New Online Classes

Outschool coupon code: use code LAURAGL2020 to get $20 OFF your first class

High School Chemistry Crash Course

High School Physics Crash Course

Holst: The Planets - A Musical Journey

Strategies for the ACT Test

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien - English Literature

Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis - English Literature Class for 14 to 17-Year-Olds

Online Classes

Virtual Tutoring Sessions Available

Virtual tutoring sessions available:

- science and math for 7th-12th grade

- ACT or SAT prep

- pay by the session (via PayPal)

- sign up for just one session or however many you need

- you will need a reliable internet connection

- for more information, fill out the contact form on the right

Virtual Tutoring Sessions Available

Virtual tutoring sessions available:

- science and math for 7th-12th grade

- ACT or SAT prep

- pay by the session (via PayPal)

- sign up for just one session or however many you need

- you will need a reliable internet connection

- for more information, fill out the contact form on the right

New Online ACT Preparation Course 2022

 

Is your high-school student taking the ACT test this year?

Here is an opportunity to help your student get ready for the test by---
- finding out what to expect on the test
- learning test-taking strategies
- reviewing the content that the test covers

The course will meet for two two-hour sessions over zoom. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Thursday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Dates: May 26 and June 2
Location: online through Zoom

Cost: $100.00 per student for the entire course. Includes materials.

Registration deadline: Friday, May 20, 2022

To register, fill out the contact form on the right or send an email to lizzie.tutoring@gmail.com

New ACT Prep Courses Available

New ACT Prep Courses available online.

New dates and times listed. Feel ready for the ACT before you take it. More information at this link: ACT Prep Courses

How to Boost Homework Motivation and Reduce After-School Stress

Image courtesy of Unsplash

Nothing ruins everyone's night the way homework battles do. If your children resist doing their homework, you're not alone. Even though it’s a common problem, thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. Courtesy of Lizzie Tutoring, here are some ways to help reduce after-school angst.

Offer a Tech Boost

Technology is already part of many kids' school lives, and there are plenty of tools that can give your child an academic boost at home, too. For instance, to improve reading skills, apps like ABCmouse and Endless Reader are two great places to start. You can also get a tutor for your child -- including one that can work with your child online. There are many other reading tools, as well, so there's sure to be something that works for your child. 

Set a Consistent Routine

Kids, like adults, want to know what to expect. Establishing a set time and place for homework can help them feel more in control. 

The best time to work varies from child to child. Some kids come home ready to tackle their homework and get it out of the way, but many need time to decompress after a long school day. As Verywell Family points out, the best way to find your child's best work time may be simply to ask, though some trial and error also can't hurt.

The best place to work is different for every child, too. Some thrive on background noise, while others need silence or white noise to focus. Encourage your child to figure out his or her own best homework place, and if a current spot isn't working, help him or her test other possibilities. Whether it's a desk in a quiet corner or the kitchen table, we all get more work done when we're in a space that's comfortable for us.

Turn Off the TV

When you turn on the TV to unwind, you create one distraction that even noise-tolerant kids can't ignore. Some research shows that doing homework with the TV going affects the quality of kids' assignments. The good news? Background music doesn't have a similar effect. So the next time you're looking for background noise, consider turning the TV off and streaming some favorite tunes instead.

Take A Fun Break

When you are in the middle of a long afternoon of homework, it can help to pull away from the books for a while. But you do not have to break their concentration and, with a little bit of ingenuity, you can turn toys, such as Legos and glitter, into part of their lesson plan. For example, if the kids are working on geography, help them build a model of each country or continent they are learning about in Legos. Similarly, you can use glitter to decorate drawings of different land features. 

Pinpoint the Source of the Struggle

If homework is a drag, it's possible there's a genuine academic struggle at the heart of the frustration. Finding out where this struggle lies and addressing it could go a long way toward reducing homework meltdowns.  

You can start by simply asking your child what's going on. If you're lucky, you'll get a clear-cut answer, but also be prepared for that time-honored kid response: "Nothing." If your kid won't or can't tell you what's going on, it's time for some active listening, both during homework time and throughout the rest of the day. Avoid the urge to short-circuit the conversation by jumping in with comments or easy fixes. As the American Psychological Association explains, often what kids want most is for someone to genuinely listen to them.

