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 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.
It is essential for high schoolers to willingly choose to make “studying and test taking” major academic goals this year. Here are some simple tips for parents of middle and high school students to help their kids study for tests in school and to achieve success.
• Adolescents and teens look to adults for guidance, even though they’re often reluctant to admit it. So, let them know you’re monitoring their progress, that you’re aware of due dates for major reports and projects, and that you know when report cards are coming out. Be omniscient – or at least let them believe you are.
• Keep track of their homework, their reading assignments, and their preparation for tests. For most kids, you don’t need to look at every page of every assignment, but you do want them to know you’ll be checking in with them every evening at a specific time. This sets deadlines and a routine.
• Set goals for the short term and long term. Keep the pressure low but steady. Determine what rewards would be fair and reasonable.
• Insist, especially on days before major tests, performances, or projects, that your teenager gets plenty of restful sleep. Also, insist that he eats a good breakfast and avoids foods that could lead to grogginess just before a test.
• Regular conversations about school and school activities let students know not only that you’re interested in their daily lives but that you’re up-to-date on projects, tests, and report cards. This avoids anguished comments from you like, “Report cards are tomorrow? Why didn’t you tell me?”
• You went over all the assignments before your children turned them in. Now, go over tests, book reports, projects, and the like after they’ve been graded. Review any mistakes they made, areas where they could have been stronger, and all the red-ink comments the teacher made. Talk about how they can improve next time. We all make mistakes, but only the wisest of us learn from them.
• It’s difficult sometimes, but keep your spirits up. Kids pick up on our moods and emotions, so stay encouraging and supportive. Share stories of times in your life when you’ve made mistakes or errors of judgment and what you’ve learned from those times. Teens want independence, they want to take control of their lives, but they surely need our guidance, perhaps at this time of life more than ever. Be there for them, show them the way, lead them, and give them increasing amounts of independence along the way when they show they’re ready for it. They’ll rise to our expectations.
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!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
How to Handle a Poor Report Card
Tips for Helping Your Children When They are Struggling to get Good Grades
It will soon be that time of the school year again – report card time. While many students will come home with good grades, others would rather stuff their report cards deep into their backpacks than show them to their parents. As parents, you want your child to do well in school, so what do you do when your child’s report card isn’t as good as it could be?
Children get frustrated and upset when their report cards show they are doing poorly. Understanding your child’s personal ability and determining if your expectations are too high will allow both you and your child to set appropriate goals for each class before report cards are distributed. It will also help establish an environment in which your child is not apprehensive about sharing his report card with you.
Sylvan Learning Center, would like to offer the following tips for parents on how to deal with a poor report card:
1. Set expectations. Not every child will earn all A’s, but that doesn’t mean your child should strive for less. Talk with your child before the school year starts and explain that you won’t be upset if he doesn’t bring home all A’s -- but that you will be upset if he doesn’t try his hardest and doesn’t ask for help.
2. Communicate with your child. Don’t wait until report cards are issued to talk with your child about school and grades. Talk with her every night and every week about homework. Ask how she is doing in school and what subjects she finds challenging.
3. Discuss your child’s performance with his teacher and/or guidance counselor. Your child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor is the best source for information about your child’s scholastic performance. Your child’s teacher can recommend ways to help your child or point out difficulties he is having. His guidance counselor can provide progress reports between reports cards or help set up additional parent-teacher conferences when necessary.
4. Set goals for improvement with your child. If your child is currently a C student -- then setting a goal of getting all A’s may not be reasonable. However, creating an improvement goal for each subject will help her work toward an attainable level for each class.
5. Establish a personalized study plan with your child. Your child should keep a schedule of all classes, assignments and key dates (e.g., project deadlines, big exams, etc). As part of that schedule, she should include specific time for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more comprehensive the schedule, the more efficient your child will be in completing her homework and the better she’ll do in school.
6. Seek outside help. Some children may need additional attention that can’t be provided in school. Speak with your child’s teacher about tutoring or supplemental education providers to help your child work towards better grades in school.
7. Praise your child’s successes. Praise your child for what he is doing well, whether it’s a specific academic subject or an extracurricular activity. If your child is not doing well in English, but loves to read the latest Harry Potter book, show him the connection between the two.
Remember, report card and progress report time does not have to be a stressful time! The first Marking Period is a great benchmark for your child's progress for the rest of the school year. If your child needs help in school, this is the perfect time to start getting help so that they can keep up with the rest of the class rather than slip behind!
