Studying is a skill. Anything that is a skill can be taught, learned, practiced and improved. This week a group of teens completed their Study Skills 2024. We worked at examining and enhancing study their current study skills and refining the methods they use to absorb, process, retain and utilize information effectively. We wish them all the best in the new academic year. 

Earlier this week I made a quick trip over to GT to work with a group of interns from the National Internship and Apprenticeship program. We explored 3 essential soft skills through learning, discussion and games.

We wish them all the best as they continue their studies and grow as professionals!

"Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement.” – James Cash Penney, Founder J.C. Penney Stores

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of working with the employees from C.A.M. In addition to refreshing some important customer service skills they had a great time participating in a team billing challenge!

“The Public Speaker” is a 5-session small group coaching program that helps participants improve their public speaking and presentation skills. Speaking in front of others is not always easy, but it is a skill that can be developed! This week two employees from the Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands completed their sessions, which includes a final component of creating and delivering a speech or a presentation.

Congratulations to the two @portstci Ports Authority Employees that jumped into this program and gave it their all!

Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with the team at the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Service. Brushing up on one's soft skills is extremely important. Not only does it improve the cohesiveness between team members, but it is also a valuable tool in dealing with clients and customers.

Our focus for the day was on Building Confidence and Assertiveness. While we often discuss the importance of Assertive Communication, it is rare to delve into it within the context of building the skill of confidence. Confidence and assertiveness are intertwined, and they are essential skills to build in all domains of life.

The topics explored in yesterday's workshop were:

• Understanding Confidence and Assertiveness
• Characteristics of Confidence
• Barriers to Success
• Powerful Tools
• Communicating with Confidence
• Being Assertive in Difficult Situations
• Building Confidence in Others

The workshop was filled with insightful discussions and practical exercises. The team at the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Service had not only enhanced their understanding of confidence and assertiveness but also gained valuable tools to apply these skills in their professional and personal lives.

The end of the school year brings a much-anticipated break for teachers, a well-deserved chance to relax and recharge. For parents, however, it's the beginning of a new and demanding season. Yes, folks, school's out, and parents are officially "it."

As an educational entrepreneur juggling work and parenting, I understand the unique challenges summer break can present. Fortunately, many community camps across the country offer enriching programs that can provide structure and learning opportunities for children. Despite this, there are still some common summer behaviors that you can take a pro-active approach to managing.

The Snack Monster
Children often become bottomless pits during summer. No matter how many snacks you provide, it's never enough.
Tip: Establish a snack schedule and adhere to it consistently. Stock up on healthy snacks and limit access to the kitchen between designated snack times. This not only curbs constant grazing but also instills a sense of routine.

The Screen Time Struggle
Summer often sees an increase in screen time requests, as children look for ways to fill their free time.
Tip: Balance screen time with physical and creative activities. Set daily limits on screen use and encourage outdoor play, reading, and hobbies. Use a visual schedule to help children understand when they can expect screen time and when they should engage in other activities. This approach helps them develop a balanced routine and reduces dependency on electronic devices.

The Sibling Gladiators
Summer can amplify sibling rivalry, leading to frequent disputes.
Tip: Establish a "Peaceful Play" agreement with clear rules and consequences for conflicts. Encourage cooperative activities that require teamwork, such as building a puzzle or creating a garden. For instance, set up a "team challenge" where siblings must work together to complete tasks, earning rewards for positive cooperation. This not only helps mitigate conflicts but also fosters a sense of unity and collaboration among siblings.

The Perpetual Boredom Syndrome
"I’m bored!" becomes a frequent complaint during the long summer days.
Tip: Create a "boredom jar" filled with engaging activities that children can do independently. Activities like building a fort or crafting can spark creativity and reduce boredom. Encouraging independent play helps develop self-reliance and problem-solving skills.

The Late-Night Party Animal
Summer often disrupts regular sleep schedules, leading to late-night energy bursts.
Tip: Maintain a consistent bedtime routine even during the summer. Dim the lights, read a calming book, and use white noise if necessary. Consistency in bedtime routines promotes better sleep habits and ensures children are well-rested.

