Preschoolers: Is your child one? Interested in teaching them to learn? School isn’t the only place where kids can excel. The only teacher they have at home is you. However, everything doesn’t have to be like a classroom lesson. As preschoolers, they enjoy playing and discovering new things. Why not use their playing habits as a teaching tool?

You don’t get it, do you? Make their playtime productive by engaging them in effective learning activities. This will enhance your kids’ learning skills and knowledge. So how do we know which learning activities are most effective for kids? It’s a pleasure to have you here. We’ve compiled a list of preschool learning activities that are fun and useful. We’ll now bump into the list to get to know them better.

Before that, know why learning activities are required for preschoolers.

Why Fun Learning Activities for Preschoolers?

Just because your child is a toddler, it doesn’t mean their learning path hasn’t started. They can learn things like counting and writing through fun learning activities.

Here we go with the activities:

Fun Learning Activities for Preschoolers

1. Identify Colors

Children are more likely to be interested in learning about colors at an early age. It is always good to begin your preschooler’s learning with color identification.

How to teach Color Identification?

Things required:

• Pack of colorful pom-poms (or) color papers

Playtime:

Place the colored pom-poms in their path and let them identify them. The activity not only helps you teach colors but is also used to teach counting. In addition, this activity encourages your child’s gross motor skills and fine motor skills.

2. Building Blocks

Children learn to recognize different shapes, sizes, colors, orders, spatial thinking, logical reasoning, and many other skills by playing with blocks or shape sorters.

How to play Building blocks?

Things required:

• Building blocks (or) Shape sorter (or) Jigsaws

Playtime:

Place the blocks in front of your child and help them to stack the blocks on top of each other. Encourage your child to knock the block down and let them start over to innate their towers. This will help your child in enhancing their self-confidence.

3. Identifying Objects

Teaching your child to identify objects is quite a simple method to teach. If your child is a little familiar with the alphabet or numbers, this game will be more suitable for them.

How to play object identification?

Things required:

• Objects like Numbers or Alphabet

Playtime:

Let your child physically touch the object and teach them what object it is. This activity helps them learn the alphabet and numbers and will enhance your child’s brain function. Furthermore, kids who are more advanced in their object identification skills can blindfold their eyes and find what it is. However, the game can be played with or without closing your child’s eyes.

4. Memory Game

Our toddlers’ minds are young and energetic, so they always doubt and guess things happening around them. For parents, it’s a great advantage. So, if you’re interested in improving your child’s learning skills, play memory games with your child.

How to play Memory games?

Things required:

• Index cards
• Word list
• A marker

Playtime:

Choose the words based on your child’s age and write them on the index card. Now, lay the index cards face-down in a row. Flip the cards randomly and let your child see the words on the card. Then, let your kids find which two cards match the same. If they find the wrong match, repeat the game until all the cards are matched.

5. Play Punctuation

We all learned the essential traffic rules by playing the RED Light, GREEN Light game when we were children. Right? With a little update, let’s play a punctuation game with our child.

How to play a Punctuation game?

Things required:

• Index cards

Playtime:

Write down a comma, period, exclamation, and question mark on each index card. Now, for each punctuation indicate some action like

• Period – stop
• Comma – slow down and walk
• Exclamation – wave the hands
• Question mark – thumbs down

Then, begin playing the game by letting them choose the card.

6. Word hunting

It is like playing a detective game.

How to hunt words?

Things required:

• Magazine or Newspaper
• Marker
• Highlighter

Playtime:

Take a white paper and write a few words that are in the newspaper. Then handover the paper with a word list to your kid and let them identify those words in the newspaper and highlight them. By doing so, kids can learn new words in their life.

7. Sense learning

It is a great game that kids definitely love playing. In addition, it enhances their sensing skills.

How to play a sensing game?

Things required:

• Any objects or food

Playtime:

Blindfold your kids’ eyes and play the game. For instance, if you have a flower, place it near your kid’s nose and let them find what it is. Likewise, make use of any object and make them sense through their sensory organs (ear, nose, lip, hand, eye).

