Aspiring international students seeking admission to universities in the US face various financial challenges, especially when it comes to paying for tuition, room and board, and other expenses. Federal student loans, which are available to US citizens and permanent residents, are not accessible to international students. Private loans are an option, but they require a US citizen or permanent resident co-signer and a social security number.
International students can also explore education loans from banks in their home countries, but the loan amounts are usually limited. Need-blind universities, which offer financial aid to all students regardless of their nationality and residency, are a viable option. However, these universities are scarce and highly competitive. Need-aware universities, which consider financial need when making admissions decisions, may also offer financial aid to exceptional students, but it is not guaranteed and may not cover the full amount needed.
Top universities that are need-blind for international students are:
Harvard University
Yale University
Princeton University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Amherst College
Dartmouth College
To apply for financial aid, international students must create a College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile on The College Board website, which collects income and asset information and provides it to the universities where the student has requested aid. It is essential to be prepared to share all financial details when applying for financial aid through the CSS Profile.
In conclusion, international students seeking admission to universities in the US must research and understand the financial aid policies of the institutions they are interested in and explore all available options. The best option is to get into a need-blind university, but if that does not happen, affordable community colleges or personal loans may be considered. However, it is important to note that the financial burden can be significant, and students must be prepared to make difficult decisions.
Dubai is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, breathtaking skyline, and luxurious holiday destinations. However, the city also boasts a remarkable education system, reflecting its strong emphasis on research and innovation. High-quality education is a top priority in Dubai, where internationally recognized universities and colleges offer a wide range of degree programs. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) inspects and evaluates these institutions on various parameters, and schools failing to meet prescribed academic and extracurricular standards can face stern warnings or even closure. In 2022, 82% of international universities received a rating of four stars out of five from KHDA.
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, making it a diverse and inclusive environment for students to experience. The Dubai Knowledge Village is home to several international universities, including the UAE University, University of Wollongong Dubai, and Dublin Business School. With over 200 nationalities, Dubai is the most intercultural city in the UAE, allowing students to broaden their perspectives and develop skills for working in a globalized world.
Dubai’s thriving economy, ranked fifth-largest in the Middle East, offers diverse job opportunities in industries such as finance, tourism, and healthcare. The city is also a hub for business and commerce, providing networking opportunities for students to build professional contacts that can be valuable for future job prospects and career development.
Dubai’s proficiency in English, the language of business, provides a competitive advantage in the global job market. Furthermore, student-friendly areas such as Knowledge Village, Dubai Academic City, and Silicon Oasis offer affordable housing options that are safe and well-equipped with amenities.
In conclusion, Dubai’s commitment to education and career development makes it a city of unmatched educational potential. With its metropolitan charm, diverse options, and high levels of safety and security, Dubai continues to attract students from all over the world.
Question: I wish to come to the UAE to pursue higher education. Could you please take me through the visa duration/formalities? Also, can I bring my mother on any type of visa so that she can stay with me?
To study in the UAE, students must first secure admission to a university or educational institution. They then need to apply for a residency visa by providing documents such as an official admission letter, passport, medical fitness test report, Emirates ID application, biometrics, and health insurance. The visa will be issued by either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, depending on where you are applying.
Typically, student visas are valid for one year and can be renewed if the student continues their education. If a student is able to provide proof of their own accommodation, finances, and health insurance, they can sponsor their parents to come to the UAE.
For those with exceptional academic records, there is the option to apply for a 10-year Golden Visa. This visa requires a recommendation letter from the university, or a certificate showing a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.8. With the Golden Visa, students can sponsor their parents to come to the UAE as well.
For more information on obtaining a student visa or the Golden Visa, students can reach out to their intended university, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
Planning to study abroad in Europe but worried about the cost of tuition and living expenses? Some European countries offer free or discounted education for international students, with affordable living costs.
Germany remains the most popular choice for Indian students, with a total of 34,864 enrolled in 2022. The country abolished tuition fees in 2014, making higher education degrees free for both domestic and international students. The cost of living in Germany is estimated at €934 (approx. Rs 80,000) per month.
