How Reading Tutors Help Your Children Learn to Read
Reading is an essential life skill that every child must acquire. While schools do their best to teach children to read, sometimes, more is needed. Some children need extra help to develop their reading skills, which is where reading tutors come in.
In this blog post, we will discuss five key benefits of having a reading tutor for your child.
1. Make Reading Fun
One of the primary ways reading tutors help your children learn to read is by making reading enjoyable. Many children struggle with reading because they find it boring or tedious. A skilled reading tutor can bring the joy and excitement of reading to life by using engaging stories, fun activities, and interactive games that help children develop a love for reading.
For example, a reading tutor might use silly voices, props, or costumes to make the story more exciting and engaging. They can also incorporate your child’s interests and hobbies into the reading materials, making them more likely to enjoy the process.
2. Increase Your Child’s Confidence
Another benefit of having a reading tutor is that it can help increase your child’s confidence in their reading abilities. Children who struggle with reading often feel embarrassed or ashamed, leading to a lack of confidence and a reluctance to read.
A reading tutor can provide positive reinforcement, encouragement, and praise, helping your child feel more confident in their reading abilities. Moreover, as your child’s reading skills improve, they will feel more self-assured and willing to tackle more challenging reading materials.
3. Improve Your Child’s Comprehension
Reading tutors not only help your child learn to read but also improve their reading comprehension. Comprehension is crucial for understanding the meaning behind the words on the page and is an essential aspect of reading.
A reading tutor can help your child develop comprehension skills by asking questions about the text, discussing the main ideas and themes, and suggesting strategies for remembering and understanding the information. This will ultimately help your child become a more critical and thoughtful reader.
4. Offer One-On-One Support
One of the most significant advantages of hiring a reading tutor is that your child will receive one-on-one support tailored to their needs. In a classroom setting, teachers often have limited time and resources to devote to individual students, making it difficult for children who need extra help to get the support they need.
With a reading tutor, your child will get personalized attention and targeted instruction that focuses on their specific strengths and weaknesses. This individualized approach can help your child progress significantly in their reading abilities more quickly than in a traditional classroom setting.
5. Play Up Strengths
Every child has unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to reading. A reading tutor can help your child build on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses, fostering a well-rounded and balanced approach to reading.
For example, if your child has a strong vocabulary but struggles with phonics, a reading tutor can focus on phonics exercises while incorporating vocabulary-building activities. This helps keep your child engaged and motivated, as they can experience success in their areas of strength while working on their areas of weakness.
Conclusion
Reading tutors offer many benefits for children who need extra help learning to read. They make reading fun, increase your child’s confidence, improve their comprehension, provide one-on-one support, and help your child build on their strengths.
If your child struggles with reading, consider investing in a reading tutor to help them develop the essential reading skills they need for success in school and life.
Are you looking for the best tutoring service for your child? Check out Prep Academy Tutors today. We have tutors who can assist through test preparation, curriculum-based learning, enrichment programs, remedial programs, and more. Call us to find a local tutor for your child now!
Reasons Why Learning French Is Essential for Students
Learning a second language has become an essential skill for students in today’s globalized world. French is among the most popular languages spoken worldwide, and it is an official language in twenty-nine countries.
It is also the second most taught language in the world, after English. There are several reasons why learning French is essential for students, and this article will discuss them in detail.
Opens Up Job Opportunities
The ability to speak French can open up a world of job opportunities for students. The economy of France ranks sixth in the world, and French companies have a significant presence in many countries.
The International Olympic Committee, the European Union, and other international organizations all utilize French as a working language. Therefore, students who learn French increase their chances of getting a job in these organizations and French companies.
One of Canada’s official languages is French, so students who learn French can work in Canada’s bilingual provinces.
Enhances Travel Experiences
France is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and several famous attractions, like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles, are found there. Learning the language can enhance a student’s travel experience in France and other French-speaking countries.
It allows the student to communicate with locals, understand the culture and traditions, and explore the country more authentically. It can also make travelling more convenient, as signs, menus, and other information are often written in French.
Improves Cognitive Skills
Learning a second language has been shown to increase cognitive abilities like problem-solving, decision-making, and multitasking. Research has also revealed that multilingual individuals have superior cognitive control, which allows them to transition between tasks more efficiently.
