Category: Education

Due to recent events and advancements in technology, parents have been opting for online speech therapy for their kids. Children can continue with their education and get help with their speech and language issues from the comfort and safety of their homes. However, learning via web access has both positives and downsides. Here are some factors to consider.

Understanding Speech Therapy and How It Works

So what, exactly, is speech therapy? Provided by a speech and language pathologist (SLP), speech therapy evaluates and treats children, identifying communication struggles and helping them speak and listen with greater proficiency. Most schools have a trained therapist on their staff to help children dealing with articulation and verbal comprehension. These professionals also help with developing proper fluency, understanding instructions and social cues, and expressing themselves clearly. Children may perform exercises under the therapist’s direction to tone their facial and throat muscles to form words clearly.

Teletherapy Can Prove Beneficial

Now that kids are attending digital classrooms using tools like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet, speech therapy is also offered online. Parents can sign up their kids for teletherapy sessions with trained SLPs.

Most virtual sessions proceed much like personal one-on-one sessions. Therapists use cue cards, images, books, reading classes, and verbal exercises such as poems and rhymes to help kids with their speech challenges. This method of teaching has several advantages.

Most importantly, therapists can continue to treat their patients without having to meet them personally. Children need not miss out just because of stay-at-home orders. Considering that the key to successful therapy is repetition and practice, kids can continue to make progress even if they are at home. Therapists can connect with kids in real-time, having interactive practice lessons via the web access using audio and video applications.

Another essential of speech therapy is group classes. Kids learn best when watching their friends speak words, recite poems, and perform actions and exercises. Teletherapy allows SLPs to conduct sessions with multiple students, each mimicking the motions other kids make and learning quickly. Interacting with their friends and having fun while they work is essential to maintain interest.

Children Can Access Learning Programs Using their Android Tablet or iPad.

Recent speech therapy programs are easy to access and use. You won’t have to invest in special apps or download and install them for video conferencing. The sessions are brought to you via live streaming. Parents only need to permit screen access to the therapist. Complete confidentiality is maintained as the SLP designs classes around the child’s specific deficits and works on correcting them. For instance:

• They may take over the screens to make small adjustments and adapt images, so the child understands them better.
• Words are added and removed according to the student’s advancing capabilities.
• Visual tools make the entire session fun and interesting. Kids can tap on an image to see an animation that reveals more about the bird or animal. Or, perhaps, the letter and words that start with the letter.
• SLPs can watch and evaluate the child to make recommendations for additional classes accordingly.
• Parents can be present in the room when the class is in progress to understand how to conduct reading lessons

Is Online Speech Therapy Right for Your Family?

While adopting technology to continue with speech therapy sessions is a great idea, it can have some downsides also. Here are some factors you will want to keep in mind.

• Children need web access with a high-speed internet connection and devices like laptops, PCs, tablets, or phones to connect with their therapists. Students with unreliable internet access or a bustling home where they can’t concentrate may find it hard to acquire these essentials.
• Getting kids to sit still and attend classes can be challenging. Parents may have to supervise to ensure that the child maintains focus.
• Effective speech therapy is also about picking by facial expressions and subtle body language cues. Children learn best when they watch how facial muscles work and coordinate sounds with lip movement. With the quality limitations of video, they could miss out on these intricacies and nuances of speech therapy. This could result in slower progress.
• Equipment failure and breaks in internet connection could hamper real-time classes. Both students and therapists have to learn to navigate applications. Often, small errors like keying in the wrong password or students being unable to log in could lead to unwanted delays in getting the classes going.
• Considering that many kids also rely on the internet to keep up with their regular studies and curriculum, speech therapy could add to the total digital time and fatigue.

Using technology and web access to ensure that kids keep up their education and speech therapy is a great idea whether they are taking virtual school classes or not. However, parents, kids, and therapists have to work their way around the challenges so that the program achieves the desired results.

Learn More About Your Child’s Health

Is Online Therapy for Teens a Viable Solution?
Do Babies Always Respond to Their Name?

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.

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!