Middle School Mastery: A Summer Plan for a Smooth Transition Did you know that you can predict your child's success? You can. How? Look at the activities that your children are doing. Are they reading some of the time? If so, is the material at or above grade level? If it is at or above grade level than they are going to succeed in reading. Are they interested in asking/answering questions and finding out how things work? Then they are working on science activities. Are they interested in doing any math such as playing games such as Monopoly or Life, cooking, measuring or building something? These are all math skills. They are reading, comprehending what they read, and completing math all at the same time. However if they are not interested in any of these skills, they could be behind for school next year. Not sure what to do with your children over the summer? Stay tuned for a FREE customizable Backyard Summer Camp Planner that can fit your whole family at the end of the blog. School is almost out for the summer. Can you feel it? Is your child ready for the next school year? Now is the perfect time to determine whether or not your children are ready for school because if they are not, you still have time to get them ready. You're probably thinking, "My kids need a break from school." Right? Children, teachers, and parents need to have a break from school to digest the information from the previous year. However, that doesn't mean that learning has to stop over the summer. In fact that is the WORST thing you could do. The summer is the perfect time to have learning activities that are fun and yet engaging for your children. This is a good time to go explore their environment and learn more about what interests them. Bridging the Gap: Supporting Summer Learning for a Smooth TransitonParents, you play a very important role in your child's education through continued education over the summer. As your child(ren)’s first teacher, parents, you prepare your child each year. Your child’s teachers only know them for about nine months. You have known them their entire life. You can be the bridge between your child and the teacher. Parents and teachers should form a partnership to help their children succeed in school. Both of you have certain aspects of learning that each is responsible for. If one of you doesn’t do your part, the child is the one who suffers in the end. Children need early learning benchmarks for school success. How you interact with your children builds essential background knowledge that helps teachers teach in the classroom. This background knowledge builds the foundation for your child’s education. By partnering with your child’s teachers, you can help the teacher in many different ways. For example, teachers teach skills in the classroom, where you apply those to real life. Teachers don’t always have that advantage. Where do I start preparing my child for the school year?
Are they behind in the skills from this past year? If so, I would start there. If they are not skill-specific, look online for the state standards to see what skills the schools teach at each level.
The government created standards so poor students without background knowledge had the same opportunities higher-income families received. Standards use benchmarks as examples of how a child can accomplish the standard. Some state benchmarks will give you what a student should have done the previous year and the year after that specific benchmark. If your child can complete the benchmarks, you can move on to the next benchmark year to continue to challenge your child’s learning.
There are grade-level learning activities that are fun and educational for your children online. If you have access to the internet, you can print off these activities for free. Pinterest is a place to find fun activities for children. You Don't Need to be an Expert! Explore These Resources and Support Options to Support Your Child!Seeing your child struggle in school can bring up trauma in your own learning history but it doesn't have to stop you in your tracks. You have been given a second chance to change your future too! Instead you have to know where to look for ideas and steps. There are many resources to help you learn right alongside your children. If you talk to homeschooled parents, they will tell you they did not know all the information either, but learning beside their children was the best part of homeschooling. Here are some resources you might want to look into:
If your child is really behind, it might be time to consider hiring a tutor for your child. Here is a quiz to find out if you need one. Never Too Late to Get Your Child PreparedYour child might have some learning gaps. But you still have time to fill in those learning gaps before your child gives up on their learning.
Here is a fun and quick way to review skills over the summer. Backyard Summer Camp One idea is to create a backyard summer learning camp for your family. Activities for your summer camp can be simple or as complex as you want them to be. They can include mandatory chores, reading for at least 20 minutes, or fun activities such as cooking fun snacks, painting, getting library books, etc. I am providing you with a blank summer learning camp template so you can add ideas. I made it blank so that it can be customizable for each child. It is never too late to start helping your child succeed. Your teaching does not stop when your child goes to school. Instead, it grows into a partnership with the other teachers to ensure your child succeeds. Here is the link for the Backyard Learning Camp Planning Sheet.
