Exam Prep 101 at Hodis Learning & Music

Exams can be stressful for students of all ages. However, by following some effective exam preparation strategies, you can increase your chances of success.

 

1. Start Early

The earlier you start preparing for an exam, the more time you will have to learn the material and review it thoroughly. It is also important to give yourself enough time to practice answering exam-style questions. Consider spaced practice studying.

 

2. Create a study schedule

Once you know what material you need to cover, create a study schedule that breaks it down into manageable chunks. Be sure to schedule in regular breaks and downtime to avoid burnout.

 

3. Find a Study Method that Works for You

Some people learn best by reading and taking notes, while others prefer to listen to lectures or watch videos. Experiment with different study methods to find one that helps you to retain information effectively.

 

4. Identify Your Weaknesses

Once you have a good understanding of the material, take some time to identify your weaknesses. This will help you to focus your study time on the areas where you need the most improvement.

 

5. Create Study Aids

Study aids can be a helpful way to review and retain information. Some common study aids include flashcards, mind maps, and practice tests.

 

6. Take Breaks

It is important to take breaks while studying to avoid burnout. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to refresh your mind and body.

 

7. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for learning and memory consolidation. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before your exam.

 

8. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

On the day of your exam, eat a healthy breakfast that will give you sustained energy. Avoid sugary cereals and pastries, which can lead to a crash in your blood sugar levels. Learn more about nutrition and brain health.

 

9. Arrive Early

On the day of your exam, arrive early so that you have time to relax and collect your thoughts. Avoid cramming at the last minute, as this will only increase your stress levels.

 

10. Read the Instructions Carefully

Once you receive your exam paper, take some time to read the instructions carefully. Make sure that you understand what is being asked of you before you start answering any questions.

 

11. Budget Your Time

Don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you are stuck, move on to the next question and come back to it later.

 

12. Proofread Your Work

Before you submit your exam paper, proofread your work carefully to catch any errors.


Additional tips

  • Form a study group. Studying with other students can help you to stay motivated and learn the material more effectively.
  • Use online resources. There are many helpful online resources available to help you prepare for exams. These resources can include practice tests, study guides, and video tutorials.
  • Seek help from your teacher or professor. If you are struggling with a particular concept, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teacher or professor. Or, consider getting help from a tutor.

By following these effective exam preparation strategies, you can increase your chances of success and ace your tests!


Prepare for Your Exams with Expert, Individualized Guidance

Hodis Learning & Music provides expert, individualized academic tutoring and academic coaching to students of all ages and backgrounds, helping them master course material and optimize study skills. Learn more about our services by calling or emailing us today!

Taking Care of Yourself Over Winter Break

As the winter break approaches, students are presented with a golden opportunity to hit the pause button, recharge, and focus on their well-being. Beyond the hustle and bustle of academic commitments, this break offers a chance to indulge in self-care, relaxation, and personal growth. We’ll explore essential ways for students to make the most of their winter break, so you can return to school feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for success.


1. Rest and Relaxation

  • Prioritize getting enough sleep and establish a consistent sleep schedule. This is especially important if you’ve been staying up late studying and working. Your body and brain need rest and break is the perfect time to reset your sleep schedule.
  • Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as reading or meditation.


2. Physical Well-being

  • Incorporate regular physical activity, whether it’s a winter sport, gym workout, or a simple walk.
  • Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated for overall health. This is important even though there tends to be a plethora of sugary, indulgent foods available during the holidays. Remember all things are okay in moderation, but try to incorporate healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains over your break as well.


3. Mindfulness and Mental Health

  • Practice mindfulness through meditation or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress. Reflect on your personal achievements from the past semester, and maybe take some time to set realistic goals for the year ahead.


4. Hobbies and Interests

  • Dedicate time to pursue hobbies or activities that bring joy and foster creativity. Take up writing, try out crochet, or learn how to play chess. These activities can be relaxing, and also allow you to spend time with friends and family while learning something new or developing your skills.


5. Digital Detox

  • Take a break from excessive screen time and social media to reduce digital fatigue. You might be planning to spend your break bingeing TV or playing video games, but taking some time away from screens and social media will help you focus on meaningful interactions with friends and family. It can also be good for your mental health to take a step away from screens for a while.


6. Community Involvement

  • Consider volunteering or participating in local charity events to give back to the community. Engaging in acts of kindness can positively impact mood and well-being.


