Guest Blogger Dr. Rick gives more advice about tutoring:
What To Do After Your Child Has a Tutor
by Dr. Rick
In the last Dr. Rick Blog we talked about the effectiveness of tutoring, its power in helping kids reach their potential, and what parents can do while their children are being helped by a tutor. Click here to review the tips.
I’ve long advocated for tutoring to be an open option – never really “ended” – useful whenever a student needs help, which occurs from time to time. It’s confidence-building for a kid to know there’s someone there, ready to assist when an elementary student gets stumped by long division, a middle-schooler needs help organizing for several subjects, or a high-schooler is flummoxed by writing college application essays.
I’ve seen far too many kids whose school lives have been turned around by tutoring to say that it’s a one-time-only fix. That would be like saying, “My child had a physical last year. He’ll never need one again.”
But for today, let’s discuss what we can do when a current tutoring stretch comes to an end. Your child has just finished a period of time at a Sylvan Learning center (the company I work for), and he’s back on track. What now? Here are some tips.
1. Keep those expectations high. It was high expectations, yours and his, that made him brave enough to seek help in the first place. Keep up those grades and his confidence by expecting continuous improvement.
2. Keep up periodic checkups. We’ve discussed the importance of academic skills assessments. It’s wise to keep this an option for whenever you’re concerned about his grades or his progress.
3. Keep in touch with the tutor. Don’t lose touch with Sylvan once the current tutoring has ended, especially during those high-stress times like oral reports, long-term projects, or major exams. Think of it as a “booster shot” of confidence.
4. Keep in touch with the classroom teacher. The more people who know you’re actively interested in your child’s progress, the better. Communicate with her teachers through parent-teacher meetings, email, informal notes, or the school’s website.
5. Keep up the monitoring. Just because she’s had some tutoring, that doesn’t mean you can lessen up on checking homework (even if you don’t understand all of it – pretend you do and insist on neatness), keeping her to helpful routines, and helping her to study for tests.
6. Keep the rewards and consequences. Nothing wrong with a reasonable reward for a job well done. Or a reasonable consequence for an unmet goal.
7. Encourage study buddies. I’ve written about study buddies more times than I can remember. I strongly encourage kids to study together, to help each other figure out problems, to challenge each other, to compete a little bit, and to celebrate each other’s successes.
8. Keep to those routines. Another of my favorite subjects – routines. Kids need them to keep on track, to provide structure, to know what’s next, to know what our expectations are.
9. Encourage “stretching.” After tutoring, students feel greater confidence, ready to tackle greater academic challenges. Encourage him to read a book that stretches his mind a little, to take a new or more challenging course (a foreign language, say, or a higher level math), or to try an extracurricular activity that he wasn’t ready for previously.
10. Be alert. Be aware of important dates, like when the science fair is scheduled, when major book reports are due, and when mid-terms are given. Be on the lookout for changes in your child’s attitudes about school, his teachers, or his friends. Be watchful for drops in his grades. These can all be danger signs.
Remember to stay positive. Kids, especially adolescents, go through peaks and valleys – academically, emotionally, physically, even spiritually. One day they’re on top of their worlds, the next day, their worlds are crumbling. Our sometimes difficult job is to let them know we love them, we’re there for them, and we’ll keep them safe.
Even if it takes a couple of tutoring sessions.
Sylvan Learning Directors and teachers from Flemington, New Jersey dish on the latest educational trends and what you can do to help your child achieve academic success!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
How Tutors Can Help
From our guest Blogger Dr. Rick:
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD HAS A TUTOR
By Dr. Rick
Every student needs a little help now and then. A straight-A student maybe just got her first B. Or maybe another student is freaked out about algebra. Maybe yet another kid needs a guiding hand in budgeting his time.
That’s where tutoring comes in. Tutors provide one-on-one attention, fill in the academic gaps, review basics or challenge with new and demanding assignments, give support, and allow for new discoveries.
We’ve often talked about tutoring in the Dr. Rick Blog. We’ve discussed why tutoring works. We’ve covered how to know if your child needs a tutor. And we’ve reviewed how to choose a tutor. I’ve told you that I work for Sylvan Learning, North America’s largest tutoring provider, and that I’ve personally met countless kids who’ve experienced the power of tutoring. We’ve served over two million kids in more than thirty years. That’s a lot of increased confidence.
Tutoring is not a one-time fix. Once you’ve experienced the confidence that comes with success, you’ll want to keep Sylvan in your phone’s quick dial. It’s good to have a good tutor who has your back during stressful academic times. You turn to your plumber whenever you have a water problem, why not turn to Sylvan whenever a school problem arises?
So, you know tutoring works, you’ve chosen a tutor (I hope at Sylvan), and your child is improving. But your work isn’t done. Today, let’s talk about what to do while your child is working with a tutor. In the next Dr. Rick Blog, we’ll discuss what to do afterwards.
1. Make goals. You can’t work toward success if you don’t know what success looks like. Work with your child and the tutor to come up with some reasonable goals. Here are some tips to help you do this.
2. Get progress reports. Expect the tutor to provide you with regular and systematic reports about your child’s progress. Insist on it.
3. Show daily interest. Whether your child has a tutoring session that day or not, talk to him about what he’s learning, how he’s getting along, and whether he’s seeing a difference in school.
4. Ask about learning activities. Ask him what he and the tutor covered today. Ask him to explain a math problem, how to find the main idea in an essay, or whatever he did today. We learn best when we have to explain something concisely and purposefully.
5. Ask how to reinforce at home. Ask the tutor what you can be doing at home to reinforce knowledge and skills. When learning is a part of home, school, and tutoring, it becomes relevant and important.
6. Consider the school. Letting the school in on the process can be enormously helpful. Unless you have a compelling reason not to, inform the classroom teacher that your child is so motivated to improve she’s going the extra mile to receive tutoring. Perhaps the tutor and teacher can keep in touch.
7. Review rewards and consequences. You know how I feel about rewarding good behavior. I’m for reasonable and motivating rewards. Same for consequences. I’m for students knowing that their behavior has consequences. You and your child can come up with rewards (extra alone time with you, added curfew time, some favorite treat) and consequences (loss of play time, adjustment of allowance) that will make sense for your family.
8. Be a cheerleader. Support, encourage, and hearten your learner. Remind him how proud of him you are for his extra work, his persistence, and his progress.
9. Show the power of perseverance. When he stumbles, as we all do from time to time, show him how to learn from mistakes and start over again, stronger. Perseverance is one of the greatest but most often overlooked character trait in a world of instant gratification.
10. Stay positive. Kids need us to be positive. They need our attention. They need us to pay heed, to recognize their improvements, and to celebrate with them when they reach their goals.
Your child is using a tutor. Good for her, good for you. Show that you have your tutors, too – mentors at work, clergy at your place of worship, and wise friends whose advice you seek. Encourage him to be brave enough to know when to ask for help and smart enough to benefit from it.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD HAS A TUTOR
By Dr. Rick
Every student needs a little help now and then. A straight-A student maybe just got her first B. Or maybe another student is freaked out about algebra. Maybe yet another kid needs a guiding hand in budgeting his time.
That’s where tutoring comes in. Tutors provide one-on-one attention, fill in the academic gaps, review basics or challenge with new and demanding assignments, give support, and allow for new discoveries.
We’ve often talked about tutoring in the Dr. Rick Blog. We’ve discussed why tutoring works. We’ve covered how to know if your child needs a tutor. And we’ve reviewed how to choose a tutor. I’ve told you that I work for Sylvan Learning, North America’s largest tutoring provider, and that I’ve personally met countless kids who’ve experienced the power of tutoring. We’ve served over two million kids in more than thirty years. That’s a lot of increased confidence.
Tutoring is not a one-time fix. Once you’ve experienced the confidence that comes with success, you’ll want to keep Sylvan in your phone’s quick dial. It’s good to have a good tutor who has your back during stressful academic times. You turn to your plumber whenever you have a water problem, why not turn to Sylvan whenever a school problem arises?
So, you know tutoring works, you’ve chosen a tutor (I hope at Sylvan), and your child is improving. But your work isn’t done. Today, let’s talk about what to do while your child is working with a tutor. In the next Dr. Rick Blog, we’ll discuss what to do afterwards.
1. Make goals. You can’t work toward success if you don’t know what success looks like. Work with your child and the tutor to come up with some reasonable goals. Here are some tips to help you do this.
2. Get progress reports. Expect the tutor to provide you with regular and systematic reports about your child’s progress. Insist on it.
3. Show daily interest. Whether your child has a tutoring session that day or not, talk to him about what he’s learning, how he’s getting along, and whether he’s seeing a difference in school.
4. Ask about learning activities. Ask him what he and the tutor covered today. Ask him to explain a math problem, how to find the main idea in an essay, or whatever he did today. We learn best when we have to explain something concisely and purposefully.
5. Ask how to reinforce at home. Ask the tutor what you can be doing at home to reinforce knowledge and skills. When learning is a part of home, school, and tutoring, it becomes relevant and important.
6. Consider the school. Letting the school in on the process can be enormously helpful. Unless you have a compelling reason not to, inform the classroom teacher that your child is so motivated to improve she’s going the extra mile to receive tutoring. Perhaps the tutor and teacher can keep in touch.
7. Review rewards and consequences. You know how I feel about rewarding good behavior. I’m for reasonable and motivating rewards. Same for consequences. I’m for students knowing that their behavior has consequences. You and your child can come up with rewards (extra alone time with you, added curfew time, some favorite treat) and consequences (loss of play time, adjustment of allowance) that will make sense for your family.
8. Be a cheerleader. Support, encourage, and hearten your learner. Remind him how proud of him you are for his extra work, his persistence, and his progress.
9. Show the power of perseverance. When he stumbles, as we all do from time to time, show him how to learn from mistakes and start over again, stronger. Perseverance is one of the greatest but most often overlooked character trait in a world of instant gratification.
10. Stay positive. Kids need us to be positive. They need our attention. They need us to pay heed, to recognize their improvements, and to celebrate with them when they reach their goals.
Your child is using a tutor. Good for her, good for you. Show that you have your tutors, too – mentors at work, clergy at your place of worship, and wise friends whose advice you seek. Encourage him to be brave enough to know when to ask for help and smart enough to benefit from it.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Take a Walk
This holiday season would be the perfect opportunity. Have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Take a Walk With Your Kid
by Dr. Rick
Kids tell us in many ways that they’re more interested in our attention than in our gifts. Over the years, kids of all ages have told me in lots of ways – their behavior, their writing, their offhand comments – that they crave the attention of the significant adults in their lives.
One sophomore in a long-ago English class wrote plaintively that she didn’t really care about expensive gifts, of which she famously and enviably had many. What she really would have liked was some time alone with her mom, who rarely had time for her.
When kids ask for something so special, why not give it to them, especially when it costs so little? They’re young for such a short time.
I’ve found that a simple walk in the neighborhood can be a terrific gift. Here are some reasons why and some things to do on your special walks. Make them a happy routine. You’ll be glad you did.
1.One child at a time. Yes, walks with a group of kids can be entertaining, but make it a practice to walk from time to time with just one at a time. No siblings. Just you and one feeling-special kid. This, by the way, is a highly motivating reward for some job well done, some goal attained, or some good effort expended. Kids love being our center of attention.
2.Talk about school. Your walks are a perfect and leisurely way to learn about what’s going on in school. No agendas. Just hearing about classes, teachers, lunches, and classmates. Keep in touch and keep informed.
3.Talk about friends. Friendships are kids’ most urgent interests as they get older. Maintaining friendships is a learned skill, and kids need a sympathetic ear to sort things out. Be that person. You don’t need answers. Just be there.
4.Talk about family. Sometimes a relaxed walk is just the right time to talk about family memories, relatives who are no longer with us, or interesting family history. Kids love to know that they belong to a close group with a shared history.
5.Talk about sports. A universal topic. Talk about school, local, or national team favorites. Share your interests, experiences, and knowledge. Talk about your sports heroes and favorite memories. Ask about theirs.
6.Talk about favorites. A perfect conversation starter. Everyone has favorites. Food, TV programs, movies, music, personalities, books, subjects in school, heroes of the human and super varieties, pastimes, cars, fashions, technology. Up to you.
7.Talk about whatever the topic of the moment is. Maybe a crisis at school, a broken heart, hurt feelings, or confusion. Maybe a rising confidence from having just made a team, getting a part in the school play, or succeeding at something difficult.
8.Listen. You don’t always have to supply the topics of conversation. Kids have plenty of things to talk about. Let it happen.
9.Be silent. Silence is, indeed, golden. Amazing what holding one’s tongue can accomplish. Kids will continue talking, you’ll continue learning. And you’ll be gently and knowledgeably helping them gain independence while being present for them.
10.Keep a record of your mileage. Get one of those inexpensive pedometers that keeps track of how far you’ve walked. It’s fun to watch the miles rack up, an added physical benefit to go along with the closeness you’re building. Make a mileage goal.
11.Sing, skip, and be silly. Walks should be fun. No reason why you have to turn them all into learning experiences or family therapy. When the mood hits, sing a favorite song together, kick a stone for as long as you can keep it going, skip, hop, and act silly. Wear fun hats. Let the neighbors wonder what you’re up to.
12.Draw, describe, write. Make mental notes of what you see. When you get home, sharpen your powers of observation by drawing together, or writing the occasional poem about what you noticed.
13.Take pictures. Many a talented amateur – and professional – photographer started by snapping pictures around the neighborhood. Just about every phone has a camera now, or those single-use cameras are just right for youngsters.
14.Learn about nature. Just about every community has a park. Explore the trails, become familiar with the varieties of trees, and notice the effects of the seasons on nature. For each season, note the changing light, the position of the sun in the sky, the way animals adapt to winter, the way trees and flowers come back to life in the spring.
15.Get to know the neighborhood pets. Walkers get to know their neighborhoods in ways people in cars cannot. Walkers get to know not only their neighbors but their neighbors’ pets, the friendly puppy from the house on the hill, the tetchy mutt that needs a wide berth, the cute calico always curled in the sun by the corner. Come up with funny names for them.
Don’t try to do all of these things in each walk, of course. You have plenty of time and plenty of walks. But you get the picture. Kids need our time, we want to be there for them, and taking a simple walk on a regular basis fills the bill. Get moving.
Take a Walk With Your Kid
by Dr. Rick
Kids tell us in many ways that they’re more interested in our attention than in our gifts. Over the years, kids of all ages have told me in lots of ways – their behavior, their writing, their offhand comments – that they crave the attention of the significant adults in their lives.
One sophomore in a long-ago English class wrote plaintively that she didn’t really care about expensive gifts, of which she famously and enviably had many. What she really would have liked was some time alone with her mom, who rarely had time for her.
When kids ask for something so special, why not give it to them, especially when it costs so little? They’re young for such a short time.
I’ve found that a simple walk in the neighborhood can be a terrific gift. Here are some reasons why and some things to do on your special walks. Make them a happy routine. You’ll be glad you did.
1.One child at a time. Yes, walks with a group of kids can be entertaining, but make it a practice to walk from time to time with just one at a time. No siblings. Just you and one feeling-special kid. This, by the way, is a highly motivating reward for some job well done, some goal attained, or some good effort expended. Kids love being our center of attention.
2.Talk about school. Your walks are a perfect and leisurely way to learn about what’s going on in school. No agendas. Just hearing about classes, teachers, lunches, and classmates. Keep in touch and keep informed.
3.Talk about friends. Friendships are kids’ most urgent interests as they get older. Maintaining friendships is a learned skill, and kids need a sympathetic ear to sort things out. Be that person. You don’t need answers. Just be there.
