TechnoKids Computer Curriculum is a collection of technology projects that provide engaging computer activities for K-12 students. Each technology venture teaches different current technologies and STEM skills such as Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Coding, Programming, Innovation, 3D Printing, and many more. Since the introduction of these computer lesson plans, countries like UAE have shown great promise in inculcating these into the lives of their children, with Dubai being at the forefront of it.

It offers lessons digitally for schools, learning centres, and home-schools. TechnoKids divides projects into different categories. We have lesson plans for kids in Kindergarten to Grade 12.

PRIMARY CURRICULUM COLLECTION

This module includes technology projects for beginners. Activities are useful to Grade 1-3. Thoroughly ready lesson plans introduce computer skills to young children. The Primary Curriculum Collection includes 8 technology projects fit for kids in Grade 1-3 or ages 5-8. The collection involves TechnoBookmaking, TechnoFit, TechnoGallery, TechnoMe, TechnoPainter, TechnoStart, TechnoStories, and TechnoWhiz. Each project has a simple teacher guide for lesson planning, reproducible worksheets to strengthen learning, and customizable resources. The collection consists of learning by publishing stories, writing non-fiction books, producing slideshows, coding games and more. Instructional material is included for Google Docs, Office Offline, Office 2013/2016/2019 and Scratch Jr.

Technology skill: Publishing, Digital Citizenship, Graphics, Presentation, Programming and Word Processing.

JUNIOR CURRICULUM COLLECTION

Technology projects that integrate digital learning into curriculum. Activities are ideal for Grades 3-6. Student-centered lessons promote the practical usage of technology. The Junior Curriculum Collection includes 12 technology projects perfect for kids in Grade 3-6 or ages 8-12. The collection consists of TechnoCandy, TechnoEditor, TechnoResearch, TechnoToon, TechnoInternet, TechnoJournal, TechnoPresenter, TechnoSite, TechnoTales, TechnoTimeline, TechnoTrivia and TechnoTurtle. High-interest themes flawlessly fit into subject areas such as language, arts, math, social studies or visual arts. The collection comprises instructional materials for Google Docs and Microsoft Office.

Technology skill imparted: Animation, Publishing, Digital Citizenship, Graphics, Internet, Presentation, Programming, Spreadsheet, Web Design and Word Processing.

INTERMEDIATE CURRICULUM COLLECTION

The Intermediate Curriculum Collection includes technology projects perfect for teenagers in Grades 6-9 or ages 11-14. The collection consists of TechnoBiography, TechnoBudget, TechnoCode, TechnoEarth, TechnoDebate, TechnoEnvironment, TechnoHTML5, TechoMap, TechnoNewsletter, TechnoPython, TechnoQuestionnaire, TechnoRestaurateur and TechnoTravel. Every project has a comprehensive teacher guide for curriculum planning, student workbook to promote independence and personalized resources to implement learning. Integrate the activities as part of a curriculum unit, computer class, or after-school program. The collection has instructional materials for Google Docs, Office Online, Scratch and Python.

Technology skill imparted: Publishing, Digital Citizenship, Graphics, Internet, Photo Editing, Presentation, Programming, Spreadsheet, Web Design and Word Processing.

SENIOR CURRICULUM COLLECTION

Technology projects that challenge teenagers to master advanced computer skills. Projects are fit for Grades 8-12. Activities emphasize practical and real-world applications of technology. Prepare students for higher learning and career preparedness. The Senior Curriculum Collection includes 8 technology projects ideal for teenagers in Grades 8-12 or ages 12 and up. The collection consists of TechnoAdvertise, TechnoMission, TechnoSpecialist, TechnoPhotoshop, TechnoInvestor, TechnoPlanner, TechnoWonderland and TechnoAnimate. Each project includes an easy-to-use teacher guide for curriculum planning, student workbook to urge independence and customizable resources to support learning. Activities are illustrated, have step-by-step instructions with clear, easy to understand examples. Teach students word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, desktop publishing, graphic design, and information management skills they need to achieve success in life. Incorporate real-world activities as part of a curriculum unit, computer class or school club.

