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 Then, you can let your teenager separate their clothing that is still wearable, out of date, and those that they have grown to dislike.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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Tips to Prepare your Children for the New School Year

Prepare school essentials in advance

It’s August, summer is finally coming to an end and the new school year is right around the corner. Time for  parents and students all over the country to start their back to school preparations. Whether your children look forward to this event or they dread the regimented school days ahead, one thing is for sure – back to school entails another big transition. Help your kids cope with the biggest adjustments and make those first weeks of school easier for them with the following tips:

Start talking about the upcoming school year

Before summer break ends, find opportunities to talk to your child about the upcoming school year. Instead of allowing them to dwell on the post-holiday blues, get them excited about going back to school. Think of the things your child will love about school. It could be spending time  with friends, having time to play with other kids, or about a subject they are interested in? Highlight these topics during your conversation so that they’ll have something to look forward to.

Help your child get familiar with the school

If your child is starting school for the first time, it would be good to get them familiar with it first. Take them to the school so they can get a feel of the school’s setting and the environment. If you can, visit  the school grounds, buildings and playground and take time to check out the classrooms, library and other areas. Allow your child to play in the playground and explore the grounds of their new school. Doing this will help them see what school is like and help eliminate their fear of the unknown.

Organize school supplies in advance

There are plenty of things to organize before school starts. There are  uniforms, books, stationery, and a lot more. Start organizing as early as possible. Not only will it reduce the back-to-school related stress, but it will also help your child look forward to heading back to school. It is good to get them involved in the process, too. Take them shopping with you and let them choose their own school supplies. The more new things kids get , the more excited they will feel about school.

Introduce new routines

Introduce new routines to your child before the school year starts. Move bedtime up a bit earlier if they have been staying up late during the summer months. Get them on the right routine based on their class schedule at school. Doing this will make the transition a lot easier and help ensure that their first weeks in school won’t be too overwhelming.

Go to the school for orientation programs

Prepare your child for the new school year

Many schools conduct orientation sessions before the new school year begins. If this is something that’s being offered in your child’s school, take advantage of this program and join in. However, if the school does not have this, ask when you can drop by the school so your child can meet their new teacher. Taking a few minutes to introduce your child to the new teacher will help them feel comfortable before the school year officially starts.

Facilitate your child’s meeting with the teacher and other kids

It would help to make your little student feel more comfortable in their new school and classroom, if they felt connected with their teacher and the other kids.  If possible, make some arrangements for your child to meet the teacher and other kids in advance. Once they meet, the learning process becomes easier. This way, they will have new peers to play with once school starts, getting them more excited and reducing their back to school jitters.

Getting ready for a new school year can be daunting and overwhelming. But, whether they are starting school for the first time or heading back after the summer break, you can always refer to these tips to make the transition easier for your children.

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7 Things a Daycare can Teach your Child

Daycare is the first kind of learning facility your child is going to experience. This is their time of learning so many things are crucial for them to survive formal school. This is when they begin to learn some important life skills. They will grow in social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development. Daycare may look like fun and games but young ones learn through playtime and creative activities. Every activity that kids do in daycare teaches them important life lessons. Building blocks teach them problem-solving, story time teaches them listening skills and creativity.

Good habits, proper conduct, and positive self-esteem are being developed in daycare or preschool. Daycare teaches children that it’s okay to make mistakes. They learn from their mistakes and won’t do it again the next time. Here are other things a daycare can teach your children.

They Learn the Alphabet and Phonics

One of the basic things that a preschool will teach children is the alphabet and how each letter sounds. Children in daycare will learn  all 26 letters in upper and lower case. They will also learn to recognize the letters of their first name. Along the way, they will be taught how to write them.

Learning a language and reading may be taught in school but these things can be started at home. Daycare will strengthen the lessons children already have and hone them for school.

They learn how to count

Daycare providers help the children learn the basic numbers from one to 10. They will also teach them how to count them in the correct order. This is the basic building block of math. Counting is a different skill. This starts with memorization until the numbers and objects they count corresponding with each other. Yet, daycare is not the only place where they can learn about numbers. Children can learn numbers at home, too.

They learn about Colors and Shapes

Preschool teachers will teach children the names of basic shapes and colors. Children will learn to differentiate the colors of different objects. They will also recognize them by their correct names.

