Daily morning pledge packs a powerful punch!

We came across this video of a father and son practicing some self-affirming talk!  As parents, the power of our words and our praise are unbelievable!  Enjoy their interaction!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1LzQUxVo_M


At the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville, we practice this affirmation as well.  We are an extension of your support system for your child.  Give us a call at 268-8556 to learn how we can partner with you to make sure your child is successful!

The Answer for Teens who are Struggling!

Many of our high school students here at the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville struggle with at least one or two of the issues highlighted in this article!  Let's face it, there is a lot of pressure in middle school and high school and our teens can carry a pretty heavy load when we account for their school, homework, friends, church, athletics, performing arts, and all their extra curricular activities!


We have great news for you!  We can  help with most of these issues!  Consider enrolling your student in our Study Skills and Homework Help programs.  If your student is on grade level but is having a hard time keeping up with everything, these are excellent solutions for them.  It also frees you up to be the parent.  No more having to struggle with keeping them organized and trying to help them with homework you probably don't remember how to do! 


Our high school students are rewarded by us quarterly for good grades and we monitor them weekly to try and keep them on track.  We teach organization and good study habits; we instill confidence and personal accountability; and we encourage them to strive for excellence. 


If this sounds great to you, give us a call at 268-8556!











http://parentingteens.about.com/od/highschool/ss/teen_issues.htm

Keep Learning through our everyday Activities!

We are all always learning, but many of us fail to realize just how attentive and eager our children are to soak up more information!  As we enter the Christmas season, where it is easy to get sidetracked with all the festivities and excitement, we at the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville want to encourage you to use this time to help your children continue to learn!  Cater to their learning style to help them comprehend the world around them.

 

For example, these hands-on activities really help drive home some learning principles:

 

• When wrapping gifts, show them how folding in the sides makes right triangles
• When shopping, teach them about sales tax, percentages, estimating, etc - anything to do with money and numbers is great!
• When baking or cooking, let them help you with measurements - they need to know how much a cup is versus a tablespoon!

 

And when your children ask questions, do your best to answer them in a way they will understand.  And if you don't know the answer, look it up together and that way you both learn something!

 

 

Tutors for All Subjects!

At the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville, we employ some of Jacksonville's best and brightest! Our tutors are experts in our fundamental curriculum for building the math and reading skills most of our students need, but they are also well-versed in almost every other subject our students encounter.  Foreign languages, higher level sciences and math courses, government and history, etc.

Whatever your need is, please call us now at 268-8556 to see how we can help.

And enjoy this video of this extremely smart toddler!  Maybe she will come work for us when she is older!

https://youtu.be/7nGz7xgGJzc

What can we help you with?

At the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville, we focus on the complete student.  We definitely help fill learning gaps and that is the foundation of our business. But we also help build a better student and a better individual.  We work on communication skills and respect, along with building self-confidence and a stronger work ethic.


Call us today at 268-8556 to discuss what is going on with your child.  We can help.  We make a difference.

I got my child's report card, and now what??

The first quarter report cards are about to come out and fear and dread are some of the emotions that many students and parents are feeling right now. If this is you, please read on. You can find relief at the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville.

There are many factors that contribute to less than acceptable grades like lack of knowledge, lack of discipline, lack of self-confidence, lack of hope, lack of a sense of urgency, and the list can go on.  In the meantime, your child struggles with homework, says they hate school, and just doesn't seem to care. What is a parent to do??

We can assure you, we are familiar with this scenario. It plays out over and over with students and parents that come to us for help.  And the best news is, we can and do help!

We will test your child to see where their strengths and weaknesses are and will then design a custom curriculum for them, based on what they need the most help on. We then fill those learning gaps while at the same time, help them with homework and teach them how to do it independently. We build confidence and self-esteem in  your child and equip them with tools to take charge of their education and learning. It's a remarkable change and one that will allow you to begin to see more good grades and offer praise and rewards!

So don't delay - get out of the rut and allow us to do what we do best!  Call us now at 268-8556 to get started so the next report card is better!

