As we are currently deep in the middle of the Coronavirus Pandemic, students across the country are either learning remotely or sitting idle while their schools are closed.  Total Tutoring Services has some great suggestions for how to use this time productively and turn this crisis into an opportunity for personal growth.  Our recommendations are as follows - 

FILL IN KNOWLEDGE GAPS: In normal circumstances, there is a lot of pressure to complete assignments and study for tests. Normal life is busy and does not leave much time to work on crucial knowledge gaps. In a subject like math, which builds on itself, learning higher level topics can be exceedingly difficult when more fundamental topics are not well-understood. Students can use this idle time to dive into areas of weakness and make themselves into a stronger student and better learner. Our tutors are experts at identifying where your child needs the most work and helping you drill through exercises that will improve their knowledge and ability in any subject.

STAY SHARP: When students don’t see academic material for a prolonged period, they can suffer from “brain drain”. This happens to many students during summer break. Meeting with a tutor a couple of days per week is a great way to keep your child’s brain sharp while school is closed. Our tutors can help to keep your child on track, both keeping up with online schooling as well as to provide enrichment.

SAT/ACT PREP: This is a perfect opportunity to study for the SAT or ACT if your child is a sophomore or junior. While the tests have been cancelled this month and next month, they are currently scheduled to resume in June. Use this time to work through some SAT/ACT concepts and strategies to help boost your child’s score on the test. Our tutors can help students master essential concepts and testing strategies. It is much easier to study for these tests when no other homework or classwork is due. Give us a call today to learn more about our program.

We are here to help you with anything you need.  Just give us a call to discuss how we can help!
 

It's that time of year again!
We are halfway through the third marking period and interims are out.  Many schools send out interims, which are mid-marking period progress reports, to communicate with parents and keep them updated on their child's current performance.

Interims can be a helpful tool in providing parents with the information on their child's progress and pinpointing any difficulties that a student might be having so that he or she can make the necessary changes to be successful.

My Child's Interim Report Wasn't Good, Now What?
First, it's important not to overreact. An interim report is not a report card, and because they are issued half-way through a grading period they give you and your student a chance to bring his grades up before report cards are issued. If your child's interim report is not what you hoped, take a moment to discuss it with your child and see if they can share what the problem might be. Is he having trouble tackling his homework? Does the teacher move over material quickly in class? Is he having trouble staying organized and turning in work?  Are his fellow students distracting him during class?

Develop a Plan
Once you've heard your child's concerns, it's time to move forward to address the problems and make a plan for success.  That might involve a more regimented study routine, a conference with the teacher, or bringing a tutor into the mix.

Whether it filling in any gaps that a student might have, reteaching current material to improve understanding and grades, or helping to develop better organizational skills and study habits, our tutors can help.  Our extraordinary team of 75+ tutors are specialized in any academic area needed.  We connect you with a tutor who fits your needs, personality and approach to learning.

Give us a call today if we can help your student to bring up their grades, improve their confidence and have a successful rest of the school year!
 

Preparing for the beginning of school takes weeks! There are new school clothes, shoes, uniforms, supplies, back to school events, orientation and school sports to name a few. Amidst the craziness of the start of the school year, we can sometimes forget the most important part of school “learning”.
Making sure your child is not only prepared academically for school but also succeeds throughout the school year is the goal for all parents and educators. Don’t wait for the first report card to assess your child’s progress, be proactive.
Seek a tutor if you see the following:

• Your child is taking a difficult class and is anxious.  Having a tutor can give your child the support and confidence he/she needs to tackle the difficult subject.
• A particular subject has always been difficult for your child will probably continue to do so.  Start the school year out on a good note with early assistance.
• Your child struggles with test preparation, note taking, and general study skills.  Our academic coaches can teach your students the skills necessary to be an independent, strong student.
• Your student will be taking the ACT or SAT at some point through the school year. 
• Your child is applying to a private school for the next school year and will be taking the ISEE or HSPT.
• School just seems to be a struggle.

Tutoring can provide the support your child needs to build their confidence and reach his/her academic goals.  Instead of playing catch up this year, start the school year out strong!

Words have power.  Our words have the ability to deeply hurt another human being or hinder progress, or to encourage and uplift a person's spirits.  As a parent, our words have tremendous potential in shaping how our children view themselves and the world.

Here are 15 phrases that we can tell our children to help them become more confident individuals.  Don't just say these phrases, truly believe them and repeat them over and over to your children.  In time, they will really hear those words and slowly they will begin to believe them as well.

