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Advice from the experts

Returning to School After the December Holiday: A Fresh Start

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and relaxation. It is a time when we can take a break from our everyday routines and spend quality time with family and friends. However, as the new year dawns, it is time to bid farewell to the festive season and return to the familiar classes of education. For many students, this transition can be challenging, but with the right mindset and a few helpful tips, returning to school after the December holiday can be a fresh start filled with opportunities. Reflect on Your Achievements As you prepare to return to school, take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments from the previous year. Think about the projects you completed, the new skills you acquired, and the challenges you overcame. This reflection can boost your confidence and remind you of your academic ability. Set Clear Goals Setting goals is a crucial part of a successful return to school. What do you want to achieve during the upcoming term? Whether it’s improving your marks, becoming more organised, or participating in extracurricular activities, clearly defined goals will provide you with a sense of purpose and direction. Get Organised Returning to school after the holidays is an excellent opportunity to get organised. Review your school supplies, textbooks, and notes. Make a list of what you need and create a plan to keep everything in order throughout the term. Staying organised can help reduce stress and increase your productivity. Re-establish a Routine During the holiday, your daily routine may have become more relaxed. It is essential to reestablish a regular schedule that includes time for homework, studying, demands of school more easily. Reach Out to Friends One of the joys of returning to school is reuniting with friends. Reconnect with your peers, share your holiday experiences, and look forward to spending time together. Supportive friendships can make the transition back to school more enjoyable. Seek Help When Needed If you are struggling with any subjects or concepts, do not hesitate to seek help. Your teachers, parents, or tutoring programmes like Kip McGrath are there to support your learning journey. Asking for help when needed is a sign of strength and determination. Stay Positive Maintaining a positive attitude is key to a successful return to school. Remember that each new term is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the challenges and celebrate your achievements along the way. Returning to school after the holiday may seem daunting, but it is also a chance for a fresh start. By reflecting on your past achievements, setting clear goals, getting organised, re-establishing a routine, reaching out to friends, seeking help when needed, and staying positive, you can navigate the transition with confidence and enthusiasm. With the right mindset and a commitment to your education, the new term holds the promise of new opportunities and growth. Welcome back to school, and here’s to a successful and fulfilling year ahead!

January 17, 2024

No regrets

I listened to a podcast by Andy Stanley a while back, where he interviewed a Hospice nurse. For many years, this lady looked after cancer patients at the end of their lives. She started asking them the question, “Do you have any regrets?” Without fail, their answer was that they wished that they had not worked so hard! Summer holidays are coming. I hope that you are able to make the most of the time off and spend good quality family time together during this month. Therapy! Therapy! Therapy! With so many children today needing one or other type of therapy, I cannot help but ask the question, “Why?” Why are so many children battling? What can we as teachers, parents and caregivers do differently to make it easier for them? We seem to live in a culture that points the blame at everyone else. That needs to stop! And while we might not be able to change or fix the world, we can make a huge difference in the lives of the children that we interact with daily. I have listed a few practical things below. It is by no means a comprehensive list and I would love to know if you have anything that you would like to add to the list. We will happily publish them in next month’s newsletter. Don’t forget to have fun! It may sound silly, but as adults, we are so busy, so tied up in what needs to be done, that we forget to have fun. You don’t need to go on holiday and “get away” from normal life in order to have fun. Take a bit of time each day to stop and have some fun with your kids. Teachers that may mean putting away the curriculum for a while and reading a Roald Dahl or Captain Underpants book with your class. It may mean putting the books aside and getting to know the teenagers in your class on their level. Children at school don’t always realise that their teachers are human, there is nothing wrong with showing them that you are. Parent’s, this definitely means putting away the technology, turning the tv off and interacting with your children. Go for a walk, have a picnic, build a puzzle, have a tea party. You could even play tennis together, have a pillow fight, cook or bake together, braai marshmallows together. The list of ideas is endless, but the point is simple – have fun with the children in your care, on their level! Get to know your children and love them anyway! It’s not rocket science, and yet we seem to miss it when it comes to the little people in our lives. We are all different, God made us that way, but that rule doesn’t always seem to apply to children. We expect them to fit into a mould, to excel at the things that we wish we had, and we forget to get to know who they really are. Whatever role you play in the lives of children, get to know who they are, what makes them happy or sad, what they enjoy doing and what they don’t. Listen to their stories, I mean really listen! Realise that their worries and fears are real and that they need us, as adults, to help them make sense of their world. If you don’t love them and listen to them, be warned, they will find that love and affirmation elsewhere! Let them play! It’s been said over and over, and I will say it again, children learn and grow through play. Limit the time that they spend in front of a screen and encourage real play time. Take them outside and teach them to ride a bicycle, or how to climb a tree. Let them draw hop scotch with chalk on the paving (it washes off so easily). Inside play time is also to be encouraged, let them play with dolls or cars, encourage imaginative play. And join in if you dare! Read, read, read and read some more! As a young child you have to learn to read, but from the age of about 9 years old, you read to learn. Parents read to your children, read with your children and let your children see you reading. If they are battling to read, take the time to figure out why. Research shows that 95 – 98% of all children should be able to read independently. If your child is struggling, you need to help them! Teachers, teach the children to love reading. Spend time with books, read stories to them and make it fun. So much of a child’s attitude to reading depends on the attitude of the caregiver. So, in a nutshell, make time to spend with your children each day. Listen to them, love them and play with them.

December 4, 2023

Managing Year-End Stress: Tips to Help Your Student Cope with Final Exams

The end of the academic year often brings with it a wave of stress and anxiety for students. Final exams, looming deadlines, and the pressure to perform can create an overwhelming sense of unease. As a parent or guardian, it’s crucial to support your student during this challenging period and help them cope with year-end stress. In this article, we will explore the common sources of year-end stress and provide valuable tips to assist your student in managing it effectively. Common Sources of Year-End Stress Final Exams: The prospect of comprehensive final exams can be a significant source of stress for students. The need to review a semester’s worth of material, combined with the pressure to perform well, can lead to anxiety and sleepless nights. Time Constraints: Year-end projects, assignments, and papers often coincide with exam preparation. Balancing multiple responsibilities within a limited time frame can be overwhelming. High Expectations: Students may feel the weight of high expectations from themselves, their parents, and their educators. The desire to achieve top grades can intensify stress levels. Fear of the Future: For seniors and those on the cusp of transitioning to a new academic phase, the fear of the unknown can add to the stress. Decisions about colleges, majors, and careers loom on the horizon. Tips to Help Your Student Cope with Year-End Stress Create a Supportive Environment One of the most critical aspects of helping your student cope with year-end stress is to provide a supportive environment at home. Encourage open communication and let your student know that you are there for them. Be a good listener and offer encouragement. Sometimes, a simple conversation can relieve a significant amount of stress. Set Realistic Goals Discuss with your student the importance of setting realistic goals for their exams and assignments. Help them understand that while striving for excellence is commendable, it’s essential to balance ambition with achievable objectives. Realistic goals can help reduce the pressure they feel. Encourage Healthy Study Habits Effective time management and study habits can significantly reduce stress. Advise your student to create a study schedule that includes breaks, exercise, and adequate rest. Encourage them to avoid cramming, as consistent, focused studying is more beneficial. Provide Nutritious Meals During stressful times, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet. Ensure that your student receives nutritious meals that fuel their body and mind. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can boost concentration and cognitive function. Promote Physical Activity Regular physical activity is a proven stress reducer. Encourage your student to engage in physical activities they enjoy, whether it’s a sport, yoga, or a simple walk. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve mood and reduce stress. Teach Stress-Reduction Techniques Introduce your student to stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness. These practices can help them stay calm and focused during challenging moments. Offer Assistance with Time Management Help your student create a schedule that allows them to allocate time for studying, completing assignments, and leisure activities. Effective time management can reduce the sense of being overwhelmed. Minimize Distractions Create a distraction-free study environment at home. Encourage your student to put away their phone, limit social media use, and find a quiet, dedicated space for studying. Minimizing distractions can enhance productivity and reduce stress. Be Patient and Understanding As a parent or guardian, it’s crucial to be patient and understanding during this period. Understand that your student may experience moments of frustration and anxiety. Offer your support and reassurance without judgment. Celebrate Achievements Acknowledge and celebrate your student’s achievements, both big and small. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation. Celebrate not only the end results but also their efforts and progress along the way. Year-end stress is a common challenge for students, but with your support and guidance, they can navigate this period successfully. By creating a supportive environment, helping your student set realistic goals, and encouraging healthy habits, you can play a significant role in reducing their stress and anxiety. Remember that open communication and understanding are key, and your support can make a world of difference during this challenging time.

November 15, 2023

HOW TO BUILD UP YOUR CHILD’S CONFIDENCE IN MATHS

It’s a common experience… your child sits down to work on Maths homework but very quickly becomes visibly stressed, frustrated, or upset. For many kids, doing Maths can seem like a daunting task, even a scary one. And while many do overcome it, some of us carry this Maths anxiety with us for much of our lives. If you’re looking to help your child reduce their Maths anxiety, we have a few suggestions. Be Empathetic to Maths Struggles Empathy can go a long way. Whether it’s because you experienced similar struggles as a child or watched someone else struggle, making your child feel like they’re not alone can help ease their stress. When kids hear that others in their lives faced similar challenges it can help them to feel understood and a little more confident to tackle the task in front of them. Teach Them to be OK with Making Mistakes Learning to be OK with making mistakes is distinct from addressing the emotions that bubble up with failure. Once your child is no longer feeling overwhelmed, helping them to feel OK with making mistakes is all about showing them that mistakes are often how learning happens. We often remember our mistakes more clearly than the times we didn’t need to struggle at all. Identifying where we went wrong is one of the best ways to learn how to get to the answer or solution on your own. Understanding the path it took to get something right means committing to memory the path to success. Tip: Try pointing out something that was previously hard for your child and is now easy because they figured out their mistakes and practiced until they got it. For example, learning to ride a bike, practicing a sport, or an earlier Maths concept. Explain the Importance of Finding (And Filling) Gaps Lastly, very often the cause of Maths anxiety is the fact that earlier concepts weren’t mastered. Gaps in foundational knowledge create a shaky foundation for more challenging concepts. Particularly, if children don’t do well in Maths at an early age, it can have a cumulative effect. At Kumon, we focus on mastery. We start students off at a comfortable starting point, which can sometimes mean starting on material that is below their current grade level. Current struggles might be top of mind for parents and the kids themselves, but often the solution to current struggles is filling in gaps in knowledge of earlier concepts. If a child never fully mastered addition, multiplication, division, and other foundational concepts, they are likely to hit a wall when more complicated concepts are introduced. Enrol In a Maths Programme to Help Them Practice and Master their Skills Enrolling your child in an additional Maths study programme (such as Kumon) can help them fill those gaps as they consistently practice their Maths skills. While school studies march on, often leaving a child feeling overwhelmed and increasingly left behind, a supplementary programme can provide additional practice in key concepts and allow them sufficient time to truly master a concept before progressing to the next. This additional support can often help a struggling child to catch up, become confident and finally succeed in a previously dreaded subject. Maths anxiety is a condition that can be very detrimental to a child’s long-term school success, causing them to feel inadequate, not smart enough or even a failure. Anxiety can cause a child to get into a negative reinforcement cycle that perpetuates their feeling of inadequacy. When Maths work comes up they feel anxious because they don’t understand the work. This anxiety causes their brains to become confused or shut down which then prevents them from thinking logically or rationally and reinforces the experience that “I can’t do Maths!” So, in conclusion, it is important to notice how your child feels about their Maths work and to identify Maths anxiety as early as possible. Then, if you notice this occurring, take every step possible to address the anxiety and to enable your child to overcome, feel confident and believe in themselves. This article is courtesy of the Kumon North America website* * https://www.kumon.com/resources/how-to-build-up-your-childs-math-confidence/

