SLEEP AND LEARNING

                                                      

Most  of us  look forward to a good  night's sleep, so we can function  properly the following  day.  Students, of course, are no exception; however, staying up late, even for study, actually hurts our academic performance.

Research shows the following:

• Our mood, and even our incentive and judgment, are affected by a lack of sleep.
• Our memory doesn't work as efficiently when we haven't had sufficient sleep.
• In order to achieve optimum learning, a good night's sleep is essential.

When sleep seems to elude us, here are some simple suggestions that may help:

• get plenty of natural light during the day
• take a warm shower or bath shortly before bed
• do deep breathing and/or listen to soothing music
• keep the temperature comfortable -- not too hot nor too cold
• avoid using electronic devices, including your phone, at least thirty minutes before bed time
• take Melatonin for short periods of time, like during exam week (Don't continue taking Melatonin indefinitely since your body will stop making its own Melatonin!)

HOW SHOULD I STUDY?

We base a lot of our tutoring upon learning styles. Once a student knows whether s/he is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner (or a combination of two or even three of these styles), it is fairly easy to study in the most productive way.

Visual learners should

• use charts, pictures, and graphs
• take notes and create outlines
• mark up study materials with highlighting, underlining, and brief notes
• read and reread material
• maintain a quiet environment

Auditory learners should

• ask lots of questions in class
• record lectures when possible
• watch videos
• study with others who will converse about the subject to be studied
• speak aloud any information that should be memorized; repeat information out loud
• avoid any auditory distractions in the study area

Kinesthetic learners should

• write notes in class
• utilize flash cards when appropriate
• study while being active – walking, pacing up and back in the study room
• use flash cards
• take frequent breaks
• study with others ONLY IF focus on the subject matter can be maintained

PARENTS, YOU CAN HELP YOUR STUDENT!

• Meet and partner with your child’s teacher(s) and other staff and find out which services are available; read information that comes home from school; stay on top of what’s going on at your child’s school. If your child complains about a teacher, address the problem with the instructor in a calm manner. Your goal is to maintain a cordial relationship and to be part of the team that supports your child. If the problem isn’t resolved, consult the guidance counselor and/or a member of the administration.

• If you think your child may have learning disabilities or a need for accommodations due to ADHD, behavioral disorders, etc. speak with the guidance counselor and get help.

• Be sure you have a login for the online grading system, so you can stay on top of your student’s grades.

• Advocate for your student! Ask questions. If you are concerned, speak up!

• If you have questions or concerns about your student, DON’T WAIT. Your child may dig himself or herself into a hole that is difficult to recover from. Don’t wait for progress reports or report cards. Stay in touch with your student’s teachers. If you have time to volunteer, get involved at your child’s school and make your presence known.

• Model a love of learning; encourage reading; encourage use of the library; let your child know that you value education and show interest in his/her academics and school activities.

• Learn your child’s learning style so you can encourage specific strategies that will be of help.

• Ensure that homework and studying for tests gets done. Don’t assume your child will do what s/he should! If your student is confused or stressed, don’t yell! If school feels chaotic and difficult for your child, try to help him/her stay calm. Stress makes everything harder for everyone! If you are unable to help your child who needs assistance, look into tutoring at your school or find a friend, family member, or tutor to help.

• Limit time with technology – monitor video games, internet usage, and television time.

I HAVE TO STUDY? WHY?

• It helps to develop self-discipline, time management skills, and study habits.

• It can increase learning skills and increases our memory.

• It helps us develop critical thinking skills, so we have opinions based upon knowledge.

• Homework and study help develop routines and strong study habits that enable us to learn better and achieve more in the classroom and in life.

• Having good study skills can reduce anxiety about tests and projects as well as increase our feeling of competence and confidence.

INSTEAD OF PLAYING FORTNITE INTO THE WEE HOURS, YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE SLEEPING!

We need a good night's sleep, so 

• we can focus better and respond more quickly to questions and problems
• we can learn more effectively and have a better grasp of complex information
• we can remember what we’ve learned the day before more easily
• we can think more quickly
• we may wake up with a solution to a problem or a new idea for a project

DOES MY CHILD NEED AN IEP OR A 504 PLAN?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was created by the U.S. Department of Education to provide eligible students with special education ... so long as the student has a disability under one of the qualifying conditions. Each student who receives special education is required to have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP is written for one specific student, so the document is individualized. Some students have disabilities that do not fall under any of the qualifying conditions. In that case, a 504 Plan is available to provide accommodations. Both the IEP and the 504 are legal documents, and the specified accommodations MUST be followed by a public school and its teachers.

SUMMER - THE TIME FOR FUN, SUN, and TUTORING??

It may seem outrageous to have your student tutored over the summer, but contemplate this....

Many parents consider this the greatest learning opportunity because:

• there are few distractions from the "business" at hand
• the student doesn't have a full day of school plus homework
• any learning gaps in a subject can be more easily addressed during the summer
• in the absence of school, learning is less stressful and more fun