4.Talk about family. Sometimes a relaxed walk is just the right time to talk about family memories, relatives who are no longer with us, or interesting family history. Kids love to know that they belong to a close group with a shared history.
5.Talk about sports. A universal topic. Talk about school, local, or national team favorites. Share your interests, experiences, and knowledge. Talk about your sports heroes and favorite memories. Ask about theirs.
6.Talk about favorites. A perfect conversation starter. Everyone has favorites. Food, TV programs, movies, music, personalities, books, subjects in school, heroes of the human and super varieties, pastimes, cars, fashions, technology. Up to you.
7.Talk about whatever the topic of the moment is. Maybe a crisis at school, a broken heart, hurt feelings, or confusion. Maybe a rising confidence from having just made a team, getting a part in the school play, or succeeding at something difficult.
8.Listen. You don’t always have to supply the topics of conversation. Kids have plenty of things to talk about. Let it happen.
9.Be silent. Silence is, indeed, golden. Amazing what holding one’s tongue can accomplish. Kids will continue talking, you’ll continue learning. And you’ll be gently and knowledgeably helping them gain independence while being present for them.
10.Keep a record of your mileage. Get one of those inexpensive pedometers that keeps track of how far you’ve walked. It’s fun to watch the miles rack up, an added physical benefit to go along with the closeness you’re building. Make a mileage goal.
11.Sing, skip, and be silly. Walks should be fun. No reason why you have to turn them all into learning experiences or family therapy. When the mood hits, sing a favorite song together, kick a stone for as long as you can keep it going, skip, hop, and act silly. Wear fun hats. Let the neighbors wonder what you’re up to.
12.Draw, describe, write. Make mental notes of what you see. When you get home, sharpen your powers of observation by drawing together, or writing the occasional poem about what you noticed.
13.Take pictures. Many a talented amateur – and professional – photographer started by snapping pictures around the neighborhood. Just about every phone has a camera now, or those single-use cameras are just right for youngsters.
14.Learn about nature. Just about every community has a park. Explore the trails, become familiar with the varieties of trees, and notice the effects of the seasons on nature. For each season, note the changing light, the position of the sun in the sky, the way animals adapt to winter, the way trees and flowers come back to life in the spring.
15.Get to know the neighborhood pets. Walkers get to know their neighborhoods in ways people in cars cannot. Walkers get to know not only their neighbors but their neighbors’ pets, the friendly puppy from the house on the hill, the tetchy mutt that needs a wide berth, the cute calico always curled in the sun by the corner. Come up with funny names for them.
Don’t try to do all of these things in each walk, of course. You have plenty of time and plenty of walks. But you get the picture. Kids need our time, we want to be there for them, and taking a simple walk on a regular basis fills the bill. Get moving.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Math Games For Parents and Kids
Guess Blogger, Dr. Rick, talks about the importance of math games to help kids learn math.
Ten Math Games for Parents and Kids
by Dr. Rick
Why don’t parents spend as much math-related time with their kids as they do reading-related time?
We read with our kids on a fairly regular basis. Read-aloud time. Bed time. Family reading time. Reading signs on road trips. Reading stuff as we’re watching TV. We read with our kids more than we think. So, if we enjoy reading so much with our kids, why shouldn’t we get the same enjoyment doing math with them?
Maybe it’s because math causes anxiety in many parents. (The company I work for, Sylvan Learning, commissioned a report recently that found 97% of parents would rather discuss alcohol and drug use with their middle-school-age kids than talk about algebra.)
Maybe it’s because many of us had bad experiences in math in school. Maybe it’s because math instruction has changed so much in the past few years we don’t feel up-to-date.
Excuses, excuses.
Kids need math more than ever. They need the brain exercise. They need to know the power of practice. They need to recognize the value of perseverance. They need the confidence that comes with success. They need problem-solving skills. They need math for their future jobs.
So, here, in the spirit of encouraging math interaction among parents and kids, are some suggestions for incorporating some math fun into kids’ lives. We can’t allow our math insecurities and anxieties to get in the way of our kids’ success. Some of these ideas are from my own experience, some are from creative math teachers, and some are from a cool website.
1.Keep score. Kids love sports and games, so play up the role of score keeper and “statistics manager.” Help them see the various ways to slice and dice the numbers of a game – most singles in a game since last month, fewest errors in a game against the Bluebirds, highest attendance ever, etc. Let the kids come up with categories.
2.Use manipulatives. Manipulatives are objects that kids can, well, manipulate to visualize the numbers they’re working with. Use egg cartons and raw macaroni to count out arithmetic problems, for example. Or make piles of paper clips, toy soldiers, checkers, marbles, or gummy bears to visualize counting by five or ten.
3.Learn to estimate. Show kids how important it is to learn to estimate. Estimate with them some fun concept – how many slices of pepperoni on the pizza, how many coins in a piggy bank, how many toys on the floor, or how many steps to the second floor? Estimate, then count to check accuracy.
4.Tell time. Telling time is math, too. Make a game out of figuring out how long it will take to get somewhere in the family car. “What time should we leave to get to church at 10:00 if it takes us fifteen minutes to get there? What time should we get up? Have breakfast?”
5.Embrace your junk mail. Junk mail is good for something after all. “If we get ten pieces of junk mail a week, about how much can we expect this month?” To learn sorting skills, categorize the junk mail into piles by senders’ zip codes, types of mail, or the various states they come from. If you get lots of catalogues, use them to “pretend-shop” for stuff using a simple budget. “How many things from this catalogue can I buy for $50?”
6.Guess the number! Guess the number your child is thinking between, say, one and twenty. Ask smart math questions, so she’ll get the strategies for when it’s her turn. “Can I count the number by 3’s? Is it between three and twelve? Is it higher than fifteen?”
7.Use money. “I have three coins in my pocket that equal seven cents. What are they?” As he gets quicker, up the number of coins.
8.Have a “number of the day.” In previous blogs, I’ve recommended having a “word of the day” to encourage reading. Why not have a number of the day, too? Figure out how many ways you can get to your number of the day – how many ways can we add, subtract, multiply, or divide other numbers to reach today’s number?
9.Play store. Kids love to play grown-up. Save old boxes – cereal, cookies, pasta, whatever – and “stock” the shelves of a make-believe store. Have your child put prices on each one. Then, go shopping in his store. “How much for two of these, please? Oh, sir, I just discovered I don’t have enough money. Which box shall I put back to be within my budget?”
10.Use a calculator. Yes, use a calculator. Learning how to use one is an important skill for kids. It’s best to wait, though, until basic skills in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing are automatic or pretty nearly so. If using a calculator motivates a youngster to learn math quicker, why not use one?
Ask your child’s math teacher for other ideas you can borrow to encourage your children’s interest in, spark their curiosity about, and let them see the relevance of math in everyday life.
Ten Math Games for Parents and Kids
by Dr. Rick
Why don’t parents spend as much math-related time with their kids as they do reading-related time?
We read with our kids on a fairly regular basis. Read-aloud time. Bed time. Family reading time. Reading signs on road trips. Reading stuff as we’re watching TV. We read with our kids more than we think. So, if we enjoy reading so much with our kids, why shouldn’t we get the same enjoyment doing math with them?
Maybe it’s because math causes anxiety in many parents. (The company I work for, Sylvan Learning, commissioned a report recently that found 97% of parents would rather discuss alcohol and drug use with their middle-school-age kids than talk about algebra.)
Maybe it’s because many of us had bad experiences in math in school. Maybe it’s because math instruction has changed so much in the past few years we don’t feel up-to-date.
Excuses, excuses.
Kids need math more than ever. They need the brain exercise. They need to know the power of practice. They need to recognize the value of perseverance. They need the confidence that comes with success. They need problem-solving skills. They need math for their future jobs.
So, here, in the spirit of encouraging math interaction among parents and kids, are some suggestions for incorporating some math fun into kids’ lives. We can’t allow our math insecurities and anxieties to get in the way of our kids’ success. Some of these ideas are from my own experience, some are from creative math teachers, and some are from a cool website.
1.Keep score. Kids love sports and games, so play up the role of score keeper and “statistics manager.” Help them see the various ways to slice and dice the numbers of a game – most singles in a game since last month, fewest errors in a game against the Bluebirds, highest attendance ever, etc. Let the kids come up with categories.
2.Use manipulatives. Manipulatives are objects that kids can, well, manipulate to visualize the numbers they’re working with. Use egg cartons and raw macaroni to count out arithmetic problems, for example. Or make piles of paper clips, toy soldiers, checkers, marbles, or gummy bears to visualize counting by five or ten.
3.Learn to estimate. Show kids how important it is to learn to estimate. Estimate with them some fun concept – how many slices of pepperoni on the pizza, how many coins in a piggy bank, how many toys on the floor, or how many steps to the second floor? Estimate, then count to check accuracy.
4.Tell time. Telling time is math, too. Make a game out of figuring out how long it will take to get somewhere in the family car. “What time should we leave to get to church at 10:00 if it takes us fifteen minutes to get there? What time should we get up? Have breakfast?”
5.Embrace your junk mail. Junk mail is good for something after all. “If we get ten pieces of junk mail a week, about how much can we expect this month?” To learn sorting skills, categorize the junk mail into piles by senders’ zip codes, types of mail, or the various states they come from. If you get lots of catalogues, use them to “pretend-shop” for stuff using a simple budget. “How many things from this catalogue can I buy for $50?”
6.Guess the number! Guess the number your child is thinking between, say, one and twenty. Ask smart math questions, so she’ll get the strategies for when it’s her turn. “Can I count the number by 3’s? Is it between three and twelve? Is it higher than fifteen?”
7.Use money. “I have three coins in my pocket that equal seven cents. What are they?” As he gets quicker, up the number of coins.
8.Have a “number of the day.” In previous blogs, I’ve recommended having a “word of the day” to encourage reading. Why not have a number of the day, too? Figure out how many ways you can get to your number of the day – how many ways can we add, subtract, multiply, or divide other numbers to reach today’s number?
9.Play store. Kids love to play grown-up. Save old boxes – cereal, cookies, pasta, whatever – and “stock” the shelves of a make-believe store. Have your child put prices on each one. Then, go shopping in his store. “How much for two of these, please? Oh, sir, I just discovered I don’t have enough money. Which box shall I put back to be within my budget?”
10.Use a calculator. Yes, use a calculator. Learning how to use one is an important skill for kids. It’s best to wait, though, until basic skills in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing are automatic or pretty nearly so. If using a calculator motivates a youngster to learn math quicker, why not use one?
Ask your child’s math teacher for other ideas you can borrow to encourage your children’s interest in, spark their curiosity about, and let them see the relevance of math in everyday life.
Monday, November 7, 2011
SAT/ACT Testing
Throughout North America, schools are facing budget cuts that could increase classroom sizes and eliminate popular school programs, such as individualized college counseling. Thus, leaving parents to foot the bill. Families today are, on average, spending more than $1,000 on college preparatory books, materials and academic services for each student applying to college. Sylvan Learning is helping to soften the financial blow to parents – and school districts - through their ongoing national effort to partner with schools to provide SAT/ACT practice tests and free improvement sessions.
Today’s high school students are submitting, on average, seven to nine college applications, a marked increase from the two to four applications submitted just 10 years ago. This fact, coupled with the reality that a person with a college degree earns over 70 percent more than someone without one, raises the stakes in the college prep environment. It is in a family’s best interest to be strategic in their planning and engage teenagers in fun, academic activities that promote a lifelong love of learning.
The planning for college, though, starts far before students reach their Junior years-- Students should begin charting their course towards college as early as eighth grade.
Click on the image below to enlarge or to print a full page roadmap.
For more information about College Preparation courses, visit www.sylvanlearning.com
Today’s high school students are submitting, on average, seven to nine college applications, a marked increase from the two to four applications submitted just 10 years ago. This fact, coupled with the reality that a person with a college degree earns over 70 percent more than someone without one, raises the stakes in the college prep environment. It is in a family’s best interest to be strategic in their planning and engage teenagers in fun, academic activities that promote a lifelong love of learning.
The planning for college, though, starts far before students reach their Junior years-- Students should begin charting their course towards college as early as eighth grade.
Click on the image below to enlarge or to print a full page roadmap.
For more information about College Preparation courses, visit www.sylvanlearning.com
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Free Play is an Essential Part of Childhood
by guest blogger Dr. Rick Bavaria
Every parent and teacher knows that adults’ most important role in the lives of our kids is to listen to them, care for them, and guide them with healthy routines and wise values. We want them to think, to learn, to be responsible, and to care for others. We want them to be respectful of their friends and peers, to be honest, and to live healthy and safe lives. It’s not easy, but since when have parenting and teaching been easy?
We schedule our kids’ lives with family, school, worship, play, friends, sports, and hobbies. That’s good. Kids need the routines and rhythms that add structure to their lives, make clear our expectations, and provide them with a sense of safety.
But sometimes we overdo it. Sometimes the schedules, no matter how lovingly intended, can add stress to kids’ lives. Schedules should not be treadmills.
Play is the perfect example. Readers of the Dr. Rick Blog know how much I admire, respect, and support the efforts of creative physical education teachers. I’ve written about the need for adult-guided summer exercise, and I’ve even praised gym class dance units.
But today let’s praise what scientists call “free play.” The unstructured, imaginative play that kids make up as they go along. This is an important part of kids’ lives, too.
Here’s why.
1.It increases creativity. When kids get their creative juices going, there’s no stopping them. Watch them invent games, and before you know it, they’ve got rules and teams established. Watch them create storylines, complete with characters and relationships. Amazing.
2.It reduces stress. Kids feel stress, just as we adults do. Except they don’t always have the words to express it. Free, unstructured play may be just the outlet.
3.It’s the opposite of passive entertainment. Let’s face it. Lots of kids spend too much time sitting in front of screens that do all the imagining for them. Their brains can come up with some exciting plot lines, too.
4.It encourages “true toys.” I’ve heard pediatricians refer to toys like blocks, action figures, and dolls as “true toys,” meaning they encourage kids’ imaginations. No passive entertainment here.
5.It balances “over-scheduling.” If you suspect your kids are over-scheduled – when even you can’t keep the family calendar straight – then free play can be a worthwhile antidote. Maybe it’s time to dump the macramé lessons.
6.It encourages adults to be analytical. When we evaluate marketing claims of certain toys, games, and activities, we quickly see that a lot of them are not as valuable as some creative free play. And they’re a lot more expensive.
7.It promotes spontaneous play groups. Free play is the perfect reason why kids with similar interests like to get together. They can be cowpokes, pilots, space travelers, entertainers, sports stars, tag players, jump ropers, hide-and-seekers, or Simon Says players. Whatever they want.
8.It allows for exploration. Free play lets kids discover a variety of interests and talents on their own. Discovery is one of childhood’s most important gifts.
9.It’s important for school, too. School free play – as any teacher can tell you – allows kids to unwind after tests, and other potentially stressful activities. It lets them expend energy just after lunch or before events when they need to be quiet – a guest speaker, for example, or a school play or concert. Make sure your school or early childhood organization has plenty of time for play.
10.It gives you time with your kids. The best one. Playing with your kids builds memories, lets you talk to and listen to them, and enables you to laugh often and loudly together. Nothing better.
Free play doesn’t eliminate the need for supervision, naturally, nor does it mean that structured time – ballet lessons, tutoring, homework and study – is unhelpful. It’s simply another reminder of the value of balance in just about all things.
Every parent and teacher knows that adults’ most important role in the lives of our kids is to listen to them, care for them, and guide them with healthy routines and wise values. We want them to think, to learn, to be responsible, and to care for others. We want them to be respectful of their friends and peers, to be honest, and to live healthy and safe lives. It’s not easy, but since when have parenting and teaching been easy?