Technology skill imparted: Animation, Data Management, Database, Publishing, Digital Publishing, Graphics, Internet, Photo Editing, Spreadsheet, Web Design and Word Processing

To get more details about the TechnoKids curriculum and to learn how to incorporate it in your schools across GCC or Middle East, simply visit our website: https://knowledge-hub.com/technokids/

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What is Geometry?

Geometry is derived from the Greek word ‘geomtron’ where gē means earth and metron means measure. Geometry is therefore a branch of mathematics concerned with properties and relationships of lines, angles, curves, and shapes.

Children often complain why they have to learn this rather complicated subject ‘Geometry’ and where they will utilize the concepts of ‘angles’, ‘points’, and ‘area’ etc.

As an adult, if your child is ‘Math phobic’ and tries to give you 100 reasons not to study the subject, simply sit down and explain the numerous benefits of Geometry and how it creates an advantage to students who are good at it.

Numerous Career Opportunities and Choices Await You:

Graphic Designing

The graphic designer needs to have a good understanding of dimensions such as height, width, and surface area, to be able to deliver designs that appeal to the audiences. For example; if the artist is making a ‘standee’ for an event, he has to first set a layout and visualize how appealing the design will appear on the standee. Similarly, if an exhibition booth ‘display stall’ needs a branded banner, the designer should ‘do the math’ and figure the logo and the heading’s best placement.

Constructing Agile Robots

Robotics is picking up pace and there are numerous corporates who are venturing into Artificial Intelligence and Robotics space. Robots are capable of running errands and managing strenuous work activities, thereby minimizing the human efforts and reducing the chances of error. However, to assemble a tough robot, the engineer needs to have knowledge about structure and formation, such that the body of the robot is durable under all conditions. For this he needs a good understanding of many geometric concepts.

Civil Engineering

While constructing tall bridges, roads, and dams, the civil engineer first surveys the land for which geometry is of utmost importance to measure surfaces with precision. The infrastructure needs to stand the ‘test of time’ and each element must be thoughtfully planned. Even fancy buildings and sky-high towers need understanding of height limits, emphasis on central core, and a strong base to withstand the tall structure.

These are only a few examples and the above list can be further elaborated upon with other occupations such as; CAD Computing, Architectural Engineering, Fashion Designing, Animator, etc. that heavily rely upon the geometric capacities of the person.

Basic Geometric Concepts for Beginners

Point: It is a location represented by a dot and it does not have any shape, size, or width. It is merely stationed at a particular position.

Line: A line is a one-dimensional figure that has no width, but it only has length. A set of points together form a line and they extend in opposite directions infinitely. There are different types of lines such as; horizontal, vertical, parallel, and perpendicular lines.

Line Segment: A line segment is a part of the line. The only distinction is that, lines have an end point, while the line segment doesn’t have any end point.

A Ray: A ray is a part of line that has one end point and extends indefinitely in the other direction.

Angle: A figure that is formed by two rays, that have a common end point is called an angle. The symbol of angle is ∠ and the protector is a device that measure angles. The two rays that join to form an angle are also referred to as ‘arms’ and the common end point where the two arms meet is called as a ‘vertex’.

‘Mathletics’ is an easy to use Math platform to substitute the need for a tutor. The platform is easily downloadable across any part of the world, including Dubai and GCC Countries. Parents who struggle with teaching Math and Geometry concepts to learners, now find relief thanks to the engaging and interactive game-like challenges & activities that the App presents. International schools in UAE, and Middle East, are adopting various ‘digital mediums’ for studies and encourage parents to take advantages of these simple, yet highly effective tools.

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What is your first reaction when you hear the dreaded word ‘EXAMS’? Did your heart skip a beat? We are sure when you reminisce the old exam days, all you could think about is fear and stress. Exam stress affects students even today, and the undue competition to score good grades pressurizes children even more. Students have been hardwired to believe that ‘marks are everything’ and good grades equals to a brighter future. Well, this might not necessarily be true. Besides focusing on a certain ‘percentile’ can steal the joy away from learning. Children start focusing on finishing the syllabus, rather than enjoying the essence of the subject.

