Aim High Tutors

It's Tough, but You Can Do It

2007-09-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Parents are getting a lesson in how--and why--to say 'No'

Do you kids suffer from discipline deficit disorder? (Hint: Symptoms include 'the gimmes' and a 'me first' attitude.) If you can't say 'No' and stick to your guns, chances are they do, says psychologist David Walsh, whose recent book about the complaint has--to his shock--launched a burgeoning grass-roots movement to stamp it out. In Minnesota, Walsh's home state, a "Say Yes to No" coalition of educators and PTA parents sent "tool kits" touting the book (No: Why Kids—of All Ages—Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It) to 2,500 principals before school began last week. Their next goal is to get it on the reading list of every child-tending grown-up in the state, sparking a sharing of war stories about how to tame "I want" behavior.

Walsh says he's "overwhelmed" at the response, which inspired a rush to paperback four months ahead of schedule and a packed calendar of speaking engagements. School principals from Indiana, South Carolina, and several other states are getting set to work No into teacher training sessions. And at an annual gathering in October, more than 1,000 Boy Scout troop leaders from Minnesota and Wisconsin will be offered workshops on the guide, which equips grown-ups with sample dialogues for beating back all kinds of challenges. "It's just such a readable, common-sense approach to raising self-reliant children," says Joann Knuth, executive director of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals.

Shared struggle. The child-parent struggle is older than the "my dog ate my homework" excuse, of course. But it's exacerbated, says No, by 45 hours or so of screen time each week that plug "more, easy, fast, and fun" and by harried working parents' craving for harmony when they're home. "Large corporations trying to market to kids don't make money off delayed gratification," says Angela Duckworth, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and mother of two youngsters. And given that everyone else's parents allow a later curfew and violent video games, "there's fear you're going to say no and your child will turn against you," says Rosie Loeffler-Kemp of Duluth, president of the Minnesota State Parent Teacher Association and mother of four. When parents read the book and see that this is a shared struggle, she believes, they'll gain the necessary courage to convey their family values and set limits.

The payoff, says Walsh: kids with the ability to say "No" to themselves, plus patience, good judgment, and the cool to move on—without a meltdown—when they don't get three desserts or an unchaperoned weekend at the beach. "How is it that [children have] a sense of who they are, what they can do, and what the world is about?" asks Madeline Levine, psychologist and author of The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids. "They get that by internalizing parental prohibitions," she says.

A related urge that parents are taught to squelch is the desire to intervene with a quick fix for every tough assignment or disappointment. A student who misses the year-end spelling prize because he chose not to study has an opportunity to develop thicker skin and learn an important lesson in self-discipline, for example—but not if Mom calls up to berate the teacher. "Parent involvement is critical, but I don't see them wanting to let their kids experience consequences," says Kim Westra, a fourth-grade teacher at Salem Hills Elementary in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., who makes independent work a huge focus in her classroom. Research published by Duckworth hints at one price. Self-discipline, she found, was a better predictor of academic success in eighth graders than IQ, measured by such factors as final grades, attendance, standardized test scores, and success at getting into a selective high school program.

Understanding the rationale for standing firm doesn't necessarily make parenting choices easier. Westra and her husband, long proponents of the no-cable, bare-bones approach to television, have been deliberating whether or not to give in as their daughter approaches the social preteen years. "Does it take that big, huge plasma TV to get the kids over?" Westra wonders. The resounding response from parents of teenagers she has polled: Yes.

EASING THE PAIN
Putting your foot down firmly can hurt you as well as the kids. Here are a few ways to make "No!" less agonizing for everyone:

Be realistic. If you learn about child development, you'll set expectations kids can meet.
Be consistent. When the lines you draw keep moving, anger and resistance are bound to result.
Demonstrate. Saying "No" will be less of an issue if you model the generosity and patience you value.
Don't accept rudeness. Table the discussion if a child's language or actions are discourteous.
Partner with the teacher. Ask about expectations, and reinforce them to the extent that you can.
Show warmth, too. Catch them being good.

