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 They may be withdrawn, and reluctant to engage in after-school activities or try new things.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.