How You Can Support Your Kindergartener! More Important Than You Think......

Kindergarten is an exciting time for everyone – little kids are entering the big kid school world while parents are having their first taste of freedom. However, even kindergarteners need support to keep them engaged as they begin their educational lives.

Here are some tips that can help you support your kindergartener to ensure a successful future.

1)   Meet their teacher and learn about classroom procedures. Also, find out what they are learning in class as well as future assignments so that you can do things at home to reinforce what they are learning at school.

2)   Find out early if your child is struggling in Kindergarten compared to the rest of the class so that you can get them extra tutoring to make sure they can keep up with the class.  Self-esteem at this age is very important and delicate.

3)   Establish habits and patterns such as reading a book at night or doing homework for 30 min after school at a specific time and place so students learn good routines and study habits at a young age.

4)   Make sure they know that homework/reading/discussion time isn’t something “extra” that they have to sit through each day but it is part of the learning process at home.

5)   Try to keep a friendly open line of communication with your child’s teacher and with your child so you can find out easily if they are struggling with certain concepts.

6)   Before your child enters kindergarten try to develop oral language, listening skills and social skills as well as fine motor skills (writing and drawing). Read to them and ask them comprehension questions. These are skills that are expected early on in kindergarten.

7)   Nurture your child’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning outside the classroom to show that education is fun, rewarding and exciting. Take them to children’s museums, the Science Center, zoos, aquariums, cultural events and festivals, and classes that interest them (i.e. music, art, etc). Watch educational programs for children.

8)   Teach by example. Try to have a library in the home and make sure your children see you reading.

Finally, encourage your child to take responsibility for his behavior and explore, ask questions and talk about new ideas. This will help improve vocabulary and also build curiosity and determination.

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We'd love your comments and questions.

Study Tips for Finals-Easier Than You Thought!

Tip 1: Start early
Yes, that means now. You should begin to gather you materials a few weeks in advance as well as start preparing study guides at least 2 weeks before exams.

Tip 2: Organize
Design a study plan based on the dates of each final so you can decide which material to cover each day. Schedule in your agenda the times you will study for each final so you are less likely to skip or not have enough time in your day.

Tip 3: Outline

Creating outlines is a great way to not only review material but to decipher which material is most important. If you already have outlines, highlighting the most important materials or creating cornell style notes could be another option.

Tip 4: Make flashcards
Flashcards are similar to outlining but you can quiz yourself more easily and take them with you. By copying the material onto the flashcard you are also studying without even knowing it.

Tip 5: Get help
Here is where your tutor or teacher comes in. After you have reviewed the material a few times, you can see which concepts you need to get help on. Ask your teacher or tutor about these specific items.

Tip 6: Sleep
Sleep is often underrated but without it you can set yourself up for failure even if you have put in the proper study time.

Tip 7:Stay calm
This tip is very important as well as even students who are prepared may feel overwhelmed or panic during the test. Use techniques such as doing the easiest questions first, crossing out answers that you know are wrong, taking deep breathes, pacing yourself with the clock so you know where you should be about 1/4 and 1/2 way through the test.

Tip 8: Don’t rush

You have spent at least two weeks studying.Work through the exam slowly and read all the questions before answering them. Make sure to check your work if at all possible whether it is an essay, math problems, or multiple choice.

Good luck Mustangs!!! Hope these tips help.

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Computer Science Education Week- Dec 8-14!

Get ready for Computer Science Week! A special focus on this week is go get students to participate in Hour of Code. This is a one hour introduction to computer science and programming meant to teach students the basics. Many of our Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach students already have access to computer programming classes as electives but the Hour of Code is a basic introduction that students of many different ages can enjoy.

http://www.hourofcode.org  features online tutorials, videos and curriculum for classrooms. STEM education nurtures problem solving skills and creativity which the Common Core Curriculum highly encourages. Hour of Code is meant for K-12. Hope you will take advantage of it and visit their site for more info.

On a personal note, for many of my students last year at RUHS their favorite period of the day was computer programming. It offered a creative outlet and taught them skills they will use in their future jobs. They actually felt a real world connection to their learning which unfortunately not all students do feel in many of their academic core classes.

