Sailorback2school2016

BACK 2 SCHO

2016

A Special Supplement to

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Page 2 Back to School • Thursday, August 11, 2016

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Bakken Museum pulls students in to summer science classes Twenty elementary school students piled into the Southdale Library’s meeting room and anxiously awaited the start of their second day learning about electricity and magnets.

They sat cross-legged and chatted with one another until a woman wearing a shirt with “SCIENCE!� written on the front began to talk.

Rebecca Inver started by explaining the history of the battery including the rivalry between scientists Luigi Galvani and Alessandro Volta. After witnessing a brief appearance by Volta, in the form of a talking puppet, the children then were excused to go make their

own batteries using vinegar and mini sheets of zinc and copper. “My favorite part is when we have the kids that just love this,â€? Inver, who serves as the Family and Community Programs Coordinator for the Bakken Museum, said. “They might feel left out at school because they’re really into science and they come here and they see an adult who’s really passionate about science ‌ it gives them a great outlet.â€?

Oohs and aahs could be heard around the room as excited young scientists got light bulbs to illuminate, motors to turn and buzzers to sound using their makeshift batteries.

Inver has spent the last year and a half teaching young students about elec-

tricity and magnetism. On this day, she was leading the instruction for one of four GSK Science in the Summer classes the Bakken Museum puts on around the Twin Cities. “Our curriculums are in line with the state standards for fourth grade, which is great for us because they’re learning about circuits, currents, flow, magnets, batteries, and electrons,� Inver said. “It fits so well into what we do.�

GSK, or GlaxoSmithKline, creates the curriculum for these Science in the Summer classes which take place across the country. It just so happened that the pharmaceutical company crafted one that fell perfectly in line with the mission of the Bakken Museum.

Rebecca Inver helps two students make a light illuminate using sheets of zinc, copper and vinegar.

(Sun Newspapers photo by David Nelson) “We wanted to work through the best museums in the country,� Marti Skold-Jordan, the US Com-

munity Programs Manager but they also have ties to the for GSK, said. “The Bakken community.� is awesome because of the electricity and their history, Bakken Museum: To next page

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Thursday, August 11, 2016 • Back to School

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Page 3

Bakken Museum From previous page

The museum puts on classes like this throughout the year, but GSK’s sponsorship allowed this education to be brought to the students for free.

GSK is celebrating its 30th anniversary of doing these Science in the Summer classes this year and has educated over 150,000 students during that span.

Skold-Jordan said the tradition began when one scientist made an observation while working in a lab. “A GSK female scientist looked around the lab one day and realized, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m the only female here. We have got to get more females interested in science,’� Skold-Jordan said. “So, at a cocktail party, she

met this librarian and she said, ‘I’d really love to start a science class for young girls, but I don’t know how to do it,’ and the librarian said, ‘Oh, you can use our community room in the library for free.’�

The program began in Philadelphia, expanded to North Carolina, Washington D.C., and, this year, GSK expanded Science in the Summer to 20 locations across the United States — including the Twin Cities. The Southdale Library classroom appeared to have a good mix of boys and girls on this day and Inver said she was happy to see that. “I like pointing out at the end that there are female scientists because there’s a

misconception that it is a male-dominated field,� Inver said. “I think it’s changing and I like being a female who can inspire science to young females and be a role model too.�

Skold-Jordan said stimulating an interest in science in all students is one of the goals GSK maintains with these classes. “We make sure it’s very strong STEM and science based and that we’re working with next generation science standards,� SkoldJordan said. “We’re trying to ignite a spark in these kids to learn to love science.�

David Nelson can be reached at david.nelson@ Twenty students convened at the Southdale Library to learn more about electricity and magnets from representatives ecm-inc.com from the Bakken Museum. (Sun Newspapers photos by David Nelson)

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Page 4 Back to School â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, August 11, 2016

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Concerning College: College Possible program has strong track record

BY MARK LERNER GUEST COLUMNIST Paying for college is challenging for most families.

For students raised in lowincome households, qualifying for admission to college can be even tougher.

Historically, attending college has been beyond the reach of most economically disadvantaged students.

College Possible, a nonprofit organization founded 16 years ago in St. Paul, exists to change that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;College Possible focuses on students who typically earn degrees at one-tenth the rate of upper-income students,â&#x20AC;? said Sara Dziuk, the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive director. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to close that degree divide.â&#x20AC;?

