By Bill Wirtz – As children get older they become increasingly interested in the candy aisle, and often reach for things they are not supposed to have. Chewing gum is one of those items for which many parents are unsure what exactly the rules should be.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children be at least 5 years old before they start chewing gum.  This is because children under 5 may not have the necessary fine motor skills to chew gum safely and could swallow it, which can lead to choking or other problems.

After the age of five is when kids embark on the journey of the school system, where they’re asked to behave and focus on their work. It is probably demanded by the individual teachers for students not to chew gum during their lessons, but if you thought that she should not chew gum while doing their homework, think again.

Numerous studies have shown that the act of chewing sugar-free gum improves focus and memory retention. It might seem counterintuitive that what is mostly considered a sweet treat would actually have positive impacts on your cognitive ability. Chewing sugar-free gum is not merely helpful for memory retention; it is also associated with higher focus and productivity overall.

Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva flow which helps to wash away bacteria, viruses and toxins in the mouth, nasopharynx and upper gastrointestinal tract. Contrary to many uppers used in the workplace and by students, such as energy-drinks or coffee, sugar-free gum has mood boosting qualities without the downsides of sugar or caffeine dependence.

A study conducted in 2017 discovered that chewing gum had a positive impact on productivity and cognitive performance at work. It was also found to increase alertness, improve productivity, and reduce cognitive issues. In 2002, researchers conducted experiments using control groups to examine the effects of chewing gum on memory retention. The results showed that it enhanced the ability of participants to recall words immediately and after a delay.

Furthermore, a study in 2009 revealed that chewing gum not only improved alertness and reduced anxiety and stress levels but also had a positive effect on mood during stressful situations. Moreover, chewing gum can act as a distraction-free alternative to fidgeting, aiding individuals in maintaining focus on their tasks.

The question is not just whether it is safe for youth to chew gum, but also why it isn’t more incentivised. With news stories increasingly covering the technological distractions that keep youth distracted in class, shouldn’t we take a closer look at those things that might help them focus more?

Bill Wirtz is the Senior Policy Analyst at the Consumer Choice Center.

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In the dynamic landscape of education, teaching and learning methodologies are in a constant state of flux, perpetually advancing and transforming. The classrooms and lecture halls that we see today bear little resemblance to those of just a few years prior, offering vastly different experiences for the scholars they serve.

As we navigate this evolution, the concept of inclusive teaching has emerged at the forefront. This paradigm shift in education manifests a commitment to creating learning environments that embrace and engage all students. Let’s explore this progressive approach and delve into some of the top strategies for fostering a truly inclusive learning experience.

Inclusive teaching—once a mere whisper in the corridors of academia—has swelled into a resonant chorus echoing throughout modern educational discourse. The quintessential merits of this approach make it a subject of intense exploration among educators worldwide. This pedagogical approach, in essence, is all about ensuring every learner, irrespective of their background or abilities, is engaged and catered to within the learning environment.

Decoding the Key Aspects of Inclusive Teaching and Learning

Digging deeper into the realm of inclusive teaching, we find a suite of common attributes that define a truly inclusive classroom. These include creating a sense of belonging for all students, embracing an open-door policy that welcomes every learner, and fostering a psychologically safe haven for free and fearless expression. An inclusive classroom also promotes active listening, stimulates participation, and diligently works towards eliminating biases.

Furthermore, a key focus is on bolstering student motivation and maintaining it throughout the learning journey. At first glance, incorporating all these elements might seem like a massive undertaking, and indeed, it does require time and effort. But remember, the journey to achieving anything meaningful requires perseverance, and the numerous benefits reaped make this endeavour truly rewarding.

Strategies for Cultivating an Inclusive Learning Environment

Fostering a Safe Learning Environment

Creating a safe learning environment is of paramount importance in the inclusive teaching approach. This means establishing a psychologically safe space, where students have complete freedom to express their thoughts, perspectives, and doubts without the fear of judgement, ridicule, or retaliation. An implicit understanding of this safety should extend to the physical realm as well, ensuring students are protected from any harm or abuse.

Educators striving for inclusivity must ensure that respect and empathy are fundamental values upheld within the classroom. Every student needs to understand that it’s okay to struggle, it’s okay to misunderstand, and it’s okay to be incorrect. Bullying or belittling on these grounds is unacceptable.

Respect for one another is a pivotal element in maintaining a productive and interactive classroom. Hence, educators may need to establish ground rules that emphasise this, and gently remind students of these expectations as they proceed with their lessons.

Example

In an inclusive classroom, a culture of open dialogue exists where learners feel comfortable to voice their confusion or express their struggles without fear of ridicule. Let’s take a math class scenario as an illustration. Here, students are grappling with a complex equation, finding it difficult to comprehend the intricacies of the mathematical logic.

