Addressing Social Anxiety in Middle School Students Through Tutoring

Middle school can be a tricky time for kids. They’re navigating new academic challenges while figuring out where they fit in socially. This stage can be overwhelming, especially for those dealing with social anxiety. Social anxiety isn’t just being shy or nervous. It’s a deeper concern that can affect a child’s school performance and interactions with others. Nobody wants their middle school years to be filled with worry. Fortunately, there are ways to help.

Tutoring offers a supportive environment where students can get the help they need without the stress of peer pressure. Tutors understand the challenges of social anxiety and work closely with each student to make the learning process comfortable. They can turn a subject that seems daunting into something manageable. Let’s explore how tutoring can be an effective solution for managing social anxiety in middle school students.

Understanding Social Anxiety in Middle School Students

Social anxiety is more than the occasional butterflies in the stomach. It’s a persistent fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings. Many middle school students experience it, and it can be hard to manage. This anxiety affects them in various ways, from struggling to raise their hand in class to avoiding group activities altogether.

Here are some common symptoms of social anxiety in middle schoolers:

• Constant worry about daily activities and events.
• Difficulty making friends or avoiding social situations.
• Physical symptoms like sweating or a racing heart when confronted with social tasks.
• Intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in front of peers.

In school, social anxiety can impact performance significantly. Students may struggle to participate in class, which can hurt their grades. It can also cause them to shy away from teamwork, missing out on valuable experiences. It’s important to recognize these signs early so that students can get the support they need.

Understanding what triggers social anxiety is also crucial. Common triggers for middle schoolers might include speaking in front of the class, meeting new people, or dealing with group tasks. By identifying these triggers, tutors can work on strategies that help students overcome their fears, leading to a more positive school experience.

The Role of Middle School Tutors

Tutors play a key role in helping students with social anxiety. They’re trained to spot the signs and tailor their teaching methods to fit each child’s needs. The best part? Tutors create a safe zone where students can learn without fear of judgment. This one-on-one environment is especially helpful for those who find traditional classrooms overwhelming.

Personalization is an important part of tutoring. Tutors get to know their students well, allowing them to create customized learning plans. These plans focus on helping students tackle anxiety triggers while building academic skills. The trusting relationship between a student and a tutor is a foundation for overcoming anxiety.

For example, if a student struggles with the fear of speaking up, a tutor might use role-playing to help them practice in a low-pressure setting. Tutors might also introduce stress-reduction techniques that students can use before challenging social situations. By breaking tasks into manageable steps, tutors can make a big difference in a child’s confidence.

In summary, middle school tutors bring more than just academic expertise. They offer emotional support and understanding, which can really help students with social anxiety find their footing.

Strategies Tutors Use to Alleviate Social Anxiety

Middle school tutors use a variety of strategies to help students tackle social anxiety. These methods are designed to gently push students out of their comfort zones while providing the support they need to grow. Here are some common techniques:

• Role-playing Social Scenarios: This involves creating mock situations where students can practice interactions in a low-stress setting. By acting out different scenarios, they can build confidence and prepare for real-world social situations.
• Stress-Reduction Techniques: Tutors teach students how to manage anxiety through activities like deep breathing and visualization. These can be used when anxiety peaks during a social event or class presentation.
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrating small victories can boost a student’s confidence. Tutors recognize progress, no matter how minor, to encourage a positive self-image.
• Building Social Skills: In a one-on-one setting, tutors can work on developing specific social skills, such as initiating conversation or maintaining eye contact. This focused attention allows for gradual improvement tailored to the student’s pace.
• Creating a Safe Environment: Most importantly, tutors provide a non-judgmental space where students feel free to express themselves. This supportive environment reduces pressure and encourages students to take risks without fear of embarrassment.

Success Stories and Benefits

Many students have navigated their way past social anxiety with the help of tutoring. Take, for instance, a student who might have been terrified of group projects. Through repeated practice in role-playing and gradual exposure, they eventually start participating more openly. Over time, the student finds team activities less daunting and begins to thrive in collaborative settings.