About 2,000 students in 26 local high schools take part

The College Possible program help lower income students throughout the metro to achieve higher education goals. (Submitted photos) in the program, 90 per- Possible recruits sophocent of whom are students mores who maintain a GPA of color. Schools include of at least 2.0. They must Bloomington Kennedy, come from families whose Burnsville, Champlin Park, income is low enough for Columbia Heights, Edina, students to qualify for rePark Center, Robbinsdale duced-cost or free school Armstrong, Robbinsdale lunches. The program that Cooper, St. Louis Park and College Possible offers beUbah Academy in Hopkins. gins in a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s junior Working with teachers year and runs through coland counselors, College lege graduation. To partici-

pate, students must agree to attend 320 hours of class, in two sessions per week, either after school or in the evening, over their junior and senior years.

Coaches, as College Pos-

sible calls its instructors, are AmeriCorps employees who have dedicated at least one year to the nationalservice organization, which is the domestic equivalent of the Peace Corps. They

are typically 22 years old and recent college graduates. About 20 percent were College Possible students themselves.

College Possible: To next page

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Page 5

College Possible From previous page Raising scores on the ACT college entrance exam is College Possible’s primary goal during the junior year.

Coaches instruct students in reading, writing, math, and science, as well as in test-taking strategies. College Possible partners with the Princeton Review to provide ACT test-prep materials. “Students come to our program with an average ACT score of 15, and by the end of their junior year at least half of them have raised their score to 18 or 19. They take lots of practice tests on Saturdays,” said Dziuk.

During the senior year, coaches cover the nuts and bolts of applying to college.

This includes completing applications, writing essays, registering for tests, filling out the FAFSA, obtaining letters of reference, and visiting campuses. It also includes searching out scholarships and other types of financial aid. College Possible encourages students to apply to at least five institutions, and helps to evaluate the offers that students ultimately receive. “By the end of their senior year, 99 percent of our students will gain admission to college,” Dziuk said.

New coaches mentor students once they’ve enrolled in college, assisting in course selection, monitoring academic progress, securing continued financial aid, and helping with FAFSA renewals and career guidance. About 55 percent of College Possible students who start college obtain degrees in six years, which is very close to the national average of 57 percent for all income levels.

About 80% of the $5

million operating budget of College Possible comes from private sources, with the rest coming from state and federal grants. Major donors include Cargill, General Mills, and 3M, along with the United Way. “We also have about 875 individual donors,” said Dziuk, “who contribute anywhere from $5 to $50,000.”

In Edina, students whose household income qualifies them for College Possible might also benefit from Give and Go, a program that addresses the rise in suburban poverty.

Begun in 2013, Give and Go “helps economically disadvantaged Edina Public School students afford the life and learning opportunities in our community,” said Abigail Lugo, executive director.

Give and Go financially assists Edina students in academic, art, and athletic programs that they could otherwise not afford. This might include swimming or music lessons, athletic team or summer camp fees, math or English tutoring, field trips, and Internet connections. Families must pay 10% of the costs themselves, and may receive up to $500 in support annually.

In the recent school year, Give and Go provided $92,000 in grants to more than 600 students. All funds were raised privately, from both individual donors and foundation grants. In carrying out its mission, Give and Go seeks to “meet small needs that have a big impact.”

Students who choose the right extracurricular activities will benefit in greater ways than simply strengthening their college applications.

Help students choose an extracurricular activity Parents can employ various strategies to help kids find activities they can be passionate about for years to come.

Extracurricular activities can benefit students in various ways. Academic clubs, sports and volunteer organizations provide students with opportunities to grow as people and make new friends while also teaching kids skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

Many parents are aware that extracurricular activities can help students improve their chances of gainMark Lerner is an Edina ing admission to college. resident and father of col- But students who choose lege-age and college-gradu- the right extracurricular ate children.

activities will benefit in greater ways than simply strengthening their college applications. The following are a handful of ways parents can help their sons and daughters choose extracurricular activities they can benefit from for years to come.

