Study Skills
Students in middle school still depend on the teacher to provide study sheets and in-class reviews for tests. Often, students with good auditory skills and good memories do not have to study a great deal to well on tests. BUT, this changes in high school as they encounter more complicated and more comprehensive subject matter. Students in an IB or AP program will actually be taking a COLLEGE course their first year in high school. Teachers have to deliver the content, and they do not have the time to teach students the study skills they will need to be successful. Each subject requires different types of study skills, and students need to use their strengths as auditory or visual learners to help them know what strategies work best for their learning styles.
Organizational Strategies
Many students have no idea how to manage their time and school work, and their grades in no way reflect their potential. We will teach your child how to organize materials and time. We will show them the research that explains why studying with distractions means they have to spend more time studying and actually get less time for other activities. .
Spanish
Students who received a grade for Spanish I in middle school will benefit from a refresher course so that they will do well in Spanish II. The students taking Spanish I will also benefit from learning the basics before they begin the school year. Foreign language is one of the most challenging courses for students, but also one of the most important. We can help them learn how to study for Spanish.
Science and Social Studies
Learning how to use the textbooks is central to a student’s success in the content courses. Most students think the texts are boring, and they use their textbooks incorrectly. We use Cornell note taking as well as note cards and SQ4R to teach students how to prepare for these important subjects. We will preview the standards and objectives for the courses and use the textbooks they will be using for their courses.
Mathematics
Your student may not need any help with mathematics, or she may need to review the basics of pre-algebra or algebra in order to do well in advanced math courses. If your child needs help in math, we will work on these skills. If your child is strong in math, we will challenge him with problems from the PSAT to help him prepare for this important test.;
Literature, Writing, Grammar
We will read the summer reading book with your student and help her learn how to analyze the author’s craft—the main activity in high school literature classes. No longer is understanding the “plot” sufficient. Your student will need to be able to discuss the purpose, the use of language, and the background of the reading selections. Along with preparation for FCAT, your student will also be learning to handle the reading and vocabulary on the PSAT.
Understanding grammar is important in writing, in the study of foreign language, and in preparing for college entrance exams that contain a rigorous grammar section. We will show your student how to use knowledge of grammar to improve his writing as well as to do well on grammar tests. Knowing how grammar works in English will make learning a foreign language much easier.
