June 2015 - Edsys

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Edsys

You need quality in anything you invest. Whether it’s the school for your child or the carpet for your house, quality speaks. Since KHDA has taken the responsibility of assuring the quality of private institutions and EYFS made it mandatory to encourage activities among children, tension of parents has reduced considerably.

Education is no longer limited to schools. There is a powerful resource that you can make use of – the Internet. Not just the age old broadband connection with your PC, but an always connected, the world at your fingertips kind of Internet with Smart phones.

From choosing life partner to booking tickets, all you need can be done through a smart phone. Education is also taken to the next level by mobile phones.

Why Mobile Phones?

Most of the parents consider mobile phones as hindrance in education. But truth is different. It’s easy to make the most out of mobile phones in education. The operation systems of mobile phones are purpose-built. All you need is the desire to learn.

How to Use Mobile Phones for Learning?

The use of smart phones is not limited to communication. Educating children is also possible on the go. Mobile phones have taken the concept of learning and the process of learning to the next level.

It cannot be ignored that the most important feature of smart phone is the availability of applications. There are numerous mobile applications waiting exclusively for you in the app stores of different mobile platforms.

Just like going to a shopping mall, you can evaluate and buy applications of your desire.

Advantages That Comes With Applications:

According to a recent survey it is revealed that apps are widely popular among kids in the 5-10 age groups. Parents and junior teachers are encouraged to start using learning apps across the world. Surprisingly the availability of applications for children is expanding. The many reasons for this include:

Apps are interactive
Apps help to prepare children for the future
Tracking your child’s progress is simple
Its fun stuffed learning
Effective use of leisure time
Learning by sharing
Learning is no more a burden
Systematic learning

Easily Reachable Quality Education:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

Can’t afford the best school for your child? Why worry, we have the solution. With smart phone, you can gift a better learning environment for your kids.

Some Added Advantages of Mobile Phones:

Listed below are some of the added advantages of mobile phones. Scroll down, think, and gift a smart phone for your kid today!

Low-cost:

It’s the low cost strategy that makes mobile phones attractive. Within your budget comes a smart phone with multi-purpose usage. Even low cost smart phones can download applications.

Availability:

Mobile phones are small and easy to carry. Anywhere you want to use them, they are available at your service. No need to wait when you feel like learning.

Security, round the clock:

Contacting any person during emergency situations become possible with mobile phones. If they fail to pick up the call, messaging service ensures that the important message is delivered to that person.

Be in touch:

It’s easy to be in touch even with people outside your nation. Growing business network and connecting with social circle is easy beyond what you think.

Internet access:

Imagining life without internet is almost impossible for today’s average person. It is one among the blessings received by mankind. Social networking becomes possible with mobile phones. Enjoy social media on the go with smart phones.

Gift the best to your kids:

Perception is what makes a deed good or bad. Likewise, mobile phones can be used for betterment also. Let your child experience the next level of learning with the best mobile applications. Indeed, mobile phones can make significant contributions to education. The EYFS syllabus is proof of that.

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Edsys

While parents evaluate schools depending on the rating of institutions like KHDA and ADEC, are they giving adequate importance to the mentality of children?

The answer is a plain NO. Even though you come across the mood fluctuations of children, you never take it seriously. To survive in the modern world, surpassing education is not enough; priority goes to the attitude.

One among the most prominent attitude problem in children is the feeling of being a victim – the victim mentality.

What is victim mentality?

Victim mentality is a rotten attitude where your child assumes that he/she is always the victim. That’s far beyond childish. And as a responsible parent, you must not ignore such instincts in your child.

Never ignore, listen!

“It’s not fair!”, “that’s not my fault”, you won’t understand”. These might be some among the countless yelling your child makes when upset. Normally you ignore it or just console them saying that things will be fine. But that’s not enough. The problem is with the mentality of the children. If he thinks himself to be a victim he will begin to feel like one.

But the good news is that you can change your child’s attitude.

Simple steps to set things on track!

