Tuesday, July 1, 2014

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/

Saturday, June 28, 2014

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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Sunday, June 22, 2014

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.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

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!

Sunday, June 8, 2014

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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