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Reading Revolution: Unleash Your Inner Power Reader in Middle and High SchoolDoes your child feel disconnected from his/her schoolwork? Does your child have trouble putting words to paper? Is your child an ok reader but doesn’t understand what he/she has just read? Does your child find joy in reading? Does your child refuse to read at all costs thinking that it is a stupid activity? You are not alone. Many students in middle school and high school face challenges that make reading feel like a chore. But what if I told you that a revolution was brewing… If you want to learn how to help your child build vocabulary, If you want to show your child the creative world that reading opens up while building critical thinking skills, If you want to finally get your child to love reading without the hassle of begging and pleading with them, …then this blog is for you. Stay tuned to the end of the blog to learn how to help your child become a power reader. Today I am going to talk about what we think literacy is, what it actually is, why you should start with reading, and how to help your child go from struggling reader to power reading in a few short steps. Beyond the ABCs: Rethinking What Literacy Really Means (& Why it Matters!)When you ask someone what they think literacy is, you will hear the following words:
But the reality is there are 3 definitions of literacy. Yes reading and language arts are part of literacy, however there is much more to literacy than that. The three definitions of literacy according to Dictionary.com are
Struggling Readers, Not Broken Learners: How Redefining Literacy Empowers StudentsIn my last blog I talked about the concept of merit. A merit-based system in education makes grades and test scores matter the most, holding struggling students back from feeling their value, worth, and having confidence in themselves. The definitions of literacy further support my statement in that a person’s knowledge doesn’t have to be limited to grades and test scores in order for that person to have merit/value. Click the link if you would like more information on merit, “Unlocking Potential Beyond Grades: How Students find Merit in Learning.” By focusing on grades and test scores, strengths in other areas don’t matter. At Saints Training and Tutoring, we take whatever strengths a student has and apply those strengths to their weaknesses making connections creating a sense of hope for the student. By validating a person’s strengths beyond grades while helping to close the learning gaps, it gives the person hope that they are not defined by their weaknesses. Why Reading is the Foundation For Success: Unlocking Potential Across All SubjectsThis blog is not about merit or literacy. It’s about reading. So why is being a power reader so important especially if you struggle with reading? Reading is in almost every career in some capacity. Reading is in almost everything that you do. Even when you are building something, you have to follow the instructions in order to put it together correctly. Reading is the most important skill to have and will help you advance more than you can imagine. Introducing the Reading RevolutionThe Reading Revolution is a movement dedicated to reigniting a passion for reading in students of all ages. It's about fostering a love of learning that goes beyond just achieving high grades. Whether you find yourself skimming textbooks or dreading assigned novels, the Reading Revolution can help you become an engaged and empowered reader. Why does Reading Matter in Middle School and High School?Strong reading skills are vital for success in all academic subjects. But beyond academics, reading opens doors to new worlds, ignites your imagination, and equips you with critical thinking skills. It allows you to explore diverse perspectives, build empathy, and become a well-rounded individual. The Struggles of Middle & High School ReadersLet’s face it’s rough in middle school and high school in many different ways. Between academic pressure, extracurricular activities, and social demands, finding time and motivation to read can be a challenge. Here are some common hurdles students face:
The Reading Revolution ApproachThe Reading Revolution tackles these challenges head-on by promoting a student-centered approach to reading. Here are some key principles they emphasize:
How You Can Unleash Your Inner Power ReaderWhether or not you're formally participating in a Reading Revolution program, you can incorporate these principles into your own reading life:
Unleash Your Inner Power Reader: Reading Comprehension Hacks!!!Learning to love reading isn't hard. It just takes a few simple strategies to love reading. With Reading Comprehension Hacks guide you'll learn:
Unlocking Potential Beyond Grades: How to Help Students Find Merit in LearningYou know your child is not stupid. They have so much potential. But your child doesn’t apply themselves. Are they being lazy? Or is it something bigger? Time is running out. You can’t protect them forever. You can only protect them for as long as they are in your house. So you need to teach them how to survive adulthood, NOW! What if you could turn things around for your struggling student? A way to change negative thought patterns, the homework situation, and finally help your child succeed? WITHOUT DOING THE WORK FOR THEM! In this post, I am going to discuss what merit is, how it affects the struggling student, and how you can help your child succeed without hindering their progress. Stay tuned until the end where I give you my Mindset Shifts for Student Success worksheet to help you lead your child to success. What is Merit? Redefining Success Beyond GradesWhen I looked at thesaurus.com, it told me words like:
These words made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Like a hot cup of cocoa on a cold, winter day. The traditional concept of meritocracy often focuses on grades and test scores as the sole measures of success. However, this approach can widen the achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. How the Pressure of Merit Affects the Struggling Student’s SuccessWhile striving for excellence is important, the pressure to succeed in a competitive meritocratic system can be demotivating for struggling students in middle and high school. A middle school student is pressured to build a strong learning foundation and have intrinsic motivation when they are transitioning from elementary to high school. They aren’t sure whether to be a kid or an adult. A high school student is pressured to figure out what they want to do with the rest of their life and know the exact steps to get there. If they struggle with taking tests, the thought of college could terrify them. When a student struggles for too long, they start to feel the opposite of merit with feelings such as:
These words make your struggling student feel awful. If these words enter into the mind of a struggling student, they have developed a hole in their heart for learning. In addition to a learning gap! That’s when you feel they are being lazy and not utilizing their potential. Your child has LOST HOPE! Instead they need to foster a growth mindset. Struggles happen to everybody, but they are only temporary and can be fixed. You can help your child focus on their growth rather than their grades or test scores. Empowering Your Child: The Role of a Supportive ParentThis is where you come in. You are your child’s first teacher. There’s a saying that says “Those that can’t do, teach!” When your child was a baby, you couldn’t make them walk or talk, but you did teach them. As your child gets older, it becomes harder and harder to teach them because your family gets busier and busier. You may feel inadequate to teach them educationally because you didn’t learn it right the first time. By focusing on effort, progress, and the joy of learning, parents can create a more equitable learning environment at home that empowers their children to reach their full potential, beyond just grades. Equip your child with the tools to overcome challenges. Download the 'MINDSET SHIFTS' worksheet now! Do’s and Don’ts of Coaching Struggling Students: Fostering Confidence Beyond GradesDO focus on the process: By focusing on the process of life, you understand that the outcome/grade might not always be what you first thought it was going to be. But the process is what is important. DO focus on a growth mindset: A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. DO identify learning obstacles: Grades are only one measurement tool and really don’t tell you the why. By focusing on finding the learning obstacles, you can figure out the why behind the grades. DO support your child: Just because your child is struggling with learning doesn’t necessarily mean they are unreliable in other areas such as responsibilities at home. Your child may not understand why they are struggling or how to fix it, but by supporting them with positive support, your child can feel hopeful that you can figure out the problem and solution together. DO show them how it’s done: Be a good example for your child and show them how to positively approach problems. DON’T focus on grades. Grades are demotivating for struggling students. Mastery of skill is what matters most. Grades just show your child hasn’t mastered the skill or something else is going on. Check out my MINDSET SHIFTS worksheet which offers affirmations to help students value their effort and progress. Get it now! DON’T find replacements for struggles: When a student struggles, the go-to solution is to find something else they are good at and focus on that instead of solving the problem. Learning in this way teaches your child to run away from problems instead of facing them head on. DON’T focus on a fixed mindset: A fixed mindset means that you can’t develop intelligence. For example a student with a learning disability might think that they will always struggle with learning. This is not true. Students with learning disabilities are able to learn how to get around their disabilities as long as they use the correct STRATEGY. My MINDSET SHIFTS worksheet helps students take a challenge and reframe it so that it has actionable steps to take for solving the problem. Get it NOW! Helping Vs Hindering: Fine Line Between Support and EnablingHelping Hindering
You mean well. We all do when we try to help. But what you mean for help, may not be helpful to the child who is struggling. Before you try and “help” your child ask yourself these questions:
Instead focus on mindset shifts to help your child work through their problem. My Mindset Shifts for Student Success Worksheet helps you:
Ready to help your child develop a growth mindset and unlock their full potential? Download the 'MINDSET SHIFTS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS' worksheet today for free! Get your copy today! Remember when we were told in math class that we had to learn how to write out problems because we would never have a calculator in our pockets? Now we do, so we can solve math anytime we want to. Do we really need to require children to fret over memorizing their math facts anymore? Stay tuned for this and other educational myths busted. Myth #1: Memorizing math facts is tedious and unnecessary.Children at a young age soak up information like a sponge, so it is a lot easier to learn your math facts early in life. Memorizing information allows for the brain to focus on higher level thinking skills in order to solve more difficult problems in life. Math skills build on each other so if you don’t have the basics down, it makes math much more difficult. Make learning math facts fun and engaging so that your child wants to learn them instead of dreading them. Yes you could use a calculator for all parts of a problem, however, the calculator only answers the question it is program to answer. If you make a mistake entering the numbers and don't realize it, the calculator is going to give you the wrong answer. If you use Siri to find the answer, remember Siri is also only able to answer what it was programed to answer, so it can be wrong too. (Remember, the young people who use the calculators for everything now, will be the ones programming the computers of tomorrow.) Myth #2: High school students who struggle with reading should avoid reading and go to audiobooks.Michael Jordan was kicked off his high school basketball team. One would say he struggled when it came to high school basketball. Michael didn’t quit working on basketball skills. Instead he worked harder so he could get on the Chicago Bulls. If you struggle with reading, you should increase the amount of reading you do instead of decreasing it. If it helps you can use audiobooks as long as you are following along with the book as it is read to you. Don't just let the audiobook do it for you if you struggle. Studies have shown that we don't retain information as well as when we are interacting with the reading. Myth #3: Reading fluency is the most important skill in reading.Decoding words is only part of reading. How fast or slow you decode means nothing if you don’t comprehend what you are reading. Reading is an interactive activity where you ask yourselves questions to gauge how much you understand what you are reading. At first this might come from others who are asking questions as you are reading, but eventually you start to ask questions without being told to. Anyone who can read is able to increase their speed over time with practice. Myth #4: I hate (fill in the subject) so I can’t help my child with it.Have you ever thought “I can only help my child until this point because I don’t get the new math”? This is a myth. Instead it is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and create memories with your child at the same time. Children need to see their parents overcome their struggles, so they can learn that it is ok to struggle, but it is not ok to give up. Instead of throwing in the towel, look up the skill online and work together to figure out the answer. Myth #5: Discovery learning is the best way to learn for children.Discovery learning is not a new topic even though it seems like it to parents of the Common Core generation. Discovery learning happens when teachers assign projects to complete, word problems in math, or science experiments. Parents are at a loss when helping their children learn because spelling lists, math homework, or textbooks are not coming home for them to look at and discuss. If children don’t have background knowledge of a topic, it is hard for them to be able to figure out where to look for information. Instead, when left to their own devices, children who don’t know what to do become behavior problems and fall farther behind their peers. Myth #6: Children learn best when they control what they learn.There is a certain amount of truth in that when a child gets interested in a topic they should follow their interests and learn more about it. However, there is a certain amount of basic knowledge that needs to be learned in order to be successful. Humanity tends to drift towards knowledge that aligns with their interests, passions, and current reality. Leaving a child to have complete control over their learning when they don’t understand all of the ramifications involved is just plain dangerous. Myth #7: Using a colored strip will help my child read.Special education teachers have used colored transparent slips of plastic in order to highlight words or lines of writing to help struggling readers read. This can help at times, but it can also make it worse for struggling readers. There is a disorder called Irlen Syndrome which happens when the eyes take in too much light and distorts the image the eyes see. It has nothing to do with a person’s eyesight. In fact most eye doctors don’t know anything about Irlen Syndrome so they will dissuade parents and patients from pursuing getting checked out. In order to filter out the light, an Irlen Screener/Irlen Diagnostician will try several colored overlays (clear colored plastic sheets of paper) or combination of overlays to help the client restore the distorted image. Special education teachers on the other hand, randomly pick colored strips without understanding how they work. Myth #8: I am not a teacher so I can’t teach.As any parent should know, they are their children’s first teachers. You spend the first year of life teaching your child to walk and talk. Then you are constantly teaching your child how to be competent and productive adults.
