As parents, we often struggle to find the right combination of screen time and studying for our children. In fact, if we allow our kids to act on their own, they would probably be in front of their favorite TV show or attempt to play video games while they’re doing their schoolwork. It is alarming to see that our children are distracted by too much screen time, and it’s hindering their ability to concentrate and finish their important tasks at school.

So, what is the right balance between screen time and schoolwork? How can educational professionals, teachers, and tutors use screen time to their advantage and teach their students effectively?
We are going to answer all of those questions in this article as we delve deeper into the pros and cons of screen time.

In fact, more and more classrooms now are taking a more blended learning approach, so they have developed a place where student has access to computers, video and other technology to enhance their education.

As technology progresses in the real world, students are now exposed to various types of apps at a very young age, and according to some experts, this type of strategy can be beneficial. They believe the students can also learn from various video resources and computer games. However, the teacher or facilitator should always be nearby so they can help with any issues or queries.
But there are those who worry that technology can interfere with students learning and fostering relationships in the classroom. In fact, they think it might even have a negative impact on their social skills.

What is the right balance? 
According to experts, students should only be given access to the kind of technology that is relevant to their age and educational level. So, for preschool level, it’s recommended that teachers should explain concepts in a more practical way. But for middle and high school students, sample video on YouTube demonstrating a particular formula or a solution to a math problem may be useful.
Therefore, the type and amount of screen time should depend on their real-world experience because students need first-hand learning experience when it comes to various concepts that they need to grasp and internalize.

Is it meaningful?
Many parents and educational professionals worry that screen time might affect meaningful interactions and social relationships. However, this is not the case since it can be very helpful in the classroom, tutoring session, or at home when students are working on their homework.

We need to understand that it can be a good tool to enhance their understanding and must not replace the conventional classroom setting or teachers/peer interaction. Although students can interact using various types of messaging apps, but it must not be a substitute for meaningful interactions with the real world.

Does it empower students? 
There’s a strong possibility for students who use mobile devices like iPads may feel safe making mistakes on the screen and may no longer raise their hand and risk making a mistake in class. So, when you notice students rely more on technology than real-world practical learning, it’s time to take it down a notch since it could be doing more harm than good.

Always remember, technology should only be used to empower students and enhance what they are learning and doing at school, but it should not replace their voice and presence in the classroom.

In a world full of apps and gadgets, parents and educators should find the balance between too much screen time and no screen time by being active participants in their student’s education and should point them in the right direction. If you think your child has been having too much screen time this school holidays, check out our back to school preparation tips here.

We all know that math is not an easy subject and most kids don’t enjoy working with and learning numbers. Although there are some of us who are talented with multiplying, dividing, subtracting and adding numbers, there are children who really struggle with math.

That is why teachers should make learning math as fun and engaging because this can increase a child’s understanding and removes the stigma towards this subject. For this purpose, there are several techniques that you can use to make learning maths easier for kids.

Make math relevant to everyday problems
A lot of kids learn best when they can use certain concepts in a familiar context, so it is essential for teachers to use appropriate and recognisable examples that were taken from everyday problems. Here are some good examples to consider:

• Eating – portioning food is an excellent way of learning division and subtraction. A teacher can use this scenario as a crucial part of this activity.
• Cooking – kids who follow a recipe book will be required to measure and calculate ingredients, so this also allows them to learn various concepts.
• Money – when kids buy, change, spend, and save money, they are also learning the four basic operations of math.
• Designing – teachers can also start a group activity where kids build things by using blocks like Lego, which requires calculation and coordination of various types of shapes.
• Games – there are various types of games like smart boards where teachers can present information in a new way. A good example is websites that offer various games and activities where children are engaged to draw in numbers and shapes onto a virtual board or manipulate objects on the screen. This can help them learn various math concepts while making the whole learning process and fun and easy.
• Mobile devices – there is no denying that technology has found its way in every home and kids have access to various types of mobile devices like iPads. In fact, it’s an extremely engaging tool that can entice even the most unwilling child to learn math. Also, there are so many apps online, both paid and free that can help your child build their math skills.

