Here are a few tips to help keep your kids focused and finish the year strong!

1. Stick to your routine. We are all creatures of habit and sticking to a well-established routine is one key to a smooth-running household.

2. Don’t skip school unnecessarily. Things can come up in the spring and it can be tempting to let your child lay out of school here and there. The more you do this, the more your kids will want to stay out, and a vicious cycle ensues. Send them to school and you send a strong message to your children about keeping their obligations.

3. Keep bedtime consistent. With the days getting longer, the evening can sneak up on you pretty quickly and it might seem earlier than it really is. In concert with routines, keep an eye on the clock and make sure your kids get their normal night of sleep.

4. Encourage outdoor play. Playing in the yard or with the neighborhood kids is a way to burn off that energy and buy you some peace and quiet in the afternoons. Use the warm weather and longer days to your advantage. Join them for some family fun and fitness.

5. Openly plan your summer vacations and fun. If your children have something to look forward to upon completion of the school year, it could sustain them through the rest of the year and give them something to work towards.

6. Be supportive of your teachers and school. Teachers are most effective when they have the full support and backing of parents, and this time of year is even more critical to have that cooperation. Have your child do their homework and study for upcoming tests. Keep the lines of communication open and be involved whenever you can as a parent.

7. Use praise, rewards and incentives liberally. Children respond very favorably when appropriate levels of incentive are given for doing the right things. When you catch your child doing something good, or getting compliments from their teacher, or bringing home good grades, let them know you appreciate it.

8. Don’t hesitate to seek outside tutoring. If your child needs homework support, or help staying motivated, or needs a boost to raise lagging skills or grades, you know who to call to help finish up the school year and keep on working throughout the summer! Call WSEA to help you! 630-922-8100.

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Do you value education in your family?  Then discuss your values with your children.  Let them know what your values are.  For example, start with, “Our family believes that it is important to ……….. “ and include education in your values.  So when a student comes for some tutoring or enrichment, they understand the value of attending.

Summer students at WSEA work on individualized programs designed for targeting weak areas and also have some fun working in their strength areas.  They quickly get into the routine of their tutoring schedule and their homework time.  A parent recently told me that her boys did better in the summer they attended because they had some structure and routine, and were not as bored.

This summer WSEA has some exciting new opportunities.  Our new one-week, half-day camps will be offered in July.  Pirates and Princesses Camp, Weird School Camp, Chocolate Camp, Mysteries Camp, and for older students  we are offering Jr. High Math Camp, Strategic Study Skills Camp, and Reading Comprehension and Fluency Camp.  We have several one-week workshops in August to get ready to go back to school.

In June and July, students can sign up in a group of 2 for semi-private instruction which is a 6 week block on T,W,Th, or a total of 17 hours, the same number of hours as in 3 school days!  Summer is a time to relax, so come in your bathing suit or your sports clothes and have some fun learning, build skills, and definitely build confidence and a love for learning.  We at WSEA have a passion for learning and for passing that enthusiasm onto our students!

Need a custom designed program for your child?  We can do it!

Visit our Summer Clinic page and call today!

http://www.wseatutoring.com/summer/summer-clinic/

The post Why Summer Instruction? appeared first on WSEA.

It is with mixed feelings that I make this announcement, because I really love working with kids. There is nothing more satisfying than watching children learn and grow, build new skills, become confident individuals, and figure out that they CAN succeed. Over the years I have laughed with my students, and I have cried too. I feel their pain, and I celebrate their successes. Recently a high school senior that we have tutored for several years came in to let me know he got in to the college of his choice. He was smiling from ear to ear. I asked him if he remembered his first day of tutoring as a 5th grader. He cried that day knowing that he had really messed up in school and realizing that he needed help getting organized and completing his work. And now, here he was several years later, a confident young man celebrating great news. He had worked hard with his tutors over the years at WSEA to succeed. We hugged that day as I sent him on his way towards the next chapter in his life. Nothing can be more fulfilling than moments like these.

Unlike the role of a classroom teacher, a tutor really gets to know the student on a personal level. This is one of the reasons why students like tutoring. Families are busy, and don’t always have the “listening ear” that a child needs at a given moment. A student may come in and share something bad or good that happened at school that day feeling a real need to share. The tutor listens in a non-judgmental and accepting way, and as a result the child feels important. Self esteem and confidence improve in a special relationship like this. I have loved getting to know my students on such a personal level. I have even been called, “Mom” on several occasions, which means the child is really comfortable with me.

After being an educator for 40 years, and working with hundreds of children, probably thousands by now, it is time to move on. I will leave WSEA behind as my legacy. The good news is that WSEA will continue to offer the same great service to children with the same qualities of a professional staff, outstanding individualized instruction, and will continue to offer new innovative programs to serve our community. I am really excited about our new 1/2 day camps this summer for both elementary and secondary students. Be sure to visit our Summer Clinic page to find out about the exciting line-up of new course offerings for this summer.

