Leading studying tips from 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…

October 12, 2023
Advice from the experts

Teaching Study Skills: Whose Responsibility Is It Anyway?

Exams bring its fair share of stress and pressure. It is a time when teachers, parents and children feel overwhelmed by the volumes of work that need to be covered in class and committed to memory at home. Parents often feel that teachers should provide more guidance about how to study. Teachers feel that they have mountains of content to cover and do not have enough time to review the content as well. This leaves one wondering, who will show a child how to get through all the topics on their exam scope? Too Little, Too Late There is no magic trick to replace making and spending enough time to review work covered in class well in advance. Children’s busy afternoon programmes barely leave them with enough time to complete their homework for the following day. If a child only completes homework and skims over work for weekly tests without making summaries of the work covered in class, it leads to huge chunks of content to be covered prior to the exam. Mom, is it perhaps time to help your child to cut down on afternoon activities? Keywords are Key Making summaries of work covered in class needs to be done on a consistent basis. It reduces the workload prior to exams. When the key points have been highlighted and summarised, the child only has to focus on what has already been selected as the most important content. The child can then use the keywords to formulate sentences in his/her own words. Children often think that they have to repeat the words of the textbook verbatim. However, it is more important to retell the facts in a way that makes sense to them. Mock Tests Help your child to set his/her own test paper by formulating their own questions with answers. This will help them feel more prepared and less anxious before their exams. 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.

October 23, 2024

Surviving school exams with less stress & more focus

We’re into the last term of the school year, and that means exam time for learners from Grade 4 all the way up to Grade 12. While there’s a lot at stake for children in the upper Grades, even the younger ones going into their first or second exam seasons can feel pressure to perform. Parents too, can feel heightened anxiety as their children are put to the test, and this can be a disruptive time when it comes to all-round family well-being. Doryce Sher, a qualified pharmacist, aromatherapist and the founder of Aromatic Apothecary, says, “It’s high stakes over the next couple months for families; both challenging and exciting. This tension may not necessarily be about the importance of every mark but navigating the exam period well and generally getting good results builds a child’s confidence. So, it’s natural that parents feel invested in their children performing as well as possible in the end-of-year exams. All this can lead to a pervasive exam stress with both children and parents feeling overwhelmed and anxious.” According to Doryce these are aspects of emotional well-being and mental health where aromatherapy solutions particularly come to the fore. She says, “Nature provides us with healing plants that provide fast-acting, effective relief. From calming down in the moment and keeping anxiety at bay, to energising and re-focusing on what matters, we can use aromatherapy solutions such as the Aromatic Apothecary Stress-less nasal inhaler and the Wake Up & Focus nasal inhaler to quickly shift our mood, navigate the ups and downs, keep on track with our goals and get through a stressful time like exam season by performing at our peak instead of struggling.” Doryce’s top tips for less stress and more focus during exams include: A calm and comfortable study environment – Younger learners will need parents focused support with their study planning, while older children need quiet, organised spaces for studying at home, free of distractions and demands. Parents may need to adjust their child’s chores and family responsibilities so that they can prioritise their study and exam schedule. Maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle – Some of the most important support parents can provide is to encourage their child to maintain balance. Younger children might need parents’ help to get through their study time and stay focused on learning and revising. For high schoolers, studying without breaks, skipping meals, cutting off all social interactions and sleepless nights will not result in peak performance at exam time.  Parents need to enable healthy eating, regular study breaks, daily exercise, some social interaction and sufficient sleep. Keeping your balance – Parents need to be mindful of their own expectations and anxieties. In line with reasonable expectations for their age, it’s important that your child manages themselves as much as possible when it comes to their study time. It’s not your job to drive their performance, but to support it. Communicating with care – Be careful of not inflaming situations. Expect some ups and downs, and don’t overreact in tough times. Open and non-judgemental conversations will help mitigate anxieties, lower the temperature and return more quickly to being focused on solutions.  See your role as being encouraging, offering emotional support and reassurance. Providing a safe space for your child to express their feelings can only happen if you are in control of your own. Less stress is a decision and an action – Managing stressful moments is active not passive; not just mental but physical too. You need to do something to effectively shift out of the anxious state. Doryce says, “We know that the best way to deal with stress and anxiety is through deep breathing – it’s a failsafe, it always works. Often though, we are not in a state where we can master deep breathing. The Aromatic Apothecary Stress-less nasal inhaler sparks deep breathing, but it also gives you a scent infusion of a unique lavender, neroli and chamomile blend that is instantly calming and relaxing. The beauty of it is that it is safe to use repeatedly, whenever you need it.  So, you can keep it in your pocket, school bag or on your desk and reach for it every time you start to feel overwhelmed. Stress and anxiety at exam time arise in the amygdala region in the brain, causing increased levels of cortisol in the body. Negative thought patterns, self-doubt, and fear of failure are all symptoms of exam anxiety. This mental noise impairs concentration, memory recall, and disrupts sound decision-making. Expect the stress and have coping strategies and tools like the Aromatic Apothecary Stress-less nasal inhaler to hand. It’s good for both children and their parents and can be used before bed to induce relaxation and restful sleep. Keep the focus on what matters – Younger children are still learning about the importance of exam time, and they will most likely need parental support to gently help them focus on their studies. For older learners, long hours spent studying, late nights and worries can all affect concentration and levels of fatigue. When your child sits down to study or write an exam, they want a mind that’s sharp and energised. Aromatic Apothecary Wake Up & Focus nasal inhaler is a safe, natural way to combat tiredness and lethargy, and to experience a mental boost. The unique blend of geranium, lemon, peppermint and rosemary is refreshing and invigorating as it quickly lifts concentration and alertness. Together with the Aromatic Apothecary Stress-less nasal inhaler, it puts you in charge and helps you moderate the ups and downs of a challenging time. The quick and easy inhaler format means that it can be slipped into a pocket and used quickly and discreetly for instant relief. It is safe to use whenever you feel like your concentration is slipping. Doryce concludes, “Perhaps the greatest meaning that we can find in a trial of life such as exam time, is that it is not so much the marks we get out of it, but

October 17, 2024

Mastering Exam Prep: How to Ace Writing Exams Without Losing Your Mind (or Social Life!)

Let’s be honest—preparing for writing exams can be a lot. Balancing intense study sessions while still trying to live your life and maintain your sanity? That’s no small feat! But here’s the good news: you can nail your exams without turning into a stressed-out hermit. With the right strategies, you can strike that perfect balance between smashing your academic goals and taking care of your emotional and social well-being. So, let’s dive into how you can prepare for your writing exams without burning out. 1. Create a Study Plan That Works for You First things first: let’s talk study plans. If you don’t have a game plan, exam prep can quickly turn into a chaotic mess. The trick here is to break down what you need to cover into bite-sized chunks. Use tools like Trello or Notion to map out your study sessions and track your progress. This way, you’ll know exactly where you’re headed each day—no more last-minute panic sessions! And hey, life isn’t perfect, so leave some wiggle room in your schedule. Flexibility is key. If you miss a session or need a break, don’t sweat it—just adjust and keep moving forward. This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed or trapped in an impossible routine. 2. Take Time to Chill Out Exams are stressful, and your brain needs a break from all that information overload. That’s where relaxation techniques come in. Deep breathing, meditation, or even a bit of progressive muscle relaxation can do wonders for calming those pre-exam jitters. If you’ve never tried mindfulness before, apps like Headspace or Calm can help you get started. And guess what? You don’t need to carve out hours for this. Even a few minutes between study sessions to stretch or do a quick breathing exercise can leave you feeling refreshed and more focused. Less stress = better focus. It’s a win-win. 3. Feed Your Brain the Good Stuff We all know that studying makes you hungry, and it’s super tempting to reach for snacks that keep you going in the moment (hello, caffeine and sugar!). But trust me, fuelling your brain with nutrient-rich foods like nuts, seeds, berries, and leafy greens will help you in the long run. When you eat well, you feel well, which means you can stay sharp and energised without those dreaded sugar crashes. Oh, and don’t forget to hydrate! Your brain can’t function properly when it’s running low on water. So, keep a water bottle close by while you’re studying. 4. Move Your Body I get it—you’re busy and the thought of squeezing in a workout seems like the last thing you want to do. But staying active doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym for hours. Even a brisk 30-minute walk or a quick yoga session can help clear your head and lift your spirits. Exercise boosts endorphins, which are natural stress-busters. And the best part? You’ll come back to your study session with more energy and focus. So, find little ways to move during the day. It makes a huge difference!   5. Don’t Skimp on Sleep Here’s a hard truth: pulling an all-nighter might seem like a great way to cram in more study time, but it’s actually hurting your performance. Your brain needs sleep to process and store all that information you’ve been cramming in. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and if you can, stick to a regular sleep routine. Avoid scrolling on your phone before bed—blue light messes with your ability to fall asleep. Instead, wind down with something relaxing, like reading or listening to some chill music. 6. Get Smart with Study Techniques Don’t just study harder—study smarter. Techniques like summarisation, flashcards, and active recall can help cement what you’re learning. When it comes to writing exams, practice makes perfect. Time yourself while doing mock essays so you get used to writing under pressure. The more you practice, the less intimidating the actual exam will feel. Plus, going through practice exams will help you spot areas where you might need a little extra focus before the big day. 7. Set Small, Achievable Goals It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re staring down a mountain of material to study. But the trick is to set small, manageable goals for each session. Instead of aiming to “study all day,” break it down: “summarise three chapters” or “write a practice essay.” It’s more doable, and you’ll get that sweet sense of accomplishment when you check things off your list. And don’t forget to celebrate those small wins! Whether it’s treating yourself to a break or just giving yourself a mental high-five, these little victories keep you motivated. 8. Stay Social It can be tempting to lock yourself away and grind through your study sessions alone, but isolating yourself can actually make stress worse. So, make time for the people who lift you up. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with a friend or FaceTiming your family, these interactions are crucial for keeping your emotional health in check. Think of social breaks as a reset button—they help you step away from the books, recharge, and come back ready to dive back in.   9. Cut Back on Screen Time We all love a good scroll through social media, but too much screen time can mess with your mental health, especially during stressful times like exams. Try to set limits on how much time you’re spending online, especially when you should be focusing on your studies. Instead of turning to your phone during breaks, try reading, going for a walk, or just giving your eyes a rest from the screen. Trust me, your brain will thank you. 10. Create Your Ideal Study Space Your environment has a massive impact on how well you focus. A cluttered or distracting space can make it harder to stay on task. So, set up a study space that works for you—somewhere organised, quiet, and free of distractions. Adding a few personal touches like motivational quotes, a

October 10, 2024

How do I help my child to study?

