Modern schooling is much more than text bookish knowledge! A good school is one that not only imparts education based on the syllabus but goes beyond in shaping the student’s personality. In today’s rather competitive age, knowledge is not the sole measure of success. An all-rounder person who has made it to the desired stature has important character traits which include; creativity, self-discipline, passion, problem-solving skills, and commitment to continuous learning.

The modern learning process involves students to be more active participants, rather than being recipients or spectators during the teaching sessions. This method involves teaching students to develop their intellect and behavior. The teacher’s role is that of a facilitator who guides children in the right direction and helps them focus on learning through self-development.

Modern Teaching-Learning Methodologies include

Inquiry-based learning

‘Ask and you shall receive’ is a famous line from the bible and today it is apt in our education system, with a slight modification of course – ‘Ask and you shall learn’. Inquiry-based learning is asking children to be more curious and triggering a spark such that children are able to answer questions themselves. The main aim is to learn something new by making efforts to delve deep into the topic and subsequently find the answer to the question through research and some guidance from the educator. The student comes forth and asks questions like; ‘when boiling water, where does the evaporated water vapor go?’ or ‘why is it day in UAE and night in New York City?’. Instead of the teacher giving a direct answer, she could encourage her class to find out the correct answer themselves, thereby promoting critical thinking and making children more independent.

Collaborative Learning

Schools often assign group projects to students and expect the team to work together. The advantages of group work are manifold. Classmates get to brainstorm and exchange ideas, thereby broadening their perspectives. They learn to respect each other’s viewpoints and develop communication skills. When roles are assigned amongst group members, a few assume leadership positions, thereby discovering their qualities of leadership. Collaborative learning also gets kids ready for life in the corporate world, where professionals are required to work within teams and achieve common goals.

Self-Learning

Learning independently has benefits to students, as they can pace up or scale down the pace of learning, as per their level of understanding. Some students learn better when left alone in peace, as they also get a chance to evaluate their thought-process and become deep thinkers. For self-learning, school has to first enable students with tools that support this learning process. For this purpose, schools choose ERP platforms to digitalize the learning material, so that students can access it from anywhere, including their homes. NLP is one such ERP software adopted by schools across UAE and GCC Countries to improve the teaching-learning process. NLP’s LMS or Learning Management System includes digital content in sync with the syllabus of CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE schools in any part of the world including Dubai in the Middle East. Self-directed learning teaches students to set learning goals and immerse wholeheartedly in the learning process.

Learning Through Gamification

Gamification! Yes, you read that correctly! When studies become boring and monotonous, students can shift to playing quizzes and conquering new levels to reach the moon, on e-learning apps. There are apps even dedicated to subject-specific learning and feature activities that are on basis of the topics covered in school. The most famous math apps that feature math games are; SumQuest, Gojimo, Mathway, etc. For developing language skills, download the following apps; LigoKids, Monkey Junior, Fun English, etc. Children can even challenge other classmates to a game via these apps and thereby use healthy competition to their advantage.

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It is a no-brainer that technology is extremely crucial in our modern lives. The current age that we live in, thrives on technology. It has become a way of being, so much so that we cannot do without it. From the simplest to the most complicated tasks that we undertake in our daily life involves some or the other form of technology. The human race is constantly enhancing various kinds of technologies to make life secure and simpler for one and all.

Technology is zooming the world ahead. Take Dubai for that matter. Could one envisage that it could prosper to this unimaginable level where centuries ago it was just desert land? Not only Dubai but even the other Emirates have progressed phenomenally over the years. The world usually looks towards the West for having supreme technology and having been so advanced in all spheres of life. The United Arab Emirates, the Middle East, and the GCC countries are not far behind but are growing to be almost equal in stature when it comes to the kind of living they offer which is technologically forward and gives its residents an opulent lifestyle. The Expo 2020 Dubai is a classic example of validating what we say. The relevant people from interesting pockets of the world have arrived at the United Arab Emirates and Dubai being the proud host is indeed inspiring visitors to build a future for everyone.

Much as all age groups of people are inclined towards technology, the younger generation is more drawn towards it organically from a small age. We call them the gen-next kids. They are barely little or by the time they learn to speak and walk, you will find them surrounded by gadgets. As they grow older going to school and college, their tech knowledge knows no limits.

