What’s the best after school tutoring?


When my children get older around the age of 13-16, I enrolled them in a program after school that reinforces basic core classes. I think there are many types of after school tutoring.  There's remedial education. Tutoring for enrichment. Tutoring to do homework. Tutoring as a way to keep on top of the school.  I think it's important to know which you are doing and why when asking the question how is my child learning to learn? Depending on the situation where my child is in need to tutor in a subject or just help them get a head start on education. Remedial tutoring is learning the fundamentals and improving areas for example math, English, and reading.  On the other hand, tutoring for the enrichment is extra beneficial work that helps your child get a head start from the other kids.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How I got my children more culturally aware with their surrounding

We live in the Bay Area have we are fortunate to have our neighborhood to be somewhat diverse and experience different ethnic backgrounds. My family lives in a comfortable home with a safe neighbor surrounding us, but almost 60% of the family surrounding area is white. I truly understand the importance for my children to be culturally aware. The Bay Area is a giant melting pot of different race and every day you encounter someone with a different ethical, religion, or economic background.  When we travel, I try to point out the not so rivalry environment we take for granted every day.

When traveling, we use it as an opportunity to highlight the history and social development and economic/trade output of places we visit as a family.  I want my children to gain an experience and visually see that their lives relatively easy compared to others. I want them to gain the respect for others and learn that the way people want to be treated should the same as they treat others, individual. In an educational standpoint, traveling is a great opportunity to learn and absorb different cultural practices that were not traditionally custom to. It's a great way to relate to ancient civilizations and geography.

I wish the school my children attend shows more diversity within their circular. Today’s society, individuals can’t be so narrow-minded, and it's obvious that being narrow-minded will lead you to nowhere. I want my children to see the world and see that the stuff they’re handed isn’t free.

Invest on Your Child Education at Young Age!

Minute drive from our home. The influence the tech companies have to the surrounding neighboring promote positive energy.

The sad part about having the huge tech businesses that surround us is the little effect of the school system.  Back to my old days living in the bay area, I was fortunate to attend a two private schools from K-12. My parents wanted the very best for my education, and I still believe it's important to pass down to my children and their generation. I’m no too fond with the current running of the school district around my area.  That’s why paying the tuition for my child is hands down the best invest you can do!

Just like any parent, I would love to see my kids get accepted into the best schools and thrive.  Neither my wife or I went to an Ivy League college, but we both earned degrees from top schools at fine institutions.

We believe what's important is that our children are equipped with the right tools and prepared to face challenges of today and tomorrow.  And the preparation begins from day 1.  Of course, there is no bright yellow brick road to the vaunted path.  But we do feel that how we value knowledge, learning, commitment, passion and skill mastery will help our children get there.

My husband and I both agree that the only thing we need to invest is our children’s education as priority number one. From my experience, K-8 helped shaped my personality and lay the foundations on essential core subject. High school is where I learn how to write, and build my math foundations. I went to a college prep high school; the tuition was expensive but the amount of information I receive from this school. Help me get the head of students in college; I was already powering through essays with a breeze. While my peers were struggling learning how to write. Out of high school, I was already in calculus math and ahead of a lot of peers. My college with math academics made the classroom environment a lot easier for myself. 

Blackjack Education

Lately, with the free time I have right now, I have been more active with the blog site to help generate more content. I’m hoping that you guys enjoy reading my opinion and a glimpse of my family’s life.  Ever since my husband started hosting poker games once a week at the house.  Even though the kids are not allowed in the men cave while they carry on, my children want to have their table and card game night.  Well, I am turning it into an opportunity to incorporate math rules, number and behavioral patterns, and mental math into the games!

Card games are the perfect example to help practice mental math and quick addition or subtract problems. On game nights, we either play a board game or blackjack.  Any game that involves education is a huge plus in our family.

I wish my parents incorporated more fun activates when I was little. Not only that I’m spending time with my kids, but it's through an educational process too. Killing two birds with one stone, I have to say. I wish my parents were this active when I was little, but my parents were always working and providing for the family. Depending on the generation gap, I’ve noticed my age; parents are spending more time with their children. Taking every opportunity in reading activities and fun, educational games.