Russia is another affordable option, with 18,039 Indian students present in the country last year. The tuition fee ranges from €2,000 to €5,000 and the cost of living is around €750 (approx. Rs 66,000) per month. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and have the opportunity to stay in the country for 180 days after graduation to seek employment.
France is a popular choice among Indian students, with 10,003 enrolled in 2022. The cost of a bachelor’s degree is €2,770 (approx. Rs 2.5 lakh) and a master’s degree is approximately €3,770 (approx. Rs 2.5 lakh). The cost of living is estimated at €600 to €800 (varies based on individual lifestyle) per month, with international students able to work up to 964 hours per year during their studies and stay in the country for up to one year after graduation to search for employment.
Italy attracts 5,897 Indian students with its scenic beauty and food. The tuition fee for non-EU residents ranges from €500 to €5,000 and the cost of living is estimated at €700 (approx. Rs 60,000) per month. International students can work for 20 hours per week during their studies and have the opportunity to stay in the country for employment searches after completing a PhD or level 2 master’s program in Italy.
Poland, a popular destination among Indian medical students, had 5,000 students enrolled in 2022. The country offers courses at a range of €2,000 to €6,000 (approx. Rs 1.76- 5.30 lakh) and international students can work 20 hours per week during their studies and 40 hours per week during holidays. They can stay in the country for up to 9 months after graduation to seek employment, with the average cost of living estimated at €400 to €600 per month.
European Nations providing FREE education
Czech Republic: With a rich history and stunning architecture, the Czech Republic offers tuition-free education for degrees taught in Czech. However, for English or other foreign language taught degrees, the tuition fee can range from €0 to €18,500 per academic year. Living expenses can be up to €650 per month, but this can vary based on a student’s lifestyle and budgeting habits. To be eligible to work while studying, students must be enrolled in a degree program accredited by the Ministry of Education, and they can work for up to 30 days in a calendar year. After graduation, students can apply for a 9-month post-study residence permit to search for employment. The Czech Republic also has a significant Indian student population, with nearly 1500 students in the country as of 2022.
Finland: With a student population of 519 Indians, Finland offers affordable education, with free education for degrees taught in Finnish or Swedish. However, for non-EU students and those studying English-taught degrees, the tuition fee ranges from €4,000 to €18,000. To meet their cost of living, which can range from €700 to €1,300, international students can work up to 30 hours per week during their studies. After graduation, students are eligible for a two-year post-study work visa.
Iceland: With only 16 Indian students in 2022, Iceland offers a unique and affordable study destination, known for its natural beauty and minimal to free cost of education. The majority of the population is fluent in Icelandic and English, and most higher education courses are taught in English at universities. During their studies, international students can work up to 15 hours per week, and after graduation, they can apply for a six-month work visa to search for employment.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has outlined regulations for application fees and registration deposits for parents enrolling their children in schools. Schools are allowed to charge up to Dh500 as an application fee, which includes standard assessment fees and is non-refundable unless the school does not offer the student a place. The registration deposit, which must not exceed 10% of the total tuition fees, is deductible from the academic year’s tuition fees.
Re-registration deposits are deductible from the first term’s fees, and schools can only collect it after the winter or spring break, depending on the start of their academic year. Schools are also permitted to register new students at any time during the academic year, provided they have KHDA approval, and tuition fees can start from the month of enrolment.
Schools are only allowed to collect annual tuition fees in three instalments or 10 equated monthly instalments. The first term payment should not exceed 40% of the annual tuition fees, the second payment should not exceed 30%, and the third term should not exceed 30%. Schools are not allowed to ask for additional payments to guarantee student enrollment or re-enrollment, apart from the application fee, registration deposit, and re-registration deposit.
The Emirates Literature Foundation has compiled a list of books that are enjoyable for both children and adults. These books feature heartwarming messages, beautiful illustrations, and fun activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Additionally, the authors of these books will be appearing at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature from February 1-6, giving young fans the opportunity to meet them in person and get their books signed.
