I have recently moved back to my home state of California.
I now tutor in the Antelope Valley.
I offer tutoring in my home, or I will travel to your home/library.

Please contact me here:
Laura@K5Tutor.com

When teaching math facts I try to use tricks for finding the solutions along the way.  When tutoring kids in math, I love the look they give me when they see how helpful and easy the tricks are! 

Most of us know the 9 trick in multiplication: either the one using your fingers, or the other one where you take one less than the number being multiplied, and add to nine to get the other digit…

Example: 9×7=    (one less than 7 is 6, 6 plus what equals 9?  Three!  So, 63 is the answer! )

Also, when adding 9’s, remember, take one number less than the one being added, and put a one in front of it:

9+8=  (one less than 8 is 7, one in front equals 17!)

Tricks can help kids remember a solution to a problem.  I have tricks for all the multiplication facts.  I am publishing a PDF soon for you to download for only $5 each…stay tuned!

Do you have any other math tricks that you would share?  Let me know!

Does your child need a tutor in Anthem or the N. Phoenix area this summer?  Give me a call!

My summer tutoring program begins on June 1st.  Time slots fill up fast, so call now!!

 Children easily forget things over the summer break so I highly recommend at least one session per week.  We not only continue with what they have been working on, but also new things that they will learn in their new grade!

Children with learning disabilities, and ADHD greatly need structure and routine, so continuing with tutoring really makes sense.

Believe me-those days of boredom-and “Mom, there’s nothing to do!”  Arrive very quickly!

Reading is a must in my summer program and I have a reward system to encourage daily reading!

My school room in Anthem is stocked with all kinds of chapter books and easy readers.  It’s a fun place for kids to come and my summer kids always beg to hang around longer!

It’s also a nice break for mom!  So call now!!  Pick your day and time–:)

The next half of the school year is somewhat intense as teachers begin to evaluate their students to determine how they are doing and where they are at compared to their classmates. Parents tend to panic if the child needs to “get caught up” or needs help in certain areas.

Fearful that their child is behind, or is totally lost, parents look for ways to help their child. That is where tutors come in.

The second semester is usually my busiest time and I love to give parents encouragement that their child will definitely be graduating to the next grade level! Getting kids caught up with one-on-one tutoring is very beneficial. Often I may start by simply helping them with their regular homework or even reviewing past homework assignments. However, it is without the battle that parents often face and is used as a stepping stone to more advanced work.

Getting back into a routine after the winter break is slow at first. After the first couple of weeks, in mid January kids should be in full swing again. Kids thrive on routines and even we adults like the schedule and the comfort of knowing what is coming up.

If you are concerned with your child’s progress last semester, or want to ensure they finish the year strongly, contact me. I can assess their current understanding across subjects and create a plan to help them have the most successful year possible.

Labels are horrible.  Except when you are a teacher.  Labels help you know exactly what you are dealing with.  Labels help you to know what to expect.  Or at least a range of basic expectations. 

 The goal however is to view children as children-not as their disability.  People don’t go around saying, “I’m so cancer.”  NO, they may say “I have cancer.”  But why would they or anyone else refer to them as “Oh there’s that cancer woman.”  Why then does the general public say “Oh, he’s so ADD!”  Or, “There’s that ADHD kid.”  Do they realize what they are saying?  “Oh, there’s that attention deficit hyperactivity kid.”  Wrong!  Human beings are NOT THEIR disability, or disorder!!!

 Anyway, I have quite a bit of experience with ADD/ADHD.  My husband has ADD, my daughter does too.  My son has ADHD.  It runs in our family. I work with ADD/ADHD students.  Countless books have been written on the subject.  I probably own half of them!

So, if you suspect, or already know that your child tends to have the character traits that define these conditions, don’t worry—you are not alone!  There is so much help out there!!!  Don’t blame yourself, or feel bad.  It is nobody’s fault!  It is ok, and there are so many positive things about your child that go along with this diagnosis. 

Need advice?  Have specific questions?  Contact me and I will try to address your specific concern.  If I don’t have the answer, I may be able to direct you to a great book or article on the subject.  There are hundreds of resources out there!!

Your child IS capable of success!!