The Good News about Smarter Balanced Assessments

Last Spring, 4.2 million students in California participated in the Smarter Balanced Assessment field test. The purpose of the test was to give students an opportunity to try the online computer assessment as well as collect information from the scientific sampling from every state for use in developing cut off achievement levels. 

Ultimately, the panels of educators decided on four achievement levels or cut off scores for math and English for grades 3-8 and grade 11. Level three is proficient while level 4 is the highest level. Classroom teachers had a lot of input in creating the four achievement levels, which they based on achievement level descriptors. 

The good news about smarter balanced assessments was that although students experience high anxiety prior to the test, the actual test experience was positive. Additionally, the field test served as preparation for the computer based testing. Technology at many schools has been upgraded. The testing experience gave us information about the need to improve the accommodations for students with IEPs. Finally, the best news is that the SBAC are untimed. Students are encouraged to take as much time as they need.

How to Set Up Your Teen for Financial Success

Although we focus on tutoring and helping students achieve academic success. I am always reading articles from different sources about topics that involve children and teens. Since so many college graduates are taking longer to find their dream job, it is important to help them establish good financial habits early on. Yes, even as early as high school and college. Here are some ideas to jump-start your teen on the road to financial freedom.

1)   Help him/her list their expenses and create a budget- If they have part time job, discuss what their paycheck will cover and how you will supplement it. Be careful about just giving your teen money without knowing what it’s for.

2)   Encourage saving- Have him open a savings account where he can save money for an apt, car or other goals. Also talk to him/her about having an emergency fund and if you can match a portion of his savings that may also help provide an incentive for savings.

3)   Teach money management and investing skills- If they are earning some money, consider helping them open a brokerage account and/or Roth IRA to start investing.

4)   Promote joining professional organizations/clubs in college-This can provide networking opportunities to increase his/her chance of obtaining a job after college.

5)   Create goals-Help your teen develop career and financial goals and brainstorm the steps to achieve these goals.

Although there are many different paths to financial success, the above suggestions can help your teen develop habits that will teach responsibility and independence.

Please visit us at http://www.beachcitiestutoring.com for blogs on more topics related to education.

Does Your Child Struggle with Memorization??!!

After reading Forever Fluent, by Gabriel Wyner, as a result of my own desire to become fluent in Spanish, I found the technique of SRS or spaced repetition system to be a particularly useful study technique for memorizing any information not limited to vocabulary or to a new language. It can be used to study history or science facts, English vocabulary words, or words in a new foreign language.

SRS is a presentation method that gives you the information before you would forget it and makes sure that it stays constantly fresh in your mind. Anki,which can be downloaded from Ankisrs.net, allows students to create their own flashcards or download already created flashcards from a wide variety of topics: https://ankiweb.net/shared/decks/

After students create their own flashcards or download cards, they practice the cards and rate each card as “again”, “good” or “easy.” Then, based on the student’s rating, the SRS system keeps showing the difficult words and pushes the easier words into the future. It will only show them from time to time to help the student retain the fact or vocab word.

For more educational blogs, please visit our website at http://www.beachcitiestutoring.com

Why praise effort rather than intelligence??!!

After reading Mindset, by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D, I realize how important it is NOT to praise intelligence ,but rather to praise effort. So many parents and teachers make this simple mistake and it sends harmful messages that enforce and encourage a fixed mindset.

            According to Dweck, in a fixed mindset, people believe that basic personality traits such as intelligence or talent are inherent. They value their intelligence, and believe that it directly correlates with their success. Effort, hard work, and persistence do not play a role in their achievements.

Conversely, those with a growth mindset believe that they can increase their success through dedication, effort, and hard work. They believe their genetics and inherited talent is only a beginning point, which they can use to build and develop.  This results in a love of learning, resilience, and compassion.

            Below are some examples of intelligence praise that teachers and parents should avoid:

“You learned that so quickly! You are so smart”

Message student hears:  If I don’t’ learn something quickly, I’m not smart.

“Look at that drawing Martha, is he the next Picasso or what?”

