How to Give Your Child’s Education a Boost in 2010!

Posted on 11. Jan, 2010 by Editor in Home Schooling, Local, Parenting

New Year’s Resolutions: Giving Your Child the Help They Deserve

Trends in education

As parents we strive to have the very best available for our children. As educators we want to encourage learning beyond the classroom. As legislators we fight against the ever increasing budget cuts that – despite our genuine efforts to keep up with the demands – threaten to strangle our educational system.

2nd Grade Math

Fueled by fears of recession are new fears that our traditional education system may not remain adequate equipping our children for their future. Traditional classroom settings cannot always cover all important areas of education any more; and were never meant to be. Competition is the work force is fierce. So we want to prepare our children as best as we can, exposing them to the most up-to-date technologies and trends.

Pro-active parents will not sit around waiting for some one else to provide a solution. They go out and find a solution that will support and challenge their children in their path of learning.

CIDA News wants to highlight one such program that we would rate 5 Star for interactive educational value: Time4learning.

Parent Tools & Lesson Plans

Time4learning is a computer-based, interactive learning program that brings learning sequences to the general public. The curriculum provided is current and comprehensive for all major subjects. It is also divided into chapters and sub-chapters in such a manner that it can be used as both a complete curriculum, or to review only single aspects. It is extremely easy to navigate, and has separate parent and student log-in for ease of use and record keeping.

At the same time it is graphically appealing and performs interactive functions without any glitches; unlike some other learning oriented resources. No time is wasted for loading graphics or sound. We found the lessons to be stimulating, challenging and yes, entertaining. As did the children we interviewed.

Fifth Graders Economics Project

A group of fifth graders used the Economics’ module to prepare for a neighborhood sale project. Not only did they enjoy the “Lemonade Stand” and Hot Chocolate Sale” illustration in the lesson; they found it close to home and something they could easily understand. Had they not actually sold lemonade at a garage sale not too long before.

They learned about the “cute factor” – in the example a puppy dog face on the cup – and how it positively influences sales volume. When they finally went out to sell their own product in the neighborhood, they applied the “cute factor” in a different way: taking along their 5 year old brother. He also got to explain the benefits of their product. His presence increased their sales dramatically.

This program has a wide range of uses from a complete at-home alternative to the traditional classroom setting, or just some extra practice for after school or summer school. The customer support is live and outstanding. It is reasonably priced and well worth the little extra expense. There are no mandatory sign-up periods; use it one month or several, there is no long term obligation. The company even offers a 14 day money-back guarantee, but we have yet to speak to someone who was not completely satisfied.

50 States in 50 Days – What is Memorable in the Eyes of a Child?

Posted on 08. Jan, 2010 by KG in Education, Parenting, Product Review

What started at age five with a talking map puzzle five years later has blossomed into a creative writing exercise. No longer is it just a metallic voice that informs us in a somewhat monotone singsong: “Nevada. The Silver State. State Capital: Carson City.

“ Don’t get me wrong. At age five and six our kids knew more about the 50 States than most, thanks to just that puzzle. As did we, and our cats, who, without fail, would walk across it in the middle of the night, no matter how high up we shelved it. We would then wake up to the sounds of „America the Beautiful“ . No “Off” button; the only downfall of this puzzle map. But I digress.

Now our children have been assigned a school project: Learn quick facts and interesting things about each of the 50 States in 50 days. So they dig into the depth of the encyclopedia, or its computerized counterpart, Wikipedia, Google the net for fun facts and pictures, and try to make intelligent notes of things worth memorizing.

We hope you enjoy our experience of traveling the 50 States in 50 days!

How To Find A Day Care That Fits Your Needs

Posted on 01. Jan, 2010 by Kelly Mayberry in Parenting

When looking for the right day care you also need to think about your child’s character. If they are timid, then a big child care center may  cause them  distress. If they are outgoing, then a child care center with plenty of kids could be right up their alley. If you choose a center based on your child’s character, then you are less likely to have a child that resists going.

You can also contact your local Department of Human Services for a list of child care centers that are registered with the state. State registered day care centers have to comply with strict regulations and child care standards.

When you have shortlisted a number of day care centers, then it is time to pay them a visit and check out their facilities, resources and staff. Meeting the carers that would look after your child is important so that you can judge the type of rapport your child could develop with them. Often your intuitive feeling about a place will be correct, so if there is something you can’t place that you do not like about a center, then cross it off your list.

Timing is of the essence. Once you know that you will need child care, try to organize it as far enough in advance as possible because vacancies are very often limited. With a little research and preparation finding the right child care does not have to be stressful.

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