October 27, 2023

BUILDING READING SKILLS AT HOME

Reading is an important activity that everyone can be involved in. Not only does it help to expand knowledge, but it can also be a ton of fun! If your child has no interest in reading, there are a variety of ways to help them start building reading skills at home. It may be a challenge to encourage reading with reluctant readers or even ones who are frustrated by reading. We put together a list of tactics that can help build reading skills and inspire children to find enjoyment in doing so. Here are some ways to build reading skills at home: 1. Offer Different Reading Options Be sure to provide your children with a variety of reading options. They may be more inspired to read books about certain topics or genres, as well as books of varying lengths. Having a few to choose from will give them the opportunity to explore their interests and find something they enjoy. 2. Set Aside Time to Read Setting time aside to read is great for anyone, any age! Show your children that it’s important to make time to read for fun by doing so yourself. Seeing you read will help to encourage their own reading and can even become a part of your family routine. 3. Read Aloud Reading aloud can be fun for the reader and the listener. Take turns reading aloud by using different voices and reading in an interesting way. While it may seem silly at first, this can help build excitement and curiosity for the story. It can even make the reading experience more fun and inspire them to read more on their own to get better at their story telling! 4. Use dictionaries (traditional or online) and flashcards If your child is coming across words that are unfamiliar try looking up these words in a traditional dictionary or online to discover the meaning. Online dictionaries usually have the added feature of being able to play a soundbite to hear the correct pronunciation. Your child could then write the definitions onto flashcards to help them remember the meaning. Knowing the meaning and pronunciation will help them read more fluently as they build their vocabulary and spelling skills. (An added benefit of using a traditional dictionary is learning about alphabetical order and how to find words in this way.) 5. Define Reading Goals Whether it’s learning 5 new words, reading a chapter book, or even reading 10 books over a period of time, there are tons of ways you can set your reading goals. Talk with your child about different goals they may have and help them set these. Depending on their age, you could use a star chart or some similar tracking system to recognise and reward achievement. 6. Participate in Reading Challenges or Activities There are a variety of reading challenges available online (for example: https://growingbookbybook.com/reading-challenges-for-kids/). Many of these challenges can be done at home and even incorporated into reading goals. It’s fun for children to have something to follow along with and be encouraged to read. You can also do different activities such as acting out scenes of the book or having them draw their favourite scene to encourage them to think through the story in a new perspective. 7. Ask Questions About the Book It’s beneficial to have discussions about the book before, during and after reading the book. This helps them get interested in the story before reading it and then keeps them engaged as they read the story. After the story concludes, it’s interesting for them to see what they learned or what they found most interesting from the book. Asking questions will keep engagement up and also get them thinking more analytically about what they read. 8. Join a Supplemental Reading Programme Another way to build reading skills is to join a reading programme that is individualized for your child. A programme that considers your child’s comfortable starting point while continuously building their reading and writing skills. The Kumon English Programme does just that and can be incorporated into your daily reading routine. There are also tons of Recommended Reading List options to take away the guesswork of books that accommodate your child’s skills best. The Takeaway – Have Fun! Most importantly, building reading skills at home can be a lot of fun! As your children begin to explore new books, learn new words, and strengthen their skills, they will develop more confidence and be inspired to read independently. The confidence they build from regular reading practice will help your child develop a lifelong love of reading! This article is taken directly from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/building-reading-skills-at-home/

October 12, 2023

Accounting myths unmasked

Mention the word ‘Accounting’ to a high school student and many will turn a paler shade of grey and want to run a mile. Of course, there are the few lucky ones, like me, who get excited because numbers are their best friend and they’ve managed to manoeuvre their way through the accounting ‘mysteries’ with skill and mastery. I find it incredibly sad that Accounting is so misunderstood, as it actually is an incredibly wonderful and useful language to learn. I hope to debunk some of those myths here. Myth #1: Accounting is hard It really isn’t. Although it can often be experienced as difficult by many, this is usually because it hasn’t been introduced correctly. In fact, most teachers probably don’t even realise how simple the underlying principle of double-entry is – it took me about fifteen years to figure out the fact that debits and credits arise from the two sides of the accounting equation, then another fifteen for the penny to really drop when I finally realised that ‘debit’ and ‘credit’ are simply derivations of the Italian and / or Latin for ‘own / owed to me’ (debere / debitum) and ‘owed to others’ (credere / creditum). If only someone had shown this to me years ago, as I’ve just done in a short video for Accounting students. Together with a good understanding that the purpose of Accounting is reporting to stakeholders by preparing financial statements based on the principles of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), all Accounting problems are easily solvable. Myth #2: Accounting is boring Yes, recording endless transactions in journals is boring, BUT this is bookkeeping, not Accounting. Bookkeeping in practice is usually computerised and relatively simple using Quickbooks, Xero or similar. Accounting involves the preparation of financial statements according to IFRS principles. Determining the underlying reasons for treating transactions in different ways requires analytical and logical thought. Analysing financial statements can be likened to colouring a ‘paint-by-number’ picture – as different ratios and calculations are applied to the numbers, a hidden picture of the actual workings of the business emerges. Zombie companies are uncovered and financial mismanagement and shenanigans are exposed. Edcon’s demise could easily be predicted by looking at its equity in the financial statements as early as 2012. Steinhoff’s disreputable financials with negative equity figures for the past few years are a large sign, ‘beware!’ Likewise, clever strategies for business success can be identified and learnt from, and companies ripe for profitable investments discovered. Myth #3: There is only one correct way to record transactions Not at all. In fact, as long as you have the correct end destination as your goal i.e. fair presentation of performance and financial position according to IFRS, how you get there is completely up to you. This myth is probably the reason many universities sometimes prefer students with no Accounting background, so that they don’t come in with only one method in mind and are unable to deviate and adapt to alternative approaches that are used. Much like meeting a friend on holiday does not require you both to travel the same path to get there, every syllabus or curriculum uses a different approach for the processing of transactions. CAPS and IEB use the perpetual inventory system with Debtors’ and Creditors’ control accounts as part of double-entry and subsidiary ledgers as extra. Cambridge school accounting uses the periodic inventory system with a cash book as part of the general ledger and individual supplier and customer accounts as part of double-entry, with control accounts introduced as extra. Every single university in South Africa uses a slightly different approach and terminology, and business practice uses computerised packages that are each different in how transactions are recorded and processed. Students who are unaware of the variety of options can become ridiculously confused, but if they are exposed to different options, they are able to hone in on the important Accounting concepts based on IFRS principles without being distracted by the variety of approaches. Myth #4: You don’t need Accounting at school to study a BCom / BAccSci / BBusSci Technically, you don’t. Students are accepted for these courses at most South African universities with just Maths and English as requirements. However, students who have not been exposed to Accounting at school are severely disadvantaged. Yes, school Accounting may be covered in the first few weeks of a business degree. Enough said. The concepts at university are more complex, and if the basics are not understood in the excitement of a new student life with all its distractions, most students who did not take the subject at school struggle and often have to repeat. Most of my first year extra lessons are to students who did not take Accounting at school – in all my years of teaching I have only had one first-year student who did Accounting at school and still needed help in first year. Research into the correlation between taking Accounting at school and success in first year Financial Accounting is varied and conclusions differ, but seem to support my personal hypothesis that if students are made aware of the flexibility of possible approaches, prior exposure is definitely beneficial. Moral of the story? Encourage any child interested in studying a business degree to take Accounting at school … with a varied approach, logical explanations and the end goal of financial statements prepared according to IFRS principles in mind, of course! Those parties with an interest in the continued success of the business, and who can affect / be affected by the actions of the business. Yes, this is an actual term relating to businesses that are surviving on borrowed money, paying interest but unable to make the repayments. This research shows that statistical data indicated that Accounting taken at school contributed significantly more to success in the Accounting module at Stellenbosch University. This research showed top performers were those who took Accounting at school, had Afrikaans as a home language and worked hard. This

