Parenting

Matthew Lynch published in Parenting, Teachers March 24, 2023

Summer Slide: Everything You Need to Know

The summer slide occurs when students who have gone on a long break from school begin to gradually forget the knowledge they gained during the school year. It only takes a couple of weeks for the summer slide to start affecting students. However, learning loss doesn’t impact every student equally. Younger students are prone to maximum learning loss because they’re at an important stage in their development. Things like letter knowledge, word reading skills, and decoding are very likely to decay without regular practice, as are math facts such as addition and subtraction.

Also, according to summer slide statistics, some demographics are more susceptible to falling behind than others. For example, kids of under-resourced families are more prone to lose more knowledge during the summer than kids from wealthy families. Kids with learning disabilities are also susceptible to learning loss because, during the summer break, they don’t get the instructional support that they receive throughout the year.

Fortunately, the basic skills aren’t difficult to maintain over the summer break. Parents can use the following ways to keep children engaged in reading and math.

Parents should find something that their kids can read every day. They should encourage children to read online resources while playing on the computer or the comics in the newspaper every day. Kids won’t gain much from summer reading if they’re not enjoying it. Therefore, parents should ensure that children have access to different types of books that they enjoy reading and can fully understand. Parents can ask the librarian at their local library for recommendations based on their kids’ age, interests, or reading level.

Math is another subject that often gets lost over the summer break. Research shows that pupils lose around two months of summer skills over the summer break if they don’t participate in some kinds of activities during it. Here’re some tactics parents can try to incorporate math learning into their children’s summer activities.

· Searching for summer camps that use skills learned in math, such as space or robotics camps.

· Encouraging students to take science- or math-related jobs that will help them improve their academic abilities while learning crucial job skills.

· Encouraging students to tutor others in math subjects they’ve already mastered.

· Letting teens participate in trip-planning actions by calculating fuel needs, figuring out the distance between destinations, or setting a budget.

· Finding ways to incorporate math into day-to-day activities.

· Helping struggling pupils discover remedial summer work they can perform to improve their skills.

Matthew Lynch published in Parenting March 16, 2023

Why Are Ja Morant’s Issues Being Traced Back To His Father?

Ja Morant, the third-year point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, has been one of the most exciting players in the NBA this season. But along with his impressive performances on the court, Morant has been dealing with a series of off-court issues that have raised questions about his family background.

Many of those issues have been traced back to Morant’s father, Tee Morant. Tee has been a prominent figure in his son’s life, with Ja often crediting him for his success on the basketball court. But Tee has also been involved in several controversial incidents, including a highly publicized altercation with a security guard at a college basketball game in 2019.

In the wake of these incidents, there has been a growing debate about whether Tee Morant’s behavior is influencing or impacting his son’s career. Some fans and analysts have criticized Ja for his association with his father, while others have defended him and argued that he should not be judged based on his family history.

So why are Ja Morant’s issues being traced back to his father? There are several factors at play here:

1. Tee Morant’s history of controversial behavior: Tee Morant has a long history of questionable behavior, including his involvement in the 2019 altercation at the NCAA tournament. This incident was widely reported in the media and raised concerns about Tee’s influence on his son’s career.

2. Ja Morant’s close relationship with his father: Ja Morant has spoken openly about his close relationship with his father and has credited him for his basketball development. This has led some to question whether Ja is being influenced by Tee’s behavior.

3. The media’s focus on family backgrounds: In recent years, the media has placed increasing emphasis on athletes’ family backgrounds and personal lives. As a result, many fans and analysts are scrutinizing Ja Morant’s relationship with his father more closely than they might have in the past.

Despite these concerns, it’s worth noting that Ja Morant has proven himself to be a mature and responsible young athlete. He has handled the attention and pressure of NBA stardom with grace and humility and has shown a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft.

Ultimately, it’s up to Ja Morant and his family to determine how much influence Tee should have on his son’s career. While Tee’s behavior may be cause for concern, it is ultimately up to Ja to decide how he wants to navigate his relationship with his father and how much he wants to let him be involved in his career. As long as Ja continues to perform at a high level on the court and maintains a positive image off the court, it is likely that his relationship with his father will continue to be a matter of debate but will not impact his success as an athlete.

Matthew Lynch published in Parenting March 15, 2023

Did ‘Helicopter’ Parents Cause the Mental Health Crisis in Today’s Youth?

Over the past few years, there has been an alarming increase in mental health issues among young people. This has led to concern and speculation about the factors contributing to this crisis, including the role of helicopter’ parenting.