“The problem that we have with a victim mentality is that we forget to see the blessings of the day. Because of this, our spirit is poisoned instead of nourished.” – Steve Maraboli

Be Clear:

From their victim behaviour, it is clear that they are unaware about the difference between fair and unfair. With love and care, make them understand that life can be unfair sometimes but not always. Sharing with them your personal experiences of failure is also effective.

Dos and Don'ts while communicating with children

“Life can be biased sometimes, but that doesn’t mean it will be like this forever”

X “There is nothing like fair and unfair, it’s your fault”

2. Solve It

If your child faces any problem that makes him/her the victim, ask them how they are going to deal with it. To run away or to blame about problems is not the right way of dealing it. Encourage your children to keep trying until they succeed.

Dos and Don'ts while communicating with children

“It’s just part of life, how you handle it is important.”

X “You cannot succeed, I knew it”

3. Don’t argue

If you realise that the child is being treated unfairly, never argue with them for the opposite. If his/her teacher is treating your child badly then don’t ignore. Listen to them and talk to them about the problems and make them believe that, you are there for them.

Dos and Don'ts while communicating with children

“It’s not your fault but theirs. Don’t worry about anything. I am here for you”

X “That teacher always treats you badly. I don’t think she likes you”

4. Responsibilities

Taking care of your child every time your child feels a victim is good. But you must never ignore that you should teach them to take responsibilities of their actions as well. It can be chaos at first but later this will fetch confidence and courage in your child.

Dos and Don'ts while communicating with children

Be yourself and that’s not tough

X If you want me to do anything, obey me

#Always remember

Change doesn’t happen overnight. You should bring it and it might take time, but never be disheartened. The core function of our plan is to make our children responsible individuals with a positive outlook towards life.

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow” – Helen Keller

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Edsys

“A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his parents will not have true respect for anyone” -Billy Graham

Parents always choose the best for their children. When it’s about selecting the school, they often depend on institutions like KHDA and ADEC. Choosing the best school is not enough for the betterment of your child. Helping your child to become a better human being must be the top most priority.

Get Best Free Parental Apps (Check it Now)

Most parents are tired of the disrespectful attitude of their children. They believe that there is no way out of it and the only remedy is to ignore. Guess what? You can have control over your child’s behaviour without much effort.

Behaviour that cultivates disrespect in children and ways to tackle them:

Over-react

Children get angry when parents express their frustration in different ways. They find it really annoying when you connect their kiddish behaviour personally or to the next level. Every time your child talks to you and spend time with you, never over-react for the little things you find annoying.

What the child feels: Its better not to communicate with parents, as they won’t understand us.

What you can do instead: Understand their problems. Be a friend to them. You won’t take the jokes and mistakes of your friend personally, right? That’s what works here too. Children might run out of track may be because of their frustration with studies or any other reason. Promote maximum interaction with children. What they need is your time.

Dealing with other people

We understand that you might be tangled with the problems from the boss, loud neighbours and irritating family members. Your possibilities of having a bad day are far higher than your kids. That doesn’t mean you can showcase your problems before your children.

Kids are watching you. Never show your bad behaviour to anyone in front of them. And if you do, don’t be surprised when your kids do the same.

What the child feels: They never feel anything, they just imitate you!

What you can do instead: Be what you want your kids to be. First be a good human being, then a good parent. That’s not hard.

My child can never go wrong

“I will take the side of my child no matter what”, you think your child will love when you do this. Yes, of course but what you are doing to your children is not less than a crime.

For instance, if your children talks disrespectfully about their teachers for giving them tiring homework, never take their side. Even if you know that the home work is hectic, never join with your kid and complain about the teacher. When you take the side of your child, you are showing them that it’s ok to be disrespectful to someone you are angry with.

What the child feels: Its ok to rude to someone you are anger with.

What to do instead: You don’t need to agree with someone in order to respect them. Regardless of how they feel, they should always respect their elders. Teach your child to deal with disagreements appropriately and calmly.

Ignoring the good things

Notice the good things in your child’s behaviour. Appreciate them for their brighter side. Constantly reminding them about their mistakes and flaws can only make things worse. Appreciate them for what they are and not what you want them to be.

