to calculate the volume of a cylinder, show them that a can of soda is a cylinder. Then you can model how to determine the volume of the soda can.
By providing your child with examples of how to use math in everyday life, you can help them understand why it’s important and how to apply it to certain situations.
Give Examples from Your Own Life
You can also give your child examples of how you use math in your own life. For instance; if you’re calculating the cost of groceries, explain how you’re using math. Discuss how much money you’ll need and why. This will give your child a chance to see firsthand how to use math in the real world.
Giving your child examples from your own life can help them better understand why math is important. It will also give them a glimpse into how to use math in everyday situations. This will make it easier for them to make connections. It will also help them to feel that the math they are learning is relevant.
Allow Your Child to Practice
Have your child practice math problems in real-world settings. Give time to practice counting money when they go to the store or making change when they buy something.
Help your child make connections between math and everyday activities. For example, measure the ingredients together when baking and explain the importance of exact measurements.
Ask Questions & Talk About Math
Ask your child questions related to math problems they may encounter in life. Why not ask them to figure out how much change they should receive when making a purchase?
Have conversations with your child about the math they learn in school.
Take your child to places where they use math. Go to a bank, a grocery store, or a construction site for example and explain they use math at these places.
Play Math Games
Playing math games is another great way to help your child understand how we use math in the real world. Various math games are available, such as board games, card games, and online games. These games help your child more clearly see how we use math in everyday life and how it can be fun.
By playing math games, your child can learn math concepts in a fun and engaging way.
When you implement tips from this list, your child will develop a much clearer understanding of how to use math in the real world. As well, it can give them a better chance of mastering the subject. By providing real-world examples, you can help your child understand what they learn.
Use Technology & Encourage Problem-Solving
Use technology such as apps and websites to help your child learn math in a fun and interactive way.
Allow your child to explore different methods of solving math problems. Encourage them to think about other solutions and work through the problem. Involving your child in real-world problem-solving can help them understand the practical applications of math. Encouraging children to think critically and find solutions to real-world problems will help them see why and why math is important. It will also lead them to develop a greater appreciation for what they’re learning, and how to use it in their lives.
Keep It Fun; Add Real-World Context to math and enjoy your school days with No More Math Meltdowns
As you may have seen, Math is dull and uninspiring if not put into a real-world context. Many parents struggle to help their children understand the relevance of the math they are learning in school. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to make math more meaningful for your child. By adding context to what your child is learning, you can help make math more meaningful and enjoyable. Implementing these suggestions is a surefire way to help your child understand math much better. Take from our list and add the fun back into math!
Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way to Help Students Develop An Appreciation for Math
In conclusion;
We hope you enjoyed No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way. Clearly understanding how to add real-world context to math will make it more engaging and meaningful for students. By connecting math to everyday activities; we can help our children understand its relevance. We can also help them see how Math will benefit them in the future. These suggestions will help your child develop an appreciation for the value of math. As a result, they will be more motivated to learn and better equipped to succeed. Give it a try and see how it helps your child’s math skills! We hope yours is a future of No More Math Meltdowns!
Thank you for reading No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way. We hope that you have learned some real strategies to use in your homeschool day. Hopefully, this will help you make Math enjoyable again for both you and your child. Have you checked out Schoolio Learning’s vast library of math materials? Keep learning fun by diving into Schoolio Math!
Each day is a new opportunity to reach new parents and engage parents and students using our ebooks or digital platform to ensure we provide the highest quality educational content and support resources.
While most days we are naturally excited to work and hustle, some days, the journey up the mountain feels unusually exhausting. After three years of climbing up our mountain, some days, we feel like we are only a few meters off the ground. Welcome to startup life, eh?
By design, startups are the most complex projects to embark on; even though this is my fourth venture, nothing is familiar except for my muscle memory in leadership that helps me navigate challenging days.
I was asking myself, “how can I feel more connected to our parents and how I feel more connected to our mission?”
