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Support Your Sports
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August 2020
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Daily Journal Weekly Family Life
Family Focus
AUGUST 2020 AUGUS
How to support scholastic athletes
The Burden of Bandwidth
How to manage low bandwidth during remote learning sessions
The Classroom of Tomorrow The benefits of a new approach to learning for students
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August 2020
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Daily Journal Weekly Family Life
August 2020
3. THE PODIATRIST Some types of foot problems develop as kids grow, and a visit to the podiatrist will help uncover them. Early detection and intervention are key, otherwise your child may develop irreversible issues that could prevent them from enjoying a full range of motion later in life.
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1. THE OPTOMETRIST Often, kids don’t report vision issues because they have no other frame of reference for what the world is supposed to look like, which is why eye exams are so important. Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and other eye issues could make it hard for them to see the board and follow along in class. 2. THE AUDIOLOGIST If your child suffers from frequent ear infections, you should make an appointment with an audiologist. You should also visit one if you suspect your child has trouble hearing or if hearing issues run in your family.
To help ensure your child’s academic success, it’s important to identify any potential health problems that can negatively impact their progress. Here are five key health-care professionals your child should visit before the school year begins.
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5 health-care professionals to see before school starts
4. THE DENTIST Children should visit the dentist for a routine exam and cleaning at least twice a year. This is essential for their oral health and the early detection of problems that may require orthodontic intervention, such as misaligned teeth or an overbite. 5. THE PEDIATRICIAN Finally, don’t forget to visit your family doctor. They’ll be able to assess your child’s overall health and make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
Many health-care professionals tend to get busy in the fall, so be sure to make your appointments sooner rather than later.
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August 2020
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Simple Dieting Tips
ieting can be a challenging experience. In fact, changing your mindset from a short-term diet to a long-term, sustainable behavior change can be key to improving your overall health and well-being.
Like anything in life that you want to improve, consistency is key. Follow the tips below to give yourself a boost in the diet department.
STICK TO A ROUTINE
Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate because your body gets into a routine. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar – especially late at night. Choose certain times of the day you’d like to eat your meals and stick to it. Many health experts recommend some forms of intermittent fasting, which can include choosing one eight-hour block of the day to consume food. This gives your body time to process and digest food in a more regular basis. As always, ask your physician if this type of diet could be beneficial for you before engaging in it.
EAT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGGIES
It’s been a directive since we were little kids. Fruits and vegetables should be a staple of our diet. They
are low in calories and fat, and high in fiber. These are three essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. There are many easy ways to mix in more fruits in vegetables, including adding small portions of vegetables to your regular recipes
for homemade pizza or lasagna or handfuls of fruit into your favorite smoothie. Get creative and try to replace the act of grabbing for a bag of chips with heading to the fridge for a fresh fruit or vegetable.
GET MORE ACTIVE
Regular exercise can add a major boost to your weight-loss goals. Not only does working out improve your overall body health, but it can also keep you honest on your diet. The last thing you want to do is cancel out an early morning 5K with a breakfast of donuts
and high-sugar juice. Make a commitment to yourself to start adding regular cardio and weightlifting exercises into your routine as you work on improving your diet. You’ll be able to notice the results quickly, which can be used as motivation to improve your healthy habits.
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The benefits of a new approach to learning for students
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August 2020
Schools utilized systems like Google Classroom, Canvas and virtual meeting apps to connect and learn. While in-class lessons provide the socialization and one-on-one interaction that can be vital for students’ academic success, there are many different reasons why virtual instruction can be a key component of learning models as well. When virtual learning is used in conjunction with traditional teaching, students may have a more well-rounded experience. Here are some potential benefits that may unfold as more data is collected.
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More than 76 million students are enrolled in United States schools, per the latest Census Bureau information. In 2018, 2.12 million students were in Canadian postsecondary institutions alone. In a matter of days, millions of students who once attended classes inperson were forced to transition to virtual learning instruction. The process showed just how flexible learning systems can be, and how virtual instruction may become more than an emergency protocol in the future.
he validity of the adage “necessity is the mother of invention” was on full display during the COVID-19 outbreak. People quickly had to learn to adapt to a new way of life, including an educational system that was transformed dramatically by social distancing guidelines.
