GR8TR Today Magazine

Living a GR8TR Life Every Day

House & Home

8 Easy Tips To Prevent Gnats and Fruit Flies in the Home

Fruit Flies are a very common occurrence during the fall, spring, and summer months. They can multiply easily, and depending on what kind of bugs you have in your kitchen, some of them can reproduce quickly and can carry bacteria into the home. Your kitchen can be spotless, yet you will find fruit flies by the fruit bowl, sugary spots on the table, countertop, thrash can, or recycle bin. Regardless of where you find fruit flies, there are steps to take to stop them from multiplying and becoming a nuisance.

  1. Clean sugar spills on the counter and kitchen table as they occur. Make sure the sugar bowl is firmly closed, and sugary treats are put away in closed lid containers.
  2. Empty the recycle bin and trash can daily and make sure they are clean before bringing them back to the kitchen.  All spills from the bottom of the bins have to be clean with soap and water to get rid of the sugary smell and stickiness from the bottom of the containers.
  3. Refrigerate your fruits placed in the fruit bowl. Bananas attract fruit flies to the bowl and can multiply quickly if you keep leaving them there.  Once the bananas are yellow, put them in the refrigerator and take them out as needed. The less fruit you have outside the refrigerator the better to keep fruit flies at a minimum.
  4. Pour hot water into the drains.  It is not only recommended for the kitchen sinks but bathroom and shower drain as well.  A gallon of hot water poured into the kitchen, bathroom, and shower sink should be enough to kill the fruit flies’ eggs and clear any soap build-up. You can add more hot water if you think it is necessary. Also, you can use a solution of 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 cup of baking soda to get rid of any blockage you have in the drains.  This will also allow you to have cleaner drains and fewer fruit flies in the kitchen.
  5. Clean your kitchen sink.  Make sure your kitchen sink stays clean overnight.  Snack dishes or ice cream bowls used after dinner should be rinsed and put in the dishwasher.  Dishes with a sugary smell left overnight will most certainly bring ants, fruit flies, and gnats to your kitchen.
  6. Do not store potatoes, onions, or any other root vegetable in bins in warm places where they can rot quickly. Make sure you sort all vegetables and wash them before storing them.  Make sure any vegetable with a brown or discolored spot is used quickly before it rots and contaminates all the other vegetables. Do not replenish the bins with new vegetables before taking inventory of the old ones.  Do not mix new and old ones.
  7. Gnats can be found in potted plants all year round.  Make sure you do not overwater your plants.  Potting soil that is too wet is a perfect environment for gnats. Also, make sure roots that are rotting or decaying are put in the trash can outside the home right away.
  8. Dirty glasses or dishes in your child’s bedroom can also be the reason you have flies or fruit flies in the home.  Checking your child’s bedroom for wrappers or dirty dishes might be a starting point to get rid of fruit flies.

Every year there is a season when it seems impossible to get rid of the flies, gnats, or fruit flies in the home.  By following these 8 easy tips you can have a cleaner and insect-free home all year round.

Get Your Car Ready For Winter

When was the last time you kept track of your car care schedule? Do you remember when you took your car for a full inspection?

Time is money as the old adage goes, and when it comes to the care of our car, time and money are too precious to waste.  That’s why, taking care of your car and doing preventive maintenance or even regular scheduled oil changes can keep your car running well, prevent costly repairs and keeps your car dependable for many years.

Before Winter arrives, here is a list to check to see if you have a car that is ready to see you through the Winter.

  1. Oil change
  2. Transmission flush and fill
  3. Check tires and wheel alignment
  4. Replace wiper blades
  5. Check  brakes and battery
  6. Check your lights – weekly if you can
  7. The Heating and air conditioning of your car
  8. Check the antifreeze fluid
  9. Belts and hoses
  10. Annual tune-up

There are many places in Columbus where you can have your car serviced.  But, do you know which ones have a good rating? By checking the Better Business Bureau’s website (BBB), you can check to see if the place you are planning to take your car for a checkup has a good rating. Remember that not even the Better Business Bureau guarantees you will have a nice experience, but it is a good place to start. Asking your friends and family for their favorite place to take their own car is the best bet, and you can probably avoid some headaches.

Now that you have taken your car to be serviced, and want to keep your car running smoothly for the foreseeable future, keeping a reminder of their service schedule can be a very practical thing to do.

