Building Kids’ Friendship Skills for Stronger Confidence at School

Building Strong Friendship Skills at Home for School Confidence

For parents of school-age children, few things feel as tender as watching a child struggle to connect at school. Social challenges in childhood can show up as loneliness at lunch, friendship “drama,” or getting stuck on the edges of group play, even when a child truly wants friends. Peer relationships at school move fast, and without steady friendship skills development, everyday moments can feel stressful and confusing. The importance of early socialization at home is that it gives kids a familiar foundation for empathy, conversation, and cooperation that makes friendships feel more natural.

What “Friendship Skills” Really Are

Friendship skills are the everyday behaviors kids use to start, grow, and repair relationships, not a popularity contest. A helpful friendship skills definition includes communication and empathy, which sit underneath conversation, sharing, and including others. As kids build empathy and perspective-taking, they get better at noticing feelings, reading the room, and responding kindly.

This matters because school friendships run on small moments: joining a game, handling “no,” and trying again after a mix-up. When kids can talk, cooperate, and include others, they feel more confident and classmates feel safer around them. That combination reduces daily stress and makes group work and recess smoother.

Think of friendship skills like a three-part toolkit: words, teamwork, and welcoming. “Words” is greeting, asking questions, and listening; “teamwork” is taking turns and sharing; “welcoming” is making space for someone new. Under it all is empathy, or understanding and sharing feelings, which helps kids choose what to say and do. Kid-friendly role-play scenes make these tools easier to practice without pressure.

Turn Friendship Practice Into Anime-Style Story Scenes

Once you can name the building blocks of friendship, it gets a lot easier to practice them in a way that feels light and memorable. One playful option is using an AI anime generator to turn kindness, teamwork, and inclusion into little story scenes you create together. Your child can start with simple text prompts (like a character inviting someone to join a game), then explore anime effects and style controls to shape the mood, expressions, and setting. Designing characters and moments this way can make “friendship skills” feel concrete: you’re not lecturing, you’re building a scene that shows what caring, welcoming behavior looks like.

As you make shared comics, quick storyboards, or single anime-style images, the process itself becomes practice: taking turns suggesting ideas, listening to each other’s input, negotiating small decisions, and cooperating toward a finished story. That low-pressure teamwork can boost confidence for real-life social situations at school, because your child has already rehearsed friendly conversation and shared decision-making at home.

Small Friendship Habits That Add Up

Friendship skills grow through lots of tiny reps, not one big talk. These habits give your child steady practice with language, timing, and confidence so school interactions feel more familiar each week.

Two-Minute Friend Prep

What it is: Practice one greeting, one question, and one kind comment before school.

How often: Daily.

Why it helps: It makes friendly words easier to access under pressure.

Feelings Check and Name

What it is: Ask “What might they feel?” while reading or watching short clips.

How often: 3 times a week.

Why it helps: Empathy improves collaboration and reduces misunderstandings.

Inclusion Cue Practice

What it is: Rehearse one inclusive line like “Want to join us?” during play.

How often: Weekly.

Why it helps: It builds leadership and belonging for everyone.

Turn-Taking Micro-Coaching

What it is: Narrate turns during games using “my turn, your turn, our turn.”

How often: During shared activities.

Why it helps: It lowers conflict and boosts cooperation.

Compliment and Gratitude Loop

What it is: At dinner, each person shares one appreciation from the day.

How often: 4 to 5 nights a week.

Why it helps: Strong social skills support mental health and school success.

Friendship Skills Q&A Parents Ask Most

Q: What if my child gets really anxious about talking to peers?

A: Start small and predictable: practice one simple opener at home, then set a “just try once” goal at school. Praise the effort, not the outcome, so they learn they can handle the feelings. If anxiety causes stomachaches, tears, or refusal to attend school for weeks, consider asking your pediatrician or school counselor for support.

Q: How can I help when my child says they’re always left out?

A: Validate first, then problem-solve: “That hurts. Let’s plan one next step.” Coach them to join a structured activity like clubs or small-group games where roles are clearer, and help them invite one classmate for a short, low-pressure playdate.

Q: Why does my child keep getting into conflicts over “fairness”?

A: Many kids need repeated practice with flexibility and repair after mistakes. Teach one calm script: “I didn’t like that. Can we try again?” Building social competence takes time, and conflict can be part of learning.

Q: When should I step in versus letting kids work it out?

A: Step in for unsafe behavior, repeated targeting, or power imbalances. Otherwise, coach afterward by naming what happened, what they wanted, and one different choice for next time.

Q: Can a shy child still build strong friendships?

A: Yes. One steady friend can be enough for a great school experience, and social and emotional development supports success beyond the playground. Help them find “quiet-friendly” settings like reading corners, art, or building activities.

Keep Friendship Skills Growing With One Small Weekly Goal

Kids can want friends and still freeze up, misread signals, or get pulled into the same conflicts again and again. The steadier path is a supportive, low-pressure mindset: ongoing parental involvement that keeps modeling empathy, practicing calm communication, and reinforcing friendship lessons in everyday moments. Over time, that consistency builds confidence, nudges kids toward healthier choices, and keeps motivating children’s social success at school. Small, steady social practice beats big, one-time talks.

Adult tutor in Sioux Falls

For further information, and to inquire about rates, please do not hesitate to reach out to Aaron by e-mail at therobertsonholdingsco@yahoo.com, or by phone at 414-418-2278.

