Do you believe your child may be gifted and/or talented? Have began to look into the special programs that you can send them to? We wanted to take a few blogs to explain the process of looking more into the gifted and talented services. To begin, your child will need to take a few tests to determine their eligibility. These tests are for children 4-7 years of age. The tests consist of 3 parts: Verbal Selection, Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT), and The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT). The OLSAT test is verbal test that consists of about 30 questions (depending on the age of the child). These questions account for 50% of the student’s overall score. These verbal questions consist of 2 sections, Verbal Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning. Within these 2 categories are several, more specific question types revolving around: Verbal Comprehension Verbal Reasoning Following Directions Aural Reasoning Antonyms Arithmetic Reasoning Sentence Completion Word/Letter Matrix Sentence Arrangement Verbal Analogies Verbal Classification Inference The OLSAT test is used to measure the abilities related to the child’s success in school through testing critical thinking and reasoning skills. This test is intended to test memory, speed of thought and their ability to see patterns and their relationships. Questions for the OLSAT were selected to reflect the intellectual operations of cognition, convergent thinking, and evaluation. Students will have between 60 and 80 minutes to complete a 40-70 question test. This all depends on what level of the OLSAT test they are. When given to a younger child, the test will be given in a one-on-one level, while older children will take the test in a group setting. The test’s questions are arranged so that the questions do not become more difficult as the test progresses. Students earn points for each question they answer correctly, but they do not loose points for skipping or answering a question wrong. When the test is graded, your child is given a raw score, which provides the number of questions the child answered correctly. Once the raw score is calculated, it will then be converted to a School Ability Index Score (SAI). The SAI score is used to find what percentile the student falls into. The NNAT test is a nonverbal test that replaces the once Bracken Test in 21012. This test measures the abstract thinking skills and requires very little language to be spoken, therefore it is considered a better indicator of raw intelligence, as it does not matter if the child does not speak English as their first language. The NNAT test incorporates abstract shapes and designs that allow for an unbiased scoring regardless of a child’s primary language, education, and socioeconomic background. The NNAT is the 50% of the students overall score and consists of 38 multiple choice questions given in the allotted 30-minute time period. Every section becomes more difficult as it progresses, so it is a good idea to help your child become familiar with the type of questions asked prior to taking. There is a practice test available on the Gifted and Talented Program website that you can use to prepare your child. It is best to have your child practice the test 2-3 month before your child actually tests to help your child get the most of the test and do their best. The National Association for Gifted Children provides answers to many common questions that parents have about their child, the testing, and the program. Learn more on their website. Along with information and practice tests, the website provides information for your local affiliate resource to find more about testing dates, times, and more.
Having a child with ADHD can be hard as a parent, especially when it comes to school. Learn 5 simple strategies to help your ADHD child achieve success in school: The first step to helping your child achieve success is through making sure their teacher is aware of their ADHD. This information does not always get passed along the chain of teachers. Through informing their teacher, you can work together with them to be on the same page and work on the same goals. Inform their teacher of any medication the child may be on as well as they can watch and let you know how well the medication is doing for your child in during school hours. If there comes a point of the medication not working as well, the teacher can let you know of possible medication changes that may need to happen. Find ways to help your child learn to their fullest. Your child may need a few different goals than others, or more goals that are smaller. Making their goals smaller may make it easier for your child to reach their goals. Always make sure as goals are hit, you point them out and celebrate them. Even just a fun sticker or pencil to say GREAT JOB goes a long way. They need that praise. This way they feel like they are accomplishing something! This leads to them strive to reach more goals as children need to feel self-worth! When working during class time or at home, ensure to give them time. If something is too hard or they become frustrated, have them move on to the next question or problem. You can always come back to the hard ones later! During test time, if they are having problems concentrating, have them take a short walk to the drinking fountain. This short walk will help them clear their mind and walk off a little energy! This is a great plan to bring up to the teacher. Maybe during conference’s, or call or email. Not all teachers have dealt with the same degree and amount of ADHD children, so do not assume the teacher knows what is best for your child. Never do any work for your child. This may be frustrating for both of you, but there will be no success from you doing their work. If you are having a hard time, try stepping back and thinking of clues to help them find the answer. Make the clue’s easy to begin and as you move on give clues that are a little harder and require more thinking. This is a great way to help them catch on and learn how to find the answer on their own! Help your child stay organized. Children with ADHD are prone to being messy. Have your child put their work in different colored folders. If there is a project due, begin the work together. Work together to put all your child’s notes together and organized. Have your child work a little every day on their project. Talk everyday about how many days are left before their project is due to limits stress. The main thing to always remember with ADHD children is to always be patient! Their brains work different than ours and they need to take small breaks to stay focused. Every year, you will learn more and more about what works best for your child. Just always keep teachers and other adults in their life up-to-date with this information so your child can learn to their fullest.
