Featured Article

Preparation and Resolutions for the New Year
Written By Julie M. Armenta, M.A., Educational & Family Specialist & Founder of
Armenta Learning Academy

With each New Year, we have the opportunity to reflect on our lives, and make adjustments to our life goals and objectives. These adjustments are usually expressed as New Year’s Resolutions. This New Year, as you begin the journey down a new path, share this new beginning with your child. Listed below are a few ideas.

Eat Healthier:
Children between the ages of six and twelve eat half of the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Dole Foods’ website (www.dole5aday.com) has suggestions on good eating habits and it gives great information on vitamins in fruits and vegetables. Try some healthy snack recipes from Better Recipes www.healthy.betterrecipes.com/healthysnackrecipes.html. Your child will feel, act, and think better on a healthy diet.

Become More Physically Fit:
With children choosing more often to play on computers, and watch TV, many are becoming sedentary. Children and adults should get some kind of exercise daily. The best kind of exercise is one your child will do regularly. Help him or her find activities that are fun and rewarding. Baseball, walking, soccer, jumping rope—anything is OK if it is enjoyable and done safely. Don’t push them to exercise. Instead join them in a fun, vigorous activity. Kids are more likely to be active when they have someone to do activities with. Everyone in the family will feel better if they are active every day.

Read More Books:
The advantages of reading are endless. Help increase your child’s vocabulary and use of the English language, both verbal and written. I recommend 20-30 minutes per night.

Start A Journal:
It is a wonderful self-reflection tool, and it helps to keep your child focused on daily/weekly goals and events. Journal writing will improve your child’s writing skills. I encourage children to have a private journal where they have a safe place to explore their feelings, thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Or perhaps you could keep a family journal for everyone to share in and read. Journaling helps your child to become a writer at an early age.

Volunteer:
Volunteerism is a great way to teach young children responsibility, not only to a particular task, but to the community in which they live. Volunteering is a great way to get children involved. They can work with animals, other children, technology, etc. There are many opportunities out there.

Creative Outlet:
It is important for children to express themselves through music, dance, theatre, art, etc. Be creative and have fun.

Quality Family Time:
Have a family only night. Or, perhaps set aside a particular time daily. Try playing family board games, taking walks, or 20 questions games. Quality family time does not need to have a specific agenda or planned activity. This time can be spontaneous and varied in length from a few minutes to several hours depending on the situation. There are many activities that are enjoyable and can be of benefit to both you and your child. It is important to take advantage of quality time with your child. Take time to enjoy your family. .

Study and Organization Time:
Get in the habit of studying each night. Review and reinforce always! Elementary should work one-hour, middle school 1.5-2 hours and high school 2-3 hours daily. Get organized by making a schedule that works best for you and your family. Get started before you get too relaxed after coming home from school/work.

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Article written by
Julie M. Armenta, MA Founder & Education & Family Specialist
Armenta Learning Academy
28062 Forbes Road, Suite B
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
949-367-WISE (9473)
academicsuccessnow@yahoo.com

Mrs. Armenta looks forward to working with your child on their academic journey, and having a successful school year. Armenta Learning Academy provides Academic & Enrichment Programs, Pre-K thru Adult, Onsite/Offsite, 7 days a week. Call for support in all subjects in your home or at the academy.