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What the child feels: It’s impossible to impress parents. No need to be good all the time because it’s the flaws that always gets noticed.

What you should do instead: Kids respond positively to praise. They feel motivated to be better.

Demanding respect

Demanding respect never works. It’s a misconception of parents that by the authority they can make their children do anything. Ultimately respect is a feeling and you cannot force your child to feel something for you.

What the child feels: It’s just a rule to respect parents.

What to do instead: Make them understand the importance of respect but don’t force them to do so. Let them realise that you are there for them.

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Edsys

EYFS has made student activities compulsory in schools. As a teacher, it’s your responsibility to come up with fresh ideas. Due to their busy schedule, it can be hard for teachers to innovate new ideas. Don’t worry. Internet is here to support you in every possible way.

Since it’s a digital era, students will love to get introduced to new techniques, compared to the passive classroom learning process. Teachers know where to search for that perfect material they want.

Check out some of the fascinating websites that can help you:

1.ReadWrite Think

This site is extremely useful when you have got only specific time to invest on activities. 5-minutes time range ideas are available at the site. Calender activity section is available that allows to tie your reading and writing lessons to seasons, notable people, and multicultural holidays.

2.Reading Rocket

Find well researched answers, if you have got any question about teaching, reading and writing. Professional development videos of education experts, book lists, author interviews, and lesson ideas are available at Reading Rocket. Tips are available at the site that helps teachers to serve children with disabilities and English language learners better.

3.Scholastic

Browsing lesson plans by grade level and subject is possible with Scholastic. There is close relationship between reading, language, art lessons and other subjects. The Book Wizard is a tool for finding the titles of hard-to-please readers and for students who are above or below grade level. It is a top teaching blog that consists of fresh ideas from teachers.

4.School Library Journal

School Library Journal is the very best resource for teachers with readers who are difficult to reach. Kid-friendly comic books and interview with student’s favourite author is available with the site. School Library Journal also provides news about education research, policy, and more.

5.Illuminations

The site belongs to National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. It consists of lesson plans, online games, and brainteasers. Common Core standards, assessments, and links to related lessons are included in the lesson plans, making it easy for teachers to search. It’s easy to share your story of success with other people.

6.Inside Mathematics

Want to think deeply about mathematics? Inside mathematics is one such site that allots “problems of the month”, a section that allows students to think deeply about math problems. Common core standards are available with assessments for second through fifth grades. Example videos of successful classroom lessons are available in the site along with offers teaching support.

7.K-5 Mathematics

Hundreds of math games and activities are at your service ready to be printed in the site. K-5 Mathematics shows different ways in which you can integrate math in classroom. Sections such as math journals, math centers and mental math are available in the website.

8.Soft Schools

It’s easy to find material of all core subjects including maths website. There is a comprehensive section for maths including worksheets. Worksheets are arranged according to topics, and can be printed. There are games too, which can be played by students, without requiring registration.

9.Discovery Education

Fresh ideas as well as free lesson plans in every core subject are available in this website. An activity, evaluation tools, a list of English vocabulary, and links to academic standards are also involved in the plan. By signing up virtual trips, allow students to see new places and hear expert speakers via video.

10.PSB learning Media

There are dozens of education shows on PSB. On this website, you can find clips from the show and share it with students. The site is loaded with activities and links to academic standards. It’s possible to search by grade and subject matter.

11.Smithsonian Education

If you are a teacher looking for a site where you can dig deeply into a subject, Smithsonian Education is the best. Lesson plans along with historical documents and photographs are available for your core subject. Field Trips tab in the site display ways to enrich off-campus journeys.

12.ArtsEdge

ArtsEdge is associated with The Kennedy Center. The site shows how art, music, dance, and history can be incorporated in classroom lessons. Lesson plans with links to videos are available in the site.

13.teAchnology

teAchnology is a simple website that consists of all that you are looking for. It has lesson plans, worksheets along with other resources on subjects like music, physical education, art, and drama. Everything under one roof. Teachers can depend on Technology for the better management of classroom.

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Edsys

Tired of fighting with your problematic child? Both teachers and parents feel the urge to be angry at them, but that’s not the way out. We have better solutions for your problem.

