Women of Rubies

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Career Gems

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Searching for a job can be a challenging task, and as job seekers, it’s crucial to approach job listings with a discerning eye. While most job postings are legitimate and offer great opportunities, some may not be what they seem. To avoid wasting your time and energy on misleading or potentially harmful job listings, here are five red flags to be aware of:

1. Vague Job Descriptions

One of the first signs of a potentially tricky job listing is a vague job description. Legitimate employers typically provide clear and detailed information about the job, including responsibilities, qualifications, and the company itself. If you come across a job posting with generic language, such as “exciting opportunity,” “earn big money,” or “no experience necessary,” proceed with caution. Lack of specificity could indicate that the employer is hiding important details about the position.

2. Unrealistic Salary Promises

If a job listing promises an unusually high salary or income that seems too good to be true, it probably is. While well-paying jobs exist, they often require specific qualifications and experience. Be skeptical of job postings that guarantee high earnings with minimal effort or experience. Scammers may use attractive salaries to lure unsuspecting job seekers into fraudulent schemes.

3. Upfront Fees or Investments

Legitimate employers do not ask job applicants for money upfront. Be cautious of job listings that require you to pay for training, materials, or other expenses before you can start working. Such requests are often associated with fraudulent job offers or pyramid schemes. Remember, a legitimate job should pay you, not the other way around.

4. Poor Grammar and Spelling

Pay attention to the quality of the job listing itself. Legitimate companies take care to present themselves professionally, which includes proofreading their job postings. If you notice numerous grammar and spelling errors in a job listing, it may be a sign that the posting is not from a reputable source. Scammers may not invest the time or effort to create a well-written job description.

5. Lack of Company Information

A credible employer will provide information about the company, such as its name, location, and contact details. If a job listing lacks this essential information or only offers a generic email address, it could be a warning sign. Be wary of job postings that do not allow you to research the company or verify its legitimacy.

In conclusion, while the majority of job listings are legitimate, it’s essential to be cautious when searching for employment opportunities online. Always trust your instincts and thoroughly research any company or job posting that raises concerns. By staying vigilant and recognizing these red flags, you can protect yourself from potentially tricky job listings and focus your efforts on genuine opportunities that align with your career goals.

Chiney Ogwumike, a name synonymous with passion and purpose, is making waves in her mission to strengthen ties between the United States and Africa. Born from a deep-rooted connection to her Nigerian heritage, Chiney is now a member of the groundbreaking President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, a momentous announcement by the White House that holds immense promise.

In a recent phone interview with The Associated Press, Chiney expressed her profound sense of calling, saying, “Best way to describe it, it feels like it’s a calling of a lifetime.” Her enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s evident that this endeavor is deeply authentic to her core values and aspirations. She sees it as an opportunity for exponential impact—a calling that transcends a mere appointment.

A 31-year-old Stanford graduate and WNBA player, Chiney Ogwumike has a history of advocating for African women’s rights. Her journey began in 2014 when she, alongside her sister Nneka, initiated a UNICEF fundraiser in response to the kidnapping of Nigerian girls by Boko Haram. This heartfelt endeavor aimed to create opportunities for children and young people who share her background, enabling them to transform their lives as she did.

Chiney’s life story reflects the convergence of Nigerian determination and boundless American opportunities, an inspiring narrative she intends to share widely. She views her role on the advisory council as a pathway for youth to empower themselves, bridging the gap between continents and cultures.

The council, announced by Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, boasts distinguished leadership, with Rev. Dr. Silvester Beaman of the African Methodist Episcopal Church as the chairperson. Among its members is Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis, and notably, Chiney Ogwumike stands as the youngest female representative on the council.

Their mission is clear: to provide invaluable guidance for reinforcing cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa. They aim to promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges that will benefit both regions. Chiney’s background as an NBA analyst for ESPN and her compelling advocacy make her a vital contributor to this important work.

