Stuttering Resources....

Stuttering - a speech disorder in which sounds, syllables, or words are repeated or stammered, can be helped with the assistance of a trained Speech and Language Therapist. Many adults, as much as 1 percent of the population - stutters and more often occurs in men than women.

Traditionally, students who are part of the Child Find Process will be referred for Speech Services. Normally, stuttering occurs in young children but can manifest itself later in life. If you would like to have more information about stuttering, please feel free to click on the link found below:

http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/stutter.html




If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

10 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress for Children

What can you do to prepare for the hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays? Here are ten tips for managing holiday stress....for children!

1. Try to maintain a typical routine

2. Get plenty of rest

3. Plan healthy meals and snacks

4. Choose holiday functions and parties carefully

5. Don't put children on the spot

6. Keep children informed of plans

7. Incorporate quiet time as needed

8. Avoid stressful situations

9. Maintain your own level

10. Keep with traditions

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

What is Autism?

Autism is normally referred to a spectrum of developmental disabilities affecting verbal or nonverbal communication and social interaction - normally occuring before the age of 3. These developmental delays may have an impact on the education of a child.

Other characteristics that are evident in an autistic child are repetitive movements, resistance to environmental change or routines as well as sensory integration disorder.

For more information on Autism, click on the link below:





If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Why should you prepare your child for the Private School Admissions Process?

Private School Admissions is a tough process, designed to find the most worthy candidates; the organizations that are responsible for it do not want you to be too prepared or too informed about the process so they can better judge you based on their own criteria.

Don’t let them deter you from giving your child vital preparation and coaching that will enable them to stand out and show their true potential. Your child’s future should not be left to chance.

If you have doubts, please contact us so we can provide you with an Opportunity Assessment to address any specific concerns or questions you may have.

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Sensory Friendly Movies To Be Shown Monthly - "Harry Potte"r on November 28 and "The Chronicles of Narnia" on

AMC and the Autism Society of America are working together to show Sensory Friendly Films each month!

The environment is conducive to those families that may be affected by Autism or other disabilities who would like to enjoy film-watching.


In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

"Harry Potter" on 11/20/2010

AMC Phipps Plaza 14
3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30326

AMC Discover Mills 18
5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Ste. 415, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30043

AMC Southlake 24
7065 Mount Zion Cir., Morrow, Ga. 30260

"The Chronicles of Narnia" on 12/11/2010


If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Multicultural Book of the Week: Mexican-American Culture

Here is a book to add to your Multicultural Section of your library.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, illustrated by Ed Martinez (Putnam, 1993).

Mexican-American Maria tries her mother's wedding ring on while she is making tamales for Christmas dinner. When the ring is missing, Maria is sure it is in one of the tamales, and she and her cousins try to eat their way out of trouble.

Have you read this book? If so, please post a review so that you can share it with other individuals who read this forum!

For more information on Multicultural books, please log on to:

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3757

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at cjoyjavier@gmail.com or visit my website at http://www.christinejavier.com/.

Schools, parents take proactive stance to bullying | ajc.com

Schools, parents take proactive stance to bullying | ajc.com

It makes me very relieved to see that bullying is something that is becoming more and more visible in the schools and the communities. As a public school educator, I have always denounced the actions of students who would bully other students and would challenge administration when they felt the need to "leave it to them". I have never felt so undermined as to the times when my former leaders would say, "This really does not affect you...". Actually, bullying affects all of us.

I hope that you can take the time to be proactive in helping our society stop the bullying. Let's start one classroom, one school, one community at a time.

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at cjoyjavier@gmail.com or visit my website at http://www.christinejavier.com/.

Multicultural Book of the Week: Jewish Culture

A Book Review from Floyd Cooper:

Jewish Culture: History, Humor, and Humanity


Jewish literature that spans the globe and imparts wisdom
By Etta Miller

Most of the Jewish children's literature that many read tend to be didactic: It set out to teach lessons, not to entertain. Today Jewish children's literature informs, inspires, amuses, and tackles larger themes, including coming of age and coming to terms with the past. The characters are full characters, growing up in a variety of cultures -- and mixed cultures. The following ten titles possess a richness of character and storyline that make them especially memorable.