One idea is to share more – to share our journey up this ‘education mountain. Every day, as we climb, we meet other incredible parents, students and educators climbing their version of this mountain. Sometimes we pause and chat – via our FB account or concierge’s line; sometimes, we look at each other from a distance – through our social media engagements, and occasionally we wave at each other with our LIKES, SHARES or REPOSTS.
I hope to write more and use our blog to share our perspective with you, our customers. We want to be more than a logo on a page – or words in a chat bubble or voices you hear on our podcasts. We are more than that – we are parents just like you, our customers, entrepreneurs like some of our customers, and educators like the many teachers who use our products. We share a common vision for how education MUST evolve to meet the needs of our children – in a digital world. We can’t unsee the inequalities that simmer beneath the surface of seemingly democratic education ecosystems. As tricky as it might seem, we can’t prepare children for a future that none of us can predict without a new model. With the rapid (and unprecedented) evolution in AI, growth in the gig economy, globalization, and access to information like never before – we have to rethink our approach to education. NOW.
In the past three years, our small two-person team has grown into a culture of 20+.
That’s a ton of people to align as we try to move up our mountain – together, in harmony – and at a pace that fits our purpose. We know we will stumble, some of us will lose our foothold and fall back a bit, some of us will carry more significant weight and ever so often, we will have to stop and camp as we pivot and refocus. No matter how hard the climb becomes, I am confident we’ll fight to carry each other and our trusting customers forward with us.
We are at one of those moments again – a new version of our digital product, the one we have been waiting for, is finally ready in a few weeks. Now we can help our parents and educators with auto-grading, videos that support neurodiverse learners, social and emotional student check-ins and an easy-to-track dashboard for parents. This is a long-awaited update to Schoolio and exactly the excitement we need for 2023.
We have always been proud of the flexibility Schoolio offers parents who homeschool – and starting soon, any student can enroll in our virtual school – with a dedicated educator!
There are also many stories that we can share – that we want to share with our community. While each story has a unique perspective, we are all united in a mission to help EVERY child find their unique and unlimited potential.
February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month. Black History is an essential piece of the puzzle that makes up our world because it is World History. By learning about it, we can promote diversity and bring unity within all backgrounds and cultures. Black History month provides us with an opportunity for listening, learning and acquiring a new understanding of the importance of celebrating the contributions of the African American Community of the past, and understanding the history and where we come from is essential to building a better and more inclusive future for all.
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month originated in the US and is an annual celebration of the achievements of African Americans, recognizing their role and contributions throughout history. Much of the curriculum, both homeschooled and traditional, presents a very Eurocentric view of history. This is, unfortunately, a very one-sided and often whitewashed view and gives children a biased and inaccurate perspective of all races’ involvement in history. While Black History is something you should be teaching and acknowledging all year round, this month, there are several things you can do to bring it into focus.
“Much of the curriculum, both homeschool and traditional, presents a very Eurocentric view of history.”
Here Are Several Ways to Teach Your Kids About Black History:
1. Supplement Traditional Texts with Other Resources
Many of the resources used in the past to teach history are often focused on the European point of view and don’t take into account other influential figures and events. Therefore, while using these resources as you have before is okay, seeking out things that will supplement this subject specifically is essential. So, use your regular American or Canadian History text but do so in conjunction with a well-researched Black History text. This way, you will be able to get a more well-rounded perspective. Finally, this can happen at any age; so many children’s books address this subject, so there is no excuse not to explore it age-appropriately.
2. Choose a Curriculum that Highlights Black History.
Some great homeschooling lessons are explicitly created for this purpose because the traditional lessons leave students needing more. It is essential to get history from all viewpoints. And if you didn’t experience it or have a cultural connection to what happened, then you need to be intentional about finding resources that give alternative perspectives. For example, Black History is American History for kids ages six and under provides a rich and age-appropriate introduction to Black History. This resource was created by Danielle Slaughter, a mini monthly curriculum that teaches children and their parents about Black History all year long.