It will soon be that time of the school year again – report card time. While many students will come home with good grades, others would rather stuff their report cards deep into their backpacks than show them to their parents. As parents, you want your child to do well in school, so what do you do when your child’s report card isn’t as good as it could be?
Children get frustrated and upset when their report cards show they are doing poorly. Understanding your child’s personal ability and determining if your expectations are too high will allow both you and your child to set appropriate goals for each class before report cards are distributed. It will also help establish an environment in which your child is not apprehensive about sharing his report card with you.
Sylvan Learning Center, would like to offer the following tips for parents on how to deal with a poor report card:
1. Set expectations. Not every child will earn all A’s, but that doesn’t mean your child should strive for less. Talk with your child before the school year starts and explain that you won’t be upset if he doesn’t bring home all A’s -- but that you will be upset if he doesn’t try his hardest and doesn’t ask for help.
2. Communicate with your child. Don’t wait until report cards are issued to talk with your child about school and grades. Talk with her every night and every week about homework. Ask how she is doing in school and what subjects she finds challenging.
3. Discuss your child’s performance with his teacher and/or guidance counselor. Your child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor is the best source for information about your child’s scholastic performance. Your child’s teacher can recommend ways to help your child or point out difficulties he is having. His guidance counselor can provide progress reports between reports cards or help set up additional parent-teacher conferences when necessary.
4. Set goals for improvement with your child. If your child is currently a C student -- then setting a goal of getting all A’s may not be reasonable. However, creating an improvement goal for each subject will help her work toward an attainable level for each class.
5. Establish a personalized study plan with your child. Your child should keep a schedule of all classes, assignments and key dates (e.g., project deadlines, big exams, etc). As part of that schedule, she should include specific time for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more comprehensive the schedule, the more efficient your child will be in completing her homework and the better she’ll do in school.
6. Seek outside help. Some children may need additional attention that can’t be provided in school. Speak with your child’s teacher about tutoring or supplemental education providers to help your child work towards better grades in school.
7. Praise your child’s successes. Praise your child for what he is doing well, whether it’s a specific academic subject or an extracurricular activity. If your child is not doing well in English, but loves to read the latest Harry Potter book, show him the connection between the two.
Remember, report card and progress report time does not have to be a stressful time! The first Marking Period is a great benchmark for your child's progress for the rest of the school year. If your child needs help in school, this is the perfect time to start getting help so that they can keep up with the rest of the class rather than slip behind!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Success Begins with the Homework Environment
Sensible Tips for Helping Children With Their Homework
Parents want their children to get good grades in school. Unfortunately, not every parent knows how best to help his or her children meet academic challenges, including completion of homework assignments. So, how do parents maximize their child’s chances for success in school? Start by creating a home environment that is conducive to homework and learning.
Sometimes, parents think helping their child complete their homework, or even doing their child’s homework for him, will help him achieve better grades in school. Often, it’s just the opposite, creating a situation where children have not learned the concepts they are later tested on in the classroom.
A simple way to help your child with homework is by creating an atmosphere that works with your child to efficiently tackle school tasks. Really get to know your child’s homework style and develop a personalized plan for school success.
Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offers parents the following tips and advice to develop a homework plan for school success:
1. Set Goals. Help your child set personal and attainable goals for each class and help her identify what will need to be done to reach each goal. For example, to get an A in American History, she will need to turn in all of her homework, participate in class, etc.
2. Know Your Child. Because each child is unique, 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. If you help your child work within his personal style, he will work more effectively.
3. Create a Homework Zone. Set up an area in your home for studying, complete with a dictionary, paper and pens. Make sure the area is free from potential distractions and that study tools are at your child’s fingertips to keep him focused on homework.
4. Develop Class Files. Develop a color-coded file for each of your child’s classes. Make separate tabs for homework assignments, exams and projects, so your child can refer back to class materials when studying for comprehensive tests.
5. Set Weekly Milestones. For big projects or exams, get a large calendar for your child’s homework area and help him set short timelines to ensure projects and studying aren’t left until the night before. Celebrate your child’s success when each milestone is met.
By working with your child to develop a personalized plan to efficiently complete homework tasks, you will find higher grades, fewer homework headaches and a more confident child as a result.
Parents want their children to get good grades in school. Unfortunately, not every parent knows how best to help his or her children meet academic challenges, including completion of homework assignments. So, how do parents maximize their child’s chances for success in school? Start by creating a home environment that is conducive to homework and learning.
Sometimes, parents think helping their child complete their homework, or even doing their child’s homework for him, will help him achieve better grades in school. Often, it’s just the opposite, creating a situation where children have not learned the concepts they are later tested on in the classroom.