SAT vs. ACT: which test is a better fit for your student? 
The SAT and ACT generally test the same types of content. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships. The biggest differences between the tests are that the ACT has a Science Test, and there’s one SAT Math Section for which you cannot use a calculator. 

Some students find that the ACT caters to their strengths more so than the SAT, and vice versa.  Need a quick side-by-side comparison of the tests?  Check out our SAT vs. ACT Comparison Chart.

What is the ISEE?
The ISEE is the Independent School Entrance Exam.  It is a test required as part of the application to many independent schools and is administered by the ERB (Educational Records Bureau).

How much does it “count?”
The test is one factor in the school’s admissions process, but some schools will weigh it more heavily than others.  Improving one’s performance on the ISEE can only help a student. In fact, quality preparation for the test can help not only with school admissions, but also with a student’s overall academic progress.

How do students take the test?
Students must register to take the test on the ERB website. The test is offered at schools across the country, and there are numerous options in the Baltimore area, especially during the most common testing months of October-January. An electronic version is offered at Prometric Testing Centers, which offers greater flexibility with date and time and allows all testers to type the essay. The electronic test costs $185, compared to $105 for the paper version (with on-time mail or online registration and no extra services).

The ISEE may be taken once per testing window: Fall (Aug.-Nov.), Winter (Dec.-March), and Spring/Summer (April-July). If a student wants to have the option of taking the test more than once but still have time to prepare, the best month to take it is November, with the option of a retake in December or early January. The November test dates fill fast, so it’s important to register early! Since most schools require the test to be completed by January for the normal admissions cycle, most students do not take it during the Spring/Summer season.

What is the format of the ISEE test?
The ISEE offers four different tests:

Primary (Grades 2-4), Lower (Grades 5-6), Middle (Grades 7-8) and Upper (Grades 9-12).  Students taking the Primary exam will be tested on Auditory Comprehension (grade 2 only), Reading, Math and a Writing Sample (untimed).  Students taking the Lower, Middle and Upper exams will be tested on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Mathematics Achievement, Reading Comprehension and a 30-minute essay.  

What makes the ISEE challenging?
Many students (and their parents) find that they score lower on the ISEE than they score on their school’s grade-level tests.  Here are the main reasons:

• ISEE scores are normed using other ISEE test-takers, who comprise a selective group of students with higher-than-average achievement.
• ISEE questions often include many above-grade-level concepts.
• The ISEE is fast-paced, so many students are unable to finish every question.
• Unlike the SAT, students are not allowed to use a calculator on the math section of the test.
• ISEE questions are often written in a more challenging way than a standard grade-level test. 

In addition, the ISEE tests multiple grade levels using the same test. For example, students going into seventh and eighth grade both take the middle level test. Though they are scored based on how they compare with other students in their same grade-level, some may find it overwhelming to take a test with questions about unfamiliar concepts.

How can a student prepare for the ISEE?
The Educational Records Bureau and many schools say that ISEE preparation is not necessary, and the ERB releases only one practice test for each level (available in the “What to Expect Guides“).  In reality, however, most students do practice and prepare for the test. ISEE tutoring can be useful for several reasons:

• Pacing- The ISEE is a fast-paced test, and it is a good idea to prepare for that ahead of time. For example, students who have been taught to underline and make notes on a reading passage will probably find that they run out of time before they finish the Reading Comprehension section, so they will need to learn and use a different reading strategy for the test. Through practice and preparation, students can know how to pace themselves appropriately.
• Advanced concepts and skills- Unlike the tests students take during school, the ISEE contains some questions with above-grade-level vocabulary words and skills, which they will not learn at school until after the test. A quality tutoring program can teach students these skills.
• Extra practice with academic skills- The good news about the ISEE is that it tests useful skills that extend beyond the test. Students who prepare for the ISEE will learn new vocabulary words, reading comprehension strategies, review previously-learned math concepts, and get a head start on more advanced math concepts. Some students find that their grades in school go up after ISEE tutoring because they are already familiar with many of the concepts taught in class.
• Confidence- The ISEE can be a daunting test, especially for young students. By practicing their skills and knowing what to expect, students can have the confidence to do their best and feel more comfortable during the test, even when they encounter challenging questions.

Total Tutoring Services has many highly qualified tutors who are experienced in teaching the ISEE and can help students prepare for the test. Through practice and preparation, the challenge of the ISEE can be turned into a valuable learning opportunity.