In a truly inclusive and psychologically safe space, these learners would feel at ease asking their teacher to elucidate further, breaking down the equation into simpler terms. They would have the confidence to admit their misunderstanding, without the fear of being stigmatised or teased.

This transparent communication strengthens the learning process, fostering an environment where curiosity is celebrated, and understanding is prioritised over mere rote memorisation.

Enriching The Learning Experience Through Diverse Materials

The profundity of academic expertise available today presents an opportunity to diversify learning materials, delivering a more well-rounded and enriching learning experience for students. Notably, students may find it easier to resonate with materials, when the authors or historical figures they study share a similar background or situation.

Furthermore, exposing students to a myriad of perspectives can significantly enhance their critical thinking skills, as they grapple with differing views and opinions. This approach fosters a holistic understanding of a topic, rather than a one-dimensional view.

Moreover, encouraging students to recognise biases in authors’ works, compare differing viewpoints, and personally relate to these narratives, cultivates a more immersive and educational experience than merely repeating the same references. Diversifying learning materials, thus, not only connects students more personally to the subject matter, but also broadens their intellectual horizons.

Example

Consider a history class delving into the complexities of the Vietnam War. Rather than examining the conflict solely through a specific lens, the educator adopts a more balanced approach.

Prioritising Student-Centric Adaptations

As educators, it becomes pivotal to acquaint ourselves intimately with our students and customise our teaching methodologies to cater to their unique needs. We must acknowledge the digital divide that exists among learners; some may lack requisite access to personal computing devices or high-speed internet. Consequently, we must ensure that their learning does not hinge excessively on tasks like creating elaborate Google Docs or scavenging the internet for responses.

Simultaneously, it’s imperative to consider learners who may grapple with reading-related challenges due to learning impediments. To ensure these students maintain stride with their peers, incorporating a broader spectrum of teaching tools—like video or audio content—may become necessary. The crux here lies in ensuring every student’s learning journey progresses unhindered, regardless of their individual circumstances.

Example

In this inclusive classroom, there are students who face significant challenges with written assignments due to varying writing difficulties, while another student grapples with reading-based tasks. To level the playing field for these students during assessments, the teacher decides to innovate.

Instead of a traditional written examination for the upcoming French test, the educator opts for an oral examination. This alternative approach allows these students to better demonstrate their understanding and proficiency in the French language, thus promoting fair and inclusive evaluation.

Next Steps for Teachers:

Read about strategies for advancing teaching skills in professional educators.

We should protect, nurture, encourage, provide, and show love and respect to our children. For instance, teaching your kindergarten child how to build their confidence can help set them up for success in life. Confidence helps kids feel like they can try challenging, new things (and try again when they fail).

Below, you can find our insightful advice on building confidence in your young child.

Encourage Independence

The first step toward building confidence is to encourage independence. Letting your child perform simple tasks on their own not only teaches them valuable life skills but also boosts their self-esteem. For example, helping children learn to tie their shoes is a great starting point for fostering independence in kindergarteners. The sense of accomplishment they feel when they successfully tie their shoelaces will be a significant confidence boost.

Provide Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement plays a pivotal role in confidence-building. Recognize your child’s efforts and achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Whether they’ve shared their toys with a friend or completed a drawing, acknowledge their actions with words of praise. This positive feedback reassures them that they are capable and valued, fostering a healthy sense of self-worth.

Set Achievable Goals

Setting achievable goals is another effective way to build confidence. These goals could be related to academics, hobbies, or daily chores. Achieving these goals gives children a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to take on new challenges. Remember to keep the goals realistic and age-appropriate to prevent frustration and maintain enthusiasm.

Promote Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are crucial for building confidence. When they’re faced with a challenge, guide your child through the process of finding a solution rather than solving the problem for them. This approach helps them understand that they are capable of overcoming obstacles, which, in turn, strengthens their confidence.

Encourage Social Interaction

Social interaction is another key aspect of building confidence. Encourage your child to participate in group activities, make friends, and interact with others. These interactions help them develop social skills, learn to express themselves, and handle different social situations, all contributing to their overall confidence. You might encourage this by bringing your child to the park or community events, where they can meet other children their age.

Bonus Tip: Be a Positive Role Model

Finally, remember you are your child’s first and most influential role model. You can help children develop a positive attitude by demonstrating one yourself. Show confidence in your abilities, maintain a positive outlook on life, and handle challenges gracefully. Your child is likely to emulate your behavior, developing their own sense of confidence in the process.