They will learn how to socialize

Social skills are as important as intellectual skills. Developing this is necessary before children start formal school. Having social skills will teach them how to cooperate and share with other kids. They will also learn how to wait for their turn and to take part when there are group activities. Daycare will teach the kids how to follow simple directions and how to communicate their wants and needs.

They will learn how to make friends

In daycare, children will meet new faces. They’re going to be introduced not long afterward, they are going to be playing together like best of friends. It’s crucial to let your kids develop friendship. Interacting with their peers will help with their social growth. Children learn how to solve problems, share things with other kids, and play and learn together.

Kindergarten has the necessary tools to make you kids excel

They will learn how to interact with adults

The only adults children have endless interactions with are their parents and other members of the family. Daycare is a place where your children can see and interact with other adults. Having your kids connect with other adults can be good for them. They will learn trust and respect.

They will learn independence

In daycare, children will be left for hours in the center. They will learn how to function even when they are apart from their parents. They’ll learn how to figure things out with the help of another adult and their peers. They’ll learn how to be independent of their parents. This is a good thing. Children learning how to be independent when they are still young will develop strong analytical thinking.

Putting your children in daycare will give them the education and skills they need later in life. Daycare will also help the child’s transition to kindergarten become smoother. There are a lot of benefits your child can get from attending daycare. Some of them are listed above. If you are looking for a school, maybe a kindergarten in Eatontown will do. Research and ask around. Parents will always want what’s best for their kid.

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Celebrate National Picnic Month by Going on a Picnic with the Family

A picnic with family is a great way to spend time with family

Everybody celebrates Independence Day in July. But, what many people don’t know is that we also celebrate National Picnic Month in July, too! Going for a picnic is an excellent time to embrace nature and breathe in fresh air. It is also a great opportunity to bond with friends, family and loved ones. While a picnic is understood as a simple excursion with meals eaten outdoors, there are some interesting facts about the origin of picnic that not many of us are aware of.

•  The word picnic was taken from the French word “pique nique” which refers to an outdoor meal. The first picnics took place in the Middle Ages when the members of the upper class society would “dine out” or eat their meals outdoors during a hunt.
• The first recorded use of “picnic”, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, was in a letter written by Lord Chesterfield to his son in Berlin in 1748. The word picnic here was used in the sense of a social gathering.
• In the early 1800’s, picnic was already being used to refer to a social meal eaten outdoors.

The lovely, warm weather of July gives us another reason to celebrate National Picnic Month.  If you are looking for ideas on how you can celebrate this national holiday, here are some ideas to help you get started.

• Get outside for a BBQ party! Prepare your favorite meats and side dishes like coleslaw and potato salad. Enjoy family bonding time while you grill your BBQ to perfection and dig into the sumptuous outdoor meal together!
•  Have a traditional picnic. Fill a straw picnic basket with your favorite foods and drinks. Find that perfect spot in a park and don’t forget to bring the plaid blanket. Bring some board games or just savor the moment as you celebrate the open air.
• Play some outdoor games. After eating, it’s a perfect time to play some outdoor games. You can throw a Frisbee and play ball games where everybody can join in.

For fun and exciting activities like picnics, safety and health should remain a top priority. Avoid foodborne illnesses and make the most of the National Picnic Month by taking note of the following tips.

Be conscious of the food temperature and time.

Have everything ready when going on a picnic

Protect your food from getting spoiled by keeping hot food hot and cold food cold especially when you’re traveling or during your outdoor gatherings.  Bring plenty of ice.

Use a food thermometer.
Make sure that your food is safely cooked by using a food thermometer. Before removing meats, especially whole cuts, from the heat source, measure the internal temperature and make sure that they are cooked to 145 degrees F. Let them sit and allow 3 minute rest time before consuming.

Choose healthy foods for your picnic.
Picnics are all about enjoying delicious foods. But delicious doesn’t have to be unhealthy. You can certainly pack satisfying, yet healthy meals for your picnics. For example, you can add a twist to your traditional sandwiches and vary your bread choices. Try using tortillas, flat breads and whole grain products. Then experiment with fillings instead of sticking to the same old ham and cheese. Incorporate oven roasted vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants to make it healthier.