3. Teach About Africa’s History, Using African-Centric Resources.
Honestly, without Africa, there would be no Black History in the United States or Canada. Africa has a rich and vast history that you can study and explore together. Black History didn’t begin and end with slavery or the underground railroad. There is so much more to it, and it is crucial to teach the whole story. Black History starts from ancient civilizations and covers the achievements made by African people. Also, there is trauma that cannot be overlooked and needs to be addressed appropriately.
4. Highlight Famous Black Women such as; Rosa Parks With Black History Month Crafts
Craft ideas are everywhere for every topic, so take some time to look into things you can create with your kids to recognize the contributions of influential African American figures. All it takes is a search on google, and you will come across more craft ideas than you will know what to do with, from art projects to research pamphlets to colour by numbers. Learning accompanied by creativity is often the best choice for some not discussed topics. So get out the construction paper, makers and paints and create a learning opportunity that is also fun.
5. Make Learning About Black People in History a Continued Priority
Make it a priority to teach your kids about Black History and to learn about it. Black History Month provides an excellent opportunity or jumping-off point to recognize and appreciate the accomplishments and contributions of Black people. However, this month should be one of many times you focus on this in your learning journey. Black History must be a key piece of your continued homeschooling curriculum. Black History is History; it is not a separate or special entity. It should be a natural part of your learning journey and not just be focused on for four weeks of the year and then pushed aside.
6. Black History Awareness Cannot Be Overemphasized
Black History awareness and exploring important forgotten information about African American figures and their integral part in history is critical to changing perspectives about Black History in the US and Canada. It should always be considered and integrated into every subject as naturally as European History. In this way, today’s homeschool parents can make a difference in how the next generation views the often forgotten chapters of history and help to create a more accepting and diverse world tomorrow.
7. Incorporate Texts written by Black Authors into All Subjects
Not just in history class, it is essential to read and examine texts by a diverse range of authors in all subjects. So make sure that White scholars do not solely write your readers. Take the focus away from just Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare in English class and integrate works by Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, or Toni Morrison. All students should be introduced to texts by Black authors that speak to Black experiences, Black perspectives, and accomplishments.
This makes it easier to develop a wider lens through which they look at the world. If you only see one perspective in your studies, it is tough to adjust that when introduced to something else. And as stated previously, there is no reason not to start young because so many excellent Black-authored books are written for all ages.
When you teach your kids about Black History, remember that you must also be open to learning.
So as you decide how you and your family will approach your learning this month and in the coming years, remember to be open to learning yourself. You do not have to have all the answers but be open to discovering those answers. Sometimes learning with your kids is just as important as teaching them. Black History Month is a time to spread awareness and learn more. February is also a time to seek a future free of racism and discrimination. And to work toward the day that this future will be a reality.
New Year, New You?: Do You Need to Overthrow the Schedule for January?
Written by Chelsea McLeod
It’s a new year; is it going to be a new you? Are you anticipating a significant change this year or hoping to keep it relatively status quo? Some people find it necessary to make significant changes and completely revamp routines, family plans and schedules. Others are happy to settle into the familiar routines and schedules that worked before the holidays.
As we know, January is typically the time for reflecting on the past year with its successes, failures, wins and losses, drafting resolutions, setting goals and making plans to accomplish for the new year. It is also the time for getting back to routine after a hopefully relaxing holiday break. After a week or two of late nights, travel, sleep-ins and, in many cases, not knowing what day it is, you and your kiddos are likely feeling ready for the consistency that routinely brings. So this begs the question: Do you need to overthrow the schedule for January?
“Do what works for you and your family; you know best.”
It comes down to personal preference and what you know will work for you and your kids. Some people thrive on change and the excitement that comes from a difference from the normal. Others need that structure, predictability and consistency in their lives. You know yourself and your kids best, so make sure to consider that before making a significant change when asking yourself, ‘do you need to overthrow the schedule for January?’