Ghiney Ogwunike

Chiney’s path to this impactful role took a fortuitous turn when she spoke at the UN General Assembly last year. There, she shared her thoughts on the transformative power of sports and its potential to shape a better world. Fueled by her passion, she submitted her resume for the council and awaited the outcome with bated breath.

Chiney Ogwumike’s journey from the WNBA courts to the White House advisory council exemplifies the profound impact one individual can make when driven by a heartfelt commitment to a cause. Her story reminds us that heritage, determination, and opportunity are powerful forces for change, and they can unite continents in the pursuit of a brighter future.

Dawn Dickson is breaking boundaries! Over the last few years, crowdfunding has proven itself to be one of the most popular routes to take when it comes to starting a business. Friends, family, investors and those alike can support your entrepreneurial dreams with just the click of a button. Today, $34 billion has been raised globally through crowdfunding.

According to Startups, the average successful crowdfunding campaign is around $7,000. However, Dawn Dickson has raised a much more substantial amount of money and has shown us what it truly means to be a BAUCE in the world of crowdfunding.

Dawn is the founder of Flat Out of Heels, comfortable and rollable flats small enough to fit in your new Telfar, and the CEO of her software company, PopCom. She has done the work to place herself in a position to pull others up as she sails to the top. In 2019, Dawn became the first black woman founder to raise over $2 million via crowdfunding. Her go-getter spirit, love for business, and desire to create generational wealth amongst the black community has driven her to make history.

On Her Passion For Crowfunding

I learned about the JOBS Act in 2013, which allowed people to raise money from the public. After we raised our first round, we raised $1 million dollars from venture capitalists and angel investors, but I wasn’t a fan of the process. I wanted to be able to give my friends, family, and people close to me an opportunity to invest in my company. Many of them were not accredited investors but in order to invest in the company, you have to be accredited but under crowdfunding, you can raise money from anyone. I am really passionate about building and helping to create generational wealth. I feel like this was a great opportunity to do that.”

How Long It Took To Get Her Business Started

Dawn: For Flat Out of Heels, I raised $100,000 from friends and family within the first 4-6 months, and then I raised the other $150,000 after that, so $250,000. Pop com is a tech and software company, so I’ve raised about $3.3 million since 2017.

Dawn Dickson

For Those Who Don’t Have A Network 

Dawn: I wasn’t born with a network, it wasn’t inherited by a family member or anything. I had to go out and build it and I did that mainly by attending conferences and events, really networking online, doing everything possible to put myself in rooms. I was very, very, very active, going to every tech conference I could find!

On Her “Why”

Dawn: I love solving problems, building businesses, working with teams, being innovative. I’m definitely driven by creating generational wealth and changing the trajectory of my family. I have a daughter, I have nephews. Creating wealth for them, making sure that they have something, and I have something to pass down…it continues from here. Historically, we weren’t even allowed legally to own property, make investments, and have wealth. It’s so important to start to shift that pattern.

Moving To Nigeria

Within the next 10 years, Dawn plans to sell her companies and move to Nigeria, where her husband is from. She would also like to start working with startups around the world and create a global network. As far as her bucket list goes, “I travel a lot but, that was put on hold because of COVID, but I definitely want to go to Machu Picchu, and then I want to go to South Africa. I’ve been a lot of places but I just want to continue to travel the world. I would love to visit as many countries as possible, I was trying to visit one every other month but things got halted!”

Source: Bauce Mag

Jessica Nabongo is the first black woman to have travelled to every country in the world. She is a Ugandan-American travel blogger and influencer, born in Detroit, Michigan to Ugandan parents.

Jessica Nabongo

In the last decade she visited over 200 countries, lived in Benin, Italy, Japan, UK, (Washington DC, New York City, Detroit) – USA, changed jobs 6 times, launched two successful businesses and created the kind of life she wanted to live.

Growing Up

Nabongo, who grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and is the daughter of Ugandan immigrants, estimates that she had already been to 105 countries when she publicly set her goal in April 2018.

A dual Ugandan-American citizen, she spent time in East Africa as a child and teen, visiting her parents’ families.

