Prepare for September with Tech
Using August to Learn New Skills
The End of Summer!
As August rolls in the weather remains hot and the beach sand is still burning your toes. The inevitable back to school sales are already starting to appear. The carefree summer feeling is fleeting out the window at record speed and the dread of the new school year is near. Now is the time to start planning for the upcoming school year. How will this year be different? How can it be better?
Using the last month of summer to learn a few new tricks my just be the anecdote to the end-of-summer blues. The strategies included will help you and your child become more organized, mindful, and gain access to new learning materials.
Get Your Family Organized
Get in the habit of using the variety of apps available in your smartphone or tablet. Choose apps that allow all family member to display where they will be, what is needed, and even when they may need a ride home. Many also include a shared list component that allows everyone to contribute to the grocery list. Feel free to share the calendar with caretakers and grandparents so that everyone knows when the next championship game or school play is scheduled.
- Cozi Family Calendar
- Google Calendars
- FamCal
Increase Mindfulness
Encourage your child, or even yourself, to identify how they feel in the moment. This may help alleviate stress and encourage better decision-making. Using apps on smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets allow people of all ages the opportunity to reflect on how they feel and how they can be in control of their own mental health.
- Headspace
- Calm
- Perspective Journal
- Stigma: Mood Tracker and Journal
Plan for your Financial Future
Learning fiscal responsibility is a large challenge that many students struggle with once they live on their own. There are a variety of tools that will support the concept of financial management. Many tools are available to students as young as elementry school. Don't be afraid to make an appointment to speak with your local bank manager. Many financial institutions have programs designed to educate young consumers long before they are eligible for their own line of credit.
- Budget Calculator: Personal Financial Planner App
- Mint: Personal Finance & Money
Increase Listening Comprehension
Many students benefit from the additional support of audiobooks. Using audiobooks can allow students that struggle with the reading or comprehension of grade-level texts the opportunity to gain insight and background knowledge they may not receive from reading independently. The books can be accessed at little to no cost. Many families listen to audiobooks while driving to grandmas or to the beach. It may be best for students to practice listening to a book that they find highly interesting before switching to a text with more sophisticated themes.
Teach Others with Tech!
Students that are able to teach others often have a higher rate of retaining the information. Encourage your student to tutor a sibling or neighbor. For tech-savvy kids, this can include creating presentations, videos, and songs. Encourage your student to be creative and have fun. It will increase the level of learning for the teacher and the student!
- Prezi Viewer
- Showme Whiteboard App
- Youtube
Learning for Tomorrow NJ
Learning for Tomorrow NJ supports students, families, and schools by providing assistive technology evaluations and supports. Contact us for a free screening to determine if technology will help your student succeed in and out of the classroom.
Email: tracy.lftnj@gmail.com
Website: www.lftnj.com
Phone: 856.982.2350
Facebook: facebook.com/@learningfortomorrownj