Learning

How Can We Practice Activities That Are Conductive to Learning?

You may ask yourself what practices can you enroll in to encourage yourself to be able to learn better. Whether you are learning history in a college class or learning more about the stock market and BA stock, there are definite ways to learn. It is well known that learning is best done in a quiet environment. There are a number of different strategies that you may employ in order to learn most effectively, whatever the subject matter may be that you are studying. We will explore these various different options below.

1. Reserve a Quiet Space

The single most important aspect of being able to learn effectively is studying in a quiet space. Quiet spaces allow the mind to think properly and are free from distractions. It is absolutely imperative that when you are studying and learning, you are free from any distraction. There must be a continuity to the process of learning.

Quiet spaces are ideal learning spaces because you are able to hear yourself think and also because you are able to speak out loud about what you are learning in order to better memorize. There are those who learn best through auditory learning and for these people, it is most important to have quiet space so that they may speak their learning out loud.

2. Flash Cards

We strongly encourage the use of flashcards for learning. This type of learning strategy is most effective for those who have a combination of kinetic and visual learning practices. Flashcards are an interactive way in order to learn the information that you are required to learn.

3. Set Your Learning to Music

Another very effective way to maximize your learning abilities is to set the information to a tune. You may make up a song that includes the information that you need to memorize. If it is helpful for you, you may even record the song on an audiotape or MP3 player. Your computer or smartphone should have an audio recording on it so that you can record the song and then we sing it in order to help you learn the information. Once you memorize this song, you will find that you have also memorized the information you are needing to learn. It is much easier to memorize information to the musical tune than it is as a standard monologue.

4. Use Kinetic Tools

There are those who learn best by using kinetic tools. Kinetic tools are items that you can use in order to engage the sense of touch while you are studying. There are those who require this in order to memorize the information at hand.

One example of a kinetic tool is a stress ball. The learner may squeeze the stress ball while they memorize the information in order to better memorize the information. These practices have been found to be exceptionally effective for those who have been labeled as kinetic learners.

5. Writing in Repetition

Another useful tool for kinetic learners is to write the information in repetition. For example, if one needs to memorize that a + b = c, the learner may write down a + b = c 100 times on a piece of paper. The sheer repetition of the information allows the brain to memorize this information and absorb the information in a much deeper way than one would simply by writing it one time.

6. Practice with Friends

There is nothing wrong with asking a friend to help you with your studies. Sometimes, when you study in conversation, it is easier to memorize information. You may find that your friend wants to quiz you on the information that you have been studying. This will be a helpful activity in order for you to ensure that you really have retained the information you were striving to retain.

7. Review

Even once you believe that you have completely retained the information that you are studying, there is nothing wrong with reviewing. Reviewing each section that you are studying allows you to summarize the information and memorize it more thoroughly. This is an effective way to double-check that you have truly retained the information at hand.

Learning Made Possible

Using these key strategies, it is completely possible to learn effectively. You should study in a quiet space and use flashcards as well as music. You should use the aforementioned strategies in order to improve the quality of your learning overall.

There is a system of legal and social institutions to oversee and enforce criminal laws. When the crime victim advocacy programs began, they were not a part of the traditional criminal justice system. Authorities took years to consider and legally merge it into the government system. Crime Victim advocates focus on providing legal, emotional, and medical care for the victims of crime. Law enforcement agencies, parole agencies, custodial institutions, and the department of corrections are part of the criminal justice system. Victim advocates are trained professionals with a formal education in criminal justice, criminology, social work, or psychology.

