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How to Teach Cursive Writing to Preschoolers and Kids?
Teaching cursive writing to kids has always been a challenging task for parents. Some kids hate it with their heart, others warm up to it over time and enjoy it. But it does not matter whether your kid likes it or not, as a parent you will want to teach it to your child.
What Is Cursive Writing?
Writing is no less than an art form, given the existence of different ways of expressing letters on paper. Cursive writing stands out as a writing technique that focuses on stringing together the letters that form a single word. While printing keeps each letter individually and solely present on paper, cursive writing makes use a fluid hand movement to tie them together, making it faster to write and easier to read as well.
Methods of Cursive Writing
Going through numerous notebooks filled with cursive writing, all the styles may seem similar to each other. The two forms of cursive writing that have stemmed from two major schools or techniques of learning cursive writing have minor differences. Each form of writing has its own rule in forming the slanted nature of letters and connecting them together.
1. D’Nealian Method of Cursive Writing
This method is present in print form as well as in the form of cursive writing. It is well-known for presenting letters in a slanted manner, even when it comes to writing them individually. This is what makes it extremely easy to connect one letter with the other and create a fluid writing style. What makes it stand out is the fact that each letter written in this style has a tail to it. This tail is used to connect one letter to another, easing the transition of moving across words.
2. Zaner-Bloser Method of Cursive Writing
This is a method that has two different ways of approaching print writing and cursive writing. Print writing is usually upright and unidirectional, whereas cursive writing has the typical slant that defines it. The difference that Zaner-Bloser cursive writing has from the D’Nealian style of writing is the point where the letters connect to each other. In Zaner- Bloser, some letters are connected via the tail while there are few others that are connected by running an additional loop over the head as well.
Why Teach Cursive Writing to Your Child?
The digital age of today is all about typing out text and using voice to send messages. While writing is still present in all walks of life, and parents know how important it is to teach cursive writing to kids. The necessity of getting a hang of that skill goes beyond the simple aspect of writing alphabets.
Most parents choose to teach their kids the art of writing letters in a print manner. That does establish an understanding of the alphabets. But by the time children get a hang of that style, they suddenly have to change it and begin learning the cursive movement. This can create a higher level of difficulty, which could have been avoided by starting out with cursive writing itself.
The traditional printing style of writing makes use of numerous strokes and movements to form a single letter. Some kids tend to remember it in sequence and might face difficulty in replicating the same when writing words. Cursive writing creates a flow that connects one letter to another, tying the shape with muscle memory. Hence, it is best to teach cursive writing to kids in the first place.
A major challenge for kids while learning to write is the skill of spacing out letters in the right way. This leads to confusion while separating the words from letters, even while reading. Cursive writing creates organic space due to its fluid nature, which can be learnt by kids immediately.
Tips for Teaching Cursive Writing to Kids
As you begin to coach your kids in figuring out the better aspects of cursive writing, there are a few tips that can be helpful in that regard.
1. Avoid Settings Plans in Stone
There are multiple schedules and learning plans available out there that sketch out a great way of learning cursive writing in a span of days, weeks, or months. While it is good to pick one of the plans and craft learning activities for your kids around it, your child may require more time than mentioned in the plan to adapt to that writing style. You may get tired of teaching him but don't put pressure on him. Also, don't be a stickler to plan. Use it simply as a guide and let things proceed ahead at their own pace.
2. Use an Appropriate Paper Angle
Whether your child is left-handed or right-handed, it is necessary to know that he won't be able to master cursive writing, if he keeps the paper vertically aligned. The hand needs to flow along a certain direction with fluidity and for that, the paper should be angled correctly. Cursive writing is meant to be slightly inclined to one side and not be totally erect.
3. Don't Make Neatness a Priority in Early Years
The ability to move the hand and hold the pencil in the right way is quite difficult for kids. In the process of learning, your child may end up writing letters in a haphazard manner or over the lines of the ruled paper. Don't fuss over it. Focus on the movement of the hand and the creation of the letters. Once your kid learns to write in a cursive manner, neatness can be acquired over time.
4. Make Him Practice Regularly
Practice leads to perfection. So, make sure that your child practices cursive writing on a daily basis. But it is also important to not make it the be-all and end-all of their life. Allot a specific time slot for that practice and let him write only during that. Even if that means learning to write a single letter every day, that pace is still a good one.
5. Make Him Learn Letters Individually and Together
Cursive writing is a technique of stringing together multiple letters easily. Each letter does have its own way and movement of creation, which needs to be taught at first. But don’t wait until your child learns all the letters. The moment he has mastered a couple of them, teach him to string those letters together in a single word.
