School is Easy Tutoring

Tutoring Agency

Welcome to our Ad-Free Education Blog for Tutors, Teachers and Parents

Weekly posts on educational topics, how-to-teach tips, parenting advice, kids health and more. Subscribe to the newsletter (on the left or below on mobile) for education blog updates by School is Easy Tutoring.

5 Educational Gifts for Kids That Promote Literacy

Published: Last Updated Date:

Shopping for meaningful presents can be tricky, especially when searching for educational gifts for kids that truly make an impact. The good news is there are plenty of engaging options that combine learning with fun. Here are five gift ideas that will enhance your child’s reading and writing skills while bringing joy to their faces.

1. Special Edition Books Create Lasting Memories

A beautifully crafted edition of a beloved story or classic tale can spark a child’s love for reading. These special books not only encourage reading but also teach children to treasure and care for their literary collections.

2. Heritage Books Connect Generations

Share your childhood favorites with the next generation. Children love discovering the stories that shaped their parents’ or grandparents’ early years. Finding your old treasured books or hunting for copies in used bookstores creates a meaningful connection as kids read the same tales that once captured your imagination.

3. Word Games Build Vocabulary Through Play

Educational gifts for kids like Scrabble Junior and Boggle offer endless entertainment while boosting language skills. These games naturally strengthen spelling abilities and introduce new words through friendly competition. The magic happens when children are so engaged in playing that learning becomes seamless and enjoyable.

4. Personal Journals Spark Creative Writing

With popular books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid inspiring young readers, giving a beautiful journal can encourage children to express themselves through writing. A personal diary offers a private space for creativity and self-expression, naturally developing literacy skills beyond classroom walls.

Two teenagers sitting together in a library, deeply engrossed in books. The image highlights the importance of library visits to foster literacy and encourage independent reading skills in teens.

5. Digital Learning Apps Provide On-the-Go Education

Educational apps and digital word games offer affordable, portable learning opportunities. These interactive tools keep children engaged during travel or quiet time, ensuring they continue building skills even during school breaks.

Ready to support your child’s educational journey beyond gifts? Visit School is Easy to discover how our tutoring programs can help your child thrive academically all year round.

5 Great Study Skills for High School Students

Published: Last Updated Date:

High school students taking structured notes, highlighting how good note-taking habits contribute to better study skills for high school students.

Mastering effective study skills for high school is crucial for academic achievement. Many students juggle multiple subjects and assignments, often feeling overwhelmed and falling into procrastination traps. These proven strategies will help students manage their workload and learn more effectively.

1. Create a Strategic Homework Schedule

Map out specific days and times for each subject. This organizational approach builds valuable time management skills that extend beyond the classroom. Students working with tutors can align their sessions with these designated study blocks, ensuring balanced attention across all subjects.

2. Reinforce Learning by Teaching Others

One of the most powerful study skills for high school students is explaining concepts to others. Whether teaching a younger sibling or walking a parent through a complex topic, verbalizing the material helps cement it in long-term memory.

3. Focus on One Task at a Time

Avoid juggling multiple assignments simultaneously. Switching between your science project, English essay, and household chores splits your attention and reduces productivity. Complete one task before moving to the next for better results.

4. Choose Study-Friendly Background Music

While some students study effectively with music, be honest about whether it helps or hinders. If you catch yourself singing along instead of absorbing your history readings, it’s becoming a distraction. Consider music specifically designed for study, like classical, or work in silence if that better suits your learning style.

5. Eliminate Digital Distractions

During study sessions, phones and social media must be off-limits. Since many high school students find it challenging to resist these distractions, parents can help by holding devices until homework is complete. For assignments requiring internet access, maintain strict boundaries around social media use.

High school students reviewing notes in a quiet environment, showing the importance of focus and organization in developing strong study skills for high school.

Master These Skills for Long-Term Success

These techniques work beyond high school, serving students well into college and university. With the right mindset and consistent application of these study strategies, students can take control of their academic journey.

Ready to transform your learning experience? Connect with School is Easy and find out how our expert tutors can help you develop stronger study skills and achieve your academic goals.

Winter-Related Educational Activities To Do at Home

Published: Last Updated Date:

holiday educational activities featured photo of gingerbread cookies

To your child, winter break may seem like the perfect opportunity to spend all day doing nothing but watching TV, playing video games, or scanning social media. However, as a parent, you may only be happy about your kid doing something other than passively watching a screen for hours.

Try to engage your child’s brain this holiday season for even a few hours a day. Of course, they will most likely not want to do homework outright when they could be watching Netflix when they are usually in a classroom, so here are some fun ways to incorporate educational activities for every subject into your holiday festivities.

“Wintery” Math Educational Activities

Make your holiday shopping educational by teaching your kids how to make a budget and count change. Have them estimate how much your purchase will count, then count out the change you receive.

You can even take care of decorations and practice math skills by making snowflakes! Take the opportunity to make this classic craft to let your kids learn a little more about symmetry.