While the quality of education, infrastructure and other facilities in schools are monitored by institutions such as KHDA and ADEC around the world, there is no official body to look at children’s character formation. Follow some simple steps to bring children under your control.

The Magic Is Here:

It’s not that tough to be buddies with your children. All you have to do is to follow these simple steps. Get hold of your children without them realising it.

Here We Go…!

Rule #1 Patience All The Way

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” Joyce Meyer

The first compulsory step is to be patient with your children. It can be bitter but believe us; the fruit is worth the wait. This means that you need to have control over your temperament. Make yourself ready for their problematic behaviour. Do a makeover to your perspective.

Rule # 2 Find the Purpose

“When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.” Anthony J. D’Angelo

The question, why is a child misbehaving is of great importance. There might be some reason for their problematic behaviour. Understand them but never force them to reveal anything. The sooner you know, the better it is. Stay calm and love them for what they are. They must have a sense of belief in you. After gaining that the ball in your court, they will confide in you, making it easy to solve their issues.

Rule #3 No More Bossy Approaches

“Our attitude towards life determines life’s attitude towards us” – John N Mitchell

Yes! That’s right. Do not be bossy over your child; it can ruin your relationship with him or her. Bossing can make children seek revenge. Ask yourself, do you like being bossed by anyone? You don’t. Neither do children. They need love and care. Look forward to maintain a strong and friendly relationship with your children. Don’t treat them as if they are your slaves.

Rule # 4 Shoulders in thick and thin

“To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”- Barbara Bush

When children don’t feel a sense of belonging, they tend to exhibit unacceptable behaviour. Make sure that your children possess a sense of belonging. Never scold a child for unwanted reasons. They should get a natural feeling that they belong to you. Make them feel, how special they are. Rather than just making them guilty for their mistakes, make them realise.

Rule #5 Be the opposite of what they expect

“The moments that you were there for someone in their time of need are the moments that they will hopefully remember most.” -Senora Roy

Normally after doing mistakes, children anticipate your reaction. Afraid about the outcome, most of the times they attempt to hide their mistakes. If you want to restrict them from doing something, then talk in a positive manner. Don’t impose your opinion on your children; let them do the right thing on their own.

Rule #6 Focus on Good

“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” –Mark Twain

There is something good in everything. Instead of focussing on the flaws of your children, focus on their bright side. This gives them confidence. Always being worried about your child can instil in them a feeling that there is something within them to be worried about. The more you worry, the more they will get frustrated.

Summary

Researches show that the most important factor in child behaviour is child-parent relationship.

What a child expects form parents

Love, respect and care
Listen to their feelings
Never yell or shout
Always being positive
Always in a good mood
Never compare with other kids

It’s not that tough to control your child. Follow these simple strategies and let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Edsys

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

Don’t take play that playful. Yes! You heard it right. There are numerous advantages connected with play.

Early Years Foundation Stage syllabus for pre-schoolers ensures fun-based learning experience starts at pre-schools. But are our children learning really well at home?

Even EYFS works better if parents take care to involve their kids in some activities at home. Switch the learning environment of your child from passive to active. If you are short on ideas, here are some useful websites you can take help from.

Best Free Activity Apps (Check it Now)

All about 10 fascinating blogs for kids

Fun At Home With Kids

Fun at home with kids is all-rounder blog managed by Asia, a former teacher. You can find little bit of everything in the blog. Science, art, crafts, sensory play, and small world play, everything is stuffed in the blog. The blog tries to encourage creativity and imaginative play. The aim of the blog is to make play at home fun because it’s not that tough!

Housing a Forest

Housing a Forest is packed with fun filled engaging kids activities. Inexpensive activities that are easy to follow are the highlights of this blog. Tammy Dube is the girl behind Housing a Forest. She is a writer and creator. Make your kids excited about learning with the various activities in Housing a Forest.

Mama. Papa. Bubba

Mama. Papa. Bubba is a charming website about engaged parenting, natural living, overseas living and travel. Healthful recipes, toddler food ideas, and doable DIY projects along with fun crafts and play activities are stuffed in the site. Everything you need under one roof!