A simple way to help your child with homework is by creating an atmosphere that works with your child to efficiently tackle school tasks. Really get to know your child’s homework style and develop a personalized plan for school success.
Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offers parents the following tips and advice to develop a homework plan for school success:
1. Set Goals. Help your child set personal and attainable goals for each class and help her identify what will need to be done to reach each goal. For example, to get an A in American History, she will need to turn in all of her homework, participate in class, etc.
2. Know Your Child. Because each child is unique, 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. If you help your child work within his personal style, he will work more effectively.
3. Create a Homework Zone. Set up an area in your home for studying, complete with a dictionary, paper and pens. Make sure the area is free from potential distractions and that study tools are at your child’s fingertips to keep him focused on homework.
4. Develop Class Files. Develop a color-coded file for each of your child’s classes. Make separate tabs for homework assignments, exams and projects, so your child can refer back to class materials when studying for comprehensive tests.
5. Set Weekly Milestones. For big projects or exams, get a large calendar for your child’s homework area and help him set short timelines to ensure projects and studying aren’t left until the night before. Celebrate your child’s success when each milestone is met.
By working with your child to develop a personalized plan to efficiently complete homework tasks, you will find higher grades, fewer homework headaches and a more confident child as a result.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Math Proves to be a Critical Skill
Math Proves to be a Critical Skill, No Matter What Career Children Choose
Free Online Math Activity Booklet, Available at
www.SylvanLearning.com Makes Learning Math Fun
As they ponder their future careers, children may be surprised to learn that mathematical skills and concepts are a part of almost every career opportunity that exists today. Somewhere on the job – whatever that job might be – children are going to use the math skills they learned as early as first or second grade.
I cannot count the number of times a child has asked, ‘When will I ever use this stuff?’ The answer is everyday and in almost every profession.A child who wants to become a fireman, pilot or veterinarian may be surprised to know how important math is for that profession. Generating excitement for math by relating basic to advanced math skills to real-life uses will help children become more engaged in the subject and develop the confidence and understanding of math that they will need throughout their lives.
Ask a child to stop for a moment and think of the careers that interest him. They don’t use math, right? Wrong! Math plays a role in many different professions – from a sportscaster to a politician, from a marine captain to a magician.
Sylvan math experts spoke with professionals around the country who described how math plays an important role in their job. For example, math is important in the daily routine of an anesthesiologist as he cares for a patient prior to, during and after surgery. “Before dispensing any medication, I need to calculate my patient’s weight, height and body mass to prevent over or under medicating,” said Jeff Coston, D.O., anesthesiologist at Park Memorial Hospital in Asheville, TN. “Once the patient is medicated, I am constantly monitoring his blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and level of consciousness – I see numbers everyday on the job.”
See below for additional highlights from those interviews.
To encourage math learning and discovery outside of the classroom, Sylvan Learning is offering a Free Online Math Activity Book available at http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/learning-activities/math-booklet.cfm. The book provides 30 days of math writing topics, trivia, questions and puzzles.
Math Careers
Sylvan Learning’s math experts interviewed professionals from around the country, asking them how math plays a role in their job. Following are some highlights from those interviews.
Computer Game Programmer: “I recently used my math skills to figure out how a camera should be placed in the new Law & Order game. The game has several 3D rendered scenes that the player explores to find evidence for their case. I used math to determine how to rig the camera in the middle of the scenes and to control its movement when a player interacts with the game,” said Stephen Hodnicki, lead programmer, Legacy Interactive.
Nurse: “I knew I wanted a career helping people, but I never thought math would fit into that equation because I thought only accountants and analysts used math on the job. Well, that’s not true!” said Jennifer Wilson, nurse practitioner, Johns Hopkins Hospital. “I use math every day to evaluate a safe dosage of medication for each of my patients. It’s crucial that my calculations are precise to provide safe care to my patients.”
Sportscaster: The role of a sportscaster isn’t just commentating on the game. Much of what he does involves tracking players’ performances from game to game during the year and throughout careers. A sportscaster calculates batting averages, earned run averages and other statistics that are basic mathematical foundations learned in elementary school.
Politician: Math plays a key role in helping elected officials manage the budgets necessary to run our Federal, State, and local governments. Politicians determine the taxes that individuals must pay and in turn how these funds will be allocated to support the services and programs that are important to our communities. Another part of his job is using surveys and formulas to understand the issues that are important to his constituents.
