In a world dominated by smartphones and tablets, kids don’t have to rely on conventional classroom learning solely. Although cellphones are mostly considered distracting for young minds, they can prove immensely useful if used for the right reasons. Today, kids can learn different skills through websites and mobile apps.

There are excellent online resources that directly assist students in learning the key concepts of mathematics, science, physics and chemistry.

Apps on the other hand, tend to engage kids in acquiring productive skills like design.  While most of these applications are free to download, some entail payment on a monthly or yearly basis.

Here is a glimpse through the prominent features of the top 7 skill development apps for kids:

1.   SplashLearn

SplashLearn, an award-winning math and ELA platform for grades Pre-K to 5 (ages 2 to 11), offers a comprehensive educational experience with over 4,000 interactive learning games, 10,000+ printable worksheets, live classes, and guided lesson plans. It supports diverse learning needs, making education both enjoyable and effective for kids. The program also offers educational games to improve art, creativity, motor skills, logic, and critical thinking.

Some amazing features of these games include personalized learning paths, alignment with the Common Core Standards, cross-platform compatibility, fun rewards, a kid-friendly interface, and tools for monitoring progress. SplashLearn’s resources are completely free for teachers and schools! For parents, it offers a 7-day free trial and affordable subscription plans, beginning at just $7.49 per month when billed annually.

2.   Lumosity

Lumosity is one of the most popular brain training apps aimed at developed concentration abilities, problem-solving skills, and improving memory retention. The app includes a series of games and challenges that tests the user in his/her knowledge of mathematics, language, speed, logical thinking, and other cognitive capacities. It is designed for 13-year-olds and above. Lumosity can be downloaded for free, yet it also has a premium version with a monthly subscription of $11.99. The user can utilize a personalized training program with detailed insights and improvement tips in the premium version.

3.   SketchAR

SketchAR is meant to build creativity and artistic acumen in youngsters. The app uses augmented reality and artificial intelligence for drawing, editing, and gaming. With SketchAR, users can learn to draw cartoons, graffiti, anime, and many other exciting designs. It can be utilized by people of all ages and all levels of expertise. SketchAR also provides courses for drawing lessons to beginners as well as professionals. The software comes in free as well as premium version. Its premium content can be accessed at $9.99/month.

4.   Epic!

Epic! is the best-known reading app for 12-year-olds and below. In the US, over 90% of elementary schools use Epic for inculcating reading and learning skills in children. The app has more than 40,000 eBooks and audiobooks of various genres. It is available in several languages and allows for both online and offline reading. The books are classified by age, types, and interests. The user can also track his/her reading progress and get personalized book recommendations in the app. While the basic version of Epic! is free, the unlimited version can be availed at $9.99/month.

5.   Prodigy

Prodigy is a free gaming app devised to instill mathematical skills and logical reasoning abilities in kids aged 5-14. There are 1400 types of skills available in the app. In Prodigy, every user gets to solve a unique set of puzzles and challenges. Its interactive mathematical games involve questions that aid in the skill development of the kids. The app presents games in order of levels and keeps the players motivated through rewards and opportunities to compete with fellow players. Prodigy is used by millions of students across the world.

6.   Duolingo

As the name suggests, Duolingo is a language learning app and extends a chance to familiarize kids with a wide variety of languages. It is a free app targeted to hone the language skills of 13-year-olds and above. The app provides lessons on more than 30 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, etc. Kids can grasp any of these languages through simple practice exercises and fun games. Further, it lets you track progress and is made for both beginner and advanced learners. Duolingo is available in a free version as well as a premium version of $6.99/month.

7.   SoloLearn

One of the most desired apps of recent times, SoloLearn is a free coding app created for kids aged 13 and above. It has thousands of topics related to programming and coding concepts, along with activities for practice. With SoloLearn, kids can learn over 10 coding languages, including C++, Python, Java, etc. The app is utilized by millions for learning to code and staying abreast of the field’s latest trends. Apart from the free version, SoloLearn also has a pro model costing $6.99/month.

8.   Flow Free

Flow Free is a free puzzle gaming app that can be used by anyone aged 5 and above. The app has more than 2000 sets of brain training puzzles. There are hundreds of levels to cross and a variety of tasks to check your mental abilities. All the games and puzzles in Flow Free are created with an aim to boost the mental strength and agility of the learners.

The above-listed apps are available on both Android and iOS. The advancements in technology have paved the way for new ways of learning and skill development. However, it is also upon the parents and teachers to guide their kids in the right direction. Most modern software applications come with an adult monitoring mode that lets the parents keep track of their kids’ progress. Accordingly, the guardians can productively direct the development of kids with the help of the latest technology apps.