Many parents assume that children are taught how to study at school. Surely this should form part of each subject’s curriculum! If a child is expected to write a spelling test every week, the child should also know how to commit the words to memory as well. However, this is not always the case, leaving the child overwhelmed and the parent frustrated. Helping Your Child Prior to Studying Learning for tests and exams is not a once-off event, but a continuous effort which should take place on a regular basis. There are a few steps that need to take place prior to sitting down to learn. Ensure that the child is well rested and has had something to eat. Keep a bottle of water at hand.  Organise the child’s learning environment. Your brain associates the TV room with relaxing and the kitchen with food. The child’s learning environment should help them to focus on their work without adding more distractions. Timing is everything! Children need help with organizing their schedules and making time to study. Having a weekly routine prevents studying or revision from being done once all their other activities have been prioritised. Helping Your Child Study As far as learning styles are concerned, the idea of “different strokes for different folks” definitely applies. A kinaesthetic learner will experience sitting down to study as punishment. An artistic child will enjoy the process if he or she can use their creativity to make colourful summaries or mind maps. Discuss this with your child to help them develop their self-awareness as far as their preferred study method is concerned.  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.

October 9, 2024

How to build up your child’s confidence in maths

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

September 26, 2024

Seven tips for supporting your child to develop a love for reading

As well as providing children a window through which to explore their imaginations, reading books allows for the development of essential skills for school and later life. These include comprehension, a wider vocabulary, increased concentration and self-motivation, an awareness of the world around them (particularly if they are interested in non-fiction), and higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence through relating to the characters they encounter in their favourite books. Some children have a natural interest in reading – they will happily nestle down and read a book of their choice. Christopher Melrose, Deputy General Manager of Kumon Australia & New Zealand, recalls that he was such a child. “I used to enjoy reading the Doctor Do-Little series, and a series called The Three Investigators, about three young boys who solved crime mysteries”, Christopher says. “There was a book by Gerald Durrel called, My Family And Other Animals, which I loved. It was set on a Greek island named Corfu”. “I also used to get given our school textbook list at the end of the year. I remember I was always really excited on the day that I received all my school books [and] I’d actually read all of the novels that were on the reading list for that year. I wasn’t doing it to get ahead or for academic reasons; I just liked reading”. Now Christopher is adamant about encouraging children to read for enjoyment, both for children who are naturally inclined and those who might be a bit more reluctant. Below, we provide some solutions for parents who want to see their children develop a love for reading. When they are young, read aloud with your child Children are never too young to be exposed to reading. Reading aloud to your children introduces them to the beauty of language. When your child observes you reading, they will follow your example and in time, will start to read on their own. We recommend you spend 5-10 minutes reading a book to your young child every day. When reading aloud, make it fun When reading together with your child, let them hold the book. It’s often easier to sit behind your child as they do this. Make sure you read with lots of expression. Put on different voices for book characters – the more fun you make it, the more they will develop a love of books and reading. Before reading a book aloud for the first time, it is best to read the book to yourself first. This will allow you to add more expression when you read it to your child. Establish a routine for reading We highly recommend creating a reading routine. For example, 10 minutes reading before school or at bedtime will demonstrate the importance of daily reading. You may like to schedule in regular visits to your local library to attend events such as story times that promote reading together with your child. If your child is reading independently, spend time at the library or bookstore (or even online for e-books) choosing books together. You can then read passages from each other’s selected books to share the excitement and love of reading. Choose books that are appropriate for their current ability As your child reads, always keep in mind whether the book is suitable for their ability. If your child is having trouble reading a word, simply tell them what the word is so they can continue reading. If they are making many mistakes and losing enthusiasm for the book, it may be best to choose an easier book instead. Visiting Kumon’s Recommended Reading List could be a helpful first step in choosing the most appropriate book: https://www.kumon-english-rrl.com/  When they are ready, encourage your child to read a wide-range of books Children can be encouraged to read on their own at any age. Most children will develop a strong reading habit and love for reading when parents actively read to them from a young age. Reading a range of books broadens knowledge and interest in further learning. Consider recommending not only fiction but non-fiction books for your child to read. This will broaden their knowledge of particular topics. Turn reading into a family activity Be sure you ask your child to describe to you their favourite part of the book they are currently reading. Some families have special book-reading times where all family members sit together and quietly read their own books. This is often followed by a few minutes of discussion. Seek out reading opportunities that go beyond books When visiting public spaces like museums or parks, draw your child’s attention to the great variety of information that can always be found at such places. This helps link reading to real life. The Kumon English programme aims to foster a love of reading and learning in every child. To find out more about what Kumon has to offer, visit www.kumon.co.za. This article is courtesy of the Kumon Australia website* __________________________________________________________________________________ * https://au.kumonglobal.com/seven-tips-for-supporting-your-child-to-develop-a-love-for-reading/ 

September 18, 2024

Effective study habits for school: Classroom and real-world skills

To be successful at school, children need effective study habits. It’s never too early to begin thinking about the skills needed in and outside of the classroom. Here are 7 effective study habits that are essential for students of all ages. Establish a study area at home Communicate with the teacher Keep assignments organized Avoid procrastination Take notes in class Highlight key concepts in the reading materials Prepare your book bag before going to bed Establish a study area at home Find the perfect place to designate as the homework station. Stock the study space with school supplies including pencils, sharpeners, erasers, highlighters, and index cards. Remove distractions such as the TV and portable devices like cell phones. Communicate with the teacher It’s important to understand the assignments and the expectations for class. Students should ask the teacher questions for clarity when needed. If homework is missing, it’s important to speak with the teacher about the reason. Keep assignments organized Students should keep the details of their assignments organized in a planner or notebook and write down the dates for tasks, tests, and projects. Some work requires multiple steps to finish. Thus, making a plan is essential. Avoid procrastination Many students wait until the last minute to do their work, but procrastination must be avoided. Unforeseen problems occur like getting sick, a family emergency or even another school assignment due at the same time, which could make it hard to complete the task. Take notes in class Listening and note-taking are important study habits for school and careers. Students identify the most relevant information they need to retain and write it down in order to review it later. Highlight key concepts in the reading materials Students can use different color highlighters or sticky flags to highlight key points, Keywords, definitions and other important information that might need to be referenced later. Creating a colour-coding system is not only great for organization, it is also fun! Prepare your book-bag before going to bed Forgetting to bring back completed homework leads to poor grades. Students should ensure their bookbag is prepared with homework, books, and school supplies before going to bed. At Kumon we aim to give our students the tools they need to enjoy learning and thrive academically. To find out more about what Kumon has to offer, visit www.kumon.co.za.   This article is courtesy of the Kumon North America website*   ________________________________________________________________________________ * https://www.kumon.com/resources/7-important-study-habits-for-school/#studyhabit1 

September 11, 2024

The Dreaded “Dys” … understanding Dyslexia and Dyscalculia

Dyslexia and dyscalculia are specific learning disabilities that affect a child’s ability to read and perform mathematical calculations, respectively. These conditions can have significant impacts on a child’s educational experience, leading to frustration, low self-esteem, and academic difficulties. However, with proper understanding, early diagnosis, and targeted interventions, children with dyslexia and dyscalculia can thrive in school and beyond. This article provides an in-depth look into these conditions, including definitions, warning signs, diagnostic procedures, and the support structures that can be implemented in educational settings. Defining Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Dyslexia is a neurological condition that primarily affects reading skills. It is characterised by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These challenges are often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence; rather, it is linked to the way the brain processes written language. Children with dyslexia may struggle with reading comprehension, slow reading speed, and difficulty with spelling, even though they might excel in other areas. Dyscalculia, on the other hand, is a learning difficulty that affects a child’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. Children with dyscalculia have trouble with tasks such as recognising numbers, understanding numerical concepts, remembering math facts, and performing calculations. Just as dyslexia is a difficulty with reading that is not due to lack of intelligence or effort, dyscalculia is a difficulty with math that is not due to laziness or lack of effort. The condition can manifest in various ways, from difficulty with basic arithmetic to struggles with more advanced math concepts as the child progresses through school. Warning Signs in School-Aged Children Recognising the warning signs of dyslexia and dyscalculia early on is crucial for timely intervention. The signs can vary depending on the age and developmental stage of the child. Warning Signs of Dyslexia: Preschool Years: Delayed speech development, difficulty learning new words, problems with rhyming, and trouble recognising letters and numbers. Early Elementary School:  Slow learning of letter names and sounds, consistent trouble with reading and spelling simple words, guessing at words rather than sounding them out, and avoiding reading tasks. Later Elementary School: Difficulty with reading fluency, poor spelling, trouble with comprehension, difficulty remembering sequences (like the alphabet), and avoidance of reading and writing tasks. Warning Signs of Dyscalculia: Preschool Years:  Difficulty learning to count, trouble recognising numbers, confusion with basic concepts like “more” and “less,” and challenges with simple puzzles. Early Elementary School: Difficulty understanding the concept of time, problems with recognising patterns, struggles with basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction), and trouble understanding math symbols. Later Elementary School: Difficulty with more complex math concepts such as multiplication and division, trouble understanding fractions, difficulty measuring things, and struggles with keeping track of scores in games. Diagnosing Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Diagnosis of dyslexia and dyscalculia requires a comprehensive evaluation, typically conducted by a team of professionals, including psychologists, special educators, and speech-language pathologists. Diagnostic Process for Dyslexia: Developmental History: Gathering information about the child’s early language development, reading habits, and family history of reading difficulties. Cognitive Testing: Evaluating general cognitive abilities to rule out intellectual struggles. This may include tests that assess memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Reading Tests: These include assessments of phonemic awareness (the ability to recognise and manipulate sounds in words), decoding (reading unfamiliar words), reading fluency, and comprehension. Language Tests: Assessing the child’s spoken language abilities to rule out any underlying language disorders that could be contributing to reading difficulties. Diagnostic Process for Dyscalculia: Mathematical Testing: This includes assessments of basic math skills such as number recognition, counting, and arithmetic operations. More complex assessments may involve problem-solving, understanding of math concepts, and applying math in real-life situations. Cognitive Testing: Similar to dyslexia, cognitive tests are used to rule out other potential causes of the child’s difficulties with math. Tests may include evaluations of working memory, spatial reasoning, and attention. Observations and Interviews: Observing the child in a classroom setting and interviewing teachers and parents about the child’s performance in math-related tasks can provide valuable insights. Support Structures and Interventions Once dyslexia or dyscalculia is diagnosed, the focus shifts to providing appropriate support to help the child succeed in school. Effective intervention plans are typically tailored to the individual child’s needs and may involve a combination of strategies. Support Structures for Dyslexia: Specialized Reading Instruction:  Children with dyslexia benefit from explicit, systematic instruction in phonics, which helps them understand the relationship between letters and sounds. Multi-sensory teaching methods, which engage more than one sense at a time (e.g., seeing, hearing, and touching), are often effective. Assistive Technology: Tools such as audiobooks, text-to-speech software, and word processors with spell-check can help children with dyslexia access written material and complete written assignments. Classroom Accommodations: These might include extra time on tests, allowing oral instead of written responses, and providing notes or outlines of lessons to reduce the burden of writing. Reading Support:  Regular practice with a reading specialist, either in a small group or one-on-one, can help reinforce reading skills and build confidence. Support Structures for Dyscalculia: Explicit Math Instruction:  Like reading interventions for dyslexia, math instruction for children with dyscalculia should be explicit and systematic. This may involve breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps and using visual aids to reinforce concepts. Use of Manipulatives: Hands-on tools such as blocks, counters, or visual aids can help children better understand abstract math concepts by making them more concrete. Math Tutoring: Regular sessions with a math tutor who specialises in working with children with learning difficulties can provide targeted support and help the child develop strategies for tackling math problems. Technology Aids: There are various apps and software designed to help children with dyscalculia practice math skills in an engaging and supportive environment. Emotional and Social Support: Building Confidence: It is essential to focus on the child’s strengths and provide positive reinforcement. Encouraging the child to pursue interests and activities they enjoy can boost self-esteem. Peer Support: Creating

