In recent times schools have made it mandatory for students to learn coding. Alongside formal Math, English, and Social Studies, one now needs to be computer literate and explore its potential, well before they enter the outside world. Is it justified to burden students with additional studies, when they are already bogged down to complete their lengthy syllabus?

In order to learn the techniques of coding, you must first understand computer languages like; Python, Java, C++, etc. Just like one would learn A,B,C before graduating to speak fluent sentences and write lengthy paragraphs.

This requirement of having to learn an additional computer language often demotivates students and they find the task to be too tedious.

Well, thankfully, the market has recently introduced new and innovative techniques to teach children coding, without them getting bored. There are numerous tech apps that gamify the coding experience and even offer theme-based scenarios to induce learners to take up exciting challenges along their journey.

Modern game-based coding has a simple agenda of making learning fun – because who doesn’t love to play games on their tabs!

What’s beautiful about gamification, is that it requires students to be truly involved in the process, as time & again, they have to make decisions by choosing the correct path, changing their avatars, and even exchanging coins for some exciting freebies.

When creativity is allowed to flow, naturally one gets motivated to give their hundred percent, thereby grasping the concepts quickly.

Collaboration skills are fostered, as children form teams and undertake challenges to outdo others. Moreover, boasting about one’s win instills a sense of pride, as kids rant about their success to their friends and this gives them much confidence.

The best part about this approach is that kids don’t need to be persuaded to start gaming, they do it by their own will and become lifelong enthu learners.

Robotify’s Coding Program For Students

Robotify introduces an interesting gamified platform for beginners who wish to learn to code virtually. Its cool and captivating collection of games has truly become every coder’s top favorite and even schools in Dubai & GCC regions, promote Robotify in their classrooms. As the name suggests, Robotify allows you to code a Robot without the requirement of any hardware, thereby making it an affordable option.

Evolve your coding skills by choosing from over 800 activities, some of which we have highlighted below:

#1 Marine Biology Survey

In an underwater ocean environment, one has to adorn the role of a marine biologist and take pictures of different sea creatures to study their behavior. Ready, set, go! Visualize GPS data, apply problem-solving skills, and maximize your race efficiency.

#2 Srvo’s Drone Delivery Service

Nowadays home delivery service has become a big business. In this Drone Delivery game, students will program drones to carry parcels across the city and transport the same from A to B. Soon this futuristic vision will become a reality. Here you’ve got the opportunity to apply programming skills, think like a designer, and prepare 3D grids from scratch.

#3 Axel’s Mars Adventure

Axel is a friendly robot companion who can be controlled by feeding it with coding instructions. Will you help Axel complete his mission on Mars and discover the secrets of this red planet?

#4 Drone Park

The city of Abu Dhabi in the UAE is taken over by drones. Welcome to Drone City Park and get ready to compete with fellow drone fliers. Participate in adrenaline-pumping racing events by applying coding skills and advanced problem-solving techniques to ace the game.

#5 GBR Tag and Track

The Great Barrier Reef has an urgent mission. Its underwater animals are reeling from consuming harmful plastic thrown by humans. This is your chance to be a hero and show off your coding techniques by diving deep with the help of your rover Tag & Truck, and bringing the sick animals ashore for treatment. In this activity, you not only get a chance to plan an important assignment but also meet underwater sea creatures & explore the Great Barrier Reef virtually.

#6 Robotify Basics

To master the basics of coding, all you got to do is interact with Betti, Malik, and the pet robot Hamster, as you navigate them across the apartment. In this way, you learn to code with blocks and take-on special challenges.

With a growing demand for tech jobs in the Middle East, more & more learners are pursuing computer science programs to secure their future. The first step to your mission is to adopt game-based coding activities and join the coding revolution.

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Most schools have adopted the STEAM curriculum in which T – stands for technology. In this dynamic world, technology changes at a rapid pace and it only makes sense to empower children, early on in their life about the various amazing facets of technology. Computer labs have become sophisticated with a focus on hands-on project work that fosters the student’s curiosity & problem-solving skills. To prepare students for future careers, they need to build a strong foundation of technical skills and therefore TechnoKids was introduced to classrooms across the globe, including regions of GCC in the Middle East.

