In-Home Tutors Study Tips

Some useful math websites

Helping your Child Learn Math

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/learnmath_index.html

Animated Math Glossary

http://www.hbschool.com/glossary/math2/index_temp.html

Responses to Math Difficulties

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/misunderstoodminds/mathstrats.html#talk

Organized K-6 so it’s ideal for using with children performing above or below grade level.

http://rainforestmaths.com/

Aunty Math’s Fun Math Challenges

http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org/aunty/index.html

Math Flash Cards

http://www.factmonster.com/math/flashcards.html

National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

A PBS site that helps nurture development of your child's early math skills.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/earlymath/

Number Time, Little Animals Math Activity Center, and More

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/websites/4_11/site/numeracy.shtml

Top 7 SAT Test-Taking Tips

Good luck to all our students taking the SAT on Saturday October 9! 

Here are our Top 7 favorite tips: 

1. Be Ready

On the night before the test, gather everything you'll need: the admission ticket, a valid form of photo identification, several #2 pencils, a calculator with fresh batteries (for the SAT only), a watch, and a high-energy snack.   Plan to dress in layers, as the climate can vary greatly in the test centers.

2. Don't Burn the Midnight Oil (the night before)

The best thing to do the evening before the test is to get a good night's sleep. You've covered the content and you've perfected the skills.  Be calm, rested, confident, and ready. 

3. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

Hunger pains are sure to distract you.  In addition, food will provide you with the energy you need to be alert, focused, and positive during the test.

4. Don't Spend too Much Time on One Question 

Each question is worth the same number of points. If a question is confusing or too time-consuming, skip it and move on.  You can come back to hard questions if you have time at the end of a section. 

5. Be a Smart Guesser

If you don't know an answer, don't leave the question blank or guess randomly. If you can eliminate two choices you know are wrong, then it is worth making an educated guess.

6. Double Check the Answer Grid after Each Question

Make sure you answered on the line that corresponds with the question number. 

7. Relax 

Your attitude and outlook are crucial to your performance. Be confident.

Parents ask: How can I keep my elementary school child on-task while completing homework?

Keeping our kids on-task while they complete homework tasks is  difficult. 

Here are some suggestions that may help:

1.  Allow your child a break every 15 to 20 minutes.

2.  Help your child break the assignment into small parts (bite-sized pieces) so he won't be overwhelmed (e.g., 5 math problems at a time).

3.  Give reinforcement for each completed part and encourage him to use a chart to mark off completed tasks.

4.  Allow your child to use learning aides, computers, calculators (if appropriate and approved by the teacher)

5.  Be sure your child is comfortable (environment, clothing, etc) while doing homework.

6.  Allow your child to choose which assignment she would like to complete first.

7.  Consider allowing your child to work with a "study buddy."

8.  If your child is struggling with the assignment, assist her by presenting the information in another format (read aloud, create a visual, etc)

9.  Play soft background music without lyrics.

10.  Allow the student to stand or walk a little as long as he remains on task.

Managing Your Child's Media Consumption

Children love spending time on the Internet and playing video games.  Completely eliminating computer time and video games from your child's life isn’t a realistic option, but you can decrease the negative impact that they have on your child. Here are a few tips:

• Install software on your computer that will filter your child’s access to the Internet.  As an added precaution, regularly check the history on your web browser to view the sites your child is visiting.
• Know the rating of the video games your child plays.  Check out the following site: http://www.esrb.org/index-js.jsp
• Do not install video game equipment or allow a computer in your child's bedroom.
• Set limits on how often and how long your child is allowed to play video games and surf the Internet.  Consider allowing more time to be earned as a reward for doing well in school or helping out around the house.
• Monitor ALL of your child's media consumption -- video games, television, movies and Internet.
• Take the time to talk to your children about video games and the Internet.  Teach them how to make good choices about what they choose to play and view online.   
• Get together with other parents to share information and exchange ideas.

Homework Strategies for Parents of Kids with AD/HD

 Part 3

1. Offer your child something tactile to manipulate, such as silly putty.  This slight stimulation often helps children with AD/HD focus.

