learning

Relax, Rejuvenate, and Reflect

/ Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment
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The school year has ended and the summer has just gotten underway. Educators actually have some time to themselves before thinking about the start of the next school year. What will you do with the time?

It’s essential for educators to take a step back and embrace the summer break as a time to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect. Teaching is a demanding profession that requires immense dedication, energy, and emotional investment. The constant pursuit of excellence in the classroom and desire to meet the needs of students can often lead to burnout if educators do not take the necessary time to recharge. The summer break provides the perfect opportunity to pause, breathe, and restore the balance needed to approach the new school year with renewed enthusiasm and vigor. But let’s not think about the following school year just yet. 

Taking time to relax is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for maintaining overall well-being. When educators allow themselves to unwind and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, they can reduce stress levels, improve mental health, and boost their overall happiness. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, traveling, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, these moments of relaxation are crucial for recharging both body and mind. By prioritizing self-care during the summer, teachers can return to their classrooms feeling refreshed and ready to inspire their students with renewed energy and creativity.

The summer break offers a valuable opportunity for reflection as well. Reflecting on the past school year allows educators to celebrate their successes, acknowledge their challenges, and gain insights into their teaching practices. This period of introspection is essential for personal and professional growth. It provides a chance to identify areas for improvement and set meaningful goals for the upcoming school year. By taking the time to reflect, teachers can gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas for development, which ultimately leads to more effective and impactful teaching.

In essence, the summer break is not just a time to escape from the demands of the classroom but a vital period for self-care and reflection. Educators who take the time to relax and rejuvenate are better equipped to face the challenges of the new school year with resilience and enthusiasm. So, as the summer unfolds, embrace this well-deserved break, indulge in activities that bring joy, and take the time to reflect on the past year. In doing so, you’ll be investing in your well-being and ensuring that you return to your students as the best version of yourself.

Planning a Workshop

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When was the last time you planned a workshop for colleagues? Presenting workshops is part of my job, so it is something I enjoy doing. However, I tend to forget how long it takes to create, prepare and then practice a workshop before presenting it. Below you’ll find some tips on how to create an engaging workshop. It will still take plenty of time, but with preparation, you are sure to present a quality workshop. 

Define clear objectives: 

Determine what you want participants to learn or achieve by the end of the workshop. Clearly outline these objectives at the beginning to set expectations.The objectives can be in the form of an agenda or part of your introduction. This backwards design framework is also how courses are developed. Begin with the end in mind. 

Know your audience: 

Understand the demographics, interests, and knowledge level of your participants. Tailor your content and delivery style to resonate with them. I’ve been to too many workshops where the speaker assumed I either didn’t know anything about the topic or I knew almost everything about the topic. In either case, it was hard to follow the presentation because I was either bored or lost. 

Structure your workshop effectively: 

Divide your workshop into clear sections with a logical flow. Start with an introduction, followed by the main content, interactive activities, and a conclusion. This structure seems to make perfect sense, but you’d be surprised how many workshops do not follow a clear and organized plan, so it becomes hard to follow and pay attention. 

Keep it interactive: 

Incorporate activities, group discussions, and exercises to keep participants engaged. You may need to encourage participation since many virtual presentations allow participants to do other tasks. It’s so easy as an audience member to disengage and not pay attention as soon as a distraction occurs. However, when the workshop includes activities, discussions, and questions, it becomes much more difficult to disengage. When the audience is engaged and actively participating, the workshop comes to an end quickly for both the presenter and the audience, and participants leave with a positive impression.

Keep it relevant and practical: 

Focus on delivering information that is useful and applicable to participants’ needs and interests. Provide practical tips, examples, and case studies they can relate to. In order to do this appropriately, it is important to know your audience and your goals for the workshop.  If it’s impossible to know your audience before the workshop begins, ask a couple of questions in the beginning to find out more. You may need to somewhat adjust your presentation to fit their needs, so be prepared with a plan B to keep your audience engaged. 

Engage with storytelling: 

Use anecdotes, real-life examples, or case studies to illustrate key points and make the content more relatable and memorable. People love stories and will remember your main points more readily when you get their attention with a story. The story should be short but also engaging. It is a great way to begin the presentation and then at the end, you can cleverly work your way back to the main point of the story.

