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Top 5 Benefits of Flexible Packaging for Frozen Foods

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Minimalist packaging has been a strong trend over the last couple years, and it’s been catching on in almost every industry that makes consumer goods, but it’s an especially strong trend in frozen foods. Minimal packaging tends to come in a few predictable forms right now, and when it comes to maintaining freshness while taking advantage of low production costs and providing convenience to the consumer, very few options present as many advantages as digital printing on plastic pouches. Let’s look at some of the things you can count on if your company makes the change to this popular, flexible method of packaging food. It’s not only simple and on-trend, it’s also a great way to keep foods fresh.

1. Versatile Shelving Options

While a digitally printed pouch sounds like a simple packaging solution, it can be set up for almost any display method. You can easily have pouches printed with the features that let them hang easily from pegs in freezer units, but it’s also easy to find options that are built to have stable bottoms that leave them upright for high visibility. That’s not all, though. You can use air packed bags to keep items insulated when stacked and to minimize turbulence while it’s being shipped, too. That means your goods can be put together in practically any display model without a change in packaging if you plan right.

2. It’s Eco-Friendly

Green packaging has been a concern with a significant portion of the consumer base for decades, and it’s becoming a bigger and bigger issue as time goes on. Today’s companies need to be able to capture the eco-conscious market to ensure they remain viable into the foreseeable future, and cutting down on your packaging materials by using a simple, minimal, and effective method to ensure freshness while in transit means achieving those goals more easily.

3. Lower Production Costs

Flexible packaging that takes a single-pouch, minimalist approach to ensuring freshness will save you money over more complex options most of the time, because creating that packaging is simple. All it takes is a good design to print your company’s customized information on one of a number of standard packaging sizes. Even if you need a full custom design for a size that’s uncommon, customizing the design of a simple package is cheaper than customizing multi-step designs that create a lot of waste. It’s not just sustainable for the environment, it’s sustainable for your company.

4. Easy Customization

This seems like a gimme after what has already been said, but digital printing on packaging materials has never been easier. That means you can easily change up your package design when it’s time to rebrand. It also makes introducing new flavors or even entirely new products easier. Simplify your frozen food packaging to make it easier to keep the right packaging in stock at your manufacturing facilities.

5. Increased Reusability

Today’s flexible packaging is a lot more reusable than older designs. Instead of having to worry about moving the extra to an airtight package, pour spouts and resealable access flaps make it easy to keep unused food as fresh as when it was bought with no extra steps. That means customers don’t need to invest in extra food storage, set themselves up to do excess dishes later, or even worry about freezer burn. Your packaging covers all their needs until they run out and head to the store for more.

 

Why Market Research Plays a Huge Role in Digital Marketing

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Did you know that market research plays a very big role in digital marketing? In fact it would not be wrong to characterize market research as one of the cornerstones of any good digital marketing campaign.

But why is it so important? If we’re being honest, there are many reasons:

  • It will let you find out the best way to reach your target market

As you know there are numerous channels through which you can carry out digital marketing campaigns. For example you could use blogging, social media, or PPC advertising on a variety of different platforms.

If you know more about your target market, you should be able to pinpoint the best way to reach them. That will let you focus your efforts on the right areas.

  • It will help you discover the problems they face

Market research will let you find out what problems your target market may be facing. And that in turn will let you suggest solutions that they can use.

The problem-solution formula is an age-old marketing technique, and yet it is one that is still very effective in digital marketing. By providing solutions to your target market’s problems, you will be able to build your reputation, establish trust, and maybe even put yourself in a position to promote your products.

  • It will make it easier to come up with ideas

It isn’t easy to find good ideas that you can use to market your products online. In fact you may find yourself stuck for days on end before you come up with something good.

Market research can help make it a bit easier to come up with ideas by identifying new trends and utilizing them. At very least you’ll have actual data that you can use to evaluate any ideas that you do come up with.

On top of that you may be able to draw inspiration from some areas of your market research. For example, you could look at what your competitors are doing – and find ways to improve on that.

