Posts tagged ‘education’

When I Knew It Was Time to Get a Tutor for My Kid

2 March, 2010 | dcfemella | Comments

Scuola

Awhile ago, I spoke about how my daughter Isabelle was not doing very well in school.  I’ve tried everything that you can think of: flash cards, workbooks, extra time reading, doing extra homework, etc., and I still see that she is behind.  When we read a word, and we see it in the next sentence, she freezes and doesn’t remember what it is.  It became more apparent when we started the Odyssey of the Mind team meetings.  Two boys on the team are both in first grade, and they are reading on a higher level than her.  I started to worry.  I finally knew that it was time to act when she got her second report card, and had a lot of Needs Improvements.  I spoke to my family about it, and my sister said that she went to the Sylvan Learning Center when my nephew was having issues with reading.  I made an appointment that day.

We went to the assessment this past Saturday, and went yesterday for the results. As I expected, she was found to be reading lower than her expected reading level. They said that she had no issues with reading comprehension, but that her reading needed to catch up. Therefore, I worked with them to tailor a program, so that by the time first grade is over, she will be ready for second grade.

It is a little expensive, but when I read how much private tutors are, I realized it was comparable to hiring someone who would come to my house. Also, detecting and fixing the problem early will be better than waiting til she is in sixth grade, and reading at a third-grade level. I was a girl once, and I know how hard it can be. If I can make it easier for her, then I will do anything I can.

That’s the thing about being a parent. You want your children to have it better than you did, and it doesn’t how much it’s going to cost. It is especially hard when you are living in an area where everything is so competitive. Parents shuffle their kids to 3-4 extracurricular activities, while holding full-time jobs. The kids are expected to be the best, and their schoolmates even pay attention to their progress. Money isn’t a problem, so the parents spend whatever it takes, so their kids have a higher chance of success later on in life. It’s something that my ex doesn’t understand because he has never really been a father.

Even though people tell me what is the point of keeping him abreast of what is going on with the kids, I still try. I am hoping that one day he will wake up, and be the father that the children need (and want). I called to see if he would contribute to her tutoring. He said that I need to try and work with her more with workbooks and flash cards, and that is too much money to spend. The old me would have started ranting and yelling. I would have told him that it’s easy for him, who barely sees the children, to tell me to help her more at home because he doesn’t have to do it himself. I would have continued on saying that he can go on all these trips and events with his friends, but as always, when it comes to his kids, he starts coming up with a 1,000 excuses why there is no point to pay the money. It’s easy for someone who has barely paid for a birthday party, their extracurricular activities, or anything extra for the kids to tell me what needs to be done.

The older and “wiser” me just said that it’s fine if he doesn’t want to pitch in, and that I will deal with the tutoring expenses on my own. I left it at that. It felt good not to start this tug-of-war with him on something that he will never get. My family is right. When the kids get older, they will realize how much their mother has done for them, while their father hasn’t contributed to much of anything. I am glad that I am getting her this help. I already see how sad she got when Cebastian was jumping with joy on getting all these Oustandings and Goods on his report card, while she only got Satisfactory and Needs Improvement. By the time second grade starts, Isabelle will be reading way beyond her reading level, and she will not feel as though she is nothing less than what she is really is. A super smart kid.

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My Child is Not Doing Well in School

9 December, 2009 | dcfemella | Comments

child not doing well in school

My kids have different personalities and taste. Ever since they were little, Cebastian preferred things you would usually consider “boy stuff,” while Isabelle preferred things that you would think “girl stuff.” However, with this difference comes another one. Learning.

I know that I shouldn’t compare my children, but I am doing it out of worry. With Cebastian, I never had to worry when it came to school. His teachers always exclaimed that he is one of the brightest kids in the class. He was reading and writing by the time he was four. There were some issues with his speech, and I got a speech therapist for that, but other than that, Cebastian has never had any problems.

Isabelle is having issues at school. Her teacher told me at the first parent/teacher conference that she was worried. Isabelle was having problems with number recognition, sight words, and reading. I have bought her flash cards, started focusing more on her when it came to her homework, and try to read with her every night. She has made significant progress, and I’m happy about that, but she is still struggling.

