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

"WHEN WILL I NEED MATH IN REAL LIFE?"

“WHEN WILL I NEED MATH IN REAL LIFE?”

Here’s our answer to this common question - - -

We need math for:

• cooking (doubling a recipe, for example)
• creating a budget
• understanding and figuring out the cost of utilities
• figuring out miles per gallon when we fill our tank
  (The car’s computer doesn’t give us the actual amount due to idling. It’s usually off as much as 2 mpg.)
• figuring out discounts so we can get the best price
• understanding and figuring out our GPA (Grade Point Average) in school
• reading a pay check and determining whether we’re being paid properly

TUTORING HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS

Home-schooling has become a popular means of educating students. Though some parents are equipped to teach all subjects, some aren’t confident about their ability with math and English. We’re here to reassure you that, if you need professional assistance with one or more subjects, a tutor can help. Some well-known, corporately-owned companies will be able to assist with many subjects and will offer group as well as individual instruction, whereas Top Flight Tutor only does one-on-one instruction in an effort to meet each student precisely where s/he is, so we can offer customized tutoring. In a case where a parent wants us to teach the entire curriculum, we will work many days per week; when we’re supplementing or assisting with what’s being done at home, once a week may be all that’s required. Feel free to reach out to us!

MY ANXIETY HAS ANXIETY!

Anxiety is common among all of us; unfortunately, this includes our children.   When any of us are feeling anxious, our brains don't function as they normally do.  At home, we have many opportunities to defuse tension - - going outside, exercising, writing in a gratitude journal -- but in the classroom, if the teacher or counselor doesn't address anxiety with the entire group, individual students may not know how to cope.  Here are a few things they can do that may help:

• Taking slow, deep breaths will slow their heart rate and also help their muscles relax.  (It will be helpful if they don't wait to feel anxious to do this; practicing when they're not stressed will build the habit of breathing deeply and slowly all the time!)
• Visualizing a tranquil, favorite spot while closing their eyes and breathing deeply and slowly will also help.
• Tensing each muscle group (e.g., neck and shoulders, shoulders and arms, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves) for five-ten seconds and then releasing will enhance relaxation. They can do this from head to toe and should feel calmer.

When students have anxiety issues that don't improve with the above-mentioned activities, it may be wise to examine their eating and sleeping habits and possibly consult with the school psychologist to see if they qualify for an IEP or 504.  Those who do qualify will receive accommodations that will help them academically and emotionally.