Poor Grades on a Progress Report? Consider Your Options. Image shows a teacher holding a report and a pencil and paper displaying the following grades: A+, B+, and C+.

Poor Grades on a Progress Report? Consider Your Options

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Poor Grades on a Progress Report? Consider Your Options

Poor Grades on a Progress Report? Consider Your Options. Image shows a teacher holding a report and a pencil and paper displaying the following grades: A+, B+, and C+.

Low grades can be disheartening when students and parents get their hands on a progress report. But it isn’t the end of the world; in fact, there are many options available to parents and students to improve poor grades. However, parents must be mindful that interventions need to be implemented immediately, which requires prompt assessment of the situation. The longer a student goes without support, the worse their performance will be.


Begin with Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses

Where is your student excelling? This is an important question. If you know what is going well, then you can dedicate more energy to the areas that need improvement. And, it’s important to celebrate the small victories. You want to make sure your student knows their successes will be noticed and acknowledged. .

Next assess the areas needing improvement. And keep in mind that reading the grade report won’t be enough. Say your student received a 20% (out of 100%) in their algebra homework grade. Did they fail to turn in their assignments? Did they do poorly on their assignments? Was it a combination? And more importantly – why was this the case? Ask your student in a calm and understanding way that doesn’t make them feel like they are “less than.”


Meet with Teachers

Your student’s teachers are great resources for understanding your student’s needs. Ask them where your student is struggling and how you can best support the student.


Be a Pillar of Support and Encouragement

It’s likely that your student does not truly want to receive poor grades. Sometimes, students just need a little more support, care, and encouragement to feel safe and confident in their abilities in order to work harder.


Visit a Psychologist, Doctor, or Pediatrician

If your student’s teachers have reported specific learning difficulties or if you have noticed them yourself, there may be more to your student’s low performance than you initially thought. A psychologist, doctor, or pediatrician can assess your student to determine if a learning disability may be present. If the professional suspects a learning disability, they can help your student take the next steps to getting extra support at school.


Help Your Student With Homework, If Possible

If your student is having trouble understanding the material, you feel confident helping your student understand the material, and your student feels comfortable receiving your help, then this can be a great learning and bonding experience! Or, if your student’s sibling or friend is able to help, then that may be a good option, too.


Try Free Online Resources

There are thousands of free online resources that your student can use to better understand their material. These resources are great options for families on a budget.


Try Different Learning Methods

Every student is unique and has different learning preferences. Help your student explore different methods of learning. Try including visual, tactile, and auditory learning methods. For example, watch a video on how to plot points on a graph, have your student build a pie chart with different colors of clay that represent fractions, or help them come up with a rhyme to remember how to solve the quadratic formula.


Develop a Schedule that Involves Studying and Fun Activities

If your student is having trouble with organizational and time-management skills, sit down with them and help them create a study schedule. Help them block out times for homework and studying. And study efficiently to maximize energy spent on schoolwork. On the same schedule, make sure to block out times for friends, fun activities, and rest. Having a structured and balanced schedule will help your student feel less stressed and more inclined to complete their studies.

Help them create a to-do list and due date list. Many schools offer binder reminders for free or for a minimal fee. Or help your student create their schedule on their phone’s calendar.


Create an Organized Environment and Process

Many students struggle with keeping an organized study space, binder, and backpack. If your student’s study environment is organized, they may be able to organize their inner workings a little more effectively. And, if their backpack and binders are organized and systematized, your student will be able to easily locate and turn in their assignments. Read more of our organization tips.


Hire an Expert Tutor

If you’ve exhausted all other resources and your student is still struggling, it may be time to hire a tutor. Hodis Learning & Music has a team of exceptional tutors with years of experience helping students from all backgrounds and skill levels. Contact us today to learn more!

