Leading studying tips from Kumon
Kumon

DEVELOP YOUR CHILD’S READING RETENTION SKILLS

Children read a lot more than you may think. Every subject your child studies in school requires reading comprehension and retention. Whether it is math, history or science, reading retention is critical to success. Here are some ways you can help your child grow and develop solid reading-retention skills. Start Early Remember, a child’s listening skills are years ahead of their reading skills. Beginning readers can still practice comprehension and retention skills. An easy way to do this is by inserting an extra step into an already existing nightly routine: bedtime stories. As you read your child a bedtime story, take note of some key story lines or events. When the story is over, you can ask your child, “Do you remember how Sam-I-Am finally got his friend to try green eggs and ham? Did he try them in a house? Did he try them with a mouse?” Even though your child is not reading for retention at this level, he or she is still learning to comprehend and retain ideas. Practice and Improve Like any skill, reading comprehension and retention require practice. Board games offer an opportunity for children to read instructions and rules that test their retention skills in a fun way. Try to find a game that your family has never played. Read the rules first to understand how the game works. After you grasp the rules, ask your children to read them. When they’re finished, ask them to explain the rules to you before you begin. For families with more than one child, this exercise can provide a unique perspective on how each child understands what he or she has read. One child may see the game in one light, while another will view the rules completely differently. Listening to your child explain the rules will identify comprehension strengths and challenges as you learn the new rules together. After everyone understands the rules, game on! Encourage Self-Correction When your child shows signs of confusion or frustration with a homework assignment, encourage them to reread the material before explaining the problem to you. In the interest of saving time, you may lean toward explaining the problem yourself. While this may be easier, letting your child self-correct builds their problem-solving skills. Guide your young child toward understanding the problem independently. After conquering the problem on their own, your child will have more self-confidence for the next challenge and greater pride in being able to tackle the problem independently. Reading is one of the most valuable tools in your child’s academic tool belt. Understanding and retaining the material are just as critical as the skill of reading itself. Encouraging the development of this crucial skill will set the stage for a lifetime of success. The Kumon English Programme is designed to build the critical reading skills that will help your child develop a lifelong love of reading – and a solid foundation for academic success. Building strong reading comprehension from an early age will prepare your child to advance through primary school with confidence and appreciation for learning.  When you enrol in the Kumon English Programme, the Kumon Instructor will assess your child’s current reading skills and introduce the appropriate level of Kumon Reading Worksheets. This provides just the right start for building comprehension and writing skills. As each worksheet is completed, you’ll see your child building a stronger vocabulary, a more thorough understanding of the proper use of grammar, and an ability to interpret content. This, together with enjoying books from the Kumon Recommended Reading List, enhances your child’s appreciation for and understanding of the English language and helps to develop a lifelong love for reading. For more information you can visit our website on kumon.co.za This article is from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/develop-your-childs-reading-retention-skills-2/  

September 19, 2023
Kumon

HOW TO MAKE MATHS MORE ENGAGING FOR KIDS

Have you ever heard your child say that maths isn’t fun? While maths can be challenging, there are a variety of ways to make maths more engaging and fun for kids of all ages.  First, help your child understand how they can use maths in real-life scenarios. From cooking to careers, there’s a ton of instances that maths is useful, and recognizing that can help them understand why it’s important to continue practicing. Once they understand a bit more about how maths is used, try some of the below methods to make learning maths more engaging. Play maths games There are a ton of maths games out there that effectively teach while being entertaining. No matter what maths level your child is on, there is a game that can tie in learning a new concept or strengthening one that they want to improve. Playing maths games takes away a feeling of intimidation and encourages kids to have fun while practicing their skills. Incorporate it into their interests Let’s say your child loves to help you cook. You can incorporate maths seamlessly into your preparation by discussing recipes while cooking. If your child loves soccer, you can talk about how maths can be used to figure out different plays and positions, and how the statistics side of it can tell a story. Incorporating maths into an interest that they love will show kids that maths is useful and something that can help them expand their skills. Hands-on learning experiences Have you ever seen a jar filled with sweets and the option to guess how many are in the jar? This is a great example of a hands-on learning experience because of the options to incorporate maths skills. While guessing is a fun element, counting different coloured sweets can bring in addition, multiplication, and even fractions. It’s a great way to show maths beyond paper and pencil problems. Read books that talk about maths If your child is interested in reading or learning about maths in a different way than just through numbers and equations, try finding books that incorporate maths. Many children’s picture books use maths to count or talk about objects. A short search on the internet will give you so many book suggestions, but one that might be really useful is this one from Stanford University: “40 Children’s Books That Foster a Love of Math” Enrol in an enrichment programme Sometimes maths isn’t fun because a child is struggling with the foundational skills. To make maths more engaging, consider an enrichment program that consistently challenges and incorporates practice. This will help to build their skills and ability to problem solve which in turn can help them feel more confident to tackle maths concepts. The Kumon Maths Programme develops strong problem-solving and calculation skills from the four basic operations through algebra and calculus. In the Maths Programme, students will develop a solid foundation of maths skills that can help them excel in and out of the classroom. In addition, the Programme develops confidence, concentration, perseverance, self-discipline and the ability to learn new work on your own. If you would like to find out more about the Kumon Maths Programme, visit us at www.kumon.co.za  This article is taken directly from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website:  https://www.kumon.com/resources/how-to-make-maths-more-engaging/?doing_wp_cron=1656500380.2784550189971923828125

July 26, 2023
Kumon

DO CHILDREN STILL NEED STRONG MENTAL AGILITY WHEN THEY CAN RELY ON TECHNOLOGY?

