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Teaching Kids Water Conservation

Susan Cumberland Published: May 15, 2015 Last Updated Date: June 27, 2024

Recently, there has been quite a buzz in the news about how California is running out of water. A drought emergency was actually declared at the beginning of last year, and ever since then there has been a big push for Californians to reduce their water consumption. However, Californians are not the only ones who should care about conserving water. Read on to find out why water should be conserved, and how you can go about teaching kids water conservation.

What happens if we don’t have water?

Although here in Canada we might not be going through a drought, what’s happening in California still affects us. It just so happens that in Canada we get the majority of many fruits and vegetables from California. With the state going through a drought, that means less crops, which means less fresh produce for us, not to mention an increase in prices.

Why we should be teaching kids water conservation

Even in places like Vancouver, where it rains a lot, it is very important to conserve water. According to National Geographic, fresh water sources in residential areas and agricultural lands are often polluted. Many major rivers in the world have become so overtapped that they hardly discharge any water into the sea. This disrupts the natural water cycle.

And it’s not that easy to use the ocean to solve the drought. Do kids know the difference between freshwater and seawater?

Water is so basic, that we often don’t think of all the things we couldn’t do without it, besides drinking it. Could we wash our clothes? Would we have macaroni and cheese?

In Ethiopia, health care providers are having a hard time helping people with solvable diseases because it is so hard to access water. John Green (a popular teen novel writer and YouTube star), went to Ethiopia and heard many people cite “water” as their primary need. He explained his experience in this video. The interesting thing to note when watching it is that kids can relate to what he shows in that video; a child dying from too much diarrhea is a real thing kids can ‘feel’ and understand.

So when kids get excited about trends such as the Ice Bucket Challenge, they often don’t think of the ripple effect dumping water all over the place can have. If they won’t listen to you, get them to watch celebrity Matt Damon dump toilet water on his head, and explain that it was probably cleaner than what many people have access to in other countries.

To avoid having these same water-shortage problems in our well-to-do cities, it is important to teach kids water conservation so that they grow up with good water-usage habits.

How to go about teaching kids water conservation

Start simple, by making sure they know to turn the water off while they brush their teeth or wash dishes.
Encourage your kids to take shorter showers, or try to limit the number of times a day they flush the toilet
Check out wateruseitwisely.com for tips to tell your kids, or even go through it with them. Some of their tips include washing pets outdoors in an area of lawn that needs water, or running the dishwasher only when it is full.
Have your kids play some fun games relating to water conservation, and talk to them about what they got out of it. Again, wateruseitwisely.com has a great page with a list of water conservation games.
Buy local fruits and vegetables, if possible. Explain to kids about the California situation, and how the lack of crops affects us here. Bring your kids to a farmer’s market and teach them about the importance of buying local vegetables and how it’s better for the environment. Or, start a vegetable garden in your back yard!
Limit or even avoid toys that require a lot of water, especially those that use a constant water flow. As fun as they might be, these are quite contrary to the message of water conservation.

While we might not be in a drought here, we can all still make our best effort to reduce our water footprint. Have some fun teaching your kids water conservation tips to help them build up healthy water saving habits.

Kids health: Is it safe for kids to drink coffee?

Susan Cumberland Published: May 8, 2015 Last Updated Date: June 27, 2024

As adults, many of us use coffee to give us that extra jolt of energy to get our jobs done. So it’s fair to wonder whether a little java can help make our children more productive in school and at home. Another thing to consider is that coffee is becoming more and more accessible to children. It’s not hard to find kids ordering Iced Caps from Tim Horton’s and Frappucinos from Starbucks. However, many people have raised concerns about whether it is safe for kids to drink coffee. And it’s a valid question. Let’s take a look at some of the evidence and discuss what this means.

The benefits of having kids drink coffee

A researcher named Dr. Tomas Depaulis published a study saying coffee could actually give children some benefits that can be helpful in school. For example, a little java could improve concentration in children, which can aid in academic exercises such as test taking. Depaulis also pointed to a separate study in Brazil showing kids who drink coffee with milk are less likely to have depression than other children. However, one obvious caveat applies — coffee must be consumed in moderation.

When coffee can be harmful to children

Giving coffee to children can be a problem because java generally has a lot of caffeine. When children drink too much of it, a number of negative symptoms can arise. This includes jitteriness, nervousness, headaches, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, dehydration and heart issues. Yes, anyone who drinks too much coffee can be susceptible to these problems, but young children appear to be more sensitive to its effects. American guidelines state adolescents shouldn’t get more than 100 milligrams of caffeine a day. Take note that an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains anywhere from 95 to 200 milligrams.

Our advice? Try these ideas first

If a boost in energy is what’s needed to get your child focused, it’s probably better to get them to go outside and exercise. Much research has shown getting a good workout is a great all-natural way to boost energy. We’ve suggested a variety of outdoor activities on our blog that stimulate both body and mind.

If your child is stuck in a rut and needs a fresh idea for an assignment, research has shown implementing a few breaks in his or her homework schedule can stimulate creativity. Finally, an inability to concentrate could simply be the result of poor organizational skills. We have some tips on how to improve on that right here.

