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6 Ways to Help Boost Your Child’s Memory and Retain More Information

Have you ever marvelled at your child’s memory and wished yours was as good? Many children have excellent memory retention. As they get older, however, and more stimuli and information is introduced, they slowly begin selecting which memories to keep, which ones to forget or lose, just as your memory is now. This doesn’t have to be the case, though, and if you take the time to enhance your child’s memory power now, you could greatly help them in the future.

Here are a few memory enhancing techniques.

Read and point

Regularly reading with your child will help their memory. Regular reading boosts a child’s memory because it helps promote concentration and it helps stimulate imagination and thought. The brain functions involved in processing written language, imagining the story, following the story, and being patient to finish a story all aid memory (and behaviour too!). Read to your child at least three times a week, and point at the words in the story while you read to them. This will also help strengthen their vocabulary. (Source)

Sing

Many teachers in both schools and tutorial centers use this technique. By turning what needs to be memorised into a rhyme or song, teachers make it easier for a child to remember the information. Singing stimulates other areas of the brain, and when multiple areas of the brain are asked to process the same information, the chances of it being easier to remember and of it being remembered precisely how it should be remembered increase. If you’re wary about creating songs, just use the melodies of already known nursery rhymes. They lend themselves very well to made-up lyrics. (Source)

Chunk information

Another popular technique for enhancing memory is to “chunk” information, which means presenting information in sections, with each section containing three to four pieces that need to be remembered. The best example of this is the telephone number. When giving out a number, we usually give four numbers or three numbers at a time. For example: +632-555-6767. Chunking information is one of the best ways to help your child remember important details. Couple it with a rhyme or a song and they are well on their way to never forgetting your instructions!

Connect it to what they already know

Like all people, children remember better when the information to be remembered can be connected to something they already know. For example, let’s say your child likes Sofia the First. Now, let’s say you are trying to get them to remember all of their table manners, and there was an episode on Sofia the First about table manners. Instead of always reminding them of their table manners, you can ask them to remember what Peppa Pig did at the dining table, and make them realise that what Sofia did is very similar to what you are asking them to do. They are more likely to remember because there is a connection that they enjoy and to which they can relate.

Add sensory cues

Similar to singing, which is a sensory experience, if you couple information that needs to be remembered with a sensory experience, like clapping for example, then your child will have something else with which to associate the information. A clap can be added after each step of a process to help them remember every step. You can even use different claps or multiple claps. They may get confused in the beginning, but eventually they will remember, and strengthen their memory at that!

Continuously present information

One of the best ways to preserve and enhance memory is to continuously present the information. Like learning a language, the more the new language is presented, the more likely they will remember. Going through steps, processes, and routines again and again will help your child remember and help enhance their memory. So whenever something is important, go through it often!

Training your child’s memory power from a very young age will help them in the future. A strong memory is useful in both school and after-school activities. To help boost your child’s memory further, enroll them in classes at a tutorial center that specializes in the type of classes that enhance memory skills, such as language classes, robotics, or programming.

A Better Way to Work: A First-Timer’s Guide to Co-Working Spaces

So you’ve decided to try co-working. You get to the office space, and now you’re not sure what to do. Who are all these cool looking millennials? Who are the people in corporate? Why are there colours and art everywhere? Can you read those comic books?

If you’ve never used a shared office space before, you might not be sure what to expect. In order to make sure you are workspace savvy, we decided to put together a quick guide on what to expect and what you can do!

You can play!
Yes, you can read those comics–and more! Every office space develops its distinct character or personality. Often you will see it in the decor, the books available for reading, the little activities and games set up for work breaks, etc. Enjoy the amenities! They’re a good way to both de-stress and make friends.
You can talk!
Co-working spaces in Manila and the world encourage their co-workers to network, collaborate, and attend their in-house events. Co-working isn’t meant to be like studying or working in a library, and while you are encouraged to be respectful of the workers–don’t interrupt anyone who is obviously working–you are also encouraged to socialise productively.
There will be coffee!
Many office spaces will have free flowing coffee. Others may charge, but a very minimal amount. Being generous with java is a mark of the co-workers world. Take advantage of this, not just for the caffeine boost, but also to meet new people and start conversations. Apart from coffee, other spaces let their co-workers drink or even have a happy hour come 6pm!
There will be parties!
All co-working spaces will host events regularly. This is one way the space gets to build a loyal community that will continue to work there and collaborate with each other. Attend the events, meet the people the space invites, and join the activities. If you are a freelancer or a start-up, this is one of the best ways to get more work!