Packaged with Love for Your College Student

2007-09-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

When my daughter went away to college I sent he 'care packages' at different holidays, before tests, etc. It's always fun to get something in the mail these days, and especially fun when your roommates are envious!

Care boxes can go a long way toward smoothing and soothing the ups and downs of college life.

By CHANTAL LAMERS
The Orange County Register

Nothing evokes envy among college students like a care package sent from home.
But not every care package is created equal. Although you can satisfy a poor, homesick college student with just about any handouts, there are essential components to putting together the perfect college survival kit. Here's what we're talking about: College students love free food, so supplementing your package with a dozen of mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies can help soothe an ache for home.

We put together a list of items to help keep students healthy, organized and entertained while they're away from the nest. (Not to mention make them appreciate you a little more.)

Biodegradable cornstarch utensils are $2.75 for a package of 50 at www.WorldCentric.com Keep your college students in clean underwear by providing a roll of quarters for the Laundromat.
A first aid mini-kit is small enough to be dorm-friendly yet full enough to soothe a finger cut (from writing all those term papers) or toe blister (from trudging about the sprawling campus). Include Airborne, which is said to help ward off the flu, and tiny packages of tissues and pain reliever in case it doesn't.

With roommates coming and going at all hours, a sleep mask and ear plugs will help boost quality REM time.

Provide blank cards and stamps with a note listing upcoming birthdays and anniversaries.
Keep your students prepped for anything by including travel sizes of Oxi Clean, Downy Wrinkle Releaser, Krazy Glue and a set of pre-threaded sewing needles.

Stock them with necessities such as face wash, lip balm, mascara, razors and at least one new toothbrush.

You can dissuade your college students from staying out by giving them a reason to stay in: UNO, DVDs and popcorn.

Students will have extra incentive to stay organized with a flash drive, funny magnets and extra print cartridges.

She Walks a Mile in His Flip Flops

2007-09-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

What her son wants in his care package speaks volumes.
By: Teryl Zarnow
They say you can tell a lot about a woman by what she carries inside her purse. You can also probably tell a lot about your child by what he requests inside his care packages.

A new pair of flip-flops was the first thing our son wanted. He is posted through the Peace Corps in Ukraine where apparently flip-flops are a rare commodity.

"Keep the flip-flop that didn't blow out," I instruct after I buy him a new pair of rubber sandals. They were made in China, then imported to the U.S., so that I could spend more than the purchase price to export them to Ukraine.

I can tell that although my 23-year-old might not be able to shower regularly, he is still concerned with hygiene. He asked for toothpaste, floss, razors and deodorant. He also wants envelopes and a pad of paper.

Clearly, he is in a country where you cannot take American necessities for granted. The trolley tickets, he tells me, are softer than the local toilet paper.

He is not complaining, however. This is my child who was never confined in a playpen. He still thinks of borders as something to cross and the world as an extended neighborhood.

He tells me there used to be only three radio stations, all of them run by the state. One morning he listened to "Mary Poppins" in Russian. The state now, of course, is a democracy with a few leftover Stalinist statues decorating parks. The government dukes out its disagreements in the courts. Ukrainians celebrate their past military victories with vodka toasts at breakfast and parades after lunch. My son likes that.

His apartment sounds like the remnant of a communist housing project. He is happy to have it, despite the joy of lugging his belongings up six flights of stairs in the summer heat. The Peace Corps, always concerned for his welfare, has issued him a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and space heater. He lugs these up the stairs as well.

Things tend to go awry in Ukraine. Our son was locked inside an apartment with his host family when the deadbolt fell off the door. They were liberated five hours later. The water unaccountably stops for several hours before running once again. Each time we call, we are informed our son's phone number does not exist. Somehow, we must dial three times before the exchange gives in and connects our call.

I cannot begin to fathom my son's experience.