8. Map game

This game helps your child learn the names of the places and where they are located.

How to play the map game?

Thing required:

• Map (it can be either a world map or a particular choice of yours)

Playtime:

Initially, teach your kids about the places on the map. Then provide a non-filled map and let them identify the places on the map.

9. Jump Rope

It is one of the best games for getting your child physically and mentally active.

How to Play the Jump Rope?

Things required:

• Jump Rope

Playtime:

Get your rope and head to your backyard or sidewalk. Make sure your child counts each jump with you. This will help them learn to count without making mistakes. Playing jump rope will provide them with the best physical activity and keep them balanced.

10. Sentence Race

It is a vocabulary game that the kids most often like.

How to play Sentence Race?

Things required:

• Words in paper pieces

Playtime:

Sentence race is called sentence phrasing. To play it, you need a list of words and some paper pieces to write them on. Then fold the paper pieces and place them in a jar or box. You can ask your children to pick out a piece of paper. Then, they must frame a sentence with the word they found on the paper. It is more beneficial for kids to learn words. Additionally, it enhances their creativity.

Takeaway

There are many fun things you can do with your child to help them learn. These are just a few of them. The games will, however, be interesting to play. Furthermore, these games will not only enhance your child’s learning ability. Their life skills are also enhanced. These games are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Don’t miss out on the fun.

A struggling learner or student won’t say, “I have a problem with learning and need help.” Many parents and teachers fail to notice their child’s struggles until they consistently see their poor grades in school. Some might have noticed changes in your children’s attitude towards learning but weren’t sure why. Right? So, how do we get recognized before things go wrong in our kids’ learning?

Nothing to worry about anymore! We’re here to help. Children and teens usually don’t express their feelings about school and academics. So, it’s hard for us to help them. But, if you’re concerned about your child’s education and career, you should know them. How? Keep an eye on your child and look for signs of trouble. Taking this step will set you on the right path.

What are the signs of a struggling student? Below are warning signs of struggling students and how to help them. Read the blog, know the signs, and help your child.

Hang on. Before that, it’s important to know why your student is struggling.

Why do students struggle?

Children struggle for many reasons. This includes social challenges, academic performance, bullying, peer relationships, learning disorders, mental stress, physical health issues, and more. Finding it isn’t easy. But, if you are a caring parent or teacher, you should.

Warning signs of a Struggling student

1. Stress

When students struggle in school, the stress and anxiety follow them home. You can notice their behavioral changes and physical complaints. Some may refuse to go to school or refuse to learn.

2. Refuse to discuss school things

Hey, kiddo, how was your day at school today?

Does your child don’t share their moments at school with you? They might have had a bad day or quarreled with their friends. But, it is a warning signal for you that something is not right at their school, especially if they are open-minded.

Though you respect your kids’ boundaries, speaking with them is important. Get to know what happened at school. Try to get involved in your kids’ school life and stay updated.

3. Changes in Attitude towards school

A school is usually a favorite place for many kids. If your kid is one, then it’s cool. In contrast, it should be noticed if they were positive earlier and became annoyed about the school. I bet they don’t love things that are happening around your child. That might be the reason they hate going to school.

4. Truancy

Some students arrive late to classes or don’t come to school at all. Parents and teachers may believe that they are the ones who cause trouble. In reality, they might be anxious or depressed about school. Additionally, students with anxiety may experience physical symptoms like nausea, headaches, etc., causing them to miss classes.

5. Spends their time alone

Some kids prefer not to spend their time at school with their friends. Most kids, however, prefer spending time with their families. If your kid is one of those but suddenly misses spending time with you, then you should be aware. They may prefer eating alone or sleeping alone. Your child should be given extra attention if you find such things in them.

6. Take more time on Homeworks than usual

Students don’t miss out on playing with friends after returning from school. But, if they miss out on playing and spend more time completing homework, keep an eye on them. Every teacher has homework policies. It may vary from teacher to teacher. But, they usually follow their policy. Some may give more homework while others limit the homework to kids. Be familiar with their teacher’s homework policy.