Helicopter parenting is a parenting style where parents are overly involved in their children’s lives, whether it be constantly monitoring their academic progress, social life, or extracurricular activities. This type of parenting may come from a well-intentioned desire to protect children, but it can also lead to negative consequences, including stress, anxiety, and a lack of independence.

Some experts argue that helicopter parenting is a major factor in the rise of mental health problems among young people. Despite their parents’ good intentions, children may feel suffocated by the constant attention and pressure to succeed. This can create a sense of inadequacy and anxiety, which can lead to a range of mental health issues, including depression and self-harm.

Additionally, helicopter parenting can also rob children of the opportunity to learn valuable skills, such as problem-solving and decision-making. Without the chance to take risks and make mistakes, children may struggle to develop their own sense of identity and resilience.

While the mental health crisis among young people is undoubtedly a complex issue with many contributing factors, helicopter parenting is a critical one. Parents who are always hovering over their children can unintentionally create an environment that is harmful to their mental health. Instead, parents should strive to strike a balance between providing support and guidance while also allowing their children to develop their own sense of autonomy and independence.

Ultimately, parents should remember that their ultimate goal is to raise happy and healthy children who can thrive, even in the face of adversity. By avoiding the pitfalls of helicopter parenting, parents can help equip their children with the tools they need to navigate the ups and downs of life with resilience and confidence.

Matthew Lynch published in Parenting March 13, 2023

7 Ways to Connect with Your Children

It’s easy to feel disconnected from your children when school is out of the picture. But there are ways to connect with them even when you’re not there. Here are seven ways to do it:

1. Talk about your feelings.

It can be difficult to open up about our feelings when we’re kids. But talking about what’s been going on with you and your children can help you feel more connected. This can help you build more trust and connection with them.

2. Get more involved in their lives.

Not being there for your children can be tough. But getting more involved in their lives can help you feel more connected to them. This can include being a role model, being a friend, being a support system, or simply spending more time with them.

3. Connect with them through technology.

Technology can be a great tool for connecting with your children. But be aware of how it can be used to control and manipulate them. Make sure you’re aware of the apps, websites, and games your children are using and how they’re affecting them.

4. Connect with them through their friends.

Yes, your children can be a great resource for bonding with you. But don’t forget that they also have friends. Connect with your children’s friends to see if there’s anything you can do to make your relationship better.

5. Connect with them through their music.

Music can be great for connecting with your children. But be aware of how it can be used to control and manipulate them. Make sure you’re aware of the songs your children are listening to.

6. Connect with them through their art.

Art can be great for connecting with your children. But be aware of how it can be used to control and manipulate them. Make sure you’re aware of the art your children are creating.

7. Connect with them through their dreams.

Dreams can be great for connecting with your children. But be aware of how they can be used to control and manipulate them. Make sure you’re aware of your child’s dreams.

Matthew Lynch published in Child Development, Parenting March 13, 2023

Anger Management for Kids and Parents

Anger management is one of the most important things you can do for your children and yourself. This article will give you some tips on how to manage anger and keep it in check when it gets out of hand.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to anger management, but some tips that may help include:

1. Talk to your children about how anger can and sometimes will be a part of their lives. This can help them understand why it might get out of hand and how to handle it in a healthy way.

2. Try to establish boundaries with your children when it comes to how much anger they can express. This can help prevent any damage from being done.

3. Take a step back and allow your children to express their anger healthily. This can help avoid any arguments that may follow.

4. Teach your children to take a few minutes to calm down when they get angry. This can help to reduce the amount of anger that is expressed.

Matthew Lynch published in Parenting March 13, 2023

Stress Management for Parents

Stress management for parents is a vital part of any well-rounded parenting strategy. It is important to have a strategy in place for managing stress and providing a positive environment for your children. Here are a few tips on how to manage stress and provide a stress-free home for your children.

1. Find a way to communicate with your children about the importance of stress management.

It can be difficult to manage stress when you are not able to communicate with your children. This can be a difficult task, but it is important to try and find a way to do it. By divulging the importance of stress and how it can impact your child, you can help them understand the impact it has on their life and the life of their peers.

2. Establish boundaries for your stress.

When you establish boundaries for your stress, it will be easier to manage it. You need to set a limit on how much stress you can handle at a time and how much time you can spend on your phone. This will help you maintain control over your life and your children’s lives.

3. Take time for yourself.

When you take time for yourself, you will be more able to manage your stress. Taking time for yourself can help you to relax, de-stress, and recharge. This can help you provide a more positive parenting environment for your children.