Positive things we can say to our children!

At the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville, we are ALL ABOUT instilling confidence and self-esteem into our students while at the same time, teaching them accountability for their choices and actions.  We ran across this photo as a reminder of the many ways we can positively impact our children, and wanted to pass it along to parents and teachers.  A kind word can really, truly, go a long way!

Great Opportunity to Get Books!

Who can resist this opportunity?  Starting today, you can get some great savings on Books, CDs and DVDs!  You should check this out and take advantage of the opportunity to stock up on your personal collection of relevant books for you and your kids.

At the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville, we encourage parents to read to their children for 10 minutes a day and ask them 3 questions.  Then have your child to read to you for 10 minutes and ask you 3 questions.  This is one of the most effective ways you can help your child improve their comprehension capabilities.  This exercise is good for kids of all ages and grades!

Trust Your Gut, Parents

“Progress reports are a hint of what’s to come,” says Ms. Dana, Director of the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville. She spoke about progress reports when she appeared on First Coast Living, WTLV Channel 12. 

When the first progress report arrives, you and your child may become aware of emerging academic shortfalls. “Trust your gut. You know your child best. If your child is struggling in school, it’s not all about academics. It’s about how they study, and prioritize . . . “ Dana tells parents. 

If you’re unsure as to how to how you can help, here are questions to ask about issues often at the root of academic struggles.

• Time Management   Does your child use time wisely in preparing for assignments and tests? Are specific times reserved for studies and learning activities at home?

• Social Balance   Does involvement in too many extracurricular activities take needed time and attention away from academic subjects? Do you help your child create the right balance among various types of activities?

• Setting Priorities   Does your child understand how to effectively prioritize tasks and work on those that are most important first?

• Homework Habits   Does your child find it difficult to complete homework assignments or projects on time? Does your child have a quiet place at home that’s free of distractions where study tools are accessible and project work can be done?

• Educational Interest   What are your child's talents or interests? How can you use them to motivate your child to higher learning? How can your child’s talents and special interests be used to encourage them to explore areas of academic passion?

• Academic Gaps   What classes or subjects does your child enjoy the least? Do diagnostic tests reveal academic, skill, or knowledge gaps? What about gaps in organizational, study, or test-taking skills?

“It’s early in the school year – now is the time to get help, before your student gets too far into the school year to catch up with any learning losses,” advises Dana. What can you expect when you bring your child to Tutoring Club? “We can give an assessment to uncover your child’s areas of strength and weakness, determine the root causes of their academic struggles and develop a customized learning plan to fill those gaps.”    

"We’ve found that when children learn to master the skills they’ve missed, they regain their sense of confidence,” says Dana. Students have 24x7 access to their grade portal, and Dana asks all her students to use planners and to track their grades. “Students need to take ownership of their learning. We give them the ability and the confidence to improve their level of learning.  Confidence is everything – and that’s what we do best. We help children feel better about themselves. Anyone who wants to learn better can come to Tutoring Club.”

You can contact the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville at 268-8556 to learn how our TutorAid programs and our highly skilled tutors work together to elevate your child’s academic performance. 

The Link Between Teens, Their Tech Devices, and Sleep

Today we share an article recently published in HealthDay News about the effects of tech devices on school-age children. In it, author Alan Mozes cites a recent study of tweens and teens who were exposed to high-tech devices (you know, smartphones, tablets and laptops) at varying levels of brightness just one hour before bedtime.

The results of the study are not encouraging . . .  

Click here to read more: [healthday.com-Teens,Tech,and Sleep]

HealthDay News is a leading producer and syndicator of evidence-based health content for consumers and physicians. 

Does Your Child’s Self-Esteem Help or Hurt Their Grades?

A student's self-esteem has a marked impact on academic performance, and affects how they engage in activities, deal with challenges and interact with others. A confident child learns eagerly, enjoys the company of friends and family, and often achieves established goals.  A child with low self-esteem, on the other hand, may have difficulty in school as the result of a lack of interest or an inability to focus on the work. They may be withdrawn, and reluctant to engage in after-school activities or try new things.  