Marine Captain: “Math is extremely important to the Army and Marine Corps. As an infantry officer, I use maps, compasses and mathematics to help select the best route for my troops, the distance to our next destination and how long it will take to reach a specific location,” said Captain Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps. “An error in route selection can get you lost, late or worse!”
Magician: A magician needs math for a variety of tricks and responsibilities on the job. Many tricks involve understanding probability and counting cards. As well, if a magician wants to entertain a room full of people, he needs to calculate how much time he can spend with each person.
Architect: An architect uses math to draw his designs for a house, a building or a bridge. His drawings need to be 100 percent accurate because a crew of builders and engineers will follow his plans to construct his designs. He will draw the beams and rafters used to support the foundation and everything he draws is drawn to scale.
Pastry Chef: Professional baking often relies on a variety of weights and measurements. Sometimes recipes are given using the metric system that may require the chef to convert a specific number of grams to ounces. Or perhaps a chef is making desserts for 200 people by following a recipe that serves 12, so multiplication will definitely be needed.
Pilot: To safely fly people between destinations, airline pilots must be able to quickly calculate various levels of math problems to determine flight paths, fuel requirements and the maximum weight requirements for a safe flight. Almost every button in a cockpit represents a different calculation that a pilot must understand. One wrong calculation can cause serious trouble for other pilots.
Teacher: “As a former classroom teacher, math was important in every lesson I taught, but also, as the head of the class,” said Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., senior vice president for education outreach for Sylvan Learning. “In addition to marking papers, calculating test scores and class averages, problem solving was a part of my every day routine. Whether it was calculating the total cost to take my students on a field trip, or simply ensuring enough individual time for all of my students, I used many of the basic math skills I learned back in school.”
Policeman: To reconstruct traffic accidents, law enforcement officials use mathematical formulas to calculate vehicle speed, time and distance. Policemen must be very precise in their calculations because their findings are often presented in courtrooms to prove driver negligence, award property damages, to help accident victims and to improve highway safety.
Free Online Math Activity Booklet, Available at
www.SylvanLearning.com Makes Learning Math Fun
As they ponder their future careers, children may be surprised to learn that mathematical skills and concepts are a part of almost every career opportunity that exists today. Somewhere on the job – whatever that job might be – children are going to use the math skills they learned as early as first or second grade.
I cannot count the number of times a child has asked, ‘When will I ever use this stuff?’ The answer is everyday and in almost every profession.A child who wants to become a fireman, pilot or veterinarian may be surprised to know how important math is for that profession. Generating excitement for math by relating basic to advanced math skills to real-life uses will help children become more engaged in the subject and develop the confidence and understanding of math that they will need throughout their lives.
Ask a child to stop for a moment and think of the careers that interest him. They don’t use math, right? Wrong! Math plays a role in many different professions – from a sportscaster to a politician, from a marine captain to a magician.
Sylvan math experts spoke with professionals around the country who described how math plays an important role in their job. For example, math is important in the daily routine of an anesthesiologist as he cares for a patient prior to, during and after surgery. “Before dispensing any medication, I need to calculate my patient’s weight, height and body mass to prevent over or under medicating,” said Jeff Coston, D.O., anesthesiologist at Park Memorial Hospital in Asheville, TN. “Once the patient is medicated, I am constantly monitoring his blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and level of consciousness – I see numbers everyday on the job.”
See below for additional highlights from those interviews.
To encourage math learning and discovery outside of the classroom, Sylvan Learning is offering a Free Online Math Activity Book available at http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/learning-activities/math-booklet.cfm. The book provides 30 days of math writing topics, trivia, questions and puzzles.
Math Careers
Sylvan Learning’s math experts interviewed professionals from around the country, asking them how math plays a role in their job. Following are some highlights from those interviews.
Computer Game Programmer: “I recently used my math skills to figure out how a camera should be placed in the new Law & Order game. The game has several 3D rendered scenes that the player explores to find evidence for their case. I used math to determine how to rig the camera in the middle of the scenes and to control its movement when a player interacts with the game,” said Stephen Hodnicki, lead programmer, Legacy Interactive.
Nurse: “I knew I wanted a career helping people, but I never thought math would fit into that equation because I thought only accountants and analysts used math on the job. Well, that’s not true!” said Jennifer Wilson, nurse practitioner, Johns Hopkins Hospital. “I use math every day to evaluate a safe dosage of medication for each of my patients. It’s crucial that my calculations are precise to provide safe care to my patients.”
Sportscaster: The role of a sportscaster isn’t just commentating on the game. Much of what he does involves tracking players’ performances from game to game during the year and throughout careers. A sportscaster calculates batting averages, earned run averages and other statistics that are basic mathematical foundations learned in elementary school.
