EastwoodJAC Blog's

  Helping Children Discover and Nurture Their Passions Supporting children as they discover what excites and inspires them is one of the most rewarding roles we can play. When a child connects with something meaningful, it can deepen their motivation, boost resilience, and offer a sense of direction. So how do we guide children towards discovering what truly excites them? And once that spark appears, how do we help it grow into something lasting and meaningful? Rather than rushing the process, the best method is to focus on creating the right conditions for passions to emerge and grow. Passion is Grown, Not Given The idea that children are born knowing what they love is a common misconception. In reality, passion tends to evolve through exposure to varied experiences that spark curiosity and feel personally relevant. Research into interest development shows that when children are supported to engage deeply and meaningfully, initial sparks of curiosity can mature into lasting intere...

  Switching on the Spark: How to Help Children Enjoy Learning Learning is a natural and essential part of growing up. From the earliest years, children are filled with curiosity. They are eager to explore, question, and discover how the world works. However, this innate desire to learn can fade over time, particularly within rigid educational systems that prioritise standardised assessments over meaningful engagement. What begins as wonder turns into worksheets. Questions turn into quotas. Learning becomes something to get through, rather than something to look forward to. Supporting children to enjoy learning isn’t just a lofty ambition. It’s a powerful way to build a foundation for both academic growth and lifelong wellbeing. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, research and experience show us that with the right strategies, we can help children reconnect with the joy of learning. We can reignite their spark. Understanding Motivation: The Heart of Meaningful Learning Moti...

  Your Child Studies Hard but Forgets: 3 Science-Backed Memory Techniques That Actually Stick Did you know your child might forget up to 80% of what they've studied within just one week—yet effortlessly recite dialogue from their favourite Marvel film? It's puzzling, frustrating, and surprisingly common. But it’s not due to a lack of intelligence or effort—it's simply a matter of using the right study methods. Understanding how quickly forgetting happens can help you fight back effectively. Here are three science-backed methods to help your child retain information long-term. Why Your Child Keeps Forgetting (and How to Fix It) Traditional methods like re-reading notes or cramming may seem logical but often result in disappointing outcomes. Here’s how you can significantly boost your child's retention: Three Proven Memory Techniques (and Why They Work) 1. Spaced Practice: Frequent, Short Reviews Spaced practice means reviewing information briefly but consistently over d...

  Foundational Skills & Mindset: Teaching Times Tables Effectively (Rote Learning) From Repetition to Retention: Making Times Tables Meaningful As educators, we understand that mathematics is more than just numbers—it’s a crucial life skill that empowers children to navigate the world with confidence. At the heart of mathematical fluency lies multiplication, a fundamental building block that supports understanding in division, fractions, and algebra. Yet, many children find learning their times tables frustrating, often struggling with memorisation that feels tedious or overwhelming. As a parent or caregiver, you might wonder how to best support your child’s learning journey at home. The great news? Mastering times tables doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right strategies, learning multiplication can be engaging, rewarding, and even fun! By integrating hands-on activities, real-world applications, and brain-friendly learning techniques, children can develop both fluency and ...