When adult learners in Sioux Falls set out to sharpen skills, prepare for a milestone exam, or master English in a supportive, one-on-one environment, choosing the right guide makes all the difference. Whether your goals include career advancement, high school equivalency, U.S. citizenship, or simply building confidence in reading and writing, a seasoned Sioux Falls adult tutor knowledgeable in adult education can turn uncertainty into achievement. Here’s what to look for - and why Aaron S. Robertson at Mr. Robertson’s Corner checks every box.

Proven expertise and an adult education focus

Not all tutors understand the unique challenges adult learners face. Look for someone who combines subject-matter mastery with real-world experience and a dedication to adult education. Aaron S. Robertson moved to Sioux Falls in August 2024 after years as a professional educator and business leader in the greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, and he’s built his practice around lifelong learning and adult-centered pedagogy. He’s skilled in assessing adult strengths and challenges, and then he crafts lessons that respect busy schedules and diverse backgrounds.

Personalized private adult lessons

One key advantage of private adult lessons is customization. Effective tutors begin with a diagnostic assessment - reviewing goals, prior learning, and preferred learning styles - and then create a tailored roadmap.

• Adult English lessons in Sioux Falls should address your specific needs, whether that’s conversation practice, grammar drills, or writing essays for college applications.
• With Aaron’s background in liberal arts and classical pedagogies, he integrates seminar-style discussions, mimetic instruction, and real-world case studies to make lessons engaging and relevant.

"With my business background prior to entering the field of education, I really enjoy helping students make meaningful connections between what they're learning in the classroom and real-world work and life situations."

Specialized test prep: GED and U.S. citizenship

Preparing for a high-stakes exam demands specialized strategies.

• As a GED tutor in Sioux Falls, Aaron offers structured support across all four GED content areas - math, language arts, science, and social studies - using proven practice-test protocols and targeted skill-building.
• For those on the path to naturalization, a U.S. citizenship test tutor in Sioux Falls can demystify civics questions, guide you through the 100 official questions, and build the confidence you need to succeed on interview day. Aaron’s test prep tips draw on his years of standardized exam experience and his passion for social studies and civic education.

Flexible scheduling and local convenience

Adult learners juggle work, family, and community commitments. A top-tier Sioux Falls adult tutor will:

• Offer a complimentary initial consultation.
• Meet at times that fit your life - daytime breaks, evenings, or weekends.
• Provide options for location: your home, a public library, or a cozy café.

Aaron’s versatile approach ensures that private adult lessons never feel like an added burden, but rather an investment in your future.

Clear communication and confidence building

Effective adult tutoring isn’t just content delivery - it’s a partnership. Seek a tutor who:

• Establishes clear goals and timelines.
• Provides regular progress updates and actionable feedback.
• Encourages self-advocacy and independent learning, so you graduate from tutoring with both knowledge and confidence.

Aaron’s business background and educational philosophy emphasize the bridge between theory and practice, helping you see how each new skill applies directly to your work, your studies, or your role as a parent.

Local knowledge and community reputation

A tutor plugged into the Sioux Falls community brings extra value: familiarity with local school standards, connections to adult education centers, word-of-mouth testimony, and an extensive network of professionals. Aaron teaches at St. Joseph Academy, substitutes throughout Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, and has built a reputation for reliability, expertise, and genuine rapport with learners of all ages - qualities you can verify through testimonials on Mr. Robertson’s Corner.

Choosing a Sioux Falls adult tutor is more than an academic decision - it’s a step toward personal growth, career opportunities, and civic engagement. With Aaron S. Robertson’s blend of adult education expertise, private adult lessons, and specialized test prep services - from adult English lessons in Sioux Falls to expert GED tutoring and U.S. citizenship test preparation - you’re set for success.

Take advantage of a free consultation and see how a personalized plan can unlock your potential. Your next chapter starts today at Mr. Robertson’s Corner.

For further information, and to inquire about rates, please do not hesitate to reach out to Aaron by e-mail at therobertsonholdingsco@yahoo.com, or by phone at 414-418-2278.

For adult learners

Welcome back to learning: Why adult learners thrive here at Mr. Robertson's Corner blog

At Mr. Robertson’s Corner, our roots are in K‑12 and early collegiate support - but the site offers real value for adult learners, too. Whether you're reskilling, earning a degree later in life, feeding a lifelong passion, and/or simply looking to become a stronger teacher and tutor for your own children as they complete their homework, this blog equips you with the clarity, perspective, and resources you need to succeed.

What adult learners gain here

• Deep, approachable insights into history, philosophy, finance, critical thinking, career paths, and more - valuable whether you're studying formally or self‑educating.
• Relatable reflections and storytelling that connect academic content to real-life events, thoughtful viewpoints, and meaningful application.
• Strategy-packed guidance: test prep tips, research paper ideas, financial literacy advice - framed not for yesterday’s high schooler, but for mature learners juggling multiple priorities.
• Career and adult-education insights, including advice on transitioning into trades, entrepreneurship, technical careers, or returning to college later in life.

How to make Mr. Robertson's Corner work for you as an adult learner

• Pick a relevant topic - from history subjects to business planning to test strategy.
• Read with intention, connecting stories and lessons to your personal or professional goals.
• Apply practical takeaways: Many posts include actionable insights or research paper templates.
• Return for more - the blog publishes regularly, offering fresh ideas and reflections.

Benefit	What it means for you
Self-paced learning	Great if you're studying on nights or weekends. Engage only when it fits your schedule.
Bridging academics and real life	Blog posts often trace broad themes down to everyday relevance.
In-depth over fluff	No filler - every piece is grounded in substance and understanding.
Free of charge	All content is openly available, no paywalls or subscriptions.