• Ask kids to jot down their interests. Students are more likely to enjoy and excel at extracurricular activities that align with their existing interests. Ask kids to jot down a list of their interests or anything they might want to try. Youngsters might want to learn a musical instrument even if they have never before taken a course on music. Once kids have listed their interests, look for activities that allow them to further explore those interests. Chances are there is a school-sponsored or community-based club

or organization that will align with at least one thing on your child’s list.

• Encourage kids to have fun. Kids are more likely to enjoy and fully commit to an activity if they find it fun. While extracurricular activities can help kids grow as people and improve their image in the eyes of college admissions officers, kids will get even more out of an activity if they enjoy doing it.

• Look for something that won’t interfere with schoolwork. Extracurricular activities can look great on a college application, but that benefit is lost if the activity interferes with a student’s academic performance.

Some activities, including sports, demand more of students’ time than others, but make sure kids know that school always comes first.

• Ask around. Ask neighbors or school officials for

recommendations to help kids who have tried but failed to find the right fit with regard to extracurricular activities. Sometimes it takes a little trial and error before a child finds an activity he or she is comfortable with. Fellow parents can make great resources, and school officials likely know of a host of clubs and organizations that kids may be interested in.

• Sign up with your kids.

If kids are hesitant to sign up for an activity because they are shy, sign up with them. Volunteer organizations are typically familyfriendly, and kids might be more likely to come out of their shells if they sign up with their parents or siblings. As kids grow more comfortable with an activity, they will want to get more involved even if mom and dad don’t have the time.

Page 6 Back to School â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, August 11, 2016

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Get your children ready for school â&#x20AC;&#x201D; immunizations and sports physicals

BY RACHEL M. ANDERSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER Whether your kids are heading off to daycare for the first time this fall, or will be attending classes in any of the Twin Citiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; public or private schools, there is something all parents need to check on before the first bell rings. If your kids do not show up on their first day with proof they have had certain immunizations, they may be turned away.

That is unless a legal exemption has been filed with the school.

To enter daycare, state law requires that all children between birth and 4-yearsold have had two doses of Hepatitis A and three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine; four doses of DTap/DT (Diptheria ToxoidTetanus-Acellular Pertussis vaccine); three doses of Polio vaccine; one dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella); one dose of Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b); four doses of Pneumoccocal and one dose of Varicella, or the chickenpox vaccine.

To enter Kindergarten, kids must have had three doses of Hepatitis vaccine, five

doses of DTap/DT, four doses of Polio vaccine, two doses of MMR and two doses of Varicella. Children between the ages of 7-and-11 entering grades one through six need three doses of Hepatitis B, three doses of vaccines containing both tetanus and diphtheria, three doses of Polio vaccine, two of MMR and two doses against chickenpox. Children ages 12 and older entering 7th through 12th grade need proof of having had three doses of Hepatitis B, 1 of Tdap, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), three shots against Polio, two against MMR, two against chickenpox and one dose of vaccine to protect against Meningococcal disease. A complete list of required shots can be found in a chart at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/ idepc/immunize/readykidswhento.pdf.

Though not required, it is also recommended that infants get the rotavirus vaccine, that all children six months of age and older also be vaccinated against influenza, and that at age 11 or 12, kids receive the human papillomavirus vaccine.

For students who wish to participate in Minnesota State High School Sports

League activities, a sports physical is also required every three years. In the years that physicals are not being done, students must fill out and turn in a questionnaire in which they are asked to answer questions, such as if they have ever passed out while exercising, and if they have ever had a concussion.

Adam Buchalski, the manager of sports medicine at Twin Cities Orthopedics, says if the child answers yes to any of the questions on the questionnaire, the coach may recommend a sports physical even in an off year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our sports physicals follow a threestep process,â&#x20AC;? he explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We check vitals (height, weight, pulse and blood pressure). We also do a vision screen, an orthopedic exam to look at a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s muscles, bones and joints, and then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a primary care portion of the exam where a doctor listens to the heart and lungs and looks at your health history. Ultimately, it is to determine if it is safe for your child to participate in physical activity. It (a sports physical) could identify life Most metro area medical clinics can threatening conditions or conditions that complete the required physical - check with might limit participation. It is better to be your primary caregiver for appointments safe than sorry.â&#x20AC;? and more information.

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Parents and their children can take several steps to make students’ transitions to middle school as smooth as possible.

