Category: Outreach

It Depends On The Child

In many states, private school teachers do not have to undergo the same certification process as public school teachers. This could mean that they do not have the same level of training in early childhood development that public school teachers are required to have. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they are less qualified, but it does mean parents should ask questions to their potential school and do their due diligence to find out how the teachers are trained.

These schools are usually unprepared (or at least under-prepared) for children with special education disabilities. Public schools mandate that procedures are in place to help every student, regardless of ability. Private schools do not have to make the same accommodations. If your child has special needs, a private kindergarten is probably not equipped to handle the child’s individual needs.

Student groups in these private schools tend to be homogenous and fairly high achieving. This makes it easier for teachers to move at an accelerated pace and deliver rigorous instruction without having to differentiate for multiple learning styles and abilities. A private school could be an excellent fit if your child is already operating at an advanced level.

Yes, Thanks To Small Classes

Enrolling your kids in a private kindergarten school can definitely give them a better learning foundation, as they learn and develop skills in small classes with highly qualified teachers. They also get more individualized attention since the smaller class sizes make it easier to keep up with their studies and focus on developing their skills.

Private schools also often offer enrichment activities such as music or art lessons that may help further develop your child’s education. It is important to remember that only some have access to private schools due to cost or location factors, so public schools should still be considered an option when making this decision.

Communicate with Other Cultures

Learning a second language will not only allow children to communicate with other cultures and create relationships both at a friendship and work level but also work on various aspects of their learning process.

A private school that teaches a second language with the same priority as other curricular classes helps children to concentrate better and improve memory. As a second language is a process of deciphering, memorizing, and internalizing a language other than the native one, children are immersed in a process where they use various psychological resources to reach it, and in this process, various areas of learning are strengthened.

Children who learn a second language at school also have improvements in their self-esteem. Learning a second language is something to be proud of, as it is hard to learn other ways of communicating with other cultures. Children feel capable of mastering other areas of their lives, and this helps their development as individuals.

Another benefit that children gain from learning a second language is learning to handle challenges. Learning a new language from scratch is not easy and when children see that they have achieved it, apart from improving their self-esteem, it is also an impulse to keep going in difficult situations.

Increased Opportunities

In today’s globalized world, becoming bilingual or even multilingual can provide numerous advantages for children. Children can reap three main benefits from learning a second language in a private school.

1. Enhanced Cognitive Development: Research has shown that learning a second language early can significantly enhance cognitive development. Children exposed to a second language often display improved problem-solving skills, better critical thinking abilities, and heightened creativity. Private schools typically offer smaller class sizes and highly-trained teachers, which allows for personalized and focused attention on each child’s language learning. This tailored approach can help students grasp the language more quickly, strengthening their cognitive abilities.

2. Cultural Enrichment: When children learn a second language, they learn vocabulary and grammar and gain insights into another culture. Private schools often emphasize the importance of cultural exchange, integrating different customs, traditions, and celebrations into their language curriculum. This exposure to diverse cultures helps children develop a broader worldview, fostering empathy, respect, and understanding for people from different backgrounds. In turn, these qualities can greatly contribute to their overall personal development and social skills.

3. Increased Future Opportunities: In our increasingly interconnected world, being bilingual or multilingual can open doors to numerous opportunities for children as they grow up. From higher education to professional careers, having proficiency in a second language can give children a competitive edge. Private schools often have strong connections with prestigious universities and international institutions, which can help students gain access to unique programs, internships, and other opportunities. Private schools may also offer advanced language courses or immersion programs, allowing students to achieve fluency and pursue studies or careers abroad.

Learning a second language in a private school can provide children with many benefits, ranging from enhanced cognitive development to cultural enrichment and increased opportunities. I encourage fellow parents to consider the advantages of exposing their children to a second language in a private school setting. Investing in their education and personal growth can yield lifelong rewards and help them thrive in our diverse and interconnected world.

Live By Example

1. Live by Example. One of the best ways to help encourage these things in students is to live it out by example. Be a sincere follower of Christ. Continue in daily prayer, Bible reading, and obedience. Continue to be in community with other born-again Christians and “walk the walk.” This is something that no specific actions or words could necessarily replace, as being that authentic Christian in itself is something that can and will help encourage students to follow that example.

2. Daily Corporate Prayer and Holy Bible Reading. Corporate Prayer can be a time where The Spirit of God is given space to move and speak through the teacher as well as the students. Students should be free to take part in this prayer time and be encouraged to do so. When possible, each student should be asked to take part and encouraged that even if they are uncomfortable or unsure what to say, once they begin to pray, the words will come to them automatically.

Bible reading can and should be done as a class on a regular basis (as well as something the students should be doing independently.) They can be taught that when they pray and read the Bible every day, this will help them make the right choices in their life, which will help them arrive at the places they want to be and with the blessings they hope for.