You don’t have to have a teaching degree in order to be able to teach. You just have to know more information than the person you are teaching. You also have to have a level of patience to teach because it will take the learner some time to learn the material. The point is you can help your child learn. Most homeschooling families will tell you that they learned right alongside of their children as they taught them the curriculum. These are just a few of the educational myths out there. Navigating the Transition from High School to Adulthood: Tips and Strategies for SuccessReady to sail through the storm of high school and emerge as a confident adult? Our treasure chest of tips and strategies holds the map to your success. But here’s the secret: It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving in the unknown waters of adulthood. Are you curious to uncover the hidden gems? Let’s embark on this voyage together. Do you have a high school student from curious freshmen to poise seniors, navigating the journey to adulthood? Our tailored strategies await you. And, get ready to unlock a special gift: mastering ACT prep in 30 days or less. Join us on this exciting voyage towards your successful future. The transition from high school to adulthood is a pivotal moment in every students’ life. It’s a time of immense change, growth, and opportunity. However, it can also be a period filled with challenges and uncertainties. Students often find themselves facing important decisions about their education, careers, and personal development. To help you or your child navigate this transition successfully, we’ve compiled a set of valuable tips and strategies. Charting Your Course: The Importance of Clear and Achievable GoalsThe journey to adulthood begins with setting clear and achievable goals. It’s crucial to identify personal interests, strengths, and values to determine the right career and life path. You don’t want your kids to move back into your house after he or she has moved out. Take time to reflect on his or her strengths and weaknesses, interests, passions, and what he or she enjoys doing in his or her free time. Paving the Way to Success: Academic and Career Planning DemystifiedNow that you have determined your child’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, passions, and what he or she enjoys doing in his or her free time, it’s time to plan out the careers that go with it. Your child might be able to take classes while in high school that also correspond with these areas so that he or she can make informed decisions about college or technical school. Researching educational institutions and career options is essential. You don’t want to be spending an enormous amount of money for schooling your child doesn't use! Life Skills 101: Mastering the Fundamentals For AdulthoodIn addition to academics and careers, developing essential life skills is paramount. Budgeting, time management, basic cooking, simple maintenance, yard work, and cleaning are indispensable. Teaching your children these skills not only helps to create competent and independent adults, but also helps you around the house at the same time. Financial Fitness: Navigating the World of Money with ConfidenceFinancial literacy is a critical component of adulthood. Learning about budgeting, saving, and understanding financial responsibilities such as paying bills and investing for the future is essential. Your child should be well-prepared to make informed financial decisions. Higher Education or Alternative Paths: Choosing Your Unique JourneyFor those considering higher education, college readiness is a key aspect. This includes understanding the application process, ACT test prep, scholarships, and financial aid. However, it’s also important to consider alternative pathways like trade schools, apprenticeships, or online education. Striking the Right Balance: Managing Work and Study for Academic SuccessBalancing work and study can be challenging, especially for students who opt to work while pursuing higher education. Effective time management and stress-reduction strategies can help maintain a healthy balance. Navigating the Rapids: Maintaining Mental and Emotional WellnessMental and emotional health should not be overlooked. Managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are crucial. Seek support when needed, and remember that taking care of your well-being is a sign of strength. The Spiritual Compass: Integrating Faith into Your Journey of Personal GrowthFor those with a strong faith, integrating it into personal and career development can be a source of inspiration and guidance. Resources and strategies are available for incorporating faith into decision-making and personal growth. Charting a Course with Mentors and Allies: Your Network for SuccessDon’t hesitate to seek guidance from counselors, mentors, or life coaches. These experienced individuals can provide valuable advice and support during your transition to adulthood. Finding the right mentor or support system can make a significant difference. In conclusion, the transition from high school to adulthood is an exciting journey filled with opportunities for personal and academic growth. By setting clear goals, planning for your education and career, developing essential life skills, and taking care of your well-being, you can embark on this path with confidence. Remember that seeking guidance and support from mentors and advisors can make the journey smoother. Embark on Your Journey with UsIf you’re seeking additional guidance and support during this important transition, we’re here to help. Ready to take the next step on your path to success? We have a special gift for you: our ACT 30-day calendar, designed to help you master ACT preparation in a month or less. Click the link below to grab your free calendar and kickstart your journey to ACT success!
If you are a struggling learner, If you are feeling lost and forgotten by your teachers, If you are needing help and have tried Googling the answers to your questions, Then this article is for you. Are you taking the April 15th ACT and need help with studying? Stay tuned for a special offer. Perfection. It seems like an impossible task. Especially if you are a struggling learner. Is it possible to get closer to perfection if you are a struggling learner? Even if your teachers aren’t helping you find the answers that you need? Of course! But where to start? Love. Wait what? LOVE. How does love help me learn something I have struggled for years to learn? What Quick Learners Do that Struggling Learners Don'tFirst you must answer some questions to get a better understanding of what struggling learners do that quick learners don’t.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are struggling with love. Hear me out. If you had love, you wouldn’t beat yourself up about a mistake. Edison didn’t complain that it took him 10,000 times to make a light bulb. He just kept trying until he got it right. Mistakes can sometimes actually work out in your favor because you learn something that you didn’t know before. Most inventions happen by accident. The power of love: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
Learning is a journey. For some, learning comes naturally. For others, not so much. When you are stressed about learning something, it seems to take twice as long to learn it. Think about it. Think about a time that you were running late for an appointment. Didn’t it seem to take you twice as long to get everything done that you wanted to get done? You seemed to lose all of your stuff which just made matters worse. However, if you are patient and calm, learning comes much more naturally. Now think of a time in which you had plenty of time to get to an appointment. Things went so much smoother that you even hit every green light on the way there. Learning is much the same as getting ready for an appointment. The more time you waste worrying about the results, the less time you have to get yourself ready to learn. I Bet You Didn't Know This!The hardest part about struggling to learn isn’t overcoming it. It’s not?