At carcare.org, you can build a service schedule for your car by entering your car’s make and model.  Then, they send you a schedule service reminder to your email when the time is approaching to have your car serviced. Is it convenient? You bet. It is easy to do and an easy way for you to then call your favorite car care place and schedule an appointment without forgetting.

3 Home Repairs You Must Do Right Away

If you are the proud owner of a home and have been living there for many years, you are probably accustomed to the daily noises that are particular to your home. It is understandable

you are used to those noises and pay no particular attention to them because you hear them every day.  But, keep in mind that some noises can be an indication of more serious problems in the home. Therefore, it is important for you to take action to avoid costly repairs. Here are three home repairs you must do right away before they become a serious problem.

Drain pipes

If you notice the kitchen sink is not emptying as quickly as before, or you hear gurgling noises when you use the sink or run the dishwasher, you probably have a clogged kitchen pipe.  Any gurgling noises you have in any sink or bathtub means your pipes have a blockage that will eventually stop the drainage in those places. Calling a plumber before you have an emergency it’s the only solution for this problem. Furthermore, in less than an hour, a plumber will unblock any problem you have and will clear the way for the drainage to continue flawlessly.  If you wait and let the problem continue, or have an emergency, you will pay extra for any plumber to come and fix the problem.  It is better by far to be proactive and get a solution to the problem as soon as you notice there is something wrong.

Clogged Gutters

In the Northeast Ohio area, the fall season is full of chores every homeowner must do to prepare their home for winter.  Clean gutters are one of those chores that if you forget to do or choose to ignore to do it, can become expensive later on. After the leaves have fallen and before the cold weather sets in, cleaning the gutters should take precedent over many other chores.  Clogged gutters mean the rainfall and melted snow will pool around the foundation of the home and eventually seeped into the basement. If the gutters are clogged, you will hear the puddles forming around the foundation during a heavy storm. The damage might not be evident right away, but the damage is there and can become an expensive fix to do.  If and when the gutters are clean, every homeowner should make sure the spouting is firmly in place and they are not damaged.  If the spouting is damaged, it can easily be replaced at very little cost.

Leaky Roofs

A leak on the roof might not be too costly to repair if it’s small and it’s done quickly.  A roof with a leak that is not fixed quickly is bound to be expensive to fix.  If your roof is old and needs to be replaced, it is better to do it right away.  As homeowners, we tend to postpone home repairs because we cannot afford them at that particular moment, and it is very unwise to do so.  Postponing fixing a leaky roof is financially irresponsible and will be more expensive in the long run.  Call at least three companies and ask for a quote and references.  You can Google them before you call to find out what customers are saying about the company.  Look for good and bad reviews about them, and when calling them, ask a question that is particular to your problem.

There are many home repairs that are very expensive to do if they are ignored. And many homeowners believe they cannot repair them right away unless those repairs are absolutely necessary.  On the other hand, fixing roofs, gutters, spouting, and pipes in the home before it is an emergency, can save you money, and many headaches in the future as well.  It is imperative you do not postpone any of these repairs for the future.  You, without professional advice, can distinguish between a problem you can fix or one that requires professional help.

Shopping Around – The New Norm

Shopping around for items is normal, but many people are moving towards shopping for items and services that used to not be questioned.  Prices can be very different from one place to another depending on the vendor. And things that used to be a monopoly have a high degree of competition now.  This week I saw a friend on Facebook complain about a new medication he needed be $500 a month and not covered by insurance.  Within an hour he had people telling him how to get it for $60 and places he could maybe get it free (from manufacturer) and how to do it.

Facebook and other social media channels are helping people collaborate and share information to find better deals on things.  But are you looking for better deals when it comes to some of these things?

  1. Utilities – By shopping for utility providers, you can reduce your rate significantly.  Put when your contract is up on your calendar and reshop for it once it expires or your rate will go up and not one will notify you.
  2. Medical – The exact same procedure can be radically different from place to place.  Some people even find it cheaper to go to another country and have a medical vacation versus just taking the first offer on a medical procedure.  (Please do not shop around if it is an emergency though!)
  3. Auto Repairs – If you are one of those people still going to the dealer, you are paying too much for some things.  I do like the dealer for maintenance but not for big jobs unless it requires a specialist.  That said, this is one area asking around is very important.  Just taking the cheapest person to fix your car can be a nightmare.
  4. Prescriptions – Not only does the place matter, but there are programs that will give you a discount at your pharmacy.  Check out online programs but be careful what information you are sharing.
  5. Cars – Sure we all shop around for cars already, but did you know if you know what you are looking for and you start calling dealerships (especially if you are a little flexible) you can get a great deal without ever setting foot on the lot (until you buy)?
  6. Entertainment – I cannot even say “TV” or “Cable” anymore because there are so many options for entertainment.  Do you just watch movies and tv shows?  You probably only need a streaming service.  The trick here is to know what you can’t live without and then shop around for the entertainment necessities and cut out the unused stuff.
  7. Insurance – If you got the best price on insurance more than a year ago, why have you not shopped it around again?  For example, we got a great deal on insurance a year ago and this year they raised the price about  for no reason.  Clearly the first year was a discount to get the business and they hope people will not move after year one and the price increase.  Time to start calling around.