3. Personal Relationship with Jesus. The students should be encouraged to be sure they are praying and reading the Bible independently on a daily basis as one-on-one time with God. They can be taught that the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is their Comforter and teacher and loves them tremendously. They can also be encouraged to be sure to give their life to the Lord Jesus Christ 100% and believe in Him with all of their heart, and that in doing so, they will be born again, and from there can be baptized as per “The Great Commission” given by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 28.

4. Social Life Awareness. Teach the students that sometimes a person’s circle may “make them or break them,” and review the many Bible verses on this topic. This includes 1 Corinthians 15:33 about how bad company corrupts good morals and Proverbs 13:20. They should know that social media can be a major pitfall for many adults and children alike, with regards to avoiding negative influences or bad behavior. This is something to be aware of and be on guard against as they consider how to handle this big responsibility if it is something that they are taking part in.

5. The Value of Community. Having people around them to help hold each other accountable, including adults who they can turn to and who will be there to speak blessings into their lives, is also something that they would all ideally have. Through family, church, school, friends, and so on, if they can find and be part of a solid Christian and God-fearing community that they can trust, that walks in holiness and obedience, bearing those good fruits consistently, then that is a blessing that they can be very thankful for. They can continue to pray for it if it is not yet something they already have in place.

Incorporate Elements Of Faith

Christian school teachers can instill values and encourage their students to follow Christian living by incorporating elements of faith into lessons, leading by example, engaging in meaningful dialogue with students, setting high expectations and helping them build a strong spiritual foundation. They should also provide practical guidance on how to live a life according to biblical principles. Other activities such as prayer before class and organized field trips that promote learning about Christianity may also be helpful for students in learning the importance of Christian living.

Strong Emphasis on Community and Service

I once thought of enrolling my kid in a Christian school, but I was hesitant. What would it be like? After researching and speaking with people who had children in Christian schools, I found many benefits of a Christian school. Though I did not get to send my kid there due to circumstances, I understood the potential advantages of enrolling your child in one.

One of the main benefits is that Christian values will surround your child. The faculty and students in a Christian school uphold Christian principles, which can help shape your child’s moral compass. This environment allows children to connect with other Christians and develop meaningful relationships based on shared faith and beliefs.

Another advantage of sending your child to a Christian school is that they may receive more personalized instruction than at public schools. Classes are usually smaller, and teachers have more individual attention, allowing them to better understand each child’s strengths and weaknesses and develop accordingly. The curriculum will often focus on religious teachings, so it’s an excellent chance for kids to learn more about Christianity while still getting a quality education.

Christian schools often have a strong emphasis on community and service. They may offer students volunteer opportunities or include activities emphasizing helping others in need. This can help instill a sense of purpose in your child and important life skills such as empathy, humility, and responsibility.

Emphasis on Values

Yes, sending a child to a Christian school can help them become a better person. The teachings at a Christian school often emphasize values such as courage, integrity, kindness, respect and responsibility. In this environment children learn these values through lessons taught both in the classroom and by example.

Participating in religious activities such as service projects and prayer provides an opportunity for children to develop deeper connections to their faith while growing spiritually with their peers. With these strong moral foundations in place, the potential for developing into successful adults is greatly increased. This is why sending your child to a Christian school can be beneficial in helping them become better people overall.

Learn Life Lessons

As a mother, I believe sending my child to a Christian school can help them become a better person through the teachings of Jesus and other biblical figures. Through this type of education, they will learn important lessons about respecting authority, being kind to others, showing compassion and understanding, and living with faith. Moreover, the Christian school environment provides an atmosphere of safety, which encourages academic growth while also reinforcing values that serve as strong moral foundations for becoming successful adults in today’s society.

Find a Kid-friendly Coding Program

To motivate your child to get interested in coding, consider enrolling them in a fun kid-friendly coding program. For example, there are multiple virtual coding summer camps available, and students of all ages can also take virtual classes throughout the year. Enrolling them in an age-appropriate program ensures the right level of difficulty, which helps them stay challenged and engaged.

See Coding in Real-life Scenarios

Instead of framing coding as just another topic to study and work towards, frame it as an engaging and fun activity. Take them to events such as hackathons where they can see coding being used in real-life scenarios and they can mingle with other coders. You can also introduce online tutorials that act as games to make learning more enjoyable.

Focus on Skills First

To get your kids interested in learning to code or computer science, try to focus on the skills they need first, without even bringing up coding or computer science. Your kids are going to need to know how to problem solve, have a basic understanding of logic, and will need to be good with numbers. All of these skills can be learned through various games and activities that kids are normally interested in. Focus on the skills needed to be able to code first, then show them how those skills will help them excel at coding. Your kids will be creating their own software in no time.

Tap into Your Child’s Passions

● Tap Into Your Child’s Passions. Coding is a process that helps in creating different kinds of programs. You must encourage your child to try something that seems interesting to them.