Message student hears:  I shouldn’t try drawing anything hard or they’ll see I’m no Picasso

“You’re so brilliant, you got an A without even studying!”  (Dweck 174)

Message student hears:  I’d better quit studying or they won’t think I’m brilliant

In the above examples, the student learns to fear challenges and failure. He/she also learns that failure signifies a lack of intelligence and that he/she cannot influence his own success as it is already predetermined.

Compare the above examples with examples of effort praise:

“Everyone learns in a different way. Let’s keep trying to find the way that works for you”

“You put so much thought into this essay. It really makes me understand Shakespeare in a new way”

“That homework was so long and involved.  I really admire the way you concentrated and finished it” (Dweck , 178)

In the above examples the praise is not only specific, but it targets the students hard work and effort rather than innate intelligence. This type of praise increases student motivation to learn, grow, take risks, see challenges as a way to improve and develop.

Although there is much more to Dweck’s book, I thought this section was specifically relevant to teachers, tutors, and parents. It is invaluable research that could really help alter our children and students’ perspectives about themselves if we focus on developing the growth mindset rather than the fixed mindset.

Below I have pasted some additional info regarding Mindset

http://mindsetonline.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGvR_0mNpWM

http://www.mindsetworks.com/

Summer Resources for Students with Special Needs

1. Got Friends.com- This website offers a summer camp sponsored by the Friendship Circle for children with disabilities.

http://www.gotfriends.com/summer-programs.aspx

2. Federation for Children with Special Needs-This website is a camp directory focuses on children with special needs and allows you to search by disability category.

http://fcsn.org/camps/

3. National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities- This site has many links that contain summer camp or other summer opportunities for children with disabliites.

http://nichcy.org/publications/camps

4.   LD Online- This site does not offer specific camp recommendations; however it provides articles that will give parents the right questions and and guidance of how to select the perfect camp for their child.

http://www.ldonline.org/questions/parenting

5. Mommy Poppins- This is a great site that has many activities ranging from camps, classes, parties, and weekend activities for children with special needs. You can search by area: Valleys, Westside, Hollywood, and Downtown LA

http://la.mommypoppins.com/kids/classes-for-kids-with-special-needs-in-la-after-school-and-weekend-sports-activities

 For more educational blogs, please visit our website at http://www.beachcitiestutoring.com

Summer Math Resources- Keep you sons and daughters' skills strong over the summer!

Just because its summer doesn’t mean that your kids should not practice math. In fact, in order to retain their skills from the previous year they should continue to do weekly practice. Here are some great sites that offer math practice. I highly recommend Tenmarks as I used it this year with my class.

 1.  Tenmarks.com- This program offers a diagnostic assessment and also allows the parent to hand pick specific standards/concepts to work on. In addition, the program offers video lessons and hints for each problem.  As your child completes the exercises you can monitor their progress and choose more exercises in their areas of weakness.  This program usually costs $39.95 but it is free for the summer.

https://www.tenmarks.com/

2. Leap Ahead- This program is geared for students entering grades 3 to 9. It provides 4 assignments per week for a total of 8 weeks. It includes interactive worksheets that are aligned to the Common Core State Standards and students can find their mistakes and scores right away. Leap Ahead also offers an online report to track progress and scores and a printable certificate upon completion of the program.  The cost is $24.95 for the first child and $19.95 for additional siblings.

http://www.noetic-learning.com/summermath/

3. Math.com-This site is organized by math subject and then by topic. It includes all levels of math from basic math to Algebra to Geometry and even Calculus. I really liked it as it as every topic is defined in simple terms, in more specific terms, with examples and then finally the student can practice the concept. This site also includes unit quizzes, games, and calculators. This site is more self directed so if you have a son or daughter who is self motivated, this site is an excellent source.

http://www.math.com/

3.  National Council of Teachers of Mathematics- This website offers a variety of math games as well as paper based games to improve students’ math skills over the summer. These games are free.

http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=23220

4. Homeschool Math- This site is geared for homeschooling; however, it is a great summer resources for all grade levels including high school math. It includes free math worksheets, lessons, online math games, ebooks, reviews and more.  The resources focus on students’ understanding of concepts rather than rote memorization.

