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Sylvan Learning of Woodridge    August 2013 Newsletter
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School Goals

 

It's that time of the year again. Kids are getting ready for school. Here are some suggestions for school goals to start off a successful academic year.

 

Prepare. Before the conversation, tell your child that you're going to be discussing school goals tomorrow afternoon at 4:00. Giving a specific time is good. Tell him that he should come with three ideas. Or four. Or five. You select a number. Again, be specific.

 

Listen. When you're together, let him go first. Listen to what he suggests. His ideas are going to be a good clue about what he cares about in school. Academics? Friendships? Sports? Show by your body language that you're hearing him, but don't interrupt.

 

Talk. Now it's your turn. Let him know what you're interested in. No doubt the two of you will have some similar goals. Tell him why you've chosen your goals. Let him see that your main objective is to keep those grades up, his knowledge growing, his skills improving.

 

Come up with rewards and consequences. Small, reasonable rewards for good effort and results are ideal. Some extra curfew time. A little money to set aside for a big purchase. Same with consequences. Agree on a couple of penalties - nothing overly harsh but noticeable. Chances are he'll be harder on himself than you'll ever consider.

 

Keep it light. Try to make this conversation informal and grounded in the notion that you want him to be successful and confident in school. Let him know that you don't expect perfection, that you know there will be some glitches along the way - but that you expect him to do his best.

 

Have follow-ups. Periodically and regularly have follow-up discussions about these goals. This shows you haven't forgotten, and it gives the two of you some valuable minutes to talk just about school.

 

Change goals when necessary. When he's completed a goal, celebrate the success. Add a new one.                        

Effective Study Skills

Laying the Foundation for a Successful School Year

  

Every student has different aptitudes and style for learning. There is nothing more frustrating than spending a day "studying" only to find that you've accomplished very little. To be effective during the time you study requires focused study habits. And building a study-skills foundation is an ongoing pursuit.

  

The most common problems that keep students from studying effectively are in a few key areas, including knowing how to approach information, comprehension, test-taking methods and personal learning styles. Parents can help children overcome obstacles with a few critical steps.

 

Partnership for Success

Very often parents will keep telling their children to improve their grades without pinpointing a child's area for improvement. Communicate with your child and identify the changes that need to be made to bring the grades up and improve learning. Let them take responsibility for their learning success. Very often a child may not be aware of the skills that need work. As a parent you can partner with your child in identifying areas that need improvement and then work together to improve upon them.

 

Time and Place is Critical

The setting and time for studying can affect a child's productivity. Some are more alert in the morning, others in the evening. One child may work well at a desk with quiet music in the background while another functions better spread out across the floor in complete silence. Parents can assist in recognizing when a student works best and create a schedule around that sweet spot.

 

The Ultimate Objective

When it's time to hit the books, parents can lead their children to critically break down the information or assignment before it breaks down the students' self-esteem. Discuss why she is reading a particular chapter or working on a specific assignment? What kind of questions will be answered? What kind of test might be given about this material? Take the time to explain the purpose of going through this process of learning and how this study method will help them succeed.

 

Celebrate Achievements

Don't wait until your child brings home an A to celebrate. Show him or her that you are confident in his or her abilities, and reward the little things. Reinforce not just excellence but also improvements and progress. These are all signs of a strong study skills foundation, one step at a time.

 

One on One

Individual instruction can help develop strong study skills, particularly if your child needs increased attention. Maintain regular communication with your child's teacher because most teachers will know whether your child has an underlying problem with study habits.
Save up to $229* 
Back tp School Savings as we move through August.  SAVE up to $229* through August 31st.  We will rebate your test fee of $79 at point of enrollment.  We will rebate an additional $150 after your first 36 sessions!
Offer Expires: August 31st, 2013.  Offer good only at Sylvan of Woodridge.  Not valid with any other offer.