Preparing for college is important for every student. There are many steps that need to be completed to help students prepare for this journey. Through beginning at the right time and accomplishing certain steps, college will approach with you just waiting for the acceptance letters. Follow our student guide to preparing for college, grade by grade. 9th Grade is the starting point for preparing for college.. This is the stepping stone year that will start you working towards your college goals. The first step in this grade is to meet your guidance counselor. This meeting can help you decide what your goals are and possibly what you want most from college. You are still young, so things may change. Getting a general idea and begin the process of brainstorming what it is you want to be after high school is important. Begin looking at different clubs or sports you like, as extracurricular activities are a great way to earn achievements, along with help you learn to set and achieve goals for yourself. Colleges love to these activities, along with your grades! These activities are a great way to look at receiving scholarships or grants! As we all know, good grades are vital and important for college. Make sure to start your year out in a good way through working on your grades and keep them this way throughout your high school years. Colleges go back to 9th grade and see what your marks are. Everyone wants to go to college, so make sure you prove to the school of your choice that you are able to work hard and get the good grades! 9th grade is also a time to think of how you spend your summer. Try volunteering somewhere or begin your 1st job! Having a job and volunteering is a way to add a little more responsibility to your life as well as learning to juggle more than one thing. It is ok cut back on your job or volunteering during the school year. Learning to manage your time and show school being important through minimizing your work time is a great way to show people you are growing up! 10th Grade is the grade you begin thinking about your SAT or ACT test. Begin by taking the PSAT test. This test is a great way of getting your name out to colleges before other students! Speak to your guidance counselor about the Plan Assessment Program that is offered by the American College Testing. This is a great way to show your testing ability as well as getting a glimpse at your study habits and how well they are working! Make sure to pick the right classes. Having the right classes is important to helping you achieve your goals. 11th Grade is an important year. If you haven’t yet, take the PSAT course in the Fall. This qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship Program. This is program can help you earn money, which is wonderful when it comes to paying for school! This year is a great time to attend college fairs and/or college tours. Start thinking about what you want to be even along with what schools will help you accomplish your goals. This is a great time to begin collecting recommendation letters from teachers, bosses, and other individuals that you have worked with (for pay or no pay). Recommendation letters are wonderful for those college applications! Begin looking into your high school ranks and where you stand. This way if there is something that can be fixed, you can find and begin fixing it. 12th Grade is the time that you begin registering for your ACT or SAT tests which are necessary for college acceptances. Make sure you have requested (either by mail or online) that your test scores are sent to the colleges of your choice. Make sure your grades and activities are on track. Your grades do not need to be perfect, but they need to be good to help get into the colleges you need and want. If you feel you are not on track for doing well on your ACT or SAT tests, find and hire a tutor to help you prepare. Your test results can help make up for any classes you may have not done well in. Begin to finalize your top 5 college list. Gather the information from college visits, your interviews and research you have may have found. Be sure to apply to the schools you may feel are difficult to get into as well as schools you may think are easy. This is best way to assure you have a few different options available to you. Make sure to fill out all the forms needed and mark all the deadlines on a calendar so everything gets sent to the correct place on time. Make sure you notify all schools of your intent by May 1st. If you are not sure yet which school you want, try visiting a few school campus again and get a feel for what you truly want. Once you make that decision, make sure you send your deposit to your chosen school and ask your guidance counselor to send your final transcript to the college in June. Now is the time to enjoy the last little bit of what’s left before you start your next journey in life. Enjoy your high school years, but make sure you are working hard to keep up on everything! These are such important years of your life that affect your future.
Creative Ways To Improve Your Elementry Math Skills When it comes to math, almost everyone has problems at some point! When you are trying to help yourself, or someone else, some pointers are always nice. Here a creative ways to help you improve your Elementry math skills. Remember when it comes to kids, help them first conquer the basic math skills. Have them practice on paper as well as flash cards. Writing it down helps the brain as well as verbally saying the answers. If they are having a hard time with the cards, put the one down and go back to it later. This will help with the frustration that may come with it! Games are always a great way to help your kids learn math! Games such as Uno, Crazy Eights, Memory and Concentration are games that require memory and the use of numbers, sets, and mathematical concepts. To get the most benefit from this, make sure you point out the memory strategies that lead to the success of the game. You can also try and find online games for Math. These work great to build that “fun” behind the learning. Most of the time, kid’s don’t even realize that they are learning! Another fun way to help with math is playing with a pretend cash register. Have them “buy” things and have you buy things. Have them figure out how much things are and how much is owed at the end! This is a great way to continue using math as well as learning money. You can even have them help you with the “price tags”. Using real money is a great way to learn too! Take out a few dollars and some loose change and give your child a number. Have them figure out how many ways they can come up with that number using the money. There should always be more than 1 way! They can use the loose change as well as the dollars! You can also have them subtract and multiply using the money too! You can also “go for a walk” and look for different shapes in the trees and leaves. You can look at signs. Try to name as shapes as you can and figure out if they are symmetric! Great way to spend time together while learning! You can also learn math when you are cooking or baking. Have your child help you with the measuring cup’s. Have them help you by using a smaller size and figuring out what fraction is needed to make the whole! You could also bake a pie or a cake and as each slice or piece is eaten, have them figure out what fraction is left! Always remember to try to make learning fun! Try using these suggestions or try to make some new ones up on your own! Once your child starts catching on and having fun, you should see a rise in their grades!!
