Surviving the Teen Years - pt 2

Facing Academic and Emotional Challenges
As students make the transition into middle and high school, many adolescents encounter a larger-than-life, more impersonal, more competitive, and grade-oriented environment than they experienced in the primary grades. The National Association of Secondary School Principals states, “In this environment many students’ grades decline, and they do not attend school as regularly as they should. They also develop a more negative view of themselves and feel an increased need for friendships.”
Studies have shown students’ perceptions concerning high school reveal both excitement and fear. According to the National Middle School Association, “They look forward to more freedom and more personal choice. However, they also admit to being ‘nervous’ and ‘scared’ about older students teasing them; getting lost in a larger and unfamiliar school; and, most troubling to teens, is making bad grades.”

What Parents Can Do
Teach your children how to develop the skills, habits, and attitudes that lead to lifelong success. That means recognizing the importance of higher education, actively supporting the goals of the school, and encouraging/requiring school attendance.

You can help your child in many ways:

• Set a good example and turn off the television, iPod or cell phone – and read or write.
• Understand your child’s personal learning style and work with him or her in ways that complement the individual learning process. To determine your child’s learning style, visit the “Parent Resources” area of www.SylvanLearning.com and take the Learning Styles Quiz.
• Keep open communication with your child’s teachers to ensure you are aware if struggles arise.
• Be aware of academic requirements needed for future classes. Does one version of middle or high school algebra lead to college preparatory math, whereas another version fulfills the math requirement but does not prepare the student for more advanced courses in math and science? Help your child keep his or her college and career options open by helping to select the “right” courses.
• Foster your teen’s strengths, talents and interests. Give praise for increased effort and celebrate successes.

Surviving the Teen Years - pt 1

Does thinking about the first day of school hatch butterflies in your stomach wondering how to navigate around a large and new school, if friendships will be developed, and whether homework will become overwhelming? If you are asking yourself these questions as a parent, imagine the uncertainty your child feels as he or she begins the journey to middle or high school.

Middle and high school are times of great change, numerous “firsts” and transitions. Thankfully, you and your tween or teen don’t have to cope with the impending changes all at once, and certainly not during the first few weeks of the new school year.

As your child prepares for heading back into the classroom, what is important during this vital transitional period?

Parental Involvement
Ask parents who has the most influence over decisions and behaviors of their children and most will reply, “Their peers.” Yet, research confirms that when teens are asked who has the most input over their actions, they overwhelmingly reply, “My parents.”

Despite the eye-rolling and often demonstrated (and completely natural) push for independence, middle and high school students need you - their parents. Who better can provide the guidance, direction, love, and support to guide them into adulthood?

Yet, a National Middle School Association study confirms that parental involvement too often declines during the crucial secondary school years. Among children in kindergarten through Grade 5, 69 percent of parents were highly involved in school. Among children in grades 9 through 12, however, only 39 percent were involved in their children’s school activities.

According to the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the reason for this decline in parental involvement, just as teens are entering middle and high school, is two-fold. First, maturing children have a growing need to develop a sense of self and independence that is separate from their families. The PTA reports, “Teenagers begin to weigh choices and consequences, make more decisions on their own, learn from their mistakes, and establish their own set of values to guide their decisions and actions. They begin refusing help from their parents.”

Second, parents’ roles begin changing, in order for children to develop self-identity. While parents continue to offer encouragement and guidance, they begin stepping back a little in all aspects of their children’s lives in order to show their respect for their children’s growing independence. The PTA recommends, “Parents must begin to let adolescents make their own choices - good and bad - and have teenagers take responsibility for their actions and decisions.”

What Parents Can Do
Talk with your tweens and teens in ways that encourage information sharing about school activities and their personal concerns while reinforcing your support – emotionally and academically.

Discussion questions for parents and teens include:
• Discuss what worries you most about the middle/high school transition years. Ask your teen what are his or her biggest concerns?
• Parents, what is the best way to know how things are really going at school? Discuss with your child how best to strike a balance between involvement and independence in the teen years.
• High school parents, talk to your teens about what they want in a university. How much stress does he or she feel during the admissions process?

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Getting in Gear: A Back To School Survival Guide - part 2

Despite the warm temperatures and sunny skies, many students are feeling a shadow looming as back to school season creeps closer. After weeks of lazy, summer days, late nights, varying routines and minimal mental stimulation, the return to school can seem overwhelming to students of all ages.