While all stress is not that bad, and some amount of good stress is beneficial, as it leads to productiveness. The learners assume responsibility and do their best to prepare for an exam, as they feel motivated to beat their own record and perform better with every successive exam in school. On the other hand, over stressing, may lead to anxiety, and affect the child’s mental health in the long run.

Causes of Exam Stress

In order to deal with pre-exam nervousness, it is important to first understand, what is the reason that is causing students so much apprehension. Some of the common stressors that make exam-time difficult include;

Inadequate Study Preparation

Often students don’t take studies seriously through the normal school days, and panic only at the brink of the exam date. Learning & preparation should be a continuous and ongoing process through the academic year. Last minute study is like a burden and trying to cramp too much information within a short span of time, creates anxiety. An ideal scenario would be for the student to be relaxed and continue to do his revision, until the exam day, rather than opening the subject book for the very first time & trying to finish the full portion in 2 days. This disrupts one’s pattern & the child may not be able to give his 100% while appearing for the actual exam, because he’s sleep deprived and tired.

Adult Expectations

Every parent wants the best for their children. The best education, the best careers, the best degrees, and the list goes on. In the pursuit of achieving the best, parents may unnecessarily pressurize their school going teenagers to score good grades, and even try to secure the first rank in class. For this, poor children are made to undertake additional tutoring after school hours and do oodles of homework. Sometimes, adults tend to compare peer classmates and add to the stress of children to constantly perform at sky-rocket expectations. This becomes too much for the children to handle, and they may lose interest in studies altogether.

Pressure from The Educational Institution

In today’s world, cut throat competition exists everywhere, even when it comes to the reputation of an Educational Institute. In Dubai & UAE alone, there are schools offering different curriculums under the following educational board categories; CBSE, ICSE, International Baccalaureate (IB) and IB Diploma Programme. When the institute has its reputation at stake, they would pressurise children to give their best so that the institution is further known and recognized

Tips to Combat Exam Stress

Firstly, it is important to communicate to students that exams are not a deterrent, but actually an aid in achieving educational milestones in life. Here are some tips to achieve victory over the tension of exams:

Study All Through the Year

Consistency is the key when you want to achieve success in life. Similarly, students must make consistent efforts to study and do their homework on time, such that last minute panic does not arise. Be in sync with what is taught in class, and avoid lag in studying it, because the memory is fresh when you have just learnt the concept and retention is greater.

Ask Questions to Clarify Doubts

Sometimes, seeking the correct answers and clarifying doubts can go a long way in helping students be more confident before exams. One shouldn’t enter an examination hall with ambiguity, because this affects the morale of the student. So better be prepared with the correct answers to important questions which are most likely to appear in the exam paper.

Set Aside Time for Revision

Unless you have a brilliant IQ, comparable to that of Albert Einstein, it is impossible to remember definitions, long answers, or even stages of a math problem, by just studying once. Hence, revision is of utmost importance before exams. Revision reinforces the concepts and helps the child retain facts in their long-term memory. So, prepare a proper schedule, and set aside sufficient time for 2-3 revisions before appearing for the paper.

Take Breaks

We are not machines or robots to study 12-14 hours a day before exams. It is important to set aside time for relaxation and rejuvenation too. Students must not quit their hobbies, just by the fear of exams. Continue to go for walks, do yoga and even devote 30 minutes to socialization with friends. When you sit to study again, you would have a renewed spirit of zealousness which will bring positive outcomes.

With this current social distancing scenario, assessments are being held online. Markezy is one such hybrid portal that supports online, as well as pen & paper assessments, and allows the educators to correct the answer sheets at their own convenience, from any remote location. This flexibility and convince offered by the Markezy has made it a popular tool in schools across Middle East, including GCC countries. However, whatever the mode of examination may be, stress can be efficiently managed by following the above mentioned tips.

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Diction is basically the style of speaking or writing and the choice of words one uses while communicating. The choice of words in a conversation depends on the person you are interacting with. If you are speaking to your friend casually, you wouldn’t mind using simple words and not necessarily thinking twice before using it in a sentence. However, if you are speaking to your boss at work, you would be more conscious of the kind of words you are using.