 

2. Your child should work on the most difficult homework assignment first.

 

3. Remember that children with AD/HD benefit from physical movement and exercise.  Don’t take away the privilege of playing sports as a consequence for negative behavior.

 

4. Allow your child to chew gum, as chewing gum may help release energy and keep concentration.

 

5. Use timers or verbal cues to help your child know how much time is remaining in the homework session. This also teaches your child to estimate the time needed to complete a task.

 

6.  Consider hiring a tutor or homework coach to help reinforce what your child learns at school, assist with homework, and encourage your child toward success.

Homework Strategies for Parents of Kids with AD/HD

Part 2

 

 

1.  Allow your child to move around and be a little “restless” while working on homework.  Standing up or stretching may help him/her remain on task.

 

2.  Post rules and expectations near your child’s homework area and review them often.

 

3.  Limit visual stimuli, distractions, and excessive noise.  Background music or “white noise” may help some students focus and concentrate.

 

4.  Don’t expect your child to work on homework for a long period of time.  Offer breaks and allow two or three short homework sessions, as opposed to one long homework session.  Don’t overload your child with too much information.

 

15. Encourage your child and help him/her stay focused on homework by placing your hand on a shoulder or initiating other physical contact.

Homework Strategies for Parents of Kids with AD/HD

Part 1

1.  Establish a homework routine for your child.  Be sure to explain your expectations clearly and be willing to review them as often as necessary.
For a younger child, ask him/her to repeat your rules and expectations back to you.  For older children, ask specific questions to be sure they are listening.  "Samuel, where are you supposed to sit while doing your homework?" or "Julie, how long did I ask you to work before taking a snack break?"

2.  Set up an area in your home for your child to do his/her homework.  The area should be away from distractions (like TV, cell phone, pets or siblings).  Your child should complete all homework assignments while seated in the specified area.

3.  Give your child frequent and immediate feedback.  Focus on the positive, what he/she is doing correctly.  This will build confidence.  When a correction is required, be patient.  Offer an explanation and examples as necessary.

4.  Consider offering incentives and rewards for completed homework, correct answers, and on-task behavior.  People respond better to positive reinforcements than negative punishments.

5.  Allow your child to take a break every 15-30 minutes, depending on their age and ability to sustain concentration. 

The SQ3R Method

If you want to be an efficient reader and improve your study skills, try the SQ3R Method.  Five easy steps to help you read faster and retain more: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. 

Survey – Before reading your material, survey it.  Find out what you're going to read BEFORE you read it.  Always read the introductory and concluding paragraphs, as well as the summary.  Focus on the chapter titles, headings, and captions under the pictures.   Also read any review questions and/or teacher-made study guides.   Surveying the material is much like reviewing a map before heading out for a car trip.

Question - Ask yourself, what is this chapter about? What question will this chapter answer?  What question do I have that this chapter might help answer?  Look at the first heading in the chapter. Turn it into a question.  Asking questions focuses your concentration on what you need to learn.

Read - When you read, read actively. This is not running your eyes over the words as you daydream about your weekend plans.  Read to answer the questions you asked yourself or those your teacher or author has asked. Pay attention to bold or italicized print because the authors want this material to receive special emphasis. And be sure to read everything.  Don’t ignore tables, graphs and illustrations -- these visuals can convey an idea more powerfully than written text.

Recite - Once you've read an initial section, shut your book and try to recite the answers to your questions, using your own words and examples. Try to recall important ideas presented in bold or italicized type.  What did the graphs or charts illustrate? If you can do this, it means that you understand the material. If you can't, glance over the section again. Once you have the answers to your questions, write down some notes about the information you feel is important.

Review - After reading the entire assignment, test your memory by asking yourself the questions you've identified. Review your notes for an overview of the chapter.  What are the implications or applications of this material? What questions are you left with?  If you don’t have a good handle on the material, you need to reread.

Questions? Add comments below or email Angela at In-Home Tutors.