It’s a scary thought sending your child off to school for the first time!  I remember my oldest son’s first day of Kindergarten very well.  I cried while leaving- he was growing up so fast, and I was so nervous to be leaving him with strangers for half a day.  And I remember when he started 1st grade.  While driving him to school, he said to me, “It’s so weird, mom that you won’t even know what I’ll be doing all day and I’ll be with strangers.”

I realized, that being involved was really important.  I mean really involved!  Sign up to be a classroom helper…this ensures that you will acutally see what goes on in the day to day routine.  It also allows you to get to know your child’s other classmates.  You will quickly determine what children you’d like your child hanging out with.  You will also view how your child’s teacher teaches!  Is she calm and soft spoken, or does she have no patience and scream at the kids all day?  Not only will your child feel special to have mom in class once a week, or twice a month, you can create a relationship with the teacher as well.

Going on field trips as a chaperone or driver is vital also!  Especially in elementary school, kids LOVE to have mom or dad with them!  Of course this all changes once children hit 6th grade or so.  Enjoy it while you can!

You may have a child that is quiet.  When you ask “How was your day?”  they respond “Fine.”  So, you ask more direct questions like “Who did you sit with at lunch?”  “What did you do at recess?”  “What was the best part about your day? The worst part?”  This helps to get more detailed answers.  However, the more involved you are in your child’s school the better.  Sign up to help with bake sales, field day, and other on campus opportunities.

 Your child will appreciate the extra effort you put into their daily school life!

One of the most important jobs a parent has regarding their child’s educational experience is to have good communication with the teacher.  Begin by introducing yourself at the first opportunity and say something positive about your child.  This will help the teacher put faces with names, and feel that there is a relationship with your child right from the start.

Your child’s teacher probably has an e-mail address for you to connect with them too.  Always let them know if there is an issue with your child, from stress at home to even common things such as dr’s visits or forseen absences.

Remember to check your child’s backpack nightly, and send it back to school with him or her all cleaned out.  Many times I have missed important messages from the teacher or flyers that were crumpled up in the bottom of the backpack, until it was too late. 

This applies to homework folders as well.  It saves your child and the teacher frustration and time trying to figure out where to put new papers when there is room for them in the folder.

Daily organization is vital! 

Along with a bedtime routine, another important routine that will save your sanity is a homework routine!

The rule in our house has always been no playtime till homework is complete and checked by a parent.  I allow my kids to have a snack and bathroom break, but then straight to the homework center they go!

We tried letting them play first.  Even though they promise to start their homework an hour later, or so, it is always a fight and just like pulling teeth to get them to focus again.

The earlier they start their homework and get it out of the way, the better.  Just let them know that “free time” begins after obligations are met. 

There are no questions about it, the kids know this is how it has to be. 

Remember, be very matter of fact about the new routines you will put in place, and until it has been tried, there are no negotiations!

Routine and consistency will help your new school year go by smoothly!

This is one area that many families skimp on.  I myself have found it hard to stick with a routine all the time, however consistency really is best!

Once school starts we try to have a set of guidelines (I hate calling them rules!)  One of them is having a consistent bedtime. 

Each family needs to determine how much sleep their child really needs.  For some kids, going to bed at 10:00 pm and getting up at 6:30 is no problem.  But as they get older, more sleep time is needed. 

Waking up early and eating a healthy breakfast is far more important than staying up late to watch tv or play computer games.

So many parents are rushed in the mornings, and stop for donuts on the way to school.  (I have been guilty of this!)  Then, the teachers have to deal with the sugar-load aftermath!  It’s not fair, and really not fair to the kids!

In the beginning, new routines are hard to adjust to.  But after a couple of weeks, kids do adjust and reap the benefits!

One thing I am going to try this school year, is earlier bedtimes!! For my 3rd grader, we have talked about an earlier bedtime of 8:00pm.  To get used to this, we will get ready for bed at that time, and I will allow her to read for about 15 minutes.  Hopefully we will see a more alert, and happier child in the mornings!

Wish us luck!

You’ve probably heard it before…your child needs a place at home to store school supplies and do homework.  It’s true!  Having a small table or desk away from the TV is best.  Try to avoid any distractions-

It also should be well lit and have ample supplies available-pencils, paper, pencil sharpener, etc.  You could also tell your child this is where his/her backpack stays-you will always know where to find it in the morning.

Ikea always has great deals on furniture and tables–Right now they are having a “back to college” sale-desks, etc!

Organization is key to having a successful back to school experience!!