The benefits of managing social anxiety extend beyond the classroom. Students often see improvements in their schoolwork and social interactions. Feeling more comfortable can lead to increased participation, better grades, and deeper relationships with peers. These early successes can have lasting effects, setting up students for personal and academic achievement in the future.

How to Find the Right Middle School Tutor

Searching for the right middle school tutor for a child dealing with social anxiety can seem challenging. Parents should consider tutors who are patient, observant, and experienced in handling social anxiety. It’s essential that the tutor has a track record of customizing their approach to meet the unique needs of each student.

When evaluating potential tutors, look for the following qualities:

– Experience and Qualifications: The tutor should have experience working with middle school students and a background in education or psychology could be beneficial.

– Personalized Approach: Make sure the tutor is willing to create a learning plan tailored to the student’s specific challenges and goals.

– Communication Skills: A tutor who can communicate warmly and clearly is vital for building trust with the student.

Having the right tutor on board can make a significant difference in helping a child manage social anxiety. A good tutor doesn’t just provide academic support; they also instil confidence that can reverberate throughout a student’s middle school journey, paving the way for a happier and more productive school life.

Helping Your Child Thrive in Middle School

Addressing social anxiety during middle school is crucial for a child’s overall growth. With the right support, students can learn to manage their anxiety and even use it to their advantage in developing resilience and determination. Middle school tutors play an instrumental role here. They provide the tools and guidance necessary to help students recognize and face their fears, creating pathways for improved interaction and learning.

Encouraging professional tutoring can provide students with the confidence they need to navigate social situations more comfortably. With tailored strategies and compassionate support, children can enjoy their middle school years while preparing for the challenges ahead. Providing them with this support can lay a strong foundation for their future academic and personal success.

Discover how Prep Academy Tutors can support your child through their middle school years. Our approach helps manage social anxiety and promotes better learning experiences. To find the best fit for your child’s needs and learn more about our dedicated middle school tutors, visit our how we work page. Let’s work together to help your child thrive.

The Top 7 Benefits of Hiring a Math Private Tutor

Mathematics can be a challenging subject for most students. It requires a certain understanding and mastery to excel in this subject. While some students may find it easy, others struggle to grasp the concepts and principles. 

It can be frustrating for students who feel like they are not progressing in their math classes. This is where hiring a private math tutor can be beneficial. This article will discuss the top seven benefits of hiring a private math tutor.

Improved Performance

One of the primary advantages of working with a private math tutor is that it can improve your performance in the subject. Tutors are trained to identify your weaknesses and help you work on them. They can provide personalized attention, which is impossible in a classroom setting. 

With one-on-one sessions, students can ask questions and clarify their doubts without feeling embarrassed. Tutors can also tailor their teaching methods to suit the student’s learning style, making the sessions more effective.

Better Understanding of Concepts

Mathematics is a subject that requires a deep understanding of concepts and principles. It can be difficult to solve problems and apply formulas without a proper understanding. A private math tutor can help students understand the concepts and principles in a way that makes sense. Tutors can break down complex topics into simpler parts, making it easier for students to understand.

Increased Confidence

Many students cringe when it comes to math. They may feel intimidated by the subject or feel like they are not good enough. Hiring a private math tutor can help boost their confidence. Tutors can provide positive feedback and encouragement, which can help students gain more confidence in their abilities. Their confidence will continue to develop as they see improvements in their performance.

Personalized Attention

Teachers have to divide their attention among several students in a classroom setting. This can make it impractical for them to provide personalized attention to each student. 

With a private math tutor, students can receive individualized attention. Tutors can identify the student’s strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly. This can help students develop their math skills at their own pace without being overwhelmed.

Flexible Schedule

Another benefit of hiring a private math tutor is the flexibility it provides. Tutors can work around the student’s schedule, making it easier for them to join tutoring sessions. Tutors can also provide online sessions, which can be attainable for students who live far away or have transportation issues.