September 10, 2024

THREE TIPS FOR EASING TEST ANXIETY

It’s normal for your child to get nervous before a test or quiz at school. The intensity of their anxiety though is dependent on how confident and calm they feel. It’s important for your child to properly prepare, practice healthy habits, and be optimistic about the results. Follow these tips to help ease test anxiety for your child: 1. Develop Efficient Study Habits. Preparing for a test is a very important step in reducing test anxiety. It’s key to remember that every child is different. While some can capture everything after the first review, others may need to highlight key topics or write down notes on flashcards or do something unique that works for them. Some students may even need to create mnemonics (memory devices that help learners recall larger pieces of information, especially in the form of lists like characteristics, steps, stages, parts, etc – for example, to remember the spelling of “because” – Baby Eats Candy And Usually Says E). Test and try different study habits and see which is the best fit for your child. Avoid pushing them to study a different way, or your way. What works for you may not work for them. Additionally, sit with your child and determine a study plan together. Designate a time and place to study daily.  Begin strategizing on how the studying will be broken down. Help your child prioritize and delegate their time between different chapters or sections. 2. Provide Proper Resources. Often students feel too embarrassed to ask for help on something that was taught weeks ago. They become unsure about the topic while studying and end up puzzled during exam time. To avoid this, have your child create a list of topics or sections that they are struggling with. Then, take some time to review the list. Identify if your child simply needs a refresher on these topics or if they need further help. If it is a matter of needing a refresher, encourage them to review work they have done previously, remind themselves how they solved certain problems or completed those sections of work, make summaries and / or mind maps to make the information more manageable and easier to remember. If it is a matter of needing further help the first port of call would be to address it with their teacher. Depending on your child’s age, you can reach out to their teacher or you can encourage them to seek help from their teacher. Making the teacher aware of what your child is struggling with may lead them to find different ways of explaining difficult topics in class.  You can also go online to find resources / video clips that can explain the work better or seek out extra-mural programmes (such as Kumon) that can supplement their learning and increase their confidence and knowledge retention. 3. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle. The week of the test can be a very exhausting week. Be sure that your child is not only balancing homework and afterschool activities, but also eating and resting adequately. It’s important to plan. If your child needs more time to study during test week then be sure to make alternative arrangements with extracurricular activities. However, if your child is on track with their studying, be sure to keep these activities. Going to a sport practice or ballet class is a good reward after spending hours of preparing for the test. Taking a break to do some physical activity is excellent to clear and refresh the mind, release tension and anxiety and give renewed energy to focus on studying again.  Another good way to reinforce and motivate your child is by providing them with positive affirmations. Have them repeat after you. It can be a simple “I got this!” or something more inspiring like “Hard work will pay off!” Engraving these positive thoughts will make your child feel optimistic and rewarded for their hard work. You can also schedule a fun evening or weekend activity after the test to reward your child for their hard work and preparation. In Closing Test anxiety is very challenging to manage and adds extra stress. With proper preparation and study habits your child will succeed. It’s crucial to see what tactics and strategies work best with your child. Ultimately, the most efficient approach of studying will be what determines their test grade. Be a supportive parent by putting into practice these steps to help ease your child’s test anxiety. 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/three-tips-for-easing-test-anxiety/

September 4, 2024

The Impact of Screen Time on Children’s Physical Development

 In recent years, the proliferation of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions has significantly increased the screen time of children worldwide. While these technologies offer educational and entertainment benefits, excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s physical development. This article explores how screens affect children’s eyes, brain development, and sleep. Effects on Vision Digital Eye Strain One of the most immediate physical effects of excessive screen time is digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty focusing. These issues arise because children, like adults, tend to blink less frequently when staring at screens, leading to dry eyes and discomfort. Moreover, prolonged focusing on screens can strain the eye muscles, causing fatigue. Myopia (Nearsightedness) There is growing concern about the link between screen time and the increasing prevalence of myopia among children. Research suggests that prolonged near work activities, such as reading or using digital devices, may contribute to the development and progression of myopia. A study published in the journal Ophthalmology found that the prevalence of myopia has increased significantly over the past few decades, partly due to lifestyle changes that include more screen time and less time spent outdoors. Outdoor playtime is crucial for eye health, as exposure to natural light and the opportunity to focus on distant objects can help prevent myopia. Encouraging children to take regular breaks from screens and spend time outside can be beneficial in mitigating this risk.  Impact on Brain Development Cognitive Development Screen time can have both positive and negative effects on cognitive development, depending on the content and duration of exposure. Educational programs and interactive apps can support learning and skill development. However, excessive or inappropriate screen time can hinder cognitive growth. Studies indicate that children who spend too much time on screens may have difficulty developing critical cognitive skills, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. The rapid shifts in attention required by fast-paced video games and shows can lead to shortened attention spans and reduced ability to concentrate on tasks that require sustained focus. Social and Emotional Development Excessive screen time can also affect social and emotional development. Children who spend significant time on screens may miss out on important face-to-face interactions with family and peers, which are crucial for developing social skills, empathy, and emotional regulation. Furthermore, exposure to inappropriate content or excessive use of social media can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and a distorted self-image. Effects on Sleep    Disruption of Sleep Patterns One of the most well-documented effects of screen time on children’s physical development is its impact on sleep. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. This disruption can lead to difficulty falling asleep, reduced sleep quality, and shorter sleep duration. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children with more screen time, especially in the evening, were more likely to experience sleep problems. These issues can have cascading effects on physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Sleep Deprivation and Its Consequences Sleep deprivation in children can result in various negative outcomes, including impaired academic performance, mood disturbances, and a weakened immune system. Lack of sleep can also contribute to obesity, as it affects hormones that regulate hunger and appetite. Ensuring that children have a consistent bedtime routine and limiting screen time, particularly before bed, can help promote better sleep hygiene. Strategies for Managing Screen Time Given the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time on children’s physical development, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to implement strategies to manage screen use effectively. Here are some recommendations: Set Limits: Establish clear guidelines for screen time, ensuring that it is balanced with other activities such as outdoor play, reading, and family interactions. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 6 and older have consistent limits on the time spent using media, while children younger than 6 should have no more than one hour of high-quality programming per day. Encourage Outdoor Activities: Promote outdoor play and physical activities to support overall health and reduce the risk of myopia. Time spent outside allows children to engage in physical exercise, socialize with peers, and experience natural light, all of which are beneficial for physical and mental well-being. Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas in the home, such as the dining room and bedrooms, as tech-free zones to encourage family interactions and promote healthy sleep habits. Model Healthy Habits: Parents and caregivers should model responsible screen use, demonstrating balanced media habits and prioritizing face-to-face interactions. Choose Educational Content: Select age-appropriate, educational content that supports learning and development. Co-viewing programs and engaging with children about the content can enhance the learning experience and provide opportunities for discussion. Monitor and Discuss Content: Be aware of the content children are exposed to and engage in open conversations about what they see and how it affects them. This can help children develop critical thinking skills and understand the impact of media on their thoughts and emotions. While screens are an integral part of modern life, it is essential to be mindful of their impact on children’s physical development. By understanding the potential risks associated with excessive screen time and implementing strategies to manage screen use, parents and caregivers can help support healthy growth and development. Encouraging a balanced approach to screen time, combined with outdoor play and face-to-face interactions, can promote children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being in the digital age.