  • It will help you save money

Although initially market research may add to your expenses, in the long run it will save you money. That is because if will improve the effectiveness of your digital marketing campaigns.

In other words you’ll need to spend less to get the same amount of traffic or conversions. Over time the amount you save will add up, and will definitely be more than what you spent on market research.

The only downside of market research is that it can be difficult to carry out will require a lot of work on your part. Of course if you want you could ask experts in digital marketing Cornwall for help or advice.

As a rule – any market research is good market research. Or, in other words, every bit of data and information that you can gather about your target market could prove useful at some point or other.

4 Most Common Safety Mistakes Made On The Job

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One of the most important things that you can do to make an employee feel valued is to create a safe environment for them in the workplace. When companies fail to comply with safety standards, not only are people’s lives endangered, but employers can risk losing their business as a result of their negligence.

Despite knowing the importance of safety in the workplace, however, more companies violate OSHA standards every day than you might think. In some cases, companies may not even realize the violations that they’re committing.

Take a look at some of the most common safety mistakes that are made on the job and what you can do to avoid them.

Failing To Thoroughly Train Employees

In many situations, businesses are eager to get their employees to work as soon as possible. As a result, they speed through the training process, and they’re left with poorly trained employees.

By taking the time to properly train employees, you’ll have less risk of injury and greater awareness of safety hazards. Your team will know how to handle unsafe circumstances and avoid serious injuries.

Failing to Inspect Machinery

Heavy machinery requires regular inspection and maintenance. In many cases, companies neglect regular inspections, and as a result, they miss critical problems, which in turn lead to employee injury and, in some cases, even death.

It’s critical to schedule regular inspections ahead of time to ensure that all machines operate smoothly. If an inspection is missed, it’s vital that it’s rescheduled promptly as soon as possible.

Misusing Tools

In an attempt to save money, some businesses neglect buying the necessary tools for getting a specific job done and use something else in its place. The result can be deadly. For example, an unstable surface may be used instead of a ladder. Although it may save the company a little money in the short term, in the long term, it can cost not only more money, but lives are at stake.

Safety guidelines require that specific tools are put in place for specific tasks. Employees won’t just be safer overall, but they will also be much more productive. As a business owner, the best kind of employee is a productive one who stays out of harm’s way.

Not Investing In Safety Systems

Anytime a company implements a new system, there is an adjustment period. Unfortunately, as a result, many companies put off implementing a new system to avoid an upset in their regular flow of things. However, safety management systems can seriously reduce the risk of making mistakes, which could lead to injury. Technology can make it easier to comply with employee safety standards and make the process much simpler.

6 Ways To Spread The Word About Your Business Online

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The widespread reach of the internet presents an exponential opportunity to take your business to the next level. If you would like to sit stagnant where you are, then you may not have a need to read any further.

This is an educational opportunity. Once you get your digital presence on par for success, you’ll see a difference in the demand for your business rather quickly.

It’s wise to prepare yourself for a marathon of new connections. Take a moment now, and read through a few suggestions on how you might work to spread the word about your business online.

Spend time and resources refining your website

Your business website serves as ground zero for your brand online. The design of your site will make all the difference in the amount of traffic that flows through the pages of your website.

It’s worth the investment required to gather the professional talent necessary to build a stellar business website. Never pass on an opportunity to make your business website more accommodating to consumers.

Create a long list of excellent blog posts

Blogging is an effective way of gaining more visibility for your brand. If you can produce an enriching, engaging, and informative blog post on a regular schedule, then you can build a returning collection of loyal readers.

Building a strong readership gives your business a community of advocates, potential clients, and free marketers (when they press “share”).

Make certain the posts that make up your business blog are relevant to your operation’s mission and goals. This metering and measurement information piece is a helpful content addition to a business specializing in oil and gas.

Take your excellence to the pages of social media

Social media needs the gift of your business, and your business needs the gift of social media. Work together with a global dominator, and make your mark on all of the most popular social media platforms now. Use sharing icons on your website and blog. Setup your own social media profiles, and maintain your profiles like you work to maintain your business website.