She moved abroad to teach English in Japan in her early twenties and then got a master’s degree in international development from the London School of Economics at the age of 26.

She moved to Benin, in West Africa, to work for an NGO, then landed a job in Italy as a resource-mobilization consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The Beginning Of The Journey

In 2019, she visited 66 countries, 46 for the first time. She took 170 flights, spent 601 hours on a plane, and flew 244, 547 miles. And on October 6, 2019 she had arrived in her final country (195), the Seychelles.

Jessica After Travelling Her Last Country.

The 36-year-old Jessica Nabongo is known to have founded a company called Jet Black, which organises custom itineraries for small group trips in Africa, plus sells travel gear like branded T-shirts and passport covers.

She is also a brand influencer, working with hotels and hospitality brands.

Education

She holds a Master’s Degree in International Development from London School of Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. John’s University, New York City.

Jessica Nabongo World travel
Jessica Nabongo

Jessica Nabongo is an inspiration that you can build and create the kind of life you want to live.  It all begins with setting a goal.

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In a historic milestone that resonates across the nonprofit sector, Angela F. Williams has assumed the role of CEO at United Way Worldwide, becoming the first Black woman to hold this prestigious position within an organization with a legacy spanning over 130 years. This remarkable appointment marks a transformative moment not only for United Way but for the broader landscape of leadership diversity and inclusivity.

A Legacy of Service and Leadership

With a career spanning three decades, Angela F. Williams has consistently demonstrated her dedication to service and leadership within the nonprofit realm. Her impressive track record includes holding management positions at prominent organizations, including the YMCA of the USA. Currently serving as the President and CEO of Easterseals, an organization dedicated to providing vital disability services to those in need, Williams has earned recognition for her impactful work. In fact, she was recently honored as one of Forbes’ “2021 Women 50 Over 50 Creating Social Change at Scale.”

A Visionary Leader

Dr. Juliette M. Tuakli, Chair of United Way Worldwide Board of Trustees, emphasized the profound significance of Williams’ appointment. She explained that the organization sought a leader capable of galvanizing the United Way Network, supporters, and United Way Worldwide itself around a compelling vision rooted in the pursuit of greater impact, equity, and community growth.

Tuakli stated, “Angela’s background and experience make her uniquely suited to create and drive this vision. The CEO search committee was impressed by her strategic acumen, innovative thinking, and purpose-driven mindset, which we believe will offer a fresh perspective in reimagining United Way and ensuring that we remain relevant and impactful for years to come.”

A New Chapter Begins

Angela F. Williams is scheduled to assume her new role as CEO of United Way Worldwide on October 15th, and she is enthusiastic about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In her own words, she expressed her deep honor at joining the world’s leading charity during a pivotal moment in both the organization’s history and global events. Williams recognizes the critical role that United Way Worldwide plays in supporting individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

“I am absolutely honored to join the world’s leading charity at a key moment in the organization’s history and world events. Around the world, issues of health, education and economic sustainability are at the forefront of ensuring equality and access to a good quality of life. I recognize and appreciate the tremendous role that United Way Worldwide plays in supporting individuals and families and transforming communities,” she remarked.

This historic appointment of Angela F. Williams signifies not only a remarkable achievement in her distinguished career but also a powerful symbol of progress towards greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership roles across sectors. Her leadership journey is an inspiration to aspiring leaders and a testament to the transformative potential of individuals committed to creating positive change on a global scale.

Conclusion

Angela F. Williams has embarked on her groundbreaking role as CEO of United Way Worldwide, poised to leave an indelible mark on the organization’s legacy and drive meaningful change in communities around the world. Congratulations to Angela on this historic achievement!

Meet Ehi Agbonlahor, an inspiring social innovator with a deep-seated passion for addressing life’s challenges to enhance individual and community well-being. In this blog post, we’ll dive into Ehi’s remarkable journey, her educational achievements, and her mission to decentralize access to opportunities for career growth and success.