With calculators, spell-checkers and predictive text now being a common feature on computers and mobile phones, will today’s children still need strong mental skills to get by? Using technological software may be quick and easy, but there are real disadvantages that come when a child is so dependent on online assistance; namely, they will lack mental agility, fluency and accuracy, and they probably won’t be using their brain to its full capacity. Everyday tasks as simple as checking they’ve received the right change, or working out ratios of ingredients when preparing meals, require mental calculations which a child reliant on technology could struggle with. A student who looks to spell-checker to ensure the accuracy of their work will struggle when completing it offline; they’ll be marked down for inaccuracy during handwritten exams, or perhaps they know an answer but their poor spelling lets them down because the examiner is unable to understand their intention. Looking to the future, strong mental arithmetic and literacy skills are important in whatever career a child chooses to pursue, and are still noticed and sought after by most employers. A child who has these abilities will feel more confident and at ease in the workplace. In addition to all of the above, reading and writing, and solving mathematical calculations exercises the brain and keeps it healthy.  The brain is a muscle, and like the other muscles in the body, it needs to be exercised and stimulated regularly to stay healthy and keep functioning at its optimum.   Dr Ryuta Kawashima is a professor at Tohoku University in Japan and he is a leader in the field of Brain Imaging in Japan.  He has conducted numerous experiments and research to discover what activities activate and stimulate the brain and what activities don’t. One activity that Dr Kawashima discovered that is excellent for stimulating the brain is performing mathematical calculations regularly, even simple ones.  He conducted research to find out which activity exercised the brain more:  playing very complex video games, or solving mathematical calculations of adding one digit numbers to each other e.g. 1 + 2 + 5 + 3 + 6 etc.  Although at the outset he was sure that the video games would activate the brain more, when he measured activity using MRI scans, he saw that video games actually stimulated the brain very little, but that the arithmetical calculations had the brain firing on all cylinders.   This surprising finding urged Dr Kawashima into further research and he has shown that mathematical calculations stimulate the brain, help to lay down neural pathways and keep the brain from degenerating.  Dr Kawashima has this to say, “The prefrontal cortex, the area for thinking and learning, of both hemispheres [of the brain] is active during simple calculation.  Dealing with numbers is an important and sophisticated activity for human beings. … From primary school to college, simple calculation triggers brain activity. … Calculation is extremely helpful in training and developing your brain.” (p.34).   Another activity that is vital for the brain is reading, especially reading out loud.  Through his research, Dr Kawashima has found that when reading, many parts of both sides of the brain, as well as the prefrontal cortex (the most important place in the brain for thinking and learning) are activated. (p.26). Reading out loud activates the brain even more than reading silently.  This can be a useful tip when it comes to studying.  Reading work out loud can help a learner to remember it better.  Mental agility skills do take time to develop and improve but through practice they will make all the difference! How can you encourage the development of these skills in your child? Turn everyday experiences into learning opportunities – when shopping, ask your child to work out how much your bill will cost before you get to the checkout, and have them look at the receipt afterwards to check it’s correct. Have a weekly spelling bee at home or a times tables challenge – competitions and rewards are good incentives to encourage children to learn and make learning fun. When reading with your child, ensure they are familiar with all the words on the page and get them to write and spell out new words. Encourage your child to write regularly as this offers opportunities to spell. Through this, you’ll be able to see spellings they struggle with, and employ tracing, mnemonics and/or other strategies to help them improve. At Kumon, we aim to foster independent learners through our maths and English programmes. Our students do not rely on calculators, dictionaries or coping strategies to advance through their study; instead they are encouraged to become self-learners who develop in academic ability and skill with each worksheet they complete. Through daily practice our students develop in understanding, fluency and pace, allowing them to advance to more complexed work. If you’re interested in enrolling your child to Kumon, visit our website www.kumon.co.za to find your nearest study centre and contact your local Instructor for more information. Sources for this article: https://www.kumon.co.uk/blog/do-children-still-need-strong-mental-agility-when-then-can-rely-on-technology/  Kawashima, R. 2003. Train Your Brain. Kumon Publishing Co, Ltd. Tokyo, Japan Kawashima, R. and Koizumi, H. ed. 2003.  Learning Therapy.  Tohoku University Press. Sendai, Japan

June 26, 2023
Kumon

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
Kumon

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
Kumon

4 EASY WAYS TO ADD MATHS TO YOUR EARLY LEARNER’S DAILY ROUTINE

Whether you realise it or not, we use maths concepts to solve real-life situations every day. From cooking with recipes to figuring out the correct money to give at the store, maths is everywhere. Teaching your children fundamental maths skills at a young age is easier than you think! With research stating that 80% of a child’s brain develops by age five, it’s important for parents to take advantage of the critical early years. The great news is that children are naturally curious and often question the world around them, so there are many chances to naturally weave in learning opportunities. By just adding a little maths to your everyday routine, you can help your toddler or preschooler begin to recognise numbers, learn the proper number sequence and eventually develop the ability to count. Here are four easy ways to add maths into the everyday routine for early learners: 1. Play simple card games Learning about numbers is the first step in a preschooler’s maths journey. In addition to using number flash cards, playing card games using regular playing cards is another great way for children to learn about numbers up to 10. The cards between two and ten not only have the numbers on them, but also the amount of symbols that represent the quantity. The pattern on the cards helps children to conceptually understand what the number represents. 2. Count outdoors or with items you use each day To help your preschooler learn to count, start by heading outdoors. Find items in nature that can be easily counted, such as the petals on a flower, the leaves on a branch, or even trees in the yard. Ask questions such as: “How many flowers have pink petals in the garden?” “Which flower has more petals than the others?” “How many red leaves are there?” These questions will spark their curiosity to explore the answer. If needed, help your child by pointing and counting with them. By modelling how to do it, your child will feel encouraged and motivated to count with you before doing so on their own. You can also count items you use each day such as different foods or toys. 3. Sort and understand groupings Look for teachable moments during everyday play. While playing with their toys, ask your children to sort by colour, or by similarities, or by differences. You can even introduce sorting during clean-up by asking them to put toys into the right bins. One great place to start with sorting is by using different coins. These all vary in size which makes sorting by their differences simple without introducing the values of each coin. Once you show the differences of each coin, help sort these out into different groupings. For example: “Can you count the ten cent pieces? Let’s put them into groups of 10.” Once you master sorting out the ten cent pieces and setting aside the groupings, then you can count the total. Repeat this with the various other coins. 4. Cook to teach measurements and shapes Not only is cooking useful, it’s a great way to learn maths. Begin by finding an easy and fun baking recipe. Some will call for measurements such as “two cups of flour” or “three teaspoons of baking powder.” You can have your child help with counting these measurements out with you. Next, work with your child to form shaped cookies and count as you lay them on the baking sheet. Young children tend to notice the different sizes, for example, one giant cookie versus 24 mini ones. You can then get different sized plates and ask questions like “Which plate holds the most cookies?” or “How many cookies fit on the blue plate?” This will encourage your child to think through this by experimenting and counting different groupings. Maths is something we turn to for everyday tasks. With these simple tips, your child will begin learning some maths concepts without even really knowing they’re learning. It is great to start teaching these skills at a young age to get them prepared for Grade R and ensure they are on the right track for their academic future! This article is from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/4-easy-ways-to-add-math-to-your-early-learners-daily-routine/ 

