Category: News

Here at Academy of Scholars, a private Christian school in Atlanta, we’ve had the privilege of working with many students with dyslexia. While children with dyslexia can often struggle with feeling different from their peers, it’s important for students and parents to realize that this reading-based disability is far more common than you might think. In fact, the International Dyslexia Association estimates that about 15-20% of the population has some form of dyslexia.

Dyslexia at a Glance

Most people understand dyslexia as a condition that causes challenges in reading and writing. But what is it really, and what causes it? Dyslexia is a neurological condition which can hinder the brain from processing language-based information with ease. Those with dyslexia typically struggle with spelling, coherent writing, and reading fluency.

As for the cause, science has yet to fully uncover the answer. However, it is of utmost importance to understand that dyslexia does not indicate a lack of intelligence. In fact, there is compelling evidence that Albert Einstein himself, one of the most brilliant minds in history, actually suffered from dyslexia!

Strategies for Learning with Dyslexia

1. Engage the Senses

Is your child having trouble reading? It might be that a more hands-on approach is needed. Helping children with dyslexia learn to read requires out-of-the-box strategies. As you work with your child, try engaging multiple senses in different ways. For example, have them trace a letter in the sand with their finger while verbally sounding it out. Grab some alphabet soup and practice making words at the dinner table. Or, listen to songs and stories that help build phonemic awareness.

2. Focus on Phonemic Awareness/Phonics

Phonemic awareness is the ability to break words down into separate speech sounds. Phonics is similar but slightly different, in that it deals with the letter-sound connection. Both of these skillsets are critical to fluent reading. As you seek out reading curriculums for a struggling reader, make sure to find one that focuses on both of these skills.

Phonemic awareness will involve separating words into their component sounds and then practicing manipulating those sounds. For example, for the word “through,” a student should be able to identify the /th/, /r/, and /oo/ sounds and then practice adding, removing, and switching these sounds in the word.

Phonics will involve consonant blends, prefixes and suffixes, and rules of the English language (why the “a” in “bake” says /ae/ and why the “ge” at the end of “page” says /j/).

3. Practice Sight Words

Students who have difficulty sounding out words will often resort to memorizing them. This can become an unhealthy crutch that allows them to side-step the process of breaking words into component parts.

A good reading program should prioritize teaching kids how to read unfamiliar words through phonics and phonemic awareness instruction. However, some memorization can be really helpful–especially when it comes to high-frequency words. A student will lose fluency if they have to sound out common words like “about,” “because,” and “although” every time they encounter them.

Find a list of the most common sight words (available on the internet) and practice these words on flashcards with your child.

4. Read in Context

While you’re beefing up a student’s reading strategies, make sure to give them plenty of practice reading. This exposes them to more words, builds their vocabulary, and boosts their comprehension.

When they make mistakes, stop to correct them. You can point to the missed portion of the word and ask them if what they see on paper matches what they said. That way, they’re not reading words incorrectly over and over again.

How a Private Christian Academy Can Offer the Support Your Child and Family Need

A private, Christian education can offer a unique and tailored approach to learning by bringing a biblical foundation to academic excellence. Faith-based learning ensures a holistic approach by focusing not only on body and mind, but on the soul, as well. For students who struggle with dyslexia, a Christian academy can offer the support and encouragement needed for children to thrive in the following ways:

1. Faith-Based Encouragement

Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God has uniquely designed each of us with a purpose, and He doesn’t make mistakes. While cognitive conditions like dyslexia can make certain aspects of learning more of a challenge, a faith-based education will remind children that their struggles will not hinder them from experiencing God’s good plan for them. Students will be equipped with fundamental truths from which they can glean the strength and encouragement they need to persevere.

2. Personalized Learning Plans and Procedures

Private schools often have the ability to offer a more tailored learning approach for the individual student. Here, students will have access to the accommodations needed for academic success.

3. Exceptional Tutoring

The best Christian academies should offer a wide selection of quality tutors to help your child in the areas they might be struggling in. These tutors will be able to give one-on-one support and encouragement to the dyslexia student.

4. Professional Development

Private schools often require more rigorous professional development for their teachers and faculty. Training is targeted to address specific learning needs, such as dyslexia.

It’s no secret that dyslexia can pose additional challenges to a child’s academic experience. But, there’s hope for the struggling student and family. A Christian academy can help overcome this hurdle by providing the tools and encouragement your student needs. With the proper support at home and in the classroom, children with dyslexia can reach their full potential and be equipped to live out their God-given purpose.

Let’s be honest–even as adults, most of us would probably say we wish we had better social skills. Sure, you might be a social butterfly or the most eloquent and charismatic personality. But chances are, you still have those moments after a social interaction where you wish you would have said or done things differently.

You can give your kids an advantage by fostering their social skills at a young age. These “soft skills” will be critical for healthy relationships, academics, and career success.

The term “social skills” refers to a set of learned and developed behaviors that help a child relate to the world around them. These skills include the ability to solve problems, communicate, show empathy, collaborate, and regulate emotions. Social skills develop over time, and the journey for one child will look different from another child’s. Diverse interactions and experiences can go a long way in helping children develop these critical skills.

What are the most important social skills for a child to master?

1. Clear Communication

Even as adults, it can be difficult to articulate what we’re thinking and feeling in a clear and concise way. Healthy social skills involve using respectful language and body language, as well as using active listening.

