elementary (k-6th) Articles

What is the best way to ensure your child will be successful in Math? It may surprise you, but it only takes 5 minutes a day and will cost you as little as $1.00.

Today, go to a dollar store, your nearest discount retailer, office supply superstore, or online retailer and purchase a deck of Math Fact cards. Memorizing addition and subtraction facts are perfect for students in K-1, even before they comprehend the concepts, because mathematics is learned much like any language. Children learn words and phrases through repetition and begin to use them when they figure out what they mean.

In addition, memorization of addition and subtraction facts lays the foundation for multiplication and division, which enable students to acquire new mathematical skills. The downside? If children do not memorize these facts, then they will always fall behind. I have seen many students in junior high struggle through pre-algebra, because they never took the time to lay a strong foundation.

Do your child a favor by forcing him or her to spend 5 minutes a day or more with you memorizing math facts. By the way . . . make it a game.

As a new WyzAnt tutor, I am excited about the opportunity to get back into tutoring and focus all my working attention to being successful. As tutors and students, we should all be excited about what we are doing even if it can be difficult sometimes.

Part of my success as a student and as a teacher/tutor has been bringing excitement into the classroom. Students who get exited about learning are far more successful than students who are not excited. As a teacher/tutor, I need to come up with lessons that will engage students using creative ideas from myself or other resources. As a Sunday School teacher, I have dressed up as a Biblical character, created a classroom to resemble the first days of creation, used the entire building to recreate the Easter story, and other creative ideas that teachers before them had never given them an opportunity to experience. Learning needs to be worth the student's time. If the students are excited or interested in what you are bringing to the table, then they will try harder to learn what you teach.

To all the tutors and students reading this: don't lose your passion. Things will get difficult at times, but if you stay positive, it will help you to keep thinking why you do what you do, and you will be the best that you can be.

How well do you know yourself as it pertains to learning? Some people can sit and listen to a lecture and absorb all of the information needed. Others must write the information down or see it in action. It pays to know what style of learner you are so that you can maximize your educational experiences.

Here are some free tests to score your learning style:
http://www.learning-styles-online.com/inventory/
http://www.2learn.org/learningstyles.html

Note that when you have discovered what style best suits you, you are able to communicate that information with your tutor and/or teacher. The person(s) should be receptive to this information and use it as they plan their lessons for the future.

Whenever I child is stuck on a subject or a concept, I personally take time before working with the child to construct a full plan. The full plan includes many different techniques to expose the child to the concept or subject at hand. Most often schools do not have the time or the budget to have a child use all their senses to explore a concept. Some students need that immersion. When a student is immersed they will not have to remember anything because they will learn it and want to learn more about it.

To Whom It May Concern,

I have had the privilege of knowing Barbara in both a personal & professional capacity for 5 years. When we first met it was because I was looking for a tutor for my youngest daughter. I had screened several applicants before finding Barbara as the perfect match for my daughter. From the start Barbara was warm and welcoming and she took a real interest in my daughter. One of the things I liked most about her was that she always was on time and she came prepared to tutor. She not only helped my daughter with her homework but she also prepared worksheets of her own and shared them with my daughter.

At the time we met my daughter was struggling at a below basic academic level. Barbara tutored her in both Math & Language Arts. By the end of her first year with us I could already see my daughter’s confidence blooming. Maleia’s academic growth was obvious; her grades were improving and slowly I could see her coming out of her shell. Over the next few years Barbara continued working with my daughter. Their relationship bloomed from teacher/student to mentor/friend.

As a direct result of Barbara’s tutoring my daughter submitted an essay to the California Association of Compensatory Education (CACE) and won 1st place in this state wide contest. Something I would of never dreamed possible with her previous ‘below basic’ scores.

It is my pleasure to recommend Barbara. I know that she will be a positive impact in the life of all the students who are lucky enough to have her as their tutor.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Tammy W.

-----

Summer Camp Education!

My wife and I are excited with the level of care and preparation you have put into the plan for our children. We know that you are the only person for the job due to your dedication and understanding of our desires. We will follow very closely to ensure that you have all the support you will need to ensure that our children's learning is maximized and their opportunities are broadened.  ( Language Arts and Early Reading Phonics )

Very Respectfully,
Frank B., Ensign
United States Navy