Feature Articles

Joyanne James-Soyer

Joyanne James-Soyer is an accomplished author and editor with over 25 years of experience in the publishing and education sectors. She manages digital content specialising in Caribbean culture, regional history and education for Sweet TnT Magazine and Study Zone Institute. Her portfolio includes the Study Zone Big Kid Books series, the Improve Spelling and Reading Skills collection, and she is a co-author and editor of Sweet TnT Short Stories and Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes. Holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Language and Literature with Education and being a dedicated educator, James-Soyer specialises in documenting the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago for a global audience, and supporting students, parents, and teachers globally.

The literacy deadline: Why the ability to read by age 7 changes everything

Why so many kids still can’t read by age 7 — and how to help today.

Reading is the foundation of all learning. Without it, children struggle to grasp subjects like math, science, and social studies. Yet despite its importance, an alarming number of children are reaching age 7 without being able to read confidently — or at all. For parents and teachers, this isn’t just …

Read More »

Pre-K writing challenges: Addressing fine motor gaps in early education

Teachers: Solve these Pre-K problems to improve student writing fast.

The handwriting crisis in early childhood education stems from a significant decline in foundational fine motor development before children enter formal schooling. Over the last decade, educators have observed a marked increase in students struggling with basic pencil grip, hand endurance, and letter formation. This shift is primarily attributed to …

Read More »

Writing for success: Preventing the crisis of losing writing skills in early education

The hidden learning crisis: Why kids are losing writing skills.

In an age dominated by screens, it’s easy to assume our children are developing just fine. They can swipe before they can speak, navigate YouTube better than grandparents, and memorise songs from their favourite cartoons with uncanny precision. But there’s one shocking truth many parents and teachers are only discovering …

Read More »

Why students struggle with source documents and worded problems in accounting: Tips to help

Mastering accounting: Decoding source documents and worded problems.

Mastering accounting requires the effective decoding of source documents and worded problems to translate narrative business events into financial data. Many students enter the Principles of Accounts classroom with significant gaps in reading comprehension and basic business vocabulary that hinder their ability to identify key transaction actors. This guide explores …

Read More »

What accounting teachers assume students already know (but often don’t)

The hidden gaps: When accounting teachers assume students already know the basics.

Instructional gaps in basic accounting often stem from educator assumptions regarding student literacy in business terminology, mathematical foundations and independent research capabilities. This article identifies five critical areas where students frequently lack the prior knowledge that teachers take for granted, leading to unnecessary academic struggle. By examining the disconnect between …

Read More »