2. Empathy

Empathy allows us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. It helps us to consider the feelings of others rather than just our own. When children are able to feel empathy for others, they can develop kindness, compassion, and respect.

3. Cooperation

Whether in the classroom, at the park, or at home, it’s important for children to practice cooperation and collaboration by taking turns, sharing, and learning to work together as a team.

4. Problem-Solving

One of the keys to navigating challenges and conflict is found in problem-solving. This key skill is developed through brainstorming, evaluating cause and effect, and considering multiple perspectives and courses of action.

5. Regulating Emotions

Finally, children need to be taught to regulate emotions. While it may not be uncommon for a young child to throw a tantrum or hit a sibling when they’re upset, carrying this kind of behavior into their adult life is problematic. Children should learn that there are appropriate and inappropriate ways to communicate and express emotions.

What are proven ways to develop better social skills in children?

1. Practice Taking Turns

Play games that require children to wait patiently for their turn and watch as their peers have a turn. You can also set a timer and allow children to take turns with a popular toy, explaining that when the timer goes off, it’s time to hand it to the next person.

2. Pretend Play

One of the best ways for children to develop social skills is to let their imaginations run wild. Playing pretend allows them to put themselves into another character, interact with others in new ways, and play out real-life situations in a fun way.

3. Use Videos and Music

When teaching healthy social skills to your child, don’t forget that the internet is full of excellent sources and learning materials. It’s okay to use technology to your advantage! Introduce your child to videos about healthy social skills or listen to music that helps children remember the rules of social behavior.

4. Model and Imitate

Children are most likely to replicate the behavior they see, and this especially goes for social behavior. The best way to teach effective social skills to your child is to model them yourself.

5. Tell a Story

Stories transport us to new places, allow us to experience new things, and help us to put ourselves into different situations. Reading and hearing stories helps children see things from another point of view, consider cause and effect, and develop empathy. When you read, ask questions that will help them connect with the story. Questions like, “How do you think the character feels about that?” or “What would you do in this situation?” can help your child develop better social skills to put into practice in real life.

6. Give Opportunities for Teamwork

The ability to work well with others is a social skill that will help your child succeed in school and the world beyond. But, this skill definitely doesn’t come naturally. Children learn to work with others as they engage in collaborative team-building activities. This can include group projects in the classroom, a shared art project, or games like relay races.

7. Talk About Appropriate Social Behavior

While there are many great ways to show and teach your child appropriate social behavior, it’s also important to talk about it plainly and openly. Make sure your child knows what is expected of him or her in social situations and what kind of behavior is appropriate or inappropriate.

8. Play Social Skills-Targeted Games

Don’t forget to make learning fun! These games (and more) help your child develop social skills in a creative way:

• Simon Says
• Staring contest
• Emotion charades
• Story improv
• Expression mimicking
• Multiplayer board and card games
• Scavenger hunt

9. Put it Into Practice

Now that you’ve given your child the understanding and foundation needed to build their social skills, it’s time to put them to the test! Go on that playdate, join the T-ball team, or get out in the community together. The best way to build social skills is to practice, practice, practice!

Looking for an Atlanta Christian school that emphasizes social skills development along with sterling academics? Contact The Academy of Scholars for a tour.

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Social skills develop over time and vary for each child. Diverse interactions and experiences are crucial for their development. Learn about the most important social skills for children in this infographic.

Is your child having trouble reading? It might help to know that you are by no means alone. A report by The Nation’s Report Card found that 37% of fourth graders in the United States read well below grade level.

Why is it that so many children are severely behind in reading? There are many factors, but here are seven big ones that commonly keep kids from reading to their full potential.

What are the biggest challenges that young readers face?

1. Phonemic Awareness/Phonics

Studies confirm that children who are systematically taught phonemic awareness and phonics have an easier time learning to read than those who lack this foundational knowledge. A child who demonstrates effective phonemic awareness is able to identify, consider, and arrange sounds within words. They are able to isolate individual sounds within a word (what is the first sound in “hat”? /h/) and blend sounds together to form a word. They can also add, remove, or switch phonemes within words.

Phonemic awareness is the foundation to decoding both spoken and written language. However, many children lack the ability to discern phonemes and sequence them together. Explicit instruction and intensive practice opportunities can help fix this.

Phonics is also critical and deals with the relationship between letters and their corresponding sounds. It involves blends, common consonant/vowel patterns, prefixes and suffixes, and spelling rules (like the silent “E” and the C+E = /s/ rule).

Finding a school with an integrated curriculum that teaches both phonemic awareness and phonics is critical to helping children who are struggling with reading.

2. Vocabulary

A robust vocabulary is another essential building block to effective reading. Sadly, many children today possess increasingly limited vocabularies. Here are a few tips for increasing your child’s vocabulary:

• Ditch the baby talk: Try not to over-simplify things when speaking to your child. If your toddler asks for water by calling out, “wa-wa,” respond with, “Would you like some water?” Allow them to learn through context without encouraging simplified words.
• Read aloud: Books allow us to introduce words that might not otherwise come up in everyday conversation and beef up kids’ word knowledge.
• Keep up the conversation: Engage your children in conversation and engage them often. Don’t be afraid to use a developed vocabulary. Your kids will follow your lead.
• Consider context: Before simply offering the definition of a word, ask your child questions to help them consider the context and meaning of the word. Chances are, they’ll be able to figure it out from context clues.