I wish it was not such a hassle.  It is an unfortunate byproduct of our hyper capitalistic economy that businesses are always using gimmicks, specials and tricks to squeeze more money out of you.  You can either accept the games and pay more or you can manage your buying and pay less.  The choice is yours.

Winterize Your Home Before Fall

When Winter season is approaching, many people opt to leave their homes and visit other cities where it is warmer. If you are planning to vacate your home this winter, it is important you make preparations in the right way. The arrangements done should help you secure your property from theft and destruction. Preparations are easy and less costly. Various ideas are used in securing the house and all assets which are vulnerable to the falls. Here are useful tips that could help keep your home a better place to come back after the winter season is over.

Be proactive about your home sewage and plumbing

Heavy downfall is experienced during the winter season. Secure the pipes which are exposed on your compound. Alternating changes of temperatures could affect these pipes causing them to burst up. If you have a swimming pool or any other water spigots that are within your compound, consider cutting off water supply. On the last days, ensure sprinklers are dried of excess moisture using compressed air. Facilities like air conditioners must also be covered to keep off moisture from affecting the equipment.

Trim huge trees near the house

The weather experienced in winter is very harsh. There are frequent thunderstorms and winds. If there are trees that are positioned next to your house, this could pose a huge threat to your home. Accumulation of ice on branches causes them to break off. Hire tree companies that specialize in trimming and felling of trees professionally. They will help in trimming this vegetation thus reducing the risk of falling on your roof. Apart from trimming, cleaning of branches and leaves that have fallen is done.

Enclose the chimney

If your house has a fire point, ensure cleaning is done days before the winter comes. The chimney should be washed using chemicals that reduce acidic reactions on the surface. When cleaning is finished, chimney caps should be installed on top. The advantage of covering the top opening is to reduce any snow that falls into your fireplace. Corrosion is reduced, and your house stays in good condition during the period.

Decluttering Your Home

A common expression is that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  It is safe to say that the opposite is true as well.  Have you seen when someone leaves a home and leaves many of their belongings in it?  Or how about going to a tag sale and seeing all the knickknacks which are on sale for a buck?  We should turn that expression around and say “One man’s treasure is many people’s trash.”

Unless you are very disciplined, you most likely have a lot of stuff in your home that you do not use.  The longer you have been there the worse it has no doubt gotten.

Decluttering your home will make it more enjoyable.  When you go on vacation one of the nicest elements is the lack of clutter in a nice, spacious hotel.

Decluttering will save you money.  You can sell valuable things on ebay or amazon and you can just throw away a lot of stuff.  This will save you money because the more you throw away, the more thoughtful you are before you buy new things.

Decluttering will help you stay more organized.  By only keeping things you really need and keeping things picked up and put away, your life will be simpler and more organized.

Decluttering will make it easier to sell your home or move.  The less you have the more show-ready your home is if you decide to put it on the market.  Everyone knows the more cluttered a house is the less desirable it is to potential buyers.  By keeping it decluttered, you can be ready to move without months of cleaning.

Tips for Decluttering your Home

  1. If you have not used something for more than a year, either put it up for sale or throw it away.
  2. Keep a minimal amount of holiday / seasonal items for decorating.  Only keep what you enjoy the most.  This stuff has a habit of building up.
  3. Take care of papers, mail and deliveries right away.  Do not let stacks grow.  Whenever possible, store documents electronically and dispose of papers quickly.
  4. Know where your local recycling center is and have older documents you no longer need shredded.  This is often free if you know where to go.
  5. Don’t assign emotions to items.  Unless something truly gives you joy see it for the item it is and get rid of it if you do not need it.
  6. Don’t keep clothes you do not wear.  Donating them can give you a tax break while helping someone out.