July 27, 2022
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Kip McGrath Education Centres

Homework Wars

The year is in full swing and the novelty of being back at school or starting in Grade 1 has probably already worn off. The excitement of a new grade, new teachers and new friends has been replaced by the reality of tests, projects and busy afternoon schedules. Grade 1 pupils are starting to get used to “big school” with all its challenges. One of those challenges for parents and children is homework. Parents are eager to get their children into an afternoon routine to create a suitable environment for homework to be completed. However, parents of children of all ages are often overwhelmed by the volume of homework being sent home and are not sure whether they are helping their children correctly. Schools in many first world countries, and even some in South Africa, are moving away from the concept of homework. They believe that children should have enough time to play and have reading programmes instead of homework. These  theoretically reinforce concepts taught during the school day. The reality is that this has not yet taken off in South Africa and most teachers will agree that completing the curriculum relies on concepts being reinforced at home. Parents of children in primary school can try the following tips to make homework less tedious and frustrating: 1. Keep R1 coins to use as counters for Maths homework. This will help the child to see the link between addition and subtraction using real-world examples. 2. Skip counting is an important skill to master and becomes the foundation of times tables. Trace your child’s hands on a piece of paper and write the numbers of the skip counting in the fingers. The child will associate the number with the finger used to count on. 3. Print 100 chart templates from the internet and let them colour in every second, third or fourth block, depending on the number being counted in. This will help them to see the pattern created for each number as opposed to trying to remember a list of numbers off by heart. 4. Create your own set of flashcards for sight words. Review words covered in previous weeks’ lists on a regular basis. 5. Let your child break spelling words into sounds. This will help them to develop a strategy for attempting new words. 6. Use the sounds of letters (“a” for ant) as opposed to the letter names, such as A (ay), B (bee) and C (see) when reinforcing reading. Parents should not feel alone in fighting homework wars! Speak to your child’s teacher or book a remedial assessment if you suspect that your child is unable to cope with the demands of his or her grade. Chrizelle Prinsloo is the owner of Kip McGrath Education Centres, Walmer.  She has a background in psychology and has taught in mainstream and special-needs schools both locally and abroad. Chrizelle is passionate about helping children gain confidence in their own abilities and about finding different ways to help them learn.

January 31, 2024
The Turning Point Education

SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE

SOMETIMES LESS  IS MORE … Words like busy, tired, burnout, stress, overloaded and anxious are definite buzz words at the moment. These are words I am hearing about children more and more these days. When your friends and family ask how you are, is your answer “busy”? If so, then you need to read this.  There is a definite trend these days to overload, not only our schedules, but also our children’s schedules. An overloaded schedule causes anxiety and tension to parents and children alike. While it is important to expose our children to different opportunities, we must be careful when it comes to taking on too much. Finding a balance between school, activities, and play can mean the difference between a well-adjusted child and a stressed-out one. School tends to focus on the academics, while extra-curricular activities allow children the opportunity to experience social interaction and teaches them skills, like perseverance and commitment. Your children are too busy when there is no time for family and friends, unstructured play and sleep. Sooner or later, children who are too busy will start showing signs of being overschedules. While every child is different, parents can look out for this list of symptoms in their child:  Being tired a lot of the time Often being grumpy, or crying a lot Recurring physical problems, like headaches or sore tummies Struggling to sleep (Primary school children need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. Teens should average 8 to 9 hours each night.) Struggling to fit in their homework, or a drop in school results Doesn’t have any free time to do something they choose to do Long-term stress—like that from being overscheduled—can negatively impact a child’s health. Children may experience depressive symptoms, anxiety and a drop in academic results if they are too busy. As hard as it may be, parents need to take a stand when it comes to family schedules.   “It’s time to take control of the family schedule before it takes control of you!” (Momology) Have you ever considered how you, as the parents are feeling? Are you tired all the time? Are you feeling agitated? Do you lose your temper easily? Do you feel like you only ever see your children when you’re driving them somewhere? If so, it’s time to relook at your family schedule. We have researched some suggestions to help you minimise busyness, which we have included below.  ** Enforce family time – with all the busyness, family time often falls away. Whether it’s eating a meal together, or going for a walk, you must make family time a priority. Everyday! Eating a meal together provides parents with a wonderful opportunity to teach children manners and to teach them how to have a conversation. It also provides an irreplaceable time to have real, honest conversations with our children. Make time to play with your children. You will be amazed at how much you learn about your child when you spend time with them. Research shows that children who feel loved and secure at home, perform better at school and on the sports field. ** Put academics first – academics must always take priority over extra-curricular activities! If your child does not have enough time or energy to complete the schoolwork or to prepare for tests and exams, then it is time to cut back!  ** Choose activities wisely – only sign your child up for an activity that they really want to do. Think about your child’s age, interests, abilities and personality when making these choices. If they appear to want to do everything, you can encourage them to take on a new activity when another one ends.  ** Don’t over commit – parents often worry that their child will miss out if they don’t take part in as much as possible. Rather teach your children to do things properly. Two activities at a time are usually manageable. Take into consideration the number of children you have, where the activities are, driving distance and time in the car, when making these choices. If you as the parents are feeling stressed about your children’s activities, take that as an indication that they are too busy.  ** Find the balance – no matter how talented your children are at any particular activity, always make sure that they have enough time to rest, do their schoolwork, and enjoy being a child. Experts are telling us to allow children to have fun! They don’t need to be an Olympic Medallist in their teens. If your children are older, you can include them in the decision of what to do now and what activities to cut out of their schedule. If your children are younger, you can do this for them. Just don’t make your child make these decisions on their own. They need your help and guidance.  Children should always have at least some days in a week when they have nothing scheduled. They need free time every day! This is time when they are able to choose what they want to do. Free time doesn’t have to be spent watching TV or playing online games. Free time can be productive. Encourage your children to spend this time outside as often as possible. Being outside has wonderful health benefits, for parents and children alike. Always remember … it’s okay to say “NO!”

