When to Offer Just Math Skills

When to Offer Just Math SkillsMy son is entering his freshman year of high school and his teachers have not yet scheduled just math tutoring. Although they are interested in his strengths, they believe that he is at a developmental disadvantage, as he has not yet mastered even the most basic arithmetic skills. He is well below grade level in reading and his spelling is poor.So it does not seem like a viable option for them to offer just math skills and take the extra time to help him with reading and writing. They think it will be far more beneficial to plan early to make sure they are equipped to meet his needs as a student.Fortunately, the plan I put together for him last week consists of learning just math skills and then working closely with him to create a curriculum that integrates reading and writing into his learning experience. It also involves an intensive parent training session where we discuss our expectations for our child and how those expectations fit into his life, a nd what lessons we want to teach him. I also included a visit to his math class so that we can discuss my concerns in a more informal setting.First, it is important to start early and offer our son the benefits of the most basic math skills and then develop further skills along the way. He must be taught the difference between fractions and decimals and basic addition and subtraction. He also needs to learn the difference between buying time and buying a ticket. This has to come from the beginning, not by a teacher having to redo the lesson over again.Next, we have plans for him to begin learning basic addition and subtraction skills with just math skills by focusing on the basics every day. We are not going to offer just math skills at this point but instead we will use the moment-to-moment teaching skills to introduce addition and subtraction as needed to develop an understanding of how these two skills work. It will also give him an opportunity to see that just math skills are no t enough. He has to learn more than just multiplication. We want to reinforce his reading skills and reinforce his learning in math.By making these additions early, he will begin to learn the important things that are learned through the year, and it will also teach him to develop the skills needed to build a good education. As a result, he will be better prepared to meet the challenges of high school.Whether you decide to offer just math skills or planning early development is important. If you decide to offer just math skills, you must build early a curriculum that will help your child move through the year without any stumbling blocks.

How does Kumon help prepare students to become successful standardized test-takers

How does Kumon help prepare students to become successful standardized test-takers How does Kumon help prepare students to become successful standardized test-takers? To be successful on standardized tests, students must possess effective test-taking strategies. Through long-term study, Kumon students build a strong academic foundation in mental calculation, critical thinking, and reading ability, while developing these important test-taking strategies and skills: Follow instructions and read questions carefully. Reading the instructions and questions carefully is a simple, yet important, test-taking strategy. A typical issue on standardized tests is that children do not follow the directions because they are not accustomed to interpreting them. Kumon students routinely practice reading the directions and examining the questions on their own.   Manage time wisely. When children do not know how to manage their time well, they can spend their time inefficiently on difficult items and may struggle to finish the test. Kumon students learn how to manage time wisely by fitting Kumon into their schedule. In addition, students learn to solve quickly through timing their daily assignments. On test day, they tend to solve quickly, which can give them extra time on a test to verify their answers. Demonstrate stamina in concentration. Through the Kumon program, students improve their concentration ability and develop the stamina to focus continuously. Standardized tests typically run all day, and concentrating for hours is challenging for many children. When there is no “gas left in the tank”, children are unable to concentrate for hours, thus possibly leading to a poor result, even if they are adept with the content. Have confidence and feel relaxed. On test day, it’s very important for children to feel relaxed and confident. From the beginning of Kumon study, students develop confidence in their abilities and a positive attitude towards studying. Students who are comfortable with being timed have an advantage over those for whom a timed standardized test creates anxiety. As students complete their daily worksheets, or their Achievement Tests, Kumon can cultivate a greater awareness of their speed, and can reduce anxiety surrounding timed tests. You might also be interested in: 5 Easy Tips to Prepare for Standardized Testing Season Three Tips for Easing Test Anxiety The SAT, Redesigned These Kumon Instructor Brothers Will Do Whatever It Takes To Motivate Their Students How does Kumon help prepare students to become successful standardized test-takers How does Kumon help prepare students to become successful standardized test-takers? To be successful on standardized tests, students must possess effective test-taking strategies. Through long-term study, Kumon students build a strong academic foundation in mental calculation, critical thinking, and reading ability, while developing these important test-taking strategies and skills: Follow instructions and read questions carefully. Reading the instructions and questions carefully is a simple, yet important, test-taking strategy. A typical issue on standardized tests is that children do not follow the directions because they are not accustomed to interpreting them. Kumon students routinely practice reading the directions and examining the questions on their own.   Manage time wisely. When children do not know how to manage their time well, they can spend their time inefficiently on difficult items and may struggle to finish the test. Kumon students learn how to manage time wisely by fitting Kumon into their schedule. In addition, students learn to solve quickly through timing their daily assignments. On test day, they tend to solve quickly, which can give them extra time on a test to verify their answers. Demonstrate stamina in concentration. Through the Kumon program, students improve their concentration ability and develop the stamina to focus continuously. Standardized tests typically run all day, and concentrating for hours is challenging for many children. When there is no “gas left in the tank”, children are unable to concentrate for hours, thus possibly leading to a poor result, even if they are adept with the content. Have confidence and feel relaxed. On test day, it’s very important for children to feel relaxed and confident. From the beginning of Kumon study, students develop confidence in their abilities and a positive attitude towards studying. Students who are comfortable with being timed have an advantage over those for whom a timed standardized test creates anxiety. As students complete their daily worksheets, or their Achievement Tests, Kumon can cultivate a greater awareness of their speed, and can reduce anxiety surrounding timed tests. You might also be interested in: 5 Easy Tips to Prepare for Standardized Testing Season Three Tips for Easing Test Anxiety The SAT, Redesigned These Kumon Instructor Brothers Will Do Whatever It Takes To Motivate Their Students