Multiple Ways to Learn
If you have tried learning a skill one way and it doesn’t work, then try a different way. If you must try as many ways as you can to learn a skill. One or several may actually work and you have learned the skill better than most. Don't Listen to Satan
As you see others learning easily don’t be irritable about it. Don’t hope that something bad happens to someone because they are getting something that you aren’t yet. Be happy for them and pray for them. Satan likes to fill our heads with sinful thoughts and words because he doesn’t like it when something goes well for God’s people. Don’t listen to Satan. Learning is Fun NOT Shameful
If you cheat to find the answers, you have only learned to cheat instead of learning to love learning. Cheating is taking credit for someone else’s hard work. Satan loves to tell us to take the easy way out and not struggle our way through life. That way when you do cheat, you have to hide it for fear of being caught. Satan loves to separate us from people so that we can’t rejoice in the truth. The truth is that God’s way of learning is best and more enjoyable. Instead rejoice when you overcome your learning struggles by finding a strategy that works for you so that you can now teach someone else what you have learned. God brings you together with others to rejoice in your new found learning strategy. Love the Game, Don't Hurt the Player
The burden of learning struggles can be difficult, but the journey to overcome those learning struggles can be the most exciting. As you learn to work through your struggles with love, ultimate love, you become stronger, hope for the future more and believe in yourself. God is Love
No one can take your learning away from you. Once you learn it, it is yours for life. Loving yourself and God helps with the process. Perfection. God is the only one that we know is perfect. By knowing love and loving Him, we can overcome things we never thought were possible. I challenge you, this lent, to reflect on how you love yourself and God. Lent is a time of renewal and reflection. If you are not loving enough, you are longing for something that you can’t reach. God is waiting to help you on your journey. He can’t wait to show you what you CAN DO!
Do you ever wonder where Valentine’s Day comes from? It comes from a man named Valentine. He was a bishop of the church.
He lived during the third century. It was illegal to talk about Jesus and be a Christian at that time. St. Valentine loved talking about Jesus which got him arrested. While in jail, the judge started discussing Jesus with St. Valentine. He wanted proof that Jesus was real. The judge had a daughter who was blind and dared Valentine to prove Jesus was real by healing his daughter of her blindness. Valentine put his hands over the daughter’s eyes and prayed to Jesus to heal her. Jesus did it. The judge was so happy that he fasted and was baptized a Christian along with 44 members of his family. The judge let all of the Christians go. Lies You Have Been Told
Are you like the judge that didn't believe St. Valentine? Do you believe the lies that people tell you about life? When you hear that there is another way to look at life, do you want proof that it works?
Of course you do. We all have listened to the lies of others. We may have even told a few because we didn’t know any better. For example, you may struggle with learning. You may believe that since you struggle, you will always struggle with learning. That is not true. How do I know?
I struggled. I struggled in math and I was supposed to be one of the smart kids.
I also believed the lies that I was never going to be good in math. I even told my Algebra 2 teacher that I was never going to need this class, because I was going to be an elementary teacher. They don’t teach Algebra 2. Boy, did I have to eat those words!!! Have you ever heard of the phrase: “You make plans and God laughs!”?
Yeah.
Well, I made plans to be an elementary teacher. But God had other plans. He helped me be determined to learn math well. He also gave me the passion of teaching other high students how to love math more than I do. What should you do?Remember that today is Valentine’s Day. Today we are supposed to love. Love one another. And love ourselves. In the bible it says in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” To me this verse says that you may struggle now. But you can find a way to succeed, especially in learning. You just haven’t found the right way yet. Steps to Take to Succeed
The first thing you need to do is believe you can use your brain to learn new skills regardless of what it is.
