July 2016 | A Special Supplement to
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Outside the Classroom Helping students find the right extracurricular activity
Making Home Work How to create a great study environment at home
Right to Repeat? The pros and cons of repeating a grade
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August 4, 2016 • theintelligencer.com
A Supplement of media solutions
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4 How to help students choose an extracurricular activity 6 How students can handle the transition to middle school 7 7 ways to make mornings less hectic 8 What schools are doing about child obesity
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EDITOR Bill Tucker, Ext. 47 btucker@edwpub.net
9 Practice school bus safety every day
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11 The pros and cons of repeating a grade 12 Why music education matters
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Practice school bus safety every day 11 Should schools reinforce cursive writing skills
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Classroom tech trends to watch 15 Unique ways to use newspapers in the classroom
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Majors that might help you get hired As the cost of college tuition continues to rise and the job market grows increasingly competitive, college students are giving greater consideration to their prospects of being hired before choosing a major. A 2015 study commissioned by the National Association of Colleges and Employers asked 201 employers, including companies like Aetna, Macy’s and Procter & Gamble, which degrees are most in demand, even distinguishing between the most in demand bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorates. The following are the results of that study, courtesy of the NACE.
Most in demand bachelor’s degrees:
1. Accounting 2. Computer Science 3. Finance 4. Business Administration/Management 5. Mechanical Engineering
Most in demand master’s degrees:
1. Computer Science 2. Electrical Engineering 3. Mechanical Engineering 4. Information Sciences & Systems 5. Business Administration
Most in demand doctorate degrees:
1. Electrical Engineering 2. Computer Science 3. Software Engineering 4. Computer Engineering 5. Mechanical Engineering
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August 4, 2016 • theintelligencer.com
How to help students choose an extracurricular activity
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xtracurricular 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 gaining admission to college. But students who choose the right extracurricular 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 family-friendly, 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. Parents can employ various strategies to help kids find activities they can be passionate about for years to come.
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Theintelligencer.com • August 4, 2016
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August 4, 2016 • theintelligencer.com
How students can handle the transition to middle school
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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 school-based 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. Youngsters 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. Parents and their children can take several steps to make students’ transitions to middle school as smooth as possible.
Theintelligencer.com • August 4, 2016
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ways to make mornings less hectic
any 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
Make school and work mornings less harried with some easy tips to add to routines. 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 whole-grain 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. Mornings can be tricky when family members are getting ready for school and work at the same time. By practicing a few daily rituals, it’s possible to curb the rush and start the day happier and more relaxed.
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August 4, 2016 • theintelligencer.com
What schools are doing about childhood obesity T he U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that childhood obesity rates have more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the last 30 years. This is happening in spite of indications that childhood obesity could reduce life expectancy by five years or more. Many children are not participating in free-time physical activity and, according to Blank Children’s Hospital, only 25 percent of children in the United States eat a healthy diet. Considering children spend six or more hours at school and many eat school lunches or receive in school-provided breakfasts, schools can play a pivotal role in helping to control the rising epidemic of childhood obesity. Here’s a look at just how schools are taking on that challenge. Discussing obesity in health and physical education classes: Information is power, and one way to help curb obesity rates is to give children the data needed to make informed decisions. Some schools have implemented healthy eating
and exercise initiatives and made nutrition and other health-related topics key parts of health curricula. Modifying school lunch offerings: Schools are taking inventory of not only the foods they offer on lunch menus, but also the feel of the cafeteria so that healthy eating is encouraged. This may include removing vending machines that contain unhealthy snacks or providing a greater array of offerings that include fresh fruits, whole grains and lean protein sources. Some schools also are investing in components, such as salad bars, to store, prepare and display healthy foods. Extending lunch hours: Giving students adequate time to eat and digest can promote healthier eating habits. Research indicates that eating slowly can help a person feel full faster. According to Harvard Medical School, scientists have known for some time that a full stomach is only part of what causes someone to feelsatisfied after a meal; the brain must also receive a series of signals from digestive
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hormones secreted by the gastrointestinal tract. Eating slowly may prevent children from overeating later in the day. That can be achieved by having more time to eat at lunch. Teaching children how to prepare healthy foods: Some schools are taking the mystery out of food preparation by showing students how foods are
being prepared in the cafeteria kitchen, while others include basic culinary education in their curricula and extracurricular offerings. Childhood obesity may be an epidemic, but schools are in the position to curb obesity in young students.