Writing Exams - How To Avoid Fallacy Times!

Writing Exams - How To Avoid Fallacy Times!During the first semester, students of Cal State College of Liberal Arts (CSULA) had to decide whether they were going to work hard or work smarter. Some students worried that if they studied and did homework well, their grades would go up. They decided that it was a good idea to keep studying and did not pay much attention to their grades. I found this to be a very unfortunate situation for students as the grades in the class increased rapidly and students lost confidence.This same situation happened during the first semester of the semester, when students and professors lost confidence in each other. When your instructor is not able to give you the correct answers to your assignments, then your grades will suffer. If you study harder and get a better grade in your final exam, then you can be sure that your grades will increase.To address this problem, I suggested that students write down what kind of grade they expected. Then students shou ld remind themselves of their expectations and make their goals more realistic.Before the second semester began, students should have written down what they expected to get. Students should ask themselves 'What do I really want out of the class?' If they find out that they are more interested in getting a B or even an A, then they should change their goal to getting a great grade. If they change their goal from a good grade to a great grade, then students may be more motivated.Students should also take an inventory of all the tutors they have seen. Students should know how much time they have spent with the tutor and should consider their attitude. For example, students who work hard might find out that their time with the tutor is so short that they feel rushed to finish the work before the end of the class.When the semester ends, students should analyze why they felt so overwhelmed by their instructor during the first semester. Students should identify the negative feedback they r eceived and reflect on why they had become such a bad student. Students should make a list of all the courses that they missed because of the first semester. Once they have done this, they should start working to work on those classes.After this semester, students should consider the classes that they did finish during the first semester, which should not have been a problem, as the topics were not important to the curriculum. Remember that the instructor's opinion matters less than your own. If you have strong opinions about something, you should voice them, but do not rely on them to determine your class participation. The professors have the authority to give you the grade you deserve, and you do not need to listen to anyone else's opinions if you do not agree with them.

