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Tips to Teach Your Teen Financial Responsibility

Be money-wise

Parents are responsible to teach their children how to be financially independent when they come of age. Teaching your teenager how to manage their money properly will help them to become independent. This will also help them to become more responsible with how they spend their money.

To equip and prepare your teens to become financially responsible and independent, here are tips you can teach  them.

Start with their interest

Teenagers tend to be interested in what they wear. This is a good place to start a lesson. Let them take an inventory of what clothing they own. After this, you’ll both know how many pieces of clothing your teenager has. Then, you can let your teenager separate their clothing that is still wearable, out of date, and those that they have grown to dislike. When your child wants to get new clothes, you can suggest they get what they need. As a parent, you will also have an idea of what your teen already has and what you can get them for special occasions like Christmas or birthdays. The clothes that they don’t like can be donated or sold to any consignment shops so they can earn a little bit of money.

Help your teenager find a job

The first step to being financially independent is to have a source of income. Teenagers can have part-time jobs like babysitting, mowing the lawn, and many more. This will help your children develop their sense of independence and they will also gain work experience that will be valuable to them in the future. You can help your teenager out in his search for a job by asking what his interests are. If he enjoys music, he can tutor children who would like to learn how to play instruments. If he likes studying and excels academically, he can tutor children. If he is athletically-inclined, he can work as a lifeguard. There are many possibilities, you just have to know what your teenager likes to do.

You can also help your teen find a job through your connections, either from people in your family or your friends and acquaintances. Help your child with his resume and help him prepare for interviews. Hold a mock interview and ask them common questions that are asked in real job interviews. This will help prepare your teen.

Teach them how to budget

teach your kids about financial responsibility

Start teaching your children how to budget their money by the age of 12. You can give them a certain amount and tell them to buy what they need. They can choose to buy expensive clothes or school supplies but when they run out of money, tell them that you won’t be giving them more. Hand them their allowance for the week and let them handle their daily expenses. Tell them that if they run out of money before the end of the week, they will be the one responsible for their expenses for the remaining days. Learning how to budget will be an important foundation for teenagers to have financial independence.

Teach your teens how to save up

Surveys have found out that only 40 percent of Americans are saving a portion of their annual income. Saving up is as important as learning how to budget, so don’t neglect to teach them this lesson. Teach your children to save up 40 percent of their income from their part-time jobs and then the remaining 60 percent is for spending on their wants and needs.

As you teach your teens how to be financially responsible, know that they will make mistakes along the way. Let them make these mistakes and learn. Be supportive and let them know that you are there for them if they need any help. Be there when they have any questions about financial independence. Doing this will help our children be educated and prepared to face the world. As parents, we also want our children to learn about being financially responsible in school. If you are looking for a quality high school, check out Voyagers Community School today.

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Progressive Education: How Progressive Learning Helps a Child

Education is a good thing. Everyone would agree with this statement. However, while everyone agrees to this, there’s a debate worldwide on what education is best. On one side of the debate are  the traditionalists, and the other half stands for progressive education.

How Progressive Education differs from Traditional Education

Traditional education is practiced in many private Christian schools. One type of traditionalism is education that emphasizes the teaching of classic literature and languages. This curriculum teaches students the basic skills needed as they progress from primary to higher grades.

On the other hand, progressive education sees schools as agencies of social service with the purpose of preparing kids for the political, social, and economic realities of life. Progressive learning includes job skills training, psychological conditioning, and certain forms of social indoctrination. Progressive education advocates believe the school needs to be child-centered instead of subject-centered.

Here are the key differences between progressive and traditional education methods:

• Traditional education treats school as a way to prepare students for life, while progressive education treats school as a part of life.
• In traditional schools, learning is passive. These schools demand children sit and listen to the information laid out in front of them. In progressive education, children are encouraged to actively participate in classes, to plan and solve problems.
• Teachers in traditional schools are the sole sources of authority and information, while the teachers in progressive schools act as guides who foster thinking.
• In a traditional education system, parents aren’t involved in their child’s learning. However, with progressive learning, parents are treated as the primary teachers of the children. They are the planners, the goal setters, and they also serve as resources.
• Decision-making in traditional schools is based centrally and is delivered by the administration. In progressive schools, the direction of the school is determined by all constituent groups.
• Traditional learning is linear, mostly with an accumulation of facts, skill mastery, and memorization. Lessons are filled with hours of lectures and worksheets. Student progress is determined by test and exam scores. On the other hand, progressive learning is spiral-based and has depth. Learning stems from play, experience, and interaction.
• School is a chore for students when it comes to traditional education Learning is a fun and challenging part of life in progressive education.

