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Category: Elementary

  • Dare Not to Compare: Comparing Yourself to Others

    Dare Not to Compare: Comparing Yourself to Others

    We all fall for it. Looking at someone in a seemingly better situation, and wondering what we did wrong that resulted in our misfortune. How come my friend’s parents are paying for most of their tuition? Should I have been looking for part-time work sooner in order to pay for schooling? How lucrative will my career path be if I pursue the liberal arts, while my friend goes into accounting? This comparison is not only unhealthy, but also unreasonable.

    Your focus should first and foremost be on your own financial situation and goals. Even if you are in a dire state, drawing comparisons will do absolutely nothing to amend it. Instead, that negative mindset can actually be to your detriment. The more you beat yourself up, the more negativity and pessimism will loom over your every thought and action, and before you know it this will be hindering your future prospects. It is challenging enough as it is to go to class every day, complete exams, and hunt for jobs. Now imagine throwing in a negative mindset, and those tasks become infinitely harder. You will be increasingly prone to mistakes due to the distraction and expectation of failure.

    The very mindset is a no-win situation. Even if we are convinced of the accuracy of the comparison, our brains are deceiving us. This is something they do far more often than we realize. Comparing your finances not only harms your own situation, but is also unreasonable in the first place.

    When we compare ourselves with others, we are examining the minutia of our own lives; every foolish purchase, every missed job opportunity, every bill awaiting payment. Yet when we examine others, we are only getting glimpses into their world. We see polished social media profiles that may post pictures of them going out and spending money, but rarely of the days spent at home eating in. People come from a multitude of situations, circumstances, good and bad. The plethora of events and decisions make it absurd to compare even a similar-looking situation to your own. Someone may have a similar background, with a family much like yours and an upbringing similar to you. But the small differences in their personality, teachers, friends, choices, activities, and more add up to make a completely different person. Comparison is not only unhealthy; it is nonsensical.

    At the end of the day, if you are unhappy with the state of your bank account, you can take steps to fix it. Plan a monthly budget, seek out part-time work, and talk to your family about your situation. Your education is of utmost importance. Your parents will not want that to falter due to dollars and cents, and may be able to help. Your life, in all its wonder and worry, is yours. Do not let unnecessary comparisons get to you – for all you know, your subject of comparison is doing the same.

    Source:

    Tempesta, Daniela. Why You Should Stop Comparing Yourself to Others. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniela-tempesta-lcsw/comparing-yourself_b_4441288.html

  • Career Profile: Speech and Language Pathologist

    Career Profile: Speech and Language Pathologist

    Being able to speak seems like a natural and normal thing to do. However, many young children or even adults lisp or stutter, and people who have had strokes or accidents often lose their ability to speak. Speech and language pathologists help people with various kinds of problems to speak more clearly so that they can communicate with the people around them.

    Do you enjoy the sciences or do you prefer words and language? As a speech and language pathologist, you could work with both. Speaking is about knowing words and being able to put sentences together, but it is also about using the right part of the mouth and having the physical ability to get the words out. Speech and language pathologists can help with both.

    Knowing how sounds are formed is an important part of helping people with speech problems. For example, someone with a lisp needs to know that “s” is made at the ridge inside the mouth, and “th” is made between the teeth. Proper breathing methods and pronunciation techniques for other problems are part of what speech and language pathologists need to know.

    In Canada, speech and language pathologists need a university education, normally at least a Master’s degree with courses in English and the sciences. Studies in areas like social work and psychology can also be useful. National certification from Speech-Language and Audiology Canada is also necessary for people working in the field. At first, speech and language pathologists might earn about $40,000 per year, but people with experience can get salaries of over $80,000.

    Besides the technical knowledge, people in this field need to be able to work well with people. Their patients might be small children, accident victims, or elderly people who have had strokes or other health problems. They can work in schools, hospitals, or research facilities. Pathologists need to consult with other people such as parents or teachers, and they need to be able to explain what they are doing so that the people know what to expect. Sometimes, they might teach classes or give presentations about their work.