Keep in mind that every shared office space will have different rules here and there, but most of what we listed will be true! Make the most out of the co-working spaces in Manila and try each one out until you find the one that suits both your personality and work-style best. The Study gives free workspace trials every week for those who want to test the waters and get a feel of the space. Click here to learn more.

What are the Advantages of Holding ServSafe Certification as a Young Chef?

Many industries have a set of certifications designed to help professionals develop specific skills and gain specific knowledge that help them elevate their respective careers. These skills are often beyond what most people learn in college and the work experience they acquire from their jobs. The culinary industry is no different. There are many certifications young chefs can acquire, but one of the more prominent ones are the certifications offered by ServSafe.

ServSafe is a series of certifications from the U.S. National Restaurant Association. Despite their location, ServSafe is recognized worldwide. Most of the certifications revolve around occupational and food safety–but what exactly does that mean for you as a young chef? What are the advantages of earning ServSafe certification? Here are a few reasons why you should consider becoming certified:

Stand Out from Other Applicants

As with other forms of professional certificates, holding a ServSafe certification helps you stand out from other applicants for the same job. Certification is a big deal since it shows potential employers how serious you are about your career and becoming better. That goes a long way in the minds of most hiring managers, giving you a distinct advantage over non-certified applicants.

More Job Opportunities Here and Abroad

Many restaurant owners look for kitchen staff who already have their ServSafe certificates. This is usually because it means the restaurant doesn’t need to allocate a budget for ServSafe classes. This makes certified professionals a hot commodity, opening many opportunities for you if you would like to move to a different job. This isn’t limited to jobs here in the Philippines. Since Servsafe is internationally recognized, certified professionals have a better chance of securing career opportunities abroad.

Sideline as an Instructor or Proctor

After you’ve passed the ServSafe exam and earned your certification, you may apply to become a proctor for ServSafe. Proctoring the ServSafe exam is a great way to help you earn a little extra money on the side. Alternatively, you may also sign up to become an instructor for ServSafe classes and train the next set of certified professionals. You can easily sign up for either position on the ServSafe website.

These are only some of the advantages of becoming a ServSafe-certified chef. Overall, becoming certified is well worth the time and effort necessary to acquire the certificate. If you are interested in earning your ServSafe certification, you may want to look at training centers, like The Study, that offer the course.

Which Grapes are Used to Make Which Wine?

3 Awesome and Productive Hobbies to Pick Up and Start Getting Into

The say that every day is an opportunity to learn something new. There are always new skills and hobbies that are worth getting into, regardless of our age and background. Whether you are interested in finding an activity you and your special someone can enjoy together or you are simply looking for something new to do in your spare time, here are three hobbies you’ll probably want to look into:

Photography

In the social media-run world that we live in today, being able to take stunning and well-thought-out photos is a fantastic skill to have, especially if you are looking to set apart your Instagram account from the other profiles out there. Photography courses help you develop a keen eye for photography, from choosing subjects to composition. On top of that, photography helps you develop other skills that you can use outside of photography: attention to detail, innovative thinking, and more.

Learn the tricks of the trade from one of the country’s rising photographers. The Study’s Trick of Light: Photography and Lighting is a photography short course that helps students learn the fundamentals of photography from Joey Alvero, whose photographs have been exhibited in places like the Outerspace Gallery, West Gallery PH, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

Gardening

Gardening as a hobby has been booming in recent years thanks to succulent plants easy-to-care-for species. In fact, you may know more than a handful of people in your own office taking care of succulents on their desks. Gardening helps us reconnect with nature, something important for those living in the urban jungle. This is why many people who are into gardening often say that the hobby allows them to clear their mind and relax more than other hobbies.

Start your own indoor garden at home or at the office. The Study in partnership with SMARTYPLANTSPH invites everyone to join the String Gardens and Succulents, a short course that puts the spotlight on designing a thriving indoor garden using two methods: kokedamas and plated succulents.