Let us illustrate this point with an example:

1. It happened by blunder (friends)
2. It happened by accident (boss)
3. It happened by oversight (senior colleague)

In the above case the speaker is trying to convey the same message of ‘making a mistake’ but the choice of words are different when trying to explain the scenario to different people. Basically: blunder, accident, and oversight are synonyms, used alternatively and ‘blunder’ may sound blunt, but ‘oversight’ sounds a little subtler.

Why does Diction Matter to Students?

Diction is not just a ‘fancier’ way of writing or speaking, it also portrays the leaner’s level of proficiency over language skills. In order to know the appropriate choice of words to use, it is important for the student to have a good vocabulary. Only when the child knows that there are better alternatives to words like ‘obviously’ -which seems very informal, and can also be said more formally as; ‘certainly’, ‘undeniably’, ‘assuredly’, etc. will he start thinking and using it correctly.

When you read a story would you prefer reading; ‘Tom’s good plan helped him win against the other players in the game’ or ‘Tom’s effective strategy helped him achieve victory over other players in the game’. You see how the same context sounds way more interesting and exciting to read only because the author knows how to capture the attention of the readers!

Students become more confident are expressive by paying a little attention to diction. They wouldn’t mind participate in ‘elocution’, ‘story writing’ and ‘debate’ competitions without fear.

How to Become a Speaker with Good Diction?

Speaker with great diction is much easier to understand and comprehend, than one with poor diction. Here are some ways to improve diction:

Enhance Your Vocabulary

Read, read, read! This is the best way to learn new words and enrich your vocabulary. The Reading Eggs App has over 2,000 story books and you can get started with a simple click. This highly recommended 4-stars Reading Egg App is much popular amongst parents in Dubai and GCC Countries in the Middle East. It is intelligently designed to give children practice with reading, spellings, speaking, and reinforce concepts through fun activities. To know more about the Reading Eggs App in the UAE region and get your queries related to its subscription sorted, we urge you to visit our website https://knowledge-hub.com/reading-eggs/

Tongue Twisters

“Betty Botter bought some butter. But she said the butter’s bitter. If I put it in my batter, it will make my batter bitter. But a bit of better butter will make my batter better. So, it was better Betty Botter bought a bit of better butter.” As a child you must have tried competing with your friends to correctly remember and reproduce a tongue twister, as you read it. Besides being fun and adding a bit of humor to your day, tongue twisters are not only a great mental stimulating activity, but also great for improving diction. Tongue twisters are full of alliteration and its great to practice it as a warm-up exercise before you have to deliver a speech or go-up on stage and enact a play sequence. Enunciation exercises work really well and one needs to start gradually before speeding up and saying the sentence out aloud fast.

Listen to Speeches by Eminent Personalities

To be able to mimic good speeches one needs to know how Eminent speakers present themselves by using clear pronunciation and vice modulation. Thanks to YouTube access, students can browse through Ted Talk speeches and understand how leaders and people who have achieved success in life, express themselves.

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Books are the ultimate holy grail of education. Take any book and the knowledge one derives is immense. To be able to have the power of reading is to continuously pave the way for infinite learning and have a winning streak for life.

One has to develop a zest for reading and the joy will only increase manifold. Children have to be encouraged to read books and the habit has to be initiated from a small age to become a way of being. School study books give them degrees and careers which are supremely crucial but at the same time story books or intriguing novels on various genres transport them into a world of imagination and other informative books in general broaden their horizons. More importantly it strengthens their language and vocabulary. It helps them to effortlessly communicate and moulds them into confident individuals ready to take on challenges.

With the advent of audio books, pronunciations can be mastered by children. Mostly you would let your child read on their own but in certain cases you may read the book aloud to them but never miss this fabulous activity and keep aside a few hours each day for reading. Every book has a special meaning and a takeaway for children. They need to discover it for themselves. In the current times, where children are hooked onto social media, we would say, get them to befriend books and you will see your precious gems, rise and shine.