Sample tools and posts adult learners will appreciate

• Test‑taking strategy guides - ideal for standardized exam prep or brushing up analytical skills.
• Career‑focused essays exploring trades, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
• History and philosophy deep dives, like the featured biography of Myles Keogh or insights on international relations.

Ready to dive in?

Join hundreds of thousands of readers of all ages - students, teachers, parents, and adult learners - who explore ideas, sharpen skills, and re‑ignite curiosity here. Whether you're taking up a new path or enhancing what you already know, Mr. Robertson’s Corner is your intellectual launchpad.

Start here:

• Explore the blog archive and Labels on the left-hand side of the blog for your subjects of interest
• Bookmark test prep or career resources
• Come back weekly for new reflections and tools

Mr. Robertson's Corner blog for all things adult education. Your next chapter starts here.

List of buzzwords used in education

AI Literacy
Definition: The knowledge and skills needed to understand, create, and interact with artificial intelligence tools and systems.
Example: “Students in the AI Literacy module learned how chatbots are trained and practiced building a basic one themselves.”

Blended Learning
Definition: A teaching model that mixes in-person and online instruction to give a flexible learning experience.
Example: “Their blended learning course had students attend virtual lectures twice a week and meet in person for hands-on projects.”

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Definition: Teaching that acknowledges and leverages students’ cultural backgrounds and experiences to make learning more meaningful.
Example: “Ms. Alvarez used culturally responsive pedagogy by incorporating local community stories into her literature curriculum.”

Digital Citizenship
Definition: The responsible and ethical use of technology and online spaces.
Example: “Before assigning research projects, the teacher held a digital citizenship lesson on citing sources and cyber etiquette.”

Dual Language Immersion
Definition: A program in which students are taught academic content in two languages to promote bilingualism.
Example: “The dual language immersion kindergarten class split instruction between English and Spanish each day.”

Educational Equity
Definition: Ensuring all students - regardless of background - have access to resources and opportunities needed to succeed.
Example: “The school board’s new policy was designed to improve educational equity by funding under-resourced schools.”

Flipped Classroom
Definition: A model where students first engage with lecture material at home (e.g., via video), and class time is used for interactive activities.
Example: “In the flipped classroom, students watched the geometry lecture at night and came prepared to solve problems in class.”

Growth Mindset
Definition: The belief that abilities can be developed through effort and persistence rather than being fixed traits.
Example: “Coach Davis encouraged a growth mindset by praising persistence instead of innate talent.”

Microlearning
Definition: Short, focused learning segments designed to teach a single idea quickly.
Example: “She used microlearning modules - each 5 minutes long - to help staff quickly grasp new software.”

Personalized Learning
Definition: Tailoring instruction to meet each student’s strengths, needs, skills, and interests.
Example: “Through personalized learning, Jamie could explore math topics at his own pace using adaptive software.”

Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Definition: Students learn by actively engaging in real-world and meaningful projects over time.
Example: “The PBL unit on renewable energy had students design and build their own solar-powered ovens.”

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Definition: The process through which students acquire skills to recognize/manage emotions, set goals, show empathy, and build relationships.
Example: “Every morning started with a 10-minute SEL reflection activity to help students center themselves.”

STEM/STEAM
Definition: An educational focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math - often adding Art (STEAM) to foster creativity.
Example: “The school introduced a STEAM fair where students exhibited projects ranging from robots to digital paintings.”

Trauma-Informed Teaching
Definition: An approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on learning and creates a safe, supportive classroom environment.
Example: “After training in trauma-informed teaching, Mr. Chen began each class with a calm check-in ritual.”

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Definition: A framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people, based on scientific insights into how humans learn.
Example: “Using UDL, the teacher offered materials in text, audio, and visual formats so every student could access the content.”

Fun educational ideas for home

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Home is where the learning is: Fun and creative educational ideas

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, keeping learning enjoyable and engaging at home presents a unique challenge and opportunity for parents. This approach not only keeps children's curiosity alive but also deepens their understanding and enjoyment of learning. By integrating creativity and interactive methods into everyday educational activities, parents can create a stimulating environment that encourages children to explore and grow. Here are some tips from Mr. Robertson’s Corner to help children develop a lifelong passion for learning.

Make learning social and engaging

Foster a social learning environment by organizing small group activities that align with kids’ interests or academic goals, such as science projects, cooking sessions, or book clubs. These gatherings allow children to gain diverse perspectives and hone skills in communication and collaboration. A simple game or group discussion can transform these meetings into dynamic learning experiences, helping even the most reserved children engage and express creativity.

Get creative with art together

Engaging in art projects like painting, drawing, or clay modeling with your child not only nurtures creativity but also strengthens your bond. These activities enhance motor skills and foster patience. Consider this: once your child's artwork is complete, digitizing it can make these moments timeless. Using a mobile scanning app, you can swiftly capture and convert any artwork into a PDF with your device’s camera, preserving these treasures in a digital gallery.

Discover the world together through field trips

Explore learning beyond the home with field trips to museums, science centers, and cultural festivals, which provide practical exposure to varied subjects. Visits to such places make educational concepts tangible, like viewing historical artifacts up close or engaging with science hands-on. Experiencing nature trails and cultural events broadens children’s understanding of the world, sparking enduring curiosity and a desire to learn more about their surroundings.

