Understand What’s Your Child’s Learning Style is Will Help You and Your Child Discover and Maximize Learning Ability to His/her full potential.   

As we enter the 21st century, the study and research 
of children’s growth, development, and learning have gotten more interesting than ever. The study continues to generate interests as we are transitioning from traditional ways of learning to a more conventional tech-education. Now, researchers are going beyond their data to develop broad ideas that attempt to explain how children grow and develop learning.

So, how children grow and develop learning?

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me, and I forget, teach me, and I may remember, involve me, and I learn.” 

Indeed tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I may learn, aligns well with how young children think, act, and learn. To understand young children and how they grow and learn parents, teachers, and or adults who care for and teach them must first have to acquire the knowledge of child development! 

Child development entails the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings from birth to adolescence, as the person progresses from dependency to independence. It is a continuous process with a predictable sequence, though no two are the same. Everyone has a unique course or timetable. Each stage of development is determined and or affected by the preceding developmental experiences because these developmental changes are strongly influenced by both internal (genetics) and external (environment) factors. To learn more about child development go to:

https://www.nap.edu/read/19401/chapter4 and or https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/child_development).

Most of the early childhood educators received extensive training courses about child development and early childhood education and early literacy to help them support early learning and literacy with the kids they work with. To reach out to all students and be able to get the best out of them requires multiple tools and strategies, but more importantly the understanding of the way they learn.

Young children are small human beings who are complex, and at times puzzling. These young children may speak an entirely different language, practice different customs, expect a different kind of nurturing, embrace different values, be surrounded by people who look different, or have a variety of special needs! And if there were a code you could learn that would lead you to become a great parent of your defiant child or a great teacher of your passive/unresponsive student, all of us would have crowded the classroom to learn to un-code that child or that student! This, however, is still a doable process that need be learned to better support the children in their growth and learning.

I believe that children’s most important role is learning while their parents, teachers, and or adults help in supporting their growth and development by affording them with the developmentally-appropriate environment for them to respond, to practice and to experience life as we would expect them.

A well-rounded teacher who can teach a diverse group of children knows that these children come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Today’s classrooms are now more diverse than ever as our 21st Century societies become increasingly diverse! We are not only dealing with different cultures and ethnicities, but also language barriers. And that requires teachers to do more, to learn more, and to be able to reach out to everyone. This is as hard for the teachers as it is for the children too.

Acquiring knowledge in child-development and gaining in-depth knowledge of different learning styles and abilities of learners and incorporating effective instructional methods to meet all the unique interests and learning needs, and good child-teacher relationships are the foundations on which adults can help children construct effective learning and social skills. These children construct solutions to the problems and become autonomous, self-disciplined, and self-controlled, hence meaningful learning.

If teachers can adapt teaching methodologies and strategies which not only engage the children but also rich in content, then they will be able to give children what they need to succeed in the 21st Century tech-education. Thus, the current tech-education approach to teaching and learning that can make schools and children learn effectively, achieve more, and prevent further failures and close up the achievement gaps in many schools in the country.

Also, open child-teacher dialogues help build on skills and capabilities of managing the tasks independently in future. Young children go through their developmental transitions stages successfully if parents, teachers or adults in their lives can evaluate their young minds. And always remember that no two children are the same, every child learns differently and grows differently at their own pace.

Take toddlerhood age, for example, this is the time when a child begins to move from dependence to independence, a period in human life when the brain starts to absorb the most. At this stage learning independence and finding out that they can do many things without help happens. They are learning the importance of limits! They are learning from play and fantasy, they are learning through identification; and the more they learn, the more they develop vocabulary and language skills. In this sensory-motor period, rapidly developing gross and fine motors enable toddlers to gain autonomy and perform many tasks on their own.

Because of toddler’s constant motion and impulsive desire to explore objects and people, adults can easily become upset and frustrated with their behaviors. Adults often meet a toddler’s new independent actions with a firm “NO”. We all know, and dread-the-terrible-twos! At this stage toddlers move nonstop; their emotions can change faster than a cheetah that spotted a deer!

Toddlers have a here-and-now urgency; they are only semi-verbal and semi-rational; but they are also fun, funny, and adorable! They are like a little sponge, absorbing everything they see and hear. They spend a lot of time classifying things to help them understand their world. They say words over and over, work with objects over and over! These routines may be tedious for adults, but for toddlers such actions make them feel secure. Repetition is also a way for a toddler to control his or her environment! The only thing adults need to do here is to understand that this is a natural stage of development for this age-group and to be calm and patient. What makes the terrible twos is not that your toddler does things you don’t want him or her to do, but your toddler does things because you don’t want him or her to do them.

