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Billy's pictures and patterns changed as he used ChalkTalk
Today’s post is a follow-up to a previous post about the risks and benefits of sharing an iPhone with a young child. I am sure that I am not alone in wanting to be protective of my phone, but after communicating and reinforcing specific guidelines, have shared this handheld learning tool with my five year old nephew. I carefully found and downloaded several learning apps for Billy, and enjoyed watching his response, with the goal of informally discovering what app(s) resulted in the most learning.
Although he was presented with some of the best learning apps that I could find for his age level, along with some “fun” games, Billy’s FAVORITES were ChalkTalk and Flick Fishing. I believe that that the MOST learning resulted from his interest and motivation to keep using the programs that HE wanted to use. It seems that it is more motivating for Billy to engage in games that are more challenging and/or games that invite creativity and extra options with an added element of surprise.
With ChalkTalk, Billy created patterns with the stamp feature. The feature of creating a background, and then adding stamped patterns held his interest – and his funny patterns changed and improved. The sound effects of each different stamp added to the fun of creating pictures and patterns. When prompted, he had a silly story to go along with each of his pictures. With practice, he learned to “screen capture” his art, and enjoyed reviewing and comparing his pictures/stories.
Read more on The Risks and Benefits of Sharing An iPhone With a Five Year Old (part 2)
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There are hundreds of different reasons why a child might benefit from tutoring; there are myriad goals that can be accomplished through one-on-one instruction. Many tutoring sessions are designed to produce very specific outcomes, such as learning to use the quadratic formula or gaining understanding of a basic grammar rule. Other tutoring goals, however, are broader. One such goal is the ability to work independently. This is an invaluable skill that proves useful in primary education, secondary education, college, and the professional world.
But just how can you help your child become an independent learner? You can't — or, at least, you shouldn't — just plunk a big pile of books in front of her and expect her to teach herself useful skills. Rather, you (or another good tutor) should guide her toward independence.
Think of it this way: A student who struggles with addition problems is unlikely to automatically understand complex algebraic equations. Rather, he can only come to an understanding of more complicated math by taking smaller steps and receiving structured help. This same approach works for students who are learning to be independent in their thinking and studying. Read more on Yes, Independence Can Be Learned!
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Is your child struggling with one or more of the following?
Simplification of algebraic expressions, exponential expressions, radicals, absolute values, factoring and expanding expressions, finding the LCM and FCF, rationalizing complex denominators, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, using Cramer’s rule and solving linear expressions, graphing curves including parabolas, hyperbolas, circles, ellipses, equation and inequality solutions, operations with functions, simplifying logarithms, basic geometry and trigonometry, linear algebra, etc.
Successfully passing algebra coursework in order to meet graduation requirements is a challenge for many upper level students. Many algebra students need specific help with homework. Some can benefit from a quick way to check their work to see that they understand concepts. Others are barely able to keep up and need specific help reviewing step-by-step procedures.
Concerns about algebra grades are a common issue for students in public and private schools, and although educators and experts are working to solve common learning issues with algebra classes, their proposed solutions will not help the student who needs help NOW.
You and your child may be pleased to find out that s/he can receive help with algebra homework in 5 minutes!
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Over the past several years, there has been a great deal of controversy regarding standardized testing. While some view these tests as necessary benchmarks with which to measure students' (and, in many cases, teachers') performances, others worry that the tests take an inappropriate one-size-fits-all approach to measuring learning — which can be highly problematic for students who do not do their best work in a high-stakes testing environment. Despite the controversy over these tests, they are still widely used. Even if you don't agree with the high-stakes testing process, the results can be used to help your child.
How? By simply helping her change her attitude toward standardized-test results. Help her to view the results not as an indication of areas of "failure", but rather as a tool that can show both of you where her strengths are, and in which areas she might need tutoring. Read more on Making the Best Out of Standardized Tests
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I am a long-time advocate of hands-on learning, but sharing my new iPhone with young children is a touchy topic for me, and I can understand that others may feel this way, too. However, I do share my iPhone with my five year old nephew, Billy, safely, with strict guidelines. In fact, he has used my phone regularly throughout the past few months.
My iPhone rules: 1) Clean hands 2) Sit on the couch 3) No arguing allowed 4) Aunt Kathy or another adult needs to be in the same room!
I purchased the most protective case I could find, and covered the screen before walking out of the phone store. The extra protection resulted in less worry for me as I shared this useful tool.
Dozens of learning applications (Apps) are available for download from the iTunes store. Many are free. The focus for this article will be on favorite iPhone learning tools and apps for young children as a result of watching my nephew gain independence and learn skills while using this interactive techie toy.
Read more on The Risks and Benefits of Sharing An iPhone With a Five Year Old
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Many bright and capable students are underachievers in the area of writing due to challenges relating to handwriting mechanics and penmanship, difficulty with organization of information and ideas, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and/or reading. Significant difficulty in only one academic area can have a major impact on a student’s academic performance. Similarly, minor problems in multiple academic areas can also result in significant problems with literacy assignments.
In todays classrooms, students should not have to struggle with writing and re-writing an assignment if graphomotor skills are an issue, and penmanship is not the purpose of a writing assignment. Additionally, if spelling, grammar and/or punctuation interfere with the writing process, it is advisable to allow a child to focus on the purpose of the writing assignment first. Improving other skills, can be the focus on another assignment. Read more on Ten Technology Tools to Improve Literacy
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Now that the Labor Day barbecues have come and gone, one reality is hitting home: Summer is in the rear-view mirror. Students across the country have returned to school and are settling in for a new year of reading, writing, problem-solving, investigating and exploring. Just as your child's teacher is providing direction for her new group of students, you can provide direction for your at-home tutoring sessions. In fact, there's no better time to chart a new tutoring course than in September, when the whole school year stretches in front of you.
There are several ways to plot out a plan of action for your tutoring sessions, but one of the most effective is the "Learning Contract." Promoted by leading differentiated-learning researchers, the Learning Contract provides a clear "road map" for students and teachers (or tutors!) who are striving to meet certain educational goals. The great thing about a Learning Contract is that in can be modified for students at any grade or ability level, and it can be made relevant to any academic subject. Read more on Learning Contracts: Road Maps to Success