3. Comprehension

Just because a student can sound out and identify words doesn’t mean that they can comprehend what the text is really saying. You can help your child develop their comprehension skills by asking questions while reading.

The following questions will allow your child to stop and consider the material instead of rushing through it:

• “What do you think this story is going to be about?”
• “What do you think will happen next?”
• “What do you think that word means?”
• “Can you picture the scene and tell me what you’re seeing?”
• “Can you explain in your own words what happened or what this passage is trying to say?”
• “Why do you think the character reacted that way?”
• “Why do you think the character said that?”
• “What do you think will happen as a result of what just happened?”
• “Can you summarize the story?”

4. Early Exposure

Some children who struggle with reading did not have a robust early exposure to reading. If you want to set your child up for success, make sure you read frequently at home. Even infants and toddlers can benefit cognitively from being read to. When you read aloud, try using your finger to trace the words as you read slowly and clearly so that your child can begin to follow along.

5. Language Barriers

For more and more children in the United States, English is not the first language spoken at home. While the exposure to multiple languages can be of great benefit to students in the long run, it can make things more difficult as they are learning to read. If your child comes from a bilingual household, consider organizing one-on-one teaching or tutoring for your child.

6. Inadequate Reading Curriculum

Many of the reading curricula still used today are “old school.” They are not founded on the most compelling, current research. If your child is struggling with reading, look into your school’s reading curriculum.

An effective reading curriculum should teach phonemic awareness and phonics without relying solely on “sight words” that kids can memorize. In addition, it should teach comprehension strategies and immerse students in all kinds of literature.

A good curriculum should also track each student’s individual progress and fluency. Testing and analytics show how your child’s reading aptitude compares to their peers’ around the country. It allows the school to know how a child is struggling so that they can shore up weaknesses.

7. Motivation

Even if your child’s school uses the most highly acclaimed reading curriculum, they can only go so far without proper motivation. Here are a few ways you can motivate your child to grow as a reader:

• Provide a diverse range of reading materials.
• Read often and read together.
• Allow your child to pick out books that interest them.
• Set reading goals.
• Offer reading rewards.

Although many children have a hard time learning to read, you can give your child the tools they need to succeed. By helping them build phonemic awareness, master phonics, strengthen comprehension skills, and get exposure to the joys of reading, your child will be more motivated and ready to learn.

Homework. It’s something that kids and parents often dread. Whether in your own grade school years or in your role as parent, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of a late night at the dinner table accompanied by tears and an overwhelming desire to throw in the towel. It can leave parents wondering if homework is really worth the headache, the time, and the drama, especially considering how much time your child spends in the classroom.

Here at the Academy of Scholars, an elementary school in Atlanta, Georgia, we want parents to understand that there’s a purpose in the procedure. Homework allows children the opportunity to commit what they’ve learned to long-term memory. In addition, it fosters crucial skills like organization, time management, and a sense of pride and responsibility in their work.

Understanding the why behind the task can help you and your child come up with a good system for managing homework. With the right tools in your belts, you can create healthy homework habits that will set your grade schooler up for success in the classroom and beyond.

9 Tips for Fostering Healthy Homework Habits

1. Be Available

We know that dedicating time to helping your child with homework can be difficult. You may have spent a long day at work only to come home to more work—making dinner, doing dishes, and attacking a pile of laundry that rivals Kilimanjaro. However, taking the time to help your child stay on task with their homework and guide them through questions and tricky spots will allow your child’s nightly homework session to be shorter and more effective in the long run.

2. Keep It Consistent

Set aside a designated time each day for homework. This might be before dinner or after. Once you’ve picked an optimal time, try to keep it consistent. Children will eventually put up less of a fight to sit down and do their homework when they understand what is expected of them and when. Soon, it will become as habitual as brushing their teeth before bedtime.

3. Combat Chaos

Children learn and work better when their environment is calm and controlled. Homework time should have minimal distractions, which means limiting excessive noise, removing phones, and helping your child stay on track.

4. Designate a Space

Chaotically searching for and clearing a space to do homework each evening can turn anybody off of homework. Decide on a designated space where homework can be done each day and ensure that it is always ready to go.

Help your child keep the area clear of clutter. You can also keep it stocked with the essentials. This might include pencils, rulers, and a good supply of lined paper. In addition, make sure the space has minimal distractions and is near enough for your child to easily ask you for help.

5. Foster Parent-Teacher Communication

One of the best ways a parent can help their child succeed in the homework game is by staying in the know. Make sure you understand what assignments are coming up and when they’re due. Chat with your child’s teacher about any areas where your student might be struggling and need some extra help. If you’re unclear about the directions or expectations for a specific assignment, don’t hesitate to ask.

If your child is old enough, nudge him or her to ask. This independence will serve them well in the coming grades.

6. Equip Your Child with Study Skills

Most people couldn’t sit down at a piano and perfectly play through Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 without any prior training. First, you have to master crucial skills like sight reading and rhythm.

Homework is no different. In order for a child to succeed in their homework, they need to learn the right skills to get the job done. Make sure your student understands how to read actively, take notes, retain information, and ask questions. In addition, study tools like flashcards, highlighters, and sticky notes can give your child an additional advantage.