7 Days To Better Test Studying I find when it comes to studying, it’s always best to study a little bit through out the week. There are many different ways to accomplish this. Here is guide to help you study better for testing that allows you to retain more information and increase you grades in 7 days. Study Guide- Create a study guide, unless your teacher has provided one, then use that! Put all your notes into a study guide. This is a great way to look over everything and take it out when you have a few minutes. It is also a great thing to go over right before the exam. Make sure you use the study guide your teacher may have provided. Flash cards-Flash cards are a great way to study. As you create your flash cards, writing of the information allows your brain to begin to store the information that you write. Research has shown that you retain more information through writing and repetition, so carry your flash cards on you to help you find time to review them through out your day. The more you review the flashcards, the more you remember. Quiz Yourself-Find a friend or a family member to quiz you on from your notes throughout the week. Have a friend, family, or fellow student go over them with you. Put them in a sentence, make a rhyme out of terms that are hard to remember, or associate them with something that you are familiar with. This is a great way to keep your mind in check! You will see a huge improvement on your skills. Read the Chapter Summaries-This is a great and effective way to look over all the key ideas of each of the chapters. This should jog your memory with even the little things you may have forgotten about. These are also great to use for the study guide mentioned above! Find a Study Buddy or Group-Find a few people in the class that you can study with. Try to keep these study groups smaller, as too many people can cause distractions. This is a great way for everyone to be able to learn from each other as well as a great way to quiz each other on the knowledge you’ve retained! Draw Diagrams-Drawing diagrams will help you to visualize information which could be hard to describe. This creates a visual memory in your mind which can be recalled in an exam. It also is a great tool to have to go back and look on the closer you get to test day. Through using these techniques to study for your test, you will retain the important information better to lead to better test results. Always remember that no matter what you do for test studying, getting sleep is important. Never stay up all night! Lacking your brain of sleep is one of the worst things you can do before an exam. Your mind and body need to be well rested and clear of stress. The BEST thing you can do is get a full night of sleep. There are so many tricks and techniques to helping ourselves do better in school but without rest, we are nothing. Get a good nights sleep, eat a balanced breakfast, and allow all your studying to pay off! Good luck!
In our world of technology, we have so many resources at our fingertips. The library is used for peace and quiet more than anything because of the easy-to-access resources from any of our phones, computers, or tablets. With all this technology, there comes the problem of finding the right information for our need because of the large amount of resources. If you are struggling with your college classes and trying to find those “great resources” to bookmark and have to help you through your classes, check out these 5 websites. Quizlet Quizlet is a website offering free study tools. You provide the curriculum through registration, then begin studying just about anything. Easily download Quizlet on your Android or iOS phone or tablet to allow you to study virtually anywhere! This wonderful resource is used by both students and teachers, and available no matter the age or grade. Learn more about Quizlet on their website. Essay Punch Essay Punch is a website helping you write that perfect essay. It is very easy to use and walks you through the whole process. You can do the free version, which will provide you with one prompt, or for $39.00 a year, you are able to receive 9 prompts, as well as have the ability to save and resume your work and copy and paste it to an email, word processor, ect. If you are looking at improving your writing skills, Essay Punch something you should try and learn more on their website. The Owl (Purdue) Writing Lab Owl Purdue is a website offering many different free resources that are great to refer to when writing research papers, no matter the class or college level. Owl Purdue helps with writing, research, grammar, and even ESL! This website is a resource that you definitely want to bookmark and use, as it helps you write the perfect paper in the format you need through helping understand the important areas your teacher requires. Learn more Owl Purdue on their website. Open Study Open Study is a website for those out looking for others to study with! A free resource offering online study groups with people from all over the world! Offering help with Chemistry, Mathematics, English and more! 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Keep this website close in case you find yourself needing help, or just want to study with someone without having to leave your home! Learn more at Open Study’s website. StudyBlue Study Blue is a website offering ways to study through flash cards, review sheets, quizzes and more. A completely free site that you can study virtually anything and anywhere. Easy to use for all students and a great tool to help you in the areas you are struggling with classes. Learn more about Study Blue on their website. These are just 5 wonderful websites out of the thousands of resources available online to the average college student. When in doubt, always use Google Search to find what you need as help is always just a few clicks away!
