Math phobia is as real as it can get! Children are paranoid about numbers for some reason, and to top that, if the Math teacher doesn’t make the lessons fun, it may get boring to study the subject. But how can Schools make a subject like Math interesting? Well, there are plenty of teaching aids available today, thanks to the creativity and inventiveness applied.

We bet your child would change his statement from ‘I hate Math’ to ‘I love Math’ as soon as you introduce these new teaching techniques to them. Hands-on learning is so much more fun and if backed by fancy material, while learning becomes a piece of cakewalk.

Here are some Math related Teaching Aids for Students;

#1 Number Rods

These alternate red and blue rods are spotted on most shelves in Montessori environments. How exactly do they work? Well, number rods are particularly enjoyed by children of ages 4 years and above. At the time when students are still learning to master their motor skills, number rods serve dual purposes of teaching kids Math, while enhancing their grip. These teaching aids, come in a set of 10 number rods. Now ask the child to pick up the smallest rod which is like a red block piece. Place the rod on the mat and say this is one! Take another rod which has 1-red and 1-blue, place it on the mat and say, this is two, and so on. This continues until 10 is reached. Test the child by asking them questions like, show me 5, now show me 7. Isn’t this an excellent activity, plus, learning method! If you need a break from number rods, try out the Mathletics platform that provides digital Math resources in a game-like manner to entice students to spend time on their tabs more productively.

#2 Abacus

This one’s a classic Math manipulative used since quite a long time. The colorful beads on rods makes for a pleasurable experience for learners, as they perform multiplication. Instead of making a huge multiplication table from 1 – 20, simply use an abacus this time and try out how well it works. The beauty of using an abacus as a teaching resource is that, easy multiplications 2×2 and difficult one’s like; 16×19, are both done with ease, thanks to the easy trick of counting beads, staking them, and sliding them appropriately, to get the answer. Awesome, isn’t it!

#3 Spindle Box

Learning to count is a lot more fascinating with the Spindle Box. Wondering what it looks like? Well, imagine a shoe box having sections and each is numbered from 1-9. The box comes with wooden dowels (or rods) and the child has to count them and place them appropriately in the correct compartment. Example; count 5 dowels and place them in the box that is numbered 5. The Spindle Box is easily available online on Amazon or any education toy store or stationary shop in Dubai and GCC regions.

#4 Numbers and Counters

If you’ve played poker, you would know what chips are. No, these are not edible! Chips are like round coin-sized discs and they are to be sorted correctly to perform Math functions. The kit comes with square wooden blocks, each with a different number on them. Now, children are asked to do different Math calculations. For example (place wooden block 9 x (multiplication sign) and wooden block 7). So, find the answer to 9 x 7! The child takes the round chips and places 9 chips under 9 and 7 chips under 7 and then multiplies 9 by 7 times, to get the answer. At the end, the child places 63 as the number which is the correct answer. Hands-on tools are such a cool way to get students involved, and thus most IB schools that follow the modern STEM curriculum in the Middle East, make use of tangible teaching aids.

#5 Golden Bead Box

This is among the most favorite material for students and teachers. That’s because the learner can easily grasp numbers as big as 1000 digits with the help of this compact kit. The kit comes with golden beads which are tied to each other. So you have a single golden bead, a stick of 10 golden beads, a square of 100 golden beads, and a cube with 1000 golden beads. It becomes so easy for children to understand visually that the 10 stick is made of 10 individual 1’s put together and the 100 square is made out of 10 sticks (having 10 beads each), such that 10 x 10 = 100). The 1000 square is decoded by telling students that there are 10 squares (having 100 beads) tied together, such as (10×100=1000). Nothing can beat the Golden Bead Box! So simple, so efficient, and super intriguing to play with. You can even purchase this set for home tutoring purposes, as it is shipped and available across the UAE.

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Human input minimized, Robotic input maximized! This is the simplest definition of the term automation. The beauty of automation is that it is multi-dynamic, and thus it can be applied to the most mundane and rudimentary tasks and is equally beneficial in handling complex and dangerous work. Software Engineers use their programming skills to develop a Robotic helper in the form of a machine or a software program, that can assist the workforce in factories, offices, educational institutes, research centers, Government organizations, and even our homes. The gamut of automation is vast and far-reached and has become an inevitable part of our lives. Let us study the benefits of Automation:

#1 Lowers Cost of Hiring Human Employees

Robots have superpowers! Literally, they can replace the efforts of three human employees and thus saves cost on having to bear salaries and insurance coverage, to take care of your workforce. Robots are more efficient and are capable of completing the job quicker than humans. This means, the company does not have to pay for overtime expenses, but simply make a one-time investment on machines.