Celebrate every achievement, big and small

Celebrating both major accomplishments and minor milestones significantly enhances a child’s motivation and confidence throughout their educational journey. Recognizing efforts like finishing a challenging book or a science project encourages continuous engagement and learning. Positive reinforcement creates a nurturing environment for growth, emphasizing the value of progress over perfection and inspiring children to embrace new challenges.

Spark imagination with thought-provoking questions

Cultivate your child's critical thinking and creativity by asking open-ended questions that extend beyond simple yes-or-no answers. Encourage them to explore imaginative scenarios and complex ideas, such as time travel possibilities or the secret communications of plants. Such discussions promote cognitive development and problem-solving skills, empowering children to express their thoughts confidently and creatively.

Prioritize hands-on activities over screen time

Encourage learning through active, hands-on experiences like baking, gardening, or DIY projects to better embed knowledge than passive screen interactions. These tactile activities not only make learning fun but also memorable, helping children engage more deeply with educational content. Reducing screen time keeps kids connected to the real world, fostering observation, experimentation, and discovery.

Work together to set realistic learning goals

Engage your child in setting achievable learning objectives, such as reading a set number of books, practicing a musical instrument regularly, or completing a project by a deadline. Collaborative goal-setting instills a sense of responsibility and helps children take ownership of their learning. Realistic and measurable goals allow children to track their progress, enhancing their self-discipline and perseverance, and making learning a rewarding experience.

Creating an engaging and enjoyable learning environment at home is pivotal in shaping a child's educational journey. This method not only helps in building a strong foundation of knowledge but also instills a sense of wonder and excitement towards learning. For parents, this approach is an opportunity to actively participate in their child's development, ensuring learning is seen not as a chore but as an adventure. Through these efforts, education becomes a shared, joyful journey that prepares children for a bright, curious future.

Explore valuable educational tips and resources for students and teachers at Mr. Robertson's Corner.

How to discover your fulfilling career

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Your Passions Can Lead to a Fulfilling Career

Many people dream of turning their passion into a successful business. After all, what could be better than getting paid to do something you love? While it's certainly not easy, it’s possible to convert your passion into a thriving business. Mr. Robertson’s Corner discusses a few things to consider if you're thinking of making the jump:

Different Business Ideas

There are endless possibilities when it comes to starting a business based on your passions. Perhaps you love to cook and want to start a catering company or food truck. Or maybe you're an amazing artist and you want to sell your paintings or sculptures.

If you’re a strong leader and communicator, and you have construction knowledge, you might flourish as a general contractor. Construction is a high-demand industry, so you can quickly find good-paying projects if you position yourself for success.

If you choose to become a contractor, make sure you take advantage of the technologies that can help you run your business more efficiently. Learn to use software for general contractors to improve your invoicing, designing, estimating, and project management processes.

Conducting Market Research

Once you've settled on a business idea, it's important to do market research to confirm a demand for your product or service. This will help you determine the viability and profitability of your idea. Consult the plethora of resources online and in libraries if you're not sure how to go about conducting market research.

Creating a Business Plan

After doing your market research and finding that there is indeed a market for your product or service, it's time to start putting together a business plan. Many templates are available online if you need help developing a business plan.

Your plan should include any and all information related to your company (e.g., goals, strategies, financial forecasts, etc.). Don’t rush through this stage; the more thorough your business plan, the better it will guide you through the challenges and decisions ahead.

Marketing Your Business

Marketing is key to the success of any business, but it's especially important for businesses that are just starting out. You need to tell people about your product or service and why they should choose you over the competition. There are many different marketing channels available (e.g., social media, email, traditional advertising, etc.), so use the ones that will work best for your particular business.

Changing Industries

If you're unhappy with your current career but don't think starting your own business is the right move for you, consider switching industries instead. This can be especially fulfilling if you find a field that aligns with your passions. For example, someone who loves animals might want to become a veterinary technician, while a music lover may thrive as a music therapist.

Education and Certifications

When making a career change, it's essential to obtain the necessary education and certifications. This will ensure you're qualified for the new job and have the skills necessary to succeed long-term.

It can take time and money to get the required training, but it will be worth it in the end. Be sure to research different programs and schools to find the best option for you. Once you've completed your education, continue learning and staying up-to-date on the latest trends in your field. The more knowledge and experience you have, the better positioned you will be for success in your new career.

Conclusion

Pursuing your passion can lead to a more fulfilling personal and professional life. If you're thinking of making the jump from the 9-5 to running your own show, remember to brainstorm business ideas, conduct market research, write a business plan, and create a marketing strategy.

Whether you decide to become an entrepreneur or pursue a job in a different industry, embrace the hard work involved in making your passion project into a success story. You’ll be glad you did once your dreams come true!

If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content on MrRobertsonsCorner.com today!

Learning at home school COVID closures

Learning at home during school COVID closures

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to rage on, causing what appear to be mainly larger urban school districts to make the decision to close in-person learning, whether for several days/a week at a time or for longer periods, many students and families find themselves suddenly left without a solid, reliable learning plan in place. Some districts and individual educators are trying to do all they can with the virtual tools and other resources they have at their disposal, while some districts and individual educators are simply closing shop altogether. As one parent whose daughter's large urban school district recently closed for a week told me, "Some teachers are going above and beyond, while others are treating this like a vacation. They're not meeting with students virtually, and they've assigned no work." And a high school in a nearby district decided to cancel semester final exams altogether because of COVID-19.

 

The data are pouring in on how COVID-19 has impacted learning for K-12 students.