• Pace: Virtual learning affords students the chance to work on lessons at a pace that fits their individual needs. Students can go back and re-read or re-work problems until they’re satisfied they have learned their lesson. Lessons can be slowed down or sped up depending on proficiency, creating a customized educational experience.
schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to provide students the best chance to get the amount of sleep they need. Still, most adolescents currently start school before 8:30 a.m. Remote learning enables students to complete their assignments when it works best for them. This may help them get more sleep, too.
• No more weather days. Many school districts include snow or extreme weather days into their calendars, adding on extra days at the end of school year to meet the specified number of educational days. Remote learning can take over in these times and keep school districts from having to pad calendars.
• Apps: Learning apps are a new wave of educational tools that have helped buoy virtual instruction. Primary school students or those with individual education plans may benefit the most from reinforced app skills that match their learning pace in fun ways.
• Convenience: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high
Virtual home instruction may become a large part of the educational landscape even after it’s no longer a social distancing necessity.
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How to manage low bandwidth during remote learning sessions
n the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, many schools hastily transitioned from traditional in-person learning to remote learning. This transition posed new and unique challenges to educators as well as students and their parents. One of the biggest challenges posed by remote learning was keeping students connected to their teachers and their classmates, not all of whom had readily available access to devices that could facilitate such connections. In recognition of that challenge, school systems worked to procure devices for students only to be confronted by another challenge: low bandwidth. According to Microsoft, bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred over an internet connection per second. Low bandwidth can compromise students’ ability to stay connected to their virtual classrooms. In an effort to help students overcome that challenge, Microsoft offers the following tips on how educators, students and parents can manage low bandwidth during remote learning sessions.
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• Reduce reliance on video during class sessions. Turning video cameras off during live class sessions can help to overcome the challenges posed by low bandwidth, as live video is a key contributor to excessive use of bandwidth. If video must be used, encourage students to turn off their cameras when they are not speaking.
• Use pre-recorded content. Pre-recording content enables students to stream video over the internet, saving those with low bandwidth the hassle of downloading large video files to their computers. Microsoft recommends educators who pre-record content for their students to stream to instruct those students to use class time to complete assignments. Educators can make themselves available via chat to answer questions students may have about their assignments. • Avoid video-based assignments. It can be difficult for students with low bandwidth to send very large files, such as videos. Educators can help students avoid that issue by not requiring them to submit videos as part of their assignments. • Encourage students to sync files to their devices. Each device is different and each manufacturer has its own instructions on how to sync files to devices. But Microsoft notes that syncing files to a device allows students to read them offline, which is ideal for students with limited internet connectivity. Low bandwidth poses a challenge for remote learners. Thankfully, there are ways to overcome low bandwidth so students can keep learning.
• Encourage children to read throughout the summer. A report from the education publishing company Scholastic found that 47 percent of parents are unaware of the “summer slide,” which refers to the loss of academic skills that occurs when school is not in session. Scholastic notes that the slide is largely attributed to a lack of reading when school is not
Parents can take various steps to make the transition back to school a successful one for their young students.
August 2020
• Introduce more structure as summer vacation winds down. The chance to unwind in a structure-free setting can benefit students at the onset of summer vacation. Many parents grapple with the notion that their children’s lives are overscheduled, and the Cleveland Clinic notes that limiting organized activities clears up down time for kids to play and relax and spend time with their families. So it’s important that
• Let kids do some of their own backto-school shopping. The items that constitute back to school supplies may have changed since parents were in school. But many parents still take their children on back-toschool clothes shopping excursions. Let kids choose their own clothes, as an opportunity to wear clothes they picked themselves might make them excited for the new school year.
Parents know that getting their children back in the school day swing of things can be a challenge. The following are some ways to make that transition go smoothly.
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parents afford their children this down time during summer vacation, only gradually introducing more structure as the school year draws closer. In the weeks before the school year is slated to begin, start waking kids up a little earlier and reintroducing bedtimes for younger children who may have been staying up later over the last couple of months. This can be an effective way to begin slowly preparing youngsters for the structure of the school year.
How to prepare kids to go back to school
he end of summer can be a bittersweet time for students. While many students look forward to seeing their friends, few want to say goodbye to the relaxing days of summer.
• Focus on the positive. Even kids who love school may be apprehensive about returning to the classroom. After all, summer vacation is fun. Parents can confront that apprehension by focusing on the positives of returning to school. Emphasize the chance to see friends every day or participate in a beloved extracurricular activity, like sports, band or a favorite academic club.