We schedule our kids’ lives with family, school, worship, play, friends, sports, and hobbies. That’s good. Kids need the routines and rhythms that add structure to their lives, make clear our expectations, and provide them with a sense of safety.
But sometimes we overdo it. Sometimes the schedules, no matter how lovingly intended, can add stress to kids’ lives. Schedules should not be treadmills.
Play is the perfect example. Readers of the Dr. Rick Blog know how much I admire, respect, and support the efforts of creative physical education teachers. I’ve written about the need for adult-guided summer exercise, and I’ve even praised gym class dance units.
But today let’s praise what scientists call “free play.” The unstructured, imaginative play that kids make up as they go along. This is an important part of kids’ lives, too.
Here’s why.
1.It increases creativity. When kids get their creative juices going, there’s no stopping them. Watch them invent games, and before you know it, they’ve got rules and teams established. Watch them create storylines, complete with characters and relationships. Amazing.
2.It reduces stress. Kids feel stress, just as we adults do. Except they don’t always have the words to express it. Free, unstructured play may be just the outlet.
3.It’s the opposite of passive entertainment. Let’s face it. Lots of kids spend too much time sitting in front of screens that do all the imagining for them. Their brains can come up with some exciting plot lines, too.
4.It encourages “true toys.” I’ve heard pediatricians refer to toys like blocks, action figures, and dolls as “true toys,” meaning they encourage kids’ imaginations. No passive entertainment here.
5.It balances “over-scheduling.” If you suspect your kids are over-scheduled – when even you can’t keep the family calendar straight – then free play can be a worthwhile antidote. Maybe it’s time to dump the macramé lessons.
6.It encourages adults to be analytical. When we evaluate marketing claims of certain toys, games, and activities, we quickly see that a lot of them are not as valuable as some creative free play. And they’re a lot more expensive.
7.It promotes spontaneous play groups. Free play is the perfect reason why kids with similar interests like to get together. They can be cowpokes, pilots, space travelers, entertainers, sports stars, tag players, jump ropers, hide-and-seekers, or Simon Says players. Whatever they want.
8.It allows for exploration. Free play lets kids discover a variety of interests and talents on their own. Discovery is one of childhood’s most important gifts.
9.It’s important for school, too. School free play – as any teacher can tell you – allows kids to unwind after tests, and other potentially stressful activities. It lets them expend energy just after lunch or before events when they need to be quiet – a guest speaker, for example, or a school play or concert. Make sure your school or early childhood organization has plenty of time for play.
10.It gives you time with your kids. The best one. Playing with your kids builds memories, lets you talk to and listen to them, and enables you to laugh often and loudly together. Nothing better.
Free play doesn’t eliminate the need for supervision, naturally, nor does it mean that structured time – ballet lessons, tutoring, homework and study – is unhelpful. It’s simply another reminder of the value of balance in just about all things.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
What Scares Students and Parents This Time of Year? No, Not Spiders, Witches, or Ghouls; It’s Algebra
A recent survey by Kelton Research, conducted for Sylvan Learning, finds that most eighth and ninth graders consider Algebra to be their toughest – scariest – subject. Their parents share the same algebra anxiety. A staggering 97 percent of parents feel more prepared to talk with their children about drug and alcohol use than to help them tackle their algebra homework. Those facts are scary.
The new survey underscores how ill-equipped most adults feel to help their children with algebra, which is often introduced in middle school. The survey finds that one third of middle-school students say they are willing to give up video gaming and Facebook for a month if it means they’d never have to solve another polynomial equation. Parents feel just as lost. More than seven in 10 parents polled feel that helping their kids with algebra homework is harder than teaching them to drive a car.
The nationwide survey of eighth and ninth grade students and their parents was conducted between August 1 and August 8, 2011 by Kelton Research, commissioned by Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring and supplemental education services to students of all ages and skill levels.
“Algebra is crucial to every student’s success, especially in technology dependant 21st century professions. Mastering algebraic concepts inherently leads to success in high school mathematics and eventual success in college and career. Our children’s future depends on the mastery of these essential skills,” says Judy Ann Brown, director of Mathematics for Sylvan Learning.
The question most parents ask: How can I help make algebra less scary for my child?
Every child learns algebra differently and these skills build over time. One of the most important considerations for student success in algebra is their readiness. In this process, the first step is to identify the student’s algebra proficiency and understand if any skills require improvement. Identifying student misconceptions, challenges, and struggles earlier can help parents and teachers better understand the kind of support the student needs to succeed.
Parents who are concerned—or curious—about how prepared their child may be for algebra can take matters into their own hands by screening their child’s readiness through Sylvan’s Fit 4 Algebra website. “Fit 4 Algebra: Take the Algebra Fitness Challenge,” is a free, interactive online “screener” that parents can use to check their children’s algebra readiness. The 21-question check-up is built on the key skills identified by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel as providing the basic foundation for algebra.
After their child completes the screener, parents will be able to review their child’s results which highlight areas of strength as well as areas that are in need of further skill development. Additionally, parents will have immediate access to valuable, free resources, including interactive tutorials to help with homework, online math challenges and entertaining educational games. The parent resources section also includes tips on helping children succeed in math, links to algebra smart phone apps and information on finding personalized help.
As parents embark on this journey to help their child with algebra, here are five tips to help middle-school students overcome algebra fears:
Strengthen Core Skills – Algebra matters because algebra skills build in time. Miss one component and you will continue to have difficulties with algebra, as well as other higher-level math courses. As a parent, challenge your child to become a better problem solver. If the student is struggling in algebra, talk to the child’s math teacher to learn about extra help and search online for other available resources.
Leverage Technology – Technology should support algebra instruction. Today’s "Net Gen" students find technology-infused instruction especially engaging and can help them to gain an understanding of the underlying reasoning and computations used in problem-solving.
Instill Algebra Confidence in Your Child - Praise not only your child’s academic progress, but also the effort that he or she extends to learn new concepts. Tell them that you are proud of their algebra progress even when they struggle. When students are confident in their abilities, they enjoy learning. That love of learning leads to a willingness to try new academic experiences without fear of failing.
Make Real-world Connections – We use math and algebra in everyday lives. There are many opportunities for parents to make algebra connections in day-to-day life – and help students. Analytical thinking for daily tasks or decisions essentially means using the fundamentals of algebra. Think of tasks that you do every day that can be "teachable algebra moments."
Encourage Your Child to Take Higher Level Mathematics– Early and Often - Many students don’t take mathematics classes beyond their school’s minimum requirements, but algebra and other higher level mathematics courses offers critical learning skills that are needed throughout life. Children should take algebra early in their educational careers if and only if they are academically ready. Students who do not take courses covering algebraic concepts early risk missing important opportunities for growth. By the end of junior and senior years, students who have not planned ahead have fewer class options and may not be able to complete all college prerequisite courses. This can restrict a student’s post-secondary educational options and career choices.
The new survey underscores how ill-equipped most adults feel to help their children with algebra, which is often introduced in middle school. The survey finds that one third of middle-school students say they are willing to give up video gaming and Facebook for a month if it means they’d never have to solve another polynomial equation. Parents feel just as lost. More than seven in 10 parents polled feel that helping their kids with algebra homework is harder than teaching them to drive a car.
The nationwide survey of eighth and ninth grade students and their parents was conducted between August 1 and August 8, 2011 by Kelton Research, commissioned by Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring and supplemental education services to students of all ages and skill levels.
“Algebra is crucial to every student’s success, especially in technology dependant 21st century professions. Mastering algebraic concepts inherently leads to success in high school mathematics and eventual success in college and career. Our children’s future depends on the mastery of these essential skills,” says Judy Ann Brown, director of Mathematics for Sylvan Learning.
The question most parents ask: How can I help make algebra less scary for my child?
Every child learns algebra differently and these skills build over time. One of the most important considerations for student success in algebra is their readiness. In this process, the first step is to identify the student’s algebra proficiency and understand if any skills require improvement. Identifying student misconceptions, challenges, and struggles earlier can help parents and teachers better understand the kind of support the student needs to succeed.
Parents who are concerned—or curious—about how prepared their child may be for algebra can take matters into their own hands by screening their child’s readiness through Sylvan’s Fit 4 Algebra website. “Fit 4 Algebra: Take the Algebra Fitness Challenge,” is a free, interactive online “screener” that parents can use to check their children’s algebra readiness. The 21-question check-up is built on the key skills identified by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel as providing the basic foundation for algebra.
After their child completes the screener, parents will be able to review their child’s results which highlight areas of strength as well as areas that are in need of further skill development. Additionally, parents will have immediate access to valuable, free resources, including interactive tutorials to help with homework, online math challenges and entertaining educational games. The parent resources section also includes tips on helping children succeed in math, links to algebra smart phone apps and information on finding personalized help.
As parents embark on this journey to help their child with algebra, here are five tips to help middle-school students overcome algebra fears:
Strengthen Core Skills – Algebra matters because algebra skills build in time. Miss one component and you will continue to have difficulties with algebra, as well as other higher-level math courses. As a parent, challenge your child to become a better problem solver. If the student is struggling in algebra, talk to the child’s math teacher to learn about extra help and search online for other available resources.
Leverage Technology – Technology should support algebra instruction. Today’s "Net Gen" students find technology-infused instruction especially engaging and can help them to gain an understanding of the underlying reasoning and computations used in problem-solving.
Instill Algebra Confidence in Your Child - Praise not only your child’s academic progress, but also the effort that he or she extends to learn new concepts. Tell them that you are proud of their algebra progress even when they struggle. When students are confident in their abilities, they enjoy learning. That love of learning leads to a willingness to try new academic experiences without fear of failing.
Make Real-world Connections – We use math and algebra in everyday lives. There are many opportunities for parents to make algebra connections in day-to-day life – and help students. Analytical thinking for daily tasks or decisions essentially means using the fundamentals of algebra. Think of tasks that you do every day that can be "teachable algebra moments."
Encourage Your Child to Take Higher Level Mathematics– Early and Often - Many students don’t take mathematics classes beyond their school’s minimum requirements, but algebra and other higher level mathematics courses offers critical learning skills that are needed throughout life. Children should take algebra early in their educational careers if and only if they are academically ready. Students who do not take courses covering algebraic concepts early risk missing important opportunities for growth. By the end of junior and senior years, students who have not planned ahead have fewer class options and may not be able to complete all college prerequisite courses. This can restrict a student’s post-secondary educational options and career choices.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Avoiding Report Card Surprise
In the next few weeks, schools will begin sending home the dreaded "First Report Card."
The first report card of the year can create feelings of pride, happiness and excitement for many parents. It can also produce feelings of anxiety and frustration for those who are surprised by their child’s grades. However, effective and continuous communication among teachers, parents and students can help minimize the “report card surprise.”
Report cards are part of every child’s academic experience, and don’t need to be a surprise to parents. If a parent is surprised by a “poor” report card, it often means that they haven’t been effectively communicating with their child or their child’s teacher throughout the school year. Maintaining open and continuous lines of communication with children and teachers throughout the school year, and not just when report cards are issued, will help parents stay informed about their child’s progress and help them avoid the report card surprise.
Students who are surprised by their own report cards also need to improve their communication and organization patterns. A student who surprisingly receives a “D” or a failing grade on his report card learns the hard way that he needs to regularly talk with his teachers and stay on top of school work, homework and test results. Students should never be surprised by their report card grades.
Organization is an essential part of a student’s education. By tracking test scores and all other assignments throughout the year and speaking regularly with teachers and parents, students are prepared for their grades come report card time, and can work to improve their performance prior to report cards.
It shouldn’t take a surprise report card for parents and teachers to communicate effectively. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offers the following advice to help parents maintain clear communications with their children and teachers:
Tips for Talking To Children
• Talk about school every day. Make it a regular part of the family’s routine.
• Don’t wait until report cards are issued to talk about school and grades. Frequently discuss with her how she is doing in each subject and what grade she anticipates receiving.
• Encourage your child to tell you about his day. Find out what he learned and what are his favorite activities.
• Teach your child that education is important to your family.
• Discuss goals and objectives for the school year. This may be a great way to learn about difficulties your child is having in specific subject areas.
• If your child is having trouble in school, talk about a method to help organize her schedule, subjects and activities. A calendar can be a great way to track tests, homework, activities and study plans.
• Talk with your child about his extracurricular activities, such as team sports or after-school jobs. Being overscheduled may affect his grades.
• Set improvement goals for your child. This will help her work towards an attainable grade for each class.
• Talk with your child about his study habits and develop a study plan. Set aside specific time for studying, projects and activities each evening and make sure that he has a properly equipped and well-lit area to work.
• Communicate with your child about her school experiences. Know what she is thinking and feeling. Also, openly talk with her about her worries and concerns as well as her joys and achievements.
Tips for Talking to Teachers
• Develop a parent/teacher relationship with your child’s teacher and talk with this teacher at least once a month throughout the year. Remember that your child’s teacher has direct contact with your child every school day and can offer invaluable insight into your child’s day.
• Your child’s teacher can benefit from background information about him – talk about activities he likes, special needs, close friends, motivation and things going on at home.
• Find out what the teacher’s expectations are for the year and what type of curriculum he or she has set for the students. Have this insight at the start of school and keep track of it throughout the year.
• Talk to the teacher about any major programs or activities that are set for the year. Is there an annual science fair? A field trip schedule? Major papers? Tests?
• Remember – teachers are busy people, too. Find out the easiest way to communicate – by email, phone or in-person. Finding the right communication method will make it easier to speak on a regular basis.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Celebrate National Book Month!
October is National Book Month! This is the perfect time to honor books and what could be better than reading together as a family. A loving routine at the end of the day that allows parents and kids to make bedtime a special time, to share favorite stories and books, to talk, and be together is a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time with your children.
Parents, here are a few tips to help you get started.
Start small.
Remember, big journeys start with one step.
Take turns reading.
One night you read, the next your child reads. Or switch reading every couple of paragraphs or pages.
Read with expression.
Let the stories come to life. Encourage kids to read with lively expression. Let them see the excitement books contain.
Choose compelling books.
Let your child select some books and perhaps choose some yourself. Recommend some of your favorites from when you were a child.
Celebrate.
When you’re done with a book, write its title and author on a link in a construction paper chain and festoon the walls with your accomplishments. Draw pictures of your favorite characters.
Make an audio book.
Tape yourselves reading. Send the recording to Grandma, who will swoon. Recording can also be your “substitute” if you have to be away for a night – although nothing is as good as your presence.
Get ideas from other parents.
What are they reading in their homes? What books and stories are other kids interested in? What recommendations can you give to and get from other parents?
Get ideas from teachers.
What types of books are popular at school? What books would supplement what teachers are teaching in social studies, art, or science classes? What do the reading teacher and librarian suggest?
The nice thing about routines is that once they’re started they become a part of your life, comforting and safe.
Parents, here are a few tips to help you get started.
Start small.
Remember, big journeys start with one step.
Take turns reading.
One night you read, the next your child reads. Or switch reading every couple of paragraphs or pages.
Read with expression.
Let the stories come to life. Encourage kids to read with lively expression. Let them see the excitement books contain.
Choose compelling books.
Let your child select some books and perhaps choose some yourself. Recommend some of your favorites from when you were a child.
Celebrate.
When you’re done with a book, write its title and author on a link in a construction paper chain and festoon the walls with your accomplishments. Draw pictures of your favorite characters.
Make an audio book.
Tape yourselves reading. Send the recording to Grandma, who will swoon. Recording can also be your “substitute” if you have to be away for a night – although nothing is as good as your presence.
Get ideas from other parents.
What are they reading in their homes? What books and stories are other kids interested in? What recommendations can you give to and get from other parents?
Get ideas from teachers.