However, if you absolutely insist on giving your child coffee, make sure you supervise them when they consume it, and moderate their intake. It’s not advisable for very young children to have java regularly. Also, it is best to consult with a physician beforehand, especially if your child has any health conditions, particularly heart or anxiety problems.

Why should kids learn geography, and how can you help them do so?

Susan Cumberland Published: May 1, 2015 Last Updated Date: June 27, 2024

Geography is no longer a core subject in most Canadian schools, although it is included in the area of Social Studies. But do Canadians really know their geography? One case popped up in the media a couple years ago about a university professor who was complaining that her students could not label a map- some didn’t even know where Africa was! But does that even matter? Read on to find out why kids should learn geography, and how you can help them.

Why should kids learn geography?

It helps put the news in context

If kids learn geography, then when they hear a story on the news from across the globe, they will actually have an idea of where Kenya, or at least Africa, is. They will also know that Africa is not a country! And if Ebola breaks out in one African country, that doesn’t mean that all of Africa is affected.

If kids learn geography, it will also help them learn history

Understanding how close two places sit on the map can help kids see how and why different civilizations influenced each other. Or, it will help them understand the significance of one civilization conquering another. For example, how impressive the distance they covered was, or what resources they would have gained from conquering a territory near the ocean or water ways.

Why was the Panama Canal such a big deal? What happens when a country doesn’t have access to a lake or river, if it is inland? All of these things affect us greatly. The things we can now buy, the professions we work as, the way we communicate over long distances, and the way we live today (such as with electricity) all depended on things like this.

So what does it mean today? What happens when a country like Israel runs out of fresh water? They innovate and start desalination processes. What happens if you cut off water from ISIS in Iraq? How does that affect who can win the war?

Learning geography will help kids understand different cultures

Being surrounded by water, or being in the middle of a desert will drastically affect what a culture values, as well as how they live their daily lives. If kids learn geography from around the globe, they will have the opportunity to gain more of an appreciation for foreign countries and cultures.

It will also help them understand languages, which can shape cultures. Do all languages have a word for “snow”? How would you describe “snow” to someone who has never seen it, and never heard of it? Is it ice? Is it water?

Why do many languages contain words from other languages? For example, the word “telephone” – can you find this word pronounced differently in different countries? Why or why not? What about “tomato”?

What about what we consider to be ‘beautiful’ in the place where we live. Where does the idea of ‘beauty’ come from? Do all cultures see things as ‘beautiful’ in the same way? Why or why not?

Geography gives kids a better worldview

Speaking of the globe, understanding where certain resources come from, or even just where certain places are, will help your child gain an appreciation for the world that goes beyond the borders that they live within.

4 tips to get your kids to learn geography!

1. Get a globe, or a map

A good way to start is by getting a globe or map for your home. Encourage your kids to ask questions about different places- if you don’t know what to tell them about a certain place, have them research it themselves and learn something new!

2. Travel!

Travelling is a great way for your kids to learn about different places and cultures. Or, if you can’t go somewhere, watch a documentary about it. We wrote an article, for example, on how to make a trip to Vernon, B.C. more educational for your kids.

3. Get a map puzzle

Map puzzles are great because your kids have to actively think about where each country, province, or state goes. There are even some online, like this one from National Geographic.

4. Apps

And of course, there are plenty of great apps out there to help teach your kids geography! This list by kidworldcitizen.org is great to start with.

5. Start a Flat Stanley Project!

This is a fun way to live through world experiences vicariously through a paper ‘Stanley’ who gets sent in the mail to a friend or relative. The receiver documents where Flat Stanley goes, takes photos with Flat Stanley and writes about the experiences. Flat Stanley can even send back treats for the class at school! Learn more about The Flat Stanley Project here.

And most importantly, have fun helping your kids learn geography! Happy Studying!

Kid’s health: the importance of kids staying hydrated for academic performance and activity

Susan Cumberland Published: April 24, 2015 Last Updated Date: June 27, 2024

We all know that it is important to stay hydrated, and to drink our 8-10 glasses of water a day. But is this any different for kids? Read on to learn about the importance of kids staying hydrated, and how it affects their academic performance and physical activity.

The importance of kids staying hydrated in school

Since kids’ bodies are made up of approximately 70% water, it is a given that water affects nearly every part of their bodies. Water enhances circulation and is essential for optimal brain health and function. If your child is demonstrating low concentration, it could be because they aren’t drinking enough water! According to healthybrainforlife.com, dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, poor concentration, and reduced cognitive abilities. So it is really important for your child’s academic success to drink plenty of water every day!

The importance of kids staying hydrated during physical activities

Drinking water also has a significant impact on your child’s physical activity. If they are hydrated, children will be less tired and have more energy. By drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise, they can avoid fatigue and enjoy the activity more. Since children’s bodies don’t adjust as well to losses of fluid, and their bodies don’t cool down as efficiently, it is especially important that they stay hydrated during exercise.

Are sports drinks or juice an OK alternative to drinking water?