Some of the most sought-after technology projects offered by TechnoKids are;

#1 TechnoFit

Grade 1 to 3 | Age 5 to 8 years | Module: Primary

Primary graders are introduced to healthy food & its benefits, followed by a hands-on project where the student needs to plan a full-fledged menu and devise a food guide to propagate healthy living. Kids will use the Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Word tools to draw text boxes, prepare layouts, and insert clip art, to beautify their posters and successfully launch their Be Fit campaigns.

#2 TechnoStart

Grade 1 to 3 | Age 5 to 8 years | Module: Primary

The basics of computers and their multifaceted uses are demonstrated to children via the TechnoStart curriculum. Students learn to name the different parts of a computer, understand how a mouse works, and experiment with opening & closing programs. They even use the Paint tool to create free-hand drawings and try out different font styles.

#3 Techno TimeLine

Grade 3 to 6 | Age 8 to 12 years | Module: Junior

How difficult it is to remember the details of the First World War in chronological order! Well, not anymore. Techno TimeLine is an excellent computer-based activity where students work on PowerPoint, Word, and other apps using Microsoft Office Online to furnish an interesting digital timeline. The events and dates are presented in the form of infographics to make things even more fun.

#4 TechnoCandy

Grade 3 to 6 | Age 8 to 12 years | Module: Junior

The TecnoCandy curriculum is designed to introduce some research skills to students. Children prepare surveys, collect data, and collate it on a spreadsheet to boost candy sales for their virtual candy shop. This module teaches children how to use Google Forms, Excel, and Google Sheets to prepare graphs and analyze data.

#5 TechnoPython

Grade 6 to 9 | Age 11 to 14 | Module: Intermediate

Python is a popular computer programming language and is also the name of a non-poisonous snake. Here children are taken on an adventure where they have to create a game from scratch by using the programming language. Children use their creativity to brainstorm and create the Pet Monster Snake Rescue game using the IDLE Python 3 toolkit while developing their soft skills. Besides coding, one learns how to be an effective team player, apply logical thinking, and practice debugging skills. Coding is a big business and kids are enrolled in after-school coding classes, especially in Dubai, where the fad is growing by the day and parents are keen on making their kids tech-literate, just like they would learn ABC.

#6 TechnoTravel

Grade 6 to 9 | Age 11 to 14 | Module: Intermediate

What’s it like to work as a travel agent and sell holiday packages at a touring company? Thanks to TechnoKids TechnoTravel curriculum, children learn the fine act of persuasive selling in school. They prepare attractive advertisements for famous vacation destinations using PowerPoint, Word, and Google Slides, and present them to prospective vacation seekers.

#7 TechnoInvestor

Grade 8 to 12 | Age 12 and up | Module: Senior

Watch out for our little Share Brokers. They are about to make their way to the Stock Exchange and bring in a new perspective for investors. Students use Spreadsheet skills to make important trading decisions about stocks of a fictitious company. They are taught how to read the company profile and currency conversion. Participants also involve themselves in trading sessions and study the highs and lows of the market, while also using advanced Excel and Word computing.

There are numerous other Techno projects by TechnoKids and above we have listed only a few. Choosing the correct project depends on the child’s age, readiness, and level of interest. All you need is a device – Windows, Mac, Chrome, and a positive attitude to get started.

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When someone is asked what they would choose as a career after pursuing a degree in the science field, the answer would be either doctor or engineer. However, do you know in today’s 21st-century world, the job market is flooded with a plethora of other opportunities to explore for science grads or ones who have given their 12th standard exams, depending upon individual interests! The science field is dynamic and the demand for innovative solutions is on an ever increase. Science is everywhere, as it makes our lives more comfortable and meaningful. We encourage you to read this Blog and help anyone who is struggling to make a decision with regard to their future career prospects.

#1 Biotechnology

Our globe is reeling from a number of issues such as the pandemic, hunger crisis, climate change, and global warming, just to highlight a few. Biotechnology is a branch of science that harnesses cellular or biomolecular technologies to improve the health of humans and save our planet. A Biomedical Engineer works towards building better biomedical devices, software, and equipment thereby contributing to the advancement of healthcare services. A Biochemist on the other hand studies the chemical attributes of heredity, genetics, cell growth, carbohydrates, and molecules on the human body, thereby reducing the advent of diseases and promoting a healthier community.

#2 Zoology

Zoology is a branch of biology that studies animal and animal life, its structure, and classification. A zoologist protects the animal kingdom and tries to improve the quality of life of some species that are on the verge of extinction. After opting for this study, one can work as an animal control officer, marine biologist, or even an animal scientist.

#3 Data Scientist

This is a newly emerging profession, thanks to the rampant usage of the internet and oodles of data available at the click of a button. Basically, the data scientist is responsible for collecting data, analyzing, and interpreting large amounts of data for the benefit of brands & corporate organizations. Useful insights from consumers are collated and applied to upcoming campaigns to promote and sell products & services.

#4 Blockchain Developer

A blockchain developer optimizes blockchain protocols and designs a robust architecture as per the requirements of the users. They also devise security features for different network platforms. The developer needs to know cryptography and data structure to build decentralized smart apps.

#5 Space Scientist

A space scientist studies the secrets of the universe and outer space phenomena, thereby allowing one’s dreams to literally reach the skies. Is there a life beyond Earth? Well, this burning question is studied in-depth by researching aspects of space and other extraterrestrial objects. Space physicists work in the laboratory and focus on the theoretical findings, while astronomers study the galaxies & stars by using sophisticated telescopes.

#6 Geologist

A geologist studies the earth and collects proof that reveals events of the past. They examine soils, rocks, and fossils that are hundreds of years old and predict future events based on past happenings. By studying the geographical area that has been subjected to natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, geologists can suggest any preventive measures that need to be taken in that area, before its construction begins. They even study the deposits of coal, minerals, and iron ores present under the surface of the earth and share their findings.

#7 Botanist

A Botanist is a scientist who studies plants. There are innumerable species of plants, trees, grass, and shrubs present in our ecosystem and a detailed study of them helps in understanding how pollution and population are affecting their existence. Some species are on the verge of extinction and a botanist’s role is to find ways to continue the plant’s perpetuity by finding appropriate treatments. A botanist also researches advanced plant genetics which contributes to growing new & improved varieties of plants, for the benefit of the planet. A botanist may be employed in a pharma company to discover plant-based drugs or even work in the food business to plan a roadmap for future generations and fulfill the growing food demands of people.

So, those who are interested in the field of science, can choose any of the above options or even explore more. Besides the above list, there are plenty of other science professions such as physicist, statistician, agronomist, pharmacist, meteorologist, ethical hacker, etc.

However, the first step to making a successful career in any of these fields requires students to secure good grades, especially in science and math subjects in high school & college.

To prepare students to be exam-ready and make bold moves in their careers later on in life, Carolina acts as a catalyst for progression. Their easy-to-use biology and chemistry kits are extremely handy and found in the science labs of most schools in Dubai and across the UAE regions. They have branched to cater to home schools, and are not just limited to formal education institutes, kindergartens, and colleges. To learn more about Carolina’s availability in the GCC parts across the Middle East, simply visit our website: (link).

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It’s natural for students to dislike a few Math problems here and there, but entirely hating the subject is a bit too much. When students don’t understand or struggle to cope with a subject, they tend to develop a negative attitude, which makes them avoid studying it entirely. Therefore, patience and perseverance go a long way in helping your kiddo deal with Math phobia.

Here are some reasons why students might be struggling with Math:

#1 Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is particularly associated with difficulty studying Math, where students can’t quite cope with numbers, symbols, and other math problems. As they progress to higher standards, the difficulty persists and interferes with the child’s daily activities, such as not being able to read the time or unable to calculate the change of money to be handed over.

#2 Not Able To Cope In Class

The student may lag behind or not understand step 1, thereby creating confusion in step 2 and onward. For example; if the child I struggling with identifying basic numbers, how will he be able to proceed to addition and subtraction. This affects the child’s self-esteem and he may not feel included in the classroom. It is the school’s prerogative to help such students and provide extra-class support or alter the teaching pace to accommodate the needs of all kids. Some IB schools in Dubai introduce special educators to help slow students get on track.