Another great thing you can do to help reduce your child’s stress is making the home as comforting as possible. Believe it or not, natural light can help by replenishing vitamin D, so don’t forget to encourage your child to get some fresh air. Also, you can fill your house with natural light by keeping your windows clean (something we often forget to do). Let Angi help; just search “window cleaners in my area” to explore consumer reviews and find a reputable pro.

Still at loose ends? Don't hesitate to contact the school. Your child's teachers may have additional insights to offer. If the problem seems to be more emotional than academic, also remember that many schools also have school counselors able to help.

Don't Expect Perfection

No matter what you do, not every day will be a perfect homework day. However, making some changes can set you and your child up for success. With a comfortable environment, active listening, and some encouragement and motivation, you can ease the homework struggle and get to a place where there are more good days than bad ones.

Lizzie Tutoring goes beyond just homework help. Each tutoring session involves helping the student gain confidence in the subject matter and learning valuable study skills. Contact us today for a free consultation!

guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders

Homework Gets Tough, But These Strategies Can Help Parents

 

Image courtesy of Pexels

Some children blow through their now-impressive stacks of homework like it's a breeze and some children struggle through every worksheet. These are things a modern parent is used to dealing with. But what do you do when your child hits a roadblock and the homework is tougher than anticipated? Difficult homework is particularly challenging for parents today because school and subjects have changed so much in the last few years. You may or may not recognize the subject matter, but your child has to complete the worksheets and assignments either way.

Read on for some great parenting strategies to help your child when homework gets tough.

Bring Out the Advanced Learning Gear

If neither of you can find the answers or gain full understanding from the book and handouts, it's time to pull out the serious gear. Grab a tablet to find the study aids your child needs. There are many powerful tablets to choose from. The latest tablets provide ample memory and power in a slim and lightweight package, so your kiddo can get to work nearly anywhere, anytime.

Be Supportive and Encouraging

No matter what you’re up against, remember to always be supportive, and encourage your child to think things through. Remind your child that you believe in them and that you believe them that the homework is really hard. Assume that they are doing their best, and tell them that they are smart enough to figure it out. As Nurture & Thrive explains, this encourages positive self-talk because you prepare your child to succeed, when their own thoughts might be preparing them to fail.

Tackle the Subject Together

If your child continues to struggle, sit down next to them and make the homework a team effort. Things are often easier for children with a partner alongside, but as Parents points out, make sure you’re helping without doing it for them. You might help them find the right place in the book to read, explain what the passage says, or help them dig up an in-class handout with the answers. 

Another tactic is to simply ask your child to explain the subject to you. In taking the role of teacher and sorting information, they might realize that they do already know the answers. 

When all else fails, it's time to look up answers in a way your child can understand. There are tons of homework help videos that explain the tough subjects of today's curriculum, and a big collection of helpful homework practice apps in the app store. Between the two of you, you and your child should be able to find the answers and explanations you need to tackle the homework together.

Motivate and Reward for a Job Well Done

Finally, when you've both happily succeeded at filling out the worksheet with the right answers (or your best guesses, as is sometimes the case), it's time for a little reward. Your child has worked hard and, hopefully, they've maintained a pretty good attitude about the whole thing along the way.

Build a predictable reward structure that motivates your child to finish homework by letting your child watch a few entertaining videos or play a video game they enjoy. And since you've been doing homework together, this may be a good time to reward yourself as well! A small gift like some workout gear, a breathable dress for relaxing at home, or a massage can be a reward for a job well done.  

Being a great parent during tough homework time requires a strategy, but not a hard one. Become your child's partner in the tough task, play the student, and make sure your child has the technological tools to tackle the problem. By going at things with the right tools and a can-do attitude, you’ll get through it - together!