Daily Journal Weekly Family Life
in session. By encouraging kids to read during their summer vacations, parents can make sure youngsters’ brains stay sharp and are ready to learn once the school year begins.
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How to support scholastic athletes
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he 2020-21 school year promises to be one unlike any other today’s students, and even their parents and grandparents, have ever known. In March 2020, many schools were forced to abruptly cancel in-person instruction as government officials tried to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. As the 2019-20 school year wound down and summer approached, school officials remained uncertain if they would reopen for in-person instruction in the fall, leaving studentathletes to wonder what would happen to fall sports seasons. The cancellation of in-person school sessions and extracurricular activities was hard on every student, and athletes have proven no exception. Many graduating seniors did not get a chance to compete alongside their teammates during spring sports season, bringing their scholastic athletic careers to an abrupt end. With the upcoming 2020-21 scholastic sports season in similar limbo, student-athletes in
the class of 2021 might be worried that their own chances to compete are in jeopardy as well. In light of that, local communities can take steps to support scholastic athletes during an uncertain time. • Make a show of your support. Stay-at-home measures prevented many schools from hosting traditional graduation ceremonies for graduating seniors. However, many communities found ways to honor their grads, and they can do the same for scholastic athletes who are unsure about what the future holds. Purchase signs and/or T-shirts from school-based support organizations, erecting the signs in your yard so local athletes know they’re still supported, even if they can’t play. • Create highlight videos. Smartphones have made it possible to record nearly every one of life’s special moments and milestones, so chances are coaches, parents and neighbors have footage of local athletes competing in their sports. Parents, coaches and other fans can work together to create highlight videos for local scholastic sports teams, sharing the finished products via social media. These videos can make for great and lasting memories for studentathletes and even lift their spirits at a time when everyone can use a boost. • Host pep rallies. If social distancing measures have been relaxed in your community and large or midsized gatherings are now allowed, organize a pep rally to honor and show support for local athletes. Work with school officials to ensure everyone celebrates safely. Such events are integral to studentathletes’ experience during typical sports seasons, so they can be a great way for communities to offer some semblance of normalcy to athletes who have worked hard to make the team. Student-athletes face uncertainty in regard to the 2020-21 scholastic sports season. But there are many ways for local communities to support their student-athletes, even if the games are postponed or canceled.
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August 2020
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Here’s How It Works: Sudoku Puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it get to solve the puzzle!
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August 2020 Answers: A. vision B. retina C. clarity D. distance Answers: A. direction B. yield C. merge D. congestion
PUZZLE SOLUTION
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August 2020
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Daily Journal Weekly Family Life
The mental load refers to all the thinking, planning and organizing you need to do to manage your life and that of those dependent on you. Unfortunately, it’s a burden that falls disproportionately on the shoulders of women in many relationships.
August 2020
HOW TO SHARE THE LOAD One way to determine how much of the mental
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If the mental load isn’t shared equally in a relationship, one person takes on the additional responsibility of reminding their partner to complete chores or keep tabs on the state of the household.
tionship, but if both partners are open-minded and willing to make changes, the burden of remembering can be distributed more equally.
THE BURDEN OF REMEMBERING Carrying the mental load involves more than doing chores. It also includes the responsibility of remembering and delegating the various tasks that need to be completed. Depending on the household, this can range from planning meals and scheduling appointments to making sure your kids don’t need new clothes and that you’re not about to run out of toilet paper.