Being a parent has always been a tough job as we always seem to running from one place to the next. Getting time to help our children do their homework and study seems to be even harder. I began to look for different websites and apps that could help my children study and practice while in the car or while at a sibling’s event or practice that would be fun, but also practice in the area(s) they need the most. Multiplication Table for Kid’s Math: This app is a fun one! They learn the multiplication table from 1-12. There are 4 times tables modes: Story, Lesson, Kid Challenge, and Duel. They can play the Math Duel with a friend! There are easy and hard puzzles, simple and complex math equations, (even with addition and subtraction). The story mode gives you 3 lives per multiplication table and they need to try and get through as many as they can without losing their lives. Check Out Multiplication Table for Kid’s Math on Google Play Store! Reading Eggs: Reading and sight words can be a hard thing for young readers. Reading Eggs sight words is a great app for both the phone and the tablet. This free app helps children learn 100 site words, such as he, she the, ect. It’s has 4 levels with 25 words in each level! This is a fun game to start at age 3 for the early learning, but has all the 100 words they need for kindergarten! And at the end of each lesson, the word is spelled! This will help them learn and have fun in no time! Check out Reading Eggs on Google Play Store! English Reading Comprehension Another hard thing for kids is comprehending what they read! Many kids can read, but can’t always remember what it was that they were reading. English Reading Comprehension is a free app for them! This app allows your child to read and take a test based off of what they read. It also has questions based off of words and phrase, spelling and grammar. They are categorized by 5 grades. There is also a mock test. After you have practiced all types of questions, you can take the mock test. It randomly selects questions from each of the topics/ There is also no limit on how many times you can take the mock tests. This is a great app to helping that student of yours reach that goal! Check out English Reading Comprehension on Google Play Store! Check these apps out and see how much you like them and how much your child is learning!
Tutoring is an easy and effective way to educate students. Much more is possible teaching a student one-on-one than in a classroom full of many students. Tutors can work with students on an individual level, on the skills the student needs to learn. Being an effective tutoring is more than knowing the areas you are teaching in, it is about meeting clients needs and helping them understand why you are important to have. Here is a great list to help your clients learn about you and help you be effective when it comes to clients and hiring you as a tutor: Call the new client and leave a professional sounding message if they do not answer. For example, “Hello my name is _________ and I am calling to schedule your first tutoring session. Please call me back at ____-____-_____. Then send a text message saying the same thing. If they don’t respond, call and text them again the next day. Email them too if you have their email address. If they still don’t respond, call them one more time the third day. It is important to call and text the client as soon as possible. The longer you wait to contact them, the more likely it is they will find a different tutor. During the first session, tell the client about your tutoring experience and educational background. Ask the client what skills the student needs to work on. Tell them a basic plan of how you will work with the student on those skills. Also, let the client know when you are available to schedule regular tutoring sessions. Most tutoring sessions last one hour and most students meet with tutors once or twice a week. Tell the client it is up to them how many hours they want to meet. Older students can work for longer than one hour. By Lara Shaffer (Tutor with Elite Home Tutoring)
Elementary students face a higher level of demand to learn and use Common Core Standards in Elementary School English Classes: Many elementary students face challenges learning and using Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) standard requirements now used in many public and private schools throughout the United States. Why do students need to know Common Core in elementary school English classes? These standards were created to help students be more competitive and prepare them for middle and high school and ultimately college and/or the workforce. Since college entrance exams, specifically the new SAT, incorporate skills students learn through common core, mastering these skills becomes even more important at the elementary school level. English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA/Literacy) and Common Core Standards: ELA/Literacy based on Common Core standards call for a deeper understanding of how students reach their answers and they must analyze, reason, and apply their own thoughts in class and homework assignments. There is an increased demand on students in elementary school to master a deeper understanding of reading materials and be able to implement their understanding in real-life scenarios. Shifts in ELA/Literacy Requirements at the elementary school level: Students must think for themselves and be able to use their own reasoning. They will need to be able to explain or write about what they have in read and be able to infer meaning from text. They are also required to provide evidence based on their reading and writing exercises. In addition, students are exposed to more nonfiction, informational texts rather than exclusively literature based reading assignments. How can tutoring help students with ELA/Literacy based on Common Core standards? Many tutors specialize in Common Core standards and can help students understand what is expected of them and assist them with the required skills needed to succeed in elementary school English. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning ELA/Literacy Common Core standards and tutoring, www.elitehometutoring.com.