He was somber when he said good-bye seven months ago, recognizing the depth of a two-year-commitment. He shares pictures of our house, and he tells me Ukrainian women marvel at how young I look. My life is easier.

Our son is upbeat, busy and excited by his various community projects. He has learned enough Russian to carry on a conversation with the taxi driver and, once, even to argue.

"This woman and I were shouting at each other," he recounts, "and while it was happening, part of me was amazed that I was shouting in Russian."

I cannot even begin to imagine what else he is learning. Everyone says these are experiences that will shape his life forever.

Our son left home bright, inquisitive and eager to discover the world. He will be different when eventually he comes home – but somehow I'm sure I will recognize him.

Summer Brain Drain

2007-09-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

September marks the start of the school season nationwide. As students head back to school, many will find that they experienced "Brain Drain" over their summer break. Whether or not you called this phenomenon "Brain Drain" or not, we're sure you experienced it as a student.

Remember the harsh reality of returning to school after a seemingly endless summer and realizing you forgot everything from the year before! Fear not – AimHighTutors.com offers students an instant connection to a professional tutor when they get stuck. With math, science, social studies and English tutors available 7 days a week, your students can get the help they need now that school has started.

How to Avoid After-School Activity Overload!

2007-09-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

After-school activities are seductive. They are promoted in their most attractive light whipping your child into their groups with a boundless enthusiasm that this is the best possible use of their time. Peer pressure adds to this, your child wants to do band because his best friend is, and all the cool kids play football, and he wants to go to the swimming club, and so on. It's all very exciting. New stuff, new team members, but reality will soon set in as with each uniform/equipment list comes the schedule for the semester that shows how little time for a real life outside of school your child will have.

You have two options here, you can accept the schedules as you silently count up the amount of quality time you'll have with your child, wonder if you'll ever get to talk to them outside of the car, and worry about when their homework is going to get done. Or you can take the schedules, and discuss them with your child.

It's not going to make you popular parent of the year if you make your child choose one or two after school activities from the original four or five they'd planned, but unfortunately, as good as being popular with your child makes you feel, parenting isn't about being popular. It's about doing what's best for your child at a time in their life when they aren't able to separate desire from feasible. Allowing your child to do the four or five activities may make them happy in the short-term, but by the time they've spent a couple of months not having time to breathe, let alone play on their computer, they're going to start feeling overloaded and noone is going to be happy in the home until some kind of a compromise on time management and after school activities is reached.

An ideal solution is to have no more than two or three school nights with one after school activity. If there's a weekend implication – as with many sporting activities which have practice through the week and games on Saturday or Sunday – then there should be no more than two nights involved. This way, your child will get at least two nights at home to catch up with family time, focus on their homework and connect to their siblings and outside of school friends instead of constantly rushing from activity until the next from morning until bedtime every day.

Try to choose the activities that won't conflict with scheduling, and which will allow your child to develop a broader skill base – for example playing a musical instrument plus a sport. If your child isn't happy with the situation, offer to negotiate. If they do the two activities now, and they keep up their grades, and they still feel they have time to take on a third activity come the following semester, then you'll consider it. That way you aren't closing the door on what they want to do, but you are putting some unsaid ground rules into play. It's very possible that by the time the first semester ends that your child will have either lost interest in one of the activities they start with, or one that they had on their wish-list, or that they can see how little time they'd have for other things if they had to commit more after school time to another activity. If they still feel strongly about a third activity however, and they've maintained their grade level, then you could commit to a third activity on a trial basis – one that is only one night and no weekend commitment if there's already a weekend commitment – to see how it goes with the condition that if you think their health or grades are suffering, they'll have to stop.

After-school activities are a great way for children to network and develop new skills, but they can be demanding on both time and energy. You know your child better than anyone, including them, so even if your child refuses to talk to you for a week, at least you'll be sure that you aren't allowing them to overload their lives with activities that can have a negative impact on their health, family life, and education.