    Being able to plan and look ahead is very important for this work. Speech and language pathologists have to get to know each patient’s needs, diagnose the problem, and find a solution. Sometimes, a patient’s needs might be beyond a speech and language pathologist’s skills, and knowing when to get help is a very important part of the work.

    Speech and language pathologists spend a lot of time working with people, but they also need to work independently as they research the best techniques for helping patients. Do these qualities describe you? If so, you might want to consider becoming a speech and language pathologist.

    Bibliography:

    Alberta Learning Information Service. “Speech-Language Pathologist.” http://occinfo.alis.alberta.ca/occinfopreview/info/browse-occupations/occupation-profile.html?id=71002785

    Living in Canada. “Audiologist and Speech Language Pathologist Salary Canada.” http://www.livingin-canada.com/salaries-for-audiologists-and-speech-language-pathologists.html.

    McGill School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. “Professional Training in Speech-Language Pathology (M.Sc.A.).” http://www.mcgill.ca/scsd/programs/slp/.

    Payscale.com. “Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Salary (Canada).” http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Speech-Language_Pathologist_(SLP)/Salary.

  • Book Recommendations: Catch Up on Your Reading!

    Book Recommendations: Catch Up on Your Reading!

    Book lists are never easy, because there are so many great books out there! This is especially true when it comes to elementary level reading. While stories that are beloved especially by kids are many, the ones that fit particularly well for the reading level of the child sometimes need to be sought out. Here we break down the best books and book series by grades based on the reading level typically displayed.

    1st Grade

    1. The complete collection of Dr. Seuss

    A no brainer for any growing child, these wonderfully weird tales use the most basic of English words to create a bright and eccentric world that is easy for the child to put together with their own budding reading skills.

    1. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

    If you give a mouse a cookie, be prepared for all the other requests that may follow. This charming series of events will take the reader on a journey of light cause and effect.

    1. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

    This picture book tells the story of someone’s ability to give and love to no end. It will both teach a wonderful outlook and way of being, but will also appeal to the reader with its bright yet basic illustrations.

    2nd Grade

    The Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish

    Ever thought YOU did things the hard way? Trust me no one does things in a more difficult and roundabout manner than housekeeper for hire Amelia Bedelia. Taking simple household instructions and tasks all too literally, Amelia leaves disaster in her wake. Luckily, the girl can cook. Actually she is basically the best cook ever. Always able to win her angry employers over with a pie or a strudel, Amelia may be a terrible housekeeper but she will never be without work.

    3rd Grade

    The BFG by Roald Dahl

    The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) is just one of many marvelous Dahl books. Entering into the novel format, 3rd graders will eat up the relationship between lovely heroine Sophie and her dream-giving friendly giant. This is a great first chapter book to leave with your kids and let make their way through on their own for the first time.

    4th Grade

    Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

    While all of Judy Blume’s books should be on this list, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing stands out as a wonderful look at the relationship between young brothers. The first in the impeccable Fudge series, this book shows how the age gap between siblings can seem like the biggest thing at the time but in the end everyone makes silly mistakes no matter their age. Be prepared to roll on the floor laughing basically whenever the youngest brother Fudge speaks throughout the series.

    5th Grade

    Report to the Principal’s Office by Jerry Spinelli

    The first in a hilarious series about the kids of Plumstead Middle School, this book is about middle schoolers but for those with a slightly lower reading level. As fifth and sixth graders are often getting excited about the upcoming world of middle school, this book is a good look at the transition youngsters go through as they are trying to move on from their “kiddie” ways but cannot help but fall into mischief. It is about trying to fit in, not fitting in at all, and finding out that you actually think the principal is a pretty cool guy.

    6th Grade

    A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

    It is time for a dark leap from all those happy-go-lucky books from above. This sad series on the lives of the Baudelaire orphans and their murderous relative Count Olaf is a wild ride. Not for the faint of heart, enter into this dreary world at your own emotional risk. Still, it is 100% appropriate for the reading-savvy 6th grader. Also be prepared to walk away from each book with a new appreciation for your family.