Of course, there are pros and cons to every facet but technology is such that nobody can ignore and put aside and we all, adults, and children, can only learn and grow along with it. Like we said, a lot of children pick up technology on their own while a few may need some prodding, guidance and motivation and showing them the right way to use it. Whatever career path they may decide to choose later, would require sufficient tech skills considering the fast-paced world we are in. The responsibility of parents and teachers is imperative so that children get the right tech know-how to be able to pursue any role. Today we bring to you important tech-related key pointers in no particular order that we feel students should know about technology at least by the fifth grade.

1. They must be capable and responsible for handling their personal emails as well as remembering passwords, not sharing them, and having timely communication and the right online etiquette as well as understanding what comes under the safe bracket while being online on emails or while surfing and not falling prey to bullying or hacking. They should be eager to ask questions and have a warm rapport with their parents and not hide things if they have made a mistake.
2. Further to handling emails and using search engines like Google for their projects, they should also be able to handle other Google tools like Drive, Docs, Sheets, Photos, etc. which will aid them for their studies. They should start taking an interest in the simpler things and then move on to operating complicated tools and software.
3. They should be able to handle tech issues that could arise with regards to a home computer or a laptop such as connecting a Bluetooth or a Wi-fi device or issues with an HDMI port or with Flash drives or as simple as refreshing a web page or connecting the phone to the television.
4. Once they have a fair understanding of the working of the hardware and software, they will be confident enough to make their own PowerPoint presentations and present them on a slide using the right port and connecting with the projector.
5. They must be pro, alert, and responsible with the operations of regular devices such as using headphones, operating the TV and AC remotes, turning the power on or off for larger gadgets, handling a home security camera or a phone that is connected to the building security and so on.
6. They must have a sufficient typing speed of 20 wpm words per minute) on a keyboard and if that doesn’t happen then they should practice and get it to the required level and beyond which will help them to get their work done faster.
7. Beyond being careful and responsible, they must learn to be grateful for the things they have received from their parents. Technology can get expensive and every device comes at a price. Children should use them well, take care of devices so that they can run longer. Kids should be neat and organized with keeping their stuff together whether it is tech-related or even otherwise so that they know where to reach out for something and know exactly where it is rather than being all over the place messily.

“TechnoKids” is an online platform that has computer-based lessons for schools, learning centres, and home schools. They integrate technology into the curriculum with project-based learning. They have primary, junior, intermediate, and senior levels which are kindergarten grades K-3, grades 3-6, grades 6-9, and grades 8-12 respectively. Student workbooks with handbooks promote independence, and resources to reinforce learning.

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Reading is of paramount importance when it comes to learning and we cannot lay more emphasis on how reading contributes to building one’s vocabulary organically and effectively. Whether it is English which is spoken across the world or any other language of the UAE or the Middle East, reading is crucial. From a very young age, children must be encouraged to develop the habit of reading books or any content that captivates their interest as per their age. If it is not imposed on them, but given to them naturally, they will happily take it up as a hobby and will figure out their own way to enhance their knowledge. We must never underestimate the mind of a young child and its capabilities. They must be guided well and then they should be left to discover their unique path and findings. This way they will learn new words and expand their vocabulary.

Imagine if you just had to give them difficult words to learn and mug up and reproduce the spellings and pronunciations without understanding its true essence, they will never enjoy that kind of education and, nor will they remember anything. Like we said, the process has to be very natural and smooth as every child’s receptiveness varies. Some may quickly remember and build their vocabulary, while some may struggle with spellings, meanings, and pronunciations. The child will learn at his or her own pace and the parent must be patient with them and then they will see their child confidently conversing, writing, using the right language, grammar and build great vocabulary in only a matter of time. Parents can read to their children aloud or let them read on their own. They can later quiz them and ask them questions related to the content. Difficult words can be noted separately and can be repeated again so that it strongly establishes in their vocabulary. It should all be done effortlessly by the educator, so that it never seems boring or the children made to seem to be put in a spot. They must engage with them in a lively manner. This was primarily about reading but apart from that, there are fun activities and tasks that the parent or teacher can indulge in, with the children, so that it helps them to build their vocabulary. Let us look at some of those activities.

Crossword Puzzles

When learning includes, fun and games! which child wouldn’t like it? To be solving interesting crossword puzzles with your children can be an amazing way to boost their brain and to get them to think and crack the answer. It can begin from an elementary level and the level of difficulty can be increased depending on the age and the interest of the child. This is all happening in a homely environment that is tension-free and hence the learning is remembered for a long time.

