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How Teachers Are Keeping the Classroom Safe During Covid by Craig Middleton explains what teachers are doing to make classrooms and learning as safe as possible. After reading this check with your school to see what they are doing to maximize your child’s safety. Thanks, Craig.

Introduction

• Although the COVID-19 pandemic has not gone away, many parents are wanting their children to go back to school so that life can get back to normal to some degree. If you feel it is in the best interest of your child to return to school, but feel conflicted about sending them back while the virus is still going on, it’s important to understand that you are not alone. Learn more about the different ways that teachers are taking back the classroom and keeping students safe while ensuring they get the same quality of learning.

Sanitizing Frequently

• Many teachers are taking the time to clean before and after each class, using a sanitizing spray such as Lysol, and encouraging students to use hand sanitizer as often as necessary. Sanitizing techniques and using best practices when there is no soap and water available isn’t foolproof, but they ensure that students and the surfaces they touch are getting the chance to have access to cleaning materials on a regular basis.

Spacing as Much as Possible

• A distance of 6 feet has been suggested as a safe distance to ensure the virus doesn’t spread through talking or other types of transmission. Using spacing in classrooms can give teachers and students personal space to focus on what they are working on while ensuring that outbreaks are kept to a minimum. In classrooms where this type of spacing is not possible, many teachers are still making a point to create more distance than normal. Although this manner cannot entirely prevent contamination issues, it can help rather than doing nothing at all.

Having Smaller Classrooms

• Smaller classrooms are another way that teachers are helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while focusing on the needs of their students. By having a smaller classroom, it can be easier to teach and help students understand the material than trying to get several different students of various learning levels to understand what is going on. Small classrooms can make it easier to figure out where a case of the virus originated from, and in general, allow for greater control while working with the differing needs of a classroom.

Using Masks For Protection

• Although masks might not be preferred when it comes to seeing people’s faces and learning at the same time, they can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If someone sneezes, the mask can contain the droplets that would otherwise be spread. The same goes for coughing, speaking, and other ways of accidentally transmitting germs. Masks are helpful at reducing the viral load, so students that wear them can feel safer even if they have to sit in an enclosed classroom and focus on their studies. Teachers who wear masks can set a good example for their students and help them feel as supported as possible. (Doug: Also ask your school what they have done to make sure their ventilation system is highly effective. You should also ask if they keep windows open and run classes outdoors when possible.)

Offering Blended Learning

• Blended learning involves some time in the classroom with a portion of that time being spent learning virtually or remotely at home. Many schools are offering students and parents options, such as a rugged tablet that can withstand a variety of environments. Blended learning can help students get additional time to focus on what they are studying, and it might be useful as a way for parents to remain involved in what their child is learning.

Conclusion

• Although it is understandable to have hesitation when sending your child back to school, many teachers are taking it upon themselves to make the classroom as safe as possible. Using different sanitization methods along with incorporating distance and having smaller classrooms have become common practices at many schools across the country. Many teachers and school districts are requiring masks, and blended learning has become a popular choice for students and their families alike. Although these are not fail-proof methods, they can greatly help in reducing the overall spread of COVID-19 in your community while giving your student the chance to have a normal life again.

Craig Middleton

• Craig is a New York City-based retired business consultant, who is an expert in education and cultural trends. He has a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters in Education from St. Johns and loves sharing his knowledge on the side through his writing. If you have any questions or comments you can direct them to Craig at craigmiddleton18@gmail.com.

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Playing to Learn: What to Look for in a Preschool Program by Amanda Winstead offers great advice for parents of preschool children as they try to decide which school to choose. Even if your child is already in school, you can use this article to help evaluate the one you picked or the only one available. Thanks, Amanda.

Introduction

• Most children start preschool at ages 3-4, though there’s no “perfect” age to enroll them. If you think your child is ready, the most important thing is to find a preschool that fits their needs and a place you feel comfortable with. At such a young age, your child needs to strike a healthy balance between learning and play. A good preschool will focus on both, and encourage learning through natural experiences and exploration.
• If you’re considering preschool for your child, you don’t have to stress over choosing the perfect place. When you know what to look for, you can do more thorough research on a handful of places, rather than scrambling through every location in your area. With that, let’s dive deeper into what you should look for in a preschool program, including varied learning styles and how a specific program can best benefit your little one.

Different Learning Methods

• Children learn differently. Even at a young age, your child will start to show signs of their preferred learning style. The seven standard styles of learning are: Visual, Kinesthetic, Aural, Social, Solitary, Verbal, and Logical.
• Preschool-aged children tend to be more hands-on no matter what style they prefer. Play is something that comes naturally to them. Balanced preschools will take a balanced approach to play-based learning and academic learning. What’s the difference? Play-based learning programs focus on: integrating academics into the things your child is already interested in, collaboration and social development, and Exploration and choices.
• In a play-based environment, students are typically observed by the teacher, and their progress is monitored. In more academic preschools, students might have more structured learning time, and they might even have homework at the end of the day.

You Know Your Child Best

• You know your child better than anyone. Observe what seems to come naturally to them at home. Do they tend to do better with unstructured playtime, or do they thrive with discipline and like to be focused on one task? Knowing their preferences will help you to make a better decision about the type of learning a particular preschool does.