7. Talk About Tough Spots

Children should understand that struggling to grasp certain academic concepts is completely normal. Rather than getting frustrated when something doesn’t click, make sure your child feels safe to ask questions and seek your guidance.

8. Make It Manageable

Every adult who’s ever had to meet a deadline knows that leaving things until the last minute is detrimental to success and a recipe for stress. Help your child manage their time and workload by calculating the time, effort, and resources needed to complete an assignment. If needed, help them break it up into smaller, more manageable pieces.

9. Keep It Positive

No matter how hard the assignment or frustrating the concept, help your child stay positive about their homework routine. If needed, offer the occasional incentive or reward for completing an assignment or a job well done. Consider your language regarding homework assignments and routines and do your best to keep and encourage a positive attitude. The more positive the overall experience, the easier it will be to create and maintain a consistent and successful homework routine.

Thanks to Hollywood, bookworms haven’t always gotten the respect they deserve. They’re often portrayed as “nerds” or outcasts. And while this may or may not contribute to the aversion that many of the younger generation experience towards reading, it’s far from an accurate picture.

As parents, it’s our responsibility to instill in our children a love and appreciation for reading. After all, it’s one of the most crucial skills they will ever learn and will impact the rest of their lives in massive ways. But before they begin piecing together various letters and sounds to form words, they must first develop a passion for the power of those little markings on the page. Children who develop a love for books at an early age will nearly always experience greater ease when learning to read.

What Is the Most Effective Way to Teach a Child to Read?

By now, you’ve probably realized that the techniques for teaching children to read are extremely vast and varied. While one praises the use of sight words, the other warns that such methods will be detrimental to your child’s learning, and they all promise that their way is the best (and only) way.

What’s a parent to do? Maybe you’ve read the studies behind each technique and have been left with more questions than you started with. You’re so confused, you don’t even know where to begin. If that’s you, you’re far from alone. The early elementary teachers at our private school in Atlanta have met with countless such confused parents. What is the most effective way to teach a child to read? The answer might not be as complex as you think:

Exposure.

When all is said and done, most children aren’t going to develop an affinity for something they haven’t been properly exposed to. If you want children to enjoy reading, make reading enjoyable. Do it together and do it often. Make it a reward rather than a chore or another item of homework to check off the to-do list. Let your child see you curled up on the couch enjoying a good book. By fostering a positive attitude about reading, you’re equipping your child with an attitude for success.

7 Ways to Make Reading Fun and Engaging

1. Read Often

You know how the saying goes: “The more, the merrier.” Try to encourage a lifestyle of reading. Younger children who are still at home have endless opportunities for storytime, but no matter how old your children are, try to set aside time each day for reading without distraction.

Be careful not to sacrifice quality for quantity. Rather than seeing how many books you can rush through before bedtime, milk that book for all it’s worth. Channel your inner actor with varied character voices, change the volume and dynamics of your voice to keep children engaged, and stop to ask questions about the book.

2. Read Together

If you want reading to be a priority for your child, it should also be a priority for you. Set aside time to read together as often as possible. If you can, set aside your phone and anything else that might distract from quality reading time with your child. Choose a chapter book to read together as a family each evening before bed or make a daily routine of afternoon snack and story time.

3. Keep Up the Conversation

Reading requires a diverse vocabulary and understanding of context and language. You can help your child develop each of these things by engaging in frequent conversations. Don’t worry about using words that might be outside of their vocabulary. Instead, introduce new words and ask your child what they think the words might mean based on the context of the conversation. Then, explain the definitions and how they might use them in their own conversations.

4. Reader’s Choice

As parents, it can be easy to do most of the choosing when it comes to books. When you’ve read the same book so many times you could recite it in your sleep, it’s no wonder you want to introduce something different. However, the more freedom a child has in their reading material, the more likely they are to develop a love for reading.

Try to let your child pick out the books that they’d like to read as much as possible, even if it means patiently enduring the same book for the 90th time that week. Don’t worry, it’s a phase.

5. Visit the Library

Not everyone has the money or the space to build an extensive and diverse children’s library in their own home. If you want to provide your child with a variety of books without breaking the bank (or the bookshelf), head to your local library and let your child browse. Kids will enjoy the excitement of new reading material and will always look forward to the next library day.

6. Make It a Privilege, Not a Chore

It can be all too easy to view reading as something you “have to do” rather than something you get to do. But just as most children don’t actively look forward to chores like making their bed or cleaning their room, they won’t look forward to reading if it’s treated as a chore. Treat reading as a reward by offering storytime after they’ve completed a task and gifting them a new book every now and then.

7. Play Reading Games

One of the best ways to turn your child into a certified bookworm is to make reading fun. Today, there are more reading-centered games and activity ideas available than ever before. Games that involve skills such as rhyming, or memory can help children enjoy reading without even knowing they’re learning!

Exposure is a major step in helping most kids to read well and love reading. However, if your child is showing signs of reading difficulties in spite of ongoing exposure, ask about our early reading intervention programs. Early remediation is the key to helping kids overcome reading challenges, and we’re well-equipped to help.

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As parents, it’s our job to help our children love reading. Before they learn to read, they need to love the power of written words. When children love books early, they find learning to read easier. Find out seven ways to make reading fun in this infographic.

Science, to put it simply, is the observation of the world around us. And while textbooks may hold pages, chapters, and volumes of valuable information, nature will always be the most effective teacher.