August 24, 2023

A CONSISTENT LEARNING ROUTINE CAN CURB PROCRASTINATION

You’re sitting in front of your computer or on your phone right now. Is there something else you should probably be doing? Procrastination! This is a struggle many people experience because there are endless distractions in life. Children discover this pretty early in life and that can cause problems when things that need to get done (like homework, projects, and chores) don’t get done. So we’ve put together a few tips to help you help your child learn to curb procrastination. 1. Prioritize & Plan Making things that need to get done part of a predictable routine can help to minimize how much your brain will fight you on it. The longer you put off starting a task, the harder it seems to get started. So, don’t give the brain a chance to trip you up. Encourage your child to get started as soon as they think of the task that needs to get done and at a predictable moment of the day. They arrive at home and know they have homework to do? Get to it. Don’t give them that snack they want until after they’ve already gotten started or after they’ve completed their work. 2. Eliminate distractions Children naturally have shorter attention spans than adults, so the key to blocking out distractions is setting up a space free of temptation. Creating an area in the house that is quiet and devoid of technology and other distractions can be key to a successful study session. 3. Set Goals While having long-term goalscan play a big role in motivation and confidence, having short-term goals can be instrumental in the fight against procrastination. Specifically, if you’re focusing on the goal, you might be less likely to get distracted by all of the other things you might be inclined to wander off to. Help your child set small, incremental goals for themselves for each homework period. For example, instead of talking about “studying for your maths test”, try phrasing using the specific goal, “reviewing chapter 2”. One is vague and the other is specific. And if you can focus on a time frame, like aiming to finish by dinner time, this can help motivate your child to get it done. Repeatedly accomplishing these types of small goals can also improve overall motivation as it creates a sense of accomplishment. 4. Reward completion! A reward can look like a lot of things. It can be extrinsic (external rewards) such as earned time on a device or stickers on a rewards chart. Or it can be more intrinsic (internally focused) like offering praise for work well done. This cycle of effort and praise can help motivate a child, and motivation is one of the greatest tools in curbing procrastination. A reward can also be a way to bridge one task to the next in the form of a snack break! But take short, planned breaks in between one task and another… ideally not in the middle of tasks. That can lead to loss of momentum and further distraction. Pssst! Most of these “tips” are actually the lessons that Kumon students learn throughout their Kumon journey. Learn more the Kumon Maths and English Programmes here. This article is taken directly from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/a-consistent-learning-routine-can-curb-procrastination/

May 30, 2023

The best study snacks and why they work

There are so many things that can distract you from studying. Maybe you have low energy and can’t concentrate. Maybe you’re hungry and that’s pulling focus away from your work. Maybe you’re even struggling with your memory right now due to stress or depression. Food is a good and sustainable way to address all of these factors, alongside daily physical activity and quality sleep. In this article, however, we’re talking about the best study snacks and why they can work for you, in addition to being delicious. 1. Coffee with milk You probably already know that coffee can help increase your energy levels and keep you awake, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to tell you to drink coffee when you have to study late at night (more on that later). Another great thing coffee does is increase the production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine lifts your mood, making coffee a great option for the beginning of the study session, when you may not feel like getting stuck in. This neurotransmitter also improves focus and boosts concentration, helping you take in more information when you’re learning. Limit your coffee intake to two cups per day and don’t drink any coffee at all after lunchtime. This will prevent caffeine-related anxiety and poor sleep later on. 2. Trail mix Toss together a big bowl of mixed nuts, your favourite dried fruits and small pieces of chopped dark chocolate. Carbohydrates are our brain’s preferred source of energy, so you’re definitely going to want to include them when you’re planning your study snacks. Fruit contains plenty of carbs in the form of sugar, as does dark chocolate, and this often results in a spike in blood sugar (and energy), followed by an energy crash. We use fat to counteract this effect, and that’s where nuts come in. Nuts contain plenty of the good fats, which force the body to digest carbohydrates more slowly when the two are eaten together. This will give you a steady flow of energy for the next couple of hours. And remember, a portion of trail mix is about a quarter cup, so try to stick to that amount at snack time. 3. Popcorn There are so many things to love about popcorn. It’s high in protein, wholegrain carbohydrates and fibre. All of these nutrients work towards sustainable slow-release energy to help you concentrate. They also work together to keep you fuller for longer, so you won’t be distracted by hunger 30 minutes into your study session. Popcorn is also extremely low in calories considering the nutritional value it serves, but only if you prepare it correctly. Stay away from ready-to-microwave popcorn or cooking it on the stove with heaps of butter and oil. Instead, buy a bag of kernels and mix a portion with one or two tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Pop them into a brown paper bag and then microwave the popcorn until it’s done. 4. Smoothies Do you want a wholesome filling snack that includes lots of brain foods plus energy-boosting nutrients? A smoothie is the best way to do this. Remember, our brains need carbs for energy, and healthy fats to help our bodies absorb and use that energy more slowly rather than all at once. So we’ll start with those as a base. We love the idea of oats as your main carb option. They blend easily, give smoothies a nice texture and they have a neutral flavour. Milk offers the same smoothie-making benefits, while offering protein and fat. Now that you have your base, it’s time to add brain food! Blueberries have been found to support memory and cognition. The omega fatty acids found in chia seeds, nuts and seeds are great for concentration and overall brain health. L-theanine is a compound found in green tea that increases focus while decreasing anxiety at the same time! Greens like spinach, broccoli and lettuce are about the long game. Eat them regularly for long-term cognitive health throughout your studies, working life and beyond. Dark chocolate (in small amounts) because it’s another food that naturally contains caffeine. 5. Apples and celery with peanut butter We know it sounds weird, especially the celery part, but celery and apples are an amazing combo, and celery and peanut butter are an amazing combo (try it before you deny it). Apples are packed with nutrients and energy in the form of carbs, making it a well-rounded snack when paired with a healthy fat protein like peanut butter. When it comes to celery, recent studies have shown that it can improve memory. The evidence also points towards helping people with depression. If you suffer from depression and find that it is affecting your memory (as it commonly does), adding celery to your diet could help to counter this symptom. We’re excited to see where this research leads! When it comes to peanut butter, you can benefit from all the brain boosting effects its omega fatty acids offer. These include improved memory, cognition, concentration and mood. 6. Veggies and hummus If you’re not a sweet tooth and prefer savoury snacks, what about veggies and hummus? Choose a wide range of veggies in different colours for your energy and nutrients. Serve them with some hummus on the side for dipping to act as your protein and fat source. If you’re a slow snacker, carrots, cucumber, sliced peppers and celery keep (and travel) well, and they all pair well with hummus and each other. 7. Fruit yoghurt ice lollies Have you ever been in a test or an exam, and a teacher pulls out a bag of Fizz Pops or chewy sweets for the class writing? If you have, you’ll probably remember forever how good your memory and concentration were that day. If you look around, you’ll see this everywhere. People chew gum to increase focus during the work day, they bite their nails to concentrate on something they’re reading, snacking on small nibbles throughout a movie feels

April 14, 2023

Cramming versus scheduled studying: What’s happening in your brain?

Have you ever found yourself sitting in an exam or test, knowing how hard you studied the night before, with a question in front of you that you simply just can’t remember the answer to? This happens to everyone, and it has nothing to do with how hard you did or didn’t prepare. What it’s actually all about is how far along the process of encoding memory you had time for. This is why cramming the day before an exam or test can only get you so far. For true mastery that’s about more than passing on the day, you need to learn how to encode the information you’re learning into your long-term memory, and that’s going to take a bit more time. In this article, we’re going to discuss cramming versus long-term study, and what’s going on in your brain along the way. Step 1 – Sensory memory This is the very first stage when it comes to successfully encoding and storing information. When it comes to studying information, the two most common senses we usually use are vision and sound. We see the written or diagrammatic information, we hear it being explained to us, or both at the same time. Sensory memory is tricky because it is mostly there to use and lose information. Let’s think about a maths equation. You see the first line of the equation before you. Your sensory memory holds it in your mind only as long as it takes you to process it and move onto the next step of the equation. Then, it immediately deletes it from your brain. It is normal for sensory memories to last for split seconds before disappearing. Unless something special happens, that is. If you’re driving and see a stop sign, your sensory memory will hold the stop sign in your mind until you have stopped and then moved on. It will then delete that moment. But if you have a car accident at that stop sign, your sensory memory will pass it on to short-term memory, and your brain will hold onto the memory of that stop sign at that time for a longer period. The same goes for studying. Cramming is detrimental to sensory memory firstly because it’s tedious, boring and can be stressful. These are not the kinds of conditions your brain looks for when it wants to make something last. You need time and effort to truly move beyond this first step. Repetition and using multiple senses to learn the same information is your goal. And by repetition, we don’t mean sitting in one spot repeating a sentence over and over until you think you’ll be able to remember it through tomorrow and beyond. When we say repetition, we mean repeated learning of the same subject or topic using different stimuli. Yes, revise your notes from class, but also read blog posts, listen to podcasts, watch videos and (of course) practise past papers. This kind of revision is diverse and makes use of multiple senses, a winning formula for moving what you’re learning into the short-term memory! Step 2 – Short-term memory Short really does mean short here. On average, your short-term memory can only hold information for about 15 seconds. Your brain is always trying to optimise, and that means constantly discarding information it doesn’t think it needs. Short-term memory is often what is used when you are cramming for a test. If you’re trying to remember a list of facts, you’ll probably have found that when you repeat them to yourself later or tomorrow, you’re more likely to remember items from the beginning and end of your study session, but that your recall only gets worse and worse when it comes to what you studied in the middle. This is a sign that the information wasn’t encoded correctly during the short-term memory phase. Information will stay in your short-term memory as long as you’re consciously holding onto it. From there, it will either be moved to working or long-term memory, or deleted. At the beginning of your cramming session, you will be more alert and more energetic. This will better enable you to encode what you’re learning in a meaningful way with practice, using the senses and being able to connect what you’re learning with what’s already stored in your long-term memory. This information is often successfully stored in long-term memory. Towards the end, when you’re tired, you might just begin repeating the information over and over, keeping it in short-term and working memory until you’re done with it after your exam. And whatever was in the middle, well, that’s probably mostly gone by the time you sit down to write. In order to move on from short-term memory, you need to allow yourself the time for not only meaningful and sensory stimulation like in the previous step, but you also need the time to build meaningful connections with what’s already in your long-term memory. This involves starting with the basics, and only moving on once you have something solid in your long-term memory to build upon. Step 4 – Long-term memory EXPLICIT LONG-TERM MEMORY – SEMANTIC When you think of long-term memory, you probably think of all the things you can remember that have happened personally to you in your life. But that’s only one small part (albeit an important one). Semantic memory is a form of explicit long-term memory that is based around factual information. And it is explicit because you make the effort to learn it on purpose (unlike biographical memories). When you are studying, you are successful if what you are learning moves from short-term memory into explicit semantic long-term memory. There is a clue here. For a long time, neuroscientists have been trying to pin down exactly where in the brain semantic long-term memories are stored. And the answer seems to be all over. This has led scientists to believe that within our brains there is a semantic network. And they believe that this is

March 22, 2023

Work hard, play hard!