Happy Hooligans

Happy Hooligans highlights easy and affordable art and craft ideas for parents to try out at home. The site is managed by Jackie, a mom, wife and day-care provider. The unique activities in the site come straight from the daily activities of Jackie’s home-daycare. She uses everyday items and simple materials for unique activities. The ideas are not only suitable for toddlers and preschoolers but older kids will also love it.

Nurturestore

The creative spirit behind Nurturestore is Cathy. The blog consists of more than 800 play and learn activities for children aged between 0 – 10. Play Planner is a service that you can avail by signing up. It gives fun charged ideas for each day of the week. You can find interesting resources in the site for sure. The blog is loaded with requirements for every child.

Fantastic Fun and Learning

Fantastic Fun and Learning is the blog of Shaunna. There are a wide range of fun stuffed activities and theme-based learning ideas in this blog. The highlight of this website is how it combines art, math, science, and reading ideas to go along with one theme. Fantastic Fun and Learning consists of book ideas, small word play and sensory activities.

Buggy and Buddy

Buggy and Buddy is a fascinating website with extensive resource is managed by Chelsey, a creator, writer, former elementary school teacher and a mother of two. “Creating and Educating with Love” is the motto of the website. Buggy and Buddy is all about nurturing a love for learning in children. It is easy to find crafts and activities in the site that instantly boosts creativity in children.

Learn With Play At Home

Learn with play at home is a handy website for parents. The blog is maintained by Deb, an EYFS Teacher. Learn with Play At Home consists of activities, ideas and tips. Open-ended maths and literacy activities, scientific explorations, cooking fun are the highlights of the blog.

Twodaloo

Twodaloo is a useful blog that focuses on imaginative play, art, nature, and communication skills. The blog is lead by Stephanie who is passionate about play-based learning. Find interesting information regarding early childhood development with Twodaloo.

Dilly-Dali Art

Dilly-Dali Art is the blog of Aleacia, a passionate mom. The blog is a perfect platform for finding unique art projects for kids. The activities in the blog are based on art and love. Art for kids, artists and element lessons for home schoolers and art play in group setting are available in the blog.

These are great blogs, but there might be other cool blogs for children too. If you know of one, please share with us in the comment section.

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Edsys

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”– Joseph Addison

Knowledge and wisdom can never survive without reading. The more you know, the more you grow. Are schools contributing their best for our children?

Early Years Foundation Stage helps to build a better foundation in pre-schoolers by encouraging activities. But that’s not enough. They should be encouraged to read as well. Reading formulates character. Motivating students to do better is more or less the responsibility of teachers.

Check Out 10 Simple Steps that can Motivate Your Students to Read

1.Let Them See You Read

Being an example is the best way to motivate. As a teacher, if you want your students to read, let them learn it from you. Introduce to your students the world of reading. Talk about the books you read and how fascinating reading can really be.

2.Give Them Time To Read, Then Discuss

Always make sure that children read the books before you discuss about it in class. Don’t be in a hurry burry. Sometimes when you talk about the plot, twists and settings of a book, it can ruin the fun of children. Let them read and arrive at their own conclusions.

3.Meet the Author

Invite the favourite author of students to classroom. Let them get a pleasant surprise. Learning more about the books from the author himself can motivate them to read more. Face to face interaction enables interest in students.

4.Teach Them How To Read

Don’t leave them alone with the book: it can be tiring and monotonous. Teach students reading strategies works better. There are online websites out there that can help you with this. From selecting the book to evaluating, you can help them. In fact, teach them to think, to read between the lines and not to blindly trust books.

5.Book Clubs

Setting up book clubs can make the magic happen. It can encourage children to socialise as well as learn about books. Interaction makes reading much more enjoyable. Make sure not to force children to participate in the group. Fascinating activities and games can be arranged in the club to make it interesting

6.Read With Taste

Let children read to their taste. Don’t force books on children. Help them find the books of their interest. Introduce them to different themes. Boost their reading ability. But let them select their favourite from the lot.