Politician: Math plays a key role in helping elected officials manage the budgets necessary to run our Federal, State, and local governments. Politicians determine the taxes that individuals must pay and in turn how these funds will be allocated to support the services and programs that are important to our communities. Another part of his job is using surveys and formulas to understand the issues that are important to his constituents.
Marine Captain: “Math is extremely important to the Army and Marine Corps. As an infantry officer, I use maps, compasses and mathematics to help select the best route for my troops, the distance to our next destination and how long it will take to reach a specific location,” said Captain Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps. “An error in route selection can get you lost, late or worse!”
Magician: A magician needs math for a variety of tricks and responsibilities on the job. Many tricks involve understanding probability and counting cards. As well, if a magician wants to entertain a room full of people, he needs to calculate how much time he can spend with each person.
Architect: An architect uses math to draw his designs for a house, a building or a bridge. His drawings need to be 100 percent accurate because a crew of builders and engineers will follow his plans to construct his designs. He will draw the beams and rafters used to support the foundation and everything he draws is drawn to scale.
Pastry Chef: Professional baking often relies on a variety of weights and measurements. Sometimes recipes are given using the metric system that may require the chef to convert a specific number of grams to ounces. Or perhaps a chef is making desserts for 200 people by following a recipe that serves 12, so multiplication will definitely be needed.
Pilot: To safely fly people between destinations, airline pilots must be able to quickly calculate various levels of math problems to determine flight paths, fuel requirements and the maximum weight requirements for a safe flight. Almost every button in a cockpit represents a different calculation that a pilot must understand. One wrong calculation can cause serious trouble for other pilots.
Teacher: “As a former classroom teacher, math was important in every lesson I taught, but also, as the head of the class,” said Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., senior vice president for education outreach for Sylvan Learning. “In addition to marking papers, calculating test scores and class averages, problem solving was a part of my every day routine. Whether it was calculating the total cost to take my students on a field trip, or simply ensuring enough individual time for all of my students, I used many of the basic math skills I learned back in school.”
Policeman: To reconstruct traffic accidents, law enforcement officials use mathematical formulas to calculate vehicle speed, time and distance. Policemen must be very precise in their calculations because their findings are often presented in courtrooms to prove driver negligence, award property damages, to help accident victims and to improve highway safety.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Reading, Writing & Harry Potter: Motivating Children by Celebrating Their Interests
How can parents and homework compete with Harry Potter and PlayStation? The simple answer is that they can’t compete. However, parents can use these hot trends to motivate children to learn more and, in the process, teach their children skills that will transfer to their classroom learning.
Because studies show that the average child spends three to five hours a day watching television, it may seem there is not much extra time for educational activities at home. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages and skill levels, has developed several techniques to turn the things children enjoy into opportunities to promote additional learning.
The first step for you, as a parent, is to identify what gets your child excited and to learn about it yourself. Read the hot children’s books, play your child’s favorite video games and listen to music together. In short, learn about the toys, games and activities that dominate your child’s world. Then, look for creative ways to add an educational component to your child’s favorite activities.
For example, if your child can’t get enough of Harry Potter, ask her to identify locations from the books on a map – do they exist or are they fictional? Or, encourage him to find a pen pal in England to compare his or her life and everyday activities with one of Harry’s country mates. Since magic spells are a big part of the series, ask your child to create with her own spells to see if they really work.
Games can also reinforce school lessons. When children play with dominoes, have them calculate the total value of the points. They may not even notice they are putting math lessons to work. Games can also help sharpen a child’s categorization skills.
Science is just as easy to incorporate into everyday activities. Ask your child to calculate the distance of a scooter ride. Compare the speed of a downhill ride versus an uphill ride. Research other methods of transportation and the scientific explanation of balance and speed. Search the Internet with your child for science-related Web sites that might help to uncover the science behind a favorite sport. Find out how the speed of a baseball pitch affects the hitter’s ability to hit a home run, or why a football is shaped differently than a soccer ball.
Yes, even Jordin Sparks and The Cheetah Girls have lessons to teach. Your child’s favorite music stars can be avenues for self-expression. By memorizing lyrics or even writing their own, children can learn the importance of the written and spoken word. They can research the artists’ background and find out what it takes to make a CD.