                                                                  

Scholarships! Its Free Money! Take it!

Back when I was attending College, my parents pressured me to sign up with scholarships every year in college. Now, I see the reason why there always nagging me and expressing their concern. Scholarships are free money waiting to be thrown at you! Take advantage of that! A good amount of scholarships online is essay written about family matters or telling who you are. The amount ranges from 500 to help with a few books to upwards of thousands to help pay tuition.

Check out: http://www.fastweb.com/ or http://college.usatoday.com/2012/01/30/the-10-best-sites-to-look-for-scholarships/

I went to my college, but these websites even offer a bigger advantage in finding more scholarships to push out.  The living stand in California is so high, that many students should take this opportunity but many don’t. 

Hacking Everyday

 

Our Family hacks for fun regardless if its educational purpose or everyday activities around the house. My definition of hacking is dissecting information and looking at that information in a different perspective. An example of that, for fun, when I was little I would take part old computer systems or CD players and try to put the components back together. It's always a rewarding experiencing to see yourself immersed with different technology especially in today generation. I’m laying these foundations now because it's competitive out there in the job market. If my children don’t have unique skills set or even skills that make them different to the other individuals. My kids won't even be able to be successful and live the life they dream of.

Being a nerd now isn’t looked down upon, but not being nerdy is the smartest thing to do. I try to pressure my children to be well rounded and not only solely focus on sports, but also hitting the books first. I think being book smart and work smart is the best choice to be ahead in the game.

Parenting is a Tough Job on its Own

 As a stay at home parent, I believe parenting itself is a job on its own. I’m always on a watchful eye on my children. I’m making sure they’re not getting into trouble or hurting themselves. My husband and I agreed upon making every day educational regardless hitting the books or just learning a fun fact about the day. Any moment try to include education during making playtime. Limiting screen time as eventually overtime, the eyes will get a strain and deal with bigger issues in the future. I still prefer they watch on the large screen vs. a small touchscreen because I’ve noticed now, our environment or workforce uses computers on a daily basis. With larger screens, you don’t have to squint so much. I can see my children having to adapt with glasses at a young age. Their vision will worsen over the long run and have problems learning or performing daily activities.

           At home, I try to limit the usage of computers, video games, and television just for the sake of the eyes. I remember back in the day before computers. My parents would allow me to play active sports in the backyard or explore with my imagination. I want that same mental mindset my parents offered me to my children. Staring at a screen for 8 hours a day, stimulates the mind but also puts a strain on the eyes. When you’re at a young age, you don’t think about the long-term effects computers have until you get older. 

Singapore Math

 As a stay at home parent, I believe parenting itself is a job on its own. I’m always on a watchful eye on my children. I’m making sure they’re not getting into trouble or hurting themselves. My husband and I agreed upon making every day educational regardless hitting the books or just learning a fun fact about the day. Any moment tries to include education during making playtime. Limiting screen time as eventually overtime, the eyes will get a strain and deal with bigger issues in the future. I still prefer they watch on the large screen vs. a small touchscreen because I’ve noticed now, our environment or workforce uses computers on a daily basis. With larger screens, you don’t have to squint so much. I can see my children having to adapt with glasses at a young age. Their vision will worsen over the long run and have problems learning or performing daily activities.

           At home, I try to limit the usage of computers, video games, and television just for the sake of the eyes. I remember back in the day before computers. My parents would allow me to play active sports in the backyard or explore with my imagination. I want that same mental mindset my parents offered me to my children. Staring at a screen for 8 hours a day, stimulates the mind but also puts a strain on the eyes. When you’re at a young age, you don’t think about the long-term effects computers have until you get older. 