Cooking

In general, cooking is a life skill that everyone should have in their repertoire. However, there are also different levels of “cooking”. There are those who cook out of necessity and there are those who love food and cooking that their passion pours onto the plate. Preparing restaurant-quality food from scratch can be more therapeutic than you might initially think. It can also be incredibly fulfilling to see other people thoroughly enjoy a meal you prepared. If learning how to cook is something that interests you, there are two highly recommended areas you should focus on:

Breakfast and/or Brunch

Add some pizzazz to your first meal of the day! For the most part, breakfast and brunch food seem simple to make–but taking these dishes to the next level in terms of taste and presentation requires a bit of skill. A cooking class centered around breakfast recipes helps you master various cooking skills that turn ordinary dishes into extraordinary delicacies that can rival the options at your favorite local restaurant.

Make breakfast and brunch the highlights of your week. The Study’s Brunch and Breakfast Favorites is a short course to teach home cooks the necessary skills to create stunning breakfast and brunch menus. Learn from experienced chefs and start adding some flair to the start of your day every day!
Desserts

It’s no secret that we Filipinos absolutely adore our sweets, which is why dessert is often as highly anticipated as a main course. If you love your Filipino desserts, you may want to try your hand at making your very own delectable desserts from scratch. In fact, dessert making is a very practical hobby to have since you can use your dessert skills to prepare stunning homemade desserts for parties and other social gatherings. For the more entrepreneurial dessert lovers out there, a dessert making class also offers a chance to start a small business!

Change the way you see dessert time with The Study’s Modern Filipino Desserts. The short course helps students rediscover our country’s tasty desserts, but elevated to fit the aesthetics of the 21st century. Master Filipino dessert recipes that will leave anyone and everyone impressed.

Foreign Language Classes: A Quick Guide on Which Language is for You

Ever wanted to learn how to speak French, Spanish, or any other language? Never got started because you weren’t sure which one you’d really use or would be easiest for you to learn? Here is a quick guide to the three most popular foreign language courses that will help you decide which one is right for you!

Mandarin Classes

Perks
- The ability to speak to 1 in every 6 people on earth.
- A growing language in the world of business.
Challenges:
- Very tonal language, and can be easy to say the wrong thing when the tone is wrong.
- Completely different writing characters.
Estimated Time to Fluency: Estimated 2,200 class hours or taking Mandarin classes for 5 hours a day for 88 weeks.

Spanish Classes

Perks
- Be able to communicate in at least 21 countries. (There are 400 million speakers worldwide.)
- One of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn.
Challenges
- Learning how to conjugate in different tenses. (Those who have taken Spanish classes should know that they have to learn one extra tense!)
- Understanding native speakers. (Spanish is spoken at 7.82 syllables per second!)
Estimated Time to Fluency: Conversational fluency can be achieved in 350 hours, or 1 hour per day for a year.

French Classes

Perks
- Spoken and widely used in many industries, such as fashion, hospitality, automotive, aeronautics, luxury goods, and politics.
- An increased understanding of French culture.
Challenges
- Pronunciation. Many words use the back of the throat to produce sounds, which is not common or easy for English speakers.
- Tricky subject-verb agreements that do not follow their own rules. The number of exceptions are too many to count, it comes down to memorization!
Estimated Time to Fluency: An estimated 3 years to achieve intermediate fluency, with a student taking 1 hour per day to learn the language.

The Study offers a variety of foreign language courses in different learning environments, such as public group classes, private group classes, one-on-one classes, all of which are delivered through the blended learning method. Learn how to speak French, Spanish, Mandarin and more when you sign up for a class with The Study today!

The Dos and Don’ts of Summer Classes for Kids

Summer! The time of year all kids look forward to and many parents find difficult to balance. Having a child at home means having a lot of time, but it also means a lot of idle time. The solution? Enroll them in summer classes and camps!

Summer classes offer children a wide variety of benefits while giving them another avenue to socialize or meet new people, which is a benefit on its own! Being able to interact with children from other schools, different ages, and different backgrounds will enhance both their social skills and sense of respect for others. The advantages do not stop there, of course. For parents that want to make the most of their children’s summer, here is a quick list of dos and don’ts that also dive into the benefits of summer classes for kids:

Do: Involve them in the process. Asking a child what they may be interested in learning is one way to better understand them. Summer programs can give children a chance to open or unlock other aspects of their personality. In Manila, there are a wide range of unconventional camps to choose from for kids of all ages, such as Robotics for Kids.

