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!!

The new school year is fast approaching!  Call ASAP for best choices on after school session days and times!  Daily After school sessions run from 4:00-5:00,  or 5:00-6:00.  (Each session is an hour long.)

I  offer two sessions per weekday except for Fridays!  (No tutoring on Friday’s.)

Non-refundable $25 registration fee holds your spot and is applied to the first session!

Sessions fill up fast!

Tip: The earlier in the week, the better for your child!