How students can handle the transition to middle school A child’s school-aged years are filled with many different lessons and experiences. While in school, kids have the opportunity to broaden their horizons and meet new people.

Many students will attend various schools before moving on to college, and therefore they must learn how to adjust to new schools.

While many students attend elementary school together for years, students may not know their classmates once they make it to middle school, which tends to boast larger student bodies than elementary schools.

That’s because many middle schools’ student bodies are a combination of several elementary schools. Making the transition from elementary school to middle school or junior high can spark anxiety in students, but that does not have to be.

The National Education Association says a common element of a successful

middle school experience is a smooth and positive transition from elementary school. The following are a few ways students can handle their transition to middle school.

• Participate in a schoolbased transition program.

Middle schools frequently host open houses for elementary school students, who can take tours of the campus. Parents can take part in these events with their children. If your schedule does not allow you to attend, then schedule a private tour with the middle school principal or a faculty member. Middle school guidance counselors or guest speakers also may make the rounds, visiting elementary schools directly. Be sure your student attends such information sessions so he or she can get an idea of what to expect during middle school.

• Dispel any myths your youngster might have heard about middle school. Young-

sters hear lots of things about middle schools, and much of what kids hear might be untrue. Ask kids what they have heard about the schools they will be moving on to, and then do your best to dispel any myths.

• Find a middle school buddy. Ask an older sibling or invite someone who is currently enrolled in the school to speak with your child and answer any questions he or she may have.

Hearing directly from a fellow student may make your child feel more comfortable about what to expect.

• Talk about any other fears. Engage in an open dialogue with your son or daughter about any additional fears he or she may have. If students are worried about academics, spend some time over the summer going over the curriculum. If the potential for peer pressure is a cause for concern, reinforce advice on how to react to peer pressure.

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Page 8 Back to School â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, August 11, 2016

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How to create a great study environment at home A strong home study environment can help students do their best in the classroom.

A studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic performance is influenced by a host of factors, including the learning environment both inside the classroom and at home. While students may have only limited control over the environment in their classrooms, they and their parents can do much to create home study environments that are conducive to learning. â&#x20AC;˘ Create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;distractionfreeâ&#x20AC;? zone. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students are inundated with distrac-

tions. Whereas students were once most distracted by radios, televisions and the great outdoors when studying at home, nowadays kids must also find time to focus on their studies with their tablets and smartphones just a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw away. When choosing a study area at home, parents can designate a â&#x20AC;&#x153;distraction-freeâ&#x20AC;? zone where no televisions, radios, tablets and smartphones are allowed. Children are increasingly dependent on their smartphones and tablets, and while such devices can sometimes prove useful to students, that benefit is often outweighed by the distraction they present. When kids study at night, be sure they turn off their smartphones and only use their tablets as study aids.

â&#x20AC;˘ Emphasize organization. Various organization techniques can help kids be more efficient when studying. Encourage kids to separate their learning materials by subject, and keep a calendar or daily planner at home listing when their assignments are due and which days they will be tested. Encourage youngsters to keep their home study areas tidy as well, as unorganized areas can make it harder to focus or force kids to spend some of their study time cleaning up. â&#x20AC;˘ Establish quiet hours at home. Quiet hours at home while kids are studying can help them better absorb their coursework, and that may lead to improved performance in the classroom.

While itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that

Quiet hours at home while kids are studying can help them better absorb their coursework. a kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; study areas remain distraction-free, it can also help if distractions outside those areas are minimized.

Keep televisions and other potentially noisy distractions turned off while kids are studying. If you want to catch up on a favorite television show or watch a movie,

do so on your tablet instead of the television, connecting earphones so kids are not overhearing anything while theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to study. â&#x20AC;˘ Keep healthy snacks on hand. Hunger can be just as distracting as electronics or noisy housemates, so keep healthy snacks on hand. In

lieu of unhealthy fare like potato chips or empty calories like pretzels, keep your home stocked with fruits and vegetables and proteinrich snacks like Greek yogurt. Such snacks will quell kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hunger pangs while also providing a boost of energy.

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Thursday, August 11, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Back to School

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Homework for parents Your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back-to-school health checklist Summer fun is nearing an end. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost time to put away the swimsuits and dust off the book bags. More than 50 million students will head into the classrooms in a few weeks. The nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergency physicians say now is the time to get everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health in check. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For many, the focus is on back to school clothes and supplies, which is important,â&#x20AC;? said Jay Kaplan, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equally, if not more important to also take time to schedule routine doctor visits (for more information) and to make sure that your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health information is all organized.

