Educational

Why Exercise is Important for Children’s Education

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Regular exercise has been linked to improvements in skills like attention control and working memory. These cognitive abilities are essential for effective studying, problem-solving, and maintaining focus amidst distractions. Exercise can also positively influence sleep quality and duration which are critical factors in thinking clearly and concentration.

Incorporating regular physical activity into children’s routines can have profound benefits for their ability to study effectively. This is why P.E. plays an important role in our children’s lives.

Kristen HarperWhy Exercise is Important for Children’s Education
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Fun Syllable Games for Kids

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Word Building Blocks:

  • Give your child  letter blocks or tiles and multi-syllable word cards. Have them build the words by arranging the blocks according to the syllables. This visual approach helps reinforce the structure of multi-syllable words.

Syllable Clap and Count:

  • Say multi-syllable words aloud and have your child clap or tap out the syllables as they say the word. This helps them break down the word into its individual parts and improves syllable awareness.

Word Race:

  • Divide a group of children into teams and set up a relay race where they have to run to a board, pick a multi-syllable word card, and correctly sound out the word before the next teammate goes up.

Syllable Sorting:

  • Write multi-syllable words on cards and have your child sort them based on the number of syllables. For example, they could sort words into categories of two-syllable, three-syllable, and four-syllable words.

Should your child need help with learning multi-syllable words, contact us at 727-441-4444. Our tutors can help.

Kristen HarperFun Syllable Games for Kids
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Fun Phonics Activities for Kids

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  • Letter Sound Matching:
    • Create flashcards with letters and corresponding pictures of objects that start with that letter sound. For example, a picture of an apple with the letter “A”. Have the child match the letter with the correct picture.
  • Phonics Bingo:
    • Make bingo cards with simple words or pictures representing words. Call out the words or letter sounds, and children can mark the corresponding word or picture on their bingo cards.
  • Alphabet Scavenger Hunt:
    • Hide alphabet cards around the room or outdoors. When children find a card, they can say the letter sound or a word that starts with that letter.
  • Word Family Sorting:
    • Create word family cards with a common ending (e.g., -at, -en, -ig). Have children sort picture or word cards into the correct word family category.
  • Rhyming Games:
    • Play rhyming games where children identify words that rhyme. For example, you can say a word like “cat” and have them come up with words that rhyme, such as “bat,” “hat,” or “mat.”
  • Phonics Hopscotch:
    • Draw a hopscotch grid with letters instead of numbers. Children can hop on the letters while saying the letter sounds or words that start with those letters.
  • Letter Sound Relay Race:
    • Divide children into teams and set up a relay race where they have to run to a board, pick a letter card, and say the letter sound before passing the card to the next teammate.

These games and activities can make learning phonics engaging and enjoyable for young learners, helping them build a strong foundation for reading and literacy. If you need extra help, feel free to call us at 727-441-4444

Kristen HarperFun Phonics Activities for Kids
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Tips for Young Children Learning Addition

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  • Skip Counting:

Instead of counting by ones, try skip counting by twos, threes, fives, or tens. This not only reinforces multiplication skills, but also adds variety to counting.

  • Counting Objects:

Use everyday objects like toys, fruits, or candies to practice counting. This makes the process more tangible and relatable for young learners.

  • Counting with Songs:

Use counting songs or rhymes. There are many educational songs that teach counting in a catchy and memorable way.

  • Number Hunts:

Create scavenger hunts where kids have to find a certain number of items in the house or classroom. This encourages observational skills along with counting.

  • Number Puzzles:

Use puzzles that involve arranging numbers in order. This can be done with physical puzzles or digital ones on educational apps.

  • Number Flashcards:

Create or use number flashcards for quick drills or matching games.

  • Number Line Games:

Utilize a number line for counting activities. You can ask questions like “What comes after/before a certain number?” or play hopscotch on a number line.

  • Digital Apps and Games:

There are numerous educational apps and online games that make counting interactive and entertaining. Look for apps that align with your child’s age and learning level.

Kristen HarperTips for Young Children Learning Addition
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Tips for Learning How to Write in Cursive

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1. Familiarize yourself with the cursive alphabet and letterforms. Pay attention to the different letter connections and shapes. Common connections include the loops at the top of letters like “b,” “e,” and “o,” as well as the tails on letters like “g,” “j,” and “y.” Practice writing each letter individually before attempting to write words.

2.  Make sure to maintain proper posture. Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor and your writing surface at a comfortable height. Position the paper at a slight angle to the left (for right-handed writers) or to the right (for left-handed writers) to improve control and visibility.

3. Cursive writing typically has a consistent slant, usually between 45 to 60 degrees. This slant adds a more elegant and uniform look to your cursive writing. Maintain this slant throughout your writing.

4. Emphasize proper spacing. Space between letters should be consistent, and words should be evenly spaced. Avoid overcrowding or excessive spacing between words.

5. Control your speed. Take your time when practicing cursive. Speed will come naturally with practice, but initially, focus on forming each letter correctly. Write slowly and deliberately to improve your control and legibility.

6. Develop your signature style. As you become more proficient in cursive, you can develop your unique style. Experiment with the shape and size of your letters to create a personalized script.

 Remember that the goal of cursive writing is not just legibility but also aesthetics. Take pride in your writing, and over time, you’ll develop a unique and beautiful cursive script. If your child needs help learning cursive, call us at 727-441-4444.

Jen NickersonTips for Learning How to Write in Cursive
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The Link Between Nutrition and Education

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A crucial aspect that often goes overlooked in the quest for academic excellence is nutrition. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in shaping your child’s cognitive development, concentration, and overall ability to learn. Nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are essential for brain development and maintenance.

Inadequate nutrition can lead to cognitive impairments, reduced attention spans, and difficulty in processing information—all of which can hamper a student’s ability to learn effectively.

Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish, nuts, and seeds, are essential for building and maintaining brain cell membranes. Additionally, choline, present in eggs and leafy greens, is crucial for memory and cognitive function.

Balanced blood sugar levels are essential for maintaining focus and concentration. Consuming complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fruits, provides a steady supply of glucose to the brain, preventing energy crashes and the inability to concentrate. Nutrition also has a profound impact on mood and behavior. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can contribute to better emotional regulation and overall well-being.

One of the most crucial aspects of nutrition in education is breakfast. Often referred to as the most important meal of the day, a breakfast with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats provides the brain with the energy it needs to kick-start your child’s day. 

Kristen HarperThe Link Between Nutrition and Education
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Tornado in a Bottle Science Experiment For Younger Kids

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  1. Fill your bottle about ¾ full with clean water.
  2. Add a small squirt of dish soap to your water.
  3. Add food coloring or glitter for a more vibrant effect (optional).
  4. Tightly seal your bottle.
  5. After all of these steps are finished, rapidly spin your bottle in circular motion until you see a tiny spinning tornado!
Kristen HarperTornado in a Bottle Science Experiment For Younger Kids
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