I leave WSEA in good hands. My partner, Camille Jones, will remain sole owner of the business. After 27 years in partnership, I have full confidence in her. Our new Elementary Director, Diane Nelson, is an experienced and competent teacher and leader. Jennifer Bredberg, our new Secondary Director, also an experienced teacher, will offer WSEA new direction in technology and efficiency. Change is positive!

Thanks to all of our families, children, and staff for a great run. I will miss you all!

Becky Bewersdorf

The post News Flash! appeared first on WSEA.

Fast foreword to 2013 and the Common Core refers to state standards of proficiency in English, language arts and math. Common Core goals are meant to be relevant to what students need in order to be successful in college and in their careers. The goal is to keep everyone – parents, students, and teachers on the same page.

The goal of Common Core State Standards is to provide a clear and consistent understanding of what students are expected to learn. The new standards will be put in place in 2014 nationwide. The state of Illinois is already transitioning with goals for English language arts, and math. About 20% of items on the upcoming Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) tests in March will include common core goals. Writing will also be included as well as reading and mathematics in grades three through eight and science in grades four and seven.

Test anxiety is often an issue for students. It’s important for parents not to “make a big deal about it,” cautions H.D. Hoover, senior author of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and a math professor at the University of Iowa. Standardized tests don’t judge everything about a student. Students do their best when a parent is supportive and conveys a message of confidence to their child. For more confident students, a chance to “show off your smarts” can transform anxiety into excitement.

During this next school quarter WSEA will be focusing on test taking strategies as part of our Study Skills Workshops, ACT and SAT Prep classes for Juniors, and ISAT prep for March testing. Test taking is a skill that improves with instruction and practice. We teach students the strategies that empower them to achieve their personal best!!

If you have a student who needs help with test prep or a confidence booster, you know who to call! WSEA! Call today! 630-922-8100

The post New Core Standards appeared first on WSEA.

Study in the car, not orally but with a dry erase board with markers or a Magic Slate. You can keep one under the car seat. After writing down the word, have your child spell it aloud. Then you won’t have to look while driving!

If your child is a visual learner, use colored markers to highlight patterns or sound combinations. Post one or two tricky words on the bathroom mirror so while brushing teeth, your child will look at it and learn it.

If your child is an auditory learner, say each word aloud or make up a song to sing the letters or chant the letters. Use mnemonic devices to help remember words. For example: you learn with your ear, dessert has 2 s’s because you always want more. Spelling the words aloud into a tape recorder is also a good auditory approach.

If your child is a tactile or kinesthetic learner, spell the words using letter tiles or write them in a tray of rice or sand. Try spelling a word on your child’s back and have him identify the word. Have him spell the word on your back, and you try guessing too! Typing the words on the computer is another good visual/tactile approach.

Don’t waste time practicing words your child already knows, but do give a full pretest as you practice the night before the test. If your child is spending a lot of time practicing spelling words and is not very successful on the tests, let the teacher know. Perhaps
the list of words for each week can be reduced.

No matter what type of learner your child is, use these multi-sensory techniques, and your child will be more likely to learn and remember the words, rather than forgetting them in a few weeks.

If your child needs constant repetition and you need a break, you know who to call. WSEA knows all the great tricks for teaching spelling!

The post Great Multi-sensory Tricks to Learn Spelling Words appeared first on WSEA.

The post A Season of Change – Test Prep for 8th and 11th Graders appeared first on WSEA.

Good planning and organization are essential. Written plans are more effective than verbal ones.
Use a white board or large calendar to plan for the month; include sports, family events, doctor’s appointments and school events. You can use a different color for each family member.

Spend some time on Saturday or Sunday planning for the week; include blocks of study time.
Recheck schedules.

Is everyone getting enough sleep? Research indicates that more sleep produces better grades. Check that students have shifted from summer activities into school. This may mean cutting back on “tech time”. Turning off technology-cell phones, ipads, computers…. for a period of time each day is good for mental health. Collect all children’s phones and dock them for the night.

Remember that time for reviewing material pays off in test scores. Use bits of time to review with games, study cards, or dead time in the car.

Get ready this fall for PSAT for Juniors and last round of ACT and SAT for Seniors.

You know who to call for help, WSEA! Yay!

The post Are You Getting Back into the School Routine? appeared first on WSEA.

1.  Start adjusting your schedule a week or two before school starts by moving up bedtime, especially for younger students. Many elementary students struggle with school the first few weeks simply because they have been staying up late all summer and can’t adjust quickly to the early schedule.  Starting out tired is a likely way to get sick when the “herd” assembles, so start your school-year sleep routine in advance.

2.  If you haven’t done any reading, writing, or math over the summer, it will be harder to get back into the swing of things.  Encourage a 30 minute study time each day for reading, math facts review, or journal writing.  Has your high school student read at least 2 books this summer?  If not, take a trip to the library or bookstore.

