Types Of Boarding Schools

In my previous article, I discussed the basic characteristics of a boarding school. In this article, I will address the various types of boarding schools that students may attend. All Boarding Schools The most common type of boarding school that comes to mind is the all boarding school. In all boarding schools, all of the students are boarders. All students live on campus. Boarding Day Schools At a boarding day school, most students live on campus. However, students who live nearby or in a nearby neighborhood may choose to travel on a daily basis. Five-Day Boarding Schools At a five-day … Continue reading

Are Schools Designed for Boys or Girls?

For years we have heard how girls have been left behind in terms of science and math. It has been said that boys far exceed the girls and that we must place a focus upon women in these careers. I agree with those statements. However, girls make up the difference in other areas and perhaps far exceed the boys. Brain research shows that girls well out do boys in reading and writing. Girls are also generally higher achievers in our traditional classrooms. Boys and girls learn differently. Boys have extra, sometimes uncontrollable, energy. Their attention spans are shorter. It appears … Continue reading

How School Dress Codes Can Harm Your Daughter’s Education

Does the school your children attend have a dress code? Many of them do. Some schools opt for a specific, very limited, dress code. Others are a little less stringent. While a dress code might annoy your son, school dress codes can harm your daughter’s education. Here are some things for parents to watch out for. Ideally, a school dress code is designed to equalize students. Everyone has to wear the same type of uniform, with limited variations. (Typical variations include skirts for girls and pants for boys). Schools might choose to only allow clothing of specific colors. The goal … Continue reading

Is Gym Class Too Dangerous?

Forget about those reports that hail gym class as a savior in the war against childhood obesity. According to a new study, injuries to American children enrolled in school physical education classes increased by 150 percent from 1997-2007. Interestingly, the reason for the dramatically high number of injuries is not due to schools instituting vigorous exercise regimes; rather the study claims lack of adult supervision is to blame. The study’s lead author notes that lively gym programs are commendable; however, a decline in school nurses and larger class sizes have the potential to negate benefits gained through rigorous P.E. classes. … Continue reading

Something for Parents of LEGO Lovers to Think About

Are your children into Lego? Are you constantly nagging them to pick up the tiny brick-like blocks from the floor before a younger sibling decides to make the colorful toys an afternoon snack? Now, let me ask you this: Are those Lego lovers of yours boys or girls? If they are girls, then what sets do they play with? Are your daughters crafting houses and castles from the popular Danish designed toys or are they more content building robots and fire engines? If it’s the latter, then you might want to contact Sweden’s Trade Ethical Council against Sexism in Advertising … Continue reading

New Exercise Program for Kids

My daughter was a chunk of a baby. (See for yourself.) But she has since shed her baby fat and grown into a perfectly sized preschooler, who can outrun all the girls and all but one boy on her soccer team. When I watch her sprint after the ball I often reminisce about her former Michelin Man legs. Man, was she chubby (though, very healthy, according to her doctor). I’m not afraid to speak about my child’s hefty beginnings, but perhaps I should since these days the tide seems to be turning against baby fat. In a recent article published … Continue reading

Single Gender Classes

Single-gender classrooms are becoming more popular. Some schools have limited or special classes for students wishing to participate in single-gender classes with either all boys or all girls. South Carolina is the first state to have a coordinator of single-gender classrooms. David Chadwell, the single-gender coordinator for South Carolina, feels that students have a better opportunity to learn when in a single-gender middle school classroom. After completing research, Chadwell found that boys and girls learn differently and should be taught differently. In an all boys class, teachers often use a microphone because boys have a harder time listening. Boys also … Continue reading

Education Week in Review: June 23 – June 29

Independence Day is peeking right around the corner. Along with it comes, fireworks, celebrations, hot weather, and nearing the beginning of a new school year. Summer keeps us busy with outdoor fun, vacations, and more. However do not forget to take a little time on these hot summer days to check out Families.com. Check below for a flash back of any articles that you missed this week. Saturday, June 23 Using Jazz in Our School Curriculum One university has decided to offer a special program for teachers. The program will help teachers make use of putting jazz into their curriculums. … Continue reading

Education Week in Review: April 7 – April 13

This week, I continued my focus on science and began a new focus on adults returning to school. In the area of science, I offered outdoor activity ideas and insight on gender gap. I also discussed study tips for adults returning to college. I hope that you enjoyed the week! Sunday, April 8 Outdoor Activity Ideas Many schools do not have outdoor classrooms. Even if you do not have access to outdoor instruction materials, you can easily conduct outdoor lessons. I offered some ideas in this article. Parents Prepare for Parent Teacher Conference It is important for parents to attend … Continue reading

Fitness in the News: Disturbing Trends in Obesity Treatment

I get treating obesity like a disease, I understand why the medical community is taking this stance and I get that the educational gambits they are taking, hammering on parents and individuals to get into shape and to shed those excess pounds (they don’t even bother to call them unwanted anymore) and I get that this campaign against obesity is designed to do what the campaign against smoking did — but there’s a problem here. It’s been a few centuries since people considered big to be beautiful and obese and overweight individuals are hardly ever considered sexy. Previous campaigns against … Continue reading