#3 Finding Numbers

Boring Some don’t get enthused by numbers and find it dull. Remembering formulas and memorizing tables seems like a nonessential task for them which doesn’t spark an interest like other subjects like; science and English. They don’t understand why Math is important, and can’t make connections to real-world scenarios. Luckily times are changing now and the Playstore is flooded with educational Apps that stress on entertaining students while making sure important concepts are learned thoroughly. Mathseeds by Reading Eggs, is one such famous Math learning app, with a 3.9 rating on Google Play Store. Kids love engaging with eggy numbers and eggy times tables, without keeping track of time. To learn more about Mathseeds and its subscription across GCC regions in the Middle East, visit this link: <link>

#4 Getting Deterred by Mistakes

Making mistakes is a part of learning! Children often shy away from difficult Math problems, because they are scared of making a mistake. Parents & educators must encourage learners to make mistakes and correct them immediately so that they get registered and not repeated again. Often students feel they will be ridiculed or scolded if the solution is wrong, and hence they refrain from making independent attempts.

#5 Dislike Memorizing

It’s tedious to remember phone numbers by heart and so we save them on our devices. Imagine how frustrating it is for a child to memorize equations and Math rules. Instead of focusing on memorization, we must aim to concretize the concept, so that they don’t feel burdened to reproduce as-is answers in their exam. An approach to problem-solving must be inculcated, by intellectually stimulating students to use mathematical processes to derive the correct answer. Only the right Math mindset can promote a willingness to get involved, make mistakes, accept challenges, and learn, thereby succeeding in doing well.

#6 Low Motivation

Motivation comes when one can apply free-flowing creativity and think out of the box, which is fab in the case of other subjects like; computers, art, and general knowledge. But what about Maths? How can children apply this to number crunching? Well, the solution for this is to introduce activities & fun games in class which drives the pupil to look forward to Math sessions, rather than run away from it. Use colorful teaching aids and present concepts using videos with interesting characters. It is even a mandatory requirement in the UAE to have smart boards and AV aids in every classroom, to induce students to focus better & learn faster.

We just want to conclude by saying numbers are not aliens, make friends with them and it will serve you well.

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Established in 2017, Matatalab is a technology education company that has been growing from strength to strength. It aims to develop children’s abilities and confidence to influence the world in a positive way through innovative learning techniques and entertainment experiences. Matatalab’s coding robots have become a much-sought-after tool, worldwide, for kindergarteners, elementary schools, and educational institutions for their ground-breaking STEAM educational solutions. Now they have envisaged becoming the worlds leading educational company based on innovative products and STEAM for kids.

Matatalab has introduced children to MatataBot, a coding robot with whom they can embark on coding adventures and also have fun while learning. One popular coding program learning lesson is the ‘Delivery Animals’ or ‘Playful Farm Animals’ coding set. This lesson is aimed at the 3 to 5 years age bracket and takes around 45minutes to complete. It includes a printable for 4 locations and 4 farm animals.

Let us go through the steps of guiding the children into the lesson and setting it up for them. The purpose of the lesson or let’s say ‘aim of the game’ is to transport the 4 different farm animals to different locations in the community via the MatataBot. After each animal has been dropped at its location, the child needs to come up with a story, explaining why the animal is visiting the place. By completing this task, the child learns tangible coding language and community living.

Initially, you need to review the MatataBot movement on the map using the motion blocks with the child. Then you set up the locations on the map along with the obstacles. This so far would be a guided lesson and going forward would be an independent activity for about 30 minutes. The student needs to choose a starting point for the MatataBot and then put all the animal printables onto it. Using the motion coding blocks they are already familiar with they need to move the MatataBot around the map from one location to the other and drop off each animal at a different location. Each animal drop-off needs to be accompanied by an explanation as to why the animal was visiting the place. For example, why did the cow go to the library? You can also use the preset music block to celebrate a successful drop at a location. Once the activity is completed, there is time for a few questions about the activity and a discussion about the reasons and possibilities.

