The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

It is just this issue of memorization that displays the advantage of an alphabetical script. The development of alphabetical scripts marks a signifiâ€" cant advancement in the history of human culture. Rather than resorting to memorizing a different symbol for each word of a language, alphabetical scripts reduced memorization to a limâ€" ited number of symbols that represent sounds and a set of rules dictating how those sounds are combined into words. When we get away from phonâ€" ics, we deny children this advantage, and revert to the overtaxing chore of memorizing each word of the lanâ€" _ So we encourage kids to memorize and estimate, tell them that accuracy is not important, forgive and allow fuzzy thinking and pretend that creative (inventive) spelling is fine. Then what happens? High school, university, colâ€" lege and life happen. Students who prefer memorizing usually end up thinking associationally not conceptuâ€" ally. That is, they can‘t problem solve, don‘t take academic risks, need strucâ€" tured programs and lots of help and guidance â€" all of which impede the development of real selfâ€"esteem. They don‘t get it; they don‘t make connecâ€" tions or see relationships. They are disorganized, unmotivated, and someâ€" times confused, angry or defensive. They are not achieving to their potenâ€" (Continued from page 4) telling our kids something that isn‘t true! We are saying that there is no code! The script can‘t be understood; there is no pattern; it can just be memâ€" orized. Can you imagine having to memorize BY SIGHT every single word in the English language? Well, that‘s what we reduce our kids to do when we teach them whole words only. 2. Establish Your Goals â€" Establish a realistic goal for each subâ€" ject and a plan of action that will Phonics discourages ‘fuzzy‘ thinking This leads to problems in the thinkâ€" ing process. If we begin by the whole word method we encourage and reward memorization and estimation â€" if you don‘t know, guess. If you don‘t know what the word really says, guessing is O.K. Meanings of words become interchanged (again, "ecoâ€" nomical" becomes "environmental") and we are pretending that words don‘t have specific meanings. But they do! It is not true that any old word or meaning will do. It is not true and it is not fair to the student. It says that accuracy is not important (but it i8!) and that fuzzy or "sort of" thinkâ€" ing is all right (but it isn‘t!) For students anxious to get off to â€" and sustain â€" a good start this term, here are some pointers: 1. Take Stock â€" Review your course outlines and requirements for all courses. Take note of outstanding assignments and resolve to get these underway immediately. Calculate term marks for all subjects so that you know where you stand. _ Take stock of extracurricular comâ€" mitments as well. Do you need to cut back on anything to allow you more time to focus? arch Break is behind us, and hard as it is to believe, high school students everyâ€" where in Halton are closing in on their last term of the school year. As you look ahead, don‘t fall into old patterns of leaving all of your exam preparation to the last minute. By ELAINE SIGURDSON Special to the Beaver Preparation takes the fear out of writing exams WE arRE PueAsED to ANNoUNcE THE aprointmeNt of Hometown Rapio, Hamitron‘s own cmmi 900 am sterfo as thE ‘orriciat‘ RADIO VOICE OF THE sHow. ListEN to cmmi 900 ror uroatEs on THE SHOW AND ALSO TO ‘LIVE" BROADCASTS FROM THE FLOOR OF THE HAMILTON CONVENTION CENTRE OVER THE TWO DAYS OF THE SsHowW. Hamilton Convention Centre * April 14th & 15th, 1993 "Topay‘s SENIORS PREMIER consumer skow For Propt 50 Puus" â€"""ceuione with Travel Village i) [ On the other hand, the phonetic approach to reading tends to produce an active mind. Students who learn the rules and structure of the script develâ€" op a more precise knowledge of the language. They can take charge of their own learning, and are able to decipher unfamiliar words on their own rather than being forced either to ask someone or to skip the word altoâ€" gether. A phonetic knowledge of the language can turn an unknown word into a challenging puzzle which the student can solve independently. In turn, students develop selfâ€"esteem and a confidence in their own intellectual abilities. tial! They haven‘t learned to think critâ€" ically. Go to any university and inquire of the English, Philosophy, Business or Psychology Departments, or speak to business leaders about the literacy and critical thinking skills of many recent graduates and you will see we already have this problem. It‘s not going away; it‘s going to get worse. 3. Focus on Motivation â€" Remind yourself of the benefits of doing well. Establish a support system â€" a friend, parent, or teacher with whom you can share your goals and check in about progress. Recognize the impact of study environment upon motivation and take steps to make this area as inviting and functional as possible. Turn distractions into rewards by planning to see friends, watch T.V., or use the phone â€" contingent upon the completion of scheduled work. Finally, learn to encourage yourself by focusing on the positive efforts you are making. 4. Plan Your Time â€" Implement allow you to achieve it. An example of an action plan might be: (1) Review one chapter a week â€" one hour a night Monday through Thursday. (2) Meet the teacher once a week to discuss areas of difficulty. (3) Get extra help in an area of weakness such as math. Once you‘ve set your goals â€" write them down. Two minâ€" utes a day reviewing your goals will help ensure you stay on track. "But," you say, "it‘s just a reading For information & applications please call 338â€"6236 2035 Upper Middle Road E. (9th Line/QEW &403) Oakville Serving Burlington, Milton, Oak Student Screening â€" Jr. Kindergarten â€" Grade 4]By Entrance Examinations â€" Grades 5 â€" 8 Ar At Glenburnie, our focus is on excellence, task commitment and skill development in a warm, caring atmosphere where students are encouraged and expected to achieve at their maximum level of capability. Junior Kindergarten A.M. or Full Day Program Senior Kindergarten Full Day Program Before and after school supervision PMR Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 Saturday, April 24 â€" 9:30 am â€" 12:30 pm [1 ! FREE / | Producers of MarK your carenDar. . .LOts oF BOOTHS & DISPLAYS . . .LOTS OF FREE DRAWS . . . AND GREAT ENTERTAINMENT. . . TWO TRAVEL VIDEO THEATRES(stare or the art) Starts at IAn tiu. 6rm! Maturs Trave: M OPEN HOUSE Many private educational centres, such as the Oxford Leaming Centre, provide structured phonics instruction. This article was submitted by the Oxford Learning Centre, Burlington. program!" And teachers love kids and want to help them. And school boards don‘t want to cause problems. They want to educate kids as effectively as possible. Yes, that all may be true, but it doesn‘t change the facts. All the good intentions in the world will not change the principles of a bad proâ€" gram and will not lessen the severity of its effects. Whole word, or whole language, reading programs are not teaching our kids to read well and are a major part of the reason why stuâ€" dents are not thinking more clearly and effectively. To get the most out of your classes â€" arrive rested and well prepared. Sit away from friends and other sources of distraction. Listen "actively" in class and take brief notes on imporâ€" tant points â€" in your own words. Review your notes A.S.A.P. after class (always on the same day); sumâ€" marize main points and commit them We have known how to teach kids to read for centuries. Modern teaching methodology has produced more creâ€" ative and effective teachers. Let‘s use these strengths to marry excellent teachers with effective programs. It‘s time to call it a bad bargain and say goodbye to Whole Language. effective habits and routines related to planning. Keep track of assignments. Use a "to do" list to record day to day tasks and a monthly calendar to record upcoming tests and assignâ€" ments. Invest in a good weekâ€"atâ€"aâ€" glance planning diary and get into the habit of planning weekly â€" anticipatâ€" ing tests and assignments ahead and daily â€" to make adjustments in accorâ€" dance with new assignments and demands. 5. Spend "Quality Time" in Class â€" Recognize that one of the most important things you can do to improve your results in school â€" with no additional output of time â€" is to improve the quality of your attention in class. CHML Mississauga, Etobicoke Hometoum Ratdio AM STEREO Hamilton Convention Centre :}-'- \|~l“'_ 6. Use Effective Reading Techniques â€" Reap maximum benefit from reading time by training yourâ€" self to read more effectively and strategically. Always preview a chapâ€" ter by skimming through it prior to indepth reading. Read actively to identify main ideas and supporting details. Write brief notes after the secâ€" tion has been read. Finally, review the material at the end of each section and repeat main points from memory. 7. Keep Physically and Mentally Fit â€" Remember, physical health and fitness improve mental stamina. To perform at your best, eat sensibly, get plenty of rest, and try to incorporate regular aerobic exercise into your lifestyle. Learn the skill of relaxation; to memory ud NS\ Due to the overwhelming demand for all of our academic programs, we are very pleased to announce our planned school expansion for September, 1993. We cordially invite you to visit our school and explore our unique educational environment offering individualized, challenging academic programs. For further information and application package please contact our administrator, Lyn Botham at Rotherglen School 338â€"3528 TV e encourage girls to ask questions, and ultimately to question answers. A wide variety of extracurricular sports and literary activities foster growth, social interaction, and good citizenâ€" ship. Our caring, learning environment values academic achievement. We offer individual attention in small classes. Communication among students, teachers and parents is paramount for an integrated lifelong learning process. Principal, Lynda $. Duckworth +« Admissions Coordinator, Mrs. Cossitt « Direct Admissions Line (416) 845â€"9980 1080 Linbrook Rd., Oakville, Ontario L6J 2L1 + Tel: (416) 845â€"2386 + Fax: (416) 845â€"4799 5 % _ Rotherglen //@%m scaooy/ SChOOl )3 OFFERING: «Full Montessori program from preâ€"school to grade 3 * Qualified Montessori instructors * Full & half/day programs * Extended day programs available Rotherglen School 338â€"3528 River Oaks Montessori Campus, 2045 Sixth Line, Oakville River Oaks Montessori Campus Principal, Lynda Duckworth and Jodi Dobbie. Prefect!Games Captain 1993 Growing With Oakville take 15 to 20 minutes a day to clear the mind â€" a kind of mini vacation from daily stresses and strains. 8. Learn Effective Exam Preparation and Exam Writing Strategies â€" At least four weeks prior to exams, make up a schedule speciâ€" fying study objectives week to week for each subject. Prior to beginning your review, get as much information as you can about the nature of the exam, its format, areas of coverage, etc. Remember the 3 steps to successâ€" ful exam study: (1) identify important material and likely questions (2) preâ€" pare study notes and outline answers to predicted questions and (3) memoâ€" rize the recite prepared material. Uur experience has shown that female students are well served in a single gender school. Recent studies have confirmed that single gender education encourages students to explore academic, artistic and athletic areas without bias. Finally, know the most important tho# IG 55;2”& 740 Education â€" Wednesday, March 31, 1993 â€" E5 T Te have an ideal setting in which to establish young women as capable, resourceful and successful citizens. Girls become independent learners who are confident of their abilities yet realistic about what life has to offer and what contributions each one of them can make. Bus routes serve Mississauga, Burlington and other centres within the Peelâ€"Halton Region. exam writing strategies; survey the exam before you begin writing; do easy questions (the ones you preâ€" pared) first; manage your time. Make sure you know the definitions of comâ€" monly used terms on essay questions (discuss, describe, evaluate) and give yourself time to "think through" essays before you begin writing. _ There you have it then â€" an eight point plan to help you get off to a good start this term. Follow through on these and you will be rewarded beyond your expectations when the marks are handed out at the end of the school year. Elaine Sigurdson is the founder of Peak Performance In High School and holds a Masters Degree in Psychology and is a Certified Management Consultant. 2 \ig