As summer begins to wind down, children's thoughts across Southwest Orlando will soon turn to the first day of school. The school year, which begins Aug. 23, is a little more than a month away, and students and their families can get a head start by preparing now. The beginning of school is an exciting time, but some may worry about what the coming year might hold.
The Southwest Orlando Bulletin's 13th annual Back to School 2010 provides a comprehensive guide to almost everything school-related. In the following articles, area experts offer insights into different concerns often brought about by the start of school. For students, there are articles about nutrition, skin care, setting goals and fall fashion. For parents, there are tips about saving for college, preparing first-time preschoolers and helping their students achieve their best.
Stacey Lu, 6 • Windermere
Illness Prevention During School
by Amber Eastwood, A.R.N.P.
Windermere Pediatrics
407-297-0080
www.windermerepediatrics.org
Children may seem to be constantly sick after school resumes, and this is because children's immune systems are being put to the test while in class. They should take the following simple steps to prevent illness:
Hand washing is key to preventing sickness. Children should soap up for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday or the Alphabet Song. Parents should remind their children to wash their hands after toileting, after blowing their noses, and before eating meals.
Covering mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing also plays an important role.
Children should be taught to use a tissue, or if one is unavailable, to cough or sneeze into the crooks of their elbows.
Anyone who is ill should be avoided. Infectious illnesses such as the common cold are easily transmitted by close contact.
Hands should be kept out of mouths and away from eyes, because they carry a lot of germs that easily transmit infectious illnesses.
Another way to help protect children is to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date. This will ensure that children have the best chance of avoiding some of the most common, vaccine-preventable viruses and bacteria.
Parents also should know when to keep children at home and when they should return to school. Youngsters should stay home if they have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, if they are vomiting or have diarrhea, and during the first 24 hours of treatment for pink eye or strep throat. They can return to school under a doctor's advisement if they have no fever, are eating and drinking normally, and are rested and alert enough to pay attention in class.
As children age, they should become less prone to common illnesses and recover more quickly as they build an arsenal of antibodies to fight common viruses.
Staying Organized Leads to Academic Success
by Marcia Norman, Psy.D.
Associates in Psychology and Counseling
407-523-1213
www.apc-orlando.com
The start of a new school year means it is time to make resolutions for success. An important skill for children to learn is organization, and parents can relax knowing that it is easy to teach.
Organization can start with simple checklists posted in obvious places. One checklist might help reduce those frantic mornings by helping children complete their morning routines. Task suggestions include getting up at 7:30 a.m., taking a shower, getting dressed, eating breakfast and getting a backpack ready. It sounds simple, but it is important to remember that these are learned skills. The more children rehearse these tasks, the more likely they are to use the skills in the future.
This type of checklist is helpful for after school. For example, an after-school list could include eating a snack, checking an agenda, taking out books, doing homework and putting homework into a backpack. A checklist can be used before bedtime and include reminders to brush teeth, place one's backpack by the door, laying out clothes and more.
A reward system can be used to reinforce positive behaviors. For example, a certain number of checks during the week equals movie time with a parent. By creating an organizational system, parents can help their children succeed.
Using Exercise to Enhance Learning
by Jenna Lindemann
Epic Cheer Co. & Central Florida Power Tumble
407-965-3365
www.epiccheer.com
Children are bombarded with so many important things to remember throughout the school year that it is often difficult for them to retain all that information.
The effects of exercise on the human brain are exponential. The American College of Sports Medicine found that students who exercised vigorously at least three times a week showed higher grades and retention compared to students who took physical education class five times a week in school. With school funding cuts and the rise in public apathy toward physical fitness education, children are suffering in many ways. Physical activity is a benefit all the way around. It reduces stress and improves self-esteem, mood, energy levels and the ability to rest at night.
Parents should encourage children to find an activity in which they are interested. This can be a school- or community-sponsored activity, individual activity or outdoor activity such as swimming, biking and running. Parents should make sure the instructors involved in their children's activity are properly trained and certified, if applicable, to ensure safety. Finally, parents should make every effort to attend practices and games, showing their children just how important they are.
Instilling a Love of Learning
by Denise Luciano
Central Florida Preparatory School
407-290-8073
www.cfprep.net
The alarm clock sounds; teachers and students alike wake up with the feeling of excitement and anticipation. A new school year begins and, with it, so many new adventures.
Classrooms have been lovingly prepared with new bulletin boards, inviting lessons and colorful name tags. The diversity of students filling the hallways adds to a cultural melting pot rich with tradition and heritage.
Students have purchased the necessary supplies, complete with new lunchboxes and the latest cool snacks. Squeaky, shiny new shoes complement the newly polished floors. Everything is fresh. Registrations for sports, enrichments and after-school activities have begun. A few tears may be shed, only to be wiped away when seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
Being in a classroom where students are valued and respected by teachers who carefully utilize each of their learning styles enables children to flourish in their own natural curiosity.
Parents can be confident that teachers will strive to foster a positive self-image in their children, giving them the confidence to strive to be all they can be, while making learning fun.
Instilling a love of learning is the only way to secure a future full of life, love and happiness.
Why Home-School?
by Ceil Humphreys
Pine Ridge Home Educators
www.prhe.net
Many parents are choosing to teach their children at home for a variety of reasons. Home schooling is a good choice for students across the learning spectrum, because gifted students can move ahead quickly and advance in their learning, and students with learning disabilities receive the one-on-one attention they need from a teacher who loves them dearly. Budding athletes complete their work during a normal school day and still have time for practice. Parents enjoy being able to choose curriculum that meets the needs of their children and enrich students' learning with field trips and additional research into topics of interest.
Those considering home schooling often wonder if a parent who is not a certified teacher can do a good job educating his or her child. Research shows that home-schooled students not only outscore public school students on standardized tests, they also score higher overall than those in private school, and colleges actively recruit home-educated students. Those who want a high-quality education for their children but also want an experienced teacher working alongside them may want to consider choosing from a variety of home-school programs designed to partner with parents in educating their children.
