Month: February 2025

Private vs. Public School: What to Choose in Khmelnytsky?

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Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions for parents, as it is here that knowledge and values that will influence the child’s future are laid down. In addition to acquiring practical skills, the school years build character, independence, and self-confidence. Therefore, it is extremely important that a child learns where he or she is comfortable, interested, and useful.

Public and private schools have their pros and cons. Public schools follow a standardized program and are free of charge. Private schools offer an individual approach, modern methods, and smaller classes.

What to choose in Khmelnytskyi? Let’s think about it together.

The difference between private and public schools

The main difference between private and public schools is the approach to education. Public schools follow a standardized educational program approved by the Ministry of Education of Ukraine. It is the same for everyone, and opportunities for individual development are very limited.

Private schools, on the other hand, have more freedom. They adapt programs to the needs of children, use modern methods and pay more attention to practical skills. They are usually more extensive and include specialized subjects, especially in middle and high school, where students form an idea of their future profession.

One of the key advantages of a private school is its compact classes. As a rule, an average public-school class has about 30 students or more, while private schools have 10-15 students or less. This means that teachers in private schools can pay more attention to each child, help them learn the material better and develop their strengths.

Another important factor is foreign languages and STEAM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, art, math). In most public schools, foreign languages are taught as part of the basic curriculum, and there are almost no integrated courses in programming, design, or robotics.

If it is important that a child not only memorizes textbooks but also learns to apply knowledge in practice, a private school may be the best choice.

Does private education justify its costs?

For many parents, the main argument in favor of public school is that it is free. But is it really possible to study in a public institution at no cost at all?

In fact, even in a regular school, parents regularly pay for textbooks, extracurricular activities, charitable contributions, creative clubs, and tutors. As a result, the amount can be considerable, especially if you need to further develop your child in different directions.

At first glance, private schools may seem expensive, but they offer a comprehensive approach that significantly reduces the need for additional costs. Tuition fees at the private school “My Horizons”:

  • Elementary school (grades 1-4) – 10,000 UAH/month.
  • Middle and high school (grades 5-11) – 11,000 UAH/month.
  • Extended day care – 1500 UAH.
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – from 1000 to 2000 UAH per month.
  • Regular groups (18:00-19:00) – 1000 UAH.

If a family has two children, the second child receives a 20% discount. If a third child attends the school, he or she receives a 50% discount.

Why choose “My Horizons”?

We believe that every child is unique and deserves an education that will unlock their potential. At “My Horizons”, students grow up in an environment where their abilities are recognized and developed. We use modern methods, an individualized approach and hands-on learning that prepares children for real life. Your choice today is their opportunity tomorrow.

Preparing for School: What Programs Do Private Kindergartens Offer in Khmelnytskyi?

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Your child will soon start school, and you want this transition to be easy and comfortable for them? This is quite natural. First grade means a new rhythm, more independence, new demands, and sometimes stress. That is why quality preparation for school is essential.

But what does “preparation” really mean? Is it enough just to teach a child to read and count? Experience shows that it is not. The primary goal of a teacher is not just to “send” a child to school, but to make it interesting, easy, and comfortable for him or her.

Private kindergartens in Khmelnytskyi offer different approaches to preparation. At the My Horizons Lyceum, we have combined the best methods to ensure that children gain not just knowledge, but self-confidence and the ability to adapt to school life.

The basic component of preschool education

The basic component of preschool education is a state standard that defines what a child should know and be able to do before going to school. It covers the development of speech, logical thinking, social skills and motor skills. Children learn to express their thoughts, master the basics of mathematics, and learn the rules of communication and independence. Much attention is paid to physical development and coordination of movements.

Educational program “Child” (2-7 years old)

The “Child” program is a comprehensive approach to the development of preschool children. It is based on the basic component of preschool education and takes into account the peculiarities of children’s development at different stages. The educational program includes:

  1. Formation of basic knowledge in math, reading, writing and natural science.
  2. Development of speech, enrichment of vocabulary, preparation for writing letters and numbers.
  3. Physical development through outdoor games, sports and coordination activities.
  4. Communication skills, teamwork, and emotional intelligence development.