How To Become A Tutor Online

How To Become A Tutor OnlineThere are many ways to go about learning how to become a tutor, and this is not always the case with what the conventional education system will tell you. This can range from enrolling at an actual school or college that has programs available or taking a person who is already employed. The education systems are moving with the times in many different ways, and now it is all up to you to go after whatever you want in this world.If you are like most of the everyday person, you do not have much time for college as well as extra classes. These types of things do not fit into your life. If you are more on the very far side of college time, getting an online education has many advantages. By enrolling in a program or having some sort of online education, you will have access to a world that is not going to be there when you are in your class.One of the biggest reasons that people take up learning how to become a tutor is because they cannot afford it or have no t been trained in what they are doing. If you are willing to study, then these things are absolutely not going to keep you from the task at hand. People who do not have the patience to sit in a classroom for hours are the ones who find themselves in most of the online education programs.For those who are taking advantage of the online learning, there are ways that are being given to the students to make their classes a little easier. What this does is to create a better learning environment for the students. As long as the classes are of a certain level, they will know when to stop for breaks, and they will know where to stop. By creating an environment that is conducive to learning, all of the students can benefit from the experience.Learning how to become a tutor should always be looked at as a benefit to one's study habits. A lot of people will tend to stick with a traditional education in the sense that they continue to study, whether or not they learn anything. They will just s tick with it because it is what is done in the education system. It is nothing wrong with the traditional educational system if it is the only way that they can achieve a high school diploma.With online classes, there is a different type of learning, and it helps that the education system has allowed for it. Those who choose to put in the effort in this type of education will see that it really is much different than what the traditional schooling system would have them put into. There are those who learn differently with online classes than those who attend a traditional school. This may sound strange, but there are those who have studied in both of these systems. Some of them have become very successful in both, and they are truly being given a new way to learn.Learning how to become a tutor has advantages to many different people. Those who use it to teach others will see that their knowledge and their abilities grow exponentially. Others will feel that they have a new attitude a nd way of thinking. Either way, it is up to each individual to decide what is best for him.

How Much Do Dutch Lessons Cost

How Much Do Dutch Lessons Cost Is Learning Dutch Expensive? ChaptersSoftware PackagesRosetta StoneDuolingoBabbelInstructor-lead LearningGroup LessonsOnline ClassesImmersive Language LearningPrivate TutoringIf you’ve decided to learn a foreign language, there are a number of helpful resources available. Many people want to know the  best way to learn a new language, but this can be subjective based on a number of criteria.While learning any new skill requires a time commitment, learning a new language is an investment.Cost is a really  important factor in selecting a language program. There are many different ways to learn a language and you can spend a lot of money or none at all.Here is a look at the benefits and the costs of some of the most popular language-learning methods so you can make the best decision based on your budget.While language lessons do require a certain level of commitment, you can find an instructor that fits your price range and your schedule. A language tutor can offer real-time feedback, and adjust the pace of the l essons to accommodate the student.Even if there are not be many language teachers in your area, you can take online lessons and connect with a teacher using platforms like Skype.If you want to learn a foreign language, there are a number of methods to choose from and several things to consider. In some cases, a combination of learning tools, like lessons and a software program for example, may be the best approach.

4 Myths About College Classes - Busted

4 Myths About College Classes - Busted Its no secret that as students get older, classes get harder. Curriculums get more and more challenging as you move up the education ladder one year at a time, so graduating high school seniors will rightfully assume college classes are going to be significantly more difficult. This is a correct assumption, but a number of myths surrounding the subject of university courses tend to take over students minds as well. Here are a few myths debunked. #1: Youll only have to take classes youre actually interested in. The key word that makes this myth untrue is only. Of course, when you get to college youll be choosing a major and signing up for courses related to that major, and therefore learning about something you indeed care about. However, most of that doesnt happen until around junior year. Sure, youll be taking a few [Insert Major Here] 101s initially, but that will just be in the midst of all the Gen Eds a.k.a. General Education Courses youll be taking as well. Yes, you are still required to get even more education in Math, Science, English, etc. regardless of what your major is. So dont get rid of that scientific calculator just yet and make sure you still have a thesaurus handy, because colleges care about you getting a well-rounded education just as much as high school did. #2: You can skip class whenever you want with no repercussions. This may be true in the sense that your professor wont be calling your parents to condemn your behavior and give you a detention but there are other consequences to skipping too much class in college. First off, some professors of smaller classes deduct points from your overall grade for every time you are absent, and that definitely adds up. But even if this is regarding a giant lecture and the professor puts the slides online, its still just not a good idea to skip too frequently. Especially since college classes are as we pointed out, significantly harder, the difference physically being there makes is huge. Actually hearing the professor speak, working with other students, and being part of the discussion will make the learning process a lot easier than if you decide to just read the notes online or get them from a friend. Odds are you arent going to be reading those notes in-depth when you skip class anyway. #3: Its just one giant philosophical discussion all the time. Anytime you turn on the TV and find college students in class, a very mature, highly intellectual and stimulating conversation is taking place. Huge words are being used, notable authors are being quoted, and major theories are being questioned. The truth is, classes in college will still bore you and wont always be this intriguing. This is not to say that you will never experience this kind of invigorating discussion, because you will college is in fact a whole different ballpark and a more intense world of academia. But you cannot go into it expecting nothing but excitement; the same lectures, busy work, and classroom procedures do exist past high school, just on a more challenging level. #4: Your schedule is totally up to you. The prospect of getting to pick your own classes during whichever days and times please you the most is quite satisfying if only it were that easy. Yes, you get to pick all of these things, but so do a bunch of other students, and specific classes/time slots fill up fast. If youre not fast enough, you may end up having to take that 8 a.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday or have a Tuesday of back-to-back lectures all afternoon followed by a three-hour night class. The point is, this freedom in scheduling can be fantastic, and it can be awful. It just depends on how prepared you are to choose and when your registration time is compared to the rest of the student body. Sometimes, you may be missing that set 1st-7th period schedule high school sheltered you with. One common conception of college classes that is certainly not a myth, however, is how big your assignments will be. Seriously, no one is joking about that one. Be ready for hundreds of pages of reading due in two days or a 10-page paper due by the end of the week. Late nights at the library with coffee in hand will not be avoided. In the end though, the complexity and higher standards of college classes will truly be beneficial to you, because all of these aspects train you to be tougher and more equipped to tackle bigger intellectual issues and really make you ready for the professional world.