Whether you're a student reading this, or a parent, guardian, other relative, or fellow educator deeply concerned and frustrated by this truly tragic situation of lost time and learning, I offer a number of resources, ideas, and strategies here, in no particular order, to help you design your own at-home learning plan when you find yourself not provided with one by your school system and/or teachers. The following suggestions can also certainly serve to enhance and reinforce the assigned learning from school if you are, hopefully, receiving regular instruction virtually.

BrainPOP - I make use of BrainPOP, a subscriber-based learning platform, quite frequently during my typical day in the classroom. I highly recommend it. With a very clean layout that is easy to navigate, the BrainPOP family of websites offers young learners video lessons on a wide range of curriculum-aligned subjects, as well as quizzes and activities that can be completed for deeper engagement with, and understanding of, the material presented in the video lessons. Check the BrainPOP homepage frequently for various specials and discount offers that run from time to time. You can purchase your own home-based subscription, or see if your school or district already has a subscription that you can use to log in with. A very high-quality, fun, and engaging learning tool.

"Art for Kids Hub" on YouTube - For a fun and engaging resource, check out the "Art for Kids Hub" channel on YouTube. It features step-by-step instructional videos on how to draw all sorts of things.

Think about possible careers and professions - Check out this career readiness resources page I put together a while back, featuring previously-published posts here on this blog, as well as content from other sites. If you're thinking about entering a trade and you reside in Wisconsin, learn about the Wisconsin Apprenticeship System.

Explore volunteer opportunities - Check out this previous post I wrote about the many benefits of volunteer work. Volunteering can provide a wealth of opportunities for learning new skills, strengthening skills, making meaningful connections through networking, gaining new perspectives, sharing talents, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Prepare for the ACT and/or SAT - It's never too early to begin preparing for these tests. Check out this page I put together a while back with various resources, ideas, and strategies to help you prepare for these very important college admissions tests and ultimately get the best score(s) you can. If you start early enough, even years earlier, then your preparation work won't feel like a burden, you'll perhaps even improve your overall grades and performance in your classes, and you most likely won't have to worry about retakes! And yes, these tests are still relevant.

Learn a new language, or make the time and effort to strengthen and deepen your existing language skills - The ability to communicate in another language is a highly-desirable, and hence marketable, skill to have.

Learn, practice, and master cursive handwriting skills - Two wonderful and free resources are ConsistentCursive.com and K5learning.com. ConsistentCursive.com is a course created by cursive handwriting expert David DiGiovanni, who has over 100 videos on YouTube teaching cursive. You can check out his videos and follow his YouTube channel @PerfectBiscuits. K5learning.com offers an extensive variety of cursive worksheets readily available for download.

Research a country - Is there another country whose people, culture, cuisine, history, language, and economy capture your curiosity? Gather facts, photos, and relevant video links, and put together a nice presentation on your chosen country using a slide deck format like Google Slides or PowerPoint. Give a presentation to your family just as you would to your classmates or any other audience. This is a wonderful learning opportunity allowing you to build on a variety of relevant life and career skills, like research and fact-finding, conveying information and ideas, public speaking, writing, creativity, and educating others. For more fun ideas, check out this post on how you can travel the world without leaving home.

Let's plan a trip! - I took this idea from a wonderful social studies course by the same name (Let's Plan a Trip!) that I assisted in during my district's summer school this past summer (you can read more about that here). Similar to the above idea of researching a country, but with a slightly different focus. With this idea, you research one or more countries as if you're getting ready to actually visit them as a tourist. Where will you stay? How will you get there, and how much will this transportation cost you (for example, your flight ticket)? Who will you bring with you on the trip? What's your overall budget? What kind of activities and sightseeing would you like to do?

 

Take courses on Udemy - Udemy is an awesome site. You can read my review of this wonderful learning platform here.

Learn financial literacy - Financial literacy is so very, very important. Learn how to save and budget. Learn how to plan for emergencies. Learn how to spend wisely. Learn about investing and preparing for retirement. Understand how the decisions you make today about money will impact the rest of your life, either positively or negatively. The earlier you begin learning these crucial lessons and begin implementing good strategies and habits, the better for you and your loved ones. The personal finance category here at my blog helps keep track of my posts about money, saving, wise spending and looking for deals, retirement planning, etc.

Work on SMART goals - Use this precious time to write and begin work on career-related, education-related, health and fitness -related, and life goals using the SMART goal format.

Khan Academy - (www.khanacademy.org) Launched by Sal Khan, a Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) –educated former hedge fund analyst, the Khan Academy is a free online education platform, with instruction by Khan himself, all by video. The Web site features an extensive variety of courses and tutorials in areas like math, science and engineering, computer programming, arts and humanities, economics and finance, test prep, career exploration, the college admissions process, and a lot more. Within the economics and finance course offerings, Khan has a subcategory devoted to entrepreneurship, featuring exclusive interviews and conversations he conducts with top entrepreneurs and business leaders.

TED Talks - (www.ted.com) Featuring brief talks via video by a plethora of business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, writers, philosophers, scientists, and subject matter experts of all kinds, TED bills itself as “Ideas worth spreading”. From its Web site:

TED is a nonpartisan nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 110 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.

Documentaries - Every so often, I enjoy borrowing documentaries on DVD from my local public library on a variety of subjects. I'll also check out the offerings from time to time on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and the History Channel. If you love the game of baseball, and its fascinating history and legendary characters, I highly recommend Ken Burns' Baseball. I've loaned out a couple of times now another documentary by Ken Burns called Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies, which not only explores current therapies to combat this dreadful disease, but also takes us through the history of cancer fighting and the pioneering doctors and scientists whose groundbreaking work and ideas have gotten us to where we are today. Through documentaries, I've learned about Milwaukee's Italian-American community, the 2008 financial crisis, the lives and times of captains of industry, the education system, the history of American cars, and, now that I work in schools and usually with a number of special education students throughout the day, various learning and emotional and behavioral challenges. Most recently, I've enjoyed a couple documentaries on Netflix by The Minimalists.