Science Fair

           

  The school science fair is coming up for one of my children Lauren, and I can’t wait to help her out. I remember far back when I was in middle school; my parents fully supported and encouraged me to think outside the box. Lauren’s project is about the rainbow spectrum in clouds after a storm. Using a mirror, plastic box, and water to stimulate the setting of a cloud. Lauren can replicate a cloud and form a miniaturize rainbow out of the plastic box. I thought this was an excellent idea that was a challenge, but also interesting worth to check out.

            I’m happy that Lauren is experiencing the same educational experiences my husband and I received back in the day.  The science fair is a great opportunity for students to share their interests in a particular subject. I made sure Lauren picked a topic that was most interesting for her. By choosing a topic your child is interested in, they’re attitude towards the project shifted. I’ve noticed that Lauren is more excited about sharing her results and put more work into the science fair.

            Being a mother of three, I want all my children to experience the same education I received back when I attended school. The real world is very competitive, and I want my kids to be able to be successful. 

Take Advantage of College Counselors

 When I was a freshman in high school, I started to think about my future and what I wanted for myself. The counselors at my high school did a sufficient job in guiding me to the right path. It was not until College when the guides made a huge impact in demonstrating my capabilities. I’m a firm believer that my children should be thinking about what colleges and ideal primary they want to be in, as early as middle school or high school. There’s a saying I like to repeat over and over again to my two sons, “keep your eyes on the prize.” Meaning always reminds you why it's important to challenge yourself to achieve that result. Regardless if the goal is a goal short or long-term always pursue that goal in life. 

During my college years, I went to my counselors every semester as a way to check in and see my progress. I can’t express enough its college students should be taking advantage of their school’s resources. If you want your child to be successful with academics, it’s a good start to planning ahead and asks what classes should my child be taking? By preplanning ahead of time, your child can see what necessary skills need reinforcement and be an expert in.

My kids start middle school within a few months from now; I would have my kids to start using a college counselor as guidance in what skills my child can get a head start of his peers. When it comes to education and resources, every parent should take advantage of this opportunity as a way to help their child be successful academically. 

Why isn’t there a better selection of educational DVDs and TV programs?

Being a mother of three young children, sometimes it can be hectic trying to make time for fun activities for each kid as well as collectively.  When I'm overloaded with work at home and the kids need something to entertain, PBS shows offer a great entertainment option that is both fun and educational - something we can all agree on.

However, I wish there were some more shows on TV or DVDs that can entertain and educate the whole family.  Every once in awhile, I come across educational videos that I find interesting, but most of it are cartoons aiming at a much younger audience with only a superficial layer of learning moments and insights.  

I would also like more rigorous and advanced science programs that we can all watch.  The PBS shows are decent, but the 1st graders and up don't seem to like them.  Is Bill Nye the only science guy around, still?  How I miss Reading Rainbow! 

 

Montessori: Pricey Sorry or Hands-on Terrific?

My youngest will be eligible for Kindergarten in the fall, but the debate about which school to send her is still on.  There's a great kindergarten program and elementary school near where we live, and in fact is supposed to be one of the best in the district and state.  We still haven't decided if our youngest will go the public or private route.  My friends as well as many parents around the blogosphere seem to rave about Montessori schools and products - they genuinely seem to be at ease and happy with their kids' Montessori experience and environment.     

I like the concept of kids of different ages and interests learning in the same classroom, and having the attention of teachers that will support and nurture their natural curiosities and learning interests.  A balance between individual learning,  group collaboration and hands-on learning also resonates with me. 

But the quality and price of Montessori schools range far and wide.  Is there a real learning advantage or developmental difference to the method, or just a pricey alternative to our state's best?        

My husband may tell me not to worry about the price, but to me the $8,000, the extra time and gas could be spent on some terrific programs and awesome learning experiences for our daughter beyond the classroom and at home.  We have a shortlist of some Montessori schools in our area, but our neighborhood state recognized school is still top of my mind.  

PISA Testing: US is leaning in the wrong direction!

As a professional and now mommypreneur, I am keenly aware of heightened global competition and sophistication every day.  Which leaves me worried about my kids when I come across reports and news of how US students are underperforming in math and science behind what seems like the whole of Europe including the Eastern Block and our friendly neighbors up north in Canada.  We are not doing much better in reading either.