August 16, 2024

Growth or Fixed Mindset – Achievement is really all in the mind

Henry Ford was a business magnate and founder of the Ford Motor Company. One of his famous quotes is, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” This idea is similar to research conducted by Carol Dweck and her colleagues 30 years ago. They were interested in people’s underlying beliefs about learning, their own intelligence and their achievements. Developments in neuroscience also show the link between mindset and achievement. Simply put, if you believe your brain can grow, you start to behave differently and ultimately this leads to better results. You are what you think It is important to cultivate a pattern of positive self-talk for your child. Negative self-talk sets a child up for failure before he or she has even attempted a task. Even though it is important to help a child to be realistic about his or her abilities, a child should know that these abilities are not fixed. The power of “yet” Children become aware of their strengths and weaknesses when they become aware of the differences between their performance and that of their peers. They can become discouraged when they are not as good as their friends in, for instance, maths, ballet or art. However, once they understand that their abilities are not fixed and that they can continue to develop their weaker areas, it is important to match their self-talk to their efforts to improve. “I am not good at long division” takes on a new meaning when it is replaced with “I am not good at long division yet!” Labels are for cans, not for kids People often label themselves or others. These labels tend to become self-fulfilling prophesies. Some parents are reluctant to have their children diagnosed as ADHD or on the autistic spectrum, because they are scared their children will be treated differently. In other cases, these labels tend to become an excuse or explanation for children’s behaviour. If Johnny is labelled as socially awkward, his naughty or inappropriate behaviour will become understood or accepted. A growth-orientated approach will aim to change the behaviour in order to change the symptoms. Here are some examples for developing a growth mindset: Instead of saying… Rather say… I am not good at this. What am I missing? I give up. I need to use a different strategy. I made a mistake. Mistakes help me learn. I can’t do this.  I will train my brain to do this. It is good enough. Did I really do my best? 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.

August 15, 2024

Story Mountain, creative writing technique

The “Story Mountain” is a popular framework used to structure a story, often used in creative writing classes and workshops. Here are the basic elements of the story mountain: Opening – This is the beginning of the story where you introduce the setting and characters and sets the tone of the story. As this is the beginning of the story, you’ll need to introduce your characters and explain when/where the story is taking place. This will give readers a better understanding of the journey. Build-up – This is where the story starts to build tension as the main character faces obstacles and struggles to overcome them. Here you start to think about what’s happening and build up the main body of your story. You do this by adding detail to interest the reader, foreshadowing details that will lead to a greater conflict. The plot will always be engaging if you add a conflict or Problem – This is the turning point of the story, where the tension reaches its peak and the character faces their biggest challenge. Resolution – The resolution of a story is the point at which your character must solve or resolve the problem to reach their final goal. This is the most exciting aspect of the story, but make sure to keep your readers guessing. Ending – The ending of the story is when the characters have resolved the problem, and everything has been resolved. Although it’s the end of the story, you can still be creative and add an unexpected twist that gives your story a unique ending that possibly hints at the next story. To write a story using the story mountain framework, you can start by brainstorming ideas for each of these elements. Think about what kind of story you want to tell, what your main character will be like, and what challenges they will face. Here’s an example of how you might use the story mountain to write a short story: Beginning: Little Red Riding Hood has a basket of food to give to her sick grandma, she walks through the woods toward her grandma’s house. Build-up: Little Red Riding Hood meets the wolf. The wolf asks Little Red Riding Hood where she is going. He then rushes to her grandma’s house. He locks Grandma in the cupboard and pretends to be her. Problem: Little Red Riding Hood finally arrives. He soon notices that the wolf is pretending to be her grandma. She screams for help.  Resolution: Just as the wolf is about to eat Little Red Riding Hood, the Woodcutter arrives and chases the wolf away. The wolf is arrested and taken to jail.  Ending: Little Red Riding Hood, Grandma, and the woodcutter live happily ever after. Remember, the story mountain is just a framework – there’s no one right way to write a story. Use it as a tool to help you structure your ideas and create a cohesive narrative. Kip McGrath offers personalised learning programmes for primary and secondary students in their core subjects.  A free assessment helps to identify a child’s strengths and learnings gaps. Individualised lessons are planned and offered by qualified teachers tailored to address each child’s specific learning needs. The learning programme specialises in comprehension, reading, spelling in English and Afrikaans, as well as Maths.

August 7, 2024

Oh, My Word (Problem)! How to help your child with word problems in maths

“I like maths, but I hate doing word sums.” This statement is true for many students. At primary school level this is often the area where most students lose marks in both maths tests and exams. Word problems, word sums or story sums require comprehension and analytical skills. Children who battle with word problems often struggle with comprehension-based tasks in their languages as well. These sums also require “reading between the lines” and being able to make sense of what is expected of them without being told directly. Here are some tips to help your child at home: 1. Let’s start at the very beginning Your child needs to know his or her number bonds and multiplication tables. If a child struggles with basic addition, solving word problems that require his or her having mastered this skill will be more difficult. 2. Draw the “story” Encourage your child to make an illustration based on the facts mentioned in the problem. Let him or her use circles, triangles or dots to represent the numbers mentioned. Do not let the drawing become the focus of the exercise. 3. Choose an operation Make a list of the key words associated with each operation. Help your child identify the operation required, namely addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.  4. Use different or smaller numbers If your child is nervous when working with bigger numbers, replace the numbers with smaller ones. After deciding which operation to use and carrying it out, replace the smaller numbers with the original numbers to complete the sum. 5. Trial and error If your child is not sure whether it is, for instance, an addition or subtraction sum, let him or her roughly calculate answers for both operations. Ask your child which answer makes the most sense when you read the question again.  For example, John’s mother is twice his age. John is 20 years old. How old is his mother? If you say 20 times 2, his mother would be 40. However, 20 divided by 2 is 10. Clearly, John’s mother can’t be 10 if he is 20 years old. 6. Practice makes perfect Ask your child’s teacher for additional exercises or search for word problems for your child’s grade online. If your child really battles, try to find examples two or three grades lower than his or her actual grade level. Once a child realises he or she has mastered this skill, introduce more difficult examples. Key Words Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division plus altogether total sum more than add combined increase minus difference less than decrease take away fewer remain left times multiply by per product  equal groups twice as much quotient out of divided by share average each ratio half 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.

July 30, 2024

Literacy At Home

Helping your child with literacy skills doesn’t have to be boring or tedious. In fact, there are many ways to bring English and literacy to life at home. By incorporating fun activities into their daily routine, you can encourage them to learn without them even realising it! Here are some creative and engaging activities you can do with your child to help improve their literacy skills: Write a story together Sit down with your child and create a story together. Take turns adding sentences or paragraphs and see where the story takes you. This activity encourages creativity, and imagination and helps to develop their storytelling skills. Play word games Word games such as Scrabble, Boggle, and Bananagrams are fun and help improve spelling, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. You can also make your own word search puzzles, crossword puzzles, or other word games at home. Cook together Cooking is a great way to teach your child new vocabulary, measurements, and instructions. You can create a recipe book with your child, or use a children’s cookbook to help them learn new words and phrases. Create a reading space Creating a cosy and comfortable reading area is a great way to encourage your child to read. Choose a comfortable chair, add some pillows, and make sure there is plenty of light. You can also add some fun decorations or posters to make the space feel special. Make a book Encourage your child to write and illustrate their own book. You can help them to come up with a story idea, and then they can create the characters and illustrations. Once the book is finished, you can even have it printed and bound to create a real book that your child can keep. Incorporating fun and engaging literacy activities into your child’s daily routine is a great way to help improve their literacy skills. By making learning fun, you can help to develop their love of reading and writing and set them up for success in the future. If you’re looking for extra support for your child’s English education, Kip McGrath offers personalised English tuition that can help your child build their confidence and excel in this subject. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child achieve their full potential in English at www.kipmcgrath.co.za Kip McGrath offers personalised learning programmes for primary and secondary students in their core subjects.  A free assessment helps to identify a child’s strengths and learnings gaps. Individualised lessons are planned and offered by qualified teachers tailored to address each child’s specific learning needs. The learning programme specialises in comprehension, reading, spelling in English and Afrikaans, as well as Maths.

July 8, 2024

Navigating the Mid-Year Slump

I first heard about a mid-year slump a few years ago from a distant relative. At the time, I couldn’t relate to her thoughts, but over time I have seen the realities of a mid-year slump. The midyear slump is a phenomenon many students and educators are familiar with. After the initial excitement and energy of a new academic year wear off, students often find themselves in a lull, struggling with motivation and performance. This period typically occurs midway through the school year and can significantly impact students’ academic progress and overall well-being. This article explores the causes, consequences, and strategies for overcoming the midyear slump in school students. Understanding the Midyear Slump The midyear slump refers to a decline in students’ academic performance, motivation, and engagement that occurs in the middle of the school year. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon: Fatigue and Burnout: By the midyear point, students have been engaged in schoolwork for several months, leading to mental and physical fatigue. The cumulative stress from assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities can result in burnout. Monotony and Routine: The novelty of the new school year has faded, and students may find themselves stuck in a repetitive routine. The lack of new and stimulating experiences can lead to boredom and disengagement. Weather and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Although an uncommon phenomenon in South Africa, the cold winters, shorter days and less sunlight can contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Symptoms of SAD include fatigue, depression, and difficulty concentrating, which can exacerbate the midyear slump.  Academic Pressure: The pressure to perform well academically can intensify as midyear exams and assignments approach. Students may feel overwhelmed by the workload and anxious about their grades. Lack of Clear Goals: At the beginning of the school year, students often set goals and have a clear sense of direction. By midyear, some of these goals may have been achieved, abandoned, or forgotten, leaving students without a clear purpose. Consequences of the Midyear Slump The midyear slump can have several negative consequences for students: Decline in Academic Performance: Decreased motivation and engagement often result in lower grades and incomplete assignments. Students may struggle to keep up with the curriculum, leading to gaps in knowledge and understanding. Increased Absenteeism: Students experiencing the midyear slump may be more likely to miss school, either due to illness or a lack of motivation. Increased absenteeism can further exacerbate academic difficulties. Lowered Self-Esteem: Struggling academically and feeling unmotivated can negatively impact students’ self-esteem. They may begin to doubt their abilities and lose confidence in their academic potential. Behavioural Issues: Frustration and disengagement can lead to behavioural problems in the classroom. Students may become disruptive, inattentive, or disengaged, affecting the learning environment for themselves and their peers. Emotional and Mental Health Issues: The midyear slump can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Students may feel overwhelmed and struggle to cope with the demands of school, impacting their overall well-being. Strategies for Overcoming the Midyear Slump Addressing the midyear slump requires a multifaceted approach involving students, educators, and parents. Here are some effective strategies to combat this phenomenon: Setting New Goals: Encourage students to set new, achievable goals for the remainder of the school year. These goals can provide a sense of direction and purpose, reigniting motivation and engagement. Introducing Variety and Novelty: Incorporate new and stimulating activities into the curriculum to break the monotony. This could include hands-on projects, field trips, guest speakers, or interdisciplinary lessons that capture students’ interest. Promoting Self-Care and Wellness: Educate students about the importance of self-care and mental health. Encourage regular physical activity, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices to combat fatigue and stress. Building a Supportive Environment: Foster a positive and supportive classroom environment where students feel valued and understood. Provide opportunities for peer collaboration and offer encouragement and constructive feedback. Effective Time Management: Teach students effective time management skills to help them balance academic and extracurricular commitments. Encourage the use of planners, to-do lists, and prioritization techniques to manage their workload. Parental Involvement: Engage parents in supporting their children through the midyear slump. Regular communication between parents and teachers can help identify issues early and provide a network of support for the student. Regular Check-Ins and Feedback: Implement regular check-ins with students to monitor their progress and well-being. Provide timely and constructive feedback on their work, and offer additional support or resources as needed. Encouraging Extracurricular Activities: Encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities that interest them. These activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment, balancing the academic pressures. Professional Development for Educators: Provide professional development opportunities for educators to learn strategies for supporting students through the midyear slump. Training in areas such as mental health awareness, differentiated instruction, and student engagement can be beneficial. Conclusion The midyear slump is a common challenge that affects many students, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding the causes and consequences of this phenomenon, and by implementing effective strategies, students, educators, and parents can work together to overcome it. Addressing the midyear slump requires a holistic approach that considers students’ academic, emotional, and physical well-being. With the right support and interventions, students can regain their motivation, improve their performance, and successfully navigate the remainder of the school year.