Science-Related Educational Activities

Turn your holiday baking into a science lesson! Have your kids practice suitable scientific methods by accurately measuring everything and following the steps. Another yummy science lesson is making this apple cider we found by Emma Vanstone on Science-Sparks.com, which allows for a lesson on filters.

Or, if you want to do a real science experiment, have your kids do a seasonal experiment on why pinecones open, which we found on lemonlimeadventures.com.

Language Arts Holiday Activities

Have your kids keep journals over the winter break. You don’t have to read their journals if they don’t want you to, as long as they spend about 15 minutes a day exercising the creative part of their brain. They could also spend the break writing a winter-themed story. Tie in some artistic skills by having them illustrate what they’ve written.

Social Studies Activities for the Holidays

With a break from school, this is the perfect time to take your kids to a museum to learn local history. If you are in B.C., look at the Burnaby Village Museum, the Helmcken House next to the Royal BC Museum, or the Okanagan Heritage Museum, depending on where you live. Or, check out something new on the list of BC museums.

You can also encourage your kids to give back to your community by volunteering over the holidays. Donate to your local food bank or spend an afternoon volunteering your time together at a soup kitchen. This way, you can help give your kids a sense of appreciation for their community.

Active Living During the Holidays

Of course, winter break is the perfect time to get active! Exercise has been proven to reduce stress, stimulate the brain, and increase creativity. Take this time to have your kids do classic outdoor winter activities like skating and sledding. Their brains will need a break after a long four months of school, and this is a much more beneficial way to do so than crashing in front of the TV. Their brains will thank you!

Hopefully, this gave you some ideas on how to help your kids enjoy their break through winter-related educational activities. And if your child needs more help than these quick tips, contact School is Easy. Happy Holidays!

How Taking a Break From Studying Can Create Those “Ah Ha” Moments

Published: Last Updated Date:

taking a break from studying featured image of light bulbs

Sometimes, no matter how hard your child may try, they will not be able to get past a particular problem with their homework. So, how can you encourage a breakthrough as a teacher or parent?

One way is by encouraging them to take a break. Research shows that brains build bigger creative webs when in a good mood. This means that resting and taking time to relax may help your child improve their mood and spark their creativity.

Why taking a break from studying can help improve your child’s creativity.

Have you ever thought about why some of your most profound thinking or best ideas happen in the shower? There is a scientific explanation for this. According to scientists, when you are not focused on any task, your brain is in a state of wakeful rest. A part of your brain, known as the default mode network, becomes activated. William Haynes expands on this concept in a short video on YouTube. He points out that when your default mode network is activated, you become less aware of your environment and more aware of your internal thoughts. Thus, when your child takes a break, their thought patterns also have the opportunity to change and give them more ideas on how to solve a problem.

One way to activate the default mode network.

Researchers at Stanford University recently discovered that walking can help get your creative juices flowing. So, the next time your child starts getting fidgety or is stuck on a problem, encourage them to walk the dog with you. Or, if they’ve been working on a project non-stop and seem to have run out of ideas, have them take the afternoon off and go for a hike with you.

Make sure you balance taking a break from studying with getting things done.

Of course, just because study breaks can be good for your child’s creativity, that doesn’t mean they can say they want to go on a hike whenever they want instead of doing their homework. Instead, this method should be utilized when your child is struggling to think of new ideas or is getting frustrated by not being able to figure a problem out.

Different age groups will have various levels of capacity. Some ten-year-olds might need a brain break after 15 minutes. A 16-year-old might be okay for an hour before needing to stop. It all depends on the individual learner.

Whatever the capacity of your child, try to make sure that they try taking a break from studying when they need to. That way, they get the most out of their study sessions. And if they need help in their classes that can’t be helped with a break, contact your local School is Easy.

4 Ways to Get Rid of Back-to-School Anxiety

Published: Last Updated Date:

A full high school classroom with students engaged in their studies, illustrating how back-to-school anxiety eases as students adjust to their new routines.

Is your child feeling nervous about returning to school? Many families face back-to-school anxiety as summer winds down. But starting a new school year doesn’t have to bring stress – with the right approach, you can help your child see school as something exciting to look forward to.

Just like kids eagerly anticipate holidays and birthdays because they mean special family moments and treats, you can transform the back-to-school season into a time of joy and anticipation.

1.  Make School Shopping a Special Gift Experience

Instead of tackling all the shopping at once, try something different. Notice what clothes and supplies catch your child’s eye, then buy them separately. Surprise them with wrapped “presents” of backpacks, fun pens, or new outfits. Spread these gifts over a week or two – one special item each day. Most kids light up when receiving presents, and they’ll be excited to use their new items when school starts!

2.  Visit the School Together Before Classes Begin

Lots of back-to-school anxiety comes from not knowing what to expect. For kids starting kindergarten or switching schools, unfamiliar surroundings can feel overwhelming. Turn this into an adventure! Pack a picnic lunch and spend time exploring the school grounds and playground. This helps your child build positive feelings about their school. For older students, walking through their class schedule beforehand can boost their confidence for day one.