Then set a goal for what you want to learn. Next find a strategy that works to teach you the skill. And finally, practice. Think about something that you are good at. How much did you practice? No, really. You probably practiced it quite a bit before you became good at it. Do the same amount of practice for something you struggle with, and in time, you will be good at that too. As you practice, be patient. It is going to take time to learn something difficult. If it helps do what Valentine did when he needed help. Pray to God for help. Ask Him to open your mind for new strategies to grow. Valentine lived during the third century which was when Romans still controlled the land. Today it’s the 21st century. A lot has changed since Valentine lived. We have more access to information than Valentine did, making it easier to learn new strategies. As you beat your struggles you will see the truth about what you CAN do versus what you CAN’T do. Next week we will take a closer look at 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 to forgive yourself and give yourself grace. Warning: Here’s what every high school parent needs to know about going back to school covid style!Quarantine brings lots of emotions. Fear. Anxiety. Worry Frustration. Doubt. Loneliness Now we watch restaurants, offices, stores, and other businesses open up. But then they close down again or require more safety measures. The current news doesn't help lower our fear because the numbers of new cases keep rising. In less than a month, schools are opening up. We, as a nation--no world-- are scared. Emotions can hurt our ability to think clearly and make good decisions. God’s Guide To UncertaintyIt all boils down to this-- We don’t know what the future is going to bring. But don’t forget, we don’t have to… Because God does know. He tells us so in this verse. I don’t know about you, but this verse gives me peace that I didn’t have before. So what’s the answer? Administrators, teachers, and school staff members have been working hard to figure out how to make school a safe place for EVERYONE to be. You can prepare for school and be ready for anything that comes your way. In this post I am going to share our current reality and how to prepare your high schooler for school no matter where it is this year. Why Covid-19 is Your FriendI know this is hard to swallow…. But hear me out. One thing God showed me about COVID-19 is that I need to slow down and pay attention. My husband and I have been foster parents for three years now. Foster parenting is hard. Our current case has probably been the most eye opening for me because of COVID. I think it has been the best case yet. You see … We got our teenage foster child at the beginning of March, which was around spring break. She barely had time to meet friends before COVID hit. Normally we are constantly rushing around to appointments, family visits, court visits, school activities, and school. But with COVID-19, everything was closed. I believe God knew we needed some time with our new family, so he made us slow down. We were able to get to know each other better by talking, cooking, playing games and watching movies. Since I am a teacher, I was able to learn a little bit about her learning needs also. This is when I created my 31 Day ACT Prep Calendar and we worked through it together. However, it is 5 months later and we’re ready for something normal. As much as homeschooling "seems" to be the best option right now,I am not allowed by DHS. (I work with homeschooling families, and I have learned IT'S NOT FOR EVERYONE) The truth is.. I don’t want to either. Having kids in school gives us a little break. So the thought of online “school at home,” AGAIN, overwhelms me. Maybe it overwhelms you as well? Other people can’t homeschool either, so going back to school is the only option for them. They feel torn between protecting their family and having a house to live in and food to eat. Foster parenting has constant ups and downs. So it has prepared me to make the most of our time together as positive as possible which means I can remember the good times instead of the bad. You can too! Not only that but schools are great places for children to learn. At school, students learn skills that can't be duplicated at home such as group work, speeches, reader's theater, age appropriate games, art, gym time, etc. Please show others grace when they decide to send their children to school. They are just as worried as you are. I do have 4 stress free solutions to prepare for back to school. Here they are! Finally 4 Stress Free Solutions to Back to School Covid Style1. Bring some normalcy, so you can create lasting memories which means there’s hope life will return to normal, eventually.
-Children can sense your fear. -You are the example. Be the example. 2. By showing flexibility and understanding, you teach your child(ren) how to adapt which means they will grow to be competent adults. You may begin the year in the schools and unexpectedly end up at home because someone is “exposed!!!” If we go back to quarantine:
-work it out with other parents or relatives that could help
Wanna Spend Precious Last Moments With Your High Schooler? Learn ACT Prep!3. ACT prep is perfect for high school students because they create lifelong learning habits which means they will succeed at college level courses later.
-Here is my 31 day ACT Prep Calendar for your use. You only have to study for ½ hour per subject.