Help your child gain confidence, knowledge, and study skills by working with Lizzie Tutoring. Virtual sessions are available!

guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders

The Perfect Jobs for Students (Plus, How to Get Hired)

[Image Source: Unsplash]

​While balancing a job with classes can be challenging, there are numerous benefits to working while in high school or college. It means more money for necessities like clothes, books, personal items, etc., as well as more cash for social activities and entertainment — and even some spare funds to reduce or avoid student loan debt.

Lizzie Tutoring can teach your child valuable study skills and improve their understanding of math, science, history, and much more. Submit this form to schedule a free consultation!

Job Ideas You Can Try as a Student

The great thing about jobs is that they can help you make a living and perhaps also valuable life lessons. The challenging part is finding a good one. Fortunately, they exist, even though many might say they are not in ample supply. Check out the following examples that might lead you towards the opportunities you're chasing.

Dog Walker

Many people are way too busy to take their pets for extended walks frequently. As long as you like dogs and don't take too many clients at one time, this is a fantastic part-time job that offers a lot of flexibility. 

Teaching Assistant

The majority of colleges and universities hire undergrad or grad students as teaching assistants. Even though the job can be hard sometimes and demanding, it is a fantastic chance to deepen relationships with professors and work more extensively in a field you like.

Lifeguard

​If you're a good swimmer and in good shape, then this is the ideal job for you. Once you pass your training and earn the necessary qualifications in CPR and first aid, the actual job might be very relaxing. However, you need to be prepared at all times and act quickly in case of an emergency.

Start Your Own Business

If you're hyped by the idea of entrepreneurial life and have a unique product or service you'd like to offer to people, consider starting your own business. The idea doesn't have to be astounding; it just needs to work. To that extent, ensure you conduct the necessary market research, create a business plan, and choose an appropriate business structure in Minnesota. An LLC offers numerous benefits for small businesses, including less paperwork, limited liability, tax advantages, and flexibility. You can work with a lawyer to set up your business as such or save on the expense by using a formation service in your state.

How to Secure a Job

Students have among the highest unemployment rates. A lot of factors contribute to this, especially the fact that most students don't have job experience. However, if you emphasize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses, you can increase your chances of securing a job, and here's how to do it.

Speak Up

To get hired, your personal network has to know you're looking for a job. You never know from where an opportunity might pop up.

Make a Resume

Employers will always welcome a well-written resume because it has all the necessary information. Ensure you create a professional resume that will help you stand out, even if it's a bit sparse.

Don't Wait

Follow up on applications within five working days from the day you applied, so don't wait for them to call you back. You can also ask your professional network for help in getting your foot through the door.

Spend Time Volunteering

Spending time on volunteer activities is a great way to contribute to the community. Job seekers who volunteer for causes they believe in also equip themselves with new skills and meet new people, including potential employers, who could help them find a job.

Even if you’re still in high school or college, you might need to find a job to pay your way and perhaps save some money to cover your student debt. A job with flexible hours will help you manage the work-school balance, so make sure you think about what kind of job you need and follow the steps above to get hired.

guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders

Virtual Tutoring Sessions Available

Virtual tutoring sessions available:

- science and math for 7th-12th grade

- ACT or SAT prep

- pay by the session (via PayPal)

- sign up for just one session or however many you need

- you will need a reliable internet connection

- for more information, fill out the contact form on the right

Chemistry: The Gas Laws - PowerPoint and Student Notes

Available here.

ACT Preparation Course - August 2020 Dates

Is your high-school student taking the ACT test this year?

Here is an opportunity to help your student get ready for the test by---
- finding out what to expect on the test
- learning test-taking strategies
- reviewing the content that the test covers

I am offering the test preparation course at two different times (each track will cover the same material).

Track 1 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon.
Dates: August 4 and 11
Location: online through Zoom

Track 2 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dates: August 6 and 13
Location: online through Zoom

Cost: $90.00 per student for the entire course. Includes materials.

Registration deadline: Friday, July 31, 2020

To register, fill out the contact form on the right.

ACT Preparation Course - July 2020 Dates

Is your high-school student taking the ACT test this year?

Here is an opportunity to help your student get ready for the test by---
- finding out what to expect on the test
- learning test-taking strategies
- reviewing the content that the test covers

I am offering the test preparation course at two different times (each track will cover the same material). See below.

