If you have a small juvenile pleco, they may be able to get by on the algae in the tank, algae wafers, and scraps left over from feeding other fish. However, if the pleco is the only fish in the tank, it will need to be fed more often. Also, as your pleco matures and grows, it will need more variety in its diet and a larger amount of food. Young plecos can subsist on one algae wafer per day. Once the pleco grows to 24 inches, it is considered mature. After you provide food for your pleco, watch and see if your pleco gobbles it down. If your pleco immediately begins to munch on the food, they may be overly hungry and need to be fed more often. If your pleco ignores the food, they may need to be fed less often. Your home aquarium will not provide enough algae to keep your pleco full. Give your pleco an algae wafer at night before you go to bed, as plecos are nocturnal and eat at nighttime. If the wafer has been completely consumed by the time you wake up, you can offer another algae wafer to your pleco in the morning. As an omnivore, your pleco will enjoy the occasional meaty treat. Give your pleco earthworms, bloodworms, or shrimp once or twice a week. You can choose from fresh, frozen, or pelleted meats. If using fresh meat, cut them into small pieces before dropping them into the tank. Give your pleco a few small cut-up raw shrimp or several shrimp pellets, or one cut-up earthworm or bloodworm as one serving. Fruit and veggies will provide your pleco with fiber, which they need to stay healthy. Offer your pleco fruit or vegetables once or twice per week. Cut them up into small pieces before adding them to your tank, and add an aquarium weight so they sink to the bottom of the tank. Alternatively, you can use an aquarium clip to attach the food to the side of the tank near the bottom. Give your pleco a serving the size of a silver dollar, such as one slice of zucchini or a small piece of broccoli.
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One-sentence summary -- Consider your pleco's age and size. Observe your pleco after feeding. Offer at least one algae wafer per day. Give meat to your pleco once or twice per week. Feed your pleco fruit or vegetables once or twice per week.

Taking the time to listen without judgement for the root cause of this choice is important. You can't work to fix the problem unless you know what you are dealing with. The most common reason for a student to drop out is either they have missed too many days already in the school year or they feel hopeless because they are beyond the point of fixing a failing grade. Both of these situations can be addressed, but the student may not understand this. Other reasons students consider dropping out may include being bullied, a teen pregnancy, depression problems with drugs/alcohol or social problems at school. When you probe to get information about why they are considering dropping out, you have to be prepared for whatever you find out. Instead of getting angry or yelling, offer your support. Ask how you can help. Being supportive does not mean enabling their behavior. If dropping out seems like a good idea because they simply do not like the responsibility, your student needs to know that if he/she drops out you will expect rent and financial contributions to the household via a job. Some students consider dropping out simply to enjoy their "freedom" by just staying home. This should not be an option; if they drop out they get a job like other adults do. Dropping out of school is an adult choice. Having a trusted adult they can talk to in order to solve the problem will go a long way to give them hope and a view towards the future. Community resources are available for teen parents, teenagers needing drug/alcohol treatment, or mental health counseling. If their issue is tied to a physical or psychological problem making an appointment for a checkup with their doctor is the first step in getting help. Schools often have resource centers as well, so checking in with a guidance counselor with your student's permission can also help. The school will also be able to tell you about alternative learning options if that would help. For cases where the problem is actually with something or someone at school, a visit to the school is a good first step. You may be able to solve a social problem like bullying by contacting the principal. A problem with a teacher can be solved with a schedule change, while tutoring can help with a failing grade. In an extreme case you may even consider home schooling options, the opportunity to start college classes early or to finish school on-line. Exploring all the academic option will help you to find the best fit to finish school for your student. Children who have good relationships with their parents come to them with problems and listen to their advice. Children with parents who are actively involved in school and show that they value education are less likely to drop out. Model life-long learning and encourage personal growth beyond the basics at school. Encourage your student to explore hobbies or volunteer with groups that interest them to explore possible careers. Doing this activity together is a great way to find a common interest and also get your student thinking about the future. A future goal of college makes dropping out less of an option. Setting aside time to do non-school activities together builds the connection and makes new memories. A student who feels they have talents beyond school may be less likely to be overwhelmed by an occasional failing grade and not look towards dropping out as the only fix. Sometimes, parents are so busy telling kids what to do that they miss small messages that represent a cry for help. Pay attention to your kids and when they talk, engage and listen. While hearing your child wants to drop out may seem like it came out of nowhere, it usually is the end of a long process. There are often signs and being involved in all stages of their education can give you a good indication if things have changed.
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One-sentence summary -- Talk to your teen about why they want to drop out. Maintain your composure. Work together to problem-solve any issue. Develop a relationship with your teen that transcends school. Remember to listen to what your teen is saying.

Today's children are born into a digital age. They love technology and are very adept at using it. Capitalize on their desire to use technology by incorporating it into their assignments. Instead of writing a journal, let them to document their experiences with a digital camera. Allow students to use computers and tablets to conduct research. Ask students to build websites, create videos, or develop a podcast. Allow kids to listen to required readings. As educators and parents, you can make learning more fun by capitalizing on children's love for all things digital. In addition to lecturing, use digital presentation tools to present your lessons. If you are a teacher, incorporate brief educational videos into your lectures. If you are a parent, use brief educational videos to explain concepts your child is struggling to grasp. Instead of learning a world language, allow your kids to learn how to code. As a teacher and parent, consider supplementing lectures and traditional readings with educational videos, podcasts, and plays. Kids that may appear inattentive during a lecture, may be captivated by audio-visual materials. Show and listen to materials that are relevant to what the kids are learning. As a reward for completing a great work of literature, take your class or child to see the theatrical adaptation. Educational apps and electronic games have acquired a prominent role in teaching our children basic skills and concepts. When used as a complement to traditional methods of learning, these educational tools can improve children's classroom performance. Other benefits include: Improving kids tech skills Portability and availability Exposure to alternative methods of learning Utilizing leisure time
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One-sentence summary --
Assign digital projects. Utilize technology in your lessons. Watch or listen to educational programing. Allow kids to play electronic games and educational apps.