Methodological programs “FAVOR”

In preschool age, children not only learn about the world, but also learn to understand what kindness, respect, and care for others are. In My Horizons, much attention is paid to spiritual and moral education. FAVOR’s methodological programs help children learn important life principles through interesting stories, practical tasks, and real-life examples.

The Christ in Your Family program introduces children to basic spiritual values through fairy tales, conversations, and interactive activities. Kids learn about honesty, kindness and love for others in a clear and accessible way.

“Heavenly Father’s Wonderful Family” helps children realize the importance of family relationships. It teaches mutual assistance, respect for parents, brothers and sisters, and fosters the understanding that family means support and warmth.

The God’s Care program is aimed at developing gratitude, empathy and responsibility. Children learn to be attentive to others, notice goodness and respond to it with care.

Program “Spiritual and moral education based on Christian values”

Moral principles are formed from early childhood. It is during this period that a child learns to distinguish between good and evil, to respect others, to be responsible and grateful. We have an educational program called Spiritual and Moral Education of Preschool Children.

It introduces children to such values as kindness, honesty, compassion and mutual assistance. This happens through fairy tales, conversations, creative tasks and examples from everyday life.

Children who learn moral principles from an early age are more open, friendly and confident. This is not just preparing for school but laying the foundations for the harmonious development of the individual, which will become the foundation for adult life.

Psychological Rest for Teachers: How to Avoid Professional Burnout

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Teaching is one of the most emotionally draining professions of our time. Every day, teachers give a part of themselves, inspiring and teaching dozens of students. But who takes care of the teachers themselves? According to recent research, more than 70% of Ukrainian teachers experience symptoms of professional burnout, and this figure is growing every year.

Professional burnout: more than fatigue

Professional burnout is a syndrome of physical and emotional exhaustion that develops against a background of chronic stress. This is especially true for teachers due to the specifics of their work. The main causes are:

  • constant emotional stress when interacting with students and parents;
  • the need to perform many diverse tasks at the same time
  • high responsibility for the results of their work;
  • often insufficient support from the education system.

A crucial factor in the fight against professional burnout is the timely recognition of its symptoms. It is important to learn to notice its first signs, including:

  • constant fatigue that does not go away after normal rest;
  • loss of enthusiasm for work;
  • problems with sleep and appetite;
  • frequent headaches and general deterioration of health.

All of these signs signal the need for immediate changes in the teacher’s work schedule and lifestyle.

Effective strategies to overcome burnout

Today, there are many techniques to help overcome burnout. Some of them can be implemented independently, but there are also those that require specialist intervention. It is impossible to say that there is a “small” or “big” burnout. Any form of apathy to work can develop into more serious consequences, even depression, for example, if a person systematically does not see success in the profession and cannot be realized due to burnout. Any steps are important on the way to feeling better.

Rational time planning

Implementing a time management system is the first step to structuring your workflow. It is important to allocate time not only for preparing for lessons, but also for resting during the day.

Professional communication

Creating a supportive professional environment also plays a key role in overcoming burnout. Sharing experiences with colleagues and participating in professional communities allows you to find new solutions to difficult situations.

Personal development

Hobbies outside of work are no longer just a pleasant addition and are becoming a necessary element of burnout prevention. Any activity, from sports to art, helps restore emotional balance and find new sources of inspiration.

Health as a priority

Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet are the foundation of burnout prevention. Add mindfulness or meditation practices to the mix, and you’ll feel a significant improvement in your well-being.

Professional support

In some cases, it is necessary to seek professional help. Working with a psychologist will help you develop an individual strategy for overcoming stress and restoring emotional balance, which is especially important for those teachers who have significant difficulties in overcoming professional burnout on their own.

Conclusion

The teaching profession is one of the most important in society. However, in order to effectively teach others, you must first take care of your own well-being. Implementing simple but effective self-care practices will help you maintain professional effectiveness and personal satisfaction.

Taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a professional necessity. When a teacher is in a resourceful state, everyone wins: the teacher, the students, and the educational process as a whole. So investing time and attention in your own well-being is the best investment you can make in the future of your teaching career.