January 18, 2024
Kip McGrath Education Centres

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
The Turning Point Education

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
The Turning Point Education

This One Is For The Teachers…

I often hear teachers from around the globe complaining about how difficult their job is. I have watched video clips where teachers moan about drinking cold coffee, having limited bathroom breaks and having to do in-service training. I have read blogs where teachers simply request sympathy from the community because their work is so hard. Well, I am a teacher and I have the best jobs in the world! Here are some of the reasons why …  I get to shape, influence and mould young minds. I get to show children that they are loved, valued and important. I get to be a part of their success. As much as I share in their glory, I am often the first port of call when things fall apart. I get to teach children to have an opinion. And when they are older, I get to challenge that opinion to make sure that they understand the reasons for what they believe. I get to teach them to win humbly and loose graciously. I get to see children’s potential and work alongside them to help them achieve that potential. Every day, I get to work alongside a remarkable team of people. These people live their work. They are constantly striving to better themselves for the sake of their students. We get to share in each other’s highs and lows. We get to celebrate together and hold each other up when things get rough. This team, go above and beyond the call of duty. They are truly wonderful! My work is never boring! I get to re-invent myself every year. In a world that’s ever increasingly technology crazy, I get to connect with real people, in a real way, every day. Perhaps we need to revisit the reasons why we teach. Your job is not thankless. It is one of the most incredible jobs you can ever do. You have the opportunity to mould futures, to change lives, to open up a world of possibilities …  I asked some of my colleagues to tell me the first thing that comes to mind when asked “Why do you teach?” This is what they said:  I teach to inspire. It is so rewarding watching children achieve something they couldn’t do before they met me. To share my passion with others. I absolutely adore seeing children happy and secure in class. Another big reason is that I want to be the teacher that believes in every child in class, especially those that don’t believe in themselves! I know that a child understands the world a little better because I have taught them. Working with children makes me genuinely happy. Changing their lives for the better and seeing them achieve makes it all worthwhile. I love the children’s innocence and the love they reciprocate. I teach because I love to see the sparkle in children’s eyes when they find a lesson exciting or when they understand something that they have found difficult. I want to teach children to be their best possible selves and to know that they can do whatever they set their minds to. I teach because I love to see people grow. Teaching allows me to impact lives and create growth opportunities. To sum it up, I teach to help people (students, parents and staff) grow in knowledge and character. I teach because I love it! I also love the look on the children’s faces when they discover something new or feel a sense of achievement. That list is the tip of the iceberg! Perhaps you know a teacher who needs a little encouragement, please feel free to share this with them. We are teachers and we should look forward to getting out of bed in the morning because we have the best job in the world!

November 27, 2023
The Turning Point Education

SOLVING EDUCATION ONE PUZZLE AT A TIME

One of the most exciting things I have seen, was a pre-school offering “Puzzle Club” as an extra mural. With today’s busy life, it has become all too easy for parents to let their children do puzzles on a tablet, instead of taking the time to sit and teach them to do traditional puzzles, to sit and manipulate the pieces until they fit together to create a whole picture. Mathematics at school is based on seven basic principles. Almost all of those can be learned by doing puzzles! So if you want to give your child the edge with Math’s at school, take the time to teach them to do puzzles.   The benefits of teaching our children to do traditional puzzles are endless. Visual analysis and synthesis. This is particularly important for developing reading later on. By putting the puzzle pieces together children are learning how to combine different pieces to make a whole (synthesis). They are also learning how to investigate the pieces that make up that whole (analysis). This is the same process that they learn when reading – we make words by putting letters together (synthesis) and we can learn to spell a word by breaking it up into parts (analysis). Mathematics at school is based on seven basic principles. Almost all of those can be learned by doing puzzles!   Problem solving skills. It is so easy for parents and teachers to “solve” the puzzle for children. But we need to allow them time to work out how to complete the picture on their own. That being said, it is always beneficial to give children a framework to work within in order to put the puzzle together. Once they have realised what it is all about, they may well want to work out their own way of doing it, and that is okay! This develops their problem solving skills and encourages independent thinking. Even the simplest of puzzles require toddlers to think and develop different approaches to achieve their goal.  Fine motor control. Putting a puzzle together, requires children to pick up the pieces, sort them, manipulate them and fit them together without breaking them. This is an excellent way to develop their motor skills, which they need for eating, writing, cutting out, drawing and so much more.   Hand eye-coordination. From early days putting the big wooden shapes into the correct place, right through to mastering the smaller pieces of a 100 piece puzzle or more, children are developing their hand eye-coordination. The wrong piece obviously does not fit and they have to try all over again. This trial and error helps them to do what they actually see.  Patience and Persistence: Puzzles are brilliant ways to teach our young ones about the benefits of persevering at a task and not giving up. Children also learn about shapes, colours, and sizes when working with puzzles.  Other benefits of allowing and encouraging children to build puzzles include: Developing their vocabulary: by talking to children about the picture on the puzzle, we are teaching them new words, and what types of things go together (word association) like a tractor and a farm. Spatial relationships: children learn what words like above, next to, behind and below mean when they are building puzzles.  Last, but definitely not least, children learn self-confidence from being able to complete a whole puzzle. 