  • Make Lunch Great Again

    Make Lunch Great Again

    The multitude of quick meal fixes loaded with fat and sugar, coupled with increasingly erratic and hectic schedules that make time-saving measures all the more appealing, has harmed our health in ways we may not always realize. Yet we are far from the point of no return; taking some time to realize the unhealthy habits we have entrenched ourselves in, and making small but crucial steps in the other direction, can make a world of difference.

    Lunch is the meal most likely to fall astray from healthy habits, as it falls between your many classes, schoolwork, and social dramas. But by devoting more of your free time in the evenings and mornings to your lunch, you can have a healthy and enjoyable meal to re-energize you for the afternoon. Making lunch fun starts not with your food but what you put the food in. By investing in a quality lunchbox, insulated containers, a thermos, and ice packs, you are allowing for much greater variety in the types of foods you can pack and take with you. Otherwise, you will be stuck with very limited options. Bringing the same foods with you to school every day will quickly grow dull.

    Take full advantage of your freezer. Go nuts with those Saturday morning pancakes and prepare more than the family can handle, then store the leftovers for the weeks ahead. This way, you can utilize your free time on weekends to put together fun and healthy recipes that can then be enjoyed in the middle of a busy week.

    Insulated containers and a thermos can transform your lunches to feel more like fresh meals. A thermos allows a meal to retain its heat for several hours, long enough to still be deliciously warm when you are sitting in the cafeteria. The few extra minutes spent heating up soup in the morning will provide an energy boost later in the day, as you can fill said soup with a tasty variety of healthy ingredients, and warm liquids aid in digestion.

    Improving the aesthetics of your meal can make it more fun and encourage healthier eating habits. Take out a quirkily shaped ice pop mould from the freezer and fill it with whatever smoothie combination piques your interest that day. Make sure to throw in a couple of ice packs to guarantee the smoothie will be waiting for you come lunchtime. Use cookie cutters to cut your sandwiches into the shapes of your favourite characters or interests. This may sound silly, but it can be great conversation fodder with others sitting around you and it encourages you to spend more time thinking about what you are eating and how to prepare it.

    There are many ways to make lunch both fun and healthy. What is most important is to devote more time and attention to what you are putting into your body. The improvements to your physical and mental well-being are more than worth a few extra minutes.

    Source

    Leake, Lisa. 100 Days of Real Food: How to Pack a Healthy School Lunch. www.takepart.com/photos/100-days-real-food-packing-lunch-for-kids/give-your-kids-healthy-school-lunch

  • Tips to Hike Up Your Math and Science Grades

    Tips to Hike Up Your Math and Science Grades

    Everybody has their weaknesses, and for a lot of people, those weaknesses often lie in science and math. Personally, I was OK in science but math was my weakness. It’s virtually universal – there seems to be a lot of people who have difficulties with math and science. But don’t worry about asking for help; it’s worth it. As with any other subject, there’s always someone who needs that extra assistance. It’s never just you.

    Here are some things you can do to help yourself:

    1. Identify your weakness – In structured subjects like math and science, you can do better in one than another, such as biology versus chemistry, and statistics versus algebra. Look at your results and skills as objectively as you can.  It’s hard to be tough on yourself sometimes, but you have to do it to identify a problem.
    2. Search for local help – The reason why I say this is that there are several sources available to you within your own area. There are always willing classmates to help you out, some organizations or tutors offering sessions for a small fee ( or no fee). In addition, there are sometimes answer keys available in your own textbook, allowing for a bit of trial and error in regards to finding the correct answer. (Although this is never 100% accurate, as I remember, some answer keys were actually wrong to the dismay of my math teacher). Your teachers may also be able to point you to some helpful tutoring information.
    3. Optional: Professional help – there are newly-qualified teachers working with students one-on-one in their respective fields. This is often more costly than local help, but can be worth the extra cost if you’re looking for assistance to earn a better grade.
    4. Go to the internet – With the massive amount of knowledge available on the World Wide Web, there are a number of different ways available to help you learn math and science. Many sites also provide video tutorials. Find the area you’re having trouble with, and search for the best material available – this will require some trial and error, but can be very helpful for those who want visual and auditory aids.
    5. Consult your local bookstore – There are resources and study information for math and science. This will set you back a dollar or two, which is why I recommend that you go in person to find out if a particular book would be useful, and contributes to your knowledge of the current subject you’re learning from your teacher.