Here are a few things you should do now.

4 Organize your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical history records and emergency medical contact information.

4 Complete a consentto-treat form and give copies to the school nurse and any day care providers to keep in your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record and to take with them if your child should need to go to the emergency department.

The form will allow caregivers to authorize medical treatment. The form should include information related to prescription medications, medical problems, or previous surgeries as well as pertinent family history and emergency contacts. Free forms can be downloaded at http://www.emergencycareforyou.org/Be-Prepared/

Organize-Your-ImportantMedical-Information/ An emergency information form is also available for children with special needs.

4 Coordinate with the school nurse and your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physician to develop action plans for any health issues, such as asthma or food allergies. Communicate these plans to all appropriate caregivers.

4 Schedule medical and dental check-ups before school starts. Some children will need immunizations. Consider vision and hearing tests, since impairment can adversely affect learning. Consider a sports check-up if your child will be playing in sports.

4 Review and do a dry run with your child of his or her route to school, explaining potential hazards along the way. If your child walks to school, make sure he or she understands potential traffic dangers.

4 If your child takes the bus, establish a safe, visible pick up/drop off spot, preferably with a group of children and in an area where they can be clearly seen by adults. If your child drives to school, make sure he or she obeys all laws and wear seatbelts.

4 Make sure your children know how to telephone for help. Post emergency contact numbers by every telephone in your home. Have them practice how to call 911 or the local emergency number and

give their names address and a brief description of the problem.

4 Develop a family emergency plan in case something happens on the way to (or from) and while at school. Be aware of the emergency and evacuation plans for your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schools.

School children are not only heading back to classrooms in a few weeks but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also hit the athletic fields as well to participate in school sports. Find out from emergency physicians here about what they are seeing inside their emergency departments and what your children should do to protect themselves.

ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.

Page 9

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Page 10 Back to School • Thursday, August 11, 2016

Tips to make mornings less hectic Many families find the rush is on to make it to school and work on time each morning.

Feeling rushed in the morning is a recipe for added stress. Rushing through things is a poor way to begin a day, and those feelings of uneasiness can put a damper on the rest of the day ahead.

Making mornings less hectic involves a few different strategies that parents and kids can easily incorporate into their daily routines.

• Wake up slightly earlier. Getting up earlier than normal, even if it’s just 15 to 20 minutes before you’re accustomed to getting out of bed, can help reduce morning stress. Resist the temptation to hit the snooze button over and over again. A few extra minutes each morning can make you feel more relaxed and make for a smooth, stress-free start to the day.

• Get some work done the night before.

Prepare lunches the night before and have them ready in the refrigerator. In addition, lay your clothes for the following day out each night. This saves time and takes a couple more things off your morning to-do list.

• Ease back into a routine. As a new school year dawns or a long vacation comes to an

end, begin going to bed earlier and start waking up earlier as well. This can make the transition from carefree mornings to busy mornings go more smoothly.

• Prep backpacks in the evening. Look through folders, sign paperwork, check assignments, and do whatever is you need to do the night before to save your family from having to scramble in the morning. This ensures those permission slips get signed and items make it back into school bags.

• Opt for school lunch a few times. Look ahead on the school lunch menu and speak with children about which meals they enjoy.

Let kids purchase school lunch on those days to give yourself a day off from lunch detail.

• Have quick breakfast foods available.

Smoothies, cereal bars, oatmeal, and wholegrain cereals are fast and nutritious ways to start the day.

• Carpool whenever possible. Busy families can save themselves extra work by proposing a neighborhood carpool. Sharing school dropoff detail frees time up for parents once or twice a week, and kids may enjoy traveling to school with their friends.

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How to help children make new friends Students learn lessons each day. While many of these lessons pertain to their coursework, kids pick up much more than book smarts from school, where kids first learn to cultivate friendships and build lasting relationships.

In addition to a new curriculum, new teachers and new schedules, kids also might make new friends once a school year begins.

While some familiar faces carry through from grade to grade, chances are youngsters will meet new students who will soon become good friends. While many kids find it easy to make new friends, others might need some assistance so they can make the most of opportunities to socialize and form friendships that might last a lifetime.

