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Annual Guide to Schools Blog
Will Smartphones Make Smart Kids?
Could schools begin integrating Smart devices over computers? There is a large amount of controversy surrounding Smartphone use by kids in school. Many have argued that the technology is distracting and sometimes dangerous when used against other students. However, due to the widespread use of Smartphones, some schools have begun to embrace the technology for the educational benefits it offers.
Continue Reading...Financial Resources and Tax Breaks to Help You Pay for Private School
As a parent, making the decision between public and private school often comes down to finances. We understand that the monetary implications of enrolling your child in private school can be overwhelming, so we have compiled a list of resources to help you lessen the burden of the cost associated with private education.
Continue Reading...Helping Your Kids With Homework
Getting back into the homework habit is one thing many students struggle with at the beginning of the school year. You can help your kids get back into a routine that they can continue to follow for the entire school year. Studies prove that children who complete their home work on a regular basis consistently perform better academically.
Continue Reading...Help Your Child Transition From Summer to School
Transitioning from summer break back to school can be a hectic and stressful time for the entire family. We have some helpful advice for getting your kids ready for the upcoming school year.
Continue Reading...Anti-Bullying Legislation In Canada
Many of Canada’s leading experts are calling for a national strategy to combat the epidemic of bullying in schools. Recent studies have placed Canada in sixth place among 38 countries for the highest rate if bullying for girls in the junior high age range. Other Canadian bullying statistics show that 12 percent of kids are bullied regularly (more than once a week), while 13 percent of kids bully other students regularly. Social media and networking sites are also leading to increased numbers of kids experiencing cyber bullying.
Continue Reading...Should Schools Be Going to Such Extreme Measures in Support of Student Health?
The case for child health (and against child obesity) has always been a controversial topic. The topic itself isn’t controversial, as it is clear that we all want what’s best for our children in terms of their health and wellbeing. The part of the topic that is highly debated is whose responsibility it is to enforce healthy eating habits. Many schools in Canada and the U.S. have taken it upon themselves to create healthier options for school children to select from, but many people have been asking the question, “how far is too far?”
Continue Reading...Pros and Cons of Small Schools
In recent years there has been a growing trend toward smaller school size. Assess the pros and cons of small schools; along with the individual needs of your children, to decide what size school is best for them.
Continue Reading...Keep Kids Learning Over Summer
Your kids have probably been counting down to summer vacation for months, but for most parents, summer brings a constant struggle to keep your children entertained and educated. Research has shown that children actually lose knowledge when they are away from school for long periods of time. Fortunately, there are many ways you can keep your kids occupied and teach them something at the same time.
Continue Reading...Autistic Children Learn to Communicate By Using iPad Apps
Parents of children with autism can spend thousands of dollars on technological devices to help their children learn and communicate. Thanks to some recently released iPad apps, this technology is much more affordable and accessible.
Continue Reading...New Technology Assists Teachers With Understanding Their Classrooms
When new technologies are introduced to the education system, teachers and parents can sometimes remain skeptical as to whether the device will assist teachers, or simply distract students. Devices such as personal computers, tablets, and smartphones are some of the tech pieces that are generally frowned upon in schools. However, every once-in-a-while a new piece of technological equipment (such as the Smart board) comes along and proves to have a high level of educational benefit for both students and teachers. The latest piece of technology that has educational facilities excited is clickers. A clicker is a wireless hand-held device used to engage students, and allows teachers to assess their classroom more effectively.
According to an article on the Globe and Mail online, “clickers were first adopted by university professors teaching large classes with hundreds of students, but now a growing number of elementary and high-school teachers across North America are introducing them as part of the push toward using technology to engage students.” These clickers allow teachers to have short quizzes, or to ask students questions in the middle of a lesson to see if they are following. The article goes on to state “doing instant mini-quizzes helps [the teacher] track when students aren’t grasping a concept – it’s an instant flag stating to go over the material again, or to find another way to explain it.”
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