To help students get ready for the new school year, here are several tips to ease the transition from the beach to the classroom and jumpstart sluggish summer brains.

For many students, the first day of school doesn’t only bring new teachers and new friends - it can also be a source of anxiety with homework assignments and tests just around the corner. Starting the school year off on the right foot can help minimize students’ stress levels throughout the year.

Get Cleaning. A dirty, cluttered room is not conducive to studying. Get organized before homework starts piling up.
• Remove seldom-worn clothing.
• Pack away belongings not used on a regular basis.
• For smaller children, label areas so they can easily see where belongings should go.

Carve Out A Homework Spot. Whether it is in your bedroom, the basement, or a family office, find an area where you can work distraction-free and claim it as your official workspace.
• Pick a place that is always available and where you feel comfortable doing schoolwork.
• Stock the area with all of the supplies and tools that are needed to complete homework.

Get Organized. Organization is key to ensure you stay on top of the requirements for each subject.
• Use separate, labeled notebooks for each class.
• Create files for each subject. The folders can hold assignments, essays, handouts and notes taken during classes.
• Purchase a planner or calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines.

Set Educational Goals. Whether it is striving for an A in a certain subject, handing in all homework on time or preparing for tests well in advance, setting goals can help establish a routine for the new year.
• Set goals that are measurable, specific, reasonable and have personal value.

Stay On Schedule. Minimize last minute cramming or deadline mix-ups by creating a detailed school schedule.
• Include all classes, assignments and key dates, such as project deadlines and test dates. Fill in new dates as they arise.
• Schedule specific times for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more thorough the schedule, the more helpful it will be to you.

Know The School. If you ever feel swamped with back to school madness, ask for help. Schools assist students with transitioning from one grade to another. Meet with your guidance counselor and/or teachers. If you are still nervous, ask your mom or dad to drop you off at school on the first day of class.

Be Adventurous. Step out of your comfort zone this school year by trying new things academically and in terms of extracurricular activities.
• Try every type of class and/or activity. You never know what your strengths are until you experience as much as you can.
• Challenge yourself. If you have the opportunity, take the hardest classes - not the easiest subjects.
• Ask questions. There is nothing wrong with not always knowing the answer. Asking questions is the best way to learn!

Think Positive. Yes, going back to school means homework and early mornings. It also means reconnecting with old friends, meeting new people, resuming fun extracurricular activities, learning more about your favorite subjects and improving on your last year’s performance.

Getting in Gear: A Back To School Survival Guide - part 1

To help parents and children get ready for the new school year, here are several tips to ease the transition from the beach to the classroom and jumpstart sluggish summer brains.

While the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn to prepare lunches, fighting over appropriate school attire and regulating the amount of television watched might have you frazzled, take solace in the fact that you can play a big part in getting your children motivated and excited to tackle a new school year.

The following are helpful ideas to ease kids of all ages back into learning mode:

Help Your Child Discover His/Her Learning Style. Because each child is special, with different learning styles and academic needs, it is important to personalize the learning process. People learn in at least eight different ways, according to the Multiple Intelligences Theory: visually, verbally, physically, mathematically, musically, naturalistically, through group activity or through quiet thinking time. Talk to your child’s teachers about your child’s learning strengths and how best to support them.

Get Back In The Routine. Ease the transition from lazy summer days to the structure of the school year by re-establishing bedtime, mealtime, reading and homework routines. Talk with your child about the importance of structure and how routines help ensure that he is not overtired or overly anxious about schoolwork.

Develop A Family Event Calendar. One of the most helpful tools for getting organized is a family event calendar. To ease the chaos, track school programs, volunteer work and after-school activities. Family time management is essential if you are going to avoid the tumultuous frenzy of disorganization.

• Depending on your children’s ages, this calendar can be on construction paper with large squares to write in all necessary information, or it can be produced on a white board so that it is easy to revise.

• If it is color-coded by family member, you can clearly see who has an activity scheduled and when the event occurs.

• Place the calendar near the telephone, so when a friend’s mother calls to invite your child to a birthday party, you will know instantly whether it fits within your family plans.

Purchase School Supplies In Advance. Avoid the last-minute rush by purchasing supplies at least one week in advance. Take your child. She can feel excited and in control by choosing her favorite colors and designs.