    Remember: These are only guidelines and recommendations for how to get additional help, but the real help comes from within yourself and your determination to do better; otherwise that grade will stay the same or may slip even further. Putting in the effort to do well will pay off both in better grades and in understanding that everybody learns differently.

  • Expressing Your Ideas Effectively

    Expressing Your Ideas Effectively

    We’ve all been there. Our teacher gives us a group project that will be 30 percent of our final grade for that subject. Members for each group were chosen randomly, and you find yourself in a group whom you are not very familiar with. When your group starts to discuss ideas and brainstorm, you share your idea, which you think is a great one. Then, it seems like no one understands what you were trying to say at all- how does that happen?

    Then another member shares their idea–which is the same one you had–but that person expressed it way better and was clearly understood by the group. All the group members give the person kudos, but you are frustrated- you had the idea first!

    It is good to realize that most of the time; it is not enough to have a great idea. You must be able to express that idea well enough so others can see the value of it. If you feel you need improvement on expressing yourself, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

    Write them down.

    In this day and age, we think that writing ideas on a notebook is so passé. However, when you write things down, it actually helps you form the words more clearly compared to when you are simply reciting it in your head. When you see the very words on paper, you will realize if you have missed something or if it’s ready for sharing or submission.

    Do a role play.

    It might seem odd, but if you wish to share an idea with a group, and you feel intimidated, role playing might be a good alternative. Pull out a member of the group and ask them to probe you to get the idea out of you. You can do this role play as if no one is around. You will be surprised how well you can actually say what’s on your mind.

    Play a guessing game.

    We all know how fun guessing games can be. So if you are struggling a bit on how to make your idea known to the group, a good way is to play a guessing game through Pictionary or charades. Once you break the ice with the game, you feel more relaxed and you will able to speak about what is on your mind more clearly.

    Expressing one’s self is critical in academic settings. Once you learn how to express yourself well, you will be able to study better and work better in groups.

    Sources:

    http://www.victoriagigante.com/7-ways-to-express-yourself-through-a-daily-practice/

    http://want2discover.com/cant-express-18-best-creative-ways-express-feelings/

    http://www.newconversations.net/communication-skills-workbook/expressing-yourself-more-clearly-and-completely/

    http://tinybuddha.com/blog/3-tips-get-out-of-head-start-expressing-yourself/

  • 5 Steps to Awaken Your Critical Thinking

    5 Steps to Awaken Your Critical Thinking

    What is “Critical thinking”?

    Critical thinkers know how to read between the lines and not just see things as they are or superficially. In your studies of any subject, for instance, critical thinking skills will help you take on a more analytical approach so you can better explain a particular topic or situation. You should use your critical thinking skills for everyday life situations, as well. Eventually, you will be able to propose an excellent argument on any topic. When you get to college and university and you need to defend your argument in a paper, critical thinking is essential.

    If you feel that you don’t quite have the skills to deem yourself as a critical thinker, don’t fret. Here are some steps to awaken your critical thinking:

    Know the facts.

    You would not have a strong stance on a particular topic if you do not have the right information. For instance, what if you were asked to debate on the topic of “money can buy people happiness”? Sure, we all have our opinions on this topic, but mostly it is from an emotional standpoint. As such, if you want to create a strong argument on that debate, you will have to get research, science and statistics together, first ( if even applicable). Research as much as you can and get to know the background of that idea.

    Choose your sources carefully.

    Sometimes, when we are gathering facts, we tend to collect them easily, not entirely judging where they are from. An essential part to being a critical thinker is to judge the sources of the facts that you are collecting as well. You can research scientific papers on the internet, as well as videos by certified researchers; where is all the information coming from and are they trusted sources?

