July 2015
A Special Supplement to
media solutions
Making a Smooth Transition
How parents can help students transition to college life
Mellow Your Mornings
How to make school day mornings easier
Acing the Exam Test-taking tips for students
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July 30, 2015 • theintelligencer.com
A Supplement of
117 N. Second Street, Edwardsville 618.656.4700 PUBLISHER Denise Vonder Haar, Ext. 14 dvonderhaar@hearstnp.com EDITOR Bill Tucker, Ext. 47 btucker@edwpub.net ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Amy Schaake, Ext. 35 aschaake@edwpub.net AD DESIGN MANAGER Jennifer Dyer, Ext. 32 jdyer@edwpub.net
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3 Tips to land a good internship 4 How parents can simplify students’ transition to college life 5 Tips for choosing a major 6 Tips for adults returning to school 7 How to help kids find extracurricular activities 10 Outfitting students’ technology needs 10 Did you know - college tuition 11 How to save on school supplies 12 Safety tips for school bus riders 13 Strategies to help kids focus on their schoolwork 14 Make school day mornings easier 14 Signs a tutor might be necessary
Did you know? Before education reformists began to campaign for tax-funded schools in the late 1800s, only the very wealthy were able to get an education in the United States of America. Children whose parents could finance their education attended costly private schools. Education eventually became available to more youngsters, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that people attended school beyond the customary eight years. In fact, “high school” wasn’t even heard of before the Great Depression, when it was apparent that it was more productive to keep teenagers in the classroom so they wouldn’t be competing for the scarce jobs available. Millions of kids now attend school each year, and public schools enable students of all socioeconomic backgrounds to earn an education.
15 Test-taking tips 15 Tips for a healthy school year
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Theintelligencer.com • July 30, 2015
Tips to land a good internship M
any college students recognize the value of internships. Internships can help college students start building their resumes before they even earn their degrees, and those experiences can give them an edge in a competitive postgraduate job market. Landing internships gives students some firsthand experience within a given profession, and that exposure can help them decide if a projected career path is right for them or if it’s good to go back to the drawing board. The following are a few tips to help college students land an internship and make the most of the opportunity. Don’t hesitate. Though many internships are tailored to students with a year or two of college under their belt, that doesn’t mean freshman can’t begin to explore potential opportunities. Even if you don’t intend to get an internship in the coming school year or during summer break, you can begin to explore potential opportunities that might interest you when the time to start seeking internships does arrive. Looking early may yield valuable information, such as courses that would improve your chances of landing an internship, that your fellow students who hesitate or procrastinate won’t have. Speak with the career placement specialists at your school. Career placement departments at colleges and universities are an increasingly valuable
resource for today’s college students, many of whom will graduate and face an uncertain and crowded job market. But career placement departments are not just a resource for grads. Such departments can be valuable tools for current students interested in landing internships. If you don’t know where to begin your internship search or simply want to see if any opportunities have opened up, speak with representatives at the career placement department at your school. Look the part on such visits, dressing nicely and bringing a resume. Doing so might just separate you from your fellow students, and that can only help as you begin your search for an internship. Ask around among friends and family members. Sometimes you need a little help to land a good internship, so don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family members if they’re aware of any opportunities. Adult relatives might be aware of internship opportunities at their companies before the general public, and there’s no shame in seeking help as you try to take the first step toward a rewarding career. In addition to friends and family members, inquire about your college or university’s alumni network. Many alumni look to hire students from their universities for internships or even entry-level positions, so make the most of this potentially valuable resource.
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July 30, 2015 • theintelligencer.com
Have a fun and safe school year!