Encourage questions and feedback: 

Create a welcoming environment where participants feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts. Address queries promptly and encourage peer-to-peer interaction. If you present an approachable and supportive atmosphere where the audience members feel valued, they will participate more readily and learn so much more. Whenever possible, solicit feedback from participants after the workshop. Ask them to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine future workshops and enhance your presentation skills.

Conclude with a call to action:

Be sure to summarize key points and challenge your audience members to take the first step. Make suggestions as to what they might do to make a change or seek more information.

More time for Writing

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I want to spend more time writing. I have many projects in the works, but I often find myself getting sidetracked and not writing as much as I would like or at all. I just read a book that encourages writing at least 1000 words per day. I have some days where I don’t even write 100 words. I have many strategies to help me focus on writing, but so far, each strategy has not completely worked for me. Here are some of the strategies suggested to me:

Schedule a time each day to write

Most of us have some type of daily schedule, so it should be relatively easy to carve out time each day for writing. Making writing part of your daily routine will help it become a habit. A healthy habit that will perhaps produce a new article, essay, book, or memoir. Maybe you’re not interested in producing anything; maybe you just want to explore your creative side. Whatever type of writing you want to do, carving out time each day will help you reach your writing goal.

Write for just 10 minutes

After all, writing for 10 minutes is still better than not writing at all. Proudly, I accomplished writing for at least 10 minutes per day for several days until it just didn’t work anymore. Ten minutes was so minimal that it became easy to skip it. However, ten minutes is still better than no minutes. If you can stick to just 10 minutes, set a date for when ten minutes turns into 15 minutes and then twenty minutes. Hopefully, the ten-minute habit will naturally ease into more minutes because you are so immersed in what you are writing.

Find a Writing Partner 

Finding someone who has the same interests as you and will also hold you accountable for your writing practice is the ideal situation for meeting your goals. This strategy helps with reaching any type of goal. With a writing goal, you can set up a time to meet with a fellow writer to read each other’s writing. Or, you can meet at a coffee shop or over Zoom to spend time writing without talking. Just knowing that someone else is working will help motivate you to do the same.

Join a Writing Group 

Search the internet for a writing group near you. I searched my area and found over twenty possibilities. Some of the groups emphasize a particular genre, others have membership fees, and some have no conditions or requirements; they just like to write in the presence of others. These groups are more than writing at the same time; you will have people willing to read and comment on your work. Finding others who support you is not only motivating but it also helps you grow as a writer. You can learn from others’ writing approaches and their comments as well as learning more about how you can improve your own writing.

Finding more time to write is a common struggle for many aspiring writers, but it’s not an insurmountable challenge. By implementing strategies such as scheduling dedicated writing time, committing to short bursts of writing, finding a supportive writing partner, or joining a writing group, you can create an environment that works for you. Remember, consistency and perseverance are key. Even small steps taken daily can lead to significant progress in achieving your writing goals. So, whether it’s carving out ten minutes or an hour each day, prioritize your passion for writing and watch it flourish.

Digital Literacy and Why it’s Important

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Browsing the internet is part of our everyday world. We encounter news stories, blogs, videos, advertisements and so much more. Each shares its own worldview, which influences our own opinions and outlooks. With the introduction of artificial intelligence into the field of education, we now have even more examples of bias entering the classroom. It is imperative that students have the skills to question what they are seeing and reading and feel empowered to do something about it. 

Digital literacy is not just about knowing how to use technology; it’s about understanding how it works, its implications, and its impact on society. In today’s world, where information is abundant and readily accessible, digital literacy has become a crucial skill for students to develop.

One important aspect of digital literacy is the ability to critically evaluate information found online. With the vast amount of content available on the internet, it’s easy for misinformation, bias, and fake news to spread. Students need to be equipped with the skills to discern credible sources from unreliable ones, to fact-check information, and to recognize potential biases or agendas behind the content they encounter.