Bring more non perishable foods.Limit the number of your perishable foods and bring more non-perishable foods. Aside from your salads and sandwiches, you can bring pretzels, oatmeal cookies, or baked potato chips. Other snacks like nuts and sunflower seeds are also excellent food choices.

Keep it clean.
Avoid food contamination by keeping everything clean and sanitary – from the food handling to preparation and packing. Don’t forget to wash your hands before and after handling food. Make sure that all utensils are clean. Don’t use the same utensils for raw and cooked food to avoid transfer of harmful bacteria.  Also bring paper towels, disposable cloths and clean water for cleaning hands and surfaces before and after eating at your picnic venue.

July is a perfect time to take vacations and spend more time outdoors. Make the most of the beautiful weather and celebrate National Picnic Month with your family!

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How to Choose the Right Kindergarten for your Child

For many parents, choosing a kindergarten is an overwhelming task. It is imperative to find a kindergarten that will match your child’s needs. The school you will be selecting must have a positive and encouraging environment. It must also offer programs that nurture a child’s growth and development. Take note of the following tips. These will help you navigate the journey of selecting a kindergarten.

Do your research

Kindergarten has the best environment for kids to grow

Avoid last minute decision-making by doing research months before the enrollment season. Utilize the internet and visit websites of different kindergarten schools. Check information thoroughly and pay attention to the programs they offer. Also read parents’ reviews on their site if available. See if there are photos posted on the website so you can peek into the classrooms and school grounds. Make sure that the school’s website up-to-date. Otherwise, it may be a warning sign that you should move on to the next options.

Get referral from friends and neighbors

Consult other parents and seek recommendations from your friends and neighbors. This could also help you make a decision. Reach out to those who have kids and ask them about their experience. The information you can get from these people is valuable.  Other parents may be able to tell you some things that are not available online.

Look for the school that suits your child’s learning style

Different schools have varying programs and teaching styles. To select the best kindergarten for your little one, take time to understand your child’s learning style.  Does your child learn best through direct attention and communication? Do they learn better independently? What activities do they enjoy the most? Do they like reading, making art, etc.? Knowing your child’s learning style will help you weed out some options that will not be a good fit.

Create a checklist

Now that you have narrowed down your list to 3 to 5 choices, the next step would be creating a list of the things you value the most in a school. Determine the things you are looking for in a kindergarten. What methods and categories are important to you? Is the teacher-student ratio important? Does their interaction with the teacher and other students matter? Asking these questions and identifying your own criteria will allow you to make the best decision for your child’s education.

Visit your top schools

As a parent, it is essential to visit the top schools on your list before making decisions. Call the school and make an appointment to visit. It would also be better to bring your child along so that you can assess how they will react to the environment. This will also help you determine if the school is a good fit.

Observe the classroom structure

Kindergarten has the necessary tools to make you kids excel

One of the most important things you need to pay attention to during your visit would be the classroom structure. Observe how the students are working and playing with their classmates. Look around to see if they have access to learning materials such as pictures, books, blocks, puzzles and so on. Are the children given opportunities to work on projects individually and as a group? Think about the classroom structure that would best fit your child.

Observe teacher and student interaction

The relationship between a teacher and student is crucial in a successful kindergarten experience. Notice how the teacher interacts with children. Do they work with individual students? Do they also address large groups of students at once?  Remember that the teacher is the reflection of the school as a whole. If their style is a positive one for your child, it may be an sign that the school is a good match.

Sending your child to kindergarten is an important milestone in their life. Looking for the best kindergarten in Eatontown? Please visit Voyagers’ Community School.

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How To Celebrate National Bike Month With Your Kids

Ask just about anyone and they can usually –and vividly — remember when they first learned to ride a bike!

It’s just something you never forget…

No matter how long it’s been since you hopped on a bike, National Bike Month provides the perfect reason to get back out there and ride again!

Here’s how to celebrate that amazing invention, the bicycle, with your kids… and start a new, healthy habit as a family!

Getting started

Begin by setting out the rules for safe biking. Even if your kids aren’t old enough to really remember everything you’re telling them, repeat the rules for safe biking to them every time you go out.

When they see you following the same rules you’re telling them to follow, it will encourage them to do the same.