Jean Piaget a psychologist and construction theorist view conflict as necessary for the construction of knowledge! This also means that this age group is not too young to learn or get them involved, and start applying the positive and constructive discipline strategies; teaching more good behaviors and teach consequences. There is a say in Swahili that, samaki mkunje angali mbichi, akishakauka hakunjiki (fold the fish still row, having dried up it won’t fold, it will break!).

Starting early at this stage to instill those good values, morals, and teach more “how-to” will surely build a good foundation for future behavior.

In recent years, parents have become more and more lenient to their children to the extent that a three-year-old child detects to the parents what he or she wants or do not want including but not limited to what they want to eat, wear, and want to go or do, etc. If these demands are not met, then parents are in big trouble! They cannot manage their child and the child is sure to make the parent’s day a miserable one. As a result, parents surrendered their power to a three-year-old child! Nowadays, children are taking the place of the parent! What do you think these children will be when they reach teenage years?

In some instances, with this age-group more often, adults tend to intervene too soon and too often and neglect to teach toddlers ways of solving conflicts. Toddlers need opportunities to discover, experiment, and to solve their own conflicts while adults observe and are ready to move in with helpful and supportive interventions when needed, instead of constant forbidden warnings and or limitations.

Too much “Nos” against toddlers in most cases cause chaos more than it solves the problem, and it can also limit toddlers’ learning capabilities and experiences. It is you (adults) and your reactions to your youngster’s actions or behaviors which will make you enjoy your youngsters or denounce them! Children learn the best in an environment that affords them the opportunity for meaningful learning, exploration, and discovery of their creativity and ability, as well as experiencing fun through plays-both large and small/fine motor plays and games. The role of the adult here is to observe and ensure that the environment is conducive to growth and effective learning.

Home is a first place where all learning starts, therefore, one way to ensure your children learn effectively is by making your home a welcoming learning place; and incorporating the understanding of how children learn is crucial as well. We parents are vital to our children’s learning and development. Offering our children an environment that supports their early learning will, in turn, provide you and your children a successful experience.

Before learning and understanding child development, I used to think that young children learn the best when they:

· listened and watched adults performing task and directing them how to

· memorized facts-make them memorize and remember things we taught them

· thought about abstract ideas

· followed directions step-by-step

· had their mistakes corrected

· practice tasks selected for them by others

· sit quietly at the desks to be lectured.

After learning and understanding child development, I now know that young children learn the best when they:

· actively participate in the process of performing the task

· use real objects to witness real results, not memorized facts

· work at their own pace and style

· follow their own natural curiosity, not forced to follow strictly given directions or follow someone else’s path

· experiment to find solutions to their problems and to make mistakes is part of learning; it’s okay to make mistakes.

· choose what they want to do, to build on their own experiences

· actively get involved and play-play is to occupy oneself in amusement, sport, game, or other recreation of their choosing, not forced to join and play a specific play strictly selected for them. A play is a very important part of development for your growing child. Not only is playtime entertaining for your child, but also provides stimulation, increase skills and coordination, provide an outlet for your child’s energy, and helps to encourage exploration by your child.

· Play is also an important teaching tool or strategy as it can help to teach your child concepts such as shapes, numbers, colors, and help your child to get along with others, be part of a group and to share. It allows for creativity and fantasy, learns self-discipline, self-control, self-confidence, and perseverance at the same time.

A play can be practiced anywhere, at school, home, and in the community. A home that affords children’s positive learning and growth also has:

· A place for study with table and chairs, possibly bookshelf with collection of favorable books, and or other supporting materials and tools or equipment that support learning-computer, printer, etc. But also, others prefer soft cushion on the floor, if you can designate a space for learning to make it special for that purpose or whatever works with your child is what counts.

· Encourage early literacy by providing 15 to 60 minutes of educational sessions including reading and math depending on the age of the child. Every child is different.

Knowing your child’s unique talents, skills, abilities and special needs will help both you and your child find the best way to take advantage of learning opportunities and resources available. Children possess a healthy curiosity about things around them and do enjoy learning whether they are passive and at times unresponsive or struggling with learning for reasons beyond their control such as trauma from unstable or broken home, or your child possesses inborn-strong-willed traits which cause behaviors that interfere with his/her learning.