#2 Streamlines Processes

Business processes are complicated and the chances of human error are evident. When the same process is automated, the tasks are managed by digital tools and the function becomes streamlined. The automated software is capable of understanding the step-by-step tasks and is capable of completing the same within the given time frame. So, say goodbye to delays, as Robots don’t fall sick and the assigned handover to the next stage will therefore be smooth.

#3 Greater Safety

In a factory environment, there are chances of safety concerns, as engineers may have to deal with chemicals and inhale gases that may adversely affect their health. A Robust Robot is designed for all seasons and conditions! Lifting of extremely heavy parts in a factory premise can be done quite simply by a Robotic arm. In conditions like mines and foundries where the temperature is super-heated, a machine is deployed to carry out the operations. Occupational safety, health, and hazard policy is taken seriously by businesses in the UAE and across the world. Complying with these norms is essential or the company may have to pay huge penalties and may be even asked to seize their licenses.

#4 Attain a Competitive Edge

Every entrepreneurial venture has to face competition and be capable enough of surviving it. To be better than the best is a non-stop race, for which innovation is the key. Continuously improving processes, having remarkable service standards, and developing new products before your competitors can, is achievable only with automation. Terms such as; augmented reality, data science, and artificial intelligence, are not just fancy words, but game-changing for many. Incorporating these latest technologies into your system can help the brand make headlines and earn the respect of first-mover advantage. Especially in a city like Dubai, where Digitalization is the number one agenda of the Government, companies need to invest in Smart Tech, to survive in the market.

#5 Improved In-House Capabilities

It is always more economical to produce in-house, rather than outsource the production. This way you can ensure the highest order of quality standards and not have to depend on any vendor to source your goods. In-house automation, though it may seem expensive in the short run, once you have achieved breakeven, it reduces the cost of production and leads to better Return on Investments (ROI). By doing this, the management team gains confidence in exploring new avenues and can experiment with the deliverables, to suit the needs of the customer and even cater to customization. In posh markets across the Middle East and GCC regions, clients are ready to pay a premium for signature collections & customized products, especially in the Luxury consumer segment. So, why not experiment?

The above pointers have proved to us how exciting automation is! Even our 21st-century kids are getting a whiff of Robotics and Automation in their classrooms, as the STEM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) has made it mandatory for Institutes to familiarize children with the same. Robotify is one such platform that motivates children to learn about Robots through game-like programs and interesting modules such as; Axel’s Mars Adventure, Treasure Trove, Drone Park, Marine Biology Survey, and many more.

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We were compelled to follow rules as kids that our parents and teachers imposed upon us. As we grew into adults, we became responsible and now abide by the rules of the Government. There are rules at workplaces and there’s a rule that even nature follows. Basically, the point is, rules are everywhere and everyone follows rules.

The English language also has some rules and that is the basis of Grammar. Using grammar makes words easy to comprehend and brings clarity to a conversation. Without grammar, there would be no backbone or say ‘a structure’ to a sentence. Grammar makes the world better and it helps us comprehend all that is around us! As William Safire, an American Author states, “Only in grammar can you be more than perfect.”

We communicate non-stop at home, in school, with neighbors and peers, so grammar becomes an essential part of our lives and we can’t escape it. An eloquent speaker is more self-confident and is able to express his thoughts without hesitation. When traveling to countries other than yours, say you are flying from the UAE to America, having your basic language skills strong will help you crack a business deal or understand the history & culture of the land better as a tourist.

Another advantage of having the proper reading, writing, and communicative skills comes in handy when opting for competitive exams. Have dreams of studying abroad? Well, then better read voraciously and up your vocabulary skills, as exams such as CAT, TOEFL, and IELTS demand good knowledge of the English language.

Here is a list of advantages that you can expect in return for being a Grammar Nazi;

#1 Understanding people better

When you are able to grasp the intentions behind the person’s words, it becomes easier to understand the sentiments of people better. It gets us closer as a community, as human beings and socially uplifts our standards. Sowing the seeds of lasting relationships is also convenient, thanks to dropping the barriers of language.

#2 Appreciate Art and Literature

Comprehending the complex verses of a play isn’t a big deal anymore if your vocabulary is in check. Big Box Office movies, documentaries, theatrical performances, and skits, in some way or another influence our minds and we learn a lot from them. Classic films such as; Gone With The Wind (1939), Casablanca (1942), and Lawrence of Arabia (1962) are a must-watch in your lifetime. Excellent novels available in bookstores across Dubai and other GCC areas are; The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, The Giver by Lois Lowry, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. Quite popular in the UAE region, Alive Studios presents a unique concept of teaching conversational Grammar to kindergarten-going students through 3D animations. The experience is surreal and the classroom gets converted into a Zoo, where children get to interact with animals and learn Basic English skills. Now isn’t that innovative!