How Progressive Learning Helps Children

Progressive education has many benefits for children, and it doesn’t limit them. Its philosophy embraces the belief that children should be taught how to think and that test results are not sufficient to measure how much a child knows. Progressive education systems do not view a students’ grades as the sole indicator of their progress. The learning process is taken to heart and is child-centered. Hands-on projects and interactive classroom lessons are the core of progressive education.

Progressive learning emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and learning by doing. A student’s learning capacity is enhanced by letting them engage in activities that put their knowledge to use. This, in turn, will develop their understanding. Students  explore. They love learning. Children do more than memorize facts in a progressive school.

Oftentimes, experiential learning is considered to be the best way for children to handle real-life situations. Progressive education also develops students’ social skills, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, and independence. These skills are the focus.  A progressive education helps prepare a child for college and beyond.

The more progressive learning practices a school uses, the more they instill the love of learning within students. At these schools, learning is not a task, but a fun and challenging thing to do, a way of life.

The world revolves every single day, and so do our needs. Children must always be hungry for learning to ensure they are proactive, knowledge-seeking adults. Being an active learner who knows how to work independently, as well as with a group of people, prepares students to take on new challenges.

Are you in the hunt of a good school for your children that promotes progressive learning? Look no further, visit and check out Voyagers Community School today!

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Find out How You Can Help Others on World Food Day

World Food Day is observed on the 16th of October each year. This day is celebrated to honor the date when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was founded in 1935. It is also recognized to raise awareness about hunger, as well as encourage the public to take action is to help eliminate world hunger.

The World Food Day is celebrated by organizing food drives and distributing free meals for the homeless and less fortunate. If you have the heart to participate in this holiday, here are some of the ways you can take a stand against hunger and make a difference.

 

Take a photo of your meal and share it on  social media

If you think taking photos of your sumptuous meals and uploading them on the social media is meaningless, then you have been thinking wrong. By sharing photos of your meals, you are also literally sharing your food. All you have to do is to download FoodShareFilter or Feedie. Both applications were designed to help fight global hunger. Every time photos of food are shared using the app, the restaurant donates a meal to an organization called the Lunchbox Fund that provides meals for orphaned children in South Africa.

Volunteer in your local community garden

Food scarcity and insecurity affect people living in poverty and those who have limited access to healthy and fresh food. Help make a difference by volunteering in your local urban garden. Address hunger by getting outside, by connecting with people, and by distributing fresh produce to people who need it most.

Participate in local community events

There are plenty of local events you can participate in if you want to help fight hunger in your community. Search World Food Day USA on Google to find some ways you can help. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities: packing meals for the homeless, walking for hunger, or helping out in a soup kitchen to name a few. No matter how big or small, your efforts will make a difference. However, you help out will be valuable for the nourishment of those who are in need. So serve your community by giving your time and efforts.

Help improve the quality of school lunches

In different parts of the United States and throughout the world, a school lunch or breakfast may be the only full meal a student eats in a day. The sad part is that these meals do not always contain important nutrients a child needs for growth and development. By improving the quality of food at schools, children can enjoy better health and improve their academic performance.

Treat yourself

Did you know that by treating yourself with your favorite food at your favorite restaurant, you are also making a difference in the world’s problem with hunger and food scarcity? So go ahead and invite a friend for a meaningful and sumptuous meal. As soon as the check arrives, donate the cost of your meal by joining the #HungerFree movement. This movement is organized to help fight hunger in South Sudan, Kenya, and many other parts of the globe.

Attend an event

If you are looking for other ways to participate in  World Food Day, you can visit foodday.org and enter your zip code to find an event near you. It doesn’t matter which event you choose, whether you dine or donate, the important thing is that you are helping spread awareness. You are also encouraging people to join the fight against hunger.