What types of books are popular at school? What books would supplement what teachers are teaching in social studies, art, or science classes? What do the reading teacher and librarian suggest?
The nice thing about routines is that once they’re started they become a part of your life, comforting and safe.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
New Study Reveals That Students Believe They Can Benefit from Help on How to Study
A study, conducted by International Communications Research, found that 69 percent of students between the ages of 13 and 17 agreed they could benefit from help on how to study and take tests better. The survey also revealed that more students get nervous when they sit down to take the test than when they are studying.
Students experience different kinds of stress associated with the test-taking process – stress during the actual test and pre-test stress while preparing for the exam, especially if the student is cramming the night before. Recognizing that a child's emotional state will affect her score, it is especially important that parents and teachers help students prepare for tests without cramming, in order to reduce the anxiety associated with the exam process.
To help students overcome the hurdles associated with testing, Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages and skill levels, offers the following test-taking tips for multiple choice, open-ended and essay format exams. Tips include how to prepare for the exam and reduce test day anxiety:
Multiple Choice Test
• Relax. It’s only a test.
• Do a quick review of the entire test – see what kind and how many questions are asked.
• Try to manage your time. Keep a close eye on the clock so you don’t run out of time.
• Make sure you read all directions clearly and carefully.
• Answer ALL questions. If it’s a multiple-choice test, even if you’re not sure of the answer, it’s better to guess than to leave the question blank.
• Go through and answer the easy questions first – they take less time. Save your time for the difficult questions.
• Can’t figure out the answer? See if you can eliminate at least one obviously wrong answer.
• If you finish early, review your answers and be sure you didn’t miss any questions.
• Mark your answers clearly. If you change your answer, erase it completely – you wouldn’t want the teacher to mark it wrong because you had two answers!
• For true or false questions: go with your instinct – it’s often right. And, look for trigger words like “always” and “never.” There are few things you can say never or always about, so the answer is probably false.
• On reading tests, scan for key words that relate to the question, and always be on the lookout for the main idea and for answers to who, what, where, when, why and how.
• On language arts tests, quickly eliminate known misspellings. For fill-in sentences, read the entire sentence and look for context clues before trying each possible answer.
• On math tests, use scratch paper and write down the key information you need to solve the problems, such as number sentences and equations. Check answers by reversing, i.e. adding to check subtraction.
Open-ended Questions
• Do a quick scan of the test. How many questions are there? How many points is each question worth? Remember, a question that’s four points versus 10 will require less detail.
• Write your answers clearly. You don’t want to lose points because the teacher can’t read your writing!
• Do the easy questions first. Then, come back to the difficult ones. Sometimes, the questions you can’t answer immediately make sense when you look at them a second time.
• Don’t lose track of time. You want to be able to answer all of the questions.
• Proofread. Did you answer the question? Check for spelling, punctuation and capitalization errors.
• Plan out what you want to say. It can’t hurt to jot down a couple of quick notes so you know the direction of your answers.
• Mark any questions that you need to come back to. If you want to add additional information to the answer, make a note, so you remember to review it.
• On reading questions, if you’re asked to write an answer that draws a conclusion, use details from the passage to support your idea.
• For math questions, jot down what you know about the word problem and maybe draw a picture to help you solve it. Make sure that your answers make sense – if the question asks how many miles, make sure that your answer is in miles, not feet or meters.
Essay Questions
• Review the question thoroughly. How many parts are there to the question? Make sure you answer every aspect of the question.
• How much time do you have to complete the exam, and how many questions do you have to answer?
• Read the question twice - once to see what’s wanted and then a second time to underline key words.
• If you have a choice of questions to answer, which ones are you most comfortable with? Do you have enough supporting material to answer the ones you want?
• Prepare an outline. Organize your thoughts. If this is one of the questions that you prepared for when studying, you’re already halfway there! Keep your facts straight, and be sure to include supporting details.
• Be concise when expressing your thoughts. Don't ramble.
• Pace yourself. Leave enough time to answer all questions, and time for reviewing and editing. In addition to answering the questions correctly, remember you’ll likely be evaluated on spelling and grammar, too.
• Provide supporting details for major topic areas – create introductory and concluding statements and restate your theme or thesis statement in your conclusion.
Sylvan Learning offers tips on writing, reading, making math learning fun and much more. For tips and information, visit www.SylvanLearning.com.
Students experience different kinds of stress associated with the test-taking process – stress during the actual test and pre-test stress while preparing for the exam, especially if the student is cramming the night before. Recognizing that a child's emotional state will affect her score, it is especially important that parents and teachers help students prepare for tests without cramming, in order to reduce the anxiety associated with the exam process.
To help students overcome the hurdles associated with testing, Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages and skill levels, offers the following test-taking tips for multiple choice, open-ended and essay format exams. Tips include how to prepare for the exam and reduce test day anxiety:
Multiple Choice Test
• Relax. It’s only a test.
• Do a quick review of the entire test – see what kind and how many questions are asked.
• Try to manage your time. Keep a close eye on the clock so you don’t run out of time.
• Make sure you read all directions clearly and carefully.
• Answer ALL questions. If it’s a multiple-choice test, even if you’re not sure of the answer, it’s better to guess than to leave the question blank.
• Go through and answer the easy questions first – they take less time. Save your time for the difficult questions.
• Can’t figure out the answer? See if you can eliminate at least one obviously wrong answer.
• If you finish early, review your answers and be sure you didn’t miss any questions.
• Mark your answers clearly. If you change your answer, erase it completely – you wouldn’t want the teacher to mark it wrong because you had two answers!
• For true or false questions: go with your instinct – it’s often right. And, look for trigger words like “always” and “never.” There are few things you can say never or always about, so the answer is probably false.
• On reading tests, scan for key words that relate to the question, and always be on the lookout for the main idea and for answers to who, what, where, when, why and how.
• On language arts tests, quickly eliminate known misspellings. For fill-in sentences, read the entire sentence and look for context clues before trying each possible answer.
• On math tests, use scratch paper and write down the key information you need to solve the problems, such as number sentences and equations. Check answers by reversing, i.e. adding to check subtraction.
Open-ended Questions
• Do a quick scan of the test. How many questions are there? How many points is each question worth? Remember, a question that’s four points versus 10 will require less detail.
• Write your answers clearly. You don’t want to lose points because the teacher can’t read your writing!
• Do the easy questions first. Then, come back to the difficult ones. Sometimes, the questions you can’t answer immediately make sense when you look at them a second time.
• Don’t lose track of time. You want to be able to answer all of the questions.
• Proofread. Did you answer the question? Check for spelling, punctuation and capitalization errors.
• Plan out what you want to say. It can’t hurt to jot down a couple of quick notes so you know the direction of your answers.
• Mark any questions that you need to come back to. If you want to add additional information to the answer, make a note, so you remember to review it.
• On reading questions, if you’re asked to write an answer that draws a conclusion, use details from the passage to support your idea.
• For math questions, jot down what you know about the word problem and maybe draw a picture to help you solve it. Make sure that your answers make sense – if the question asks how many miles, make sure that your answer is in miles, not feet or meters.
Essay Questions
• Review the question thoroughly. How many parts are there to the question? Make sure you answer every aspect of the question.
• How much time do you have to complete the exam, and how many questions do you have to answer?
• Read the question twice - once to see what’s wanted and then a second time to underline key words.
• If you have a choice of questions to answer, which ones are you most comfortable with? Do you have enough supporting material to answer the ones you want?
• Prepare an outline. Organize your thoughts. If this is one of the questions that you prepared for when studying, you’re already halfway there! Keep your facts straight, and be sure to include supporting details.
• Be concise when expressing your thoughts. Don't ramble.
• Pace yourself. Leave enough time to answer all questions, and time for reviewing and editing. In addition to answering the questions correctly, remember you’ll likely be evaluated on spelling and grammar, too.
• Provide supporting details for major topic areas – create introductory and concluding statements and restate your theme or thesis statement in your conclusion.
Sylvan Learning offers tips on writing, reading, making math learning fun and much more. For tips and information, visit www.SylvanLearning.com.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Local Sylvan Learning Offers College Planning Fair
Are you in high school and worried about your college plans?
Getting a college education requires a lot of time, effort and careful planning by parents and students working in tandem with each other. It provides knowledge and skills students will use for the rest of their lives.
With more than three million college admission tests administered each year, the SAT and ACT are two of the most important exams that a high school student will ever take. While taking these tests is critical to a student’s acceptance into college, students must also begin taking into account what college they would like to attend and more importantly, what they will do with the degree they earn once they graduate from that college.
The Sylvan Learning Centers of Clinton, Flemington and Hamilton, New Jersey are hosting an event for all High School students and their parents to talk with admissions counselors from Mercer County Community College, Raritan Valley Community College and Warren County Community College, along with a transfer counselor from Centenary College, amongst others. The event will be held at the Flemington Sylvan Learning Center located at 301 Walter E. Foran Boulevard on Thursday, November 10th from 10am to noon. Most New Jersey public schools are closed that day for teacher conventions, so it is an excellent opportunity for students to begin their college planning.
Students will have the opportunity to learn from these counselors what kinds of courses their local community colleges provide, what kinds of tests they will need to take (including the SAT) for even these colleges, and how to make the transition from a Community College to a 4-Year college seamlessly and in a relaxed atmosphere. Sylvan will also be on-hand to provide information about the college preparation services they offer.
RSVP's are accepted, but walk-ins are encouraged! Please call your local center for more information.
Clinton: 908-638-6788
Flemington: 908-806-4010 or
Hamilton: 609-588-9037
Getting a college education requires a lot of time, effort and careful planning by parents and students working in tandem with each other. It provides knowledge and skills students will use for the rest of their lives.
With more than three million college admission tests administered each year, the SAT and ACT are two of the most important exams that a high school student will ever take. While taking these tests is critical to a student’s acceptance into college, students must also begin taking into account what college they would like to attend and more importantly, what they will do with the degree they earn once they graduate from that college.
The Sylvan Learning Centers of Clinton, Flemington and Hamilton, New Jersey are hosting an event for all High School students and their parents to talk with admissions counselors from Mercer County Community College, Raritan Valley Community College and Warren County Community College, along with a transfer counselor from Centenary College, amongst others. The event will be held at the Flemington Sylvan Learning Center located at 301 Walter E. Foran Boulevard on Thursday, November 10th from 10am to noon. Most New Jersey public schools are closed that day for teacher conventions, so it is an excellent opportunity for students to begin their college planning.
Students will have the opportunity to learn from these counselors what kinds of courses their local community colleges provide, what kinds of tests they will need to take (including the SAT) for even these colleges, and how to make the transition from a Community College to a 4-Year college seamlessly and in a relaxed atmosphere. Sylvan will also be on-hand to provide information about the college preparation services they offer.
RSVP's are accepted, but walk-ins are encouraged! Please call your local center for more information.
Clinton: 908-638-6788
Flemington: 908-806-4010 or
Hamilton: 609-588-9037
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Fear Formula
National survey finds high anxiety among 8th and 9th graders taking algebra, tops list of worries for parents who struggle to help.
More than 70% of parents believe that helping their kids with algebra is harder than teaching them to drive a car.
As the new school year gets underway, a just-released survey finds that most eighth and ninth graders consider algebra to be their toughest subject — and the same goes for parents who say advanced math, like algebra, tops the subjects they struggle with when helping their children with homework.
The findings of the national survey are significant because algebra is regarded by many educators, including the U.S. Department of Education, to be a “well documented gateway course.” The designation comes from its importance as the foundation for high school level math and a critical stepping stone to college and future careers—from electrician to architect.
The challenge facing our students is underscored by the most recent results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which show that only 34 percent of eighth graders scored at or above the proficient level in math.
The nationwide survey of eighth and ninth graders and their parents was conducted between August 1 and August 8, 2011 by Kelton Research and commissioned by Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring and supplemental education services to students of all ages and skill levels.
Among the key findings:
• One in three students would be quick to sacrifice video game (36%) or Facebook (33%) privileges for a month to avoid taking algebra again.
• As students drown in anxiety over algebra, parents feel just as lost. Parents feel far more prepared to discuss delicate topics like drugs and alcohol (97%) and even sex (88%) with their child than to help with algebra homework (54%).
• Doing algebra is harder than completing tax returns. More than four out of five (82%) parents admit that they are likely to make more mistakes on their children’s algebra homework than on their tax returns.
• Six in ten (60%) parents are so unsure of their own algebra skills that they gave themselves a hypothetical grade of C or lower in their child’s algebra class.
These statistics add up to a “fear formula” in which the gap is widening between students’ needs and their parents’ ability to assist or provide the help required for success in algebra. Dr. Francis “Skip” Fennell, Professor of Mathematics Education at McDaniel College and past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, believes these numbers could be altered through simple preparation. “One of the most important considerations to student success in algebra is their readiness,” he says. “If we can identify student misconceptions, challenges, and struggles earlier, parents and teachers can provide students with the support they need to succeed.”
Sylvan Learning seeks to accomplish this with the launch of “Fit 4 Algebra: Take the Algebra Fitness Challenge,” a free interactive online “screener” that parents can use to assess their children’s algebra readiness. It consists of a 21-question algebra readiness check-up, which tests the key skills identified by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel as providing the basic foundation for algebra.
After their child completes the screener, parents will receive diagnostic results that highlight areas of strength as well as areas that are in need of further skill development. Additionally, parents will have immediate access to valuable free resources, including video-based math tutorials aligned to the skill areas where students need additional improvement.
“Success in algebra is a step toward success in life. Ensuring that our children are prepared to succeed is vital to our mission as an educational services company,” says Jeffrey Cohen, president and CEO of Sylvan Learning. “Every parent should know where their child stands with algebra and be in a position to help. We have researched and aggregated some of the best math and algebra resources currently available, and are thrilled to make these resources immediately accessible in one central place,” he said.
Parents who are concerned—or curious—about how well their child may measure up in algebra can take matters into their own hands by screening their child’s readiness through Sylvan’s Fit 4 Algebra website. In addition to seeing where their child stands on the Algebrometer®—an engaging visual created by Sylvan that gauges a student’s readiness level for algebra—parents can take advantage of a host of free resources, including online math challenges, entertaining games, interactive concept tutorials, and links to thousands of already-asked math questions with answers. The parent resources section also includes tips on helping children succeed in math, links to algebra smart phone apps, and information on finding personalized help, if needed.
“Parents recognize that their children are missing the mark in algebra and they need help,” says Dr. Lynn Fontana, chief academic officer for Sylvan Learning. “By taking advantage of Sylvan’s algebra check-up screener and free resources, parents can put their children back on track in the new school year and take the first step in ensuring their children’s future achievement in higher math studies, college, and ultimately their careers.”
Dr. Fennell also advises parents to determine “early on” if their children are ready for algebra by underscoring the link between algebra and future achievement. “Algebra is an important stop along the road to future success—in high school, college, and even professional earning power, so it’s critical that students know and understand the prerequisite concepts and skills that will help them succeed in algebra. Early detection is key to success down the road,” he said.
Sylvan’s free screener is available on www.Fit4Algebra.org. Parents of children entering middle school are encouraged to have their child take the screener to assess algebra readiness at the start of a new school year.
More than 70% of parents believe that helping their kids with algebra is harder than teaching them to drive a car.
As the new school year gets underway, a just-released survey finds that most eighth and ninth graders consider algebra to be their toughest subject — and the same goes for parents who say advanced math, like algebra, tops the subjects they struggle with when helping their children with homework.
The findings of the national survey are significant because algebra is regarded by many educators, including the U.S. Department of Education, to be a “well documented gateway course.” The designation comes from its importance as the foundation for high school level math and a critical stepping stone to college and future careers—from electrician to architect.
The challenge facing our students is underscored by the most recent results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which show that only 34 percent of eighth graders scored at or above the proficient level in math.