    Analyze the facts.

    There are times when you might have the facts on hand and they are from good sources. However, does this mean that you are good to go? You don’t stop here. To be a critical thinker, you must also carefully analyze each fact and be on the lookout for any differences or gaps.

    Compare the facts.

    You know the adage “there are two sides to every story,” of course! Well, that is also something that you can apply to your argument. For one thing, you need to look at a subject from all angles.

    Reflect.

    Evaluate the conclusions you have formed and ensure you can strongly stand on them. At this stage, you should be able to state your point of view with confidence and conviction.

    For more understanding of critical thinking, check out this helpful animated video from study.com: http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-critical-thinking-definition-skills-meaning.html

    You are all set to be a critical thinker once you have mastered these steps. Good luck!

    Sources:

    http://lifehacker.com/how-to-train-your-mind-to-think-critically-and-form-you-1516998286

    https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/studying-fun.html

    http://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/critical-reading.html#ixzz45ZAzuWQp

    https://ctl.utsc.utoronto.ca/twc/sites/default/files/CriticalThinking.pdf

    http://www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academic-development/postgraduate/taught/learning-resources/critical

    http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills/media/academicskillsadvice/documents/academicskillsresources/criticalthinking/Teach-Yourself-10-Takeaway-Tips-Critical-Analysis.pdf

  • Agreeing to Disagree – Handling Conflicts Like a Pro

    Agreeing to Disagree – Handling Conflicts Like a Pro

    Do you ever feel like you go a different route than your classmates when it comes to school projects? It is indeed fun to reminisce your pre-school and kindergarten days when things seemed so simple. One instruction from your teacher and you and your classmates would team up and work like clockwork to achieve a goal.

    The good news is having disagreements with your peers about school work is completely normal. The bad news is—well, it depends on your perspective, really—there are ways around these disagreements that would help you still work in harmony to reach your goals. Below are some tips to follow:

    Listen to what others have to say.

    At times, you may become easily frustrated when your peers do not agree with you right away that you end up repeating yourself just to try and make a point. Instead of you repeating yourself, be sure to give the others a chance to share their side of the story. Maybe then you can meet halfway.

     Practice empathy and understanding.

    At times, you may be self-involved and you do not realize that one of your classmates may be grieving over the death of a beloved household pet or that he or she might be undergoing some issues at home that he or she is not ready to talk about. You may be mere classmates working toward the same goal, but maybe you can try to be a friend too.

    Apply the theory of democracy whenever possible.

    Students will always have their own approach to completing schoolwork. Sometimes, certain factors come into play like personal preferences or tastes. For instance, if you were tasked to do a choral reading with a group of 10, and you want to do The Raven as you are a big fan of Edgar Allan Poe, but someone suggested that you do The Walrus and the Carpenter because everyone is familiar with that poem; you can put it to a vote.

    Be open to compromise.

    Learning how to compromise with your peers does not develop overnight- it is tough. However, if you open your mind to it, in due time, you will master the skill. Remember, collaboration skills learned at an early age will help you go far in life when you are old enough and working in the real world.

    Conflicts take place, you can’t deny that. Not everyone can say yes to what you say. The trick is to always take things in stride and remember that team effort can be powerful when trying to accomplish a common goal.

    SOURCES:

    http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/tips-disagree.html

    http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=240&np=296&id=2095

    https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/coaching-children-in-handling-everyday-conflicts/

    http://www.parents.com/kids/development/social/deal-with-arguments/

  • Stop Making Studying a Drag! Tips to Make It a Delight

    Stop Making Studying a Drag! Tips to Make It a Delight

    There is a small percentage of students who look forward to studying for tests and exams- but most dread it! Like all the Sheldon Coopers before them, they get excited at the thought of assignment and report submissions, get giddy when it comes to the announcement of grades, and anticipate taking more courses or subjects- this could be you, even. If it is, you may have found the secret to studying for exams and tests, successfully. You have found a way to make it enjoyable, and even fun.