9.   Solitaired

Try out dozens of popular card games such as Solitaire, Spades, Hearts, Freecell, and several others at Solitaired. The app features each unique game in a variety of difficulty levels, allowing players to continuously improve and develop better strategy and critical thinking. Variations like Freecell aim to bring a faster gaming experience, as all cards are dealt facing up. While this sounds easier in theory, players must form a strategy beforehand. Every game on Solitaired comes with a detailed rulebook, making it ideal for players of all skill levels.

Author Bio
K C Raj is a career counselor and recruiter with many years of experience. Interested in topics like human development, education, immigration, inequality, and many other international issues.
KCR Consultants | LinkedIn.

K C Raj is a socialist in thinking, and believes in “One Nation, One World” theory.

It can be hard to make sure your kids stay happy and healthy during online classes. The sudden shift to a virtual format has been anything but easy. If you’re a parent watching your child struggle as they try to adjust to the online format, here are a few suggestions for ways that you can help.

Set Your Child Up with a Dedicated Home Classroom

There are dedicate a space for your child to do their school work. Much like working from home, a dedicated space creates boundaries and helps establish school-life balance.

It also gives you the chance to create a specific area that is optimized for school. You and your child can personalize the space to help them stay organized and positive every time they enter the area to “go to school.”

Don’t Let Your Kid Work on Something for Too Long

It’s officially recommended that an adult not work on the same task for more than two hours at a time. For children with shorter attention spans, that number drops dramatically. If you have a preschooler, their attention span maxes out at a whopping 5 to 20 minutes.

If your kid is spending too much time on a project or a piece of homework, don’t be afraid to break up the job for them. Helping them learn to regulate themselves and take breaks will be a skill that they take with them for the rest of their lives.

Help Your Kid Unplug Often

The focus of getting through online school is obviously on the “online” part. However, it’s also good to consider the time when your kids are not in class, too. A few suggestions for ways to help them include:

• Turning off distractions like notifications on their mobile devices.
• Using the “screen time” or “focus mode” features to curb access to unnecessary apps.
• Limiting screentime in the evenings and weekends.
• Making sure they aren’t getting too much blue light before bedtime.

They may not love it at the moment, but helping your child unplug when they aren’t in school will do wonders for their mental state.

Regularly Check In with Your Kid

While unplugging and being in the present are important, you also want to ensure that your kid isn’t spending too much time completely on their own.

One way to address this is by planning family time. Look for hobbies like cooking or reading that you can do together. Additionally, simply spend time talking with them. You can use these occasions to check in and see how they’re doing. For instance, if they’re feeling tired, you can talk about the connection between fatigue and depression and then use that as a segue for more health-related conversations.

Make Sure Your Child Isn’t Alone Too Much

Along with private conversations, you can also help your child maintain their social lives. You can do this by setting up Zoom playdates, letting them make phone calls, or even planning a full-blown virtual party for your kid. Because every family in your circle is likely in the same boat, be sure to plan far in advance.

You can also help them stay connected in more subtle ways. For instance, have them write an email or even a handwritten letter to one of their friends. Whatever the activity, look for ways to help your kid avoid the closed-off feeling of prolonged isolation.

Tend to Your Kid’s Basic Health Concerns

It’s also important to help your kids understand the importance of basic health maintenance. This should focus on three areas, in particular:

• Sleep: Make sure that they’re getting the right amount of sleep for their age.
• Exercise: Consistent exercise helps keep the body healthy and stress at a minimum.
• Eating: A well-rounded diet is critical for growing minds and bodies.

Once again, helping your kids learn to consider these important things while they’re also balancing virtual school is a life skill that they’ll continue to benefit from for decades.

Set Your Child Up for Success

Finally, it’s also important to grease the wheels for your child’s educational success wherever possible. This can be done in many ways, such as:

• Charging their digital devices while they’re sleeping.
• Maintaining a consistent and clear schedule for them.
• Teaching them about Zoom etiquette and how to communicate online.

By doing what you can behind the scenes, you can help your child feel supported and encouraged every day.

Cultivating Happy, Healthy Kids During Remote School

The education system may be in a rapid state of change at the moment. However, that doesn’t mean that your kids have to suffer from the negative side effects of the ongoing academic evolution.

Do your best to come by their side and support them throughout this transformative time. While we may not know what will come next, if you can stay strong for your kids during this time, you can rest assured that your family won’t suffer, regardless of what the future may hold.

Microsoft 365 accounts have come under increasing attacks by hackers. It seems like no organization is safe if reports are anything to go by. It seems like no organization is safe if reports are anything to go by.

Microsoft released a report that the level of threat sophistication is rising. It makes it harder for them to identify cybercriminals. Key areas of concern are the internet of things (IoT) devices. Other threats are ransomware, and credential harvesting. In 2019, the company blocked 13 billion suspicious and malicious emails.