Escape Room by Christopher Edge
Escape Room is a thrilling book written by award-winning author Christopher Edge. The story follows Ami, who initially believes she is playing a game with puzzles to solve before time runs out, but soon discovers that she has been chosen to save the world. The book immerses readers in a variety of settings, including an ancient Mayan tomb, a dark library, a deserted shopping mall, and a spaceship heading to Mars. The challenges and dangers of The Escape are constant, with many twists, turns, and cliffhangers. The book is an exciting, fast-paced adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Ami and her friends on their quest to find the answer before it’s too late.
Crystal of Storms by Rhianna Pratchett, with art by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone
Crystal of Storms, written by Rhianna Pratchett, is a perfect choice for families looking for a fun and exciting activity this winter. The book is a combination of a superhero story and interactive games, making it an engaging and entertaining read. The book takes readers on a journey through the Ocean of Tempests, where they must conquer storms and defeat demonic monsters to achieve their mission. The action-packed illustrations by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone transport readers into a magical and mystical world.
Pratchett, who is a video game writer, has worked on popular franchises such as Tomb Raider, Overlord, and Mirror’s Edge. Her experience in the video game industry brings a unique and exciting aspect to the book. This book is perfect for adventure-loving kids and it will keep them engaged and enthralled with its discoveries.
Award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph is back again with a new book for nature lovers! The Blue-footed Booby is a shenanigans-filled picture book featuring boobies, a Pacific ocean seabird known for their colourful feet, that love to bake. The tale kicks off when a red-footed booby named Desmond bakes a frangipane that mysteriously goes missing. He goes in search of it with the other boobies and finds a suspect: a blue-footed booby!
This is a heartwarming tale that warns kids against jumping to conclusions. The vibrant illustrations and rhythmic stanzas make for an amazing read-aloud for kids at home.
A car ride through space becomes a journey back in time. This book starts with a road trip with a dad and his two children. Like most siblings, the two start to argue and fight as soon as the journey begins. As a solution, their dad suggests they take a little detour into space. Yes, you read that correctly: Space!
Throughout the book, author Oliver Jeffers links the time taken to travel to each planet with what was happening back on earth exactly that many years ago, an exploration of true historical events and the human conflicts that have taken place since the beginning of time. It’s a unique look at life on Earth with a cosmic perspective, and an enduring message that what binds us together matters more than what differentiates us.
Space Blasters by Katie and Kevin Tsang, with art by Amy Nguyen
If you can experience a TV show in real life, which one would you choose?
In Space Blasters, gadget-obsessed Suzie Wen loves inventing things and doing experiments, but they don’t always go as she plans. She tries to create a super 3DTV Gizmo but ends up as a character in her favourite TV show: Space Blasters!
On board, the spaceship with Captain Jane, Spaceman Jack and the alien with an attitude, Five-Eyed Frank, Suzie explores new planets and saves the moon from disappearing. Space Blasters teaches courage and friendship, and is packed with witty humour and inspiring messages for your adventurous ones at home.
Finding out the books which have most commercial success should be a more concrete endeavor. We can just look at the sales numbers and rank them for a current list. Unfortunately, this turns out to be quite a herculean task itself.
There is no central repository or current list for total sales numbers for books. Publishers may not share sales numbers for individual books, or their reported numbers may be inaccurate. It gets even more complicated when you consider that popular books often are released in multiple editions, sometimes by entirely different publishers. Older works that are in the public domain may be published simultaneously by several different companies. The fact is, any worldwide sales figures for a book more than a few years old are probably an educated guess at best.
Yet keeping these points, we have for you a list of 15 books which are always welcomed by the readers.
1: “Xinhua Zidian” – 567 million
It may not be too surprising to see a reference book at the top of this list of all-time best-selling books, but did you know “Xinhua Zidian,” a Chinese-language dictionary, is probably the best-selling one of the bunch? “Xinhua Zidian” was first published in 1953 and became the standard dictionary among Chinese schoolchildren. Its widespread use in the most populous nation in the world (1.4 billion people as of 2022) gives this book a unique place on our list.