If you would like more information on multicultural books, log on to:

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3757

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at cjoyjavier@gmail.com or visit my website at http://www.christinejavier.com/.

Math as Easy as One-Two-Three

Given the fact that all children learn in their own way, why not introduce a multi-sensory way for students to remember their math skills?

One city in New Jersey has implemented the Singapore Math method to help students gain confidence in the traditionally difficult math course.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/education/01math.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at cjoyjavier@gmail.com or visit my website at http://www.christinejavier.com/.

Challenged Kids Camp

ABC News finds an extreme sports camp helps autistic children reach beyond their limits.

Click Here to watch this video:

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8457734&clipId=8457734&playlistId=8457734&cid=siteplayer

Adopted does not mean adapted.....

I admire individuals who take it upon themselves to raise children who cannot be cared for by their birth parents. The saying that it takes a village to raise a child really holds true in Western society as more and more Americans and Europeans are adopting children from overseas.

One of the problems that have been found to occur in adoptees is the fact that they are having a difficult time assimilating to their new surroundings. According to a study done by Time Magazine, the adopted may find it rather cubmersome to make sense of their new life when their old life still haunts them.

Here is a link to the article describing why the adopted have a hard time adapting:

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1997439,00.html



If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

What is an IEP?

An IEP - also known as an Individualized Education Plan, mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, claims to meet the unique needs of an individual child who has been diagnosed with a disability. The IEP helps the children reach their goals that they would not be able to obtain otherwise in the general education environment.

Some information that an IEP contains is how the student best learns, what methods are used to show that a student is learning, as well as the service providers that can assist the student in achieving these goals.

During an IEP Initial Meeting, the results from various assessments that were conducted by the School Psychologist will be discussed by the IEP committe of general education teachers, special education teachers, administrators, and the parent. It is during the IEP meeting that the various accommodations, modifications, present levels of performance as well as goals and objectives for the student will be discussed.

The best way to prepare for these meetings is to review the Draft IEP that your student's case manager sends you as well as your Parental Rights. Additionally, take notes to make sure that you remember what was discussed during the meeting.

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Multicultural Book of the Week

Each week I will spotlight one multi-cultural book for you to read with your children. These books come highly recommended by leading educators, writers and illustrators describing how to appreciate literature that transcends commonly shared stereotypes.

For more information on this list, please click:

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3757



The Journey: Japanese Americans, Racism, and Renewal by Sheila Hamanaka (Orchard Books, 1990).

The main character, Hamanaka, is deeply affected as she shares a piece of art she had created which reveals a story of her past. She shares a mural that shows the racism her family and other Japanese-Americans had experienced while being imprisoned in interment campes during World War II.

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

1st Man Diagnosed With Autism - Donald Gray Triplett

It was 67 years ago that a young boy by the name of Donald Gray Triplett was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. At times Donald was part of an entertainment act - other times Donald had to forsake his dreams of show business for college.

Donald became the first documented individual to have Autism and is known in medical history books as "Donald T. Case 1".



If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Georgia Race for Autism Being Held Next Saturday!

The Georgia Race for Autism is being held next Saturday, October 2, 2010. The distances are 10K, 5K, and a 1 mile fun run. The race will begin at 10:00am.

For more information on this event, log onto:

http://www.georgiaraceforautism.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=166

Hope to see you there!

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Teacher Bonus Does Not Improve Test Scores...

After reading this article and being a teacher myself - I have always wondered - if we were paid bonuses or commissions based on our students doing well, would that make me a more effective teacher?

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130029725&sc=emaf




I cannot answer that question with a "yes" or a "no" as of today. What I can say is that a study has been done affirming the negative. Teachers who are given bonuses are given bonuses. They are not better teachers if they make more money, they are just teachers with bigger pockets.