October 16, 2023
Kumon

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
EZ Learn Books

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
Kumon

HOW TO MAKE MATHS MORE ENGAGING FOR KIDS

Have you ever heard your child say that maths isn’t fun? While maths can be challenging, there are a variety of ways to make maths more engaging and fun for kids of all ages.  First, help your child understand how they can use maths in real-life scenarios. From cooking to careers, there’s a ton of instances that maths is useful, and recognizing that can help them understand why it’s important to continue practicing. Once they understand a bit more about how maths is used, try some of the below methods to make learning maths more engaging. Play maths games There are a ton of maths games out there that effectively teach while being entertaining. No matter what maths level your child is on, there is a game that can tie in learning a new concept or strengthening one that they want to improve. Playing maths games takes away a feeling of intimidation and encourages kids to have fun while practicing their skills. Incorporate it into their interests Let’s say your child loves to help you cook. You can incorporate maths seamlessly into your preparation by discussing recipes while cooking. If your child loves soccer, you can talk about how maths can be used to figure out different plays and positions, and how the statistics side of it can tell a story. Incorporating maths into an interest that they love will show kids that maths is useful and something that can help them expand their skills. Hands-on learning experiences Have you ever seen a jar filled with sweets and the option to guess how many are in the jar? This is a great example of a hands-on learning experience because of the options to incorporate maths skills. While guessing is a fun element, counting different coloured sweets can bring in addition, multiplication, and even fractions. It’s a great way to show maths beyond paper and pencil problems. Read books that talk about maths If your child is interested in reading or learning about maths in a different way than just through numbers and equations, try finding books that incorporate maths. Many children’s picture books use maths to count or talk about objects. A short search on the internet will give you so many book suggestions, but one that might be really useful is this one from Stanford University: “40 Children’s Books That Foster a Love of Math” Enrol in an enrichment programme Sometimes maths isn’t fun because a child is struggling with the foundational skills. To make maths more engaging, consider an enrichment program that consistently challenges and incorporates practice. This will help to build their skills and ability to problem solve which in turn can help them feel more confident to tackle maths concepts. The Kumon Maths Programme develops strong problem-solving and calculation skills from the four basic operations through algebra and calculus. In the Maths Programme, students will develop a solid foundation of maths skills that can help them excel in and out of the classroom. In addition, the Programme develops confidence, concentration, perseverance, self-discipline and the ability to learn new work on your own. If you would like to find out more about the Kumon Maths Programme, visit us at www.kumon.co.za  This article is taken directly from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website:  https://www.kumon.com/resources/how-to-make-maths-more-engaging/?doing_wp_cron=1656500380.2784550189971923828125

July 26, 2023
Kumon

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
Paper Video

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
Paper Video

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
EZ Learn Books

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
Kumon

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
Paper Video

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
Abbotts Colleges

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
Parenting Hub

MATRICS: 3 CRUCIAL MID-YEAR FACTS TO KEEP IN MIND

As Matric mid-year exams kick into high gear this week, it is important for students to get an eagle’s eye view of the significance and importance of these exams – to provide them with perspective regarding the assessment’s role in the greater scheme of their final year, as well as their prospects post-Matric, an education expert says. “Matric students often tend to look at final NSC exams and think that is the big one on which all attention should be focused, but that is only part of the story,” says Nola Payne, Senior Head of Programme at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. “In fact, Matric mid-year exams have a unique significance in the big picture and should not be viewed as merely a trial run for final exams, because it plays its own medium to long term role – in various ways – in the outcomes and prospects for Grade 12,” Payne says. She says the mid-year exams will be more demanding than any exams written before in one’s school career, and provide a good indication of what will be expected from students in their finals, while also providing valuable insights into how they should approach the rest of the year. “The mid-year exams allow students to hone their skills as well as identify gaps in their knowledge and understanding,” says Payne. She adds that in addition to serving as a dry-run for finals, students writing mid-year exams should also keep the following in mind:  1. YOUR MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE IS IMPORTANT Mid-year marks are important primarily for two reasons: firstly, because they contribute to a student’s year mark and secondly, because they can use these marks to get provisional acceptance when they apply to a university. This means learners must do as well as they possibly can in these exams, to hedge their bets should they face unexpected challenges later in the year. Learners who did well in Grade 11 can already use those marks to apply for higher education, but ultimately an institution will only give final admission based on final marks, and Matric mid-year exam marks contribute to these. Performing well in your mid-years also gives you a confidence boost as you move into the final stretch of the year, because you can focus your effort where it is really needed, rather than having to keep working on parts of the curricula that you should already have mastered. 2. BUT… YOUR MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE IS NOT THE FINAL WORD ON YOUR PROSPECTS Although a good mid-year performance is undoubtedly tremendously beneficial, not doing as well as you hoped does not signal the end of the road. It should be kept in mind that after the mid-years, you still have several months to throw everything at your studies and that with focus and a concerted effort, you can substantially improve your performance towards the end of the year. In this respect, your mid-years will provide valuable insights for you to use when strategising the rest of the year. With the help of your teachers, tutors and school support systems, you can use your performance to develop a framework for the rest of the year to ensure that you address those areas you found challenging and which impacted negatively on your performance. It might also be that your mid-years show definitively that your plans for next year might need some additional consideration. If, for instance, you wanted to do a qualification at an institution for which you are most definitely not going to qualify no matter how much time and effort you put in, you are now able to objectively consider your plans and devise a new strategy by researching your options and speaking to student support services at higher education institutions. This will allow you to take the pressure off yourself if your vision was not aligned with reality, and help you to find a path better suited to your unique skills and strengths. 3. YOUR MID-YEAR EXAM SIGNALS THAT YOUR STUDY APPLICATION DEADLINE IS TICKING With the increased competition for tertiary study space, particularly for popular and respected institutions and qualifications, it is important that learners apply for higher education opportunities as soon as possible. This might not seem like a priority when studying for your exams, but if you are serious about pursuing studies after school it must not be left for much longer. Thousands of Matrics have already applied for higher education, and if you have not yet joined their ranks, you need to do so sooner rather than later. As the year progresses and the final exams start to loom, you will be even less inclined to spend time and energy on investigating your study options. It is therefore ideal for those who have not yet done so, to use their June holidays to go visit higher education institutions – whether online or in person by appointment – to discuss various offerings and their related career paths. When doing so, remember that it is also important to ask institutions about their post-graduate support and work-integrated learning components in their curricula. “This is a really exciting time in the educational journeys of students. Yes, it is challenging and the cause of much nervous excitement at times, but you are truly now putting the finishing touches on your school career as you prepare for the next part of your life and entering adulthood,” says Payne. “As the saying goes, we need to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, and this holds true for Matrics right now. You need to do your absolute best and focus right to the end during your mid-year exams, but at the same time you need to constantly review your strategy and adjust your path as necessary. You also need to consider how you are now walking towards your future, and put in place the building blocks to get there.”