Learning a language improves memory and concentration, as it requires the brain to store and retrieve information. Therefore, students who learn French can improve their cognitive skills, which can benefit them in their academic and professional lives.
Boosts Academic Performance
Learning a second language has also been found to improve academic performance. Studies have shown that students who learn a second language perform better in subjects such as math, science, and reading.
This is because mastering a second language enhances cognitive abilities like memory, focus, and problem-solving, all of which are necessary for academic success.
It also enhances cultural awareness and empathy, which can improve social skills and relationships.
Enhances Cultural Awareness
French is not just a language; it is also a culture. Learning French allows students to understand the culture, traditions, and history of French-speaking countries.
It exposes students to different ways of living, thinking, and communicating, which can broaden their perspectives and enhance cultural awareness.
Learning French can also promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, which is essential in today’s diverse and interconnected world.
Increases Self-Confidence
Learning a second language can also increase self-confidence. It requires students to step out of their comfort zones and communicate in a new language.
This can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. As students learn and improve their French skills, they gain confidence in their abilities and feel more comfortable communicating with others.
It also promotes a sense of accomplishment and achievement, which can boost self-esteem and motivation.
Conclusion
With the growing importance of globalization and diversity, learning French has become increasingly relevant and necessary for students. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students consider learning French as a valuable investment in their future.
Prep Academy Tutors provides quality French tutoring for students. We offer personalized in-home and online tutoring services for elementary school, high school, and university prep in math, science, English, French, and every subject in between.
We aim to make sure your child has the tools and confidence to score straight A’s—while enjoying the process! Find your local tutor!
7 Benefits a Child with ADHD Can Gain from Having a Tutor
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a child’s ability to focus, pay attention, and manage their levels of impulsivity and hyperactivity. While there is no cure for ADHD, there are many treatments that can help children with the disorder manage their symptoms. One of these treatments is tutoring.
Tutoring can be an incredibly beneficial resource for children with ADHD. A tutor can help a child with ADHD develop better organizational skills, improve their focus and concentration, and learn effective study strategies. Having a tutor serve as an impartial third party can also be helpful for children with ADHD, as it gives them someone to hold them accountable for their progress.
Here are some of the benefits that a child with ADHD can gain from having a tutor:
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Improved Concentration
One of the most important benefits of having a tutor is that it can help your child to focus better on tasks and stay on track. A tutor can provide structure and guidance, which can help your child to stay on task and concentrate better.
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Improved Academic Performance
With the help of a tutor, your child can improve their academic performance. A tutor can help your child to understand difficult concepts and complete their assignments on time. This can help them to achieve better grades in school.
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Improved Self-Confidence
Having a tutor can also help to boost your child’s self-confidence. A tutor can provide positive reinforcement and encouragement, which can help to motivate your child and give them the confidence they need to succeed.
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Improved Organizational Skills
A tutor can also help your child to develop better organizational skills. They can provide tips and advice on how to stay organized and keep track of their studies. This can help them to become more efficient and organized in their studies.
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Improved Social Skills
Having a tutor can also help your child to develop better social skills. A tutor can provide a safe and supportive environment where your child can practice their communication and interaction skills. This can help them to become more comfortable in social situations.
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Improved Time Management
A tutor can help your child learn better time management skills so that they can make the most of their study time and stay on top of their assignments. This can be especially helpful for children with ADHD who may have difficulty managing their time on their own.
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Improved Study Skills
A tutor can help a child with ADHD develop better study habits and learn effective study strategies. This can help the child become more organized and better able to retain information.
Conclusion
A tutor can be extremely beneficial for an ADHD child by providing them with a safe and comfortable learning environment. Tutors can help children with ADHD develop better organizational and study skills, improve their focus and concentration, and build their confidence.
They can also provide the individualized attention needed to help the child keep up with schoolwork and ensure they understand the material. Tutoring can also help the child to become more socially engaged with their peers and build better relationships with their teachers.
All of these benefits can help the child develop the skills necessary for success in school and beyond. If you are looking for a way to help your ADHD child, then hiring a tutor may be a great option.