Foreign governments are also playing dirty. They are working with hackers to monitor US treasury department emails. They also used software and Microsoft Office 365 to get access. Hacking is, without a doubt, a major concern for everyone. It is crucial to prevent such attacks.

Parents must also be extra watchful. You must take the necessary steps to keep kids safe while online.

We will show you everything you need to do to secure your Microsoft 365 account.

How to Secure a Microsoft Office 365 Account and Keep Your Kids Safe While Online

Microsoft Office 365 accounts are critical for most businesses. But, they have also become quite popular amongst hackers. Once the cyber criminals are in your system, they access services and applications. Such include the calendar, SharePoint file, email, and Onedrive.

It will compromise your online security and expose you to different threats. Hackers will use several methods to get excess. Such include:

• Phishing through the use of fake login pages. They will often ask you to change your account settings, including the password.
• Business email compromise where the hacker uses a genuine Office 365 account. You get an email asking for specific information or action. Be careful about opening links whose source you do not know. Be wary of emails that have a lot of urgencies, especially to send money.

How to Know When a Hacker Compromises Your Microsoft Office 365 Account

There are specific things that show that your Microsoft Office 365 account is not safe. Such include:

• An increase in email deletions due to the mailbox rules.
• Difficulty accessing account.
• Changes to your account that you did not allow.
• Suggestions for new actions including Mail forwarding or moving orders.
• Requests for password changes from location to do not know.
• Many login attempts.
• An increase in inbox activities that you are not taking.
• Changes to your profile, contact details, signatures, and credentials.

Steps To Take To Secure Your Microsoft Office 365 Account

If you are on the receiving end of hacking, it can be scary. There are steps you can take to restore safety on Microsoft 365. Remember online security starts with you. Watch the sites your children visit.

If possible, restrict access to some of the sites. Only use secured networks when you are online. Also, enable the firewall and install the necessary antivirus protection on your devices.

1.   Work Offline

When you always connect your computer to the internet, hackers have an easy way of finding access to you. The alternative is to work offline as much as you can. It is a good idea to consider if the kids use the computer a lot, especially for school work.

Install the desktop version of Office 365. It eliminates the need to depend on the cloud to access the applications. You still have access to your programs without needing internet connectivity.

2.   Use Microsoft Office for Chromebook

To increase security, consider installing Microsoft Office for Chromebook.  The Chromebook’s design focuses a lot on security features. It makes it safer than Linux, Android, iOS, and even windows.

Chromebook works by blocking any installation attempts. If there is a malicious virus in an email, it will not attack your system. Everything you do when using Chromebook is cloud-based.

It makes it harder for hackers to get access to your system. The developers are always rolling out updates. Verified boots, and sandboxing also help prevent infection. In the long-term, you save a lot. You do not need external malware or virus protection.

3.   Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication

A weak password can compromise your safety. Take the time to craft a strong password for your accounts. A combination of numbers, letters, and symbols is a good idea. Avoid the use of birthdays, anniversaries, and 1234 as passwords.

Enable the password expiration so that you only use the password for several days.

Multi-factor authentication requires the use of an extra password to access the account. It uses information that only you would know. It may ask questions like who was your first teacher. What was the first object that you ever bought for yourself? Who is your favorite author? The answer you give becomes your second password.

4.   Configure Your Office 365 Accounts

Be careful about how you use the administrative account. Do not give access to everyone and assign privileges. You should not use the admin account for administrative use.

Before you access the admin account, make sure you close all other browser sessions. Do the same for any email accounts that are currently running. Once you finish using the admin account, make sure you log out completely.

Do not let anyone else get access to your emails or calendars. Avoid Mail forwarding to external domains. Remove global mail forwarding that the attacker may have created.

Also, take advantage of the security measures that Microsoft Office has in place. The company is even using artificial intelligence to improve the Microsoft defender.

5.   Secure Mobile Devices

Take note of the mobile devices you use as well. Microsoft Intune is a mobile device management tool that helps you secure your data. You can use it on IOS, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. If you lose your device, you can wipe out the data remotely.

Final Thoughts

From our article, we have shown that hackers can breach Microsoft Office 365. The good news is that there are specific steps to prevent breaches. Come up with a strong password and take advantage of the multi-factor authentication.

Download the desktop version of Office 365 so that you do not depend on the cloud. The other option is to use Microsoft Office for Chromebook. You get to enjoy the security features of the latter.

It is important to keep the kids safe while online. Use some of the tips we have shared above and enjoy peace of mind knowing they are safe.

Educate yourself and your family on how to protect your computer at risk.

Learn how hackers can access your computer via a session hijacking attack.

From the outside world, the definition of safety is undoubtedly simple- The state in which conditions leading to physical, psychological, and material harm of individuals is prevented and controlled.  Meaning, safety is key to maintaining a properly functioning environment of any workplace, and school safety is not exceptional.