In my years of teaching I can honestly tell you that the single most effective way that can show how well or poorly the students will do in the classroom is the amount of effort that is placed on managing the "learning time" of a student. A teacher can prepare the most elaborate powerpoint, colorful flyer, and most detailed lesson plan. However, if at the end of the day the students cannot remember what they needed to know before walking out of the classroom, then all of that effort is futile.

I have used an approach with my students differently from my peers and find that sometimes, being consistent and having the students work just as hard as you and sometimes even harder, really shows when they take these tests. So the next time your child comes home from school simply say to them:

"Show me what you learned - and don't say NOTHING.".



If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

YES Prep School Sends 100% of Students to College

http://www.takepart.com/news/2010/09/20/yes-prep-school-send-100-of-students-to-college

It is amazing how a school with so many statistics against them, is able to send their students to college. Even the best high schools in the United States cannot compete with those numbers.

I hope that the information leading to all these variables will prompt some type of social change in our education system. We cannot wait for the generation after this one to advance our society. We should work now towards building a better future!



If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Be Careful...Your Kids Are Being Tracked....

According to an article published by the Wall Street Journal, online websites geared towards kids track their activity each and every time that they log on. Some of the websites have better technologies in tracking the students than those that are designed for their students.

On the high end: snazzyspace.com installed over 248 tracking tools with starfall.com installing the fewest.




If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Recipe for Student Success....Real Simple

As an educator, I have always pondered what the difference between a good school - and a not so good school is. Having worked in the best of both worlds, I can honestly tell you that the differences between the good school and the "ungood" school is not about the age of the text books, or the number of credentials that a teacher has. The measure of success in a school is the way that it brings about a partnership between the child - the parent - and the learning community.

I am impressed by the level of involvement that some of the parents and teachers engage in during the school year in my Cobb County neighborhood. One of the neighboring schools created a "spreadsheet" of different learning objectives and learning strands that one of the students needed to work on to show proficiency in 5th grade math. Not only did the student bring this document home - but he also shared this information with his mother convinced that his teacher had all the necessary tools and supplemental materials to help him. And sure enough, she did.

As we move forward in educating Georgia's youth, I want to implore you to take an active role in the education of the young minds in our community. It is important that we help these children understand not only what they are learning, but why learning is so important.

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

What and When Should Kids Know About Money?

Financial guidance doesn't start when a kid has his first credit card - it starts when the kid is learning about the values of hard work and a token economy. The earlier you expose your child to learning about money - the better.

In middle class and wealthy households, the topic of money is discussed as frequently as the quintessential question of "what is for dinner". It shouldn't surprise some kids that in addition to their fair share of toys, they will be receiving 100 or maybe 1000 shares of Disney stock or Coca-Cola stock, whatever dad or grandpa fancies. In my household I remember sitting back and listening to my parents talk about CD's maturing. I thought that they were going through something that sounded like menopause.......needless to say.

In this article published in Time Magazine, the writer describes a few important topics that parents should be discussing with their child during some benchmark ages.

My question to you is: What lesson will your child be learning for this year?

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2018865_2018867_2018868,00.html

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com//. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Race to the Top......comments by Cobb County Superintendent

The following was a statement made by Cobb County Department of Education
Fred Sanderson in regards to the Race to the Top Program:

There has been a lot of information in the news recently about two sources of Federal funding that have been made available to school systems – one that we have opted not to apply for, and another that we intend to use to the fullest.

The first source is the four-year, $400 million Federal Race To The Top grant that Georgia received this week. Half of the $400 million will be distributed to school districts over a four-year period, and the state keeps the other half. We opted to not participate in the application for these funds because they come with serious strings attached. In fact, only 26 of Georgia’s 180 school systems chose to participate, even in these tough economic times. Throughout its history, the Cobb County School District has prided itself on an academic and operational program that is based on local control – and is not steered by Federal mandate. Accepting Race To The Top funds would compromise that philosophy by shifting some control away from Cobb County and toward Washington. Some of our concerns included:

* A lack of information up front, including clarity and specificity regarding the non-negotiable application criteria.
* Replacing Cobb’s teacher evaluation instrument with a common evaluation system that includes merit pay.
* Mandating that districts use one of four federal models to turn around the lowest achieving schools.
And . . .
* The cost of implementing the required programs – including training, materials and reassigning teachers – was potentially higher than the funds that would be provided by the grant.