Understanding how to build confidence in your kindergarten child involves many small steps. From encouraging independence to showing a positive attitude yourself, these actions will help your child on their way to boosting their confidence. With patience, consistency, and a lot of love, you can help your child develop the confidence they need to navigate the world around them successfully.

You’ve just finished cleaning your home. But within a few minutes, blocks are scattered everywhere, food spilt on the floor, clothes strewn haphazardly – everything is messy. Couple this with fights among siblings, disrespect for parents, and unnecessary tantrums, and you can only wish that your little kids behave responsibly.

There’s hope. You can certainly veer away from punishing and controlling your kids all the time. Cultivating kindness, resilience, and responsibility in young minds is of the essence. It takes the right approach to achieve positive results.

Above all, shower love on your child in the love language they understand.  Every child is different and not every child responds to affirmation in the same way.

1. Building a foundation for growth

When it comes to nurturing positive behaviour in kids, know that a solid foundation has long-term positive effects.

• Understand the roots

Children naturally behave differently at different stages of development. Knowing these growth phases helps you understand why kids act in a certain way. For instance, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) usually starts before they hit eight years, but no later than about 12 years. It makes kids aggressive, angry, and defiant around adults.

With this knowledge, you won’t castigate them for the seemingly silly things they do. Instead, you’ll understand the unseen forces influencing them and find prudent ways to positively direct their energies and emotions.

Emotions are a significant determinant of conduct. Thus, training young ones to master their emotional intelligence is crucial. Not just for everyday behaviour but also for academic prowess. Studies reveal that kids with higher emotional intelligence tend to get higher grades than those who’ve not mastered their emotions.

Encourage them to express their feelings without throwing tantrums. Teach them how to solve problems whenever they arise. Strengthen their empathy through role-playing and stories. And likewise, listen to their concerns empathetically.

• Create a fertile ground

A supportive environment helps shape your kid’s behavior. Strive to cultivate trust in their hearts. They shouldn’t view you as an inconsiderate person who’s hard to please. Celebrate the little achievements they make. A simple verbal praise could go a long way to building confidence. Your kid stays motivated and realizes the significance of their actions beyond mere compliance.

Avoid punishing them excessively. In most countries, more than 67% of children are subjected to violent discipline by caregivers. This is a violation of children’s rights. It’s hurtful to kids and they may not understand why they’re being beaten physically or psychologically tortured.

• Nourish from within

Ensure your kids have essential life skills, which help establish desirable traits. A kid with problem-solving and conflict resolution skills can handle challenges constructively and calmly without heated emotions. Self-awareness helps kids master their emotions, leading to rational exchanges and self-control.

Moreover, engage them in confidence building activities like drama classes, public speaking, and team sports. This helps them overcome fears and believe in themselves. Positive self-talk can also help. Encourage them to make affirmations like, ‘I’m more than able to do this.’

In essence, understanding the root of kids’ behaviours helps you embrace your kids’ shortcomings and shape their character.

2. Cultivate specific values

Be objective when it comes to teaching kids. Know the specific traits you want them to have.

• Kindness and compassion

Teach your kids how to treat others with kindness. For instance, they can help their friends with homework, share toys when playing, or write thank you notes to their teachers. Furthermore, nurture a sense of belonging in your family and neighborhood. Feeling as an integral member of a supportive community helps inculcate empathy in their young minds.

• Responsibility and integrity

Kids should be taught to be accountable. Assign them tasks matching their age. The younger ones can pack toys and tidy up their playroom or water plants. School goers can set the table or feed pets. And teens should be able to do laundry and shop for groceries. Hold them accountable for their actions. But don’t focus too much on punishment. Prioritize guidance. The integrity skills they acquire at this tender age will stick for the rest of their lives.

• Resilience and growth

While growing, kids will make a multitude of mistakes and face myriad challenges. But this shouldn’t deter them from pressing on. Show them how to bounce back from such pitfalls and forge ahead. Instill the never-give-up attitude in them. And let them know that quitting isn’t an option.

These values are fundamental to positive behaviour in children. Kids who master them thrive not just in their childhood but also in their teenage and adult life.

Conclusion

Nurturing good behaviour in young minds starts with an out-and-out understanding of what shapes their behaviour at different developmental stages. Knowing their emotions and desires lets you gently deal with the bad habits while inculcating essential life skills.

You may want to integrate technology to promote acquisition of positive practices. Expose them to educational apps and digital citizenship lessons. Just make sure to guard their innocence while online.

Also, don’t do it alone. Engage the wider community. Teachers and childcare providers can help you towards this goal as they spend a significant amount of time with the children. The healthy traits kids acquire at a tender age stick with them for decades.