6. Teach Letters Formed By Similar Movements
When learning cursive writing, it is less about understanding the alphabet and more about figuring out the mechanics of the hand movements. Kids struggle primarily with that, which is why most learning activities build upon those movements. Once your child can make a particular type of a curve, let him learn all the letters that make use of the same movement. That can give him some good practice.
7. Take Writing Beyond Paper
Mastering the movement of cursive writing is the key to unlocking its technique. And, you don’t need a pen and paper always to help your child understand the basics of it. Teach him the movements by writing letters in the air and asking him to follow your hand movement. Trace out letters using fingers in a plate of rice, or let him write large letters on a whiteboard.
Figuring out how to teach cursive writing to kindergarten kids can leave most parents clueless. Starting early in life can definitely be beneficial for kids, but placing focus on the hand movements and making sure they are learnt appropriately can set the foundation for later years.
Also Read: Tips to Improve Your Child's Handwriting Read more
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The Importance Of Social Development Activities For Your Baby
Your baby starts adapting to her new world from the day she is born. She will begin to cry, smile and use several facial expressions to communicate and express her feelings to you. She will begin to interact with you and other family members and establish physical as well as emotional relationships with family and friends. All these are a part of social and emotional development.
Your baby will begin to smile and get her first facial expressions around the first month. Later, from two to three months, she will start making other facial expressions and sounds to gain your attention. She will slowly start playing with you and other family members. She will begin to express likes and dislikes and feelings towards certain people. Her irritation and mood swings will also be quite prominent in the first six months.
Here’s a set of social development activities that you should practise with your baby
1. Respond to His Needs Quickly
Responding immediately to your baby’s expressions and needs increases trust and builds security. It will also boost his confidence to express himself freely without fear.
2. Increase Self Awareness with A Mirror Activity
Self-awareness plays an important role in boosting social development among babies. Place a mirror in front of your baby and you and point out the similarities in body parts. Your baby gets a sense of realization of himself and the similarity he shares with you. He will also keenly observe his emotions. This will boost his confidence and make him feel he is among all of you in this world.
3. Do Not Allow Fear of Strangers
At around five to six months, your baby will recognize those who are familiar to her, and will fear those whom she has never seen. To reduce her apprehension, play introduction games with the new people she sees. A consistent approach to making her meet a new person will help her gain familiarity and trust for that person. However, make sure she is well fed and well rested before you start.
4. Understand That Your Baby is Unique
To understand your baby completely, it is important to be aware of his nature, traits and behavioural style. Each baby responds differently to situations. A shy baby will take some time to mingle with others, whereas an extrovert baby will take no time to approach new people. Some babies are fussy and require more attention, whereas some babies do not fuss and are easily satisfied. It is important to embrace your baby’s personality completely to help him gain confidence socially.
5. Reduce Separation Anxiety Through Hide and Seek
Your baby starts fearing separation anxiety when she realizes that you can walk away from her. She will feel insecure and let down. You can reduce this fear by introducing simple games that will keep her distracted and occupied. You can also trick her into games like hide and seek, where she understands that there will be a period of separation that will follow. Such games will increase self-realization of being occupied in her own company and will reduce the fear of being alone.
Social development comprise self-confidence, self-awareness and trust. They are extremely important for your baby to develop his social skills and be a part of society. Always encourage your little one in social activities that you feel will be necessary for him to cope in the real world. Read more
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How to Handle Conflict with your Child
As a parent, there will be occasions when you will be in conflict with your child. Handling such situations demand your acceptance of the fact that conflicts are a big part of parenting. How you react, what stands you take, what rules you establish together considering the age and personality of your child are critical factors. There is no magic formula you can use to handle a situation, but it is not impossible to manage it well.
Your first reaction to a conflict with your child could be anger and frustration. You could also be shocked and offended that your child is standing up to you. When in conflict with your child, remember that you have also done it with your parents. It is a normal and intrinsic part of growing up. How you handle situations will determine whether you strengthen your bond with your child, or weaken it.
When your child enters the terrible twos, he becomes more assertive and is just beginning to be a rebel. Anger on your part will only harden your child’s resolve and intensify the conflict. The key to effective conflict resolution is being calm on the face of an angry or aggressive child.
Tips to Manage Conflict with your Child
1. Take the time off
Do not react immediately. Take some time to breathe deeply and relax. When your child sees you taking time to control before responding, he learns to do the same. If the conflict continues despite this, remember to stay calm.
2. Don’t take it personally
As a parent, you are likely to feel frustrated or perceive your child’s behavior as a personal attack. Most of the times, it is just a matter of your child questioning your authority. He wants to be in-charge and cannot stand it that you’re the sole in-charge. It is more of a power struggle than something personal.
3. Don’t criticize
Be careful not to criticize your child. Saying this is wrong is the correct approach to adopt, but just put it across briefly.