Word Games

Again, when it comes to games, another element that can be introduced to children and played with them is word games. Boggle & Scrabble are popular word games that can be played with children from a small age, and these are games that are so enticing that adults love them too. There is no limit to the amount of vocabulary that is amplified while playing these games. They freshen up the mind, instil a healthy competitive spirit and most importantly experience the joys of vocabulary.

Learning a New Language

The English language is widely used globally and your child isn’t unknown to it. Of course, if you’re in Dubai or in any other Emirate of the UAE or in another GCC country, your child is very likely to learn regional languages like Arabic, Urdu, Persian, Pashto, and more but apart from these, if you can get your child to learn a foreign language, it will be supremely beneficial for them to not only increase their vocabulary but knowledge, in general, that will help them further if they decide to later move out of the country to study or live abroad. So, languages like French, German, Dutch, Italian, Greek, Latin, Russian or Chinese, etc. can be very effective to mold their personalities. Here too, let them choose what they want to pick up as additional learning and you could either enroll them in a class or hire a foreign language coach whichever way the child is comfortable with.

Watching Drama and Engaging in it

The performing arts is a fabulous platform to increase one’s knowledge and eventually build vocabulary as well. Watch movies, plays, documentaries along with your children, and see how their interests flow. Academics is one aspect and the performing arts is another beautiful way to nurture your child in several areas such as elocutions, debates, poetry recitals, singing, dance, acting and so much more. Your child will figure their liking for something and will further engage with it and work on it. Building their vocabulary through drama is wonderful but overall, the children will go on to become achievers in life. Watching dramas in several languages will broaden their horizons.

Travel Far and Wide

Learning does begin at home, going beyond the classroom and the known environment that the child has been brought up in. Travel is undoubtedly the best teacher. We do urge families to go on holidays with their children and while travelling they learn so much that is beyond the walls of their home or classroom. They meet amazing people, get introduced to new cultures, notice different languages being spoken, wear local outfits, eat different food, thereby learning a great deal. Every journey is a new experience in itself. Expanding vocabulary is just a tiny part of indulging in soul-satisfying travels across the world. Give your children the gift of travel, near or far, wherever it may be, it will be immensely fruitful.

“Reading Eggs” is an exciting platform and learning to read can be easy and fun with them. They make learning to read interesting and engaging for kids, with great online reading games and activities. Children love the games, songs, golden eggs, and other rewards which, along with feeling proud of their reading, really motivate children to keep exploring and learning.

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Fractions are introduced in the first and second grades in school. Some students are easily able to understand and apply the concept, while others may struggle even after moving to higher grades. Fractions are somewhat a difficult topic, especially when students have to progress to 1/2 and 3/4, when they were just getting used to the addition of two-digit numbers and counting till 100. The burden of having to learn a new topic in math, while making sure you don’t forget the basics taught at the preschool level is a daunting task for some children.

We use fractions in our everyday lives, either knowingly or unknowingly while running our day-to-day errands. Take for example the following scenario:

A cake is to be divided into 8 equal portions for a birthday party. If one child eats one piece from the cake, how many pieces remain and how would you represent it in terms of a fraction?

Answer: The remaining portion can be written as 7/8 where 7 is the numerator and 8 is the denominator.

Kids are taught the concept of fractions in stages:

Grade 1 – 2: Children learn from everyday scenarios and by observing things around them. Like when you have to divide a bar of chocolate into equal parts, or you have to distribute juice amongst classmates, etc.

Grade 3: Kids learn to identify numerator and denominator

Grade 4: How to compare fractions? The fraction with the lesser numerator is the smaller fraction and the one with the greater numerator is the higher fraction.

Grade 5: The complexity of the concept increases when children are taught to solve problems requiring them to add and subtract fractions

Here’s how Educators can introduce Fractions in an easy comprehendible fashion to students:

Construct Hands-on Activities

Prepare flashcards with different shapes such as; triangles, circles, and squares and highlight or shade a portion, in increasing or decreasing order of coverage.

Another activity could be; making art & craft models of pies or pizzas and playing a game whereby the educator instructs the child by giving them different scenarios; like give me 3/4 of the pizza or share 2/3 of your pie with Raju in class.

For some recreation in class, ask children to get a newspaper and fold it into 1/2, 1/4, and so on and ask children to stand on the paper balancing themselves.