At our private school in Atlanta, Georgia, we recognize that a purely textbook-based science education can miss the mark when it comes to forging a connection between students and the world around them. While facts on a page may not always inspire curiosity, studies have shown that venturing into nature’s classroom every now and then can positively impact a child’s understanding and retention of natural sciences.

What Does Outdoor Science Exploration Look Like in the School Setting?

Outdoor science lessons will vary from school to school, depending on location. For example, a school in a rural farming community will have different opportunities for learning and exploration than one in the inner city, but that doesn’t mean that children can’t learn valuable lessons simply by stepping out the classroom door.

From the dirt on the soccer field to the variety of plant life on the school grounds, connecting children to the ins and outs of their world can help science truly come to life.

Science-related field trips are also an incredible opportunity for students to explore environments beyond their home. No matter how far their trip outside the classroom takes them, students can understand the world in unforgettable ways through visual and hands-on learning in nature.

How Can I Help Integrate the Outside World with My Child’s Science Education?

Although a well-rounded science curriculum should provide ample opportunity for outside learning and exploration, teachers are somewhat limited by time, location, and the natural resources available to them. As a parent, you have the opportunity to help your child dig deeper. Here are a few ways you can utilize the great outdoors to further your child’s science education:

1. Keep Tabs on What They’re Learning

Try to stay in-the-know when it comes to your student’s science education. If possible, look ahead at what will be taught and when so that you can look for opportunities to expand and explore at home.

2. Go on Family Field Trips

Schools can be somewhat limited when it comes to field trips due to funding and distance. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t embark on your own field trips as a family. If your student is going to be learning about ocean ecosystems, you might consider taking a weekend trip to the coast to explore tidepools. If birds are on the syllabus, you just might discover a bird sanctuary outside the allotted distance for school trips.

3. Put Together a Discovery Kit

Equip your child with the tools they need to take a closer look at the world around them. Depending on age, a Discovery Kit could include items like a magnifying glass, microscope, or field journal.

4. Go For Nature Walks

When we drive down the same streets and pass the same scenery every day, we can forget just how much there is to learn within our own neighborhood. Take your child on a nature walk and stick to a slow pace. Encourage them to observe the spiderweb in the bush that they might normally shy away from or collect rocks, sticks, and leaves to bring back home for further examination.

5. Ask Questions

You can help your child learn to better observe the world around them by asking questions. For older students, this might mean developing a hypothesis and making observations to test their theory. Whenever possible, encourage your child to dig a little deeper and observe their surroundings by asking questions like:

• How do you think the cricket makes that sound?
• Why do you think the woodpecker likes pecking holes in the trees?
• What kind of clouds do you think those are?
• What do you think caused those mushrooms to grow in this specific area?

6. Plant a Garden

There is no better way to understand plant life and growth than by experiencing it firsthand. Carefully plot and plan your garden before you begin so you know what will grow and when. You should also look at the soil in your yard, decide what nutrients it may need to support healthy vegetation, and make sure you have the right gardening tools and supplies. Then, take a field trip to the local nursery and help your children pick a variety of plants, whether flowers, herbs, or vegetables. If you can, try to start with seeds and walk your child through the stages of plant life.

Introducing your child to nature’s classroom will provide new and dynamic approaches to learning. When students are able to not only ingest but experience natural sciences, they are more likely to develop a lasting understanding and passion for the world around them.

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A well-rounded science curriculum should offer opportunities for outside learning and exploration. As a parent, you can help your child by using the great outdoors to enhance their science education. Check out this infographic for some ideas.

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Developing fine motor skills is crucial for young children to be able to succeed in the tasks required of them, both in and out of the classroom. Fine motor skills require the movement and coordination of the body’s smaller muscles, like hands, fingers, and wrists.

Tasks like writing, using scissors, buttoning clothing, eating, and turning pages require the precise movement of these important muscles. Typically, the development of fine motor skills comes after gross motor skills (involving larger muscles and movements) have had a chance to develop.

Even in today’s tech-heavy environments, handwriting is still a crucial skill for children to master. If you’ve noticed that your child is struggling with the movements that writing requires, it might be that they need help developing those fine motor skills.

How Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills Go Hand-in-Hand

Formation of Letters

Fine motor skills help a child properly form letters and numbers from top to bottom and left to right. While children might find it easier and more natural to form letters incorrectly, this will actually make handwriting more difficult and less efficient in the future. Children need developed fine motor skills to be able to move quickly and smoothly across the page.

Pencil Grip

In order for children to form letters and numbers properly and efficiently, they need to be able to hold their pen or pencil the right way. For most children, this doesn’t come naturally. They’ll need to be guided to hold their pencil correctly, which will probably take some time for them to get the hang of. This skill typically develops when a child is in kindergarten, but you can help them practice proper grip at home as soon as they begin coloring. Because of the specialized grip required to properly hold a pencil, developed fine motor skills are a must for mastering this crucial skill.

Writing Stamina

When children practice and develop their fine motor skills, the muscles in their hands grow stronger. The stronger the muscles are, the more stamina your child will have when it comes to writing. Children should practice as often as possible to keep from tiring out when it’s time to write.