Teach them the following tips for safe biking:

• Keep your tires well inflated – match the pressure that’s listed on the tire itself.
• Inspect your brakes before setting out to make sure they’re aligned and working properly
• Keep bolts, bearings, and chains greased
• Wear a helmet at all times, making sure it fits you well and isn’t too loose
• If you plan to ride at night, wear bright, reflective colors and use a light
• For trail riding, stay on the right side, pass to the left and use your voice or a horn to alert people and other riders that you’re planning to pass
• Use hand signals and obey traffic signals, always stopping at stop lights and stop signs
• Make eye contact with drivers to be sure they see you
• Ride with the traffic, not against it

Note: Before venturing out, add more reflectors to your bikes – and any clothes you’re wearing. And consider adding flashing reflectors to improve visibility

Set your course

To make National Bike Month a fun time for you and your kids, have a plan. Your activities will be determined, in large part, by the biking skills your kids have.

If, for example, you have young kids with little to no experience riding a bike, you’ll obviously be focused on teaching them how to ride a bike. Give them ample time to practice their new skill.

Older or more confident riders who may be up for a challenge might enjoy:

• setting up jumps in the backyard
• going “off-road” on nearby bike trails
• holding a “bike rodeo” with the neighborhood kids where they can take part in:
  • obstacle courses
  • jumps
  • a “balance beam” made from lines drawn on the ground that riders need to stay within
  • “paper boy” – riders toss rolled up newspapers into targets such as large trash cans, baskets, tubs, etc.
  • slow races – points deducted for each time their foot hits the ground before the finish line (builds up their balance and coordination)

Riding a bike is a childhood rite of passage that you don’t want your kids to miss… so get on out there and ride with them!

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How to Choose the Best Summer Camp Program in Eatontown

Summertime is right around the corner… where will your kids be spending their time?

Why not give them an experience this summer which will last a lifetime? At summer camp, your kids will have the chance to learn new things, make new friends and gain confidence in their own abilities.

What to look for in a summer camp program

A good summer camp will encourage kids to explore new things, teaching them a lot about themselves. When kids are successful at trying new things, it feeds into their self-confidence and impacts their drive to learn even more.

Questions you can ask to help you find the right summer camp program for your kids include:

• What philosophy does your program follow?
• What is unique about your summer camp program?
• In what ways will my child be challenged?
• How do you motivate the kids to learn something new?
• How will my child’s progress be measured and how will they be rewarded?
• What happens when rules are broken?
• How is conflict handled?

Voyagers’ Community School Summer Camp Program

Summer camp program for kids in Eatontown

We’re not your everyday brand of summer camp.

Kids who attend our summer camp program are provided the technology, guidance and freedom to explore what interests them… which is the secret sauce in motivating kids to learn new things!

Our core philosophy of learning through play is ongoing at our STEAM summer camp.

What is STEAM camp?

Steam summer camp means…

• Science
• Technology
• Electronics and Engineering
• Art
• Machines and Math

One of the most exciting things about STEAM camp? The opportunity it gives kids to explore things they may not have the time to explore during the regular school year.

For example, if your kids love to watch stop motion videos online, they may want to create some of their own. But they probably haven’t had the chance to try their hand at it.

When they go to our STEAM summer camp program they’ll have ample opportunity to explore stop motion videos, animation, building – and testing rockets – and so much more!

Child led learning

Our schedule for summer camp is designed to be fun and flexible. Children between the ages of 5 to 14 can attend from one day, to all nine weeks, or anything in between.

They can move from one creativity lab to another, or explore our outdoor classroom. Our counselors are always available to help and to ensure that everyone is learning and having a great time.

Following are just some of the things kids who attend Voyagers’ Community School Summer Camp will have access to this summer:

Science

Kids at STEAM camp learn, experiment and explore their world through:

• Botany
• Animal science
• Marine biology
• Chemistry

 

Technology

Natural storytellers, kids can explore their creative nature with the aid of technology.

They will:

• Use iPads, iMovie, Animation Stations and Green Screen Technology to:
  • Create storyboards
  • Make stop-motion animation
  • Film live-action movies… all set to original music
• Sing
• Mix electronic music
• Use a drum machine, digital guitars, and keyboards
• Use recording equipment to save and share their creations

Electronics and Engineering

Kids learn to:

• Use discovery to solve problems
• Learn about air pressure, gravity and how materials function

 

They’ll build and test:

• Rockets
• Planes
• Rovers

 

They’ll learn about:

• Flight
• Circuitry
• Soldering
• Arduino
• Optics and light and much, much more…

Art

A wonderful way to explore the depths of your own creativity, art can be expressed in a wide variety of formats.