The children learning experts such as Cynthia Urich Tobias on her book, The Way They Learn: How to Discover and Teach to Your Child’s Strengths encourage and offer guidance to parents, teachers, and adults who work with children on how to get the most and best in your children by understanding the way they learn. She offered an in-depth insight into learning styles and how knowing your child’s learning style can give you a better understanding of the type of learning approaches that will help your child do better in school. She began her book with these five concepts as general guidelines to keep in mind when dealing with learning styles:

“Observing (Observe the pattern of behavior. When you or your child experiences success, what are the circumstances that brought that success?).

Listen (Listen to the way a person communicates. If you only talk to others the way you want them to talk to you, you may discover you’re speaking a language that is foreign to them. Listening carefully can teach you how you need to talk to them).

Experiment (Experiment with what works and what doesn’t. Keep an open mind and remember that even if an approach to learning does not make sense to you, it may work for your children. We do not all learn in the same way).

Focus (Focus on natural strengths, not weaknesses. Unfortunately, it’s so much easier to pinpoint areas of weakness that need improvement than to bolster sources of strength. But you can’t build much on weaknesses-strengths provide a much better foundation!).

Learn (Learn more about learning styles in general. Pay close attention to your children’s and your own learning styles in particular.)”

As she proceeds, she outlines four dominant learning styles and its characteristics:

· Dominant Concrete Sequential (CS)

· Dominant Abstract Sequential (AS)

· Dominant Abstract Random (AR)

· Dominant Concrete Random(CR)

Learn details and comparison of what the four-dominant learning styles might be on some key issues, from Cynthia Urich Tobias book, The Way They Learn: How to Discover and Teach to Your Child’s Strengths.

Therefore, just because your child may not respond to you accordingly, it doesn’t always mean that your child isn’t listening! It could be differences of perceptions that cause you both not be on the same page. It’s like speaking a foreign language that cannot be understood. Learning to listen to one another may result to effective communication, and an effective communication is a lubricant that makes things run smoothly!

Did You Start the New School Year Right?

If you didn’t start the school year right it's never too late to gear up for a successful school year! So, as the first school quoter gets closer to an end, start the second quoter of school geared up for a new learning spirit!! Now is the time to spice up the second quoter of the school year learning marathon with a strong and positive vibe.

Here are 12 top things you need to do:

Teamwork

Getting to know your teachers and your peers! So, to make the transition smooth for parents and their children become your child’s partner in their learning by making it a habit to have learning time together and get to know and do school stuff together. Making an effort to know your child’s teachers is part of the teamwork. It helps you and your child gain some sense of familiarity. Encourage your child to team up with his or her peers in the neighborhoods they live or in the schools they attend to form study groups early on and take learning seriously. “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail”. Studying with your buddies/peers is more likely to inspire and lift you up. Mentor one another and share knowledge. One mentor can make a difference-could be your parent, your friend, or your librarian.

Be Courageous

Ready, set, goal! With courage, you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be passionate about your learning, and the wisdom to try and keep trying until you get it right or where you want to be. When we are in our comfort zone things happens-we become courageous, we develop curiosity, we explore and discover things and ourselves, and we build-in positive experiences. So, step up and try! Start small and finish big. Be your own advocate of your destiny. Knowing what you thrive for, gives you the courage to go chase your dream-whatever dream you might have-getting straight A’s, become a Cheerleader, or attend the college of your choice! With courage you will dare to take a try and have the strength to be passionate about your school and your learning; and the wisdom to keep trying if you have to until you get the results you desire. Courage is the foundation of integrity and integrity is the quality of being honest or truthful and having strong moral principles in what you believe.

Build Enthusiasm

Where there is a will, there is a way and the opportunity for enthusiasm. School rock! Plan your study daily, weekly, monthly, and for the year with the help of your teachers, your parents, your peers, your mentors, or your librarians-make this year a learning year, from scholastic classic reading tales, to Penguin’s paperbacks; gear up for STEM skills and explore cool projects and discover your creativity; or try digital learning to supplement your everyday learning. Train the brain and rediscover the whole new way of learning! Make the most of the after-school time to work on what is holding you back! Become a smart kid and super parents who make the teachers talk about you the whole year! Every day bring your enthusiasm to your studies and make learning part of your daily activities. It is exciting to enter the new grade level ready and with confidence, that prepare you for a new good academic year.

