Every society is characterized by its own values, rhythms, and ways of organizing life. Through observations and reflections, I have noticed unique contrasts between Trinidad and Tobago and two Asian countries: Japan and Singapore. These differences are being highlighted to demonstrate how history, culture, and social expectations shape people’s daily lives.

I grew up in a home where children followed instructions without asking questions, where a certain look was enough to make you sit up straight, and where adults didn’t always explain; you just did what you were told.

One of the things that a parent dislikes hearing is: “They’re lazy.” “They’re not trying.” “They could do better if they wanted to.”

As a primary school teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience, I can say this with confidence: many children know more than they are able to show during a test.

One of the biggest reasons is test anxiety.

If you’ve ever heard, “I don’t like reading.” or watched your child avoid books, rush through reading time, or get frustrated the moment a book comes out; this blog is for you.

Here is a teacher’s practical guide for parents

If you’ve ever heard your child’s teacher, say,

“She’s bright, but she gets distracted,” or “He struggles to stay on task,” just know this: you are not alone.

Many children can ‘read’ the words on a page, but that does not always mean they understand what they are ‘reading’.

As a primary school teacher in Trinidad and Tobago, I see this often; children read fluently but struggle to explain the story; children avoid reading because it feels like hard work; children hesitate to speak or share their ideas; vocabulary is limited, affecting Comprehension and Writing

As a primary school teacher in Trinidad and Tobago, I have seen the same pattern year after year.

Children leave school tired.

As a primary school teacher in Trinidad and Tobago, I’ve taught long enough to know that children generally do not struggle because they “can’t do the work”.

So, we’ve put together a carefully curated list of local platforms and resources; some of which you can use alongside your child’s SEA classes at the Desha Academy.

Standard Three marks a significant turning point in your child’s primary school journey. At around age 8 to 9, children begin to move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”

Creative writing is a vital part of child development. Through stories, poems, and imaginative play with words, children learn to express emotions, build confidence, and improve their thinking skills.

Let’s be honest: parenting is rewarding, but it’s also exhausting. Between school runs, picky eaters, meltdowns, and the never-ending laundry pile, parents of children aged 3 to 12 are constantly juggling.

Are you searching for fun educational activities that help your child stay focused and think critically—without a screen in sight?

Look no further than Sudoku for kids!

As an educator with close to 25 years of experience, I’ve witnessed the evolution of the education system in Trinidad and Tobago. From the classroom to the staff room, one thing remains clear—every child learns differently, and yet our system often expects them to fit into one mold.

Math doesn’t have to be frustrating. In fact, with the right approach, it can become one of your child’s strongest subjects. Across the Caribbean, many students face similar challenges; from grasping Basic Operations to solving tricky word problems. At The Desha Academy, we know that every child can succeed in Math when given the right tools and support.

As parents, it’s natural to compare milestones. When other children are reading fluently or solving Math problems with ease, it can be hard not to wonder: Why isn’t my child there yet?

Have you ever watched your child read a passage fluently and only to realize they can’t explain a single thing about it? You’re not alone. Many parents worry when their child struggles to understand what they read, and it’s more common than you think.

As a parent or teacher, you may have probably heard about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Do you know what means for your child? AI isn’t just for tech experts, and it is showing up in simple, practical tools that can actually help your child learn, grow, and stay engaged.

Preparing your child for the SEA exam can feel overwhelming, for both the parent and child. However, with the right strategies, you can create a peaceful, productive environment that helps your child succeed without added stress.