Find a reliable maths tutor
A qualified and reliable math tutor can help your child learn various mathematical concepts by focusing on relevant and real-world situations that they have encountered before. The main objective of this approach is to draw a student into the skill with familiar contexts and engaging topics.

However, before you hire a math tutor, you should first know their background. It’s essential that they have an education background since this will ensure you that they have the proper training and knowledge to teach your child in math.

Most importantly, a tutor will go to your home so your child will be taught at an environment that they know, which means they will be more relaxed, and they can concentrate more in learning and building their skills in math.

Make finding a tutor part of your preparations for the beginning of the school year and let them know your goals for making maths enjoyable for your child.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is considered a neurological condition that is commonly present in early childhood and may continue into adulthood. Usually, it is diagnosed when a child reached the age of seven, since ADHD will have a significant impact on the child’s ability to learn, and it may eventually affect his or her grades in school if left unchecked.

Common symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD
ADHD is a condition that is quite challenging to diagnose, especially when distinguishing the symptoms since it does not affect every child the same way as other common neurological conditions. For this reason, statistics on the prevalence of ADHD vary significantly and the worldwide average is about 5.29% while it is rated as high as 10% in Australia.

However, almost all of the research proves that boys are more likely to acquire ADHD than girls, and the symptoms are categorised in two different categories, namely: hyperactivity and inattention although it can also be a combination of these two traits.

Children who have ADHD and are classed as predominantly inattentive will have the following:

• Difficulty listening or focusing
• Easily bored
• Distractibility
• Daydreaming
• Unable to follow instructions
• Difficulty in organising things
• Forgetful

For those who are classed as predominantly impulsive/hyperactive will have the following symptoms:

• Failing to stay seated
• Constant talking
• Fidgeting
• Uncontrollable physical activity
• Impatience
• Difficulty staying quiet
• Often getting interrupted by things around them

Learning strategies for children with ADHD
To help children with ADHD, it is essential to become aware of their condition since it is the first step in helping them cope up with their schoolwork or learning in general. Medication usually helps alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, but there is also a belief that children with this condition are often overmedicated.

That is why, if you suspect your child has this condition, it’s critical to consult a child psychologist, or you may even seek out the help of other medical professionals to ensure that it’s an accurate diagnosis or your child may have other condition that you’re not aware of.

Besides, there are several methods you can use to help your child stay on their task and be motivated with their homework, and these will include the following:

• Remove all distractions

It is recommended that you ask your child’s tutor or teacher to seat them as close to the front as possible and is away from any doors or windows. When they’re being taught at home, you must create a space or room that is free from any clutter and other visible distractions like the TV or any other toys and video games. You can also provide them with a stress ball to satisfy their fidgety compulsions.

• Maintain the routine

It is proven through various studies that children with ADHD are known to benefit from learning in a structured manner. That is why it is important to create a checklist of daily, weekly, or even monthly goals to ensure that your child is always on track on his or her learning. You should schedule the more important tasks at the beginning and divide each portion of their assignments, so large assignments will be converted to smaller segments and are much easier to complete. Help your child stay organised as well with calendars and charts to outline your routines. Practice your morning routine for a few weeks to prepare your child to return to school after the summer holidays. 

• Communicate concisely, clearly and compassionately

When your child has ADHD, you need to understand their condition and provide them with regular praise, especially when they are behaving well or if they are making breakthroughs at school. When you’re giving instructions, you should ensure that it is short and to the point and make sure that you let your child repeat them back to you to ensure that they did understand your instructions.
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• Ensure regular breaks after each task

Most importantly, you’ll need to provide regular breaks during their tutoring or homework sessions. You must let them stand up, stretch or even go for a walk outside. You can also let them have a small recess after every 30 minutes to refresh their minds and recover their focus and concentration.