July 5, 2024

Dear Parents, With Love, Your Child’s Teacher. The things your child’s teacher wants to tell you, but cannot

Your child’s teacher is by default one of the members of the “village” who help you raise your child. Here are examples of things that don’t make it into the school newsletter which teachers would like parents to know.  1. I care about your child as if he or she were my own This can even be true for teachers who aren’t parents themselves. Teachers are upset when a child is upset, especially if it is due to the child’s home circumstances which they cannot address. 2. I chose to become a teacher because I like working with children At times teachers’ actions leave parents wondering why they chose this profession in the first place. Teaching requires considerable patience and giving of oneself, even if one is going through a tough time in one’s personal life. 3. My job does not end at 2pm In fact, a teacher’s work is seldom completed during school hours. Marking, planning, setting exam papers and administrative tasks are mostly done after hours.  4. I love all children equally A big part of a teacher’s job is to make all children feel loved and accepted. Inevitably, some teachers’ and children’s personalities differ. A child’s well-being is of utmost importance to a teacher, especially when negative feelings lead to negative behaviour in the classroom. 5. I have to consider your child, and 30 others A high teacher-student ratio is a reality in most schools. Even in schools with fewer children per class, teachers often feel they cannot give each child the individual attention he or she needs. Before asking for an extension to a deadline or making a special request, please ask yourself what it would be like if every parent in your child’s class made the same request on the same day. 6. I promise not to believe everything your child says about what happens at home if you promise not to believe everything he or she says about what happens at school Ask your child’s teacher about what was said or what happened instead of only believing your child’s version. It could save you some embarrassment when you hear the teacher’s side of the story! 7. I don’t need a round of applause, but a “thank you” would be welcome Please remember to thank you child’s teacher. The chances are he or she is doing much more than was anticipated to help you raise your child. 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.

June 25, 2024

A Helpful Guide for Returning or Starting School after the Holidays

Whether your child is returning to school after a relaxing break or starting a new chapter in their educational journey, this is a crucial time to set the tone for a successful term ahead. At Kip McGrath, we understand the importance of a strong start, and in this blog, we will share some valuable tips to help your child embrace the new school term with confidence and enthusiasm.  Reconnecting  Reconnect with a learning mindset; after a few weeks of leisure and fun, it is essential to reconnect your child with a learning mindset. Encourage them to engage in activities that promote learning, such as reading books, solving puzzles, or exploring educational apps. This will help them transition smoothly from holiday mode to a focused academic mindset. Review core subjects   Prepare ahead with review sessions, for students returning to school, a brief review of core subjects can work wonders. Before classes begin, consider organising revision sessions, or enrolling your child in a Kip McGrath tutoring program to refresh their knowledge and address any gaps in understanding. This will give them a head start and build their confidence for the upcoming term. Prepare a workspace Create a productive study space, an organised study space is essential for effective learning. Help your child set up a clutter-free and quiet study area where they can concentrate on their studies without distractions. Ensure it is equipped with all the necessary school supplies and learning resources. Get new supplies   Prepare school supplies, a few days before school starts, make a shopping trip for school supplies. Involve your child in the process, allowing them to select their notebook, pens and other essentials. Having their own supplies and an organised backpack will help them feel prepared and ready for the new term.  Parent/teacher communication  Communicate with your child’s teachers to find out which areas your child needs to address in the next term. Find out what the teacher suggests ensuring an improvement in your child’s results this term.  Goal setting and open communication Sit down with your child and discuss their goals and expectations for the upcoming school term. Help them set realistic and achievable goals in academics, extracurricular activities, and personal growth. Encourage them to break these goals into smaller milestones to track progress along the way.  Address any anxieties or concerns, returning to school can bring about anxiety or concerns in children. Create a safe space for your child to express their worries or fears about going back to school. Listen attentively, validate their feelings, and provide reassurance. Discuss strategies together to overcome any challenges they may anticipate. Healthy habits and a positive mindset  Emphasise the importance of a positive mindset and resilience in the face of challenges. Encourage your child to adopt a growth mindset, where they see mistakes as learning opportunities and believe in their ability to improve. Remind them of their past accomplishments and reassure them that they have the skills and support to succeed.  Reinforce healthy habits, help your child develop healthy habits that will support their overall well-being and academic performance. Encourage nutritious meals, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. A healthy body and mind are essential for concentration, focus, and optimal learning. Remember each child is unique, so adapt these suggestions to meet their individual needs. With preparation, support, and encouragement, your child will be ready to tackle the new school term with confidence and enthusiasm.  If you feel like your child needs that extra support this school year, get in touch with a local Kip McGrath centre, find one today at www.kipmcgrath.co.za. Kip McGrath offers personalised learning programmes for primary and secondary students in their core subjects.  A free assessment helps to identify a child’s strengths and learnings gaps. Individualised lessons are planned and offered by qualified teachers tailored to address each child’s specific learning needs. The learning programme specialises in comprehension, reading, spelling in English and Afrikaans, as well as Maths.

June 13, 2024

When learning goes wrong

Every parent desires to see their child succeed academically, but there are times when things do not go as planned. Whether your child is struggling with understanding basic concepts, showing a lack of interest in school or experiencing emotional difficulties that affect their learning, it can be a challenging situation. However, it’s important to remember that every child is unique, and there are effective strategies to help them overcome these obstacles. Here are some steps you can take when your child’s learning goes wrong. Identify the Problem The first step in addressing any issue is understanding its root cause. Observe your child’s behaviour and academic performance. Are they having trouble with specific subjects, or is it a more general lack of motivation? Sometimes, issues such as learning barriers, or emotional and psychological challenges can manifest as academic struggles. Talk to Your Child Engage in an open and non-judgmental conversation with your child about their difficulties. Ask them how they feel about school and if there’s anything in particular that’s bothering them. Their responses can provide valuable insights into their struggles. Consult with Teachers Teachers spend a significant amount of time with your child and can offer a different perspective on their academic performance. Schedule a meeting to discuss your child’s challenges and seek their observations and advice. Teachers can also recommend resources and interventions that might help. Professional Evaluation If you suspect that your child might have a learning barrier or another condition affecting their learning, consider having them evaluated by a specialist. Educational psychologists can provide a thorough assessment and suggest targeted strategies to support your child’s learning. Create a Supportive Learning Environment A supportive home environment can significantly impact your child’s academic success. Here are some ways to foster a positive learning atmosphere at home: Establish a Routine Consistency helps children feel secure and understand what is expected of them. Set up a regular schedule for homework, study time and breaks. This routine can help your child manage their time effectively and reduce procrastination. Designate a Study Space Create a quiet, well-lit area specifically for studying. Ensure this space is free from distractions such as television and noisy family activities. Having a dedicated study area can help your child focus better on their schoolwork. Be Involved Show interest in your child’s education by helping with homework, discussing what they learned at school and attending school events. Your involvement sends a message that education is important and valued. Use Effective Learning Strategies Children have different learning styles and what works for one child might not work for another. Experiment with various strategies to find what best suits your child’s needs. Visual Aids For children who are visual learners, incorporating visual aids such as charts, diagrams and videos can make complex concepts more understandable. Interactive Learning Incorporate hands-on activities and experiments, especially for subjects like science and math. Interactive learning can make abstract concepts tangible and engaging. Break Down Tasks Large assignments can be overwhelming. Teach your child to break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This approach can make the workload seem less daunting and help them stay organised. Encourage a Growth Mindset A growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, can profoundly impact your child’s approach to learning. Praise Effort, Not Just Results Focus on praising the effort and strategies your child uses rather than just the outcomes. This encourages resilience and a willingness to tackle challenging tasks. Model Perseverance Show your child that making mistakes is a natural part of learning. Share your experiences with overcoming challenges and emphasise the importance of persistence. Set Realistic Goals Help your child set achievable goals and celebrate their progress. Small successes can boost their confidence and motivate them to keep striving. Address Emotional and Social Challenges Sometimes, academic difficulties stem from emotional or social issues. It’s essential to address these underlying factors to support your child’s overall well-being. Promote Healthy Communication Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns. Create an environment where they feel safe to talk about their experiences without fear of judgment. Seek Professional Help If your child is dealing with anxiety, depression or other emotional issues, consider consulting a professional. Counselling or therapy can provide them with coping strategies and emotional support. Foster Positive Relationships Help your child build positive relationships with peers and teachers. A strong support network can provide emotional stability and enhance their school experience. Utilise School Resources Schools often have resources available to support students who are struggling academically. Learning Support Services Most schools have therapists and other professionals available to assist your child at school. At the very least, the school will be able to provide a list of professionals that they can recommend to help your child. Tutoring Programs Some schools offer peer tutoring programs for students needing extra help. These programs can provide additional instruction and support outside regular classroom hours. You can also consider enlisting the help of a private tutor to help your child after school hours Extracurricular Activities Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities that interest them. These activities can build self-esteem, provide a sense of accomplishment and offer a break from academic pressures. Stay Positive and Patient Change doesn’t happen overnight and overcoming learning challenges takes time and persistence. Keep a positive attitude and be patient with your child’s progress. Celebrate Small Wins Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue working hard. Practice Self-Care As a parent, it’s important to take care of yourself, too. Managing your stress and maintaining a positive outlook can help you better support your child through their academic journey. When your child’s learning goes wrong, it’s crucial to approach the situation with empathy, patience and proactive strategies. By identifying the root causes of their struggles, creating a supportive environment and utilizing effective learning techniques, you can help your child overcome their challenges and thrive academically. Remember, every

