CAT NAPS

There you are, sitting in class, and your eyes are closing.  You have a test tomorrow, and the teacher's reviewing; your eyes have glazed over, and you're a millimeter away from a nap.  Here are a few tips to wake yourself up when you're in danger of snoozing like our lazy guy below:

• Pop a peppermint in your mouth.  If you're allowed to chew gum, get some peppermint gum!
• Pinch your ear lobe 'til it's really uncomfortable.  That'll wake you up!
• Wrap your arms around your shoulders and give yourself a hug... OR
• Cross your feet at your ankles, or cross your legs.  (Crossing the vertical median line of your body helps to wake up the brain!)
• Drink water.  Your brain will love you and wake up.

The cat-napper suggests that you call Top Flight Tutor for additional tips. He's too sleepy to do anything.

HAVING A HARD TIME WITH MATH? IS IT IN YOUR DNA?

Controversy over whether educational abilities are hereditary has existed for years.  Although researchers say that we must recognize and respect students' differences that are inherited, recent studies show that  genes don't necessarily determine our performance.  Here's what we know:

• people can't always control a genetic trait, but steps can be taken to help all students come up to par 
• the belief that "I had a problem with Math, so my child has a problem with it" is outdated and limiting to the child
• although students differ in how they learn, alternative learning approaches and extra practice assist the student to become competent even in a difficult class

Your child should know his or her learning style so that teachers, tutors, and parents can help in the most effective manner.  (Our cat thinks osmosis is a great learning style.... it's not!)  See "Tutoring Services" here on our website for details on how we can help.

IS THE HONEYMOON OVER?

Progress Report time is here!  Here are a couple of things you should know:

• Progress Reports often have higher grades than what's seen on the Report Card at the end of the quarter.  The reason:  
• Reviewing last year's work is easier than new work
• teachers sometimes give points for simple homework and/or grade more leniently so students can adjust to their grading method
• Once the "honeymoon" is over, students' grades may plummet for a few reasons - students see these high grades and think "Piece of cake - this is easy," parents are pleased with the grades and let down their guard, and/or teachers are well into the new, challenging curriculum

Our advice:

• keep an eye on your child's work habits
• be sure you know your child's score on any school, county, or state assessment that s/he may have been given in the first weeks of school
• check the online grading system to see homework and graded assessments
• don't wait to communicate with the teacher if your child's grades are slipping

THINKING ABOUT INSTAGRAM WHEN YOU SHOULD BE STUDYING??

Focus...it's important, but so elusive when we most need it -- when we're in class, studying, or taking a test.  During tutoring, we share brain-based learning strategies, study skills and test-taking skills, but here's a sneak peek:

• Shut your phone!
• Stay hydrated! Your brain loves and needs water.
• Study in a spacious area with sunlight or daylight lighting.
• Know yourself.  Your environment should suit your learning style.

THE EARLY BIRD...

Picture this:  The school year ends, and your child has a D in Math. Whew! He passed!  He promises he'll try harder next year.  Summer passes and school begins.  Your child's knowledge of last year's math is probably shaky.  If teachers, parents, and students don't communicate soon enough this year, the student can find himself drowning without a life jacket in sight. Getting help, whether it's through the teacher or through a tutor, can make the difference between a successful academic year or one besieged by struggle and low grades. Although it's important for everyone to be positive and hopeful, it's also essential to be realistic. Especially in these days of high stakes testing, be proactive and obtain help, when needed, as soon as possible.