Giving more homework may burden them and ruin their playtime. However, some kids might have trouble completing their homework due to a few doubts. At school, their teachers can assist them with the issue. But at home, as parents, you need to be responsible for helping your child with homework.

7. Listen to teachers

Parents sometimes dismiss what teachers say about their children. Remember, a teacher is responsible for the entire class, and if they report specifically about your child, you should consider it. Your child’s teacher is the best person to explain their change to you. This is because it provides you with a way to reach out to your child. Don’t take it personally. It’s just for the sake of your child.

8. Poor Grades

It is an obvious sign that a child is struggling. It may not be a big deal if your child receives a poor grade occasionally. It’s a red flag when the report card shows a pattern of poor grades.

9. Misbehaves at school

Misbehaving is a way for kids to grab others’ attention towards them. Also, it’s their way to hide their struggles from others. So, if they misbehave at school, speak with them and know what is troubling your child.

Knowing the signs alone is not enough. Please get to know how to help them.

How can you help them?

No matter how your child struggles with schoolwork or learning, you must understand them. Here are some tips to help you achieve that.

1. Be a good listener

Even though you are busy with your schedules, you have more responsibilities as parents. Take your time and talk to your children. Get to know what they are experiencing in their lives by letting them speak. If you build an emotional bond with them, they will feel safer and reach out to you for help if they need it.

2. Seek professional help

You should seek professional help for your child if he or she is struggling to learn. Certain accommodations can be provided to your child so that they can get good grades.

3. Multisensory instruction

In this way, kids can link what they see, hear, and feel. A student who learns using their senses is more likely to remember the material than one who reads. Each child is different, so you have to be creative.

Takeaway

Supporting and encouraging your struggling child makes a huge difference and helps them get back on track. Learning about your child is the first step in helping them before things worsen. The best thing you can do for your child is intervening if they are struggling and help them get back on track!

Kids often exhibit a passive mode when they are growing up. It is not our default nature, however. We all strive, wish for something, move towards our passion, etc. But we need a spark to ignite the desire. That’s where motivation comes into play.

Lack of motivation is a form of “Resistance.” If a child is unmotivated, they won’t do homework, schoolwork, or participate in any activities. Gradually, this will lead to bad grades and poor behavior. As parents, it’s your responsibility to motivate them. Unfortunately, many parents do not take this step.

Staying motivated in life is very important for kids. You can motivate your kids if you haven’t motivated them or if they seem unmotivated. However, Motivating a child can be a challenge for some parents. That’s true. Relax! We’re here to help you.

Here are a few tips and strategies for motivating the unmotivated. It is intended for parents who are looking for ways to motivate their children.

Tips and Strategies to Motivate the Unmotivated

1. Become interested in your child’s interests

We all like to do things we find interesting, and children are no different. If they pursue activities they enjoy, they will be more motivated. How do you do that?

• Find out what your kids are interested in by observing them.
• Show interest in their interests, even if they differ from your own.
• Identify ways to link their interests to the other skills you want them to develop.

2. Keep the “motivational talk” to a minimum

According to science, motivational talks rarely work. However, no matter how hard you try, talking to your kids about effort is not likely to change their behavior. So, follow as below

•  Instead of focusing on the past, consider the future.
• There are several age-appropriate resources available to help your children develop a growth mindset and reflect on their performance. So, ask your children to assess their own performance.
• Don’t give your children motivational talks; let them know you know they can succeed.

3. Encourage and Support

A lack of motivation in our kids’ is normal. But, our frustration grows when we can’t motivate them! Right? There are many reasons why kids may lack motivation: lack of confidence, frustration, disappointment or it could be any other reason. But, as parents, we need to support and encourage them at their tough times.

• Before achieving success, everyone experiences failure. Share your own failures with your children. Life is full of failures, so let them understand that.
• Even if the changes don’t immediately lead to improvement, comment on them. If you notice that your children are putting more effort into their work, let them know.
• Encourage them to set goals. Create a short-term and long-term goals list. Goals should be attainable but require effort to achieve.
• Further, it is important to have a plan in order to achieve your goals. Help your children develop a strategy for achieving their goals. Now, your kid can use this printable goals chart to get started.