Improved Study Habits

Math private tutors can also help improve the student’s study habits. They can supply tips and techniques on how to study effectively. Tutors can also help students develop a study plan that works for them. This can include setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and managing time effectively. With improved study habits, students can become more efficient and productive.

Better Grades

Ultimately, hiring a private math tutor can lead to better grades. With personalized attention, improved understanding of concepts, and increased confidence, students are more likely to perform well in their math classes. 

Tutors can also help students prepare for exams and assignments, leading to higher grades. This can positively impact the student’s academic career and future opportunities.

Conclusion

Hiring a private math tutor can benefit students struggling with the subject. Students can excel in their math classes with personalized attention, an improved understanding of concepts, and increased confidence. 

Additionally, tutors can provide flexible schedules, improved study habits, and ultimately lead to better grades. Investing in a private math tutor can be a wise decision for students who want to improve their performance in math.

Boost your math skills and grades with a private math tutor from Prep Academy Tutors! Contact us today to schedule your personalized tutoring sessions and start achieving academic success.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Prep Academy Tutors is Open for Business in Illinois

Prep Academy Tutors is proud to announce that we have teamed up with Jack Gannon and Kathleen Gannon to offer in-home and online tutoring in Illinois.

The new franchise of Prep Academy Tutors is based in DuPage County, Illinois. We support children and families in Illinois and across DuPage County. 

Our Illinois franchisees are passionate about education and boast ample experience with the Illinois curriculum. At PREP ACADEMY TUTORS, we provide students with the personalized education they need to succeed. Prep Academy Tutors of DuPage is one of our newer U.S. franchises.

Who We Are: Prep Academy Tutors of DuPage 

Prep Academy Tutors is a private in-home and ONLINE TUTORING COMPANY that boasts a team of elite tutors dedicated to fostering your child’s best academic self. We provide ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING and both small group and micro-classroom tutoring to support students and families.

Meet the Owners: Jack and Kathleen

Jack Gannon

Jack, along with his wife, Kathleen, is the co-owner of Prep Academy Tutors – DuPage County. Jack brings more than 17 years of business experience that includes leading, managing people and projects, and creating revenue growth through sales, primarily in the industry of food manufacturing and packaging.

He is very excited to be a part of the Prep Academy Tutors team by providing exceptional tutoring services to the students and families of DuPage County. In his spare time, Jack enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and cheering on the Chicago sports teams.

Kathleen Gannon

Kathleen is excited to be part of the Prep Academy Tutors community and bring the first Prep Academy Tutors franchise to Illinois! Kathleen is passionate about education, and has over 10 years of experience working in public schools, specifically as a school counselor and special education case manager. In both of these roles, Kathleen saw firsthand the benefits that individualized, one-on-one instruction can provide for students. As a licensed school counselor, Kathleen places a high importance on listening and collaborating with parents and families regarding specific academic, as well as social-emotional needs.

Kathleen completed her bachelor’s degree in communication from Truman State University, and received her M.Ed. from the University of Missouri-Columbia with an emphasis in counseling psychology.  She is passionate about the dynamic relationship between a student’s social-emotional well-being and academic achievement. Prep Academy Tutors aligns well with Kathleen’s values, as she believes in delivering high quality, individualized instruction to students to cater to their specific learning styles.

After spending the past few years at home with her young sons, Kathleen is excited to return to the field of education to provide exceptional tutoring services to students and families of DuPage County. In her spare time, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children, reading, and traveling when the opportunity arises.

Meet Some of Our DuPage, IL Tutors

Prep Academy Tutors of DuPage are excited to grow our roster to provide compassionate and personalized tutoring services in Illinois. We’re LOOKING FOR TUTORS who boast the experience and skills necessary to provide the level of education that Prep Academy Tutors is known for.

ALEXIS S.

Specializes In: College Essay Writing, English, Social Studies

About Alexis: Alexis holds a professional educators license in Illinois with concentrations in English and Social Studies. She grew up in Villa Park, IL and received my Undergraduate Degree at Lewis University. While at Lewis University, Alexis served as a writing tutor in our writing center and assisted undergraduate and graduate students in peer editing writing assignments. Alexis recently graduated in December of 2022!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALEXIS

OMAR N.