June 3, 2022
Parenting Hub

Preparing for final exams – emotional stress advice for learners and parents

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to daily life. Learners from Grade 1 to matric had to transition to online learning literally overnight when the hard lockdown began in March 2020, finding themselves disconnected from routines and support systems. A year and a half later, learners are still coping with these challenges as they prepare for their final exams. “Under normal circumstances, learners who may have prepared well for their exams can become overwhelmed by stress,’’ says Ms Nomalungelo Ntlokwana, the acting Director of Emthonjeni Student Wellness at Nelson Mandela University. “We can expect learners to show increased levels of stress and anxiety during these times, due to the challenges associated with lockdown,” says Ntlokwana. According to Ntlokwana, below are a few tips for learners to manage exam stress:   Be prepared – start early and don’t cram everything in the night before  Go with the study method that suits you best  Work through past exam papers or example questions  Take breaks – spend your time in between sessions doing physical activities Rest often – get enough sleep, especially before exams  Know times, venues, procedures and what you can take into the exam venue Arrive well before the exam start time  It can be equally distressing for parents to see their children go through exam-related stress. Many parents fail to comprehend the levels of anxiety and depression facing the learners of today, and can help by providing support at home. Here are five ways parents can support their child during exams: 1. Prioritise mental well-being Identify triggers of stress and feelings that cause fear and anxiety with your child. Help them deal with negativity by finding ways of coping with these feelings, so that they can regain focus and confidence. Ensuring that your home is a calm, productive, and supportive space in which your child can learn can make a big difference. 2. Proactively manage stress Be aware of the early warning signs, which can include lack of sleep, loss of appetite, and being easily distracted. Emphasise the importance of having a healthy mind and help your child to proactively relieve stress by taking regular breaks and even interacting with friends. 3. Promote a healthy lifestyle Studying for exams requires time and effort, but it should not be to the detriment of your child’s health. Ensure they get enough quality sleep and physical exercise, even if it’s walking the dogs around the block. Cook healthy meals, keep nutritional snacks in your pantry, and reduce screen time as much as possible. 4. Set realistic expectations As a parent, you want your child to do well, but it is important that your expectations – as well as your child’s own expectations – are realistic. Discuss what their goals are for the exams and help map out their study plan, so that they can get a sense of the desired expectations. 5. Be an example Keep cool and stay calm – this is the best way that you can manage your child’s stress. Be sure to take care of your own mental health too, as this will enable you to show feelings of care and understanding, and support them to effectively deal with their challenges. In these difficult times, it is vital to tackle challenges together with your child. By ensuring your behaviour and responses offer support, as opposed to creating conflict, getting through exam time can be so much easier to navigate.

October 7, 2021
Wingu Academy

How do I help my child cope with exam stress?

Exam time is usually a dreaded and stressful period for parents and children alike, but a little support and motivation can go a long way in reducing stress levels. Here are some guidelines of what you can do to make life a bit easier on your child (and in effect you too!): Create a consistent study environment.  According to parentinfo.org it’s best to set up a study corner that is comfortable and inviting to work in, with as few distractions as possible. Everything should be close at hand so they don’t have to spend time searching for things like highlighters, post it notes, paper, etc. Keep communication open. It’s important to show that you are interested in your child’s studies.  Ask them how they are doing, do they need any help, how did the exam go. Sometimes a child just needs to vent or know you care about their well-being. Encourage relaxation and taking part in other activities to unwind, like exercising, listening to music, painting and interacting with friends. These can aid significantly in stress management. When it comes to studying and breaks the Pomodoro Technique is the most effective in the world. Study for 25 minutes with 5 minute breaks in-between each study session. After four cycles of 25 minute studies, take a longer 30-minute break.  Help your child stay focused with following a well-structured study schedule. According to brainbuxa.com discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.  It’s important to enforce restrictions, but don’t micro-manage. Show your child that you trust him/her enough to take responsibility. If your child prefers being quizzed to prep for exams, put in the effort and make it a time of bonding rather than a time of frustration. Stay calm, do flash cards and reward accomplishments by sneaking in a favourite snack. Ensure that your child eats healthy and gets enough sleep.  These are very important factors for the brain to recharge and function properly, especially during exam time. Always remember to use words of encouragement. Whether the exam went well or not. Help your child to stay positive. Most children are less worried about the exam itself than about disappointing their parents or losing the respect of their fellow classmates if they do badly.  So if it didn’t go well, instead of dwelling on the mistakes, which they cannot change, rather help them relax and prepare for the next exam. “The role of the parent is very important in this online teaching journey. Parents should create and promote a positive learning environment for the student.  Parents should also encourage the student to follow a routine to stay focussed and to develop responsibility, self-discipline and independence. Our teachers, student mentors and tutors all have one goal in mind and that is to see our students succeed and prosper,” says Belinda van der Westhuizen, Wingu-Academy’s Director of Education and Assessments. “Most importantly, celebrate your child’s accomplishments and enjoy the journey with him/her.”

September 14, 2021
Fluent Panda

How Can a Second Language Help in My Career or My Child’s Future Career?

