SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
A Blank Slate Media Special Section • October 2, 2020
30 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 2, 2020
Cyber safety P is important for every grade
eople rely on the internet every day. In recent months, reliance on digital technology was pushed even further as social distancing measures had the world going online for school and work and to maintain relationships with friends and family. A 2018 report from Pew Research Center indicated that nearly 25 percent of young adults in America reported being online almost constantly. Common Sense Media says teens spend an average of nine hours a day online, compared to roughly six hours for those between the ages eight and 12 and 50 minutes for kids younger than eight. Students must exercise caution when spending time online. Connectivity can be empowering, but it also puts students at risk from others and even their own, sometimes irresponsible behaviors. Staying safe online should remain a priority for students who must spend more time on the internet and using digital education tools. These are some tips for maintaining cyber safety. • Exercise caution when sharing information like your name, address, phone number, and other personal data online. Check with a trusted parent or teacher before sharing private data. • Report any online activity that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared or confused, whether it is directed at you or a classmate.
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• Think carefully before you post comments online. Data remains online indefinitely, and your words and actions today can greatly affect your future. • Respect others online by refraining from demeaning or bullying comments. • Do not try to get around firewalls and blocked websites set up by school administrators. These limitations are there for your protection. • Stick to school-sanctioned assignments and internet browsing when using school-issued devices. Administrators may have the right to monitor student activity without students’ knowledge and you can easily get yourself in trouble. • It is easy to hide or fake one’s identity on the internet, so never take someone you meet or speak with online at face value. Never meet up with someone you do not know or only met online. • Talk to your parents or educators about extortion and ransomware that tries to trick you into providing payment in some shape or form to prevent a perpetrator from releasing private information about you, advises the Readiness and Emergency for Schools Technical Assistance Center. Various steps can be taken to promote cyber safety among students, parents and administrators.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 2, 2020 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
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32 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 2, 2020
Simple ways to encourage young artists
N
o two students are the same. Some students may love to read and naturally gravitate toward English class, while others may be fascinated by the world around them and find nothing stokes their academic passions quite like the study of physics. A passion for a given subject can make students more excited about school. But what about students with a passion for art? Many school districts have drastically cut back on fine arts classes. For example, a recent analysis of data from the State Department of Education in Oklahoma found that schools in the Sooner State cut more than 1,100 fine arts classes between 2014 and 2018. In the face of such budget cuts, parents may need to take a more active role in support of their children’s passion for art. The following are some ways parents can encourage that passion. • Recognize the educational value of art. PBS notes that creative activities are some of the building blocks of child development. While schools may be shifting their focus to common core subjects like mathematics, parents should recognize that art can be incredibly valuable to young minds as well. For example, art can help young children develop language skills, as creating art projects, even while just a toddler, often compels children to talk about their art. In addition, a recent report from Americans for the Arts
found that art education strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. If parents recognize the value of art, students are more likely to follow suit and reap all the rewards that art education provides. • Allow children the freedom to create. While technique is important for artists, young artists can benefit from some space. Other subjects are necessarily structured, but art sessions can be a great time for kids to simply explore their creativity without much interference from parents or educators. A designated room for arts, including arts and crafts, can illustrate to children that their interest in the arts is important and worthy of exploration. • Keep supplies well-stocked. Much like parents of young athletes enroll them in sports leagues or purchase the latest equipment, parents of children with a passion for art can indulge that passion by enrolling them in local art classes and keeping them wellstocked with art supplies. Even if the supplies are as simple as crayons and construction paper, their availability can send kids the message that their passion for art is not taken lightly. The arts can benefit students in myriad ways. If local school districts no longer offer art programs, it’s up to parents to find ways to encourage their children’s love of art.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 2, 2020 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION ADVERTORIAL
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34 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 2, 2020
Keep devices in top shape and running well
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he need for reliable technology has never been more apparent. When the world hit the proverbial pause button in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, technology was crucial to keeping people connected to the world around them, helping people maintain some semblance of normalcy as it pertained to work and education.