​With the fourth quarter beginning and spring getting into full swing, many students and families begin to think about the end of the school year. High school seniors aren't the only ones who experience "senioritis".  Elementary school students can also begin to shut down and dial back their efforts towards the end of the school year.  Here are a few tips to help your student finish the school year strong.
 
Get Organized
It’s time to take stock of end-of-the year assignments and to see what is due and when. Help your student make a schedule to stay on top of term papers, tests and reading assignments.  At this time of year, binders can become full and cumbersome. Desks and lockers can be cluttered with old projects and notes, creating an organizational nightmare. Help your student go through his or her workspace, binders, and notebooks, clearing out information that is no longer needed. Organize current files and projects and then create an end-of-the-year timetable and set milestones for class work and commitments. This de-cluttering effort will help your child stay focused and more productive.
 
Continue Reinforcing Routines
This is an important time of year to hold strong with family routines including time for studying, recreation, family meals and sleep. Children thrive on consistency and definitive boundaries and they find comfort in knowing the expectations and routines of the family.
 
Incorporate Play into Your Day
Even as adults, sunny days make it tempting to take a little longer lunch break or cut out of work just a little early.  However, as a kid, staring out the window or daydreaming about recess won’t get them anywhere.  Make sure your students get the outdoor time they need after the bell rings.  Ensuring they get their daily dose of fun in the sun after school means that they won't feel like they're missing out as much between 9 to 3.
 
Keep a Family Calendar
Springtime can be a very busy time of year with testing, sports and extracurricular activities, not to mention the distractions of the warmer weather.  Kids, as well as adults, have a hard time remembering everything that they have to do.  A family calendar can be a great way to keep everyone on the same page with schedules, practices and upcoming assignments.
 
Find Excitement in Every Day
Rather than viewing this phase as the "final countdown," continue to encourage enthusiasm in each and every day. Whether it's anticipation over a field trip, a surprise note in their lunchbox, or a classmate's birthday, make sure that they have something to look forward to every day as they head off to school.
 
 

1. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
2. Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock by Eric Kimmel or Anansi the Spider by Gerald McDermott 
3. Bark, George by Jules Feiffer 
4. The Berenstain Bears series by Stan and Jan Berenstain
5. Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
6. The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
7. A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
8. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault 
9. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin
10. Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell 
11. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judy Barrett
12. Curious George by H.A. Rey
13. Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff
14. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! By Mo Willems
15. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown
16. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel 
17. Froggy Gets Dressed or Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London 
18. George and Martha by James Marshall 
19. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss 
20. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
21. Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion 
22. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? By Jane Yolen 
23. I Stink! By Kate McMullen
24. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura J. Numeroff
25. Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber 
26. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback
27. Leo, the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus 
28. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber
29. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
30. The Magic School Bus Series by Joanna Cole 
31. Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh 
32. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
33. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
34. Miss Nelson is Missing! By Harry Allard and James Marshall 
35. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater
36. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett 
37. Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat 
38. Owen by Kevin Henkes
39. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
40. Pete’s a Pizza by William Steig
41. Pierre: A Cautionary Tale by Maurice Sendak
42. Puss in Boots by Charles Perrault
43. Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky
44. Strega Nona by Tomie De Paola
45. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
46. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
47. Tough Boris by Mem Fox
48. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A. Wolf, by John Scieszka
49. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
50. Yoko by Rosemary Wells

​
Source: http://www.education.com/magazine/article/50-books-child-read-kindergarten/

Organizational skills do not come naturally; they are a learned ability that can help your students in their academic and personal lives. With large class sizes and demanding curricula, most teachers barely have enough time to teach coursework, let alone study skills.
If your child is forgetting to do homework or assignments or failing to turn things in, their grades could seriously be impacted. Not being able to prioritize tasks and organize activities means they don’t leave enough time to study or do their assignments. When this happens, bad grades and a feeling of being overwhelmed can cause damage to confidence and self-esteem.

Roadmap to success
One of the biggest problems for students is simply forgetting upcoming tests, assignments and homework.  Providing your child with a planner or agenda book can be the first step to helping them stay on top of their work.  Encourage your student to write down assignments the MOMENT they hear they teacher assign them.  When there is no homework, write “None” so that every class has something under it’s name and you can be sure that you have kept track of everything.  Help your student to set weekly goals and discuss together ways in which they can achieve their goals each week.
 
