Safe Search Kids - Education, Parenting, Internet Safety for All

In today’s world, where everyone is obsessed with consumerism, it is maybe time to take a step back and curate a few thoughtful gifts for your children. The Australian Toy and Gaming industry is $586 million in 2022 and has grown faster than the country’s economy, reports Ibis Research.

So as a concerned parent, it is time to think about how you can make sure your gifts to your children help in their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Here, we have suggested six gift ideas for your kids which take care of them, help them grow their imagination, and also let them enjoy.

1. A Gaming Chair

For our children, video games are an important part of life. As parents, it is natural to feel apprehensive about the long hours they spend on the console.  On the other hand, the gamer in your child will probably want video games or gaming accessories for Christmas. Try gifting them a gaming chair to ensure they are not plagued with back or neck pain from spending long hours playing games.

Australians have spent nearly AUD 4 billion playing video games in 2021 alone. Mobile games accounted for AUD 1.51 Billion, the rest being on a console or PC.  Like your fellow Aussies, if your child spends close to 90 minutes playing a video game, you should be very careful about the gaming chair you buy.

We suggest you go through online reviews to find the best gaming chair for your child. Choose one based on ergonomics. Check the color and style preferences of your child so that it is used by them.

2. An Outdoor Experience

Children got tired of staying indoors all the time, especially during the Covid-19 lockdowns. In a study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2021, 22% of Australians felt their mental health was taking a turn for the “worse” during the lockdowns.

If it is possible for you, try to treat your child to a short trip somewhere in Australia. You can opt for a beach stay or choose to take your child camping. You may also choose to spend a couple of days exploring the zoo and other interesting places in your community. What matters to your child is the time you spend with them and the quality of the same.

3. An Aquarium or Terrarium

Terrariums and aquariums are great gift ideas. They’re beautiful and easy to care for. They will give your child the opportunity to create their little ecosystem without needing too much room.

As a low-maintenance gift idea, terrariums are a great for anyone who loves plants. They’re also a great way to get your kids interested in gardening. Because they’re enclosed, they don’t need much maintenance. They’re an ideal gift for your child if they would like to have a slice of nature in their rooms.

You can give your child the gift of seeing their favorite animal in real life. An aquarium lets you do that, and it looks great on any shelf or table. You can spend some time every day with your child feeding the fish and watching them feed. It is a ritual that will engage your child and help you both witness something soothing and magical without spending time in front of a screen.

4. Battery-Powered Ride-On Car

For a truly extraordinary gift for your child, one that will certainly wow them, battery-powered Ride-On Cars are becoming increasingly popular for kids. It’s not uncommon to see these miniature toy cars cruise the sidewalks throughout neighborhoods. Sure to ignite any child’s imagination and unleash a world of fun-filled adventures, these units come in a variety of captivating designs and are equipped with kid-friendly features.

Whether your child dreams of racing through imaginary landscapes or emulating their favorite grown-up drivers, this mini vehicle idea provides a safe and thrilling experience. They also promote outdoor play. As kids zoom around the neighborhood or backyard, their sense of independence and confidence grows.

And let’s face it, someday they will be driving their own real-life cars. So, why not allow them to learn safe driving habits in a Battery-Powered Ride-On Car?  It’s not just a toy; it’s a thoughtful gift that sparks a sense of exploration in young hearts.

5. Books

Books are a great gift for kids because they help develop intellectual curiosity and help kids build their vocabularies. They also provide an opportunity for children to learn about themselves and the world around them, and they can be a source of comfort in times of stress or anxiety.

You can buy board books for babies who haven’t learned to read yet. These books have thick pages that are easy to turn, and they usually feature bright colors and simple pictures that can help entertain your little ones while they’re learning how to use their hands properly.

For older children who are just starting school, you might want to look into chapter books or storybooks that are aimed at their age group. These types of books tend to have more complex storylines than those designed for younger children, which makes them more engaging for older kids who are trying to get used to reading on their own for the first time.