#3 Learning Other Languages is Simplified

Parts of speech, verbs, tenses, etc. are not only used in the English language but in other languages too. A foreign language like French uses tenses and verb moods to indicate the subject. Just like we have learned in English, the French equivalent to it is, ‘present’ stands for present tense, ‘imparfait’ is imperfect tense, ‘passé simple’ means simple past, ‘futur simple’ is simple future, and so on. We can see how closely the Grammar is correlated and thus many IB schools in the Middle East have an option for students to opt for French as a third language, besides, English and Arabic.

#4 Enhances Creativeness

If you have a flair for writing or want to be an educator, you can confidently opt for these career opportunities if you are well-versed in English. You can probably earn ‘name and fame’ by publishing a book, directing a film, being a news anchor, or writing beautiful music albums, all thanks to your enhanced English skills. What do you want to choose as a career option when you grow up?

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Money management is a crucial skill that everyone needs to learn, and it’s never too early to start teaching kids about it. In today’s world, where materialism and consumerism are prevalent, it’s important to teach children the value of money, how to manage it wisely, and how to save for the future. As parents and caregivers, all across the world and especially in the Middle East, it’s our responsibility to help our children understand the concept of money and how to use it effectively. One way to teach kids about money is through games and interactive activities. Mathseeds is an online math program that can help children learn math concepts through fun and engaging games. It is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 9 and is aligned with various curricula around the world, including the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), Dubai’s education system, and other parts of the UAE. Here are some tips on how to teach kids about money matters and encourage the habit of saving among them:

1. Start Early: It’s never too early to start teaching your child about money. As soon as your child can count, you can start introducing basic concepts such as coins, notes, and their values. As they get older, you can introduce more complex concepts such as budgeting, saving, and investing.
2. Use Real-Life Examples: Children learn best by seeing things in action. When you’re at the supermarket, show them how to compare prices and choose the best value for money. When you’re paying bills, explain to them how much money you need to pay and where the money comes from.
3. Encourage Saving: One of the best ways to teach kids about money is to encourage them to save. Help them set a savings goal, such as a toy or a gadget they want to buy, and then encourage them to save a portion of their allowance or any money they receive as gifts. You can even open a savings account for them and show them how their money grows over time.
4. Teach Budgeting: Budgeting is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn. Teach your child how to create a budget by helping them write down their income and expenses. Encourage them to prioritize their spending and make smart choices about how they use their money.
5. Teach them the value of delayed gratification: One of the most important lessons children can learn about money is that they don’t always have to spend it right away. Encourage them to save up for something they really want, rather than buying it on impulse. Help them set a savings goal and track their progress towards it. This will teach them the value of delayed gratification, which can be a powerful tool for building wealth over time. It can also help them avoid falling into the trap of instant gratification and overspending.
6. Be a Good Role Model: Children learn by example, so it’s important to be a good role model when it comes to money matters. Show them that you save money, budget wisely, and make smart financial decisions. By doing so, you’ll be setting a good example that they can follow.

In conclusion, teaching kids about money matters and encouraging the habit of saving is a critical life skill that every child needs to learn. By using real-life examples, encouraging saving, teaching budgeting, and being a good role model, you can help your child become financially savvy and prepare them for a successful future. Mathseeds can be a valuable tool in this process, as it provides a fun and engaging way to learn math concepts that are essential to money management. By combining Mathseeds with these tips, you can help your child build a strong foundation in financial literacy that will benefit them for years to come.

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During the Covid-19 Phase, we saw many startups emerging and a revolutionary change took place across the Globe, including Dubai. Due to the loss of jobs and no source of income, many unemployed youngsters had to think quickly and build businesses all by themselves to earn money. Thus the doors opened wide for techies to venture out and start their own set-up to sell their expertise and hopefully build a big empire out of it in the future.

Gone are those days when Silicon Valley was the only ‘dream deal’ and a stepping stone to fuel your start-up dreams. Now talented individuals are equipped to take a leap and compete with established firms, from anywhere in the world, thanks to the Digital Revolution. Big IT firms; including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, are downsizing, which gives software professionals all the more reason to start afresh from scratch.

Many Business Schools and Colleges have a concept of an incubation cell where students come together and pitch a business idea to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship at a young age. When it comes to computer science and technology projects, TechnoKids is a winner! TechnoKids sows the seeds for one’s tech journey and prepares students for the outside world, in sync with the STEM curriculum which is now picking up pace in the Middle East, across the GCC, and other parts of the world. So when children are prepared to tackle the challenges of the outside world, they don’t fear and make a conscious choice to tread unconventional paths of setting up a start-up vs. being employed.

Here are some tips to start a Tech Business:

#1 Concretize your Idea

One needs to map a strategy based on the goal that one has in mind to initiate a business start-up. Ideation is the first step to start with. What is it that you have to offer your customers? How unique is your offering from the competitors? Is your service unique from others in the market? Have you identified a niche or a gap in the IT sector, which your firm would like to address? All these are important questions to ponder upon. If you have a team of co-founders, devote sufficient time to brainstorming, before you jump into the pool.