If You Snooze, You Won't Lose

2007-09-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

The idea that you can learn while asleep lives at websites like sleeplearning.com and hypnotictapes.com Not so, says Harvard sleep researcher Robert Stickgold: "The only time listening to tapes at night will help you is if they wake you up." But, he says, there's evidence that if you learn something today and sleep eight hours tonight, you'll retain it better
tomorrow--and beyond. That's a wake-up call.

Here's some Total Momsense

2007-09-13T16:04:00.001-07:00

For all you moms out there...pretty funny and pretty true!
Jane

Not My Kid!

2007-09-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

This is an excerpt from the Reader's Digest -- Letters on the April Issue
I read with empathy about Martha Randolph Carr's coming to terms with her son's dyslexia (Turning the Page). My son was diagnosed with severe dyslexia when he was in second grade. We refused to give up on him, even though we were told he'd never learn to read or write. The special education program at his elementary school was wonderful and with a lot of effort and prayer, he began to read in the fifth grade. He graduated last year with an 86 GPA. He's enrolled in a technical college, where he was inducted into the honor society.
Parents, please don't deny your child's disability. If it weren't for the labeling my son received, I don't know where he'd be right now. Instead, he's a self-confident, talented individual. His disability just makes him all the more special to us.
Submitted by: Ann Ashworth... Royston, Georgia

Appreciate your Child's Teacher and Enhance their Learning Experience

2007-09-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

It's a new school year. Your child is in a new homeroom with a new homeroom teacher who faces a classroom filled with students she doesn't know. How do you get the teacher to positively set your child apart in her mind? Well the best way is through some genuine appreciation for what she does!
A teacher's job is often not one full of rewarding experiences. In a time when students are expected to achieve high standards for the school, and yet the teachers are not given anywhere near the resource allocation they need to deliver teaching, the teachers often have to depend on parents for both time and financial support. They also spend a lot of additional hours planning their curriculum, and use their own money to finance interesting projects that will get their students enthusiastic about what they're learning. This additional effort is still often unappreciated by either the school, or the students – but if your child's teacher is going that extra mile, then it shouldn't go unappreciated by you.
It doesn't require big gestures of expensive floral arrangements, or even flowery letters of thanks. At the beginning of the school year make sure that you take the time to introduce yourself to the teacher, identify which of the children is yours, and tell them that you will support your child's learning experience anyway you can. Back this up by committing to at least one request that the teacher makes for help during each semester. An occasional note to say how much you appreciate the extra time she spent ensuring that your child learned an important grammar rule or that you've noticed a positive change in your child's attitude to school since they joined her class is a way of keeping the communication between you open. You could accompany the note with a box of home baked cookies if you have some ready. At the end of the semester, send a thank you card to the teacher for her efforts with your son throughout the year and accompany this with a small amount gift certificate for a local coffee shop or gift store. It's not the amount that's important, it's the fact that you care enough about her work that you've taken the time to do this.
The result of your appreciating the teacher is that even though she won't single your child out from the others, she will take more interest in his progression and will learn more about him and in doing so will be able to find ways to make his learning experience with her even more positive. She may even turn a blind eye to occasional behavioral misconduct!
Be careful not to cross the thin line between appreciation and what could be termed as either insincerity or even bribery! Teachers are used to parents who want to single out their child for special attention. They know this isn't about them, but rather about their parent's desire for their child to be better cared for than the others! Keep your appreciation genuine, never request special treatment, and never ask her to overlook something or to inflate a grade. Whenever you talk to her, remember to ask how she is, and wishing her a nice evening or weekend is going to leave a far better impression of you (and as a consequence your child) than effusive praise for her extraordinary ability to teach!
Teachers are people too. Remember that, and show occasional appropriate appreciation, and you'll be able to enhance your child's learning experience in her class. At the beginning of the next school year, remember to start the process all over again with the next teacher your child comes into contact with!

Homework

2007-09-09T08:45:00.001-07:00

Do you have problems with homework? This will make you laugh....only because it is SOOOOO true!