We hope this article helps you choose a thoughtful gift that is both useful and fun for your child and suits your budget. We understand that you may have budget constraints at this point and may not be able to shop for all the presents on your child’s wishlist. What truly matters to your child is that you invested your time and effort in giving them something this festive season.

6. DIY Craft and Hobby Kits

DIY craft kits are excellent gifts for kids of all ages. They’re fun. Kids love to create things and put their spin on them. They enjoy the process of creating, which is something that they can’t get from just buying something at the store.

They’re educational. DIY craft kits teach children how to work with their hands and enjoyably use their imaginations.

They encourage creativity and problem-solving skills. By giving your child a DIY craft kit as a gift, you’re encouraging them to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions for completing their projects.

Make sure you spend an optimum amount and don’t divert funds from other important activities for your child, like dance or music lessons.

7. eBike

Electric bikes have been all the rage for adults.  Now smaller versions for kids are set to provide children with the same experience.  While ebikes provide electric assistance, they still require pedaling. This helps kids engage in physical activity and develop a healthier lifestyle.

With the electric assistance, kids can cover longer distances without getting as tired. This makes it easier for them to explore new areas or go on longer family bike rides.

Ebikes also promote reduced sedentary time.  With the growing prevalence of screen time and sedentary activities, e-bikes provide an enjoyable way for kids to spend time outdoors, reducing the time spent in front of screens.  E-bikes can be a great option for kids with varying levels of physical fitness or abilities.

8. Dinosaur Slippers

Some kids love clothing related gifts. Others think they are boring. However, when you combine practicality with fun the gift can be truly unique and thoughtful. Slippers offer cozy comfort for little feet. But slippers designed to look like your own personal pet dinosaurs add fun to every step your child takes.

At night when they slip out of their dinosaur slippers and crawl into bed, this new pair of dino friends become trusted companions who watch over the room while your little one sleeps. And when morning arrives, jumping out of bed will be that much more enticing with protection from the cold floor that awaits.

9 Lightsaber

Lightsabers have become as ubiquitous as droids in a galaxy far, far away, capturing the hearts and imaginations of fans young and old. These glowing wonders have skyrocketed in popularity faster than the Millennium Falcon making the Kessel Run. From epic duels in the backyard to impromptu Jedi training sessions in the living room, lightsaber toys have become the ultimate accessory for aspiring Padawans and seasoned Jedi Masters alike.

With a rainbow of colors to choose from, enthusiasts can embrace their inner Sith Lord or channel their inner Rey, creating a dazzling spectacle that’s more entertaining than a cantina band on Tatooine. Whether you’re battling the dark side or simply spicing up a dull Tuesday afternoon, the force is strong with these luminous playthings, making them a must-have for anyone looking to add a dash of intergalactic excitement to their daily adventures.

May the fun be with you!

The game of Scrabble has been around for over seventy years and is still enjoyed by millions of people the world over. It’s a simple game, but one that can be extremely strategic, providing hours of fun for all players. Why has Scrabble has been so successful? Here are some reasons why it’s one of the most brilliant games with friends!

 The History of Scrabble

Scrabble was created in 1938 by Dr. Alfred Butts, a student at the University of Cambridge. Butts and his friends were looking for an easy game to play while drinking beers outdoors, and they came up with the idea of creating a board game that consisted of 26 tiles. The tiles were originally designed to spell words, but over time people began to create more complex boards and games were born.

The popularity of Scrabble grew rapidly, and in 1949 Butts sold the rights to the game to a company called J.W. Spear & Sons Ltd. In 1963, Milton Bradley Company acquired Spear & Sons Ltd., and they continue to manufacture Scrabble today.

The Many Variations of Scrabble

There are many variations of Scrabble available today, including Junior Scrabble, Word Scraper, Crossword scraper, and even a board game called Crokinole! Each variation has its own set of rules and is designed for a specific audience (e.g., Junior Scrabble is meant for children aged 6-10).

The Importance of Vocabulary in Scrabble

One of the main reasons why Scrabble has been so popular over the years is that it is incredibly challenging and fun to play with friends.