The role of a crime victim advocate is pivotal in the criminal justice system. They are a support system for the crime victims and assist them in recovering from the trauma. There are many kinds of victim advocate services; system-based, police-based, court-based, community-based, and some individuals work voluntarily. Dealing with a victim requires specific skills to understand their position. If you have wanted to know how to become a victim advocate, then completer your formal education. It is also essential to work on building skills like empathy and trustworthiness. Here are some crucial aspects of the role of victim advocate in the criminal justice system:

• Save The Personal Identity Of Victim

This is, in fact, probably the most crucial role of the crime victim advocate’s job. Revealing unnecessary information about the crime victim can put their lives in danger. The law refrains the authorities from sharing the personal information of a victim in public. Victim advocates safeguard the victim’s personal information, although the victims can go public about the incident and their identity if they want. Right from the start, the victim advocates brief the victims about data privacy and policies. Firms that provide legal services to crime victims have strict rules against disclosing a victims’ personal data with a third person without their consent.

• Safeguard the Crime Victim’s Rights

Crime victims have statutory rights, and most are unaware of them. A crime victim advocate provides a copy of this legal document to the victim. Crime victim advocates ensure that all parties who get in touch with the victim of crime are professional enough to protect the victim’s identity and fundamental human rights. Many individuals want to help the victims by providing every kind of support. A crime victim advocate’s responsibility is to make sure that the victim gets all the support they may need without being exploited.

• Personal Advocacy

Personal advocacy is essential for crime victims. Crime victims belong to different social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Language barriers or racial stereotyping may become a hindrance in getting assistance. In these cases, cultural-specific advocacy is required. Crime victim advocates use their resources to provide appropriate services to overcome such hurdles in delivering justice. They help the victim regain and strengthen their self-empowerment and guide them about the legal parameters every step of the way.

• Emotional Support

Crime affects everyone differently. Victims of crimes face emotional and mental trauma. Coping with this trauma requires a highly effective support system. Crime Victim advocates act as counselors; they spend time with the victims and listen to whatever they have to say. They are highly professional individuals who analyze the victim’s current emotional situation and help them escape the turmoil. With their excellent listening skills, they rebuild the victim’s confidence and encourage them to let go of the distressing experience. A crime victim needs a peaceful environment to relax their mind; it is the advocate’s responsibility to ensure they get this physical and mental space.

• Resources And Referrals

Crime victims are often unaware of their rights. Victim advocates use their knowledge to connect victims with various resources to fulfill their social, emotional and financial needs. They give the victim detailed feedback about state crime victim reparation laws and emergency funds laws. Depending on the nature of the crime, every state allocates a budget for crime victims. The court orders the offender to pay a specific amount of money to the victim. In case the offender does not comply with court orders, it is the victim advocate’s responsibility to draft a strategy and ensure the victim is compensated. Applying for resources and referrals is a long process, and it needs proper documentation. Victim advocates carry out all the paperwork and try to provide maximum comfort and convenience to their clients.

• Organizing Support Groups

Some victims find it easy to express themselves amongst people with similar experiences. Victim advocates organize a support group where victims share their experiences and learn from each other. The advocates ensure the confidentiality of these meetings. Victim advocates have years of experience, and they know the importance of healthy interactions for the recovery process. In fact, there is a proper curriculum designed for victim support groups. Advocates are also responsible for closely monitoring the outcome of these support groups.

• Medical And Mental Health

Crime Victim advocates are often well-connected with hospitals, mental health clinics, and other healthcare providers. They identify the victim’s health needs and contact the concerned authorities for medical support. Gathering medical records and suggesting treatments is also the advocate’s responsibility. In some cases, the victim refuses to get medical and mental help; it is the advocate’s job to highlight the importance of getting treatment and to convince them in the long run.

The Final Word

Victim advocates play a pivotal role in the criminal justice system by ensuring that victims of crime are given their due rights and justice. Their role becomes even more significant in a legal system that is ineffective, compromised, and plagued with patriarchy. Without them, these individuals would have a tough time dealing with their trauma and life in general.

 

Real estate offers various investment opportunities for foreigners and locals alike. It also proffers a variety of career opportunities. To get a real estate license, you’ll have to enroll for classes in leading real estate schools and sit for exams. However, it won’t be easy to get your tutors to assist you all the time during the pandemic. Nevertheless, there are various things that you can do to prepare for your exams.