http://www.homeschoolmath.net/

Summer Reading Resources

Scholastic offers many resources to help keep your children and young aduts reading this summer. They have a bunch of different book list recommendations as well as a reading  timer app. In addition, they provide forms such as a reading log, book review template, character scrapbook template and certificate. You can make reading fun for your children and learn at the same time. Check out their materials at:

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/collection/more-reading-resources/keep-your-kids-reading-all-summer-long

Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) also has their own summer reading lists for 1^st through 12^th grade published on their website. You can download each individual list as a pdf.

http://www.mbusd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=138436&type=d&pREC_ID=274007

Check out summer reading clubs at the Los Angeles Public Library  from June 9 to August 2^nd. These programs offer activities, shows, art/crafts, and digital badges fr reading and are free to the public.

http://www.lapl.org/summer-reading

This article highlights how to help your students include non-fiction selections in their summer reading, including National Geographic Readers, Scholastic, and Simon & Schuster.

http://online.wsj.com/articles/childrens-summer-reading-guide-2014-level-1-readers-and-beyond-1403651209

This website offers a list of books for all students ages  7 through 17 and rates them by starts as well as gives a very short synopsis of the book.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/summer-reading-for-kids-and-teens

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Take Advantage of Summer in the South Bay!

Summer has just begun in Manhattan Beach and its time to take advantage. Of course squeezing some time for learning and tutoring is important but I hope you will also take time to enjoy the awesome local events that we are so lucky to have here in Manhattan Beach and the rest of the South Bay.

http://www.southbayevents.com/  -This site is great for all those of you tht want to make the most of your summer in the South Bay. It has a detailed list of weekly events, ranging from art exhibitions, summer festivals, midnight fishing, outdoor concerts, and volleyball tournaments.

http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/dinela-los-angeles-restaurant-week

Includes some gret restaurants in the South Bay. Save the dates of July 14-27^th, 2014.

http://www.ci.manhattan-beach.ca.us/city-officials/parks-and-recreation/cultural-arts/concerts-in-the-park-2013

Here is the summer schedule and more information about Weekly summer concerts held at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach. So much fun for the whole family!

http://www.northmb.info/ For those of you that live in North Manhattan Beach, check out these events and businesses

http://www.mbgp.com/ Manhattan Beach Grand Prix will be held on July 6, 2014. This was founded in 1962 by  local racing legend Ted Ernst. It is one of the counry’s longest running bike races. Contestants from all over the world compete in this.

http://www.surffestival.org/  This annual festival will be held from July 30-August 3^rd. It includes bodysurfing, 6 man Volleyball Tournament, Lifeguard championships, surfing competitions, and swim/paddle competitions. This website includes a list of events for each day.

http://www.avp.com/event/mbo-14/  The Manhattan Beach Open held from August 14-17^th features many players that have won the Olympics.  This website gives more details about the players, ticket sales, location, and stats.

What Else Can My Kids Do Over the Summer to Keep their Brains Strong?

 Just when you thought it was time to relax, the kids are complaining “I’m bored…..” If you haven’t tried Lumosity yet, it is definitely worth the time. Lumosity is a series of brain training games that work on improving  mental flexibility, memory, problem solving, speed and attention. Lumosity is a perfect tool for students with ADHD or those who just want to improve their memory. It was designed by neuroscientists, and in addition to the game like format it incorporates social networking. Users create a profile that helps them to track their progress.

 Lumosity is based on neuroplasticity, which treats the brain like a muscle that will adapt when it encounters new challenges. In the past, neuroplasticity was believed to only benefit children whose brains were still developing, but current research shows that teens and adults can also strengthen their brains.

 In order to benefit from Lumosity, players must use the program regularly. In addition, users should try try a variety of different games and increase their difficulty level over time to increase the challenges. When users create their profile they can identify their strengths and weaknesses.

 There is much evidence that supports the effectiveness of Lumosity and other brain training games but no one knows for sure. In any case, it certainly can’t hurt.

 

Check out the free app for the ipad and iphone at:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lumosity-mobile/id577232024?mt=8

 Also please visit our website at http://www.beachcitiestutoring.com for more educational blogs.

Typing Classes- An Anachronism or a Valuable Tool for Children and Teens???