Food scarcity and hunger may seem to be overwhelming global problems. But if we all decide to take action, even in our little ways, and become advocates for health and food, we can all make a difference to make this world a better place.

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A Path Appears…

Voyagers’ students meeting with the authors of A Path Appears

 

In early October our high school students were invited to a book lecture/signing of the recently published book, A Path Appears; Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity, by the best selling authors of Half The Sky, Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, at Brookdale Community College. They are the first married couple to win a Pulitzer Prize in journalism, which they won for their coverage of China as New York Times correspondents. Kristoff won a second Pulitzer for his op-ed columns in the times.

In Global Studies, prior to the event, the students were read some passages from the book and then they were to decide if they wanted to attend. All of the students, who were not already busy with prior engagement that evening, were eager to go. Those who attended stayed after school, ate dinner together, talked about how the evening would go and then left for the event. We were all very excited to begin our journey, both literally and figuratively.

After the usual introductions from the college producers of the event, Mr. Kristoff and Ms. WuDunn were announced. They spoke about their lives together and spoke passionately about both the good work that they had participated in, and the good work of others that they had witnessed, which they recount in their book. The overall message was pure, simple and incredibly inspiring: we all have to try harder; we have to look around and truly help to solve not only our own problems, but the complex problems that exist in our world.

We waited on line after the lecture to have our books signed. Our students were excited to have a picture taken with the authors. The authors were, of course, genuinely delighted to see these young people in the audience and we lined up quickly. All of the students were fantastic ambassadors of our school.

,This community experience has really helped to make us a more solid delegation for our upcoming participation in the Model UN program. The students were excited to bring what they had learned back to our discussions in Global Studies about the plight of the Syrian refugees. Through the authors’ talk and our ensuing conversations, the students seemed to feel a stronger bond to these displaced peoples. The world seems a little smaller and the issues closer to home when one is urged to do his or her part to make change, and is hearing from people who have spent their lives doing just that.

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How the Voyagers Pre-K Program Differs from Traditional Preschools

story time

What kind of program is best for your kids? One of the many questions that come to the mind when choosing a pre-k program. There are various kinds of pre-kindergarten programs in the country. In this article, we will talk about how the Voyagers’ pre-k program differs from other traditional preschools.

The Voyagers’ Community School has a Reggio Emilia inspired pre-k program that teaches children based on their ideas and passions. In the classroom, children will be introduced to literacy, science, and mathematics. There is something new to learn every day. Children will get to explore and interact with peers, communicate with adults, have snack time, and take walks. They will also get to discuss their ideas. They’ll get to work on projects, both long and short term. All these will ensure that children will learn skills through deeper thinking.

How are Teachers in the Voyagers’ Community School?

A teacher is someone who can be a partner to the kids. They are guides and nurturer of the young minds. They are researchers finding more ways to impart new lessons. Young kids here are offered meaningful experiences by letting them explore and discover things on their own. In the Voyagers’ Pre-k Program, children are also treated as co-constructors of knowledge. Children are curious about so many things. As they observe or ask a question,  they will be capable of learning and understanding on their own.

What’s the community like?

Unlike other traditional preschools, the Voyagers pre-k program lets children develop their sense of responsibility. Kids take part in activities like cleaning and caring for the classroom, tending to the pets and watering the plants. Activities like these develop children’s social and practical skills, enabling them to become self-reliant. This will also develop their relationship with their peers and their teachers.

Children will get to collaborate with their classmates. Teachers will also teach respect for each other and communicating with their peers. These are important as they build the emotional and social intellect of young children.

Culture

The Voyagers’ Community School has a curriculum that introduces ideas to children to widen their understanding. This teaches students to become a global citizen. Children will be able to explore the outdoors, the work of farmers, craftsmen and businessmen. They will also be exposed to the music and traditions of the world.

Learning Process

interacting with other children

Young minds learn best through the use of their senses. This is why the project-based approach is used when teaching children. Teachers will encourage kids to see, hear, touch, speak, move and listen. Through building and improving their knowledge in speaking and critical thinking skills. By involving all the senses, children’s learning becomes more meaningful. These lessons will definitely prepare children for kindergarten.