Are you looking for a private home tutor that can help your child learn in a way that works for them? Prep Academy Tutors is here to help! We also offer specialized tutoring for students with ADHD, including help with executive functioning skills, such as organization and time management. Find your local tutor today and start your child on the path to success!
8 Reasons Why Literacy Development Is Important for Children
Literacy development is an important part of a child’s development and is essential to their future. Literacy is the ability to read, write, listen and communicate effectively, and it is an essential skill for children to learn as they grow. Here are some of the reasons why literacy development is so important for children:
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Develops Independent Learners
When children have strong literacy skills, they can access information more quickly and can independently explore topics that interest them. This allows them to better understand the world around them and to develop a more positive attitude toward learning.
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Improves Academic Performance
Literacy development is an integral part of a child’s academic success. Children who have a good command of language and reading skills are more likely to do well in school. They are better able to understand and retain information, which can lead to better grades and a greater likelihood of achieving their educational goals.
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Enhances Problem-Solving Skills
As children learn to read and write, they also acquire important problem-solving skills. Reading helps children develop critical thinking skills, while writing allows them to express their thoughts and opinions more effectively. This helps them to become more creative and better able to solve problems on their own.
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Develops Self-Esteem
Literacy development helps children to feel more confident. When children are able to read and write, they are able to express themselves and their ideas in a clear and effective way. This can help them to gain a better understanding of the world around them and increase their self-esteem.
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Strengthens Communication Skills
Literacy development helps children to communicate more effectively. Children can communicate their thoughts and ideas more efficiently when they learn to read and write. This helps them to better understand and interact with others, which is an important part of social and emotional development.
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Develops Self-Reliance
Being able to read and write well helps children become more independent and develop a sense of responsibility. Being able to read and comprehend written material also helps children develop their concentration and focus.
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Develops Creativity
Literacy development helps children to explore their creativity. Writing is a great way for children to explore their imaginative side and to express themselves in a unique way. Reading also allows them to discover new worlds and to use their creativity to imagine how different scenarios might play out.
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Builds Strong Relationships
Being able to read and write effectively helps children to communicate more effectively with their peers, teachers, and parents. This leads to stronger relationships and a more positive school environment.
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Improves Job Prospects
Many employers require their employees to have good reading and writing skills, so it’s important for children to develop these skills while they’re still young. This can help them to get a better job and have more success in the future.
Conclusion
Literacy development is a crucial part of a child’s educational journey. It not only helps them to become more effective communicators but also helps them to become better problem solvers, critical thinkers and more. Additionally, it can increase their confidence levels, enabling them to make better decisions and take on more responsibility.
Literacy development can also help children to develop social skills, such as making friends, expressing themselves and understanding others. Therefore, it is essential to provide children with the necessary support and resources to help them gain the necessary literacy skills.
Are you looking for the best tutoring service to help your child’s literacy development? If so, Prep Academy Tutors is the perfect solution for you! We offer personalized in-home and online tutoring services that are tailored to meet your child’s individual needs. Our expert tutors are dedicated to helping your child reach their full potential. Contact us to get started!
Sneak In Summer Learning
Our last blog post was about Summer Learning Loss and how parents can combat it. One way to avoid this setback is to sneak in summer learning. Hiring a tutor is an excellent way to provide structure and support throughout the summer so your child retains what they have learned during the past school year however, there are many easy ways to sneak summer learning into your child’s day-to-day activities throughout July and August.
Sneak In Summer Learning: MATH
As discussed previously, on average, students can lose approximately 2.6 months of math learning over the summer, which can take up to six weeks of re-learning old material to make up for the loss. But math is also one of the most accessible subjects to sneak in summer learning, with opportunities to practice basic skills daily.
Host a Yard Sale:
Your kids will need to analyze what they are selling to set a price, be able to calculate change, and offer percentage or dollar discounts.
Get Cooking:
Having your kids help in the kitchen teaches them life skills and is an easy way to sneak in math, specifically when it comes to measurements. As your kids go through each recipe step, have them convert a measurement. For instance, if the recipe calls for three tablespoons, ask them how many teaspoons that would be.