Don’t overlook the prevalence of mobile users

It has been a few years now since the takeover of mobile users, but the domination is complete. When you design digital content for your business, always make certain it’s fully optimized to function with ease on a range of mobile devices.

Remember that email is still alive and well

You should also not discount the efficiency of an email marketing campaign. Touch bases with consumers through email, and maintain a consistent relationship with a collection of interested individuals. Gather email addresses by adding an opt-in option on your business website or blog pages.

 

What are the best countries to visit for casino lovers?

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Anyone who keeps even the briefest eye on the entertainment sector will have noticed how popular online casinos are right now. The SugarHouse online PA casino and similar sites appeal to players for the convenience they offer along with a great range of games and promotions to try. While this is naturally something that we can all enjoy via our desktop or mobile devices, many people still also enjoy the buzz and excitement that visiting a real-life casino brings. There is just something about getting dressed up and sampling the atmosphere in person that resonates with us still.

What do you do if you have not got any real-life casinos close to you, or if you fancy trying a casino in a completely different setting? The best idea is to pack your bags and head on vacation to somewhere different. The great thing here is that you get to travel at the same time as enjoying your favorite hobby! Many modern casinos are now luxurious complexes and offer so much more than standard table games to visitors.

Which countries are the best around for casino lovers?

The US

Any list of countries that are perfect for casino lovers has to mention the US. While you may live here already, do not think that taking a trip around the country internally is not worthwhile. Las Vegas, for example, is regarded as the gambling capital of the whole world and has many fabulous casinos, hotels and resorts to keep you entertained. The great news is that if you live in Vegas or have already been, there are plenty of other places around the US that are great to check out instead. From Atlantic City to Reno or Fort Lauderdale, the choice present around the US means that it is certainly one of the best places around to enjoy a casino-based break.

Macau

If you are determined to head overseas and see how casinos work in a foreign country, why not try Macau? This is a part of China technically but is classed as its own special administrative region by the authorities there. Although this is just one place within the whole of China, it is worth visiting as you can easily enjoy a week or two’s vacation there.

Macau is home to over 30 top-class casino resorts that allow you to not only play but also stay in true style. As well as tourists, it sees many visitors from China and Hong Kong, so you also get a real feel for the Far Eastern culture. When it comes to enjoying some casino games, the Grand Macau and Casino Lisboa are two of the best to try. All the casinos here offer plenty of classic games to try out, such as blackjack or roulette, along with welcoming dealers and a cosmopolitan crowd.

UK

For many US casino lovers who want to travel but don’t want to get far off the beaten track, the UK is perfect. Not only does the country speak English, but it also has much the same culture and feel. Naturally, there are also some great cities around the country that house some fine casinos. London is the first port of call for many and has famous examples such as Aspers in Stratford or the Park Lane Club in Mayfair. If you would like to see the rest of the UK while playing top games such as baccarat or poker, then locations such as Cardiff, Glasgow and Bournemouth are all worth thinking about. You will be impressed not only by how modern the casinos are around the UK but also by the facilities they offer.

Monaco

Found on the south coast of France, Monaco is its own principality. The main attraction for casino fans here is a visit to Monte Carlo. As you would expect, Monte Carlo has a great choice of casinos to try out while there. As it is a small place, getting around them all is no problem. The glamorous Casino de Monte-Carlo is perhaps the most famous, but there are also others such as the Casino Café de Paris. All have a very luxurious and decadent feel, which makes you feel like you are in a James Bond film! There is a good choice of games in the casinos here – this includes slot machines, craps, punto banco and chemin de fer to name but a few.

Start planning your casino vacation today

Whether you plan to travel within the US or jet off abroad, planning a casino-themed break is a great idea. It not only allows you to get away from normal life and relax but also enables you to spend more time playing your favorite games. By the time you come back, you will only have to worry about where to go next time!