13 Tips and Tricks for Improving Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills

If your child needs some assistance developing their fine motor skills to improve handwriting and other critical tasks, here are some ideas from the staff at our private elementary school in Atlanta:

1. Get Ready

• Get dressed
• Brush teeth and hair
• Feed self with silverware
• Tie/fasten shoes
• Pick up small toys

2. Play with Blocks and Legos

Playing with small Legos and blocks helps children develop the smaller muscles in their fingers, while also improving their hand-eye coordination.

3. Cut Paper

Grab a pair of child-safe scissors and give your child the opportunity to cut activity pages. These pages should include lines, patterns, and shapes that can be followed with the scissors.

4. Grip the Pencil (Correctly)

As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” However, practicing a task incorrectly can create habits that will be difficult to break down the road. When it comes to holding a pen or pencil correctly, perfect practice makes perfect. Help your child hold their pencil the right way. If you need a little assistance, try purchasing special pens or grips that can be attached to a pencil to allow your child to feel the proper grip.

5. Form Letters, Numbers, and Shapes

Give your child activity pages that allow them to trace and copy letters, numbers, and shapes. When practicing letters and numbers, make sure your child remembers to go from top to bottom and left to right.

6. Color Within the Lines

Most children love coloring, but it can be difficult to grasp the concept of coloring inside the lines. Try coloring with your child so they can see how to color inside the lines, and make sure they’re holding their crayons, pencils, or markers properly.

7. Fasten Zippers, Clasps, Buckles and More

Tasks that require precision, such as fastening zippers, clasps, buckles, and even tying shoelaces, are an excellent way to boost fine motor skills. Allow your child to perform these tasks whenever possible. Think of it as a workout for those little fingers.

8. Use Tongs and Tweezers

Just like the tasks above, using small tongs and tweezers to pick up and separate items can help your child develop their fine motor skills. Plus, it can make for a great game!

9. Thread Beads or Pasta

Another fun way to get those little fingers moving is to have your child thread beads, pasta, or cereal onto pieces of yarn or thread. If you want to take it a step further, grab some lettered beads and encourage your child to make bracelets or necklaces with their name and other sight words.

10. Draw

When children can engage in activities that they enjoy, they are more likely to learn and retain helpful skills and information. Most kids love to draw, and this activity helps to build strength and stamina, as well as solidify healthy habits. Just make sure they’re holding their drawing tools the right way.

11. Do Puzzles

Not only are puzzles a great way to stimulate a child’s mind, they’re also perfect for keeping little hands and fingers active.

12. Do Sensory Play

From a tray of dried beans to a pile of playdough, the options for sensory play are endless. When children use their hands for sensory-based activities, it helps foster the connection between hands and mind.

13. Catch and Throw

Not only is playing catch perfect for getting out some energy, it also helps improve hand-eye coordination, which develops fine motor skills and furthers the connection between a child’s mind and physical body.

Signs that Your Child Might Need Extra Help with Fine Motor Skills Development

• Difficulty holding pens and pencils; using too much or not enough pressure
• Difficulty buttoning clothing; doesn’t use both hands
• Difficulty coloring inside the lines
• Difficulty using scissors; can’t follow lines
• Difficulty sitting still; always moving around when seated
• Avoidance of fine motor-related activities and tasks

Whether your child is writing with ease or has just embarked on the road of handwriting, fine motor skills can always be improved. Activities that engage the body’s smaller muscles, especially the hands and fingers, will help your child develop and grow the strength, stamina, and control needed to write with neatness and precision.

Reading is far more than piecing letters and sounds together. In order for a child to excel at this critical life skill, reading comprehension is a must. Children who master the art of reading comprehension are able to understand the meaning and context behind the words on a page, as well as make connections and predictions about what might happen next. In addition, children should be able to retell and summarize what they have read to ensure the information is retained.

At our private school in Atlanta, our faculty has chosen to make reading comprehension a top priority within the classroom. However, a successful and effective mastery of reading comprehension skills requires a team effort between teachers and parents. If you’re wondering how you can intentionally foster better reading comprehension in your child, read on for nine proven tips and tricks.

1. Choose Level-Appropriate Reading Materials

It’s important to keep reading materials at an age-appropriate level. Many “learn-to-read” books feature numbered levels to help you choose the right books for your child. An age-appropriate book is one where the child can recognize close to 90% of the words on their own. Anything more difficult will pull a child out of what they’re reading, making it difficult to draw on meaning and context. If you’re unsure what reading level your child should be working on, ask their teacher.

2. Have Your Child Read Aloud

Although it can be tempting for children to speed through a book or read it in their heads, reading out loud helps them slow down. Slowed reading allows for better comprehension, as children are better able to process the material.

3. Read and Reread

While reading aloud to slow down is important, you want to ensure the reading isn’t too slow. In order to achieve fluency, children should read the same material in repetition. Rereading is a critical step to reading with ease and understanding. Children should be able to read 90 words per minute by the time they enter third grade. With repetition, students learn to recognize words faster and more accurately. This helps boost comprehension.

4. Discuss What They’ve Read

Talk with your child about the material they’re reading. “Verbal processing” allows your child to make connections, consider context, and explore meaning and themes. Ask your child questions about the book before, during, and after reading. Questions might include:

• “Based on the title and cover art, what do you think this book will be about?”
• “Why do you think the character made that choice?”
• “What do you think will happen next?”
• “Can you tell me the story in your own words?”
• “Does this story remind you of any other stories?”
• “What do you think is the moral of this story?”

