Blogs
on November 22, 2025
Active involvement makes learning more effective. Encourage students to engage actively with their notes by writing summaries, turning headings into questions and then answering them, or teaching the information to someone else.
In the 2019-20 school year, Smallville School District started adopting an online learning program that specifically focuses on enhancing writing and reading comprehension skills. As part of the curriculum, students would use an online platform, Writing Wizard, to write essays, reports and other pieces.
Despite these challenges, Smallville School District found that the benefits of integrating online learning into their curriculum far outweighed the drawbacks. The district decided to continue using Writing Wizard and began exploring further ways to utilize digital platforms for other subjects.
Reading has been heralded consistently not as a pastime or hobby, but rather as an indispensable element in shaping one's personality, intellect, and worldview. By diving into the worlds wrapped within the pages of a book or fluttering on a screen, readers are given enthralling opportunities to learn, understand, and grow.
Surprisingly, in a span of one school year, an improvement in the students' writing capabilities was evident. Based on the scoring in Writing Wizard, student scores increased by an average of 15% by the end of the year.
The online learning platform encouraged students to write more, and the immediate feedback they received motivated them to improve their work. Many students noted that they felt more confident in their writing skills and essay structure understanding. Teachers reported that students became more proactive in proof-reading and editing their own work before submission.
Middle school science opens up a new world of discovery for budding young scholars and often presents an initial taste of in-depth academic study that goes beyond simple facts. From ecology to energy, cells to compounds, students get familiarized with complex scientific concepts. To maximize their learning and retention, effective note-taking is a crucial skill to master. Here are some strategies to help make the most of this educational journey by improving your note-taking skills.
Kids on the Yard is an innovative program that integrates relaxation and academics, helping children enhance their skills and discover their passion for learning. During this challenging time of pandemic, where physical activities and face-to-face learning are somewhat restricted, Kids on the Yard has found its way to adapt and continue its commitment to provide enriching opportunities through various platforms such as virtual learning and home-schooling.
Phonics games for kids promote a fun and engaging way to develop reading and writing skills. They introduce children to sounds, letters, and the ways they interact to create words. This learning approach is a child-centered method that bridges play and academics, cultivating an early love for reading and writing amidst children.
The Andersons also focused on building an organized study environment. A tidy and quiet space dedicated to studying, devoid of distractions like televisions or video games, was identified. They also agreed on fixed study hours to instill a sense of discipline. This practice of ‘quality over quantity’ helped in keeping the kids focused during their study time and enhanced their concentration levels.
Science is full of terms and phrases that can be long and time-consuming to write. Using abbreviations or symbols for these recurring phrases can save time and help keep notes concise. For example, "H2O" for water or "↑" for increase.
Kids on the Yard's unique framework uses a holistic approach that focuses on a child’s physical, emotional, and intellectual development. Its program stretches to several categories including academic clubs, sports and wellness, emotional support, virtual learning support, and homeschooling. The group is dedicated to enhancing a child’s self-esteem, knowledge, skills, and cognitive development through a friendly, inclusive, and collaborative setting. Furthermore, they value each child’s individuality and believe in their potential to learn and grow. Each program is given careful consideration, ensuring it addresses the children's learning needs while also attending to their well-being.
Educators were responsible for assigning topics, monitoring progress, and giving additional feedback. They used the built-in tools for assessment, tracking students' performance, and identifying areas for improvement.
Implementing phonics games in Kids on the Yard's emotional support system can serve as a therapy tool to help children express and communicate their feelings more effectively. In their virtual learning and homeschooling scheme, phonics games can also form an interactive way for children to stay engaged, maintaining focus during their remote classes.
The Cornell method involves dividing your paper into three sections: two columns and a space at the bottom. The notes from the lecture or reading go in the larger, right-hand column, while post-class questions and keywords go on the left. The space at the bottom serves as a summary. This organized method helps in easy revision and ensures that critical points are not missed.