The nationwide survey of eighth and ninth graders and their parents was conducted between August 1 and August 8, 2011 by Kelton Research and commissioned by Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring and supplemental education services to students of all ages and skill levels.
Among the key findings:
• One in three students would be quick to sacrifice video game (36%) or Facebook (33%) privileges for a month to avoid taking algebra again.
• As students drown in anxiety over algebra, parents feel just as lost. Parents feel far more prepared to discuss delicate topics like drugs and alcohol (97%) and even sex (88%) with their child than to help with algebra homework (54%).
• Doing algebra is harder than completing tax returns. More than four out of five (82%) parents admit that they are likely to make more mistakes on their children’s algebra homework than on their tax returns.
• Six in ten (60%) parents are so unsure of their own algebra skills that they gave themselves a hypothetical grade of C or lower in their child’s algebra class.
These statistics add up to a “fear formula” in which the gap is widening between students’ needs and their parents’ ability to assist or provide the help required for success in algebra. Dr. Francis “Skip” Fennell, Professor of Mathematics Education at McDaniel College and past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, believes these numbers could be altered through simple preparation. “One of the most important considerations to student success in algebra is their readiness,” he says. “If we can identify student misconceptions, challenges, and struggles earlier, parents and teachers can provide students with the support they need to succeed.”
Sylvan Learning seeks to accomplish this with the launch of “Fit 4 Algebra: Take the Algebra Fitness Challenge,” a free interactive online “screener” that parents can use to assess their children’s algebra readiness. It consists of a 21-question algebra readiness check-up, which tests the key skills identified by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel as providing the basic foundation for algebra.
After their child completes the screener, parents will receive diagnostic results that highlight areas of strength as well as areas that are in need of further skill development. Additionally, parents will have immediate access to valuable free resources, including video-based math tutorials aligned to the skill areas where students need additional improvement.
“Success in algebra is a step toward success in life. Ensuring that our children are prepared to succeed is vital to our mission as an educational services company,” says Jeffrey Cohen, president and CEO of Sylvan Learning. “Every parent should know where their child stands with algebra and be in a position to help. We have researched and aggregated some of the best math and algebra resources currently available, and are thrilled to make these resources immediately accessible in one central place,” he said.
Parents who are concerned—or curious—about how well their child may measure up in algebra can take matters into their own hands by screening their child’s readiness through Sylvan’s Fit 4 Algebra website. In addition to seeing where their child stands on the Algebrometer®—an engaging visual created by Sylvan that gauges a student’s readiness level for algebra—parents can take advantage of a host of free resources, including online math challenges, entertaining games, interactive concept tutorials, and links to thousands of already-asked math questions with answers. The parent resources section also includes tips on helping children succeed in math, links to algebra smart phone apps, and information on finding personalized help, if needed.
“Parents recognize that their children are missing the mark in algebra and they need help,” says Dr. Lynn Fontana, chief academic officer for Sylvan Learning. “By taking advantage of Sylvan’s algebra check-up screener and free resources, parents can put their children back on track in the new school year and take the first step in ensuring their children’s future achievement in higher math studies, college, and ultimately their careers.”
Dr. Fennell also advises parents to determine “early on” if their children are ready for algebra by underscoring the link between algebra and future achievement. “Algebra is an important stop along the road to future success—in high school, college, and even professional earning power, so it’s critical that students know and understand the prerequisite concepts and skills that will help them succeed in algebra. Early detection is key to success down the road,” he said.
Sylvan’s free screener is available on www.Fit4Algebra.org. Parents of children entering middle school are encouraged to have their child take the screener to assess algebra readiness at the start of a new school year.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
How To Excel at the SAT and ACT® Tests
More than three million college admissions tests are administered each year, making the SAT and the ACT® two of the most important exams that a high school student will ever take. With the fall tests coming up, the college admissions process can really be a time of anxiousness, with the high stakes of college entrance exams being a major contributor.
Here are a few test tips that are aimed to help ease nerves and help students do well at the tests.
• Start studying early: Help your child set up a study schedule months in advance to allow leisurely preparation and eliminate the need for cramming.
• Encourage effort: College entrance exams will have a big influence on your child’s college admissions. Be honest that it is an important test and that your child needs to take it seriously, try his/her best, relax, and remain calm.
• Take practice tests: Taking multiple practice tests will make your test-takers feel more comfortable with the testing experience and remove much of the mystery involved with college entrance exams.
• Get a good night’s sleep: Studies have found that stress is elevated by fatigue. Be sure that your child has plenty of uninterrupted sleep a few days prior to the test date.
• Eat a healthy breakfast: The SAT and ACT® are generally offered in the morning, so having a healthy breakfast will keep your child energized for a long day, allowing him/her to stay focused and alert.
• Come early and prepared: Make sure your child is at the test site early, and has all of his/her testing supplies. Being late or missing materials will cause unnecessary stress your child does NOT need.
• Stay calm: This can be a very nerve-racking time for students. Remind them that testing is only one piece of the admissions puzzle and reassure them of your confidence and pride in all they have accomplished!
Friday, August 19, 2011
School Involvement... All Year Long
When 16-year-old Drew is at school, his mom may be just a couple of classrooms away. “At first it’s kind of weird, and my friends will be like ‘Oh yesterday I saw your mom at school.’ And I’m like, ‘Oh, OK.’ But eventually I get used to it,” he says.
She volunteers at the school, which makes it easy to check in with her children’s teachers. “When one of my children has a problem in one of his classes, they’ll say we got his test grade and it’s this,” says Stacy, Drew’s mom. But many parents never get that kind of quick feedback. According to a survey by the Michigan Education Association, a quarter of parents said they almost never talk to teachers.
The same number said they never attend parent-teacher conferences. “Sadly, I think those numbers are probably very accurate,” says academic advisor Cathie Banks.
Banks says that can send kids a subtle, but damaging message: My parents don’t care about my education, so why should I? The result is that “they’re less involved in activities. ... They have lower self-esteem; they have lower classroom attendance,” she says.
In fact, earlier studies by the U.S. Department of Education found that when parents are involved – by monitoring homework, talking to teachers or
volunteering at the school – children’s grades were dramatically higher and
discipline problems dramatically lower. “She’s always around at school a lot. So if I was to do something bad, she would know about it pretty quickly,” says Drew.
Experts say meeting your child’s teachers and spending time at their school is invaluable. “Find a link, whether it’s a teacher you can talk to (or) a guidance counselor that you can go (to),” says Banks. “I would encourage any parent who wants to become involved to do so, no matter what the cost.”
What Parents Need To Know
A study funded by education groups in Michigan found a pronounced rift between parents and teachers. Although parents and teachers should be partners in education, they are often adversaries. Parents can ensure a child is on time to school and then welcome them home at night, but
they often leave the hours in between solely to professional educators.
Consider the following:
• Only one-in-nine working parents is active in a child’s school.
• Overall, one-in-four parents participate in a child’s school.
• Nearly a quarter of parents never ensure teachers know essential information about their child.
• Teachers are more forthcoming about academic problems than they are with behavior problems.
• Parents who communicate with the schools have a higher level of success and satisfaction, as well as a greater sense of belonging to the school community.
• Nine states have passed legislation offering unpaid family leave for school activities, with varying requirements for eligibility.
Working moms and dads might be desperate for a connection but need
flexible volunteer opportunities and events timed around the workday. Conversely, stay-at-home parents want to preserve family evenings and consider daytime school involvement one benefit of staying home.
Parent involvement increases positive results. Show your child with actions, not just words, that you really care about education. Involvement extends beyond simply getting your child to school on time. If parents don’t care enough to drop by the school and talk to a teacher, to make sure homework gets done and books get read, the child likely won’t care either.
Parents of low-achievers, the students who could most benefit from parent
involvement, are the least likely to visit schools.
Eventually, a parent might need to deal with the school on his or her child’s behalf. A parent is in a much better position if that’s not the first time the school has seen him or her. Children of parents who are engaged with the school receive a better education. However, most schools and educators do little to welcome reluctant parents.
To combat this dilemma, parents can:
• Make regular visits to their child’s classroom.
• Share pertinent, helpful information about their child with his or her teachers.
• Ask teachers specific questions regarding their child’s performance and behavior.
• Encourage teachers to be honest with them.
• Be careful not to behave as their child’s defense attorneys. They
shouldn’t automatically side with their child and go after an educator.
• Act as allies of the educator because a teacher who knows he or she has the backing of the parents is more likely to go out on a limb for that child.
She volunteers at the school, which makes it easy to check in with her children’s teachers. “When one of my children has a problem in one of his classes, they’ll say we got his test grade and it’s this,” says Stacy, Drew’s mom. But many parents never get that kind of quick feedback. According to a survey by the Michigan Education Association, a quarter of parents said they almost never talk to teachers.
The same number said they never attend parent-teacher conferences. “Sadly, I think those numbers are probably very accurate,” says academic advisor Cathie Banks.
Banks says that can send kids a subtle, but damaging message: My parents don’t care about my education, so why should I? The result is that “they’re less involved in activities. ... They have lower self-esteem; they have lower classroom attendance,” she says.
In fact, earlier studies by the U.S. Department of Education found that when parents are involved – by monitoring homework, talking to teachers or
volunteering at the school – children’s grades were dramatically higher and
discipline problems dramatically lower. “She’s always around at school a lot. So if I was to do something bad, she would know about it pretty quickly,” says Drew.
Experts say meeting your child’s teachers and spending time at their school is invaluable. “Find a link, whether it’s a teacher you can talk to (or) a guidance counselor that you can go (to),” says Banks. “I would encourage any parent who wants to become involved to do so, no matter what the cost.”
What Parents Need To Know
A study funded by education groups in Michigan found a pronounced rift between parents and teachers. Although parents and teachers should be partners in education, they are often adversaries. Parents can ensure a child is on time to school and then welcome them home at night, but
they often leave the hours in between solely to professional educators.
Consider the following:
• Only one-in-nine working parents is active in a child’s school.
• Overall, one-in-four parents participate in a child’s school.
• Nearly a quarter of parents never ensure teachers know essential information about their child.
• Teachers are more forthcoming about academic problems than they are with behavior problems.
• Parents who communicate with the schools have a higher level of success and satisfaction, as well as a greater sense of belonging to the school community.
• Nine states have passed legislation offering unpaid family leave for school activities, with varying requirements for eligibility.
Working moms and dads might be desperate for a connection but need
flexible volunteer opportunities and events timed around the workday. Conversely, stay-at-home parents want to preserve family evenings and consider daytime school involvement one benefit of staying home.
Parent involvement increases positive results. Show your child with actions, not just words, that you really care about education. Involvement extends beyond simply getting your child to school on time. If parents don’t care enough to drop by the school and talk to a teacher, to make sure homework gets done and books get read, the child likely won’t care either.
Parents of low-achievers, the students who could most benefit from parent
involvement, are the least likely to visit schools.
Eventually, a parent might need to deal with the school on his or her child’s behalf. A parent is in a much better position if that’s not the first time the school has seen him or her. Children of parents who are engaged with the school receive a better education. However, most schools and educators do little to welcome reluctant parents.
To combat this dilemma, parents can:
• Make regular visits to their child’s classroom.
• Share pertinent, helpful information about their child with his or her teachers.
• Ask teachers specific questions regarding their child’s performance and behavior.
• Encourage teachers to be honest with them.
• Be careful not to behave as their child’s defense attorneys. They
shouldn’t automatically side with their child and go after an educator.
• Act as allies of the educator because a teacher who knows he or she has the backing of the parents is more likely to go out on a limb for that child.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Getting in Gear: A Back To School Survival Guide
Despite the warm temperatures and sunny skies, many students are feeling a shadow looming as back to school season creeps closer. After weeks of lazy, summer days, late nights, varying routines and minimal mental stimulation, the return to school can seem overwhelming to students of all ages.
To help parents and children get ready for the new school year, Sylvan Learning located in (Insert city), offers several tips to ease the transition from the beach to the classroom and jumpstart sluggish summer brains.
STUDENTS:
For many students, the first day of school doesn’t only bring new teachers and new friends - it can also be a source of anxiety with homework assignments and tests just around the corner. Starting the school year off on the right foot can help minimize students’ stress levels throughout the year.
Get Cleaning. A dirty, cluttered room is not conducive to studying. Get organized before homework starts piling up.
• Remove seldom-worn clothing.
• Pack away belongings not used on a regular basis.
• For smaller children, label areas so they can easily see where belongings should go.
Carve Out A Homework Spot. Whether it is in your bedroom, the basement, or a family office, find an area where you can work distraction-free and claim it as your official workspace.
• Pick a place that is always available and where you feel comfortable doing schoolwork.
• Stock the area with all of the supplies and tools that are needed to complete homework.
Get Organized. Organization is key to ensure you stay on top of the requirements for each subject.
• Use separate, labeled notebooks for each class.
• Create files for each subject. The folders can hold assignments, essays, handouts and notes taken during classes.
• Purchase a planner or calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines.
Set Educational Goals. Whether it is striving for an A in a certain subject, handing in all homework on time or preparing for tests well in advance, setting goals can help establish a routine for the new year.
• Set goals that are measurable, specific, reasonable and have personal value.
Stay On Schedule. Minimize last minute cramming or deadline mix-ups by creating a detailed school schedule.
• Include all classes, assignments and key dates, such as project deadlines and test dates. Fill in new dates as they arise.
• Schedule specific times for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more thorough the schedule, the more helpful it will be to you.
Know The School. If you ever feel swamped with back to school madness, ask for help. Schools assist students with transitioning from one grade to another. Meet with your guidance counselor and/or teachers. If you are still nervous, ask your mom or dad to drop you off at school on the first day of class.
Be Adventurous. Step out of your comfort zone this school year by trying new things academically and in terms of extracurricular activities.
• Try every type of class and/or activity. You never know what your strengths are until you experience as much as you can.
• Challenge yourself. If you have the opportunity, take the hardest classes - not the easiest subjects.
• Ask questions. There is nothing wrong with not always knowing the answer. Asking questions is the best way to learn!
Think Positive. Yes, going back to school means homework and early mornings. It also means reconnecting with old friends, meeting new people, resuming fun extracurricular activities, learning more about your favorite subjects and improving on your last year’s performance.
PARENTS:
While the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn to prepare lunches, fighting over appropriate school attire and regulating the amount of television watched might have you frazzled, take solace in the fact that you can play a big part in getting your children motivated and excited to tackle a new school year.
Depending on your child’s age, your role in the above-mentioned tips will vary. The following are helpful ideas to ease kids of all ages back into learning mode:
Help Your Child Discover His/Her Learning Style. Because each child is special, with different learning styles and academic needs, it is important to personalize the learning process. People learn in at least eight different ways, according to the Multiple Intelligences Theory: visually, verbally, physically, mathematically, musically, naturalistically, through group activity or through quiet thinking time. Talk to your child’s teachers about your child’s learning strengths and how best to support them.
Get Back In The Routine. Ease the transition from lazy summer days to the structure of the school year by re-establishing bedtime, mealtime, reading and homework routines. Talk with your child about the importance of structure and how routines help ensure that he is not overtired or overly anxious about schoolwork.
Develop A Family Event Calendar. One of the most helpful tools for getting organized is a family event calendar. To ease the chaos, track school programs, volunteer work and after-school activities. Family time management is essential if you are going to avoid the tumultuous frenzy of disorganization.
• Depending on your children’s ages, this calendar can be on construction paper with large squares to write in all necessary information, or it can be produced on a white board so that it is easy to revise.
• If it is color-coded by family member, you can clearly see who has an activity scheduled and when the event occurs.