Don’t: Don’t fall into the summer slip! Some parents believe summer camps for kids are unnecessary because their children just came from months of school and need a break from studying. The truth is that enrolling children in a program ensures that they do not fall into the habit of becoming lazy or lax every summer. While vacations are good, understanding that work can and should still be done will greatly benefit children for years to come. Continuing to ask them to learn and master a skill teaches them hard-work, discipline, which is important to learn at an early age.

Do: Recognize a child’s talents. Plenty of schools offer clubs or after-school activities that children enjoy, but one or two hours every week may not be enough to hone a child’s talent. Immersing them in a program can help them delve deeper into something they are good at and push their limits in a way school clubs may not. One classic example is seen in arts and crafts summer classes. Many of the kids who take them are interested in art, but choosing the right program can really help unlock their inner creativity, and unlock a lifelong skill or passion.

Don’t: Don’t limit it to one class! Summer is long, and there is a lot to learn, with each class providing another unique venue for a child’s growth. Every new class helps a child gain confidence and independence because confidence is built through resilience (having to try and strive towards mastery) and success (mastering the task). When a child is able to succeed in more than one avenue their leadership skills are honed.

Don’t: Don’t overload a child! In line with the previous “don’t,” parents should also be careful not to over-enroll their children. Two classes should be enough to keep a child occupied and gaining all the benefits of summer programs while still having time to enjoy their school break.

Do: Think of the future. Summer classes are meant to be fun, but they can also be a way to ensure children are learning skills that can be useful for a future career. Cooking classes for kids can help a child decide if s/he truly wants to be a chef while also laying the groundwork for skills they need. If a child is not yet sure about what their future may be, language courses for kids are the best choice. No one has ever been disadvantaged by speaking more than one language!

There are plenty of summer programs in Manila for parents and children to choose from. Schools like The Study offer a wide range of summer classes for kids, which allow siblings of different ages and interests to enroll in the same school. From arts and summer classes, cooking classes for kids, summer camps for kids that feature STEM classes (Robotics for Kids is one of The Study’s most popular classes), to language courses for kids, there is a lot to choose from! Explore The Study’s STEAM Camp options, now available year-round!

4 Foreign Language Courses to Take for Those Looking to Work Abroad

Learning a foreign language is one of the best skills you can pick up. After all, being multilingual is a significant advantage for those looking to work abroad at some point in their careers. Fortunately, language tutorial centers, like The Study, offer a wide range of foreign language courses to choose from. The question now is: which foreign language should you learn?

Although you can never go wrong with whichever foreign language you decide to learn, there are a few languages that stand out if your intention is to work abroad. These languages include:

Mandarin

Mandarin is one of the major Chinese dialects with over a billion speakers worldwide. In fact, one out of every six people in the world speak the language. Mandarin is mainly spoken as the official language in China, Taiwan, and Singapore. The emergence of China as an economic powerhouse has made Madarin-speakers an extremely valuable asset for multinational corporations, which is why Mandarin classes are a popular and practical choice.

Spanish

Spanish is a very familiar language for Filipinos since it shares a lot of words with Tagalog. It is also one of the most common languages in the world with over 470 million speakers. Spanish is spoken in a large number of countries, including Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and the United States. One of the main advantages of taking Spanish classes for Filipinos is how we share certain vocabulary and grammar rules, making it one of the easier languages for Filipinos to pick up.

French

Many people are interested in how to speak French thanks to the language being nicknamed “The Language of Love”. From a business perspective, however, French is an important language, given the fact that there are more French speakers outside of France than the language’s country of origin. French is spoken in Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Cameroon, and the Ivory Coast, among others.

German

German isn’t one of the first languages that come to mind when someone wants to learn a foreign language, but there are quite a few advantages to learning it. There are over 100 million native German speakers throughout the world. It is often spoken in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Denmark, and Switzerland. One of the main merits of taking German classes is the fact that Germany is the strongest economy in the European Union.

A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Children How to Cook

You might find yourself getting a little paranoid at the thought of letting your child loose in the kitchen with all the knives, heat sources and complex gadgets; but cooking is a life skill that everyone should develop. The younger you get your child to start, the easier it will be to allow him or her to be more independent and confident in the kitchen as they get older. Here are five Es you can remember for getting your child to cook more safely and independently at home.