What Makes Scrabble So Good?

There Are Many Ways To Play

Unlike other games where players must follow a set pattern in order to win, Scrabble allows for a lot of creativity and flexibility. Players can create their own scrabble words and strategies, making the game infinitely replayable. There’s virtually no way to lose, which makes it an excellent game to play with friends.

It’s Relatively Easy To Learn But Difficult To Master

Scrabble is one of the easiest games to learn, but it can be quite challenging to become a skilled player. The rules are simple enough that even beginners can understand them, but complex enough that experts will have a lot of fun playing them. This makes it both accessible and exciting for all kinds of players.

It Can Be Played Anywhere And With Anyone

No matter where you are or who you’re with, you can always enjoy a game of Scrabble. The game is portable and easy to play, so it can be enjoyed anywhere there are people willing to play. Plus, because the rules are so simple, even children can easily enjoy the game without feeling intimidated or lost.

 How Do You Play Scrabble?

Scrabble is a board game, as well as a popular word game, that can be played with two to four players, and it is considered one of the most brilliant games with friends. The object of the game is to get all of your tiles off the board while blocking your opponents from doing the same. There are several ways to play Scrabble, but the most common way to play is with Wordsmiths. Wordsmiths are players who know how to use all the letters in Scrabble, which gives them an advantage over other players. There are also Noobs who don’t know how to use all the letters in Scrabble, and they have to learn as they go along.

Another way to play Scrabble is with Crosswords. Crosswords are similar to Scrabble because they both require players to use all of their tiles and they both have a word list. However, Crosswords usually have more squares on the grid than Scrabble does, so it takes a bit longer for a player to make their move.

There is also trivia night, where players can compete against each other by answering questions about different aspects of Scrabble. Finally, there is always the option for people to host their own tournaments where everyone can come and compete for prizes.

Best Friends and Scrabble: Why It’s So Brilliant

• It’s a social game that can be played by anyone, regardless of age or language barriers.
• There’s something about the mental challenge of scrabble that is just really satisfying.
• You can always make new friends by playing scrabble together!
• It’s a great way to stay active and keep your brain active – which is great for your health!
• Scrabble is also a great way to bond with your family and friends – it can be fun for everyone in the family!
• It never gets old – you can always pick up the game and play it again, no matter how long ago you last played it!

Conclusion

Scrabble has been around for over 100 years, and it is still one of the most popular board games with friends. There are many reasons why this game is so fun and engaging: the strategic gameplay, the different word choices, and the ability to build relationships over time make Scrabble a favorite pastime for many people. Whether you’re looking for an enjoyable way to spend some quality time with your friends or you need a new challenge in your life, give Scrabble a try – you won’t regret it!

The e-gaming market has grown rapidly in recent years, thanks to more potential for digitization and improved accessibility and OEMs, focused on innovation and cost. But this has led to some unexpected issues that affect individuals, especially kids.  With technology being such an important aspect of everyone’s lives, the gaming business is also thriving.

In terms of revenue, the video game market has more than doubled in the last five years and is expected to exceed $221 billion by the end of 2022. However, players are mainly concerned about mobile gaming, which will account for 80% of total revenue contribution.

Why Mobile Gaming has Become So Popular?

Gaming PCs and consoles like the Xbox or Sony PlayStation are still considered a luxury in many homes. On the contrary, playing games on your phone is less expensive. It facilitates newcomers’ integration into the ecosystem. The same games that run on high-end specialized gaming phones and flagship smartphones are also accessible on budget and mid-range phones with decreased graphic and framerate settings.

Portability is more important to the gamers of this generation than performance. While PCs offer higher graphics and performance, cell phones will always outperform PCs in terms of mobility and portability. Because of the pandemic, there has also been a worldwide scarcity of graphics cards. The issue has had a significant impact on the entire supply chain.

Because mobile phones are not upgradeable nor have hardware that can be customized, they provide the convenience of not having to upgrade every few years. Smartphones have become more affordable and now include strong technology capable of running games with moderate to high system needs.

