Well, another school year is coming to a close. It’s hard to believe summer is almost upon us. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your business; whether it was for a month or all year, I truly appreciate the opportunity to provide high quality, private tutoring to your student or students.
Realizing that tutoring is often an “extra” expense, I feel very blessed that so many of you have referred me and Aim High Tutors to your friends and colleagues.
I truly appreciate it!
As summer approaches I want to remind you that we tutor throughout June, July & August. We also provide you up to $25 in “curriculum” in the form of study guides and workbooks (per student). Just let us know you will be using our services between June 15 – September 5, 2010 to qualify.
Once a week for one hour is our minimum requirement and we request that tutoring is consistent, a block of weeks is fine – we certainly believe in kids taking a break from school work to clear their heads. We work our schedules around yours so if your child has camp, vacation planned, or sports, we can accommodate you -just let us know what your needs are.
We will do whatever it takes to keep your student on track and ready to begin their next grade feeling confident about their skills; whether it is math facts for an elementary student or essay writing for a high-schooler, we do it all – in your home. Don’t forget we also do SAT and ACT test prep.
Need summer materials? Since we tutor from the schools’ curriculum, we realize that you may not have the right materials for summer tutoring. We provide up to $25 of workbooks and study guides per student in the form of a gift card to Barnes & Noble. I can pick materials up for you, or you can purchase them yourself.
This offer is valid if you use our services anytime between June 15 – September
We would appreciate knowing your plans for this summer and fall. If you would like to take advantage of summer tutoring, email me at aimhightutors@cox.net or call me at 949.249.2130.
Once again, thank you for your business this past school year. We truly appreciate your patronage. We are committed to providing you high quality service and look forward to hearing from you soon!
For a preschooler, saying goodbye to their teacher that they have just spent so much time with this year can be difficult. They often form strong attachments to them at that age since they have spent so much time with them throughout the year. Here are some practical steps to make the parting easier:
1) Let the teacher know how much your student/child has loved being in her classroom and how much they are going to be missed. Just a heads up gives the teacher the incentive to help with the transition.
2) Have your child make a gift for the teacher such as a homemade card, craft or some goodies that both of you whipped up in the kitchen together.
3) Ask the teacher if it is OK if your student/child visits her when he comes back to school in the upcoming year.
4) Try to have your child meet his/her new teacher before school is out for the summer. That way, they know what they have to look forward to for the next school year as well.
We all know that our little ones and even our big ones, rely on their brains to help them think better and do better in school. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, of course, help our brains….and so….how do we get that good nutrition into the picky eaters?
Make eating fruits and vegetables fun by presenting them in a different way. You can freeze grapes (they are amazing on a warm day!), cut watermelon into ‘cute’ shapes with cookie cutters, let them help you make a fruit salad or veggie salad but chopping together!
When shopping, have each child pick out a ‘different’ vegetable to try….perhaps one they have never heard of. Kohlrabi anyone? When you get it home, ‘double-dare’ the kids to try it.
Put a chart on the refrigerator with five circles on it for each of your children for every day of the week. When they eat a piece of fruit or a vegie, let them color in that circle and see who can eat the most all week!
Growing their own veggies in your garden is a great way to get your kids to eat more vegies and different vegetables.
We can never be too vigilant in protecting our loved ones!
Inform children that it is wrong for adults to engage children in sexual activity…PERIOD!
Make an effort to know the people with whom your child is spending time.
Teach your children about their bodies and give them the correct language to use. Emphasize that private parts are private.
Make sure you know where each of your children is at all times. Make it a rule that your children check in with you when they arrive at or depart from a particular location and when there is a change in plans.
Never leave children unattended in an automobile, whether it is running or not.
Be involved in your children’s activities.
Listen to your children. Pay attention if they tell you that they do not want to be with someone or go somewhere.
Notice when someone shows your children a great deal of attention or begins giving them gifts.
Teach your children that they have the right to say no to any unwelcome, uncomfortable or confusing touch or actions by others.
Be sensitive to any changes in your children’s behavior or attitude.
Screen baby-sitters and caregivers.
Remember that there is no substitute for your attention and supervision. Being available and taking time to really know and listen to your children helps build feelings of safety and security.
Also remember that in the vast majority of cases (up to 90 percent) children are molested by someone they know. Your efforts at keeping your child safe must be informed by this fact and not focused exclusively on the danger that strangers may present.
Heading back to school can be tough on both children and parents. Here are some tips to help manage the stress.
Going to school means getting into new routines with no more late nights or late mornings.
• Find a set bed-time that lets your kids feel well-rested in the morning
• Practice the back to school routine a few times before the first day (e.g., go to bed, get up, dress, eat breakfast, brush teeth, and be out the door by 8am).
• Have your child help prepare what you can the night before (pick out clothes, pack healthy lunch your child likes, pack school bag, etc).
• Talk to your child's school and find out what the routines are. Help your child to understand what is expected – practice new or difficult skills at home before school starts.
Focus on the Positives
Going back to school is easier for everyone if a child has something to look forward to.
• Purchasing school supplies or clothes with your child is a good way to help your son or daughter become more enthusiastic about starting a new school year.
• Check with your school to find out what your child will need this year.
• Try to help your child get excited about school in other ways (e.g., see friends they haven't seen all summer, tell a favourite teacher about their summer vacation).
• Talk to your child about the fun activities he or she will get to do and the new friends they will make.
New People and Situations
The new school year brings a new classroom setting, with a different teacher and new classmates. When kids know what to expect things are less scary for them.
• Introducing your child to one or more of his or her classmates ahead of time will ensure making friends is a little easier and less scary (your school may help you connect to other classmates)
• Visit the school and the teacher with your child. Ask the teacher to explain the school day to your child, and if possible ask to be shown around the classroom.
• Give your child some ice-breakers that can be shared such as a healthy snack or activity (e.g., marbles or sidewalk chalk if your school allows them).
• Find out if your child's school has a buddy or mentor system.
Performance Anxiety and Other Worries Kids can have real worries about starting school. Attending school may be the first time your child experiences clear pressure to do well.
• Respond to signs of anxiety by talking to your child about school concerns
• Make time to listen when kids want to talk - review your child's worries one at a time and help them problem solve so they don't become overwhelmed
• Try not to add to your child's pressures unnecessarily
• Help your child to understand that no one is good at everything – both parents and kids do better at some things than others.
• Be involved with school related activities or events - praise your child for positive efforts even if you don't see the results yet.
Gradual Entry
This is a method parents often use when getting children used to a new day care but it can also work with children who are extremely fearful of school. You will need to talk about this idea with your child's teacher to see if your school can accommodate this approach.
• Examples of gradual entry include staying with your child for part or all of the first day or first few days. Then you gradually stay at school with your child a shorter and shorter amount of time.
• For some kids gradual entry may only take one or two days. For others it may take a couple of weeks. Let your child be the guide, as every child is different.
• Some children are happiest if mom or dad always stays while they hang up their jacket and put their bag away before leaving for the day.
• Tell your child in advance how long you will stay and then stick to your plan.
Bullying
Bullying at school is a serious problem and can, in extreme cases, result in injury or even death. If you suspect that your child is being bullied...
• Reassure your child that you and the teacher will support him or her.
• Talk to the teacher or person in charge.
• Follow up on any action taken and remain involved in the decision making process. Check in often with your son or daughter about how things are going.
• Keep in mind children may be reluctant to talk due to fear of embarrassment or further harm.
Sometimes problems with going back to school don't go away on their own and may reflect a health problem. Talk to your family physician or health professional about any problems – especially if they are severe or do not resolve on their own after the first few weeks back.