Dare to Dream

Remember, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. If you want to become a scientist, for example, take science classes seriously and go beyond that-take interests in sciences and scientific world. Does your child’s school see his or her potential? Tutor time counts and matters! If your child wants to expand their interests or solidify their existing passion for learning, you will be sure to find enrichment programs to fit their curiosity and interests. Introducing enrichment programs to your child can make a difference between success and failure. A good tutor builds student’s confidence and inspires them. How do you know if a tutor could help your child: teacher or counselor recommendations, homework increasingly becomes difficult, struggled/increased anxiety toward school work; and or loss interest and resistance to doing school work. So, how does tutoring help: provides personalized attention, customized to student’s needs, provides a review of skills missed during class, help increases student motivation and improves self-confidence; and encourages independence and self-directed learning. Give your child a chance to succeed in school by affording him or her rich learning opportunities through enrichment programs.

Embrace Change

Whether is a new school, new teachers, new friends or new grade level, changes are part of life. Get prepared to embrace or make a connection with these changes to reestablish friendships and catch ups. Take it as a great opportunity to meet all these new things and people to get acquitted, it does wonders to everyone when you reconnect and form friendships. Don’t get comfortable with the status quo. Remember, “No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies you the right to grow”. Speak out for help! Find out what resources available you can take advantage off to change situations-change the unfavorable scores to favorable scores, change from struggling with learning to thrive with learning or change from being a passive learner to an active learner.

Set Goals

 Star with the small steps and progress to bigger steps. Setting goals and plans on how to achieve your desired goals is the beginning stage of progress. Any progress achieved is a result of your initiatives, your determination, commitment and hard work. If there is no hard work, there is no progress! For the love of learning, supporting your child’s learning is a solid investment with a lifetime dividend. Parents and teachers’ goal is to prepare students to excel as young learners and intellectual leaders of tomorrow. Set small steps one at a time and you will get big rewards. Forming connections with your teachers, successful working relationships between teacher and students; and parents and schools are like a good marriage. When teachers connect with their students they experience cooperation, genuine and positive interactions which influence the way students feel about school and learning. Teamwork between teachers, parents, and students can maximize the strength of the parties involved and create positive education potential for the students. Learning with purpose, staying in the present addressing one current issue at a time, rather than revisit the past, pass judgment or blame; instead, focus and aim for the progress you want to see in your student’s learning and beyond.

Be Optimistic

 In all, you do find an opportunity to better your chances! Remember, the pessimist sees difficulties in every opportunity while the optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. Keep the focus on active learning, active participation, and positive contribution. Practice positive rituals help to increase harmony in the classroom or at home and reduce stress-make a brief positive affirmation or chant, for example, you can chant, “Together we can. We are family, we are happy, we are helpful and kind. We are caring friends, etc. Students love to repeat the teachers/adults’ words, and it brings the feeling of belonging and connection. Learning opportunities happen everywhere and anytime if you pay attention.

Active Participation

 Show up and become an active learner and extend your ability and creativity by helping the passive or the struggling peer. Share positive comments with teachers, peers and parents in the classroom and outside the classroom. Practice active listening by giving full attention to your teachers and classmates. Take time to share lessons you have learned with others in school or at home. Both teachers and peers will appreciate your willingness and contribution to the class. The goal is to understand each other especially during classroom sessions and recognize that a school is a place for learning and growth. Communicate positively and effectively with teachers and peers. Know and follow the school and classroom rules-rules for participation, sharing, homework, discipline, responsibility, etc. The unselfish effort to help and uplift others, not only build strong friendships and cheer to others but also brings joy and pride to ourselves. When you are generous to others, it brings happiness in our lives. There in the crowd is a friend-short, tall, young; and or old-friends come in all shapes and sizes. Value friendship through participation and reach out!

Focus on Trust

Trust is the first chapter in the book of knowledge.  Trusting your learning journey is part of building a stronger you and good relationships between students, teachers, and parents-students should be honest and trust their teacher's interests in their learning, and so as parents should develop trust with schools and the teachers. Parents are partners in the process of teaching children. Honest, good, and effective communication between schools and parents is crucial and serves as a bridge that allows smooth passage between teachers and students. Honesty builds trust. Two-way communications and two-way feedback build trust. We all have expectations from our children; however, both parents and teachers should keep these expectations from their students realistic especially during the beginning months of the new school year. Show confidence in them and let your students know that you trust their ability to cope, ability to learn and succeed. Remind them of the other challenges they have faced in the past but persevered.