So, it's January. Time to start thinking about the 2020 school year. Remember, your kids need guidance as they start a new school year. Whether your children are in middle school or high school , they still need you. And for you as a parent, you should know what to do, so here are a few back to school tips that will make your parenting more effective.

Develop a routine with your kids
A new school year is about to start! You need to prepare your kids and help them develop healthy habits. A few weeks before school starts, help them to wake up early for a healthy breakfast. Cook nutritious food with lots of veggies and fruits. Set a time for bed and perhaps put rules into place about devices and screen time. If they can sleep early, they will wake up early.

Organize your kids' uniforms and books
Avoid the last minute frantic scramble by organizing the uniforms and books in early Janurary. Wash and iron their clothes and hang them properly. Cover the books with plastic covers to protect them from wearing out easily. Do this a week or two before the start of school so you can start the year as you'd like it to continue- gently, organised and easy.

Prepare for hot days
t's necessary to prepare for hot days early in the year. Make sure to buy your kids the proper clothes that will shield them from the extreme heat of the sunny summer days. When preparing for their food, don't forget to add a bottle of cold water or frozen juices so they survive the hot day. For additional skin care, let them keep a spray mist to hydrate their skin, as well as packing sunscreen for playtime or sports.

Shop for suitable lunchbox foods
Apart from durable and stylish lunchboxes, you should think about what to put in them too. Pack a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snacks for them such as veggies, fruits, salad, and sandwiches. It won't hurt to remind them that eating healthy and nutritious food will help them become more attentive at school.

Complete any holiday homework
Now that school will resume soon, check your kids' notebook for any homework. If you find any, make sure that to assist them in doing their assignments. It's not a good habit to start school with incomplete homework.

Organize a tutor
Lastly, you can organize a tutor if necessary. Tutors help a lot in teaching your kids new ways and techniques on how to get homework, quizzes, and exercises done. Plus, you won't be spending much on tutors. One to two hours are enough for the coaching session. We can help organise a maths tutor  for students in Melbourne.

​Building confidence is paramount especially for children's early development. Much of our beliefs, motivation, and engagement is shaped by having confidence in ourselves. If these values are not instilled at a young age, it can lead to detrimental effects in a child's future interpersonal relationships and can also cause low self esteem.

As a parent, you can start boosting your child's confidence now through giving them more responsibility and accrediting more rewards. Boosting your child's confidence will help your child to establish their individuality and use their voice without any apprehension.

Let Them Lead
Give your child some space and let them make their own decisions. When you let your children make choices for your family, it gives them a sense of authority. This authority will make them feel as though their opinion and views matter as well. Letting your children lead will give them the impression that you trust them which will in turn boost their confidence significantly. You can let your child decide which chores they want to complete first or which homework assignments they would like to tackle as a first priority. Help you child with their homework, but do not take over. Give them control so they can be proud of their achievements.

Avoid Comparisons
Do not compare your child to their other siblings. This can build great resentment and ruin the relationship they have with their other siblings. Sometimes parents may make jokes about their children not knowing that they are unintentionally making their child feel inadequate. When parents compare their kids to each other, the child feels they can't measure up to their brother or sister's achievements. This will make your child have a low self esteem . To boost your child's confidence , make it a priority to focus on their individual goals, progress and achievements.

Ask For Help
Ask your child for help. This engagement may seem rather simple. However, it boosts their confidence by making them feel needed in certain situations. Ask your child for help with decisions like home improvement projects or even ask their personal opinion. Your child should feel as though their words hold value and that their perspectives are being acknowledged.

Help Them Set Goals
It is your job as a parent to help your child achieve their life's dreams. This is one way to help boost their confidence and maintain their motivation. When your child has a clear plan and knows their parent's are supporting them. You can sit down and ask your child questions about their aspirations and what they'd like to accomplish as their short-term and long-term goals. See where you might be able to help and provide them with as much support as you can.