5. Read to Your Child

Take turns reading out loud. When it’s your turn, have your child sit beside you and follow along with your finger as you read. Hearing the words aloud and being able to follow along helps children connect the sounds with meaning.

6. Let Them Tell a Story

Encourage your child to tell their own story, or provide them with a blank book that they can turn into a tale of their own. Have them choose characters, a problem that needs to be solved, a plot, and even a plot twist. Help them choose a moral for their story, then write it with level-appropriate words.

7. Broaden Their Vocabulary

Effective reading comprehension requires an ever-growing vocabulary. Try having a “word of the day,” and see how many times your child can use their new word that day. Use conversations and books to introduce unfamiliar words, and always discuss the meaning and context.

8. Encourage Critical Thinking

Asking thought-provoking questions–both about books and the world around them–is a great way to help children evaluate and analyze what they’ve observed. Help them connect what they’ve read to their own personal experiences and think about things from different perspectives.

9. Speak With Their Teacher

Your child’s teacher knows your child’s strengths and struggles when it comes to reading comprehension. If you’re unsure where to start or what would most benefit your child, schedule a meeting with the teacher. The stronger the partnership between the home and classroom, the higher the success rate.

In addition, ask your teacher about the topics being taught in the classroom each week, and visit your local library for books that correspond. For example, if the class is learning about bats, your library will offer a variety of fun reading materials. Having pre-existing knowledge on the topic will help your child recognize words more easily and encourage deeper comprehension.

Parents who practice intentionality in fostering reading comprehension at home give their children the tools they need for a successful education. Remember, critical skills like reading comprehension don’t come overnight. They’re developed through patience and consistency. But by putting these strategies into practice, you’ll be surprised at how rapidly your child’s love for reading will grow.

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Infographic

Reading is more than just putting letters and sounds together. For a child to excel, reading comprehension is vital. Discover proven tips and tricks in the infographic to help improve your child’s reading comprehension.

Christian parents know that the Bible is the most important book your child will ever read. It introduces them to Jesus and the good news of the gospel, it’s full of wisdom and sound advice, it points us in the way we should go, and it offers encouragement and hope.

However, picking up a Bible can seem daunting—even for adults. Where do you begin? How do you unpack its more complex passages? And how do you keep that desire for God’s word alive without it feeling like a chore that must be checked off a list?

In order for your child to truly be transformed by God’s word in their hearts, they must develop a love and appreciation for it. However, this isn’t likely to come from flipping to a random page and reading whichever verse stands out to them. Instead, it requires intentional training and modeling from parents and role models.

Here at The Academy of Scholars, a Christian school in Georgia, our educators understand the critical role and incredible opportunity that parents and teachers have in helping children read the Bible. So, we’ve rounded up five ways that you can begin cultivating a love for scripture in your children today.

1. Read as a Family

As a Christian parent, you want Christ to be at the center of your family. And there’s no better way to accomplish that than by spending regular time together in God’s word and in prayer. Try implementing a family devotion and Bible reading time before bed, and have each family member take turns reading. Follow your reading time with a discussion about the passage, and talk about how the passage applies to your lives.

2. Set an Example

Children learn from the examples set by their parents and other role models. So, if you want your child to desire God’s word, show them just how desirable it is! It can be hard to find the time to read the Bible on a daily basis when there is so much vying for your time and attention. But chances are, if it’s not a priority for you, it won’t be a priority for your child, either. Even if you have to utilize the time before the kids are awake, you can still show them that it’s a part of your routine by talking about what you read.

3. Make it Interactive

Children retain more when given the opportunity to learn in interactive ways. If you’re reading the Bible aloud to your children, try not to settle for passive listening. Instead, ask questions, encourage your kids to ask questions, and talk about how the passage might relate to their life. You can also find interactive resources like kid-friendly study guides, activities, and games to make it fun.

4. Teach Kids How to Study God’s Word

If there’s one thing that children and adults alike can struggle with, it’s knowing how to study the Bible and not merely read it. For that, we recommend the R.E.A.D. method.

R: Read

Seems like it should go without saying, right? But the first step is opening up your Bible and reading what’s inside! Daily reading familiarizes us with the language of the Bible, so it becomes easier to understand. It also nourishes our spiritual health. That nourishment, just like food and water, is needed every day. Rather than packing in an hour-long study over the weekend, aim for 10 or 15 minutes each day.

E: Engage

Give your child a notebook that they can use for their Bible reading time. Encourage them to take notes, jot down any recurring words, phrases that stand out, or questions they might have. Younger children might enjoy drawing a picture of what they’ve read. If drawing isn’t their thing, encourage them to act out or put music to the passage. You can also encourage your child to highlight verses in their Bible that stand out.

A: Apply

James 1:22 instructs us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (English Standard Version). Help your child consider practical ways that they can live out scripture. Ask questions like, “How can I love my neighbor?” or “How can you ‘hide God’s word in your heart?’” Remind your child that the Holy Spirit’s role is to help them apply biblical truth to their lives and encourage them to pray for His guidance.

D: Discuss

Discussion is a crucial way for children to process what they’ve read. Make sure the home is a safe place for questions and for sharing thoughts and feelings. Whether on the drive to school or while you’re tucking them into bed, designate a time to share with each other what you read that day. If your child has a question that you’re not sure how to answer, that’s okay! Let them know that you’ll look into it so that you can discover the answer together.