Be a Cheerleader. Encourage your child to share any concerns he has about returning to school. Reinforce positive feelings by talking with your child about learning and achievement. Support his academic interests and encourage him to get involved in extracurricular activities at school.

In Part 2, we'll discuss ways that students can get ready for that eventful time - back to school!

Take the Test......

Take a look and see how Book Adventure challenges its readers!

Charlotte's Web by White, E. B.

1: What did Fern like best about the fair?
She liked to eat the food with Avery.
She liked to watch the livestock competition with Lurvy.
She liked to ride the Ferris wheel with Henry.
She liked to sneak into the sideshows with Charlotte.

2: Why did Templeton agree to help save Wilbur's life?
Templeton owed Charlotte a favor.
Templeton liked Wilbur.
Templeton was known for his generosity.
Templeton's survival depended on Wilbur's survival.

3: Who heard the animals talking?
Avery
Lurvy
John Arable
Fern

4: What was the first message in the web?
"Terrific"
"Some pig"
"Radiant"
"Humble"

5: How did Wilbur get Charlotte's egg sac to the farm?
He buried it in the straw and wrapped his legs around it.
He put it in his mouth and carried it on his tongue.
He put it in his left ear and tilted his head to one side.
He put it on Templeton's back and slowly breathed on it.

6: What happened to Wilbur?
He ran away with Templeton to see the world.
He stayed in the Zuckerman's barn.
He went to live with Fern.
He became Christmas dinner for the Zuckermans.

7: Who was Homer Zuckerman?
Fern's boyfriend
the school teacher
the town doctor
Fern's uncle

8: Who was Lurvy?
Fern's brother
Homer Zuckerman's horse
Fern's dog
Homer Zuckerman's hired hand

9: What happened to Charlotte?
She stayed at the Zuckerman's farm until Wilbur died.
She died at the fair.
She made a balloon of silk and the wind blew her away.
She moved into the Arable's barn.

10: What did Wilbur win at the fair?
twenty-five dollars and a bronze medal
twenty-five dollars and a gold ring
twenty-five dollars and a blue ribbon
twenty-five dollars and a parchment certificate

Free ACT/SAT Testing

More than three million college admissions tests are administered each year, making the SAT and the ACT two of the most important exams that a high school student will ever take. In order to perform at their best, students should become familiar with the style and types of questions on the tests, in order to avoid “trap-door answers.” Above all, students need to work through as many practice questions and tests as possible in the weeks and months leading up to the actual exam.

Our centers will be offering free practice exams to take place in the centers on the following dates:

• August 29, 2009
• October 10, 2009
• December 5, 2009
• February 13, 2010
• April 17, 2010

Contact us today to reserve your spot for a free practice exam.

Summer reading is in full force!

Summer reading is in full force. Young readers are attending library programs in record numbers and young readers are searching for what book to read next. If you're not sure what book you want your children to read, just visit this easy-to-use online search tool, created by Sylvan Learning called Book Adventure. It assists you and your children with finding age appropriate and interest-appropriate books.

From the Book Adventure Website:
Using Book Adventure, young readers not only receive the intrinsic satisfaction of reading a book and demonstrating their comprehension through short quizzes, but also earn rewards for reading and demonstrating comprehension of the books they've read. Research has shown that providing extrinsic incentives can build a love of reading that lasts a lifetime. Book Adventure is the first Web-based, organization dedicated exclusively to motivating children to read using a technology platform.

To find books, use the Web site's pull-down menus to select grade level, reading level, fiction or non-fiction, and up to five genres. You can also search by author, title, or ISBN–just click on the orange “Search” star (all with the encouragement of Bailey the pink-nosed dog and other cartoon friends). The handy “5 Finger Test” will help kids to determine whether a book they've chosen is too hard for them. Children who are serious about reading tons of books will relish the challenge of tackling Sylvan's entire list of 7,000 recommended titles, available in either HTML or Excel format by clicking on "Book List" (found on the right of the homepage).