4. Get help.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your stress, you may need help. There are many resources available to help you manage your stress. This can be a difficult task, but it is important to seek help if you are feeling overwhelmed.
By following these tips, you can provide a stress-free home for your children and help them develop a stronger relationship with stress. By managing stress, you can create a space where your children can feel relaxed and happy.

Matthew Lynch published in Parenting, Students, Teachers January 14, 2023

Students Are Viewing Porn at School. How Teachers and Parents Can Stop Them

There is a lot of debate in schools today on what is and isn’t appropriate to watch at school. One of the most controversial topics is pornography. It can be difficult to prevent students from viewing porn at school, and there is a lot of debate on whether or not schools should be involved. Unfortunately, pornography has become so widespread that educators have a hard time addressing it. In this article, we’ll explore the truth about pornography in schools, what educators can do about it, and what parents can do.

The Truth

25 percent of teenagers said they had viewed pornography at school, according to research released on Jan. 10 by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that studies the effect of technology on youth.

This trend is worrying because it suggests that pornography is becoming more normalized and accepted among students. It may also contribute to an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as students are likely learning about STIs through watching pornography.

While educators may not be able to stop all students from viewing pornography at school, they can work to create a safe and healthy environment for all students.

What Educators Can Do

Educators must be aware of this problem and take steps to prevent it. One way to stop students from viewing pornography at school is to create a campus policy prohibiting pornography. This policy can be enforced through bans on pornography in libraries and school computers. Another way to prevent pornography from being viewed at school is to educate students about the dangers of pornography. Students must be aware that pornography can harm their mental and physical health.

Educators can also talk to students about the fact that pornography is a form of exploitation. Pornography is often used to exploit women and girls. In addition, educators can talk to students about the fact that pornography is a form of violence against women. Students need to be educated about the fact that pornography is a form of sexual exploitation.

Educators can also talk to students about the fact that pornography is a form of addiction. Pornography is an addictive substance, and students need to be educated about the fact that pornography can be a form of addiction.

Overall, educators must know that pornography is a big issue on college campuses. They need to take steps to prevent pornography from being viewed at school and to educate students about the dangers of pornography.

What Parents Can Do

Parents can do a lot to prevent their children from viewing pornography. Here are some tips:

1. Educate your children about the dangers of pornography. Explain to them why it is harmful and why it is important to avoid it.

2. Set clear rules about Internet usage. For example, make sure your children know that they cannot access pornography unless they are allowed to by you.

3. Talk to your children about healthy sexual relationships. Teach them about the importance of consent and how to respect their partners.

4. Help your children to identify pornography addiction. If your child shows signs of addiction to pornography, encourage them to seek help.

5. Stay up-to-date on the latest Internet safety tips. Familiarize yourself with the latest safeguards and trends so you can help your children stay safe online.

Conclusion

Porn in school is a huge problem, but as this article demonstrates, there are lots of things that educators and parents can do to solve the problem.

Matthew Lynch published in Parental Involvement, Parenting August 31, 2022

What Parents Need to Know About Credit Recovery

Credit recovery is used to explain a wide variety of educational strategies and programs that give high school learners who have failed a class the chance to redo coursework or retake a course through alternate means, thereby avoiding failure and earning educational credit.

Online credit recovery was introduced over a decade ago, and it has since become a trend in education and a cash cow for education companies. School districts have experienced soaring graduation rates, leaving companies competing to sell virtual courses to districts across the nation.

The problem is that credit recovery courses lack quality control. Typically the content is not rigorous, and, according to critics, these courses serve as a poor substitute for in-class instruction. In a rush to raise graduation rates, schools put the learners who most need educator intervention the most in front of a computer screen, leaving them to their devices.

In some cases, learners are being “pushed through the system” and earning educational credit for having passed mediocre substitutes for the real thing. Also, a credit-recovery program may or may not be well aligned with the course’s learning expectations or assignments that a learner has failed.

Some credit-recovery options may be customized to address the distinct learning needs of a specific learner, some may consist of intensive oversight and support from an educator, and some may be hybrids—learners may work part of the time with an educator or specialist.

Also, online programs usually provide highly detailed info that teachers would not obtain in a traditional educational setting. For instance, software applications may track precisely how long learners worked through a problem or how many attempts it took a learner to complete a learning activity—data that teachers may use to identify specific learner-learning needs or deficits.

There is more good news; competency-based credit recovery programs, in which learners must show mastery of a subject to enroll, are beneficial. These programs, based on mastery instead of completion, show a positive direction for online credit recovery.