Bring Leadership

 “Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember, involve me and I understand”. Parents and teachers play a leading role in helping students cope with the back-to-school worries. Major transitions can cause feelings of insecurity and anxiety on how they are going to master their new environment even if is a returning student! New routines matter and they come embedded with emotions-so do not underestimate or overestimate things that might come from this new experience for your student and you! Some worries are not obvious to parents or teachers, especially the beginning months of the new school year; that is why parents and teachers need to take a lead in acknowledging and understanding this transitioning period as a difficult time for students and lower their expectations during the first two months of starting school. Listen tentatively and respond empathetically while focusing on your student’s real concern. Don’t just tell them, “Don’t worry”, “You will be fine. “It just a new school”, etc. If a student is starting a new school, take a lead in finding and making contacts with students who have been there before or who is going to the same school and lives in the same neighborhoods. Fears of the unknown can be eliminated with a student-to-student connection.

Make Efforts

Remember, “No dreamer is ever too small, nor dream is ever too big”. Explore your talents and stretch your boundaries! By empowering students to see their potential can help them to endure values of the school and learning for bright future. It’s important for both parents and student to make efforts to initiate good relationships with teachers and schools. Teachers understanding of your student and advice they share can be extremely helpful to your parenting and potential to your student’s learning and growth. Help student focus on the positive things they like about school and learning and list things that will help them achieve success in their learning and beyond. Keep their extracurricular activities manageable and avoid over-scheduling especially during the first months of school as it can overwhelm you both and make the situation tenser. You both need time to unwind and reflect during the transitioning to a new school year. Afterwards, take the ownership of the learning process, and you and your child’s own efforts and independent initiatives will be fostered and nurtured by teachers and schools as it is their interests too to see your child succeed!

Aim for Success

 Enjoy the ride! “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it”.  As students explore their world, support them by giving them happier, healthier, and well-rounded foundation as possible to support their learning and future success, i.e. parents and teachers are an important force in preparing students for school and for future life. To achieve success from the start to the finish, parents and teachers must engage their students every day because learning is achieved by cultivating curiosity, creativity, courage, and commitment; paying attention to important things; focusing on learning something daily and keep the hard work of maintaining the routines. Parents’ involvement in their children’s daily learning and engagements are the key to unlock their children’s full potential. Every student matters, outcome matters regardless of race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic background. Success demands the closing of all gaps and the creation and maximization of futures opportunities for students, teachers, and schools. A happy student is a happy parent and a successful school!

                                                                                                          

What Teachers Really Want from Students

Student success starts with all parts of “self” i.e. self-discipline, self-control, self-confidence, self-motivation, self-awareness, self-concept, self-actualization, and the biggest of all, self-esteem! Thus, student’s success needs a lifelong process of authentic self-esteem and a strong moral compass.

“Children with a healthy sense of self-esteem feel that the important adults in their lives love them, accept them, and will go out their way to ensure their safety and well-being.” (NAEYCE, 1998).

Teachers are the most influential adults in the life of a student and they go out of their way to help students learn successfully. They are lifesavers of their students. In fact, teachers reach out to students to not only teach, mentor and tutor but also to parents when the need calls to.

Teachers take students to faraway lands, places they might have never known without their teachers’ helping hand. Teachers give students tools to succeed that otherwise they might have never found, and they make students feel better about themselves than they might have if teachers hadn’t believed in them.

As teachers, we are concerned human beings first and always. Teachers want to act and manage their classrooms harmoniously and efficiently, appropriately in a stressful situation; teachers show grace under pressure and they respond insightfully; teachers do not like to react impulsively, and above all teachers want to teach students and positively impact their world, that is our main goal!

All teachers work hard to respond to children’s demands and need endlessly and tirelessly.

However, teachers don’t want to spend time and waste energy on battles that can be avoided, on behaviors that are unwanted, or on assaults that can be prevented!

The destructive power of unwanted behaviors acts, and inappropriate comments in everyday classrooms are the daily setbacks that can be prevented or avoided when teachers and students are at their BEST practice. Therefore, it’s no surprise that for both teachers and students to succeed, they “must work together” with a common goal of meaningful learning, and “not against one another”.