Even within our 4 walls at home – the world has become large and accessible. It is no longer the reality that everyone speaks our language or everyone is from our background. The world is changing and progressing and we are more aware of globalization now more than ever. With technology developing as it is – we can be on one corner of the world communicating and doing business with someone in separate countries and different time zones. This means that many businesses are able to stretch out from those in their immediate proximity and the target audience is now international!  How does an additional language help me in my career? Most simply – you have a skill that others around you do not have. Not only that – you will be a lot harder to replace. The most important thing about having an additional language is to think of your intention. There is no reason to think that learning Thai for example will help advance your career if you do not work for a Thai company, you aren’t planning on doing business with Thai businesses, or you aren’t planning on immigrating to Thailand (this is not saying that if you have a passion for Thai you shouldn’t learn it! Opportunity may come knocking in many ways!). You should think about what your career is – what your dream company is – and if that company is a foreign country, a foreign country,  or if you know they are looking to do business with foreign companies.  Immediately this will set you out from other candidates who do not have this additional skill that could seriously help the company with many of their foreign liaisons.   What level do I need to be for it to be useful in my career? This is more difficult to answer – most likely most companies won’t really need someone who is just conversational in a language (though the thought is always appreciated!) however – being completely native probably also isn’t extremely needed. The sweet spot would be at a high intermediate level. It would also be good (if possible) to know what sort of company you are working for. If you are working in an import or exports company, knowing vocabulary and the sort of business questions and relations required to do this job would be sort of essential knowledge to know that otherwise wouldn’t be done in a course unless explicitly requested. Let your teacher know this is the sort of field you are going into and would like to do as much vocabulary and grammar etc associated with the field you are planning to work in.  What about qualifications? Even if you do not know the field you are going into or what to know – or even if you are learning a language just for the joy of it – You should get some sort of certification behind you to prove you are actually the level you say you are in your application. It can be very difficult to prove to potential employers that you are able to do what you say you are able to do especially if they do not speak the language themselves to “test” you.  How can this be done? Well, most simply is doing it either at school or if your tertiary education allows you to also study it. The main thing to remember here is that these qualifications may differ from international standards and may not hold the same weight as some internationally recognised qualifications.  Alternatively – Fluent Panda offers courses where you can study towards an internationally recognised exam hosted by various embassies. These courses will prepare you for these international exams. The exam is externally marked and upon passing an exam, you will be issued with a certificate that is INTERNTAIONALLY recognised and certified by the various embassies. The test is also usually the same around the world so you will be tested at an international level.  These tests are based on different curriculums as each country follows a different curriculum. Europe follows CEFR whilst places like Japan have their own grading system known as the JLPT. Usually – there are multiple exams to take (Beginner, intermediate, advanced etc). to prove your level of fluency.   How do these exams help me? Most notably – these exams open the door of opportunity to different countries. By passing one of these exams – you immediately have an internationally recognised qualification that is recognised WORLDWIDE – not just in one or two countries. It is an indisputable certification to prove your level in any given language.  Furthermore – the certification does not expire and can be valid throughout your life without worry of needing to renew at any point once received.  These exams are also sometimes required when applying for passports when wanting to immigrate. Including this qualification with your passport submission is sometimes required by embassies for them to have evidence of your ability in the national language of the country you are immigrating to.  These qualifications and skills do not only assist in your career but opens many international doors for general options throughout life.  How to get started? Contact Fluent Panda for their course times and outlines. State that you are interested in taking the exam and we will help providing you with all relevant curriculum material as well as a teacher that is familiar with the exam in question and understands the different levels that have to be achieved.  Fluent Panda has over 32 languages on offer – guaranteeing something for everyone and helping pave the way for future careers! 

August 25, 2021
BrainAbility

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
Fluent Panda

TESOL – What is it and do you need it?

TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a teaching certificate that qualifies you for teaching English to speakers of foreign languages. It is a course that allows anyone, regardless of their previous qualifications or fields, to have the ability to teach students – with the main requirement being that you are a native English speaker.  However, is this qualification worth it and what should you choose?  Important TESOL information Largely, the TESOL certification is very unregulated – with anyone able to advertise and offer TESOL courses without it being regulated or without them having an accredited TESOL course. This can lead to many people joining a course and receiving a certificate that is NOT internationally recognised.  When choosing the TESOL course, try look out for the following: Pricing. Does it seem too good to be true/much less than any other services provided? Proper accredited TESOL courses do not come cheap – most of the time certificates have to be sent from overseas to South Africa and externally moderated before being granted.  Accreditations. Ask the service provider who they are accredited with if you can’t find any details and check if the company is an actual TESOL course accreditor. This is very important as most times this is what foreign employers will look for. A certificate that does not have any accreditation or standing will seem very unreliable to future employers regardless of how good the course was.  Beware of pop-up courses or schools. You should only consider TESOL institutes that have had a good number of students who recommend the course and that has been around for some time. It is not to say that there are no new schools that are accredited, but always be sure they are correctly accredited! Try choose the 140 hour course over the 120 hour course. The difference between the 2 is simply that the 120 hour course is JUST assignments and course materials. It does not include any teaching practice. The 140 hour course is the same content, but includes the extra 20 hours of teaching practice. This is generally better received by employers as they know you then have some sort of experience in a classroom vs. none. What are the prerequisites to studying TESOL? This varies from institution but most institutes require at least a matric certificate. You need to have completed high school studies in order do TESOL. The second pre-requisite is that you are a fluent / native English speaker.  It should however be noted, that when applying for a job overseas, TESOL alone will not usually be their only pre-requisite. Most international schools in addition to TESOL also require completion of a tertiary education degree – at least an undergraduate degree but some also require up to honors level. Be sure to check with the program / country / place you are seeking employment at all the requirements they have. Naturally, if you are planning on teaching, a teachers degree or qualification is favoured over others.   Who should get a TESOL degree? This is a difficult question to answer but in general it is best for people who are looking to immigrate to a foreign country. In this respect it is useful for matriculants or graduates who aren’t sure if they want to stay in South Africa, or for adults who are looking to relocate but are worried about finding employment overseas with their current qualification / job.  If you are planning on staying in South Africa, TESOL will not be as useful a qualification and it will be very difficult (not impossible) to find a teaching job just on TESOL alone. This is the general rule with any English-speaking country. There will always be exceptions, but it is not the rule. This is because TESOL is to teach non-english speakers English – it won’t qualify you to teach any other subject locally or abroad.  For people wanting to immigrate to non-English speaking countries, particularly European and Asian countries, then TESOL is an exceptional way to get your foot in the door of employment with many countries requiring TESOL as the main requirement for employment.  Of course – it does always help if teaching is also a career path you are interested in pursuing.  In general, the certificate itself never expires once passed – and as it is an internationally recognised qualification, if you have a young matriculant or graduate in your family, the course is worthwhile in helping them have foreign opportunities in addition to their qualifications.  Why study TESOL with Fluent Panda? If you’ve decided TESOL is for you, then the next step is to register – and Fluent Panda Language School offers one of the best TESOL courses for the following reasons: INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED. Our TESOL courses are internationally accredited by the TESOL committee based in the United Kingdom. Certificates are internationally sent and assignments are externally moderated. This has led to many our students being granted jobs in foreign countries easily.  120 and 140 HOUR COURSES AVAILABLE We offer both the 120 hour and 140 hour course in order to complete your certification.  IN CLASS OR SELF STUDY OPTIONS AVAILABLE Fluent Panda allows you the choice – you can choose to self study the course material and hand in assignments in your own time or have a teacher led class where the material will be taught to you FLEXIBLE STUDY HOURS We are aware life is busy and not everyone is able to commit to a 120 hours or 140 in class in order to complete their course. This is why we offer self study options where students can learn the material in their own time with certification being granted upon completion and marking of assignments.  FURTHER STUDYING AVAILABLE In addition to this, Fluent Panda also has accredited courses in Business English for those requiring it for their employers or further self-development. 