June 6, 2024

Supporting Your Children Through Their Exams

Exams are a significant aspect of your child’s life. Most schools have mid-year exams coming up in the next few weeks. Exams typically create more work for the children, which means more stress, late nights and bad eating habits. Parents may not realise it, but this is a time when they need to take the lead and guide their children step by step through the exam period. Your role as a parent is crucial in providing the support and encouragement your child needs during this challenging time. Children don’t automatically know when and how to study. Good study habits don’t come naturally to most of us. While exams may seem overwhelming, there are a number of ways you can help your child to navigate their way through them with confidence and resilience.  1.Open Communication Establishing open communication with your child is paramount. Encourage them to express their concerns, fears, and aspirations regarding exams. Listen attentively, empathize with their feelings, and offer reassurance. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable discussing any difficulties they may encounter. 2.Set Realistic Expectations Help your child set realistic goals and expectations for themselves. Emphasize the importance of doing their best rather than achieving perfection. Acknowledge their efforts and progress, regardless of the outcome. Encourage them to focus on personal growth and learning rather than just grades. 3.Provide a Supportive Environment Create an environment at home that fosters studying and concentration. Ensure they have access to necessary study materials, a quiet space for studying, and minimal distractions. Offer encouragement and praise for their dedication and hard work. 4.Establish a Balanced Routine  Help your child to establish a balanced study routine that includes regular breaks, healthy meals, exercise, and sufficient sleep. Encourage them to maintain a balance between studying and relaxation to prevent burnout and exhaustion. A well-rested mind is more receptive to learning and retaining information. 5.Offer Practical Assistance  Provide practical assistance by helping your child organize their study materials, create a study schedule, and prioritize tasks. Offer to quiz them or provide feedback on their practice tests. Assist them in breaking down complex topics into manageable chunks for easier comprehension. 6.Encourage Self-Care  Emphasize the importance of self-care and stress management techniques. Encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, or spending time with friends and family. Teach them relaxation techniques like deep breathing to alleviate exam-related stress. 7.Promote Positive Thinking Foster a positive mindset by reframing negative thoughts and self-doubt. Encourage your child to focus on their strengths and past achievements rather than dwelling on failures or setbacks. Teach them to replace negative self-talk with affirmations and constructive feedback. 8.Celebrate Progress Celebrate your child’s progress and milestones throughout the exam preparation process. Acknowledge their hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.  9.Stay Engaged but Avoid Micromanaging  Stay engaged in your child’s academic journey by checking in regularly, asking about their progress, and offering support. However, avoid micromanaging or imposing excessive pressure. Trust your child’s ability to manage their studies independently while providing guidance and encouragement when needed. 10.Prepare for Exam Day Help your child prepare for exam day by ensuring they have everything they need, such as stationery and a healthy snack. Encourage them to get a good night’s sleep before the exam and avoid last-minute cramming. Offer words of encouragement and remind them to stay calm and focused during the exam. 11.Provide Perspective Put exams into perspective by reminding your child that they do not define their worth or future success. Encourage them to view exams as a learning opportunity rather than a source of stress or anxiety. Remind them that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process and an opportunity for growth. 12.Offer Unconditional Support Above all, offer your child unconditional love and support regardless of exam outcomes. Reassure them that you are proud of their efforts and resilience, regardless of their grades. Remind them that your love and support are not dependent on academic achievements. Supporting your child through exams involves a combination of empathy, encouragement, practical assistance and fostering a positive mindset. By providing a supportive environment, setting realistic expectations, and emphasizing the importance of self-care and resilience, you can help your child navigate through exams with confidence and success. Remember that your support and encouragement are invaluable assets in helping your child thrive academically and emotionally during this challenging time.

May 29, 2024

Exam Study Techniques

Stress free studying that works  This guide has a whole month’s worth of ideas and resources to help students (and parents/carers) get to grips with stress-free studying that works!  Our rules If you know how to study, you can achieve better results in less time. Who wouldn’t want that? Don’t write yourself off before you’ve even started. A positive attitude makes all the difference! Keep it short – sprints generate far more energy and excitement than marathons. Mix it up – try and use activities that use auditory/hearing, visual and hands-on methods.  Active v Passive Learning  Have you heard the following quote from Benjamin Franklin, “Tell me, and I forget, teach me, and I may remember, involve me, and I learn?” It is proven that people learn better if they are actively involved in what they are doing. You may not be surprised to hear that reading a textbook is a passive activity, and you are likely to forget most of what you read! A study activity for every day of the month Don’t know where to start? Here is a different revision activity for every day of the month – so mix it up and try doing at least 2 different activities every day.  With exams looming, a small amount of revision every day (starting now if you have not already!) is really going to pay off in May/June.  Summarise a passage in 15 words max (harder than it sounds!) Make a spider-diagram. Think of 3 to 5 real-life examples of what you’ve read. Decide which is the best of your examples. List 50 mini questions about the subject. (Imagine testing someone else.) Write answers to your mini questions. Write a study plan for the week ahead. Keep a reflective study journal.  Sum up the 3 most important points of a lesson or chapter. What is the most critical aspect, and why? Make a wallchart or large plan and link aspects together. Decide which is the best book you are using and why. Which section of the book is most interesting or useful? Why? Pretend you disagree with everything you’re reading and explain why. Argue your case. What examples would you use to support this? Invent titles for essays or reports and spend 5 minutes writing a plan. List the key points for one aspect of your studies. Draw a picture or symbol for each point. Discuss your ideas or difficulties.  Contribute to an online chat or discussion or start one. Write the main points of an essay or answer on cards or sticky notes and move them around to explore different structures. Teaching topics to others is a great way to learn.  Make a PowerPoint presentation about what you are revising and teach it to someone else (even your pet!) Create podcasts using voice memos on your phone and then listen back to them on the bus or walking to school.  The app Chegg Flashcards https://www.chegg.com/flashcards is fab and free and can’t get lost, eaten or smothered in jam!  Use this app to test yourself anywhere randomly, anytime.  Even good old-fashioned revision cards work better on the move.  Create big, colourful posters or a mind map for each topic. Revise different subjects in different rooms in your house. Visualise the room to trigger your memory in the exam.  Invent mnemonics for factual terms or spellings (Big Elephants Always Understand Small Elephants = BECAUSE) Create acronyms to synthesise information into just one word (doesn’t need to be a real word). Google some examples.  Write out your notes a few times, condensing them down each time to fewer and fewer words that will trigger your memory of the subject. If your assessment includes a presentation practice in front of someone you know, in the mirror or on video. If your assessment includes a practical component, use role-play as an effective way of putting your knowledge into practice before the examination. Kip McGrath offers personalised learning programmes for primary and secondary students in their core subjects.  A free assessment helps to identify a child’s strengths and learnings gaps. Individualised lessons are planned and offered by qualified teachers tailored to address each child’s specific learning needs. The learning programme specialises in comprehension, reading, spelling in English and Afrikaans, as well as Maths.

May 23, 2024

Teaching Study Skills

Whose Responsibility Is It Anyway? Exams bring its fair share of stress and pressure. It is a time when teachers, parents and children feel overwhelmed by the volumes of work that need to be covered in class and committed to memory at home. Parents often feel that teachers should provide more guidance about how to study. Teachers feel that they have mountains of content to cover and do not have enough time to review the content as well. This leaves one wondering, who will show a child how to get through all the topics on their exam scope? Too Little, Too Late There is no magic trick to replace making and spending enough time to review work covered in class well in advance. Children’s busy afternoon programmes barely leave them with enough time to complete their homework for the following day. If a child only completes homework and skims over work for weekly tests without making summaries of the work covered in class, it leads to huge chunks of content to be covered prior to the exam. Mom, is it perhaps time to help your child to cut down on afternoon activities? Keywords are Key Making summaries of work covered in class needs to be done on a consistent basis. It reduces the workload prior to exams. When the key points have been highlighted and summarised, the child only has to focus on what has already been selected as the most important content. The child can then use the keywords to formulate sentences in his/her own words. Children often think that they have to repeat the words of the textbook verbatim. However, it is more important to retell the facts in a way that makes sense to them. Mock Tests Help your child to set his/her own test paper by formulating their own questions with answers. This will help them feel more prepared and less anxious before their exams. Kip McGrath offers a study skills course to help children and parents address the entire process of studying. 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.