Back-To-School Skin-Care Tips
by Debbie Wisner, president; & Debby Tapia, vice president
The Maile Image, Modeling & Acting School
407-628-5989
www.lisamaile.com
For back-to-school, healthy skin is the most essential part of the total beauty regimen, no matter one's age. Skin provides the canvas for any makeup applied. If skin is healthy, glowing and finely textured, makeup will be picture-perfect, too. It is important to understand the purpose of each step in the skin-care process.
For healthy skin, the following steps should be implemented twice a day.
Applying a cleanser is the first step. Cleansers remove dead skin cells and surface dirt like makeup, perspiration and environmental residue.
The second step of the cleansing process involves applying an astringent and toner, which remove traces of the primary cleanser, making sure skin is truly clean and pH-balanced.
Moisturizers make up the third step, and they help to build water levels within the skin by preventing natural moisture from evaporating.
The final step involves applying a masque, which is available in many forms to meet the wide range of skin-care needs.
Those who are new to skin-care should not be influenced by expensive brands. The less expensive ones are just as good, if not better. It is important to remember that what works for the individual is the most ideal.
Education Deductions & Credits
by John E. Russi, CPA, P.A.
407-345-1191
The Hope Credit for 2009 and 2010 tax returns has been renamed and modified, and it is now called the American Opportunity Credit. AOC is worth up to $2,500 for the first four years of college, while the Hope Credit was worth up to $1,800 for the first two years of college. The new credit can be claimed by a parent or student. AOC phases out on joint returns with income between $160,000 and $180,000 and on single returns with income between $80,000 and $90,000.
An employer may pay up to $5,250 a year for classes without the recipient counting it as income, as long as the benefit is available to all employees.
Taxpayers under age 59.5 can avoid the 10 percent penalty on individual retirement account distributions used to pay higher education expenses for themselves, spouses or dependents. However, the payout from a traditional IRA still will be taxable.
Job-related educational expenses are still deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction if they maintain or improve skills or are required to maintain a job, only if all miscellaneous deductions exceed 2 percent of the adjusted gross income.
The Lifetime Learning Credit is still available. The credit is 20 percent of the first $10,000 of tuition expenses with a maximum deduction of $2,000 per return. This credit is also subject to phase-out rules.
Saksia Steenstra, 9 • Southwest Orlando
The Right Moment to Talk to the Teacher
by Shanna Wolfenden, assistant director
Children's Lighthouse of People of Faith
407-395-0077
www.childrenslighthousepof.com
A family gets into the routine of getting children dressed, grabbing some coffee and a bite to eat, and then heading out the door. The children get to school, say their goodbyes, and they are off.
Teachers in preschool settings have their own routines. It may seem like a good time to stop and talk about a child's behavior and day-to-day activities when the class is quiet and all the children are in their seats. However, what parents may not realize is that the teacher may be in the middle of circle time or teaching an important lesson.
Parents should ask the teacher if now is a good time to discuss concerns. If not, they should ask if there is an e-mail address that concerns can be sent to. Parents also can speak with the front office and leave their telephone numbers for a teacher to call when she or he is available. It is better to set up a scheduled time to get together with a teacher to discuss more detailed concerns. It is important to be aware of how children are doing, but it also is important to make sure it is the right time.
Parental Support Can Lead to Academic Success
by Angel Whitehead, M.Ed., elementary principal
Foundation Academy
407-656-3677
www.foundationacademy.net
There are many ways parents can support a child's learning to promote success in school. The following tips can help parents propel their children toward success:
Parents should create a homework station in a quiet spot equipped with basic supplies such as paper and pencils. A silent timer to time homework assignments can be extremely helpful in teaching a child effective time management.
A daily schedule should be made to assist a child in forming good habits, such as organizing homework, completing tasks and assembling or packing materials for school the next day.
Parents should establish a daily review of a few minutes each evening to look over handouts from school, fill out forms and check homework.
Being a volunteer should be a priority. Parents can let their children's teachers know when they are available to help out at school or from home.
Effective communication is key. A teacher should be contacted immediately if parents notice a problem or have a concern, because working together supports a child most.
Parents should make sure teachers know they are appreciated. They also should strive to become an involved parent by regularly attending conferences, parent meetings and school events.
Helping Children Find Their Passions
by the Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, minister of relational evangelism
St. Luke's United Methodist Church at Windermere
407-876-4991
www.st.lukes.org
Children today live in a world that is fast-paced and rapidly changing. It is easy to feel as if they need to have a competitive edge in order to be ready for the future. However, there is something to be said about letting a child have time for creativity, imagination and fun.
Helping children find the activities that excite them and spark their imaginations helps them begin to discover who God has made them to be. When children are allowed to have moments of creative play and discovery or learn to feel the rhythm of a musical piece and move their bodies to its melody, something unique within their minds and souls is unleashed. As they learn the disciplines of a favorite sport, children feel the joy of play and exercise their bodies and minds. When given a variety of opportunities to experience the world, children can find new areas of exploration.
Encouraging children to find and follow their passions helps them figure out what it is they are called to do with their lives and enables them to make their marks on the world.
Benefits of Early Language Learning
by Jordana Naves, kids coordinator
Berlitz Language Center
407-248-8222
kids.berlitzorlando.com.
Many parents may be unaware that children who take a foreign language have a far better ability to speak and write English.
Studies have proven that language acquisition begins before babies start speaking, and the earlier a child is exposed to a second language the better. As a matter of fact, early development of language skills actually enhances children's pedagogical capabilities. Research has shown that language study has a positive effect on children's standardized test scores, and children who study languages are generally more imaginative, better abstract thinkers and more flexible in their thought processes.
In today's multicultural community, every industry shows that there is a strong need for bilingual and multilingual professionals. According to the CIA, Mandarin Chinese is spoken by 13.22 percent of the entire world population, making it the most spoken language, followed by Spanish, which is spoken by 4.88 percent of the world population.