We all should come to school prepared! Teachers prepare their lesson plans and the classrooms so that they can teach students effectively.

Teachers don’t want students to come to school to disrupt their teaching plans, or to ruin their lessons, and infect their classes.It takes both teachers and students to create a climate of learning, and a harmony in a classroom.

Therefore, teachers really want their students to have:

1.   Responsibility and Commitment

Teachers want students to know that they are solely responsible for their learning process and that they should take the ownership of their learning, i.e. personal responsibility and commit to active study as learners. Personal responsibility as it relates to knowledge acquisition and skills gain is taking charge of one’s own learning. This includes complete assigned assignments on time, sufficient practice study and gets prepared for tests, accept consequences for the mistakes or failures students creates and learn to correct them, and put on an effort in your learning process to the best of your ability.

Students have the responsibility to abide by the Student Code of Conduct-good conduct that does not disrupt, distract, or interfere in any way with teaching and learning process. The school and classroom policies, rules, and procedures are set to light and guard, to teach and guide, and so to help students stay out of trouble.

Recent studies reported an increased number of students with behavior problems in the classroom and the problem is on the rise, that there are more students with behavior problems that interfere with teaching.

Teachers want to spend less time disciplining unwanted behavior and more time preparing their lesson plans and collaborating with their collogues for effective teaching and learning to occur.

The other part of student responsibility is to arrive at school and in all classes on time and embrace the “student-centered learning”, i.e. each student is an individual who has unique learning needs and interests and he/she need to be part of the solution. Read more about personal responsibility and strategies for effective learning at www.ewa.org, and http://www.studtgs.net/.

2.   Engagement and Active Participation

Teaching and learning require enormous dedication. Teachers want students to show up and engage in an active learning by taking advantage of the learning resources available-access to quality educational tools, materials and programs designed to help the students learn better and effectively.

Studies show that students who are engaged in active learning are more likely to perform well in class, improve grade scores and the learning ability.

Teachers also want students to fully participate in the process of learning during classroom sessions. Practice active listening by giving full attention to your teachers and classmates. Sharing knowledge is part of earning too, so students should take time to share lessons they have learned with others in school or at home. Both teachers and your peers will appreciate student’s willingness to not only actively participate but also contribute to the class. The goal here is to understand one another especially during classroom sessions and recognize that a school is a place for learning and growth.

Teachers also want students to know that attendance and punctuality matter!Keep attendance up, tidy up, and be punctual; in addition, coming to classroom prepared and ready to learn. Arriving at school and classrooms on time keeps everyone on time and make things run smoothly.

Teachers want the students to know that when they miss classes, they miss learning. When students come to classes late, they not only miss part of the lessons taught but also, they cause some disruption and delays in the class.

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) asserted that “Every school day counts in a child’s academic life…. A missed school day is a lost opportunity for the student to learn…Research shows that attendance is an important factor in student achievement.”

3.   Expectations and Accountability

Teachers want students to perform high and above the expectation set for high achievement and one way to beat the expectation set is to work on your learning ability-set expectations for your learning and behavior towards learning, set goals for things you want to accomplish, use your learning time wisely, and study plan/strategies-thus, just be accountable for your learning achievement success.

Learning effectively matter! School success matter! And knowledge is power! Former President of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” That means to value the education and the time for learning, for education entails how mind and intelligence develop and serves as a means to facilitate the development of the whole person physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.

Embrace and value education because it teaches us not only how to think, but how to think critically and creatively, not only how to react, but how to react analytically; and it gives us imaginary power. Education has no limit, don’t limit yourself!

Teachers want the students to remember that future belongs to them and especially to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Dream big, aim high, and work hard-plan your study daily, weekly, monthly, and for the year with the help of your teachers, your peers, your mentors and or parents.

Teachers also want the student to do homework because homework:

4.   Electronic Devices / Technology

Education-technology is the way forward in the 21^st century and has benefitted both teachers and students and student should take the lead in daily learning with the support of the technology gadgets. No doubt that technology has boosted the student engagement in learning immensely, i.e. technology improves all aspects of the student learning experience…the rise of mobile learning (Smartphones), the chrome books (laptops) has allowed many students who otherwise would not engage and participate to become fully engaged, actively participated and improved their learning greatly.

Learn more about Edu-tech research findings:

https://www.mheducation.com/news-media/press-releases/mcgraw-hill-education-2015-workforce-readiness-survey.html,

On the other side, the use of these electronic devices needs to be controlled to ensure the balance of its use, especially in the school environment.