Specializes In: ACT Test Prep, Algebra, Biology, Elementary Education K-5, PSAT/SAT Test Prep, Pre-Algebra, Social Studies, Spanish, Trigonometry

About Omar: Omar is currently a second-year medical student at Rush Medical College. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and minor in biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has been tutoring one on one for more than 6 years now, and has experience with elementary through college aged students. Omar has tutored a variety of subjects, including math, economics, science, English, ACT subjects, and Arabic. He has also taught classes of 20+ as a Sunday School instructor for 4 years and is comfortable with all types of students and settings. Omar’s time tutoring and teaching have taught him that everyone has different learning styles, and teaching methods must be adjusted accordingly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OMAR

LEAH H

Specializes In: Algebra, Pre-Algebra, Spanish, Trigonometry

About Leah: Leah Haft is currently studying Secondary Education Mathematics, with a minor in K-12 Spanish Teaching at Elmhurst University. Her desire to become a teacher started at a young age. She has experience working with students in various settings, such as through nannying, life coaching a student with special needs, and in a classroom setting. She has been nannying for 2 and a half years, in which she has been able to sit-in on a couple of IEP meetings. Through participating in classrooms, Leah has been able to teach some lessons and help students with their math work. In her free time, she co-leads a Girl Scout troop of 12 girls and has had some leadership experience with the Honors Program at Elmhurst University.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LEAH

What to Expect from Prep Academy Tutors of DuPage: 

Support:Prep Academy Tutors provides personalized in-home and online tutoring services to support families and students in DuPage County, Illinois, helping students achieve academic success and reach their full potential.

Curriculum-Based Educational Support: We use a growing online platform to provide CURRICULUM-BASED EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT.

A Commitment to Academic Excellence: We are committed to academic excellence and work to ensure our students stay at and above grade level.

Services: We provide one-on-one, small group, and micro-classroom TUTORING ONLINE, or in the comfort of your home.

Targeted Tutoring: Prep Academy Tutors provides executive functioning coaching that helps students improve their organization, time management, and decision-making skills, which can lead to increased academic success and overall well-being.

Communication: We prioritize communication between tutors and families.

Work with Prep Academy Tutors of DuPage

To work with Prep Academy Tutors, you can call us at 630.503.6620 or email us at dupage@prepacademytutors.com.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Prep Academy Tutors is Open for Business in Colorado

Prep Academy Tutors is proud to announce that we have teamed up with Mark Saunders to offer in-home and online tutoring in Colorado.

The new franchise of Prep Academy Tutors is based in Boulder County, Colorado. We support children and families in Colorado and across Boulder County and Jefferson County. 

Our Colorado franchisee is passionate about education and boasts ample experience with the Colorado curriculum. At PREP ACADEMY TUTORS, we provide students with the personalized education they need to succeed. Prep Academy Tutors of Boulder County is one of our newer American franchises.

Who We Are: Prep Academy Tutors of Boulder and Jefferson Counties

Prep Academy Tutors is a private in-home and ONLINE TUTORING COMPANY that boasts a team of elite tutors dedicated to fostering your child’s best academic self. We provide ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING and both small group and micro-classroom tutoring to support students and families during these challenging times. 

We tailor all our services to provide safe social-distancing and compliance with State and CDC regulations. We support our students in both remediation and enhancement and support traditional or alternative curricula.  

Meet the Owner: Mark Saunders

Mark Saunders

Mark Saunders is a master teacher, storyteller, and entrepreneur with more than 20 years’ experience helping people of all ages to embrace new information, discover smartsolutions, and find their own sense of mastery. Mark’s ability to distill complex information into easy-to-understand concepts engages people, fosters trust, and creates a sense of camaraderie. He is also the co-author and publisher of two Amazon bestselling books on men’s health. This combination of personal and professional skills — along with Mark’s innate ability to collaborate and build relationships — makes him an ideal owner/director of a Prep Academy Tutors franchise. In his spare time, Mark enjoys cycling, swimming, strength training, and practicing karate and yoga. Most mornings you’ll find him on the trails of Boulder, Colorado with his beloved Brazilian rescue dog, Bianca.

