Build an A+ Study Nook

Every child deserves a homework or study nook where they can focus on school and learning.  While your child may think he/she can multitask by watching cartoons, drinking a soda and completing their math homework, it is not exactly the ideal atmosphere for focusing.  Even if your child’s room or home office has little space, that is all it takes to create the study nook needed to reel in better grades on their report card.

First, you should communicate with your child and let them help you create it.  This will allow them to feel involved in their success and can make for a fun weekend project.  Here are the basics of what your child’s study headquarters needs:

1. A calendar:  This will help your child stay organized with homework due dates and test dates.  Planning is essential!
2. A desk:  If you cannot afford a brand new one, turn an old table into a fun, creative project, and your child will be more inclined to use it.  After all, they helped personalize it!
3. A simple setup: When choosing desk toppers like a lamp, pencil holder or other school supplies, try to keep it simple and clutter free.  Simplicity creates fewer distractions for your child while studying and will allow them to focus on their homework.
4. A clock: This will help enforce homework time or can be used as a tool to allow a specific amount of time to study for each test.
5. Extra fluff: This is where you can get creative. Help make your child’s study space feel cozy and inviting.  Though you should keep it simple, adding a pillow to the back of the chair or clearing space on the wall to display your child’s great work will keep this area fun.

We know homework time can be a struggle, but giving your child their own homework station while involving them in the process can improve their study and homework habits.  It will also show them that you care about their education and success in school.  So cut the bad habits now and create a quiet space that allows them to focus and learn. 

Sources:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-and-why-to-set-up-a-homework-space_67872.bc

http://www.parents.com/kids/education/back-to-school/how-to-create-homework-hq/?page=1

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Tips for Selecting a Tutor for Your Child

Independent Tutors vs. Structured Organization Tutors

There are two main types of tutoring services.  The first is an independent tutor who operates on their own.  They market themselves as individuals and may have limited teaching resources.  The second type is a structured learning organization which employs a variety of licensed and qualified tutors to work on a student’s needs. A Quantum Leap Tutoring is considered a structured tutoring organization.  

While an independent tutor may charge less per hour, they may not have gone through the extensive background checks or sexual predator screenings that structured tutoring organizations normally conduct. Independent tutors may not have the ability to offer special needs tutoring or work with students who are diagnosed with learning challenges like ADHD, Autism, or TBI. At A Quantum Leap Tutoring, we understand the difficulties and challenges presented to students who have learning, behavioral, and developmental conditions. We further understand these challenges can be overcome and most students will become successful in school and in life with the proper assistance.

A Quantum Leap’s approach begins by completing a thorough interview with the family and the student to identify the unique challenges faced by that particular student. We review the student’s grades, records, and Individualized Education Plan (IEP), if needed, to determine the proper services and/or programs that are of interest to the family, and then develop a course of action based on that conversation. The assessment could include pre-assessment testing in reading comprehension and/or mathematics.  Then, we consult with the parent to get a better understanding of their child’s personality.  Getting to know your child along with their strengths and weaknesses enable us to match a tutor we feel will be the best fit. This includes forming relationships with people of different backgrounds and offering a variety of teaching styles.

While any tutoring is better than no tutoring, the great thing about A Quantum Leap is that our tutors offer supplemental materials on top of the textbooks used in the classroom, which will give your child additional assistance in weak areas. Our tutors will also accommodate your family’s schedule and offer in-home tutoring sessions at your convenience.  In short, a structured organization can best fit your needs because they normally have the wealth of experience that is necessary to allow success to happen for your child.

http://www.tutoringbycity.com