Overcoming Homework Avoidance

Students don’t always enjoy doing homework, but it is often part of their classes and their grades. Homework helps them to review important information, reinforce skills, and practice what they have been learning. But if your child is regularly failing to complete this work or turn it in, it can be concerning and may indicate larger issues.

One of the first things to do is get to the bottom of the problem. Talk to your child about why they aren’t doing their homework. Avoidance could be due to a variety of reasons such as:

  • The work is too hard/too easy.
  • The workload is overwhelming.
  • They don’t have enough time.
  • They are too tired.
  • They are spending their time on assignments for other classes.
  • They don’t understand the material.
  • They don’t enjoy the subject.

Once you have an idea of what is causing them to skip doing homework or not finish, you can implement changes to help overcome these issues.

Make adjustments to their schedule. Find the best time for your child to do their homework, whether that is right after school or after dinner. When are they most alert and focused? Give them some quiet, distraction-free time during this period to complete assignments, and keep them energized with water and a healthy snack.

If they are staying up too late or are too tired to do their work, you may need to look at what other obligations they have. As their classes get harder, they may want to consider cutting back on extracurriculars and devoting more time to schoolwork. Try to stick to consistent bed and wake-up times to help them get the recommended amount of sleep.

Break down assignments. If the work seems overwhelming, divide it into smaller chunks. For instance, doing five math problems, then taking a short break, then doing five more. Try covering up the remaining problems so they are out of sight for the time being. The same applies to reading. Set a paragraph or page goal. For writing assignments, answer one or two questions at a time, or sit and write a certain number of sentences or paragraphs.

Breaking things down helps your child see their progress instead of just focusing on what they have left to do. Also, taking short breaks gives them a chance to relax and reset so they can get back to concentrating on their work.

Provide support. While you don’t want to do your child’s work for them, you can be available to answer questions and guide them. You may not know exactly what they’re doing, but you can prompt them to look back in their notes or stop and think about what step comes next. Another option is looking up information and resources together to fill in gaps in understanding.

Working with a tutor can also be beneficial. A tutor can explain concepts in different ways that may make more sense to your child, help them develop better time management skills, and increase their motivation. Plus, some kids are more apt to listen to someone who is not their parent or older sibling. Tutoring can equip your child with a variety of strategies and tools to work more effectively and efficiently.

If homework avoidance is a struggle in your house, turn to the team at Crafting Scholars. Contact us to learn more about available programs and how working with a one-on-one tutor can help your child be more successful in school.


Creating a Productive Study Space

Students are busy during the day switching from one class to the next, collaborating with peers, and learning new information. When they get home, they need an effective space for completing assignments, working on projects, and studying for exams. Sitting at the kitchen table doing their homework may have worked when they were in elementary school, but once they hit middle and high school, these tasks likely require more time and focus. Having a dedicated study space can be beneficial.

Help your child set up a study area that fits their needs and enables them to be as productive as possible. Here are a few tips to get started.

Provide plenty of room. Your child needs space to spread out their materials. If everything is piled up and crammed together, it makes it harder for them to quickly find what they need. It can also be frustrating and distracting constantly having to rearrange and try to balance everything. Get a spacious desk or table where they can work. Putting up a bulletin board or white board can help too.

Stay organized. To help combat limited space, make sure everything has a place. Use stackable paper sorters, bins, and other containers to sort their materials. This also makes it easy to grab what they need and not waste time searching.

Make it comfortable. While sitting on their bed may sound ideal to your child, it’s probably not the best spot to get work done. Instead, give them a cushioned chair at their desk or table. Check that it is the right height for their arms to rest on the desk and their feet to sit flat on the floor. You may need to put a small box under their feet to help.

Depending on the weather, equip their study space with a small fan if they get warm, or a cozy blanket or sweatshirt if they get cold. Don’t forget about a desk lamp so they can adjust the lighting, too.

Limit distractions. Students are often glued to their cell phones. When they are studying, have them put their phone on silent, or better yet, leave it in a different room. You can put a clock in their room so they can see the time, and they can set the alarm or use a timer if they need to break up their work sessions. A traditional calculator is a handy tool as well and probably what they’re required to use in school.

