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Benefits of Regular Reading in the Modern Age
Given the many electronic gadgets in our modern world feeding information to people of all ages in short, shifting bits and pieces, it is also important to engage in activities which call for sustained concentration such as the reading of books.
Of course, the reading level and content of a book will determine the amount of concentration necessary to comprehend the material. Few readers would argue that it requires greater focus to understand the contents of a Biology textbook than a work of commercial fiction.
For this reason, we suggest varying one’s reading among lighter, pulpy books like those found on the supermarket bestseller novel racks and weightier texts such as political biographies, classical works of fiction, and historical non-fiction.
Similar variation can also be practiced with shorter written pieces. For a complete reading experience, one should endeavor to move gracefully across the full spectrum of articles from the light and quick bits found in People Magazine and many newspapers to the slower, denser works found in magazines like The New Yorker, The Economist, Harpers, and other publications which feature articles requiring higher level comprehension from their audience.
Regular reading across this spectrum should increase one’s mental capacity for linear focus and long term concentration. Enjoying the streaming feeds of electronic media coming from televisions, iPods and MP3 players will utilize one’s capacity for short term attention. At this time in history, long and short term concentration are both important and useful skills.
The successful minds of the future will likely possess well developed capacities for sustained linear thinking which can be further developed through activities such as reading, study, and meditation as well as the non-directional, short term focus which is stimulated by engagement with electronic media devices.
Posted by: editor on April 14, 2010
Electronic Media Breaks
One of our student’s parents recently told me that she had implemented an “electronic media break” with her fifth grader. I felt immediate excitement despite the fact that she hadn’t even explained the conditions of this break to me.
As suspected, this mother had decided to restrict her daughter’s use of cell phones, personal music devices, home video game consoles, television, and non-academic computer use for an extended period of time in hopes that it would increase her child’s concentration.
Sure enough, after the first week of the media break, the child’s primary teacher had already witnessed her improved class participation and better focus when carrying out assignments. Mom too, noticed that her daughter seemed more energized overall, was engaged during conversations, and followed directions without resistance or attitude.
Apparently, despite the fact that electronic media devices are highly useful and often entertaining (especially for children), they can also sap much needed energy from people which might be better spent in meaningful or lighthearted conversation, activity and play. Most kids would not welcome a media break now, but may thank you later (perhaps when raising children of their own).
For more information on the benefits of media breaks, check out the following websites:
Center for Screen Time Awareness on National TV Turn Off Week
New York Times Article on Media Breaks for Parents
WebMD on Video Game Addiction
Posted by: editor on April 5, 2010
Daily Writing
Borrowed from a popular home school curriculum, the practice of Daily Writing consists of students writing a full handwritten page on any subject of their choice, five days per week, and correcting any mistakes of grammar, spelling, structure and word choice from the previous day’s composition.
When continued over the long term, this simple exercise results in students developing a deep comfort with the process of writing. Sitting for just a short time with pen and paper every day forces students to think creatively and organize those thoughts in a linear fashion, develops direction and discipline in the writing process, and boosts confidence as they become more adept in expressing themselves academically.
The benefits of Daily Writing are longterm. As adolescents grow into high school and perhaps college students, they will continually employ the skills of both creative and academic writing, no matter where their interests lead them. Having the tools and confidence to produce written work effectively and efficiently will greatly improve and enhance their scholastic journey.
For more information on the benefits of writing and journaling, take a look at the following sites:
Basic benefits of writing from EHow
A Writer’s Take on the positive effects of writing.
Writing helps people going through stressful experiences in Psychology Today
Posted by: editor on March 24, 2010
High School in 3 hours per day!
Are you interested an alternative to both traditional schools and unsupervised home or online schooling? Read More about this from the page to the left called 3 HOURS PER DAY.
Posted by: admin on March 15, 2010
High School Different than You’ve Ever Known
High school students no longer need to attend traditional brick and mortar schools in order to earn accredited diplomas. Online curriculum providers such as Compuhigh and K-12 allow them to get regionally and nationally accredited diplomas that are recognized at most all colleges in Universities throughout the United States. Students seeking to move on to technical and vocational training can obtain a test based high school diploma in a relatively short time through programs such as Continental Academy.
While some students are capable of keeping up with the assignments and time deadlines associated with taking high school classes online, others benefit greatly from the accountability provided by an online high school learning center such as Independent Education.
Our office provides students with the oversight, guidance, and one on one tutoring they need to take full responsibility for their own academic success. Attending fifteen hours per week or three hours per day, students are able to stay on top of their high school work and get help with more complex subjects. Additionally, Independent Education coaches students through the college application process, and assists with practical matters such as drivers’ licenses, resume creation and job searching.
Students seeking an alternative to high school will find it at Independent Education. We also consult with families interested in home schooling their high school age children.
Posted by: editor on February 3, 2010
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