It’s easier than you think when you have access to the internet. 4. Tutoring helps fill in learning gaps so you can watch your child succeed finally which means you don't have to see them suffer anymore. Quarantine disrupted your child's education in lots of ways. Hiring a tutor can help them succeed in more than one way. Research states that students who don't do any learning over the summer would lose about 6 weeks of education. However we were gone for about 5 1/2- 6 months, which means students will lose at least 6 weeks of education if not more. So what? Isn't everyone behind? Maybe. Some parents might have hired a tutor earlier to prevent the slide. When you start off the year behind, it takes you longer to catch up as new skills are introduced. By hiring a tutor you are giving your child the necessary support to keep on top of their studies and get them ahead. If you would like to hire a tutor, please email me at [email protected] Could these steps work for you?
Just remember the first step is the hardest. Let go and let God take over. God will show you the way, but the steps above will get you started. Sign up for the 31 Day ACT Calendar to get your child ready. How are you preparing for back to school? Leave a comment below. Absolutely Everything You Need to Hire an ACT Tutor
You’re afraid…
Admit it You’re too afraid to tell your friends that you hired a tutor for ACT help. Do you want to know how the professionals get to where they are now? They hire help. First they have an idea. Then they hire help to make the idea a reality. Henry Ford is a prime example. Did you know Henry Ford couldn’t answer basic high school level questions?
He came up with the idea to create a motorized coach that didn’t need horses, but had ‘horsepower’.
However, most people thought he was a uneducated person. His response was, “What I didn’t know, I hired someone to help me figure it out.” Here’s my promise to you by the end of this post you will want to hire a tutor. But first If you don’t ask yourself these questions during high school, you’re doing ACT prep all wrong!
And the list goes on And on. So what’s the secret? Don’t do it alone. Hire an ACT tutor to help you!
Here’s how an ACT tutor can help. A tutor will:
The point is if Henry Ford can hire experts for help, so can you. Save yourself thousands of dollars by doing this one thing.
Can you afford not to?
You have scholarships, grants etc at stake to help you pay for college or trade school. Either that or student loans to pay off. Ask your parents or friend’s parents if those are easy or fun to pay off. Believe me. There are not. Give yourself a chance to get better at the ACT and gain confidence in the process. What’s stopping you from trying this out? Instead of thinking about the negative, think positively. What good could happen if you hire a tutor? The first step is the hardest so fill out this form for a free consultation now. Build Your ACT Prep Skills While Planning a Vacation
The ACT underestimation...ACT skills don’t have to end with the test and here’s how to use them…
The ACT study guide tragedy...Why study guides haven’t helped your child succeed Exclusive access to the ACT daily skill calendar stay tuned for An ACT study calendar that will blow your mind. If you think the ACT is a waste of your time…, If you think there are better options out there, If you want to create lifelong learning habits then this article is for you. What never to do with the ACT? (Unless you want to waste time)
You don’t want to waste all of the time you spent studying and preparing for the ACT to leave it at the test. Take the skills with you wherever you go.
When students come to me for ACT prep, they have already taken the test. Some have studied while others have not. Those students who have studied have used a study guide. However, they struggle to get a high score. Yes, a good score will get you into college and get you scholarships to pay for college, but there are so many more things you can do with ACT skills. Like, plan a vacation. What? Like, plan a vacation.
Research and budgeting, right?
Research is reading critically, and budgeting is math. Two subjects down. Many vacations are related to science. Now all you need to do is figure out how to put English and writing in, and you have the skills of the ACT. Let’s dig deeper. You don’t want to end up in a roach motel, so you must look at the area around the motel/hotel and check out the reviews. Meals take up much of the vacation budget. Most restaurants have online menus with prices and reviews. Transportation is expensive too. But you can save money by booking early. When driving, you can use smartphone apps to compare gas prices. These are just a few of the ways to use ACT skills to plan a vacation. Here are 26 more.
Reading Strategies
ACT English skills see if you can correct grammar, punctuation, and editing of a paper. You can look critically at the website you are studying to check for mistakes. If there are a lot of mistakes, you might want to go somewhere else.
Math You want to make sure that you are on budget during a vacation. Math is the only way to budget.
Science
The ACT science test is all about the scientific method and experiments. As you research your vacation destination, think about why your destination is special and how it was discovered or created.
These are just a few of the ideas that correlate with the ACT test while planning a vacation at the same time. Do you have to learn about the ACT to apply its skills? No, of course not. Applying ACT skills help you create lifelong learning habits.
I would love some feedback from you about how ACT skills could help plan a vacation. Leave a comment below.I would love some feedback from you about how ACT skills could help plan a vacation. Leave a comment below.
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