The warning signs of dyslexia O bstacles are bound to challenge students at some point in their academic careers. Students can sometimes overcome obstacles by recommitting themselves to their studies, while others, including dyslexia, require help from parents and educators. According to LD Online, an online resource that seeks to help children and adults with up-to-date information about learning disabilities and ADHD, as many as 43.5 million Americans from all economic and ethnic backgrounds have dyslexia. Dyslexia is also prevalent in Canada, where the learning disability resource The Reading Clinic estimates as much as 20 percent of the population has dyslexia. Learning disabilities can be challenging at any time, but they may be especially so when in-person access to educators and academic resources is limited or unavailable. Such was the case for many students during the COVID19 outbreak in 2020, when schools abruptly switched from in-person learning to remote learning in an effort to curb the spread of the potentially deadly virus. During the pandemic, millions of parents of school-aged children found themselves taking on the role of educators. That can be challenging for any parent, but especially so for parents of children with undiagnosed learning disabilities. Dyslexia is a complex learning disability, but one that may produce noticeable symptoms, which can vary depending on a child’s age. What is dyslexia? The Reading Clinic notes that dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is
neurological in origin and characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition. What are some warning signs for dyslexia? LD Online notes that it’s a myth that people with dyslexia read backwards. Students may have difficulty remembering letter symbols for sounds or forming memories for words, but they do not read backwards. In addition, LD Online notes that individuals with dyslexia may experience difficulty with: · Learning to speak · Learning letters and their sounds · Organizing written and spoken language · Memorizing number facts · Reading quickly enough to comprehend · Persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments · Spelling · Learning a foreign language · Correctly doing math operations Parents, especially those homeschooling their children during the COVID-19 outbreak, who notice any of these symptoms should report them to their children’s teachers immediately. Dyslexia is more common than many people may think. While dyslexia is a lifelong condition, LD Online notes that, with treatment, many people learn to read and write well. More information about dyslexia is available at www. ldonline.org.
Students and families who have invested in various electronics to help keep their household running should understand that maintenance is required to keep these devices running effectively. These tips can help keep gadgets in tip-top shape. • Protect devices from extreme temperatures. Electronic devices are designed to operate under an array of conditions, but pushing those conditions can result in damage. Most devices are fine between temperatures of 32 F and 90 F. But don’t leave electronics in the car, in a sunny window or outdoors. • Clean devices regularly. Refer to the user’s manual for the proper ways to clean the devices you rely on each day. Some may require a specific cleaner or a particular fabric to help ensure the device isn’t scratched or damaged. Spray cleaners on a cloth and then wipe off devices, rather than spraying cleaners directly on electronics. Try a can of compressed air to remove dust from crevices or vents.
• Invest in a surge protector. While surge protector power strips multiply the number of available outlets, they also serve a more important purpose. These devices will cut off power to plugged-in electronics if there is a power surge, helping to prevent damage. • Don’t overcharge. It’s essential to have gadgets charged and ready to go, but overcharging can reduce battery life. Do not leave devices charging overnight. Battery University™, a free educational website offering battery information, says that nickel- and lithium-based batteries should be stored with a 40 percent state-ofcharge. This level minimizes agerelated capacity loss and keeps the battery in good condition. • Use protective cases. Cases can prevent damage if devices are dropped and also may safeguard against scratched screens. Cases and covers also minimize dust and dirt on devices. • Keep software up-to-date. Security issues may arise when software is not updated, and programs may not run effectively or be compatible with others. Along the same vein, routinely clean out unused files to free up space, and clear cookies and browser histories to maintain speed and efficiency. Routine maintenance can keep electronics working properly when they’re needed the most.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 2, 2020 • SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
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How students can start clubs at school students may not find the right fit when looking for extracurricular activities, prompting them to explore starting their own clubs at school. Such an endeavor can be rewarding, and there are certain steps students can take to make their efforts more successful.
xtracurricular activities can enrich students’ school experience. An enjoyable extracurricular activity can help students apply lessons learned in the classroom while also making it possible for them to expand on those lessons while having some fun and meeting some new people.
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Many students find extracurricular activities that can provide both social and academic benefits. For example, student-athletes may learn the value of perseverance and working with others by participating in team sports. However, some
• Speak with school officials. It’s best to get the go-ahead from school officials before doing too much heavy lifting. Schools may have rules in place that prohibit certain types of clubs. For example, schools may prohibit poker clubs or other activities rooted in games of chance. So it benefits students to get the go-ahead from school officials before moving forward. Officials also may mandate that any club officially affiliated with the school must have a designated faculty advisor, so students should have someone in mind once they learn the club is allowed. • Gauge student interest. Students thinking of starting their own club should gauge the interest of fellow students as well. Some schools may require a minimum number of members, so speak with friends and classmates to gauge interest. High school students can speak with students in all grade levels, as extracurricular activities should be
all-inclusive and not exclude potential members because they’re underclassmen. • Decide your goal. Extracurricular clubs should have a defined purpose so members can get the most out of it. For example, a school film club may aspire to introduce classic movies to young film fans, but also to discuss the techniques filmmakers employed in making the films. A stated purpose can help ensure club meetings stay the course and don’t get sidetracked. • Learn the ropes of being a club officer. School-sponsored clubs require some considerable effort to maintain. Students who want to start their own club can speak with officers of existing clubs for pointers on everything from organization to fundraising. Clubs should have some structure, and officers from existing clubs can be great resources when trying to develop that structure in a new clubs. • Have fun. Of course, one of the goals of any extracurricular activity is to have fun. Club founders and officers should keep that in mind and aim to make sure each meeting is fun for all members. Students who start new clubs at school can employ various strategies to ensure such clubs are fun for all.
Buckley Country Day School TODDLER THROUGH GRADE 8
Opening The Eyes And Awakening The Mind
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36 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 2, 2020 ADVERTORIAL
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