Are You Prepared for Emergencies?

2007-09-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already planned for emergencies, especially in our state - earthquakes....now is the time!
First, have a family meeting bring everyone together to talk about to do in a disaster like a hurricane, earthquake, power outage, tornado, fire, snowstorm or volcano. Invite everyone to the meeting, even your pets!

Check out your home base:

Know where to find all your safety stuff, like the fire extinguisher and flashlight.
Make sure all the smoke alarms are working.
Make a plan to get everyone out of your home. Better yet, find two ways out of your house.

Decide on a meeting place:

Figure out where to meet up with everyone at a place4 that is close to your home (like a park or friend's house).
Also, choose an easy-to-find location outside your neighborhood in case you can't get home from soccer practice or school.

Have a Call List:

Choose an out-of-town contact to call if an emergency happens, like Uncle Paul or Aunt Phoebe.
Keep a list of the family's contact numbers and meeting places in your backpack.

A Quick Trick to Boost Your Memory

2007-09-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Moving your eyes horizontally back and forth to improve your memory may sound weird, but British scientists are convinced that it works. In a recent study, people who did such eye movements for 30 seconds memorized more of the words on a list than people who didn't move their eyes at all or who moved them vertically, explains Andrew Parker, Ph.D., senior lecturer of psychology and social change at Manchester Metropolitan University. His explanation for the phenomenon? "Eye movements may increase hemispheric interaction--the communication between the left and right sides of the brain," he says,"which is crucial for recalling a specific event."

A Great Spelling Website!

2007-09-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

In this age of computers, video games and tv's, it is sometime difficult to get our children motivated to actually study! But this generation raising the next generation have to understand that we can use the computers and video games to help our children learn. We can use them as our ally and let them learn through these interactive connections.
There is a great resource the combines the sometimes repetitive and boring task of spelling with the fun of interactive graphics online! Kids that I have seen use it love it. They use the computer to learn their spelling and are able to retain more because the are having fun doing it.
Spelling Time is an interactive on-line spelling program for children in the early reading stage, from grades 1st through 5th. Designed specifically as a state of the art, interactive learning tool, SpellingTime.com might just change your child's attitude about spelling giving them the confidence they sometimes are lacking. You can test-drive the live demonstration and learn about the program. Parents are able to look into the 'Report' section and see the progress of their students.
This is a great website that works well with children and isn't like pulling teeth to get them to start into their spelling lesson for the day!

Great Math Tutoring Website

2007-09-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

Math seems to be one of those subjects that students/adults either understand or don't. It must have something to do with that left brain/right brain concept. I admit that I am pretty good at math, but not so good at writing. Not that I am not able to write, I don't like to and it is very laborious for me. But, if you have a child that struggles with math, here is a system that provides real results....fast!

The Trigger Memory Systems website and the main product, Times Tales is a really cool site. They have remarkable products that helps students master the upper times tables in very little time. There are pictures and a story that go with each equation that helps to imprint the information into their brains!

Here is a quote from their website that explains it all...
"I couldn't believe the results I got with your product Times Tales. My son mastered his upper times tables in one hour. The reviews were right. I was unsure of how it would go, but couldn't believe it when my son got excited to learn each one and mastered it without any trouble. We have been struggling with the times tables for a while now and I found your product on the internet. It was worth every penny! I couldn't believe it came in two days and we got right to work. Over the weekend my son knew all of his flashcards!
I only wish the schools would teach this way. I will recommend to any parent whose child is struggling. My son now has the confidence to do his math tests and is so proud of himself. He no longer shrugs his shoulders when the big numbers come up on the flashcards. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You definitely made my life easier. " --Amy

Have a look at their website for yourself and get the samples that they offer. Your math-phobic children will be happy you did!