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Theintelligencer.com • August 4, 2016
Practice school bus safety every day Stand only in the designated school bus stop.
Stay out of the aisle when the bus is in motion and store backpacks on your lap or under your seat so they are not tripping hazards.
Rushing to the bus stop may cause you to make errors in judgment, including running in traffic to catch the bus. Leave early so you have ample time to catch the bus and obey all traffic laws.
Use seat restraints.
Do not goof off.
Use seat restraints when available on the school bus. While not every school bus has seatbelts, many now do.
Only board and exit the bus when it is safe.
Remain in your seat while the bus is in motion. Keep your hands inside of the windows. Do not get up to engage with other riders.
When on the bus, always behave so that you can hear any safety instructions and be aware of your surroundings. Behaving also means one less distraction for drivers. School bus passengers can make their rides to school even safer by playing it smart.
Arrive at the stop early.
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Keep a good distance between you and the bus. Exit the bus and cross in front where the driver can see you. If you cannot see the driver, he or she cannot see you. Check for safety signals from the driver to proceed when traffic has stopped. Always walk, never run, around a bus.
Always stand on the sidewalk, lawn or curb where the school bus stop is located. Stay away from the street because traffic in the morning and the afternoon can be very busy and hectic.
illions of students rely on public transportation to get them to and from school each and every day. The National Safety Council says 25 million students in the United States begin and end their school days on school buses. The NCS adds that riding a bus to school is 13 times safer than riding in a family vehicle and 10 times safer than walking. Although buses are designed for safety, student riders can do a lot to make their bus trips even safer.
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Cursive writing lessons are disappearing from many schools. How do you feel about this change?
Should schools reinforce cursive writing skills?
C
ursive writing lessons were once mandatory in schools. Many adults can remember cursive writing lessons on lined paper and time spent practicing this aesthetically appealing style of writing. But thanks to technology and a growing reliance on computers to complete school assignments, handwriting skills are no longer stressed as much as they once
were. In fact, some children never receive cursive writing instruction. The absence of cursive writing lessons has led to a heated debate. Some people feel cursive writing is archaic and a waste of time, while others believe it is a relevant skill. Here is a look at both sides of the debate.
The pros and cons of repeating a grade
T
he majority of students move up a grade each fall. However, some students may not be ready to move on to the next grade come the end of the school year. Educators and parents often have to make the challenging decision of whether to have a student repeat a year — called grade retention — or to engage in social promotion. There are pros and cons to both sides of this debate, and oftentimes the decision comes down to parental preference, test scores and the recommendations of teachers and administrators regarding the best decision for each individual student. Grade retention can be an emotionally charged issue, but having students repeat a grade is sometimes necessary. The following examination of the advantages and disadvantages of grade retention may help families make informed decisions and help them do what’s best for the child.
The pros of cursive writing:
Various experts and educators have weighed in on the lasting benefits of cursive handwriting. Here are just a few of the benefits proponents of cursive writing point to. Cursive writing stimulates the brain. “Cursive writing helps train the brain to integrate visual and tactile information, and fine motor dexterity,” Dr. William Klemm said in an article in Psychology Today. The skills developed from learning cursive writing cannot be replaced by using a keyboard. In addition, MRIs have revealed an interesting relationship between handwriting and the brain. The brains of people with good handwriting are more active in areas associated with cognition, language and executive function than the brains of those with poor handwriting. Cursive writing may promote focus. Writing things down by hand forces a person to slow down and formulate his or her thought. Handwritten notes may hold the advantage over computer-typed notes in terms of recollection of facts. Cursive writing may help students with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a language processing disorder that can hinder reading, writing, spelling and sometimes even speaking. According to the International Dyslexia Association, when writing cursive, the words jotted down become a unit, rather than a series of separate strokes, and that may contribute to better spelling. And since all lowercase cursive
Pros 1. If a student has missed a lot of school due to illness or a family situation, it may be in his or her best interest to repeat the grade and catch up on the lessons he or she missed. 2. Developmentally immature children might find that repeating a grade reduces their stress, which can increase as students attempt, yet fail, to keep up with the development of their peers. 3. Children who are nearly a year younger than their peers may benefit from attending school with children who are their same age.
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letters begin on the line, fewer of them are likely to be reversed.