When we work with children who have low self-esteem, our goal is to restore their belief in themselves so they can persist through personal and academic challenges. Their social core - the adults, peers and friends with whom they interact each day – have the most significant impact on their well being, and can help by giving encouragement and support.

Show appreciation for the things they do well.  Offer very specific feedback rather than generic praise. (Instead of “You aced your math test? That’s great!” try “You worked really hard to prepare for that test, and it’s paid off. I’m so proud of you!”)

Encourage their involvement in activities of interest to them.  Help them realize their natural talents, and don’t be overly concerned as their interests change and evolve.  

Help them learn to deal with failure.  If they encounter academic difficulties, help them understand that failure isn’t just a part of learning, it’s a part of life. You can Google ‘famous failures’ for some examples. 

• Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas."  
• Oprah Winfrey was fired from her job as a television reporter because she was deemed "unfit for TV". 
• Stephen King's first book, the horror thriller Carrie, initially received 30 rejections. Despondent, King threw it in the trash. His wife retrieved it and encouraged him to resubmit it to yet another publisher - and the rest is history.   

Demonstrate confidence that they can improve. No one succeeds with every attempt, and it’s important that your child understands that failure isn’t the end of the world.  Acknowledge their frustration, and then work together to develop strategies for improvement.

Growing up as a teen these days is difficult, and whether they’re your kids or not, they need your help.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to the kids nearest to you, with support and encouragement to boost their confidence and self-esteem. 
   
 That’s what we do every day at Tutoring Club of Jacksonville, and the results are magical.  Call us at 268-8556 to see how we can support your child.

Measuring Academic Achievement

Measuring a child's level of academic achievement can be challenging for any parent, yet remains one of the most critical components in achieving your child's ultimate education goals.

Since no single source of information may be fully reliable in accurately assessing a child's full scope of learning abilities, the best strategy is to evaluate academic performance through multiple sources that can help ensure the best possible results for your child.

Report Cards

Grades are certainly among the most recognized tools for evaluating academic achievement. Report cards are an active indicator of academic success and short term learning. However, grades don't always measure long term learning or mastery of academic skills.

For example, some students may do well on tests because they can memorize information and reiterate it at test time. However actual learning becomes questionable when they forget it right after the test or don't demonstrate the same level of knowledge at a later date. Grades are partially based on short term knowledge that comes from weekly tests and homework; only part of the grade is indicative of longer term learning.

Teachers Evaluation

Teachers employ various evaluation methods for measuring performance in the classroom. Often the method used depends on the content being taught or task being measured, and whether it's a formal or informal evaluation.

Teacher evaluations should be fair and valid, taking into consideration a student's developmental level, and based on clearly defined learning objectives. Effective evaluation measures the work a student performs to demonstrate an understanding of concepts or the ability to perform tasks at a given grade level.

Standardized Testing

Nationally standardized tests compare your child with an 'average' student of the same age from a sample of students across the country. They are generally well researched with a reliable measure of validity, but don't necessarily measure the level at which your child is learning based on what is actually taught by the teacher in class.

Each state also chooses its own standardized measure of 'proficiency' on its own level, which can often provide a better guideline for determining your student's learning ability with what has actually been taught in the classroom.

Individualized Assessment

Perhaps most important, every parent should seek an individualized assessment in evaluating a child's full learning ability and potential. Take time to talk with your child's teachers to review grades, as well as to gain greater insight into classroom evaluations or standardized test results.

"Call now to schedule a full assessment specifically designed to measure your child's individual level of academic achievement," suggests Dana Edmonds, Director of Tutoring Club Jacksonville. "We will identify the specific subject 

areas or skill gaps to target, and create an individualized curriculum to get 

their grades back on track quickly.  That's critical to your child's success, and ultimately translates to a lower cost for you."

