1. Tutoring is meant for students who are struggling. Perhaps the most common misconception about tutoring is that it should be reserved for students who have already fallen behind. In fact, many tutors work with students who are excelling in their education. Tutors can be a helpful resource for students already on top of their academic game, especially those currently enrolled in honors or AP classes. Of course, for students who are facing academic challenges, tutors are an incredibly effective resource to help get back on track.

2. Tutoring is expensive. Some families worry that private tutoring will be a costly investment that requires a lengthy commitment. Contrary to this belief, affordable tutoring options are available! Private tutoring allows for a lot more flexibility in terms of scheduling and consistency (how often sessions are conducted).

3. Tutoring just “won’t work” for some students. For students struggling with their academics, learning gaps can begin to form that further compound the problem. In many cases, these students simply aren’t being taught in a way that “clicks” with their way of understanding.   We believe that students should be individually matched with their tutors based on their personalities, learning styles, and academic needs. Many students are surprised at how quickly they are able to close gaps in their learning simply by working at their own pace with a tutor that can answer any questions they have along the way.  We believe that all students can benefit from private tutoring when it has been tailored to their individual needs.

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As students tackle distance learning during the coronavirus pandemic, it may be a challenge doing school when in fact they are studying at home. Parents can create a cool designated space that has few distractions and that can  inspire learning.   

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This space should only be used for school and housed with a student desk or table and a ergonomic chair.  Remind them that this is their office space and they need to treat the area with respect.  The child should have a designated laptop with camera and great wifi access.  

 

The  space should be filled with all necessary supplies.  

• Cup filled with writing utensils, storage container, writing paper.

• Include stress relievers like a squishy ball. Some kids can concentrate better when they’re allowed to fidget, or have soothing background noise. 

• If your child is unable to sit in one place for a long time, try an exercise ball for a chair. You can also let your child know that it’s okay to stand while doing assignments.

• Relaxing, classical music can set the perfect tone. Just avoid turning on a television.​

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Remember movement breaks and healthy snacks. 

• After working for 30 to 45 minutes, leave the “office” space to take a break.  Go outside and engage in a physical activity.  

• After the break –  have a healthy snack and return to work.

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Your child’s “home office” should also serve as their homework station, study zone and creative workplace – which will set them up for lots more academic success.

What is A-G?

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High school students should pass A-G classes with a grade "C" or better to:

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• Get admitted to a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU)

• Prepare for college-level work

• Gain essential skills for a career

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High school students should ask their guidance counselor to make A-G part of their:

A) 2 years - History/Social Science
B) 4 years - English
C) 3 years - Math
D) 2 years - Laboratory science
E) 2 years - Language other than English

F) 1 year - Visual and performing arts

G) 1 year - Elective

Boys stay hungry and they always stand in front of the open refrigerator searching for something to eat–approximately 10 minutes after they last ate something. Our grocery bill is close to $1000 a month, feeding 3 sons.  

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Here are some healthy protein snacks to consider:

 

• Eggs: Hard-boiled, deviled, scrambled

  • Easy Scrambled Egg Muffins

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• Veggie burger or nuggets

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• Jerky (beef or turkey)

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• Meatballs (frozen or homemade)

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• Tofu (baked or air-fried)

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• Shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or grilled chicken

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• Chicken nuggets

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• Roasted chickpeas

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• Nuts (pistachios, almonds, cashews)

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• Edamame

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• Energy balls/bites

  • No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

  • Tuna or chicken salad

  • Sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter

  • Quiche

  • Protein-rich bars or shake

  • Peanut Butter Breakfast Shake

  • Refried beans

  • Bean dip

  • Protein shake

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 When effectively organized and led, there are many benefits of holding family meetings for children and parents. Family meetings builds confidence and trust among parents and siblings.   Family meetings strengthen relationships and foster core developmental abilities in kids of all ages. These abilities prepare children for youth leadership positions in their schools and communities as they mature and develop. Holding family meetings is an intentional way to help raise genuinely loving and successful kids with internal abilities that help them navigate through life. Meetings provide a regular opportunity to:

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• Learn about each other and the world.

• (Curiosity)

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• Practice communication skills.

• (Sociability)

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• Overcome challenges together.

• (Resilience)

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• Reflect on feelings.

• (Self-awareness)

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• Live your family values.

• (Integrity)

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• Set and achieve shared goals.

• (Resourcefulness)

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• Have fun and inspire one another.

• (Creativity)

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• Appreciate and understand your loved ones.

• (Empathy

We all learn differently, and we each have our own style of studying. No two people are exactly the same when it comes to study preferences. To get the most out of your studying, it's important to better understand what works for you, and what doesn't. To get started we recommend printing out the study skills checklist below. Once you've done this, read each statement and determine if it applies to you. If it does, then mark Y. If it doesn't, mark N. The purpose of this checklist is to provide you a basic self assessment of your study habits and attitudes, so you can identify study skills areas where you might want to focus on improving

1. Y__ N__ I spend more time than necessary studying for what I am learning.

2. Y__ N__ It's common for me to spend hours cramming the night before an exam.

3. Y__ N__ If I dedicate as much time as I want to my social life, I don't have enough time left to focus on my studies, or when I study as much as I need to, I don't have time for my social life.

4. Y__ N__ I often study with the TV or radio turned on.

5. Y__ N__ I struggle to study for long periods of time without becoming distracted or tired.

6. Y__ N__ I usually doodle, daydream, or fall asleep when I go to class.

7. Y__ N__ Often the notes I take during class notes are difficult for me to understand later when I try and review them.

8. Y__ N__ I often end up getting the wrong material into my class notes.

9. Y__ N__ I don't usually review my class notes from time to time throughout the semester in preparation for exams.

10. Y__ N__ When I get to the end of a chapter in a textbook, I struggle to remember what I've just got done reading.

11. Y__ N__ I struggle to identify what is important in the text.

12. Y__ N__ I frequently can't keep up with my reading assignments, and consequently have to cram the night before a test.

13.Y__ N__ For some reason I miss a lot of points on essay tests even when I feel well prepared and know the material well.

14. Y__ N__ I study a lot for each test, but when I get to the test my mind draws a blank.

15. Y__ N__ I often study in a sort of disorganized, haphazard way only motivated by the threat of the next test.

16. Y__ N__ I frequently end up getting lost in the details of reading and have trouble identifying the main ideas and key concepts.

17. Y__ N__ I don't usually change my reading speed in response to the difficulty level of what I'm reading, or my familiarity with the content.

18. Y__ N__ I often wish that I was able read faster.

19. Y__ N__ When my teachers assign me papers and projects I often feel so overwhelmed that I really struggle to get started.

20. Y__ N__ More often than not I write my papers the night before they are due.

21. Y__ N__ I really struggle to organize my thoughts into a logical paper that makes sense.

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If you answered "yes" to two or more questions in any category listed below, we recommend working on these areas with your parents and tutuors. If you have one "yes" or less in one of the categories, you are probably proficient enough in that area that you don't require additional study help. However, no matter how you score it's always advisable to review all study guides to help you improve your study skills and academic performance.

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• Time Scheduling - 1, 2, and 3.

• Concentration - 4, 5, and 6.

• Listening & Note taking - 7, 8, and 9.

• Reading - 10, 11, and 12.

• Exams - 13, 14, and 15.

• Reading - 16, 17, and 18.

• Writing Skills -19, 20, and 21.