I am finally ready to re-open Math Mom Tutoring!  I am so excited about working with students again!  I am also really excited about offering ONLINE TUTORING!!!!! 

I am in the process of getting my own kiddos ready for the first day of school.  It is so important to start out on the right foot.  My Mom always says, “Start out how you want to end up!”.  This is so true when it comes to kicking off the new school year.  If your child has struggled in a particular subject in past years, do not wait for their grades to slip this year.  Get them help right away.  Not only can this keep them from hitting rock bottom and getting behind.  It can also boost their confidence in the classroom!

I have just posted the first MathMom Online lesson. This is lesson 1 in the Algebra Readiness section of my pre-Algebra program.

Here is part 2 . .

For adults, the arrival of New Year’s Day inspires an optimistic, hopeful look toward the future.  They set goals for themselves and endeavor to make positive changes for the New Year.  They not only set their goals, but they also come up with a plan to achieve them.  Students should be encouraged to approach a new school year in the same way.

 At the beginning of a new year in school, children should be taught how to set realistic goals and work every day to achieve them.  Parents should reinforce the concept that a new year will give the child the opportunity to start new and fix old bad habits.  Parents should provide positive encouragement and reinforce the idea that their student can be successful in achieving his or her goals.

 Within the first week of school, parents and students need to sit down and make a list of goals for the year.  These goals should be specific.  For example, instead of saying “I will make better grades” the goal should state “I will make at least a B in all of my classes”.  Instead of saying “I will improve my study skills” the goal should state, “I will study for at least one hour a day”.  The goals should be focused on areas that need improvement.  They should also be realistic and attainable.  Most importantly, goals should be stated in a positive way.  It should be about what the child will do and not what the child won’t do.

 Once the list of goals is created transfer the list to a poster board.  Let the student decorate the goal poster and then hang it in a prominent spot in his or her bedroom.  This will serve as a constant reminder throughout the school year.  Also, it is an excellent idea for the student to share the list of goals with the teacher.  Often teachers are given negative information about students from prior teachers.  By sharing his plan of action for the New Year, the student is letting the teacher know that he is motivated to make a positive change in his school performance.

 Finally, after the first semester is complete, the list of goals should be edited.  Perhaps a new challenge has presented itself or an old one is no longer an issue.  If necessary, parents and students can create a new list of goals to finish the school year with.  It may be helpful to ask for input from the teacher when reassessing the list of goals.

 Goal setting is a great activity to reinforce the learning process with students.  It is a skill that will be effective throughout the course of the child’s life.  It also lets children know that they have the power to change for the better.  Putting this power in a student’s hand is a great tool for creating a life-long learner.

When Homeschooling Is Over Your Head!

Many well intentioned parents started out homeschooling their Kindergarten child.  Teaching a small child basic math skills is pretty simple to most parents even if they were never really strong in math.  However, what about when that sweet little five year old needs a Trigonometry or Calculus teacher?  Some parents are faced with this challenge sooner than they expected. 

Advanced math classes are not subjects that you can leave to a teenager to figure out on his or her own.  They require a great deal of instruction and guided practice.  It is time to recognize the need to expand your homeschool horizons and reach out for additional instructional assistance.

There are several very reasonable options available to the parent who has acted as a teacher.  One relatively new option is offered through many private schools.  They will allow your child to take a class at their school without being enrolled as a full time student.  Several of these schools offer an entire program of part-time study for the alternatively educated student.  This comes in very handy for your college-minded teenager who is need of advanced placement credit.

Community Colleges are also now offering classes for homeschoolers.  These classes are listed as Continuing Education so they do not require traditional college enrollment.  They are very effective in offering students classes that their parents are uncomfortable teaching. 

Private tutors are another excellent option.  Ideally, you can find a certified teacher who is qualified to teach the advanced class.  Hire the tutor to teach the student the curriculum and keep the child on track.  Tutors can come to your home or meet you in a more public location like the library.  It is also a good idea to find someone who is willing to stick with you through the next challenging courses on the horizon.  This consistency can be very helpful as your child advances in his or her chosen program of study.

Finally, there are other homeschooling parents out there who have developed networks to help each other through these difficult classes.  Parents offer their assistance based on their area of expertise.  For instance, a Dad who is really strong in Civics could put a group of students together for an advanced government class.   While a Mom in the same group who is a former Calculus teacher can help this group of students by teaching them Advanced Mathematics.  This barter system can be found in many communities.  It is important to join your local homeschool organization to find out what is available in your area.

Homeschooling is a challenging endeavor.  Make sure that you do not hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.  Your child can have a diverse and challenging educational experience that prepares him or her for college and beyond. 

For more information, visit www.mathmomonline.com