load you carry is to write up a list of the tasks you complete during the day and throughout the week. This list should include all planning, delegating and organizing. Ask your partner to create their own list and then compare it with yours. This exercise can help underscore what tasks are required to manage a household and reveal whether one person is taking on more responsibility than the other. It’s not always easy to broach the subject of mental load in a rela-
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August 2020
5 types of Thermos lunches
Isothermal containers, better known as Thermoses, allow kids to enjoy warm lunches at school. If you’re unsure of what to pack in yours, here are some ideas. 1. Stew. This iconic comfort food is versatile and hearty, making it an ideal choice for your kids’ lunches. There are many types, from beef stew to vegetarian chili, so there’s sure to be one that pleases your family. 2. Soup. This lunch can be made ahead of time, reheated and then packed in a Thermos. Making soup is a great way to use vegetables that aren’t as fresh as they could be. Note that thick, creamy soups tend to stay warmer than thinner ones. 3. Shepherd’s pie. This classic dish can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whatever recipe you follow, shepherd’s pie is a healthy and hearty meal that’s ideal for packing in a Thermos. 4. Pasta. There are many types of pasta dishes from spaghetti and macaroni to tortellini and lasagna. Best of all, it’s a lunch that’s quick and easy to prepare — simply cook it and combine with your choice of sauce or pesto. To make it easier and less messy to eat, cut long pasta into smaller pieces before putting it in a Thermos. 5. Pulled pork. Accompanied with veggies, rice or potatoes, this dish is sure to make a few of your children’s friends jealous. Before filling the Thermos, make sure to warm it up with boiling water. Also, when you pack the food it should be as hot as possible. Otherwise, it may no longer be safe to eat come lunchtime.
4 ways to ease back-to-school jitters If you have children who are starting school soon, they’re probably a bit nervous. Here are four tips to ease their worries. 1. ADDRESS THEIR CONCERNS Don’t shy away from the subject. Tell children what to expect and be sure to highlight the positives of going to school, such as making new friends. Above all, encourage them to come to you with any questions. 2. MAKE SURE THEY’RE PREPARED The school will send you a list of supplies your child is going to need throughout the year. Avoid waiting until the last minute to purchase items. Even if you don’t think your child will use them right away, it’ll be easier if they have everything they need ahead of time.
3. PROJECT CALM AND CONFIDENCE On the first day of school, it’s imperative to not let your nervousness show. If you’re worried, your child will likely pick up on it and start worrying too. Smile and try to remain upbeat. 4. DON’T BE OVERPROTECTIVE Remember that your children will have to socialize with their classmates by themselves, so make sure you don’t hover. That said, don’t just leave as soon as their back is turned. Notify your children before you leave, but avoid drawing out the goodbyes. When your kids get home from school, make sure to have a snack prepared and be ready to discuss their first day.
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4 tips to broaden your child’s palate
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August 2020
If your child’s a picky eater, getting them to try new dishes can be a challenge. Here are four things you can do to gradually increase the number of foods they’ll eat. 1.SERVE NEW FOODS ON A REGULAR BASIS It may take several attempts before your child gets used to a new taste or texture. If they don’t enjoy a particular food you serve, incorporate the ingredient into another recipe or cook it a different way next time.
2. DON’T USE FOOD AS A REWARD OR PUNISHMENT Threatening to withhold dessert unless your child eats a particular vegetable, for example, can pit one food against another and reinforce their preference for the high-fat, high-sugar option.
4. INTRODUCE NEW FOODS INCREMENTALLY At every meal, include at least one healthy food that you know your child enjoys. This can help make the new ingredient more tempting or at least ensure your child eats part of their meal.
3. BE PATIENT AND A ROLE MODEL Pressuring your child to try new foods can actually make them more resistant to eating. If your child pushes their plate away, just leave it in front of them. They may be inclined to try a new dish if they see you enjoying it.
Finally, a positive dining environment can contribute to your child’s enjoyment of food. Eat your meals as a family, turn off the TV and other distractions, and take time to ask your child about their day.
tips to help you broach the subject. CREATE A SAFE SPACE There’s a time and place to bring up the matter of personal hygiene with your teen. In front of their siblings, for example, isn’t ideal. The key to having a productive discussion is to do your best to make your teen feel at ease.