Parents can combine these enjoyable activities with the basics of motivating a child – goal-setting, rewards and reinforcement. Plan out activities and assignments with your child. Determine together the steps of the process and when the assignment will be finished. Provide the tools to complete the task. For larger projects, Sylvan recommends that you offer mini-rewards throughout the process to keep your child motivated to see it through. Rewards can be as simple as a pat on the back or an ice cream cone. When the project is complete, review it together and congratulate your child on a job well done. You can even present your child with a handmade certificate of achievement. Share your child’s success with other family members – nothing makes your child feel better than to “overhear” you singing his or her praises to someone.
All of the skills learned through these activities will translate into the classroom by reinforcing geography, analytical, comprehension, reading and research skills. By joining in your child’s fun, you’ll also demonstrate that learning takes place everywhere and that it is enjoyable. As an added benefit, you might even learn something along the way!
Because studies show that the average child spends three to five hours a day watching television, it may seem there is not much extra time for educational activities at home. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages and skill levels, has developed several techniques to turn the things children enjoy into opportunities to promote additional learning.
The first step for you, as a parent, is to identify what gets your child excited and to learn about it yourself. Read the hot children’s books, play your child’s favorite video games and listen to music together. In short, learn about the toys, games and activities that dominate your child’s world. Then, look for creative ways to add an educational component to your child’s favorite activities.
For example, if your child can’t get enough of Harry Potter, ask her to identify locations from the books on a map – do they exist or are they fictional? Or, encourage him to find a pen pal in England to compare his or her life and everyday activities with one of Harry’s country mates. Since magic spells are a big part of the series, ask your child to create with her own spells to see if they really work.
Games can also reinforce school lessons. When children play with dominoes, have them calculate the total value of the points. They may not even notice they are putting math lessons to work. Games can also help sharpen a child’s categorization skills.
Science is just as easy to incorporate into everyday activities. Ask your child to calculate the distance of a scooter ride. Compare the speed of a downhill ride versus an uphill ride. Research other methods of transportation and the scientific explanation of balance and speed. Search the Internet with your child for science-related Web sites that might help to uncover the science behind a favorite sport. Find out how the speed of a baseball pitch affects the hitter’s ability to hit a home run, or why a football is shaped differently than a soccer ball.
Yes, even Jordin Sparks and The Cheetah Girls have lessons to teach. Your child’s favorite music stars can be avenues for self-expression. By memorizing lyrics or even writing their own, children can learn the importance of the written and spoken word. They can research the artists’ background and find out what it takes to make a CD.
Parents can combine these enjoyable activities with the basics of motivating a child – goal-setting, rewards and reinforcement. Plan out activities and assignments with your child. Determine together the steps of the process and when the assignment will be finished. Provide the tools to complete the task. For larger projects, Sylvan recommends that you offer mini-rewards throughout the process to keep your child motivated to see it through. Rewards can be as simple as a pat on the back or an ice cream cone. When the project is complete, review it together and congratulate your child on a job well done. You can even present your child with a handmade certificate of achievement. Share your child’s success with other family members – nothing makes your child feel better than to “overhear” you singing his or her praises to someone.
All of the skills learned through these activities will translate into the classroom by reinforcing geography, analytical, comprehension, reading and research skills. By joining in your child’s fun, you’ll also demonstrate that learning takes place everywhere and that it is enjoyable. As an added benefit, you might even learn something along the way!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Understanding the Learning Styles Allows Parents & Educators to Help Children
Back-to-school season is here, which means it’s time to pick out new clothes, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. As you outfit your child with the latest fashion styles, be sure that you prepare for a successful school year by understanding your child’s personalized “learning style.”
Just as there are many different fashions, there are also many different ways a child learns. Understanding a child’s individual learning style can help parents and teachers personalize the instruction or homework to ensure peak performance in school and build a child’s self confidence.
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.
When reading the following tips, keep in mind that a child may exhibit more than one of the following learning styles.
How does your child learn?
Visual/Spatial learners enjoy photography, visual metaphors, puzzles, illustrations and story maps. Seeing a bar graph on the cost of different cars, for instance, would be a better learning tool than hearing a list of prices read aloud.
Verbal/Linguistic learners shine in activities such as storytelling, public speaking, drama and journal writing. Give children journals to keep for one month. Encourage them to write detailed descriptions of what they see, taste, feel and hear.
Bodily/Kinesthetic learners thrive on hands-on experiments, field trips, body language, crafts and sports. Take a field trip to a local factory, then make a visual display of what was learned.
Logical/Mathematical learners tend to be better at problem-solving, coding, data collecting, money management and scientific models. Help your child create a budget sheet that itemizes every cent spent during a one-month period. Determine what category drew the biggest expenses.