• Place the calendar near the telephone, so when a friend’s mother calls to invite your child to a birthday party, you will know instantly whether it fits within your family plans.
Purchase School Supplies In Advance. Avoid the last-minute rush by purchasing supplies at least one week in advance. Take your child. She can feel excited and in control by choosing her favorite colors and designs.
Be a Cheerleader. Encourage your child to share any concerns he has about returning to school. Reinforce positive feelings by talking with your child about learning and achievement. Support his academic interests and encourage him to get involved in extracurricular activities at school.
To help parents and children get ready for the new school year, Sylvan Learning located in (Insert city), offers several tips to ease the transition from the beach to the classroom and jumpstart sluggish summer brains.
STUDENTS:
For many students, the first day of school doesn’t only bring new teachers and new friends - it can also be a source of anxiety with homework assignments and tests just around the corner. Starting the school year off on the right foot can help minimize students’ stress levels throughout the year.
Get Cleaning. A dirty, cluttered room is not conducive to studying. Get organized before homework starts piling up.
• Remove seldom-worn clothing.
• Pack away belongings not used on a regular basis.
• For smaller children, label areas so they can easily see where belongings should go.
Carve Out A Homework Spot. Whether it is in your bedroom, the basement, or a family office, find an area where you can work distraction-free and claim it as your official workspace.
• Pick a place that is always available and where you feel comfortable doing schoolwork.
• Stock the area with all of the supplies and tools that are needed to complete homework.
Get Organized. Organization is key to ensure you stay on top of the requirements for each subject.
• Use separate, labeled notebooks for each class.
• Create files for each subject. The folders can hold assignments, essays, handouts and notes taken during classes.
• Purchase a planner or calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines.
Set Educational Goals. Whether it is striving for an A in a certain subject, handing in all homework on time or preparing for tests well in advance, setting goals can help establish a routine for the new year.
• Set goals that are measurable, specific, reasonable and have personal value.
Stay On Schedule. Minimize last minute cramming or deadline mix-ups by creating a detailed school schedule.
• Include all classes, assignments and key dates, such as project deadlines and test dates. Fill in new dates as they arise.
• Schedule specific times for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more thorough the schedule, the more helpful it will be to you.
Know The School. If you ever feel swamped with back to school madness, ask for help. Schools assist students with transitioning from one grade to another. Meet with your guidance counselor and/or teachers. If you are still nervous, ask your mom or dad to drop you off at school on the first day of class.
Be Adventurous. Step out of your comfort zone this school year by trying new things academically and in terms of extracurricular activities.
• Try every type of class and/or activity. You never know what your strengths are until you experience as much as you can.
• Challenge yourself. If you have the opportunity, take the hardest classes - not the easiest subjects.
• Ask questions. There is nothing wrong with not always knowing the answer. Asking questions is the best way to learn!
Think Positive. Yes, going back to school means homework and early mornings. It also means reconnecting with old friends, meeting new people, resuming fun extracurricular activities, learning more about your favorite subjects and improving on your last year’s performance.
PARENTS:
While the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn to prepare lunches, fighting over appropriate school attire and regulating the amount of television watched might have you frazzled, take solace in the fact that you can play a big part in getting your children motivated and excited to tackle a new school year.
Depending on your child’s age, your role in the above-mentioned tips will vary. The following are helpful ideas to ease kids of all ages back into learning mode:
Help Your Child Discover His/Her Learning Style. Because each child is special, with different learning styles and academic needs, it is important to personalize the learning process. People learn in at least eight different ways, according to the Multiple Intelligences Theory: visually, verbally, physically, mathematically, musically, naturalistically, through group activity or through quiet thinking time. Talk to your child’s teachers about your child’s learning strengths and how best to support them.
Get Back In The Routine. Ease the transition from lazy summer days to the structure of the school year by re-establishing bedtime, mealtime, reading and homework routines. Talk with your child about the importance of structure and how routines help ensure that he is not overtired or overly anxious about schoolwork.
Develop A Family Event Calendar. One of the most helpful tools for getting organized is a family event calendar. To ease the chaos, track school programs, volunteer work and after-school activities. Family time management is essential if you are going to avoid the tumultuous frenzy of disorganization.
• Depending on your children’s ages, this calendar can be on construction paper with large squares to write in all necessary information, or it can be produced on a white board so that it is easy to revise.
• If it is color-coded by family member, you can clearly see who has an activity scheduled and when the event occurs.
• Place the calendar near the telephone, so when a friend’s mother calls to invite your child to a birthday party, you will know instantly whether it fits within your family plans.
Purchase School Supplies In Advance. Avoid the last-minute rush by purchasing supplies at least one week in advance. Take your child. She can feel excited and in control by choosing her favorite colors and designs.
Be a Cheerleader. Encourage your child to share any concerns he has about returning to school. Reinforce positive feelings by talking with your child about learning and achievement. Support his academic interests and encourage him to get involved in extracurricular activities at school.
Monday, August 1, 2011
How To Make The Transition To A New School
habits and attitudes, selecting courses, discovering talents and interests, choosing mentors, learning new skills and knowledge, and building confidence.
Every student and family is unique, but here are simple tips that can help students make the process easier.
Get to know the school. Attend as many of the end-of-summer activities your school offers. There’s probably an open house – go to it with your child, and invite one or two of her friends to go with you. Explore the school’s website ahead of time. Go to the school and explore the campus. Have his new schedule with you.
Be encouraging. Being upbeat and positive is incredibly important. Encourage your child to join clubs, teams, and activities that he’d be interested in. This is the best way to make friends, discover new interests and talents, put down roots, build confidence, and create a feeling of belonging.
Make friends. Talk about friendships, how to make friends, how to be a friend, how friendships change and evolve over time. Share stories about your school friendships, especially the rare and satisfying ones that have stood the test of time.
Know the teachers. Make every effort to meet and keep in periodic touch with teachers. Know what their expectations are, when report cards are coming out, the due dates of major assignments, the testing schedule. Help your student keep on track by doing your essential parental job of friendly, persistent nagging when necessary.
Know the rules. Read the Student Handbook with your child before school starts. Talk about responsibility.
Set goals and routines. Help your child stay ahead by setting goals with him, planning for important dates and events, establishing routines for his homework and studying, and letting him know you’re aware of his responsibilities.
Keep that confidence up. Talk with your child daily about school to let him know you’re interested in his day and that education is important to you. Show him how to recognize his successes, learn from his mistakes, and look forward to meeting new challenges.
Every student and family is unique, but here are simple tips that can help students make the process easier.
Get to know the school. Attend as many of the end-of-summer activities your school offers. There’s probably an open house – go to it with your child, and invite one or two of her friends to go with you. Explore the school’s website ahead of time. Go to the school and explore the campus. Have his new schedule with you.
Be encouraging. Being upbeat and positive is incredibly important. Encourage your child to join clubs, teams, and activities that he’d be interested in. This is the best way to make friends, discover new interests and talents, put down roots, build confidence, and create a feeling of belonging.
Make friends. Talk about friendships, how to make friends, how to be a friend, how friendships change and evolve over time. Share stories about your school friendships, especially the rare and satisfying ones that have stood the test of time.
Know the teachers. Make every effort to meet and keep in periodic touch with teachers. Know what their expectations are, when report cards are coming out, the due dates of major assignments, the testing schedule. Help your student keep on track by doing your essential parental job of friendly, persistent nagging when necessary.
Know the rules. Read the Student Handbook with your child before school starts. Talk about responsibility.
Set goals and routines. Help your child stay ahead by setting goals with him, planning for important dates and events, establishing routines for his homework and studying, and letting him know you’re aware of his responsibilities.
Keep that confidence up. Talk with your child daily about school to let him know you’re interested in his day and that education is important to you. Show him how to recognize his successes, learn from his mistakes, and look forward to meeting new challenges.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Preparing for the New School Year – Resources that Work
As local students enjoy the summer months, most parents are already looking for resources to prepare their kids for the upcoming school year. To succeed in school and life, Hunterdon and Mercer area students need ongoing opportunities to learn and practice essential skills. For many children, the first day of school doesn't just mean new teachers and new friends – it can also be a source of anxiety with homework assignments and tests just around the corner. Fortunately, starting the year off on the right foot can help minimize children's stress levels throughout the year.
Getting ready for a new school year isn't just a job for kids - it also requires parents to be prepared. To help local parents and students kick start the new school year successfully, Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, is offering a variety of tools to improve core skills like math, reading and writing.
Master Your Math:
"Forgotten Math for Parents" and "Algebra Spoken Here" Seminars
Parents wishing to restore their math skills in order to help their children learn can participate in "Forgotten Math for Parents" and "Algebra Spoken Here" seminars offered free-of-charge at your local Sylvan Learning throughout the year. "Forgotten Math for Parents" is an interactive, 90-minute seminar designed to help parents and family members gain confidence in assisting their children with their homework by reviewing many of the key math concepts that are introduced in 6th, 7th and 8th grade.
Do you ever use the phrase, "I'm not a math person"? The "Algebra Spoken Here" parent workshop will provide fun ways to overcome your math "phobia." Hear the latest trends and news about math - and why it's more important than ever!
SchoolMathPrep.com and SylvanMathPrep.com
SchoolMathPrep.com is offered by your local Sylvan Learning as a free math resource for local teachers and students in grades 7-12 to use during school hours - for remediation, enrichment and test preparation, and SylvanMathPrep.com is available for on-the-spot math guidance during homework time at home. The educator-created sites deliver more than 2,000 instructor-led videos, covering 750 lessons in pre-algebra, algebra, geometry and specific lessons designed to address the math concepts assessed on the SAT/ACT. Each lesson includes sample problems demonstrating the work and answers, summary notes, a quiz, a worksheet, and a deep thought question. The resources also feature a powerful search function - by concept or keyword or textbook (for a majority of U.S. middle and high school textbooks).
Educators interested in securing the free math resource from our neighborhood Sylvan Learning center are encouraged to visit www.SchoolMathPrep.com. To obtain extra help with math homework – when and where you want it, visit www.SylvanMathPrep.com for a free trial.
Prepare For College:
"Test Stress: A Parent's Real Guide to College Test Prep" Parent Seminar
College admissions today are becoming very competitive. New tools, such as the common application, encourage students to apply to more schools - which increase the competition, making it more difficult for students to gain acceptance into the colleges and universities that were once seen as safe bets. A well-rounded application, including strong SAT and ACT scores, is critical. Getting a college education requires a lot of time, effort and careful planning by students and parents working together. To help navigate the college prep process, your local Sylvan Learning is offering free workshops for parents and college-bound students, "Test Stress: A Parent’s Real Guide to College Test Prep," dedicated to helping families navigate through the SAT/ACT and the complex college admissions process.
The fun, interactive seminar will feature advice from Sylvan educators and leading college admission experts, college coaches and guidance counselors to help parents understand how to create a successful plan for the test-taking season. Families can then use their free, customized College Planner, Parent Resource Guide and High School Tracking Program to ensure their children are college admission ready.
Read for Fun: Book Adventure
Reading enrichment can be yet another vital activity to prepare to re-enter the classroom. Educational experts agree that the more children read, the more they'll enjoy reading, and the better readers they're likely to become. Sylvan Learning has created a free, interactive reading motivation program called Book Adventure where parents and teachers can help children choose books from more than 7,500 titles, take short comprehension quizzes and redeem accumulated points for small prizes. Book Adventure also offers teacher and parent resources and tips to help children develop a lifelong love of reading. For more information, visit www.BookAdventure.com.
Family Resources: DrRickBlog.com
DrRickBlog.com is a one stop resource for parents and educators that provides tips and tools for families of students in grades pre-K to high school. "Dr. Rick," Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Education Outreach for Sylvan Learning, has more than forty years of education experience in both the private and public sectors. Dr. Rick's blog features weekly topics concerning the latest trends in education, advice and creative ideas. In addition, DrRickBlog.com invites visitors to post feedback and comments with their own views, helping to further the connection among educators and education-focused families throughout North America. It also incorporates an inspirational and informative, but fun and interactive tone, providing a supportive destination for parents and educators to visit year-round. For more information, visit www.DrRickBlog.com.
Newsletters, Tip Sheets and More
Sylvan's monthly newsletters feature the latest trends in education and other issues important to educators, parents and students in grades pre-K through 12. Additionally, Sylvan offers tip sheets on topics ranging from holding successful parent/teacher conferences, stress-free test taking, helping with homework and more.
Visit the "Parent Resources" area of www.SylvanLearning.com for additional, free tools.
Getting ready for a new school year isn't just a job for kids - it also requires parents to be prepared. To help local parents and students kick start the new school year successfully, Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, is offering a variety of tools to improve core skills like math, reading and writing.
Master Your Math:
"Forgotten Math for Parents" and "Algebra Spoken Here" Seminars
Parents wishing to restore their math skills in order to help their children learn can participate in "Forgotten Math for Parents" and "Algebra Spoken Here" seminars offered free-of-charge at your local Sylvan Learning throughout the year. "Forgotten Math for Parents" is an interactive, 90-minute seminar designed to help parents and family members gain confidence in assisting their children with their homework by reviewing many of the key math concepts that are introduced in 6th, 7th and 8th grade.
Do you ever use the phrase, "I'm not a math person"? The "Algebra Spoken Here" parent workshop will provide fun ways to overcome your math "phobia." Hear the latest trends and news about math - and why it's more important than ever!
SchoolMathPrep.com and SylvanMathPrep.com
SchoolMathPrep.com is offered by your local Sylvan Learning as a free math resource for local teachers and students in grades 7-12 to use during school hours - for remediation, enrichment and test preparation, and SylvanMathPrep.com is available for on-the-spot math guidance during homework time at home. The educator-created sites deliver more than 2,000 instructor-led videos, covering 750 lessons in pre-algebra, algebra, geometry and specific lessons designed to address the math concepts assessed on the SAT/ACT. Each lesson includes sample problems demonstrating the work and answers, summary notes, a quiz, a worksheet, and a deep thought question. The resources also feature a powerful search function - by concept or keyword or textbook (for a majority of U.S. middle and high school textbooks).
Educators interested in securing the free math resource from our neighborhood Sylvan Learning center are encouraged to visit www.SchoolMathPrep.com. To obtain extra help with math homework – when and where you want it, visit www.SylvanMathPrep.com for a free trial.
Prepare For College:
"Test Stress: A Parent's Real Guide to College Test Prep" Parent Seminar
College admissions today are becoming very competitive. New tools, such as the common application, encourage students to apply to more schools - which increase the competition, making it more difficult for students to gain acceptance into the colleges and universities that were once seen as safe bets. A well-rounded application, including strong SAT and ACT scores, is critical. Getting a college education requires a lot of time, effort and careful planning by students and parents working together. To help navigate the college prep process, your local Sylvan Learning is offering free workshops for parents and college-bound students, "Test Stress: A Parent’s Real Guide to College Test Prep," dedicated to helping families navigate through the SAT/ACT and the complex college admissions process.
The fun, interactive seminar will feature advice from Sylvan educators and leading college admission experts, college coaches and guidance counselors to help parents understand how to create a successful plan for the test-taking season. Families can then use their free, customized College Planner, Parent Resource Guide and High School Tracking Program to ensure their children are college admission ready.
Read for Fun: Book Adventure
Reading enrichment can be yet another vital activity to prepare to re-enter the classroom. Educational experts agree that the more children read, the more they'll enjoy reading, and the better readers they're likely to become. Sylvan Learning has created a free, interactive reading motivation program called Book Adventure where parents and teachers can help children choose books from more than 7,500 titles, take short comprehension quizzes and redeem accumulated points for small prizes. Book Adventure also offers teacher and parent resources and tips to help children develop a lifelong love of reading. For more information, visit www.BookAdventure.com.