Make sure to work your local public library into your learning routine - Speaking of libraries, are there book clubs or reading programs you can join? Makerspace opportunities? Upcoming speakers and presentations that capture your interest? Art contests? Possibilities and opportunities are virtually endless at the good ol' local public library.

Conversations - That's right, conversations. Simply talking with others. Interested in exploring a particular career? Wondering how college life is like and what the college admissions process entails? Looking to take up a hobby? Curious about how a particular product is made or how a process works? Fascinated about what it's like to serve in the military and wanting to learn more? Wanting to meet new people and get more involved in your community but not sure where to begin? You can get some answers to these and other questions by striking up conversations with people you already know. Examples include your parents and siblings, your friends' parents and siblings, teachers, coaches, classmates, neighbors, your employer and co-workers, aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

Newspapers and magazines - Keeping up with events and developments in the broader world around you can potentially prove beneficial for you in numerous ways. Having a decent working knowledge base of news and trends in technology, the economy, government and politics, business, trade, education, and world affairs can position you ahead of the competition in the workplace.

Explore AmazingEducationalResources.com - This website, now listing nearly 2,000 resources, was first launched in the early days of COVID-19, back in March-April 2020 or so. My blog is listed on the site, too. You can search by grade level (Pre-K on up to Adult Learning) or by category/academic subject. You'll discover a large, assorted variety of learning games, lesson plans, video content, ideas, and activities to engage with. Most resources listed in this powerful and growing directory are free, while some you'll have to pay for. Other resources may offer a combination of both.

Worksheets, worksheets, and more worksheets - There are many websites out there offering worksheets, workbooks, complete lesson plans, learning activities and games, etc. Here are some sites I'm familiar with in my daily work, and can, therefore, highly recommend: Education.com, MathWorksheets4Kids.com, TLSBooks.com, Math-Aids.com, and WorksheetWorks.com. Some of these sites are free, while others are subscription-based at very reasonable prices.

Television - Not all TV is brain-rotting. In fact, some of it can have quite the opposite effect. Check out this list of The Top 15 Educational TV Shows for Kids of All Ages. 

 

What are some other ideas, resources, and strategies that can be utilized during these tragic times of school closures and lost learning? What are we missing here? Please feel free to share in the Comments section below!

Strategies for time and task management

Image via Unsplash

 

Five Strategies for Time and Task Management

Organizing and managing your daily round of responsibilities can be challenging for small business owners. If you often find yourself stressed and overworked, learning new task management skills and implementing helpful tools could make a big difference in your ability to manage your time more effectively. Here are five solid strategies for task and time management for small business owners, presented below by Mr. Robertson’s Corner.

Take Advantage of Available Tools

As a small business owner, you have access to a wealth of tools designed to streamline and manage many of your regular tasks. Some of the most useful business apps focus on accounting tasks:

• Apps like QuickBooks Time can provide accurate tracking of employee timesheets, time worked by a specific employee, and time dedicated to a project. Time tracking is a must for managing payroll, timesheets, and personnel management tasks much more easily and effectively.
• TechRadar recommends the free app RescueTime, which offers insights into how you use your personal time. If you've ever wondered exactly how much time you spend browsing websites or talking on the phone, RescueTime can provide you with the actionable information necessary to adjust your behaviors and provide you with more free time at home and on the job.

Choosing apps that work with mobile phones, integrate with your existing systems, and offer real-time reporting for faster response times will help you achieve more on behalf of your company while saving some free time for yourself.

Automate Selectively

Pick and choose which tasks to automate to ensure the most effective use of your time and money. One of the best places to start is with repetitive accounting and administrative tasks. In 2017, CPA Practice Advisor found that, on average, small businesses spend 120 days each year managing bookkeeping and administrative tasks. Software packages that automate some or all of these tasks can be a good investment for your company.

Delegate Tasks Where Appropriate

Many managers and small business owners are afraid to delegate or outsource tasks. Letting go of some responsibilities by delegating them to your staff members or outside firms is essential to avoid burnout and stress. Tasks that can often be delegated to others include:

• Enlisting the help of a formation service can help you to create an LLC for your company more efficiently. These specialty firms have the experience and in-depth knowledge necessary to navigate the legalities quickly and effectively. Just make sure you look up accurate LLC Wisconsin information so you understand the guidelines.
• Jobs that have clear, easy-to-understand parameters or that are repetitive in nature can safely be delegated to staff members.
• Tasks that serve an educational purpose may include seminars, webinars, and online courses. By assigning these opportunities to key staff members, you can build a team of highly qualified individuals.

Plan for Downtime

It's easy to remember to plan for upcoming project deadlines and other work-related tasks. Setting aside time for yourself is also important to stay focused and achieve the best results. Bloomberg touts the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks up time and tasks into manageable segments with breaks in between. Planning for 50 minutes of work punctuated by 10-minute breaks can often allow you to be more productive and focused.

Prioritize Top Tasks

Not all tasks are equally important. Categorizing each activity according to its urgency and profit potential can allow you to put first things first for your small business. This can add up to increased revenues for your company in the competitive marketplace. Learning to manage your time and tasks more effectively isn't an overnight process. Working to implement these strategies can help you do more and achieve more every day.