New Blog Post! Why Multitasking Is Ineffective

Why Multitasking is Ineffective

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Why Multitasking is Ineffective

New Blog Post! Why Multitasking Is Ineffective

Multitasking may seem like the ultimate super power, but in reality it slows you down, makes you less productive, and negatively impacts your ability to focus.


You’re Actually Not Multitasking

When you’re switching back and forth between reading articles, watching videos while working, or texting while talking to someone, you’re not actually multitasking. According to neuropsychologist Cynthia Kubu, PhD, we’re not doing multiple things at once in those instances. In reality, we’re doing one individual task and then quickly switching to another one, and then back again. This phenomenon is called, more appropriately, task-switching.


Multitasking Makes You Slower & Less Efficient

Each time you stop one activity and switch to another, no matter how quickly, that process is taking time and that time adds up. You’re completing each activity much slower than you would if you were focusing all your attention on one thing at a time. Additionally, you’re more likely to make mistakes.


Task-Switching Also Affects Your Ability to Focus

Task-switching makes it more challenging for you to give your full attention to one thing at a time. Some studies have even shown that people who frequently multitask are less able to focus when they’re only performing one task at a time. This, in turn, affects your ability to learn. Learning requires focus and the ability to tune out distractions and engage in deeper processing and critical thinking, says Dr. Kubu.


It Affects Your Performance in School

One research study indicated that college students who tried to multitask took longer to complete their homework and had lower grades, on average. The study specifically noted this trend with students who engaged in media multitasking (texting, watching videos, using social media) while in class, studying, or completing homework.

Check out our article on strategies for tackling homework if you find that you often multitask while studying. Many of the strategies in that article can be applied to any situation where you need to focus on a single task at a time. Additionally, notice when you aren’t fully engaged in one activity. This might even be if you’re scrolling online while watching a TV show. In that moment practice focusing your attention on just one thing– turn off the show or put your phone away. Over time, these moments of monotasking will help you regain your focus and ability to engage more deeply in one activity. Like building any good habit, it will take time and persistence.

Change Your Habits With an Expert Tutor

Consider hiring a dedicated tutor to help you improve your academic habits. Our team of expert tutors have years of experience helping students grow in their academic abilities and improve their grades. Call or email us to learn more or schedule a session now. 

How to Prevent Academic Burnout - 9 Actionable Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health. Image of a boy being overwhelmed by his homework on his computer.

How to Prevent Academic Burnout: 9 Actionable Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health

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How to Prevent Academic Burnout: 9 Actionable Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health

How to Prevent Academic Burnout - 9 Actionable Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health. Image of a boy being overwhelmed by his homework on his computer.

Sometimes students find themselves working really hard in all of their classes, studying at all hours, and aiming for straight A’s and perfect test scores. But after a few months, students often find themselves feeling tired all the time, irritable, disinterested in school, and unmotivated to do anything related to classes. In fact, these situations may devolve to the point where students no longer meet important deadlines, lose confidence in their academic abilities, and fall into bad habits like overeating or nail biting. This process is called academic burnout.

It arises from devoting too much time and energy to school and neglecting other needs and desires. So how do you prevent academic burnout? It really all comes down to self-care. The following list offers actionable self-care items to prevent academic burnout or to shift out of a state of burnout.


(1.) Make Time for Activities That Bring You Joy

Taking a break from studying and doing something fun like going to the movies or taking a trip to the beach can help students reset before they get back into their studies. It is helpful to block out time in your schedule for leisure activities.


(2.) Make Time for Social Activities

Along the same lines as the first suggestion, social activities provide a mental break from studying. Hanging out with good friends not only helps students feel supported and accepted, but also relieves stress and anxiety.


(3.) Exercise Regularly

Sitting all day is not good for students’ minds or bodies. Experts recommend that people get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 90 minutes of intense aerobic exercise weekly to improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and boost mental health. This may look like going on a run three times a week for 30 minutes at a time or going on a brisk walk five times a week for 30 minutes at a time.


