Second Quarter Report Cards - do you need help?

The second 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. Now that the entire first half of the school year is complete, you may not be sure if your child even has a hope of passing the class. In addition to talking to the school about what is going on, you can look to the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville to help you and your child achieve academic success!

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 at the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville right 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!

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.

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 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.

Is Your Child Behind Before the School Year Begins?

As we approach the end of summer, parents should consider their child’s readiness for the challenges they’ll face in the upcoming school year. The sooner you can identify skill gaps, the better your chances to correct any shortfalls before they become overwhelming for your child. 

Begin by discussing these questions with your child to help determine where potential problems may exist.

• Does your child manage their time wisely to complete assignments and prepare for tests?

• Does your child understand how to prioritize tasks?  Do they correctly identify and work on the most important tasks first?

• What are your child’s favorite subjects in school? How can you build on them as opportunities for higher learning? 

• Does your child have difficulty in completing work in one or more subjects? Which ones does your child enjoy the least?  Are there skill and knowledge gaps that contribute to those feelings?

You can help your child prepare for the new school year by creating a dedicated quiet area at home where school supplies can be stored and work can be done; establishing specific timeframes for homework and studying; and making schoolwork a priority, over and above extra-curricular activities.  

If you want to identify skill and knowledge gaps in specific subject areas, the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville can help.  We conduct assessments for all academic levels in Reading, Writing and Math. When you enroll your child, we create a personalized plan specifically for your student to address their individual needs, to fill existing gaps and build on their strengths.  

Parents who engage professional help to support their children’s learning send a message to their child that learning is important.  “With the help of our tutors, students overcome their learning gaps and regain their confidence – and that’s the key,” says Dana Edmonds, Director of the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville.  “When I get these kids to believe in themselves, that’s when they succeed.”  

At the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville, we focus on your whole child by Improving Academics, Instilling Confidence, and Building Character.  Call us at 268-8556 to discuss how we can help your child be ready for the new school year.   * Tell us you read our blog and receive 50% off diagnostic testing.

It's a New Horizon on Tuesday July 14!

Today we’re not going to talk about parenting, or testing, or school. Today we're going to talk about PLUTO! You know, the tiny non-planet that travels the outer edge of our solar system? I Can Barely Contain My Excitement!  Today is a milestone in America’s aerospace history as NASA completes the last step in the quest to explore each of the planets in our solar system, starting with Venus in 1962. 

The New Horizons spacecraft, about the size of a baby grand piano, has traveled three billion – that's THREE BILLION - miles over the past 9½ years.  Traveling at an astounding pace of 36,000 miles per hour, it’s the fastest spacecraft ever launched, and it carries the most powerful suite of science instruments ever sent on a scouting and reconnaissance mission of a new, unfamiliar world.

New Horizons’ scientific instruments will be going full force as it arrives at its closest point to Pluto, just over 7,700 miles away, at 7:50 a.m. on Tuesday.  Just fourteen minutes later it will pass Pluto’s jumbo moon, Charon. Because the spacecraft will be busy collecting data most of the day, scientists won’t be assured of the mission’s success until Tuesday night when New Horizons “phones home”.  

This is a once-in-a-lifetime exploratory opportunity for NASA scientists, who expect to see craters and possible volcanic remnants on a very active and dynamic world.  Pluto has a jumbo moon named Charon, and four known ‘baby’ moons called Styx, Nix, Hydra and Kerberos.  New Horizons will be on the lookout for others, and will collect extensive data about Pluto and each moon.  Scientists believe a liquid ocean and a rocky core may lie beneath the icy shell that covers Pluto.

NASA’s New Horizons team is hoping its mission will be extended indefinitely as the spacecraft moves toward the edge of the solar system, behind NASA’s Voyagers 1 and 2, and Pioneers 10 and 11.  They look hopefully at Voyager 1 as its example. Originally launched in 1977, the same year "Star Wars" was released, it was originally designed for a four-year mission to Saturn.  Now, 36 years later, the spacecraft is nearly 12 billion miles from Earth, still hurtling away from Earth and deeper into interstellar space. After months of analysis, scientists determined that the spacecraft exited the Milky Way solar system on August 25, 2012.  Data collection continues to this day.

It will likely be Wednesday before New Horizon's close-up photos of Pluto will be released, and late in 2016 before all the data is transmitted to Earth.  It all promises to be very exciting. 

You can click on the link to NASA's web site, below, to learn more. 

NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto

 Be patient, my fellow Earthlings. 

Observe, learn, and be amazed.