Fulfilling your New Year’s resolutions

If you’re like many, you have probably set one or more New Year’s resolutions for yourself. And like many, you have probably experienced a lot of failure and disappointment over the years when it comes to keeping those resolutions. Sorry to remind you.

But you didn’t fail because you’re a bad person. You didn’t fail because your intentions were not good. The reason why your resolutions didn’t meet with much success is simply because you lacked a plan - a real, concrete plan to help you master your ultimate goals in incremental, achievable steps.

Well, this year is going to be different. This year, you are going to resolve to make your New Year’s resolution(s) happen! Following are some great online resources to help you do just that.

American Psychological Association (APA): “Making your New Year’s resolution stick”
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resolution.aspx

Forbes: “A Psychologist’s Secrets To Making New Year’s Resolutions Stick”
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2016/01/03/making-new-years-resolutions-stick

Lifehack: “10 Tips For Making New Year’s Resolutions Come True”
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/10-tips-for-making-new-years-resolutions-come-true.html

Essentials of an effective strategic plan

Essentials of an effective strategic plan

Aaron S. Robertson, MSM

Purpose of strategic planning: Strategic planning is employed to maintain the relevance of an organization and keep it on track to effectively fulfilling its intended purpose.

Mission statement
• It is essential to create a robust, overarching statement that gets to the root of why the organization exists and how it fills a certain need or needs for a particular customer base or audience.

SWOT analysis
• Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats helps the organization take stock of current and potential challenges facing it, as well as areas that it can capitalize on in the marketplace.

Goal setting
• The identification of key goals assists the organization in fulfilling its mission.

Strategies that align with each goal
• Effective strategies help make the goals of the organization realistically attainable.

Action plans for goal success
• Plans to implement each of the respective goals and their associated strategies with clear timeframes and needed resources identified.

Monitoring and occasional updating
• It is imperative to continue to revisit the strategic plan and update it where appropriate in order to continue driving progress and aligning the plan with current realities, so that the plan truly becomes a living, breathing document.

Communicating the plan
• In order for the plan to be successful, it is critical that it be continuously communicated to all stakeholders and that “buy-in” is established.

Reference

McNamara, C. (2006). Field Guide to Nonprofit Strategic Planning and Facilitation.

What are SMART goals?

How to create and achieve reasonable goals: The S.M.A.R.T. method

Simply setting a goal doesn't mean that you will actually achieve it. To increase your chances of success, try the S.M.A.R.T. method the next time you have a goal in mind. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. Read on for more information about how each of these key elements can help guide you on your path to creating and achieving reasonable goals.

S – Specific

Setting a very specific goal helps pinpoint exactly what it is you want to achieve. Knowing what you want to achieve is vital because planning for success is hard when you don't really know what you want. When outlining your goal, be specific in what you want, why you want it, how you'll go about getting it, when you want to get it by, and who (if anyone) may need to assist you along the way. Instead of setting a vague goal (e.g., make lots of money), create a more specific goal (e.g., make enough money mowing lawns to buy a new phone in September).

M – Measurable

It can be hard to know when or if you've achieved a vague, unmeasurable goal. If your goal is simply to improve your health, then how will you know when you've done enough to meet your goal expectations? Instead of setting an unmeasurable goal (e.g., improve your health), ensure your goal includes easily measurable components (e.g., exercise on the treadmill 20 minutes per day for 30 days).

A – Attainable

It's always better to set goals where you have a reasonable chance of success. After all, failure to achieve your goals can be very discouraging and might even prevent you from setting other goals in the future. When creating goals, be sure to consider factors like how much time, effort, and money will be required to complete your goal. Use this information to decide whether the goal is actually attainable and, if need be, adjust your goal so that you'll have a more reasonable chance of actually succeeding.

R – Relevant

How relevant is your goal to you personally? There's nothing wrong with seeking outside inspiration when hunting for a new goal, but if your chosen goal isn't really relevant to you or your desires, then completing it isn't going to feel very rewarding. Just because someone tells you that you absolutely must run with the bulls in Pamplona, doesn't necessarily mean that running with the bulls is a relevant goal for you. If you feel no connection with your goal, then it's probably not relevant to you and you'd be better off working toward a different, more relevant goal.

T – Timely

It's unlikely that your goal will be immediately attainable, otherwise, you'd have already accomplished it. Consider the steps required to achieve your goal and factor in reasonable amounts of time to complete each step. When you have a better idea about a possible timeline for your goal, set a deadline for reaching your final objective. Do keep in mind that because things don't always go as planned, it's important to have some flexibility in any deadlines you set for yourself.

Regardless of what goal you have in mind, it can be well worth refining it with the S.M.A.R.T. method. By employing the SMART method of creating and achieving reasonable goals, you can better define whatever it is you'd like to achieve and fully understand the steps you'll need to take in order to make your goal a reality. Armed with this new information, you can then decide if your goal is something you'd actually like to pursue.

Online weight loss support groups

Alone no more: Find hope with online weight loss support groups

If you have lost your motivation and can’t find the courage to talk about your weight loss goals with others, it can be hard not to lose hope and give up altogether. Perhaps you have brought up the subject, but your close friends and family members are just too busy to help. Whatever the situation may be, if you are feeling alone on your weight loss journey, don’t give up. Support is just a click away.