How parents can simplify students’ transition to college life
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ollege is the first taste of true independence many young students experience. Whereas mom and dad were always around to make sure kids were out the door on time and homework was done, that safety blanket is no longer there once kids move into their dorm rooms. The transition to college life can be exciting. But while students typically welcome that transition with open arms, parents often worry about how their children will handle their suddenly more independent life. Parents who want to help their kids make as smooth a transition to college life as possible can take steps during their children’s senior year of high school to help them adjust to their new surroundings and responsibilities more easily. Let kids fly solo on school day mornings. New college students have to make many adjustments upon moving into their dorms, and getting themselves out of bed each morning and off to class on time is one such change. Parents worried that their students will sleep in when mom and dad isn’t around to remind them to wake up can start letting kids fly solo on school day mornings during their final year of high school. Let kids set their alarms, prepare their own breakfasts and get out the door on time all on their own. By the time their freshman year of college arrives, kids will know how to handle their mornings by themselves. Teach kids how to develop budgets. Another problem many first-year college students encounter is an inability to effectively manage their money. Whether you plan to give kids an allowance while they are in school or intend for them to
work part-time for their spending money, use senior year of high school as an opportunity to show kids how to budget their money. If they don’t have accounts already, open bank accounts in your youngster’s name, and insist that he or she start paying for his or her expenses via these accounts. Resist the urge to give high school kids gas money or money for shopping trips if they have already spent their allowances so they can learn how to effectively manage money between paydays. In addition, teach kids about the right and wrong ways to use credit cards, including the importance of paying balances in full and on time. Let kids handle more standard responsibilities. Adults tend to take more mundane responsibilities like making doctor’s appointments or grocery shopping for granted. But kids likely have no idea how to handle such tasks. Parents can encourage their high school seniors to make their own medical appointments. In addition, take kids along on grocery shopping trips, explaining how to find sale items and which foods to buy and which to avoid. Nutrition is not always foremost on the minds of college freshmen, but those who understand the importance of healthy diets are more likely to buy nutritious meals than junk food. Emphasize time management. Today’s high schoolers are busier than ever before, so many may already be prepared for the juggling act that is college life. But college students have more free time than their high school counterparts, so parents can emphasize the importance of managing that free time wisely as opposed to spending it lounging on the couch or napping. The transition from high school to college can be both exciting and difficult. But parents can get a head start on that transition by encouraging their youngsters to be more independent during their final year of high school.
Theintelligencer.com • July 30, 2015
Tips for choosing a major Serving Musicians Since 1961
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hoosing a major is an important decision for college students. The right major can set students on a path to a rewarding and successful career, which can lead to a more fulfilling life. The gravity of such a decision is one reason many college students delay choosing their majors until after they enter college. Students often find entering college as an undecided affords them the opportunity to explore various courses of study without committing themselves to any particular subject. Though that approach can work while students are still underclassmen, many advisors recommend students choose a major before their third year of college. The following tips can help students ensure they make the right decision about which path to take for the remainder of their college careers. Visit your school’s career center. College career centers are a great resource for college students as they narrow down their options concerning a major. Many career centers have programs in place designed to match students’ interests and personalities with courses of study. Utilize these programs if you are having trouble matching an interest with a major. Take action. Classrooms can be great places to discover a passion for a particular field of study, but lectures or entry-level courses are not always
enough to spark interest. If there are particular fields of study that interest you, find extracurricular clubs that are associated with those majors. Such clubs may host speakers or seminars that can give you greater insight into the field than you might glean from the classroom. Attend such events when possible, and bring any questions you might have about the course of study they are associated with.
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Speak to upperclassmen. Underclassmen may make up the majority of students in entry-level courses, but you may encounter some upperclassmen who have already chosen their majors in such classes from time to time. Such students can be valuable resources for other students looking to gain greater insight into courses of study. Ask about particular classes and professors who upperclassmen found particularly engaging and encouraging. Pursue an internship. The hands-on experience provided by an internship is a great way for students to learn if a particular line of work is for them. Internships can provide an insider’s look into particular professions and industries. While internships might once have been designated for older students, many businesses now have more relaxed eligibility requirements regarding their internship programs, making it possible for students of all grade levels to gain some practical professional experience while still in school. Choosing a major is one of the most important decisions young students will make. Taking a careful and thoughtful approach to such a decision can help students select majors that leads to rewarding careers.