What did we miss

Matthew Lynch published in Parental Involvement, Parenting August 25, 2022

A Parent’s Guide to Accommodations

Accommodations are tools or processes that gives equal access to the teaching and learning process for learners with disorders. Kids with cognitive challenges often face barriers to learning. For instance, if your kid is hyperactive they may not be able to sit still long enough to do math problems. If they have reading issues, they may struggle to learn history from a traditional textbook. Fortunately, there are changes in the class—called accommodations—that can remove these barriers.

Accommodations Defined

Accommodations are alterations that remove obstacles and provide your kid with equal access to learning. Accommodations don’t change what your kid is learning. Rather, they change how your kid is learning.

Here’s a classic example. Let’s say your kid is taking an American history class, but they struggle with reading. As an accommodation, the educator lets them listen to an audiobook version of the textbook.

By utilizing an audiobook, they can learn history without their reading issues getting in the way. This has removed a barrier to their learning.

Accommodations don’t change what your kid is expected to know or learn. They don’t lower expectations. Your kid may utilize an audiobook in American history, but they’d still be expected to learn about events like the Civil War. And they still must finish all assignments and take exams just like their peers. The accommodation simply helps them work around their challenges.

This is what makes accommodations distinct from modifications. A modification changes what your kid is expected to know or learn. For instance, in American history, a modification may be that a kid only needs to learn half of the textbook’s content.

Forms of Accommodations

Accommodations work at an optimal level when they target a key barrier or challenge. For instance, for the kid who can’t sit still to do the math, an accommodation may be frequent breaks. For the kid who struggles to write out answers on tests, an accommodation may be to give answers verbally. The accommodation matches the need.

Here are four categories of accommodations for distinct needs.

Presentation: An alteration in the way information is presented. Example: Letting a kid listen to audiobooks instead of reading printed text.
Response: An alteration in the way a kid finishes assignments or tests. Example: Providing a keyboard to a kid who struggles with handwriting when they write an essay.
Setting: A. alteration in the environment where a kid learns. Example: Allowing a kid with ADHD to take a test in a separate room with fewer distractions.
Timing and scheduling: An alteration to the time a kid has for a task. Example: Providing extra time on homework assignments for a kid who has a slow processing speed.

Requesting Accommodations for Your Child

If you think accommodations may help your kid, talk to their educator. Often, the educator may agree to informal supports. These simple changes don’t mandate paperwork. For example, it is easy for the educator to move your kid’s seat away from a noisy class door that’s distracting.

If your kid needs bigger changes, however, you may want to seek formal accommodations. Under federal law, kids with disorders have the right to equal access to learning. This means accommodations for their disorders, which can include cognitive challenges. To exercise this right, you must request that the school assess your kid.

The evaluation results can mean an IEP or a 504 plan for your kid. You and the school decide what accommodations to write into the plan. Legally this must also cover any accommodations on state tests.

However, just because an IEP or a 504 plan lists accommodations doesn’t mean they’re always followed in the class. It’s still essential to check in with the educator. And it’s essential to talk with your kid about how the accommodations are working.

Schools are open to providing accommodations. The larger challenge is choosing the right accommodations and keeping track of which ones are most helpful.

If accommodation is in place, but your kid isn’t utilizing it, find out why. If your kid gets accommodations on state tests, it’s essential to utilize them regularly in class. This helps them get familiar with the accommodations.

Accommodations Away From the Classroom

Cognitive challenges don’t just create challenges in school. They also affect life outside of school. That’s why accommodations also exist outside the class. Instead of allowing an equal opportunity to learn, they provide an equal opportunity to be involved.

Accommodations can apply to many activities and events. You may see them implemented in driver’s tests, the workplace, summer camps, sports clubs, and even Six Flags.

Some of these accommodations are given informally. During and away from the school, kids with disorders have a legal right to reasonable accommodations.

Matthew Lynch published in Parental Involvement, Parenting July 26, 2022

What School District Am I In?

As a parent, your biggest concerns are your child’s health, safety, and education. When it’s time for them to begin kindergarten, you will have to start deciding what type of school your child will attend. If you decide to go with your local public schools, you will want to know the school district your home is located or “zoned” in and what elementary, middle, and high school they will attend.

This is very important because if you have bought a home in a subpar area with a sub-par school district, your child’s education will most likely be substandard and so will the environment they grow up in. That’s why most people think about these things before they start having kids and purchasing a house.

If you are wondering what school district your home is currently located in, here are some sites that can help. In most instances, you must input your address and receive the name of the school district you are zone for and the individual elementary, middle, and high school.

Great Schools

https://www.greatschools.org/school-district-boundaries-map/

Niche

https://www.niche.com/k12/schools-near-you/?center=-79.98065150000002,40.431337657622095