FAIRMONT FIVE: good reasons for attending summer school

The last day of school--students look forward to it throughout the school year (even if they secretly love to learn).  Students, teachers, and parents yearn for the slightly less structured days of summer and look forward to a well-deserved break from tests and homework! The tricky thing about summer is that students have a tendency to get a little rusty in mastering academic skills. Education circles call this the “summer brain drain phenomena.”

Did you know that students lose about two months of grade-level equivalency in mathematical computation skills during the summer months?  When you compare standardized test scores taken at the end of the school year with the same test scores taken at the end of summer, there is a significant dip in student achievement.  Summer brain drain is a fact, but it's not inevitable.

Studies show that quality summer programs keep the learning going all year long. This boosts a child's academic achievement and confidence ahead of the new school year. Here are five reasons to consider summer school for your child:

1. Extra practice and review of key concepts in reading, writing, and math help reinforce academic skills and fill any gaps in a child’s education over the past year.
2. The smaller class sizes often available in summer school classes foster closer student and teacher engagement. A child may feel more confident to speak up and ask for help.
3. The relaxed environment that summer school provides is more beneficial to a child’s brain development than hours of watching TV or playing video games. Plus, during summer camp, a child has opportunities to engage with friends while building character and participating in a variety of rewarding activities.  
4. The slower pace of summer school allows a child to "play" while learning new subjects, discovering new areas of interest, and developing important problem solving skills.
5. Overall, summer school helps children build confidence in academic abilities, and a little confidence can go a long way in helping your child to succeed in the coming school year.  
   
   
   Find out more about Fairmont's summer programs including day camp, summer school, and enrichment programs by visiting www.fairmontsummerprograms.com.  Save 10% on summer school and summer camp if you enroll by April 30th!
   
   Contributed by Doug Fleischli, Fairmont Private Schools 

HOW TO: managing a child’s screen time

A parent’s involvement in their child’s recreational screen time is important particularly in the preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school years according to Dr. Rebecca Osborne, Technology Enhanced Curriculum Specialist for Fairmont Private Schools.  Studies show that spending too much time passively staring at a screen can affect brain development, especially among younger children.  Sherrelle Walker, M.A. lists the reasons why parents should pay close attention their children’s passive screen time in her blog post entitled “Why Limit Screen Time? Reasons You Should Limit Screen Time.”

To help children avoid too much passive screen time viewing, parents should track the amount of free time a child spends in front of a screen and set limits to encourage their child to engage in other activities. Screen time refers to the use of tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, desktop computers, and good-old-fashion television. Parents are also encouraged to set an example by limiting their own passive screen use. Together, children and parents can turn off their screens and together play a board game, take a walk, or enjoy some time at a park.
 

Helpful tips to help parents manage their child’s screen time:Talk to the child’s teacher to understand the amount of classroom time devoted to iPads and computers each day as beneficial interactive educational tools. Parents can then set a time limit at home that balances well with their screen time at school. The rule is simple: when time is up, turn off the screens and begin another activity.

The Time Lock app ($0.99 in the iTunes App Store) allows parents to set a time limit for iPad, iPod, or iPhone use.  Once the time limit has been reached, the device will lock and require a parent pass code to unlock it. Similar apps are available for Android devices. For children under the age of five, it is recommended that recreational screen time at home not exceed two hours per day. For children five and older, passive screen viewing on a daily basis should be limited to four hours per day.  

Introduce the principles of time management and add variety to a child’s day.  By limiting screen time, parents can encourage their children to engage in a mix of creative and physical activities each day. For example, when the time comes to switch off the game console, encourage children to get their bodies moving by engaging in outdoor physical activities such as riding a skateboard or playing basketball. Activities such as reading a book, drawing a picture, and figuring out a puzzle help exercise the brain.

Encourage children to use their screen time to engage in interactive games that promote critical thinking. Some great puzzle games that develop problem solving and critical thinking skills include World of Goo ($2.99), Dwelp ($1.99), Magnetized ($2.99), and Luminosity (Free, with in-app purchases).  A few subject-specific apps that offer interactive features include Flags Fun (Free) and Art by Puzzle World Games ($0.99).

By managing screen time, parents will help children appreciate the benefits of a well-balanced day of activities that foster healthy academic, personal, and physical enrichment. 

Contributed by Doug Fleischli, Fairmont Private Schools

Image by  Portia Stewart

A to Z having a safe Halloween

Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times for children of all ages. These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, engage in physical activity and focus on safety.

Check out these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating?

S Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and  flexible. 
A Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
F Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
E Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. 


H Hold a flashlight to help you see and others see you. Always WALKand don't run.

A  Always test make-up in a small area first.

L Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.

L  Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
O Only walk on sidewalks, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe. 
W Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
E Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats.
E Enter homes with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses and avoid dark houses. 
N Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

  
Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone:

• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables and cheeses.
  
• Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
  
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.
  
• Keep candle-lit “jack o'lanterns” and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
  
• Remind those driving to the party to watch out for trick-or-treaters on the streets.

  
Contributed by Doug Fleischli, MA Fairmont Private Schools
Image Credit: highlandvillage.org
 

FAIRMONT FIVE fun, non-spooky Halloween costume ideas

FROZEN Princess Anna

Toothless Dragon

What will you be for Halloween?

Halloween is a fun time to indulge in your playful imagination with your children. Here are some ideas to inspire your fun Halloween creativity side while steering away from the serious spooky look. 

1.     No-sew shark costume

2.       Easy fairy costume

3.       FROZEN Princess Anna   

4.       Toothless Dragon

5.       Easy Bat Wings

 Contributed by Doug Fleischli

Images from Truffles & Rain Boots and Tried & True

BULLETIN BOARD american celebration

Summer has arrived, and it's time once again to celebrate our beautiful Land of the Free! Throw a neighborhood parade, run in the sprinklers with the kids, win a watermelon eating contest--no matter how you plan to spend 4th of July, we hope you find some inspiration in these patriotic picks. 

1. Berry Delicious Cupcake Flag  2. Neighborhood Parade Bike Decor 3. Firecracker Place Cards 4. Red, White, and Blue Porch Accessories 5. Patriotic Simple Snack 6. Appetizer Caprese Pops

Contributed by Alyssa & Danyelle