(4.) Go Outside

Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress and boost mental health. Going on five or ten minute walks in the neighborhood during study breaks is an easy way to check this self-care activity off your list for the day.


(5.) Make Good Connections with Teachers and Peers

Feeling connected to your teacher and peers will make class feel more like a welcoming environment instead of a purely stressful one.


(6.) Set Reasonable Goals

You’re likely not going to get 100% on every single exam. Set goals that are reasonable within your time and energy constraints. Respecting your needs with reasonable goals will actually help you perform better by giving you more energy, motivation, and peace.


(7.) Work on Your Time-Management Skills

Managing time wisely is a skill that will reduce stress and create more peace throughout your entire life. Creating to-do lists and blocking out specific times for your activities in a calendar are two excellent yet simple ways to manage your time. Managing your time well will prevent procrastination.


(8.) Refine Your Study Skills

Many students who experience burnout tend to study hard, but may not be studying efficiently or effectively. Learn how to develop your study skills by reading our Building Strong Study Skills Series (see our study skills Roadmap) or by meeting with one of our expert tutors.


(9.) Ask for Help When You Need It

There’s nothing wrong with needing help. If you’re struggling with cultivating the above self-care skills, ask someone who you trust to help you. Or if you’re finding a concept or course to be challenging, ask someone who you know will be able to help and who won’t feel burdened by your request. You can always hire one of our expert tutors to guide you through any challenging course.

Self-care is an invaluable skill that will help any student succeed in academics and in all other aspects of their life. Begin utilizing these tools now to prevent yourself from burning out. And be patient with yourself – it may take time to learn these tools and successfully apply them to your life.

Strategies for Tackling Homework: Pt. 2 How Parents Can Help

Strategies for Tackling Homework: Pt. 2 How Parents Can Help

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Strategies for Tackling Homework: Pt. 2 How Parents Can Help

Strategies for Tackling Homework: Pt. 2 How Parents Can Help

Ah, homework. An inevitable, but often unenjoyable, part of school. While many students (and perhaps even parents) dread homework, it is an important part of your student’s education. Read on to learn strategies for tackling homework. If you’re a student, read this article instead.


What’s the Point of Homework, Anyways?

Homework should, ideally, reinforce concepts that students learn in class. In some cases, homework might prepare them for upcoming exams or test their knowledge in preparation for a reinforcement lesson or new, upcoming lessons.

Homework also serves as a tool for students to develop life skills. Some of these skills include managing time, following directions, completing assignments with a deadline, and applying knowledge. All of these skills will be necessary later on in their professional and personal lives.


Strategies for Helping Your Student Tackle Homework

1. Keep the above notes in mind; remember, homework is a tool to help your student learn concepts and gain valuable life skills. Gently remind them of these things when they are reluctant or resistant to working, and encourage positivity. A positive attitude even in the face of unenjoyable tasks will help with homework and beyond.


2. Provide a focused working environment for your student, when possible. Have a desk or table in a quiet room where they won’t be interrupted. If your student must do work in a communal room, encourage other family members to stay out or stay quiet. Consider even setting up quiet time for the whole family to do work for a couple of hours. If that isn’t possible, take your student to a library to focus and do work, or recommend they go on their own if they are old enough.

Keep TVs and music off, cell phones away, or remind them to turn those things off if you notice them. Limit time spent on a computer, or set up apps to limit distractions like Forest, Freedom, or RescueTime.


3. If your student routinely struggles with completing homework on time, consider a system where you can check their upcoming assignments and hold them accountable. Encourage them to use a planner, calendar, or checklist to track assignments, even if they are all available online. It’s important for your student to build new, more effective habits and keep track of all deadlines and assignments in one place. Writing things down physically is also helpful for retaining information.


4. Set a timer for your student to focus on one assignment, or encourage them to do so on their own. Depending on your student, this could be anywhere from 20-45 minutes. Make sure they are completely uninterrupted during that time. Offer to hold onto cell phones, tablets, headphones, and any other distractions during the set time frame. Have small breaks after each assignment time (about 5-10 minutes), then repeat the process for the next assignment.