This is a big start to living a fresher, cleaner and more clutter-free life.  Enjoy the empty space.

 

 

How To Prepare Your Garden In The Fall for Next Spring

As the summer months wean, and the fall and winter months approach, it is time for the gardener to prepare for next year’s bountiful and colorful vegetable and flower gardens. While the temperatures are still mild, there are different chores every gardener must do to prepare themselves for next year’s spring gardening.  From cleaning, storing, and oiling tools to getting ready the soil, many gardeners view the fall as a preparation time for their spring gardening. Here are 8 gardening tips to follow to have a beautiful garden without the backbreaking chores that come in the spring.

  1. Clean the leaves, dead branches, or plants from your garden.  Gardening during the springtime will be less time-consuming and strenuous if you get rid of unwanted plants in the fall.
  2. Trim the bushes and small trees.
  3. Plant bulbs during October for a colorful spring garden. From daffodils, tulips, and crocuses, to Asiatic Lily Blacklist and Dutch Iris Sapphire Beauty, your garden will surely be a beauty to see.  Check the planting periods recommended for the bulbs you buy or want to plant.
  4. Do you want lush grass on your lawn next spring? You need to fertilize and aerate your lawn in the fall, and plant grass seed to obtain great results. Buying a lawn aerator to accomplish this task should not be too expensive, or difficult to accomplish.
  5. Getting your flower pots ready for next spring means you need to clean them and stored them for the winter. The terra cotta pots might break if you leave out in cold climates. For that reason, it is better to store them in your shed in crates or stack them carefully on a shelf.
  6. Bring delicate plants inside to keep them from dying during the winter months. Your lemon tree needs to be inside before the first frost to survive. Any other delicate plants need to have a cool temperature to make it through the winter months.
  7. Store your garden tools in the shed.  Make sure they do not get wet and are safe from the elements.  Your garden hose needs to be stored away as well. Empty your lawnmower from gasoline. You need fresh gasoline next spring for it to start without trouble.
  8. Stored your patio furniture or cover them till spring. A heavy-duty polyester covering can protect your garden furniture from the elements and keep them ready for spring.

Protecting your garden furniture, plants, garden tools, and plants from the winter will make the time you spend gardening more enjoyable in the spring.  If you clean your flower beds, leaves, brush, or dead plants from the garden, you will have more time planning the vegetable garden or design the flower garden you always wanted. Because gardening can be a wonderful hobby and an enjoyable activity, preparation is key to having a wonderful time gardening during the spring.  Fertilizing your front and back yard during the fall might not seem important, but it is if you want to have a beautiful lush lawn during the year. Your local nursery is always a good source of advice if you have a specific question about a plant, tree, or fertilizer.  Moreover, a visit to your local nursery might inspire you to try a new plant or shrub.

8 Big-Ticket Home Items To Do Right Now

Right now it is the perfect time to do those home renovation projects you were unable to do because of the high cost of materials and labor involved. With interest rates at a historic low, now is the perfect time to borrow the cash you need to take care of those big-ticket items in and around the home. If you are thinking about borrowing cash from a bank, there are some banks right now offering rates as low as 2.49% for a personal loan. You know it depends on good credit history, and the amount you want to borrow, but the rates are nothing to frown upon right now.

Investing in your home is smart and the return on investment will be recovered if you plan ahead and invest in the right project.  Fixing big home ticket items tends to be postponed because of the investment of time and money required to accomplish them. Now that you can borrow at low rates, the time issue is the only problem for you. Here 8 big-ticket items you must fix or replace right now.

