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Show Volume II, Issue XX THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 11 October 15, 2000 How Parents Can Encourage Active Learning Many parents are taking an active role in finding the best tools to give their children an edge in active learning. What is active learning? According to the National Council of Teachers, which has adopted the Active Learning philosophy in education, children learn best in an active, participatory way, both mentally and physically. Key ingredients for active learning include: • Offering children a range of materials to work with. • Letting children make choices. • Helping children master skills by manipulating objects. • The use of language, incorporated into activities. Active learning tends to be more student-centered, with the teacher serving as coach. Children also can use computers to explore, experiment and problem solve. Children seem to naturally enjoy learning on the computer. Interactive software designed especially for preschoolers, kindergartners and first-graders stimulates kids, and helps them see learning as fun—on and off the computer. What should you look for when buying software for a small child? Here are five tips: Make sure the software is suitable for the child’s developmental stage. If it’s too difficult, the child may see learning as a frustrating experience. Choose software children can identify with—software with familiar characters that have a positive attitude, and always try to do their best. 3. Software should promote the idea that learning is fun. 4. Ideally, software should emphasize creativity, discovery, exploration and achievement. Software should help kids acquire fundamental skills that contribute to creative problem solving and scholastic enrichment. For example, Disney’s Mickey Mouse Toddler, Mickey Mouse Preschool, and Mickey Mouse Kindergarten CDROMs help children build essential math, logic, creative arts, computer and critical-thinking skills. Disney’s Mickey Mouse Toddler (for children 18 months to 3 years) uses humor to teach numbers, letters, shapes and colors. Software should actively involve children not only in the learning process, but in the world around them, helping them become decision makers and problem solvers. For example, in Disney/Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear First Grade (ages 5 through 7 years), a mechanical globe is assembled like a puzzle to teach world facts and trivia. When children learn with teachers like Mickey and his pals, they’re on their way to developing a lifelong love of learning. Source: NAPSI Phone Orders Welcome Five Points Shopping Center 392-8801 (Next to Key Bank and Harmons) Come in for your some delicious pumpkin bread 25% OFF Loaf of Bread Limit 2 loaves Expires 11/24/00 Buy 3 Bagels Get 3 FREE Expires 11/24/00 Ogden Valley Pathway Progress Progress is being made on the Ogden Valley Pathway coming off the Pineview Reservoir Trailhead heading toward the Valley Market. Boys & Girls Basketball Registration There is still time to register for basketball. Join the ValleyRecreation. Call Kathy Allen 745-1773 or 745-2709 801-745-4000 2555 WOLF CREEK DRIVE EDEN, UTAH STORE HOURS: MON. - SAT. 7 AM - 10 PM SUNDAY 7 AM - 9 PM Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream 1/2 gal. $1.99 with coupon $3.49 w/out coupon 1.49 coupon value Limit 2 per purchase Expires 10/31/00 Jumbo Red Vine Licorice $.79 with coupon .40 coupon value Limit 4 per coupon Expires 10/31/00 Coke Products cents with coupon $.69 $1.25 w/out coupon 2 liters Limit 4 per coupon Expires 10/31/00 .56 coupon value |