8 Strategies to Effective Word Identification

2007-09-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Unless you're a word wizard there will be times in your life when you'll come across a word that you can't identify. It may be one you've never seen before, or one that looks vaguely familiar but you can't place it. When this occurs there are several strategies you can use to try and identify the word.
1. Read the word again. Say it aloud enunciating every letter. Sometimes this simple tactic can make the word reveal itself to you, especially if it is one that you are familiar with.
2. Read the sentence again. See if you can ascertain the meaning from the context of the word within the sentence. Again, this is an especially effective strategy is the word is one you've forgotten but have understood in the past.
3. Is there a prefix on the word? Sometimes a word looks strange and unfamiliar if something has been tagged onto the front of it. The additional letters can fool the brain into thinking it's a new word when really it isn't --prefixes include pre- (as in prepaid), un- (as in undisputed) and re- (as in rerun).
4. An alternative to strategy 3 is to identify if there's a suffix at the end of the word. Again, the additional letters can create an illusion of a new word rather than one that has been slightly modified. Suffixes include -ness (as in kindness), and --ing (as in helping).
5. Identify the stem of the word -- the main part of the word that has the suffix, prefix, or even plural additions removed. Stems are words such as love (from lovely), real (from really), peace (from peacefully) and blind (from blindness).
6. Separate and then blend the syllables of the word -- say each part of the word aloud independently, and then run them together, for example un-fair-ly -- unfairly, or un-usual-ly -- unusually.
7. The reader (and writer's) best friend -- use a dictionary to help you identify the unknown word, and what it means, will allow you to identify the word the next time you see it.
8. If you don't have a dictionary available, ask someone else if they know. If non of the other strategies work, then this is where you'll need to find someone such as a parent, your teacher, or a librarian to identify the word for you. Once you find out what the word is, make sure that you commit it to memory so that you've productively spent the time it took to identify as you've expanded your vocabulary.

Don't Discount Child's Back-to-School Fears

2007-08-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

The O.C. Register
Sandy McDaniel

Q.My daughter is awakening at night and increasingly difficult to be with. I followed your suggestion and asked her what she would change about her life if she had a magic wand. She responded, "Going back to school." I don't understand. As I told her, "You have friends, your grades are good, so you have no reason to be nervous." What else could I say?

A.Change is hard for children and for adults. In school there are a lot of unknown factors in the equation: What will the new teacher be like? Will he/she like me? Who will be in my classroom? Will it be different from last year, and if yes, how? The unknown is upsetting to adults; these are children with less experience upon which to draw for their answers.
I think it is dangerous to tell children how to feel or how not to feel: "You have no reason to feel nervous." How do you know? Are you a wizard who sees all, knows all? No. Maybe there is a reason for the fear. It is best to honor a fear and move toward finding a solution.
Having a play date with children from your child's school gives that child a bridge that is crossable – or, to say it plainly, someone she knows when she goes back to school.
If you know your child's teacher(s), you could call the school and arrange a meeting before school starts.
One of the ways I talk about fears is to use the example of walking out onto a diving board. The first time you did that, it was plenty scary. You wobbled out to the end of the board and stood there wishing you had not gone there. Walking back was too frightening, so eventually you jumped into the water – only to find it was a fun thing to do.
Tell your daughter, "You are not on the diving board yet. There is still some summer fun left. Don't get on the diving board until it is time. Then we will walk out onto the board, count together and jump into school on the day school starts."
If your child could learn to live today, today and not run ahead worrying about tomorrow, he/she would know a skill you as parents might not know. Live one day at a time and see if that changes your priorities.
Some children are square pegs trying to fit in a round hole called school. Those children are experiencing fear as the beginning of school approaches (or as it is under way.) Have reasonable standards, create a homework place and see that homework is completed, and communicate with the teacher(s) to know your child's progress. Many children drown in the first part of school. Keep a sharp eye on your child as school begins to be sure that he/she builds on success.
One more time, if your children have not started school yet, get them on the school schedule now! Start having school bedtimes. Decrease the amount of sugar they eat. Get them up at the same time you will be doing so when school starts. Get all their school supplies together and organized right now. Be sure they have appropriate school clothes and shoes.