Kids who attend our STEAM camp have access to a diverse range of materials and tools to express their creativity including:

• Sewing machines
• Hand sewing materials
• Knitting and crochet materials
• Materials to sculpt with clay
• iPad Pro
• Apple Pen

Machines and Math

Kids are given guidance as they explore engineering and physics by using logic and problem solving activities.

The machines and math creativity lab lets kids explore:

• 2D sketching
• 3D modeling and printing
• Game design
• Robotics
• Kinetic energy experiments using devices like:
• Catapults
• Balloon powered cars and
• Roller-coasters

Summer camp is for learning… growing… exploring, and making friends. Make this summer a memorable one for your kids and enroll them today.

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Tips on Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child

When it comes to choosing a preschool for your child the choices can often feel overwhelming.

Your child’s mind is absorbing everything she can about the world around her,  trying to discover her place in it. It’s important to find a preschool with teachers who understand how to harness this curious nature and guide her towards building the skills she’ll need throughout life.

Consider the following when choosing the right preschool for your child.

What is the school’s curriculum philosophy?

There are a lot of different philosophies surrounding the best way to educate children. If you’re not aware of the nuances, it can be confusing deciding between preschools which provide similar offerings.

Following are some of the most common terms you’ll see:

Montessori approach

Find a preschool which suits your child’s needs

This approach focuses on each child’s individuality as they’re learning. They base a child’s progress apart from what other children are doing, and help each child learn at their own pace and in their own way.

Reggio Emilia approach

This teaching method involves giving children opportunities to solve problems through exploration and critical thinking.

Waldorf approach

The Waldorf approach helps children use their imaginations in learning, giving them opportunities to explore their world through their senses, through participation and analytical thought about their experiences.

Bank Street approach

Schools using this approach are focused on “meeting” children where they’re at and rely on their educators to have an understanding of human development. This gives them the skills to help each child progress to the next level by providing opportunities to learn through multiple perspectives, both in the natural world and in the classroom.

High/Scope approach

Educators using this approach to learning allow children to take charge of their own learning. Children learn to plan out what they want to accomplish each day and take part in a review session to determine their goals for the following day.

Other terms commonly used are:

Child-centered

In a “child-centered” facility children take part in activities and learning opportunities that interests them, rather than topics that are pre-chosen by the teacher.

Teacher-led

Teachers in this type of classroom will choose the schedule and topics for the children, giving them a structured learning environment.

Child-led

Educators in a child-led facility operate on the premise that children are most engaged in learning when they’re interested in the topic and/or activity. Teachers wait for each child to initiate the learning process by asking to do something new, making learning an individualized, rather than group experience.

Faith-based

As you might imagine, a school that is described as ‘faith-based” educates children according to the tenets of their particular faith.

Co-operative

This kind of setting will often ask parents and families to volunteer in running the preschool. Individuals will sign up to volunteer to manage the day to day activities as well as fundraising, advertising and janitorial upkeep of the school.

Developmentally appropriate

The activities and curriculum chosen for the school should be developmentally appropriate for the ages of the children in class.

While the curriculum among schools can vary, there are some key things to consider when choosing a school that apply to every preschool.

The Teacher/Child relationship

In preschool, your child should really be able to connect and engage with her teacher. Until this stage in her life she’s been surrounded and supported by her parents, siblings and perhaps other family members who love and care for her.

The transition between spending a large part of her day at home, with familiar surroundings and people, to spending time somewhere else, with other people, can be a scary process for her. That’s why it’s so important that she’s able to make a connection with her teacher.

When you visit the preschool, take note at how engaged the teacher is with the other students. Ask her about the students in her classroom. She should be able to speak about each child’s individual strengths and weaknesses as if they were her own child.

The teacher should show great patience and gentleness when the children ask her for help. They may simply want to share something they’ve done – which is a very common occurrence at this stage!

If possible, watch how she resolves differences among the children.  Is she gruff or short, barking out orders, or does she take time to explain to each child why certain behaviors aren’t appropriate?

Words… everywhere

The right preschool programs provide many opportunities to learn visually, phonetically and even kinesthetically.