Meet Our Boulder and Jefferson Tutors

Prep Academy Tutors of Boulder County are excited to grow our roster to provide compassionate and personalized tutoring services in Boulder. We’re LOOKING FOR TUTORS who boast the experience and skills necessary to provide the level of education that Prep Academy Tutors is known for.

Andrea A.

Specializes In: Spanish

About Andrea: Andrea is an enthusiastic and experienced language teacher who is fluent in English and Spanish. Andrea grew up in Nicaragua and moved to the United States to pursue her education. She holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Naropa University and an MBA in Global Business from Adelphi University. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANDREA

Red C.

Specializes In: Algebra, Calculus, Chemistry, College Essay Writing, Environmental Science, Macroeconomics, Social Studies, Statistics

About Red: Red grew up in Buck County, Pennsylvania as one of eight siblings. From a very early age, Red was either helping or being helped with schoolwork. This was Red’s introduction to tutoring. Always curious about the world around them, Red studied Earth Science and Policy and received a Bachelor of Science at Penn State University, gaining expertise and confidence in many areas of math, chemistry, geology — as well as written and verbal communications. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT RED

Nazeer S.

Specializes In: ACT Prep, Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, College Essay Writing, Elementary Education 1-6, Environmental Science, Finite Math, Geometry, Macroeconomics, PSAT/SAT Test Prep, Social Studies, Spanish, Statistics, World History

About Nazeer: Nazeer graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in neuroscience. He completed his medical degree at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Throughout his academic career, Nazeer tutored students on a wide range of subjects from chess to graduate-level biochemistry.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NAZEER

What to Expect from Prep Academy Tutors of Boulder and Jefferson Counties:

Support: We support parents and families who work from home and the growing community of families in Colorado. We work to help bridge the gap between school curricula.

Curriculum-Based Educational Support: We use a growing online platform to provide CURRICULUM-BASED EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT.

A Commitment to Academic Excellence: We are committed to academic excellence and work to ensure our students stay at and above grade level, especially during remote-learning or transition periods.

Services: We provide one-on-one, small group, and micro-classroom TUTORING ONLINE, at your home, in your backyard, or a safe public space.

Targeted Tutoring: We target executive functioning skills to help students during remote learning when they are outside of supervised classrooms and resource rooms.

Communication: We prioritize communication between tutors and families.

Work with Prep Academy Tutors of Boulder and Jefferson Counties

To work with Prep Academy Tutors, you can call us at 720.902.5585 or email us at boulder@prepacademytutors.com. We will get back to you shortly.

Grand Opening of Prep Academy Tutors Study Center in Bronxville, NY

On Thursday, January 12, Prep Academy Tutors hosted the grand opening of The Study Center. The Study Center is located at 7 Pondfield Rd., Suite 209, Bronxville, New York. The grand opening welcomed clients and friends to preview the space and State Senator Shelley Mayer, Chair of the State Senate Education Committee, to cut the ribbon. The Study Center is an open, collaborative workspace that Vanessa and Sarah are excited to share with their clients, friends, and community. The Study Center will host mock SAT/ACT testing, SAT/ACT classes, college counseling, student workshops, parent workshops, and in-person tutoring. Contact Prep Academy Tutors at (914) 303-7661 to find out more. 

The Future of Homeschooling in The New Normal

The new normal for education is reduced class times, online learning, and small group learning. This has made learning pods, blended learning, and homeschooling increasingly prevalent and likely a long-term solution.

Now, students and parents have the task of choosing between in-class and at-home learning. As a result, more are opting to select homeschool or e-learning as their primary source of education for the foreseeable future.

At Prep Academy Tutors, we provide both small group and online tutoring services to help support students on their educational journey and help them maintain momentum.