4. kids will always be kids

Wouldn’t it be great if our kids followed our instructions and performed better than we expected? Kids do not view things in the same way as adults do. The most effective way to change their perception is to explain why certain things are important to them. So, Make learning fun for your children. For instance, if they are interested in music, join them.

Here are a few tips for you:

• When your child is having trouble staying focused or interested, try different approaches.
• It’s not surprising that kids will always be motivated by things they enjoy. Allow your children to enjoy the things they enjoy.
• Don’t criticize or disappoint your children.
• Change the way you perceive your child’s behavior. There is nothing abnormal about kids or adults procrastinating and lacking motivation. Therefore, there is no need to worry.

5. Take advantage of your child’s strengths

You may never have imagined how strength-based parenting could enhance your child’s happiness and satisfaction. Thus,

• Parenting should emphasize your child’s strengths. Rather than assuming that they are mediocre in all fields, children need to experience success.
• If a child discovers where their strengths lie, even the most destructive traits can undergo a transformation. You can build your children’s self-esteem by recognizing their strengths.

6. Consult a professional

Lack of motivation may indicate undiagnosed learning disorders or attention-related problems among kids, something we rarely hear about.

People with certain disorders may show signs of lack of motivation, procrastination, and difficulty concentrating. Whenever your child fails, these disorders can lead him or her to give up.

So, if you feel overwhelmed by your child’s lack of motivation, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. Your child’s learning disorder or other issues can be diagnosed by a professional, or a professional can help you determine how to help your child.

7. Celebrate your child’s success

Let your children know you are proud of them when they achieve their goals. Celebrate their successes together. Furthermore, reward your children for their smartwork and effort.

There is no guarantee that motivating your child will be easy, especially if the problem has existed for a long time. Remember that changing habits takes time. Don’t lose heart if progress seems slow. Soon, you’ll be celebrating your child’s success.

Languages are a gateway to different cultures!

Today, many kids spend their spare time learning new skills. What if your kid is one of these people? Why don’t you encourage them to learn a second language?

As the world becomes more multilingual, global connections become more vital. Therefore, learning a second language is always a good idea in everyone’s life. In addition, you can gain a lot from learning a second language, especially the cognitive ones. So, it’s never too late to master a new language.

But, before you begin studying another language, it’s good to know its benefits. I guess that’s the reason why you’re with me today. Is that right?

Yes, this blog is for you. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the cognitive benefits kids can gain from mastering a second language. Make sure you read the blog thoroughly, know the benefits, and learn a new language to achieve them.

Can we move in further?

Cognitive Benefits of Learning a Second Language

1. Enhance Memory

Learning a second language always forces our brain to use areas that are generally not engaged. In other words, a human brain is similar to a tech device: the more you use it, the more flexible and efficient it becomes.

Furthermore, switching between languages enhances memory power. Due to this, many children who speak two languages have better memorization skills and brain development than the others.

2. Improves Brain Power

Despite its small size, the human brain has a lot of power. Adaptability is one of its most vital traits. Thus, learning a new language helps you focus on understanding meanings, communicating, and developing skills. As a result of this process, skills such as concentration, critical thinking, improved listening, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making will be improved.

3. Multitasking

Several studies have demonstrated that learning a second language has immense cognitive benefits. Multitasking is one of the benefits.

Multitasking may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but children who learn a second language can do it. How?

People who can speak two languages easily switch between them. Due to this, they are more adept at multitasking. It is therefore advisable to let kids learn a second language in order to enhance their multitasking skills.

4. Improves IQ

As we mentioned earlier, learning a second language improves good brain power and memory in humans. Guess what? It is directly linked to our IQ level.

Several studies and research have indicated that bilingual and multilingual people have more grey matter in the brain than monolinguals.

A grey matter layer is nothing more than the brain’s outer layer. It processes data and enables us to control emotions, movements, and memory.