I know that when I was in high school my dad told me the most valuable class that I would take was typing. I will forever be thankful to him for encouraging me to take the class as it’s a life skill that continues to save me a tremendous amount of time in my daily life as a teacher, business owner and writer.  Unfortunately, typing classes are no longer offered in most elementary, middle nor high schools so students are forced to use the “hunt and peck” method.

With the advent of the Common Core Standards and most school districts switching to ipads and chromebooks, typing will become an even more valuable skill. It is also something great for students of all ages to learn during the summer.

I would highly recommend Google Chrome’s free typing app that makes learning to type fun by using a game like format. It will teach students the proper technique and specific fingers to use so they can learn to type very quickly. Many students that use the app can increase their speed to between 30-90 words per minute.  Although typing is a simple skill, it’s value should not be underestimated and can save your child tons of time in school, college and life.

Happy Typing. Please check out the free app link below to get started!

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/typingclub/obdbgibnhfcjmmpfijkpcihjieedpfah?hl=en

For more informational blogs on educational topics, please visit our website at http://www.beachcitiestutoring.com, your premier source for private in-home tutoring, run and operated by teachers!

Common Core Apps—Lifesaver for Students and Parents!

With 2014-15 being the first official year of the implementation of the Common Core Standards, these apps could make the transition easier. In addition, with all students with having access to ipads and Google Chromebooks through their schools, this technology will be easily accessible to students. The best thing about apps are that they can help all types of learners, especially visual learners and those with any kind of learning disability.

Please check them out and leave your thoughts on our Facebook at beachcitiestutoring.

1)   EDUCREATIONS- This app allows students to create easy to understand instructional videos to review, remember and analyze information. This app allows students to be creative and works well with students with learning disabilities.  http://www.educreations.com

2)   COMICLIFE- This app allows students to create comic strips on any topic. This is a great learning tool for special education students as well and is lot of fun. It can be used with science, social studies, English, etc. It can be purchased from the Apple Store for $4.99 plasq.com

3)   CS CORE- This app is a quick and easy reference guide for the California Common Core State Standards. Parents can search by content area, grade level, domain/strand, cluster or standard.   bit.ly/1nBxzpK

4)   SCOOTPAD- This app provides standard based practice for K-5 students in math, reading, spelling, vocabulary and writing. This is great for summer too to keep students engaged and retain their skills. Bit.ly/1gwVizX

5)   COMMON CORE READING PRACTICE AND ASSESMENT- Here you will find a collection of grade specific apps for K-6 graders. The activities reinforce skills such as phonics, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. They help with test taking strategies.     Bit.ly/SVOKrf

6)   SUBTEXT- This app can be used with Edmodo or a google account. Students can analyze and discuss text, look up words, and highlight text. In addition, students can download articles and e-books from any source.   http://www.renaissance.com/products/subtext

Source: California Educator Magazine – May 2014

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More Common Core Resources (Not Apps!)

Here are some more Common Core Standard Resources to help teens! I will continue to update this list and provide more information.

English Language Arts Resources:

http://www.commoncoreconversation.com/ela-resources.html#sthash.0GptM73w.dpbs

http://www.collaborizeclassroom.com/resources/student-success-resources

http://achievethecore.org/

Math Resources:

http://www.commoncoreconversation.com/math-resources.html#sthash.BNqHEV3z.dpbs

http://www.algebra1teachers.com/common-core-assessment-examples-for-high-school-math/

http://mathbits.com/caching/MathCacheDirectionsOpen.html

http://achievethecore.org/

http://www.kosjourney.com/

Please visit our website at http://www.beachcitiestutoringcom for more up to date educational blogs!

Great Free App for Foreign Language Basic Skills

Duolingo is a great free app that teaches Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese. It makes learning fun as it is in the form of a game, but also includes a lot of repetition in order to help children, teens, and adults learn a new language.  The lessons are designed in short blocks and you can only reach the next level by beating the present level.  The goal of Duolingo is not designed to drill you in , but it’s meant to help you develop  conversational skills over the course of months. By the end of the B2 level you have become an upper intermediate user. You will understand the spoken language well, be able to read books and watch movies, but you won’t sound like a native with perfect grammar. Duolingo could supplement more formal tutoring and is great app to motivate younger children to learn and practice a foreign language.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/duolingo-learn-languages-for/id570060128?mt=8

Ready or Not: Check out the Changes to The “New” SAT

As of 2016, the College Board will be making changes to the current SAT in an effort to make it more reflective of students’ ability to succeed in college. Students will no longer be required to take the essay portion of the exam so the top possible score will once again be 1600 as it was for many decades.