What are the lucrative careers in real estate?

Do you envision a profession in real estate? Then you got to choose the right career. The first step to success in real estate begins with proper training. There are different exciting careers in real estate; some of the lucrative careers to consider are;

• Real estate agent
• Luxury home specialist
• Leasing agent
• Leasing consultants
• Home inspector

How can you best prepare for your exams?

When it comes to exam preparations, there are no shortcuts. However, doing this during the pandemic can be a challenge. You’ll be forced to study from home and may not be in contact with other students or tutors. Nevertheless, it’s also an opportune time to make the most out of your free time.

1. Set a comfortable study space

The best way to study for the real estate exam is by setting an ample study space. Design a comfortable place in your home and use it for revision. Keep off things like a TV set, music system, and any other source of disruption or noise. If living with other family members, let them understand why you need a comfortable study space. Also, request them to allow you enough time to study.

2. Set a timetable

Time management is critical when preparing for exams. A timetable helps you to plan your time, and also set the best time for certain subjects. Allocate more time for difficult topics and lesser time for the easy ones. Work on challenging subjects in the morning hours and schedule time for virtual group discussions, if any. Also, set some time aside for family and leisure.

3. Take notes

Note-taking is an important aspect of learning. Taking notes helps you remember the things you learned. It also allows you to review and revise better, which benefits you during the examinations. By taking notes, you focus more on the topic of study.

4. Sleep adequately

Sleep has many health benefits, and this is particularly true for learners. When you sleep well, you wake up more relaxed and invigorated to face the new day. This way, you’re likely to focus more and stay alert. Sleep can have a notable impact on your exams; try at least six to eight hours daily and stay healthy.

The bottom line

How you prepare for your real estate exams determine the level of success. During the pandemic, you have lots of free time, and you have to plan it wisely. Attend online group discussions with fellow learners and learn from each other. Moreover, keep in touch with your tutor and seek clarification on things that you don’t understand.

 

Educating employees at a workplace is beneficial for the entire organization. Whether you are educating existing employees or training the new ones, it will be worth it. Since we are a part of the rapidly evolving world, we need to develop with it. Some changes are inevitable, and the sooner we will adopt them, the better we will perform.

Education, when combined with growth and development, solves many real-life problems. Nowadays, organizations need to incorporate learning and development in their daily operations. There should be a separate department where everyone gets educated and trained about its values and practices. Like how education is essential everywhere else, it is also a crucial aspect of the company’s growth.

To succeed and stay competitive, companies will have to focus on their learning and development department. Even in the past, training employees and developing their skills was considered an essential task. Through vigorous training, employees can better understand the company’s objectives. Those businesses that prioritize transforming employees end up changing the entire organization.

Similarly, companies have a lot of factors to acknowledge. There is uncertainty in the business sector, with the inauguration of the knowledge-based economy. It means that businesses have to prepare for the worst while increasing their knowledge. Managers and entrepreneurs have to face many issues and challenges, and to tackle them; they need a vibrant workforce.

Skilled employees are one of the precious assets of an organization. With the help of Pearson Accelerated Pathways, companies can secure their workforce by educating them. There are corporate learning programs available on the site, which can be aligned with the company’s objectives. Skilled employees tend to become exceptional leaders in an organization, benefitting everyone.

So, what are the most crucial learning and development components for any company? By now, it must be evident to everyone that education is the answer. Even professionals need training, and the entire organization needs to grow with them.

If you wish to know how this component can bring a positive change, then hold on. Here are some learning strategies that any company can implement right away.

1- Training and Development phase

As mentioned above, you cannot proceed ahead without implementing some training methods. Training plays a vital role in educating the workforce. It has several advantages for small and large businesses alike. For instance, the realization of hidden talent among the employees and promotion of productive employees. To achieve business growth in the short-term, you will have to improve your training methods. Some of these methods are listed below:

Orientations: Training new employees will be beneficial in many ways. Conduct a one-on-one meeting with them or give them a lecture every week. Orientations will break the ice and give the workforce more room to breathe.