The cons of cursive writing:
There are various reasons why people think lessons in cursive writing are unnecessary. Cursive writing is only used in signatures. Cursive writing is seldom used except for signatures. Even then, e-signing and online transactions have removed the need to write in cursive. Typing on a keyboard should take precedence. Many parents and educators believe that cursive writing lessons do little to prepare young students for an increasingly digital world. Such opponents of cursive writing suggest keyboarding lessons should take precedence over teaching handwriting skills. Teachers have admitted that cursive writing lessons take a lot of time, and many simply cannot devote classroom time to them. Digital texts make it obsolete. Some argue that those who do not know how to read in cursive can never understand historical texts or early manuscripts. However, so much has been transcribed into digital texts that this argument is seen by many as outdated. Cursive writing may be going the way of the dinosaur. But the debate about the value of cursive writing figures to continue.
Cons
1. In certain instances, students who repeat a grade may be as many as two years older than their classmates. While academic readiness should weigh heavily as parents decide whether or not to have their child repeat a grade, parents should also consider the potential impact on their youngster’s self-esteem if he or she is asked to repeat a grade and attend school with much younger classmates. 2. Students may feel embarrassed by grade retention, especially if other students tease or pity them. 3. Kids who do not agree with their parents on the issue may protest by engaging in behaviors that make it difficult for them to benefit from repeating a grade. Grade retention and social promotion are serious topics for parents and educators to consider.
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August 4, 2016 • theintelligencer.com
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ome the 2016-2017 school year, the music and arts budget in the Los Angeles Unified School District will reach its highest point in a dozen years. While that’s great news for students, it also illustrates the sad fact that arts and music programs have taken a considerable hit in recent decades, when arts education fell victim to budget cuts. The benefits of music education extend far beyond getting kids to tap their toes. The National Association for Music Education lists the following benefits among the many reasons to support music education in schools. Music training helps develop language skills. Studies have shown that music training contributes to the physical development of the part of the left side of the brain associated with processing language. A 2005 study from researchers at Stanford University found that mastering a musical instrument may also improve reading skills, which can benefit students both inside and outside the classroom. Music training can improve hand-eye coordination. Studies have linked longterm music training to improved handeye coordination. That is likely connected to the motor skills children develop when playing musical instruments. Without those instruments, those motor skills may not develop as strongly. Music improves concentration. Even
students who cannot play a musical instrument can still benefit academically from simply listening to music. In 2007, a research team from the Stanford University School of Medicine found that music engages the areas of the brain involved with paying attention. Today’s students deal with numerous distractions, from smartphones to tablets to social media, but those who routinely listen to certain types of music might find it easier to block out those distractions and focus on their work. Music can help students’ emotional development. A 2003 study commissioned by Chorus America found musicians are more likely than the average person to be involved in charity work as volunteers and donors. The NAFME also notes that music students may be more likely to exhibit empathy toward other cultures. Music can improve self-esteem. In a study examining 117 fourth grade students attending public school in Montreal, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin found that children who received piano lessons weekly for three years had higher self-esteem than children who were not given piano lessons during the same period. Neither group had participated in formal music instruction before the study, and students in both groups reported similar levels of self-esteem prior to participating in the study. Music education can enrich the lives of young students in a myriad of ways, potentially contributing to happier, more fulfilling lives.
Theintelligencer.com • August 4, 2016
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Take a course in dorm safety C ollege students have a few different living options at their disposal, but many opt for dormitory living, as it is one of the more convenient and popular boarding options, particularly for out-oftown students. Thousands of post-secondary students pack up their belongings and move away from home in the pursuit of an education, and parents want to do what they can to ensure their college-aged kids are safe. For many students, college represents the first time they will live anywhere other than the homes they grew up in. Dorm life can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be one that may open new college students up to inherently risky situations. While students should look forward to fun and excitement at school, it’s also important for them to be prepared for what lies ahead at college and in dorm life — and to take the proper safety precautions. Fall in with a trustworthy group of dorm friends. Friends can be informed of your schedule for both classes and work, so they are aware of where you are
Dorm room and campus safety should be a top priority for students. supposed to be at certain times of the day. If something is amiss, these friends can alert authorities or investigate your whereabouts further. Lock your dorm room door. Always keep the dorm room door locked, and make sure your roommate is on the same page. Locking the door can deter people from entering without your permission and prevent theft. Keep belongings out of sight. When preparing to move into a dorm, leave heirlooms or expensive jewelry at home. Once you move in, store your more valuable belongings out of sight or in a locked box or safe. Consider getting insurance for dorm belongings, which will protect you in the event of theft.