            In addition, some of the other changes to the test include making the math problems less theoretical and more closely related to real life. Students will no longer be allowed to use calculators so that the SAT will also test their math fluency and calculation skills.

            For the English portion, there will be less obscure vocabulary and more commonly used vocabulary that students will see in their everyday lives.  The optional essay will be more closely linked to the texts presented to students to test their analyzation skills include less personal opinion.

            Other changes will include a change in the scoring. Students will no longer loose points for incorrect answers. They will only be given points for correct  answers. In addition the new SAT will be connected to the new Common Core teaching standards so they will have to apply their knowledge to problem solve. Finally, the SAT will start offering an online form as well as traditional paper form.

The changes to the SAT were brought about due to the criticism that the SATs did not accurately predict performance in college as well as the assertion that students from privileged backgrounds have an advantage in that they can take expensive prep courses. As a result the Khan Academy will offer a free series of practice exams and videos about good test-taking practices. 

Please check out more educational blogs on our website at http://www.beachcitiestutoring.com. Private In-home Tutoring by real teachers!

"Go Public: A Day in the Life of an American School District" Movie Premier at Redondo Galleria AMC March 4th at 7:30pm --Ticket sales End this Tuesday Feb 25th

Hello All!

 

I hope you have had a chance to get your ticket but if you haven’t you have until next Tuesday the 25^th. Please support public education. We only have 49 tickets left!

The theater will not show the film unless all tickets are sold. Help support public education!!! Hope you can join us on this special night!

 

 

I am sure you are wondering who made this film and why????

 

 

Dawn and Jimj O'Keefe co-produced Go Public. They have been married 28 years and have four children who attended public school in Pasadena. 

 

They made the film to bring people into the public schools so they would have a more informed understanding of the complexity and beauty as well as the challenges that are very real due to the repeated budget cuts. They wanted to create informed advocates so next time a community faces decision s about whether to pass a parcel tax or bond measure, there will be an appreciation for our schools and for what the accomplish every day.

 

The film shows public education is working, but also facing many challenges. They want people to see the movei to become advocates for public education. All the decisions made about public schools are made by people who are not living the public school experience. 

 

This is a special event. The film is only shown in limited release and there will be a limited amount of seats! Tickets  will be first come first serve until they sell out. Ticket sales will end FEB 25th!!!  Please tell your friends and families and anyone that cares about children, teachers and education:)!!!! Look forward to seeing you all there!

 

Check out the link below to view a trailer of the movie and to purchase your tickets:

 

https://www.tugg.com/go/czpcdf

You can also learn more about the movie at http://www.gopublicproject.org. I have also attached a poster.

Thank you again for your support:)!

Ivie Sherman, Special Educator

Founder of Beach Cities Tutoring

http://www.beachcitiestutoring.com

Speaking, Listening and the Common Core Curriculum!

In addition, to reading, writing and math, the Common Core curriculum will acknowledge the need for students to be a proficient speakers and listeners. Although written communication is important, the US workplace places a high value on speaking and listening skills as well. With the advent of texting, proper, formal speech barely exists; however, it is important that students be able to properly communicate with coworkers and superiors in the workplace.

The Common Core will focus on the following skills:

·      How to communicate with adults who are older than they are with sufficient interest and respect to encourage mutual conversation and interaction.

·      How to raise an issue with a superior or colleague without resorting to emotion or inappropriate language.

·      How to negotiate when they aren't getting what they want or feel they deserve.

·      How to deal with difficult people whose communication skills are not as good as their own.

·      How to use humor to relieve tension and to make communication more enjoyable.

These skills will be recognized and valued in the Common Core as teachers prepare students for college, the workplace and society.

For more educational blogs, please visit our website at http://www.beachcitiestutoring.com