I should also point out that currently our school district has three Teacher Quality Partnerships already in place, and all are funded by grants. One is with Kennesaw State University, one with Georgia State University, and another with Michigan State University.

In these difficult economic times, it is not easy to turn down potential funding such as Race To The Top. I am certain that for some school districts this grant makes a lot of sense. That is why I have tried to explain these concerns as clearly as I can so that our teachers and our community understand that participating in this grant would not be in the best interest of the Cobb County School District.

To date, our schools and operations have been running very smoothly, but are nevertheless under a great deal of strain due to the major budgetary cuts we have had to make over the last two years. We did, however, get some very good news this week that will provide some much-needed financial assistance. Our school district will be receiving a little more than $20 million as part of recently approved Federal emergency Education Jobs Bill. The money will arrive in equal installments this month and in October. Unlike Race To The Top, we have a great deal of flexibility in how these funds can be used.

I plan to bring a recommendation to the September work session on how we can use this much-needed funding as effectively as possible. The money comes with the clear warning that next year’s budget picture will not be pretty, and as a one-time windfall we should not use the funds for recurring expenses such as hiring additional personnel because the money will not be available in next year’s budget.

With that in mind, one of the biggest concerns I have about our financial picture heading into next year is that before we can start the budget process we will need to restore the step increases that were cut from this year’s staff salaries. The salary schedule has to be brought back to the baseline at the beginning of the budget process. These funds will make it a lot easier to make that adjustment. Therefore, the recommendations I bring to you at the September work session are likely to include using the Education Jobs bill funds to help restore the step increases that were cut and to restore two furlough days. Those two steps would be excellent ways to put the stimulus funds to effective use, and, I think they would be well received by our employees.

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Cobb County Balanced Calendar Kicks Off With Week Off September 20-24!

Hello Fellow Cobb County Residents:)

I hope that you and your children will enjoy the week off from all Cobb County Schools beginning next week. Some of you have vacation planned and some of you are still in the planning process.

If you are looking for a place to hang out with your kids, try out Midtown Athletic Club. Next week - they have a great kids' fitness camp for almost less than it would cost you to pay your nanny. If you need more information, check out this link:

http://www.facebook.com/MidtownWindyHill

Have a great break everyone!

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com//. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Multisensory Lesson for the World Cup 2010!!

For all of those who love International Football, (or Soccer as it would be known here in the United States), here is a quick lesson to help your children be more engaged with the game.

This lesson will focus on your child's understanding of where the different teams are located on a global map. This is certainly helpful if your child is rooting for one team but does not know who, what, or where the opponents are from.

For example here is what you can have your child do while watching the game:

• If your child is rooting for Team USA and they are playing against England, have your child locate England on the map
• Draw the flag(s) of the country playing against Team USA.
• Ask your child to find out how long it would take if you and your family were to travel to that other country. Have them imagine what that other country may be like (examine the landscape, people, language, food, and traditions).
• View sources that may better illustrate what that country is about.
• After doing this quick research project , have your child write one paragraph about what they have learned about that country.

Log on to the following website to help with your research:

• Wikipedia: FIFA World Cup 2010
• CIA Factbook
• Country Reports

While you are watching the game(s) your child will have not only found where these countries are, but will know where they are in relation to where they live. This will surely expand the world view that your child has and give them perspective as far as time and distance.

As a recap, here are the 32 countries that will be participating in the
2010 World Cup:

• * Australia
• * Japan
• * Korea DPR
• * Korea Republic
• * Algeria
• * Cameroon
• * Côte d'Ivoire
• * Ghana
• * Nigeria
• * South Africa (hosts)
• * Honduras
• * Mexico
• * United States
• * Argentina
• * Brazil
• * Chile
• * Paraguay
• * Uruguay
• * New Zealand
• * Denmark
• * England
• * France
• * Germany
• * Greece
• * Italy
• * Netherlands
• * Portugal
• * Serbia
• * Slovakia
• * Slovenia
• * Spain
• * Switzerland

Happy viewing:)

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

ADHD Foods to Avoid (and Choose)

Many parents are aware of many medications that may help their child with ADHD symptoms. However, did you know that there are some foods that help (or hinder) ADHD as well?

