January
5 reasons you need to be thinking about summer (and summer learning!) right now
1. It’s going to be here before you know it. Sure, the New Year may have just begun, but before you know it, Spring Break will be over, and kids will be studying for exams and handing in their final term projects… Which means that it’s not too early to think about what your kids are going to be doing this summer.
2. Summer can undo what your child is learning RIGHT NOW. You know that test you help little Timmy study for last week? Well, without maintaining his learning momentum and study skills over the break, Timmy can easily forget everything that he’s working hard to learn right now, which means you may find yourself creating long division flash cards again next year.
3. Summer can have an impact on how your child learns NEXT YEAR. After a summer off, it can take kids up to 3 months to get back into the swing of learning. That represents a huge amount of wasted learning opportunities.
4. Kids WANT to learn in the summer. The numbers don’t lie. Research in summer learning studies shows that 56% of students want to be involved in a summer program that “helps kids keep up with summer schoolwork or prepare for the next grade.”
5. Summer programs fill up fast. Most programs are already accepting applications and taking reservations for summer enrollment. Schools and Oxford Learning are no exception.
Now that we’ve got you thinking about summer and learning, why not contact your nearest Oxford Learning centre and enroll in one of the many great summer program options?
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Nine School Resolutions for a Better New Year
Academic resolutions help students tune up their school habits and start the New Year–and the new semester– off on the right foot by putting an end to the habits that can cause stress and interfere with the learning process. A new semester is just around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to polish up routines and start this year out kicking!
- Rise and Shine. All students can use a little extra time in the morning. By setting alarm clocks 10 minutes earlier, students can reduce the morning rush and alleviate stress.
- Tune Out. TV and computers are the biggest student distractions, especially when it comes to homework. Students needn’t give up the computer or become TV-free, however. By simply eliminating one half-hour of screen time, students have more time to focus on schoolwork.
- Prepare at night. Students can check items off their to-do list by preparing for school the night before. Choose clothing, re-pack book bags, and prepare lunches at night to reduce the morning rush.
- Get organized. Resolve to use an agenda. Agendas help students stay on track so that homework and assignments are not forgotten.
- Stick to a schedule. Hang wall calendars in a visible spot and be sure to write down all school assignments, extra curricular activities, and social engagements.
- Hit the sheets. A better night’s sleep ensures that students are less sluggish more mentally alert during the school day.
- Hit the books. Extra curricular reading is one of the best-known ways for students to build vocabulary and develop strong language skills.
- Eat right. Healthy eating habits keep the brain active all day long. Avoid sugary treats and too-heavy meals, which can cause an attention crash.
- Get outside. Take in some fresh air, vitamin D, and get the blood pumping with some exercise. Exercise has been shown to increases circulation to the brain.
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