Make learning fun for yourself

Learning isn't always a fun activity but that does not mean it has to always be a tedious process. There are fun and interesting ways to practice your vocabulary and spelling. Quizzes, spelling games, and finding synonyms to words. You and your friends can create your own games, be creative. Write songs, books even write scripts for a play that you want to act out.  Divide yourselves into groups, look through magazines finding certain words that you can circle to win the game. Fill in crossword puzzles, the list is endless. Remember to enjoy yourself while learning something. If you have any interesting games that you would like to share please comment on the blog.

Be an example to your peers

Reading is the gateway to a growing imagination and endless possibility.

It allows all people to escape and experience world’s beyond their own life experience and imagination.

This is why it is vital for you to read. You have to develop the love of reading and share it with your peers as you are all the children of our nation. One way of spreading the word is by being a role model of reading yourself.

Book Review

The Story of Barbar

Author: Jean De Brunhoff

Babar runs from a hunter who killed his mother, finally coming to a town where he makes friends with a rich benefactor. But Babar is the kind of elephant who doesn't just rest on charity; he works hard to learn people's ways and be accepted into society. Still, he must eventually return to his own kind, the elephants, who give him the highest tribute when they see the results of his hard effort.

First published in 1933, this book has become a classic beloved by generations of parents and children. Its long staying power attests to its value, and yet, in retrospect, one suspects it would not be published if it were offered to editors today. But, indeed, its simple charm lies in its innocence, its matter-of-fact presentation of all aspects of life, its value system, and its celebration of flexibility, wonder, acceptance, hard work, and happy pursuit of using one's gifts to make others happy.

The detailed primary-color chromatic art and line drawings are reminiscent of Margaret Wise Brown's classic Goodnight Moon. So many children, their children, and their children's children who have enjoyed this book and all the others by Jean de Brunhoff for so long know that not everything in life has to make sense, but that trying to behave sensibly has its rewards.

www.commonsensemedia.org

Try this - Making your own Hotdog Book

The Hot Dog Booklet has a front and back cover and six pages inside. You can use any size paper. For a book from recycled materials, use the front panel of a grocery bag or any piece of paper with writing on only one side. The writing should be on the inside when you make the first fold. To make multiple copies of a book, make a blank book with plain copy paper (no writing on either side). Write and illustrate your book with black marker or pen. Open the sheet and lay it face down on a copier. Make as many copies as you want. Fold and cut each one.

1. Fold the paper in half the long way, like a hot dog.

2. Open the paper and fold it in half the short way, like a hamburger.

3. Take one layer of paper, flip the edge back to meet the fold, and crease.

4. Turn the paper over, flip the edge of the paper back to meet the fold, and crease.

5. Place the paper on the table so that you          see a W when you look at the end.

6. Cut the centre of the W along the centre fold. You'll be cutting through two layers of paper and stopping at the cross fold.

7. Turn your wrists to the sides. You will have an open book with four sections.

Bring three of the sections together. Fold the last section on top of the other three so that you have a flat book

Homework for learners

 

Doing homework is always a bit of a pain for children, especially if there are other, more fun things to do after school, like go play with friends or watch TV, or play computer games, or read something fun

But! Learning to do your homework regularly isn’t just about being up to date for school-it’s also about learning how to manage your time, and meeting deadlines. It’s about developing a work ethic. Habits of behaviour develop in childhood, just like the way we learn to speak or walk-making sure you do your homework every day is a way you grow into a hard working adult. Doing your homework first, before you play, means you won’t have to freak out about being in trouble for not having completed your work, and that will make school more fun.

Starting your own book club

Starting your own book club can be fun - and challenging. Of course, the first thing you need to do is nail down all the details: the number of participants, for instance. You don't want the group to be too large or too small, so 12 is an ideal number. Then you need to decide how often you should meet, and where. Monthly meetings are the norm, giving all plenty of time to read the selected book and keep everyone involved. If time is a problem for your members, once in six weeks or two months could work.

Selecting  a meeting place could be a challenge since you probably don't want your home to be the exclusive venue. All members could take turns in hosting the meeting at their homes - or you could choose somewhere 'neutral' - the local library, recreation centre, church hall or your school.

Members themselves should organise the meeting which, ideally should last about an hour and a half. This allows 30 minutes to discuss the book, 30 minutes for refreshments and to enjoy each other's company, and 30 minutes to go over any book club business, such as selecting next month's selection.

Most importantly, members should share your love of reading and, even if all your interests are not the same, you should be able to exchange views on the same level. The real joy of a book club is the way it stirs the love of reading.