• Case study:

The case study method helps in polishing the problem-solving skills of employees. Practical reports with problem analysis will encourage cognitive thinking in employees. It will make them proactive, with possible solutions to the emerging crisis.

• Computer-based Training:

Making use of computers while training your workforce is known as computer-based training (CBT). Here, training programs are for testing employees and their learning skills. Now, web-based training is also getting popular, where training material is available on the internet.

• Audiovisual Training:

This form of training exposes the workforce to ‘real-world’ situations in a cost-and time-effective manner. The training includes videos and audios, illustrating employees how the business sector operates.

• Internships and Apprenticeships

Internships and apprenticeships are two types of on-the-job training. Here, employees seek guidance from senior employees about the work processes. Both of these training methods use a practical approach to learning.

• Job Rotation:

Through job rotation, employees get to experience a series of jobs to increase their knowledge of job expertise. They move from one position to another, working in full swing, which improves their learning capacity with time.

2- Regulation of Learning Management Technology

If managers desire to accelerate learning and development in an organization, it is essential to work with the learning management technology. Like everything else has gone digital, learning processes and training programs should go digital too. With the use of learning management systems, companies can manage, deliver, and analyze employee training programs. Through this technology, companies can also introduce learning courses for the workforce, grooming them for the future.

3- Monitoring Learning and Development processes

While referring to learning strategies, companies should emphasize monitoring the learning and development department’s effectiveness. Companies cannot manage things that they cannot measure. So try to evaluate your learning strategies right from the start. Please do not underestimate this strategy as it helps in setting the tone of a company. Ask for employee’s feedback when possible, and implement ways to drive continuous progress while educating employees.

Conclusion:

Educating the employees of an organization is more like allowing them to develop themselves. It is imperative to work towards transforming your organization through education. Learning and development go side by side, so practice these terminologies efficiently, inspire others, and motivate them to work in your organization. Through learning and development strategies, allow them to become a better version of themselves.

 

Preschool might look like a lot of fun for the parent but it takes a lot of dedication and creativity from the teachers. In Singapore, most parents work long hours, and this means teachers have to spend more time with these kids. As such, schools need to create the best learning environment where these young minds can develop.

If you’re a parent, you might have noted that your kid does a lot of singing. This is because preschool education in Singapore involves a lot of songs and chants. These play a critical role at this stage of the child’s development.

According to modern education guidelines for international preschools in Singapore, parents should get involved in their children’s learning activities. One way to do this is by learning how teachers get the best out of their young charges every day.

This post explores the role of preschool transitions which are songs and chants that help children move from one activity to another.

Critical Role of Transitions

The best preschools in the country such as Lorna Whiston Preschool integrate songs and chants at the core of learning activities. Transitions are among the main forms of these songs, and they work to move children from one learning activity to the next.

Dealing with kids is tough, and the best teachers incorporate fun activities to ensure learning takes place. If there’s one thing all kids love, it’s moving around in song and dance this is where transitions come in handy. These can be rhythmic chants, songs, or short stories.

For instance, the learning activity was about counting and the teacher wants to move to snack time, a transition helps to make this shift smooth and seamless. If you notice there’s idle time where learning is not taking place, or the kids start getting restless, always use a transition to avoid behaviour problems.

Transitions introduce kids to another form of socialisation which is music. It also practically teaches kids about music, rhythm, and rhyming. Through these repetitive songs and chants, children can remember things better. The predictable and repetitive transitions make learning fun.

With these songs and chants, you can avoid the chaos that always ensures whenever you want to switch from one activity to another. Qualified teachers at the best preschools in Singapore learn as many children songs and chants as they can manage. It makes classroom management easier for them.

Top 10 Transition Songs

Some of the top transitions you should expect to hear in a good pre-nursery school in Singapore include:

Hello Neighbour Table Song

It is a great socialisation song when having morning table activities. Kids like knowing each other and this song helps cheer up the day. Mornings are tough for kids and as a teacher, you can use this song to create a relaxed environment as you also help them make new friends.