As many opt for remote learning, they are making the necessary accommodations for their students to continue with this style of education for what may be the foreseeable future. As we see a general push towards this type of learning, it’s essential to consider how this shift can impact the future of education.

From an Alternative Solution to a Primary Education Source

For a long time, homeschooling was an alternative option for students who thrived in a more personalized setting. Now, as our new normal encourages more at-home learning, a higher volume of students and parents see the value of remote online education and homeschooling.

The reality is that current circumstances have changed the educational journey of nearly 1 billion children. Now is the opportunity for students and their parents to identify the best learning atmosphere.

Homeschooling has gone from an alternative educational route to a more mainstream option that is beneficial and safer and more feasible right now. As educational institutions continue to adapt as data changes, and the government and school boards announce updates, homeschooling is a consistent solution that can help keep students on track.

More Technology in the Classroom

Many have long been skeptical of the role of technology in the classroom, specifically cell phones. Now, however, schools and teachers see how students and parents can use technology to eliminate distractions and facilitate a more flexible, personalized learning experience for students.

The World Economic Forum projects that the changes teachers have made to accommodate more virtual, and remote learning will likely result in technology playing a more substantial role in education in years to come.

The shift to e-learning has been an adjustment and learning curve for teachers, but school closures and the summer break have allowed teachers to acclimatize to this teaching style. Time to plan and accommodate has helped teachers to facilitate online lesson plans and, as a result, see the benefits that this style of learning presents.

Schools around the world are making adjustments to integrate technology into education better. For example, while the UK is facilitating at-home gym class through Joe Wicks, Japan is offering free online courses, and France has established a “Ma classe à la maison” (my classroom at home), which students can access on a laptop or smartphone.

The Importance of Access to Technology

As the education system continues to recognize the importance of online learning and the ability to provide this alternative style of education, it also understands how important it is for students to have access to technology.

Inclusive education has become a hot topic as more and more are addressing how some students reap the benefits of having access to necessary technology while other students may not.

Peter Joshua, the Peel District School Board’s director of education, told CTV News that the board has been focusing on providing online resources and activities that require kids to have access to technology. He said that the board has about 157, 000 students and received over 20,000 requests for computers.

Governments and school boards are looking to address this disparity by providing students with the necessary technology like computers to facilitate their online learning. Additionally, companies with resources are also contributing assets to help facilitate this more inclusive learning.

For example, Ontario is distributing free iPads to kids who cannot access the province’s online learning tools, and Mississauga-based company Venture X donated 1,000 Chromebooks to the Peel District School Board for students who required access to technology.

We are in Mississauga. Donated 1000 laptops. Our campaign needs support we need 9000 more for kids that can’t afford it. Please help us get the word out! https://t.co/KGcKoCC7Jt https://t.co/sHsXKHVzjY

— Venture X Canada (@venturexcanada) April 13, 2020

A Consistent, Long-Term Solution

Regulations are changing both within and outside education, and it’s hard to know what state the world will be in in the next few months. As a result, parents are looking for a solution that provides consistency and flexibility for their child’s education.

Taking kids in and out of school can be detrimental to their mental health, and maintaining homeschooling measures is a consistent solution for the time being for parents who are sceptical about sending their kids back to school. With the possibility of future school closures and changes in numbers, this is a way to help students maintain a set schedule and a safe learning atmosphere.

The Importance of Personalized Support

With online learning and homeschooling becoming a new normal for a vast majority of students, students and parents alike are both adjusting to a new routine.

Prep Academy Tutors is providing online tutoring and small group tutoring to help facilitate support at this time when students may be struggling to adjust to remote learning and maintain academic confidence.

Our tutors are certified teachers and subject matter experts who provide curriculum-based education to help support your child in their educational journey and help them reach academic success and confidence.

Now is a confusing time for many students. Our experienced tutors can provide a personalized approach to education to help support them by acting as a “smart friend” who can explain things in a way that they can understand. Contact us to get paired with a tutor today.