Math Games for The Family:
Nothing sneaks in summer learning like family game night! Some of the best games that focus on math are:
Yahtzee
Mastermind
Battleship
Uno
Monopoly
Sneak In Summer Learning: SCIENCE
The wonderful thing about science is that even simple hands-on experiments requiring only a few materials can spark an interest in the subject for the upcoming school year.
You can create your own experiments or get inspiration here. This Prep Academy article also has three boredom-busting science experiments that will keep your kids engaged using basic household items you likely already have lying around.
Sneak In Summer Learning: READING/WRITING
Summer Scrapbook:
Have your child delve into their creative side by making a scrapbook where they journal their summer adventures. Use everything you have on hand – magazine clippings, stickers, markers, and construction paper – the sky is the limit! Have your kids incorporate creative storytelling for a fun way to practice writing that also makes a memory book they can look back on in the fall.
Garage Sales:
Build up your kids’ home library by hitting local garage sales and having them choose and buy books they would like to read.
Rethink Screen Time:
While you don’t want your kids to be in front of a screen for an entire summer, you can turn television time into reading time by simply turning on the closed captioning when they are watching their favourite shows.
Sneak In Summer Learning: GEOGRAPHY
Latitude/Longitude Part 1:
Whenever your child reads a book, magazine or newspaper article, have them find the latitude and longitude of the location where the focus of the article takes place and find it on a map.
Latitude/Longitude Part 2:
Have your child find their birthday latitude and longitude on a map. Use the month for latitude and day for longitude. If the birthday is October 18, the coordinates could be 10°N, 18°E or 10°S, 18°W. To expand on this, have them find out facts about the area they found.
Take a Virtual Tour of the World
Google Virtual Tours allows you to visit thirty historic landmarks worldwide, including the Taj Mahal, Great Sphinx of Giza and Stonehenge.
On a final note, summer learning loss is not inevitable. A combination of at-home learning and working with our certified tutors will help your child retain what they’ve already learned and confidently start the school year.
How To Combat Summer Learning Loss
Summer is upon us, which means many children go from a structured school routine to a more
relaxed daily schedule. While downtime in the summer is great, the two-month gap in learning
can cause summer learning loss, also referred to as the summer slide, brain drain, and the
summer setback. This can be frustrating for parents. After watching their child struggle to
master vital skills like writing and math over the course of the school year, summer comes along
and seems to wipe the memory clean. In this post we will cover some tips on how to combat summer learning loss.
It’s the old adage of ‘use it or lose it’ come to life. Without regular practice, new skills and
knowledge fade. What’s even more worrisome is that these dips in learning can be even more
dramatic as kids enter middle school.
One area that is hit particularly hard is math. On average, students can lose approximately 2.6
months of math learning over the summer. These setbacks can take up to six weeks of
re-learning old material to make up for summer learning loss.
How Do You Combat Summer Learning Loss?
July and August are a chance for children to combat learning loss and stay academically
motivated so that, when they return to school in the fall, they’ll be more than prepared.
Bring Play Into Learning
Since math is an area with the most significant summer learning loss, one of the most important
roles you can play in how to combat summer learning loss, is modelling interest in the value of math. Instead of thinking about math as a
chore, connect it to your child’s real-life experiences.
Find something your child is already passionate about, then draw out the mathematical
features. It’s a great way to help your kids see that math touches everything. If they like to draw,
you can find books or videos to teach them the importance of ratios, scaling, and angles. If
they’re interested in sports, use the hockey rink, football field, or soccer pitch to show the
importance of fractions.
Games like Yahtzee, Monopoly, and Sequence utilize basic math skills such as counting, adding,
and categorizing.
Hire a Tutor
A tutor can provide structure and support so your child will not only retain what they have
learned throughout the school year but can also improve their knowledge in advance of the
year to come. It’s also an opportunity to help your child overcome personal learning challenges
in a safe environment.
Make Reading An Everyday Activity
The results of a 2004 study suggest that the effect of reading four to five booksis potentially
large enough to prevent a decline in reading achievement scores from the spring to the fall.
Furthermore, children who reported easy access to books also read more books.
A few things you can do to make books more accessible are:
- Take a trip to your local library and allow your child to choose books of interest to them.