“Hello neighbour, what do you say, it’s going to be a happy day

So reach your neighbour and boogie on down, give them a bump and turn around

It’s going to be a very happy day.”

Colour Song

A smart way to teach colours and help kids remember them. The tune comes from a familiar song “if you love it and you know it…” The chant goes like this;

“If your clothes have any red, any red

If your clothes have any red, any red

If your clothes have any red, any red, out your fingers on your head…”

Come to the Carpet

A musical and jazzy transition to get preschool children up and singing. It is short and quick and also easy to remember and you’ll find teachers at the best preschool in Singapore using it.

Come to the carpet, use your walking feet

Come to the carpet, moving to the beat

Wiggle Your Fingers, Stomp Your Feet!

This is a great transition to get children up and excited. It’s easy to remember, and it makes them playful. Wiggle your fingers in the air…” After the chant, it gets easier for kids to focus on the next activity.

Criss Cross Chant

“Criss-cross applesauce, hands on lap gingersnap, back straight chocolate shake…” This is a great chant to bring order back to your class after another activity.

Wash Your Hands Song

At preschool Singapore schools, hygiene is an important lesson and this song is ideal for transitions. “Wash your hands (wash your hands), before you eat (before you eat)” It teaches an important lesson to the children.

Movement Song

This is one of the most common tunes, and kids love it. It changes the moods instantly and brings joy to your class. “If you’re happy and you know it, skip with a smile…”

Finger On Your Lips

If you want to stop noise in the class, this is the best transition song to use. “Put your finger on your lips, on your lips, shh, shh.” The repetitive song is easy to learn and understand.

Tidy Up

After playtime, the Tidy Up song is perfect for bringing order. “Tidy up, tidy up, put the toys away.” The message is easy to understand, and kids will do as the song implores.

This is the Way I Move

“This is the way I touch my nose, touch my nose, touch my nose…” This transition song is perfect for moving kids from a clam activity to exercises and fun sessions.

Final Thoughts

Transitions are crucial in preschool learning. These songs and chants help teachers sustain the interest of children and make learning fun. If you are a teacher or a parent, these are some of the popular transitions you should learn and use.

Every profession requires proficiency in a specific skill to perform better. For example, you can’t expect to execute the duties of a manager without efficient communication and task management skills. Or take on the job of an analyst if you are not good at numbers.

These skills make a significant impact on the financial performance and economic benefits that a company would enjoy. However, some jobs serve a higher purpose, and the lives of people depend on it. They might not be as rewarding in terms of salary, but they are plenty fulfilling. And because you get to see the impact of your work right before your eyes, there’s an underlying sense of satisfaction and peace. That’s getting close to understanding the life of social workers.

Significance Of Being A Social Worker

Most people live with the wrong idea that all it takes to become a social worker is an infinite amount of resources. If you have the time and a lot of money, you can step out and start doing some social work this instant. But that’s an inadequate interpretation of this line of work.

The life of social workers is hard and challenging. They strive to provide the vulnerable and deprived people what they deserve. It often involves abandoning their own needs and beliefs and prioritize their work. In such cases, if they don’t have the necessary skills and unflinching motivations to keep them focused, then they are unlikely to survive in this field. It is their firm sense of morality, justice, and equality that enables them to perform. And honing their skills from a young age through participation helps support their career. But unfortunately, you can’t expect to learn everything along the way.

Like every job, social work also requires an elaborate set of skills, but the most crucial of them all is leadership. It is something that fortifies their values and beliefs while facing professional obstacles. The team uses this resolute attitude of a leader to draw support and inspiration. And the people that they are helping get hope from their dedication. So in a manner of speaking, leadership is what keeps the boat of a social worker sailing.

This extraordinary display of leadership doesn’t come from you overnight, nor can you expect to crack it while living in your shell. You have to work towards cultivating it actively using all the opportunities you get.

