Why I Prefer Pre-Teaching to Remediation for Struggling Students

We’re all terrible at something. For me, the list includes mini-golf, piano, and the torturous mash-up of yoga, ballet, and Spanish Inquisition techniques known as “Barre3....read more

Choosing a Private School

Living on a budget should not mean having to compromise on your children’s education. Choose a private school that offers high academic standards, a comprehensive curriculum and enriching extracurricular activities – all without stressing your bank account.

5 Ways the Carden Method Helps Your Child Go to College

1. Well-Rounded Development

The Carden Method emphasizes above all the development of the child as a whole, with attention given to academic rigor as well as meaningful extracurricular activities that continue to enrich and develop. Colleges look not just for academic excellence but also for individuals who demonstrate diverse interests and maturity. Carden graduates embody both these traits.

2. Foreign Language Proficiency

From an early age, Carden schools incorporate crucial subjects that other schools tend to treat as non-essentials. Carden students are typically proficient in at least one foreign language, as well music and poetry.

3. In-Depth Understanding of Western Civilization

Carden students graduate with an in-depth knowledge of the Latin language. This knowledge of Latin is vital to a true understanding of many aspects of Western civilization, preparing the high-school graduate for a college curriculum.

4. Excellent Learning Skills

The Carden method approaches learning as a way of thinking and assigning meaning. Carden students graduate not just with specific knowledge, but also with skills that enable them to gain new knowledge and understanding.

5. Mastery of Core Subjects

Many students graduate high school without adequate preparation for college. While some colleges offer remedial courses, others simply reject such students. Carden school graduates, on the other hand, gain proficiency in the core subjects above and beyond the level required for college admissions, and frequently are able to bypass introductory courses.

College preparation does not begin with your child’s senior year in high school; it begins on the first day of kindergarten. To find out more about the Carden method school in San Jose, visit this website.

Tips for Developing Your Preschooler’s Pencil Grasp

With the amount of writing your preschooler will do in school, it is important he or she develops a proper and strong pencil grasp. One way to do this is by using mini pencils and crayons instead of jumbo-sized ones.

Five Summer Activities That Will Help Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten This Fall

The first day your child goes to kindergarten is a much anticipated (and sometimes emotional) milestone. Whether your child is enthusiastic or apprehensive about going, it is best to prepare him or her during the summer for the upcoming kindergarten life. These five activities will help your child learn the skills needed to adjust comfortably to school.

First, begin each morning by reviewing the calendar. You don’t need a fancy classroom type. Buy a themed wall calendar or make your own with your child. Say the current day, month, date, and year and point out the previous and following days. Use fun stickers to mark holidays and special dates and to count down the days until school starts.

Second, practice handwriting and spelling using summertime activities instead of a pencil and paper. Have your child write words on the sidewalk with chalk, a paintbrush and water, or shaving cream. Show your child how to trace letters in the wet sand at the beach with a stick. Find smooth rocks in the yard, let your future kindergartner paint letters on them, and spell out words.

Third, teach phonics through a scavenger hunt. Place the letter-painted rocks in a bucket and have your child pick one out to determine the letter sound you two will search for. Then look around the neighborhood for things that start with that letter. Pick a new letter each day until you’ve gone through the whole alphabet. Remember to include the digraphs ch, sh, and th.

Fourth, introduce simple math and science concepts while playing outdoors. Identify numbers on houses and road signs. Count how many times your child can jump rope. Sort objects you find outside by color, shape, or size, and point out the groups with the most and fewest items. Look at bugs and plants underneath a magnifying glass and discuss what you see. Describe the daily weather conditions. Nature is an amazing and free classroom!

Finally, don’t forget practical and social skills your new kindergartner will need to use without your help. Teach your child how to tie shoelaces, use buttons and zippers, and open and close food containers. Practice good manners such as waiting in line and saying excuse meto get someone’s attention. Help each other clean up messes to encourage teamwork and responsibility.

Summer will be over before you know it and soon you’ll be waving goodbye to your little kindergartner. By doing the above activities with your child the months before, you can have the confidence that he or she will be ready for and excel in school. To learn more about a toddler preschool in Cary, visit this website.

American Music Teacher

The purpose of American Music Teacher is to provide articles, reviews and regular columns that inform, educate and challenge music teachers and foster excellence...read more

What You Can Do to Relieve Your Preschooler’s Separation Anxiety

Naturally, your child feels safe and comforted being with you. When it is time to go to preschool, your child may experience separation anxiety. This is particularly likely if your child has not been separated from you before for long periods of time multiple days a week. You can make the transition smooth by doing the following:

• If extended separation is unfamiliar, get your child used to it by leaving him or her with a trusted adult and progressively increasing the time and frequency.
• Do preschool activities together to introduce the fun things he or she will experience in school and to build up excitement.
• Take your child in advance to meet the teachers and tour the facility.
• Once it’s time to drop off your child, use uplifting language. Saying not to worry or be upset is not reassuring, but rather reinforces those feelings. Focus on the fun of preschool instead to reignite excitement, such as “Have fun coloring! I would love to see your picture when I pick you up.”
• Give your child a special trinket, like a charm bracelet or backpack keychain, to serve as a comforting connection to you while you’re away.
• Don’t force your child if he or she is not ready. Some children just need more time before they are emotionally prepared to leave their parents, and that’s okay.

Separation anxiety is a normal phase most children go through sometime in their lives. You can make it less challenging and empowering for your child so he or she can handle the next stage in life with confidence. To learn more about relieving your preschools in Cary, visit this website.