In an article published in msn.com, five foods are listed in helping with, and exacerbating the symptoms of, ADHD.

5 Foods to Choose:
1. Essential Fatty Acids
2. Vitamin B Complex
3. Protein
4. Calcium/Magnesium
5. Trace Minerals

5 Foods to Avoid:
1. Sugar
2. Salt
3. Additives
4. Hydrogenated Oils
5. Caffeine

For more information on this article, log on to:

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/adhd/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100163625&imageindex=1

If you are in the Atlanta area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/

Science in the Summer....A Multisensory Lesson on Bioluminescence

Growing up in the Southwestern part of the United States, there was not much "science" that one could experience outside. Other than the tumbleweed that flies through the pavement during a short sandstorm or the occassional snake that you might see while hiking, the urban Southwest is really boring in comparison to the vast wildlife in the Southeast.

That is why the season that I always look forward to when it comes to nature gazing is summer. For over eight years now, I have been privilege of watching fireflies roam through the humid air every evening. On occassion, I will see them dancing and lighting up their lower abdomen. This scientific process where the firefly will light up the bottom part of their tummy is called bioluminescence. This is also one of the only times where I feel like a four year old who is standing outside waiting for these harmless but eternally amusing organisms hover over our garden.

If you would like to create your own "natural light" with the assistance of a firefly, here is a quick lab set up:

1. Grab a medium sized (12oz or more) plastic water bottle.
2. Remove the label from the bottle and poke a few small holes in the bottle using sharp scissors.
3. Retrieve some grass and a few drops of water to keep the "plastic ecosystem" firefly friendly.
4. Slowly, but surely, collect your fireflies (make sure that you have at least one female and one male in the bottle so that they can entertain each other) and usher them into their "plastic ecosystem".
5. After you have collected enough fireflies to your liking, turn off the lights where you plan to use your "natural lights".
6. Watch the fireflies glow:)
7. Release your fireflies back into their natural habitat.

We had conducted this science lab and were entertained for a little over a half hour!

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Mom's Caring Voice As Good As A Hug?

In the latest issue of Time, scientists have concluded that Mom's ability to soothe or pacify a situation can be powerful whether it is a hug that you receive in person, or over the phone.

The study which was conducted by Leslie Seltzer, a biological anthropologist, has suggested that the impact of this social bonding to either "friend or befriend" has a considerable impact on how individuals deal with stressful situations. Rather than reacting on impulse, these interactions that individuals may have with their mothers can help them diminish their stress homones or cortisol, by touching or talking.

As I read through this article, it reminded me of when I needed to make "cold calls" to hundreds of clients as a means to make new business. Prior to calling these individuals on the "cold call list", I would phone my mother who would be the voice of unconditional love and support on the phone. After hanging up, I knew that any task could be accomplished no matter how arduous or monumental. Until now, I follow the same philosophy and still call my mom when confronted with an uneasy situation.

For more information on this article, please visit:

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1992405,00.html

Sources:

O'Callaghan, Tiffany (2010, June 7) Thanks, Mom! Time Vol. 175 No. 22

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

The Results Are In!

Hello!

As the summer approaches, schools will be mailing back CRCT scores and report card grades. I am pleased to say that many of my students who prepared for the CRCT with me did fairly well. Several students even scored at a level three with all of the practice pages and workbooks that we used in the last few months. I am so pleased with the efforts of all of my students and look forward to working with them soon.

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

CRCT Study Guides....

