Why Pre-Kindergarten? Why Tech in Pre-K?

Studies find that students who attend Pre-Kindergarten:

1. Are less likely to develop drug and alcohol problems.
2. Are more likely to graduate from college.
3. Earn an average of 50% more than those who didn't attend Pre-K.
4. Are more likely to own their own homes and have longer marriages.

Considering that many Pre-Kindergartners come to school accustomed to the fast-paced world of television and digital devices, use of appropriate apps and educational games available for digital devices will help with the transition to school and provide learning activities in a format understood by these students. Combining the use of software and traditional Pre-K learning activities is a good idea for today’s Pre-Kindergarten classes.

Kids Who Bully; Kids Who Abuse Substances

An Ohio State study asked over 74,000 students in middle and high schools in Franklin County, Ohio about bullying and substance abuse.  Researchers found that students who bully and those who are both bullies and victims are more likely to get involved with substance abuse such as drinking, smoking, and/or using marijuana.  According to lead author Kisha Radiff, “Our findings suggest that one deviant behavior may be related to another.” Although classroom teachers and principals have surely guessed that this true, they also realize that not all those who bully become substance abusers and not all substance abusers are bullies. It was estimated by the Ohio researchers that about 30 percent of Middle School students bully, while 23 percent bully in high school.  Substance abuse percentages were significantly higher among high school students.  Do the acts of bullying and substance abuse spring from the same needs within some students, and if so, why?