Blogs
on August 21, 2025
At the heart of Kids on the Yard's philosophy is an absolute belief in the capabilities of children. The reading program follows a strategic balance between guided instruction and autonomous learning. It stimulates kids' curiosity and keeps their enthusiasm alive by allowing them to lead their learning journey, ask questions, and find answers independently or with some guidance.
One of the key benefits of online tutoring is the convenience it offers. Students can access tutoring from any geographic location, removing commute times and increasing accessibility for those in remote locations. Similarly, tutors can manage their schedule flexibly, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Unlike traditional classrooms, the homeschooling reading curriculum at Kids on the Yard sets NO rigid timings or strict syllabus. Instead, it fosters a love for reading by incorporating an extensive collection of interesting books that span various genres and culture. The creative atmosphere also encourages kids to express their understanding of the texts through illustrations, dramatizations, and even composing their stories, thus boosting their imaginative thinking and creative writing skills.
In the hustle and hustle of today's media-driven landscape, one of the most significant challenges facing children is maintaining concentration and focus. With technology providing continuous background distractions, experts warn of a potential impact on children's cognitive development. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that concentration and focus exercises can significantly improve kids' ability to stay on task. These exercises not only enrich their learning experience but also contribute to their overall mental health.
Have students create a biography or write a feature article on a person they admire. This could be a famous figure, a family member, or even a friend. This activity teaches students the art of research, introducing them to interviewing and homeschooling and socialization studies analysis methods, and also refines their narrative skills.
An inspiring way to engage students with writing is through poetry. Begin with an introduction to different forms – sonnet, haiku, free verse, limerick, to mention a few. Each week, students can try their hand at a new format, learning about rhythm, rhyme, and other concepts in poetry. Create a 'Poetry Corner' in the classroom where students can display their poems.
4. Watch Educational Videos: Thanks to platforms like YouTube, there are countless videos available on virtually any subject. Videos provide ample visual stimulation, and so are apt tools for visual learners. Instead of traditional reading and note-taking, videos are a refreshing way to grasp concepts and improve knowledge retention.
Another popular exercise is the 'Concentration Circle.' The basic concept behind this is to form a circle with a group of kids, choosing one child to start the game by performing an action like clapping hands or stomping feet. The next kid copies before adding another action — creating a chain reaction. The aim is to remember and imitate the series of actions, thereby enhancing memory and focus.
Creating a classroom news station encourages students to be creative, observant, and analytical. Each student takes turns to report on a topic, write an editorial, or conduct interviews, culminating in a class newspaper or video news report.
Online education has seen a significant boost following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With increased needs for remote learning, we've witnessed a surge in online tutoring, notably in reading and writing. This report explores the impacts and benefits of online tutoring for reading and writing.
5. Use Online Tools and Apps: There are several platforms offering innovative ways to study through interactive diagrams, virtual note-taking, and gamified flashcards. Explore apps like Quizlet, Mindmeister, or Khan Academy that cater specifically to visual learners.
7. Regular Review: Visual learners should always review their notes, diagrams, or flashcards regularly. This practice helps reinforce the concepts and build long-term memory. It's beneficial to review your notes before starting a new study session and again after finishing.
Fostering creativity and enhancing writing abilities in middle school students is a task that demands a perfect blend of innovation, enthusiasm, and patience. Writing workshops present an incredible opportunity for students to cultivate their skills, explore their potential, and most importantly, express themselves through words. Here, we spotlight some creative writing workshop ideas that can be seamlessly incorporated into the middle school curriculum.
We all want our children to succeed both academically and personally. Success in these areas greatly hinges on the ability to concentrate and focus, particularly in this era of information overload. Fortunately, a novel set of exercises has emerged aiming to bolster concentration and limit distractions. Neuroscience demonstrates that, like physical fitness, focus and attention are trainable abilities that can be improved with practice.