2: “Don Quixote de la Mancha” – 500 million
Cervantes’ “Don Quixote de la Mancha” was originally published in two parts, in 1605 and 1615.
Miguel de Cervantes’ novel about a man who becomes so infatuated with tales of knights that he decides to become one is believed to serve as the foundation for modern novels.
3: “A Tale of Two Cities” – 200 million
First published in 1859, this novel by Charles Dickens, one of the most popular authors of all time, examines the class struggles that led to the French Revolution, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes the revolutionaries are worse than the establishment: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.”
4: “The Lord of the Rings” – 150 million
Bilbo Baggins’ epic journey across Middle Earth has drawn readers in all over the world since 1954 and made best sellers lists for years.
This high-stakes fantasy trilogy plays a big role on this list. “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien is believed to have established the modern fantasy genre, and it embodies a classic tale of good versus evil, and the lengths to which friends will go for each other.
5: “The Little Prince” – 140 million
“The Little Prince,” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is a charming novella about a lonely young prince who tours a variety of planets, including Earth, from his home on a tiny asteroid. The book’s thematic exploration of loss and connection has resonated with readers all over the world, making it one of the most enduring publications on this list. “The Little Prince” was originally published in both English and French in 1943, and has become beloved because of its lessons for all ages, despite being written for children.
6: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – 120 million
We learn Harry Potter is a wizard at the same time he does in this, our first introduction to him and the Harry Potter books. RAY_EXPLORES/FLICKR
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” is the first volume in perennial New York Times bestseller J.K. Rowling’s blockbuster series about young wizards living in a magical modern world of dark secrets, as the adventures begin in the Harry Potter series. The novel’s ability to immerse the reader in this introduction to Harry, who, on his 11th birthday, learns he is a wizard, has been enthralling readers ever since the book was first published in 1997.
7: “And Then There Were None” – 100 million
“And Then There Were None” is the best-selling book by British mystery legend Agatha Christie. The book, first printed in 1939, details the horrifying truth of a series of murders on an island in which each death coincides with a line from an old nursery rhyme, with the seemingly impossible crime explained in Christie’s ingenious epilogue.
8: “Dream of the Red Chamber” – 100 million
The Chinese novel “Dream of the Red Chamber” is a semi-autobiographical work that chronicles the rise and fall of a family during the Qing dynasty and was first published in 1791 by author Cao Xueqin. It’s considered one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature and has been finding success, with an entire field of literary study devoted to it.
9: “The Hobbit” – 100 million
“The Hobbit” is one of the all-time best-sellling books, written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
A prequel to the popular “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien was published in 1937. It marked the first time readers the world over learned about Bilbo Baggins, a member of the Hobbit race of diminutive humanlike people, who undertakes an epic journey to regain stolen treasure guarded by a fearsome dragon. Along the way, Baggins fishes a magical ring from a stream that brings its own set of benefits and dangers to the story, highlighting the complexity of trustworthiness and friendship.
10: “Think and Grow Rich” – 100 million
Author Napoleon Hill is sometimes considered the father of the self-help movement in the United States. He studied successful and wealthy people and then created a formula for achieving personal success. “Think and Grow Rich,” his most popular book, was released in 1937 during the Great Depression and has since sold at least 100 million copies, making it not only one of the best-selling books of all time, but one of the most widely read self-help books of all time.
11: “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” – 85 million
“The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis, published in 1950, is a classic example of a “magical doorway” story. C.S. Lewis published this religious-themed fantasy novel in 1950. Intended as a children’s book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is set during World War II and is a classic example of a “magical doorway” story, in which the adventures begin when a gate between the normal world and a magical one is discovered. This formula would, of course, be used to great success years later by J.K. Rowling.