Am I Ready to Apply to Medical School

Am I Ready to Apply to Medical School Your prerequisites are complete, youve taken the MCAT, and youve lined up your recommendationsall thats left to do is begin your actual application process. But before you start the tasks involved with that process, you may be wondering if this particular application cycle is right for you. Could you assemble a stronger application by spending a year or two off doing research, community service, or taking extra classes? Or is your application strong enough for matriculation as is? This checklist can help you answer the burning question, Am I ready to apply to medical school? Decide if your MCAT score, science GPA, and overall GPA are all competitive enough for your prospective schools Before you fill out your primary application, you need to be honest with yourself about your statistical chances of admission to the medical school(s) to which youre applying. If your MCAT score is below the average of admitted students there, you might want to forego the current application cycle, seek MCAT tutoring, and put your energy into retaking the test. Similarly, if your science GPA or overall GPA is low, you might want to skip this cycle to boost your GPAs and prove that you can handle the academic rigor of medical school by taking some extra classes or by enrolling in a special masters program. [RELATED: How to Write a Resume for Med School] Examine any other responsibilities you have that might complicate your matriculation Have you signed a job contract that extends for a certain period of time that would make it difficult for you to get to admissions interviews, or that would interfere with your enrollment next fall? Do you have any special family commitments that you might temporarily want to devote more time to before you enter medical school? Surveying your own goals and responsibilities before you decide to apply to medical schoolon both a professional and personal levelcan help you determine what application year will be best for you. Ensure you have the necessary funds for both medical school and your application cycle Youve probably heard that medical school itself is extremely expensive, and you may have already decided how you intend to pay for it. But even before you must pay for medical school, you must pay for your application cyclethis includes registering for the MCAT, sending in your primary applications, and submitting your secondary applications. If you are fortunate enough to be offered a medical school interview, you may have to account for travel expenses as well. While there is financial assistance available for medical school applicants who meet certain criteria, it is likely that you will end up paying at least some of the bill for the application cycle yourself. Before you decide to apply this cycle, make sure you have decided how you will financially handle both your application cycle and medical school itself. Ensure you are mentally ready for the admissions process and the medical school journey Many students may find that by their senior year of college, they do not feel fully prepared to immediately embark upon another several years of study. Whether you are just about to graduate from college or have been otherwise preoccupied with another academic or professional endeavor, it is essential to assess your mindset and overall readiness to navigate the medical school application process (as well as to become a medical student!). If you find that getting back into the classroom seems too daunting or unrewarding at this time, it may be best to choose a later application cycle for yourself. Applying to medical school will always be an option, so relax and choose the application year that best ensures that you will matriculate as a strong and stable medical student. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.