3.  Buy school supplies early so your child feels more secure about the start of school  and before required items are unavailable.  Label folders and supplies so that you don’t have to be scrambling the night before school starts.  Provide your entering 6th grader with practice opening a lock so he is ready to use a locker at school.

4.  If your child is starting a new school or making a transition to a secondary school, talk about what to expect to ease any anxiety.  Suggest ways to cope if your child is fearful. And don’t be a hovering mother by hanging around school the first day!  If you need to, come up with a special game to say goodbye like 3 hugs followed by the biggest hug ever.

5.  Take a trial run to the bus stop, where to go, and what to do on that first morning. If your child walks, map out the safest route.  Scout out safe houses to go to in case of emergency.

6.  Eat a healthy breakfast, especially the first day.  After eating at odd hours over the summer, it is sometimes hard to get back on a school  time schedule for eating. Pack healthy snacks for school if one is allowed.  Students learn more effectively if they have healthy nourishment.  Learning diminishes after 10 a.m. if no breakfast has been eaten.

7.  The first few weeks of school can be stressful and tiring for kids adjusting to having homework every night.  Spot check or assist with homework when needed, or just be nearby to help your child’s comfort level.  Encourage independent work habits and good study skills.

8.  We do not have control over other children’s behavior, but it is ok to talk to your child about following the rules at school, issues like bullying, seemingly unfair teacher actions, and the seriousness of these actions.  Don’t hesitate to bring up discipline issues with the teacher if there is a serious concern.

9.  Give your child some leeway, especially if they are starting middle school or high school.  It takes time to get used to a new routine, new teachers, and homework in many subjects, and there are many worries about making new friends, etc.  Concentrate on what your child is doing well and let him know you are pleased.

10.  And here’s the best tip! Try one of our back to school workshops at WSEA.  Your child will build confidence for a successful school start, practice listening and following directions in a group again, and get into the mindset of school.  Our goal is to help students be ready for a  great school start!

Call us today!

630-922-8100

Find out more about our August workshops here:

http://www.wseatutoring.com/summer/back-to-school-workshops/

The post Ten Tips for a Successful School Start appeared first on WSEA.

Free books: You can buy books on the Kindle.  However, there are many ways to obtain free books with your Kindle. Public libraries have now joined the electronic book bandwagon and offer many e-book downloads. The benefit of this is you will never have any overdue fees again as the e-books simply expire automatically when they are due. Another wonderful source of free books is from the Amazon Store. They offer over 2 million free books. The Naperville, Aurora, and Lisle public libraries offer many e-book loans as well.

Dictionary: Many of us determine the definition of a word we do not understand by using context clues rather than hauling out the dictionary. The Kindle, however, offers a dictionary simultaneously while reading any book. Simply scroll to the word and the definition will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Weight: Whether you are interested in any of the various versions of the Kindle, they are all well under 15 oz. which eliminates the need for lugging around multiple books on a daily basis or while traveling. Even young students can handle a Kindle.

Appropriate Books: There is a plethora of children’s books available for the different versions of the Kindle, including leveled books. The different models provide the picture books in black and white; however the Kindle Fire, the colored version, also provides interactive books. This is a great feature for young readers.

Reading Aloud: The Kindle Touch, Keyboard and Fire all have a “Read-to-me” feature.  This feature can be used for those who are needing help with reading books beyond their reading level.

Standardized Test Prep:  You can always be reviewing for standardized tests.  Now you can review without lugging around those bulky books. Simply download the prep books from the Amazon Store or your public e-library to keep studying.

School Novel Reading: Starting in middle school and particularly in high school,  students will be reading novels for class. Many of these books being read in class are the classics which fall under the ‘free’ category of books. Rather than buying each book in print form, the Kindle cuts down on the bulk and can prove to be more economical as well.

Be assured that the Kindle also offers parental controls. This way you can password protect the ability to purchase items as well as the ability to browse the Internet, a feature on the Fire.

Whether you are using a Kindle for pleasure, work, or studying, it will prove to be a positive tool for the future.  My guess is it will one day become a popular classroom device.

The post Make Reading Fun with a Kindle appeared first on WSEA.

Behind any great business, is their great employees. We’ve hired excellent tutors and treated them with respect, ensuring they always delivered their very best to our students and families. Our tutors stay with us their entire careers, and as a result, our clients stay with us for generations. We’ve always have remained profitable and, in fact, emerged from 2007 recession healthier than ever.

We have helped thousands of students build skills, build confidence and ultimately we’ve helped foster success. We help these students reach their full academic potential, and we empower them to develop a life-long love of learning. We’re proud to say that we change their lives forever.

West Suburban Educational Associates was recognized for their 26 year accomplishment as a Finalist at the Naperville Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Small Business of the Year Awards.

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