Discover the world through your nearest library

The magic of books is their power to take you to places and put you in situations you may never have the chance to experience - and couldn't imagine were possible. Books open your mind to many, many worlds. This is why the love of reading is the greatest gift, and once you get into the habit you'll want to develop and maintain it all your life. Books are also an amazing tool for research. There are books written on anything and everything, which makes them a great way to learn and investigate theories and facts.

But because paper is so expensive, so are books - unless you take advantage of your nearest library. So how do you go about looking for a book in a library? There are three main things to know:

Firstly, you must decide whether you want written fiction - a made-up story, or non-fiction which is pure fact based on true information, or picture books or 'easy books'. Secondly, since these three types of books are on shelves in different areas, you need to learn where these areas are. Lastly, there is a 'call number' on each book's spine: this tells us where the book 'lives' on the library shelves. You'll find it helpful to make yourself familiar with the Dewey Decimal System for finding specific books, which any good librarian will help you with.

Once you've discovered how easy, and inexpensive, it is to take books out of your nearest library, you'll be amazed how your mind will open up and be more receptive to more and more new ideas and new thinking. You'll also find your ability to focus is greatly enhanced - at times you'll find it almost possible to put down a book that engrosses you. Reading also helps you tap into the extraordinary power of your imagination.

Discover your library - and change your life!

Protect yourself

Don't let yourself become a victim, if you let someone bully you, you are giving them power over you which makes you feel weak and helpless. This does not have to be the case. Always make sure you have an adult that you trust in your life, someone who you feel comfortable confiding in about your inner most deepest thoughts.

You have to make a friend, generally people who bully others tend to go for children who are alone as this makes it easier for them to dominate. When being tormented by a bully always maintain your composure as studies show that when they hear things like 'I've had enough' or 'leave' they become more determined to prove a point.

Make sure you are always with someone. Another good idea is to do activities that help you build confidence and self-esteem like dancing, sports and music. Always remember that you are your own person and nobody has the right to harm you in any way, all you have to do is break the silence!

Be smart about your education

Before you go and spend all of yours, your parents, or banks hard earned money on a tertiary qualification, do a bit of research. It is vital for you to collect all the information you need for you and your parents to make a good choice about what and where you choose to study. It is not only about how much you will spend on education, but rather how well you spend it.

What does spending well on education mean in practical terms? It means spending money on getting a qualification that is worth more than the paper it is printed on. The main reason you have to get a qualification is because it makes it possible for you to find work that will fulfill you and enable you to earn a living.

Don't let yourself be caught in a situation where after years of dedicated study you realise that employers in your field do not recognise your qualification or value it.

When considering furthering your studies, find out what your course entails, what qualification you will receive once you have completed your studies, the qualification's level on the National Qualifications Framework, what accreditation it enjoys and whether it is recognised by employers in the industry in which you wish to work.

Be smart and make the right decision for you!

Taking Responsibility for yourself

Yes it's true learners think they have it all figured out. They come up with excuses, of how the dog ate their homework in the morning, or even better yet how it was done but then mysteriously disappeared while they were sleeping. As a learner you have to take responsibility for your life. You cannot simply go through school making up stories and hoping for a miracle to help you pass.

Ultimately you are responsible for your studies, and the last thing you want is to have to learn this lesson in life while repeating the same grade. As much as we all love television and facebook, you have to know how to prioritise. Your chores and school work should all be completed before you attempt to do anything related to relaxing.

Taking ownership is vital for you to have a successful school career. You have to understand that without hard work and dedication you cannot achieve your goals. Especially in high school you always have to be aware that your results will affect your future, because you have to have good marks to get accepted into university. Your parents and teachers cannot do it for you, so the ball is in your court and only you can take the decision to work to the best of your ability at all times.

The importance of journal writing

As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. This is especially true when it comes to writing, an activity that many young students find intimidating, tedious or just plain difficult. However, developing strong written communication skills is a vital component of your overall success in primary school, high school and university (as well as in the adult workplace).

This is a skill that is important for you to have. In many ways it can help you say the things you want to say, which makes it an excellent way to communicate your feelings or just simply get things off your mind.

It can also be a fun activity you do to relax. By creating a journal you are allowing yourself to be as creative as you want to be. There is no right and wrong. You are able to express your inner thoughts in any way you desire to.

All that's left for you to do is to get started and make it a habit by including it in your daily or weekly timetable depending on how much time you have to spare for relaxing.

Ideas from: www.cwcoachingclub.com/2011/the importance of successful-journal-writing

Peer Pressure in school

Peer pressure has always been a major issue in teenagers' lives. We all feel the need to be accepted by our peers resulting in a power struggle between our friends, our family and society. More and more we are hearing stories of increased sexual activity among learners from a very young age in schools. Teenage pregnancy, gang initiation in schools, drop outs and lack of school attendance are becoming the norm. Why is it so difficult to say NO, but so easy to get sucked into situations with potentially devastating consequences?