Tips for Teachers: How to Recover During the Holidays

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The long-awaited vacation is not just a break in the learning process, but a vital time to restore professional and personal resources. After months of intense work, constant attention to students, and an endless stream of tasks, teachers, like no other, need quality rest to regain energy and inspiration.

Recovery as a professional necessity

The fatigue that accumulates during the school year significantly affects the quality of teaching and the emotional state of the teacher. Studies show that an exhausted teacher not only performs less well in their professional duties, but also loses the ability to inspire students and create a positive classroom atmosphere. That is why quality vacation time is not a luxury but a professional necessity for every teacher.

The first days of the holidays should be devoted to complete relaxation, without planning or obligations. It is important to allow yourself to just be, without thinking about work and unfinished tasks. This time will help the brain and body to switch to recovery mode, to get rid of accumulated stress and tension.

Finding time for your favorite activities is the next important step in recovery. This can be reading fiction, drawing, music, or cooking — any activity that brings real pleasure and is not related to professional duties. Such activities help restore emotional balance and find new sources of inspiration.

Traveling as a source of renewal

A change of scenery has a powerful restorative effect on our psyche. Even a short trip can bring new experiences and perspectives. It can be either a long-distance journey or exploring interesting places in your own region. The main thing is to go beyond the familiar environment and allow yourself a new experience.

Physical and psychological recovery

Regular physical activity, such as morning yoga, cycling, or swimming, helps to restore not only the body but also the mind. A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and outdoor activities form the basis for full recovery.

Mindfulness and meditation practices can be an effective tool for a psychological reboot. Keeping a diary helps to structure thoughts and emotions, release accumulated stress, and develop a positive outlook on the future.

Smooth return to work

The approaching end of the holidays should not turn into a stressful period. Preparations for the new school year should be started gradually, setting aside some time each day, but without sacrificing rest. Updating teaching materials and planning the first lessons can be done at a comfortable pace, without rushing and excessive stress.

Progressive educational institutions understand the importance of supporting teachers during the vacation period. For example, the private lyceum My Horizons organizes group relaxation activities, creative workshops, and psychological trainings for its teachers. Such initiatives not only help to restore but also strengthen the team spirit of the teaching staff.

Your rest is your strength

Quality vacation time is an important investment in the professional growth of every teacher. A restored and energized teacher brings positive changes to school life that are felt by students, colleagues, and parents. Therefore, you should use this time to recover and reboot as efficiently as possible. Remember, your energy and inspiration is a key resource that makes the learning process interesting and inspires all participants.

Learning Through Play and Creativity: How to Combine Business with Fun in Kindergartens

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Natural curiosity and a thirst for learning about the world are unique qualities that every child is born with. For preschoolers, play is not just fun, but a natural way to explore the environment, understand complex concepts, and develop important life skills. And when creativity is added to play, children develop even better.

Play and creativity as a foundation for development

Modern research in the field of child psychology and pedagogy confirms that play and creativity are basic tools for the harmonious development of children. Play allows children not only to learn cognitive skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and memory, but also to develop social competencies, including cooperation, communication, and empathy. Through playful situations, children learn to find common ground with their peers, make decisions, and regulate their emotions, which is an important stage in the development of emotional intelligence.

Creative activities: drawing, music, dancing, dramatic games — open up endless possibilities for self-expression for children. Creative activities develop not only imagination and fantasy, but also motor skills, concentration, and the ability to think outside the box. It also helps a child build a unique view of the world, building confidence in their ideas and abilities.

The interaction of play and creativity creates a powerful platform for developing a love of learning. By integrating these approaches into the educational process, children perceive education not as a duty but as a natural and exciting way to learn about the world. For example, through creative projects in the format of a game, children can better learn abstract concepts such as math or science, turning complex material into understandable and interesting.

It’s important to note that play and creativity have another significant advantage: they create a space for experimentation without fear of making mistakes. This contributes to the development of resilience in children, which is critical in the modern world. Thus, play and creativity not only support learning, but also lay the foundation for a child’s successful future in various aspects of his or her life.

