A study of the largest urban school districts in the United States found that students take an average of 112 standardized tests between pre-kindergarten and 12th grade. While some students excel at test-taking, others can get stressed out. A Washington Post study found high schoolers spend almost three hours a night studying. Experts say the right environment is key to homework strategies as students go back to school this fall. “Students need to learn in…
Fall will be here before we know it, and there are lots of new children’s books to be excited about! Here are some of the most highly anticipated children’s books releasing in fall 2024. 1. Good Night Thoughts by Max Greenfield. From actor Max Greenfield, the author of I Don’t Want to Read This Book and its two companion titles, comes a sweetly funny bedtime book about anxiety and being present. What do we do…
It’s hard to believe that school will be starting up soon for most kids and teens. The back-to-school season can be exciting and challenging, but a smooth transition helps families adjust well and thrive with the new school year. Here are some practical back to school strategies to help your kids and teens (as well as you) prepare. 1. Help your child make a plan and get any remaining summer assignments completed. Divide up reading,…
Fall will be here before we know it, and there are lots of new young adult books to be excited about! Here are some of the most highly anticipated young adult books releasing in fall 2024. 1. Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay. This exploration of four generations of Filipino American boys spans the 1930s to the 2020s. Told in multiple perspectives, Everything We Never Had unfolds like a beautifully crafted nesting doll, where…
Self-confidence plays a critical role in a student’s academic performance. Confident students are more likely to participate in class, ask questions, and engage in discussions, which enhances their understanding of the subject matter. They are not afraid to tackle challenging assignments or exams, believing in their ability to succeed. This positive mindset can lead to better grades and a more profound grasp of academic content. 1. Set realistic expectations. If the level of an assignment…
It’s no secret that when schools make a concerted effort to foster healthy, strong relationships with families, students benefit in a number of ways. Studies suggest that parental involvement and communication can lead to academic gains for students: higher grades and test scores, improved social skills and time on task, better attendance and participation, and decreased behavioral problems in the classroom. But parent-teacher communication can be challenging, say teachers. In 2006, 50 percent of participants…
Have you heard about Barnes & Noble’s summer reading challenge? Read any eight books and get one free! This summer, kids in grades 1-6 earn a FREE book through the Barnes & Noble summer reading challenge. Read any eight books and record them in your Summer Reading Journal. When you’re done, bring it to a Barnes & Noble store and choose your book. This reward is redeemable through 8/31/24, so you still have time to…
If you’re like many digitally savvy Americans, it has likely been a while since you’ve spent much time writing by hand. The laborious process of tracing out our thoughts, letter by letter, on the page is becoming a relic of the past in our screen-dominated world, where text messages and thumb-typed grocery lists have replaced handwritten letters and sticky notes. Electronic keyboards offer obvious efficiency benefits that have undoubtedly boosted our productivity — imagine having…
From formative and summative assessments to criterion-referenced and benchmark assessments, all types of learning assessments have unique function. But what are the types of learning assessments, and more importantly, when should you use them? If curriculum is the “what” of teaching and learning models are the “how,” then assessment is what challenges our assumptions about the what and the how. Assessment is commonly referred to as formative assessment–that is, assessment designed to inform instruction. Below,…
There are many fun activities for families to enjoy in the Boston area in the month of August. Check out our list of August activities and events happening in the Boston area and have a great month! August Adventures with Highland Street Foundation When: daily in August 2024 Where: various locations Age: kids, teens, adults Cost: free 31 days, 31 events, 100% FREE! August Adventures 2024 provides access and opportunities to new and old partners…