Nine University Reviews – What to Expect From An Online Educator

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Nine University Reviews – What to Expect From An Online Educator

Each year we see more and more people looking to go back to education and study a wide range of courses online. Some people go back to learn things that they never did in the past, others do so for fun and some will look to use the likes of online courses like Nine University, to help them launch their own business. Incidentally those Nine University reviews which are online look incredibly impressive and it is easy to see why so many wish to study there. Regardless of what someone is looking to study it is important that they know what to expect from an online educator. Unfortunately there are a number of online courses which aren’t worth the money, and here is how to ensure that people choose well.

Reviews and Feedback

We mentioned about the importance of review in the intro and this is a point which cannot be overstated. The experiences of those who have studied somewhere before are going to be absolutely vital when deciding whether or not this is a course that is going to to be worthwhile. When looking at reviews people must be mindful of ensuring that the reviews they read are valid, and that there are a number of opinions covered within them, to give a clearer picture.

Resources

When studying online it is important to remember that much of the work is carried out by the individual, rather than a traditional method of classroom teaching. It is for this reason that new students must ensure that the course they are signing up for, is able to offer a wealth of learning resources which can be used. This should include video tutorials, reading materials, forums which allow students to communicate with each other and equally as important is having someone on hand to speak with should students run into any difficulty. Not enough places that offer online courses have teachers and mentors available for such circumstances, but it should be an essential feature of an online educator.

Course Design

Everyone learns at different speeds, in different ways and with different tools and this is why people have to ensure that they are choosing an educator which has a smartly designed course that fits with all types of learner. Courses should be carefully mapped out, they should be broken down into manageable pieces and they should also flow in a way that helps the learner really gain a depth of understanding about the course that they are studying. Given that learners will have to be self-disciplined during their course, it will always make sense to have an easy to understand course that can be managed without too much difficulty.

These are the key areas that people must look at when they are considering where to learn online, if an online course provider is able to incorporate these features then they are more than likely going to be a great choice for any student.

 

Is a Real Estate Agent Worth the Cost?

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The real estate market is complex and intimidating at the best of times. When selling property, it helps to have an experienced agent at your side.

Doesn’t it?

Not everyone thinks so. In fact, FSBO (“for sale by owner”) transactions are fairly common as many sellers prefer to forgo the cost of hiring an agent in favor of braving the market on their own. The question is, do these people have the right idea or are they putting themselves at a disadvantage?

The truth is that there is no easy answer. Whether or not working with an agent is right for you is affected by a number of factors, not the least of which is your own knowledge of and experience within real estate, as well as your financial situation and how much time and effort you’re willing to expend on learning in the ins and outs of the market.

Some will say that a real estate agent can help you sell your home for a higher price, while others will say that going it alone allows you to make more money by cutting out the middleman. A study by researchers at Northwestern University, however, suggests that both FSBO and agent-facilitated transactions produce roughly equivalent profits. In other words, neither seems to really have an edge in terms of netting you more money.

The real cost of either approach, then, is found not in the bottom line but in the fine print.

Hiring a real estate agent costs money. That much is obvious. Most commonly, an agent makes 6% of the sale price for whatever property they helped you sell. That may seem like a lot, but that 6% is not set in stone. Different agents take different percentages, some more and some less, so it pays to shop around when looking for an agent.

What’s more, negotiation is always an option. An agent might be willing to lower their percentage considerably depending on the sale price of your property, or if you can guarantee them repeat business, either by having them represent you as a buyer or as a seller of another property.

The benefits of having an agent are, of course, the experience and resources that they bring to the table. Some of the services which agents provide, and which are covered by the percentage they make off the sale of your property, would cost you considerable amounts of money to undertake yourself. Listing a piece of real estate and advertising it in the relevant markets is not cheap and might not be something every seller has the knowledge, or the time, to do on their own.

Calculating the cost of selling a house can be surprisingly easy, but there are other obstacles that can trip up an inexperienced seller making a go at doing it themselves. From being familiar with the legal intricacies of real estate to keeping track of fluctuations in property values to setting up open houses to wading through piles of paperwork, there’s more to being an agent than putting a “for sale” sign out on the front lawn.