12: “The Da Vinci Code” – 80 million
Dan Brown’s 2003 mystery novel, “The Da Vinci Code,” about a conspiracy hiding the horrifying truth of the dark secrets of the Catholic Church, was no doubt boosted in popularity when the Catholic Church decried it (and the inevitable film, starring Tom Hanks, which was released in 2006).
13: “The Alchemist” – 80 million
“The Alchemist,” Paulo Coelho’s mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy, comes in at No. 13 on our list. Written in Portuguese in 1986, and then translated into English in 1993, “The Alchemist” is touted as an allegorical masterpiece about a young shepherd who seeks his destiny in the desert.
14: “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” – 77 million
In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” a mysterious elf tells Harry to expect trouble during his second year at Hogwarts, and trouble he gets when the adventures begin in this bestselling book series.
The book was released in 1998, and uncovers more of the mysteries of the wizarding school Hogwarts, the further adventures of harry and his friends, and the series’ prevailing villain, Voldemort. In this book, the adventures begin when Potter receives a mysterious message that his life will be in danger if he returns to Hogwarts, but return he must. Hogwarts, and his friends there, are what keep Potter going as he endures seemingly endless drudgery with the Dursleys each summer.
15: “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” – 65 million
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” may have been the sixth book in the seven-book Harry Potter series, but it ranks as the third best-selling book in the series (all seven make this list). This book is notable for detailing the childhood of main villain Voldemort, and for an infamous death scene that shocked many fans with its dark turn of events. Not only has “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” sold millions of copies, it sold them incredibly quickly — 9 million copies sold within 24 hours of its release in 2005.
The best phones for kids give them freedom without putting them at risk. As school-age kids begin to spend more time away from home, engaged in extracurriculars and growing their social circles, parents might consider a cellular device for checking in. If you’re thinking ‘now’s the time’, here are a few recommendations, keeping parental controls and web safety in mind.
When you decide to introduce your child to a mobile phone, is up to you. According to the US-based non-profit Child Mind Institute, parent advocacy groups prefer to wait until the eighth grade, when teens are around 13 years old. Dr Ateeq Qureshi, senior consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Abu Dhabi, is of the same opinion.
“Usually one would say that children younger than secondary school age are too young to manage phone use responsibly and, generally, not in need of a phone. They don’t partake in any activities independently, hence they don’t need to communicate with their parents using a phone.
“Ultimately, the need is determined by parents, whether their child requires a communication tool. And, for older children, probably 13 or older (determined by the family), this could be for social communication needs,” explained Dr Qureshi.
Today, there are child-friendly phones with camera and texting capabilities that have zero access to social media apps, like the Gabb Phone. For children aged 10 and under, some mums and dads may opt for watch phones or tablets, instead.
Browse the selection below, from iPhone to elementary watch phones, to find a gadget that best fits your child’s lifestyle. We’ve featured Abdullah’s picks “approved by parents”, with options for budget buys. Shop with Prime to get free, next-day delivery on the device.
1. Best iPhone for Kids: Apple iPhone SE (128 GB)
Pros
Budget-friendly latest model
Family Sharing makes it easier to monitor more than one child
Set up age restrictions, and download and purchase approvals
Limit and review screen time from your device
5G cellular network
Cons
Family Sharing only works with an Apple ecosystem
Apple’s latest software upgrade, the iOS 16, offers parents its most advanced controls, yet. Your child can access all its new offerings without being bogged down by the high-performance features of, say, an iPhone 14. Keep it plain and simple with the third generation of iPhone SE, launched in 2022. Parents get to set up and manage parental controls via the Family Sharing group. This is especially beneficial if the family has an existing Apple ecosystem. Add age restrictions to your kid’s iPhone content in apps, books and TV shows, set up app limits, restrict communication, request download approvals and more. Another feature called Screen Time helps you encourage downtime – your child can always send a request for more screen time from their phone. If they’re trying to purchase in-game loot, turn on Ask to Buy in the group for approval from the family organiser. Besides parental control, expect fast loading times with the A15 Bionic chip and 5G cellular network. According to reviewers, the battery life is excellent.