May 10, 2024

Active technology can benefit students in a digital world

In today’s classroom, students might be as likely to talk about the Elmo Visual Presenter, a computerized digital projector, as Elmo the red, fuzzy and lovable “Sesame Street” character who loves hugs. It’s the digital world they live in, and today’s children are enveloped by it in both their home and school lives. How they embrace technology and use it in their lives matter. If implemented thoughtfully and with balance, technology can more deeply enrich the educational journey of a student. Today, technology surrounds every facet of modern life. It’s prevalent in school, college and the workplace. It can be used for digital skill development, research, collaborative learning, job hunting, general time management and organizational skills. Learning proper technology habits early can help set students up for success. Kumon has launched Kumon Connect, a web-based app that allows students to complete their worksheets using a tablet and stylus. Passive Technology  Eyes can glaze over as users scroll through endless streams of YouTube videos. The same goes for swiping through the latest viral crazes on TikTok or posts on Instagram. The threshold for engagement for a user of one of these platforms is extremely low. In social media and entertainment platforms like these, the user isn’t required to do anything to interact with what is happening on the screen. The same can be said for television programmes. In each instance, the user isn’t required to interact with the programming presented, and no skills are gained in the process. They are consuming viewed material rather than having meaningful interaction that facilitates creating and discovering new skills. This passive consumption of technology isn’t healthy or appropriate for young learners, and the lack of engagement may be more detrimental than the hours spent in front of screens, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. At home and in the classroom, passive screen time could include watching too much television, social media scrolling or playing non-educational games on a tablet or phone. Active Technology At the other end of the spectrum is active technology, which can be used as a learning tool by parents and teachers to engage children in specific learning activities that develop skills meaningful to student development. Those tools can be delivered through various kinds of devices – tablets, computers, televisions and mobile phones. A number of large-scale studies have shown that integrating educational technology into a student’s life can improve academic outcomes, according to the Brookings Institution, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. The key is using the devices and the programmes on them for constructive use that engages the students in a meaningful way and encourages learning, creativity, active play and exploration. Technology can make many aspects of a child’s life more accessible and convenient – even practicing their Kumon. Just like with paper Kumon worksheets, students using Kumon Connect attend class at their local Centre twice per week and do homework the other five days; the difference is they do their worksheets on the tablet. After assignments are submitted, they are graded within 24 hours, and students are notified if corrections are necessary. The student’s next assignment will be ready when they sign in. Instructors can replay the work of completed assignments to see skill development and provide feedback, and parents can see their child’s progress in real time on the app. Engaging technology can be fun. Digital games and online videos provide an outlet to let children visually learn and reinforce educational concepts like sharing, collaboration and problem solving. Online audio programmes help younger students with auditory cues and instructions that give them a more immersive learning experience. These games and audio books develop similar skills but also provide a chance for the student to hear proper pronunciations and the ability to speak with the instructor or programme. Virtual reality and augmented reality experiences also provide for other active learning experiences where children are surrounded, through a headset, in a virtual learning environment. This allows them to be able to see and visit places they otherwise wouldn’t experience outside the digital realm, like zoos, aquariums, historic sites or outer space. Conventional thinking might lean toward an oversimplification of how digital devices and screen time should apply to students. While no child should be figuratively glued to a phone, tablet or computer, for the next generation of students to miss out on a digital world that encourages educational experiences would be a shame. As mentioned above, Kumon has introduced worksheets in a digital format via KUMON CONNECT, making Kumon’s tried and tested worksheets even more accessible and convenient for students to study using their tablet and stylus. To find out more visit www.kumon.co.za/kumon-connect/    This article is courtesy of the Kumon North America website* _________________________________________________________________________________ * https://www.kumon.com/resources/active-technology-can-benefit-students-in-a-digital-world-2/?doing_wp_cron=1714137736.1361100673675537109375 

May 8, 2024

Myth: I Can’t Study For a Maths Exams

Many children have a misconception about preparing for a Maths test or exam. You can’t study if the teacher will change the numbers of the sums covered in class, right?! Study the Formulas, Know the Rules The truth is that the actual content that needs to be committed to memory is far less than for a content-based subject such as History. However, a child would not be able to come up with the Pythagoras theorem on their own in a test or exam. This needs to be memorised in advance. If a child is uncertain whether x plus x = x2 or x times x = x2, he or she has no chance of being able to solve algebraic equations based on this rule. Keep a Record Encourage your child to keep a record of rules, formulae and theorems. This is will be the summaries which need to be memorised prior to a test or exam. Once all the learning content is summarised, it reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed prior to a test or exam. Practice, Practice, Practice Previous test or exam papers with detailed answer keys are the best way of testing whether a child understands all the concepts covered and whether the rules and formulae are applied correctly. If a child does not have access to a detailed answer key, he or she has no way of knowing where they made a mistake or trace back their steps.  Success in Maths is based on consistent effort and doing as many examples as possible to reinforce a concept. In a nutshell, yes, Maths is indeed a learning subject! 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.

April 18, 2024

The Surprising Benefits of Extra Lessons

Nelson Mandela once said  “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.  Education is not only developed through the amount of words on a page or number of pages in a book; but also through one’s confidence in their ability to learn. In the fast-paced and competitive world of education, parents are constantly seeking ways to provide their children with a competitive edge. One avenue that has gained increasing popularity is enrolling children in extra lessons outside of regular school hours. These supplementary classes, whether in subjects like math, science or language arts can have a profound impact on a child’s academic success and overall development. In this article, we will explore the myriad of benefits that extra lessons offer to school children and why parents might consider incorporating them into their children’s educational journey. Extra lessons help build the foundation of a child’s confidence – children feel more valued as their time is spent with a smaller student-tutor ratio. Extra lessons provide additional support in homework, test preparation, additional reviews as well as a stronger drive for the child to perform his/her very best. The confidence experienced is indispensable for the child, and the success of each child is focused on without distraction.  Extra lessons can help to save time and effort, especially in busy homes where parents have limited time to help their children with schoolwork. As private tuition generally takes place in a quite area or even at home, students feel that they have a safe environment for open discussion, they will be more willing to ask questions with confidence and will experience a freedom of speaking out. Extra lessons allow for teaching through innovative methods and tutors are more than willing to experiment with new teaching styles that work more effectively for their individual students. Personalised lesson plans One of the key advantages of extra lessons is the opportunity for personalised lessons which create a learning experience tailored to your child’s individual needs. In a traditional classroom setting, teachers are faced with the challenge of accommodating a diverse range of students learning styles, needs and work pace. In contrast, extra lessons are either done in small groups, or individually, which allows tutors to adapt their teaching methods to suit the individual child’s needs. This individualised attention helps children to grasp challenging concepts more easily which in turn builds a solid foundation for future learning to take place. Improved study techniques Tutors build good relationships with the students they teach. This enables the tutors to understand how each child learns best. They have the time and capacity to guide their students in the best study techniques. Most tutors are equipped with knowledge, skills and resources to bolster a child’s study techniques. Learning this lifelong skill effectively has a lasting impact on a child’s education. Increased self confidence Confidence is a cornerstone of academic success. Sadly, many children struggle with feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, particularly in subjects they find difficult. Extra lessons offer a safe and supportive environment for children to tackle their weaknesses head-on, free from peer judgement or time constraints. Success breeds confidence! As students grasp difficult concepts and see improvement in their academic performance, they gain a sense of accomplishment. This newfound confidence often extends beyond the classroom, positively influencing other aspects of their lives. A confident child is more likely to actively participate in class, ask questions and approach challenges with a positive mindset. Improved academic results The most obvious benefit of extra lessons is the positive impact they have on a child’s academic performance. Whether a child is struggling with a specific subject, or aiming to excel in a particular are, the additional instruction outside of the classroom can help to make a significant difference. The focused and targeted approach of extra lessons helps to reinforce core concepts, fill gaps in knowledge and provide additional practice, all of which contribute to improved results and a better understanding of subject content. Increased responsibility Enrolling in extra lessons requires a commitment of time and effort, which fosters valuable skills such as time management and discipline. Children learn to balance the demands of school work, co-curricular activities and extra lessons, which develops important life skills that will serve them well in the future. The structured nature of extra lessons creates a sense of responsibility and helps children understand the importance of setting goals, managing their time and staying organised.  Increased determination to succeed In the age of digital distractions and instant gratification, cultivating a genuine passion for learning has never been more critical. Extra lessons have the power to reignite this spark by infusing subjects with creativity, enthusiasm, and real-world relevance. Extra lessons prioritise meaningful engagement, employ interactive activities, hands-on experiments, and interdisciplinary approaches to captivate young minds. By instilling a love for learning from an early age, extra lessons lay the groundwork for a lifelong journey of curiosity, exploration, and intellectual fulfilment. A safe space to ask questions Every child is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. Extra lessons recognize this individuality and offer tailored support to address each child’s specific needs. Whether it’s providing additional practice exercises, adapting teaching methodologies, or offering one-on-one guidance, tutors can personalize the learning experience to maximize each child’s potential. This personalized approach extends beyond academic pursuits, fostering holistic development by nurturing essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. By catering to the diverse needs of every learner, extra lessons unlock a world of opportunities for personal growth and development. In the modern educational landscape, the quest for academic excellence is a journey that both parents and children embark upon together. As parents, we constantly seek avenues to enhance our children’s learning experiences and equip them with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. By harnessing the power of supplementary learning, we empower our children to unlock their full potential and embark on a journey of lifelong learning and achievement.

March 7, 2024

The Difference between Tutoring and Academic Coaching

Tutoring and Academic Coaching both aim to assist students in their academic endeavours, but have fundamental differences between them. As parents, we always strive to provide the best support and resources for our children’s academic success. When it comes to enhancing their learning experience, two prevalent approaches come to mind: tutoring and academic coaching. While both methods aim to assist students in their academic endeavours, it’s vital to recognize the fundamental differences between them. In this article, we’ll explore the distinctions between tutoring, a traditional approach focused on grade-level academic content reinforcement, and academic coaching, an innovative approach to learning which emphasizes building executive function skills, learning skills, and applying research-based strategies and tactics to foster your child’s independence as a strong learner. Let’s unpack the difference between Tutoring and Academic Coaching: Tutoring: Re-teaching academic information  Tutoring has long been recognized as a traditional method that primarily focuses on reinforcing grade-specific academic content. Tutors provide additional instruction and explanations on specific subjects or topics where a student may be struggling, may have missed a class, or did not understand the information or concept the first-time round.  This one-on-one or small-group setting allows students to receive personalized attention and clarification on difficult or missed concepts. Tutors often work through homework assignments, review class materials, and help prepare for tests or exams.  Tutoring can be valuable in reinforcing understanding and improving grades in specific academic subjects. Academic Coaching: Building Essential Learning Skills for Lifelong Learning  On the other hand, academic coaching takes a more comprehensive approach, aiming to develop essential skills beyond academic content. Academic coaches work with students to build executive function skills, learning skills, research-based strategies and tactics that empower them to become strong, independent learners who are able to easily catch up and keep up with their academic work.  Here are some key aspects of academic coaching: Academic Coaching: Academic coaching represents an innovative approach to learning. It goes beyond the traditional content-focused approach and aims to develop essential skills that empower students to learn independently, an essential skill for long-term academic success. Executive Function Skills Development: Academic coaching places a strong emphasis on developing executive function skills. These skills encompass time management, organization, goal-setting, learning skills, and self-regulation. By honing these skills, students learn how to manage their time effectively, stay organised, set realistic goals, and adapt their study strategies accordingly. Research-Based Strategies and Techniques: Academic coaches provide students with a range of research-based strategies and tactics to optimize their learning experience. These strategies go beyond simple memorisation and encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective, research-based study methods and strategies. Independence and Lifelong Learning Skills: Academic coaching strives to foster independence and instil lifelong learning skills in students. Coaches empower students to take ownership of their learning journey, encouraging them to set realistic goals, develop self-discipline, and take initiative in their academic pursuits. By building these skills, academic coaching equips students with the tools they need to thrive academically and beyond. While tutoring remains a valuable approach for reinforcing grade-level academic content and improving grades for a specific subject, academic coaching represents an innovative and comprehensive long-term approach to learning.  Its focus on executive function skills development, learning skills development, research-based strategies, and fostering independence sets it apart. As parents, consider exploring academic coaching as an investment in your child’s future. It provides them with the necessary skills to become strong, independent learners, ready to face challenges with confidence.  With its growing popularity worldwide, academic coaching is revolutionizing the way students approach learning, paving the way for lifelong success and personal growth.