Great Offer from Apple

2007-08-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a great offer from Apple if you are looking to get a computer for school--

Back to School is in full swing, and it is your last chance to take advantage of Apple Online Store's biggest promotion of the year. Until Sept 16th, teachers, college students and their parents can get a FREE iPod nano when they purchase a new Mac at the Apple Online Store for Education.

College students: buy a Mac and get a free iPod nano.* Order online now and get free shipping. Hurry- offer ends 9/16.

Jane

Street Smarts for our Teens

2007-08-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

All of us have teens that will start driving at some point in time...here are some tips from Nationwide to help your teen drive smart!

Getting that driver's license is exciting for teens--but dealing with the distractions that come with being a new driver can be intimidating. Use these tips as a guide on what to say to your teen about managing the distractions they'll encounter on the road.

Switch cell phones off. This includes hands-free models. If you need to send or receive a call or a text, wait until you've reached your destination.
Pre-select music. Choose the CD or radio station you want and stick with it--changing them can be distracting.
Plan routes beforehand. Review directions to your destination so you won't have to read a map or call for directions while in the car.
Common sense counts. Little things matter! Avoid eating or drinking and make sure to wait until you've parked the car to search for something in a glove compartment or your backpack or purse.

When to Get a Tutor?

2007-08-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

When to get a tutor?

To gain competitive edge for your student
Grades are dwindling
Recommended by child's teacher
Struggling with homework for hours a night
Not completing homework
Child misbehaving, often because they are confused
Child has less confidence in their work and themselves

School Supplies and Shopping

2007-08-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

If you're using a curriculum set order far enough ahead so that you can review the materials before it's time to begin

Buy in bulk whenever you can

Supplies for home school are often going to be the same supplies as public or private school

Take advantage of tax free school supplies day in your area and stock up

Borrow as much as you can from the library to lower expenses

Join homeschooling share groups in your area and online

Hit the Dollar Tree (franchised stores have a small selection of teacher supplies including maps, awards, stickers, handwriting practice pads etc)

Order as a group if you have a homeschooling support group, pool together to get the bulk discounts on workbooks and other needed items

Basics

glue sticks

reams of paper

composition books

triple lined handwriting practice paper for those learning to write

flash cards

post it notes

pencils

pens

highlighters

graph paper

dry erase board

dry erase markers

pencil sharpener

scissors

craft supplies

folders

Other???

stapler

science sets

wall maps

wall calendars

paper clips

paint and art supplies

easel

physical ed supplies, kick balls, trampoline, exercise videos

music and possibly instruments

Do You Know All of This About Public Schools?

2007-08-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Public Schools:

Often not much choice on what school your child attends, goes by where you live and district

Budgets for public schools will vary by their location

Public schools often require students to provide everything, down to the hand soap and paper

Many public schools are requiring uniforms to avoid distractions

Some areas offer a lottery system if the public schools in your area are considered unfit or rough, only a small portion of students are chosen at random to attend a different school out of their assigned area without extra charge

Sometimes for a fee you can gain admittance to a different public school in the area if you do not like the one assigned to you

Public schools do standardized testing of students at different grade levels, these can be opted out of in most cases if you disagree speak to your school counselor or principal - in some cases testing is to gain funding for the school

Taxes pay for public school funding, in essence this is your "tuition"

Public school is considered a well rounded education, drawing on the most important points that are needed to prepare for the future, there are strict curriculum's to be followed and not a lot of room for variation

Charter schools are form of public school with private school benefits, still paid for by tax dollars but not as limited in curriculum. Only students whose parents choose to send them to these schools will attend. It's not "assigned" by a school district, these are available in some areas, but not everywhere - yet.

Whether it is public, private, or homeschooling education is required for children

Thinking of a Private School?