The year feels like it’s just begun, yet here we are, already a quarter of the way through. Before we know it, exams will be upon us. Yes, I know it’s the kids who write them, but it’s us who bear the brunt of the anxiety, the grumps or the total blasé approach that leaves us in a knot of anxiety on their behalf. So how best to cope? In our family, the philosophy has always been, ‘Work hard, play hard.’ This started for us as adults, juggling busy work careers while also wanting to take time out to escape to the bush or the sea for much-needed breaks, and continued when we had children and tried to teach them to balance their studies and relaxation. Note that I say ‘tried’. Kids always have their own ideas of what is important and can veer off in one direction or the other on a whim. As parents, all we can do is our best to nudge them back on track as often as possible. So how do we get them to work hard? From homework sessions where it literally took two hours to get the pencil to touch the paper to learn ten words for a spelling test, how on earth did we get to a studious matric who was able to motivate himself to achieve four distinctions? Honestly, I couldn’t tell you as I’m still amazed (and delighted). However, I can tell you what we tried, and what I suggest for my students. You can then see how much you are able to filter through to your beloved children and leave the rest to them. Try to develop good study habits from an early age. I certainly don’t mean three or four years old – at that stage they should be climbing trees and investigating strange creatures in the garden. Never forget that kids learn best through play (I still teach my senior students the concept of debits and credits using Smarties and Jelly Tots). I’m referring to when they start coming home from school with a reader or need to write a sentence or two. The homework may be designed to take fifteen minutes (even if ours took hours for our son and all of five minutes for our daughter when little) but be sure to teach your children to set aside time to work. They will probably need some time to recover from the school day – have a snack, maybe change – but then it’s time to sit down and focus. Let them get used to the idea that homework tasks need to be finished before they are allowed to do as they please, and definitely before any screen time! Of course, your schedule may not lend itself to such a simple solution if you work full-time or are also juggling numerous other offspring while taxiing them to sundry swimming / soccer / ballet lessons. In these cases, get clever. I used to do reading with one child while the other was in the pool learning how not to drown. Spelling happened in the car on the way to and from school. As they get older, ensure that they have a proper desk and later, suitable devices. If possible, let them be part of the process of choosing what they like, and listen to what they say works best for them (within reason, of course – a gaming computer is NOT necessary for primary school homework). For high school, my daughter preferred an iPad, my son a laptop. As the quantity of work increases, students need to learn how to manage the material so as to be able to remember and use it correctly in assessments and life situations. When we were at school last century, the focus was on recall, which I was terrible at! I hated memorising facts, and much preferred learning how to do something instead. As you can imagine, Accounting was much more fun than History for me. These days one simply needs to tap a few words into a device and a multitude of answers spring forth. ChatGPT will even write an essay for you at will. In this day and age, being able to understand and work with the material is much more important. Analysis and evaluation are critical skills that will help your kids navigate further studies and the working world. At school level, different curricula focus on different skills, but all have moved beyond simple recall. A solid foundation of knowledge is needed, and this depth can be developed by working with the material in a variety of different ways. In addition to the good old mind-maps and other summaries to make the content smaller, I encourage my students to do the opposite – make it bigger. “Go surfing!’ is what I tell these rather surprised kids. Yes, surf the web to find out more information. Google a few key words and read whatever comes up. Make some popcorn and pop those key words into YouTube for some ‘movie time’. There is an incredible amount of additional, interesting material out there. By reading and watching more than just what was done in class, they are exposed to additional perspectives, opposing points of view and sometimes the one thing that makes it all click. A third part of this mishmash is working through past paper questions, even from early in the year. If you are lucky enough to be able to get hold of a breakdown showing which questions relate to which topics, the questions can be attempted when the work is learnt during the year and not only just before an exam. This helps students to see exactly what is required of them and help them towards developing the skills required to create strong answers. Together, these will all work towards developing long-term memory and better higher-order thinking skills. With all this hard work going on, breaks are a must. Try to figure out each child’s body rhythm

March 9, 2023

If hugs were a school shoe

Hush Puppies has introduced a school shoes range and it’s first-class comfort Ask any podiatrist, physiotherapist or sports enthusiast: it’s worth investing in good shoes. In young children that are still developing, a good shoe offers quality support and protection, allowing them to focus on what’s important. What’s more, a good shoe investment means you’re less likely to have to head to the shops in the middle of the year because of broken or damaged shoes. At Hush Puppies, they make it their mission to ensure first-class comfort from classroom to playground. Their quality school shoes are fitted with all of the essential features for a full day of class and play: Premium quality leather uppers A memory foam footbed for all-day comfort and support Highly durable outsoles Direct attach construction, which ensures that the sole and upper remain intact Their shoes contain no pigskin The range includes various styles – with or without laces, as well as trainers in both black and white. Prices range between R429 and R599. Go to their site to see the range and shop online.

March 7, 2023

TIME MANAGEMENT FOR KIDS: HOW TO HELP YOUR KIDS EXCEL

Time management for kids is a life skill that can set them up for success. It is particularly important for children to learn time management at an early age in order to be successful in their education, as well as other areas of life. Having time management skills as a child is important because it allows them to focus on priorities and accomplish tasks without feeling overwhelmed. But how does one establish good time management skills? We put together some steps to help you work with your child to develop these essential skills. 1. Help them become aware of their time It’s important to remember that time is limited. When considering all the tasks to complete, break them down into sections by prioritizing and planning. Talk with your child to help them know what is urgent and important to ensure that is where they begin. Explain the breakdown to your child to show them that time is being allotted for different topics such as school, extracurriculars, family events, etc. 2. Define priorities It helps to know what needs to or should get done. For school activities, make sure to have discussions with your child’s teachers or review the assessment information that comes home to know the main areas that need attention. Talk with your child to help them understand the importance of each task and then develop a routine that will ensure enough time is set aside for each activity. Discuss these priorities and let them know that their schedule can be made to give them time to focus on these tasks. 3. Create a schedule and develop a routine Once you have an idea of what to focus on, create a daily and weekly schedule together with your child. Make this process fun! You can do this by allowing them to work on a visual board with pictures or writing down the time slots on a calendar and colour-coding, adding stickers or decorating it with drawings. 4. Break down goals A schedule will help plan time, but what is done in that time depends on your child’s goals. Compile a checklist to encourage them to know their goals and work independently to accomplish them. For example, if your child needs to learn three new maths concepts, they may need to focus on assignments that help master them. In other words, they may need to read and practice examples in the textbook. It may even be chores that should get done after school. Plan out the goals to know what to focus on in the timeframe. This will help them feel less overwhelmed and help to track progress for each goal. 5. Track progress and reflect on time spent As your child continues to complete tasks, track their progress to see if there are any areas for improvement or accomplishments to celebrate. Together you can reflect on what happened within the time frame to see if they need to reassess their time in the future and understand how to plan accordingly. Also, your child can see how their time well spent led to an achievement, which will encourage them to continue setting aside time and planning for future goals. 6. Celebrate even the small wins One of the biggest motivators for kids when it comes to time management is celebrating small wins. Completing tasks and becoming closer to the main goal is a huge accomplishment! Be sure to celebrate the successes by praising your child and encouraging them to continue making strides while managing their time. Seeing that their hard work resulted in something positive will make them more inclined to continue these efforts in the future. The Takeaway Time management for kids may seem like a challenge, but it is beneficial to establish this life skill early with them. Focusing on these steps when completing schoolwork is a great place to begin, as other tasks will likely fall into place throughout the process. Being able to manage time as a kid will help them feel less overwhelmed and in turn make them feel more accomplished and confident in completing tasks throughout all areas of life. The Kumon Maths and English programmes not only help children to improve academically but also develop other life skills which including goal-setting. Should you be interested in learning more about Kumon and how it can support your child, visit www.kumon.co.za This article is taken directly from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/how-to-help-your-kids-with-time-management-skills/

August 11, 2022

Effective Study Techniques and Methods

Yes, there are in fact effective study techniques that can help learners retain information better and they’re not based on fiction or chance, but years of scientific research. Study smarter not harder. We’ve all heard or read the saying at some point in our lives, but what does “studying smart” actually look and is there, in fact, a science to prepping for your exams. Studying comes naturally for some while others find it challenging. Regardless of your love or hate for the books, effective techniques that help absorb info is a different concept entirely, and it’s one that educators and psychologists have researched for years. Studying “right” starts with understanding There’s a small obsession amongst educators, phycologist and physicists to understand the concept of absorbing information quickly and keeping it locked away for as long as possible. While there has been an endless debate, one thing they can all agree on is that the work should be understood first and foremost. If learners aren’t understating the material, they’ll find it difficult to retain it which is why tutoring platforms have been becoming increasingly popular, helping learners understand over and above simply studying the material. Paper Video’s is one such platform where learners from grade 8 to 12 can unpack challenging subjects like Maths, Physical Science, Life Science and Accounting through video lessons, past exam papers and teachers that help explain the work. Studying effectively is not just about getting information into our brains to pass an exam, it about saving time and effort, and remembering the work well-beyond that final paper. Plus, once you understand what you’re learning studying will feel like a breeze. Find study techniques that work for you. There are no one-size-fits-all approaches when it comes to a study technique that works, and “Learning Styles” is a concept that is slowly but surely being taken off the table. For those who don’t know, “Learning Styles” is a theory that indicates whether or not people are Visual, Auditory, Read & Write or Kinaesthetic learners. New research published by the American Psychological Association stated that there is no scientific evidence to support this concept. In an article published by the Atlantic in 2018, Daniel Willingham, a psychologist at the University of Virginia made a compelling case whereby he stated: “People have different abilities, not styles. Some people read better than others; some people hear worse than others. You can’t visualize a perfect French accent, for example.” He went on to say that people should not think of themselves as visual, verbal or some kind of learner, “Everyone is able to think in words; everyone is able to think in mental images. It’s much better to think of everyone having a toolbox of ways to think, and think to yourself, which tool is best?” So, how do you know what study technique works? With no clear recipe to success amid all the mind maps, rhymes, notes and re-reading, and if not for a “learning style” how can we tell what works and what doesn’t? Luckily there is science and proven research that tells us what techniques should do and how they should affect learners. Ask yourself: Does the technique help me engage with the material (not just reading)? Does the technique help me track my progress, (a test of some sort)? Does it involve repetition? Does it make me more efficient? Am I retaining/remembering information? Scientifically backed Study Techniques Remembering or retaining information is a challenge that can be traced back to when German Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus first identified the “the forgetting curve” in 1885. It was and still is, a hypothesis that highlights how information or knowledge that gets stored in the brain is lost over time if the individual does not attempt to retain it. Now, to us in the 21st Century, it might not sound so ground-breaking, people forget things. But back then, Ebbinghaus identified a problem and gave it a name and scientists love nothing more than to solve a good problem. That’s why they dedicated their careers to finding ways that can help humans study better and retain information successfully and here are a few of our favourites. 1. Interval studying Call it what you may: the spacing effect, distributed practice, spaced repetition or interval studying, it’s a method that was identified by Hermann Ebbinghaus in his book: Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology. While Ebbinghaus identified the forgetting curve he also gave us a snapshot on how to overcome it: Spaced out repetition. A study by the American Psychological Association showed that the method was 96% more effective than massed repetition, otherwise known as cramming (Cepeda 2006). Conclusion? Spacing out your studies over several short periods helps you remember better, so stick to short bursts, but keep them focussed. It’s not about how much time you have, but what you do with your time that counts. 2. The Leitner technique The technique was created by German science journalist Sebastian Leitner and is a learning technique based on flashcards. The technique also adopts interval studying as part of the method, so learners will be studying in short spaced-out bursts. The technique uses several boxes to help track the flashcards you need to study, and each box represents the amount of time and effort learners would need to spend on certain cards. Here’s how: Every card starts in Box 1 If you get a card right it moves to the next If you get a card wrong, you move it down a box How many boxes you have is up to you, but most educators vouch for three or four. 3. Pomodoro study technique If you’re prone to distractions or if you lose focus easily, the Pomodoro method is used universally not just as a study hack, but as a way to help people increase their productivity. It’s a time management system that encourages short, intense bursts of work for about 25 – 30 minutes. Once the time is up, you stop working and take a 5- or 10-minute break. The technique