7. Organizational Strategies

  • It may not sound like the most fun thing to do over break, but consider spending some time organizing your study materials, creating a study schedule, and setting up a dedicated study space for the upcoming semester. Clean out your backpack and clear off your desk so you’re ready after the break.Streamlining your responsibilities can reduce stress and create a positive learning environment next semester.

 

Use these guidelines to make the most of your winter break and set a positive tone for the future. All of us at Hodis Learning & Music hope you have a happy, healthy, and safe break, and we look forward to seeing you again next semester!

Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for students to ensure overall well-being and academic success. Use our guide below to help you balance school and life.


Manage Your Time

  • Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes study time, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Use tools like planners or digital apps to organize tasks and deadlines.
  • Identify and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Then, break your larger tasks into smaller chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.


Manage Your Time

  • Utilize active studying techniques such as summarizing information in your own words or teaching concepts to someone else. These are far more effective than highlighting or making flash cards.
  • Instead of cramming for exams the night before, spread out your studying over a longer period of time. This will help you remember information better and ensure that you are properly rested before your exam.


Make Time for Self-Care and Relaxation

  • Make time for regular physical activity as a student, whether it’s through playing sports, going to the gym, or simply taking a walk. Exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for reducing stress and improving your mood.
  • Consider starting a mindfulness or meditation practice to help you relax and manage stress. There are plenty of apps and online resources to utilize as you start meditation, like Headspace and Calm.
  • Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Getting good quality sleep can have a positive effect on your mental health, memory retention, and academic performance.
  • Make some time for hobbies and activities you enjoy outside of academics. Engaging in hobbies can provide a mental break, allow time for relaxation, and foster creativity.


Maintain Social Connections

  • Engaging in meaningful social interactions provides emotional support and can reduce stress. Quality time with friends, family, coworkers, and classmates can contribute to increased happiness and improved mental health.


Utilize Support Services

  • If you need extra help, look into counseling or tutoring to help you manage school and stress. School counselors can provide support and advice for how to manage overwhelming feelings that might come from trying to succeed in school and balance your life.
  • Tutors can help you if you are struggling in a class or just need extra help preparing for an exam.

Remember that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is an ongoing process. It won’t always be easy and sometimes, you might not have the balance you want. Keep working at it and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Hodis Learning & Music provides expert, individualized academic tutoring and academic coaching to students of all ages and backgrounds, helping them master course material and optimize academic performance. Learn more about our services by calling or emailing us today!

Building resilience on your academic journey.

Every student faces challenges on their academic journey. Whether it’s a difficult class, a bad grade, or a personal setback, everyone experiences moments of doubt and discouragement. But the most successful students are those who are able to overcome these challenges and build resilience.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It’s about having the strength and perseverance to keep going even when things are tough. Resilient students are able to learn from their mistakes, adapt to change, and stay motivated in the face of challenges.


Building Resilience

  • Take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental health will give you the energy and focus you need to succeed academically.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a teacher, tutor, or classmate. There are many people who are willing to help you succeed. Consider getting expert tutoring help from Hodis Learning & Music.
  • Set realistic goals. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals. Break down large goals into smaller, more manageable ones. This will help you to stay on track and motivated. See: SMART Goals.
  • Develop a positive attitude. A positive attitude can go a long way in helping you to overcome challenges. Focus on your strengths and believe in yourself.
  • Learn from your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and move on. Don’t let your mistakes discourage you.


Specific Examples

Here are some specific examples of how students can build resilience in the face of common academic challenges:

  • Dealing with a difficult class. If you’re struggling in a particular class, don’t give up. Talk to your teacher about what you’re struggling with and ask for help. You may also want to consider forming a study group with other students in the class or hiring a tutor.
  • Getting a bad grade. Everyone gets bad grades from time to time. It’s important to not let one bad grade define you. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Analyze your performance on the test or assignment and identify areas where you can improve.
  • Experiencing a personal setback. If you’re going through a difficult time in your personal life, it’s important to be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to perform at your best academically when you’re dealing with personal challenges. Talk to your teachers or counselor about what you’re going through and ask for support.

Building resilience takes time and effort. But it’s an essential skill for all students to develop. Resilient students are more likely to succeed academically and in life.


Additional Tips for Building Resilience:

  • Cultivate a relationship with a mentor. A mentor is someone who can provide you with guidance and support on your academic journey. They can help you to set goals, develop strategies for success, and overcome challenges.
  • Build a strong support network. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and support your goals. This could include family, friends, teachers, or other students.
  • Celebrate your successes. It’s important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you to stay motivated and keep moving forward.