It has increased the accessibility of more immersive games to the general population. Qualcomm Vice President and President Rajen Vagadia claim that the company has had to update its GPUs (graphics processing units) over 700 times in the last 12 years due to user demand. This means that even smartphone GPUs have seen so much advancement that they can run most games without any performance issues.

Smartphones have also become a lot speedier in a short amount of time, especially considering that Android and iOS devices are not even two decades old. Mobile graphics, immersive gameplay, performance, and cloud-based gaming services have all experienced significant improvements. All while maintaining ease of entry for gamers.

All of these factors have made mobile gaming popular over the last few years. And unsurprisingly the majority of gamers now consider smartphones as their preferred device for gaming.

What Problems Arise Due to Online Gaming?

Because of the advent of mobile gaming and the removal of restraints such as a big PC or console, young gamers may now take advantage of this vast industry. However, several of these games, particularly those geared at children, have raised security concerns. There appears to be no answer in sight for parents who want to monitor what their children are doing on their phones.

Children necessitate the aid of their parents or guardians. They will encounter cyberbullying and online harassment whether they use their phones for gaming or surfing the Internet. If they perform poorly in-game, many players are verbally harassed and intimidated.

It is really concerning, especially for young children who are unprepared for such risks. They are unsure how to respond to such threats. They keep these concerns hidden deep within themselves and are afraid to address them with anyone because they fear they might feel it’s their fault they got targeted.

Then there is the issue of blatant sexism and sexual harassment of female gamers. Guys when realize they are playing with or against a female will automatically assume they are bad at the game and pass off offensive remarks and disguise them as just teasing or fooling around. They will remark on things along the line that they should be doing house chores instead of gaming.

They will also pass off lewd comments about their voice and sex and make them purposefully uncomfortable. Similarly, if the person, is gay or of a different race, they will comment on their sexuality and race and be toxic on purpose just to seem cool. Homophobic and racist remarks are sadly still a major point of contention and something that is still not abdicated.

Even the monetization system of these games is very obnoxious and in your face. The loot crate system in games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Elder Scrolls Online attracts young kids to spend money on cosmetic items so they can impress their friends with cool new skins for their characters and weapons. EU considers this gambling and has even banned games like these in the past.

Remember the Counter-Strike gambling fiasco a few years back? A few YouTubers were pushing an online gambling website where you could use real money to win Counter-Strike in-game cosmetics. Because children are unaware of the consequences and addiction linked with gambling, it made quite a commotion in the media.

What Can Parents Do?

Parents can use the most recent technology breakthroughs to provide immediate aid if they fear their child’s online safety is at risk. To protect their children’s online gaming and mobile gaming experience, parents can use a phone monitoring tool. XNSPY is one such example. It is a dependable remote monitoring solution that is compatible with iOS and Android and can make the internet a safe place for kids.

To keep check of their children’s phone activity, parents can use XNSPY’s remote screen monitoring service. Furthermore, the application prevents children from viewing potentially dangerous websites and online gaming platforms. XNSPY’s advanced tracking capabilities safeguard users against online fraud and malware attacks.

Since most of these attacks can also occur in online games, the program assists parents in tracking their children’s mobile games so that they do not fall victim to similar scams, harassment, or bullying which has become increasingly common over the past few years. Parents can use the app blocker function found in the XNSPY app and block the apps that have a bad reputation for cultivating a toxic gaming environment.

The Future of Online and Mobile Gaming

Gaming has long been popular among youth and as technology advances, it is getting easier for phone users to download and play games on their cell phones. The number of online mobile gaming apps has increased significantly because developers and OEMs know it is a gold mine and they are taking full advantage of it by doing the minimum effort.

They will continue to monetize their games with greedy loot crates and pointless cosmetics because they are easy to generate and they can recycle the same content and remodel game assets over and over again.

Cybercrime is becoming increasingly common, especially with the availability of these games on mobile phones. The majority of children are still overly reliant on their parents to monitor what they are exposed to online.

