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Here Are Some Sneaky Ways to Keep Your Kids Learning at Home

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Written by Aaditya Tangri, Co-Founder & CEO of Kalebr Americas and Founder of STEAMathalon

There is a common misconception that the traditional notion of ‘education’ is something that only happens at school, but the evidence tells us that the home environment is one of the most powerful influences in a child’s development. Think about it this way – children only spend half their waking hours in school during the academic year. This means much of the learning is still being done outside the school gates.

Yet without the textbooks and library, why is home an ideal place to learn? As a start, in many cases, it replaces the traditional, row-by-row directive teaching format and instead provides an interactive, anxiety-free, and often joyful environment that by its very nature encourages play-based learning and discovery. Learning at home really refers to anywhere that isn’t the classroom – the local park, holiday resort or, indeed, the kitchen counter or great outdoors. Children experience countless learning encounters in these external environments, and parents and carers can amplify the learning benefits by guiding the direction of at-home play and discovery.

Studies reinforce that we must strive for educational environments infused with fun to support the mental well-being and positive learning outcomes of young ones. The truth is, when we erase joy and comfort from learning, we distance our learners from effective information processing and long-term memory storage. Instead of taking pleasure from learning, students become bored, may become anxious, bored or distracted. They simply aren’t engaged. This is where the beauty of at-home learning further reinforces itself.

In fact, scientific neuroimaging studies have revealed when students are engaged, motivated and feel minimal stress, information flows freely between neurotransmitters and they achieve higher levels of cognition, make connections, and experience “aha” moments. Therefore, home provides the perfect positive environment for happy and stress-free learning, even when the kids don’t realize it.

Beyond the brain sparks, at home learning is also the perfect playground for building twenty-first-century skills. These skills are a hot topic in education today and for a good reason – some even call them the new building blocks for learning. Children will need to survive and thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape, and at the same time, they’ll have to collaborate with other individuals from all over the world. Creativity and innovation will be highly valued alongside solving challenges with clear communication. While schools are beginning to make the shift toward 21st-century teaching, there is a lot that parents can do to foster these skills at home, too.

Help your kids learn and thrive beyond the school gates through play-based activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Problem Solving and Creativity
In the future, complex problems that we can’t even conceive right now will be everywhere. With societal advancement, there will be more manageable conflicts that may be more complicated and varied. To get ahead in a competitive world, a child will need to be able to think critically, to observe, analyze, and come up with smart solutions to a variety of dilemmas. The more we focus on a child’s ability to devise effective solutions to real-world problems, the more successful they will become. Furthermore, creativity is the process of imagining what can be done, the skill that every changemaker needs. Parents can encourage original thinking by getting children to identify a problem or question, then brainstorm solutions, invent a plan and put it into action.

  • Lava Floor. Create an obstacle course indoors, outdoors, or both, and have the kids get from start to finish within a time limit without touching the ground. Scatter props throughout the path such as a broomstick, bike or rope to serve as possible tools along the journey. Kids can work independently or collaborate to make it to the finish line. This game is all about identifying pathways, creating solutions, innovation, perseverance, teamwork and time management.
  • Destination Alphabet. Pick a destination on the map beginning with the letter A and move alphabetically around the map with as little distance as possible between each successive town/destination. As they go, kids use a calculator to figure out distances between their alphabetically ordered itinerary of towns, with the winner coming up with the shortest distance from A to Z. This is a simple but highly engaging game useful for encouraging kids to use math, geography and their problem-solving skills to come up with effective answers.
  • Scavenger Hunt. Write the letters of the alphabet on small pieces of paper and place them in a hat. Ask your children to draw out five letters, and then search the house and garden to find items or things beginning with that letter. This is a great game that encourages creative thinking and can be played almost anywhere. It’ll also keep your kids occupied for a long time.
  • Eye spy with my little eye. While out and about, or even at home, challenge every family member with this classic game that requires creative observation. Encourage the kids to look for more obscure objects and compliment them on the things they observe. This game helps kids learn how to be more attentive and even encourages lateral thinking.
  • NPA – Number Plate Acronyms. Whilst sitting in traffic or driving long distances, get rid of boredom by asking your kids to come up with each imaginary words for each number plate that belongs to cars on the highway. This is a useful little exercise to get them to think out of the box and is always accompanied by plenty of laughter and cheer.