Ehi’s Path to Innovation

Ehi Agbonlahor’s journey into the world of innovation and design thinking has been nothing short of extraordinary. She participated in the IBM Design Thinking Lab, an experience that honed her problem-solving skills and fueled her curiosity to explore innovative solutions. As a semi-finalist in the 2019 Amazon-sponsored Kellogg Design Challenge, Ehi showcased her ability to think creatively and propose practical solutions to complex problems.

Over the past decade, Ehi has successfully spearheaded design-led projects in diverse industries, including financial services, agribusiness, and eCommerce. Her ability to bridge the gap between creativity and practicality has made her a valuable asset in the world of social innovation.

A Wealth of Knowledge and Expertise

Ehi Agbonlahor’s educational background reflects her commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agriculture, providing her with a solid foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving. However, Ehi’s academic journey didn’t stop there. She earned an MBA from the prestigious Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, Canada.

During her time at Rotman, Ehi co-founded Rotman Students Against Anti-Black Racism (Rotman SABR), demonstrating her dedication to addressing critical social issues. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in establishing two scholarships aimed at supporting black students at the university, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.

Empowering Career Growth with Anutio

Today, Ehi Agbonlahor is the Founder and CEO of Anutio, a visionary platform with a mission to decentralize access to career growth opportunities. Anutio leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to empower individuals from all backgrounds, providing them with the tools needed to discover their strengths, build fulfilling careers, and pursue their passions.

Ehi’s innovative approach to career development and her commitment to inclusivity are at the core of Anutio’s mission. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make a living doing what they love, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Conclusion

Ehi Agbonlahor’s journey as a social innovator and her dedication to driving positive change in the world is truly inspiring. Her educational achievements, combined with her hands-on experience in diverse industries, have equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle complex challenges.

Through her leadership at Anutio, Ehi continues to make a significant impact by empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and pursue meaningful careers. Her commitment to inclusivity and innovation serves as a beacon of hope for those striving to achieve their dreams.

In the dazzling world of Barbie, where dreams come to life, it’s essential to remember the brilliant mind behind the creation of the first Black Barbie doll. Louvenia “Kitty” Black Perkins, a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was a fashion enthusiast who stumbled into an extraordinary career as a toy designer.

A Unique Journey to Barbie Stardom

Kitty Black Perkins embarked on her journey into the world of toy design after landing an interview with the renowned toy company, Mattel, at the age of 28. She was handed a Barbie doll from Toys R Us and tasked with transforming it into a fashion icon. What she returned with was nothing short of remarkable – a hand-sewn floral jumpsuit with tiered legs, puff sleeves, and a matching wide-brimmed hat. Impressed by her creativity, Mattel hired her as a fashion designer for Barbie dolls.

A Historic Moment: The Birth of the First Black Barbie

In a time when Barbie dolls primarily featured thin, white figures, Kitty Black Perkins pushed boundaries. In 1979, as the principal designer for Barbie, she created the first-ever Black Barbie. This iconic doll was dressed in a stunning red bodysuit with a wrap disco-style skirt, a modern necklace, and hoop earrings. It marked a historic moment and was just the beginning of her incredible contributions to the Barbie legacy.

Kitty’s Creative Impact

Kitty drew inspiration from magazines, fashion shows, and personal experiences, crafting over 100 designs annually as chief designer for Barbie. From the Astronaut Barbie in 1985 to the groundbreaking Brandy Barbie Dolls in the late ’90s, she continued to redefine Barbie’s image. Her designs resonated with girls of all backgrounds, revolutionizing the way Black girls saw themselves.

Kitty Black Perkins

Awards and Honors

Kitty Black Perkins received numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Black Hall of Fame in 2001. Her impact on Barbie culture and representation is undeniable.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, Kitty Black Perkins’ influence lives on through countless Black Barbie dolls, paying homage to real-life trailblazers. These dolls celebrate the achievements of inspirational figures like Flo-Jo, Maya Angelou, Madam C.J. Walker, Yara Shahidi, and Naomi Osaka.