4. Establish rules
One of the key ideas on how to handle a conflict with your child is establishing rules. For instance, you could give a time out or enforce disciplinary action. “No chocolates for one week because you have been destructive”. This helps your child to understand that being destructive means he becomes liable to forego something he likes.
5. Voice tone
Don’t shout at your kids. You need to be assertive and clear, while talking with them. Talk with them in a peaceful manner.
6. Do not resort to violence
No matter how angry or upset you are, do not hit your child. If you get physical and violent, your child will learn to associate anger with violence. Sending your child to his room for half an hour is better than slapping him.
If you are at the receiving end of kicking, hitting and flinging things, then ask your child to stop it at once. Explain that this could hurt someone and is not done. Be gentle yet firm and communicate that hitting is not okay.
Managing conflict with your child is an ongoing process which will change as your child grows. While accepting it as a part of parenting, neither take it lightly nor personally. Teaching your child to manage conflict is an important responsibility. Some understanding, patience and love should help you sail through the situation. Read more
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6 Creative and Colourful Nail Art Ideas for Kids
We all know that little girls love adorable sparkles, crazy colours, and glitter. They all want to be little ballerinas and princesses. They are very obsessed with cartoon characters and cute animals. And these can surely be incorporated into nail art!
6 Easy Nail Art Designs for Children
Here are some crazy and cool new nail art ideas for little girls.
1. Penguin Nail Art
Penguins are really fun and cute animals. This really creative penguin nails idea is going to make her nails look very pretty.
[caption id="attachment_243157" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Steps:
It is best if you do this on the middle finger and let every other finger have a simple colour.
First, paint the nail of the middle finger with black polish.
Then paint a small curve using white coloured polish to represent the body. You could also use a nail art brush for this.
Paint two eyes by putting white dots with a black dot in the middle to represent the eyeballs.
Paint a small orange inverted triangle to represent the beak and two orange dots below to represent the feet.
2. Panda Nail Art
Panda nails are really cool and easy to paint using your dotting tools.
[caption id="attachment_243160" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Steps:
Use white colour to paint a circle at the end of her nails. After letting it dry, you could add a coat of pure opaque.
Where the eyes should be, paint two black dots and let them dry.
Above the circle, paint two more black dots to represent the ears.
Put a dot of pink or black paint under the eyes for the nose.
Finally, take the white paint and put dots to represent the eyeballs.
3. Rainbow and Cloud Nail Art
This is a sweet looking nail art anybody can try with many colours.
[caption id="attachment_243165" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Steps:
Start by painting her nails with light blue colour nail polish.
You could also apply a layer of glitter nail polish over the light blue colour.
Using a nail art brush, paint a curved line from the bottom right corner using red nail polish.
Just like that, paint all the colours of the rainbow and you could then add some additional glitter on it.
Draw some clouds by attaching some dots using your dotting tools. You could even add a cloud face on it.
Finish it off with a good layer of top coat.
4. Butterfly Nail Art
Anybody can easily try this fun butterfly nail art. It is an amazing design for kids and you can easily draw it with your nail art brush and dotting tools.
[caption id="attachment_243167" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Steps:
Start by painting a pink base colour. You could even apply a coat of glitter nail polish on it.
Draw a yellow line in the middle of your nail to represent the body of the butterfly. Draw a circle on it of the same colour yellow using your dotting tool.
Draw wings on the left and right side of the body with any colour you like and border it with white nail polish.
Put two dots of white on the face and two black dots inside that. These are the eyes.
Finally, draw the antennae using white coloured polish.
5. Hello Kitty Nail Art
Check out this Hello Kitty nail art. This is fun for children who love the hello kitty cartoon.
[caption id="attachment_243171" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Steps:
Paint her nails first with one coat of nude or clear polish.
Paint the tips with white nail polish. On this white layer, put two black dots for the eyes.
Draw the whiskers, some lines with a striper, and a yellow dot for the nose.
In addition to this, you could add a nail art deco bow to represent the hello kitty’s bow.
6. Polka Dot Nail Art
Polka dots are pretty cool for a birthday party.
[caption id="attachment_243172" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Steps:
Paint the base with red paint. Using your dotting tools, put white polka dots.
Finish off with the top coat. You need not use the same colours.
Nail Art Tips and Hacks for Kids
If you happen to have no time for nail art, you could just use little reward stickers or permanent markers. These will work and they are totally safe.
You could use nail polish strips. These will stay on for two weeks on the nails. Or check out nail art pens. These are water-based, so you can wipe them off and redo the designs in case you happen to mess up.
Nails of little girls are very small. Those intricate designs on super long nails will not work on such hands. Therefore, remember to keep it simple.
If you do not have the fun colours you are looking for, then make use of some old eyeshadow and make your own colours.
You could use a toothpick to create amazing nail art shapes.