Students should understand the algorithms that govern the content they see online, including those used by search engines, social media platforms, and recommendation systems. These algorithms can influence the information students are exposed to, shaping their perceptions and beliefs.Tools like ChatGPT only understand what they’ve been asked to do. They are not sentient tools and do not comprehend what they are doing. They have been trained on hundreds of thousands of data and merely respond with the most probable answer, which often includes biases.  By understanding how algorithms work and the biases they may contain, students can better navigate and interpret the digital landscape.

Digital literacy is essential for career readiness, educational success, and social interactions. With the proliferation of artificial intelligence, students must build their digital skills in order to successfully navigate online tools. They must possess an understanding of algorithms and their biases when generating AI results. It is necessary to understand the shortcomings as well as the benefits of AI. When students understand more about the biases and shortcomings that are connected to AI, they can then consider what is true and what is not. In a world of deepfakes that create false images, videos, speech and text, students must know the necessary steps to take to distinguish legitimate from illegitimate. 

In addition to being critical consumers of digital content, students should also be creators and contributors. Digital literacy involves knowing how to effectively communicate and collaborate online, as well as understanding issues related to online privacy, security, and ethics. Students should be aware of their digital footprint and how their online actions can impact their reputations and future opportunities.

Overall, digital literacy is essential for students to thrive in the digital age. By developing these skills, students can become empowered, responsible, and ethical digital citizens who are capable of navigating and contributing to an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Building Trust for Peer Review

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Allowing others to read your writing can be stressful at any age, but when you are returning to school after a significant break and beginning a new course, letting others read your writing can feel like running naked outside: exposed. 

Although unfair, there’s a certain amount of expectation surrounding the writing abilities of students in a college level course and yet an even higher expectation when the student appears a little older than the “average” or traditional college student.  Many students are making the decision to return to school decades after their last course. The last time they wrote anything significant or academic could have been in high school or maybe a college course along the way.  So writing an academic paper for class and then sharing it with relative strangers is difficult. 

When I taught a writing course to non-traditional students, my focus was on building a community of learners that worked together to improve everyone’s writing. Afterall, receiving feedback from more than just me would help students improve. I created peer revision groups and went to work on building trust within each small group.

I often utilize peer revision groups to optimize feedback. Although most students do not have formal training in how to teach writing, they are all readers and have opinions about how welI a piece of writing informs. I just needed to help them believe they had the credentials to respond to writing. 

Getting people comfortable with sharing their writing begins with sharing their history as writers. I had students write about and then share a pivotal experience that involved writing. Some shared papers that were read aloud in class when they were in middle school and others shared times when they were embarrassed by all of the red marks and comments the teacher wrote on their papers. Whether the experience was positive or negative, this activity gave students an opportunity to share with their peers and begin the long and important process of building trust. 

After the initial reflective journal, students were placed in small groups that would remain the same throughout the semester. In these groups, students shared their writing weaknesses as well as their needs concerning feedback. Some needed help with organization and others wanted more suggestions about clarity or passive voice. Straightforward feedback was the preferred method but a few said they needed more kindness because of past experiences. All of the small group conversations helped students progress towards sharing their first writing drafts. 

Authors read aloud their first drafts to the small group. Each student had a copy of the paper so they could closely follow along and mark places where they had questions or comments. Each student received 30 minutes of discussion where members gave suggestions for improvement along with praise for areas of strength. Students could then rewrite the drafts based on the feedback and share them again at a later date. 

Before revised drafts were shared with their small groups, I explained the importance of different types of feedback and tried to build confidence by explaining that everyone is a reader. As readers, we know what good writing is. We know when we’ve read something that clearly explains the topic. We also know when a sentence doesn’t make sense or when a paragraph seems out of order.  I encouraged them to ask questions about the writing. I explained that if they had to reread a sentence or paragraph then something is probably missing or out of place. It wasn’t necessary to give a name to the problem because sometimes we don’t really know what’s wrong. But asking a question or pointing out the confusion was enough to help the author understand if the writing was clear. This attempt to build confidence in giving feedback helped students understand that pointing out grammar and punctuation mistakes was not as helpful as asking questions or describing places of confusion.