• Offer opportunities for socialization. Children should be given the opportunity to explore friendships outside of the classroom where peer pressure might not be so prevalent.

Establish a carpool or invite a classmate over for a play date. Unstructured time to play or get to know each other is a great way to establish friendships. Invite new children over each time to see which friendships are the strongest, but make sure you are not pushing a friendship on your child.

• Discover common interests. One of the quickest ways to build friendships is through common interests, says Kirk Martin, a behavioral therapist and author.

Encourage your child to

Children who spend time with youngsters who share similar interests may be more likely to develop lasting friendships. join a club or sports group where he or she can meet other kids with similar interests. Sometimes finding reasons to talk other children is the most difficult step to making new friends.

Sharing a common interest removes this barrier.

• Teach proper manners.

Children who are polite, well-mannered and know how to follow direction are better equipped to attract friends. Children who misbehave may be shunned by other kids and their parents who do not want the hassle of an unruly youngster coming over to play. Respectful children who are honest, trustworthy and capable of sustaining eye contact and making small talk may find it easy to make friends.

• Take the friendship lead. As parents, you can improve your child’s chances of making friends by getting friendly with their classmates’ parents. You do not have to become bosom

buddies with everyone, but making connections with fellow parents can reinforce the value of friendship to your children. Socializing as families also presents other opportunities to get together and solidify relationships.

• Boost confidence levels.

As a parent you can talk to your children about their strengths and positive attributes. Emphasizing kids’ best traits will increase their self-esteem, and that sense of self-worth can make it easier for them to make friends. A child who is shy and insecure may retreat when meeting new people, but a child who can proudly stand behind his or her accomplishments may attract friends easily.

School is about more than just hitting the books.

It’s also a prime opportunity for kids to develop their personal skills and make new friends.

Thursday, August 11, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Back to School

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Parents must learn to recognize certain warning signs that indicate their children are experiencing vision problems.

Warning signs of childhood vision troubles Adults know when they are beginning to experience trouble with their vision.

In such instances, men and women will book appointments with their eye doctors to determine whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s causing their problems. But whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fear or eyeglasses or simply feeling their symptoms are normal, kids might be hesitant to tell their parents about any vision problems theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re having. As a result, parents must learn to recognize certain warning signs that indicate their children are experiencing vision problems.

Vision problems in youngsters can be especially problematic, as many of the lessons kids learn in school still begin on a chalkboard.

The following are some potential indicators that kids might be dealing with vision problems that require medical attention. â&#x20AC;˘ Reading habits: Vision problems may be most noticeable when kids are reading. As youngsters learn to read, they might use their fingers to keep their place while they figure out the

pronunciation of certain words. But kids eventually grow out of that habit. Kids who are still doing so long after they have learned to read may be having trouble seeing words on the page.

In addition, kids who pull their reading materials very close to their eyes may be struggling to see the words. â&#x20AC;˘ Viewing habits: Peculiar viewing habits may also be indicative of poor vision.

Kids who sit too close to the television may be struggling to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on as opposed to just being overexcited to see their favorite shows.

Kids who prefer to watch programs on tablets they can hold as opposed to televisions may also make that choice because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier for them to see on their tablets than on the television.

In such instances, ask why they prefer tablets to television. When kids watch TV, ask them to move further away from the television. If they complain moving back makes it hard to see, book an appointment with an eye doctor. â&#x20AC;˘ Eye rubbing: Many kids,

and even adults, rub their eyes when they are feeling fatigued. But kids who seem to rub their eyes frequently and at times of the day when they should not be tired may be experiencing vision troubles and feeling frustrated that they cannot see very well. â&#x20AC;˘ Eye activity: Some kids begin to close one eye when reading, watching television or attempting to read signs.

That may be indicative of a refractive vision disorder, in which the eye struggles to focus, or refract, light correctly on the retina. Such problems can often be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses, but some refractive disorders may require surgery. â&#x20AC;˘ Squinting: Kids who squint a lot may be finding it difficult to focus on words on a chalkboard or even television programs. Squinting may also be brought on by a corneal abrasion. Parents who notice their youngsters are squinting should consult the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye doctor to determine the cause of the problem.

Page 11

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