Read a report on Book Adventure by Gail Junion-Metz in School Library Journal, 6/30/2009

Summer is the Perfect Time to Prepare for the ACT/SAT

Two of the most important college entrance requirements are a student's academic record and performance on the SAT or ACT achievement test. Increasing a student's SAT or ACT score can increase the likelihood of acceptance into a student’s first choice of college and help bring opportunity for increased scholarship money to the school. Also, successfully graduating from a college or university can help increase earnings by more than four to ten times than a student without a college degree. Therefore, a vital first step in helping students realize their dreams is to help them effectively prepare for the SAT or ACT.

“Interesting and targeted summer programs and test prep can help your teen better prepare for the competitive college admissions process,” explains Rusty Greiff, vice president of Sylvan Learning College Prep. “Summer is a perfect time to ‘get ahead’ through SAT/ACT test prep classes as well core subjects that will help your teen reach his or her full potential.”

College admissions today are more competitive than at any time. New tools, such as the common application, encourage students to apply to more schools. This increases the competition, making it more difficult for students to gain acceptance into the colleges and universities that were once seen as safe bets.

What does this mean for students?

“A well-rounded application, including strong SAT and ACT scores, is critical,” adds Greiff. “Getting into the right college requires a great deal of time, effort and careful planning – as early as Freshman year of high school – for students and their families.”

Report Card Anxiety

Parents around the country will soon be receiving their children's report cards. The following tips, devised by the education professionals at Sylvan Learning Center, are designed to help parents provide their children with positive and constructive responses during what is often a challenging time.

1. Communicate with your child throughout the six or nine-week report period. Don't wait until the report cards are issued -- it's too late then.

2. Clearly communicate your expectations to your child. Also, determine if your expectations are realistic considering the student's ability level.

3. Establish academic goals together with your child. These should be both short and long range and must be appropriate to the age of the child.

4. Meet with your child's teachers. Explore what resources the school offers students such as tutors, homework centers, pre-school day classes or online subject support.

5. Discuss problem areas with your child's teacher. Any skill deficiencies that are causing performance problems must be correctly identified and addressed.

6. Establish a study plan with your child. He/she needs to develop regular study habits and to spend an adequate amount of time daily on homework and studying for tests.

7. Recognize and praise your child's successes. For example, with an elementary school age child, you might talk about how pleased you are about better behavior in class.

8. Get help immediately if you see a problem. Don't fall prey to your child's promise to do better. He may not be able to correct certain issues without help from the adults in his life.

9. Stay in touch with your child's school counselor. The link between home and school is vital. The counselor can request periodic progress reports between grading periods and set up conferences with teachers, parents and students when necessary.

10. Think about what motivates your child. Positive motivators include offering rewards, such as money, video games, CD's, a driver's license or driving privileges, for improved grades. Consequences include grounding your child, restricting phone/Internet time and taking away other privileges such as use of the family car.

11. Reward your child for a good report card. Rather than giving money, spend extra time with your child, go for a walk together, take a family excursion or go to a favorite restaurant.

12. Be sure to keep report cards in perspective. Remember that this is just one measure at one particular time of how your child is doing.

13. Follow these simple STUDY rules:

S - Stay on top of your child's study schedule. Be aware of assignments and whether your student is using time effectively to tackle homework.

T - Team with your child, the teacher and counselor. Work together to develop a meaningful contract that clearly outlines expectations and sets desired goals.

U - Use a daily assignment planner and project calendar.

D - Define your child's deficiencies and identify the skills that are needed to address the performance problems.

Y - You are your child's greatest advocate. Be a partner to help your student achieve his/her highest academic potential.

Summer Reading for High School Students

Drama, Adventure and Classic Romance - great books to captivate your high school students this summer!

High School

Grade 9:
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, or, on the Segregation of the Queen by Laurie R. King
My Antonia by Willa Cather

Grade 10:
Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
Series of Unfortunate Events series by Lemony Snicket

Grade 11:
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

Grade 12:
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift and Pat Rogers
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Reading List for the Middle School Student

Looking for ways to keep your Middle School student engaged this summer? Here are a few suggested readings to inspire any imagination and exercise those reading skills!

Middle School

Grade 6:
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley and Keith Ward

Grade 7:
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Grade 8:
Briar Rose by Jane Yolen
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

For additional resources go to our Parent Resource Center at:

Summer Reading List - Elementary Students

To help to encourage reading throughout the summer - here's a list to get your young students engaged!