After being uncomfortable with sharing their writing at the beginning of the semester, students understood the benefits by the end. Many continued sharing their writing for other classes. They reaped the benefits of lowering their defensive walls and putting themselves and their writing out there for others to read. Yes, sharing writing with fellow students can be stressful and even scary, but taking time to build trust and believe in the process creates stronger writing and builds confidence at any level. 

Incorporating Critical Thinking in the Classroom

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Last week I wrote a blog about the importance of developing critical thinking skills. These skills empower individuals to navigate the complexities of life, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to personal and societal progress. Since artificial intelligence has been introduced in the classroom, it is imperative students continue to develop critical thinking skills rather than relying on AI to think for them. This blog provides several activities instructors can utilize to help students hone their critical thinking skills. 

Socratic Questioning

In many classrooms teachers ask the questions and students respond. Try flipping this method and teach students how to create questions by using Bloom’s taxonomy. When students understand how to ask questions as well as the different levels of questions, class discussions become richer and a Socratic style discussion can begin to be the norm. The Socratic Method involves a shared dialogue between teacher and students. The teacher leads by posing thought-provoking questions, and students actively engage by asking questions of their own. The discussion goes back and forth. In other similar methods, students create all of the questions using the different levels of Bloom’s before the discussion. The teacher chooses which questions will be used and shares them with students before the discussion begins. Giving students the opportunity to jot down a few ideas for each question before the discussion begins allows time for processing, which often helps bolster confidence. 

Problem Based Learning

In problem based learning students solve real world problems through collaboration and research. PBL is a dynamic process where the teacher becomes the facilitator and students are given voice and choice as they develop solutions to problems. Since many topics for PBL are based on current problems, the information can change daily, so students must be fully engaged and cognizant of the research. Typically, small groups of students engage in an extended period where they find resources, conduct research, pose more questions, and apply information. They are encouraged to contact experts in the field for guidance. Although learning takes place throughout the entire process of PBL, it is during this time of inquiry when students must apply the 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. 

Debate and Discussion

Students are capable of lively and interactive discussions centered on assigned readings, case studies and assignments.  Since they are forming their beliefs and opinions as they grow, class discussions are vital to engage students and augment learning. When students are given the opportunity to ask the types of questions that create discussion, they are more willing to participate and interact with their classmates. They become excited when the questions they created stir thoughtful conversation and debate. Taking part in a discussion or debate, sharing ideas and opinions, requires critical thinking skills.

Reflective Journaling

When students are able to write down their thoughts about what they learned, they are able to consider how the different parts of learning work together. Ask them  to analyze their own thought processes, decisions, and the reasons behind them.  Reflective journaling encourages metacognition, thinking about one’s thinking. When students are metacognitively aware, they understand their strengths and weaknesses as learners. Teachers can encourage students to think about how they learn. Ask students questions such as: How did you approach the problem? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What did you find difficult about the lesson and how did you overcome the difficulty? What parts of the lesson were easy for you? These questions allow students to critically think about their process for learning and what works and what doesn’t. The more a student understands their process, the easier it is to apply what works to the next learning experience. 

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual tool that was developed as an effective method for generating ideas by association. In order to create a mind map, you usually start in the middle of the page with the central theme/main idea and from that point you work outward in all directions to create a growing diagram composed of keywords, phrases, concepts, facts and figures.  It is an ideal strategy to use as you brainstorm a topic. When done correctly, mind mapping helps with organizing thoughts and discovering relationships between concepts. This technique enhances analytical and organizational skills and is one of the best ways to begin a project or essay.

These are just a few of the strategies teachers can use to encourage critical thinking within the classroom. Other ideas include critical reading, field trips, ethical dilemmas, role playing and guest speakers. Exposing students to a variety of teaching strategies and diverse viewpoints help them grow as learners and human beings. In this era of AI, let’s continue to work on critical thinking skills and allow the chatbot to assist us rather than do all of the thinking for us.

