Scottsdale Tutoring
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    • Tips for the Student


    Reading Tips
     
    Read as often as possible.
    Reading to your children not only expands their vocabulary but is proven to assist in comprehension, grammar, and other subject areas as well.  Even children in older grades enjoy being read to and can benefit in these same ways.
     
    • Start with the alphabet as early as possible. Point out letters and words on familiar signs (STOP, street signs, restaurant, etc.)
    • Read aloud to your child every night.  Bedtime stories are not only a great way to bond with your child, they are a great start to developing a child's love of reading.
    • If your child is able, have them read to you every night for at least 15-20 minutes. Kids not only love this time with their mom/dad, but benefit from a predictable bedtime routine.
    • Start a library in your house as soon as possible.  Check the discount racks at the bookstores and used books at the libraries.
    • Visit your local library as often as possible. 
    • Point out details in pictures and children will start doing it, too.
    • Once your child is around kindergarten age, play rhyming games. This will help with their phonetic awareness.
    • Ask questions like, "What do you think will happen next?" (predictions), "Do you think it was a good idea for ______ to _____?" (making judgements), "Why do you think _____ happened?", "What kind of person/animal is _____?" (characterization)
    • For older children, try and set a time or goal for reading at least a few times a week. Kids are busy with after-school activities. Most can read in the car on the way to a game, recital, etc. or read one chapter before turning in at night. Even a few minutes are beneficial.
    • Let your kids see you reading, too. As parents we have such little free time, but kids wonder why we don't read if they have to. Model the simple act of reading, even if it is a cookbook, work report or magazine while they are reading at the same time.

    Math Tips
     
    If you want your child to be interested in math, make math fun!  A parent's attitude toward math transfers to the child.
    • Start counting as early as possible.  Use any opportunity to count.
    • Point out numbers wherever you see them:  road signs, books, movies, menus.
    • Mealtimes are great times to practice math! Ex: count how many carrots are on your plate, how many more cucumbers do you have than tomatoes, etc.
    • Have your child "help" you at the grocery store. Allow them to practice such skills as estimating, addition, division, etc. depending on their age and level. If they are able, have them calculate the change if you pay in cash.
    • Show your older children how useful math can be: calculating % off for sales, division when figuring cost of team snacks for sports, etc., calculating the tip at a restaurant, area and perimeter for painting a house, pricing carpet, measuring a yard, etc.
    • Don't ever tell your child, "I was never good at math" or "I hate math." 
    • Encourage mental math. Provide opportunities such as in the car, home, etc. to figure out problems without a pencil and paper.

    Homework Tips 
    • Right after school, allow your child a few minutes to have a snack, change their clothes and relax.  After that, have a set time every day for homework.
    • Have a special area (desk or kitchen table) with few distractions for them to work at.
    • If they have a short attention span, have them work for 10 to 20 minute intervals (depending upon the age/severity) with 2 to 3 minute breaks.  This will help them focus and be more productive than sitting for extended periods of time.

     Contact me at [email protected].