7.Up-To-Date

Books can be partners for life but remember that technology has also contributed to reading habits. E-book is a modern day tool that helps students to read well. Children will love to share interesting e-books with their classmates with ease. Upgrade your book worm students to smart readers.

8.Book Series

Introducing children to a book series can be interesting. There are series of novels available with themes ranging from adventures to fantasy. Your only task is to find out the types of books your students love and then introduce the first series to them. They will definitely finish off all the series in no time. Book series results in hunger for reading more.

9.Freedom Of Expression

Allow children to criticize books they have finished. Their experience while reading the book can be positive or negative, that doesn’t matter as long as they are encouraged to speak their minds. The liberty to hate something gives courage to follow the good.

10.Explain About The Goodness Of Reading

The influences of teachers are immense on students. Explain to children the importance of reading. Sometimes introducing them to the facts can encourage them. Let them make reading as a habit or hobby. Knowledge is the new trend.

Read and grow

Attract your children towards the vast ocean of books with these simple steps. No one can take away the power of knowledge from your children. There are a lot of advantages with reading.

Advantages of reading

Mental stimulation
Reduction of stress
Knowledge
Expansion of vocabulary
Improvement of memory
Stronger analytical thinking ability
Improvement in focus and concentration
Better writing skill
Entertainment with a purpose
Upgrade conversation quality

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Edsys

More or less, it’s the responsibility of teachers to ensure better progress of students. At a time when innovative syllabuses such as EYFS and quality control institutions such as KHDA and ADEC are present, a teacher’s job can be challenging.

The effort required to maintain all aspects of education smoothly is quite high. Hence, teachers might not be able to carefully monitor assignments completed by their students. Some children would complete their work by copying it from internet or other source with minimal effort.

No need to worry about tracking the copied stuff. There are sites out there that can help you with this.

5 Awesome tools for Teachers to Check Plagiarism

Be sure about your needs before choosing any plagiarism sites. It’s your responsibility as a teacher to ensure that the assignments allotted to them are carried out effectively.

1.Turnltln

TurnItIn is a popular plagiarism detection product. The software can be used to analyse against a database with billions of web pages, student papers, and academic articles.

Site Facts:

The service can be used in both computer and tablet as it is cloud-based
Educational institutions can avail purchase plans
15,000 institutions round the globe uses TurnItIn
The site shows teachers the percentage of unoriginal content, high lightens the lines in question and serves the source of the original content

It is reported that some followers encountered the problem of showing false plagiarism. This can be resolved by checking the source of plagiarism samples. TurnItIn can only be used by teachers if the school subscribes.

2.PlagiarismChecker.com

The usage of PlagiarismChecker.com is free and simple. Hence, it is one among the favourite plagiarism checking sites for teachers. It has been made keeping in mind the needs of teachers.

Site Facts

PlagiarismChecker.com is free
The site searches phrases rather than whole paper

PlagiarismChecker.com is the best resource to depend if you are looking for a simple reliable plagiarism detector for free. This one will miss plagiarism if children are cribbing their work from resources not freely available online.

Plagtracker

Plagtracker is an effective online plagiarism detection service. The site scans content from more than 20 million academic works. After the scan teachers can obtain a detailed report about the work.

Site Facts:

There are some special features especially for teachers in the site:

Student Management and Tracking System
Custom Filter Setup
Grading System
Live Document View
Bibliography Check
Document Cross-Check

Plagtracker is an effective helping hand for teachers.

4.PlagScan

PlagScan allows teachers to copy paste or upload assignments of students. The web-based plagiarism detector will scan the content.

Site Facts

PlagScan offers the best security for the documents uploaded
The submitted document is compared with a database consisting of billions of other documents
The site allots information about the original source
The search index is regularly updated

PlagScan works on monthly subscription model. Institutions can buy accordingly.

5.The Plagiarism Checker

Plagiarism Checker was developed by a college student and he forgot about the site, then he realised that the site was getting attention among users. The site functions with simple copy-paste method.

Site Facts

The site is free
Plagiarism Checker allows the user to check long posts
Premium users can upload files along with copy-paste option

The site is free and simple, long tests can be checked without error.