Remember, you’re not alone. Everyone faces challenges on their academic journey. But by building resilience, you can overcome these challenges and achieve your goals.


Get Expert Help to Build Academic Resilience

Hodis Learning & Music provides expert, individualized academic tutoring and academic coaching to students of all ages and backgrounds, helping them master course material and optimize academic performance. Learn more about our services by calling or emailing us today!

Nutrition and Brain Health

Smart study habits aren’t the only way to ensure you do well in school. Proper nutrition can have a positive impact on student performance, particularly when it comes to improving your learning, memory, and cognitive function. Conversely, poor nutrition can negatively impact everything from your ability to focus to your quality of sleep. Read on to learn more about nutrition and brain health.

The Basics of Proper Nutrition

  • A balanced, nutritious diet helps you stay healthy and avoid chronic illnesses. The best way to have a nutritious diet, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, is to focus on eating a variety of nutrient-dense food and beverages in each food group. The different food groups are fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
  • Nutrient-dense foods have a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other necessary nutrients with little to no added sugar, sodium, or saturated fats.
  • A balanced diet includes:
    • Vegetables of all types and colors—starchy vegetables like potatoes, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, peas, and lentils.
    • Fruits, especially whole fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, mangos, pineapple, cherries, berries, and more.
    • Grains, at least half of which are whole grain.
    • Dairy, including fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or lactose-free versions, and fortified soy beverages.
    • Protein, including lean meats, eggs, seafood, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and soy products.

How Does Nutrition Impact Brain Health?

Your brain needs food to function. It’s constantly analyzing information your body takes in through your senses of sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. It uses this information to think and solve problems. Even at night, your brain is working! This is why it’s so important to feed your brain properly.

Each food group is necessary for proper brain function:

  • Healthy fats especially omega-3 fatty acids, support memory and learning. Cells and a majority of your brain are made up of fat as well.
  • Proteins are necessary to produce neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are essential for learning, memory, and emotional regulation.
  • Carbohydrates are digested into glucose which provides energy to your brain.
  • Fruits and vegetables are filled with beneficial micronutrients, like antioxidants. Antioxidants found in fruits like berries can reduce inflammation, and help the brain generate cells and neurotransmitters which boost learning and memory.

According to a scientific analysis, proper cognitive development in infants and children relies on adequate nutrition. Some of the things found to be beneficial were increased iron and multi-nutrients, as well as increased consumption of fish.

Just as healthy fats improve cognitive function, excess consumption of saturated fats leads to cognitive decline and negatively affects children’s memory. Saturated fats are found in foods like butter, ghee, cream, and coconut oil.

Diets high in fat and sugar can seriously alter the brain regions used for memory, learning, and reward systems. High-fat and high-sugar foods take over the reward system in your brain making you want more and more, which can lead to overeating and cognitive decline.

Other Ways Nutrition Can Have an Impact

Sleep

Sleep is essential to helping children and adolescents grow and develop. It’s also important for memory and learning. Nutrient-dense foods help children have better quality sleep, while foods lacking nutrients like processed foods and fast foods are associated with poorer sleep quality in children. Soda consumption is also associated with less sleep.

Mood & Emotions

Overeating, eating a diet high in fat, or eating a diet that does not meet nutritional needs can cause inflammation in your cells, particularly in the parts of your brain that control cognition and emotion. This is how a poor diet can lead to poor emotional regulation and even depressive symptoms. Scientists observed this even in young children, which is why starting good eating habits and proper nutrition at a young age is so important.

Good nutrition gives your brain the VIP treatment it deserves! And when it comes to acing your classes, tutoring can put your well-nourished brain to the test by reviewing material and learning new concepts. By feeding your brain right and getting that extra help when needed, you’re setting yourself up for academic success!

Sign Up for Tutoring Today!

Learn more or schedule your first session by calling or emailing us today.

Sources

U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). What is MyPlate? https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate

Roberts, M., Tolar-Peterson, T., Reynolds, A., Wall, C., Reeder, N., & Rico Mendez, G. (2022). The Effects of Nutritional Interventions on the Cognitive Development of Preschool-Age Children: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 14(3), 532. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030532

Naveed, S., Lakka, T., & Haapala, E. A. (2020). An Overview on the Associations between Health Behaviors and Brain Health in Children and Adolescents with Special Reference to Diet Quality. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(3), 953. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030953

Holmes, J. F., St. Laurent, C. W., & Spencer, R. M. C. (2021). Unhealthy diet is associated with poor sleep in preschool-aged children. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 182(5), 289–303. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221325.2021.1905598