July 6, 2022

MID-TERM EXAM TIPS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

As parents or guardians, most of us work long, exhausting days. We understand that with the price of food, petrol, school fees etcetera, work is a given – if we are fortunate enough to be employed – and this is not something we are ever going to change. The downside is that hard work often leaves us with very little time for anything else. As parents, we often feel guilty that we seem to have so little time with our children. Added to this, we often put pressure on our children to somehow perform, using their report cards as a measure of their effort and intelligence. Many parents trust that teachers are in control simply because they don’t themselves have the extra bandwidth to step into academic support mode after a long day at work. Additionally, we often resort to pressuring our children, whether it be through threats, bribes, or encouragement to circumvent a bad report after examinations. Let’s be honest, not all children are those gorgeous self-starters, in the Top 20 at school who just seem to ‘get on with it’ and never seem to need the parental pressures that so many of us have to use on our children. Most schools’ second term comprise those mid-year examinations where this pressure can bring added anxiety and chaos into a household. The pressure starts to mount when you do not see the evidence of studying. As a principal, at Abbotts College JHB South, I see the despair when the report card comes and parents are called in to visit the deputy or principal about their child’s results. But my advice today to parents is to practice love and patience. Young teenagers are still developing. Their adolescent brains, especially those going through puberty, where cognitive, emotional, and social maturation are being influenced by hormones, have a tremendous effect on the development of executive functioning in the brain. This functioning develops in the prefrontal cortex which is the area responsible for decision-making, planning, prioritizing, strategizing, coordinating thought and emotion, delaying gratification, inhibiting impulses and inappropriate behavior. Research over the past 15 years has shown that these areas do not function as optimally as those of adults. The limbic system and other parts of the brain do not fully mature until the early 20s. Putting extreme pressure and anxiety onto a teenager to bring home the perfect report card will negatively affect them. We need to be realistic about their abilities and remember that one examination is never a determinant for success in life. We have to encourage them to perform to the best of their ability but not at the expense of our relationship with them or the damage parents can inflict on their self-esteem and identity formation. Having said that there are some ways in which we can support our teenagers, by doing the following: Download the Examination timetable in advance and ensure it is visible in your house where you and your child can monitor the calendar. Assist your child in coming up with a study timetable (many schools may conduct workshops to assist with this). Ensure the scope of study for all subjects is downloaded and available in advance (most schools will give this out at least 4-6 weeks before examinations commence). Ensure your child has approached teachers early on if there are concepts that are challenging and need further clarification. If your child is struggling with finishing tests on time, does not get through work fast enough, reads very slowly, or does not write neatly, it may be a good idea to get him/her tested by an Educational Psychologist who can assist with applying for concessions. Buy A4 feint and margin books for every subject so that note-taking is in one place for the full year and not on pieces of paper that are scattered around the house. Ensure your child has a quiet place to study, with a desk and necessary stationery (‘passive studying’ on a bed is ineffective – separate, if possible, the spaces where they sleep and where they work) Eliminate distractions and lay down the rules during examination periods (especially cellphones, social media, gaming). Ensure your child continues with healthy pursuits such as exercising and sport; and that they eat as healthily as possible. Do not always believe your teen! Be aware, switched on, available, supportive yet receptive to how and what they are studying. In my opinion, a little extrinsic motivation during study time for teenagers can be effective. Many are not intrinsically motivated to study and there are pros and cons to rewarding and incentivizing your teen. You know your child best and what they are capable of. Giving them goals and possible rewards, without undue pressure that could create anxiety may be the catalyst for your child to motivate them. We have to inculcate a sense of pride in what they do and encourage effort and autonomy. With so much riding on matric examinations, skills need to be developed early on in the junior grades in preparation for these. This does not happen overnight but with patience, assistance, organization, and loving guidance our children can overcome examination anxiety and learn the tools necessary for examination success. By (Marion Kohler: Principal Abbotts College JHB South)

June 24, 2022

8 Study Habits of Highly Effective Students

High school learners have a lot on their plate, especially during a time where everything has gone topsy turvy. Study habits have been broken new habits have crept in, and it can be difficult to get back to the way things were or even learn new ways of doing. Where do we even begin? Why are good study habits so important? It’s not always about having “smarts”, but rather studying smart. Ironically, intellectual ability plays a small part and developing effective organisational skills and good study habitsgo a long way. Having the right tools and resources is a great place to startand can make sticking to those habits easier. Paper Video is a platform that can help. High school learners from grade 8 to12 can accessresources and materials needed toget to grips with challenging subjects like Maths, Physical Science, Life Scienceand Accounting. The tutoring and video lessons, with expert teachers in each field, give learners the freedom to work through the material at their own pace with a progress tracker to help them stay on track and get into the study habit of things. Here are a few more tricks and traits highly effective studentsuse to develop new study habits and ditch the bad ones. What’s the secret recipe to becoming an efficient student? “They are passionate and love school.”Yes, we can hear your eyes rolling and it couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth, in fact, passion and a love for school have no relationship with learners’ effectiveness or success. People think, for example, you have to love math to be good at it, sure this helps, but success actually comes down to one surprising factor: Self-belief. According to Jihyun Lee, Associate Professor at the School of Education at the University of New South Wales, an almost 4-year study concluded that direct correlations between students’ academic achievement and their attitudes toward school were near zero. The factor that sets academically able and less able students apart is self-belief. Being able to believe in their own problem-solving abilities is far more important than their perception of school itself. 8 Habits of Successful Students So, “self-belief” is easier said than done. Doubting ourselves and our capabilities will always be an uphill battle. Along with a tutoring resource like Paper Video to really help students understand their work without any added pressure, good study habits for high school learners can slowly, but surely, build up the confidence to know “that we know” the answers. Time Management You don’t have to be Doctor Strange to understand and appreciate the vital element of time – so give yourself enough of it. Prioritise difficult content or projects first – things you know will take longer. Create a timetable, especially during exam season. Spelling out what you will be doing each day and a visual indication will help you avoid panic and fear. Cramming it all in tires out your brain. Contrary to belief, and to most of our studying ways, spacing out the workload gives your brain time to digest (Yes, like a stomach, if you eat too much in one sitting… let’s just say we know you know how Biology works) Set timers and scheduling, if you have an event coming up, work it into yourcalendar andcompromise: If you don’t do “X” you can’t do “Y”. Think bigger than “If I finish this chapter, I can have a cookie.” Plan when and where. Routines help build good habits, so just like your set dinner and breakfast times have times reserved for studying. Be goal orientated We’ve spoken about thinking bigger than giving yourself a cookie after one chapter. Think of the bigger picture, what would you like to achieve? Whether it’s an A-plus or simply making sure you stick to your timing schedule, goals help you keep track of your progress and when you feel like you’re progressing, you feel confident in your abilities. #Self-belief Finding the best techniques You might already have a few study techniques up your sleeve, and some might work better than others depending on whether you’re left-brained (logic) or right-brained (creative) – a theory where one side of the brain is more dominant than the other. In the book Make it Stick by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. McDaniel, the authors identify a few effective and ineffective techniques: Affective: Pre-test. Setting up mock tests to help you answer questions. Build on something you know. Connect new information to concepts you already understand. For instance, electricity streams, like a stream of water, slows down when there is resistance i.e. a resistor. Visual diagrams. An oldie, but a goodie. Anything that generates active learning helps your brain absorb and retain information. Paraphrasing and reflecting. See the content from a different perspective, even something as simple as changing sentence orders around or saying the text in your own words helps you understand the work better. Ineffective: Re-reading can make work feel foreign and garner frustration because your brain isn’t retaining information Don’t cram, space out your study time If you get it right the first time, don’t assume you know it all. Don’t multitask here we don’t mean distractions, although that’s vital too. Try and keep the content and information topical. If you’re doing Trigonometry stick to it until you understand it and avoid jumping to another topic. Learning to focus and minimising distractions Distractions; social media, web browsing, game playing, texting. Make sure you create an airtight imaginary bubble to help you focus and cultivate those good study habits.Think PSP.No not in gaming: Prep, Setting and Pre-empt. Prep: Eat, drink, use your bathroom break and get all your materials ready, nothing breaks your focus like getting started and finding out you need a new pen. Setting the scene: a picture of your beach holiday or random titbits that can cause your mind to wander – remove them and declutter your desk. Pre-empt: Let friends know when you’re studying so they don’t text you and think of other factors that might creep up; noisy neighbours, mom’s Zumba time. Put boundaries in place to prevent