March 1, 2024

Developing Crucial COMPREHENSION Skills – Bedtime Story Edition

The Primary Goal of Primary School Jimmy sat on the edge of the playground. He looked at the other children playing on the swings while eating his lunch alone. Question 1: Where did Jimmy sit? Answer: He sat on the edge of the playground. Question 2: Why do you think Jimmy sat alone? Answer: He sat alone. Teachers read answers such as these all the time, too many times and realise that the harvest is big and the labourers few. Over the last few years, we have been bombarded with depressing statistics of the decreasing reading levels of school-going children and university students. This leads one to ask the question why we are facing the situation despite an updated curriculum, teachers’ efforts and parents spending hours doing homework at home. Unfortunately, analysing the situation will not lead to a solution, but forces us to think of what should be done. Simply put, children cannot read or can read and have no idea what they read. Reading with insight and reading “between the lines” have become a skill that only a handful of children can apply. We don’t have to dig deep to find the reason for this phenomenon but thank your “digital nannies” for keeping our children occupied. Parents should not underestimate the value of good old-fashioned bedtime stories. However, simply reading bedtime stories is not enough. Children need to interact with stories and parents can use story time as an opportunity to develop comprehension skills. At the beginning of a story, ask the following questions: Look at the cover and tell me what you think the story is about. What characters will be in the story? While reading, it is important to ensure that the child follows the story, understands the words, and can make predictions about what could happen next. Ask leading questions, such as: What does this word mean? What do you think the boy or girl felt like when that happened? What would you have done if you were in his shoes? Why do you think the character said that? How can the character solve this problem? Ask follow-up questions after your child has answered a question, such as: What makes you think that? What do you think would have happened if the wolf did not eat Grandma? When you turn to the next page, you can ask: What do you see in the picture?  What do you think will happen next? Reading with understanding is not only beneficial for developing reading comprehension skills, but also helps a child in other subject areas. Parents often say that their children can do Mathematics, but just struggle with word problems, without realising that reading comprehension skills form the basis of solving word problems. Content-based subjects, such as Science, also rely on extracting important facts, making connections, and making inferences. “Fluit-fluit, my storie is uit!” 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.

February 27, 2024

Unlocking the power of reading

READING … It has been said that in Grade 0 – 3 a child learns to read and from Grade 4 up, they read to learn. Learning to read is different from learning to communicate. Children are born with the inherent ability to learn to communicate, but they are not born with the inherent ability to learn to read. As such, teaching reading needs to be systematic and intentional.  Sadly, for many of our children, they miss out on the foundations of learning to read which impacts negatively on their ability to learn throughout life. Although accurate statistics are hard to come by, the evidence is conclusive that South Africa’s rate of illiteracy in our schools it frighteningly high. In 2021, the Progress of International Literacy (PIRLS) study reported that 80% of students in South Africa, in Grade 4 were illiterate! This is beyond frightening and we need to systematically and intentionally intervene to turn the tide of growing illiteracy.  In a world dominated by screens and soundbites, the art of reading seems to be fading into the background. Yet, it’s importance remains as crucial as ever. Learning to read properly isn’t just about deciphering words on a page, it’s about unlocking a world of possibilities, expanding horizon and empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and insight. The Gateway to Knowledge Reading is a key that opens countless doors to knowledge, wisdom and imagination. From textbooks to literature, news articles to scientific papers, reading with comprehension allows a person to access to a wealth of information. Mastering the skill of reading is paramount! It takes a child beyond the doors of their classrooms into a world of possibilities.   Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” — Frederick Douglass   Empowering Critical Thinking Reading isn’t merely about absorbing words. It’s about engaging with ideas, analyzing perspectives and challenging assumptions. Proper reading comprehension cultivates critical thinking skills essential for navigating an ever increasingly complex world. Student who can read effectively are better equipped to evaluate information critically, discern fact from opinion, and form their own well-informed judgments. Fostering Empathy and Understanding Literature has the power to transport readers into the lives of others, which fosters empathy and understanding. Through the pages of novels, short stories and poems, children encounter diverse characters and perspectives, gaining insights into different cultures, experiences and emotions. These literally journeys broaden children’s worldview and cultivate empathy, which is a vital attribute for building harmonious relationships and thriving in a multicultural society. Enhancing Communication Skills Reading also extensively is a cornerstone of success in both academic and professional realms. Reading extensively exposes students to various writing styles, vocabulary and sentence structures, which enhances their own language proficiency. Furthermore, exposure to well-written texts serves as a model for developing coherent arguments, articulating thoughts clearly and communicating ideas persuasively. These are skills which are invaluable in academic essays, presentations and other everyday interactions.  “Children are made readers in the laps of their parents.” -Emilie Buchwald Fuelling Imagination and Creativity Books are portals to boundless worlds limited only by one’s imagination. Through the pages of fiction, students embark on fantastical adventures, explore distant galaxies and immerse themselves in richly imagined landscapes. Reading stimulates creativity, igniting the imagination and inspiring individuals to think innovatively. For students nurturing creativity through reading fosters a sense of possibility and fuels their aspirations for the future. Building Resilience and Grit The journey of learning to read proficiently is often fraught with challenges – encountering unfamiliar works, grappling with complex concepts and overcoming moments of frustration. Through perseverance in the face of these obstacles that resilience and grit are forged. Students who persist in honing their reading skills develop the confidence to tackle academic challenges head-on and the resilience to navigate setbacks with determination. Cultivating Lifelong Learning Reading is not merely a skill to be mastered in school but is lifelong companion on the journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Students who cultivate a love for reading are more likely to become lifelong learners, continuously seeking out new knowledge and experiences beyond the confines of formal education. Whether delving into non-fiction to expand the expertise or losing themselves in the pages of fiction for pure enjoyment, the habit of reading enriches their lives immeasurably. In an age dominated by rapid technological advancements, the ability to read properly remains a timeless and indispensable skill. For children, mastering this skill is not just about meeting their academic requirements but about equipping them with the tools needed to thrive. By unlocking the power of reading, children embark on a journey of discovery, a journey that transcends the confines of the classroom and shapes the course of their lives.   And all this begins by parents developing a love of books in their children!

February 15, 2024

How Small Group Tutoring Can Help Your Child

If your child is struggling in class and needs help with English and maths skills, small group tutoring can help them catch up, keep up and get ahead. What is small-group tutoring? Small-group tutoring typically means a small student-to-teacher ratio, that is, a small number of students working with one teacher. It mimics the familiar dynamic of a classroom, but operates on a much smaller scale, allowing for one-on-one attention as well as time for independent learning. Why do students need tutoring? Unfortunately, many students fail to develop essential skills in English and maths. A recent report by the Grattan Institute says, “Studies estimate that typically about 20% of students will need additional learning support, on top of universal classroom instruction, to develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills.”  What are the benefits of small-group tutoring? Small group tutoring offers a more personalised experience, increased attention and a learning programme individualised to a child’s learning needs. This approach includes the one-to-one support needed to achieve students’ learning goals, as well as time for the student to work independently on tasks and build confidence. Small group allows tutors to observe learning in action. The tutor can closely monitor individual progress, identify areas of improvement, and provide constructive feedback. Small group tutoring means students are not learning in isolation. Students actively participate in a group setting which builds confidence and a sense of belonging. It is no surprise that small group training is becoming a popular option in education to help students falling behind in essential English and maths skills. In fact, a 2021 review of international evidence by Australian-based organisation Evidence for Learning showed small group tuition can boost student learning by as much as four months, on average, over the course of a year! How does Kip McGrath small group tutoring work? Kip McGrath has used this trusted method to successfully deliver foundational learning and has the track record to prove that this approach works. Over the past 45 years, Kip McGrath has helped millions of children catch up, keep up, and achieve their learning goals. Kip McGrath programmes are designed for success and are individually created for your child’s learning needs and their own style of learning. Kip McGrath offers a free 40–60-minute ability assessment with a qualified teacher to identify your child’s learning gaps and then start them at the correct level. Our weekly tutoring sessions run in small groups of up to five for approximately 60 minutes. Students have the flexibility to receive their tuition either in a local centre or online via our purpose-built online tutoring platform. They may also receive a combination of both. Weekly sessions are fun, and engaging and include a mix of computers, written work, short-burst activities, one-on-one time, and feedback. Importantly, they also include independent learning to build confidence and increase self-esteem. One topic is covered per tuition session allowing for focus on the subject matter and students have the same teacher every lesson, which helps build a trusted relationship. The tutor will set goals, and timeframes and keep parents updated with progress reports along the way. “Small group tutoring at Kip McGrath has been an absolute godsend for my daughter. With their unwavering support, she has gone from having severe anxiety and panic attacks regarding mathematics to an extremely happy and confident young lady who can now tackle any math equation that comes her way.” Crystal Sargeant Book a free learning assessment today. If your child is struggling in class and needs help with English and maths, small group tutoring can help them catch up, keep up and get ahead. If you’d like to book a free English and/or maths assessment for your child with a qualified teacher, please book an assessment. The assessments take approximately 40 to 60 minutes and can be completed at any one of our Education Centres or be done online.  

February 9, 2024

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

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
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