Participation and voluntary work aside, signing up for an MSW degree program can help you in this area. It instills the strong social work values and ethics that you might need to exercise in your career and prepare you for the challenges that a social worker might face. Besides equipping you with the necessary leadership traits, it also polishes you holistically for this job. So you can use the added advantage to establish your career as an efficient social worker.

If you are contemplating if a degree might be that helpful in making you an effective leader or not, then here’s what might help you decide.

Following are the five ways that a degree in social work would set you off as an effective leader:

• Promoting Efficient Communication and Empathy

Social work is all about communication and empathizing with people. As it turns out, both of these are crucial for a leader. If someone fails to communicate an idea or provide the necessary support with words. That person has been unable to be a good leader and a mentor.

It is necessary to connect with your employees and understand them through words and practices. That helps get you a more enthusiastic response from them and makes you more efficient with your projects, which is why you should consider it.

• Understanding the Importance of Teamwork

Social work can never serve the masses if it doesn’t possess the numbers to cater to them. That makes the job of a team instead of just a single individual. It means that you will find yourself in a position where you will have to collaborate and produce results from working collectively. That provides you with the relevant know-how of a leader’s role and responsibilities. A degree in social work can help provide this platform and prepare you more effectively for the job.

• Strong Ethical and Moral Code

Every leader needs to exhibit exemplary moral and ethical values while working in a professional environment. The field of social work holds the same obligation towards them. That makes a degree program in social work highly focused around fostering them.

Signing up for it means that you get to practice this character, connect with people using it, and realize the difference that it can make to your career as a leader.

• Understand Organizations

A leader needs to understand the dynamics of companies and organizations where they work. They have to grasp the way that things work and adapt to that flow to avoid causing a disruption.

Serving as a social worker and dealing with authorities and systems, you develop a strong sense of it. And a degree in this area helps guide along the way and light up the path you need to walk.

• Work with a Future Perspective

No leader can ever be successful without a vision for his goals. Someone in the leading position would himself be more lost than the team if that’s the case. That is why leaders always have to have a strong sense of direction towards their objectives besides the courage to pursue them.

In the line of social work, that is not a problem, because your job revolves around the idea of a brighter future. And completing a degree in this area would mean that you get realize its significance and how it matters to people.

Conclusion

With numerous benefits, as mentioned above, it is worth getting an MSW degree. Since it does not only prepare you to be a successful social worker, but it also enables you to be a good leader. These leadership qualities will further benefit you to take on any position you enroll in the organization and perform to the best of your abilities.

 

If you’ve been looking for a way to make a little bit of money on the side, it may excite you to learn that there are many ways to make money by doing homework. If you’ve always been a top-tier student, this might be the perfect way to earn anything from a bit of money on the side to a full-time salary, when all’s said and done. Here are the top sites that will let you make money just by doing homework.

Best for Highly Qualified People: Tutor.com

People who already have lots of qualifications can absolutely benefit from the way Tutor.com is set up. It’s an online tutoring service, which means that it’s actually much more expansive than just doing homework.

Tutor.com does require that its tutors be highly skilled. To become a tutor, you have to have substantial professional experience with a subject, whether that means having a degree in it or just having teaching experience, then pass a rigorous vetting process. If you’re able to stick with it, however, you can definitely make it a full-time job.

Best for Working With Kids: Growing Stars

Growing Stars mostly deals with kids from grades 3-12, or approximately ages 9-18, helping them to succeed in a variety of target areas. Kids tend to receive around two hours of one-on-one tutoring per week, and you get to determine your own “area of expertise” so you can teach whatever makes you happiest.

Similarly to Tutor.com, you’ll have to pass through a fairly substantial registration process, as it is an online tutoring system. However, you’re more able to claim expertise with Growing Stars, as it’s geared toward younger kids.

Best for Setting Your Own Goals: Upwork

You may never have considered this for doing homework, but freelancing platforms like Upwork are great if you have any sort of skill that you can offer other people. If you want to sell homework completion services, all you have to do is create a job listing on Upwork for those services.