Prioritizing tasks
One of the biggest obstacles to being organized is an inability to prioritize. If your child is falling behind, evaluate their after-school activities to see if they aren’t overloaded. If social or extra-mural activities are taking up study time, it may be time to reconsider.
Another important aspect is to say no to social interactions during study time. This means no texting or calling during times marked off for studying. Students don’t always have to say ‘no’ to social invitations, but they must learn to say ‘not now’.

The right environment
Creating an organized, quiet, well-lit and comfortable study area is imperative. If you want your student to be focused and to make the most of their study time, then provide them with a space that is free from distractions, noisy siblings and TV. If your home cannot accommodate this space, consider the library, a neighbor’s house or even a quiet coffee shop.
 
Get a tutor
At Total Tutoring Services we realize that sometimes a student needs more than just tutoring in one particular subject.  Every day we hear from students and parents about late/lost assignments, inefficient study habits, and “I thought I was ready for the test.” Working with students on improving their academic skills is at the core of what we do. Simply providing content-based tutoring for a subject may not directly address the real problems holding a student back. Our goal for every student is to teach him the skills necessary for success on his own. 
Key areas of academic skills coaching include:

• Organization
• Planning
• Time Management
• Note Taking
• Improving Test Taking Skills
• Managing Long-term Assignments
• Increasing Motivation
• Building Self-Confidence

Since each student is unique, our approach is tailored to fit the needs of each individual.  We all have different learning styles, different strengths/weaknesses, different levels of confidence, different backgrounds, different habits, etc.  While some students meet with an academic coach one/week, others may do better with meeting multiple times per week.  
​
Our academic coaches teach kids and teens to plan, prioritize and organize efficiently and effectively. They prepare students for success not only academically, but for life!

This past week Total Tutoring Services was featured on the CBS Baltimore Ask an Expert Series to share some advice to parents on how to get their child ready for Kindergarten.  With the start of the school year right around the corner, many families will be sending their little ones off for the first time.  Here are some handy tricks and tools to help your kindergartners -- and you -- get ready for the school year.
CBS Baltimore Ask An Expert

Read With Your Child
Reading with your child is hands down the most important activity you can do to help your child develop language and reading skills. Set aside a special time each day to read together. Read your child’s favorite books and rhymes over and over. Read favorites from your childhood, too. Talk to your child about the characters and the story. Let your child take more control by turning pages, pointing to the title of the book, and retelling some favorite parts of familiar stories.  Visit your local library and let your child choose their own books. Then go home, snuggle up, and help your child develop a love of reading.
 
Build Early Math Skills
Opportunities to teach our children basic math skills are all around us! As you go through the day count the buttons on your child’s clothing as they get dressed, count how many times they can bounce a ball and count the stairs when heading up to bed. Point out numbers in print on a speed limit sign as you drive down the road or let them help you read the prices at the grocery story.  Cook together and have your child help you measure ingredients. Play a board game and count the dots on the dice and the spaces you need to move. Math can be made “real” and meaningful just by pointing it out in the world around you.
 
Build Fine Motor Skills
Give your child crayons and paper often. Let them write letters, draw pictures or even just scribble. Drawing straight lines, curvy lines and shapes will help them to strengthen their hand muscles for writing letters and words later.  Let them explore with a variety of writing options (colored pencils, crayons, markers, paint).  Introduce them to scissors and let them cut up play dough, magazines, straws and yarn. You will end up with a house full of confetti along with a happy child who is more confident in his or her cutting abilities.
 
Encourage Responsibility
It’s so easy as parents to take responsibility for our children’s many, many things.  There is often so much of it and kids tend to be slower and it’s easier to just do it for them.  However, in Kindergarten they are going to be responsible for their own belongings and materials. Start early by teaching your child how to put away things when they are done playing with them at home. Encourage them to clean up their toys, put lids back on markers and crayons in the box. Encourage your children to take responsibility for their actions. Set the bar high, they will surprise you with what they can do.
 
Foster Independence and Self-Care Skills
Imagine a classroom full of 20+ kindergarteners all needing help with their zippers, buttons, snaps, tucking shirts in, tying shoe laces, opening lunches, emptying folders, etc. Welcome to the world of the Kindergarten teacher.  As parents, you can do your part by teaching your child valuable self-care skills. Don’t assume that they can do something on their own just because you have always done it.  Allow them to dress themselves. Practice managing all those buttons, zippers and snaps both on their clothing and on their jackets.  At lunchtime give them the opportunity to practice opening containers, wrappers, bottles and juice boxes. Practice hand washing, nose blowing and coughing into their elbow. Practice, practice, practice! Your child’s teacher will love you for it.