That’s not to say that any of these things are beyond the capabilities of the average seller. Rather, it’s to say that these are some of the things that selling any property requires. Determining whether or not you need an agent mainly comes down to determining whether you prefer a more hands-on role or a more hands-off one.

In other words, the only person who can truthfully answer the question “Is a real estate agent worth the cost?” is you.

The Best Online Games For Girls

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If you’re searching for some of the most engaging new games to play during your down time, you’ve come to the right place. Simply continue reading to discover a list of some of the best online games for girls. Whether you prefer fashion games, survival games or casino games, you’ll be sure to discover a new game that’s well worth adding to your collection of games.

The Best Online Games For Girls:

Covet:

If you’re a self confessed fashionista you’ll love playing Covet as you’ll get to put together entire outfits for different occasions. As an example in one challenge you may have to dress up your character to attend a charity ball, while in other challenge you may have to dress up your character for a weekend ski trip. Better yet, all of the clothes which feature in Covet are from real designers.

If you have a competitive streak it’s well worth joining a fashion house as you’ll get to work with your teammates in order to beat a series of challenges in order to win rare prizes. Such as new clothing and hair accessories.

13Wins:

13Wins is an online casino site where you’ll be able to play real money by playing fun casino games such as slots and roulette. If you’re feeling lucky it’s well worth checking out the super casino promotions on 13Wins. As 13Wins regularly offers promotions to encourage new players to join in on the fun. Playing slots and roulette is a great idea if you get bored easily and enjoying being able to access quick and easy games to play when you want to kill a bit of time.

Fortnite 2:

If you have a great aim and enjoy shooters it’s definitely well worth joining in on the craze that is Fortnite 2. The heavily awaited sequel to Fortnite, the survival shooter that took the world by storm. If you have a Playstation 4, you’ll even be able to play Fortnite 2’s split screen co-op mode, which will allow you to team up with a friend in order to take down other teams of two from around the world. Part of the fun of playing Fortnite is getting to select a fun skin for your character and exploring Fortnite 2’s extensive map.

If you’re keen to check out Fortnite 2, make sure to use your fishing rod to try and pull a heavy duty weapon out of a lake or river. Just be careful not to get shot by a sniper while you’re fishing for new weapons.

Dead By Daylight:

If you’re the type of girl who enjoys watching horror films, you’ll quickly become addicted to Dead By Daylight. An online multiplayer survival game where four players will get to play as survivors and one player will be assigned the role of the murderer. If you think that you could outwit a would be murderer or that you’d be able to lure survivors into clever traps, it’s well worth playing Dead By Daylight.

So no matter what types of games you enjoy playing, it’s definitely well worth testing out a few of the fun games which are listed above. As there’s a game listed above to suit every type of female gamer.

 

What Are Rainforests and Why Are They Important? A Guide for Teaching Kids

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Caring for nature is one of the most important things children should learn about and develop as a habit. Regardless of one’s age, everyone should be more eco-friendly and be proactive in saving the planet.

Although there are numerous concepts children have to learn about, teaching them about rainforests, the essential roles they play, and how everyone can help save them is something that educators and even parents should prioritize.

A tropical rainforest encounter for students is one of the most unique, fun and effective strategies educators and schools can consider for teaching children the importance of these ecosystems.

By giving kids an immersive experience to cap off their classroom lectures and other activities, they will understand and appreciate these biomes better. They will become more inspired to lend a hand in saving the rainforests as well.

If you are looking for ideas for helping young children in Dubai learn about rainforests, below are some concepts that you have to cover or include in your lesson plan:

What Are Rainforests?

Rainforests are the planet’s oldest living ecosystems that cover around six percent of the earth’s surface. They are tall, compact jungles that receive high amounts of rainfall every year. Temperatures in these biomes are both hot and humid.

There are different types of rainforests, but the largest are the tropical and temperate ones.

Tropical rainforests are warm and wet. They are found in locations with equatorial or tropical rainforest climates, such as Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and the Pacific Islands.

Temperate rainforests, on the other hand, are cool and wet. They are located in temperate regions, such as North America, Europe, and New Zealand.