Track 1 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon.
Dates: July 7 and 14
Location: online through Zoom

Track 2 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dates: July 9 and 16
Location: online through Zoom

Cost: $90.00 per student for the entire course. Includes materials.

Registration deadline: Monday, June 29, 2020

To register, fill out the contact form on the right.

New ACT Preparation Courses - May and June 2020 [updated - will be held online]

Is your high-school student taking the ACT test this year?

Here is an opportunity to help your student get ready for the test by---
- finding out what to expect on the test
- learning test-taking strategies
- reviewing the content that the test covers

I am offering the test preparation course at four different times (each track will cover the same material). New registration deadline. See below.

Track 1 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Thursday mornings from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon.
Dates: May 14 and 21
Location: online through Zoom

Track 2 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Friday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dates: May 15 and 22
Location: online through Zoom

Track 4 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.It will meet on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dates: June 4 and 11
Location: online through Zoom

Cost: $90.00 per student for the entire course. Includes materials.

Registration deadline: Friday, May 8, 2020

To register, fill out the contact form on the right.

New ACT Preparation Courses - May and June 2019

Is your high-school student taking the ACT test this year?

Here is an opportunity to help your student get ready for the test by---
- finding out what to expect on the test
- learning test-taking strategies
- reviewing the content that the test covers

I am offering the test preparation course at four different times (each track will cover the same material). New registration deadline. See below.

Track 1 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Thursday mornings from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon.
Dates: May 16 and 23
Location: 7096 Ticonderoga Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Track 2 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Friday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dates: May 17 and 24
Location: 7096 Ticonderoga Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Track 3 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dates: June 5 and 12
Location: 7096 Ticonderoga Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Track 4 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dates: June 6 and 13
Location: 7096 Ticonderoga Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Cost: $90.00 per student for the entire course. Includes materials.

Registration deadline: Friday, May 10, 2019

To register, fill out the contact form on the right.

5 Ways to Make Your Home a Learning-Friendly Zone

Kids need a place to soak up all the knowledge of the universe without distractions. Here’s how to make your home a homework haven for even the youngest learner.

Keep It Neat and Organized
Just like it’s difficult for you to work in a cluttered environment, your children’s productivity will also suffer with disorganization. Their workspace should be clean and tidy. You can achieve this by adding a cable holder to corral any wayward cords, keeping a trashcan within reach, and adding a few fun decorations that your kids will want to see and hence will be more inclined to keep their view free and clear of clutter.

Create a Reading Nook
Encouraging your child to read is the single most important thing you can do to bolster their academic skills. Not only does opening a book expose children to new things, but it will also help them refine their understanding of the world. Reading further boosts creativity and imagination, which are important components for problem-solving. Give your child a dedicated “reading nook” where he or she can retreat with a good book. According to HomeAdvisor, this space should feature natural light as well as ample room to relax and get comfortable. Privacy is also important, so make sure your child’s reading corner is sectioned off from the rest of the home. If space is a premium, you can always use curtains or room partitions. A small bookcase will ensure everyone has ample room to store their favorite literary masterpieces. Check out The Children’s Book Review for ideas on reading materials for kids of all ages.

Ensure Your Child Has Access to Everything They Need
When it’s time to settle in for classwork or homework, make sure your child has the tools they need to succeed. It is not simply enough to have a few notebooks, a box of crayons, and a handful of pencils, although these items are certainly important. Scholastic recommends keeping an arsenal of supplies for regular school work, a calculator for math assignments, and plenty of supplies on hand for arts, crafts, and science projects. If your child does work online, provide them with high-speed internet access and a color printer.

Choose Your Space Wisely
When it comes to where your child will do the work, location is key. Pam Myers of the Child Development Institute explains that some kids thrive in the middle of the action, such as the kitchen table. Others will need a place where they aren’t bothered. If your child is easily distracted, it may be best to keep them pointed away from the window so they can’t see their friends playing outside when they are supposed to be finishing their homework. Make sure their space is large enough to spread out and encourage them to work independently.