What Families Need to Know About School Reopening in New York State

On Monday July 13, Governor Cuomo released guidance for school districts to reopen K-12 facilities in New York State.  Based on these guidelines, your school must submit a reopening plan to the state by July 31. Schools will be allowed to reopen if their region has entered Phase Four and if the daily infection rate in that region (averaged over a two-week period) does not exceed 5%.

What your school will be required to provide in the fall:

• A mix of in-person and virtual learning
• Social distancing and 50% capacity of any space
• Increase distancing to twelve feet during activities like singing, playing band instruments and gym class
• Utilize face coverings and provide them to students without masks
• Post health instruction signage throughout school
• Limit the use of shared objects like workstations or tool
• Provide sanitizing stations & training on proper hand & respiratory hygiene
• Frequently clean and disinfect shared areas
• Hold mandatory health screenings including temperature checks of students, staff, contractors & visitors
• Immediately send home any student or staff member who becomes symptomatic
• Notify state and local health departments of any positive test results
• Have plans to assist in contact tracing
• Expand social distancing, disinfecting and face-covering protocols to school buses

Schools are also encouraged to:

• Expand their physical footprint if necessary
• Stagger arrival/departure times and altered schedules
• Build “cohorts,” or small groups of students who learn together to minimize cross contamination
• Use “one-way” traffic lanes in hallways

Combating Summer Learning Loss

For decades, educational researchers have been talking about a phenomenon known as summer learning loss. In this condition, some students experience a significant decline in the academic skills acquired from the previous school year over the summer break. The research has shown that students experience an average of one month of learning loss over the summer break. This learning loss means that there is approximately one month of grade level equivalent skills and learning gains from the previous year lost for the average student.

Learning loss appears to have a more significant effect on students from a lower socioeconomic background; however, many children, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deal with this. Research has indicated that summer learning loss is sharper for mathematics than for reading; several studies suggest that the average student can lose up to two months of computational math skills over the summer break. Unfortunately, summer learning loss puts many students at a substantial disadvantage once the school year begins again in September. Teachers can typically spend between two to eight weeks reteaching lost skills from the year before. Unfortunately, the lost time spent reteaching means that there is significantly less time to build new skills.

The good news is that summer learning programs prove to prevent summer learning loss and, in many cases, can continue to build on the learning gains experienced from the year before. Quality summer learning programs that focus on regular student attendance, individualized instruction, small group, or one-on-one teaching, using quality instructors and alignment of school year curricula, positively affect a student’s learning by preventing learning loss. Prep Academy Tutors provides summer learning programs that meet all of these characteristics. Our certified teachers will assess your child’s strengths and needs and create an individualized plan to prevent summer learning loss and build upon the skills they acquired from the year before. Fighting against summer learning loss has never been easier! Call us today to get started!

Three Boredom-Busting Science Experiments: Fun and Easy At-Home Experiments for Your Kids

It’s hard to believe that for most of us, it’s been a little over one month in quarantine! The kids are home and you’ve been trying to get some much needed work accomplished. We get it — juggling those two things effectively can be…difficult to say the least. But pat yourselves on the back! You’ve been doing great keeping them busy while staying on top of your work. Your kids are truly lucky to have you! 

That said, we thought we’d put together a trio of fun science experiments that can be adapted for kids of all ages to help you keep them engaged and learning! We’ve chosen experiments that can be accomplished with some basic household items that many of us will likely already have laying around. Try any or all of these with your kids and let us know how it goes by leaving a comment below!

Experiment #1: Sink or Swim

The main question this experiment is seeking to answer is whether or not different household objects will float or sink when dropped into three different liquids. Specifically, you’ll need three clear glasses, corn syrup, vegetable oil, tap water and several small objects such as a paper clip, raisins, pebbles, and a ball of paper. 

First, fill each glass 1/2 to 2/3  of the way with a different liquid. Have your kids write down or tell you what they think might happen when they drop the different objects into the three different liquids — will the items sink or float? Why? 

Next, starting with the raisins, have your kids gently drop one in each of the three liquids. Have them write down what happens to the raisin in the water, oil and corn syrup. Take out the raisins and repeat the process with each of the items you’ve gathered. 