Balancing Work and Summer Parenting
As an entrepreneur, balancing work and parenting can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to model effective time management. Here are a few additional tips:

• Structured Schedule: Create a daily schedule that includes work time, playtime, and family activities. This helps children understand boundaries and expectations. This can also be a great help if you have a babysitter home with your children.
• Educational Activities: Incorporate educational activities into the day to keep their minds engaged. Online resources, educational games, and reading can be both fun and enriching.
• Quality Time: Prioritize quality time with your children. Even brief periods of focused attention can strengthen your bond and provide the emotional support they need.

Despite the chaos, summer is a time to create lasting memories and enjoy the extra time with your children. It's not about being the perfect parent but about creating a positive and supportive environment where your children can thrive.
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Happy summer, parents! Embrace the challenges, enjoy the moments, and remember to take care of yourself as well. You've got this!

For this week's episode we have a special treat. Yolande was recently featured on "Pushing Your P's" podcast, with Leo Lightbourne, aka L.T. Bourne. "Pushing Your P's" podcast explores the elements of happiness and fulfilment inspired by his latest book, "haPPy: The P's to Push to a Happier Life."

In this episode Yolande and Leo discuss partnerships in personal and professional growth, the importance of perceptions in shaping our experiences, embracing happiness through meaningful connections and perspectives shifts and more.

Follow Leo Lightbourne on social media and purchase his book on the links below:
FaceBook:   / iamltbourne 
Twitter:   / iamltbourne 
Instagram:   / iamltbourne 
L.T's Website:
https://www.ltbourne.com
Link to book :
https://www.amazon.com/haPPy-Ps-Push-...

I recently sat on the other side of the microphone and was a guest on L.T. Bourne's Podcast "Pushing Your P's." The "Pushing Your P's," podcast show is a transformative podcast that delves into the foundational elements of happiness and fulfilment, inspired by L.T. Bourne's new book, "haPPy: The P's to Push to a Happier Life."

Each episode explores one of the eight fundamental P's outlined in "haPPy": Parents, Prayer, Perception, Power, Pace, Prosperity, Purpose, and Partnerships.

"Pushing Your P's" invites listeners to join the journey towards happiness, one P at a time. Whether seeking guidance on personal growth, spiritual connection, or nurturing meaningful relationships, this podcast is a companion to unlocking the secrets to a genuinely happier life.

Episode Description: Yolande Robinson, a passionate educator with over 24 years of experience, shares her journey of embracing happiness through the power of Partnerships and Perception. Discover how Yolande's unique partnership with her husband, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, has shaped her career and personal growth. She also delves into the importance of seeing the world from different perspectives and how this has impacted her life.

Learn about Yolande's incredible work with the Learn and Lead Educational Center, which she co-founded with her husband, and her popular podcast, Shifting Perspectives. Yolande's dedication to education, empowerment, and wholehearted living will inspire and motivate you.

Key Topics:
• The role of Partnerships in personal and professional growth
• The importance of Perception in shaping our experiences
• Yolande's journey with the Learn and Lead Educational Center
• Insights from the Shifting Perspectives podcast
• Embracing happiness through meaningful connections and perspective shifts​

As a mother and educator, I often find myself in heartfelt conversations with parents who express frustration because their child has not yet begun reading. It's understandable— reading is not just a skill but a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and lifelong learning. However, what many parents may not realize is that the journey to reading begins long before a child picks up their first book. It starts with nurturing essential pre-reading skills right at home.

The Foundation of Reading: Pre-Reading Skills
Before children can read independently, they must develop foundational skills that pave the way for literacy. These pre-reading skills are crucial as they lay the groundwork for understanding letters, sounds, and words. Here are some key pre-reading skills:

1. Phonological Awareness: This involves recognizing and manipulating sounds in spoken language, such as rhyming, segmenting words into syllables, and identifying beginning and ending sounds.
2. Print Awareness: Understanding that print carries meaning and knowing how to handle a book (e.g., reading left to right, top to bottom) is fundamental.
3. Letter Knowledge: Recognizing letters and knowing their names and sounds is essential for decoding words.
4. Vocabulary Development: Building a rich vocabulary through exposure to words in context helps children understand what they read.
5. Narrative Skills: Understanding story structure and being able to retell stories supports comprehension and fluency.

As parents, we are our children's first and most influential teachers. Even with the best schools and teachers, our role in fostering literacy cannot be understated. We have the unique opportunity to create rich learning environments at home and incorporate literacy-building activities into everyday life.