This definitely requires a lot more self-direction. However, if you’re able to advertise yourself well, it makes it easier for you to define yourself. You don’t have to stick exclusively to the homework mold; you can determine what you want to sell.

Best for Making Money Without Much Work: OneClass

If you’re looking at all of these and feeling like it just takes too much work, OneClass could be the answer. With OneClass, you can earn money by contributing with your notes and by helping people understand homework questions.

Official Note Takers, who go through an official vetting process, can earn a flat fee per course. If you don’t feel like going through that process, however, you can still upload notes and other documents for your courses, then earn gift cards for it. If you’re already going to take notes for your classes, why not upload them at OneClass and make some money doing it?

Is It Worth It to Try and Make Money By Doing Homework?

The different jobs available for people with these skills vary widely in difficulty and extensiveness. If you’re a college sophomore, you might not want to spend the time necessary to become a tutor at Tutor.com. However, students of all ages and qualifications can use OneClass to upload documents and get rewards for doing it. It’s all about where you are right now and what qualifications you’re ready to offer.

 

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

 

There are many benefits of music education, 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.

There are all sorts of reasons why you may want to go back into education. Whether it’s to gain new skills, network with others, or climb the career ladder, each person’s journey is different. With many of us working long hours in the office, finding the time to commit to a full-time course can be challenging, making online studying more attractive than ever for students across the world. If you’re interested in going back into learning, here are five ways online studying can benefit you.

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Freedom & Flexibility

Many of us don’t have the time to attend lectures and seminars. If you’re serious about going back into education but you have duties that you can’t move around, picking an online course instead can provide you with the freedom and flexibility you crave. Whether you’re holding down a full-time job or looking after the kids, you will be able to find windows of opportunity to get stuck into your learning.

Lower Total Costs

Once you’ve completed a degree, the last thing you want is to be burdened with a mountain of debt. Unlike a traditional college or university where you will not only have to factor in course fees but accommodation and transport too, online courses tend to be much cheaper overall, meaning you can go into employment without worrying about a snowball of debt.

Study at Your Own Pace

Being in a classroom environment can be too much for some people. Being among those in the same boat as you may hinder your learning and make you worry that you aren’t on the same page as everyone else. If you aren’t good with pressure, why not study from home instead? Not only will you be in an environment you know and love, but you can study at your own rate and pace.

Teaches Self-Discipline

With no professors breathing down your neck to complete coursework, it’s up to you to get everything done within the set deadline. In the working world, you may be set all sorts of projects and tasks that need completing within a timeframe, so learning about self-discipline and time management are key traits that you can take with you into the workplace.

Variety of Course Topics

Unlike in the past where the choice of course topics was slim, there are tons of subjects that you can pick from nowadays. Whether you would like to go into business, healthcare, IT, construction or preparing for the SAT test, there are plenty of courses and degrees that you can study that will equip you with the skills, qualifications, and credentials you need to go far. You can visit providers such as Everglades University, where you can read student reviews. Getting an honest account from those who have been there and done it will make you feel more confident when choosing what degree is right for you.

Whether you prefer to work from the comfort of your own home or you like the idea of slotting your studying in around your work and family commitments, these are just a couple of reasons why online studying may benefit you.

 

There is no denying that the nursery years are the most important in terms of development as they set the standard for your child’s future learning and success.

Many parents opt to send their offspring to a nursery because they know that – even at this age – a positive learning environment can make a significant difference to their child’s development. Therefore, as a parent, you want to make sure that you find the right place for your child to blossom. Take the necessary time to choose; after all, this is your child’s future!

From your family’s goals to a well-rounded curriculum, the importance of safety measures to the benefits of outdoor play, read on for the essential considerations when choosing a nursery for your child. These will ensure your child receives the best foundation for their future learning.