Family Resources: DrRickBlog.com
DrRickBlog.com is a one stop resource for parents and educators that provides tips and tools for families of students in grades pre-K to high school. "Dr. Rick," Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Education Outreach for Sylvan Learning, has more than forty years of education experience in both the private and public sectors. Dr. Rick's blog features weekly topics concerning the latest trends in education, advice and creative ideas. In addition, DrRickBlog.com invites visitors to post feedback and comments with their own views, helping to further the connection among educators and education-focused families throughout North America. It also incorporates an inspirational and informative, but fun and interactive tone, providing a supportive destination for parents and educators to visit year-round. For more information, visit www.DrRickBlog.com.
Newsletters, Tip Sheets and More
Sylvan's monthly newsletters feature the latest trends in education and other issues important to educators, parents and students in grades pre-K through 12. Additionally, Sylvan offers tip sheets on topics ranging from holding successful parent/teacher conferences, stress-free test taking, helping with homework and more.
Visit the "Parent Resources" area of www.SylvanLearning.com for additional, free tools.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Now is the time to begin preparing for the SAT and ACT
Reduce Anxiety and Increase Confidence for Better SAT* and ACT® Scores
More than three million college admissions tests are administered each year, making the SAT and the ACT two of the most important exams that a high school student will ever take. In order to perform at their best, students should become familiar with the style and types of questions on the tests, in order to avoid “trap-door answers.” In addition, students should boost their reading and vocabulary skills and learn specific process of elimination strategies. Above all, students need to work through as many practice questions and tests as possible in the weeks and months leading up to the actual exam. Your local Sylvan provides courses specifically for SAT preparation as well as other supplemental courses to help students increase their reading speed, shore up any Algebra or Geometry weaknesses before taking the SAT or just get organized for college.
Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offers tips to help students prepare for these important tests:
• Unlike the SAT, the ACT has no scoring penalty for incorrect answers, so never leave an ACT question blank.
• On the SAT, by eliminating at least two incorrect answers for every question you’re unsure about, you will mathematically beat the odds of the test and raise your score.
• Since the test’s instructions will not change, don’t waste time reading the instructions on the day of the test. You should already know them.
• Never spend too much time on any single question—it’s just not worth it. It’s better to lose one point on a difficult question than to lose 10 points because you ran out of time on the last part of a section.
• If you are unsure of a question, circle it and come back to it if time permits.
• Don’t get bogged down on the difficult questions before you have racked up as many points as possible on the easy and medium questions.
Students who are interested in a test prep course should visit the “College Prep” area at www.SylvanLearning.com or call your local center to learn more about Sylvan SAT Prep and Sylvan ACT Prep. These courses are offered exclusively through Sylvan Learning and provide proven test-taking strategies, state-of-the-art course materials and content review in small team environments that give students the confidence and personalized attention that help raise test scores.
For additional assistance in helping your teenager prepare for college, attend a free, interactive seminar – “Test Stress: A Parent’s Real Guide to College Test Prep” – to obtain advice from leading college admissions experts that will help you develop action plans to ensure your student is college ready. Visit tutoring.sylvanlearning.com for upcoming seminar details.
More than three million college admissions tests are administered each year, making the SAT and the ACT two of the most important exams that a high school student will ever take. In order to perform at their best, students should become familiar with the style and types of questions on the tests, in order to avoid “trap-door answers.” In addition, students should boost their reading and vocabulary skills and learn specific process of elimination strategies. Above all, students need to work through as many practice questions and tests as possible in the weeks and months leading up to the actual exam. Your local Sylvan provides courses specifically for SAT preparation as well as other supplemental courses to help students increase their reading speed, shore up any Algebra or Geometry weaknesses before taking the SAT or just get organized for college.
Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offers tips to help students prepare for these important tests:
• Unlike the SAT, the ACT has no scoring penalty for incorrect answers, so never leave an ACT question blank.
• On the SAT, by eliminating at least two incorrect answers for every question you’re unsure about, you will mathematically beat the odds of the test and raise your score.
• Since the test’s instructions will not change, don’t waste time reading the instructions on the day of the test. You should already know them.
• Never spend too much time on any single question—it’s just not worth it. It’s better to lose one point on a difficult question than to lose 10 points because you ran out of time on the last part of a section.
• If you are unsure of a question, circle it and come back to it if time permits.
• Don’t get bogged down on the difficult questions before you have racked up as many points as possible on the easy and medium questions.
Students who are interested in a test prep course should visit the “College Prep” area at www.SylvanLearning.com or call your local center to learn more about Sylvan SAT Prep and Sylvan ACT Prep. These courses are offered exclusively through Sylvan Learning and provide proven test-taking strategies, state-of-the-art course materials and content review in small team environments that give students the confidence and personalized attention that help raise test scores.
For additional assistance in helping your teenager prepare for college, attend a free, interactive seminar – “Test Stress: A Parent’s Real Guide to College Test Prep” – to obtain advice from leading college admissions experts that will help you develop action plans to ensure your student is college ready. Visit tutoring.sylvanlearning.com for upcoming seminar details.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Summer Spelling
by Dr. Rick
There’s plenty of time in the summer for kids to be carefree and active, liberated from school routines and free to indulge interests, discover new talents, and get plenty of outdoor exercise. But that doesn’t mean their minds are shut down.
Here are some tips your family can consider to keep kids’ spelling skills sharp during the summer. Remember, all language arts skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking – are related, so when you read, write, speak, and listen with your child, you’re strengthening all those skills.
1. Create a word wall. Write new words your child has mastered on colored paper and “chain” them around her room as a constant and colorful reminder of her increasing vocabulary. A “mini word wall” can be equally efficient and more public on the refrigerator. The more words, the higher the confidence rises.
2. Choose a Letter-of the-Day. Together with really young kids, each day select a letter that your family is going to focus on. Find words in the newspaper, magazines, online, on billboards, and around town that begin with that letter. Make a list of those words. Enlist the participation of older siblings and other family members. Share the words you’ve all discovered at family time.
3. Do a scavenger hunt. Find items that begin with a certain letter. First to find ten items wins an extra ten minutes of bedtime story reading. (Bedtime reading is one of the few times you can loosen up a routine!)
4. Be an artist. With your children, draw or cut out pictures of people, items, and events that start with a certain letter. Be creative and exaggerated for emphasis and vocabulary-building. “F is for flaming fireworks, Fourth of July, fishing, frolicking, fast footraces, free time, fresh fruit, family, friends, and fields full of flawless flowers.” Exhibit these pictures for the whole family to appreciate.
5. Highlight names. Write the names of family members and friends on cards so the youngest kids recognize them. Start with their own names, of course. Decorate the cards with pictures of these people or their hobbies.
6. Play word games in the car. Kids really don’t need to be in front of a screen all the time, especially in the car. For each five minutes on a ride, spot as many items as you can that begin with a certain letter. Make a list. After five minutes, change the letter.
7. Keep a summer journal. Writing helps spelling like no other activity.
8. Play games that reinforce spelling. Play Scrabble, do crossword puzzles (they’re a healthy addiction), make up silly words and rhymes. Rhyming and word games help kids understand the main principle of phonics – letters make sounds and sounds make words.
9. Have a pen pal. Kids love getting mail. Snail mail is more fun than email.
10. Create your own spelling lists. Use favorite summer activities, summer books, and summer interests as your source for words. Find cool summer books by visiting the free www.bookadventure.org for book suggestions and kids’ prizes.
11. Have a family spelling bee. Use words from your readings, your vacation, or your family interests.
12. Practice, practice, practice. Then review. If you’re looking for spelling practice workbooks, check out Sylvan’s, which are excellent.
Go to www.randomhouse.com/sylvanlearningbookstore for a virtual tour.
There’s so much opportunity to improve your kids’ spelling skills and get them confidently ready for the new school year. Don’t waste summer with a lot of boring, passive time-wasters. Have fun, certainly, just don’t shut down.
There’s plenty of time in the summer for kids to be carefree and active, liberated from school routines and free to indulge interests, discover new talents, and get plenty of outdoor exercise. But that doesn’t mean their minds are shut down.
Here are some tips your family can consider to keep kids’ spelling skills sharp during the summer. Remember, all language arts skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking – are related, so when you read, write, speak, and listen with your child, you’re strengthening all those skills.
1. Create a word wall. Write new words your child has mastered on colored paper and “chain” them around her room as a constant and colorful reminder of her increasing vocabulary. A “mini word wall” can be equally efficient and more public on the refrigerator. The more words, the higher the confidence rises.
2. Choose a Letter-of the-Day. Together with really young kids, each day select a letter that your family is going to focus on. Find words in the newspaper, magazines, online, on billboards, and around town that begin with that letter. Make a list of those words. Enlist the participation of older siblings and other family members. Share the words you’ve all discovered at family time.
3. Do a scavenger hunt. Find items that begin with a certain letter. First to find ten items wins an extra ten minutes of bedtime story reading. (Bedtime reading is one of the few times you can loosen up a routine!)
4. Be an artist. With your children, draw or cut out pictures of people, items, and events that start with a certain letter. Be creative and exaggerated for emphasis and vocabulary-building. “F is for flaming fireworks, Fourth of July, fishing, frolicking, fast footraces, free time, fresh fruit, family, friends, and fields full of flawless flowers.” Exhibit these pictures for the whole family to appreciate.
5. Highlight names. Write the names of family members and friends on cards so the youngest kids recognize them. Start with their own names, of course. Decorate the cards with pictures of these people or their hobbies.
6. Play word games in the car. Kids really don’t need to be in front of a screen all the time, especially in the car. For each five minutes on a ride, spot as many items as you can that begin with a certain letter. Make a list. After five minutes, change the letter.
7. Keep a summer journal. Writing helps spelling like no other activity.
8. Play games that reinforce spelling. Play Scrabble, do crossword puzzles (they’re a healthy addiction), make up silly words and rhymes. Rhyming and word games help kids understand the main principle of phonics – letters make sounds and sounds make words.
9. Have a pen pal. Kids love getting mail. Snail mail is more fun than email.
10. Create your own spelling lists. Use favorite summer activities, summer books, and summer interests as your source for words. Find cool summer books by visiting the free www.bookadventure.org for book suggestions and kids’ prizes.
11. Have a family spelling bee. Use words from your readings, your vacation, or your family interests.
12. Practice, practice, practice. Then review. If you’re looking for spelling practice workbooks, check out Sylvan’s, which are excellent.
Go to www.randomhouse.com/sylvanlearningbookstore for a virtual tour.
There’s so much opportunity to improve your kids’ spelling skills and get them confidently ready for the new school year. Don’t waste summer with a lot of boring, passive time-wasters. Have fun, certainly, just don’t shut down.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Summer Vocabulary Tips
Summer’s a time for slowing down, not shutting down. We need to strive to keep kids’ brains active and learning through summer.
Words are the building blocks of language. The more words we have at our disposal, the better we area at expressing our thoughts, ideas, feelings, and beliefs. The more confident we become in school and work. The more we understand. The more facts we learn, knowledge we accumulate, references we recognize, cultures we discover, jokes we “get.”
Here are some tips to try at home.
1. Keep reading. Reading opens up many doors – imagination, curiosity, discovery, knowledge, maturity, confidence – so you want to indulge your child’s natural interest in new things. As you read together, stop occasionally to explain unfamiliar words or to help him figure out their meaning by their context, by accompanying pictures, by their roots, or by their prefixes, or suffixes. Talk a little bit about the words. No lessons, just parent-child conversation.
2. Reward often. When she correctly uses a word you’ve discussed or read together, reward her with praise. Kids love to be successful and feel accomplished. Just like us.
3. Create word lists. Make lists of words you’ve learned together during the summer. Write them in your summer journal, make a “chain” of words out of construction paper and drape them around the room. Or create a “word wall” that shows how much you’ve learned. Make flashcards – good, old-fashioned, low-tech flashcards – of these new words and have “word sprints” to see how many he can remember in a one-minute period.
4. Make the dictionary your friend. Surely I can’t be the only person who enjoys browsing through the dictionary and picking up a bonus word as I’m looking up another. Develop this habit – it’s like getting two words for the price of one! It’s also a good way to reinforce alphabetizing. Eventually “graduate” to the Thesaurus.
5. Use the words. Now that you’ve learned new words with your child, use them often to reinforce their meanings and develop comfort and fluency. Pronounce them, explain them when necessary, and give examples of how the word can be used.
6. Talk often. Conversation is the best way to learn any language, so make plenty of time to share talks with your child about just about any subject. Summer is full of fun topics like play, travel, the beach, sports, vacations, favorite family stories, memories of relatives, your own summers . . . You get the picture.
7. Memorize. Memorization is an important skill for school and for work. Make a game out of it. Memorize poetry, song lyrics, even short scenes from a favorite play or movie. It’s good brain exercise.
8. Play. Have fun with words. Play word games, do crossword puzzles and word searches, compete in low-stress family spelling bees. Get a laugh out of tongue twisters. (I love them. Here are two of my favorites. “The skunk sat on a stump and thunk the stump stunk. But the stump thunk the skunk stunk.” And, “She stood at the door of Mrs. Smith’s fish sauce shop welcoming him in.” Google others or make up your own.)
9. Create themes. Make up summer word themes for new vocabulary. Concentrate on baseball, say, or Olympic swimming, sand-castle-building or favorite hobbies. Learn as many new words about the theme as possible.
10. Have a study buddy. You’ve heard me advocate for study buddies in many, many blogs. When it’s time for your student to start studying for spelling and vocabulary tests again, encourage him to have a study buddy who’ll support, challenge, and celebrate with him.
Words are the building blocks of language. The more words we have at our disposal, the better we area at expressing our thoughts, ideas, feelings, and beliefs. The more confident we become in school and work. The more we understand. The more facts we learn, knowledge we accumulate, references we recognize, cultures we discover, jokes we “get.”
Here are some tips to try at home.
1. Keep reading. Reading opens up many doors – imagination, curiosity, discovery, knowledge, maturity, confidence – so you want to indulge your child’s natural interest in new things. As you read together, stop occasionally to explain unfamiliar words or to help him figure out their meaning by their context, by accompanying pictures, by their roots, or by their prefixes, or suffixes. Talk a little bit about the words. No lessons, just parent-child conversation.
2. Reward often. When she correctly uses a word you’ve discussed or read together, reward her with praise. Kids love to be successful and feel accomplished. Just like us.
3. Create word lists. Make lists of words you’ve learned together during the summer. Write them in your summer journal, make a “chain” of words out of construction paper and drape them around the room. Or create a “word wall” that shows how much you’ve learned. Make flashcards – good, old-fashioned, low-tech flashcards – of these new words and have “word sprints” to see how many he can remember in a one-minute period.
4. Make the dictionary your friend. Surely I can’t be the only person who enjoys browsing through the dictionary and picking up a bonus word as I’m looking up another. Develop this habit – it’s like getting two words for the price of one! It’s also a good way to reinforce alphabetizing. Eventually “graduate” to the Thesaurus.
5. Use the words. Now that you’ve learned new words with your child, use them often to reinforce their meanings and develop comfort and fluency. Pronounce them, explain them when necessary, and give examples of how the word can be used.
6. Talk often. Conversation is the best way to learn any language, so make plenty of time to share talks with your child about just about any subject. Summer is full of fun topics like play, travel, the beach, sports, vacations, favorite family stories, memories of relatives, your own summers . . . You get the picture.
7. Memorize. Memorization is an important skill for school and for work. Make a game out of it. Memorize poetry, song lyrics, even short scenes from a favorite play or movie. It’s good brain exercise.