Summer is an ideal time to nurture pre-reading skills in a relaxed and enjoyable way. Here are some practical tips to integrate literacy into your summer routine:

• Read Together: Make reading a daily habit. Read aloud to your child and discuss the story. Encourage them to ask questions and make predictions.
• Explore the Outdoors: Take nature walks and talk about what you see. Point out signs, labels, and environmental print to enhance print awareness.
• Engage in Rhyming Games: Sing songs, recite nursery rhymes, and play rhyming games to develop phonological awareness.
• Create a Print-Rich Environment: Label items around the house, such as toys, furniture, and household items, to reinforce letter recognition.
• Tell Stories: Encourage storytelling by making up stories together. This fosters narrative skills and imagination.

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By incorporating these activities into your summer days, you're not only preventing the summer slide but also equipping your child with the essential skills they need to become confident readers. Remember, learning to read is a journey, and each child progresses at their own pace. Celebrate their milestones and continue to nurture their love for reading.

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”- Phil Jackson

Last week I had the opportunity to work with the F Chambers team to kick of their retreat. They began their day with learning, reflection, perspective and laughter.

Short team building sessions are a great opportunity to ignite the synergy within your team. Starting off your retreats this way does a great job setting the tone for building as individuals and as a collective!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to be a guest panelist at Precious Treasures High School at their Career Symposium.
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It was a great opportunity for students to learn and ask questions on school subject choices, higher education, and career choice and evolution.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to work with a small group of officers and 911 operators from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force.
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Soft Skills Refreshers are a great opportunity to refresh content that has already been trained with new, relevant and realistic scenarios. These refreshers or a great add on to team meetings and technical skills training days.

As always, it was a pleasure working with the RTCPF.

As the school year draws to a close, many parents are eagerly anticipating a summer filled with fun, relaxation, and new adventures for their children. While it’s essential for kids to enjoy their break, it’s equally important to ensure they continue their academic growth during the summer months. The concept of "summer slide"—the loss of academic skills over the summer break—is a significant concern for educators and parents alike. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of unfinished learning make it even more crucial to focus on maintaining and advancing your child's academic skills during the summer.

Understanding Summer Slide
Research indicates that students can lose up to two months of reading skills and one month of math skills during the summer break. This phenomenon, known as the summer slide, disproportionately affects students from lower-income families who may have less access to educational resources. According to the National Summer Learning Association (US), children can lose up to 30% of the gains they made during the school year over the summer. This learning loss accumulates over time, leading to a significant academic gap by the time students reach high school.

The Importance of Summer Learning

1. Literacy Skills: Literacy is more than just reading and writing. It encompasses listening, comprehending, and understanding, which are crucial for overall academic success. Encouraging your child to engage in activities that promote these skills can prevent the summer slide and set them up for success in the upcoming school year.
2. Mathematics: Math skills are particularly vulnerable during the summer months. Regular practice, even in small doses, can make a significant difference. Math doesn't have to be limited to workbooks; it can be incorporated into daily activities like cooking, shopping, or even playing games.

Creating a Balanced Summer Routine
Here are some tips to help you integrate academic activities into your child's summer routine without compromising the fun and adventure that summer promises:

1. Daily Reading: Set aside at least 20 minutes each day for your child to read. This can include books, magazines, or even audiobooks. Discuss what they read to enhance their comprehension skills.
2. Writing Activities: Encourage your child to keep a summer journal. They can write about their daily adventures, trips, or even creative stories. This practice will help improve their writing skills and spark their imagination.
3. Incorporate Learning into Daily Activities: Use everyday tasks as learning opportunities. Cooking can teach measurements and fractions, while grocery shopping can involve budgeting and basic math skills.
4. Educational Apps and Games: Utilize educational apps and games that make learning fun. There are numerous apps available that focus on literacy and math skills, making it easy for children to learn while they play.
5. Enroll in a Summer Enrichment Program: Programs like Learn and Lead's Summer Enrichment offer structured academic support while providing fun and engaging activities. These programs can provide targeted intervention to address any learning gaps.
6. Workbooks and Learning Resources: Invest in workbooks that cover a range of subjects. At Learn and Lead, we offer a variety of workbooks and educational materials designed to keep your child engaged and learning throughout the summer.
7. Set a Routine: Consistency is key. Establish a daily routine that includes time for academic activities, physical exercise, and free play. A balanced schedule ensures that children have time for both learning and relaxation.

