www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, January 20, 2010 · 18 Education Nine School Resolutions for a Better New Year Academic resolutions help students tune up their school habits and start the New Year off on the right foot. These nine academic resolutions from Oxford Learning help students put an end to the habits that can cause stress and can interfere with the learning process. 1. Rise and Shine. All students can use a little extra time in the morning. By setting alarm clocks 10 minutes earlier, students can reduce the morning rush and alleviate stress. 2. Tune Out. TV and computers are the biggest student distractions, especially when it comes to homework. Students needn't give up the computer or become TVfree, however. By simply eliminating one half-hour of screen time, students have more time to focus on schoolwork. 3. Prepare at night. Students can check items off their to-do list by preparing for school the night before. Choose clothing, re-pack book bags and prepare lunches at night to reduce the morning rush. 4. Get organized. Resolve to use an agenda. Agendas help students stay on track so that homework and assignments are not forgotten. 5. Stick to a schedule. Hang wall calendars in a visible spot and be sure to write down all school assignments, extra curricular activities and social engagements. 6. Hit the sheets. A better night's sleep ensures that students are less sluggish and more mentally alert during the school day. 7. Hit the books. Extra curricular reading is one of the bestknown ways for students to build vocabulary and develop strong language skills. 8. Eat right. Healthy eating habits keep the brain active all day long. Avoid sugary treats and tooheavy meals, which can cause an attention crash. 9. Get outside. Take in some fresh air, vitamin D, and get the blood pumping with some exercise. Exercise has been shown to increases circulation to the brain. For over 25 years, Oxford Learning has been helping students of all ages develop better school habits. Whether it is study skills, better grades, reading, writing, exam prep, math, or a specific subject, Oxford Learning's programs helps students start the year off on the right foot. For more information about goal setting or any of Oxford Learning's programs, contact Laurine at Oxford Learning Oakville North, 905-469-1929 or Nicole at Oakville South, 905-849-4027 or visit www.oxfordlearning.com. Three Year Olds CAN Read! St. Mildred's exceeds parent expectations Now registering for Summer and fall classes ª ª ª ª ª Now registering for Summer and fall classes School Made Simple At St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School (SMLS) we provide the "Educational Journey of a Lifetime." The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) conducted a parent opinion survey identifying the key factors that prospective parents are looking for in an independent school. At SMLS, we meet the needs identified in this survey and exceed parent expectations for: · A safe environment · High quality teachers · Keeping students motivated about learning · Supporting a climate that says it's okay to study and excel · Preparing students academically for university · Encouraging parents to participate in their child's education · Preparing students for a life and career in a global economy · Using computers and other technology to enhance learning For more than 118 years, SMLS has taught young women to explore beyond the curriculum, discover confidence in their abilities, remain open to learning beyond the classroom, and become leaders in their community. Long before research indicated that girls' brains develop differently than boys', St. Mildred'sLightbourn School was guiding young women to reach their full potential. Researchers Myra and David Sadker stated that "when girls go to a single gender school they stop being the audience and become the players." When the world is calling your daughter's name, she'll be ready! What more could you hope for when choosing an educational journey for your child? Glenburnie integrates core values into curriculum While Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic are fundamental aspects of education, Reasoning, Reality, and Relationships are the new 3 Rs to effective teaching. Students need to learn how to make good choices, and to understand how their choices affect others. The underlying determinant of effective decision making is greater awareness and understanding of one's `Core Values'. What are the core values of the athletes competing in the upcoming Winter Olympics? What are the core values of their coaches? These types of questions are asked at Glenburnie School, where discussions on core values are integrated into curriculum studies from PreKindergarten to Grade 8. At Glenburnie, teachers `go deeper' to guide their students to develop a stronger understanding and foundation for making effective decisions. Students examine what influences others in their decision making process. Core values have a significant influence on how we think and behave. For example, if our core values do not align with our work, we will not enjoy our job. Similarly, if one of a student's core values is to learn, then learning becomes easier. Core values often change with age and individual need. The core values of a child in Kindergarten may be very different from a child in Grade 8. The fundamental key is to help students to recognize and understand their own core values and how these values come into play in their reasoning, friendships, and studies. Glenburnie School offers a progressive, challenging programme with a strong focus on skill development in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Information Technology. The Arts programme (Visual, Drama, Vocal, and Instrumental) provides an exceptional environment where artistic talents are explored and celebrated. For more information on Glenburnie School, please visit their website: www.glenburnieschool.com, or plan to stop by the Open House scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. OAKVILLE NORTH 1131 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville 905-469-1929 oakville@oxfordlearning.com OAKVILLE SOUTH Maple Grove Village 511 Maple Grove Dr., Suite 2, Oakville 905-849-4027 oakvillesouth@oxfordlearning.com OPEN HOUSE Saturday, January 23rd 11am - 2pm Chisholm High Schools After School Programs Psychological Services 1484 Cornwall Rd., Oakville, ON 905.844.3240 www.chisholmcentre.com We Help Kids Overcome Learning Difficulties