2. Best Android for Kids: Samsung Galaxy A53, 5G
Pros
Family Link app tracks location, limits access and screen time
Parents don’t need an Android to monitor
Budget-friendly latest model
Eye protection from blue light
Two-day battery life
Cons
Charger has to be bought separately
Our expert’s pick, the Samsung Galaxy A53, is a decent mid-range Android smartphone for children. It boasts a bigger screen than the iPhone SE at 6.5 inches, and protects the eyes with a single tap to limit blue light. At this price, you’re getting a 5G-enabled handset, with four rear cameras peaking at 64MP, and a 32MP front camera. As for parental controls, Samsung encourages parents to download Google’s Family Link app on both devices, which will then help them monitor usage. Keep tabs on their screen time, limit access to certain apps and check in on their device’s location. The best part is that parents can run Family Link on their iPhone and still apply settings to their child’s Android phone.
3. Best Value Android Phone: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro + 5G
Pros
Supports Google’s Family Link app
Plays sound crafted by JBL
Large screen
Charges in 15 minutes
Works well for gaming
Cons
Camera is subpar
Another budget pick by Abdullah is Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 11 Pro+. This is a 5G-enabled Android device with a 6.67-inch display and capable performance speeds on the Snapdragon 695 chipset. It carries a 108MP triple camera setup, the quality of which is less impressive than expected, report reviewers. So, if this is a feature you can compromise on, the Note 11 Pro+ definitely fits the bill as a stylish economical handset. Its sound is crafted by the audio brand JBL to curate the perfect audio experience. Plus, the phone charges for the entire day in just 15 minutes. With 8GB RAM, 120Hz refresh rate and cooling technology, it can handle your child’s gaming sessions, too. Set up parental controls with Google’s Family Link app.
4. Best Rugged Phone on a Budget: Ulefone Armor X8, 4G
Pros
Safe from drops, dirt and water
Retains important features, like GPS and NFC
Waterproof cameras
Approved by parents in the reviews
Cons
Only 4GB of RAM
Ulefone Armor X8 is a 4G Android phone designed for those who work in damage-prone settings. Its invincible ruggedness protects the device from water, high-pressure jets, dirt and falls, making it perfect for teens with an active lifestyle. The 13MP and 5MP cameras are completely waterproof, too. Reviewers say that it can run your basic social apps, GPS and music – at this price point, though, speeds tad slower than flagship phones should be expected. Mums and dads in the reviews have picked the handset up for their teenage sons, since it can survive more than just a few drops.
5. Best Watch Phone: MyFirst Fone R1 , Black
Pros
Makes and receives audio and video calls
Carries Wi-Fi and 4G LTE support
SOS button sends a 30-second live recording of surrounding sounds
GPS tracking with geo-fencing
Cons
Video calls might not be possible in the UAE
If your child isn’t quite ready for a mobile device, try a watch phone instead. MyFirst Fone R1 is a waterproof GPS watch that doubles as a communication device, with SIM card support. It has built-in location services to help you track your little one in real-time, and if they’re lost, they can get in touch with you via the SOS button. With a compatible SIM, you can ring your child remotely, or use the Wi-Fi to check in on their study sessions through a video call at home. Parents in the reviews have purchased this for their kids as young as second graders, to watch over them as they take the bus and head to school. They report back clear audio calls, decent tracking and SMS feature.
A report by WHO found that even before the lockdown, 4 out of 5 teens were not registering enough exercise and physical activity, with the most alarming rates observed in Asian countries, including India and Korea.
It’s important to know that staying fit and active is important for the younger ones too staying at home. Guidelines suggest that kids who start exercising since a young age are at a lesser risk for developing Type-2 diabetes, Cancer, maintain weight, strengthen bones and the brains as well as ward off the risk for developing other lifestyle diseases. It is crucial that children spend a minim of 30-45 minutes each day indulging in any kind of physical activity.
Even though the little ones don’t need to engage in physically strenuous exercises or follow fancy online workouts, here are five such playful exercises kids can do sitting at home without having to move out.
