New ACT Preparation Courses - May and June 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

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

Tracks 1 and 2 will meet in person in Eden Prairie. Track 3 will meet over zoom. If none of the dates listed below work for you and you are still interested in the class, please contact me through the contact form and we can try to work something out.

Track 1 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Friday afternoons from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Dates: May 20 and 27
Location: Eden Prairie

Track 2 will meet for two two-hour sessions. Each session will cover two sections of the ACT.
It will meet on Thursday mornings from 10 am to noon.
Dates: May 26 and June 2
Location: Eden Prairie

Track 3 will meet for two two-hour sessions. 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 13, 2022

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

Free Printable Kids’ Books

Looking for more kids’ books? Check out this resource that has free printable books for kids at different reading levels. FREE Printable Books for Young Kids to Develop Reading Skills.

guest post by Mia Williams from SafeNetExperts

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Classes I Teach

I have taught each of the classes listed below at least once (many of them I have taught multiple times). 

• ACT Test Preparation
• Algebra 1
• Ancient Civilizations (7th grade - one semester)
• Applied Engineering (7th grade)
• Astronomy (7th grade - one semester)
• Basic Auto Mechanics (high school)
• Chemistry (high school)
• Chemistry Basics (7th grade - one semester)
• Cultural World Geography (high school)
• Earth and Life Science (7th grade - one semester)
• European History 5th-19th centuries (7th grade - one semester)
• General Science (7th grade)
• Grammar and Writing (7th grade)
• Intro to C# (high school)
• Lego Robotics 1 (high school)
• Lego Robotics 2 (high school)
• Physical Science (high school)
• Physics (high school)
• SAT Test Preparation
• Western Civilization 1 (high school)

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

Homework Time: 5 Strategies to Skip the Struggle and Improve Learning

Are you looking for tutoring that is based upon the student's academic needs without following a predetermined program? 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! 

1. Set a Time
Tired of the homework struggle? As much as parents and kids both dislike homework, it’s not going away anytime soon. For help getting through homework without a fight, Lizzie Tutoring invites you to adopt these five study time strategies, which include creating a homework schedule and offering the use of electronics as incentives.
If your child puts up a fight over homework, your first step is to set a regular time devoted to study. When children are in the habit of doing homework at the same time every day, they’re less likely to need prompting or argue when reminded. Rather than set the time that you prefer, note when your child works best. As Care.com discusses, some kids benefit from a period of rest after school, while others focus best when they still have momentum from the school day. Consistency is what matters, not a specific time block.
If disagreements persist or your child lies about having homework, make homework time mandatory. If no homework is assigned, your child can spend the time reading, doing extra work for challenging classes or engaging in an educational outdoor activity.

2. Set a Place
A dedicated study space further ingrains the homework routine. While it’s common for children to do homework at the kitchen table, it’s not always the best choice. Children, especially those prone to distraction, benefit from a desk in a private area. If you’re short on space, a corner desk can fit into compact areas so you don’t have to sacrifice an entire room to your child’s studies. If your child tends to need extra homework help, choose a location where your child can easily call out for assistance.

3. Make a Plan
Put an end to unfinished homework by making a homework plan with your child each day. List all assignments, estimate how much time each will take, and have your child decide the order to complete them. If your child anticipates needing help, ensure you’re available when the assignment in question is scheduled.
After homework is done, cross-check your child’s work with the list to ensure all assignments are complete. This is also an opportunity to address areas for improvement and offer praise. Rather than fixing mistakes, Parenting For Brain suggests focusing on effort. Overemphasis on doing it right rather than doing one’s best can breed thoughts of failure.
As children enter middle and high school, they should be able to create and follow homework plans without parental oversight. At this age, parents should only get involved if incomplete homework is an ongoing issue.

4. Take Breaks
Sitting still for long periods isn’t a child's strong suit. Allow for scheduled breaks during homework time to ease restlessness. When implemented correctly, breaks can reduce procrastination and improve a child’s focus.
Breaks should be no longer than 15 minutes and involve leaving the study space. Activities during the break should refresh your child’s mind and be easy to quit when it’s time to return to homework. Rather than video games or turning on the TV, have children take a walk outside, dance or sing to music, do yoga, or play with the family pet.

5. Create Incentives
Not all children are incentivized by good grades or approval from teachers and parents. For children who need an extra push, create short- and long-term homework incentives. The simplest incentive is a fun activity your child can do once homework is done. In many cases, children would easily choose screen time, whether it’s on their computer or tablet. If this lends itself to motivation, offer a certain amount of time for gaming when they complete their homework. You could even throw in a screen protector for an especially good effort.
However, short-term incentives may not work for children prone to rushing through homework. In that case, turn to long-term incentives. An example of a long-term reward would be a fun outing if your child doesn’t miss any homework for a set number of weeks, or offering to upgrade your home internet for better gaming.
Homework is an opportunity for children to expand their learning and for parents to engage in their child’s education. Unfortunately for many families, it’s also the hardest part of the day — but it doesn’t have to be. By adopting these strategies in your home, you can make homework a better experience for you and your child.

Image via Pexels

guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders