We hope you find the following articles on education, parenting and related subject matter to be useful and informative. All articles are by MGA staff and volunteer parent contributors.

Getting a JUMP Start on Math Skills

At MGA, we are always critically evaluating the learning materials and methods used, to ensure that students receive the best education possible.  At the end of every school year we hold a series of meetings in which we evaluate all learning materials, examine new texts and methodologies and assess which new ideas to incorporate into the following year’s curriculum.  In 2011/2012 we introduced the JUMP Math curriculum.

Recent articles in the National Post and teaching journals have pointed to the general failure of the math curriculum in Canadian public schools, citing that university professors are dismayed by the current math curriculum and are finding that first year university students are not at all prepared for university level math.  In an article by Amy Chung, a recent study is quoted that concludes that, “…  Canadian public schools need to get back to basics with math education, stressing memorization of fundamentals such as multiplication tables.  Schools must place a much stronger emphasis on mastering basic math skills and standard algorithms.”

MGA has always stressed the importance of mastering basic math skills and we are impressed with the thinking behind the JUMP Math curriculum which encourages the students to practice new skills immediately to consolidate the concepts, step by step.  The patterns and reasoning behind the concept is clearly explained and it offers the students a hands- on approach to math.

This approach builds confidence and offers immediate assessment for the student and teacher.  When students see they are capable of doing well they are more engaged, less anxious and they work better!
Please feel free to speak with your child’s teacher about the JUMP Math curriculum should you wish to know more about it.

 

 

Meadow Green Scholarship Fund

At Meadow Green Academy, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to receive an outstanding education and to be nurtured and encouraged to reach their full potential. Part of our commitment to attracting the very best students is to encourage candidates to apply for tuition assistance through our Scholarship Fund. The Meadow Green Academy Scholarship Fund was established as a response to our core commitment to assist students in need. Through the Scholarship Fund , we partner with donors to offer financial assistance to qualified students who would otherwise not be able to receive a strong academic education.

We Invite parents to partner with us, by donating to the Scholarship Fund. $50 from every student’s tuition fee is also automatically allocated to the Scholarship Fund and a tax receipt is issued for the $50. Please contact the Office if you would like to support the Scholarship Fund or donate a specific bursary amount or if you are interested in finding out more about it.
Your generosity can inspire and educate the leaders of tomorrow, by investing in their education today.

How to Help Your Child Prepare for Exams

As educators we have the privilege and responsibility to nurture, encourage, challenge and prepare students to be the very best they can be. Part of that preparation is teaching them how to deal with
stressful and demanding situations and to learn how to deal with stress and anxiety.

Exam time fills most students and their parents with dread. Most feel ill equipped to handle these times and they usually perform poorly as a result. There are so many great tips to help your child overcome exam anxiety and learn how to tackle the rigours of exam week!

Studies have shown, over and over, that proper preparation is a key component of exam success. Leaving things to the last moment and procrastinating is the worst thing anyone can do.
Here are a few practical tips that can make a huge  difference in your child’s life when the dreaded exam time is around the corner:

Plan ahead
Get the exam schedule as soon as possible, make extra copies and post them on your fridge, bedroom wall etc.
Make a study schedule
Evaluate what extra -curricular activities need to be put on hold to ensure your child has enough study time.
Help your child determine how much time to allocate to each subject and go through review sheets.
Know how your child studies best
Some children really do need music to concentrate while others need silence.
Some need to be at a desk. Others may need to be on the floor surrounded by their books.
Help your child work out what study methods suit him best.
Eat properly
Ensure your child takes proper study breaks and has nutritional snacks while studying.
Keep the routines in your home going and keep meal times stress free and healthy.
Get enough sleep
No brain can function on too little sleep, so ensure that the schedule is well planned out and that adequate sleep is had, especially the night before the exam.
Get additional help well in advance
If your child needs extra help let the teacher know or engage the services of a tutor.

Encourage your child to do their best without putting undue pressure on them. Remember, this won’t be the only exam they ever do!  Keeping a positive, encouraging attitude will go a long way in equipping your child to face exam time with a positive outlook and a peaceful, well prepared mind.