The Delivery Animals coding lesson teaches children how to use coding blocks to program a path to a destination. It encourages them to figure out different paths to the same destination and also how to go around obstacles in front of them. It sharpens the memory as the student has to remember which animal was dropped off where and enhances their story-telling skills as well.

Many such similar programs are available through Matatalab touching on different topics like sports, food, space, etc. They are very popular across the GCC and Middle East. Almost all international schools in Dubai and UAE have now adopted the coding techniques taught here. There is plenty of material available online for home tutoring and add-ons as well so it becomes very easy to gather information and learn. Matatalab programs are very user-friendly and have been designed to be used on Android as well as iOS with regular firmware upgrades.

Coding skills should be taught at an early age as coding has become a cornerstone in today’s fast-growing technological world. Computer skills and coding is a high-demand skill. It is essential for us to encourage the young generations to master coding and bust all myths that it is complicated and requires a lot of knowledge and experience.

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Schools have become extremely picky about admitting children into their institutions. In today’s competitive world, the reputation of the school and its ranking are at stake, and the only way to earn a good name is by churning out students who perform exceptionally well in academics and co-curricular domains. Therefore if you wish your child secured a seat in a good school of your choice, especially in a competitive region like the UAE, then you need to really make sure that great efforts are put in to ensure that your child is prepared for any question that might be asked at the interview. This is the very first interview of their lives and undoubtedly there will be some nervousness. However, correct guidance and practice will definitely help the child be more confident.

Through this blog, we will share some generic tips that will be useful in preparing young students to be interview-ready.

#1 Research About the School

Schools have their own modus operandi and the criteria for selection may vary. Hence, it is wise to ask parents who already have children studying in that school for some guidance and prepare accordingly. You can even visit the school’s website to learn about its vision & mission. This would create a lasting impression on the interviewer and convey seriousness about seeking admission there.

#2 Work on the Basics

Even before your children start schooling at around 2 to 2.5 years, they are expected to know some vocab like; names of colors, shapes, and a few fruits/vegetables. It shouldn’t be so that the child goes blank at the time of the interview. So set a daily routine to educate the child by watching videos and hanging picture charts in your child’s bedroom, so that they become thoroughly acquainted with the basics.

#3 Prepare an Introduction

Usually, children are asked to say a few lines about themselves in an interview. Work on a speech whereby the child is well-versed in sharing his name, age, place of residence, and what he/she loves the most. If you want to create a lasting impression, include more details such as; hobbies and interests. It’s impossible for such young kids to speak fluently using a correct sentence structure and that is not what you should aim at either.

#4 Focus on Social Etiquette

Instilling the right attitude and social behaviors in children is an indication of good family background and reflects upon the value system at home. Kids who are well-groomed and mannered, are easily accepted in the school community and fair well for themselves. Therefore, stress on decent clothes and a tidy hairdo, during the interview process. Do a role-play at home, where parents can play the role of a Principal and provide feedback whenever the kid faulters. Not speaking out of turn, being polite, and not to be too fidgety during an interview, are all important points to keep in mind.

#5 Impart Communication Skills

Having good conversation skills doesn’t happen overnight or a week before the interview. Parents must make it a daily practice to interact with kids and speak in English, even while conversing casually at home, though your mother tongue may be Arabic, being a part of the Middle East. When children have the right communicative practice at home, they become comfortable with others in an outside scenario. It becomes their nature to speak proper English in school too.

#6 Overcome Shyness

Every parent wants their child to actively partake in a social setting and not shy away. However, some kids are shy and they get uncomfortable if asked to interact with other strangers. To break this shyness, make sure they interact with relatives and friends in the neighborhood regularly. A school interview should not turn into a scary nightmare for them!

All said and done, while it is important to stress on these helpful pointers, be careful not to put extra pressure on your little ones. After all, they need to enjoy the learning process, and not find it burdensome.

ERP software like The Next Learning is digitalizing the admission process to save time, and reduce error/wastage of resources. So, if you’ve applied for one of the International schools in Dubai or the GCC regions, expect to undertake form filling and fee payment online.

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