Tutoring Club Jacksonville, 268-8556

To-Dos At School

Being a teacher is a tough job. Most of them use their own money to supplement the school supplies and books provided through the school budget. Their workday begins before students arrive, and extends into the evening as they grade papers and develop lesson plans. They often work after school and through the weekend, with responsibilities for extra-curricular school events and activities.  

Their influence on your child may endure for a lifetime.  Here are some key things you can do to make things easier for your child and for the teachers in your child’s life. 

• Respect Teacher’s Time.  Transition times – in the morning when students arrive, and at the end of the day when they leave – are two of the most difficult times of the day.  Be aware that teachers' focus is on the many students they are responsible for - accounting for all of them and ensuring they arrive and depart safely.  When you see your child's teachers during these times, you can wave, smile, and say hello.  But if you have questions or need to discuss your child’s performance in the classroom, it’s best to schedule a 1-on-1 meeting outside of school hours. 

• Follow the Rules.  These days, unfortunately, school can be a dangerous place.  The school’s rules for visitors (anyone who’s not a teacher or student - that's you!) typically include “Sign In At the Front Desk and Get a Visitor’s Badge Before Entering the School” and “Park in the Visitors Parking Lot”.  Many of these rules have been put into place for your child’s safety. Whether you’re attending a school event or delivering a forgotten lunch – follow the rules.  

• Follow-Up.  A successful school year requires your participation. Make sure to send a spare dose of needed medication to the school’s nurse in the event needed. Read the school communications sent home with students. Send the money for the class trip.  Buy needed supplies. Sign and return forms and permission slips on time. We’re all busy these days, right?  You’re half of the parent-teacher partnership that benefits your child. In just a few minutes each day, you can follow-up and ensure you’ve taken care of the things that need to be done to support your student.  

• Don’t Panic.  Whether it’s a forgotten lunch or a poor test score that has you in a tizzy, keep things in perspective.  Your child will survive whatever happens that day – and then you can work together to address any problems that come up to make sure they don’t happen again.  

If you’re concerned about your child’s performance in school, give the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville a call. We identify, and then fill, the skill and knowledge gaps quickly so your child can get back on track to a successful school year. 

Call us at 268-8556 to schedule diagnostic testing to identify the gaps and enroll your student.  Tell us you read the To-Dos At School blog post, and receive 50% off testing services. 

What's Your Child's Test-Taking Strategy?

Traditionally, high school Juniors and Seniors have selected either the SAT or the ACT standardized assessment exam based on the differences between them, and determining which test best plays to their strengths: the SAT, which tests specific skills independently, or the ACT, which puts more focus on the student’s overall knowledge of subject material.

·   In Math, the SAT includes more word problems and requires a creative application of the basic rules of geometry. The ACT includes basic trigonometry and tests a wider range of concepts. 

·   In the English section, the SAT is notorious for its emphasis on vocabulary, while the ACT focuses more on grammar and syntax.

·   The ACT includes a section on science, as well as graphs and charts which require analysis and interpretation.  These are missing completely from the SAT.

The College Board has successfully created a new SAT that tests skills more relevant to college success and everyday life, which begins in March 2016.  Critics note that the new SAT is very similar to the ACT.

Tutoring Club of Jacksonville can help your child develop their test-taking strategy for the college entrance exams, and increase their scores by an average of 200+ points! Call us at 268-8556 to enroll your student today!

What Do You Know About Your Child's Friends?

Your six-year old tells you she’s been invited to a birthday party for classmate Sally. “It’s at her house, and we’re going swimming!” she says excitedly.  But you don’t know Sally and you haven’t met her parents. 

Or, your seventh-grader tells you he wants to attend the school dance – with Francine! Who the heck is Francine?  What’s she like?  And just how do seventh-graders ‘date’?   

Knowing other parents at school isn’t just important to your child’s safety and well-being, it can be a lifesaver. Being able to borrow a book, catch a ride, get information about school assignments . . .  the fact is, both you and your child will benefit from the connections you make with other parents at school. 

Here are some ideas to help get you started.