Continuing the Conversation

Kitty Black Perkins’ legacy extends beyond toys. Her pioneering work laid the foundation for discussions about representation and diversity in the industry. As the new Barbie film embraces diversity, creatives and artists are empowering young Black girls to embrace their unique identities.

A Message of Inclusivity

The film’s message echoes Kitty’s praxis of inclusivity, featuring a diverse array of Barbies, including star Issa Rae. It reinforces the idea that Barbie can be anyone, regardless of body type, age, or gender.

Mattel’s Commitment to Diversity

Mattel has embraced diversity for over four decades, thanks to visionaries like Kitty Black Perkins. As we celebrate Barbie’s magic and evolution, we must never forget the contributions of Black history makers like her. Because of Kitty Black Perkins, we can all dream and play without boundaries.

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Ava DuVernay, the celebrated filmmaker behind works like “Selma” and When They See Us,” continues to make waves in the world of cinema. Her latest project, “Origin,” has not only generated immense buzz but has also marked a historic moment in film history. DuVernay’s presence at the Venice Film Festival shattered a long-standing barrier, making her the first African-American woman to have a film compete in the festival’s 80-year history, as reported by NBC News.

In a press conference held during the festival, DuVernay addressed the challenges that Black filmmakers often face when trying to enter their projects into prestigious film festivals. She shed light on the discouragement they encounter, being told that international audiences don’t care about their stories or films.

“For Black filmmakers, we’re told that people who love films in other parts of the world don’t care about our stories and don’t care about our films. This is something that we are often told: you cannot play international film festivals, no one will come,” DuVernay said candidly. “People will not come to the press conferences, people won’t come to the P&I screenings. They will not be interested in selling tickets. You might not even get into this festival, don’t apply.”

DuVernay went on to emphasize the significance of her groundbreaking achievement, saying, “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told, ‘Don’t apply to Venice, you won’t get in. It won’t happen.’ And this year, something happened that hadn’t happened in eight decades before an African American woman in competition. So now that’s a door open that I trust and hope the festival will keep open.”

The Venice Film Festival represents a historic milestone for DuVernay and paves the way for greater representation and recognition of Black voices in cinema on an international stage.

DuVernay’s commitment to her craft and her dedication to authentic storytelling were further emphasized during the press conference. She discussed her decision to keep “Origin” as an independent production after it initially began in the studio system.

“I don’t feel like we would have had the cast that we had if it had remained in the studio system,” DuVernay explained. “The studio system is a place where I worked and made projects that I’m proud of, but there is really an aspect of control over who plays what. And there is an idea about who makes money, attracts attention, and sometimes that sits at odds with who might be the best person for the part. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor was the best person for this part.”

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s casting in “Origin” exemplifies DuVernay’s commitment to ensuring that the right talent is chosen for the roles, irrespective of industry norms.

The independent film production and distribution company Neon acquired the worldwide rights to “Origin” on September 5, further solidifying the film’s journey to reach a global audience.

In addition to her groundbreaking film achievements, DuVernay has been making strides in diversifying the entertainment industry’s workforce. She recently announced a partnership between her ARRAY Crew database for film crew workers and the Impact professional network, creating the largest hiring network in the entertainment industry. This initiative seeks to foster greater inclusivity behind the scenes, ensuring that the industry reflects the diverse voices and talents it represents on screen.

Ava DuVernay’s journey continues to inspire and pave the way for greater representation and inclusivity in the world of cinema, making her a true trailblazer and visionary in the field. As she continues to break barriers, her impact on the film industry and society as a whole is undeniable.

Popularly known as Niyola, Eniola Akinbo is famous for her unique voice and stage presence. With a music career spanning over 20 years, the former EME artiste has paid her dues in the entertainment industry.

Niyola’s late father first noticed her talent when she was 8 years old. In 2000, she took part in a talent show and emerged as the first runner up, which marked the beginning of her journey in the music industry. Aside from singing, she has also done soundtracks for movies.

While her journey has not been a walk in the park, with determination, Eniola has managed to stay relevant for over 20 years. She recently made her acting debut in Kunle Afolayan’s movie Swallow, where she played ‘Tolani.’ She shares her inspiring journey, goals, challenges as an entertainer, and how she’s been able to stay grounded in this exclusive interview with Esther Ijewere.