As a learner you have to develop a strong sense of self and very clear lines of communication with people you know only have good intentions for you. It is important that you are active in the role of developing your self confidence and self esteem. Learn to accept yourself and appreciate what you have instead of focusing on what you don't have.

The friends you choose speak volumes to the kind of person you are. Make sure your friends have a positive influence on you and that you have honesty and trust in your friendships. Stand up for your beliefs and don't let anyone tell you, you are anything less that what you know you are because our future lies in your hands and the decisions you make in your youth may make or break your future plans.

Reading is good for you, start now!!!

Reading is one of the best hobbies you can have, but it's sad to know that the majority of us do not know the fabulous world of books. If you are one of the non-readers here are some reasons to start the habit....before you are left behind!

1. Reading is an active mental process: Unlike sitting in front of the idiot box (TV),
reading makes you use your brain. While reading you would be forced to reason out many things which are unfamiliar to you. In this process you would use the grey cells of your brain to think and become smarter.

2. Reading improves your vocabulary: While reading books, especially challenging ones, you will find yourself exposed to many new words you wouldn't have been otherwise.

3. Gives you a glimpse into other cultures and places of the world: How would you know about the life of people living in Mexico if you don't read about it? (unless you are very privileged to visit different countries regularly). Reading gives you insight into the diversity of ethnicity of people, their customs and their lifestyles. You become more aware of different places and their code of conduct.

4. Improves concentration and focus: It requires you to focus on what you are reading for long periods. unlike magazines or e-mails that might contain small chunks of information, books tell the whole story.

5. Builds self-esteem: The more you read, the knowledgeable you become. With more knowledge comes more confidence. More confidence builds self-esteem. So it's a chain reaction.

6. Improves memory: Reading requires remembering details, facts and figures and in literature, plot lines, themes and characters.

7. Improves you discipline: Making time to read is something we all know we should do, but who schedules book reading time every day? Very few... That's why adding book reading to your daily schedule and sticking to it, improves discipline.

8. Improves creativity: Reading about diversity of life and exposing yourself to new ideas and more information helps to develop the creative side of the brain as it instills innovation into your thinking process.

If you want to break the monotony of a lazy, uncreative and boring life, go and grab an interesting book. Turn the pages to explore a new world filled with information and creativity.

Making an effective timetable

A Daily timetable will help you plan every part of your day, from the moment you wake up to the moment you crawl into bed at night. You'll be able to take control of how you spend your time from one hour to the next.

Here's how to make one. You might want to make a separate timetable for each day of the week, or one for weekdays and one for weekends.

1. Take a sheet of paper and a ruler. Draw a chart of all your working hours, using
one square for each half hour. If you're awake for 16 hours each day, you'll
need 32 squares: 8 across, 4 down. Using graph paper can help.
2. Label each square with the starting time for that half-hour block of time.For example, if you wake up at 6:00 in the morning, label the first half-hour square 6:00 a.m, and the next one 6:30 a.m, and so on.....
3. Sit down and examine your day. Make a list of all the things you need to do, from taking a shower to doing homework and after school activities.
4. When you begin to write things into your timetable, start with the things that
have specific start times. For instance, if you know you have to be at the bus
stop 7:00 a.m, fill in that square with Bus Stop.
5. Give yourself a break or several! If doing all your homework in one chunk is too
much for you, then schedule a little bit of free time between subjects.
6. Consider using a different colored pen or marker to colour in different types of
responsibilities. You could use yellow for family chores, red for school events,
and blue for school activities, and so on. This way you'll get a good sense of how
your day is planned just by looking at your timetable. This will also help you
identify if you are overloaded with something eg: sports.
7. Remember that you cant predict what's going to happen every day, and time
management involves being flexible.

Back to school

It's that time of the year again! You've been on holiday enjoying your days off, playing and sleeping late but now you need to prepare for the year ahead.

To get a head start when school opens, make sure all your books are neatly covered and your uniform is washed and ready for when the day arrives. This is the time to use your excitement and extra energy to your advantage.

There are three very important things you can do to make the year a success.

Firstly, set goals for what you want to achieve in the next 12 months, so that you don't lose sight of what you need to do to achieve this. Make sure your goals are important to you and realistic, and that you are ready to work hard to reach them. For this to happen, you must write them down and re-look at them constantly during the year.

Secondly, make sure you know what is happening in your school and that you have your timetable ready for the year. Now you know what opportunities you can embrace to reach your goals.

Thirdly, inform your parents about your goals and get them involved in what you are doing at school. Make sure that you have their support in all you do.

The new year is here and you have to make it count.

GOODLUCK AND ENJOY!!!!!!!