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

A Quantum Leap on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aquantumleap

A Quantum Leap on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/aquantumleapfl

http://www.tutoringbycity.com

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

First Day of College

The first day of college is a big change, and preparation, organization and time management will be very important. Following are some tips for preparing for this huge milestone in your life. 

1.  Orientation.  One of the best things you can do is attend orientation. At orientation, there will be college students telling you what's going to happen and giving you guidance.  There will also be advisers who will assist you with your schedules and provide tours of the campus and the dorms/apartments.  Orientation helps to relieve a lot of stress for both you and your parents.

2.  Acclimation.  When you visit the campus, be sure to explore available parking, eating places, entertainment, etc.  Decide (with your parents) whether you will live in a dorm or apartment and make the necessary arrangements.

3.  Money.  Have a discussion with your parents regarding budgets and money management.  Set a clear understanding of their expectations and agree on a monthly budget.  

4.  Textbooks.  When you go to class on the first day, your professors are going to give you a syllabus, and tell you what you’ll need in the way of supplies and textbooks. 

5.  Supplies.  As far as supplies go, you need a durable backpack that can accommodate your laptop.  Other than that, some notebooks, pens and highlighters are the basics. 

6.  Accountability.  Probably one of the most important things you need to be aware of is that in college, you're on your own. You've got to stay on top of deadlines when signing up for classes and paying the tuition. 

So stay organized, manage your time, and be sure to meet your deadlines.  If you do these few things, you’ll be prepared for that first day of college and it won’t be so intimidating!

This is from a guest blogger, Jodi Okun of College Financial Aid Advisors (CFAA)

They help families with professional preparation, support and navigation of the college financial aid process. You can check our here website here. 

As always, check out our website for all your tutoring needs! We offer test prep for getting into college as well as college-level tutoring.

www.TutoringByCity.com

How to Choose an SES Tutoring Company

You have been told your child is eligible for free tutoring through the SES program, but what does that mean? Your child’s school will take care of telling you the details of how to apply but we are going to summarize what you need to know to choose a great tutor!

1.   

    How do I know the tutor is qualified? SES providers are not required to hire certified teachers, but you should inquire from the tutoring company what their standard is for hiring tutors. The company should be able to let you know their verification process and all tutors must have a background check.

2.   

    Where is the tutoring? Tutoring can be done in a number of locations. At the child’s school, a library, a learning lab run by the tutoring company, a church or even at an afterschool program.

Sometimes even having the tutoring at your home is a good alternative.

3.        

When is the tutoring? SES Tutoring can take place anytime outside of school hours. Some programs are before school but the majority take place after school. Each tutoring company has their preferences for how long the sessions last and the frequency.

4.        

Does the program have transportation? If the tutoring will not take place at the student’s school, you should ask if transportation is provided. Sometimes it’s difficult for families to pick up a child once the tutoring is complete. This is why tutoring can take place at an after school program or at the home.

5.        

What other accommodations may be necessary?  For some children English may not be their first language. In this instance, bi-lingual tutors may be necessary. For other children, a more specialized tutor may be necessary in the case of a learning disability. An SES provider should be able to incorporate an IEP into the learning plan in that case.

These are the key things to keep in mind while choosing an SES tutor. For more information about SES tutoring, please check out this informative website.

http://www.tutorsforkids.org/families/infoforfamilies.asp

The AQL Daily Leap

We are experimenting with a daily "newspaper" that gathers the top parenting and education stories throughout the day. Check out the one we made today and subscribe so you can stay informed!


Click Here!

Don't forget to visit our website for information about our special summer rates!
www.TutoringByCity.com