5. Make sure you or your student notes the problems or questions they struggle with the most or are unable to complete. While it is important for your student to complete their homework, it doesn’t help them to guess or simply fill in answers if they don’t understand how to arrive at the solution. 

Once they have noted the problems or questions they struggled with, encourage them to ask their teacher for help or clarification. If the assignment is incomplete, and the student wants help before submitting it for grading, make sure they meet with their teacher prior to the submission time. They might need to schedule time to meet before school, or even a few days before the due date. 

If they are unable to meet before the assignment is due, encourage them to complete the assignment to the best of their ability, and make note of the challenging questions. When the assignment is returned, make sure they set up time to meet with their teacher outside of class to go over the assignment and get clarification. If the teacher doesn’t return a homework assignment and only submits a grade, it is even more important for your student to communicate with their teacher and set up a time to go over the challenging problems.

If your student is too young to do this, consider setting up a meeting with the teacher yourself. While teachers, particularly in lower grade levels, should be proactive about notifying parents when they see a student struggling, it is always helpful to be aware of your student’s challenges and work habits, and create a dialogue with their teacher.


Consider Hiring a Tutor

If your student is still struggling with homework, consider hiring a tutor. Tutors can help students understand concepts and even offer helpful tips and tricks for specific problems. They are experts in their field and are familiar with subject material, so you don’t have to rack your brain to remember Algebra 1 or middle school Biology. Tutors can also teach time management and organization skills that will help your student with homework and beyond. Some students might even be more disciplined and receptive to feedback when working with someone who isn’t family. 

Hodis Learning & Music tutors and expert educators are ready to help your student tackle homework this year! Give us a call or email us to get started.

Strategies for Tackling Homework

Strategies for Tackling Homework

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Strategies for Tackling Homework

Strategies for Tackling Homework

Strategies for Tackling Homework

Ah, homework. An inevitable, but often unenjoyable, part of school. While many students dread homework, it is an important part of your education.


What’s the Point of Homework, Anyways?

Homework should, ideally, reinforce concepts that you learn in class. In some cases, homework might prepare you for upcoming exams or test your knowledge in preparation for a reinforcement lesson or new, upcoming lessons.

Homework also serves as a tool for students to develop life skills. Some of these skills include managing time, following directions, completing assignments with a deadline, and applying knowledge.


Strategies for Tackling Homework

  1. Keep the above notes in mind as you start receiving homework assignments. Think of homework as a tool to help you learn concepts and gain life skills. Keep a positive attitude. Positivity and open-mindedness can improve your outlook on homework or any daunting task.
  2. Find a quiet place to work without distractions. If it’s too distracting to do work at home, try going to a library. Also, it’s very important to limit distractions like your cell phone, TV, music, or even other browsing tabs open on your computer. You will get through assignments much faster and understand concepts better without multitasking and distractions. Consider turning your phone off or at least on Do Not Disturb Mode while you are working. For your computer, try apps like Forest, Freedom, or RescueTime.
  3. Prioritize your homework based on 1) what’s due first and 2) what you think will take you the most time. If you know math homework tends to take you a while, don’t wait until 10 PM to start it. You might feel the urge to put off the most unappealing tasks, but you will be more focused and capable of doing challenging work if you start it first.
  4. Set a timer for each homework assignment. If you feel frozen in the face of a mountain of assignments, set a 20-25 minute timer for each one. Work without interruption until the timer goes off and stop wherever you are when it does. You might be surprised at how much you are able to get through with 20 minutes of undivided attention. Repeat until your homework is complete!
  5. Make note of the questions and assignments that are especially challenging or time-consuming. Remember, homework is supposed to reinforce concepts. Let your teacher know that you are struggling and ask for additional help or clarification. Oftentimes students just want to be done with the assignment, but their lack of understanding will impact how they do on tests and even how they do for the rest of the year because concepts build on each other. Your teacher should want to see you succeed and offer advice or resources to help you complete homework more efficiently and understand the material.