Collaboration and Communication
The most successful companies know how to hire the best people and get them to work toward a common goal. Children must now possess the ability to collaborate seamlessly in both physical and online spaces and find ways to work with real as virtual partners all over the globe. This is why projects and games are good opportunities to teach children the importance of teamwork. As they work together, children learn self-control, diplomacy, empathy, and time-management.

  • Charades. The classic game of communication requires kids to act out a famous person, movie or everyday object using signs and successfully reveal the title within a short time period without uttering a word or giving away any names to their team members who must guess correctly. This game teaches kids to select the most relevant information and use their body language and creativity to effectively convey an idea, encouraging observation and perception among the participants. It’s also an effective way to build confidence.
  • Jenga. Build up the blocks into a tower and then take turns to carefully remove the blocks one by one. Kids must work together to keep the tower standing for as long as possible, whilst being mindful about selecting the right block to minimize damage or any kind of instability in their tower. Jenga is great for encouraging communication by offering instructions and recommendations to everyone as they collaborate to produce the best possible outcome together.
  • Tin cup and a string. Have the kids create a (non-electrical) acoustic speech-transmitting device made up of two tin cans, paper cups or similarly shaped items attached to one end of a long taut string or wire. Have them test its acoustics by sending messages to each other across your home or even in the backyard. This activity teaches them about a form of mechanical telephony, where a sound is conveyed through vibrations either via a liquid or solid medium before being reverted back to its original form as a sound.. This is perfect for encouraging scientific thinking, innovation and relies on physics as well.

Tech Savvy
Sure, you turn to your child for help when you set up a new smartphone, but the ease with operating gadgets isn’t the same as understanding the best practices for effectively using them. Getting children in front of devices like laptops or gaming tablets tends to get a bad rap, but the ones that encourage children to pick up skills like coding or thinking in 3-D are great for positive education. The next generation must become tech-savvy and learn to judge the validity of several streams of information while navigating different social media platforms at the same time.

  • Become social media collaborators. Team up with your kid to create a family blog or a social media page, where you can post photos, updates and even accomplishments s. Work together to create content, edit information and engage with your friends and family. This will not only improve your child’s writing skills but help them prepare for the future when they’ll have to work on reports and presentations.
  • Get gaming. Video games aren’t necessarily evil. They help kids learn how to create objects or even entire cities and virtual worlds through coding. They’re great for building tech and spatial skills and can even help children with special needs develop several skills. Games are a blend of entertainment, engineering, creativity, and social media skills.

Fortunately, every parent can hone these essential abilities through cool activities and games that make long make long car trips and weekends go by quickly as kids learn the skills they need to be brilliant 21st-century learners.

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DSBK Racing Launches the 2024-2025 Middle East Championship at Dubai Autodrome

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The roar of engines and thrill of high-speed action returned to Dubai Autodrome as DSBK Racing proudly launched the much-anticipated DSBK Middle East Championship 2024-2025 on October 26th. The championship opener treated racing fans and families alike to an unforgettable day of adrenaline-pumping action featuring elite riders from around the world. Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and Abdu Rozik, who made a special appearance, added even more excitement to an already electrifying atmosphere.

As the UAE’s premier superbike championship, DSBK Racing has firmly established itself as a leader in the region’s motorsports scene. Attendees experienced heart-stopping competition, family-friendly activities, and free entry and parking, creating an inclusive and dynamic environment for all.

Event Highlights

  1. Date: October 26, 2024
  2. Schedule: The day included intense warm-up and qualifying sessions, culminating in two thrilling 12-lap races at 12:00 PM and 2:50 PM.
  3. Competitors: 20 racers representing a diverse mix of nationalities battled it out on the track.
  4. Spectator Experience: In addition to the racing, attendees enjoyed live DJ performances, a dedicated children’s play zone, a variety of dining options from food trucks, a fan zone, and opportunities to meet racers and influencers.