Travel in groups. When attending parties or other functions, always arrive and leave in a group. This offers extra protection, as assaults and other crimes are less likely to occur when criminals are outnumbered. Know the evacuation routes. Learn your dorm’s evacuation policies. Know where all exits are and how to get out of the building if exits may be blocked. Find out if fire drills or other safety procedures are practiced, and participate in them.
Use the elevator. If there’s an elevator, use it. Stairwells are secluded and dark and often provide the perfect opportunity for would-be criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting students. Use common sense and trust your instincts with regard to dorm safety. Make college memories good ones by emphasizing caution.
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August 4, 2016 • theintelligencer.com
Classroom tech trends to watch
T
echnology continues to evolve. With computers, tablets and smartphones, people of all ages are immersed in technology. According to the Pew Research Center, 56 percent of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 go online several times a day. Teens are not just relying on technology at home or while on the go, but they’re also doing so in school. Schools are now recognizing how influential mobile technologies are on students and how they can shape teaching and thinking. As a result, technology is now a major component in the classroom, where educators
are implementing technology to help students succeed not only in school but also after they graduate. The following are some of the growing tech trends inside of the classroom. Internet connectivity: Students most often connect to the Internet using their mobile devices. Many schools have replaced their older computer labs with tablets and other mobile devices. Students can simply sit at their individual desks and connect directly to the Internet. Once online, students can access shared drives where assignments can be found or homework can be posted. Tech homework: Rather than home-
work in the traditional sense, students are being asked to research information online and then submit assignments directly through an application like Google Classroom. Homework also may involve spending time on educational apps that help reinforce lessons learned in school that day. Personal mobile device access: In addition to tablets, students also have access to Internet-connected smartphones, which may even be their own phones when personal phones are allowed in the classroom. In a 2013 Speak Up Survey from Project Tomorrow, 89 percent of high school students have access to Internetconnected smartphones, while 50 percent of students in grades three through five have access to the same type of devices. Those numbers only continue to grow.
Classroom smartboards: Described as large tablets, smartboards have all but replaced chalkboards and even dry erase boards in many schools. Teachers can present lessons through the display, and students interact with the board to answer questions. Technology use in the classroom continues to grow as students and educators grow more accustomed to using technology in all aspects of life.
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Theintelligencer.com • August 4, 2016
T Unique ways to use newspapers
in the classroom
oday’s students have numerous devices at their disposal that can make learning more fun. Teachers may rely on such devices to engage students, but one more traditional teaching tool can still be an asset in the classroom. Newspapers have changed considerably over the last decade-plus, but they still can serve teachers and students alike. The following are a handful of ways for teachers to incorporate newspapers into their lesson plans. Use newspapers to teach geography. Whether they’re local, national or international periodicals, newspapers contain stories from all over the globe. Teachers tasked with teaching students about world geography can assign each student an article about a newsworthy event taking place in a given country. Kids can then write a report about that country, including information about its location in the world, its citizens and its history. Use newspapers to teach vocabulary. Perhaps no resource is more valuable than newspapers when teaching vocabulary. Assign each student a story or stories from the newspaper, instructing them to underline or jot down between five and 10 words they are unfamiliar with as they read. Once they have finished reading their assigned articles, students can then look up and write down the meaning of each word, ultimately handing in their list of words and/or sharing those words and their meanings with their classmates.
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Use newspapers to teach mathematics. While newspapers are often touted as great tools to teach reading comprehension and vocabulary, they also can be used to teach math lessons. For example, newspaper classified sections typically list dozens, if not hundreds, of items for sale. Assign each student 10 vehicles listed in the classified section and ask them to calculate the average asking prices of these vehicles. Another potential lesson is to ask kids to determine the percentage breakdown of each section of the newspaper. You can then explore the reasons why certain sections may be given more ink than others. Use newspapers to teach current events. The world is an interesting place, and newspapers are great resources for people looking to keep up with all that is going on in the world. While current events can sometimes be confusing for young students, newspaper reporters aim to convey complicated topics in ways that readers of all ages and backgrounds can understand. By assigning newspaper articles as part of their students’ current events assignments, teachers can help students gain a better understanding of what’s going on in their world. While newspapers may have changed considerably over the last several years, they still make great teaching tools that can benefit instructors and students alike.
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August 4, 2016 • theintelligencer.com
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