What is the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE)? The CHSPE is a timed test that measures a student’s knowledge and proficiency in reading, writing, and math. Passing students will earn a Certificate of Proficiency by the California State Board of Education, which is recognized in California as an equivalent to a high school diploma. The exam allows students currently enrolled in high school to earn the certificate and leave high school early to go to college or start working. Who can take the CHSPE Exam? Students currently enrolled in public high schools in the state of California can take the CHSPE Exam if they are at least 16 years of age and are in the second half of their their sophomore year or later. The exam is only valid for students in the California public school system. If the student plans on attending a college in another state, they must verify with the college if it will accept the exam. Which subjects are on the CHSPE Exam? The CHSPE Exam covers English Language Arts, including an essay, and Math. The English section covers reading comprehension, spelling, grammar, and writing skills which correspond to tenth grade English in the California public school system. There are 84 multiple choice questions in the English section, plus an essay. The essay question is open-ended and requires students to outline and present their point of view. The Math section covers math skills learned in seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth grade in the California public schools system. There are 50 questions in the math section and the focus is on daily math problems and situations. The CHSPE Exam is timed test, and lasts three and a half hours. Students must pass both the English and math sections of the exam, but can retake the test as many times as needed. How can tutoring help prepare for the CHSPE Exam? Since the CHSPE Exam covers several years of high school, a specialized tutor can help students prepare for the exam. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning the CHSPE Exam, www.elitehometutoring.com
What is Singapore Math? Singapore math is a teaching technique developed in Singapore for students in kindergarten through sixth grade and has gained popularity in the United States due to Singapore’s top scores in Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Singapore Math was introduced in the U.S. in the 1980’s and is used in public, private, and home schools. How Does Singapore Math differ from standard math in the U.S.? With Singapore Math, the focus is on mastering the skills and not simply memorizing the steps for a test. Fewer topics are covered and students move onto the next concept once they’ve mastered the current one. The students develop a deeper understanding of the steps involved, and learn techniques that rely on visualization (pictorial approach), in which students learn model and diagram drawing techniques to help solve problems. In the U.S. American math is taught using a concrete to abstract method. With Singapore Math, a middle step in introduced between the concrete and abstract, the pictorial approach in which the student learns to draw the math problem. Singapore Math, is a 3-step process: Singapore math takes the student from the concrete, to the pictorial (bar modeling), then to abstract, which leads to the solution of the math problem. The concrete step involves hands-on learning using tangible objects. Then students draw pictorial representations of the problem they are working. The method takes the student from the concrete to the pictorial and finally, the student solves the math problem abstractly, with numbers and symbols. How can tutoring help students with Singapore Math? Specialized tutors are able to help students make the transition from standard math concepts to Singapore Math techniques. Many home schools, private schools, and public schools are using Singapore’s math techniques. Overall, students are able to grasp and apply these new concepts quickly. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning Singapore Math, www.elitehometutoring.com
What is the the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)? There are three high school equivalency exams, the GED (General Equivalency Diploma), the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test), and the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion). The HiSET is a state-issued high school test and is an alternative to the standard GED exam. The HiSET is more flexible than the GED and the TASC and is offered in several formats and languages. It is also the least expensive test available for a high school equivalency test and costs vary from state to state. Which states offer the HiSET Exam: The HiSET Exam is available in California, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming. The HiSET credential is valid in all states. Which subjects are on the HiSET and what is the passing score? The HiSET Exam measures the following five levels of high school education: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. Each section is worth 20 points and students must receive at least 8 correct answers in each section and a combined score of 45 in order to pass the test. Students must score in the 60%. The HiSET, once passed, will give students the equivalent to a high school credential, or diploma. The HiSET is also considered the equivalent to the GED or the TASC credential. How can tutoring help students prepare for the HiSET Exam? The HiSET Exam was redesigned in 2015 and is based on Common Core Standards. Students must understand these standards in order to pass the HiSET Exam. Private, one-on-one tutoring can help students understand the Common Core Standards. Tutors can run students through typical question types seen on the actual exam. There are many tutors that specialize in high school equivalency exams, and they are able to help ensure that sudents are prepared in all five sections of the exam. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions and additional information concerning the HiSET Exam, www.elitehometutoring.com