Innovative methods of teaching through play

A modern kindergarten is a space where learning happens naturally and naturally. Here are some effective methods of learning through play that are actively used in modern preschool education:

  • Interactive puzzles. Games that stimulate a child’s cognitive activity help develop logical thinking, analysis, and strategy. For example, constructors with tasks, math games, mazes and puzzles.
  • Team activities. Group games teach children to cooperate, achieve goals together, and resolve conflicts. Methods: relay races and sports games, group creative projects.
  • Simulation games. A special game format in which children “try on” different roles or model life situations. These games help to understand how social mechanisms work, develop empathy and adaptability.
  • Games with elements of creativity. Creative activities are integrated with the game to simultaneously develop imagination and practical skills.
  • Game technologies based on STEM. Educational games with elements of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are becoming popular due to their interactive approach.

The key task of the educator is to create an environment where every child feels safe and confident in their creative experiments. A properly organized space with different areas for creativity, construction and free play stimulates children’s natural curiosity. The use of a variety of materials — from traditional construction sets to natural materials – expands opportunities for creative expression.

The My Horizons kindergarten has created a unique program where every lesson turns into an exciting adventure. The teachers have developed a system of themed days when children explore different aspects of the world around them through play and creativity.

Sign up today and give your child an unforgettable childhood with vivid emotions and useful skills.

Public Speaking Course for Children: The First Step to Confidence

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The modern world places high demands on communication skills. The ability to speak confidently and persuasively in front of others is one of the key success factors. This skill is best developed from childhood, when basic character traits are formed — self-confidence and the ability to overcome fear Public speaking for children is the key to their future success, forming the basis for developing leadership skills and self-confidence.

What is public speaking?

Public speaking is much more than just the ability to speak in front of an audience. It is the ability to confidently structure your thoughts, find the right words to convince or interest the audience, and at the same time be able to connect with the audience emotionally.

For children, mastering public speaking opens up new horizons. They become more confident, get rid of their fear of public speaking, and feel comfortable in any communication situation. Learning public speaking helps them to better analyze information, develop critical thinking, and adapt to different social settings.

At the same time, public speaking not only teaches children how to speak, but also develops basic skills that will be important in the future. It is the foundation for leadership, effective communication, and successful interaction with people, regardless of the field of activity.

What do children learn in the course?

Public speaking helps children not only speak but also understand themselves and others. The course provides:

  1. Overcoming fears. Thanks to systematic exercises and the support of the coach, children gradually get rid of the excitement before performances.
  2. Development of emotional intelligence. Children learn to recognize the emotions of listeners, which helps to convey their thoughts more effectively.
  3. Creative thinking. Through improvisation and creative tasks, children become more creative and flexible.
  4. Clear structuring of the speech. They learn how to build a speech, use examples, jokes, and attention retention techniques.

Particular attention is paid to practice: children regularly speak in front of their peers, receive useful feedback and improve their skills.

How do the classes go?

Classes at the public speaking course are structured in such a way that each child feels comfortable and can gradually reach their potential. The focus is on practicality, support and the gradual development of new skills in a friendly atmosphere. Stages:

  • Getting to know each other and removing fears. The first lessons are dedicated to creating a comfortable environment. Coaches help children overcome their fear of public speaking through simple exercises on breathing, facial expressions, and voice.
  • Mastering speech techniques. At this stage, children learn to build a clear structure for their speech. They learn how to grab the audience’s attention with examples, jokes, and stories, making their speeches engaging.
  • Speech practice. Regular performances in front of a group help children feel confident on stage. Feedback from coaches and peers helps to improve skills and increase motivation.
  • Improvisation and creative tasks. Children perform quick reaction exercises and participate in language games, which develops their flexibility of thinking and creativity.

The course is designed so that each lesson inspires the child and shows them new opportunities for self-expression. Through practice, support, and creative approaches, children quickly master skills that become a solid foundation for their further development.

Why choose My Horizons School?

Private Lyceum “My Horizons” offers a unique program that takes into account the needs of each child. It creates a comfortable environment where students can feel confident and develop their creative and communication skills.

Main advantages:

  • individual approach;
  • experienced teachers who have skills not only in teaching but also in psychological support;
  • learning through play, practice and interactive techniques that encourage children to be active;
  • a convenient class schedule that easily fits into a student’s schedule.

“My Horizons helps children take the first step towards self-confidence and success in life.