September 27, 2021

Why extra classes online can be the smarter option right now

There’s no doubt that “online” has become the new norm for almost everything. From business meetings and work to entertainment and socialising. School curriculums are also no exception to the rule and extra school lessons have had to move from in-person tutoring to a more digital realm. But here’s why extra classes online aren’t all bad, in fact with Paper Video you might even find them more engaging and favourable compared to traditional tutoring. You decide when and where Flexibility has become one of the most important factors. Busy schedules can make it difficult to stick to set tutoring times and we’ve had to tailor our lives around them. Travelling around from one extracurricular to the next has also become a thing of the past, especially in our current climate. Online tutoring allows learners to catch up in the comfort of their own homes at convenient times that suit an entire household. Paper Video gives learners instant at-home-access to the ultimate collection of revision resources with thousands of embedded video lessons, taught by experienced and engaging teachers. As a result, learners can simply log in, whenever, wherever, to get access to an extra teacher. It’s not just one expert teacher on the line Traditionally, personal tutors specialise in one or two subjects and learners might find that they would like to excel in or need help with more than one subject. Signing up for Paper Video gives learners access to Maths, Physical Sciences*, Life Sciences* and Accounting all on one platform (*covered in Natural Sciences for grade 8 and 9 learners). Not only that, an exceptional list of teachers from a selection of some of the top schools in the country, means that one platform gives you access to specialised experts in each subject. You still get your one-on-one time Many digital learning platforms do come with the perception that there’s not much room for one-on-one interaction. This may be a deal-breaker from some, but many e-learning, online tutoring and online schooling platforms are adapting and making sure their lessons are as engaging, animated and in-depth as possible to accommodate learners who need that extra personal touch. To ensure this, Paper Video has created over 11,000 video lessons that cover everything from individual past exam questions to entire topics in the syllabus. Each video follows a step-by-step approach to explain the required concepts, so the platform ensures that the resources cover any question learners might have. Find what you’re looking for, faster Convenience has become a key driver in the modern world and digital tutoring platforms are making it easier to not only get down to the specifics, but also finding answers fasters. Paper Video helps learners find what they’re looking for with their past exam questions and topics in each subject linked to searchable keywords. Learners can simply type in a word in the platforms’ search box and find a list of all related past exam questions and topic video lessons. Less pressure, more learning While participation is encouraged in many classes, it can often place a lot of pressure on learners and cultivate a competitive environment. Learners all engage and study differently, so while the typical classroom environment is stimulating for some, it does not work as well for others. Today, digital resources can give learners the option to study in a way that’s comfortable for them, and the more comfortable they are, the easier it is to retain information. With Paper Video, learners can study online in their own time and track their own progress. The platform also gives learners the freedom to study at their own pace and revisit concepts they might not have understood, all without the pressure of feeling left behind. Whether you’re a parent or a learner that’s still getting used to the idea of the online migration, the fact remains that online technologies have blown digital education and tutoring opportunities right open. It’s not only saving time but money. Its accessibility, individuality and flexibility are what’s making it more appealing by the day, especially with the unprecedented challenges being faced by learners at the moment. Visit www.papervideo.co.za or contact Paper Video on 061 357 2304 for more information on how to get started.

September 24, 2021

Keeping education on track in the disruptive school year

After a school shutdown of more than two months, teachers, parents and students are all gearing up to save the 2020 academic year. However, as Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and the Department of Basic Education kickstart their phased approach there are still many questions around the ramifications of the disruptive year and how parents and teachers can help limit its effects on our children.

September 17, 2021

15 Research Based Study Tips to make Learning Easier this Term

The new school term has started, and many parents are already wondering if there’s anything they can do to make learning a little bit easier for their kids. You’re in luck! Here’s 15 research based study tips that will positively impact learning: 1.Self-explanation. Come up with explanations, in your own words, of to-be-learned concepts or ideas. Rather than solely relying on exact provided definitions (for example, from lectures or textbooks), create your own, while still making sure that they are accurate. 2.Use a timer. Set a timer for 20 – 25 minutes, and start learning… When the buzzer rings, take a five minute break… After two to three repetitions, take a thirty-minute break. Repeat! 3.Interleaving. When studying, instead of focusing exclusively on one concept or subject at a time, alternate between them. For example, if you are studying subject A and subject B, rather than practice only A on one day and only B on the next, you can practice both on each day by switching back and forth between them. 4.Dig deeper. It’s hard to remember a string of facts and figures if you don’t push further. Ask questions like Why? and How? It’s called elaboration. Elaboration helps you combine new information with other things you know. And it creates a bigger network in your brain of things that relate to one another. That larger network makes it easier to learn and remember things. 5.Books are still best. Research suggests that traditional print materials still have the upper hand when it comes to studying. It has also been found that students required more repetition to learn new material if they were reading on a computer screen versus reading printed material. 6.Be the ‘teacher’. Research shows that students have better memory and recall abilities when they learn new information with the expectation of having to teach/explain it to someone else. Studies also suggest that students are more engaged and will instinctively seek out methods of recall and organization when expected to take on a “teacher” role. 7.Exercise help learning. The benefits of exercise on the brain have been well established in the fields of health, fitness, and psychology. Studies show our brainpower gets a boost following even a short workout. According to Dr. Douglas B. McKeag, breaking a sweat shortly before cracking the books can make you more alert, open, and able to learn new information during your post-workout study session. 8.Reading and re-reading is not studying. Reading and re-reading textbooks merely lead students to thinking they know the material better than they do since it is right in front of them. Rather use active recall: closing the book and reciting (and explaining) in your own words everything you can remember up to that point to practice long-term memorization. 9.Test yourself. Take advantage of old exam and test papers available as practice tests/exams. You can get a sense of different testing styles and become familiar with how the information might be presented on the real test/exam day. A 2011 study found students who tested themselves with a practice test/exam after learning the material, retained 50% more of the information a week later than their peers who did not take a practice test/exam. 10.Don’t overlearn. Once you’ve been able to cycle through your work without making a mistake (or too many mistakes), you may feel a sense of satisfaction and call it a day, or you may feel a charge of adrenaline and be tempted to continue studying the same material. Research suggests it is better to take a break or move on to something else, instead of overlearning. 11.Stop multitasking. Multitasking is a myth. You may think you’re killing two birds with one stone by texting or quickly checking your Facebook page while studying, for example, but you’re actually forming poor study habits. It’s also not useful having your phone on silent but often checking if there’s any new messages, or looking at your phone every time it vibrates to indicate a new message. According to researchers, so-called “multitasking” extends your study time and ultimately may damage your grades. So when you’re studying, switch off your phone completely and put it somewhere out of sight. 12.Sleep is crucial for learning. There’s even a term for it: sleep-learning. As the memory-consolidation process does its best work during slow-wave sleep, your brain could be getting both the restoration and reactivation it needs during its time of rest. So don’t even think about studying through the night instead of getting in some much needed sleep. DID YOU KNOW that, according to certain researchers, reviewing study materials before bed can help you brain learn, even in your sleep? 13.Stress hinders learning. UC Irvine researchers found that stress lasting as briefly as a couple of hours can engage corticotropin-releasing hormones that disrupt the process of creating and storing memories. Taking study breaks, exercise, or drawing a few deep breaths will help your studying if they lower your stress levels. Also, planning ahead by means of a study schedule, will greatly reduce anxiety about not having enough time to study. Remember, break down large chunks of work into smaller sections and plan your study time accordingly. 14.Learning styles Learning styles are a hotly debated topic. Researchers and learning experts debate and question the concept of learning styles; some even go so far as to say they don’t exist. The overall conclusion is this: Despite the amount of work on the subject, scientists have found “virtually no evidence” to support the concept of learning styles, though they left the possibility open to further investigation in years to come. If you have found a way that works for you, great, but if not (yet) – it would be recommend you don’t go out of your way to try to make your material or the way you learn fit a specific style because it may not be worth the time or effort. 15.A change of scenery impacts learning and concentration abilities. Psychologist Robert Bjork and many learning specialists suggest that

August 6, 2021

Choosing Mathematics & Mathematical Literacy – everything you need to know

In our blog series, we will be exploring the various subjects offered by Impaq in the FET Phase (Grades 10 – 12). We spoke to education specialists Lientjie Young and Kimberley Britz to learn more about Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy as subjects. Mathematics vs Mathematical Literacy While choosing subjects in Grade 9, many learners are unsure of the difference between Mathematics (MAM) and Mathematical Literacy (MAL). We asked Young and Britz to explain the differences between these two subjects below: Mathematics “Mathematics deals with theories and abstract concepts that are not necessarily encountered in everyday life,” Young explains. “It is a study of numbers and shapes and the relationships between them,” she adds. Simply put, Mathematics is a language that attempts to describe the world in abstract terms that can be modified and, therefore, often simplified in this language. Topics include: Algebra Basic calculus Statistics Geometry Trigonometry Mathematical Literacy “In contrast to Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy deals with conventional real-world situations,” Britz says. “In short, it is an ‘everyday’ kind of Mathematics, as there is a direct connection between Mathematical Literacy and everyday life,” Britz adds. Topics include: Budgeting Interest calculations Profit and losses Break-even points Data handling Divide and conquer In the FET Phase, Mathematics is a compulsory subject for South African learners. However, learners may choose between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy when making their subject selections in Grade 9. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each subject: Mathematics “Mathematics is one of the most important subjects [to consider taking] for university degree purposes,” Young explains. Many university degrees, particularly in the natural sciences and commerce, require Mathematics. Mathematics can be very difficult for many learners, but it can also be very beneficial in many areas related to cognition, such as problem-solving. “As learners of Mathematics are provided with the opportunity to develop their [various cognitive skills], it can become challenging in a number of ways,” Young says. She adds that the need for additional assistance, such as a tutor, may be required to help the learner master the subject. Read more: How do I choose a tutor for my child? Mathematical Literacy “Mathematical Literacy enables learners to use numbers to solve real-world problems and equips them with the ability to interpret and critically analyse everyday situations,” Britz explains. She adds that depending on the career path chosen, it may be more challenging for learners who choose Mathematical Literacy to get accepted into specific university degree courses such as medicine or accounting. However, this does not mean that Mathematical Literacy is not a valid subject choice, particularly for learners who are more artistically or linguistically inclined. With Mathematical Literacy, learners are still very much able to pursue fruitful careers if traditional STEM fields are not right for them. Limit breakers So, how do you know which subject is right for you? Young and Britz provide a few factors to consider below: Consider your other subject choices “When making your subject selections in Grade 9 and deciding whether to choose Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, consider your other subject choices,” Young advises. Mathematics is compulsory when taking Physical Sciences and highly recommended when selecting the following subjects: Accounting Agricultural Sciences Information Technology Engineering Graphics and Design Life Sciences However, Mathematical Literacy is suitable for most arts and social sciences subjects such as Hospitality Studies and Visual Arts and often benefits learners who choose these types of subjects. Explore your study options “Learners should also ensure that they know what the Mathematics requirements are for further study at tertiary institutions,” Young says. “As said earlier, taking Mathematics with Agricultural Sciences is not compulsory, but if a learner wants to study BSc Agricultural or Veterinary Sciences, Mathematics will be required,” she adds. However, Mathematics is not required for degrees such as an LLB (law) or BEd. (Bachelor of Education). Therefore, learners are encouraged to do their research about their chosen study field before selecting Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy in Grade 9. Ensure that you understand what is expected of you “It is vitally important for learners to understand what each subject entails before making their choice,” Britz says. “Both subjects require hard work, and learners should ensure that they have all the support they need to master the subject,” she adds. Learners are encouraged to talk to Impaq’s education specialists to see how their attitude towards mathematics and their previous marks in the subject will determine their choice and what additional support they may need. Also read: The importance of practice in your learning journey 2 ∞ & Beyond Your future career choice will undoubtedly affect your subject selections. Therefore, it is essential to explore career options in the different fields before making your choice. Mathematics Mastering a subject such as Mathematics will allow you to apply your knowledge in many fields. Mathematics plays an important role in fields such as: Medicine Genetics Agriculture Engineering There are also many job options for individuals with a qualification in Mathematics. These include: Investment risk and performance analyst Supply and demand planner Teacher or lecturer Business analyst Research statistician Mathematical Literacy Mathematical Literacy, on the other hand, will prepare you for real-life problem solving such as: Budgeting Purchasing property and other assets, including bond repayment amounts, transfer fees and legal fees Calculating income tax Reading and interpreting statistics in everyday life These are valuable skills to master for your future financial life and to help you find solutions to everyday problems. With Mathematical Literacy learners can go on to specialise and succeed in a wide variety of fields that do not require ‘pure’ Mathematics, such as: Teaching, academia, and instructional design Advertising and marketing Law and legal practice Writing and publishing TV, radio, and film Politics and advocacy Choosing between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy is a big decision, so ensure that you do your research and make the best choice for you! You might also want to consider completing an online career questionnaire to help you identify your interests and skills.