Try to keep noise to a minimum as well, situating your student where they can’t see or hear the television, or turning the volume lower. Avoid putting them right next to busy areas in the home too where there is a lot of activity going on or siblings making noise. Noise reducing headphones can help. If your child has trouble focusing when it’s too quiet, letting them listen to soothing instrumental music or a white noise machine can provide just the right amount of stimulation.

Offer healthy snacks. Make sure your child has a bottle of water on hand to stay hydrated, along with some healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese, or yogurt. Giving them something nutritious to munch on can help improve their focus and energy.

Partner with a tutor. Working with a tutor can help your child learn more about their learning style and develop effective study strategies. This can enable them to set up a space at home that fits their needs and allows them to be more productive. Contact Crafting Scholars to learn more about our process and available programs and maximize your student’s potential.


Spring Break: A Chance to Rest and Reset

As spring break quickly approaches, students are ready for a break. They have been working hard this year, and their bodies and minds need time to recharge. While some families already have vacations planned, others are spending the time in the comfort of their own homes. Both are wonderful options full of opportunity. No matter where you’re spending spring break, here are some ways to help your child make the most of their time off from school.

Unwind. During the week, schedules are often hectic, and students are on the go. They spend most of their day in school, then may go to practices or extracurriculars, some work part-time jobs, and then they have to fit in homework, projects, studying, and sleep.

Let them rest over break. This doesn’t mean don’t go anywhere or do anything but keep a more relaxed schedule and plan things that your kids want to do. Allow them to get some extra sleep so they can be well rested once school resumes.

Unplug. Yes, your kids may prefer to spend their free time glued to their devices but give them screen-free time, too. Encourage them to use their imagination. This could be anything from playing outside to drawing or painting to building something with their hands. Let them build a Lego set, teach your dog new tricks, bake something, or write their own movie script or novel. They’ll be practicing skills they’ve learned in school without even realizing it.

Explore. Going on a trip? Have your child research some interesting places to visit before you go. You can do the same if you’re staying home too and playing tourist in your own town. Explore museums, parks, historical sites, restaurants, and other venues. Your kids will be learning, but they’ll be doing it at their own pace and on topics that interest them. Plus, there is no test or project at the end – it’s all for fun.

Reflect. This short reprieve from school is also a good time to reflect on how the second half of the year is going. Make adjustments to routines or schedules if they’re feeling overwhelmed and what they have been doing hasn’t been working. Review their progress on goals they’ve set and add new ones if there are things they’ve already accomplished. Talk about their classes and find out if there are any subjects they are struggling with and could benefit from tutoring.

Restock. As spring break winds down, make sure your kids are ready to start back to school with everything they need. Have them reorganize their backpack and file away any loose papers, throw out trash, and restock their supply of paper, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, and other essentials. Do the same for their desk or study space. The last thing they want to do is be stressed out and unprepared when school resumes.

Finish the year off strong by ensuring your child has the tools, resources, and support necessary to thrive. Contact Crafting Scholars to learn more about our customized curriculum and how we tailor our programs to meet your child’s unique needs and goals. Now that they’re rested and recharged, it’s time to get back to work and maximize their potential.


Getting Older Kids More Engaged in Reading

Reading is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of any age. When students are younger, they are often reading for skill acquisition. They are learning the basics of decoding new words, practicing using context clues, and improving their comprehension. But as they get older, they have already developed these skills. Reading is focused more on analysis and discussion.

High schoolers may lose some interest in pleasure reading because they are turned off by the required reading in school. Being forced to read a book is not the same as choosing to read it for enjoyment. Plus, with increasingly busy schedules, they may feel that they don’t have time to read for fun.

Here are a few ways you can help your older children stay more interested and engaged in reading:

Make Reading a Game

If your child likes competition, make a fun game out of reading different books. Create a book bingo board with each square being a different genre, type of book, theme, etc. For instance, you could include, “A book by your favorite author,” “A book that was written the year you were born,” “A book about an animal,” and “A biography.” Have the whole family participate and see who can get bingo first, make a specific pattern, or fill their whole card. Let your kids help decide what the prizes are so they’re more motivated to participate.

Read as a Family

Devote 30 minutes a day to doing nothing but reading. Everyone stops and gets out a book, magazine, graphic novel, research paper, or whatever interests them. Then sit quietly and read for the specified amount of time. Lead by example and show that reading is important and that everyone can make time in their day for it.

Get Involved at the Library

Sign your kids up for their own library cards and let them choose what books they check out. Talk to the librarian about recommendations based on your child’s interests. Librarians are a valuable resource as they have a wealth of knowledge about different types of books and can work with your child to find the right fit. Plus, it’s not a parent or teacher telling them they should read a certain book.

Encourage your child to get involved with programs at the library as well. A lot of libraries have book clubs and activities geared toward teens to keep their interest and make learning fun. This can also inspire them to read more about whatever the topic of the program was.

Do a Book/Movie Comparison

There are tons of movies that are based on books. Pick a new release, an old favorite, or one that your child has never seen and make a comparison between the book and the movie. You can go in either order – watching or reading first. Rarely do the two perfectly align, so talk about the differences, which one they preferred, how changes impacted the storyline or added value, or who they would have cast as certain characters. This can even work for comic book series.

Make books readily available for your kids, whether you buy them, borrow them, listen to audiobooks, or download eBooks. Let them read materials they find high interest, whether it’s comic books, graphic novels, short stories, poems, fiction, or non-fiction. Even if it’s not a genre or format you prefer, it’s important to support their choice (as long as the book is appropriate for their age).

Does your child struggle with their reading, comprehension, analysis, or critical thinking skills? Are they having trouble completing their research paper or book report? The team at Crafting Scholars is here to help. Contact us today to learn more!


How Tutoring Can Benefit High Performing Students

Many people associate tutoring with low performing students who need help catching up and working at grade level. While tutoring can certainly benefit struggling students, it can also be a valuable resource for students who excel. Just because a student earns good grades doesn’t necessarily mean they’re working effectively or maximizing their potential.

Here are a few ways that tutoring can benefit high performing students in the classroom.

  • Improved Study Skills

Students may be scoring well on exams, but they may be spending hours studying or staying up all night cramming because they don’t know the right strategies to prepare. A tutor can work with students on methods for reviewing, studying, and recalling different types of information, whether they’re getting ready for a math test or a history final. This can reduce stress because they are not wasting time on strategies that are inefficient or ineffective for how they learn.

  • Improved Test Taking Skills

Sometimes high-performing students are quick to finish a test because they already know the information, but as content gets harder, they may become the last to finish. They may spend valuable time second-guessing their answers or focusing on a single difficult problem when there are easier ones they could have already answered. They may know the information when studying, but when sitting down for a timed exam, they freeze up. Working with a tutor can help them learn how to approach different types of questions, manage their time, and check their work.

  • Improved Executive Functioning

Students may do really well when it comes to learning and recalling information, but their overall executive functioning skills may need work. They may have trouble staying organized, following directions, using their time effectively, prioritizing tasks, or focusing on their work. This can begin to take a toll on their performance. A tutor can work with students on these different areas so they are able to thrive in class while also mastering content.

  • Improved Critical Thinking

A lot of times students can become fixated on doing something one way. They know that if they plug the numbers into a formula, they reach the answer. But when they have to extract those numbers from a word problem, it becomes more challenging. Or when they have to generalize what they learned to other situations, they may struggle. Tutoring can challenge students’ critical thinking skills and encourage them to look at problems from multiple perspectives. There is often more than one way to get to the correct answer – or more than one correct answer depending on the question.

Tutoring can provide a plethora of benefits to students of all ability levels. From reinforcing key concepts and skills to building more effective study and test taking strategies, there are always opportunities for improvement and growth. Contact Crafting Scholars to learn more about our customized approach and how we support students in maximizing their potential.


Practical Ways to Practice Math

Math often gets a bad rap for being “boring,” and completing worksheets and reciting math facts doesn’t exactly ignite excitement in kids. They often wonder when they will actually use the skills they’re learning. Incorporating practical applications into daily activities can make math more fun and interesting. In fact, your kids may not even realize they’re practicing important skills.

  • Play Games

Yes, online games have their place in learning, and some can be fun and educational, but take a break from screens by having a family game night. Dust off your board games and decks of cards for some hands-on practice. Get your kids thinking critically and strategizing their next moves. For instance, what word can they create in Scrabble to score the most points based on where they place each letter? Counting up double letters and triple word scores can mean big points.

Games like Monopoly are great for counting money and calculating how much another player owes based on the value of the space and if there are any houses or hotels. Card games like Set encourage logic, visual perception, grouping, and pattern recognition. There are four different criteria that must be considered to make a match. Even solo activities like Sudoku are beneficial for practicing problem solving, logic, and reasoning.

  • Calculate Costs

Shopping – whether for clothing, food, school supplies, or other items – can be a valuable way of reinforcing math skills. Give your kids a budget they must stick to when making purchases and see how they can get the most for their money. Practice percentages when figuring out discounts and whether something is a good deal. Is it most cost effective to buy a single item or a multi-pack?

When going out to dinner, ask your kids to determine how much money to leave for a tip. If they can spend $20, what can they order within their budget and still have money for tax and tip?

  • Prepare Meals

Mealtime is often a central focus of the day. Get your kids involved in cooking dinner or baking dessert. How much of each ingredient is needed to double the recipe? What if you want to cut it in half? This is a great way to practice fractions. If one of the measuring spoons or cups is dirty, which other ones can be used together to measure the same amount? If a recipe makes four dozen cookies, how can you divide them evenly among the number of people you’re sharing with?

  • Organize Space

If your child wants a new desk, what do the dimensions have to be to fit in the available space? Have them take measurements when hanging pictures to determine where to put the nails so everything is evenly spaced and level. There are a lot of things that can’t just be eyeballed and instead come down to precise measurements or else it’s going to be too big, too small, too short, too tall, or simply not right.

These are just a few of the ways you can naturally incorporate math skills into everyday life. Look for other opportunities as well, such as planning a trip, deciding when to leave for an appointment, or determining the most efficient way for a sports team to score enough points to win the game (shoot more three-pointers? Go for the two-point conversion?). Practice makes progress, so keep your kids actively engaged and applying what they’re learning in class.

Is something just not clicking? Are you struggling to explain it in a way that makes sense to your child? Turn to the team at Crafting Scholars. Our learning specialists develop customized learning plans to meet your child’s needs and goals and explain concepts in easily understood terms. Contact us today to learn more!


Overcoming the Sunday Scaries

It is not just adults that feel the “Sunday Scaries” as the weekend winds down and a new work week looms ahead. Students can experience these same feelings about school. They might start acting out, showing signs of anxiety or depression, or complaining about physical symptoms such as a stomachache, nausea, or restlessness.

But once they get to school or Monday passes, they feel better. It’s the dread leading up to the start of a new week that can be debilitating. There are a variety of ways that you can help your child overcome the Sunday Scaries and maintain a more positive outlook for the week ahead.

Talk It Out

Ask your child about what is worrying them. Are they concerned about an upcoming test? Stressed over a big project? Anxious about a presentation? Feeling overwhelmed by a busy schedule? Sometimes just saying these things out loud can ease their mind and allow you to work together to create a plan for managing this stress.

Journaling can help as well. Encourage your child to write down their thoughts and concerns, whatever they may be. No one else has to read what they’ve written; it can be just for them to clear their mind.

Practice Positive Affirmations

Boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem through having them recite positive affirmations. This could be something as simple as, “I am prepared,” or “I can do this,” to “I am intelligent, kind, and capable.” Reading uplifting or motivating quotes can be beneficial as well.

Stay Calm

When anxiety starts to kick in, remind your child to take deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth. Make it part of their routine to spend time every Sunday evening listening to soothing music, reading a book, or watching a favorite movie. Keep evenings low-key so there is time to relax, unwind, and recharge.

If your child feels restless or tense, do something to keep them active and burn off that excess tension. Have a dance party, kick around a soccer ball, ride bikes, or go for a jog. This can also help tire them out, so they sleep better at night.

Plan Ahead

Sometimes it helps to know what to expect. Write out their schedule and obligations for the week. Block out time for studying or working on a project so they know they’ll be prepared and not waiting until the last minute. Double check that their bookbag is packed with everything they’ll need for the next day and lay out their clothes the night before.

Be Present

Don’t let your child get lost in their thoughts and concerns. Plan some fun activities for the weekend to help them be present and live in the moment, not worrying about what’s to come. They can’t control the future, but they can control what they’re doing right now.

Support Their Needs

Tutoring can be a great way of assuring your child that they have the one-on-one help they need to feel more confident about school and their classes. They can work with a learning specialist on specific concepts or assignments, build better note taking and study skills, and tackle test anxiety. They can work at their own pace on the areas they feel they need help with and ask whatever questions they might have.

Banish the Sunday Scaries and get your child excited for school with a customized learning plan from Crafting Scholars. Contact us today to learn more and get started!


Gearing Up for the SAT

Taking the SAT is a milestone in many students’ academic careers and a sign that college is quickly approaching. While not all colleges and universities require SAT scores as part of a student’s admissions package, many schools take results into consideration if they are submitted. There are a variety of ways that students can get ready for the exam, but completing a structured test prep program can be beneficial in helping students feel more confident when test day arrives and performing their best.

Here are just a few of the advantages of taking an SAT test prep course:

Know what to expect. Starting in 2024, the SAT is shifting from a paper-based test to a digital exam. Students still complete it at an approved testing center or school location, but the exam is taken on a computer, laptop, or similar device. Some other changes include a shorter testing time, fewer questions, and the use of a calculator throughout the entire math section.

During their prep sessions, students can familiarize themselves with the format of the SAT, what types of questions will be asked, how questions and answers are presented, and what topics may be covered. This can make the test seem less intimidating or overwhelming because students have a general idea of what they will see in each section.

Review content. Working with an experienced tutor to prepare for the SAT enables students to focus on key concepts and content that will be on the exam. They can gain a better perspective of what topics they already know well and where they should spend more time studying. A tutor can also work with them to build a solid understanding of how and when to use different math formulas depending on the question asked and information available.

Develop test strategies. There are several different approaches students can take when answering questions. From working on the easiest ones first to narrowing down responses by crossing out answers they know are incorrect, it’s a matter of figuring out what works best for them. A tutor can strengthen their test-taking skills so that when they come across a question they don’t readily know the answer to, they can work through it.

Calm their nerves. Come test day, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their best. Rather than cramming the night before, they can know that they are prepared because they have been practicing for several weeks. Instead, they can focus on getting a good night’s rest, eating a nutritious breakfast, and arriving at the exam ready to go.

Crafting Scholars creates individualized curriculum aligned with each student’s needs and goals and provides one-on-one tutoring to support them in effectively preparing for the SAT exam. Students can choose between in-person or virtual sessions depending on their preference, schedule, and how they learn best. Contact us today to learn more and reserve your child’s spot.


Preparing to Start Working with a Tutor

Whether your child is struggling to keep up in math class, wants to improve their note-taking skills, or is preparing for the SAT or ACT, tutoring can be a valuable investment. Tutoring enables your child to get the individualized support they need while working at their own pace. They can ask the questions they want to ask and spend the time working on a concept until they understand it.

But many students are nervous about the idea of working with a tutor because they’re not sure what to expect. Or, they may have misperceptions about what tutoring is. Here are some tips to help your child get started.

Discuss Their Needs and Goals

Talk to your child about what areas they feel they’re having trouble in and where they think they could improve. Encourage them to be honest because you want them to get the help they need. Are they getting by in science or math by memorizing formulas but not really understanding what they mean or how to use them? Are their notes a jumbled mess? Do they spend an excessive amount of time on homework or studying because they can’t seem to get started?

The tutoring center can also help identify areas of need through a variety of questions and assessments. They can determine where your child has knowledge gaps and where they excel. Work together to create a plan to fit your child’s goals.

Choose a Format

Some students learn better in-person where they can get hands-on assistance and have someone working directly with them. Other students do great with an online format that allows them to work from wherever they are, especially if transportation is an issue. Figure out what aligns with not just your schedule, but also your child’s strengths and preferences. Talk with the tutor about the benefits of each format to decide which type of session to enroll your child in.

Determine What Materials are Needed

Ask ahead of time what your child should bring in order to be prepared for tutoring. Do they need their course syllabus or textbook? Should they bring their own calculator, notebooks, and pencils? Should they bring any homework, projects, or assignments? Find out the best way to contact their classroom teacher as well in case the tutor wants to connect.

Have the tutor explain the general flow of each session and how it works so your child knows what to expect. This can also improve productivity because your child has the materials they need and is ready to get started.

Keep an Open Mind

Students often go into tutoring with preconceived notions of how it works. They may be right, or they may be completely off base. Remind them to be open to learning new strategies, trying new tools, and doing things in a different way. Their tutor wants them to be successful and enjoy learning. If your child has questions, encourage them to speak up.

Keep Learning Going

In addition to the work your child is doing with their tutor, ask about what they should be doing at home and how you can support them as well. This may mean doing different activities to practice the skills they’re learning, helping them set up a study area, or adjusting their routines. It is important for everyone to work together to maximize your child’s success.

Crafting Scholars creates customized curriculum aligned with your child’s individual needs, strengths, and goals. Tutors work one-on-one with each student providing focused attention and personalized feedback to optimize their learning. Contact us today to learn more about available programs and ways we can support your child’s academic performance.


Sweet Dreams: Helping Students Get a Better Night’s Rest

A good night’s sleep is imperative for students to perform their best at school. Late nights and early mornings can quickly take a toll making them feel sleep deprived, irritable, and stressed. Not getting enough sleep can lead to difficulties focusing during class, concentrating on tests, and remembering information. Students may feel like they have brain fog.

As a new year begins, it’s a great time for students to reset and improve their sleep habits. Teenagers should be aiming for eight to 10 hours of sleep per night, but in order to achieve this, it can help to plan ahead. Here are some ways students can get more quality rest, so they feel energized and ready to go in the morning.

Exercise Early. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day helps students stay physically fit, but it also burns off energy and can improve their sleep. However, it is recommended that they finish exercising at least two hours before bed, so it doesn’t have a stimulating effect instead.

Fill Up. Eat a nutritious dinner that includes lean meats, whole grains, and complex carbohydrates to stay full throughout the night and stabilize blood sugar. Filling up on junk food that has little nutritional value can mean waking up at night with a grumbling stomach. Try to limit caffeine consumption as well, stopping a few hours before bedtime.

Skip the Screens. As tempting as it is to scroll social media or surf the Internet before bed, it can actually keep students’ minds churning and increase alertness rather than lulling them to sleep. Put down devices at least an hour before bed and focus on doing relaxing activities such as listening to calming music, reading a book, writing in a journal, or drawing.

Stop Procrastinating. One of the reasons many students stay up late is to finish homework, complete projects, or study for tests. Creating a schedule that includes time for these activities and breaks down larger assignments over a few days can help students finish at a decent time that still allows for a good night’s rest. Knowing that everything is done for the next day can put their mind at ease.

Prepare Ahead of Time. After finishing their homework or studying, students should double check that all of their materials are in their backpack so they’re not scrambling the next morning or waking up in the middle of night realizing they forgot to pack something. It can also help to set out their clothes the night before and pack their lunch so it’s one less thing to think about in the morning, and they can sleep a little longer.

Stick to a Routine. Try to maintain consistent bed and wake times, even on weekends, so the body gets into a natural rhythm. Aim for at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.

Does your student have trouble staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and getting started? Find out how Crafting Scholars can support them with executive functioning skills as well as effective study strategies and test prep. Knowing they are prepared can help students sleep better at night. Contact us today to learn more and book your child’s spot!