Once this process has been repeated with all of the items, have your kids look back at their predictions. Were they correct? Did the objects sink or float when they expected them to or were they surprised by the results? Why do they think they got the results that they did?

Now it’s time for a discussion. Depending on the age of your kids, you can either talk to them about how density affects an objects ability to sink or float. Alternatively, if your kids are a little older, this is a perfect way to have them do some research on density! Have them create a short presentation and ask them to come and tell you the answers once they’re done. 

If they are interested in this topic, you can do some things to extend the experiment. For example, if you add some food dye to the water, you can then have your kids pour all three of the liquids into one empty container. Let the liquids settle and have them describe to you what has happened — how did these liquids separate from one another? Why has this happened?

Experiment #2: Wingardium Leviosa

Ever wish you could wave a “magic” wand and make things float like they do in Harry Potter? Well, maybe you haven’t but your kids probably have! With this very simple demonstration, they will be able to do just that (only it’s not magic, it’s all thanks to the power of static electricity)! For this experiment you’ll need to get a plastic rod, a cloth, and a light plastic bag. 

Begin by having your kids rub the plastic rub with the cloth for 40 to 60 seconds. Next, flatten the plastic bag and rub it with the cloth for 40-60 seconds as well. Release the plastic bag in the air and have your kids wave the plastic rod underneath the bag. Voila! If done correctly your plastic bag should levitate as you hold the rod underneath it. 

Again, depending on the age of your kids, you can either explain to them the basics of static electricity or have them do some research to answer the question of why and how this happens.

Experiment #3: Slipping and Sliding

Have your kids ever wondered why they can slide across your hardwood or kitchen tile in socks but not barefoot? The answer is friction! There are plenty of fun experiments to demonstrate the forces of friction but this one is our favourite. 

In order to get started, you’ll need 4 to 6 pieces of cardboard (preferably cut from the same box) about 12 inches long and 6 inches wide, your kid’s favourite Hot Wheels car, a marker, and various items to create the surfaces on the different lengths of track. When creating the surfaces of your tracks, you can have your kids get creative by finding the various items themselves or you can provide them instead. 

Once you’ve chosen your track surface material, take 3 to 5 of your pieces of cardboard and start assembling with your kids. For example, one of the tracks could have sandpaper glued to the surface, another could have bits of ribbon or fabric, while another could be brushed with dish soap. Again, be creative here! The point is to create several tracks with different surfaces so that the forces of friction are different when your toy car rolls over them. 

At this point, you should still have 1 to 2 plain pieces of cardboard leftover. Use this to build a ramp for the car to travel down. Once this is complete, start by having your kids write down, draw or describe which of the surfaces they think the car will travel the furthest on. Take one of your tracks and place it at the bottom of your ramp so that the car will travel down the ramp and across the track. Your kids can experiment with each of the tracks and record how far the car travels across each of them by marking the distance with the marker and recording the length with a ruler or measuring tape. Next, have them write down these results on a piece of paper (or simply record them yourself). 

Once they’ve had their fun, ask them if the results lined up with their predictions. Did the results surprise them at all? Extend this experiment by doing some research on friction. Is there anyway to alter the toy car to make it go further? Would any other objects travel further than the car did? Have your kids do some experimenting on their own to see if they can solve these questions!

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Current families:

Prep Academy’s in-home tuition services are suspended until further notice to protect our clients and tutors. We will be continuing with all lessons online, using an easy to use teleconferencing, screen-share and white boarding application, until further notice. 

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Finally, we are using an excellent, highly secure screen-sharing technology solution that will enable students to continue learning, socialization, and development from home.

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Les services de tutorat à domicile de Prep Academy sont suspendus jusqu’à nouvel ordre afin de protéger nos clients et nos tuteurs. Jusqu’à nouvel ordre, nous continuerons toutes les leçons virtuellement en utilisant une plateforme virtuelle sécurisée et une solution de partage d’écran.

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