2007-08-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

Private Schools:

Not all private schools are accredited, this could be important later - ask about it if it's not disclosed

Some private schools offer financial aid programs and scholarships, apply in advance

Many private schools have waiting lists up to 2 years long, apply as soon as you decide on a school

Interview as many schools as you can in your area before deciding on one

Not all private schools provide transportation, you may need to arrange your schedule to accommodate drop off and pick up times

Many private schools encourage an at your own pace learning environment, ask about curriculum

Montessori schools are not all created equal, it's a style of education not an organization - ask questions and check accreditations

Same sex or co-ed, what's best for your child

Discuss your expectations at the interview, are they able to live up to your standards

Will you need to purchase uniforms or are they provided as part of tuition?

Discuss any special needs for your child ahead of time, during the application process so that both you and the school are prepared to do what's necessary for your child's education

Many private schools offer boarding as an option for students that live out of driving distance, is this an option you want to consider and how much of a cost difference will it be for you

Thinking About a Preschool?

2007-08-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Some areas offer public preschool, often referred to as 4k (4 year old kindergarten), unfortunately many do not and preschools are private schools and daycare facilities requiring tuition payments

Some private preschools offer financial aid and scholarships

Preschool is not a requirement but does help some children adjust from being at home all day to going to school all day

Preschool is not just about learning but about socializing and new experiences as well

Preschool can begin as early as age 2

Meet up and introduce your child to their teachers before you they are actually dropped off and preschool

Many preschools will allow an observation day before you actually begin attending

Many preschools use computers so your child can learn to use a computer if they don't know how already

Half a day preschools are a great way for your child to meet new friends and get used to the learning environment

If a preschool is not available to you, you can always have "school time" at home" utilizing home school and printable websites across the Internet. just set aside an hour or two a day with your toddler

Shopping List for Preschoolers Headed to School:

Small backpack

Pack of crayons

Snack container or lunch box if they have to take their own food (some preschools have menus and kitchens others don't)

A lightweight jacket to wear and keep in backpack

Comfortable shoes preschoolers do a lot of playtime and tend to go outside for activities

Over sized pencils for learning to write

Places to Find Homeschool Necessities

2007-08-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Dollar tree stores (Dollar Tree, the franchised stores) have great teacher supplies that you can easily use in your home school classroom, displays, wall maps, stickers, charts, calendars etc - usually located near the greeting card and paper supplies section

Oriental trading - provides educational and projects supplies as well as bulk pencils etc

Many websites offer books to match up to curriculum of homeschooling - these are just a few www.books4homeschool.com/ www.homeschoolingbooks.com/ www.usbornehomeschoolbooks.com/

Bulk discount shops like Sam's club and Costco for things like paper, pencils, books, notebooks, desk lamps, etc

Teacher's Place shops are open to the public, go in and pick out some supplies

Science and puzzle shops provide great experiment kits

Ask your local public school for any extras or leftovers they may have at the end of the school year (you'd be surprised how many things get thrown away that you can use)

Ask at your local church or community meeting

Homeschooling support groups often have programs to "share" more expensive supplies and displays

Send emails to education companies and ask for samples, products to test, and ordering information for small classrooms

Be creative, supplies and aides can show up in unlikely places

Things to Look for in a Preschool

2007-08-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Different types of preschools*private or state-sponsored full-day programs*religious school*half-day nursery school*Montessori schools

Do the children receive individual attention?

What is the adult to child ratio? - laws require one adult per 5 children under the age of 5 in most places but many preschools strive to have a one adult per 3 children available

Flexibility in times and days

Licensing, accreditation, permits, etc all in place?

A discipline policy that you agree with

Look for happy students when you visit to tour and interview, are the staff pleasant, and the kids smiling?

Are "spur of the moment drop ins" allowed?

Is there outside time and play time?

Is a nap required or optional? (some preschoolers do not nap during the day and some preschools will not allow a child that does not nap, strange but true)

Do others recommend the school, ask around, stop by during pick up and drop off times and see if parents are pleased or frustrated

Are the caregivers certified in things like CPR etc...

If snacks and meals are provided by the facility - do they have a well balanced meal plan?