- Bring books on car rides or when you go to the park or beach
- Implement a quiet reading hour once a day
- Create a summer reading challenge
Literacy Activities
Journaling
Journaling is an excellent activity for kids to develop as readers, writers, and communicators.
Have them write whatever comes to mind, whatever is bothering them, whatever they’re
curious about, or whatever they want to remember.
The Neverending Story:
This is a fun activity for middle-school children. In a notebook, write the line “Once Upon A
Time….”
Each family member then adds a short paragraph to the story every day, with the next person
adding on to what was previously written. Not only does this help with writing, but it also helps
to inspire your child’s creativity and nourishes their imagination.
Word Jar:
Write down vocabulary words on slips of paper appropriate for your child’s age/grade and have
them choose one word each day. The challenge is for both of you to use that word in
conversation (using the proper context) as many times as you can that day.
Summer learning loss is not inevitable. By incorporating math skills into daily life, reading
regularly, and encouraging your children to write and journal, you are setting them up for a
successful school year ahead.
If you want to explore the possibility of tutoring this summer, contact us to learn more.
How To React To Your Child’s Report Card
How To React To Your Child’s Report Card
The end of the school year is near, which means final report cards will be coming home. This can be stressful for kids, especially if they feel like they haven’t lived up to expectations. How parents react to bad grades on a report card is important as it can affect your child’s future approach to studying and attitude towards learning.
According to parenting expert Alyson Schafer, “When report cards come home, your child knows full well that they are being measured. They will be thinking, “Am I good enough?” Your answers and facial expressions need to convey that they are already everything they need to be, and a report card doesn’t say a wit about them.”
No parent wants to see poor grades on their child’s report card, but if you do, don’t react instantly while your emotions are running high. Poor grades aren’t a measure of your child’s worth or your parenting skills. Once you have had time to calm yourself, use this as an opportunity to communicate with your son/daughter and determine a path for future academic enrichment.
If your child does bring home a report card with unsatisfactory grades, here’s what you can do:
Focus on the Positive
Imagine going to work, and your boss only points out everything you do wrong. It would be defeating and unmotivating, not to mention a very stressful environment. It’s the same for your child. Yes, you want the grades to improve, but your child also needs to know what they are doing right. Starting on a positive note helps them understand that you care about all their accomplishments, not just the areas that need improvement. Involve them in the discussion and ask questions like which grade they are proudest of and why.
Listen To Your Child
Your child can give you good insight as to why they are struggling. Ask open-ended questions about what they think happened. Was the work too difficult? Is the subject being taught too fast for them to keep up? Are they asking questions when problems arise?
Talk To The Teacher
Since this is the last report card of the year, you may ask yourself why bother speaking with the teacher. However, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about your child’s behaviour, habits, and performance in the classroom, which will ultimately help you develop a plan to improve your child’s academic performance.
Come Up With a Plan
Help your child set realistic and attainable goals for the coming year. Hiring a tutor for the summer months marks a chance for your child to combat learning loss and stay academically motivated so that, when they return to school in the fall, they’ll be more than prepared.
Last but not least, emphasize the importance of always trying their best and focusing on a love of life-long learning, not simply getting straight A’s.
Teaching Kids Problem Solving Skills At Home
As parents and educators, one of the greatest things we can do is provide our children with the skills to
solve problems by themselves. Kids of all ages face issues daily, and teaching them the process to solve
these problems will help them become confident, independent individuals.
If your child is struggling with a problem at home, you can do specific things to help.
Teach Your Child The Sequence To Solve a Problem
- Define the Problem: Defining the problem establishes a goal for what you want to achieve.
- Brainstorm Solutions: Create a list of possible solutions.
- Evaluate and Choose a Solution: The ideal solution will meet the goal, is efficient, and has the fewest
side effects. - Implement the Solution: This step is about testing and feedback rather than trying to get it ‘perfect’ the
first time. - Review the Results: Review what worked and what didn’t work.
Other ways you can teach your children problem-solving skills:
Model Problem Solving Behaviour
Problem-solving is often done in steps that can be slow and sometimes tedious. Model patience and
perseverance as well as how to follow a structured method.
Ask For Advice
When you face a problem, ask your kids for advice. This helps them develop problem-solving skills and
learn that everyone encounters challenges.