Consider Hiring a Tutor

If you are still struggling with homework, consider hiring a tutor. Tutors can help you understand concepts and even offer helpful tips and tricks for specific problems. Tutors can also teach you time management and organization skills that will help you with homework and beyond.

 

If you’re a parent, learn how you can help your student tackle homework in this article.

New Blog Post: Educator Spotlight. Jacky H. is a math, physics, and Chinese language tutor at Hodis Learning & Music.

Educator Spotlight: Jacky H.

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Educator Spotlight: Jacky H.

New Blog Post: Educator Spotlight. Jacky H. is a math, physics, and Chinese language tutor at Hodis Learning & Music.

What subjects do you teach?

  • Academic Tutoring: AP Physics 1, 2, and C (Mechanics + Electricity & Magnetism), Lower Division Physics, Multivariable Calculus, AP Calculus BC, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, AP Chinese Language, and Mandarin
  • Art Lessons: Painting- acrylics, oil, and watercolor

 
What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator?

The most rewarding part about being an educator is seeing my students improve and succeed in the subjects that were once nightmares for them.  

Having had the same experience as many struggling students, I understand that it can be extremely challenging to conquer these academic barriers. Having the ability now to help them overcome their weaknesses is so rewarding!


What are the most common areas you see your students struggling in? How do you help them in those areas?

Though my students are in different grade levels, and vary in subject focus– from science to mathematics– they all seem to struggle in a similar fashion. It’s not that they are incapable of understanding the material, it’s that they don’t have a key or trick to understanding the foundational science or math behind the problems. 

It is my job to guide them towards discovering their own trick that helps them remember the information, and help them see that learning is fun.


What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching students?

I enjoy painting outside of teaching students. It helps me to relax and destress from schoolwork, provides me with a fresh perspective on this world, and most importantly, allows me to encapsulate moments and memories in a physical form.


What do you think makes Hodis Learning & Music a great service and company to work for?

The teachers and mentors at the company are all passionate about their studies and teaching. We also all want to make learning easier and more fun for our students!

Schedule Your First Session with Jacky Today!

Call or email us to speak to a representative and sign up for sessions now.

 

Learn more about Jacky.

What's your start of school feeling? Photo shows four children, each showing a different emotion: fear, anxiety or stress, happiness and excitement, and anger.

How to Handle Your Start of School Feelings

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How to Handle Your Start of School Feelings

What're your start of school feelings? Photo shows four children, each showing a different emotion: fear, anxiety or stress, happiness and excitement, and anger.

The start of a new school year can bring on a lot of emotions. Whatever your feelings are about starting school again, we have some helpful tips to manage your feelings and use them to start this school year on the right track.


Scared:

Nervous about meeting new people? Starting at a new school? Making friends? These are totally normal things to feel nervous about, but you don’t want to let your fear keep you from all the fun things that can happen at school. 

  • TIPS: Talk to someone you trust. Remember a lot of people feel scared about starting something new– you’re not alone. Say something nice to one new person every day. Explore a new club or activity. Get familiar with the campus. Try eating lunch in a different spot each week.


Anxious or Stressed:

Do you get stressed just thinking about all the work you have to do this year? 

  • TIPS: Look at your schedule and write down all the important dates for each class. Use daily lists to focus on what you have to do each day. Practice taking 3 deep breaths whenever you start to feel anxious or stressed. Consider starting a meditation or mindfulness practice, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes every day. Check out more of our tips for starting a productive and stress-free school year.


Happy or Excited:

Feeling excited about starting a new school year is great! It’s an exciting time, so keep your enthusiasm up in all school-related activities. 

