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.