In general, water is your child’s best bet to staying hydrated. Other drinks like juice, pop, and vitamin water can have a high sugar content, which can lead to weight gain in children if consumed regularly. They can also contain caffeine, which acts as a diuretic (dehydrating the body) and can also affect children’s concentration.

Sports drinks can be beneficial, but only if your child is involved in vigorous physical activity for over an hour. These drinks contain electrolytes, which your child will lose through sweat. Therefore, they are a good source of energy when the body’s stores are becoming depleted. However, if your child is not involved in vigorous physical activity for a prolonged amount of time, keep in mind that sports drinks also contain calories that could increase weight gain if consumed on a regular basis. It is always best to have your child avoid excess sugars by reaching for calorie-free water.

Since it is so important for kids to drink water, encourage them to keep a water bottle with them during tutoring sessions so they don’t get dehydrated. Happy studying!

How to help students overcome homework excuses

Susan Cumberland Published: April 17, 2015 Last Updated Date: June 27, 2024

From the classic “my dog ate my homework” excuse to more clever excuses like, “my backpack got stolen” or, “I left my binder in my mom’s car,” there are endless ways students can try to get out of doing and handing in homework. Here are some ways you can help students overcome homework excuses like these.

Try to understand why students don’t do their work

There are many reasons why a student may not do their homework. These might be:

Procrastination
Lack of interest
Wanting to get it perfect or a fear of failure
Being surrounded by distractions
It’s too difficult
It’s too much to do at once
It’s not as important as another task
They forgot
They didn’t have time

Help students overcome homework excuses by taking different approaches on assignments

We’re not talking about bringing the difficulty level down here. Although that could be the case with a student who is struggling, it might be helpful to simply lessen the amount slightly or break it up into smaller chunks.

Or, take a different approach with the homework. For example, if a student is experiencing a lack of interest in a project, try allowing them to take a creative approach on it. If you are a teacher or tutor, give them ideas of different options like turning an English project into an art project, a song, or a skit.

You can also have your students do some partner or group work so they are held accountable to someone else. This also avoids excuses about not having the right supplies, because even if one child doesn’t have their books, someone else in the group likely will. Another option is to schedule an assignment that is done in class or during a tutoring session. This will avoid the excuse of not understanding something, or finding it too difficult, because help will be readily available.

If you are a parent, talk to your child’s teacher or tutor about what other options there are to allow your child to take a creative approach on a project.

Other ways to help students overcome homework excuses:

If your students are not struggling with the assignment itself, but just have trouble doing homework in general, there are few things you can try to help them overcome homework excuses. If they seem to be struggling with procrastination, try giving them some study tips to follow. For example, turn off all devices when doing homework!

You can also encourage students to set earlier deadlines. Or, you could even have a deadline for a first draft before the final deadline for a paper. This will help them get the paper done early so that they don’t feel pressed for time on the final copy. It will also allow them to have more time to get feedback on their first draft before they submit the final copy.

And finally, encourage your students to have a space they can study in without distractions. If they don’t have a quiet space at home, recommend a library or a study area at school.

Whatever problem your student has with completing homework, try figuring out what it is and help them overcome homework excuses. A creative approach or changing up the usual ways may encourage them to get things done. Good luck!

How depression affects teens’ learning

Susan Cumberland Published: April 3, 2015 Last Updated Date: January 14, 2025

Depression is an epidemic sweeping the nation, and has been on the rise particularly among teens. According to multiple sources, the average age of onset of depression is constantly dropping, and someone who has a sibling or parent dealing with depression is up to three times as likely to develop it themselves. Keep reading to find out how depression affects teens’ learning, and how to help them deal with it.

Realize how depression affects teens’ learning

It is important not to overlook depression in teens, especially because it can really affect teens’ learning. Kidshealth.org has a great article that shows how learning can be affected by depression. Depression can make it hard to concentrate and focus. This means teens may have a hard time paying attention in a class, in a tutoring session or completing homework. Teens with depression may not even realize they are depressed. This can cause them to think that they are a failure, a bad student, or a slacker. It can also cause them to have low motivation, which can lead to them skipping class, especially if they start thinking, “what’s the point?” Finally, depression can even cause memory problems, which affects test performance.

How you can tell if depression is affecting your teen’s learning

There are many symptoms of depression, including emotional symptoms like feelings of worthlessness, physical symptoms like low energy, behavioural symptoms like change in appetite, and cognitive symptoms like difficulty focussing. However, it is best for your child to visit the doctor to properly diagnose what is going on. There is even a blood test that has recently been in the news that is able to detect depression. If your teen is diagnosed with depression, your healthcare professional should be able to recommend different resources for treatment. Your teen can also turn to online sources such as studentsagainstdepression.org or those listed at foundrybc.ca.

Depression is on the rise among teens, and it can definitely affect their learning. But luckily there are plenty of resources to help you and your teen deal with this issue. It is important to realize that it is not just something a teen will snap out of, but needs to be dealt with properly. If your teen is struggling with depression, consult your doctor so that they can get the help they need and can get the most out of their tutoring sessions.