  1. Roofs: The extreme weather conditions in Northeast Ohio, make the life span of roofs between 20-25 years.  Leaky or wet roofs cost more to replace, that’s why it is important to do it in a timely manner.  Up until recently, there was one option for roofs if you need them replaced.  Now, you have options and money savings if you plan ahead.
  2. Basement Waterproofing: The life expectancy is 10+ Years. Like the roofs in homes, the basement waterproofing system in the home does not last forever.  The sealant applied during construction can stop working allowing water to seep into the basement of the home and damage the basement flooring and the foundation’s integrity.  The time the basement waterproofing lasts depends on the system and the type of sealants and workmanship they used during the construction of the home.
  3. HVAC System: The life expectancy of any system depends on how heavily it is used. For an HVAC system, the life span is about 15-20 years.  Some parts will go bad before then, and you need to replace them. Plus, you need to have yearly maintenance to the HVAC system so it can work properly. But, with the increase and dangerous temperatures we are experiencing globally, an HVAC system seems to be a necessity for every homeowner.
  4. Hot Water Heater:  Although a water heater is not as expensive as fixing the roof, or the basement waterproofing of the home, it is important as well.  A water heater can last up to 12 years or more.  You need to make sure it is working properly every year, or you will find a flooded basement when it finally stops working.
  5. Window Replacement: The home’s original windows will not last forever. The life expectancy can be up to 30 years but can be replaced before that if you have issues. If you notice places where heat and cool air are escaping, you might need to replace them right away.  You can caulk around the windows if you think that’s the problem, but if the windows are more than 20 years old, replacing them might be the only option you have.
  6. Home appliances: The most reasonable lifespan for many appliances is around 15 years, but it varies considerably.  The refrigerator might last less because of the many electronics and other components it has than the stovetop. And, the dishwasher can last you up to 10 years maximum.  There are different brand names for washers and dryers that can last you more than 20 years, but that’s the exception right now.
  7. Redoing Your Kitchen:  If you are replacing your appliances because they stopped working, you might want to consider updating your kitchen as a whole.  A kitchen counter, cabinets, and backsplash can last you more than 30 years. But, the age, wear, and tear can clearly show in an old kitchen and make the home look old and outdated.
  8. Floors: Carpets can have a lifespan of 15 years, but they should be replaced when it shows the wear and tear in any high traffic areas. On the other hand, linoleum, hardwood floors, and laminate flooring can last more than 15 years if that’s your preference. Plus, having hardwood flooring or laminated flooring keeps many allergens from staying on/under the carpet.

Right now, borrowing money with these low rates is a good incentive to fix your home and replace your home appliances. But regardless of such incentive, there are many situations when home projects cannot wait any longer. Roofs, basement waterproofing, and a water heater are examples of home projects you have to do when you need them regardless of the interest rate at that moment.  But, you can always plan ahead and replace or fix anything right now that you might need to replace in the next couple of years.

8 Tips to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy and Healthy

Are you wondering if you have a happy cat? Happy cats are easygoing and rarely do they scratch sofas, draperies, or bed linings. They rarely “misbehave” and are usually eager to find companionship with the pet owner. If they are happy, they seem to have more energy and are more active during the day.  Assuming you have an indoor cat and want to keep them healthy, here are 8 tips for you. These tips will help you keep your cat from getting bored and help you keep them healthy.

Cat Care Tips #1 – Choose the Right Cat

Although adopting a kitten might seem easier than bringing in a stray cat, it can be difficult. Cats are just like people. It is important to choose the right type of cat to be your pet. Are you looking for an energetic kitten to adopt? Would you prefer a senior cat who isn’t as active? Would you be willing to adopt an older cat who has grown accustomed to being on the streets? A senior cat might be better than a kitten depending on the circumstances. Older cats are less likely to damage or climb on things in the house. They are calmer and do not need the constant attention kittens usually need. If you choose a cat with FIV (feline immunodeficiency viruses) and FeLV (feline lymphoma virus) you must remember to keep them indoors. However, this doesn’t mean that they are all suited to living in your home. Spend some time with your cat before you bring it home.

Cat CareTip #2: Neuter or Spay Your Cat to Improve their Behavior

Spaying or neutering your cat is a great way to help prevent hormone-related behavior. This will prevent your cat’s search for a mate and from destroying your furniture. Also, spaying or neutering your pet will reduce their risk of developing reproductive diseases. But most importantly, it will prevent unwanted litters of kittens and help reduce the cat population.

Cat Care Tip #3: Fresh Water and Diet

Following your vet’s recommended diet for your cat should be enough to have a healthy cat.  Indoor cats do not get enough exercise and tend to be bigger than outdoor cats. That’s why it is important to follow the veterinarian’s recommended diet for your pet. If you play with your cat and keep them active, it will help them keep trim and healthy. Keep the water in their bowls fresh and avoid giving them human food.

Cat Care Tip #4: Personal Space and Sleeping Area

Cats are territorial, especially when there are multiple cats living in the same house.  On the other hand, there are some cats that are very friendly and social, and they need companions to play and chase around.  But keep in mind that cats are independent animals and they need to have a safe place to sleep or retreat if they feel threatened. Allowing your cats to have a safe place for themselves can save you a lot of behavioral problems like spraying and destructive scratching around the home. If you can provide a window shelf for your cats, you will realize how much they love them, and how much time they spent sitting on them.