A majority of institutions across Dubai, UAE, the Middle East and the GCC countries are nurturing reading activities for children alongside regular academics and are making sure that parents are investing their children’s time into reading. We would like to bring to you a couple of recommended reading books for 7th graders.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

You may have already spotted this popular book in most bookstores, libraries or e-book readers. It has been published in more than 70 languages. Anne was about 13 years old while she was writing her diary, the age equivalent to a 7th grade student. Her writings were penned when she was in hiding with her family when Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1940. She passed away in 1945. The diary was retrieved by Miep Gies who gave it to Anne’s father, Otto Frank, the family’s only survivor, just after the Second World War was over. It does make an inspiring read of a brave heart.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

While the text immerses children in a world of fantasy where magical creatures exist, this exciting book would even motivate them further to face real life tough situations. The story revolves around Eragon, a simple farm boy, who discovers a dragon as a unique treasure. He decides to raise the creature himself and face the wrath of a cruel leader who wants to snatch the dragon away from him and the rest is up to the reader to find out whether Eragon was successful in protecting his friend from the evil enemy.

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

This is a beautiful story with a meaningful narrative that returning or going to one’s home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all. The storyline is adventurous and explores the wonderful father-daughter relationship. The duo travels the county in an old school bus and over the course of thousands of miles, Coyote, a young woman, will discover her destination home is the most difficult to reach.

Alone by Megan Freeman

The story revolves around the protagonist Maddie who wakes up one day to find her entire town empty and she must depend on her survival instincts. She faces human and animal opposition. How she deals with a never experienced scenario is why we urge you to have your child read this book. In this fast-paced competitive world, situations often get too overwhelming where young minds succumb to anxiety and depression, in spite of family and friends around them. So, whether they are in a crowd or alone it would empower them to fight their battle and not let the loneliness overpower them. As they say, being alone is a sign of strength but certainly not being lonely.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The author considers her book to be a simple love story. It is a novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town. The story is compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving which takes readers to the roots of human behavior that have extreme levels of emotions with kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humour and pathos all packed into a masterpiece of literature that got translated into 40 languages and over 18 million copies sold. This instant bestseller won a Pulitzer prize in 1961 and was later made into an award-winning film. You definitely do not want your child to miss out on reading this classic.

All you Knead is Love by Tanya Guerrero

This book makes for a thought provoking read that would bring in awareness and empathy in the mind of a child, that abusive relationships exist which is the harsh reality of life and to be grateful if they are not in such a situation and are blessed to be brought up in loving families. 12-year-old Alba’s mother who lives in New York has decided to leave her abusive father and wants Alba to live in Barcelona with her estranged grandmother. Much as Alba initially did not want to live in Spain, she develops love for the place as well as a close relationship with her grandmother and meets another supportive father figure. All of this while discovering another love and passion for bread baking and facing threats towards her bakery’s closure. She fights all odds to save her bakery and also decides to make her family whole again. It is a courageous story that must be read.

Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper

This book is sure to embolden the reader which is why we recommend your child to read it. Every individual is remarkable whether they are abled or differently abled. No one must ever underestimate the potential or the skill of a person if they lack in other areas or are not fortunate like other children to be considered normal as they put it out. The story is about Melody who is disliked by most people. She has cerebral palsy and cannot walk, talk, or write. What she does have is a genius photographic memory to remember every little detail that she has ever experienced. She is undoubtedly the smartest kid in her entire school but no one knows about it. It is a fascinating story saying every child is indeed special and inclusivity is all we need.

‘Highlights Library’ is a global media brand with major presence in Dubai and UAE, and a digital reading platform that fosters a child’s love for reading. With thousands of books at their fingertips, students can enjoy a world of imagination and exploration personalized for them. It supports children’s many interests through stories, videos, and rewards that engage and delight. Spanning 10 content areas and 30 reading levels, ‘Highlights Library’ let’s children choose what they read and thus they are excited to discover even more books. If you are a resident of the Middle East or GCC Countries, subscribe to the Highlights platform via our website https://knowledge-hub.com/ 

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