Learn From The Past
Oftentimes children will have encountered a similar situation previously. Have them think about a
comparable problem they have experienced in the past and how they were able to solve the issue. Teach
them that it’s okay to re-use strategies.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
While the easiest solution would be to give your child the answer, it doesn’t help him develop the skills
he needs to problem solve when you aren’t around. Instead, ask open-ended questions to help him
elaborate on his thoughts and provide a more descriptive response. Open-ended questions typically
begin with words like ‘why’ or ‘how’. A few examples of open-ended questions are:
What do you think would work best in this situation?
Why do you think this solution is the one that will work?
What will you do differently next time?
Emphasize the Process, Not The End Result
When you emphasize the process, it helps your child improve their problem-solving skills through effort
and practice and encourages a growth mindset. It also teaches them that the first solution may not
always be the best, and that’s okay.
What To Do When Your Child is Feeling Unmotivated To Learn
The second half of the school year is when many students often feel unmotivated to learn,
especially this past year with the back-and-forth of online and in-person learning. If your child is
feeling unmotivated, the first thing to do is let them know it’s normal to feel this way sometimes,
and that feeling unmotivated is something they will deal with throughout life. The good news is,
you can change it!
Have Your Kids Visualize Their Goals:
A study done in 2011 at the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech showed the easier a
goal is to see, the closer it seems. For instance, if your child has a goal of reading a certain
number of books before the end of the school year, you can create a poster with the title of each
book that they can cross off when it’s done. If they are striving to get a certain grade in a
subject, create a chart where they can document the results of their exams and projects in that
class.
Change Up Your Environment:
There are some things you can change and some things you can’t – like homework. If you can’t
change your to-do list, change where you get things done. Something as simple as finding a
new place you can study even if it’s just for one session can help your child feel more
motivated. Some ideas include:
- Moving to a new area in your home
- Take your homework outside to a local park or even just to your backyard or balcony
The local library.
Organize Workspace Both At Home and In School
Clutter affects not just your workspace but your mind as well. Our brains actually like order, and
if you are surrounded by clutter it drains your cognitive resources, reducing the ability to focus.
Go through both your at-home workspace and in-school workspace (including lockers) to get rid
of anything you don’t need and organize what is left. This is also a good time to create a
calendar on a device or utilize a planner to keep track of deadlines in each of your child’s
classes.
Teach Them To Take Care of Basic Needs
Kids are humans and it’s important that they are taking care of their needs like getting enough
sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, getting physical activity, and socializing. It’s hard to be
motivated to learn if you’re falling asleep in class, or can’t concentrate because you didn’t drink
enough water.
Consider Getting a Tutor
If your child is unmotivated to learn and homework has become a battle, consider hiring a tutor.
A tutor can turn homework and study into a positive experience by applying lessons in a way
that works with your child’s strengths while also teaching him/her time management and
learning skills.
The Power of Play in Your Child’s Learning
We often think of academics and play as two separate entities but study
after study shows us that play is an integral component in a child’s learning. Play is, in fact, so powerful, it can
be used as an intervention to close achievement gaps between children ages 3 to 6. Learning is
not simply cognitive and academic but is broad, interconnected, and dynamic.
Did you know that play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized
by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child? Play allows
children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical,
cognitive, and emotional development. And as children master their world, play helps them to
develop new competencies which lead to enhanced confidence and resiliency. Our tutors often
see this boost in confidence when students grasp concepts that they were struggling with
previously.
What Play Can Do:
0 – 3 Years: Play at this age is about responsive social interactions that help children build
healthy brain connections.
3 – 12 Years: At this age, skills and concepts learned at school are deepened through play.
12+: Play helps kids to collaborate and problem-solve.
In addition to play being an integral component in a child’s learning, parents are an integral part of the tutoring process as well. How you reinforce the lessons your children
are learning through real-world practice is just as important as the learning itself. This doesn’t
necessarily mean printing out math sheets or having your kids write essays. A lesson on
fractions can be reinforced by baking cookies together. Playing a game of UNO with your kids
teaches them to strategize and match colours and numbers. What they learn with us, is
strengthened at home with you.
So this Family Day long weekend, don’t feel guilty about taking the time off to play. You’re helping to improve
their education.