Fortunately, with monitoring apps in the mix and proper Internet safety guidelines, parents may breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to protecting their children’s internet activities and gaming habits. They now have something to safeguard their kids from the never-ending trend of global eSports and smartphone gaming.

A learning objective is a clear statement that describes what the learner will attain or apply from a lesson. Writing learning objectives is important for any lesson-planning process. The well-written learning objectives help students to understand what they will learn after completing the course or session.

Learning objectives assist to focus the learning process and provide a clear framework for assessment. It ensures that the learning activities are aligned with the goals of the lesson or course. After defining the specific skills or knowledge that learners are going to acquire, instructors can prepare the appropriate content for the course.

This article will take you through the importance of learning objectives and the ways to write them perfectly.

Why Effective Learning Objectives Are Important?

Well-written learning objectives are important for many reasons such as;

Clear Roadmap for Students

Learning objectives provide a clear picture of the course to the students shortly what they will learn from the lesson. This shows how it’s well-aligned with the goals of the course. It inspires and motivates the participants on achieving those outcomes. This also helps them understand how they will be assessed.

Compass for Teachers

Good learning objectives help teachers and instructors to design the right course contents and strategies that cope with the learning objectives. This aids them to make a fair assessment plan too.  Learning the importance of observation is just as essential.

Things to Consider Before You Write the Learning Objectives

A good teacher or course instructor always thinks a lot before designing the learning objectives. Some of the questions that they might ask themselves for writing beneficial learning objectives are;

• What will the students or participants attain after attending this course, or lesson?
• What do the participants need to know and how it will bridge their existing knowledge and skills with what they are going to achieve?
• How do participants apply the knowledge and skills that they will learn?

Step-by-Step Guide to Write Learning Objectives

The effective learning objective should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). If you are a teacher or want to be so, you can follow the steps below to write the learning objectives perfectly.

Step 1: Clear Statement

Write each learning objective in a clear statement of what the attendees will know after participating in the lesson. For example, you can start with the phrase “After completing this session, the learner will be able to …..”

• Be sure to include the necessary context and conditions for the learning objective.
• The objectives should describe what the attendees will learn or do as a result of a learning experience.
• Keep the learning objective concise and student-focused. Avoid using vague or broad language.

Step 2: Use Most Suitable Action Verb

Choose the right action verbs that are specific, measurable, and descriptive. This makes the objective clearer and more focused. For writing learning objectives, it’s recommended to follow Benjamin Bloom’s Taxonomy (1956).

Bloom’s hierarchical classification explains six different levels of thinking: Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, and Create. AAMC.org enlisted some verbs to formulate educational objectives.

Step 3: Break Down the Tasks and Cognitive Skills

Sometimes faculty think the lesson or task requires specific skills but in reality, it needs a blend of many component skills. To master these skills, students have to practice a lot. The course instructor should mention all the necessary skills so participants get the right direction at the very beginning.

Step 4: Review Each Objective

Double-check the learning objective to ensure that it matches the overall goals and objectives of the course or lesson. It should be closely related to the content and activities that will be covered in the lesson.

Learning Objective Examples

A learning objective for a science lesson on plant biology might be: “After completing this session, the learner will be able to identify the different parts of a plant and their functions, using a diagram or a real plant as a reference.”

This objective is specific (identifying the parts of a plant), measurable (using a diagram or a real plant), attainable (assuming the learner has some prior knowledge of plant biology), relevant (to the topic of plant biology), and time-bound (able to do this after completing the lesson).  So, it meets the SMART formula hence the learning objective is absolutely accurate.

But if you use “learn” instead of “identify” the learning objective will be wrong as the word “learn” is not measurable.

Conclusion

Learning objectives are crucial components of any educational program or lesson plan. They help to ensure that the content and activities of a lesson are focused, relevant, and aligned with the course’s or program’s overall goals and objectives.

The well-written learning objectives will help to design the content that copes with the learning programs and assessment process. We describe here the steps to make effective learning objectives. Hopefully, you can now write the learning objectives perfectly.