1. The Purpose

Before you start looking into potential nurseries for your child, you first want to consider what you are hoping your child will gain from the experience. There is a wide variety of benefits that come from sending your child to a nursery. Also, all parents have their personal reasons; there is no right or wrong answer. However, to ensure you are selecting the right one for your family, you need to reflect on your own purposes.

Some of the benefits of sending your child to nursery include helping them develop their social and emotional skills through play-based teaching methods and giving them opportunities to spend time with other children, as well as developing their language skills. Moreover, sending your child to nursery helps them to prepare for their formal education as they provide a fantastic foundation for later learning. At an early age, children are able to absorb a plethora of information, which is why it is crucial that you open them up to new knowledge as soon as possible and do not forgo early learning for your little one.

2. The Curriculum

While there are various methods for teaching young ones, one of the most revered is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). For children up to age five, this stage refers to the time in which they are first presented with new ideas and styles of thinking. EYFS focuses on seven areas of learning and development:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language Development
• Physical Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding The World
• Arts and Design

The three prime areas (Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication and Language; Physical Development) help prepare children for their future and emerge through the relationships and experiences they have in the nursery. The four specific areas (Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Arts and Design) ensure that children are establishing the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their future education.

Therefore, when looking for a nursery for your child, you want to think long and hard about the style of curriculum that they offer. You can be assured that a nursery that has EYFS at its core is going to be providing your child with a well-rounded education.

3. Safety and Security Measures

While there may be some separation anxiety at first, in reality, attending nursery should be an exciting time for both you and your child. However, if you aren’t comfortable with the safety and security measures at the nursery you choose, then it is going to be challenging for you to get through the days. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you consider health and safety with as much regard as the curriculum.

When looking at potential nurseries, make sure to inquire about the design and materials of the building, as well as the level of comfort for each child. Speak with other parents (or read reviews) about their views on the standard of teachers and caregivers. The educators within the nursery must be appropriately qualified and experienced. Plus, working with young children should be their passion. When visiting potential nurseries, you will be able to tell if that is the case.

You want your chosen nursery to have dependable learning tools (you don’t want to see broken equipment) and a superior standard of cleanliness. Moreover, child-friendly design (such as having gates to protect your child from falling off stairs) and unobstructed fire emergency procedures are also necessities.

Make sure to inquire as much as you want when it comes to safety and security. Don’t settle until you have found a nursery that satisfies your questions and adequately demonstrates that all necessary steps have been taken to minimize potential risks.

4. Outdoor Play

In addition to the classroom offerings, you also want to consider the options for outdoor play that a nursery provides. Just as important as education, outdoor play yields a multitude of benefits for your child.

First and foremost, outdoor play enables your child to engage in physical activities on a regular basis. It is harmful for a young one to spend all their time inside, doing sedentary activities; instead, they need to have time to play outdoors. The exposure to nature (and moderate sun) that they will have during these periods will help with bone growth, better immunity, and an increase in serotonin production.

Furthermore, outdoor play helps to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and reduces the risk of developing anxiety. Just as adults need to be physically active for both physical and mental reasons, children also benefit from outdoor activities in the same way.

Last but not least, it is during outdoor playtime that children are more prone to making friends and improving their cognitive, social, and emotional skills. These are all crucial skills for them to develop at a young age.

It is for all these reasons that the best nurseries and early learning centres incorporate outdoor play into their curriculum.

Are you currently looking for a nursery for your child? What aspects are you most concerned about? Are you having a hard time finding a nursery that fulfills your requirements? Alternatively, if you have recently gone through the nursery selection period, do you have any tips for other parents? Let us know your thoughts and any relevant experiences in the comments below.

AUTHOR BIO

Ayesha Hoda is a marketing and communications specialist working at Step By Step Nursery Group in the UAE. She holds an MBA degree from a leading business school in Pakistan and has more than 13 years of experience in corporate communications and journalism. She has worked in both agency and client-side roles, designing communication strategies for multinational clients, nonprofits and small businesses in various industries, such as education and healthcare.