July 30, 2021

Our “talking textbooks” help learners engage with their studies

Excom provides the following textbooks: EMS Grades 7 – 9 Accounting Grades 8 and 9 Life Orientation Grades 8 to 12 Business Studies Grades 10 to 12 Learner books are available in English and Afrikaans in both printed and e-book format. Talking textbooks Our ‘talking textbooks’ help learners become active participants in their learning journey. ‘Bubbles’, which are short online lessons, are embedded in our textbooks. The lessons expand on the concepts being taught in class with additional examples and explanations. Learn more about our ‘talking textbooks’ below: All our books are in colour and make use of contemporary case studies and examples. Content is updated regularly Content is developed by experts in their relevant fields, including examination panel members, senior examiners, and moderators. The EMS and Life Orientation ranges follow the CAPS curriculum, and the Business Studies range follows the SAG (IEB) curriculum. All our books have a corresponding educator’s guide. Excom Business Studies workbooks Online learning has become more important than ever, and these workbooks are the ideal tool for learners to manage their learning and ensure they cover essential theory. The framework format is based on the short questions learners can expect in examinations and allows them to plan their answers to fit the available space. Help your learners make the most of their study time – buy Excom textbooks and workbooks today.

July 21, 2021

BEST STUDY HACKS TO GET YOU THROUGH MATRIC 2020

At the best of times preparing for matric exams is one of the most stressful life experiences. So, how are you going to handle yourself in the year of a global pandemic and the rollercoaster ride response? 2020 has been nothing short of wild, and the current matric cohort is going to need smart support and ideas to keep a cool head as they tackle their studies and journey through this final stage of school life. “The good news is that no matter the chaos and uncertainty around you, you can still take charge of yourself,” says Counselling Psychologist, Lauren Martin who is on the panel at an upcoming SACAP (South African College of Applied Psychology) webinar, Study hacks to get through matric exams. “There is no doubt that healthy, emotional well-being is important for positive functioning in life, including academic success. However, healthy, emotional well-being does not mean we live a life free of experiencing discomforts or unpleasant emotions. Rather, we learn that academic success can be achieved while experiencing challenging states and circumstances. So, yes the world has flipped upside down. But you can still take control of your future, and matrics can start right now to prepare themselves emotionally, physically and mentally to get through their exams.” The trick is not to look for a silver bullet. Rather, the experts recommend a mixed bag of study hacks including movement as matric medicine, study strategies to achieve success, healthy eating for healthy results and emotional well-being as a tool to boost performance. Esmarie Cilliers, a Registered Counsellor in private practice with a special interest in Developmental Psychology and Personal Growth points out: “Studying for success is not a question of luck or talent alone. Researchers agree that students who have a strategy or a plan for how they are going to study, achieve the best outcomes. Students who follow a plan and scientific study methods learn more easily, retain information for longer periods of time, and save themselves hours of study time which enables them to have more balance in their lives.” Dr Diana De Sousa, SACAP’s Head of Teaching and Learning emphasizes that the psychological adaptions we have all had to make in response to COVID-19 provide a phenomenal life lesson in resilience. “Matrics can embrace their growing independence and choose to view this incredibly challenging time as an opportunity to improve self-discipline, time management and study skills,” she says. “It is our own inner attributes that help us to harness the motivation, will power, creativity and coping skills that will unlock the 2020 matric cohorts’ potential and empower them to succeed.” Of course, mental toughness and emotional resilience do not stand on their own. We’re much more likely to find the courage and spirit we need if we are also caring for ourselves physically. Sufficient sleep, supportive nutrition and being physically active every day too often fall by the wayside when study pressures mount. “How we eat directly affects our energy levels and concentration,” Nathalie Mat, a clinical dietitian with a special interest in child and adolescent nutrition. “Eating balanced meals and snacks with a variety of foods results in good blood sugar control. When our blood sugar control is smooth as silk, meaning no sugar highs followed by lows, we’re able to keep laser-like focus for longer. Quick fixes like coffee and energy drinks may promise a mental boost but are not ideal sources of nutrition and do not fuel our brains. High caffeine intake can affect sleep which further decreases concentration and learning. What we eat and drink impacts our ability to think clearly and concentrate for long periods of time. Fueling your brain well will help you excel!” One of the easiest traps to fall into over an extended study period is sitting still for hours on end. While, some may think long hours at a desk is evidence of discipline and virtue, it is actually counter-productive to learning. Biokineticist, Joshua Marc De Hahn explains, “Our blood carries the nutrients, hormones and oxygen that supply our brain and body. With slow circulation and low volumes flowing throughout the body while we sit for extended periods, our brain and body do not function optimally. Physical activity increases our heart rate, the volume of blood pumped around the body and the amount of oxygen we consume, this creates an environment where more blood is flowing to the brain, which in turn means more oxygen and more nutrients reach the brain. This results in a brain and body that can function at a much more optimal level.” To find out more about how movement is matric medicine and how easy it can be to get physically, mentally and emotionally in shape for the exams, matrics can tune into SACAP’s free webinar Study hacks to get through matric exams on Saturday, 19 September at 10:00 am. You will have one hour with the four expert panellists who will give you the game-plan to give the exams your very best shot despite this crazy year. There will also be a Q&A session so that you can address any personal challenges in a supportive and caring environment. Join SACAP for our Study Hacks Session on how to get through the matric exams with less stress. Register for the free Zoom webinar on Saturday, 19 September at 10:00 – 11:00: https://www.sacap.edu.za/events/student-study-hacks-19-september-2020/ For any matriculant who is interested in the field of psychology, counselling, Human Resource Management or Business Management, SACAP offers a wide range of qualifications, including Higher Certificate, Advances Certificate, BAppSocSci (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling), BAppSocSci (Majoring in Psychology and Human Resource Management), BappSocSci (Majoring in Psychology and Business Managemet), BPsych, and a one-of-a-kind approach to learning: academic rigour and applied skills. Graduating confident skilled practitioners is key, which is why SACAP combines an academically rigorous curriculum with a strong emphasis on the ability to apply knowledge through the training of relevant skills. Registration for 2021 Term One, is now open and class space is

September 14, 2020

Smart study hacks for the exams

Examinations can be nerve-racking and stressful. And while a little stress can sometimes serve as a strong motivator, too much can affect your child’s ability to learn and perform during exams. One way to minimise – or at least manage – stress is to be prepared. While nothing replaces hard work, some techniques can increase efficiency, boost productivity and improve concentration. While not every method will work for your child, it’s worth some trial and error to find the ones that do. First, cover the basics Plan: Develop a timetable and study routine tailored to your child’s grade, learning style and peak learning time. Eat: Maintain proper nutrition by feeding your child healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. The brain needs food to function. Sleep: Make sure your child gets plenty of rest while preparing for exams. Sleep affects cognitive function – it improves the ability to think clearly and logically and assimilates the information learned during the day. Move: Science says that just 20 minutes of exercise can boost brainpower. Whether riding a bike or walking around the block, exercise will increase your child’s energy levels and reduce the effects of stress. Relax: It may sound counterintuitive, but all work and no play is a recipe for disaster. So, allow your child to relax and rejuvenate by watching a movie, listening to music, or playing a sport. Also read: Cool ways to beat summer boredom Tried and tested Practice, practice, practice: One secret weapon when preparing for upcoming exams is working through past papers. Practising sample answers to past exam questions can help train your child’s brain to retrieve information. It also helps pinpoint weak areas. In addition, it shows what to expect in terms of the format/wording of questions, so your child won’t get confused or tripped up during the actual exam. Short sessions for the win: Taking a short break after 45 – 50 minutes of study helps the brain absorb more information while maintaining motivation and focus. Research suggests that for intense memorisation sessions – such as trying to learn names, dates and events, a foreign language or math formulae – sessions should be no longer than 20 – 30 minutes. Make use of memory aids: Let your child use mind maps to connect ideas, draw diagrams to visualise information, create flashcards to memorise key concepts, definitions, quotes and formulas, or try mnemonic devices – a song, rhyme, sentence or phrase – to help remember and recall material. Whichever aid your child chooses, make it simple, logical and colourful – colour helps heighten attention. Something slightly different Speak up: If your child is struggling to grasp something, let them say it out loud instead of simply reading through it. You will be surprised how much more they retain when they have said it out loud. Teach: The best way to test if your child really understands something is to ask them to try to teach it to someone else. This is a particularly good way to discover if they have a basic grasp of the concepts. If there’s no-one around, let your child teach a class of stuffed animals! Listen to music: Listening to certain types of music while studying can enhance productivity, motivation and focus levels. Take note, though, that music should never be counterproductive or distracting. Chew on it: Scientists aren’t exactly sure why, but the act of chewing gum is a brain booster. Chewing gum raises alertness and attention, but only for periods of around 20 minutes – so employ this technique when your child is studying particularly tricky or difficult concepts. What not to do Don’t let your child study similar subjects one after another: Sandwiching History or Geography in between Maths and Science will help the brain absorb all three subjects much better. Don’t let your child stay up all night before an exam: Make sure your child gets adequate rest the night before an exam. Don’t let children spend all their time making elaborate study notes: The more time they spend making mini works of art, the less time they have to study. Don’t let them leave studying until the last minute: Last-minute cramming is generally not the best way to approach an exam. Don’t let your child freak out: Do whatever you can to help your child stay calm. If their stress levels spiral out of control, the brain will stop functioning. Also read: Helpful tips for managing your child’s academic anxiety Finally, as your child prepares for upcoming tests or exams, remember the words of Thomas Edison: “There is no substitute for hard work”. By Danielle Barfoot