By exposing children to a second or third language early in life, parents open doors of opportunities and help them to have a better understanding of the world around them.
Ensuring Children Maintain a Healthy Weight
by Tanya Roman, D.O.
Physician Associates
407-381-7326
www.paof.com
As children and adolescents begin a new school year, parents can use this fresh start to evaluate one of the most important aspects of their child's well-being — their weight. Not maintaining a healthy weight may lead to a detrimental condition known as obesity.
Obesity is the result of caloric imbalance and is affected by behavioral, environmental and genetic factors. Obese children and adolescents have an increased risk of developing medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and stroke. They also are at a greater risk to have bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.
A recent survey indicated that 12 percent of U.S. high school students are obese. Unfortunately, Florida is no exception to this statistic. The same survey indicated that 10 percent of Florida's high-schoolers are obese, and in Orange County, 12 percent of high school students are obese, matching the national average.
The following tips are helpful strategies that parents can use to help their children maintain a healthy weight:
Parents should encourage healthy eating habits. Plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products should be provided, and low-fat or nonfat milk or dairy products should be included. Moreover, reasonably sized portions should be served. Families should drink lots of water and limit sugar-sweetened beverages, and consumption of sugar and saturated fat should be limited.
Reducing the calorie-rich temptations of high-fat and high-sugar snacks also can help children develop healthy eating habits. A sound way of dealing with treats is only offering them sporadically throughout the week.
Children and teens should engage in physical activity. They should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. Regular physical activity has many health benefits, including decreasing blood pressure, strengthening bones, reducing anxiety and stress, and increasing self-esteem.
Parents can reduce sedentary time by limiting the time their children watch TV, play video games or use the computer to no more than two hours per day.
By following the above helpful strategies, parents can instill a healthy lifestyle that their children and adolescents will take with them into adulthood. For whatever destination awaits them, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to their happiness and success.
Anna Kopelousos • Southwest Orlando
A New Look for College Financing Plans
by Michael A. Fraher, M.B.A., ChFC, LUTCF, CRPC, senior financial advisor
Ameriprise Financial Services
407-206-7487
www.ameriprise.com
The health care reform package signed into law this year also included changes that will affect college students seeking financial aid to help pay tuition costs.
The existing Federal Family Education Loan program, where private lenders provide loan packages for college tuition and related expenses, is being eliminated. A program became effective this month, and now all federal student loans are made to borrowers by the federal government under what is referred to as the Direct Loan Program. This program eliminates governmental subsidies for private lenders to encourage participation in educational financing, with some of the savings directed toward students.
Current law sets the maximum required loan repayment by a student to 15 percent of discretionary income in any year. Any remaining debt is forgiven after 25 years. The terms become even more favorable for students in several years. Those who take out new federal student loans after July 1, 2014, will be required to pay no more than 10 percent of their discretionary income. Better yet, the term of the loan expires five years earlier than under existing law.
Continuing for the 2010 tax year is the American Opportunity Credit that provides up to a $2,500 tax credit for higher-education costs such as tuition and fees for the first four years of undergraduate education. The full credit is available for married couples filing a joint return with incomes of up to $160,000. The income limit for single tax filers to qualify for the full credit is $80,000. After 2010, the Hope Credit continues but at lower levels.
Helping Children Have Strong Starts to the School Year
by Lucinda Goes
College Nannies & Tutors
352-389-4331
www.collegenannies.com
A strong start to the school year often means a successful school year. The following tips are simple and practical enough for parents to implement in their own homes:
It is crucial that parents show interest. They can do this by getting a school calendar so they know when grading periods end and when report cards will be mailed home. Knowing when conferences are and preparing questions beforehand are both helpful.
Parents and children should set realistic goals for grades at the beginning of each term. During this discussion, parents should take into consideration their children's strengths and weaknesses. It is very important to listen to children during this discussion and not set expectations too high. Unrealistic expectations could set them up for failure.
Parents also should become familiar with their child's school and remember that teachers, principals and counselors are there to help. It is important to introduce oneself before issues arise.
A great way to get to know the school better is to volunteer. Children may not be thrilled to see their parents in the hallway, but parents will be sending a strong message.
Finding the Best School
by Tim Euler, M.Ed., headmaster
Central Florida Christian Academy
407-293-8062
www.cfcacademy.org
For some parents, seeing their children come to Christ and instilling a strong biblically measured character are top priorities. With that said, shepherding them to reach their academic potential also is very important. When making the decision to send children to a Christ-centered school, many think they are trading a degree of academic excellence to ensure spiritual integrity. However, this is not the case, and children's academic skills often excel above the most competitive academic programs when they attend a Christian school.
Christian schools exist to partner with families to train children with academic excellence and spiritual integrity. This unique education model provides a solid educational foundation that is critical in shaping lifelong choices that are biblically consistent. The focus is on shaping core values, love for others, joy in doing right, humility, selflessness, honor, faithfulness to God and country, a strong work ethic, and self-control. Christian schools then become an extension of the home, teaching these lifelong values.
Education for Sustainability
by Stephanie Yelenosky
Montessori World School
407-239-6024
www.montessoriworldschool.com
Education for sustainability can mean different things to different people. The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education states that sustainability means providing a rich quality of life for all within the means of nature and meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
As depletion of natural resources becomes impossible to ignore and results of industrial practices continue nudging the global thermometer upward, people are using something profoundly abundant to solve this problem — human intellect and creativity.
EFS supports the development of habits of mind that young people need to solve problems they will face as adults, including systems thinking — placing one's self within the whole and parts of a system; intergenerational responsibility — taking responsibility for actions on future generations; strategic responsibility — assuming absolute responsibility by designing, planning and executing with whole systems in mind; and paradigm shifting — a dramatic change in methodology or practice.