1. Squats
While squats are a must-do exercise for any adult, the benefits extend to children as well. Regular practice of squats can build strength, endurance, help them stay in shape and you will be surprised to know how easily kids can do this. If you want to make it a little simpler for them, use a stool but encourage them to let their body touch the surface and quickly stand up.
2. Skipping rope exercise
If you have a skipping rope at home, there’s no better workout for the kids (as well as the adults) to do than this. It is a simple tool to work out the entire body, get the heart rate up and improve coordination and balance. Not to forget, it’s super fun and engaging for the little ones.
3. Crab walk
One of the easiest and the most exercises to do, this simply requires a child to sit with their hands backwards, legs in the front and crawl through like a crab. While it might look funny, a crab walk helps a growing child develop core muscles and strength in the legs and the arms.
4. Jumping jacks
Jumping jacks are a fun way of teaching your children agility and multidirectional movement at an early age. It is ideal for kids over the age of 6.
Get them to stand upright, arms on the sides. Tell them to bend slightly and jump and slowly, spread the legs apart and extend the arms over the head. Post this, get back to the start position and repeat.
5. Cat-cow stretch
Mastering the cat-cow stretch is a fun yogic move for all age groups and an extremely beneficial one. In fact, getting your kids to start doing yoga at a young age can improve strength, coordination and promote calmness. This yoga posture enhances mobility and strengthens core back muscles, which is essential during the development stage.
Paper bags are widely used for carrying gift items, dresses and others. These could be simple or decorated and vary in sizes. Infact, plastic bags are now replaced by paper bags. If you are a creative person and passionate of art of paper folding or origami, then you are the right person to make it within few minutes!
Material Required
Papers used for the purpose could be newspapers, coloured papers and so on. You can use paper according to your own choice. Besides, you need a scissor, scale, pencil, glue, colours, ribbons, and other decorative items as per requirement.
10 Steps to make a Paper Bag
Place the cut out paper in front on a flat surface.
The paper should be placed in landscape orientation or long sides up and down; short sides to the left and right. Decorated papers should be faced down.
Then the bottom edge of the paper should be folded (2inches).
The fold should be creased sharply. This end would become the bottom of the bag when unfolded.
The next step is to locate the centre points of the top and bottom edges. Here, you must maintain the landscape orientation. Bring the short sides together as though you were folding the whole thing in half. You pinch the top and bottom of the portion to be folded and mark the centre of each long side with a pencil. Then mark a half inch to the left and right of each centre point. In total there should be six points of which three lies in the centre of one long edge and rest on the other.
Now fold the sides of the bag into place. You must bring the right edge of the paper to the left – most marked lines and then fold. Crease the fold and unfold it. Repeat the process inversely on the opposite side. You flip the paper over and re-fold its left and right sides downward towards the centre. Glue them at the place where they overlap. Then you fold along the same lines as before (but note that the folds will be inverted. Let the glue dry completely.
Then you flip the bag over .The glued side should be down. It should be placed in such way so that one of the open ends points toward you.
You fold the side and creases inward to give an accordion effect. Make the sides so that it becomes a rectangle when it opens up. Then mark 1.5 inches inwards from the left- hand side of the bag. You push the left side crease of the bag inwards towards the interior of the bag. Do this until the left hand mark made previously sits on the outer edge where the paper is bending. First you press and fold the paper downwards so that the mark lines up with the new folded edge. Keep the top and bottom edges symmetrical at the time of pressing the paper down. Repeat the process on the right hand side. Then the body of the bag should be folded inwards on either side like a grocery shopping bag.
Now you make the bottom of the bag. First determine which end is the bottom by looking at the crease lines and keep the bag flattened. You fold the bag up (4 inches) from the bottom and crease it along this line. You must see that the inward flaring creases should pop open and forms a square edge. Inside, you will find a triangle of folded paper on either side. You fold few sides to the centre by using triangular shape. Bottom should be closed off properly.