The Importance of Critical Thinking

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In a bustling classroom, Sarah, a high school student with a passion for science, found herself immersed in a challenging project. The task at hand wasn’t just about memorizing facts; it required her to dissect complex information, evaluate multiple perspectives, and craft a solution that went beyond the textbook. This scenario is not unique to Sarah; it reflects the essence of critical thinking – the ability to analyze, question assumptions, and make informed judgments. 

In the era of Artificial Intelligence disrupting educational landscapes, the fear lingers that students like Sarah might lose this invaluable skill. If students choose to take shortcuts by using AI to complete assignments rather than facing the challenges associated with projects, research papers, and presentations, critical thinking skills will not develop. 

The ability to critically think empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of life, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to personal and societal progress. In this two part blog, I explore the importance of critical thinking and how instructors can include it in their teaching. 

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Problem Solving 

We face problems each day. Some problems might be as small as deciding whether to spend or save the overtime money you received. Other problems require more thought and information such as, choosing a major, quitting a job, or buying a home.  To solve big or small problems requires critical thinking where you must analyze and evaluate information and then generate effective solutions. It empowers people to navigate complex situations and make informed decisions. 

Analytical Skills

Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze a problem by breaking it down into smaller parts, examine relationships between the parts, and understand the underlying structures. For example, if you are given a major project to complete for work or school, it is necessary to understand the steps that need to be taken in order to achieve a satisfactory (or exceptional) outcome. How do you break down the project into manageable steps? What must be done each day? Begin with the end in mind and then create the steps to take to achieve your goal. 

Effective Communication

People with strong analytical skills not only excel in problem-solving but also demonstrate a remarkable ability to communicate their ideas with precision and clarity. Beyond the realm of academia, these individuals navigate social and professional landscapes adeptly. They possess the skill to engage in constructive debates, weighing the merits of different perspectives before offering well-thought-out responses. Their communication style is characterized by the art of articulating thoughts with coherence and explaining opinions with a depth of understanding that goes beyond the surface. Importantly, they exhibit a genuine consideration for other viewpoints, fostering an environment of open dialogue and collaborative discourse. In essence, the marriage of analytical prowess and effective communication transforms these individuals into influential communicators who can convey complex ideas with impact and resonate with diverse audiences.

Academic Success

Students who develop critical thinking skills are better equipped for academic success. They can analyze and synthesize information, engage in meaningful discussions, and perform well on exams and assignments.  Students begin to  recognize and mitigate cognitive biases. This awareness helps with considering alternative perspectives and fostering objectivity leading to a more  comprehensive understanding of issues.

The goal of education is to develop these skills so that students become lifelong learners and lead successful lives both personally and professionally. 

Career Advancement

In the professional world, the currency of critical thinking is unparalleled. Organizations prize employees who possess the ability to think critically, recognizing them as invaluable assets. Beyond being adept problem solvers, individuals with strong critical thinking skills showcase a remarkable capacity for adaptability, seamlessly navigating through the winds of change that characterize modern workplaces. Moreover, these individuals emerge as natural leaders, capable of steering teams through complexities with insightful decision-making. As industries evolve, those armed with the analytical acumen of critical thinking find themselves not merely adapting to change but driving innovation and shaping the trajectory of their professional journeys.

Critical thinking is not just a skill; it’s the compass that guides us through the complexities of life. From problem-solving to effective communication, its impact reverberates in every aspect of our journey. As we navigate the importance of critical thinking, join me in the next blog, where we’ll explore practical ways instructors can integrate this invaluable skill into their teaching methods, paving the way for a future generation of adept critical thinkers.

A New Start, A New Semester

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Although the leaves on the trees are gone and everything outside looks stark and bleak, this time of year can be a time for growth. Personal growth can begin at any time of the year, but a new semester is the perfect time to refocus goals and a commitment to learning. Setting learning goals can begin with a simple reflection about your last semester. Did you achieve deep learning? Did you prioritize learning over other parts of your life? Did you finish the semester feeling proud of the work you completed? 

If the answers to the above questions satisfy you, then you have nothing to change as the new semester begins. However, if any of your responses cause you pause, then you have the opportunity to make some changes before the new semester begins. The first step to making a change is to decide on one or two long term goals. A long term goal can last for several months and it takes small incremental steps to achieve the goal. Focusing on just a couple of goals will help you prioritize and make progress. 