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July 30, 2015 • theintelligencer.com
Tips for adults returning to school
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dults return to school for a variety of reasons. Some might be spurred by a desire to pursue a new career, while others might go back to school to learn more about their existing field and improve their career prospects. While their reasons for returning to school may differ, many adults find themselves battling some nerves as they begin the process of going back to the classroom. Feelings of doubt are common among adults returning to school. But there are steps all adult students can take to reduce their anxiety and make the most of the often exciting experience of going back to school. Start slow. Unlike more traditional college students,
adults returning to school tend to have significant responsibilities, including families and careers. Juggling work and family is difficult on its own, but doing so along with college coursework is even harder. Adult students returning to school after a long layoff would be wise to take things slowly at first so they and their families can gradually adjust to their new schedules. Many schools now offer online courses, which can be especially beneficial for working professionals. Have a plan. Many adults only return to school when they know exactly what they want to study or which courses they need to take to complete a degree or earn a certificate. If you have not already mapped out such a plan, do so before enrolling in any classes. The cost of a college education has no doubt increased considerably since you last stepped foot on campus, so you don’t want to be signing up for costly classes that will not help you accomplish what you hope to accomplish by returning to school. Research your options. Just because you are an adult returning to school does not mean you are ineligible for scholarships or other forms of financial aid. The United States Department of Labor maintains a scholarship search engine at www.careerinfonet.org where students
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of all ages and academic levels can search for scholarships, grants and other financial aid opportunities to determine if they are eligible for some help paying for tuition. In addition, adults returning to school may want to discuss their plans with their employers, especially if they are looking to continue working in their current fields. Employers may have programs in place to subsidize employees looking to continue their education. Don’t be discouraged. Many adults mulling a return to school are hesitant to do so because they feel as if they will be the only older students in classrooms filled with millennials. However, the National Center for Education Statistics predicts a 14 percent increase in enrollment of students 25 and older between 2011 and 2021, suggesting that adults going back to school are unlikely to be the only graybeards in their classrooms. Returning to college as an adult can be both exciting and overwhelming. But adults need not be nervous about returning to the classroom, even if it has been quite some time since they last stepped on a college campus.
Theintelligencer.com • July 30, 2015
How to help kids find extracurricular activities Students passionate about a particular subject or course of study may be eligible for internships with local businesses that encourage them to apply that interest in practical settings.
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ports may be the first thing that comes to mind when many parents think of extracurricular activities for their children, but not all kids are cut out for or interested in competitive athletics. But just because a youngster may not be the next star quarterback or captain of the soccer team does not mean he or she can’t find an extracurricular activity to be passionate about. Parents know that schoolwork comes first, but extracurricular activities can be important to a child’s development, serving as an avenue to meet new people and an opportunity to learn the importance of teamwork. The following are a handful of things parents should consider when trying to help their children find the right extracurricular activities. Interests One of the easiest ways to help kids find an extracurricular activity they can be passionate about is to discuss their interests with them. Youngsters with a love of animals might enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter or hospital, while those who love to write may find writing for the school newspaper is a great way to apply that passion in a practical setting. Even kids with a passion for video games might be interested in learning about computer graphics and what it takes to design games. When trying to find extracurricular activities for your children, resist the urge to write off any of their interests. Instead, use those interests as jumping off points to further engage their passions. Availability Parents know that school comes before extracurricular activities, but kids may not be so wise. Keep in mind kids’ existing workloads when helping them
find the right afterschool activities. Many organizations are especially flexible with teenage volunteers or employees, but parents still must keep a watchful eye to ensure kids do not overextend themselves. Kids who overcommit to extracurricular activities may end up feeling burnt out, which can have a negative impact on their schoolwork. Encourage kids to find activities they care about, but emphasize that these activities should not become bigger priorities than schoolwork. Let kids know that they can get more involved during summer vacation, but make sure kids don’t devote too much of their time to afterschool activities during the school year. A couple of hours per week and even some additional time on the weekends should not distract kids from their responsibilities at school, and that’s still ample time for kids to explore their interests. Internships Internships were once exclusive to college students, but many organizations now offer internship opportunities to high schoolers as well. Kids who find themselves interested in particular subjects at school, whether it’s graphic design or a beginner’s course on finance, may be eligible for internships with local companies. Such opportunities may even encourage kids to pursue a particular course of study once they enter college. Extracurricular activities can help youngsters develop into well-rounded adults. Parents can help kids find the right activities while still encouraging them to keep schoolwork atop their priority lists.