Childhood Influence

I grew up in a large family where it was literally always like a movie set; different characters, different age groups. Incidentally, my dad was one involved in each of his children’s day-to-day lives; he noticed things even my mother didn’t. He was the one who discovered and really helped me nurture my talent. He had incentive parties every year where whoever came top of their class would be awarded a prize. We would come up with acts for the day of the event; singing, action drama and other fun stuff.

Most importantly, he made me write songs for morning devotion and took me to my first concert at age 8 or 9; it was a Funmi Adams concert. So, there are different things in my childhood that prepared me for where I am now.

Why I Pitched My Tent In The Music Industry

I stumbled on the Nigerian music industry at an early age through a talent hunt I did, and I just somehow found myself delving deeper and becoming more grounded. I had the likes of Sound Sultan, Faze, Paul play and many more encouraging me to forge ahead

Staying Relevant Since 2000

It’s a tricky one, but I honestly think that the fact that we are doing this interview in 2021 is an answer in itself. I think I have somehow managed to; I don’t know how, but I am grateful to God.

My Acting Debut In Kunle Afolayan’s Movie Swallow

It’s one of those experiences that will forever be a milestone. It’s new; it’s different, and a learning curve, which I am so intrigued by. I have always been a fan of Kunle Afolayan; I never dreamt that I would one day star as a lead in one of his works. It’s particularly interesting and significant for me because everything about Swallow is authentically Nigerian! The writer, Sefi Atta, wrote the story.

It’s the perfect film for anyone to find out what Lagos and Nigeria truly were like in the 80s, and that could explain a lot about certain belief systems and behavioural patterns in our society today
Playing ‘Tolani’ In The Movie

Too many to mention, but it’s the age-old ‘To thyself be true.’ At the end of it all, it’s important to know oneself and always do what works for oneself and not bow to peer pressure, because the grass seems greener on the other side.

Plans for the Movie Industry

Anything is possible. I am open to exploring anything that helps me express myself, so, I am open to it. Yes!

My Music Career And The Next Phase

I have been working on music mostly for film and other artists, so you will probably find music I have performed on like King Of Boys and Swallow. Two others are coming soon, which I am not sure I am allowed to mention

I will be releasing Niyola’s music at some point. I wish I could say when, but I honestly can’t for now, as I am not quite there yet; I am working on it though

Challenges As An Entertainer

Hmmm, I think about having so many ideas and choosing the ones that best express what I am feeling and intend to share in that moment. Sometimes, how you felt months ago when you wrote a song or four isn’t the same as when you’re done with it. Most times, it’s important for me to share what I feel, so I move to what I am feeling and it could be an endless cycle.

That’s why we have teams that help us because we can’t separate our emotions from it. Also, the fact that everyone has an opinion about what’s best for you or feels that you’re made of stone and don’t have feelings; it’s hilarious and can be frustrating.

Three Women Who Inspire Me To Be Better And Why

Too many, but I will try to narrow it down and bring it home.

The first person is Chimamanda Adichie; She is so intelligent and unapologetically herself. She inspires me to wear my Africaness

Secondly, Kemi Adetiba is a good friend of mine and that woman is forever trying to do the impossible, and it’s all so selfless because it’s never for herself. She’s also not afraid to be vulnerable and I think that’s a huge strength in itself; that’s inspiring for me.

Finally, Sarah Jakes Roberts; I love anyone who loves God. She wears it boldly and she shows that knowing and serving doesn’t make you any less cool, it’s a superpower. She inspires me to draw closer to God

Being A Woman Of Rubies

Being a woman at all, and getting where I am, despite the odds stacked against women in Nigeria and in the industry I work in.

Other Projects And Activities Aside From Movies And Music

There’s more of me that I would like to share in due time, Until then, please watch Swallow, stream the music and thank you so much for your continued unwavering support; I do not take it for granted.