"Among the 34 OECD countries, the United States performed below average in mathematics in 2012 and is ranked 27th.

Performance in reading and science are both close to the OECD average.

The United States ranks 17 in reading and 20 in science. There has been no significant change in these performances over time." 

[Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 results - http://www.oecd.org/pisa/keyfindings/PISA-2012-results-US.pdf] 

Over the past 5 years  the need for  STEM awareness and reform has grown louder and become more alarming as US students ages 15 and 16 continue to slip behind their counterparts from around the world in math and science.   

While I'm generally satisfied  with my school district and my children's teachers and programs, the evidence seems quite clear that the standard curriculum, Common Core or not, is not preparing our youngsters to compete and solve problems in the 21st century global economy! 

To that end my husband and I have committed to teaching our kids beyond the classroom and to start exploring things we can do as a family that will engage our kids and lay a strong foundation and appreciation for math and science, reading, writing and problem solving.  Will indeed share more as we gather :)

Have you heard of (PBL) Project Based Learning in schools?

My daughter just finished 3rd grade this year, and I was so impressed by the Project Based Learning approach that her teacher implemented in her classroom.  Apparently, this was Miss Murphy's second year, but the learning impact and experience was amazing to see!  It goes way beyond group projects or class projects alone.  The kids really investigate a problem or project from many different aspects highlighting math, science, art, and team responsibilities over the course of days, and sometimes even weeks.     

I'm just so proud of my daughter, her class, and Miss Murphy for the way she diligently performed her various team roles and dominated our dinner table conversations.  It was great too, because it got the whole family involved in her projects and her learning! 

I can only hope her 4th grade teacher will have PBL in her classroom - We Need More PBL!  If not, we need to make sure our kids have other outlets and activities with similar benefits.

My Poor little Common Core Guinea Pigs

As a parent of 3 elementary age children, I am deeply concerned that my kids have become guinea pigs caught in a huge shuffle in our education system and the debate for what and how they should learn.  It's no secret now that US students now lag far behind their counterparts in countries like China, Korea, and Finland in math, science, and overall scores. 

My husband and I have always believed that as parents we must take responsibility for the quality of our kids' education.  One of my kids already went through the ringer this year, and it was a nightmare for her and us!  Her teachers were so busy converting their previous lesson plans to the new codes and standards, they did not have time to think through the execution and preparations.

It led to many dreaded nights of confusion over writing and math homework assignments.  Don't get me started on the online homework assignments and device and browser compatibility issues.  Many reading assignments were way beyond grade level, and the writing assignments vague and ambiguous.  My husband is an engineer, and I'm a lawyer, and together we still didn't get it half the time.  How can we meaningfully support and supplement our kids' school curriculum, if the curriculum is in such flux?       

We tend to agree with the intent and direction of the Common Core standards to engage students more deeply in concept and analytical thinking, tackling multi-step complex problems, and presenting your thoughts to peers using the latest media and office suite.  However, this transition is taking place at the expense of our children's education and experience. 

While the Common Core standards is supposed to lift standards across the US, it is clear now that we must go beyond the standards to make sure our kids receive a well rounded education that is meeting international standards and that will prepare and empower them for the new global competitive landscape.

Why STEM education is not enough. We need STEAM!

 As a parent of 3 elementary age children, I am deeply concerned about the quality of my children's education and school curriculum.  I can no longer use my own K-12 experience as a benchmark - I mean I didn't touch my first computer until high school, but thank God we had brilliant music and art teachers and programs!  

Based on what I've seen and heard in the last few years, schools across the country are scrambling to meet the changing demands and times.  While STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math framework) awareness and reform has grown as a national issue over the past 5 years, I'm glad Art is finally making its way back into the conversation as a critical part of children's education and development. 

As billions are being poured into new tablets, software, and training, how many art and music programs have been slashed??  The evidence is clear that music and art education improves performance and development in the brain as well as improve visualization and association abilities critical to STEM and language learning.