Musical/Rhythmic students may play an instrument, sing, hum or tap during work or require background music while they study. Turn memorization exercises into rhythmic word play and set it to any musical style.
Intrapersonal learners work better alone, doing individual study, personal goal-setting and self-esteem activities. This type of student can write down one objective and record the steps to achieving it.
Interpersonal learners work better in group activities, such as clubs, peer teaching, conflict mediation and active discussions. They would enjoy volunteering at a nursing home, women’s shelter or charity and documenting the experience in a journal.
Naturalist learners tend to better understand ideas when it is related to a natural occurrence. These learners prefer outdoor activities (e.g., camping, gardening, hiking, bird-watching, etc).
As parents prepare their children for the new school year, it’s important to remember that they will be better prepared for classes if parents and the school teacher both understand their learning styles and use this knowledge to help them excel in school and on homework. Parents should also share their observations about their children’s learning style with their child’s teachers.
Just as there are many different fashions, there are also many different ways a child learns. Understanding a child’s individual learning style can help parents and teachers personalize the instruction or homework to ensure peak performance in school and build a child’s self confidence.
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.
When reading the following tips, keep in mind that a child may exhibit more than one of the following learning styles.
How does your child learn?
Visual/Spatial learners enjoy photography, visual metaphors, puzzles, illustrations and story maps. Seeing a bar graph on the cost of different cars, for instance, would be a better learning tool than hearing a list of prices read aloud.
Verbal/Linguistic learners shine in activities such as storytelling, public speaking, drama and journal writing. Give children journals to keep for one month. Encourage them to write detailed descriptions of what they see, taste, feel and hear.
Bodily/Kinesthetic learners thrive on hands-on experiments, field trips, body language, crafts and sports. Take a field trip to a local factory, then make a visual display of what was learned.
Logical/Mathematical learners tend to be better at problem-solving, coding, data collecting, money management and scientific models. Help your child create a budget sheet that itemizes every cent spent during a one-month period. Determine what category drew the biggest expenses.
Musical/Rhythmic students may play an instrument, sing, hum or tap during work or require background music while they study. Turn memorization exercises into rhythmic word play and set it to any musical style.
Intrapersonal learners work better alone, doing individual study, personal goal-setting and self-esteem activities. This type of student can write down one objective and record the steps to achieving it.
Interpersonal learners work better in group activities, such as clubs, peer teaching, conflict mediation and active discussions. They would enjoy volunteering at a nursing home, women’s shelter or charity and documenting the experience in a journal.
Naturalist learners tend to better understand ideas when it is related to a natural occurrence. These learners prefer outdoor activities (e.g., camping, gardening, hiking, bird-watching, etc).
As parents prepare their children for the new school year, it’s important to remember that they will be better prepared for classes if parents and the school teacher both understand their learning styles and use this knowledge to help them excel in school and on homework. Parents should also share their observations about their children’s learning style with their child’s teachers.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Is it Homework Time?
Tips and Routines for a Successful Academic Year
It’s the beginning of the school year and just a few weeks until the first report cards start showing up! Now is the perfect time to start focusing on your grades – beginning with a homework routine that you can follow throughout the school year.
By concentrating on three important life skills – Organizing, Taking Action, and Communicating, students can simplify their life and develop habits that will help them later in college, at work, and in life. Learn to master these skills early in life, and you’ll be all set for success for years to come!
Organize
Have your own personal routine for homework. Are you the type of student who comes home from school and needs to get homework done right away so you
can have the evening free? Or, do you need a rest first, some time to expend some energy, a chance to put school on hold for a while? These aren’t trick questions; there’s no “right” answer. Either is okay. Know which describes you. Your needs may be different from your sister’s, your parents’, your friends’. Set up a routine that follows your preference.
Have a time that’s just for homework. Routines are important, and the routines that help you succeed in school are the most important routines.
Have a place for your homework.
You don’t need to have your own room, just a regular place that’s yours for the time it takes to complete your homework. It should be quiet and conducive to your work.
Have your supplies.
Keep your supplies – pens, calculator, highlighters, and papers – in a convenient place. Don’t waste your precious time looking for stuff. If you have your own desk, organize it. If you don’t have your own desk, that’s okay. Keep your supplies in a plastic organizer with a handle, so everything will be at your fingertips each evening. The last step in your homework routine is to make sure everything is ready for the next day.
Keep a planner. A planner doesn’t have to be an expensive electronic gizmo. A simple notebook will do. The important thing is to get in the habit of writing down your assignments and their duedates, and then working to get them done. If you don’t write them down, you’ll forget some of them.