For kids in schools, their safety couples a safer learning and playing environment.

However, for many kids, it’s not always easy to access positive academic and playing surroundings. Discrimination by other kids, violence, theft, bullying, and fear of infractions—all of which threaten your kids’ safety.  Add to the fact that some kids live in unfavorable conditions from home resulting in psychological instabilities where support at schools becomes vital.

Before we discuss the tips for kid’s safety, here are some considerations to have in mind:

• The school safety measures should protect kids from violence, bullying, theft, threats, exposure to weapons, and substance abuse on and off the school grounds.

• Safety is just more than physical attributes. It’s to ensure kids eat healthy meals, play well, study, and can explore the use of technology.

• Also, it’s about ensuring kids are safely picked up after school with the right or approved persons—all of which should be the concern of both the parents and teachers.

Now, here are some tips to ensure the safety of your kids in school.

Have a plan for injury prevention

You may agree with me that most injuries by kids are fall-related or pedestrian-related crashes, which are preventable. Controlling or modifying your child’s environment is a top priority. In other words, be mindful of where your kids’ play. This includes ensuring your school is adhering to standards for playground safety.

But how can you do that?

Understand the school’s surrounding and ensure there is no harmful equipment on the playgrounds to prevent any unnecessary injuries. In cases where there is construction going on within the school premises, ensure you provide a helpful guide so that the kids stay safe from dropping objects.

Also, during their sports and recreation times, ensure the kids are wearing the proper protective gear to decrease their risk of injuries. Remind them of the rules of the game and that they must watch out for others so as to not cause injury to others.  Needless to say, kids need to also be prevented from hurting others intentionally, including when they may lose their temping in the heat of the moment.

First Aid Protocols

Complete prevention of your child being hurt is something no one can guarantee. But, you can be ready to help if injuries occur with a little planning and ensuring the right resources are in place. Therefore, you must ensure there is a protocol to provide medications and first aid services to treat injured kids.

Some kids will be on medications, which means they may need to carry their medicines to school.  School administrators and teachers need to be notified so they are aware of these prescriptions to also ensure they are kept away from other children.

It is important to remain vigilant and ensure the kids are aware of their medicines so there’s no chance of mixing if they are taking more than one. For safety purposes, explain to them why they should only take medications as directed.

Be aware of the kid’s food allergies

Individuals with food allergies and compromised immune systems effected by certain foods should know what to do if they accidentally ingest food that can cause harm.  Some of the allergies will cause swelling, itching, fainting, among other serious effects.

With the allergy status of the kids in mind, you must let the kids check with you first before they take any food that has not been given to them in their lunch. Teachers should be aware and remind kids to be conscious of any allergy they have and ensure safety measures are in place.

Additional thought should be given to child allergies in general and ensure your school’s first aid kit contains sufficient antihistamines, as well as albuterol for asthma attacks.

Teach and warn kids on the effects of conflict

Sure, conflict is inevitable. It is part of most relationships, and children are not exempt.  Schools should have programs in place to teach kids about the potential dangers of fighting or even the slightest aggressive behavior against one of their classmates.

Better still, remind older kids of how much physical power that have over those who are smaller than them.  Instead of lashing out, report to their teachers when they are wronged or physically abused themselves. Finally, teach the kids the best way of resolving their differences without fighting. Let them know fighting can result in hurting themselves as well.

Ensure a flow of the essentials

In this case, the basic essentials would be enough water supply, as well as proper and sufficient food. How your kids eat today would be of significant impact on their future. So, beyond the basics serious thought should be given to ensure each child has access to healthy foods.   For parents, it starts with healthy lunches.  For schools, it involves being aware of children in school who may not be getting adequate and healthy food at home.  Be aware of deficiency diseases.  Kids should also be taught about how proper diet and nutrition is crucial for their mental and physical growth.

Traffic Safety

Does you school have traffic lights?  Is there a need for hired crossing guards?  Or, will volunteer’s be sufficient?  These are questions schools must access to meet the individual traffic risks within their community. There are plenty of examples of injuries happening because a driver is in a hurry and they simply refuse to slow down. But the treat is not just speeders.  Even a slow speeds, a car can be deadly. Take time to consult with local law enforcement to find the right fit to ensure safety of parents and children alike at all points of the school where pedestrians and cars intersect.

Final Word on Safety

Maintaining kids’ safety should be the topmost priority to both parents and teachers in and out of schools. Therefore, each school must ensure they tolerate zero theft, bullying, violence, and discrimination of kids to enhance their safety.

Besides, parents and teachers must also ensure they help the kids understand their surroundings, provide the essentials like water and food, and provide medications and first aid services. Most importantly, put injury prevention plans in place and ensure protection against unfavorable weather conditions.

Stay Safe!