1. Exposure

Are you exposing your child to cooking and the kitchen enough? Some parents don’t have the time or the confidence to cook, resulting in a child who has never entered the kitchen or touched a kitchen knife. A good way to expose your child to the culinary scene is through reading simple or children’s cookbooks and watching cooking shows. If your child shows an interest in cooking or baking, enrolling him or her in a cooking workshop for kids, like the Study’s Kiddie Chefs Academy, may lead to your home having a little chef in the kitchen. Better yet, find a parent-child cooking class that both you and your child can enroll in to get both of you jump-started to cooking together.

2. Ease

Start with the kitchen basics and simple recipes. When you spend time with your child in the kitchen, try to relax. Many parents panic or freak out when they see their child holding a grater or stirring hot liquid over the stove. The more you panic and get upset, the less time your child will want to spend with you in the kitchen. Try to relax and teach your child the importance of hygiene and handwashing, the proper way to handle heat and sharp objects in the kitchen, and how to read and follow through a recipe. Showing trust and patience will allow for more confidence and patience in your child as well.

3. Enthusiasm

Make cooking at home a fun bonding moment between you and your child, or make it a weekend family affair. Start out with simple recipes such as breakfast eggs and pancakes or muffins and cookies. Face the kitchen with enthusiasm and a smile on your face and hopefully your child will catch on to that feeling too!

4. Encouragement

Encourage your child to be in the kitchen more often by making time to be there yourself. Instead of reprimanding your child for making a mess in the kitchen or having a misstep in the recipe, encourage him or her to try again or to be more careful next time. Words of encouragement will light a fire of determination and perseverance in your child to do better in the kitchen.

5. Exploration

Cooking is like a blank canvas and is also very subjective. There are no set rules to achieve the perfect recipe. Allow your child to explore and experiment, based on his sense of taste and his preferences. Make sure you are able to provide your child with the proper tools and ingredients that he or she needs to cook and bake, or be there to suggest substitutions and other ideas. A great way to allow your child to further explore his or her culinary skills is through cooking classes and summer workshops for kids.

7 Simple Ways You Can Better Prepare Yourself for Taking the SAT

The SAT is a standardized college entrance exam used by most colleges and universities in the United States. This gives colleges a good point of comparison when comparing students and deciding who to accept. Students around the world who dream of studying in top American universities often undergo test preparation a few years in advance of taking the SAT to help ensure they get a high enough score to get into their university of choice.

If you are interested in applying to a top university in the United States, you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re prepared for the SAT. Here are a few ways you can prepare yourself to get the best score you can:

1. Start Reviewing Early

Getting an early start to your review is definitely the best option. Cramming only increases your stress levels, making it more difficult to retain what you’ve studied. Ideally, you want to start reviewing anytime from a year up to four months in advance of when you plan to take the SAT.

2. Find an SAT Review Center in Manila

Similar to how many Filipino students enter review centers to prepare for the UPCAT, ACET, and DLSUCET, signing up for SAT review classes in centers like The Study are a good way to prepare for your upcoming exam.

3. Start a Study Group

If you have friends or cousins who are also planning to take the SAT, it’s a good idea to start a study group. Studying in a group is a fantastic study method since each member of the group can help cover areas where others are struggling. You may also want to look into hiring a private tutor for review classes as a group.

4. Buy or Borrow SAT Reference Books

There are many bookstores throughout Manila that sell review books and guides for the SAT. Take the time to browse these bookstores and buy a few as a reference for when you study on your own.

5. Practice with Free Online Mock SAT Exams

Many websites offer free mock SAT exams for students who plan to take the test. Take advantage of these and practice. After all, taking these tests is free! Try taking these free mock tests once a month to help you track your progress.

6. Take Notes on Your Mock Exam Performance

As you take the exam, make sure you take down notes on the test. Where did you struggle? Did something on the mock exam surprise you? Which parts took you the longest to complete? Taking note of these allows you to adjust your study schedule and helps you form effective test-taking strategies.

8. Get Enough Rest

In the days leading up to your exam date, make sure you get enough rest. A tired mind and body can lead to a fuzzy memory, making it difficult to recall what you’ve studied during the test itself. On the week of the exam, light reviews are encouraged. The day before the exam should be spent away from the books. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep as well!

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