  • TIPS: Approach new situations with positivity and enthusiasm. Try meeting new people. Reach out to classmates who might seem scared or anxious. Participate in your classes. Introduce yourself to your teachers.


Angry or Upset:

Are you angry about having to wake up early again for school or having less free time? This feeling is understandable, but don’t let it affect your whole year. 

  • TIPS: Talk to someone about how you feel. When something makes you angry, try to find one positive thing about it- for example, if homework makes you angry, think about how you might learn something new from it. It might seem silly to do this, but it will help you start to see the positive side of situations. You can’t control a lot in life, but you can control how you think about and react to things.

 

how to handle your start of school feelings. Consider hiring a tutor.

 

Consider Hiring an Expert Tutor

Tutors at Hodis Learning & Music have years of experience helping students experiencing the full range of emotions about the start of school. Whether your student is in Kindergarten or in college, we have the right tutors for you! Call or email us today to learn more and get started.

5 Tips for Starting a Productive and Stress-Free School Year. Image shows a chalk board with the blog post's name on it. Books, school supplies, an apple, and a graduation cap can be seen in the photo, along with Hodis Learning & Music's logo.

5 Tips for Starting a Productive and Stress-Free School Year

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5 Tips for Starting a Productive and Stress-Free School Year

5 Tips for Starting a Productive and Stress-Free School Year. Image shows a chalk board with the blog post's name on it. Books, school supplies, an apple, and a graduation cap can be seen in the photo, along with Hodis Learning & Music's logo.

Can you believe that school is starting already? After a summer of no classes it can be difficult to readjust to the schedule and demands of school. Here are 5 tips to get back into the swing of things a little more swiftly and cultivate a productive, stress-free school year.


1. Reset your sleep schedule.

Many students experience fatigue when returning to school because they’re not used to waking up so early for class. To nip this fatigue in the bud, allow your body to readjust its circadian rhythm by beginning to wake up at the time you will for classes at least a few days before they start.


2. Make a study plan.

I get it, making a study plan is the last thing you want to do while you’re technically still on summer break. But this practice is invaluable as it will prepare you for a less stressful and more productive school year. Look through your syllabi, take note of large exam dates, and schedule blocks of time each week to study and complete homework for each class. Don’t forget to schedule extra study sessions before your big exams, too. Use the roadmap from our Building Strong Study Skills Series to employ the most effective study strategies.


3. Budget time for hanging out.

Yes, you’re in school to receive an education that will prepare you for your career and any future education you may pursue. But school is also full of people and experiences that will stick with you for life. Spending time with good friends is a great way to feel connected, accepted, and happy. So when you’re thinking about your schedule, be sure to budget time for hanging out with friends. If you’re intentional in structuring your schedule, you can give yourself room to excel as a student and a friend.


4. Understand your resources.

Your school likely offers more resources than you are aware of. Give yourself some time to familiarize yourself with resources like college preparation resources, community service recommendations for high school service requirements, and guidance and counseling services. If you’re a college student, look into professors’ office hours, student health services, and organized study groups. And remember, expert private tutors at Hodis Learning & Music are available to serve K-12 and College students. Knowing your options ahead of time will help when you need to use them.


5. Try something new.

If your motivation is struggling from the grind of classes, sometimes changing it up can help. Join a new club or organization on campus or pursue a new hobby. There are so many areas to explore: sports, theater, music, art, etc. Trying something new can help you feel excited again.

Good luck with your start to the new school year! May it be a time of growth and learning.

 

Start a Stress-Free School Year with an Expert Private Tutor Today

Call or email us to learn more and get started!

New Blog Post: Educator Spotlight. Photo is of Hodis Learning & Music's math tutor and Mandarin tutor, Wu L.

Educator Spotlight: Wu L.

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Educator Spotlight: Wu L.

math tutor, Wu L. educator spotlight.

What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator?