You can begin by setting a long term goal and then making a plan on how to best achieve it. For example, if you know that you tend to procrastinate with assignments and would like to change that habit, you need to create a plan that will motivate you to complete assignments early. Perhaps you can create your own due dates that allow for extra time to complete the assignment days before it is actually due. And, if you succeed, create a reward system. Rewards can come in any form. You know what you like, so make a list of some of the rewards that might motivate you to complete your assignments by your “own due date.” 

Create a daily schedule, one that is reasonable and therefore doable. Sticking to a schedule will help you form a habit. Daily habits will help you reach your long-term goals. You can begin by doing an examination of how you spend your time each day. Many believe they have no time in their day to add another task; they already feel overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. Yet, if you take some time to examine each minute of your day, you may begin to see things that need to be changed and where you might consolidate your time. Maybe you spend too much time scrolling on your phone, watching TV or hanging out with friends. These activities do not need to be eliminated, but you can begin to put a time limit on how long you do each one. 

Once you’ve examined how you already spend your time and understand where you can add opportunities to work on assignments, create a schedule. Write it down and make it visible. You are in charge of creating the schedule, so create one that makes you happy. A schedule that allows you to take short breaks throughout the day. One that allows time to focus and accomplish and time to refresh and relax. The schedule does not need to be to the minute, but you should set aside blocks of time to work on school work. Time when you are energized and ready and open to new learning. Do you work better in the morning? Would you rather work after dinner? Or do you prefer short increments of school work throughout the day? 

Only a very small percentage of people keep their resolutions throughout the year. But, don’t look at setting a learning goal as a resolution. A learning goal can become a way of life if you create one that motivates you. A goal that will make you feel proud of yourself if you keep it. Taking small steps towards the goal can be a simple change. Focus on one course or just one assignment. Any small change will benefit you. 

New Year’s Resolutions and New Learnings

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It’s the time of year to reflect on the past and look to the possibilities of the future. As I write this blog on New Year’s Eve, I’ve thought a lot about the types of resolutions I’d like to make to be a better version of myself. Will I stick to each one? I hope so, but I’m also realistic and know that some will fall through the cracks. Sharing some of my professional resolutions in a public forum will hopefully help me achieve my goals… time will tell. 

2024 Resolution #1

To begin, I’d like to be more consistent with my Online Learnings’ blog. I feel so good when I post a new blog, yet I haven’t made time for writing, one of my favorite activities. Writing this blog is something I enjoy, so why haven’t I made it a priority? I’ll start small by creating a new writing schedule for myself. 

Making a goal achievable should begin with action steps, a way to make the goal possible. Setting aside a time to write each day will be a part of my daily schedule. The weekends will be optional, but I can set a time to write every morning during the work week. I’ll begin with just ten minutes each day because I know I can keep this schedule. Once I get into the rhythm, I’ll be able to add more minutes, and hopefully, produce blogs every 7 to 10 days, which is another goal of mine. How do I hold myself accountable? I’m going to keep a tracker on my iPad and tell family members about my plan. Keeping track and telling others about my goals will increase my chances of success. 

Resolution #2

In my professional life as an instructional designer, I want to continue learning more about artificial intelligence and how it can help instructors create amazing courses and students engage in significant learning. We all have a lot to learn about AI, and it will be interesting to see what 2024 will bring. Will instructors begin to embrace AI? Will it become embedded in our everyday tasks? Will students use it to assist them in their learning? 

Of course I’m hoping for the best with AI. The technology is rapidly progressing and it can be difficult to stay on top of the changes. At times I feel overwhelmed; it seems impossible to learn it all, but reading an article or watching the latest video 3 or 4 times each week will help me continue to progress. 

Along with seeking out and reading the latest articles, I want to use AI more in my everyday tasks. And, while I feel confident in my knowledge of ChatGPT, I’m eager to delve deeper into other AI technologies like Claude and Bard. Exploring their functionalities will not only broaden my expertise but also open new possibilities in my teaching and instructional design projects. 

Measurable?