There is quite a buzz in the air concerning the new SAT. The current SAT will be available until March 2016; after this date only the new SAT will be available. How is the “new” SAT effecting education, high school, college entrance, and tutoring? The new SAT and Education: The new SAT will implement the Common Core Standards. Student’s abilities in math, reading, and writing will be tested and measured. Students must master these standards in order to score well on the new SAT. Educators teaching these standards face increased pressure, especially since the new SAT will debut early next year. Teachers must help students gain a deeper understanding and guide them in applying their understanding and knowledge in day-to-day and real-life situations. The new SAT and High School: Current high school students must be prepared in advance for changes in the new SAT. Some students may have the option of taking both the current and new SAT exams. Freshman and sophomores have the option to take both. Current juniors and seniors will not need to take the new SAT and will take the current SAT, since the new exam will not be implemented until 2016. The new SAT and College Entrance: In order to gain the best entrance scores, students must do well on the new SAT, which is more challenging than the current SAT. The questions are harder and will take longer to answer. The essay will be optional, although it will be a more challenging. Some math sections will no longer allow caculators and students will see more algebra problems. Understanding Common Core Standards and the ability to implement these standards are the key to success with the new SAT. The new SAT and Tutoring: Private educators, such as tutors, have already experienced an increase in inquiries from students and parents concerning the new SAT. It is important to get ahead of the game now since students will no longer be able to “cram” for the exam. The time in now to start preparing for the new SAT! Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions and additional information concerning the “new” SAT, www.elitehometutoring.com
What is Everyday Math? Everyday Mathematics is a curriculum created to align the Common Core State Standards and was developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP). Everyday Math includes a comprehensive curriculum and is taught to students from Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade. How is Everyday Math different from Traditional Math? Traditional math focuses on equations, numbers, and answers; often taught in a one-dimensional manner. Everyday Math follows another set of criteria and requires that students use problem solving techniques in order to solve real-world situations. This approach builds upon the student’s understanding and frequently revisits and builds upon their current mathimatical knowledge.Students are encouraged to apply different methods in coming up with the correct answer. The objective it to give elemantary school students the comptetive edge as they transition into middle school. Why is Everyday Math challenging? The Everyday Math curriculum raises the bar on what students are expected to understand and apply throughout their educational growth. This method of learning requires that students recall current and past knowledge and understanding of mathimatical concepts, while adding to and building their knowledge base. It offers several techniques to problem solving which is important in helping students find the best technique for them to implement in problem solving. Students must show that they can take a problem from the abstract lesson to a concrete answer. What is the role of Everyday Math in the classroom? Everyday Math follows a set of guidelines used in classrooms throughout the United States. These guidelines are meant to help instructors build solid foundations in math during the critical elementary school years. Students will be expected to solve more word problems related to everyday situations. They will take part in small group activities, which may include hands-on exercises. They will also be shown multiple ways to come up with the same solution for a given math problem. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning Everyday Math, www.elitehometutoring.com
Education reform, “No Child Left Behind”, increased testing and requirements for students. Every country is seeking their competitive edge and educating future generations seems to be the key. Young minds are daily bombarded with tests and decisions regarding their future. Preschool parents are making choices about education and beginning foreign language in preparation for college. Though it’s true, you cannot begin too early in presenting a palette to these young minds, ready to absorb, it should be considered that these are individuals and have their own bent toward one subject or another. Each student will be “better at” and more inclined to certain subjects. “I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” – Albert Einstein It is our responsibility as parents and educators to supply knowledge in the subjects students desire as well as finding creative ways to teach common core subjects. The problem with a system is that it teaches one style to the majority. But there are some who learn differently and it should be every educator’s goal to teach each child how they learn, not how to learn. “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein Our future doesn’t lie in the hands of what the next generation learns but in the passion they have to follow their dreams. For born out this passion is an excellence in learning that can be surpassed by no educational reform. It is time to begin dreaming again. Society needs creatively thinking minds to solve the problems of the future. But if the system of education puts every child into a box that conforms their thinking to memorization and certain core knowledge, we as a a society risk the rise of a generation who cannot think for themselves. “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” ― Socrates. When students are allowed to orient their own learning, something wonderful occurs. They learn to discover what is beautiful to them and uncover its truths. When knowledge is sought, it blossoms into wisdom. Educators and caregivers, the challenge to you is to find each student’s gifting and nourish the object of their attention with questions and theories and allow them the freedom to discover truth for themselves. This world is big and meant to be explored.
What is Common Core Math? States used to be able to set academic standards for math, which varied greatly from state to state. With Common Core Standards public schools must follow guidelines, or standards. Common Core Math is based on concepts and skills that a student must apply in order to solve real-world math problems. These standards have been implemented from kindergarten through high school (K-12) in more than 42 states. They serve as benchmarks to determine how prepared students are for life in college and in the workforce. The ultimate goal is to make U.S. students more adept at solving real-world problems and be more competitive in the workforce. How is Common Core different from Traditional Math? Common Core Standards require students to use reasoning in real-life situations, whereas traditional math was equation and calculation based. With Common Core math, students must have a solid understanding of the concepts involved in reaching their answers. With traditional math, the student could simply remember tables and memorize answers. Traditional math is about getting the correct answer, whereas Common Core math requires students to demonstrate their deeper knowledge and ability on how they arrived to the correct answer. What is the best way to transition a student into Common Core when they are used to traditional math? Since students must demonstrate a greater and deeper understanding of math concepts used in real-world situations, there is more pressure on them to actually understand the concepts rather than memorizing the answer and coming up with the correct solution. They must now demonstrate their understanding of methods used in reaching the correct answer. This has become a challenge for students and teachers and puts more pressure on them. School books are aligned to these current standards but students still have difficulty applying what they have learned in the real-world problem sections. The best way to transition a student into Common Core math standards is by hiring a professional tutor who is educated in these standards. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning Common Core Math: www.elitehometutoring.com
Tutoring jobs can be difficult to find and even more tricky to find clients to commit. Find hope in this list of 10 websites from online tutoring companies to searches for individual jobs, we’ve rated them to make it simple. 1) www.schoolspring.com/ Not the best but it’ll do. SchoolSpring offers an exhaustive list of jobs but that’s just it. It is exhausting. The only selections available are the following: state, grade level (not subject) and position searching/ hours intending. This may however be a great website for tutors seeking teaching career. But is certainly hit or miss whether a specialty is even available. 2) www.wyzant.com/TutorHome.aspx Ability to search jobs according to subject or city. Failure in the search is that city and subject cannot be chosen together for search optimization. Either one must be weeded through to find specific jobs or areas near tutor’s city. 3) www.tutor.com/apply Work only in areas of expertise and tutor from home online. Tutors can take an online test in areas like; calculus, German, finance and other specific subjects to gain preference in the application process. However, some specific areas of tutoring may get passed over in this process. 4) www.varsitytutors.com/tutoring-jobs Select general subject topics, enter in test scores, teaching certifications and hours available and Varsity Tutor will contact potential tutors. 5) www.care.com With hundreds of local tutoring gigs to choose from, tutors can certainly find postings desiring their subject offerings. There are multiple tutors competing for the same job and clients don’t always follow through. Also, tutors seek, set up schedules and collect payment themselves. 6) studypoint.com One-on-one tutoring with resources and training for tutors. Required 2 years teaching or tutoring experience and a Bachelor’s degree from a 4 year university or college. Tutors who are serious about long-term tutoring assignments and commitments will love Study Point. 7) www.universitytutor.com/tutoring_jobs Fees, rates and schedule of availability is set by the tutor. Online and in-person jobs. Tutors are selected by clients and find preference through the reviews received. No real stability in finding long-term or more than one-time positions. 8) www.elitehometutoring.com/jobs Elite Home Tutoring is a favorite because tutors set their own hours, only tutor in desired subjects and cities and receive emails when a tutoring job meeting their criteria is met. The tutors choose which jobs to accept. Payments are always direct deposit and collecting a fee is done by Elite Home Tutoring so Tutors can focus on teaching. Find the right fit for you and may your adventure begin!
Can the words “homework” and “focus” truly coincide in the same sentence without a nuclear meltdown? As a blogger and mom of three, I think this theory is probable. Having scoured the internet and begged friends, teachers and experts for their suggestions: these are a few of the tried and tested methods that bring relief to the homework issues in my home. School is not Finished when the Bell Rings Just as a forty hour work week can stretch into sixty hours, students need to understand that their work is not finished until the job is completed, and not when the bus arrives. There can be exceptions, for example; baseball practice, orchestra concerts and dance recitals. But be intentional about scheduling a time to get the work done. Set an early morning alarm to work on those math problems that were missed while partying late celebrating Grandma’s birthday. Understand the Subject Matter Most educators are willing to meet by appointment before or after school hours to assist students with difficult subjects. It’s a crazy idea, almost like it’s their job and desire to assist with learning. Tutors specific to the area of study are an amazing help. They are devoted to the student’s needs and don’t have the time limitations that teachers often have. Take a Break Sitting in a controlled environment all day, students need a 15-30 minute break to stretch their legs and eat a healthy snack before sitting down to focus on schoolwork again. If studies journey into a long session of concentration, take a short break for the brain and body. Set a Timer, Set a Goal Set a 5-20 minute timer and set a goal, for instance, state a number of problems to complete or sentences to structure in the allotted amount of time. It’s amazing how much focus can be found when a challenge is presented. Homework can be a daunting, often (feeling) endless task. With a timer set, there is a limit to the work and possible reward of a break between timer settings until the work is completed. Develop an Atmosphere Conducive to Learning Kitchens often become the afternoon hub in a home. Instead, have a designated area for homework only. Where students can escape if noises and distractions become an issue. A desk in a bedroom or office perhaps? Have all supplies at the ready. In work areas or desks have rulers, pencils, calculators and healthy snacks all within arms reach. Time will not be wasted tracking down supplies. Above All, NO SCREENS! Sorry to blow that ship out of the water, but it’s nearly impossible to do a complex math problem or write an essay with the TV blaring in the background. social media, gaming and “research” online, should be set aside for post-study hours. Come on who are we kidding? Everyone knows these things can easily suck us into a time vortex for which there is no escape. Save screen time for a reward, don’t allow it as a distraction. Hopefully this article helped you find a least a few methods of respite from your homework monsters With some simple changes, focus can be painlessly redirected toward homework and peace restored.