The world is at the edge of a new kind of industrial revolution, and students should lead the way to a sustainable future.
Lifelong Learners
by MaryBeth Davies, head of middle school
Windermere Preparatory School
407-905-7737
www.windermereprep.com
How do educators effectively create students who are truly lifelong learners?
When there are enthusiastic professionals delivering a dynamic curriculum, what is created is just that — lifelong learners. Students learn the standards of any core curriculum, but what sets lifelong learners apart is the aspiration for more than what is found in textbooks. Students learn to question, challenge and seek out information from a variety of sources.
Students often develop mentoring relationships with younger students. Such relationships foster social life skills, with students realizing that life is made of such bonds, and that to teach is to learn twice.
Traveling with students on exciting educational trips within the community, across the nation, and even across the world, allows students a real look at learning, realizing that lessons are found in every aspect of life.
Students should be celebrated as people. It helps them to develop into well-rounded, balanced individuals. Students who are academically focused, but also focused on athletics, the arts, community service and clubs and organizations, develop into "Renaissance" individuals.
Lifelong learning is about learning for the joy of learning.
Children's Tooth Care
by Jason J. Sotto, D.M.D., P.A.
407-347-5 956
www.drsotto.com
Parents should take their children to the dentist for back-to-school cleanings and checkups before they are too busy and involved with the school year.
It also is time to get back on track with a healthy diet. Children should avoid those summertime sugary sodas and limit their juice consumption to meal times. Water is the best snack beverage.
Good back-to-school brushing techniques start by placing the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Children should begin along the gumline with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. Even 2-year-olds sometimes need their teeth flossed. Parents should floss their children's teeth until they can do it alone at around 9 years old.
Flossing picks work great for very young children. However, older children can use regular floss, which is held between the thumb and forefinger. For preschool children, a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used if the child is old enough not to swallow it. If they cannot spit well enough, parents should use nonfluoridated toothpaste, which is mainly for children younger than 3.
Kennedy Negrete, 7 • Silver Woods
Making the Transition to School Easier
by Leighann Samuda
Bright Horizons at Winter Garden
407-654-9693
www.brighthorizons.com/wintergarden
Many adults have delightful memories of summer nights — playing flashlight tag in the dark, sleeping outside in a tent, or hanging out on the porch watching the stars. Children need and benefit from relaxed times out of the daily routine. However, some children will be entering more formal schooling in the fall. While it is wonderful to give children the opportunity for a more relaxed schedule during the summer, August is the time for easing children gradually back into a routine, so that when school starts, it will not be an abrupt transition. The following tips will help ease the transition into school:
Parents should start reimplementing regular routines during August. If children are allowed to stay up a little later during the summer, they should gradually get back to the bedtime expected when school starts. It is important to remember to talk to children about why this change is taking place and how it will help them transition back to school.
If homemade lunches will be part of the fall routine, it is helpful to rehearse packing lunches in the morning, so that parents will know how much extra time it will take and what supplies are needed. Parents should talk to their children about new lunch ideas that are nutritious and delicious.
Whether it is walking to the bus stop or driving to the new school, parents and children should do a dry run of the new morning routine to see how much time it will take. It almost always takes more time than originally thought, especially when the unexpected happens.
If they have not done so already, parents should visit a new school to meet teachers and other school staff. If this does not work within a busy schedule, perhaps a relative or neighbor whose child attends the same school can take one's child.
Parents must always have a backup plan for what to do in case they are late. This is especially true for those with children entering kindergarten. While parents probably had a plan for early childhood centers, they must be sure that emergency pickup people know where the new school/after-school program is located and what the pickup routine is there. It is always better to prepare ahead of time than wait for an emergency.
With a little bit of advance preparation, the transition to school can be a positive one.
Ocular Tracking & Learning
by Bonnie Osgood, center director
Learn To Learn Inc.
407-275-5550
www.learntolearn.com
Ocular tracking and the ability to learn are closely related. When eyes move across a sentence, the ocular tracking system is hard at work, keeping the eyes moving together and taking snapshots of the words so the brain can process them into meaning. The majority of learning is through the visual system, and good ocular tracking is vital.
Ocular tracking is not related to acuity. An optometrist assesses the eyes to determine acuity or focus. Ocular tracking is controlled by the strength or weakness of the eight muscles surrounding each eye.
Symptoms of poor ocular tracking are headache, fatigue, inattention, lack of focus, itchy or watery eyes, and letters doubling up or "wiggling." Ocular tracking can often be misdiagnosed as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention-deficit disorder, learning disabilities or behavioral disorders. Many students struggle with learning, believing that they are inadequate, when the problem is as simple as weak ocular muscles. The result is an "I hate reading" attitude that can last a lifetime.
Ocular tracking issues are easy to diagnose with the right equipment. A Visagraph assessment is a quick, easy way to report on a student's ocular tracking abilities, grade-level efficiency and comprehension rate. If a student exhibits ocular tracking issues, it almost can always be fixed through eye-muscle training.
Preventing Children From Being Bullied
by J. Restrepo
Victory Martial Arts
877-797-7988
www.victoryma.com
There is every indication that bullying is a growing problem that is here to stay. Time and again, bullying has demonstrated its potential to devastate its victims.
If a child is shy, quiet and seems to lack self-esteem, he is certainly a very good candidate for becoming a victim. Enhancing children's confidence is always an excellent answer.
The first step is to learn whether your child is being victimized by bullies. Here are seven simple questions that can help parents find out:
- Is the child being called names?
- Do other children make fun of the way the child looks or acts?
- Is the child left out of groups on purpose by other children?
- Do other children ever hit, kick, push or punch the child?
- Is it hard for the child to make friends?
- Is the child sometimes scared to go to school?
- Has the child felt angry or cried when someone has been mean?
If a child answers yes to any of these questions, it is likely that he is being bullied. There is a host of options to help boost a child's confidence. A professional martial arts program or specialized self-defense or bully-proof program can make a difference.