September 11, 2020

Supporting the studying child

If having toddlers brings with it spills (of the liquid and scraped knee kind) and frazzled parents; then having children in the house who are studying brings with it a whole new myriad of uncertainties and frustrations. Every young person differs when it comes to attention and dedication to studies, homework and exam preparation. Those of you lucky enough to have had an intrinsically motivated child will identify less than those of us who need to spur our children on. Children appear to fall within a spectrum that starts on the one side with “Needs motivation to get dressed”, graduates to “Will work if there is no other option” and finally peaks at the other end of the spectrum with “Needs to be told not to overdo it.” If, like me, you have sons who are unlikely to be plagued with stress related illnesses perhaps you would benefit from continuing to read… In the run up to studying, you will have established how YOUR child learns. He/she may want to speak out loud or write out copious notes. You and the child (depending on age) might consider finding out whether his/her learning style is auditory, visual or a combination of the two. It is possible that the child learns through “doing” rather than seeing. The method preferred, if used correctly will facilitate successful learning. Try to establish whether your child understands the work and whether extra lessons are required or not. The most important aspect when it comes to studying is ensuring that there is a suitable environment. This refers to both the physical environment and the atmosphere created for the studying child. Routine needs to be regulated. This includes when meals are served and when family outings are arranged. Often children need little to distract them from the task at hand. Preparation of the environment includes ensuring that all necessary equipment is available too. (Calculators, coloured pens, paper etc.) While, as children get older they will organise this themselves, initially a parent needs to assist. Don’t underestimate how important adequate food and healthy snacks are to the studying child. Insist on a balanced diet which will sustain the child. Low blood sugar will result in reduced concentration and tiredness. More…/2 Depending on the nature of your child, you will approach the studying period with varying degrees of involvement. The aforementioned intrinsically motivated child may need firmness and guidance as to when enough is enough. Avoid allowing children to study into the small hours of the morning and sit the exam in an exhausted state. On the other side of the spectrum of course is the child who needs FIRM encouragement to get going at all. This child might need repeated persuasion to set up a study programme and to get going. A study programme is vital to the success of the exams. This programme must be realistic and give adequate time to each subject. It must be flexible and make allowances for last minute emergencies such as power failures or illness. Such a programme should be set up well in advance, as that in itself brings a sense of control to the situation. This programme must include adequate breaks that allow for the child to return to studying refreshed. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that study breaks take place every 45 minutes for a period of 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Ideally these breaks should involve going outside, playing with the dog or getting a snack. It is not recommended that the child watch television or play a computer game during breaks, as this firstly encourages much lengthier breaks, and secondly may result in the child not feeling as refreshed as when he/she does something more active. Please note that a child sitting behind closed doors for several hours, supposedly studying is not necessarily taking much in. It is vital that the child ENGAGES with the work and then takes regular breaks. It may also be a good idea not to allow “screens” in the study area if you are concerned that your child is not actually actively studying. It is recommended that phones, televisions, gaming consuls etc. be removed from the environment unless it is a study break. (But remember first choice is to take a break in a different environment) Supporting your studying child can be a cause for stress, which is exacerbated if the child also doesn’t enjoy writing exams or studying. Parents are key to the maintenance of a relatively stress free environment. Potentially, there are years ahead of our children that will be filled with exams and tests. If we can engender a positive attitude and a diligence in approach to academic work it will go a long way to cultivating positive and diligent young adults.

September 4, 2020

How to help your child concentrate while studying

The coronavirus and the national lockdown have certainly created new circumstances for all of us and, as parents, one of the most common cries we yell out when confronted with assisting our child with not only homework, but also schoolwork, is “help!”. Our children are suddenly in a new situation where their home is now their school and their teacher is often their parent or another caregiver. One of the important things that helps children manage schoolwork is the very structure of school itself. It is not their home and, by definition, it is a place of learning with structures in place and direct, instructional teaching. Home is home, which means it’s where our kids often get to relax and unwind and play, even if it is after doing homework. Suddenly, they are confronted with a double challenge – home and school are the same thing, and this is difficult to navigate. So, how can we, as parents, help our children concentrate on their studies? The study space Firstly, we need to make sure that they have a study area that is quiet, that the door to the study area can be closed, and that the actual desk/table that they are working on is clutter-free with only the necessary stationery and books in place. It is beneficial if the room is light and well-ventilated with lots of fresh air circulating, as this helps the child to concentrate and stay focused for longer periods. If your child has a phone, they need to put it away as cellphones are a huge source of distraction and many of our children are working using technology already. Ensure that any technology that needs to be used to assist with studies, like laptops and tablets, have only the necessary material downloaded and that no games or internet browsers are open. Also read: parents here’s how screen time can work in your favour Let your child choose their study area and let them set it up in a way that works best for them. Naturally, this depends on the age of the child – only older children should be given more freedom as they know what is conducive to their own concentration, and what is not. However, if they get to choose, they are more likely to be cooperative. For more tips on how to create a good study space, read: tips for studying from home during lockdown. Study time structure Some children are able to study independently but if your child struggles to concentrate, then either the parent, a tutor or another caregiver can assist by structuring study sessions for the child. Let the child choose which subject they would like to begin with so that they feel more motivated. Having the “teacher” offer different types of input is very helpful for the learner. Sometimes input is just about being there because the learner feels more supported when there is another presence, sometimes it’s about giving words of encouragement or an explanation, and other times it’s about more concentrated input. This last point is seen more often in children with learning or concentration problems. If your child does have difficulties with concentrating and studying, try these ideas: Break the work down into chunks so that it becomes more manageable. We can “chunk work” according to time periods or goals, e.g., ”Let’s do this maths for 10 more minutes and then we can take a short break” or ”Complete 5 maths sums and then we can take a break”. A break is a wonderful reward for the child and improves their motivation because they know there is something to look forward to, which enhances concentration. Letting them take a break to stand up from their work, doing some deep breathing, stretching, or doing a little bit of exercise are all great ways to enhance concentration. This is because all of these activities increase our oxygen intake, and the more oxygen we have in our blood, the better our organs can function – including the brain! It’s a good idea to vary study techniques so that studying is not always about sitting at a desk. Working outside in fresh air for a change, letting the child move around while doing work that doesn’t require writing (such as spelling words, mental maths, etc.) as well as changing the method of learning are all great ways to enhance studying and concentration. For instance, letting your child teach you the work by using a white board can be fun, having your child use a computer to Google a concept that they don’t understand to make it more visual and real for them, writing sums on the driveway using chalk, or writing on the windows using window markers are all wonderful, creative ways of enhancing studying and concentration. For more tips on how to structure study time and make studying fun, read: studying from home: Impaq learners and parents share their tips (part 2) Learning styles Watch your child and see how they absorb information. We all have different learning styles and when we learn in those ways, information is far better understood and absorbed. There are four main learning styles – visual, auditory, kinaesthetic and reading/writing (there is often overlap between them especially the visual and auditory ones and many learners thrive by making us of all four learning styles). Visual learners like to see the information they are learning. They often like to highlight words in different colours so important facts can stand out, and they like to use charts, diagrams, videos or mind maps to understand the work in more depth. Auditory learners learn best through hearing the work, so reading the work aloud in an expressive voice, making up songs or rhymes based on the material, and even recording the work and listening to the recording later are all helpful ways of learning in an auditory fashion. Kinaesthetic learners like to engage with the work physically – these are the children who want to conduct the

August 21, 2020

Studying from home: Impaq learners and parents share their tips (part 2)

While some schools in some provinces have recently opened, many learners are still learning at home. Some learners have taken to homeschooling like a duck to water, but others are finding it a bit more challenging, even after a couple of months. Impaq’s learners are always home-based, so we asked them, their parents, and tutors to share their tips on how to study from home on Impaq’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

July 3, 2020

Studying from home: Impaq learners and parents share their tips

Many learners who normally attend traditional schools have temporarily become homeschoolers due to the national lockdown. While some are finding it easy to adjust others are struggling. We wanted to help, so we asked the experts: Impaq’s learners and parents. They successfully study from home all year round, so we asked them to share their creative tips and tricks on how to study from home during the lockdown.

May 26, 2020

Tips for studying from home during lockdown

Keeping up with your studies during the national lockdown? Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or usually attend a traditional school, keeping up with your studies during lockdown can be challenging. You’re confined to your home with family members around. To succeed in studying at home, you need to be prepared and become actively involved in your studies.

May 19, 2020

ESSENTIAL STUDY HACKS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENTS

With all eyes directed at 2020’s first-year students as they start their journeys at various tertiary and higher education institutions across South Africa, it is also important to remember those tens of thousands of students who are starting out on a learning journey of another kind — studying from home via distance learning, an education expert says.

March 17, 2020

Homeschooling: The importance of having a dedicated study space

For a learner to get information from the textbook into their long-term memories requires many cognitive functions. In this blog article, we’ll explore the role of a dedicated study space for a homeschool learner and try to answer why this is important. To answer this question, we look to cognitive load theory.

March 16, 2020

How to study for Languages

Many learners place very little emphasis on studying for a language exam – after all, we use language every day so how difficult can an exam be, right? Wrong!

November 5, 2019

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cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_ga	2 years	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid	1 day	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_gat_gtag_UA_18530557_4	1 minute	No description
pron_ip	session	No description
pvc_visits[0]	1 day	This cookie is created by post-views-counter. This cookie is used to count the number of visits to a post. It also helps in preventing repeat views of a post by a visitor.
tk_ai	session	Gathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.