Math can be difficult enough, let alone finding a way to make it fun. http://www.elitehometutoring.com/ compiled a list of 10 Fun Math games and the best part, they’re free! If flash cards aren’t intriguing and practicing linear slopes doesn’t create excitement- but the skills need to be sharpened beyond what homework provides-a fresh fun angle might be what’s needed. When math becomes fun through timed courses, blasting through alien slime and “chomping” through a Pac-Man style maze; games like Minecraft and Halo no longer replace study time. Let’s face it, staring at a sheet of paper hardly holds a light to the glamorous lights and sounds of the gaming world. Math games not only intrigue more sensory centers in the brain, they engage the mind to learn beyond memorization. The fun math websites listed below are tried and tested by real students and caregivers: 1) At http://www.coolmath-games.com/0-unlucky-robber, students can learn geometric angles, timing and spacial reasoning as they race through a climbing obstacle with the goal of finding treasure in the game “Unlucky Robber”. 2) Young learners can choose the level of difficulty as they play “Math Match” at http://www.abcya.com/math_match.htm. With options from addition to division this fun memory card style game has an exciting ten second bonus round at the completion of every series. 3) Fractions mean fueling up an asteroid blasting rocket as you race across the universe in the game “Space Fractions” on http://www.funbrain.com/brain/Adventure/SpaceFractions/index.html. 4) Move over Angry Birds, this astronaut worm is hurled through space by a slingshot aimed at the subtraction solutions in this game of accuracy and timing. Watch out for the asteroids that will knock you off course! http://www.funbrain.com/brain/Adventure/SlingShot/index.html 5) Symmetry is so much more fun and creative in the gorgeously displayed jigsaw puzzles at http://www.mathsisfun.com/puzzles/jigsaw-puzzles-index.html 6) Math isn’t fun if you don’t know the words, learn math words and a few more in “Hangman”. http://www.mathsisfun.com/games/hangman-game-with-math-words.html 7) Multiplying large sums is no longer daunting confusion in this lattice multiplication game. This fun game of multiplication lends an awesome tool that students will use throughout their education. http://www.coolmath4kids.com/times-tables/times-tables-lesson-lattice-multiplication-1.html 8) Linear equations have never been so fun as they are in the game or rescuing Zogs. These little Zogs have more patience than a classroom setting when it comes to hanging on until the answer is correct! http://www.mathplayground.com/SaveTheZogs/SaveTheZogs.html 9) Practice percentages, multiplication and real world math as you travel through “Math at the Mall”; http://www.mathplayground.com/mathatthemall2.html. 10) Explore the broad range of math games for every student from kindergarten to pre-calculus at http://www.mathplayground.com/. If these math games still don’t aid in your learning process, we can help! Contact Elite Home Tutoring and get on track with a custom plan to get the results you want through one of our credentialed tutors in your area. Please visit: http://www.elitehometutoring.com/ and our concierge service will locate a tutor near you.
If you’re among the more than 1.6 million students who are planning on taking the ACT exams this year, you probably have mixed feelings about the process. On one hand, you know that this is your chance to show colleges how well you can perform on standardized tests and how dedicated you are to academic endeavors. On the other hand, you know that will mean lots of studying and preparation. Not to fret, getting a great ACT score is possible, even if you dread the idea of taking the test. If you’re looking for some inspiration and helpful tips to make the process better, look no further: Get familiar with the format. First and foremast, take some time to learn about the ACT exam and what it involves. Do you know how it’s different than the SATs? Do you know what the sections of the exam are and what the format is like? Don’t register before you learn the basics about the exam and know what will be expected of you so that you can study all topics accordingly. Give yourself a lot of time. Yes, it’s a fact that studying material over a longer period of time versus last minute cramming is the way to go. If you’ve got the option of spending an hour per day over a month versus three all-day study sessions, always opt for the longer term plan. 3) Think about the ACT exam differently. The ACT exam isn’t just another test, like that one you have next week in your social studies class. It is incredibly important and can play a big role in you getting accepted into your dream college, so give it the time and energy it deserves by preparing thoroughly. This may mean working with a tutor to establish an effective and productive study routine that ensures you’ll be prepared when test day arrives. 4) Use official ACT resources. The official ACT website offers a number of resources that every student should take advantage of, including practice test questions, tips, a question of the day, and more. Visit the page here to review the available material, and take note that some materials are available free of charge while others must be purchased. 5) Take practice exams. Before you start officially studying for the ACT exam you may want to take a practice exam to determine your base-line score. This will give you a starting point so that you can track your improvement and get an idea of how prepared you may or may not be already. By taking the exam a few times, you’ll also feel more comfortable with the format and know just what to expect on test day. With the right preparation, there is no reason you can’t excel at taking the ACT exam. Through preparation and planning, you can cut down on stress and ensure that you’ll get a score you can be proud of. Don’t feel you need to do it alone–get help from others and push yourself to be in your best mental shape! Dusty Fox is a full-time world traveler and freelance writer who contributes to the Ivy Trainers network. Visit the Ivy Trainers website to learn more about the services they offer. when it’s time to take the test!