• Do children make regular visits to the library?
• Are there banners and bulletin boards displaying words, letters and images everywhere?
• Is there a reading nook with stacks of books and puzzles and a place for children to gather to hear the teacher read stories?

Math concepts

Simple, basic math concepts should be explained and taught to your preschool age child.

Concepts such as “greater than” or “less than”, bigger, smaller, counting objects, etc. should be consistently reinforced as part of the preschool curriculum.

Look for a teacher who is excited about math and shows that same enthusiasm to her students.

Recess

Does the preschool have a safe place outside where your child can play?

If not, look elsewhere. Research – and common sense – shows that not only is physical activity is needed for growing bodies, it also increases cognitive functioning.

Do you want to work all day long without a break?

Obviously not… and neither would your child!

Narrow down your choices

Once you’ve narrowed down the vast number of preschools to just a few choices, do the following:

Tap your network for information about good preschools in the area. Why do this last? Because understanding the different philosophies surrounding child education will help you choose among schools which may be very similar.

Research reviews of the school online.

Visit your preferred schools in person to observe the teachers and administrators in action. Ask yourself the following questions while you’re there:

•      Is my child interested in what’s happening?
•      Is everything clean and safe?
•      How do children and adults interact with each other?
•      How do the children interact among themselves?
•      Do I feel welcome?

Some basic questions you can ask include the following:

•      What is the staff turnover rate?
•      How many of your staff hold degrees in early childhood education?
•      What are your safety procedures for picking up and dropping off children?
•      Are you accredited?
•      What are your payment procedures and options?
•      How do you handle discipline?

Finally, make the time, if possible, to spend a couple of hours at the center.  Watch the children and the teacher(s) go through their day to give you an idea of what your child will experience when she attends.

Bottom line… if something feels wrong and you’re not able to put it into words, just trust your instincts. Find another preschool for your child… she’ll be spending a lot of time there. You want her to learn, but you also want her to feel safe, secure and happy. Are you looking for a preschool that will put your child first? Try Voyagers Community School.

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Reasons Why You Should Educate Children on the Value of Volunteering

Raising kids isn’t easy…especially in a society that often seems so self-absorbed. (selfies, anyone?)

So how can parents help kids see beyond their own immediate interests and concerns?

By involving their children in opportunities to volunteer their time and energies towards helping others.

While volunteering benefits those on the receiving end – both the individuals and organizations served – it’s hard to quantify how much volunteering benefits the “giver” just as much…if not more.

When you give your child opportunities to help others through volunteering you’re also helping them learn:

Empathy

When looking for opportunities to volunteer, the closer your child can be to the end result (e.g. handing the sandwich to a homeless person not just making the sandwich) the more concrete their understanding will be of what they’re doing.

Which also leads to more engagement in the volunteering process.

Confidence

Children gain confidence when they see their own contributions make a difference in someone else’s life. Their success then encourages them to look for other ways they can contribute to their communities, building leadership skills they will take with them throughout their lives.

Cooperation

Volunteer work can teach your child empathy

Social situations are the best way for children to learn social skills, and volunteering is no exception.

When a diverse range of individuals meet through volunteering, they have a common goal in mind, however different people will often approach the same task in a different way, which can potentially lead to conflict.

Children who witness – and participate in – the process of deliberation among the volunteers learn how important collaboration with others is to achieve the desired end result…helping individuals in need.

Compassion

As children take part in volunteering efforts they learn more about the world around them. As they observe and compare their own lives with that of others they develop compassion for others.

Application of knowledge and skills

In school, children rarely get the opportunity to see how the topics they’re learning can be applied in the real world. However, when volunteering, they learn how organizing tasks and understanding basic concepts (e.g. counting change) play a vital role in a successful venture.

Volunteering can also help kids visualize what they might want to do one day. For example, a child who volunteers at the local hospital or nursing home might be inspired to become a physician or nurse.

Making connections with their family and others

Busy families often have such frazzled schedules with work, school and extra-curricular activities, it often leaves both parents and kids feeling disconnected. When parents and their children are working together as volunteers for their community they have a chance to have fun and to grow closer as a family.

Responsibility

Ever notice how your kids will jump at the chance to help out their friends’ parents when they’re visiting them, but you have to nag to get them to do the same thing at home?

You’re not the only one!

