How then do we know when we need to take a break from Social Media?

Sometimes we do not even know we have become addicted to social media. It will only require a break from social media platforms, before you realize how dependent one has become. However if you find yourselves in any of these situations, then you might need to take a break from social media.

1. You check your phone first thing in the morning or anytime you wake up

Of course, we all want to keep up with what we have missed when we wake up. Nevertheless, checking social media the moment your eyes open before you even register the time of the day, then you may have crossed the line. Some people cannot go to bed without checking Instagram or Facebook, this is not normal and it has become an obsession. If you find that you check your phone during the night when you wake up, then you definitely need to take some time off social media.

2. ���� You are always on your phone even when out with your friends and family. ��

We have all gotten so accustomed to social media that we cannot go a second without checking for updates even when we are out with loved ones. If you find yourself instagramming long enough that you can hardly pay attention to the conversation on the table, then you might need to take a break. To remedy this, ��next time you are out with your loved ones, implement a rule where all phones go in the centre of the table and the first one to touch theirs pays for the meal.

3. ����������You have fear of missing out

Do you compare yourself to the images you see on social media? ��If you find that you are constantly trying to keep up with the lifestyle of friends in the online community, then you might need to re-evaluate your expectations.

Not everyone has to have fun 24/7, even though the garage of photos and updates you see in the online space makes it seem that way. Social media can be a blessing and a curse. If it is leaving you feeling stressed, sad or anxious, then give yourself a break and take a social media vacation.

4.����You always need to recharge your phone battery

This is mainly applicable when the phone is relatively new and its battery life still in intact. New phones are suppose to have a battery life that should last through the day. Nonetheless, if you observe that your new phone only last half the day because of excessive time spent on social media, binging on funny videos and scrolling through status updates of everyone within your circle, including celebrity updates; then you definitely need to take a break off social media or at least consider preserving your battery life��

.5. ��Screen time distracts you during family bonding

Are you constantly on your phone, even during play time with the children? ��If at every minute you are checking your phone for updates, instead of spending quality time with your family, then you need a break from social media because such actions can eventually lead to a disconnect from family. ����

Back in the day when we did not have the world wide webs in the palms of our hands, our parents found entertaining ways to bond with the family. This helped to bring a sense of communal bonding and relationship.

6. ����������You get separation anxiety when you are not with your phone

Can you leave your phone at home without having a panic attack? I bet many will have a total meltdown. ��“Nomophobia” is a condition that affects 60 percent of phone users. It means you have an anxiety of being separated from your phone. This condition only occurs when we are completely dependent on our smartphones. ��

If you regularly check your phone when it does not ring, if you are nervous when you cannot find your phone; then it probably means you have separation anxiety. Try to avoid creating an unusual bond with your smartphone.

�� 7.��You have not read a book in a long while

Previously, parents set reading targets such as “two books per week” for their children and they were grounded from all forms of outdoor play activities if they were unable to meet these targets. However, social media is now the order of the day, taking over precious time that would have been allocated to reading. Many adults currently find it hard to read books, therefore it will be harder for them to motivate the young ones to read.

Life is better with books. However, it is hard to read something useful when every spare second is devoted to social media. Take a break from social media and pick up a book to read today.

8. ����������You never complete your task

One step at a time is the best advice for accomplishing anything. But our current world pleads for a caveat: one uninterrupted step at a time. Social media competes for your focus and swamps your ability to power through work. If you find yourself struggling to complete your task for the day due to distractions from using your phone; then it is time for you to take a break.

�� 9. You feel the need to upload pictures every time

Do you feel the urge to upload pictures at every given opportunity? Are you always seeking approval from the online community? ��If you find yourself in both situations then you might be addicted to social media.

Yes! we understand that some Individuals have to upload pictures every day on social media for business reasons and that is acceptable. ��Nonetheless, if you feel you have to compete just to keep up appearance, then you need to relax from social media.

Now that we have listed nine reasons why you might need to take a break from social media; it is important to note that the disadvantages of social media are not surprising. ��Many of these celebrities have gone through a total meltdown due to online cyberbullying and a feeling of total disapproval from people on social media; because celebrities are humans too and are in search of societal approval. Social media can sometimes bring about long-lasting emotional pain, which may ultimately lead to depression.

Above all, we should always remember that there is a physical world out there waiting to connect with one another, therefore we must all be bold enough to put our phones aside and explore.

Major Factors That Influence Quality Education In Nigeria

1. Management and Administration

This is perhaps the most important factor that influences the quality of education a child receives from a school. The major aim of the management system of any school is to adequately ensure that all academic procedures and learning processes are monitored and evaluated frequently. In addition to that, the school management set high standards and ensures that all these standards are strictly adhered to. All of these require regular inspection, renovation, documentation, record keeping and so on. This enables the management to track and measure successes and progressions.