Take ActionSet goals. It’s your life, take control of it. At the beginning of the school year, set goals about what you’d like to accomplish. Improve that algebra grade? Take a challenging literature course? Then at the beginning of each month, review those goals to see if you’re on track.
Pace yourself. You’ll have lots of longrange assignments as you move up the grades: book reports, term papers, and science projects—even extracurricular tasks like an article for the school newspaper or a project for student council. Start early, and break up the maxi-job into mini-jobs. This will seem much less overwhelming. Plus, it’ll eliminate the awful feeling you get when you know something’s due and you haven’t even started it yet.
Eliminate distractions. Yes, you need music. You need your phone or your Blackberry. You need to have the TV on, “just for background noise.” It is important to “focus” without any distractions. Multi-tasking is not required at least during homework time.
Communicate Speak up. Participate in class. Ask questions when you’re puzzled. From your homework, make a list of questions to ask tomorrow in class. In class, make comments when you see connections to other things you’ve learned in this class or, better yet, in other classes. Learning how and when to speak up is a skill you’ll value and will take you far. If you need help, ask for it. Get it early.
Review. Go over your assignments on a regular basis with a “study buddy,” a friend who’s as motivated as you are. Keep each other on track by clarifying assignments, studying together, supporting one another’s goals. Keep track of your grades, so you’ll know how you’re doing. Success in school is as much a team effort as success on the athletic field.
Organizing, taking action and communicating will simplify your school
life. Have a successful school year ahead!
It’s the beginning of the school year and just a few weeks until the first report cards start showing up! Now is the perfect time to start focusing on your grades – beginning with a homework routine that you can follow throughout the school year.
By concentrating on three important life skills – Organizing, Taking Action, and Communicating, students can simplify their life and develop habits that will help them later in college, at work, and in life. Learn to master these skills early in life, and you’ll be all set for success for years to come!
Organize
Have your own personal routine for homework. Are you the type of student who comes home from school and needs to get homework done right away so you
can have the evening free? Or, do you need a rest first, some time to expend some energy, a chance to put school on hold for a while? These aren’t trick questions; there’s no “right” answer. Either is okay. Know which describes you. Your needs may be different from your sister’s, your parents’, your friends’. Set up a routine that follows your preference.
Have a time that’s just for homework. Routines are important, and the routines that help you succeed in school are the most important routines.
Have a place for your homework.
You don’t need to have your own room, just a regular place that’s yours for the time it takes to complete your homework. It should be quiet and conducive to your work.
Have your supplies.
Keep your supplies – pens, calculator, highlighters, and papers – in a convenient place. Don’t waste your precious time looking for stuff. If you have your own desk, organize it. If you don’t have your own desk, that’s okay. Keep your supplies in a plastic organizer with a handle, so everything will be at your fingertips each evening. The last step in your homework routine is to make sure everything is ready for the next day.
Keep a planner. A planner doesn’t have to be an expensive electronic gizmo. A simple notebook will do. The important thing is to get in the habit of writing down your assignments and their duedates, and then working to get them done. If you don’t write them down, you’ll forget some of them.
Take ActionSet goals. It’s your life, take control of it. At the beginning of the school year, set goals about what you’d like to accomplish. Improve that algebra grade? Take a challenging literature course? Then at the beginning of each month, review those goals to see if you’re on track.
Pace yourself. You’ll have lots of longrange assignments as you move up the grades: book reports, term papers, and science projects—even extracurricular tasks like an article for the school newspaper or a project for student council. Start early, and break up the maxi-job into mini-jobs. This will seem much less overwhelming. Plus, it’ll eliminate the awful feeling you get when you know something’s due and you haven’t even started it yet.
Eliminate distractions. Yes, you need music. You need your phone or your Blackberry. You need to have the TV on, “just for background noise.” It is important to “focus” without any distractions. Multi-tasking is not required at least during homework time.
Communicate Speak up. Participate in class. Ask questions when you’re puzzled. From your homework, make a list of questions to ask tomorrow in class. In class, make comments when you see connections to other things you’ve learned in this class or, better yet, in other classes. Learning how and when to speak up is a skill you’ll value and will take you far. If you need help, ask for it. Get it early.
Review. Go over your assignments on a regular basis with a “study buddy,” a friend who’s as motivated as you are. Keep each other on track by clarifying assignments, studying together, supporting one another’s goals. Keep track of your grades, so you’ll know how you’re doing. Success in school is as much a team effort as success on the athletic field.
Organizing, taking action and communicating will simplify your school
life. Have a successful school year ahead!
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