One more week until the CRCT and I hope that you are all prepared for this test. If you need some problems to work on leading up to the test date, here is a link that may help you:

http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/ci_testing.aspx?PageReq=CI_TESTING_CRCT

If you cut and paste this link on your browser, it will open up a page that has study guides from 1st through 5th grade. Have your child work on this with you as you review the answers with them when they are done.

I wish everyone the best of luck as they work on CRCT Preparation. If you are in the Atlanta area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at cjoyjavier@gmail.com or visit my website at www.christinejavier.com.

Have a great Spring Break!

World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2010

Autism, a pervasive disorder that affects millions of people, is one of three diseases recognized by the United Nations. World Autism Day was created to recognize the prevalence of this disease and raise awareness as well as promote early diagnosis and intervention to those who have this disease.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day and many people around the world will be sporting their "blue shirts" to commemorate this most important day.

If you would like to see what your community will be doing to celebrate this important day, please log on to:

http://www.worldautismawarenessday.org/site/c.egLMI2ODKpF/b.3917085/k.8FDB/Event_Schedule.htm

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Need CRCT Review Materials?

Hello Parents and Guardians:

If you are in need of CRCT review materials or have questions on CRCT Test Preparation, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com. I will be holding a CRCT workshop over the Spring Break in Cobb County and would love to assist your child in preparation for the CRCT.

I look forward to hearing from you soon:)

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

CRCT - Two Weeks To Go!!

The Criterion Reference Competency Test, or the CRCT, is slowly approaching. I am very happy to say that my students who have been preparing for the last three months leading up to the CRCT are well prepared for the test.

Students taking the CRCT in 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade need to pass the test in order to be promoted to the next grade level. I am very excited to see how well students will perform on the test as this is their time to shine and to show off all of the knowlege that they have learned during the school year:)

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Adverbs versus Adjectives?

One lesson that you can help your student with is teaching them the difference between adverbs and adjectives.

What is an adjective? An adjective is a descriptive word that describes or modifies a noun.

Adjective examples:

The nice student. The adjective would be "nice" because nice is describing student.
The bad dog. The adjective would be "bad" because bad is describing dog.

What is an adverb? An adverb is a descriptive word that describes or modifies a verb. Normally you would see an adverb end in -ly and it usually answers "how" something is.

Adverb examples:

The student acted nicely.

The adverb would be "nicely" because nicely describes the way the student acted.

The dog behaved badely.

The adverb would be "badly" because it modifies the way the dog behaved.


It is really easy to have students learn these two grammar concepts. By taking a second and ask the student what the descriptive word is modifying will help them understand these concepts:)

If you are in the Atlanta/Marietta/Kennesaw/Vinings/Sandy Springs/Buckhead area (Cobb County, Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cherokee County) and have any questions about the CRCT, SSAT, SAT, GED, Summer Tutoring, Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, Writing Strategies, or any methodologies or instructional methods that may help your child succeed, please contact me at christine@learningridge.com or visit my website at http://www.learningridge.com/. If you need immediate assistance, you can call me at 404-964-8533.

Reading Lexile Scores From Your Child's CRCT Scores

Each year, public school students in the state of Georgia take the Criterion Reference Competency Test. One valuable piece of information on that test is the Lexile score. This Lexile score is a valuable piece of information not only for teachers, but for parents as well.

The Lexile Score indicates the reading ability level of the student and gives you a range of material that your child can confidently read from. For example, if your child is in the 6th grade and has a Lexile score of 890, he or she can read books from 790 to 990. Try not to have your child read more than 100 lexile points from what their current score is so as to not overwhelm them.

If you would like more information on Lexile scores, log on to www.lexile.com.

If you are in the Atlanta area and would like more information on techniques that may help your child learn better, or have questions on Orton-Gillingham reading strategies or Handwriting Without Tears, please contact Christine at christine@learningridge.com.

Student Self Evaluations.....

As an educator, there are certain mannerisms in students that become hard to miss. Students that write well do so with ease; those who write comically have an easy time accomplishing this without effort. It also seems that students, for the most part, know when they have given their best and when asked, will tell you when they have not.