Montane, lowland, and flooded are the other types of rainforests.

All rainforests have four layers. These are the:

Forest floor

The forest floor is the lowest layer of a rainforest. The surface is covered with a thin film of fallen leaves and decaying fruits, seeds, and branches. It receives less than two percent of sunlight and that is why only plants that adapt to low light grow here. This layer is where the biggest animals in the biome can be seen.

Understory

This layer can be found between the forest floor and the canopy layer. It consists of leafy bushes, small trees, saplings, and vines. It is a dark place that receives two to 15 percent of sunlight. This layer is the habitat of boas, ants and other bugs.

Canopy

The canopy is made up of the branches and leaves of the biome’s trees. Ninety-nine percent of sunlight falls on this layer. It is home to 90 percent of all the plant and animal species that live in the rainforest, most of which seek the light in the treetops. You will find monkeys, birds, and various mammals and reptiles in this layer.

Emergent

The branches of the tallest trees in the rainforest make up the emergent layer. It is breezy when it is raining and extremely hot during the warmest part of the day. It also lacks shelter, and as such, it is mostly birds that dwell in this layer.

Where Are the Biggest Rainforests in the World Found?

There are dozens of rainforests scattered around the globe. However, the largest and most popular ones can be found in:

South America

The biggest and most well-known tropical rainforest, which is the Amazon, covers 40 percent of South America and spans nine countries:

  • Brazil
  • Bolivia
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • French Guiana
  • Guyana
  • Peru
  • Suriname
  • Venezuela

The Amazon, which is approximately 5,500,000km2 wide, is home to over half of the earth’s remaining rainforests and around 390 billion trees divided into thousands of different classes. A tenth of all known flora and fauna species live here as well.

Central Africa

The Congolese rainforest, which spans an area of 1,780,000km2, covers six countries:

  • Cameroon
  • The Central African Republic
  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Gabon
  • Republic of the Congo

The rainforest covers the Congo Basin and has a variety of rivers, forests, flooded woodland, swamps, and savannahs.

New Guinea

The New Guinea Rainforest is over 288,000km2 wide and is located in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It is the largest rainforest in the Asia-Pacific region.

The rainforest covers numerous forests and coastal mangroves. You will find many of the world’s most unique plants and animals here, including the most number of orchid species in the world.

Chile, Argentina, Borneo, USA, Canada, and Australia also have vast rainforests that serve as home to thousands of species of flora and fauna.

Why Are Rainforests Important?

The rainforests found in different parts of the world are crucial ecosystems that have several significant roles:

They produce clean air for all living things to inhale.

Rainforests are sometimes called the “lungs” of the Earth. The trees in these ecosystems absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release healthy and safe oxygen for humans and animals to breathe in.

They help maintain the earth’s climate.

Since rainforests absorb carbon dioxide, which is a chief factor in climate change, they reduce its unhealthy effects. Additionally, they absorb tropical heat and moisture; when these two accumulate, they can make storms and tornadoes stronger.

They provide shelter and protection to thousands of species of flora and fauna.

Different types of animals and plants of various sizes live in rainforests. Many of these species are endangered; if their biomes are destroyed, they will be wiped out as well.

They supply food and raw materials for medicines and other products.

Lastly, rainforests are sources of various items that you eat and use almost daily. Cocoa, which is used for making chocolates and other by-products, bananas, pineapples, and other fruits and vegetables come from tropical forests. Many rainforests plants are used for medicines, as well.

How Can You Help Protect the Rainforest?

Every year, the rainforests from different parts of the world are getting smaller and smaller. They are under constant threats including deforestation, illegal logging, large-scale farming and ranching, development, and mining.