I once read a book called “MotherStyles: Using Personality Type to Discover Your Parenting Strengths,” which tries to help your parenting by you knowing your personality type and your child(ren)’s.  After reading this book, which is one of the best parenting books I’ve ever read, I realized that Isabelle’s personality is the complete opposite of mine, while Cebastian’s is exactly like mine. I know that I need to adjust the way I teach her because she is more of a visual and auditory learner, while I am more of a kinesthetic one.  I’ve asked the teacher for some techniques, and she told me to use flash cards, pictures, and detailing the problem.  It seems to be working cause her interim report card came back that she has improved immensely.  However, her reading is still not where it should be.

I worry that laziness might be a factor. When I am asking Cebastian questions when he is doing his homework, she can usually gets the answer before him. However, when I see her work, I can tell that she raced through it.  I keep telling her that it doesn’t matter if she finishes first or not, it’s about trying her best.

Education is very important to me, and I want my kids to excel in it.  I wonder if maybe getting a tutor is the best next step.


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Odyssey of the Mind Program Teaches Kids to Hold On to Their Creativity

6 November, 2009 | dcfemella | Comments

When I was in elementary school, I would always see the smartest kids in the class participating in this program called “Odyssey of the Mind.” I always wanted to do it, but my parents didn’t have enough time to take me around, so I just sat there admiring these kids and wish that I could be one of them.

It was a pleasant surprise to find out that my children’s school had their own Odyssey of the Mind program.  I quickly signed up to learn more about it.  I definitely got more excited when I found out that our school’s PTA was funding the program.   Last night, I went to the parent meeting.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international program, so kids all over the world compete.  However, for kids in first and second grade, they are in a non-competitive division, which I think it’s great at that age.  They are presented a certificate at the end to indicate the completion of the program.

During the year, kids have to answer one problem.  For my kids’ team, we have to answer the following one:

Primary: Surprise Party Grades K-2 The team is to create and present a humorous performance that includes a Surprise Party for a team-created character. The theme of the party is a surprise because it is being given for something that is not normally celebrated. Partygoers will give three gifts that help symbolize the theme of the party. The performance will also include an original party “noisemaker” that makes an unusual sound instead of a loud sound. Cost limit: $125 USD.

As you can see, there is a cost limit of $125.  This is for all the materials used for the project.  There are also short-term problems that the kids have to answer in a quick and spontaneous fashion.

This program is great because it teaches children to hold on to their creativity.  Like the coordinator said, after 1st grade, children tend to lose that for one reason or the other. This helps them encapsulate that.  I see how creative both of my children are.  Isabelle spends her day drawing and painting, while Cebastian loves to build things with his Legos.  I don’t want them to lose that, so I am glad that this program is around.

A parent or two usually coaches the team.  This other mother and I volunteered to be co-coaches.  I can use my organizational and time management skills to keep the kids on task.  I already created a Google Calendar for us that has all the meetings and events, and used Google Docs to keep track of the contact list.

I think it also helps children with their problem-solving skills, which is very important when they go out in the real world.  It is for all types of kids, so it’s not just for the outgoing child, but also for the shy child who stands in the back.  One thing that the teachers have been telling is that Cebastian and Isabelle tend to not want to get involved in group activities.  They are like me where they prefer to work independently.  I am hoping that this program helps them want to work as a team.  Even if you don’t want to work in a team, you usually do.  I want to prepare them for that.

If your child’s school has this program, then definitely check it out.  I am going to see if I can even create team shirts.  I will have the kids be creative and come up with the design. =)


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School Open House Excites the Kids for the First Day of School

3 September, 2009 | dcfemella | Comments

The kids and I attended their open house this morning. When we entered the school, there were children smiling and parents trying to find teachers’ room and activities. The Assistant Principal, who we have gotten to know very well, smiled and waved at us. She hugged Cebastian and asked how our summer went.

“We had an amazing summer,” I answered.

“Great! And who is this?” Ms. B asked.

Isabelle cowered behind me. It is her first year at the school, so she is a little frightened. Ms. B smiled at her and told her she had nothing to worry about.

We were then greeted by Cebastian’s first-grade schoolmate’s mother E., who is very involved at the school, and we have become great friends when we were doing the GRACE Art program together. She told us that in the cafeteria, we could see all the wonderful new activities that the PTA is offering this year and helped us find our way to the kids’ classrooms.