Elementary School

Kindergarten:
Whose Mouse Are You? by Robert Krause
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Grade 1:
Anansi the Spider by Gerald McDermott
Cork and Fuzz by Dori Chaconas

Grade 2:
The Principal’s New Clothes by Stephanie Calmenson
Henry and Mudge by Sucie Stevenson and Cynthia Rylant

Grade 3:
10-Step Guide to Living With Your Monster by Laura Numeroff
Aladdin: The Magical Tale of a Boy and his Wonderful Lamp by Rosalind Kerven

Grade 4:
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
If You Lived 100 Years Ago by Ann McGovern

Grade 5:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Ronald Dahl
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

No More Teachers, No More Books – The last month of the school year is a time to prepare for Transition

Only about a month to go until school is out. For students, teachers and parents alike, the last weeks of school can be both exciting and challenging. Students are looking forward to the summer break and, as a result, their interest in schoolwork may wane. Teachers are completing the strenuous state assessment tests and now have a classroom of students more interested in summer than science. For parents, the end of one school year signals the impending start of another one. So, how do you ensure your child is ready to tackle the next grade?

The end of the school year is really a time to prepare for transition - the transition from one grade to another - but also the transition from in-classroom learning to the continuous learning that takes place outside of school.

At this time of year, Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages and skill levels, advises parents to focus on three areas - helping their children make the most of the final weeks of school, knowing what the next grade level will bring and looking for ways to inspire learning during the summer break.

What Parents can do to make the most of the last weeks of school and prevent the Summer Loss

Take advantage of the final days of the current School Year
• You can help your children review by asking them to show you what they’ve learned or by working through homework problems together.
• Schedule a last meeting or discussion with your child’s teacher. Identify successes and challenges.
• Help your child stay motivated about school so he gains the full benefit of his final days in the classroom by putting a reward system in place.
• Have a conversation every day about school.

Know what the next grade level will bring.
• Speak to your child’s current teacher or a teacher in the next grade about the upcoming curriculum.
• Ask about new subjects and changes in focus. For example, in 4th grade, students usually begin to “read to learn” rather than “learn to read.” If your 3rd grade student is struggling with her reading, this summer would be a good time to focus on improving reading skills.
• If the next year will mean a change in schools - such as entering high school - take advantage of orientation sessions where you and your child can learn more about the new school.

Design summer vacation activities that are both fun and educational
• Continue reading throughout the summer. www.bookadventure.com. Book Adventure is a free, Sylvan-created, interactive, reading motivation program. Students choose their own books from more than 7,000 titles, take short comprehension quizzes and redeem their accumulated points for small prizes. Book Adventure also offers teacher and parent resources and tips to help children develop a lifelong love of reading.
• Plan family activities that are fun, interactive and educational. To help families get started, Sylvan Learning offers a free activity booklet entitled, Family Learning Fun. The booklet provides seven different ideas and activities that will help sustain and renew your children’s interest in learning and discovery. It is available in the “Resources for Parents” section on the Sylvan Learning Web site.
• Develop writing skills by writing or emailing pen pals.
• Register students for summer camps. To make the most of summer, look for camps that provide an academic focus. Programs should offer a broad selection of courses built to suit individual needs while targeting specific subjects and offering a small group environment. When selecting an academic camp, look for programs with:
o Proficiency in the subject of your choosing
o Tutors with experience teaching children the same age as your child
o Flexibility in scheduling

A "Shiny Star"

I just wanted to give a testimonial for Sylvan Learning Center in Solon. My daughter is in the first grade at Hope Academy Chapelside. She struggled so much during the first quarter in reading that it was times when we both would sit at the kitchen table during homework and cry from frustration. Her teacher and I tried to help her as much as we could yet she still struggled. By the end of the 1st quarter she had a very low C boarding on a D. As a mother I could not stand by and watch her fail. That's when my family and I decided to send her to Sylvan at the beginning of the second quarter in school. Within 8 weeks she brought her grade in reading up to a B and she is working on trying to get an A. Not only did she bring her grade up but she has so much more confidence when she reads. She recently received a "Shiny Star " award for reading from her school. So her mind is at ease and mine is also. I know if it was not for Sylvan she and I would still be faced with frustration and sadness. It does my heart good to see her happy when she pulls out a book now. The center that she goes to is so warm, friendly and helpful! Sylvan is most definitely worth the investment in any child's future. Thank You So Much Sylvan!!

Sincerely,

N.H.