You can put this tendency to good use…when someone is counting on your kid to be there as a volunteer, they’re much more engaged and desirous of doing what they’ve said they would do, which reinforces all the “responsibility” talk they’ve been getting from you!

Possibilities

If you’d like to get your family involved in volunteering efforts, but aren’t sure where to begin, here’s some ideas to get you started.:

Reach out to local hospitals, churches or charities to see if they have any needs

Contact a volunteer clearinghouse, (e.g. VolunteerMatch) which matches volunteers with organizations in need of volunteers.

Check with the bulletin board at the local library to look for any advertisements. You could also put up an ad yourself, notifying your openness to volunteering opportunities.

Check with the park service or whomever is in charge of cleaning up parks in the area…they’d love to have your help and it’s something even the smallest child can take part in.

Handy with tools? If you have older kids you could volunteer for housing repair and renovation projects (e.g. Habitat for Humanity) for low-income residents. 

A community food bank or soup kitchen, nursing home or food delivery service to the elderly are good choices too – they don’t take a lot of time out of your week, but they’re very fulfilling ways to volunteer your time and energy…and lots of fun for the kids too!

Finally, remember to be flexible. Not all hours or locations will fit your schedule. If one volunteer opportunity doesn’t suit your needs, keep looking…you’ll be glad you did!

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How to Celebrate National Nutrition Month at Home and School

“Invest in Yourself – Buy Nutrition” was the theme for the first National Nutrition Month. It was created in 1973 by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). The ADA is known now as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It actually started as a week long to begin with, but has expanded to a full month to reach more people.

This month of awareness is meant to help everyone focus on the many benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, of which nutrition plays a key part.

There are a lot of ways to celebrate National Nutrition Month both at home and at school. Looking for the best way to help the information be effective and stick? Make it fun!

Here are a few ideas to help you get started.:

Create a theme for each week which focuses on a particular aspect of a healthy lifestyle.

For example:

Week One – MyPlate – what it is and how it can help you eat healthy food
Week Two – Why choose whole grains?
Week Three – How to read nutrition labels
Week Four – Get moving every day!

Supermarket scavenger hunt

Take a class field trip to the local supermarket (or parents, take your kids shopping with you) and make a game out of finding healthy food choices.

Using an “I spy” type of game, give the kids clues about the food you’re talking about.

For example, you could say, “I spy something orange, it grows in the ground and is a bunny’s favorite food”.
Or, “I see something that’s bright red, grows on a tree and is delicious in a pie.”
Another way to have fun learning about nutrition? Have the older kids come up with their own clues that they can then share with the younger ones!

Make your own plate

Using MyPlate as a reference, give each child three paper plates. Cut out images of food from magazines, or use some grocery ads.  Ask them to put together three healthy meals (e.g. breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Once they’ve completed their meals, discuss the reasons why they chose the foods they did.  When applicable, ask them what would have been a better option. Discuss portion size too!

Combine efforts where possible. Get the entire school or family involved in supporting your efforts. One way is to coordinate what you teach in the classroom – or at home – with the school nutrition staff.

In the cafeteria, focus on a healthy food choice each day. Hang up posters showing a particular food item. Include the nutritional benefits, and show suggestions on how to serve the food.

At home, use a new food each week – or several times per week – in your family meals to expand your child’s palate. This helps open up discussions about why some foods are healthier choices than others.

Note: The school’s website, social media, newsletters and morning announcements provide wonderful opportunities to share information and reminders about what makes a healthy food choice.

Volunteers

Think about people in your network who can add to the conversation about nutrition. Know a local chef? Ask them to come in and discuss how they prepare foods for their clients.  A physician or a personal trainer can discuss the impact of eating foods that give you energy.

Other ideas

Partner with the local library to provide nutritional education opportunities through story time events, coloring contests and/or activity sheets for kids.

Get kids involved in a food donation campaign to your local food pantry or shelter.

Put together a lesson plan discussing the science behind baking. Discuss what ingredients are needed, why they’re needed and what happens when they’re used.

Classroom and/or school vegetable projects. Have kids choose their favorite vegetable, and plant the seed in a small container. Have them take it home with them at the end of the school year so that they can plant it somewhere at home (assuming the season is right for planting!)

As you can see there are a lot of ways you can drive home the importance of a healthy lifestyle, while making it fun and memorable.

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