2024-2025 Championship Calendar

Round 1: October 26, 2024 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 2: November 10, 2024 – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi (debut event)
Round 3: November 23, 2024 – National Circuit Dubai Autodrome
Round 4: February 2, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 5: April 5, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 6: April 19, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome

Founder of DSBK Racing and celebrated racer Nasir Syed & Co-Founder Abdul Samee, who has claimed many podium finishes, shared their vision for the championship: “The DSBK Middle East Championship is more than a race. It’s a platform for promoting responsible riding and advancing motorsport culture in the region. Our mission is to make DSBK Racing a fixture on the Middle East motorsports calendar.

DSBK Racing Academy, the UAE’s first-ever Superbike training academy aims to foster the next generation of racing talent by providing comprehensive training programs for aspiring riders. DSBK Racing is committed to building a passionate community of riders, families, and motorsport enthusiasts, offering more than just races but an experience filled with entertainment and education. Fans of motorsport and superbike racing can look forward to Round 2 on November 10, 2024, at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.

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Animenia Abu Dhabi Festival to Open Doors on 23rd October 2024

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Anime enthusiasts, get ready for a five-day immersive experience! The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and BRAG are bringing the inaugural Animenia Abu Dhabi festival to Manarat Al Saadiyat from October 23rd to 27th, 2024. This event promises to be a haven for anime and video game fans, offering a unique blend of entertainment, interactive experiences, and celebrity appearances.

Animenia will feature a diverse range of activities, including:

  1. Cosplay Extravaganza: Witness the world’s top cosplayers compete for a massive prize pool of over AED 400,000.
  2. Celebrity Meet-and-Greets: Interact with renowned anime directors, voice actors, manga artists, and video game creators.
  3. Live Performances: Enjoy a lineup of J-Pop concerts, anime-inspired shows, and captivating performances.
  4. Interactive Exhibits: Immerse yourself in themed exhibits showcasing iconic scenes and characters from popular anime.
  5. Gaming and Workshops: Explore a dedicated gaming hub featuring VR zones, Esports, arcade games, and engaging workshops.

The festival will host a stellar lineup of guests, including:

  1. Legendary Anime Figures: Renowned figures like Yoko Takahashi (Neon Genesis Evangelion), Ryo Horikawa (Dragon Ball, Super Smash Bros), Naoto Ohshima (Sonic the Hedgehog), and more.
  2. Cosplay Icons: World-class cosplayers from Thailand, Indonesia, France, Latvia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia will be present.

Tickets for Animenia Abu Dhabi are now available with pricing starting at AED 65 for a single weekday pass.

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Certified Collectibles Group Expands into Middle East

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The Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), a company that authenticates and grades comic books, trading cards, coins, paper money and other collectibles, has announced its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of a new office in Dubai. This strategic move underscores CCG’s commitment to the region and its rapidly growing collectibles market.

To spearhead this exciting new chapter, CCG has appointed Arafaat Ali Khan as the Managing Director of its Middle East office. Ali Khan, a well-respected figure in the region’s pop culture and entertainment scene, is the co-founder of the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC), and brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the local market to CCG. Khan’s involvement in the pop culture industry has had a strong influence on the entertainment and collectibles communities in the Middle East.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Arafaat to our team,” said Max Spiegel, President of Certified Collectibles Group. “His impressive expertise and passion for collectibles will be invaluable as we establish our presence in the Middle East. This expansion is a testament to our belief in the region’s potential and our commitment to providing a top-tier service to collectors and enthusiasts here.”

The new Dubai office will serve as a hub for CCG’s operations in the Middle East, offering high-quality grading services for a range of collectible items through their various services including Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), among others. This move marks the first time a leading international grading company of CCG’s calibre has set up operations in the region, reflecting the growing interest and investment in collectibles across the Middle East.

“As an avid collector myself, I am honoured to join CCG and lead the company’s efforts in the Middle East,” said Arafaat Ali Khan. “The region has a vibrant and enthusiastic collecting community, and I am excited to be part of another first at CCG by providing exceptional services and support to collectors and dealers here. This is an exciting time for the industry, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and success.”

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