Multilingual individuals have a greater density of grey matter. This is why bilingual and multilingual people have higher IQ levels than monolingual people.

5. Improves Concentration skill

Ellen Bialystok, a Canadian psychologist and professor conducted a concentration control experiment in 2003. A total of 60 preschoolers were selected for this study, of which 30 were monolinguals, and 30 were bilinguals.

Researchers found that bilingual children were significantly better at controlling their attention than monolingual children.

This is because people who speak more than one language should switch between them. Therefore, the process of switching between languages requires more focus than monolinguistic. As a result, it enhances and strengthens bilingual and multilingual students’ ability to concentrate.

6. Enhance Creative

In our day-to-day lives, we all face many challenges. To deal with them, we need creativity. In what ways can we gain it? Become bilingual.

One of the most significant cognitive benefits of learning a second language is creativity. This is because the brains of bilinguals are constantly being mentally juggled.

Furthermore, second language learners can perceive things from different perspectives. That is, learning something new will always open the doors of our minds to delight in it. Therefore, mental exercises like this are more beneficial to the cognitive abilities of people who learn a second language.

7. Boost Self-confidence

The process of learning a new language is not an easy one. Also, leaving our comfort zone is quite tricky for everyone. Some people may be nervous about learning a new language, while others hesitate. But, people who are determined to reach their destination will automatically boost their self-confidence to regain their faith and abilities in learning languages.

Moreover, multilingual people can communicate with confidence even in crowds. So, don’t worry if you’re nervous or hesitant when learning a new language.

8. Strengthens Decision-Making skill

Research has shown that people who speak more than one language are more rational than monolinguals. It is because bilinguals and multilinguals have contrary assumptions. It allows them to distance themselves from their emotions and biases associated with their native tongue. Thus, they can make fact-based decisions with a clear head and be systematic.

9. Sharper Mind

Studies and journals have found that learning a second language sharpens your mind.

As I mentioned earlier, learning a new language always opens your mind to new possibilities. As a result, you become more aware of your surroundings and can distinguish good from the bad.

10. Reduces the chances of Dementia and Alzheimer

Studies have found that bilinguals and multilinguals are less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s than monolinguals. According to the study, people with a second language show their first signs at the age of 75. In contrast, people with only one language skill show their first signs at 71 years old.

Bottom lines

Learning a second language has enormous benefits. This blog contains a few benefits of learning a second language for your knowledge.

Remember – Children who learn a new language at an early age will be more able to enhance their abilities than adults.

Would you like to learn something new? Are you looking for ways to make your child’s spare time productive? Then learning a second language would be a wise choice for you. Although learning a native language is easy, learning a second language will enable you to advance in your career.

Waiting for what? You can boost your intelligence and cognitive abilities by learning a second language. All you need to do is, sign up at Nurtem and begin learning your language from our certified tutors.

Best wishes!

Be mindful when writing or speaking; words are powerful!

Even after years of education, we still make grammatical mistakes when writing. Guess why?

Words and phrases may sound pleasant when read. However, when we write it out, it appears like gibberish. Possibly, it might be due to grammatical mistakes.

Mistakes are unavoidable when writing. But, there are a few common grammatical errors that we fall into without our knowledge. If you are fond of writing, you should be aware of those mistakes because knowing them will help you avoid making them in the future.

So, what are the most common grammar mistakes that we should avoid? Thinking a lot? No need to stress. We have listed some of the common errors that every writer makes when writing. Walk through it and know what they are.

Most common Grammar mistakes that writers should avoid

1. Run-on Sentence

Would you like to read a long passage without a break? No one does!

The term “run-on sentence” refers to a never-ending sentence that joins two independent clauses, with or without punctuation. Such sentences can be confusing and intimidating for the reader. To avoid this, keep your sentences concise.

Example:

Run-on Sentence: James is a smart boy, he began writing when he was four years old

How to separate the clause?

Separate Sentence: James is a smart boy. He began writing when he was four years old.