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July 30, 2015 • theintelligencer.com
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Theintelligencer.com • July 30, 2015
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July 30, 2015 • theintelligencer.com
Outfitting students’ technology needs N owadays, school supplies differ greatly from the markers, protractors and pencil cases required just a few decades ago. Many classrooms are now geared toward digital learning, and items such as tablets, smartboards and laptop computers are essential to enhancing students’ classroom experiences. It’s no surprise then that many students require a long list of tech products and applications to keep up with their studies. According to a Project Tomorrow report titled “The New Digital Playbook: Understanding the Spectrum of Students’ Activities and Aspirations,” a large percentage of students have access to various mobile devices in the classroom. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and digital readers are some of the more commonly used devices in modern classrooms, and such usage is not limited to older students, as the report noted significant penetration of mobile devices among the primary grades, even in K-2. To enhance the learning experience found in school, parents may want to allow access to such devices at home. The following are some tech items to consider. Tablet: Android and Apple-based tablets give students easy access to a variety of applications and web connectivity. Their portability makes them a convenient way of staying connected both inside and outside the home. Many tablets can be enhanced with plug-in keyboards that make typing easier. Tablets can be used to take notes, browse the Internet, check email, and maintain correspondence with classmates via messaging applications.
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Smartphone: Smartphones now have many of the same capabilities of tablets, albeit in smaller packages. Parents may need to customize safety settings on phones to keep students secure, but the devices can be valuable tools in keeping tabs on kids’ whereabouts. Laptop: Tablets and smartphones may have reduced consumer dependency on laptop and desktop computers, but traditional computers remain a valuable learning tool. Their larger screen sizes and mouse/keyboard features can make it easier for students to spend more time working on projects that require a lot of typing. Since many teachers now require assignments be typewritten or completed online, students may need to have a computer at home. Peripherals, such as a printer and an external hard drive, may prove useful as well. App access: Students may require different apps to complete their assignments and stay organized. Calendar functions, newspaper apps and calculators can provide the boosts kids need to perform well and stay organized. Mobile devices are pre-loaded with stores where users can purchase applications, such as the App Store on Apple devices and Google Play on Google-based mobile products. However, users will still need to establish an account, which is typically linked to a credit card. If parents do not feel comfortable giving children free rein, they can set parameters on app purchases or buy pre-paid app gift cards to avoid excessive charges on credit cards. Technology is pervasive in the classroom, and students may need various digital devices to make the grade.
Did you know? According to the College Board Annual Survey of Colleges, the average published tuition and fee price for full-time, in-state students at public four-year colleges during the 2014-15 school year was $9,139. That marks a nearly 3 percent increase from the preceding year, but it’s still a considerable bargain when compared to the tuition and fee costs full-time, out-of-state students attending four-year public colleges will have to pay. Such students paid $22,958 for the 2014-15 school year, a 3.3 percent hike from the year before. Such figures do not include the cost of room and board, which averaged roughly $9,800 for the 2014-15 school year at public four-year colleges (in-state and out-of-state). Private, non-profit, four-year colleges remained considerably more expensive than their public counterparts, costing students an average of more than $42,000 per year for tuition, fees and room and board during the 2014-15 school year. The 3.7 percent rise in tuition and fees at such institutions also represented the highest average increase of any four-year colleges or universities.
Theintelligencer.com • July 30, 2015
How to save on school supplies
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ack to school season can be as expensive for parents as it is exciting for students. Once the initial letdown of the end of summer vacation wears off, many kids are excited to return to school, where they can see their friends, study their favorite subjects and participate in extracurricular activities. Parents of school-aged youngsters may share in that excitement while also knowing that back to school season can stretch their budgets. One of the ways to salvage those budgets is to save on school supplies. Fortunately, there are several ways parents can do just that. Be patient. Shopping early can save shoppers money in many instances, but parents may benefit by exercising patience when it comes to buying school supplies for their children. Teachers often give students lists of supplies they will need for each class, and parents who wait to receive such lists can avoid spending money on items their kids won’t need. Even if you wait it out, you may be able to get a head start, as some teachers may post supply lists on school websites, while others might email lists to parents before back to school season hits full swing. Take inventory. If you have more than one child, chances are you already have lots of school supplies around the house. Dust off kids’ backpacks and study areas from last school year to determine which supplies you need to buy and which you already have. Going forward, encourage kids to store their supplies in a predetermined area once
the school year ends, as this will make next year’s inventory that much easier to examine and assess. Spend more now to save later. While inexpensive supplies can be hard to resist, such items likely won’t withstand the test of time, forcing you to spend time and money each year buying replacement supplies. Paying more now for certain items, including stronger backpacks and more highly rated calculators, may end up saving you money in the long run, even if the initial pill is somewhat tough to swallow. Use technology to your advantage. Department stores and businesses that sell school supplies, such as pharmacies and office stores, may or may not discount too many items once back to school season hits full swing. But savvy parents can still find deals by using technology to their advantage when shopping for school supplies. Download apps like RetailMeNot to your smartphone and enable its updates so your phone essentially notifies you of any discounts the moment you walk into a given store. If you don’t receive any updates, search for discounts via the app or the Internet as you shop. Chances are strong that there are deals to be had, even if you don’t learn of the deals until you arrive at the store. School supplies can be expensive, but parents can employ several strategies to save on school supplies now and in the future.