Finally, there is no harm in keeping things the same if that’s what works best for your family; maybe there is something in your previous routine that you need to change for you or your kids to be successful or learn better. If this is the case and you feel a change is needed after a break is the best time to make any changes since you and your family have already been out of routine. So, in essence, what you do in January is entirely up to you, so change things up…Or don’t; you are entirely and totally in charge of your homeschool schedule. Do what works for you and your family; you know best.
Change things up.
Why not let the New Year work for you by changing things up?
You could try some of the following suggestions to see if they work for your family during the New Year:
Add something new to your homeschool plans.
You could try a new tactic for Art, like a Schoolio Art Classor add an Audiobook for listening comprehension skills. Or you could add some hands-on activities to your math program instead of pencil/paperwork.
Do something different.
Maybe you have been following a book program for math or ELA. You could try a more computer-based program, like Schoolio Digital, to change it up in January.
Switch up the schedule.
Maybe you have done Reading first thing up until this point? It could be time to change that up and do your Math when you first begin your homeschooling day.
Or maybe plan a daily time slot for fun reading. Books and things that are not part of the learning plan. It’s essential to read, and many of us would prefer to do so with a book we are interested in, not one that has been assigned; this goes for kids as well. Also, this gives you an excellent opportunity to read yourself and model reading behaviour. Sometimes the best way to learn is to watch others.
Join a homeschool co-op, a book club, or start your own.
Depending on where you are, there are many options for a Homeschooling Co-op. You could join a local chapter; they often meet once a week for learning and sometimes plan field trips together.
Make tents or blanket forts and let your children do their school underneath.
Kids love forts! There is something so fun about a homemade tent/fort with lots of pillows and twinkly lights.
Have a hot chocolate dreaming party next to the fireplace.
This could be a break during the day or planned as an evening after supper. Just a great way to connect with your kids and spend time together. Talk about school or don’t, enjoy each other’s company.
Plan a living room slumber party and talk about family bucket lists.
This does not have to be specific to before I die; in recent years, people have begun making “bucket lists” for other time frames, such as before I graduate or before I turn 13, etc.
Enjoying your kids’ company and decompressing with them is also fun. You can create a bucket list for them and the family. Maybe you want to travel somewhere before your kids are a certain age. You can learn a lot about your kids when dreaming and talking about life plans, and your kids will appreciate being included in family planning.
Get outside!
In January, your kids would much rather be outside building a snowman than studying books, right? So why use that interest to plan your lesson and make them more engaging?
You could study snow, for example. You could measure snow in different states of matter, taste snow, and make snow cones, snow forts, and snowmen.
This could be the perfect opportunity to chart weather patterns. You and your kids could study your local weather patterns and compare them to others like Alaska, Iceland, or Sweden.
This might not work if you don’t live in a wintery location; however, you can constantly adjust to your environment. Maybe you need to study sand, the ocean, or the grass.
Or don’t.
Maybe you feel confident in the schedule and routines you planned at the beginning of your homeschooling year. Your kids were thriving with that schedule, and you are feeling good about your ability to juggle all the pieces. You Do Not have to change anything! No rule says January brings all kinds of changes, whether we like it or not.
Each family has a routine and schedule that works for them, and homeschooling is no different. You are in charge. Like Napoleon Hill once said, “You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your environment. You can make your life what you want it to be.” So no, as asked in the title, You do not have to overthrow the schedule for January.
You can head right back into your pre-holiday routine, rest assured and with a smile. It is a New Year, but it doesn’t have to be a new schedule. So as we head into 2023, take some time to reflect and decide how to proceed with your homeschooling. Trust yourself, make whatever changes you need to make, or dust off that fall schedule and keep trucking. Enjoy. You Got This!
Home(schooling) for the Holidays?: How and Why to Take a Break
By Chelsea McLeod
Just as Self-Care is essential to the homeschooling parent puzzle, so is taking breaks from the planned curriculum. Homeschooling offers many benefits, one of which is a flexible schedule. Homeschooling doesn’t often follow a traditional school day; you have break time during the day as the requirement of time spent schooling differs. As a homeschooler, you do not have to follow a traditional school calendar; you can choose your calendar, but taking breaks from your planned learning on your family’s schedule is essential.