2. Incorrect use of Commas

The most appropriate thing to use when writing is a comma. A comma allows the reader to pause and take a breath. Unfortunately, some writers overuse or underuse it. It either causes the reader to become confused or to miss the point of the content. As a writer, you should know when and where NOT to use a comma. So, when writing, remember the following:

• Double-check your document. 
• A comma should not separate a Verb from its Subject or Object. 
• Don’t use a comma between two nouns in a compound sentence.
• Use a comma to join two independent clauses.
• Use commas when there are more than two elements in a list.

Furthermore, when reading, if you feel you’re pausing too often or not frequently enough, you should check your commas. Make sure you have spaced them correctly.

Example:

Incorrect Use of Comma:

1. He is smart but, dependent.
2. Hello Sam!

Correct Use of Comma:

1. He is smart but dependent.
2. Hello, Sam!

3. Sentence Fragments

The term Sentence Fragment refers to incomplete sentences. In other words, a sentence that does not have either its main verb or subject.

Example:

Sentence Fragment: I like to eat cookies. Because I like the taste.

Correct Sentence: I like to eat cookies because I like the taste.

4. Apostrophes and Contraction Usage

According to grammatical rules, any word ending with an apostrophe indicates possession or contraction. However, many writers make mistakes when using apostrophes and contractions. So, make sure to use apostrophes and contractions correctly.

Example:

Incorrect Sentence:

1. Its very hot outside today.
2. Your mad at him?

Correct Sentence:

1. It’s very hot outside today.
2. You’re mad at him.

5. Use of Passive Voice

A passive voice is not a grammatical error. However, passive sentences sound confusing, wordy, and unclear to the reader. As a writer, you should communicate your thoughts to your audience as clearly as possible. Additionally, use Active Voice rather than Passive Voice when phrasing your sentence.

Example:

Passive Sentences:

1. The shop will be closed by the owner.
2. The room was decorated by Jane.

Active Sentences:

1. The owner will close the shop.
2. Jane decorated the room

6. Misplaced Modifiers

Every writer needs to communicate their thoughts clearly to their audience. Therefore, writers should move the position of the misplaced modifier next to the words they intend to modify. Otherwise, it creates ambiguity and confusion for the reader.

Example:

Incorrect Sentence: At five years old, my mother bought me a toy for Halloween.

Correct Sentence: When I was five years old, my mother bought me a toy for Halloween.

7. Use of Prepositions

In grammar, a preposition indicates that a subsequent word follows it. However, many writers misplace it at the end of sentences at some point. Ending a sentence with a preposition is not a big deal in a general conversation. But, writers should avoid it in writing since it is not professional.

Additionally, some writers overuse prepositional phrases. It makes your writing wordy. If possible, simplify your sentences.

Example:

Incorrect Sentences:

1. What reason did she come here for?
2. The building shook with great force.

Correct Sentences:

1. For what reason did she come here?
2. The building trembled.

8. Use of Adverbs

The words that end with -ly are called Adverbs. Using Adverbs once in a while is good enough. But, overuse of adverbs is not encouraged for writers.

Example:

Incorrect Sentences:

1. She walked swiftly towards the window.
2. James whispered quietly to his dad.

Correct Sentences:

1. She dashed towards the window.
2. James whispered to his dad.

9. Wordiness

Don’t be too wordy if you want more fans for your writing. The most common causes of wordiness are excessive adverbs and adjectives. To simplify the text, omit unnecessary words. Your writing will be more concise and persuasive as a result.

Example:

Incorrect Sentence: There’s nothing better than music.

Correct Sentence: Nothing’s better than music.

10. Misuse of Words

Every writer’s most common mistake is to misspell words that sound similar. Though it sounds similar, they have different functionalities. Thus, try to avoid misuse of words.

Example:

There Vs. Their
Who Vs. Whom
Less Vs. Fewer
This Vs. These
Than Vs. Then
Affect Vs. Effect
Principle Vs. Principal

Mind your Language

It is possible to make countless grammar errors while writing. The mistakes listed above are some of the most common mistakes every writer makes. Many readers don’t notice grammatical errors. However, it may weaken your writing. Watch your language when you write to express your thoughts!

Good Luck 🙂