Do you dream of your children shining in school? Do you want your kids to do better with schoolwork?

You can do your share in helping your children improve their academic performance. Here are some tips you can implement to increase the chances of success in school.

Remember that miracles don’t happen overnight. You have to be patient and wait to get  results after implementing these tips.

• Make them Realize they have to Learn

Children are very likely to learn something new quite easily if it matches their interests. It is totally another story to make your child take a keen interest in a subject he has no liking for.

Let your child know that it is his job to learn everything taught in school — even the uninteresting bits. Share your own experience if that will help.

• Keep Your Expectations High

You don’t have to be super ambitious when it comes to setting targets for your children. However, children tend to perform better at school if parental expectations are reasonably high. In simple words, your child will not do well if you don’t expect her to do well.

• Recognize the Difference between Learning and Studying

There is a stark difference between studying a lesson and learning a lesson. You must be able to recognize this difference if you want better results from your children at school. It is important for children to learn the lesson rather than just studying it.

Test their knowledge by asking questions about a certain lesson on regular occasions. Ask them in such a way that it tests their critical thinking on the lessons at hand. It is important for children to understand that school is merely preparation for real life and real careers in the future.

• Create Proper Learning Environment at Home

A lot has been written about providing your children with a proper learning environment at home. Still, not many parents manage to accomplish this very important task.

You must provide your children with all the necessary facilities to succeed. There should be a study desk, chair and adequate lighting for every child. Similarly, all the school supplies such as pencils, paper, pens, computers, calculators and compasses should be available in abundance. Most importantly, there should be a quiet place in the home for children to study.

• Visit Your Children’s School Often

It is important for you to fully know the physical layout of your child’s school building and the grounds. It will enable you to mentally connect with your children when you ask about their day at school.

Similarly, you must meet their teachers regularly. You should never miss a parent and teachers meeting. It is also imperative to regularly check the school’s website for things like staff’s contact information, school calendar, upcoming events and testing dates.

All these things will help you remain informed about your children’s activities as well as their learning needs and potential.

• Encourage Healthy Habits

The performance of your children at school largely depends on their health as well. Developing good habits at home means they are increasing their chances of excelling.

For instance, your children must have a healthy breakfast in the morning. They should go to bed early so they can have plenty of sleep. Ensure that they don’t spend much time in front of the TV or computer as well.

• Develop a Routine

Helping children organize themselves through a daily routine is also a very good habit to teach. Remember most kids thrive in set routines and structures.

For example, you can ask your children to make their beds, get dressed and take breakfast while you prepare their lunch. You can develop many routines at home but their purpose should be same — helping your children do well in life.

• Let Your Children Solve their Own Problems

Your children must try their level best to solve their own problems before coming to you for help. You deprive the child of an opportunity to solve a problem every time you resolve issues for him. On the other hand, a child who has made all efforts to find the answer but has not succeeded deserves all of your help.

• Have them Do More than Required

Students will learn and retain more if they practice regularly. Have your children practice more than actually required.

For example, ask them to solve more practice problems in addition to those in the teacher’s assignments. You must inspire them to go above and beyond their normal routine to achieve success at school and in life.

• Learning should Continue in all Seasons

Every year, children enjoy three months of summer vacation. However, they should not take a break from learning during these months.

In fact, summer is a good time to learn something new which schools usually don’t teach their students. It is also a good time to revise what your children have learned in the school.

Similarly, your children have all the time to develop new intellectual skills. They have the time to go to libraries and read good books on different topics.

• Set a Good Example

Last but not the least, you must set a good example for your children. Teach them by example that learning continues throughout life and does not stop when you leave school.

Let your children learn from your behaviors when it comes to performing your job and household duties. If you have bad habits yourself, you cannot expect your children to develop good ones. They always tend to follow the path of their parents, making it extremely important for you to be a good example for them.

Conclusion

These are some of the many ways you can help your children shine at school. Keep in mind that not all children are equally capable physically as well as mentally. They have different learning requirements and needs and you must meet all these needs to help them give a good account of themselves in studies.