5. Show Them Where to Start

Children might feel overwhelmed when greeted with such a lengthy read. You can help by pointing out books and passages that will give them a firm foundation through an understanding of God’s character, the person of Jesus, and the themes of the gospel. Books like John, Luke, Acts, Psalms, Proverbs, and Romans are a great place to start.

As Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Helping your child cultivate a love for God’s word is critical to their spiritual health and development. And the more your child learns to love and appreciate scripture, the more you’ll see their lives transformed.

Technology has forever changed the way we do life. It’s seeped into every corner, nook, and cranny of society, and it’s safe to say it’s not going anywhere. If you’re a parent with students in school, you might be wondering if the use of technology in the classroom is really necessary. After all, keeping the kids from constant screen time at home is already a struggle. Is digital usage in the classroom going to fuel an irreparable addiction?

As educators who are committed to providing the best possible education to our students, the faculty at our private school in Atlanta have put a lot of research into using technology to better education in a healthy way. We believe that balance is key and that teaching healthy and responsible tech usage is critical.

With that said, the benefits that technology can bring to a child’s education are unmatched and continue to expand. Here are seven reasons we believe technology is necessary for a successful learning experience:

1. Technology allows for interactive learning.

Classroom technology goes far beyond Chromebooks and documentaries. Tools like virtual simulations, apps, and interactive whiteboards allow students to engage in learning in a variety of ways.

Children struggling with reading or math skills can practice through educational games that can capture their attention better than a plethora of worksheets. While traditional teaching methods were limited in opportunities for engagement, technology in the classroom provides fun, dynamic ways for students to participate.

2. Technology allows for personalized learning.

It’s no secret that a one-size-fits-all education plan simply doesn’t work. Children absorb knowledge in different ways, and educational technology has the ability to provide a more personalized learning path to accommodate each student’s needs. Online resources, learning platforms, and assessments enable teachers to move students at their own pace and address areas that need improvement.

3. Technology prepares students for the modern workplace.

Today’s workplace is far more technologically advanced than that of generations past. Therefore, it is our duty to equip students with the skills and understanding they’ll need to thrive in their future careers. We can accomplish this by familiarizing students with digital tools and practices, such as popular platforms, professional online communication, and coding.

4. Technology allows for better collaboration.

Classroom technology and learning tools provide easy-to-use options for collaboration between students, educators, and parents. These platforms promote team-building and communication skills through group projects, and allow for quick feedback from educators.

5. Technology makes research a breeze.

The online resources available for in-depth, easy-to-access research are vast and diverse. Multimedia presentations, educational websites, digital journals, updated studies and statistics, and online libraries encourage students to dive deeper into learning.

6. Technology connects students with the world outside their classroom.

Back in the day, students only got to embark on a few field trips a year, and these experiences were usually limited to what their location had to offer. Through the use of modern technology, students can virtually tour historic and geological sites from the comfort of the classroom. This mode of virtual exploration provides an unlimited array of educational experiences to enhance and tap into visual learning.

In addition, teachers have the opportunity to utilize guest speakers from around the world through the magic of video conferencing, providing students with diverse, expert perspectives.

7. Technology can help students learn online safety and responsibility.

Educators understand the concerns held by cautious parents. The online world can be a dangerous place, thanks to social media and the ability to access nearly anything within a few seconds. With this in mind, teachers recognize the importance of incorporating lessons on online safety and responsibility into their teaching.

Through intentional training, students will gain a better understanding of the online landscape, their relationship to it, and how to practice proper digital engagement.

How to balance the use of technology at home and avoid overuse:

1. Set clear boundaries and limits.

Set and discuss your family’s digital rules and limits, which should include how and when technology can be used. Establish time limits for tech usage and do your best to enforce those limits consistently.

2. Model healthy tech usage.

Children tend to replicate the behavior modeled by the adults in their lives. But as adults, it can be difficult to intentionally close the laptop or set the phone down, given the demands of the modern workplace. However, we cannot expect children to emulate what we do not demonstrate. Do your best to prioritize tech-free family time and model healthy digital habits while the kids are around.

3. Designate tech-free time.

Set expectations for certain times, tasks, or areas that will be tech-free. This might include family meals, game nights, or even certain rooms. Some parents have found that providing a “tech basket” where each member of the family can store their phones and other devices during these designated times allows them to better enforce household expectations.

4. Encourage tech-free activities.

Tech-heavy activities like gaming and social media can be pretty appealing to kids. However, it’s important to encourage non-digital activities. Children who frequently engage in activities like sports, music, or arts and crafts tend to display fewer tech-based addictive behaviors.

5. Utilize parental controls.

Most devices feature built-in controls that can be set and monitored by parents. This permits parents to regulate and limit their children’s online activities and usage, allow or block specific apps and content, and keep things age-appropriate.

When used correctly, technology can provide an elevated learning experience.

Through careful consideration and intentionality, parents and educators can harness the benefits of technology for an enhanced learning experience while teaching children to understand and respect the pros and cons of digital usage. Technologically-infused classrooms are better equipped to personalize each student’s learning path, foster interactions between peers, and prepare them for a successful future.

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Technology has transformed the way we live and is essential for a successful learning experience. Check out the infographic for seven reasons why it’s necessary in the classroom.