    For those who struggle with finding the delight in studying, here are a few ways you can make the experience more enjoyable:

    Study with a group.

    No man is an island, and that rings true when you are studying for a big test. It will help a lot if you gather your classmates or group mates and set up a study schedule. This way, you can learn from each other and bring out the best in each other.

    Concentrate with music.

    Not everyone is the type who likes to study with a group, and if this fits your description, you may be better off studying on your own. If you find it hard to tune out everything else—like if your roommate is playing a videogame or your neighbours are having a party—the best approach is to tune out the external distractions with music. You can experiment with the type of music that best suits you. Some are able to study well with heavy metal music, while some prefer classical music like Mozart.

    Make use of multimedia learning materials.

    You may have used video sites to learn how to do contouring or to make killer carbonara pasta. Now try to use it to do difficult mathematical equations or to find out how snowflakes are unique. You would be surprised of how much you can learn from some learning channels. Just be careful and discipline yourself not to wander into non-educational sites like the social networking sites.

    Give yourself a treat.

    No need to be too hard on yourself. If you feel that you have done well with your studying activities, then by all means, reward yourself with a scoop (or two scoops) of your favourite ice cream or plop yourself on the couch and watch favourite scenes from your fave show or movie—just be wary of binge watching or you will never get to complete your studying chores.

    Change your scenery.

    If you feel that your room just makes studying even harder, then maybe it is time to change the scenery. Go to the neighbourhood park or head to your favourite café. Maybe a change is what you need to jolt some life into your academic goals.

    Now that you know these suggestions, you can now make studying much more engaging.

    Sources:
    https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/studying-fun.html
    http://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/articles/study-smarter/can-you-make-studying-more-fun/
    https://blog.4tests.com/six-fun-ways-study/
    http://getcollegecredit.com/blog/article/5_ways_to_make_studying_fun
    http://www.thestudygurus.com/make-studying-fun-at-high-school/

  • Failing Classes and How to Better Yourself

    Failing Classes and How to Better Yourself

    So, after studying weeks at a time for your exam, you’re in study groups for some course work you can’t quite wrap your head around, and yet, you’re still receiving failing grades.

    I understand how it can be embarrassing to fail a class; in high school I failed my ninth grade math class. The only reason I technically passed was because my grade was curved to 50%. But, my teacher at the time called my house and left a message saying that I had failed the course. I felt terrible. But, now in retrospect, I can see a few things I did wrong and how to help you guys in case any of you have the same problems.

    In high school and university, it’s easy to ask for help if you know who to go to. In high school, you may have an easier time asking for help because professors sometimes are busy doing their own research for their own projects. I’ve heard some horror stories about those entirely uninterested in helping their students even though it’s their job; there are some teachers like that in high school (I have my own stories about experiences with poor teachers) but for the most part, someone is always willing to help you. The first thing you need to do if you don’t understand something is swallow your pride and speak to your teachers. They know their stuff. If something is unclear, speaking to them would be the first place to start so you can ask your own questions and meet with them for as long as you need to.

    However, sometimes when we ask for help the final result is still us being confused. But, don’t be discouraged. In college or university, there are TAs to go to (who can actually be quite helpful) and in high school you can always go to another teacher, which is what I did. Clinics are often held for those struggling and despite the fact that it’s an afternoon of studying, it’s worse to fail a class when all you had to do was donate a few hours of extra studying.

    Forming study groups with people can be very beneficial as well. If you’re confused, chances are your friends are too- even if they aren’t, even better- they will be able to help you, too. Plus, an added bonus of studying with friends is removal of the awkwardness some people face when they need to ask for help.

    The most important thing to remember is that you need to ask for help when you need it. It’s a good life lesson. You don’t need to fail a course because you’re feeling a little ashamed or you think you can just study harder and do it on your own. If you can’t, just admit it. Professors and teachers really do appreciate the effort from someone who is willing to learn. There will always be someone in an institution to help you. Use them.