Ahmad F, Hasan H, Abdelhady S, Fakih W, Osman N, Shaito A and Kobeissy F (2021) Healthy Meal, Happy Brain: How Diet Affects Brain Functioning. Front. Young Minds. 9:578214. doi: 10.3389/frym.2021.578214

Spencer, S.J., Korosi, A., Layé, S. et al. Food for thought: how nutrition impacts cognition and emotion. npj Sci Food 1, 7 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41538-017-0008-y

Strategies for Overcoming Math Anxiety: Tips from Expert Math Tutors

Math is tough and causes anxiety for many students. We asked our expert math tutors for advice on managing math anxiety. Read through their tips below.

About Our Math Tutors

All three of our math tutors interviewed in this article are experts with years of tutoring experience.

  • Muan is a math and physics tutor. Muan went through SPUSD before entering CSULA at the age of 14, where he earned a B.S. in Physics with a minor in History.
  • Amber is a math, biology, and chemistry tutor. During the day, she is a high school STEM teacher. She received her B.S. and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from USC.
  • Nathan is a math and computer science tutor. He is a Pasadena local who went to Flintridge Prep before earning a B.S. in Computer Science from Rice University.

What causes math anxiety for students?

The connection between math and emotional stress, along with the resulting anxiety, is understandable. When faced with the challenge of learning math, failure is often seen as a sign of incompetence, which is not the right perspective. Failure is actually a stepping stone to progress. However, when failure leads to negative emotions like lower grades or social embarrassment, our natural response is to avoid further failure. This typically leads to disengagement from learning, which perpetuates a cycle of anxiety and failure. – Muan M.

Many students have a “fixed mindset” when it comes to their skill in math, meaning they believe that math aptitude is an intrinsic talent rather than a skill they build over time. This creates problems for students because it makes them believe that they cannot improve and that there is little reason to try to improve. – Amber H.

Math anxiety has many causes, including negative classroom experiences and poor math performance. Math anxiety can also cause a negative feedback loop in which poor math performances cause worse math anxiety, which can in turn cause worse math performances. – Nathan P.

How can tutoring help students lower their math anxiety?

It’s easy to get discouraged when it feels like our efforts are not yielding the desired results. Without a sense of effective agency and responsibility in our attempts to improve, it becomes difficult to persist in studying or completing homework. If our efforts don’t lead to meaningful outcomes, why bother trying? This is why tutoring is valuable for struggling students. A tutor can offer guidance not only in the subject matter but also in metacognition—the ability to understand and regulate one’s own thinking processes. The role of a tutor goes beyond patching up knowledge gaps. A tutor helps students develop the skills and confidence to effectively handle future failures on their own. Students should be reassured that it’s okay to be inexperienced and that lack of understanding, not inherent ability, is the cause. – Muan M.

Tutoring gives students a judgment-free zone where they can ask questions about math. In a large classroom, many students will not ask questions out of fear of being judged by their peers. With a tutor in a one-to-one setting, this fear of judgment goes away, giving many students the freedom to ask questions and get clarification. – Amber H.

Tutoring gives students a chance to prove their skills in math, which can help to break the math anxiety cycle. Specifically, taking them out of a classroom that might be providing negative experiences and giving them a more personal, nurturing environment can do wonders. Also, the time spent in a one-on-one tutoring session can help immensely their grasp of math concepts, which will help them with any math anxiety. – Nathan P.

How do you personally help students feel more confident and less anxious about math?

There are two types of anxiety to address: high-stakes anxiety (during formal assessments) and low-stakes anxiety (pervasive in the learning process and life in general). High-stakes anxiety can be overcome with time and persistence by reinforcing the student’s self-confidence through tangible achievements in school and effective learning. However, reducing low-stakes anxiety during the learning process itself is also important. As a tutor, I aim to create a supportive environment, making learning enjoyable rather than dreadful. Engaging with anecdotes, incorporating small breaks, and maintaining a positive emotional state despite setbacks all contribute to this. – Muan M.

Admitting that you don’t know something takes a lot of vulnerability! Therefore, I make sure first and foremost that students feel like they are in a safe, non-judgmental environment. That way, they feel free to be vulnerable and ask questions. The first step to building rapport with a student is always to create a safe space for students to express themselves. – Amber H.

I personally help students feel less anxious about math by celebrating little victories in every session and listening to them when they express their feelings. I have always been a very encouraging person and a great listener, and have found that both are great ways to help others overcome their anxieties. – Nathan P.