3.  Plan Special First-Week Meals Together

A few weeks before school starts, sit down with your child to plan some exciting meals. Let them pick favorite breakfast foods for the first day. Shop together for fun lunch items. Ask each child to choose their favorite dinner for that week. Even just one special meal a day gives them something to look forward to as they adjust to their new routine.

High school students laughing and having fun on their way home, showing how overcoming back-to-school anxiety leads to positive experiences and friendships.

 4.  Celebrate After the First Day

What child doesn’t love a special treat? Surprise them with ice cream or donuts after their first day back. Whether it’s right after school or after dinner for working parents, use this time to show interest in their day and offer support. It’s a perfect way to end day one and build excitement for the days ahead!

Ready to give your child the confidence they need this school year? Visit School is Easy to learn how our experienced tutors can help make this the best school year yet.

Optical Illusions: A Hands-on Science Activity for Kids

Published: Last Updated Date:

An optical illusion featuring a glass sphere, creating a distorted and fascinating view of the surrounding scene.

Why Do My Eyes Play Tricks on Me? The Science Behind Optical Illusions

Ever stared at something so long you weren’t sure what you were seeing anymore? That’s the wild world of optical illusions at work! If you’re looking for a fun optical illusion science activities for kids, you’re in for a treat.

Think of your eyes and brain as dance partners – they’re constantly working together to make sense of the world around you. Sometimes though, this dance gets a little messy, and that’s where the magic happens. Our visual perception isn’t perfect (thank goodness, or we’d miss out on all the fun!). When our brain interpretation takes a shortcut, we end up seeing things that aren’t quite what they seem.

An optical illusion demonstrating perspective, where a person close to the camera appears like a giant compared to a distant person.

Try These Mind-Bending Experiments at Home

Ready to blow some minds? I’ve got three awesome optical illusion science activities for kids that’ll make their jaws drop – and they’re super easy to do at home. Plus, I’ll let you in on the cool science behind each one so you can sound like a genius when your kids ask “How did that happen?!”

The Rubber Pencil Illusion

Stuff You’ll Need:

  • A regular pencil or pen
  • Good lighting
  • A plain background (like a white wall)

Here’s How:

  1. Hold the pencil at the top between your thumb and index finger
  2. Position it vertically about 12 inches from your face
  3. Start bouncing your hand up and down rapidly (like you’re shaking a thermometer)
  4. Keep your eyes focused on the middle of the pencil

The Cool Science Part: When objects move quickly, our visual perception system can’t keep up with every detail. This creates what scientists call “motion blur.” Your brain tries to fill in the gaps, causing the solid pencil to appear rubbery. It’s a perfect way to teach kids about persistence of vision and how our brain processes moving objects!

A hollow mask illusion showing a concave mask that appears convex, demonstrating how the brain interprets depth and perspective.

The Hollow Face Mystery

Stuff You’ll Need:

  • A plastic mask (the kind used for crafts)
  • A rotating surface (like a lazy Susan) or space to walk around
  • Good lighting

Here’s How:

  1. Place the mask with the hollow side facing out
  2. Position it at eye level on a table
  3. Stand about 3 feet away
  4. Slowly walk around the mask (or rotate it if using a lazy Susan)
  5. Watch how the hollow face appears to turn and follow you

The Cool Science Part: This is called the “hollow-face illusion” and it happens because our brains are hardwired to see faces as convex (sticking out) rather than concave (caving in). Even when we know the mask is hollow, our brain refuses to see it that way! This demonstrates how our brain makes sense of things can override what our eyes actually see, teaching kids about the fascinating way our brain processes faces and depth perception.

The Vanishing Color Trick

Stuff You’ll Need:

  • Bright red construction paper
  • White paper
  • Scissors
  • Timer
  • Good lighting

Here’s How:

  1. Cut a 2-inch square from the red paper
  2. Tape the white paper to a wall at eye level
  3. Hold the red square about 12 inches from your eyes
  4. Stare at the center of the red square for exactly 30 seconds
  5. Quickly look at the white paper

The Cool Science Part: Your eyes have special cells called cones that detect color. When you stare at one color for too long, these cells get tired and temporarily stop responding. When you look at the white paper, you see green (red’s opposite color) because those color-detecting cells are still active while the red-detecting ones rest. This teaches kids about complementary colors and how our eyes process light!

An optical illusion showing two cheetahs blending into their environment, appearing as a single cheetah due to camouflage.

From Wonder to Wisdom: Taking the Next Step

The really awesome thing about optical illusions is how they show us that seeing isn’t always believing. These perception tricks get kids questioning everything they see (in the best way possible), and isn’t that what science is all about?

Speaking of science, if these tricks have sparked a love for discovery in your kids, don’t let that flame fizzle out! Our tutors at School is Easy are total science nerds (and proud of it!) who’d love to share more mind-blowing experiments with your curious kids. Drop us a line – we’ll help turn those “How does that work?” moments into “Aha!” discoveries.

Trust me, once your kids start exploring the world of science with us, they won’t want to stop!