8. Play. Have fun with words. Play word games, do crossword puzzles and word searches, compete in low-stress family spelling bees. Get a laugh out of tongue twisters. (I love them. Here are two of my favorites. “The skunk sat on a stump and thunk the stump stunk. But the stump thunk the skunk stunk.” And, “She stood at the door of Mrs. Smith’s fish sauce shop welcoming him in.” Google others or make up your own.)
9. Create themes. Make up summer word themes for new vocabulary. Concentrate on baseball, say, or Olympic swimming, sand-castle-building or favorite hobbies. Learn as many new words about the theme as possible.
10. Have a study buddy. You’ve heard me advocate for study buddies in many, many blogs. When it’s time for your student to start studying for spelling and vocabulary tests again, encourage him to have a study buddy who’ll support, challenge, and celebrate with him.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Summer Reading Tips
It’s summer again, time for changing the routines of the school year and slowing down a little. It’s also a great time to encourage or indulge a love of reading.
Today, I’m sharing the thoughts of one of my favorite educators, a Sylvan Learning Center franchisee who’s not only a teacher but the mother of five – if those aren’t qualifications for keeping kids busily happy and learning and having fun during the summer, I don’t know what is.
Colleen Dunlavy, of the Chicago suburb of Homewood, has some great ideas for family reading tips. She shared these with me not long ago, and now I want to pass them on to you. They’re among the best I’ve seen.
1. Allow kids to read what they like. Pick book topics that relate to their interests. Try heading to the library at least once a week and if your kids are young, look for times when they may have a guest reader to read to a group of kids.
2. Offer a variety of publications (magazines, newsletters, books, etc.) so kids can make their own literary choices. Availability is key. Try Highlights for younger children, for teens and tweens tweens try finding magazines by their interests.
3. Encourage your kids to read everything and read aloud – food labels, movie disclaimers, street signs, store names, music lyrics, restaurant menus, etc.
4. Make mail time fun. Give young readers “junk mail” and ask them to circle the words that they recognize. Become the family’s mailman. Ask your child to read the names printed on the mail and have him or her “deliver” the mail to the specific family members.
5. Ensure books are always on –hand. Keep books in each car, at the house, at the homes of family members, etc. This ensures that a child can amuse himself or herself if a sibling’s sports practice is running late or if you are caught in traffic.
6. Schedule “library time.” Just as a family schedules swimming practice, set a specific time aside for visiting the library.
7. Create a book-on-tape. Encourage your child to read a book aloud and tape it. As a special gift or surprise, send the book-on-tape to a loved one with a special message.
8. Write your name in your books. When children write their names in their books, it gives the child ownership. Store the books in a special place to create a personal library.
9. Read before bedtime. Reading is relaxing. Allow your child to stay up 15 minutes later each night – as long as he/she is reading.
10. Read aloud to your children. No matter the age of the child, reading together can create a lasting family memory.
Today, I’m sharing the thoughts of one of my favorite educators, a Sylvan Learning Center franchisee who’s not only a teacher but the mother of five – if those aren’t qualifications for keeping kids busily happy and learning and having fun during the summer, I don’t know what is.
Colleen Dunlavy, of the Chicago suburb of Homewood, has some great ideas for family reading tips. She shared these with me not long ago, and now I want to pass them on to you. They’re among the best I’ve seen.
1. Allow kids to read what they like. Pick book topics that relate to their interests. Try heading to the library at least once a week and if your kids are young, look for times when they may have a guest reader to read to a group of kids.
2. Offer a variety of publications (magazines, newsletters, books, etc.) so kids can make their own literary choices. Availability is key. Try Highlights for younger children, for teens and tweens tweens try finding magazines by their interests.
3. Encourage your kids to read everything and read aloud – food labels, movie disclaimers, street signs, store names, music lyrics, restaurant menus, etc.
4. Make mail time fun. Give young readers “junk mail” and ask them to circle the words that they recognize. Become the family’s mailman. Ask your child to read the names printed on the mail and have him or her “deliver” the mail to the specific family members.
5. Ensure books are always on –hand. Keep books in each car, at the house, at the homes of family members, etc. This ensures that a child can amuse himself or herself if a sibling’s sports practice is running late or if you are caught in traffic.
6. Schedule “library time.” Just as a family schedules swimming practice, set a specific time aside for visiting the library.
7. Create a book-on-tape. Encourage your child to read a book aloud and tape it. As a special gift or surprise, send the book-on-tape to a loved one with a special message.
8. Write your name in your books. When children write their names in their books, it gives the child ownership. Store the books in a special place to create a personal library.
9. Read before bedtime. Reading is relaxing. Allow your child to stay up 15 minutes later each night – as long as he/she is reading.
10. Read aloud to your children. No matter the age of the child, reading together can create a lasting family memory.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Summer Math Tips for Kids
A major reason we keep our kids busily learning during the summer is to maintain their confidence for when classes start. Confidence equates to quicker learning. It’s that simple.
Here are a dozen tips for summer math learning. Adapt them to your family’s needs.
1. Grocery store math. Counting, estimating, and making change are good math exercises. What can we get for $10.00? Will you count the change for me, please? Let me know when we’ve reached fifteen items in the cart, please.
2. Menu math. What’s the most expensive meal on the menu? What’s the least expensive? We have $20.00 to spend – what can we get? What’s the proper tip?
3. Kitchen math. Practice fractions by using recipes or reading cookbooks. Practice numbers by counting the cutlery we’ll need for dinner. Measuring ingredients is a perfect math lesson. Don’t tell them, though.
4. Map math. What’s the distance from home to our destination? How long will it take us if we travel the speed limit? What’s the most direct route? What do you think is the most scenic route? Why?
5. On-the-Road math. Numbers are all around roads if you look for them. Add or subtract license plate numbers, speed limits, or route numbers. Keep track of time traveled or how long you’ve been reading aloud to encourage learning how to tell time.
6. Money math. Teach about making change. Count change in a piggy bank. How many ways can I make 45 cents? Open a savings account and watch the amount rise with deposits and interest. Talk about the advantages of saving for a big purchase or for a rainy day.
7. Reading and writing math. Read books about math and mathematicians. (A good website is www.mathmamawrites.blogspot.com. The June 26, 2009, blog, “Dozen Delectable Math Books” gives recommendations for ages 2-adult.)
8. Calendar math. Count down the days to special events like the first day of school, birthdays, holidays, vacations, assignments, and appointments.
9. Game math. Use cards, dominoes or dice (“math cubes”) to reinforce counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division skills. Play Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly, and other games that encourage counting. Together, do the sudoku puzzles in the daily paper.
10. Computer math. There’s no shortage of cool game and instructional websites. Try the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ website, www.nctm.org. Click on “Summer Games for Children.”)
11. Beach math. Count starfish and seashells. Umbrellas and pizza joints. Flip flops and beach balls. Dig holes, then encourage kids to fill one-quarter, one-half, three-quarters with water or seashells. Draw geometric shapes in the sand – circles, squares, rectangles, triangles – and identify them.
12. Mail math. Keep junk mail to make out “pretend” orders of clothes, books, groceries, etc. Add up the orders. Compare and contrast prices.
13. Growth math. (Okay, so it’s a “baker’s dozen” tips.) Measure everyone in the family. Compare heights. Measure growth over time.
14. Play hopscotch. Or jump rope. Or do jumping jacks. Kids love to count. What games encourage counting for little ones learning to count more than these? Besides, there’s plenty of exercise, keeping kids outside in the fresh air and away from an electronic screen.
15. Time things with a stopwatch. Get an inexpensive stopwatch and show your youngster how to use it. Give her some suggestions of things to time – how long to walk around the block, to drive to the grocery store, to swim a lap, to make a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich, to take a shower. Then get out of the way. She’ll find all kinds of things to time.
16. Compare and contrast. After she’s been timing things with her stopwatch, show her how to compare and contrast the information she’s discovered. Make simple charts and graphs. Color code them. Talk about them.
17. Count stuff. I mentioned this in last week’s blog, but there’s no shortage of things to count. Come up with interesting and funny things – purple flip-flops at the mall, butterflies in the garden, yellow VW bugs (the old ones, naturally), crying babies at the grocery store, smokers throwing their butts out the car window (yuck!), the number of screams while riding the roller coaster. Decide at breakfast in the morning what you’re going to count today. Talk about it at bedtime.
18. Make and stick to a budget. Have your kid allocate his allowance into categories the two of you agree to. Entertainment, the collection at church, saving for a special toy, vacation spending, ice cream treats. This not only teaches budgeting, it enforces math facts like division. Show how you do the same thing with your household budget .
19. Get a math role model. Point out people in your family and community who would make good math role models for your child. The veterinarian, your pediatrician, a favorite teacher, an older student who’s a math whiz, those silly characters on Big Bang Theory.
20. Roll that spare change. Everyone has spare change around the house. Gather up all those pennies, nickels, and dimes. Count them. Then roll them and take them to the bank. (It’s more educational than using those loud machines in the mall.) Give your child a percentage. Have him figure out what that percentage is.
21. Treat girls and boys equally. Enough girls already have math phobia. Show that you expect excellent math skills from your daughters as from your sons.
22. Find a helpful website. There are plenty of websites that have really clever math games and exercises for kids. It’s hard to choose just one, but here’s one I like: www.xtramath.org
23. Make flash cards. With your child, make a bunch of flash cards that let him practice his math facts. Quiz him with that stopwatch from tip #2 above. Let him quiz you or other members of the family. When kids know their math facts cold, they’re ready for higher level math.
24. Get help if you need it. Everyone needs a little help from time to time. The company I work for, Sylvan Learning has thirty years’ experience of helping kids with math. Summer’s the perfect time to invest in some skill sharpening before school starts again. If you suspect that he needs a leg up, do it now before the problem becomes too much for him to handle.
25. Don’t allow math trash talk. If you had a hard time with math when you were a kid, don’t make a big deal of it. Don’t let your child infer that it’s okay to hate math or to avoid it. It’s a different world. She’s going to need her math skills.
You get the picture. We’re surrounded by words and numbers every day. Be on the lookout for opportunities to talk about math. Draw your children’s attention to them without making a big-deal lesson out of them. You’ll be surprised at how quickly math phobia disappears and math confidence takes its place.
Let them see you reading, doing math, and writing, as part of your daily life. By including them, you’re encouraging them to join you in your grown-up world, something kids can’t resist (for a time, anyway).
Here are a dozen tips for summer math learning. Adapt them to your family’s needs.
1. Grocery store math. Counting, estimating, and making change are good math exercises. What can we get for $10.00? Will you count the change for me, please? Let me know when we’ve reached fifteen items in the cart, please.
2. Menu math. What’s the most expensive meal on the menu? What’s the least expensive? We have $20.00 to spend – what can we get? What’s the proper tip?
3. Kitchen math. Practice fractions by using recipes or reading cookbooks. Practice numbers by counting the cutlery we’ll need for dinner. Measuring ingredients is a perfect math lesson. Don’t tell them, though.
4. Map math. What’s the distance from home to our destination? How long will it take us if we travel the speed limit? What’s the most direct route? What do you think is the most scenic route? Why?
5. On-the-Road math. Numbers are all around roads if you look for them. Add or subtract license plate numbers, speed limits, or route numbers. Keep track of time traveled or how long you’ve been reading aloud to encourage learning how to tell time.
6. Money math. Teach about making change. Count change in a piggy bank. How many ways can I make 45 cents? Open a savings account and watch the amount rise with deposits and interest. Talk about the advantages of saving for a big purchase or for a rainy day.
7. Reading and writing math. Read books about math and mathematicians. (A good website is www.mathmamawrites.blogspot.com. The June 26, 2009, blog, “Dozen Delectable Math Books” gives recommendations for ages 2-adult.)
8. Calendar math. Count down the days to special events like the first day of school, birthdays, holidays, vacations, assignments, and appointments.
9. Game math. Use cards, dominoes or dice (“math cubes”) to reinforce counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division skills. Play Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly, and other games that encourage counting. Together, do the sudoku puzzles in the daily paper.
10. Computer math. There’s no shortage of cool game and instructional websites. Try the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ website, www.nctm.org. Click on “Summer Games for Children.”)
11. Beach math. Count starfish and seashells. Umbrellas and pizza joints. Flip flops and beach balls. Dig holes, then encourage kids to fill one-quarter, one-half, three-quarters with water or seashells. Draw geometric shapes in the sand – circles, squares, rectangles, triangles – and identify them.
12. Mail math. Keep junk mail to make out “pretend” orders of clothes, books, groceries, etc. Add up the orders. Compare and contrast prices.
13. Growth math. (Okay, so it’s a “baker’s dozen” tips.) Measure everyone in the family. Compare heights. Measure growth over time.
14. Play hopscotch. Or jump rope. Or do jumping jacks. Kids love to count. What games encourage counting for little ones learning to count more than these? Besides, there’s plenty of exercise, keeping kids outside in the fresh air and away from an electronic screen.
15. Time things with a stopwatch. Get an inexpensive stopwatch and show your youngster how to use it. Give her some suggestions of things to time – how long to walk around the block, to drive to the grocery store, to swim a lap, to make a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich, to take a shower. Then get out of the way. She’ll find all kinds of things to time.
16. Compare and contrast. After she’s been timing things with her stopwatch, show her how to compare and contrast the information she’s discovered. Make simple charts and graphs. Color code them. Talk about them.
17. Count stuff. I mentioned this in last week’s blog, but there’s no shortage of things to count. Come up with interesting and funny things – purple flip-flops at the mall, butterflies in the garden, yellow VW bugs (the old ones, naturally), crying babies at the grocery store, smokers throwing their butts out the car window (yuck!), the number of screams while riding the roller coaster. Decide at breakfast in the morning what you’re going to count today. Talk about it at bedtime.
18. Make and stick to a budget. Have your kid allocate his allowance into categories the two of you agree to. Entertainment, the collection at church, saving for a special toy, vacation spending, ice cream treats. This not only teaches budgeting, it enforces math facts like division. Show how you do the same thing with your household budget .
19. Get a math role model. Point out people in your family and community who would make good math role models for your child. The veterinarian, your pediatrician, a favorite teacher, an older student who’s a math whiz, those silly characters on Big Bang Theory.
20. Roll that spare change. Everyone has spare change around the house. Gather up all those pennies, nickels, and dimes. Count them. Then roll them and take them to the bank. (It’s more educational than using those loud machines in the mall.) Give your child a percentage. Have him figure out what that percentage is.
21. Treat girls and boys equally. Enough girls already have math phobia. Show that you expect excellent math skills from your daughters as from your sons.
22. Find a helpful website. There are plenty of websites that have really clever math games and exercises for kids. It’s hard to choose just one, but here’s one I like: www.xtramath.org
23. Make flash cards. With your child, make a bunch of flash cards that let him practice his math facts. Quiz him with that stopwatch from tip #2 above. Let him quiz you or other members of the family. When kids know their math facts cold, they’re ready for higher level math.
24. Get help if you need it. Everyone needs a little help from time to time. The company I work for, Sylvan Learning has thirty years’ experience of helping kids with math. Summer’s the perfect time to invest in some skill sharpening before school starts again. If you suspect that he needs a leg up, do it now before the problem becomes too much for him to handle.
25. Don’t allow math trash talk. If you had a hard time with math when you were a kid, don’t make a big deal of it. Don’t let your child infer that it’s okay to hate math or to avoid it. It’s a different world. She’s going to need her math skills.
You get the picture. We’re surrounded by words and numbers every day. Be on the lookout for opportunities to talk about math. Draw your children’s attention to them without making a big-deal lesson out of them. You’ll be surprised at how quickly math phobia disappears and math confidence takes its place.
Let them see you reading, doing math, and writing, as part of your daily life. By including them, you’re encouraging them to join you in your grown-up world, something kids can’t resist (for a time, anyway).
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