Safe Environment

A safe environment is one of the important factors that parents look for in a school. This place is where children can express themselves. A school is a place where kids can understand more about the things around them. They can learn more about the materials found in their classroom. The Voyagers’ Community School’s classrooms are designed specifically to be engaging and pleasing for children. Their environment in school is said to be their passive teacher.

Pre-kindergarten programs are great for easing the transition to formal kindergarten. Having a good program will prepare them better in all aspects. If you are looking for a good pre-k program for your child, consider the Voyager’s Pre-K Program.

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4 Recipes for Celebrate National Potato Month with the Family

Being an integral part of the food supply of many countries, a world without potatoes is unimaginable! This month, we have more reasons to take in our favorite vegetable and make wonderful recipes because September is National Potato Month!

To help you get started, here are some great potato recipes that you can make at home to celebrate National Potato Month with the entire family!

Chicken and Potato Pot Pie

Chicken and Potato Pot Pie is an excellent meal for when everyone’s already starving and you’re running short on time. It is a fast and easy comfort food for both kids and adults alike. The following are the ingredients you need.

• 2 medium sized potatoes or 3 to 4 small potatoes
• 1 can of cream chicken soup
• 1 chicken breast
• 1 cup frozen vegetable blend
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 package refrigerated pie dough

Directions: Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and the chicken breast should be cut into small cubes. Mix the potatoes, vegetable, chicken, soup and a soup can of water together in a 1-quart microwave-safe dish. Top the mixture with pie dough. Brush the dough with egg. Microwave for 20 minutes or until chicken and potatoes are completely cooked.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes don’t have to be boring. Just when you thought you have tried every possible variation, this recipe introduces you to mashed potatoes with a twist. The ingredients for the roasted garlic mashed potatoes include:

• 5 pounds of russet or Yukon gold potatoes
• 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
• 1 and ½ sticks salted butter
• ¼ cup half-and-half
• Heavy cream
• 3 to 5 heads roasted garlic
• Salt and black pepper

Directions: Prepare your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees F. Cut the potatoes into cubes and boil it for about 30 minutes until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes for 5 minutes while allowing steam to escape. Then add the cream cheese, butter, cream, half-and-half, roasted garlic, salt and pepper. Mash and mix them together. Once done, spread the potatoes into a large baking dish and leave a slice of butter at the top. Bake for about 30 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Potato Salad Cha Cha Cha

Potato Salad Cha Cha Cha is going to be your next family’s favorite potato recipe. Why? Because aside from offering a good mix of flavors, this recipe is also healthy. So, without further ado, here are the ingredients and steps to make this dish.

• 4 medium-sized potatoes
• 2 and ½ tbsp lime juice
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 and ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. bottled mild jalapeno sauce
• 15 oz black beans
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 7 oz can vacuum packed kernel corn
• 1 and ½ cup sliced green onions

Directions: Cook potatoes in 2 inches of boiling water for 12 minutes or until tender. Once cooked, drain it and allow to cool. Meanwhile, whisk together the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Add salt if desired.

Twice baked potatoes

Twice baked potatoes is a recipe that your family will surely love! It features an explosion of flavors including fresh green onion, crispy bacon bits and gooey cheddar on top of hollowed out potato halves. Check the list of ingredients below.

• 8 baking potatoes
• 2 sticks salted butter
• 3 tbsp canola oil
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup bacon bits
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp seasoned salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 green onions

Directions: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Rub the potatoes with canola oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for an hour or until they are well cooked. In a large mixing bowl, place slices of butter in and add the sour cream and bacon bits. Then, remove the potatoes from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides and add them in your mixing bowl. Make sure not to tear the shell. Then, place the hollowed out potato halves on a baking sheet. Meanwhile, mash the potatoes into the mixture of butter, bacon and sour cream. Then add milk, cheese, seasoned salt, green onions and black pepper. Fill the hollowed out potatoes with this filling and top each potato with more cheese. Pop them into the oven for 15 minutes and they’re ready to eat!

Now that you have these exciting potato recipes, you’re on your way to having a blast this National Potato Month! So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get messy in the kitchen and enjoy a wonderful meal with the family!

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