Category: Tutoring

Write a Letter

Take the time this Tuesday to sit down with a pen and paper and write a thank you note (or ten!) to someone you appreciate.

This is a great activity for kids that not only allows them to practice writing and spelling, but also encourages thoughtfulness and empathy for others. Have fun brainstorming all of the people in you and your child’s life that you are thankful for. This can be family members, friends, teachers, and other members of society.

 

Keep a Gratitude Journal

One way we can practice gratitude every day is by keeping a journal. Writing something we are thankful for each day allows us to have a moment of reflection and positivity in our day, giving us greater perspective and appreciation.

Here is a free printout to use with your child to keep the habit going.

 

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great activity to do with the whole family. Have your child do some research and brainstorming about a cause they care about. Caring for animals, the environment, or helping those who are in need of food and safety are just some ideas.

Here is a list of local organizations that are looking for volunteers of all ages.

 

Make a Donation

Put that allowance or birthday money to good use! Or, have your child clean out their room and choose 2-3 items they would like to donate (toys, clothes, etc). You can even encourage your child to make a donation box for their school, or create handmade items to sell for donations.

 

Read a Book

There are so many great books that teach lessons in gratitude, and this can be a great starting point for discussing what it means to give.

Check out this list from scholastic here.

 

By Shelly Koren

When taking your children to a tutor there are a few things that should be kept in mind so they can get the most out of session which will be beneficial for the student and their continued success in school.

Adam Hanary, a Math and Science tutor said that “you would be surprised how much is involved with tutoring. First the student has to remember the time and location – there have been a lot of instances where I have had to wait about an hour for the student to arrive.
There’s also the matter of coming prepared. If the student hasn’t gone over the course material at all it becomes even harder for them to grasp the tutoring session to the best of their capabilities.”

The Academic Centre for Excellence (ACE) give some great tips for the student whether they need assistance in a math/science subject or essay writing.
For a math or science class:
• Participate in the session by trying to work alongside the tutor; watching them solve the problem will not make the solution more understandable
• If it is easier for the student to verbalize every step make sure the tutor knows this, everyone has their own unique way of learning
• Try to relate what the tutor says to the text book in order to create a bridge between the teacher and the tutor
• An especially important tip is to tell the tutor where the student struggles most so the tutor can provide ways to make it easier for the student.
If the student is struggling with essay content:
• Make sure the student brings the assignment sheet or homework. This will ensure that there are no miscommunications on what the assignment was about, and the tutor will be equipped to help
• In addition to rough copies make sure to bring ideas, notes, and an outline so the tutor is able to understand the ideas on the subject, but also how the student came to these ideas
• If the student is struggling with essay writing make sure that the tutor discovers why that is. Maybe they have a problem with organizing ideas or how to create a proper thesis. Focussing on the bigger picture will allow further development with the particular assignment and with other upcoming essays.

Both the ACE and Adam Hanary mention the importance of consulting the tutor far enough in advance so there is enough time to study for any exam or practice writing for a paper so the tutor can assist to the best of their abilities without cramming. Adam Hanary also states that it is always useful when the student comes prepared with questions about class content, and that this is reviewed in the beginning of the session so that there is sufficient time to address these questions.

“The most important advice I can give to a student going to a tutor is to speak up, let your tutor know if you are still struggling, that is what we are here for”