2 Build a Team

Without a strong team to back your ideas, it is impossible to manifest a plan. Hire a team that is equally passionate about your purpose of serving customers and follow suit to the next phase. Alongside sharp IT skills and work experience, the HR team must also look for individuals who carry strong ethos, and ethics, are dedicated and have respect for the team’s culture. People are ready to relocate for work opportunities, and so the platform is vast to hire even an American or an Indian to join your firm in the UAE

3 Marketing and Advertising

Once the software or cloud platform is ready to be launched we need to make it known to the target audiences by allocating marketing spends & advertising the brand on various platforms. The sales team will do its job of reaching out to clients at the ground level, but as we know in the age of the Digital Revolution, it is mandatory to captivate Digital advertising and SMM (social media marketing). Your presence on LinkedIn and Facebook will not go to waste and it is a safe space to create brand awareness to target a large audience via Social Networking platforms. You can also engage with prospective customers directly on social media and thus get to learn about their requirements and tastes, to cater better to what they need. To increase your online visibility, create a website, partner with marketplaces like Amazon & Flipkart if you have a B2C business, and run campaigns regularly.

#4 Prepare a Financial Projection

To keep track of expenses and profits, your finance team needs to be brilliant. At the strategic level, proper budgeting is essential and to keep the business lucrative, enough operating costs must be made available at the right time, to avoid any hindrances.

The process of starting a business is pretty exciting and not all who venture out get it right in the first attempt. However, our message to you is not to give up and keep trying even after you have failed.

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Does your school-going kiddo give every excuse to escape homework? After spending 5-7 hours in school, we bet no one would want to allocate time again to opening their books and revising what was taught in class. However, the harsh truth is that homework plays a very important role in achieving study goals and therefore it is an essential practice for all to inculcate.

Here are a few reasons to back up your intentions of following a routine for homework;

• Students stay on par with what is being taught in classrooms and don’t fall behind.
• Retention is possible only with practice and homework is the best bet a student can get.
• It teaches children discipline because every day they have to allocate time to do studies at home without fussing about it.
• Responsibility and onus come with maturity. But when children learn to account for their studies, they realize how important it is to perform in school, for which they will need to be self-motivated.
• Time management is not just learnt in renowned Business Institutes, but it starts early in school. Allocating the right amount of time to studies and recreation is the only way forward and a stepping stone to success for one’s future endeavors.

Smart Homework Routines for Gen-Zs

#1 Choose Your Spot Wisely

A noisy living room where other family members often watch Television is not such an ideal spot to study. Convert your mom or dad’s office area into a study room by evening, such that there is no distraction. If there is no dedicated space in your home for a separate study area, just set up a desk and chair in your child’s bedroom, thereby ensuring peace of mind to concentrate adequately. Often metropolitan regions within GCC have small houses, as rentals are pretty high, so a make-do study in the bedroom works just fine.

#2 Keep phones out of sight

Social media and online gaming are such an addiction that diverts our minds and we lose track of time. Without even realizing it, one spends hours browsing through the net. But when something as serious as studies are concerned, parents need to be a little mindful and ask their budding scholars to deposit their phones and tabs in a safe-keep locker or cupboard. This will avoid head-turns and pauses at every notification that appears on the device and the focus will solely be on completing homework.

#3 Finish off The Difficult Tasks First

The attention span of students is pretty short and thus, we must urge them to start with the difficult or boring Math problems and Science formulas that they need to learn. Enthusiasm dies down as the number of hours, pass by, behind the study desk. At the beginning of the homework session, it is a great time to start core learning and leave the other simpler checkboxes for later. Reading Eggs is an excellent platform that makes homework fun and engaging for students. Even difficult topics like blending and segmentation in Phonics are taught using attractive graphics in a game-like manner. Who said homework has to be bland? Add a dash of glamour to your studies by opting for a subscription to Reading Eggs, which is highly popular in the Middle East.

#4 Make a To-Do list

It’s not possible to study all subjects in one day and thus, it helps if you have a to-do list handy. Make columns and write down the name of the subject, chapter, and reference material you would be using. We’ve heard the phrase ‘Well begun is half done’, so let us ensure to pre-plan the homework by making a to-do list. Since digitization is apparent in cities like Dubai, students can use an App to make to-do’s and even set notification reminders to achieve the goal of completing a certain chunk of studies. Now that the STEM curriculum is adhered to by most schools in the UAE, it’s not just History, Science, and English, that one has to focus on, but also devote time to study Technology & Engineering related topics.

After trying all the above tips, if your child is still not game for after-school homework, try out incentivizing them. Allow them one hour of outdoor play, provided they finish their studies, or prepare a favorite meal for your child so that it gives him a boost of motivation.

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