2. Teaching Staff

When it comes to quality education and its impact in a student’s career, teachers are one of the main players involved. This means that for students to have quality education, teachers must be academically sound. This would aid in the transmission of knowledge which is extremely essential in improving the quality of education.�� Furthermore, teachers should care for their students by showing concern and affection. There should be distinct communication between teachers and students as the latter should be encouraged to express themselves irrespective of the��

3. Educational Curriculum

The type of curriculum and teaching material used in the classroom is crucial in students achieving quality education. It needs to be constantly reviewed so as to ensure the basic learning tools, literacy skills are sufficiently emphasized. The curriculum should be dynamic and be open to either including or eliminating certain aspects. Basic knowledge on topics like nutrition, gender equality, government should be included as well. This is why Greensprings school has a robust curriculum that educates students on a variety of subjects. All these aforementioned factors work simultaneously to give students quality education.

4. Learning Environment

The environment in which students learn has a huge role to play when it comes to quality education. The learning environment needs to be safe, noise-free and favorable. The students also need to create a healthy social environment by respecting their individual beliefs and value systems. Students should not be victimized based on their race, religion, gender or socioeconomic status. The teachers should also ensure the school maintains a friendly atmosphere at all times.

Now that we have discussed quality education, the concept of creative learning needs to be explained.

The Concept of Creative Learning

is not an entirely new concept. It essentially refers to the process of receiving an education using creative processes and methods. These creative methods include storytelling, designs, analysis, formulating theories among others. This is a better form of learning, as opposed to trying to memorize information by writing or copying lesson notes in the classroom. Creative learning makes students more active and participatory in class activities which automatically improves the students grades.

Creative learning involves a combination of ��these two basic features;

• Thoughtful Playfulness

This describes a learning scenario where students learn through experimental play. This “play” is somewhat serious as it involves a lot of exploration and development of endless educational possibilities, which are critically evaluated and tested.

• Flexibility/ New Algorithms

When it comes to creative learning, a whole lot of flexibility is involved. It is an absolute necessity here that all the usual form of learning methods need to be unlearned in order to start afresh and employ creative concepts of learning. For example, electronic boards, gadgets and other interactive learning tools should be used to educate students in the classroom.

Types of Creative Learning in Nigeria

There are several types of creative learning methods used in Nigerian schools. They are as follows;

Conjecture: This is a creative learning method that asks the students to guess a particular information that is missing. This type of creative learning aids in imagination as it keeps their brains busy while they try to find out the missing information.

Hypothetical Questions: This form of creative learning encourages questions that depict imaginary scenarios, rather than actual happenings. It allows children explore their imaginations with endless thoughts and possible outcomes.

Open-Ended Questions: These questions allow students give unconstrained answers, instead of the usual ′���” or “n��” answers. Here, there is no wrong answer, as students are encouraged to think outside the box. For instance, at Greensprings School, students are taught to use the different types of thinking hats to answer questions in the classroom. This is one of the many reasons why is Nigeria’s first “Thinking School”.

Abductive Reasoning: This is quite popular in science-related disciplines as theories are formed to fully explain the observations that have been taken. After reasoning and observation, the students would be able to draw inferences and conclusions.

Abstraction: This creative learning method works with ideas that are very different from actual reality, however these ideas are used to explain the complex reality. They could be seen as models 0r theories in some cases, as they simplify reality.

Improvisation: The improvisation method works in terms of games and exercises that stimulate the brain to improvise certain scenarios that aid in learning. Improvisation makes substantial contributions in music lessons, sports, public speaking and much more. ��

Debates: Here, the students are asked to take a side and develop arguments or strong points either for or against the side they choose. This aids in building their confidence and composure in a public setting. It also eliminates stage fright.

Counterfactual Thinking: It refers to a creative learning method that considers how some historical facts would have shaped the future. Students learn a lot about history and are able to understand the present to project the future.

Analysis: Creative analysis involves the learner to break down tasks into smaller aspects, in order to get a better understanding. Disintegrating these tasks makes it easier to assimilate and complete the tasks in good time.

Creativity of Constraints: This involves imposing constraints to solve issues or make tangible decisions. The decisions need to be aligned with the constraints.

Analogy: Here, the learners develop an analogy to compare things among one another, so as to clarify or explain what is being learnt. Their knowledge of adequate comparison would be built here.

Tests and Experiments: In tests and experiments, hypothesis are developed and tests are conducted afterwards to either validate or refute the hypothesis. They are mostly used in science related disciplines.

Design: This has to do with designing an interesting solution to solve an existing problem. These designs involves artistic work that would be incorporated to proffer a solution.

Introspection: Learners are asked to explain how certain things make them feel. It could be a musical composition, a book or a poem. The explanation is done through thoughts and emotions.

Thought Experiment : Learners are asked to communicate information as a thought experiment by asking learners to design thought experiments that will either validate or refute an idea. These experiments are sometimes carried out in a laboratory.

Storytelling: It is another interesting way of creative learning where the learners are asked to tell a fictional story that can help illustrate a problem for better understanding. It makes the information interesting and relatable.

Balancing Quality Education And Creative Learning In Nigeria

The importance of impacting learners with quality education cannot be over-emphasized. There needs to be an existing and distinct balance between creative learning and quality education in schools in Nigeria. To balance this quality education with creative learning, the following methods algorithms should be incorporated.