In class today I had graded a writing assessment completed by the "best student" - although today he gave me less than what his reputation normally calls for. As I was grading his assignment, I noticed that what he had handed in was atypical of what he normally writes. I asked him to sit down with me as we began this very candid conversation about expectations. When asked how much effort he put into the paper, he gave me a number of which I was utterly surprised, but not shocked. I explained to him the importance of doing your best no matter how daunting the task or mundane the assignment. His grin told me that he was in agreement with what I had said and that he hoped that the conversation would not be repeated to anyone who has the authority to take away his video games at home.

I hope that by having conversations about expectations with students, I can motivate them to work on self improvement not only for a simple grade, but for themselves.

If you would like more information on techniques to help your child learn better, or would like information on Orton-Gillingham Tutoring in Atlanta, Handwriting Without Tears, SSAT, or if you are in the Atlanta area and have questions about education, please contact Christine at christine@learningridge.com

Students: How to Study for a Test!!

Tips on Studying for a Test..

Review past homework assignments and re-work problems.

Practice makes perfect. The more times you solve a problem, the more confident you’ll be during the test.

When practicing a problem, try it on your own before looking at the answer or asking for help.

Make a review sheet of formulas and key concepts to look over before the test.

Do practice tests and look over review sheets given by the teacher.

Ask the teacher about the format of the test and clarify important issues with him/her.

If you would like more information on techniques to help your child learn better, or would like information on Orton-Gillingham Tutoring in Atlanta, Handwriting Without Tears, SSAT, or if you are in the Atlanta area and have questions about education, please contact Christine at christine@learningridge.com.

On A Personal Note...Why I Love Tutoring

I love to tutor because every time I see a "light turn on" inside of a child's eyes; it's a beautiful feeling. I know I've made an impression and the learning has kicked in. This moment makes the time when the student says "I don't get it" worth it. From this point on, things move faster and learning is easier. Learning becomes fun again and the desire to learn is there, once that connection has been made. Being able to help the light turn on gives you a tremendous feeling of satisfaction and gratitude. So, it's for these little moments that I love to tutor and continue to do so.

If you would like more information on techniques to help your child learn better, or would like information on Orton-Gillingham Tutoring or Handwriting Without Tears in the Atlanta area, please contact Christine at christine@learningridge.com.

Georgia Needs Money For Education

Last Tuesday, the state of Georgia hand delivered an application for a piece of the $4 billion dollars worth of federal educational aid for the public schools in the state.

The initiative known as Race to the Top is a competitive grant that will give incentives to states that are likely to raise test scores, improve teacher quality and allow for innovation. Georgia hopes to be awarded $400 million dollars in grant money even though the application was slated for $460 million.

For more information on this topic, log on to:

http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-pledges-reform-to-279384.html

If you would like more information on techniques to help your child learn better, or would like information on Orton-Gillingham Tutoring or Handwriting Without Tears in the Atlanta area, please contact Christine at christine@learningridge.com.

CRCT Test Preparation coming to Cobb County

3rd, 5th and 8th grade CRCT Test Preparation

This nine week CRCT preparation program will prepare students for the * Reading/English Language Arts/Math section of the CRCT Course materials and test taking strategies for the three sections will be given, including some helpful hints for the writing assessment

Early Registration Fee: January 14, 2010 – January 28, 2010 $300
Late Registration Fee: After January 28, 2010 $330
Required Book: Coach CRCT Prep (provided with registration fee)
When: Thursday evenings beginning February 4, 2010 – April 1, 2010
Where: NW Cobb YMCA 3010 Johnson Ferry Rd. Marietta GA 30062
Session Times: Thursdays - 3rd grade: 4:30pm-5:40pm
5th grade: 5:50pm-7:00pm
8th grade: 7:10pm-8:20pm

For more information, you can visit www.learningridge.com,
email Christine at christine@learningridge.com

or call (404) 964-8533.

I look forward to seeing you there!!

If you would like more information on techniques to help your child learn better, or would like information on Orton-Gillingham Tutoring or Handwriting Without Tears in the Atlanta area, please contact Christine at christine@learningridge.com.