Schools/teachers priority is also to ensure and protect your child’s health and safety. Students may use their electronic devices during designated periods at School which is a privilege for the students, not a right; and it is increasingly proving to be not a good decision to allow "personal electronic devices" in the classrooms in the first. It is important for all students to follow the guidelines for safety, responsibility, and respect for other people and school environment. 

                                                             

Students with devices that are used to aid in the completion of homework (laptops, tablets, e-readers, other devices) may be utilized during the scheduled homework time in designated areas ONLY and MUST remain SECURED on the table.

Students should refrain from the use of gaming devices that are not permitted in school. Personal cell phones are not to be used at school and MUST remain in the student’s backpack always.

There is an increase in the use of personal cellular phones by students during school program hours!  Students need to know that they may not be  permitted to:

Communicate on any social media (including, but not limited to, social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat,

Take and or post photos and /or videos with or without the consent of the student involved and the adult-teacher.

Visit video-sharing sites such as YouTube during classroom sessions, Email, blog, visits chat rooms or post on bulletin boards!

Some teachers have been so lenient on this issue of the use of electronic devices to the extent of allowing the use of "personal electronic devices" during classroom sessions as an incentive for students to calm down…have they forget that students are smart manipulators and actors too…that they will disrupt the class intentionally so that you can allow them to use their devices…some students rushed to finish their assignments so that the remaining time they can use their devices because some teachers allow it as a reward that when students finished his/her assigned work they can then use their devices!!! 

As a parent, I struggle with my children with the same issue of the use of electronic devices at home, and I have to tell their teachers to take away their phones should they make poor decisions to use their phones during classroom sessions…Students should learn to use these devices with moderation as they are now becoming too addictive and harmful…too much of anything is harmful.

On electronic games- students are now playing games which involve violence, profanity, etc. etc. How these are supposed to entertain and or teach young children values and or morals? These games are deemed inappropriate by school and teachers, yet they surface in the schools' environment. Off course, if students are caught in such acts they will be reprimanded but how many time you will catch them before they infect others and the school? Is there a better alternative than allowing them to bring them to school lockers and or keep them in their backpacks?

Now some students allow other students to listen to the music contained on their personal device including, but not limited to, iPods, iPads, MP3 players, etc. They are students sharing as we teach them to share, but it’s the contents of what is being shared that worries many adults! 

I did not have any of these electronic gadgets when I was in school and came out school well grounded...perhaps the time is upon us to rethink the pros and cons of allowing personal electronic gadgets in school!

Tech devices are good when used appropriately and when needed especially in the school environment but now students have access to connect any electronic devices at any time and even during the program hours!!! This is a BIG problem awaiting to explode…and as it is now it is interfering more and more with student learning.

5.   Honest, Trust, and Truth 

It is wise to direct your anger towards the problems, not the people; also focus your energies on answers, not excuses. Trust is the first chapter in the book of knowledge Trusting your learning process is a part of building a stronger you and good relationships between student-teacher and student-parent should be honest and trust their teachers' interests in their learning.

Trusting your teacher and be honest with then especially when there is a situation that you need to address whether academic or behavior issue

Teachers are in schools to teach and mentor. They are interested in how the student learns and what kind of a person you are and going to be. Teachers get up every morning thinking about their students first or more thank about their own children. They are ready to help students learn successfully, improve learning in the classroom and make each student happy and eager to learn.

Therefore, when teachers give students their knowledge, wisdom, and dedication, they want students to give them back your discipline, character, and integrity!

Air your dislike and or argument amicably. Thus, for example, instead of a student throwing a tantrum, speak out your need or your displeasure!

Teachers may not see all and time may not allow it either. Our intentions are always good ones, to teach our students effectively and see them succeed in school and beyond.

If you feel you are left behind you can also take charge and be a self-advocacy of your learning needs which includes speaking up for what you need, know your strengths and weaknesses; and find the support you need from teachers or others-from your peers or your parents!

Getting Your Child Back-to-Learning Again!

Back-to-school season paves the way for new venture-new schools, new grade levels, and new teachers and friends, but getting your child back-to-learning again happens all the time and it consume us all-parents are constantly concerned whether their children are mastering their learning while children worries are not necessarily focused on school and learning as it is on other stuffs-like friends, fit-in, being cool and staying cool, etc.