Cat CareTip #5: Cat Exercise

To encourage your cat to exercise, place horizontal and vertical cat scratching boards throughout your home. Cats love to chase long strings of material they can grab with their paws, cut a couple of strings of material, and wave them around for them to chase.

Cat Care Tips #6 – Cat Toys for Entertainment and Fun

Interactive toys and games for cats are very popular. To prevent your cat from becoming bored, rotate toys at least once a week. You can give your cat a ball, a shoelace, or laser light pointers to entertain it. This will make your cat happy and keep it in great shape.

Cat CareTip #7: Brush up

Regularly brush your cat’s hair and trim its claws. If your cat is long-haired, you should brush it more often to prevent hairballs. Do not bathe your cat as it is allergic to water. This is quite different from a normal dog who will likely enjoy a bath.

Cat CareTip #8 – Cat litter boxes

Place litter boxes in accessible and safe places. Keep them clean and free from scents. You should provide at least one litter-box per cat. Clean them daily. You should experiment with different types of litter boxes and cat litter from the beginning. Once your cat decides its preferred cat litter brand do not change it. They will pee everywhere if their preferred brand is changed arbitrarily.

Cats are easy and enjoyable pets to have.  They can be moody and aloof but they can also be funny and loving.  Enjoy your healthy and happy pet.

Project Based Learning Benefits

Traditional classroom learning has for many years created doubts as to whether for the 21st. Century, this methodology is the right approach for our children and young students. Many countries around the world including Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Ireland, France, Finland, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden among others, have found ways to incorporate project-based learning into their classrooms. According to The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) a worldwide study of 70 nations of 15-year-old- students’ scholastic achievement, The United States ranks 31 overall in Mathematics, Science, and Reading. It is also important to acknowledge the fact that the United States spends more per student than most of these countries. The conundrum then is, what are we waiting for? What options do we have in this country?

Apparently, we do have options, and they are proven to be better than our current traditional method. For many of us, project-based learning sounds like the new fad in teaching, and we fail to comprehend what it entails. Here is a brief definition of what it is and why we should at least consider this new approach to teach our students to achieve better and to reach higher.

What is project-based learning?

According to The Buck Institute for Education (BIE) a non-profit organization helping teachers implement project-based learning in their classrooms defines that project-based learning as: A teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem, or challenge (BIE, 2014a).

Project-based learning CAN and DOES incorporate many of the disciplines taught in school, but all geared to research, and to find a solution to a complex issue that challenges the student to learn and to question an important economic, social or political issue of our society.

The countries that have incorporated project-based learning have seen many benefits associated with this approach. This educational option has encouraged school administrators, teachers, and parents to engage with this new methodology and to seek ways to make it happen and to make it work in their schools.

Mastery Learning is heavily dependent on project-based learning. It allows students to work at their own pace and do lectures outside of the classroom so that project-based learning can happen more inside the classroom. If you look at the Outstanda Education NFT movement, you can see how this is going to flip the work and the lectures around.

There are many benefits teachers and school administrators associate with project-based learning, among them:

  1. Engagement – Because students are encouraged to find a topic they are interested in learning, or a solution to a problem, teachers do not need to encourage them, they are eager to learn.
  2. Attendance – Project-based learning has shown an increase in attendance. The projects and peers who are involved in the project are encouragement enough for other students to stop missing school. Students graduate in the time expected and for many schools that is an excellent indicator for continuing or finding a way to implement project-based learning.
  3. Preparedness for college and life – Students are learning information and finding solutions to real life problems that will prepare them for the complexity of life in the future.
  4. Better Discipline – Collaboration to projects make the student behave and understand that his or her collaboration or lack thereof is pivotal to the completion of the project. Children seem to understand this concept without being reprimanded by teachers.
  5. Better retention of material learned – Because the students are engaged in finding solutions or answers to their projects, the material learned is retained and learned.

Project-based learning is not a new fad in education, it is a new way of teaching and preparing our students for the future.  It is no longer acceptable for our schools to provide learning the way it was taught a century ago, we must adapt and we must find a way to better serve the future of our society.  As a school administrator, teacher, or concerned parent, we owe our students the tools necessary to succeed, and we must do it soon, we have the means and the will to do it.