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Daily Journal Weekly Family Life
Talking to your teen about personal hygiene
As children go through puberty, it’s normal for them to start to smell differently. Though it may involve an uncomfortable conversation, helping your teen establish
personal hygiene habits is important for their health and confidence. If you’ve noticed a funky smell coming from their clothes, shoes or bedroom, here are a few
Rather than having a face-to-face conversation, consider casually mentioning the topic while the two of you are cooking, washing dishes or sitting alone together in the car. This will help your teen feel less put on the spot and more inclined to open up. While you should be honest with your child about their body odour, make sure your tone isn’t accusatory or judgmental. Let your teen know
Put a stop to dangerous selfies These days, selfies feature prominently on social media. Often taken with the front-facing camera on a smartphone, these self-portraits range from simple smiles to elaborate poses in exotic locations. While most selfies are harmless, some people are willing to put themselves in hazardous situations to get the perfect shot. This might involve posing for a photo:
tiger or bear • At the edge of a cliff, rooftop or balcony railing • Close to a moving train or other vehicle • With a loaded weapon • In or around fast-moving water
Unfortunately, over the last few years there’s been a rise in so-called dangerous selfies with fatal consequences for • Near a wild animal such as a shark, hundreds of people around the world. Luckily there’s a way you can help quash this deadly BANS ON SELFIE STICKS trend. If someone you know posts a selfie taken in a Selfie sticks — which allow users to dangerous circumstance, hold their camera at a distance and don’t encourage their capture a wider backdrop — are proactions by “liking” the hibited at an increasing number of photo. Instead, send the tourist sites and events around the person a private message to world because they pose a safety risk. voice your concerns for their safety.
these changes are a normal part of growing up and they can always come to you with questions. GIVE THEM THE RIGHT TOOLS Outline the various ways your teen can minimize their body odour such as showering and wearing clean clothes on a daily basis. Rather than nag or plead with them, explain that taking care of their personal hygiene is a responsibility. Additionally, you and your teen should put together a list of the products they’ll need. This includes antiperspirant, shower gel, mouthwash, shampoo, face cleanser and shoe deodorizer. Keep in mind that your teen may be reluctant to shop for these products with their parents, so remember to give them some space at the pharmacy.
How much should you tip? Tips or gratuities help service workers earn a living wage. Here are some suggestions for how much you should tip workers in various sectors if you’re satisfied with their service.
2. OFFER YOUR HELP It’s a simple phrase: “If you need anything, just let me know.” While they might never take you up on the offer, it’s comforting to know there are people around willing to lend a hand.
4. SHOW GOODWILL If tension builds between you and a neighbor, try to resolve the issue with a calm discussion before you call your landlord or the police. This approach is more likely to gain their cooperation. Keep in mind that a good relationship with a neighbor might one day become a genuine friendship.
August 2020
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF Be sure to greet your neighbors the first time you cross paths. Tell them your name and wish them a good day. These simple pleasantries set the right tone and may eventually lead to longer exchanges.
3. BE DISCREET Chatting with your neighbors is fine, but be careful not to hover or overstep your welcome. You should also be considerate when it comes to hosting gatherings and playing music.
Whether you share a fence or a wall, it’s in your best interest to cultivate amicable relationships with your neighbors. Here are four ways to get you started.
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Keep in mind that you can adjust the amount you tip based on your level of satisfaction with the service. For less common occurrences, such as a spa treatment or guided tour, ask how much people generally tip when you make your reservation.
• Server: add 15 to 20 percent to your bill before taxes • Food delivery driver: add 10 to 15 percent to your bill before taxes • Grocery delivery person: give them $2 to $3 • Taxi driver: add 15 to 20 percent to your fare, and give them a few dollars if they assist you with your luggage • Beautician: add between 15 and 20 percent to your bill • Bartender: give them at least $1 to $2 per drink or add 15 to 20 percent to your bill for a large order
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4 ways to be a good neighbor
Daily Journal Weekly Family Life
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August 2020
How to label your child’s school supplies At school, children need to keep track of a multitude of supplies including binders, pencils, notebooks, erasers and more. All of these things need to be marked with their name, otherwise they could get lost or stolen. Here are two tools you can use to label school supplies. PERMANENT MARKERS In most cases, fine-point permanent markers work best for identifying school supplies. They’re great for writing directly on a wide range of surfaces and textiles. For wooden pencils, use a utility knife to scratch off the paint and expose the wood, which will take the marker’s ink much better. For clothing, write names or initials on the care label. Always make sure to let the ink dry before using an item. Retouch as needed. ADHESIVE LABELS Buy labels of different sizes. If you buy blank ones, you’ll need to write your child’s name on them before affixing them to an object. If you have a lot of things to label, or if your handwriting isn’t as clear as you’d like,
you can use a printer or label maker. For clothing, consider using iron-on labels or ones designed to stick to fabric. Alternatively, you can buy special labels made for identifying school supplies. Consider shopping for labels with your child and getting them to choose a type they like.
Don’t write your child’s full name on the outside of their backpack or lunchbox. A stranger could approach them and gain their trust by using their name.
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