How will I know if my AI resolution is achieved since it’s not really a measurable goal? While goals should be measurable, I’d like for my goal of learning more about AI to be charted through my writing, teaching, and designing. I will begin by keeping a log of the articles and videos I’m reading and watching. I’ll include the link of the article or video and write a brief summary for each. I’ve been collecting articles over the past year, but I don’t always create the time to read each one. Writing brief summaries and playing with AI technologies will increase my knowledge base, which will begin to show in my work. It already has to some degree, but I’m ready to do more and share more of what I learn and how I use these technologies.

Learning Goals

Include a learning goal as one of your resolutions. Creating a goal that involves learning something new, like my AI goal, is a fun way to keep progressing and improving. If you’re a parent, showing your kids that you’re still a learner is an excellent demonstration of the importance of lifelong learning. If you want to climb the ladder at work, share a new skill at a party, or just challenge yourself, create a resolution that involves learning. Noone regrets learning something new, so pick a topic and start exploring. Begin with just 5 minutes each day. We can all afford 5 minutes out of our day, so set a reminder on your phone and begin. 

More writing, more blogs, and more usage of AI seem to be the main resolutions for my professional side. I know many people don’t believe in making resolutions and many break them within the first week; however, I’ve always loved the idea of a fresh start, a new beginning. It doesn’t have to be on January 1st each year; it can be the start of a new week or month, really any day can be a do over. I’m going to get started tomorrow and let you know about my progress every few months. You’ll know whether I’m producing more blogs, but I’ll keep you updated on my progress with AI. Feel free to post a comment about one of your resolutions and how you plan to achieve it.

Fine Motor Skills and School Readiness

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Getting your toddler ready for preschool and kindergarten begins early. Along with developing gross motor skills such as getting out of bed, running, jumping, and riding a bike, it is important to develop fine motor skills. These skills allow for increasing independence because they include buttoning buttons, working zippers, handling crayons, and brushing teeth. Fine motor skills help to create the building blocks connected to learning in later years. So, practice these skills often with your child and she will be well on her way for school readiness.

School requires students to write and draw for extended periods of time, so it is important to begin strengthening muscles in the hand, wrist, and fingers. Children develop fine motor skills at different rates, and this is completely normal. It is important to remember that comparing children and their rates of development may be natural but are not recommended. So, rather than comparing children, learn methods on how you can help your child with how to develop fine motor skills.

You can help your child develop these skills through play. Afterall, play is how children learn and build strength, so get on the floor with your little one and try some of these activities.

Blocks and LEGOS

As soon as your child can sit on her own, she can begin playing with blocks. As time progresses, show her how to stack the blocks into one tower or a wall. Try to work towards a tower of ten blocks. When your child is old enough, she can play with LEGOS and work to connect the pieces. These simple activities help to improve strength and fine motor skills.

Finger Painting

Finger Painting not only builds fine motor skills, but it also helps with creativity. You can work on learning colors and also creating shapes. But, just the act of using fingers to paint helps with understanding the process of “pen to paper” as well as individual finger strength.

Puzzles and Games

Building puzzles as a family is a fun activity that brings everyone together. All can play a part of finding the puzzle pieces but let your little one place the pieces together. Begin with large and age-appropriate puzzles. Eventually, you can challenge your child with smaller and more intricate pieces.

Also, play board games that involve rolling dice. You can play card games such as Go Fish, so your child can work on holding the cards and removing or adding cards. These skills can be intricate for tiny hands, but eventually the skills and strength will improve. You can begin with helping your child hold 2 or 3 cards and then gradually add more. 

Set the Table and Pour Drinks

Give your child the responsibility of setting the dinner table. The act of placing the utensils beside each plate and folding napkins create stronger hands and fingers. As your child gets older, you can help them pour drinks until she can do this task on her own.

Other Ideas

Use a hole puncher

Play with clay

Use a cookie cutter and roll dough

Make mud pies

Place rubber bands around a can

Cut-out simple shapes

Color with crayons

Draw with markers, pen, pencil

Regular practice with all of the above ideas will help your child with fine motor skills. When school begins, she will be ready to take part in all of the fun activities that school has to offer.