I decided to go to Isabelle’s room first. It was easy to find because her teacher’s classroom is right next to Cebastian’s old first grade teacher. We said hi to her and also to the Spanish teacher. After we did some small talk, we went to Ms. R’s class. Ms. R is the type of teacher I remember when I was in school. Gentle but strict and will be one of the teachers Isabelle will probably always remember. We found her desk and underneath was the PTA toolbox that I ordered last school year, so I wouldn’t have to scramble around looking for school supplies.

One thing I liked is that in both children’s classroom, they are sharing all the supplies, which is better than if each child has his/her own because the teacher will never run out of supplies. We met a few of her classmates and headed to Cebastian’s.

We were met by some classmates along the way, and then we were at Ms. H’s class. She seemed very sweet and attentive. Ms. B called me a month ago to tell me she handpicked Ms. H herself, so I know that she is the type of teacher who will be great for Cebastian. He chose his desk, but I quietly took Ms. H to the side and told her that I preferred to have him near her. She said don’t worry that she will move the children around after the first day.

We headed upstairs to the cafeteria. Some tables had sheets where parents could volunteer. I volunteered for a marathon and Ice Cream Social. The teacher in charge of the marathon was very thankful because I was the only one who had signed up. I love volunteering, so I was happy to help.

The activities this year are amazing:

  1. Chess - Cebastian showed interested. They have ten one-hour sessions from October 5th til December 14th. They divide the children into three groups: Beginner, Beyond Beginner, and Intermediate. In the Beginner class, which Cebastian would be, they will teach kids the chess rules and etiquette to prepare them in playing chess. Definitely one I am considering.
  2. Young Rembrandts – Young Rembrandts is drawing course that I think Isabelle would love because she loves art. They teach the children drawing and cartooning. I saw Isabelle’s eyes widen when we headed to their table, so I know to register her when they open registration. Art is something that all children should appreciate, so I definitely want her to be involved in this curriculum.To learn more about the program, here is their web site: http://youngrembrandts.com/
  3. Brainstorm Reading Program – E. told me about this program. She has her daughter in it, and it has really improved her reading. They do it by using fun activities that engage the children’s interest in education. I am definitely enrolling the children in this program. I want them to have the reading fluency that I had growing up because it helps them with the rest of their study areas.To learn more about the program, here is their web site: http://brainstormcenter.com/index.html
  4. Spanish Club – I know that I am teaching the children how to speak Spanish, but I want them to be in a club that will help them with their writing and vocabulary. I heard that instructor is in high demand, and so I am really thinking of placing the kids in this program.
  5. Brownies/Cub Scouts – We met with the Cub Scouts, and Cebastian really loved it.  Isabelle then whispered that she wants to do it as well, so I just emailed the Girl Scouts council for my area to get information.  When I was a little girl, I wanted to join the Girl Scouts after seeing “Troop Beverly Hills,” but my parents had busy work schedules, so I was unable to do it.  If the kids want to do it, then I am happy to have them join. On FriendFeed, there were helpful insight on people’s experience, so check them out: http://bit.ly/pxyZm

I read somewhere that School Open House and Back to School Night are having less and less parents attending.  Don’t skip them! They are very informative and helps make you aware of what is going on at the school.

Photo Detail: Pre-balancing School., originally uploaded by ~Misty~.

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Parent Involvement is Vital in a Child’s Education

9 December, 2008 | dcfemella | Comments

I’m very happy to say that my son’s school was named #14 in the WashingtonPost’s Top 100 Northern VA Elementary Schools.  My son has only been there less than three months, and I can already tell that it’s a great school.  

They are really focused on a partnership between parents and teachers, which is essential in a child’s education.  Some people think that education is the school’s responsibility, and they do not have to do anything except ensure that their children finish their homework.  Maybe it’s because my son is a kinesthetic learner, or maybe because I remember how hard it was for me at school, as a kinesthetic learner, I am very active in their education.  I volunteer in their classes; I am constantly teaching them things outside of school; and I keep the television off during the week.  

Additionally, their PTA is very active. There are some cons to this, but the pros outweigh them tremendously.  The PTA offers tons of after-school activities, such as foreign languages and sports.  They also have tons of family events that challenge children’s minds.

The school pyramid is one of the main reasons that I decided to live in the area that I am.  It’s one of the best in the DC area, and I am happy that my kids are able to be in great schools.

Interesting article about Kinesthetic Learners and New Media: http://stupidblogger.tumblr.com/post/63699527/kinesthetic-learners-why-old-media-should-never-die

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