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Is your child struggling with one or more of the following?
Simplification of algebraic expressions, exponential expressions, radicals, absolute values, factoring and expanding expressions, finding the LCM and FCF, rationalizing complex denominators, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, using Cramer’s rule and solving linear expressions, graphing curves including parabolas, hyperbolas, circles, ellipses, equation and inequality solutions, operations with functions, simplifying logarithms, basic geometry and trigonometry, linear algebra, etc.
Successfully passing algebra coursework in order to meet graduation requirements is a challenge for many upper level students. Many algebra students need specific help with homework. Some can benefit from a quick way to check their work to see that they understand concepts. Others are barely able to keep up and need specific help reviewing step-by-step procedures.
Concerns about algebra grades are a common issue for students in public and private schools, and although educators and experts are working to solve common learning issues with algebra classes, their proposed solutions will not help the student who needs help NOW.
You and your child may be pleased to find out that s/he can receive help with algebra homework in 5 minutes!
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Many bright and capable students are underachievers in the area of writing due to challenges relating to handwriting mechanics and penmanship, difficulty with organization of information and ideas, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and/or reading. Significant difficulty in only one academic area can have a major impact on a student’s academic performance. Similarly, minor problems in multiple academic areas can also result in significant problems with literacy assignments.
In todays classrooms, students should not have to struggle with writing and re-writing an assignment if graphomotor skills are an issue, and penmanship is not the purpose of a writing assignment. Additionally, if spelling, grammar and/or punctuation interfere with the writing process, it is advisable to allow a child to focus on the purpose of the writing assignment first. Improving other skills, can be the focus on another assignment. Read more on Ten Technology Tools to Improve Literacy…
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“Assistive technology” refers to technology that is adapted or used to assist someone with a disability.
Shouldn’t all students with or without a diagnosis have multiple opportunities to use tools that help with learning? Every classroom has students who struggle in one or more major areas of learning but do not “qualify” for help.
“Universal Design for Learning” (UDL) means offering technology options to increase the functional abilities of all, not just the students who qualify for help through the (Individualized Education Plan) IEP process.
We should change learning environments to meet the needs of students rather than working to fit children into the learning environments. We should focus on student strengths as we look for the best tools to help with learning. Read more on Moving From Assistive Technology to Universal Design for Learning…
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Some students need help in a single subject area. Maybe they want to boost their ACT score, or maybe they want to polish their writing skills in order to succeed in an English class. Other students, however, require a more holistic approach. While traditional tutoring addresses a student's needs in one subject area, educational therapy addresses how a student learns. If your child struggles in multiple academic areas and/or seems to dislike the school environment in general, you may want to look into educational therapy, which can be incredibly beneficial.
Just what is educational therapy? Basically, it's a thorough process that helps you and your child identify his strengths and weaknesses in the classroom. An educational therapist works one-on-one with both you and your child to define his particular challenges. Read more on Educational Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Academic Mediation…
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Did you know that
noises that are too loud and last too long can be harmful to hearing?
Did you know that
if your child can’t hear someone who is two feet away from him/her, the noise level may be loud enough to affect hearing?
Did you know that
if damaged, the hearing nerve and its sensory nerve cells do not regenerate?
Did you know that
noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be gradual, painless and permanent?
Did you know that
noise can affect other parts of the body and body systems, and can adversely affect learning and concentration?
Did you know that
even a small loss of hearing can affect your child’s quality of life?
Noise is unwanted sound that can negatively affect your child’s psychological well being. Noise levels are measured in decibels. Louder noises result in higher decibel levels. Repeated and prolonged exposure to any noise at 85 decibels or above can cause gradual hearing loss. Our children do not adjust or have the ability to tune out dangerous noise. Read more on Noise Can Affect Learning! What Did You Say?…
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Academic Issues
As discussed in a previous post, parents can help their children to become more responsible, independent and successful learners by facilitating good study, organization and time-management skills at home while working on weekly homework assignments.
Many children struggle with homework due to academic issues. Language and processing problems, writing mechanics, written expression and spelling difficulty are examples of academic issues that translate into homework issues at home.
Following are some strategies to try.
Language Processing Weakness
- Additional one-on-one time with a parent who will be available as needed, yet guide his/her child to work as independently as possible
- Encourage your child to read directions aloud,
- Teach your child to underline action verbs and/or highlight key words and/or phrases to help reduce confusion and increase understanding of directions and concepts.
- Check for understanding: ask your child to rephrase (not repeat) what he just read.
- Teach your child to ask him/herself questions about what he/she reads.
- Watch your child as s/he begins a task to see that s/he understands.
- Be available if/when your child has questions.
Read more on Strategies and Solutions to Common Homework Issues – Part 2…
