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.

Spelling Help

Many children have a difficult time learning their spelling words for the week. Sometimes you will even see him or her running away from you as you take out “the folder”. As the words become harder, your child may want to give up or procrastinate that portion of the homework that they say is just “too hard”.

For parents, this experience of having your child not remember the weekly spelling words can be very frustrating. This can be difficult for both the parents, but most especially the child.

Below is a list of ideas to help you tackle your child’s fear of spelling. It may also help them to achieve their full potential, and help them learn at the same time:

1. Use sticky notes Write the spelling words on a sticky note and post it in a visible place for your child to see each day until the test.

2. Draw a picture If your child is a visual learner, drawing a picture may help your child remember the word

3. Snap and tap Try using rhythm to recite the spelling words by snapping or tapping the letters out. This is a great way for your child to memorize some of the harder words.

4. Use “Rainbow Colors” When practicing the spelling words, have your child write the words three times and ask them to use different colors.

5. Shaving Cream Words As a multisensory experience use shaving cream to help them practice writing the words.

These techniques are not only proven to be popular, but successful in boosting the self confidence of your child as they learn how to learn best.

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