These nail art designs for kids are not at all complicated and do not need many nail art accessories. All you need are some simple colours to create something very beautiful. There are many other designs like toenail art for kids and glitter nail art which little girls can try. You could also try Christmas nail art and other seasonal nail art designs.
Also Read:
Creative Painting Ideas for Children
Amazing Newspaper Crafts Ideas for Kids
Easy and Scary Halloween Makeup Ideas for Kids Read more
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Don't Settle for Less! Tips to Earn the Salary you Deserve
Getting the salary you deserve not just calls for excellent testimonials and credentials. It also includes mastering the art of wage negotiation tactics. If you know your worth, don’t let anything stop you from demanding what you feel is the right amount.
Women often feel they aren't in a position to negotiate their salary in comparison to men. As a result, they lose out on the big bucks and content themselves with what they get. It’s time someone told them to stand up and bargain like a pro. We hope these tips help you the next time you find yourself amidst salary negotiation.
Salary Negotiation Tips and Tricks
1. Haste Makes Waste
In your bid to leave your present job and get something better, are you ready to settle for anything less? When employers sense your desperation for a job, they are bound to work it to their advantage. Remember, if what they are offering you doesn’t meet your expectations don’t settle for it and let them know your expectations. That’s letting your probable employer know you do have your salary negotiation skills and strategies in place.
2. Do Your Research
Never go into an interview unsure of what the standard pay scale is and the asking percentage of a salary hike. Find out what other professionals in your field are getting. If possible do some research on the company offering you the job and their yearly turnover. If you're able to review the pay scales that exist within the company, all the better.
3. Know Your Worth
It's imperative to go in for an interview knowing what you are worth. If you have confidence in yourself, it will place you in a more powerful position to negotiate. Don’t, however, go overboard and be too demanding. Be realistic about the sense of value you bring to the table. Let your potential employer know that while you’re open to negotiation, you’re not entirely willing to give in to their demands. Stand your ground and let him meet you halfway.
4. Don’t Try to Sway Them with Another Offer
As a rule, never bring up another offer if the salary discussion isn’t going your way. Remember, first impression is the last impression. Playing another offer against the present one might make you look crude and unprofessional. So, just stick to the offer at hand and let your womanly instinct kick in. If it doesn’t seem fair don’t go for it. Thank them for the offer but politely turn it down.
5. Take Time to Consider
If the offer is lower than your quote, but you know that you’ll benefit from the experience don’t say yes to it immediately. Ask for some time to consider the offer. Even if the offer is quite satisfactory, do the same. It shows that you’re willing to consider all angles before committing yourself. On the other hand, it could work to your advantage resulting in a higher offer.
The bottom line is employees are motivated by money and employers want to secure the best professionals. Knowing what you want is the key to successful negotiation and these salary negotiation tips for moms will ensure that the employer is not the only one with a bargaining power and heavier pockets. Read more
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
6 hours ago
Q. Hii...., Is it safe to eat jackfruit in 4th month of pregnancy, daily 2 ...
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
6 hours ago
A. dear mam, you can eat jackfruit during the 4th month of pregnancy. there is no problem in having it. you can eat all types of seasonal vegetables and fruits even green leafy vegetables.
shahin has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
5 hours ago
Q. is that positive result??? my Due date is tommoro I am having vomitting and nausea and back pain etc please reply asap
shahin
Mom of a 6 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. yes
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Hi I'm in 23weeks pregnancy
my afi is 26 I have no diabetes or any other issues
is that risky ? what to do for making normal delivery possible
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. yes AFI level is very high and yes you need to be very careful to have regular follow up with your doctor take the precautions advised by your doctor and regularly keep a watch on baby movements
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. nasal congestion during 9th week pregnancy is normal or something serious?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. it's ok . take steam twice daily or you can use nasal drops
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
2 hours ago
Q. Is there any issue with this test
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. You have not given any details about us to what test are you talking about or anything associated with that for that matter can you please repost your question with all the necessary details required to understand your question as accordingly I can assist you on that
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 mins ago
Q. my baby is 8years old and she wets bed can anyone suggest me what to do??
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
13 mins ago
A. normally bedwetting is very common during the night time and the child is able to tell you regarding urination during the daytime.
usually this problems improves with increasing age of the child and usually no medicines are given until and unless recommended by the doctor( you can easily wait for ten years of age of the child)
usually treatment of medicines (if started) gives only symptomatic relief and the problem goes away only with increasing age with the strengthening of the muscles of the bladder which control the urination.
steps
decrease the amount of water intake just before going to bed and make the child pass urinex before going to sleep.
also you can wake up the child at around 2 o'clock 3 o'clock and make the child pass urine.
never criticizex the child for this act because this will again aggravate the problem due to stress.
meet your doctor who will tell you more regarding this .
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