Aside from tutoring, what can students do for themselves to overcome their anxiety?

Dealing with anxiety can be challenging. Personally, I’ve found that having a support network is immensely helpful in reducing negative emotions, including anxiety. Spending time with family or friends doing enjoyable activities can make a significant difference. Exercise has also been proven to reduce stress and improve mood. – Muan M.

Students can start by phasing out negative self-talk, such as “I’m just bad at math” or “Math is terrible.” These phrases treat math skills as fixed and intrinsic. Instead, students should replace these phrases with things like “I don’t know how to do this yet.” Introducing “yet” to this phrase shifts the focus to improvement and growth. Parents can help too by redirecting negative self-talk when they hear it. – Amber H.

Students can utilize deep breathing techniques such as the box breathing method to calm themselves when they feel their math anxiety taking control. They can also use more traditional therapy to help overcome greater anxiety issues. – Nathan P.

Get Expert Help for Any Math Subject

Our math tutors can help students of all ages and backgrounds:

Sign Up for Math Tutoring Today!

If your student is struggling with math, there is hope! Tutoring is the most effective way to improve a student’s understanding of math concepts, which helps to ease anxiety surrounding the subject. Learn more or schedule your first session by calling or emailing us today.

The Impact of Exercise on Academic Performance

Today, we’re discussing the incredible impact of exercise on academic performance. When children and adolescents stay active, they experience higher levels of fitness, lower body fat, and stronger muscles and bones compared to those who are more sedentary.

Additionally, physical activity enhances cognitive abilities, which means improved academic performance, sharper memory, and better overall thinking skills. On top of that, it can even help alleviate symptoms of depression. So, encouraging your students to get moving is a fantastic way to support their physical and mental well-being


The Scientific Impact of Exercise on Academic Performance

The FITKids study by Hillman et al. (2018) explored the effects of physical activity on conflict monitoring in young individuals. Conflict monitoring is the cognitive process of detecting and managing conflicting information. The findings revealed that regular physical activity has a positive impact on conflict monitoring abilities.

Improved conflict monitoring abilities can improve decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility, which are all crucial for academic success.

In another study, Chomitz et al. (2009) investigated the association between physical fitness and academic achievement in third- and fifth-grade students. The researchers collected data on cardiovascular endurance, body mass index, and muscular strength and endurance. Academic achievement was assessed using standardized tests in reading and math.

The study revealed that students who demonstrated higher levels of physical fitness also performed better academically, particularly in the areas of reading and math. The findings also suggested that higher levels of physical fitness were associated with improved cognitive behaviors, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.


Recommended Exercise Guidelines

According to the CDC, children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old should get 60 minutes or more of moderate to intense physical activity daily. Most of those 60 minutes should be spent doing a moderate to vigorous aerobic activity. Think running, bike riding, or a sport like soccer or basketball. This hour of moderate to vigorous activity should be done at least 3 days a week.

A portion of the daily 60-minute activity should also include a muscle-strengthening activity. Muscle-strengthening activities should also be done at least 3 days per week. Climbing trees or playing on a play structure with ladders, ropes, and slides are considered muscle-strengthening activities. Adolescents might consider using weight machines, resistance bands, or hand-held weights to strengthen muscles.

Part of the daily 60-minute activity should include bone-strengthening physical activities as well. Hopping, skipping, or jumping are examples of bone-strengthening activities.

Many children and adolescents likely already meet the recommended exercise guidelines by playing daily at recess, visiting parks, or participating in a sport with weekly practices.


Conclusion

It’s important for children and adolescents to build healthy habits and have an active lifestyle. Exercise has a proven positive impact on academic performance and cognitive development. Parents and guardians should encourage their students to be active every day.

If your active student needs help preparing for exams, completing homework, or just generally needs academic support, contact Hodis Learning & Music. Call us or request a call back to learn more and book your first session today!


Citations

Hillman, C. H., Pontifex, M. B., Raine, L. B., Castelli, D. M., Hall, E. E., & Kramer, A. F. (2018). Effects of the FITKids physical activity randomized controlled trial on conflict monitoring in youth.

Chomitz, V. R., Slining, M. M., McGowan, R. J., Mitchell, S. E., Dawson, G. F., & Hacker, K. A. (2009). Is there a relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement? Positive results from public school children in the northeastern United States.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Adolescents. www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/guidelines

University of Nebraska-Lincoln. (n.d.). Physical Activity: Kids and Teens. food.unl.edu/article/physical-activity-kids-and-teens