Having immediate positive feedback is one of the most exciting things about being a math tutor. Witnessing the impact I have on a student’s success makes me incredibly happy and satisfied. When students begin to understand concepts in our sessions, they will often excitedly ask me to give them another problem to solve. Watching them solve the problem completely on their own is almost always the most rewarding part of the session – for the student and for me.


What are the most common areas you see your students struggling in? How do you help them in those areas?

One thing I noticed is that students tend to have an abstract, all-encompassing fear of math. Students often say that math is hard for them but have trouble pinning down exactly what is difficult for them. I believe knowing the timetable plays a very important role in students’ liking of math. Having this integral foundation makes the whole math process a lot smoother and it also gives people a sense of confidence to deal with whatever comes next, a sense of readiness. Although it may be daunting for some students to learn their times tables up to 10, it pays off tremendously. I also see many students struggling with fundamental algebra rules such as adding/subtracting fractions, multiplying decimals/fraction etc. With students taking algebraic courses, I like to go through math problems that use all of these basic rules to refresh their memories. Going through these fundamentals can help students identify and tackle their areas needing improvement. And doing so will set them up for success.

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching students?

I love the outdoors. Camping, hiking, biking or even simply driving on the freeway in wide open country. It helps me to think and connect with myself and helps me cultivate a different perspective. I also love music, especially the music from the late 70s through the 90s. I recently began teaching myself the guitar to learn my favorite song, “Landslide.”


What do you think makes Hodis Learning & Music an excellent service and company to work for?

The company treats its employees well and pays them better than most other tutoring companies while also offering some of the lowest rates around to students. With the rising cost of living, the company is even raising the pay for all of us in August. And on top of that, the company also donates 20 percent of its profits to local nonprofit education organizations such as SPEF and PEF. Giving back to the local community and prioritizing employees’ wellbeing is something I believe in and I am grateful that the company and I are on the same page.

 

Schedule a Session with Wu Today!

Call or email us today to learn more and start sessions.

 

Learn more about Wu.

3 Tips to Keep Your Student Reading Over the Summer. A new blog post on Hodis Learning & Music, an educational connections company that provides academic tutoring, music lessons, and art lessons.

3 Tips to Keep Your Student Reading Over the Summer

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3 Tips to Keep Your Student Reading Over the Summer

3 Tips to Keep Your Student Reading Over the Summer. A new blog post on Hodis Learning & Music, an educational connections company that provides academic tutoring, music lessons, and art lessons.

Reading is important for developing literacy, improving vocabulary, building social-emotional skills, and learning about the world and others.

Without school, it can be easy for students to avoid reading for three months, especially if it’s something they already struggle with and don’t like doing. However, it’s important that they continue reading to build their skills and ensure they don’t fall behind in the next school year. Below are 3 ways you can keep your student reading over the summer!

1. Join a Summer Reading Challenge

A reading challenge can be a great way to incentivize students to read during the summer months. Check with your school or local library to see if they have a challenge and how to join. Rules and prizes may vary, but the general idea is that participants keep track of how many books they read, or how many minutes per day they spend reading. You might even be able to create your own reading challenge at home to inspire your student. Use competitive spirit to keep your student reading throughout the summer!

2. Read With Your Student

This strategy might work particularly well for students who are still learning how to read or struggle with reading on their own. Encourage your student to pick the book you’ll read together. They might become more engaged once they have a say in the book they’re reading, rather than reading one assigned by a teacher. You and your student can alternate between reading each page or different paragraphs, depending on the book.

3. Have Your Student Find Books They Like

Take your student to a bookstore or sign them up for a library card and let them explore! As mentioned in suggestion 2, students might find reading more enjoyable when they have a say in the books they are reading. Your student might find they love fantasy series or graphic novels– books they don’t normally get to read for school. While it is important to make sure your student is reading at their grade level, allowing them to read books they choose and are excited about can help them build confidence and learn to enjoy reading. This will ultimately help them improve their reading skills in the long-run.

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