Visual Reflection: Visual reflections need to be made so as to give students the opportunity to understand more deeply by enhancing their creative side. It could be through pinning their learning with sticky notes on a board, or making an illustration.

Hands-On Learning: When learners are taught a particular topic, there is a high probability that they might forget, but once they are involved, they understand better. It’s a great method of applying creativity to the traditional learning methods.

Classroom Humor: An amazing way to balance creativity with learning is by incorporating humor into learning. Cartoons, puns, relevant jokes can make the learning process interesting and interactive.

Assignment Formats: Students should be allowed to select the format in which their assignments should be done. This encourages the students to explore their creativity while keeping their brains busy.

Encourage Discussions: Discussions should be encouraged regularly as long as they are meaningful ones rather than idle chatter. This enables students to voice out their opinions and helps them express themselves better.

Colour Schemes: Contrary to what people believe, colours in the classroom shouldn’t just be for elementary school. It can also be used creatively for students in higher classes through stimulating ways like displaying quotes, wise sayings and other smart nuggets. In addition, it could be used to highlight important information in lesson notes. With colours, students are more likely to absorb information faster.

Inspirational Posters: Incorporating inspirationalall around the school premises is an amazing way to encourage students to let out their creative potential. Students can be a part of it by coming up with one of two of their favorite quotes or sayings and putting them on the walls.

The school is no doubt the citadel of providing quality education for any learner. When it erupts with several creative learning methods, a great balance is guaranteed for the learner.

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Why Play is Important in early child development?

Play according to Levi (1996), gives children the opportunity to be in control of what is happening and what they know. When children play with friends they are able to exercise self-control and develop what they already know, take turns, cooperate and socialize with others.

Play is important in early child development because it allows children to develop their imagination and make sense of the world around them. Play helps with a child’s development by stimulating the brain through the formation of connections between nerve cells. This process helps with the development of fine and gross motor skills.
Fine motor skills are activities such as being able to hold a crayon or pencil. Gross motors include activities such as jumping or running.

Play is not only important for children abroad but it is also of essential benefit to young children in Nigeria. Why is this so?

The benefit of play in Early Child development in Nigeria.

According to a recent publication by allafrica.com on the topic “Nigeria lags behind in Early Child development” it was stated that “250 million children under the age five in the world are unlikely to reach their potential because their development has been stunted by stress, lack of early stimulation and poor nutrition. ��

Nigeria is amongst the top 10 countries contributing to 250 million children under five at risk of not reaching their potential. ��
In regards to early child development in Nigeria, some schools do not provide young children with adequate learning facilities that can aid play. ��However, educators in Nigeria need to bear in mind that play is essential to the whole child concept.

For instance at Greensprings School, the pre-school, category the teaching approach is child-centred. It neither imposes on the child nor does it abandon him/her in total free play.

Young children allowed to play in early child development in Nigeria will help improve the economy of the country.
Early child development has the opportunity to help children learn, laugh, feel joy and become more creative and imaginative.
Nevertheless, when children are not introduced to play it can cause several detriment in their development. ��

What impact does play deprivation cause on Early Child Development in Nigeria?

 

Educators you need to be aware that play primes the brain for social and emotional learning. ��When young children are deprived of play they might find it difficult adjusting to real life. For instance, in Nigeria we have a lot of young children who are not able to access quality education from a tender age (0 to 5 years) due to the fact that they do not have the money or their parents may lack an understanding of early childhood education.

When these young children get to elementary school, play deprived children may not have learned the complex languages of play which melodiously bring together the cognitive, emotional, physical and social elements that are all necessary for personal competence in playing.

The early years of a child is that formative period in which children are able to learn lifelong skills. ��The human brain undergoes rapid growth during this period; it’s at this stage that a child builds cognitive and character skills. ��Cognitive skills are the core skills your brain uses to think, read, learn and remember things. While character skills are soft skills such as openness to learning, conscientiousness, teamwork, resilience and self-control.

A child who has not had an early experience of healthy play may overdo the play process or may simply not understand what is going on. It might take them a long time to understand what is being taught in the classroom. The lingering effects of childhood play deficits echo in later adult attitudes about becoming a viable part of a community.

 

What are the actions educators and parents need to employ to include play in their child’s learning?

As parents, you want to teach your young child to grasp concepts, to be curious about exploring the world, to read and write. ��Are you aware you can help your child academically by playing with them? Play and learning go together!

Playing with your child helps keep your child engaged in the kind of play where learning occurs. Your interest, questions, and comments as you play alongside will help your child use toys productively. And the two of you will have lots of fun together! Most importantly, you will be working toward your child’s future success as a student by building important approaches to learning.

As a school, educators should take into account the physical space for assimilation. The environment in which children learn and develop their cognitive and social skills is important. A lot of schools in Nigeria do not have the facilities to create an atmosphere that is fun for children.

Schools need to provide an environment that supports play. For example, providing a beautiful collection of shells displayed can spark the interest of children. The aesthesis of ashould be colourful and mapped with materials that young children can understand. ��Teachers should ensure that they position toys in a manner that children will be able to access them.

 

In conclusion, play is important in early child development in Nigeria. For the economy to improve, children need to be taught from a tender age how to play.