Staying Sharp Over the Summer for Back-To-School Success
by Scott Bergin
Huntington Learning Center
407-522-4477
www.huntingtonlearning.com
One of the major mistakes parents and students make during the summer is taking a complete break from academic activities. When doing this, students are at a serious risk of forgetting a good portion of what they have learned, as well as establishing poor habits that can hurt them in the upcoming year.
Summertime is a great time for parents to reflect on the past school year, take action on any areas of concern, and guard against their children regressing in critical areas of their academic skill sets.
Students who struggled with class work, homework and had a tough time maintaining grades in general are likely to continue the trend next year, when the stakes are even higher. An accredited learning center can provide a thorough academic assessment to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses and prepare a personal program of study to fix the areas of concern before the new school year starts.
Summertime is also the best time for any student who will be taking an important examination during the next school year to begin a personalized course of preparation. Qualified learning centers provide summer programs to help students begin studying for a variety of exams, including SAT, ACT, Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, and Independent School Entrance Exam.
Humpty Dumpty Should Have a Great Fall
by Chani Konikov, director
Chabad Hebrew School & Chai Orlando Preschool
407-354-3660
www.jewishorlando.com
www.chaiorlando.com
When children hear about the tragedy of Humpty Dumpty, they may laugh at the funny sounds or cry at Dumpty's misfortune. The children could be puzzled, often
wondering who Humpty Dumpty was; if he was a person or an egg; and if he were an egg, why he was on the wall.
To the thoughtful child, Humpty Dumpty and his ilk are enigmas. Children may assume that these characters and their stories must be important, since they are introduced at the onset of education. They may wonder what the significance of the mishaps of Jack and Jill are, who Old Mother Hubbard was, and why her cupboard was empty.
As the years pass, Humpty Dumpty does fall into the background, yet it may leave a bothersome impression on the mind.
There could have been a Lord Dumpty, who failed in his political aspirations. This is an unfortunate heritage for children.
There is no meaningless nursery rhyme. If it is nonsensical, it fills a child's mind up with nonsense. Many, however, are violent, foolish or misleading. That which enters semiconsciously into the young mind will emerge later in actions.
Children deserve better background music for the most formative time of their lives.
Why Math Is So Difficult
by Rich Waldor
Keys to Math
407-256-7506
keystomath@mindspring.com
Succeeding in math is all about confidence. When a child is sitting in class and the teacher calls on him to solve an algebra problem on the board, the first question he asks himself may be, "Can I use decimals?" followed by, "Is there really a solution to this?"
In reality, the key to understanding math is to gain confidence in one's own abilities and to understand how math can be used to help solve real-world problems. Gaining confidence means finding clear, repeatable techniques for visualizing and achieving answers quickly and easily.
For some, this means memorizing processes and practicing until they are internalized. Others, however, do not respond to such an approach. Instead, there are visualization techniques that once successfully learned make any math problem easy to solve without memorization and endless worksheets.
Multiplication, division, fractions, algebra and even calculus problems can be solved visually once a student learns a different way to look at math problems. From there, children find no limits to where their confidence can grow.
Going Back to School With Healthy Style
by Jane Caruso McCullen, owner
Salon Salon
407-447-9898
www.salonsalonhair.com
The first thing many people — especially teens — worry about is how they will look on that first day back to school. Making a great impression is easy, from cool clothes to great skin and hair.
Those thinking about a new look for fall should consider the toll summer has had on their hair. The sun, beach, pool and frequent styling all cause damage, dehydration or buildup to the hair.
If hair feels rough or brittle when a finger is run down the hair shaft, it needs moisture. Moisture rejuvenation therapy provided by a stylist can help penetrate hair with intense moisture.
If hair breaks without stretching when pulled, it is damaged from environmental exposure, heat styling or chemical processes. Fatigued hair can be strengthened with a damage therapy treatment. Proteins and amino acids penetrate back into the hair shaft and work from the inside out to strengthen and repair damage.
It also is important to remember grooming. Aveda's Outer Peace Acne line boasts a proven 92 percent success rate. After use, skin is clean, clear and acne-free. Young ladies also should get advice on makeup. A makeup lesson with a chart teaches age-appropriate trends and basics that can keep young women ahead of the class.
Emerson Ellen, 6 • Keene's Pointe
Time for Tennis
by Kenny Gouts, Professional Tennis
Registry-certified tennis pro
Lake Cane Tennis Center
407-254-9170
www.lakecanetennis.com
It is that time of year again — time to go back to school and resume the rigorous climb up the tree of knowledge. There is no better way to complement that ascent than with an active sport. Playing a sport while being in school has been proven to relieve stress and promote brain development through the use of tactical thinking.
With the age of obesity at hand, playing a sport is a great way for children to learn the importance of exercise in leading a healthy and happy life.
Tennis is a great option for children to consider. Tennis requires no physical contact with the opponent, lowering the chance of injury. It is a total body workout that not only builds strength, but also stamina. It enhances alertness and tactical thinking that may generate new connections between nerves in the brain.
Tennis is easily accessible. Many tennis facilities offer great after-school programs for all levels and ages. Parents and children should not be discouraged by those who say tennis is a difficult sport. Like everything else, it requires time, effort and the desire to progress in order to improve.
Linguistic Development in Circle Time
by Anne-Marie Boveri Schlemmer
The Learning Center of Dr. Phillips
The Learning Center of South Park
407-352-1353 • 407-363-9325
www.tlcofdrphillips.com
www.tlcofsouthpark.com
An increasingly large number of children spend a considerable amount of time each day in child care settings. Preschool conversational environments differ from the home environment. Play and mealtime are informal settings for language socialization. Circle time is more formal. It is a daily speech activity in which children share personal experiences.
As a rule-governed speech event, circle time follows regular patterns.
Rules are learned through explicit instructions. Children can learn how to take part in the whole-class discussions. It is known that teacher-child interactions play an important role in developing linguistic and cognitive skills.
