3 Fun Questions From Moms About Tutoring

Mom #1
My son is starting to scare me because he isn't doing his school work. This is a lot like someone else in my house. What should I do?

This is actually a really great question. Usually moms get frustrated with boys when their bad behavior reminds them of the person they are, or were married to for many years. There is no simple answer to this question, but here are a few tricks that work.

1) Own that you are upset with your husband. We are men it is in our DNA to do annoying things. If we didn't then we wouldn't need women to help us see the right path. Talk it out with your husband and ask him if he would like to try to handle the issue. Don't be surprised if he jumps at the chance.

2) Ask the child directly if he knows who else in the house does that same behavior? When he answers correctly tell him to go talk to the dad. Tell the child to ask the dad what happens to him when he gets caught with this behavior.

3) Use the phrase, "I wish you the best of luck with that behavior."

Once the humor breaks up the tension then simply ask them what they are struggling with tyring to learn. This is when you can jump in and help.

Mom #2
The person who teaches my daughter is a moron. What should I do?

The first thing you should do is let your daughter know that her problem is real and not her fault.

Second remember we can't change morons. If someone could they would be rich and never out of work. The moron won't see it because they are stuck in a mindset of "I'm right and everyone else is wrong." We all get caught in this trap during our lives.

Third is of course the massively used word - acceptance. Acceptance does not mean inaction.

Fourth create an action plan with your child where interacting with this person becomes a fun game between the two of you. You want to be the safe and loving place for them to land. You want your daughter running to you with the story of the moron. Then ask your daughter what was the moron trying to teach you today. Let me see if I can help you.

Fifth go shopping, or eating.

Mom #3
Why are they giving my child so much homework?

Simple. Teachers are teaching to the test. This means during class time they briefly go over the subject during class and shift the learning process to the student. We all know how crazy making this can be.

The best solution is to sit with your child and make sure they are understanding the core concept versus doing busy work. With math for example what is the concept behind a word problem? It is a game to see if you know what words mean addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Bottom line try your best to make each annoying homework assignment into a fun project. Your child simply wants to connect with you. Don't always do homework at home. Go to a coffee shop, mall or other hangout place. Enjoy it rather than making it a trip to the dentist.

Send your questions to mathttuor.roger@gmail.com

Define Your Child's Standards

I got to thinking about the challenges facing children in school today.  They are doing less learning and more working.  These children are growing up in a "testing environment" versus a "learning environment."  The teacher is also in that "test world."  This means the focus is all on hitting standards.  

Think about that for a second.  The entire system is designed to make our children average.  Does that sound right?  Put yourself in the child's mind for a second.  The social value is to be in the middle.  The truth is most children are actually ahead in some areas and behind in others - that is normal.  That actually is the standard. 

 This is how we find what we are naturally great at and what we need help on.

The good news is as a parent you can and should create your own standards.  Here are some suggested steps you can take before the school season begins.

1. Find Your State Standards & Read Them.  This allows you as a parent to know exactly what will be ahead for you and your child.  The hour it takes to go through these details will save you a lot of grief during the school year.  You know your child.  You know what the teacher will focus on.  This allows you to see where they need support before the subject gets taught to them.  Here is a link to standards in California http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/  This is a helpful link to standards in other parts of the country http://www.educationworld.com/standards/
2. Talk To The Teacher During The Second Week Of School.  Talking to a teacher during the first week is a waste.  Talking to them during the second week is golden.  It sends a message to the teacher that you are an "active parent."  The teacher is more accountable to this type of parent.  Go over the standards with them for your child.  Ask them how much homework they are planning on assigning.
3. Make It Fun For Your Child During The First Month.  Let your child know that school and homework will be more fun this year.  Since you know what will be happening (from reading the standards) you will be able to help.  If you need support with making this fun then drop me an email.  Have a great school year.

Testing Tips

Test Preparation is a little different than math tutoring.

For your child to test well in any category the better they are in Math will give them higher test scores.

Testing is in and of itself a giant trap.

1. Students that are bright get bored by being tested. If they get easily distracted it can result in a score that is lower by 10-40%.

2. Students that understand math have a better chance of winning trick questions. All tests have trick questions. Most test have 2 answers that are probable. By removing the two throw away test answers the child gains a high advantage. Their chances of getting the answer right moves from a 25% to 50%.

3. Students that understand the math of moving through questions will test higher. If a student first goes through the test only answering questions that they are 100% confident on they build strength. If a test has 100 questions and the student moves through the test answering 60% without having to think then they can move into the other 40% with confidence, focus and a willingness to beat the testing at its own game.

Students should not over study for test prep. Here are a few tips.

Practice test no more than 2 times per week.
No studying after 7:00PM
Get to sleep 45 minutes earlier before a test.
Wake up 15 minutes earlier.
Have fun.