Ask for Your Child’s Input
Once you’ve decided on a location and have taken care of organization, don’t neglect to ask your child for their opinion. After all, this is their workspace. Giving your children the power to make some decisions will teach responsibility and encourage self-discovery. Giving them choices will build confidence and ensure they know their voice is heard. You never know what insight your child will bring that will make his or her workspace better for their needs, and that’s the entire point of providing a dedicated area for learning.

With a few minor tweaks to your space, you can make a distraction-free zone where your kids will be able to focus on the task at-hand. Academic success doesn’t take a huge investment, just some time, planning, and an out-of-the-way corner.

guest post by Susan Good from retirededucator.org

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You just finished reading 5 Ways to Make Your Home a Learning-Friendly Zone.

Image via Pixabay

New Worksheet - Newton's Laws of Motion

Acceleration
1. A roller coaster car rapidly picks up speed as it rolls down a slope. As it starts down the slope, its speed is 5 m/s. But 7 seconds later, at the bottom of the slope, its speed is 39 m/s. What is the average acceleration?
____________________


2. A car advertisement states that a certain car can accelerate from rest to 85 km/h in 9 seconds. Find the car's average acceleration.
____________________


3. An eagle accelerates from 11 m/s to 27 m/s in 5 seconds. What is the eagle's average acceleration?
____________________


4. You drop a rock from a bridge, and it takes 3.8 seconds for it to hit the river below. How many meters did the rock fall?
____________________


5. You drop a rock from a bridge that is 48 feet high. For how long does the rock fall?
____________________



Newton's Second Law of Motion
1. A 57-kg water-skier is being pulled by a speedboat. The force causes her to accelerate at 3 m/s2. What force causes this acceleration?
____________________


2. How fast is a 1100-kg elevator accelerating if it is being acted upon by a force of 2200 N?
____________________


3. What is the mass of a cart if it is accelerating at 21 m/s2 and is being acted upon by a force of 748 N?
____________________



© 2018 Laura Glassel – lizzietutoring.blogspot.com

New ACT Preparation Courses - May 2017

Is your high-school student taking the ACT test this year?

Here is an opportunity to help your student get ready for the test by---
- finding out what to expect on the test
- learning test-taking strategies
- reviewing the content that the test covers

I am offering the test preparation course at two different times (each track will cover the same material).

Track 1 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dates: May 18 and 25
Location: 6400 Tanager Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Track 2 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Friday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dates: May 19 and 26
Location: 6400 Tanager Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Cost: $90.00 per student for the entire course. Includes materials.

Registration deadline: Friday, May 5, 2017

To register, fill out the contact form on the right.

New ACT Preparation Course - January 2013

Is your high-school student taking the ACT test this year?

Here is an opportunity to help your student get ready for the test by---
- finding out what to expect on the test
- learning test-taking strategies
- reviewing the content that the test covers

I am offering the test preparation course at the following times.

Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
We will meet on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dates: January 3 and 10
Location: 6400 Tanager Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Registration deadline: Friday, December 28, 2012

Cost: $80.00 per student for the entire course. Includes materials.

To register, fill out the form above.

New Worksheet: Geometry Worksheet 2

Practice surface area calculations for parallelograms and triangles with this worksheet.


Geometry – Worksheet 2

Name: ____________________________


Surface Area of Parallelograms and Triangles

To determine the area of a parallelogram, multiply the length by the height.
To determine the area of a triangle, multiply the base of the triangle times ½ and times the height.

Find the solutions to the following problems:
1. A parallelogram has a length of 7 inches and a height of 4.5 inches. What is the area?
____________________


2. A parallelogram has a length of 9.4 inches and a height of 5.4 inches. What is the area?
____________________


3. A parallelogram has a length of 8.4 inches and a height of 5 inches. What is the area?
____________________


4. A triangle has a base of 7.2 inches and a height of 4.4 inches. What is the area?
____________________


5. A triangle has a base of 2.45 inches and a height of 1.78 inches. What is the area?
____________________


6. A triangle has a base of 12.2 inches and a height of 8.6 inches. What is the area?
____________________


© 2012 Laura Glassel – lizzietutoring.blogspot.com