If your child is a sports fanatic, then you must push them in the direction of building websites that track the stats of every player and team.

You must tap into something which your kid already enjoys doing and then introduce them to the world of coding so that they can bring their ideas to life.

● Emphasizing That Coding Is Equal To Creativity. Besides math, problem-solving, and science knowledge, coding is also about creativity. The stereotypical computer programmers might scare away your child from coding. But if you portray coding as something which creatively makes things come to life – it might help them get interested in coding. Emphasize creativity as it will naturally capture your child’s interest in learning some core programming skills along the way.

Always make sure to keep coding lessons fun and don’t force it onto them.

5 Internet Safety Tips for Online Schooling

1. Set up Parental Controls
Make sure that your child’s device has appropriate parental controls in place to block inappropriate content and limit screen time.

2. Discuss Internet Safety
Talk to your child about internet safety and the importance of not sharing personal information online. Emphasize the importance of using strong passwords and being cautious about what they click on or download.

3. Set Boundaries for Online Activity
Determine appropriate times for your child to be online and establish rules for their internet use. This can include setting limits on social media and gaming and making sure that they are only accessing age-appropriate content.

4. Supervise Internet Use
Consider setting up your child’s device in a common area of the house where you can monitor their internet activity. This can help you catch any potential issues or concerns early on.

5. Be a Good Role Model
Practice good online behavior yourself, as your child will likely model their own behavior after yours.

Teach Your Kids That Information Posted Online is not Entirely Private

Teach your kids that anything shared online is shared in perpetuity. Even if something was never “public,” anything on the internet can be removed. Children might need to understand that anything they say, display, or share online is permanent. You must make sure they are aware of the various ways in which this knowledge is preserved.

Nothing on the internet can be permanently deleted because of its structure. There will always be data artifacts—almost like breadcrumbs—left behind.

Another method that private data is kept around for longer than intended is people. Someone will always be able to save any images, messages, or other data your child transmits.

Through spyware or man-in-the-middle assaults, your child’s devices may even be used to eavesdrop.

Provide a Space to Work and Structure

The most important thing is to ensure that they have a dedicated space at home where they can focus and learn without any distractions. A quiet, comfortable workspace with perhaps some motivational posters or other decorations to inspire them can go a long way toward creating a positive learning environment.

Also, try to create structure and routine around their virtual school day. Having designated times for when they log on or off, breaks throughout the day, and a consistent schedule of classes can help them stay focused and organized. Make sure [the] child is aware of all the resources available to them. This could include tutoring, extra assistance, or advice from their teachers.

The More They Know – the Better

Make your child comfortable with online virtual classes by giving them a better understanding of their learning space, their classmates and teachers, as well as how to take notes and answer questions [and] how to use a device during the class. Knowing more about the virtual class will help them concentrate on the lesson and not worry about the class. They will be more comfortable with online classes if they know more about virtual classes.

Undeveloped Socially and Emotionally

While there may be individual cases where sending a child to school earlier than the ideal age proves beneficial, it’s crucial to consider the long-term impact on their career development. Early entry may provide academic advantages, but fostering social and emotional development is equally important.

Allowing children to fully develop their social skills, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence through age-appropriate interactions and experiences can significantly benefit their future careers. These skills are vital for effective communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability in the workplace.

Moreover, delaying entry to school can provide additional time for children to explore their interests, develop a strong foundation in cognitive abilities, and build a solid sense of self before entering formal education. This holistic development can better align their skills, passions, and career choices later in life.

It’s essential to strike a balance between early academic exposure and the child’s overall growth and well-being. Factors like the child’s readiness, maturity, and emotional intelligence can help parents make an informed decision.

Stress to the Child

The recommended age for starting school is typically around five to six years old. This age range allows children to have ample time to develop crucial social, emotional, and cognitive skills necessary for a successful educational journey.

Starting school earlier than the ideal age is generally not beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it may put undue stress on the child if they are not emotionally, socially, or cognitively prepared to handle the demands of a formal education setting. Younger children may also lack the necessary maturity and readiness skills, such as attention span, self-control, and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for successful learning in a classroom environment.

Additionally, starting school too early can have a negative impact on a child’s social and emotional well-being. They might struggle to keep up with older peers, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. It’s important to consider the child’s emotional readiness to navigate social interactions and build relationships with classmates.

Research suggests that children who start school at an appropriate age, when they are developmentally ready, tend to perform better academically in the long run. This is because they have a solid foundation and are better equipped to handle the challenges of the curriculum as they progress through the educational system.

While there may be exceptional cases where early entry to school is appropriate, following the recommended age guidelines is generally advisable. This approach ensures a smoother and more successful educational journey for the child, allowing them to develop the necessary skills and thrive academically and socially.