Getting Outside the Classroom

• Both academic and play-based preschools should make an effort to change up the scenery from time to time. Young children need more than just learning time in the classroom. Getting outside should be a fairly big priority when you’re looking for a preschool program.
• Spending time outside has multiple health benefits for people of all ages. For kids, it’s a great way to learn and explore things that might not grab their attention in class. Nature is a wonderful prescription for better physical and mental health, too. About 13.4% of children ages 2-5 are considered obese. Allowing them to spend time outside can boost their physical activity and help them to maintain a healthy weight. (Doug: Don’t forget that diet is more important when it comes to weight control.)
• Nature also has positive mental health effects. It can boost energy levels, improve focus, and put you in a better mood – yes, even little ones. While preschool-aged children might not typically struggle with anxiety or depression, being outside can help with those things. For young children, it can contribute to feelings of happiness and help them to calm down. Finding a preschool that takes pride in spending time outdoors in nature play spaces is important. Outdoor learning and playing are just as beneficial as time inside the classroom. A preschool program should have a balance of both.

Inclusion and Accessibility

• We live in a diverse world. Children from all different backgrounds and children with different abilities should be able to come together in a classroom without judgment or question. That’s why inclusion and accessibility should be two key factors in your preschool decision. Maybe your child has trouble focusing or they’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. Maybe they have a disability. Or, maybe you just want them to be a part of a program that embraces diversity and accessibility.
• Whatever the case, there are more benefits to inclusion in the classroom than most people realize. Some of those notable benefits include: it tailors the teaching methods to all types of learners, it provides additional support to students, and Differences between people seem more normal, so kids can grow up embracing them.
• Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about accessibility and inclusion. But, the more parents who value such things, the better and brighter the future will be. If a preschool takes the time to let parents know they welcome everyone, you can be more confident in their efforts. Your child will learn so much simply by being around different types of children, and those are the lessons they’ll take with them for the rest of their lives.

In Conclusion

• Choosing a preschool program is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. By keeping these things in mind and understanding your child’s needs, you can make that decision easier on yourself and feel confident in your final decision.

Amanda Winstead

• Amanda is a freelance writer out of Portland focusing on many topics including educational technology. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

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Three Key Indicators That You May Want to Choose a STEM Major by Craig Middleton explains why all students should at least consider a career in one of the STEM fields. If you know anyone currently in high school be sure to share this with them. Thanks, Craig.

Introduction

• One of the most overwhelming and intimidating decisions of our lives can come as early as high school when individuals are encouraged to choose a career path for their lives. At such a young age, many people are unsure of all of the amazing careers out there and can be indecisive on choosing a path they may follow for the rest of their lives. Some choose to mimic adult role models in their lives. Some students research jobs based on their strengths, interests and guidance. Some may have worked for years in a job they are unhappy with and begin the search all over again mid-life to pursue a career they enjoy.
• STEM careers are growing, stable and reliable. If you are unfamiliar with STEM, it is a core focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Many schools are emphasizing STEM learning disciplines beginning as early as preschool. These jobs can be very hands-on and there is a ton of variety depending on what you are looking for. How do you know if a STEM major is right for you? Spend some time evaluating your interests, strengths, goals and other relevant topics, as these will all impact your decision. With a STEM degree, you will have many possibilities for future careers. Here are some other key ways to determine if you might enjoy a STEM job.

1. Benefits

• The capability to support yourself and your family will play a large role in determining your career path. Benefits such as income, health insurance, paid time off, sick leave and retirement contributions should be considered heavily, especially when choosing between multiple job offers. STEM jobs often have good benefits packages.
• You can use a paystub generator to help see what your take-home pay will be. You can change state, marital status, pay rate, hours and pay frequency. The generator will then do all of the math to show you gross earnings, deductions and net pay. This will allow you to see exactly how much you will net each paycheck from any given salary. This knowledge allows you to know how much money you will have to pay your bills, which is important for choosing a career path.

2. Stability

• The stability associated with STEM majors is often noted. The field is expanding rapidly, meaning there are plenty of jobs in many locations. A quick job search for STEM careers can show you locations all over the United States and even globally. If you are looking to settle into a precise location, it is a good idea to search for jobs that interest you. The demand and growth lead to stability many people desire.

3. Flexibility

• Another strong draw to STEM majors is the ability to pursue many different career paths with a single degree. This flexibility can allow for future career switches without additional education. This can be reassuring for those nervous about working one job for the rest of their lives. It also means that you are very marketable for job openings because you have an education covering these popular topics. A STEM major is a great base for career flexibility. You can have more options with additional training and some employers may even pay for you to continue your education.

Conclusion

• College is a great experience in which the choices you make can impact the rest of your life. There are hundreds of possible majors, all of which have their own pros and cons. Spend time exploring majors, looking up the ones you have not heard of and reading into what types of jobs you can obtain with these various degrees. Lean on your strengths and interests for a strong indicator of a field you will enjoy. The STEM majors are a great fit for many individuals. You can choose from many jobs with a STEM degree, most of which are growing in demand and have solid salaries and benefits. This growing field is not one you want to leave unexplored!

Craig Middleton

• Craig is a New York City-based retired business consultant, who is an expert in education and cultural trends. He has a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters in Education from St. Johns and loves sharing his knowledge on the side through his writing. If you have any questions or comments you can direct them to Craig at craigmiddleton18@gmail.com.

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