The real beauty of Internet weight loss support groups is how diverse they really are. Some groups meet up locally for scheduled walks or sporting events. Others connect with members over live video chat sessions from around the world. There are even support groups that provide complete anonymity - connecting through anonymous usernames in a public weight loss forum.

With so many different types of support groups out there, you are bound to find one that suits your needs. So, if you’ve been looking for a supportive group of people to help you achieve your weight loss goals, but didn’t know where to turn, it’s time to consider joining an online weight loss support group. The key is not to give up. The right support for you is out there somewhere; you just have to find it.

How to lose 10 pounds

Follow these simple strategies to shed ten pounds and keep it off.

There are many people who aren’t considered overweight, but would still like to lose around ten extra pounds. Though ten pounds might not sound like much, this seemingly small amount can actually be quite challenging to lose. Sure, crash diets and fasting can quickly lose the weight, but unfortunately, these methods rarely keep it off for good.

When thinking about permanent weight loss, the key is to burn off more calories than you are consuming. That might sound good on paper, but how exactly is a person supposed to go about burning all these extra calories? The easiest and most effective way to burn calories is to exercise. The kind of exercise doesn’t matter, so be sure to choose activities that you enjoy. If it feels like a chore, you won’t want to keep it up for very long.

To make this process even easier, you might want to consider lowering your daily intake of calories. The fewer calories you consume in a day, the smaller amount of exercise it will take to burn them off. This doesn’t mean you should starve yourself, however. Instead, look for foods that are low in calories like lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables, while avoiding meals that are high in fat, salt, and carbohydrates.

Once you know which foods to eat and which to avoid, it’s always a good idea to keep a written record of your calorie intake. By keeping track of the calorie content in the foods you are consuming, you will have a better idea for the amount of exercise needed to burn through those extra calories. Don’t forget, however, that you will need to be burning more calories than you are consuming in order to lose weight. Once you’ve lost the ten pounds, you can maintain this weight by burning an equal amount of calories to what you are consuming.

For an additional boost to your weight loss strategy, consider eating five or six smaller meals during the day, instead of the traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner. By eating smaller amounts of food more often, your body will maintain a higher level of metabolism, which, in turn, will help you burn off more calories without any extra effort. Just remember that these meals are supposed to be smaller.

Though it’s not always as easy as it sounds to lose ten pounds, it's definitely possible if you're willing to put in the extra effort. By eating right and burning more calories than you consume, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a more physically-fit you. Just remember, perseverance is the key to any successful weight loss program. So, determine your best course of action and stick with it.

How to accomplish goals

Achieve your dreams by focusing on smaller tasks

Though it's no secret that large goals can be overwhelming, people still love dreaming big about the things they'd like to achieve. Unfortunately, as your dreams grow, your chances of achieving them usually shrink. So, should you just forget about your loftier dreams if they seem unattainable from your current perspective? No, of course not! Instead of giving up right away, read on for ideas that can help you achieve even your grandest dreams.



Now, before you get started, it's worth mentioning that the first and arguably most important part of achieving your dream is setting a goal. Really think about it. What exactly do you want to accomplish? Once you have a detailed goal in mind, carefully consider similar goals you've set for yourself in the past but failed to achieve. What went wrong in each attempt? Are there any changes you can make that may help you achieve this goal? Also, think about any former goals you successfully achieved. What factors lead to that success?

After you've answered these questions, it will be time to actively work toward achieving your goal. If in the past you haven't split your goals into a series of small, definable tasks for you to work through, then why not try doing so this time around? You have nothing to lose, and setting smaller tasks could be the simple change needed to successfully achieve your goal.

If you'd like to try splitting your goal into a series of simple tasks, consider crafting each task to be achievable in three to seven days. If you feel overwhelmed by tasks that span multiple days, however, then split your goal into however many tasks makes you feel most comfortable. If you are only comfortable with short tasks requiring no more than fifteen minutes of your time, then that's exactly where you should start.

Now, it's common for people to breeze through their initial tasks. After all, when goals are new, a person's interest levels and motivation are often high. Unfortunately, motivation tends to dwindle when life gets busy, which can cause you to push your dreams aside. To have the best chance of successfully achieving your dreams, it's important to work on your goal-achieving activities whenever possible - especially when you are busy. Though it's easy to waste time thinking up new excuses for why you're too busy to work through your list of tasks, your energy would be better spent figuring out new and innovative ways to fit the tasks into your already-busy schedule.

Thankfully, there are many ways to fit goal-achieving tasks into even the busiest schedules. If your goal is fitness-related, squeeze in a short workout during your lunch hour or power up the treadmill during your favorite television show. If your goal is to write a novel, keep a notebook handy and jot down ideas while riding the bus or sipping on your morning coffee. If your goal is simply to clean your house, then pick a room to tackle for fifteen minutes each night before bed. It doesn't really matter what your goal is, as long as you regularly devote some time and effort toward achieving it.



A final factor that can help you complete your tasks and ultimately achieve your dreams is momentum. To get the ball rolling, give yourself a few easy tasks to complete. If after completing these tasks you are still feeling rather unmotivated, then continue working on equally-easy tasks, otherwise, aim for something a little more challenging. Just remember that simple tasks are often better motivators because harder tasks might put you off track if you fail to complete them in a timely fashion.

While working through your tasks, be aware that you may occasionally lose sight of your goal. That's fine. So long as you don't give up, you haven't failed. If you ever find yourself less than motivated, or think you might be giving up on your goal, though, then get back on track by outlining a new list of easy-to-accomplish tasks for you to complete. Once you've done so, you will be back on track toward achieving your dreams.