Create Colorful Visual Elements

Learning fractions doesn’t have to be boring at all! Imagine having a colorful fractions wall in the classroom with shades of VIBGYOR. Children observe the wall and by looking at it over and over again they memorize fractions, without any difficulty. You can even have stickers with numbers and keep them beside the fractions wall. Every morning, follow a ritual where children get to stick the numerator and denominator on the blank space on the wall. Using the fraction wall helps children a great deal! Also, with the progress of educatory system, schools in GCC countries, UAE and across other continents, are adopting hands-on learning techniques rather than following the traditional method of rote learning out of a textbook.

Use Math Apps and Digital Resources

Children are anyways glued to their phones, so why not give them something productive to do. Google Plays Store and the Apple Store are loaded with EdTech apps that promote learning through fun & engaging gamified quizzes, activities, and videos. Mathletics is one such platform that features online math lessons so that students can access the school’s math curriculum from anywhere at any time and continue to partake in challenging fractions. The popularity of Mathletics is such that 14,000+ schools have already collaborated to introduce this platform to kids, including K-12 and IB schools in Dubai in the Middle East.

We are sure with some help from educators & parents, and using the above-listed innovative learning techniques, learning fractions will be no rocket science for kids!

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Dyslexia is a learning disorder that makes it difficult for the child to read. The identification of phonemic sounds and associating the printed sounds to the corresponding words, becomes a task for students who suffer from dyslexia. Some kids read reversed letters like; ‘pot’ for ‘top’ or ‘ten’ instead of ‘net’. Besides having difficulty sounding out words, children also find it a daunting task to learn spellings, as compared to other students in class.

Dyslexia is a very common learning disability, and it affects about 5-10% of the world population. Also, once the preschooler is identified with slow progress in reading, writing, and spellings, it is likely that he will continue to have difficulty even in higher grades. So, one can’t outgrow dyslexia and it is pretty much a lifelong problem.

Here are some strategies that will enable parents and educators to help students with dyslexia

Focus on multi-sensorial learning

Engaging in more than one sensory experience will help students absorb and process information in a manner in which they are able to remember and process it. So along with sight and sound, provide students with stimulus that promote tactile and rhythmic bodily movement.

Some multi-sensorial activities include

• Formation of letter sounds with materials such as pasta, beads, string, etc.
• Hand movement or action while saying the sounds aloud. So, if the sound is ‘s’ children make a snake-like formation with their palm in the air to relate the action and the sound.
• Mystery bag activity includes having a pouch full of different objects like; spoon, pen, crayon, boat, and children have to identify the item by touching and feeling it and then correlate the beginning sound of the object to the item, like for pen the beginning sound is ‘p’.
• Stick duct tape on the floor in the formation of any letter sound. For example; if the sound ‘c’ is to be taught, then stick tape in a curvaceous ‘c’ manner and ask the child to walk over it. By engaging all muscles and repeating the sound ‘c’ as they walk, children are learning a great deal.
• In the find the missing sound game, children have to paste the missing sound on the chart paper, to complete the word.

Make special Arrangements

Line Reader

Purchase a line reader and place it on the book focusing on the line you wish the child to pay attention to. This helps avoid distracting the child and confusing him, as to where to look on the page. It is common in dyslexia for children to see swimming or floating words, and this practice will help manifold.

Colorful Keyboards

In dyslexia, the brain does not properly process the characters printed on the keyboard and hence special alterations have to be made. The keypads are made slightly larger in size, leaving more distance between the keys, this helps learners comfortably identify and press the correct input key. Also, the keys are colored differently, in a special keyboard. Instead of having all keys black in color, it is modified to be multi-colored; blue, red, orange, and green.

App-based Learning

There are also many digital apps designed to aid special learners. Simply download them onto your phone or iPad and practice phonics and letter formation in a play-way method. The child uses his finger to trace over letter sounds and they are free to choose a background template; like a beach scene or sky, to add some excitement to learning.

Audio Feature

Since reading is a rather strenuous task for dyslexic learners, they can make use of e-readers which are readily available on the app store for download. One such e-book reader is the Highlights Library and it has an impressive subscriber base in the Middle East including Dubai. Highlights has 100’s of books to choose from and students can use the audio ‘read aloud’ feature so that all children need to do is listen and understand the meaning of the story. If you wish to learn more about Highlights Library & subscribe to it anywhere from GCC or UAE, visit our website https://knowledge-hub.com/highlights/ 

We are sure with little practice and individualized attention; dyslexia will be manageable by most students. The school and parents need to work closely and be transparent about the child’s progress. The child may need lots of support and motivation all through his learning journey, so be there for them and watch them conquer greater heights in life.

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