Preschool teachers commonly use certain strategies in an attempt to focus a group discussion, guide learning and scaffold conversation. Preschool teachers must keep a simultaneous dual focus on the children's skills in various developmental domains and the introduction of the specific topics.
Circle time is an arena that can provide children with ample opportunities for developing linguistic skills by expressing their viewpoints and those of others, while participating in the group. Missing circle time by repeatedly bringing children late to school may have a profound impact on the linguistic development of young children.
Tips for Raising Healthy Children
by Nicole Irvine, sports & fitness director
Jewish Community Center of South Orlando at the Jack & Lee Rosen Campus
407-387-5330
www.jccsouthorlando.org
If children ruled the world, houses would be built with candy, exercise would mean watching TV, and vegetables would just be for decoration. Fortunately, children have adults in their lives to help them create healthy habits — but those habits are only as good as the education and commitment of their parents.
Youth inactivity tracks to adult inactivity. Cultural factors such as increased choices of inactivity (using computers, watching TV and playing video games), lack of outdoor play because of parental fears about safety, and increased advertising of unhealthy food choices for children also impact children's physical fitness.
Parents are their children's first role models, and they set lifetime examples. There are many simple things parents can do to begin lifestyle changes. They can start by turning off TVs, video games and computers. Children and parents should go outside together to walk, play basketball, weed the garden, ride bikes or play at a park.
Parents and children should be outside doing something active each day. Due to short attention spans, children ages 2 through 5 should participate in activities that are varied. These activities should be followed by quieter activities. This age group enjoys walking, running, tumbling, throwing and catching. Elementary-age children should accumulate 30 to 60 minutes of age-appropriate physical activity on all, or most, days of the week. The activities should last 10 to 15 minutes and include moderate to vigorous activity.
Parents need to take control of the kitchen, too. Throughout the years, trends in child health have shifted from a narrow focus on the prevention of dietary deficiencies toward the broader view of promoting healthful food practices for long-term benefits.
The secret to grocery shopping is to stay away from the center aisles, because by sticking to the perimeter of the store, shoppers are more likely to encounter fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and whole grains.
Parents should begin carefully planning meals to include all of the recommended dietary guidelines and involve their children in both the planning and food preparation.
Parents must always be mindful of prepared foods that are loaded with sodium, and fresh is always the better choice. Refrigerators should be stocked with washed and sliced fruits and veggies for quick snacks, and parents should buy whole-grain products for added fiber content.
It is important to remember that changes do not have to be done all at once, but families should start moving in a forward direction.
Jordan Powers, 9 • Windermere Harbor
Putting Children on the Fast Track to Success
by Alice Iorio, M.Ed., president
Champion Parenting Inc.
407-312-5402
www.championparentingpower.com
Parenting education is complex and a critical part of a child's success. With budget cuts affecting schools, parents will need to sharpen existing skills and learn new parenting strategies if children are to compete successfully in a global world.
While the challenges of the educational system continue to be debated, parents are still children's first teachers. Empowered parents with instructional support and networking opportunities for sharing their challenges and successes give children a better opportunity to grow their talents and become confident, contributing members of the community.
Everyone wants their child to succeed. And successful children are the result of champion-thinking parents. The essential steps for achieving parenting success are: participating fully in children's educational journey, maintaining a positive attitude, understanding one's role and responsibility to that child, keeping education the No. 1 priority in the home, networking with school personnel and other parents, using teamwork skills as a support system, and setting individual and family goals.
Parents should keep in mind that champion parenting is learned, practiced and shared.
Determining if Children Need Glasses
by Trisha Mai, O.D.
The Eye Studio
407-345-7979
www.eyestudioorlando.com
Many children start school not knowing they need glasses. Children who lose their place while reading, avoid close work, rub their eyes, have recurring headaches, turn or tilt their heads, make frequent reversals when reading or writing, use a finger to maintain their place when reading, omit or confuse small words when reading, consistently perform below their potential, struggle to complete their homework, squint while reading or watching TV, have behavioral problems or hold reading material closer than normal need to be evaluated for glasses.
Without healthy vision, students may suffer not only in the classroom, but also mentally, physically and emotionally. Before school begins, children should undergo an eye exam to ensure they are seeing their best.
Multisensory Instruction
by Allison Gray, owner/director
Cranium Clubhouse
407-294-6950
www.craniumclubhouse.com
Multisensory instruction is any learning activity that utilizes two or more senses simultaneously to process and convey information. A balanced multisensory curriculum should motivate a child with visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic experiences that are designed to engage and develop the child's entire brain. An example is when children are taught to link the sounds of the letters with the written symbols. As students learn a new letter or pattern, they copy the letter while saying or hearing the corresponding sound. When taught with a multisensory approach, children have the advantage of learning by utilizing all of the brain's pathways.
Many teachers find that a hands-on multisensory approach holds their students' attention and keeps learning alive and exciting, helping students to retain facts, concepts, skills and vocabulary. Multisensory learning is a great confidence-builder and leads to successful experiences that often encourage children to put effort into the hard work of learning.
A Positive Approach to Planning for Preschool
by Amber Lail, lower school principal
The First Academy
407-206-8600
www.thefirstacademy.org
It may seem like just yesterday that parents arrived home with beautiful bundles of joy, and now, here they stand, with backpacks and lunchboxes in hand, ready for preschool. Making decisions about where to send children to preschool can be challenging, but parents can make it a positive experience for their children and themselves.
Parents must first decide on their priorities in order to find the best fit for their families. They should consider what kind of educational philosophy will meet their expectations, why they are sending their children to preschool, and how their children should benefit. Parents must plan for the future, ensuring that a chosen preschool will prepare their children for future educational institutions.