Taking needed breaks is easier said than done for so many of us.
Home(schooling) for the holidays: How and why to take breaks from homeschooling.
We often feel guilty for taking time off or become overwhelmed by the concept that there is too much to do to take breaks. However, this is not the case, and on the contrary, it can be very healthy for you and your children to take breaks from traditional schooling. So first, you must allow yourself to make the mental space for holidays. You cannot worry about lessons and learning 24/7/365, or you will burn yourself and your children out.
There are many types of breaks, from planned, spontaneous mental health days or unplanned; permitting yourself to take those breaks, whether planned or unplanned, is crucial to the success of your homeschooling journey. But how? How to take these breaks is a different story. In the case of planned breaks, you can follow a traditional school calendar or even look at the work holidays of your spouse and friends.
This may include family or community commitments, events, or simply taking the summer off to allow your children to have a similar schedule to their friends, and you get some much-needed time off. Conversely, unplanned breaks can come from sicknesses, family deaths or unexpected hospitalizations. These things are unavoidable; however, sometimes we need to take a breath, make space for family connection and forget about the calendar for a short or even long while if necessary. The routine, plans and learning will be there waiting for us when we are ready and able to return to normalcy.
Why You Should Take Breaks.
Why you should take breaks is easier to break down. Just because you have chosen to homeschool doesn’t mean you are not allowed to make space for some separation. You school from home, but you do not live in the school. This is an important distinction. I’m sure you know from experience that when you are doing too much of something, it can lead to burnout.
Well, the same applies to learning. You must care for yourself and make space for your interests and hobbies. In the same way, your kids need to have some time and space not connected to a learning outcome. On top of that, there are many reasons (we can only name a few here) why you should take breaks and direct the focus away from traditional learning.
Here Are Some Reasons Why Breaks Are Important:
You are in Charge.
Like many, you chose to begin homeschooling in the first place to take charge of your time and calendar, right? So why not use that to your advantage and plan your break when it works for You? You make the plan; you know what to focus on and when. Could you make space in the plan for holiday breaks? So whether you celebrate Christmas,Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or the Winter Solstice, you can plan your days off from teaching and learning to best suit the schedule you set out.
Family First.
Similarly, being with and connecting with your kids is crucial to their emotional development. You are a parent first, and your children need you for more than just teaching them academics. Life skills and emotional development require an emotional connection. Taking the time to bake cookies together or read a Christmas story is okay because it will help your child build emotional intelligence. Family traditions, religious/non-religious holiday practices or time spent together are always more important than academic learning.
Tomorrow is Not Guaranteed.
This one sounds sad to say, but it is true. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, so take the time to make those memories. If you skip picking out a Christmas tree together or carolling with a relative to keep going with your curriculum, you risk losing your children. What if that relative isn’t around next Christmas? So take the time while you know it is here to create those memories and connections.
Homeschooling Requires Less Time.
Most homeschooling families complete their lessons in less time than a traditional in-person school day. For this reason, you often get naturally occurring breaks during the day or only homeschool for part of the day. And, if you are a curriculum person who likes to follow that checklist, you will easily find and plan how to push through or make up for lost time at a later date.
Learning Isn’t Just Planned Lessons.
Learning happens all the time, especially for children. Baking cookies with your kids can include measurement learning; volunteering can involve learning emotional maturity or gaining “subject area knowledge,” as well as early civic or community engagement lessons. So much “counts” as part of a well-rounded educational experience for your child, so worry less about planned lessons and take in some other types of learning while you spend time with your kids.
Everyone Needs A Break, and That’s OK.
The holidays, no matter which ones you celebrate, often come with much busier schedules. So while you are running around with various get-togethers, holiday concerts or wherever else the season brings, take the time to enjoy it. Remember, you are making memories, and the change of routine often means occasional periods of downtime, rest, and relaxation. After the holidays, you will be able to start fresh.