Final Thoughts
As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, it is more important than ever to be intentional about summer learning. By incorporating these tips into your summer plans, you can help your child avoid the summer slide and return to school in the fall ready to succeed. Remember, summer learning doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little creativity and planning, it can be an enjoyable and enriching experience for your child.

For more resources, workbooks, and information about our Summer Enrichment Program, visit us at Learn and Lead Educational Center. Let’s work together to ensure that our children have a summer filled with fun, adventure, and learning.


References:

1. National Summer Learning Association. (n.d.). "The Achievement Gap and the Summer Slide." Retrieved from summerlearning.org
2. Cooper, H., Nye, B., Charlton, K., Lindsay, J., & Greathouse, S. (1996). "The Effects of Summer Vacation on Achievement Test Scores: A Narrative and Meta-Analytic Review." Review of Educational Research, 66(3), 227-268.

Did you know that active learning techniques, like teaching the material to someone else or using flashcards, can significantly enhance retention? Active learning engages different parts of the brain, making it easier for students to understand and remember the material.

Encourage your teen to try these methods:

Teaching the Material: Have your teen explain concepts to you or a study buddy. Teaching forces them to process the information deeply and identify any gaps in their understanding.

Using Flashcards: Flashcards are a great tool for reinforcing memory through repetition. They are especially useful for subjects that require memorization, such as vocabulary or key facts.
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By incorporating these active learning strategies into their study routine, your teen can improve their understanding and retention of the material, setting them up for success during exams!

Last week, we delved into the topic of reflective practice within the realm of education and teaching. Today, as I sit down to write this, I'm reminded of how crucial reflection is not only in our professional lives but also in our roles as parents. Reflective practice isn't just a tool for educators like myself— it's a powerful tool that shapes how we nurture, teach, and interact with our children.
 
Why is reflective practice important for us as parents?
Reflective practice isn't about criticizing ourselves or dwelling on mistakes. It's about taking a moment to pause, to think about the interactions we've had with our children, and to consider how we can grow from those experiences. When we reflect, we become more mindful and intentional in our parenting approach. We start to notice patterns in our children's behavior and our responses to them. This awareness allows us to make adjustments that can strengthen our connection with our kids and support their development in meaningful ways.

How does our reflective practice impact our children?
Our children are always watching us, learning from how we handle situations and navigate the ups and downs of life. When we practice reflection, we model for them the importance of self-awareness and growth. They see that it's okay to make mistakes and that learning from them is what matters most. Our reflective practice fosters a nurturing environment where open communication and empathy thrive, laying a strong foundation for their own emotional intelligence and resilience.

What can we do to cultivate a reflective practice?
Start small. Set aside a few minutes each day to think about your interactions with your child. Journaling can be a great way to capture your thoughts and insights. Seek support from other parents or a parenting coach like myself to gain new perspectives and strategies. Remember, reflective practice isn't about perfection—it's about growth and continuous improvement.
In conclusion, as parents, we have a profound opportunity to shape our children's lives through our words, actions, and the way we engage with them. Let's embrace the power of reflection, knowing that our efforts to grow and learn as parents ripple outwards, positively influencing our children's journey.
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Keep reflecting, keep growing, and remember, you're doing an amazing job!

In case you missed it...this letter was sent by email on Tuesday May 21, 2024.

Did you know that a well-planned study schedule can reduce stress and improve time management? By helping your teen create a realistic study timetable, you can support their exam preparation and overall well-being.

Here’s how to get started:
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• Include All Subjects: Make sure the schedule covers all subjects, giving extra time to more challenging topics. This ensures balanced preparation and avoids last-minute cramming.


• Schedule Breaks: Breaks are essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Encourage your teen to take short, regular breaks to recharge.

• Be Realistic: Set achievable daily and weekly goals. Overloading the schedule can lead to unnecessary stress and fatigue.

By working together to create a structured study plan, you can help your teen manage their time effectively, stay organized, and approach exams with confidence!

Below is a template that you may find helpful when helping your child plan their study schedule. ​