August 4, 2021
Impaq

How important is it to revise your work regularly?

We talk about learning sciences as something that has appeared recently or is new to the educational world – this cannot be further from the truth. In this article, we look back to the 1880s, specifically at Hermann Ebbinghaus’s work. Ebbinghaus was a German psychologist who specialised in memory and learning. His most famous experiment is the ‘forgetting curve’, which we will use to reflect on the importance of regular revision of your work. The forgetting curve In developing the forgetting curve, Ebbinghaus noticed a correlation between memory retention, the strength of a memory, and the passing of time. To test this correlation, he taught himself ‘gibberish’. In other words, he created phrases made up of a sequence of random letters and taught them to himself. He performed multiple tests to see how well he could remember the information after different time periods, e.g. one day, two days, etc. had elapsed.  He found that retention of information decreases rapidly after the first day of having learned the information. To counter this loss of memory, he revised some of the nonsense phrases at regular intervals both after and on the first day of learning them. He then found that the more he revised the phrases, the less frequently he had to revise them, and he could remember them for longer periods of time after he had learned them initially. While this is an old experiment, modern science confirms the findings, and the forgetting curve is still an important theory in the learning sciences today. The real question, though, is what this story means for your learning journey. Also read: The importance of practice in your learning journey Important things to remember when revising The most important thing we can learn from Ebbinghaus’ experiment is that your memory and retention of information decreases rapidly after the first day of learning something. Therefore, revise the most important parts of the information you learned within 24 hours of learning it. Revise your work multiple times – Ebbinghaus’s work also helps us understand that you will need to revise your work multiple times before you can remember it well. There is, unfortunately, no magic number of revisions, but the more you can review the work, the more easily you will be able to remember it. This ability to recall information may seem less important while you are actively learning the work for the first time, but the more information you can remember, the easier it is to prepare for examinations as you can focus on and review the most important areas instead of all the information. Avoid using the ‘oh yeah’ method of revision – We have all been there, paging through your textbook, and as you recognise the information, you mutter, “oh yeah, I know this” in your mind. When you get to the test or examination, that ‘oh yeah’ turns into ‘oh no’ when you can’t remember the information. There is a big difference between recognising the information while reading, watching, or listening to it and being able to recall it from your memory when you need to. When you revise, try to remember the information actively instead of just looking at an answer or solution presented in the information. Some tools to help you As we just mentioned, we don’t want to recognise our work – we want to remember it; otherwise, the time we spent on revision is wasted. Here are some tools that can help you: Flashcards – a flashcard is a simple piece of paper on which you write the problem or the question on the front of the card and the answer on the back.  When you use flashcards, you challenge yourself to remember the answer before turning over the card, which means you are using your brain’s pathways to retrieve the information from your memory.  Using flashcards is fantastic for learning and, if you can, you should make yourself a deck of flashcards for all your subjects. They work very well when you have to learn vocabulary and definitions in particular. They can also work in other subjects like Mathematics if you have to learn facts, such as when to use sin, cos, or tan (ratios of the sides of a right-angled triangle). It may take some time and effort to create your flashcard decks, but your brain will thank you when exam times arrive. Mnemonics – a mnemonic device is a learning technique that helps you retrieve information from your memory using certain cues. One of the most famous ones is the knuckle mnemonic, where each knuckle represents a month with 31 days, and the spaces between the knuckles represent a month with 30 days. Another example is using the phrase ‘never eat sour watermelons’ to remember the points of the compass, where each word in the phrase stands for north, east, south, and west, respectively. There are many mnemonics devices, but the advantage of mnemonic devices is that you can create your own. Just remember that you should not re-use a mnemonic device; otherwise, you might forget what it is helping you remember. Also read: Smart study hacks for the exams Benefits of revision Ebbinghaus shows us that it is vital that we review our work regularly. Besides remembering your work better, revision will also reduce stress and anxiety before tests and exams because you will already know a lot of your work.  Tutors and parents can also help identify the most important parts of the work to ensure that flashcard decks don’t become too large and impractical or that the number of mnemonics created doesn’t become unfeasible. Learning doesn’t need to be stressful – if you are disciplined in your revision, your efforts will bear fruit. Dr Nicolaas Matthee

March 12, 2021
Parenting Hub

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
Impaq

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
Parenting Hub

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
Impaq

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
Impaq

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
Parenting Hub

Matric mid-year exams: create your own lockdown stimulation

Under normal circumstances, Matric mid-year exams provide a valuable benchmark from which to launch the final push towards the finals. Because of the Covid-19 lockdown, there will be no official mid-year exams this year, but learners should still aim to re-create their own exam experience at home as this provides valuable practise and insights, and an opportunity to improve their performance later this year, an education expert says.

June 18, 2020
Impaq

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
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