Whether you are a teacher, a parent or a student getting ourselves into the learning routine should be an all-time thing!

However, back-to-school season is a time of reflection that encompasses excitements-looking forward to be with and see new friends, teachers and or entering a higher-grade level, anxiety-due to the uncertainties about what you going to experience and conquer, and anticipation-the feelings of possibilities that lies ahead to be bestowed.

For me, as I leap into a new-school-year I hope to continue to be resourceful not only to my children but also to my students I am entrusted to teach, inspire and guide as they navigate their world of learning.

So, as we all prepare for back-to-school again let me share my Ten Golden Rules of getting-back-to-learning again to help ease the butterflies and calm the jitters:

1.   Get organized- the new beginnings, the changes, and the challenges of the back-to-school requires organization. Being organized minimize chaos, last minutes rush, and stress. Getting organized play, a great part of being healthy. It leads to healthy and happier family, “a happy child is a happy family”.

2  . Get involved-as the new school year approaches emotions build up, so what can parents do to make the transition smooth for themselves and their children especially if a child is attending school/college for the first time or going to a new school? In a simple term. Get involved from the start to the finish. Get all the paperwork done, review the checklist to make sure all you need is known and plan how to accomplish it. Let your child get involved in the planning (this season my teenage boys are chipping in to help themselves-it the best way to get involved and learning how to be part of the planning).

3.   Stay Connected-being on the same page keep things into perspective between you and your child, but also between you and the school and other families with children in the same school. Establishing mutual understanding and share common goals help to build friendships, trusts, and help you become familiar with the school system.

4.   School manners and habits-be the best and in your best behavior! Managing schedules start from home and all the way to school. As summer starts winding away, gradually begin charging the schedule early-2 to 3 weeks before school resume through reminders about going to bed early and getting up early.

5.   Balanced expectations-anticipate unknown or unforeseen by being thoughtful and mindful of the anxiety the first-three weeks of starting school as a transition and an adjustment period! There are so much to catch up within those 2 to 3 weeks that it overwhelms both the students, teachers and parents.

6 .  Make “His” / “Her” Plate- pack nutritional and healthy balanced lunches and snacks. Preparing healthy meals and eating enjoyable foods has been a priority in my family and I encourage my boys to eat healthy to stay healthy. So, your child’s lunch should include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy which are the basic five food groups and required components of the National School Lunch Program.

7.   Empower, Inspire, and motivate- confidence rule the world! When kids feel confident and ready to learn they become good. When they are good they become good socially, builds emotional competency, they set goals. Make responsible decisions, communicate effectively, resolve conflict independently and more. Take about the future, about planning for high school and college, and about aiming to a high level of education and career.

8.   Make Home Comfortable and Learning Place-make it and keep it healthy- a healthy home supports healthy living and healthy learning. Eat well, sleep well, routine excise, manage and balance homework/school activities at home and home chores-students should learn to manage their rooms and set up a learning time and space in the house for study School and homework comes first before play. Your home should encourage learning.

9.   Keep it in Moderation-Overstimulation, multiple-extra-curricular activities overwhelm both children and parents. Let a child be a child first. Overdoing things or trying to live your dreams through your children often produces negative outcomes. In fact, pushing your child to do too much or get involved in too many activities can turn him or her off and cause emotional problems. On the learning part, show confidence in him or her. Let your child know you trust him or her ability to learn and succeed.

10. Brainstorm often-have a one-on-one session on how things are going and validate their feelings-their worries or fears they may encounter. Teach them failure is part of life and the possibilities of try, try and try again to get it right. Let them learn that quitters never win and winners never quit.

In conclusion, getting through the process of preparing your child for school, or prepare yourself as a first-time teacher or a returning to school teacher allows both to become ready for school. There are so many resources and ways both parents and children can utilize to stay healthy, make good choices during the coming school year. Check out the suggested books to read to beat Back-to-School blues:

Back to School with Pete the cat by James Dean

                        Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis

                        First Grade Jitter by Robert Quackenbush

                        Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

                        by Lenore Look

                        Back to school, Mallory by Laurie B. Friedman

                        Smile by Raina Telgemeier

                        Mr. President Goes to School by Rick Walton

                        This School Year Will Be the Best! Kay Winters by Dutton,

and The Star Wars: Jedi Academy trilogy, by Jeffrey Brown.

Enjoy the reading and the learning/lessons you draw from the books!