Parents should next prepare and research different options by speaking with trusted family members, friends, parents or a family pediatrician. Using online resources and visiting websites also is helpful in learning about a school's approach to teaching and learning. Preschool education benefits children in three main areas — academic, social and school readiness. Parents must consider the foundational concepts a school provides as the main focus of its educational goals. Schools also may offer different opportunities, such as sharing, taking turns, cooperative play and making friends, for children to develop socially.
Understanding common early childhood terms will help parents make informed decisions. For example, child-centered means children's interests are taken into consideration when planning activities, teacher-directed means curriculum and activities are planned and scheduled by the teachers in a more structured learning environment, and developmentally appropriate means curriculum
and activities are based on what is age-appropriate for the children in the class.
The last step in the process should be to schedule a visit by contacting the school and arranging a guided tour. Parents can learn a lot about a school by interacting with the admissions staff. While touring the school, they should ask themselves several questions, including do they feel welcome, are happy children on campus, do the classrooms appear clean and safe, what experience do the teachers possess, does the school provide readiness assessment, and is there a partnership between school and home.
Prioritizing, preparing and planning a visit for a positive approach will provide the best preschool experience for one's child.
Keys to Returning To College
by Jen Copeland, M.A., academic adviser
Webster University
407-345-1139, ext. 201
www.websterorlando.com
Accreditation is accreditation, right? Wrong. Regional accreditation is the most respected form of accreditation in the U.S. According to Central Florida Higher Education Alliance's website, "Regional accreditation is an important consideration when choosing a college. From a student's perspective, there is a great advantage in the fact that regionally accredited colleges and universities recognize each other's degrees and transfer credits." When looking for a school, regional accreditation should be the first question.
Students who move to Florida from another state or country do not have to start over with their college credits. Credits from India, France, Puerto Rico or California can typically be used toward earning a degree. There are no laws or rules stating that credits are only good in a particular state or country.
Students with credits from 10 or 15 years ago should not panic. College credits usually do not expire and, depending on the school, can be used toward a degree. If a student wants to finish a degree, many schools will transfer in the equivalent of three years credit. Many schools also transfer graduate credit toward a master's degree.
Choosing the Right Preschool
by Varsha Sant, owner
StarChild Academy
407-877-0345
www.starchildacademy.com
Choosing the right preschool requires asking the right questions of the schools visited. A good preschool should have a good reputation; established ground rules; stimulating curriculum; and qualified, caring staff.
A good preschool should have a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and be known for its nurturing environment and stimulating curriculum. Although it is important for a preschool to be flexible, it should also have clearly established written regulations for everything from operating hours to how to handle emergencies. If a preschool is poorly organized and has lax or nonexistent rules, it is not likely to be a right fit.
The best preschools have daily schedules that include time for well-planned curriculum, which stimulates children's development and makes daily life more fun. Most importantly, parents should look for a preschool with a staff that shares their philosophies about sleep, discipline, feeding and other care issues. Looking at these factors will ensure that parents find the right preschool for their children.
Orange County Public Schools 2010-11 Student Calendar
Aug. 23: First day of school
Sept. 6: Holiday
Oct. 15: Holiday
Oct. 28: First marking period ends
Oct. 29: Holiday
Nov. 22-26: Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 20-31 : Winter Break
Jan. 17: Holiday
Jan. 20: Second marking period ends
Jan. 21: Holiday
Feb. 21: Holiday
March 24: Third marking period ends
March 25: Holiday
March 28-April 1: Spring Break
May 30: Holiday
June 8: Last day of school
BERLITZ LANGUAGE CENTER, 7901 Kingspointe Parkway, Suite 19, Orlando, 407-248-8222, www.berlitzorlando.com. The center is accepting registrations for its fall after-school programs for children. Classes are held once a week at the Berlitz office and in public schools throughout Orange County. Scholarships are offered by Berlitz and Orange County Public Schools. Operating hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
CENTRAL FLORIDA POWER TUMBLE, 7075 Kingspointe Parkway, Suite 12, Orlando, 407-965-3365. CFLPT offers tumbling for all ages and levels, including power tumblers, cheerleaders and gymnasts. The program is under the direction of Jay Mitchell, and hard floor is offered for high school and college teams. High school teams meet Monday-Friday from 3-4:30 p.m., beginners meet Monday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 5-6 p.m., power/intermediate sessions are Monday and Thursday from 5-6 p.m., advanced sessions are Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. and Wednesday from 6-7 p.m., and power advanced tumblers meet Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Thursday from 6-7 p.m. Open gym hours are Monday from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m., and Friday from 5-7 p.m.
CHABAD HEBREW SCHOOL, 7504 Universal Blvd., Orlando, 407-354-3660, www.jewishorlando.com/hebrewschool. Chabad's unique Hebrew school is where the beauty, values and traditions of Judaism are brought to life through a kaleidoscope of fun activities and interactive lessons. The school enjoys a well-earned reputation as a trendsetter in creative Jewish education. Chabad Hebrew School caters to Jewish families from all walks of life and offers small classes in a warm, cheerful atmosphere.
CHAI PRESCHOOL, 7472 Universal Blvd., Orlando, 407-354-3660, www.chaiorlando.com. Chai Preschool seeks to create a stimulating and enriching educational environment for all children. The school is devoted to helping children learn socialization skills, building self-confidence and teaching the preliminary skills needed to explore the world independently. The staff aims to give children an early foundation to prepare them for the transition into elementary school. In addition, the school hopes to instill a sense of Jewish heritage in each child and create a lifetime passion for learning.
CHILDREN'S LIGHTHOUSE OF PEOPLE OF FAITH, 220 Windermere Road, Winter Garden, 407-395-0077, www.childrenslighthousepof.com. Children's Lighthouse of People of Faith is a faith-based child care center. Full-time child care is offered for children ages 6 weeks-4 years, and part-time care is available for children ages 13 months-3 years. Before- and after-school care also is provided. The first day of school is Aug. 23. An open house takes place Aug. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. There also is a fall festival, including games, food, music and a silent auction, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
COLLEGE NANNIES & TUTORS, 352-389-4331, www.collegenannies.com. College Nannies & Tutors provides before- and after-school, one-on-one tutoring for students from first grade-college prep at local libraries or in students' homes. In order to fully support each family and make life easier, Homework Help Nannies also are available to pick children up at school and assist them with current curricula.