A Break is A Good Time to Make Changes.
Speaking of starting fresh, if things in your homeschool plan are going differently than you envisioned after a break is an excellent time to make changes. You can take the time during the holidays to explore other approaches or make new plans. Then, when you’re ready to return to it, you and the kids will have had a natural break, which can make the transition easier.
Other Relationships Are Important Too.
Whether those relationships are with friends, mentors, extended family or activity leaders, the holidays are a great time to make space for these. So give your children the opportunities to connect with others outside the immediate family group. It can be problematic in your everyday routine to find time to do this, but holiday events often shift focus to spending time with important people to your child.
They will Grow Up; You Don’t Want to Miss It.
That’s right, I said it! And no, I am not trying to “rush” you or make you cry, but the reality is that before you know it, your littles will be grown, and your traditions will have to adjust. Your holidays will no longer be entirely a time of downtime but could involve part-time jobs and studying for finals. Eventually, they will grow up, move out and get their apartment. They may be going off to university or work, and while they may have time off, they may not be able to get home on all their days off. So be intentional with the time you have now, and put down the lesson planner; the algebra problems or the poem unit you had planned isn’t as important as building relationships with your kids.
Summary: Home(schooling) for the holidays: How and why to take a break.
Amid the busy day-to-day of raising little ones, it is hard to imagine that it will ever be different; believe it or not, there will come a day when you will miss the “help” baking cookies, the constant questions (or screaming) and the stepping on toys at every turn. For now, take the time to enjoy your kids because your family won’t always be this easy to connect with; they won’t always be together under one roof. One day, they will be grown, possibly with a family of their own, and you want them to look back fondly, remembering their time at home with you and use those memories to create their traditions. After the holidays, a new year with new lessons will be waiting, but for now, embrace the change of routine and lean into the break for both yourself — and your kids.
How to Navigate and Annotate Schoolio Digital Lessons
We are so excited that you are trying out the Schoolio Digital Platform. If you haven’t already, check out all the informative blogs about how to get started. This blog will cover one of the most fascinating parts of the Schoolio Digital Platform! Let’s learn how to navigate and annotate Schoolio Digital Lessons!
Are you ready to Navigate Schoolio Digital Lessons?
Step 1: Select the Unit
Once you’ve selected the course you want to check out, you can select the unit by clicking on it. For example, in the photo above, you would select ‘The Local Community’.
Step 2: Select the lessons
You will now see the different lessons available. At the top, on the parent portal, you will see the answer key that you can use to check your student’s work. When you’re ready, you can click the play button on the lesson.
Step 3: View the lesson
Now you can enjoy the video lesson by pressing ‘play’ on the video.
Step 4: Lesson Assessment
When the video has been completed, you can scroll past the video to the lesson assessment. Now you can click ‘Launch’ and go through the lesson assessment.
Step 5: Worksheet and Lesson Sheet
After completing the lesson assessment, you can scroll down to find ‘Lesson 1’ and ‘Worksheet 1’. Lesson 1 is the core lesson that comes with the Schoolio Curriculum. You can use lesson one to discuss the lesson concept further with your child. This is optional because everything in the lesson is included in the video lesson. Worksheet 1 is not optional, so you will need to click on the four-pointing arrows on the right side of the screen to open the worksheet.
Step 6: Complete the worksheet
You can now navigate through the worksheet. There are two options to complete the worksheet. Using the annotation feature, you can do it on a tablet, iPad or computer. Or you can print the lesson and have your child complete their worksheet pencil to paper. To annotate, click on the T or Pencil icon at the top of the worksheet. Then use either the typing tool or drawing tool to complete the lesson. Make sure to Save your progress.
If you’d prefer your child to complete the worksheet with paper and a pencil. You can click the arrow pointing down on the right side of the screen. Download the worksheet to your device and print it. You can use the answer key to view your child’s responses and match them with the answer key.