• Attend school events    Attend the school orientation, the open house, and other events that provide an opportunity to meet teachers and parents.  It’s always interesting to meet your child’s classmates and their parents, and you’ll learn more about the school.

• Have a playdate    If privacy regulations prevent your child’s school from sharing classmates’ phone and address information, you can volunteer yours.  Send a note for your child to give to a friend, inviting them to a playdate. When the new friend comes over, you can invite the parents in and get acquainted over a cup of coffee while the kids do their thing.

• Host a parent party    Many schools accommodate our busy lives with before- and after-school child care. It’s a great convenience, but it doesn’t offer much opportunity to meet other parents or learn about what’s going on at school. You can host a cookout or party for other parents in your child’s class.  No matter how many or how few show up, you’ll become familiar with who’s who, learn the ins and outs of the school, and get caught up on school happenings.

• Volunteer    Most schools have volunteer opportunities where you’ll get a chance to work with, and get to know, other parents. If your schedule allows, become a regular volunteer for bake sales or field trips.  Otherwise, you can join the parent-teacher association or attend a meeting, you’ll learn about issues that may be of concern to you.

You may feel like your child did on the first day of school – a bit shy and reluctant to step out.  Other parents likely feel the same way. Becoming acquainted with others at school will help you and your child feel like part of the school community. You’ll be more relaxed and your child will be happier, guaranteed!

Tips to Help Your Child Make New Friends

It doesn’t matter what grade your child is in - making new friends can be hard.  If your child is attending a new school, it’s natural to be nervous. Some kids believe the more friends you have, the more popular you are.  The truth is, a child only needs one or two close friends to gain self-esteem and a sense of belonging. 

Here are some tips to share with your child to help them make new friends – good friends – at school.

Take a deep breath. 

Keep things in perspective: you're going to a new school where there will be lots of kids your age. One good strategy is to find other kids who are new to the school. You’ll have this unfamiliar environment in common, with lots to talk about (comparing your classes and the teachers, doing homework assignments, and selecting extracurricular activities).

Take the first step. 

Be open to meeting new people who are different from you - the school will have kids from all different cultures and backgrounds. Keep your head up, and make eye contact with other people. Introduce yourself (to other kids and to adults) and remember that your smile will help make introductions easier. Try to sit in the middle of the class where you have people all around and you can make conversation. You can ask a question (Do you know if the cafeteria food is any good?), talk about the school (I heard they have a great softball team), or offer a compliment (I really like your shoes!) to get a conversation started.

Get involved. 

Probably the best strategy to make new friends is to pursue your own interests. Take part in the after-school activities you like.  Join the choir, try out for the team, or be part of the Drama club! You’ll meet lots of people with different personalities and share a common interest with everyone in the group. 

Practice the golden rule. 

Remember?  Treat others as you want to be treated yourself.  Show kindness and respect toward everyone you meet, and don't judge others before you get to know them. Do nice things because you want to, and not because you need to. Help pick up books dropped on the floor.  Save a seat.  Pay a compliment.  Everyone appreciates kindness.

Be yourself. 

Stay true to who you are.  Don’t fake an interest or change yourself to try to fit in with a particular group. Anyone who doesn’t accept you for you won’t be a real friend.  If you approach others authentically, you will attract people who want to connect with you, and you’ll find your future true friends among them.

Be aware. 

Many kids will already know each other, and there will be cliques – established groups of friends with common interests and personalities. There may be groups of “mean girls” or “thugs” or whatever – people you want to avoid for a while. You don’t want to judge them, because they may be very nice people! Clearly, you want to stay away from the types of kids who are in gangs and involved in criminal activities. Be yourself! Be strong!  Don’t try to please others if it doesn't please you.

Choose well. 

Like it or not, you become like the people you hang out with. Your friends are going to influence your behavior, so choose those who will be a positive influence!  Ask yourself these questions when you select your friends: Will they lift me up or drag me down?  Will spending time with them help me to become my best self? Will I be happier after spending time with them? Can I trust them with my dreams and goals?  If not, find friends who will. 

Remember: when it comes to friends, go for quality over quantity.