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July 30, 2015 • theintelligencer.com
Safety tips for school bus riders
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any students take the bus to school twice a day, five days a week. Approximately 26 million
elementary and secondary school children ride school buses daily in the United
States, and the U.S. Department of Transportation says more than 50 percent of all K-12 students in the country ride yellow school buses, traveling approximately 4 billion miles each year. The vast majority of these miles are traveled without incident. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, the national school bus accident rate is 0.01 per 100 miles traveled, compared to 0.96 for other passenger vehicles, which makes school buses considerably safer than other passenger vehicles. Though school buses are safe, there are other ways to make them even safer. Children, especially those new to school buses, may find the bus fun and unique and not pay attention to simple safety rules. But parents should take steps to ensure that youngsters always heed the following school bus safety guidelines.
• Wait for the bus in a safe location that is away from traffic, ideally staying in a designated school bus stop until the bus arrives. • Dress for optimal visibility, especially in inclement weather when it can be difficult for the school bus driver and other motorists to see pedestrians. • Do not board the bus until it comes to a complete stop. Wait for the driver to open the door, which engages the “Stop” sign for oncoming motorists. • Use the handrail and enter the bus in an orderly manner. • Promptly find a seat, sit down and
buckle the safety belt if there is one available. Students assigned seats on the bus should take their seat without making a fuss. • Keep backpacks and other belongings out of the center aisle. Store them under your seat or on your lap. • Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion. • Keep arms, hands, legs, and heads inside of the bus at all times. • Always follow the driver’s instructions and avoid situations that will cause driver distraction. • Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing up or attempting to exit. • Exit the bus in an orderly manner, without pushing fellow passengers. • Only cross the street in front of the bus. It is very difficult for the driver to see students crossing behind the bus. • Wait for the driver to check traffic before crossing the street and be on the lookout for inattentive motorists.
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Strategies to help kids focus on their schoolwork may include prescribing medication to improve the child’s ability to concentrate. Speak with your child’s teacher. Students who don’t have ADHD can still have trouble focusing on their schoolwork, and parents of such students may want to speak to their children’s teachers to solve the problem. Educators have significant experience dealing with students who have trouble focusing, and they may be able to make certain suggestions to help kids focus on their work.
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ome youngsters experience difficulty when the time comes to focus on their schoolwork. Such difficulties may be linked to a variety of factors, and parents can be overwhelmed as they attempt to identify the root cause of their youngsters’ struggles in the classroom. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 6.4 million American children between the ages of four and 17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. ADHD most often occurs in children, and these children may have difficulty with concentrating, paying attention, staying organized, and remembering details. But not all children struggling to focus on their studies have ADHD. Parents who want to help their kids overcome their issues with regard to focusing can consider a host of approaches and strategies. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Because ADHD is so common, parents should seek the opinion of a licensed healthcare professional to determine if their child has the disorder. According to the National Resource Center on ADHD (www.help4adhd.org), psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, and certain licensed counselors or therapists are qualified to diagnose ADHD. Determining if a child has ADHD is a great first step toward helping that youngster overcome his or her struggles in the classroom. A qualified healthcare professional can help develop a strategy to improve focus, and that
Minimize distractions at home. Some kids may do well in class but find it hard to focus once they arrive home. That’s because home often has far more distractions than the classroom. Once the time comes for your child to do his or her homework, minimize distractions that can compromise his or her ability to focus. Turn off the television and take kids’ phones away if they have their own phones. During homework time, only allow them to use their computers for their lessons and not to connect with friends via social media. Parents also should make sure they aren’t the distraction. Let kids do their work in peace and quiet, offering to help if need be, but steering clear of kids work areas so they are encouraged to focus and not strike up conversations with mom or dad. Make lists. Some kids focus better when they know exactly what they have to do. Encourage such youngsters to make lists of their assignments and check items off as they are completed. Checking items off can give kids a sense of accomplishment, which can motivate them to stay focused on their schoolwork going forward. Encourage breaks. A breather every so often can help kids avoid growing tired. Make sure kids don’t take up another task, such as playing video games or watching television, during their breaks. But keep in mind that standing up every so often to walk around or get a glass of water can help them stay sharp and energized over the long haul.
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July 30, 2015 • theintelligencer.com
Make school day mornings easier
Signs a tutor might be necessary
Tutors can fill voids and help students get back on a successful track.
Parents can take several steps to make sure school day mornings go more smoothly.
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chool day mornings can be hectic, as getting kids ready for school and out the door on time is not always easy. Working parents may find school day mornings especially difficult, as their own work schedules can make mornings feel even more rushed. Fortunately, parents can employ several strategies to free up time in the morning so everyone starts their days off in a more relaxing atmosphere. Wake up earlier. Sleep might seem like a precious commodity, but waking up just 10 to 15 minutes earlier can remove some of the stress from weekday mornings without costing you a lot of sack time. Let kids sleep in until their normal wakeup time, using your extra 10 or 15 minutes to shower or enjoy your morning cup of coffee before the house is abuzz with activity. Tackle certain chores the night before. Delaying certain chores until you wake up makes for a hectic morning, so tackle as many morning chores as possible before you go to bed for the night. Prepare school lunches, lay clothes out for yourself and your children, and make sure kids have their backpacks packed and ready to go before they go to bed. Each of these things may only take a few minutes, but when left for the morning, they can add up to a substantial amount of time.
Encourage youngsters to pick up the pace. Some people are morning people, while others dread setting their alarms for early morning hours. Kids who fall into the latter group may drag their feet in the morning, but parents should offer encouragement when kids are moving slowly in the morning. Allowing your frustration to show may only make kids less fond of mornings, so remind them as nicely as possible that everyone has a schedule to stick to if they seem to be dragging their feet. Keep the television off. If watching the television is ingrained in your morning routine, try going a few days without it to see if this makes it easier to get out the door on time. Kids might grow distracted by morning cartoons, and even adults may get caught up in morning news shows or other forecasts. Eliminating television from your morning routine can save time and also may help your family grow closer, as you will have more distraction-free time to speak to one another. In addition to turning off the television, resist the urge to turn on your devices or scan work emails when getting ready in the morning. Parents know that school day mornings can be hectic. But there are several ways to make such mornings go more smoothly so everyone gets where they need to be on time.
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chool is not always easy, and some students struggle as they transition from grade to grade. As students get older, some who may have experienced smooth sailing as youngsters may find they need some extra help grasping the material as coursework becomes more complicated. Those who need some extra clarification and reinforcement may first turn to their parents. But parents may not be familiar with certain subjects or capable of explaining certain concepts in terms kids can understand. In such situations, tutors can prove to be valuable resources to get kids back on the right academic track. One-on-one attention from a tutor can benefit all types of learners. Students who discover newfound success under the guidance of a tutor may have more self-confidence in the classroom. Parents wondering if a tutor can help their children may want to consider the following indicators that students may need tutors. Consistently falling grades: Tutors may be necessary for students whose grades are gradually on the decline. First speak with your child’s teachers, who may recommend tutors that specialize in certain subjects. Confusion in and out of the classroom: Some kids struggle to grasp certain concepts, and such confusion
can sometimes be remedied with the kind of intense study available in tutoring sessions. Low confidence: Some kids’ confidence wanes when their grades suffer. Kids whose grades have been on the decline may feel a sense of defeat even before they take a test or work on an assignment. Tutors can help restore confidence by creating small victories that slowly build up to larger successes. Indifference to coursework: No student will be captivated by every subject he or she studies, but there should be some subjects that students find engaging. Students battling indifference toward their coursework may benefit from a dynamic tutor who can present subject matter in new ways and revive students’ interest. Students who are struggling in the classroom may need some extra help outside the classroom, and many tutors are adept at reviving interest in subjects kids are studying at school. Some teachers may recommend certain tutors, while others may do some tutoring work themselves.
