Science is one of the most engaging and hands-on subjects in schools, but it’s not always easy to get students on board. Science classes explore some pretty complex topics. That can be a challenge, especially for younger students, so it’s worth putting some thought into how to make science fun!

Having fun in the classroom isn’t just about keeping students interested. Research shows that having fun actually increases brain activity and releases dopamine and oxytocin. This creates a feedback loop that helps students associate learning with enjoyment and positive emotion. That’s good for class performance, and it encourages students throughout their school career and into the rest of their lives.

In this article, we’re going to explore some of our favourite ways to make science fun and encourage students to get involved!

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By streetscience.com

Science is a major part of the Australian school curriculum. As jobs and technologies shift towards science-heavy industries, we’re spending more time teaching kids about science. That’s great news for students – it means they’re being equipped with the tools they need to take on schooling and their future careers. In this article we are going to explore. why science is important for kids and some of the ways you can encourage students to get involved!

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As exam season edges closer, much of the focus will be on supporting your students. It is important to recognise, and accept, that exam season could also be stressful for you. You are not alone. As these teachers confess, feeling increased stress during the exam season is a common experience for staff.

Photo by Kampus Production

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Exam season is here, and with that comes stress…lots of it. And it’s not just pupils who get stressed, it’s teachers too.
Many teachers feel they’re expected to perform miracles and get blamed when students don’t do as well as they – or particularly their parents – expected them to.

Acknowledging that this is a stressful time for everyone concerned is the first step; learning how to manage and deal with the stress is the next.

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It's normal to assume that the only human beings getting stressed out by exams are the poor pupils writing them. And that is a very good point if you think about it - they are the ones that have been studying and revising like crazy and have to deal with those trick questions and the 'going-blank-moments'. Teachers, however, feel the pressure and stress twice as much at a time.

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The following techniques can be especially effective when dealing with students exhibiting emotional and behavioural disorders:

1. Planned ignoring

Behaviours displayed to seek attention and do not pose safety risks or disrupt group functioning are best addressed through planned ignoring. This technique should never be used for aggressive behaviours. It may be necessary to teach the class to do this as well. Peer attention can be even more powerful than adult attention for some students.

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Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/an-afro-haired-man-reading-a-book-in-the-library-6214878/

When you were growing up were you lucky enough to have a library at your school or near where you lived? Did you ever visit it and use it? And, what experiences of using the library are you offering your children as they grow up?

In South Africa, far too many people still do not have access to libraries but those of us that do have a wonderful resource to draw on and to expose our children to. Research published by the National Literacy Trust in the UK shows that there is a definite link between children and young people who use libraries and good reading skills – young people who use the library are nearly twice as likely to be above-average readers than those who don’t.

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Photo by Marchalilah: https://www.pexels.com/@marchalilah-28178261/

1. Help your children be better readers. Research published by the National Literacy Trust shows that young people (aged 8 to 16) who use the library are nearly twice as likely to be above-average readers than youngsters who don’t.

2. Establish the reading habit. Weekly or fortnightly trips to the library help you and your children make a regular “date” with books and so you all get into the habit of reading – something that your children can enjoy for the rest of their lives!

3. Something for everyone. Libraries offer books for all ages and interests, all under one roof – from board books for babies, to picture books for young children, and novels and information books for older children and adults.

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Getting students involved in your school library

Posted by Janice Scheckter on 29 August 2023, 16:45 SAST

Regardless of the age of your students, actively involving them in the running of your library has multiple benefits. It can enhance reading engagement, help with developing a school-wide reading culture, provide students with leadership opportunities, and promote the role of your library within your school. Students like to be heard and will feel valued if you seek their opinions and then act on that information. After all, the students are your ‘customers’ so the library needs to be relevant and provide the things that they want,

Photo by Mikhail Nilov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-men-in-the-library-9158718/

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