CRANIUM CLUBHOUSE, 4068 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden, 407-294-6950, www.craniumclubhouse.com. Cranium Clubhouse is where kids play with their minds. After-school programs allow children ages 3-10 to enter a state-of-the-art, multisensory, animated learning environment. The program uses interactive journeys to develop and accelerate reading, math, critical thinking and cognitive skills development. It also integrates fun curricula, such as astronomy, biology, natural sciences, art and economics, while building children's communication, confidence and creativity.
GARDEN MUSIC SCHOOL, 40 S. Main St., Winter Garden, 407-654-5277, www.gardenmusicschool.com. Garden Music School holds private music lessons after school for all instruments. Beginning in the fall, the school also holds group classes for Jazz Lab, Rock Lab and Percussion Ensembles.
THE HANDWRITING COACH, 407-462-8240, www.thehandwritingcoach.com. One-on-one occupational therapy at students' homes is available. The instruction is based on the award-winning Handwriting Without Tears program and tailored to meet individual concerns and needs. Evening and Saturday appointments are available.
HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER, 5060 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, 407-522-4477, www.huntingtonlearning.com. Huntington offers individualized tutoring in reading, math and study skills, and exam preparation for the SAT, ACT, FCAT, Independent School Entrance Examination, and Secondary School Admission Test. Children of all ages are welcome, and an academic assessment ensures programs are custom-tailored to meet individual children's needs.
IN THE LIMELIGHT, with classes held at Gotha Community Center, 9561 Gotha Road, Windermere, 407-340-0920, www.inthelimelightorlando.com. In the Limelight offers weekly after-school acting classes for beginners to advanced actors entering first through 12th grade. Open auditions for productions of Little Women and The Wizard of Oz for fourth- through 12th-graders, The Secret Life of Girls for seventh- through 12th-graders, and The Jungle Book Kids for children ages 4-8 will be held Aug. 28. For more information or to make an appointment, e-mail katie@inthelimelightorlando.com.
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SOUTH ORLANDO AT THE JACK & LEE ROSEN CAMPUS, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, 407-387-5330, www.jccsouthorlando.org. The new Jack & Lee Rosen Campus offers the Jewish Community Center's award-winning Early Childhood Learning Center, which is renowned for the attention teachers give children, sophistication of the curriculum, and tenure the experienced educators have with the school. The JCC also offers J University, an after-school program with supervised homework help for children in kindergarten-fifth grade. Transportation is available from local public schools. After-school enrichment classes in sports and arts also are available.
LAKE CANE TENNIS CENTER, 5108 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, 407-254-9170, www.lakecanetennis.com. Lake Cane Tennis Center offers tennis classes to students of all ages. Classes include court fitness, mental toughness training and tennis instruction at all skill levels. Monthly programs begin in August and run through May. Operating hours are Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m.
THE MAILE IMAGE, MODELING & ACTING SCHOOL, 999 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-628-5989, www.lisamaile.com. The Maile Image, Modeling & Acting School offers a variety of programs geared toward breaking into the modeling and acting industries or just building confidence and self-esteem. Programs include After-School Modeling/Image & TV on Wednesdays from 3:45-5:45 p.m. for children ages 6-11, and On-Camera Children's Acting on Tuesdays from 3:45-5:45 p.m. for children ages 4-6. Saturday classes also are available. The school offers teen modeling classes, during which all students model in a fashion show, and ongoing acting sessions for children ages 7-17.
MONTESSORI WORLD SCHOOL, 11659 Ruby Lake Road, Orlando, 407-239-6024, . Montessori World School offers enrichment classes in art, music, Kinderdance, drama, yoga, soccer, golf, chess, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, piano and guitar for children ages 3-14. Times and costs vary.
STARCHILD ACADEMY, 1324 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden, 407-877-0345, www.starchildacademy.com. StarChild Academy offers high-quality, educationally orientated preschool, private kindergarten, summer camp and before- and after-school programs for parents who want the best learning environment for their children. In addition to its full-time programs, StarChild Academy also offers half-day preschool/pre-K programs. StarChild Academy utilizes SRA/McGraw-Hill's Open Court Reading, Saxon Math, A Beka phonics and HighReach Learning curricula, as well as Spanish, Chinese and sign language lessons.
TOP SELECT VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY,
www.topselectvolleyballacademy.com, 407-242-3498. Top Select offers several volleyball programs this fall for players of all ages. Bitty Bumpers is an introductory program for girls ages 10-under that will be held Monday evenings starting in September. Volley Fall, an instructional volleyball league for elementary and middle school students begins Sept. 2 with practices twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. Preseason training for high-schoolers is offered Sundays, and club tryouts for ages 14-under will be held in October. A parent informational meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Aug. 28 at Foundation Academy's South Campus, 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden.
VICTORY MARTIAL ARTS, 877-797-7988, www.victoryma.com. Victory Martial Arts offers classes for children age 3-older, as well as family and adult classes. Discipline, confidence and respect are some of the life skills that are practiced and enhanced through Victory Martial Arts' programs. The studio, which offers 12 Central Florida locations, aims to train its students to become champions in life.
WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL, 6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere, 407-905-7737, www.windermereprep.com. Aquatics at WPS centers around its new eight-lane, 25-yard pool. Programs offered include a competition swim team, infant survival floating and swim lessons for adults and children. For more information, call coach Darl Bonnema at 321-945-1421. WPS's Tennis Academy begins is fall schedule in September. Open to WPS students and the community, the academy offers after-school group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. For more information, call Mandy Rosenfield at 407-928-6666 or e-mail mandy.rosenfield@windermereprep.com.
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