Theintelligencer.com • July 30, 2015
Test-taking tips A
ccording to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, test anxiety is a form of performance anxiety that can affect even the most prepared students. The ADAA notes that several factors, including fear of failure and a poor test history, can contribute to test anxiety, the presence of which can make it difficult for students to concentrate and may even cause physical symptoms like headache and nausea. Parents of students who are anxious about upcoming tests can share the following test-taking tips with their children, courtesy of the ADAA. Prioritize preparation. Test preparation should begin well in advance of the test, as cramming the night before may make students feel unprepared and less confident in their knowledge of the material. In addition, studying at least a week or two in advance of the test date affords students the opportunity to take practice tests in conditions similar to those in real testing situations. That familiarity can
calm any nerves they may typically experience when taking exams. Develop an effective test-taking strategy. The ADAA recommends students answer the questions they know first before returning to more difficult questions. Doing so may contribute to students’ confidence and calm their nerves as they approach the rest of the test. When tests include essay portions, students can outline their essays before they begin to write so they have a clearer idea of what they want to say and how they want to say it. Employ relaxation techniques. Deep, slow breaths and systematic relaxation of muscles can energize students’ bodies and make it easier for them to focus. Students can apply such techniques before exams to curb any pre-test jitters they might have and, if necessary, revisit these relaxation exercises during the test if feelings of nervousness return.
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Get enough sleep and eat healthy before the exam. Stress and anxiety are more difficult to cope with when the body is tired, so parents should encourage their children to get adequate sleep the night before an exam. In addition, provide healthy foods for kids to eat prior to the exam so they are not lethargic or hungry once the test begins. Don’t be afraid to seek help. Plenty of students experience test anxiety, and many schools offer programs designed to help students overcome their test-taking fears. Making use of these programs is a great way for kids to improve their testing performance.
Tips for a healthy school year S tudents are most likely to get sick when school starts because being at school put children’s immune systems to the test, offers The Mayo Clinic. Young children who are in close proximity to others in large groups tend to spread organisms like bacteria and viruses that cause illness. Breaking the cycle can take some work, but it’s possible to make this a healthy school year.
Sick children should stay home from school to protect themselves and their classmates and teachers.
Encourage handwashing Frequent handwashing is a great way to prevent illness. Handwashing habits are essential for school-aged children and should be taught as soon as possible. Children should wash their hands after they use the bathroom and before they eat. If they’ve been playing outside or have interacted with children who are sick, handwashing can help remove some of the germs lingering on their hands. Antibacterial wipes are another option, but they may not be as effective as washing hands with warm, soapy water. Stop (some) sharing
Sharing develops good manners and can foster new friendships. But children should be discouraged from sharing food, drinks and other personal items. Once the item has been placed in a child’s mouth, it should not be shared. Take a sick day Rare is the student who will never come down with an illness. When kids get sick, keep them at home. Schools may have guidelines indicating when it is acceptable for children to return to school, and it’s important that parents adhere to those guidelines so illnesses cannot spread around the school.
Promote adequate sleep and nutrition While adults may need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night, children often require more. The National Sleep Foundation recommends eight to 13 hours of sleep a night for school-aged children. Begin adjusting sleep schedules during the latter part of summer vacation so that
children can readjust to their regular sleep schedules. Parents also should feed kids nutritious diets consisting of a variety of foods. Avoid high-calorie junk foods, reserving such items only as special treats every so often. Donate cleaning supplies Some schools may be underfunded and may not have enough supplies to keep all of the classrooms and surfaces clean. Parents can help by donating cleaning wipes and sprays so that students and teachers can thrive in clean, healthy environments.
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July 30, 2015 • theintelligencer.com
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