Everyone, even young students, can help save the rainforests. You can do this by:

  • Using less paper. Additionally, recycle and reuse paper instead of throwing them after only one use.
  • Asking your parents to buy food products that are grown sustainably. These foodstuffs are cultivated in ways that are more eco-friendly and safer for the environment and wildlife.
  • Requesting your parents to purchase wooden furniture pieces that are not made of threatened rainforest woods. Mahogany, ebony, and rosewood are some of the types of timber everyone should avoid buying.
  • Participating in bake garage sales and other fundraising events that aim to raise money which will go to an organization that helps conserve rainforests. The additional funds will help sustain their operations.
  • Joining and organizing events that promote awareness of preserving rainforests. These can include a film showing, online petitions, and visits to artificial biodomes and other places where you can learn more about the wildlife in forests.

With all rainforests under the threat of destruction, everyone, including young children, need to pitch in to help save them. This should be something you encourage your students to do, not only during their lessons but throughout their lives.

 

7 Things You Can Do to Support Your Children’s Cognitive Development

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The human brain is amazing. It starts developing in the womb and keeps on growing as the child starts to form more complex thoughts.

 

Intelligence may be inherited, but brain development can be supported, enhanced, and optimized. As parents, we try our best to promote cognitive growth so that children hit their cognitive milestones on time. The good news is, we can do this in different ways.

Tips for Promoting Cognitive Growth

 

Studies say that the first three years of life are critical to brain development. So what can you do to encourage it?

 

Proper nourishment is certainly imperative. However, besides giving them the best brain food, what other efforts can we make as parents, and which other areas can we explore, to support cognitive development during nursery or early years education?

 

1. Music

 

You can use music to help children learn several things, from letters and numbers to colors and shapes – all the basic concepts and more. From hearing educational songs over and over again, they’ll pick up the tune as well as the words and what they mean. Songs are definitely a great aid in developing memory and language skills.

 

2. Educational Games and Toys

 

You can reinforce the learning by using other tools and activities such as flash cards and puzzles. There are plenty of affordable options, but you can also make them, using materials you already have on hand.

 

You can even just make a game using the items around you as they are. For instance, you can make a habit of counting things that come in multiples, spotting letters and numbers in the room, or touching the color that you call out.

 

3. Sounds

 

This is a fun way for children to learn how to identify objects. By associating the sounds they hear with the corresponding sources, they are able to add to their knowledge. By imitating sounds, they get better command of the muscles in their mouth, which helps in speech development.

 

4. Choices

 

This is important in teaching independence. By letting them choose which snack they will eat or which outfit they will wear, they realize that they have a say in their life. It gives them opportunities for exercising control, building confidence, and understanding consequences.

 

When they’re really young, just offer them two things of your own choosing. Don’t give them free rein in the kitchen or their closet. This way, you can guarantee that their choice is healthy or appropriate.

 

5. Questions

 

Your children will come up with a plethora of questions as they learn about the world. It’s important to pay attention. Reply accordingly when you know the answer, and when you don’t, demonstrate your interest in their learning by helping them figure out the answer. Search engines are a gift, in this sense.

 

Besides receiving questions, pose them as well. Encourage your children to think, work out problems, discover solutions, and form opinions. Just by asking simple questions, you get to stimulate their thoughts and challenge their minds.

 

6. Spaces

 

Let them explore new places. This doesn’t have to be exotic destinations or expensive parks. Children are curious. They’ll be fascinated by the most mundane things. The mall, the market, the local park, the church, the office — the options are endless. These are all avenues that will add to their observations and learning.

 

7. Activities

 

If you can afford baby and toddler classes, that’s good. An early start on skills training does give them an advantage.

 

You can also take them to playgrounds, play with pets, go on playdates, meet different people, watch free shows, and engage in outdoor activities. As long as they keep on having new experiences, you can be certain that they’re enriching their lives with more learning.

 

Understanding Your Influence

 

Whether nature or nurture, parents play a significant role in how children’s cognitive abilities develop. You can’t do much about genetics, but you definitely have a huge say on their environment. Make sure that it is conducive to optimized brain development, especially in the critical years.

Author Bio

Alan Williamson is the Chief Education Officer at Kings’ Education, a premium school brand in Dubai which leads a fantastic group of premium UK curriculum schools, including Child’s Play Nursery. As well as being passionate about teaching and learning, Alan has been actively involved in school leadership related to Special Educational Needs.