The Gift of Tutoring

Education is a powerful gift, and a bit of extra support can make all the difference in one’s learning journey. With guidance from our tutors, students can develop better study habits, feel more in control of their learning, and even begin to enjoy subjects they once struggled with.

One of the most crucial services a tutor can provide for your child is one-on-one, personalized instruction to supplement in-class learning. In a one-to-one setting, our tutors are able to navigate different learning styles and other obstacles that may be overlooked in traditional classroom settings. For example, working on a whiteboard alongside a tutor can help students break down complex problems, provide visual solutions to word problems, and correct errors that they may have been making. Our tutors work to better understand how students learn in order to guide how they talk through different concepts as well as personalizing study and organization tools.

Working with a tutor also gives your child the opportunity to improve their organization skills and independence. Students learn to identify weak spots in their curriculum throughout the week to bring to their tutor’s attention, encouraging them to take control of their learning experience to work towards greater understanding. During the session, the student chooses which assignments to prioritize and works with the tutor to maximize their time spent together.

Tutoring also provides a support system for students working through challenging courses and balancing extracurriculars, exams, work, and more. School can be hard and knowing that you have someone in your corner to provide help and understanding eases stress and anxiety. Our tutors celebrate the little victories and notice the harder times. Acting as a sounding board for concerns about school, advice on organization, and more, our tutors provide support to students in more ways than just homework help.

With the right support, students gain not only academic success but also essential life skills that they can use well into the future. Investing in tutoring is an investment in a child’s growth, confidence, and potential.

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Start Tutoring

Discover how the winter months offer a perfect opportunity for students to get ahead.

Winter is a unique time during the school year: the fall semester is ending and the spring semester is just starting. This makes it a great time to evaluate how your student did at the beginning of the year while still giving enough time to turn their grades around before the end of the year. Tutors can help evaluate students’ strengths and weaknesses and have the tools and knowledge to help students improve. Tutors working one-on-one with students can pick up on their study habits, effort levels, and understanding of key concepts to fill in the missing gaps in their instruction while helping a student balance the new assignments, projects, and finals that seem to pile up in the spring.

Choosing to start preparation for standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, is a wise decision for students who have a good handle on their day-to-day schoolwork. Some states and school districts provide these tests for free for public school students (usually during their junior year). Other school districts may waive the entrance fees for their students. Why not take advantage by working with a tutor to help maximize the opportunity? In addition to the college entrance exams, AP tests are also administered in the spring, so getting a head start on the content for students’ AP classes will not only help them possibly test out of an entry level college course, but set them up to do well in the class itself. Tutors who specialize in these tests know the timing and content to help your student do well. Starting in the winter can give students a head start in preparing for the exams.

Because the spring semester is just starting or about to start, many families don’t jump at the opportunity of having a tutor work with their students. As a result, most families wait until spring to start tutoring if their student is struggling. Tutors may get booked up, leading to your student missing out on the help they need. By starting early, students are staying on top of the class concepts, preventing them from falling behind and scrambling to find help.

With the structure and guidance of a tutor, students can gain confidence, boost grades, and head into spring ready to succeed.

Get the Most out of Tutoring Sessions with these Tips

Tutoring can be very beneficial and help students get back on track, increase confidence, and achieve their academic goals. However, tutoring success depends on student engagement, commitment, and preparation. (In other words, accountability!) Here are a few tips and guidelines to help students get the most out of their tutoring sessions…

Bring Something!

Bring homework, a review sheet for a test, or even an already-graded assignment. If your tutor knows what you need to work on, you will get much more out of your session. If you have nothing to bring, at least have a topic in mind. Our tutors can find practice material for the session, but only if they know what you need to study!

Be Accountable. Put in the Work Before, During, and After Your Session

Tutoring is not a replacement for self-study, it is supplementary. Studying on your own before your session will help you to better understand your weaknesses. THis helps you to know what you don’t know, enabling you to ask productive questions and get the most out of your tutoring sessions. Actively participating during tutoring sessions is very important. Ask questions when you don’t understand something! Don’t be afraid to make a mistake in front of your tutor. Nobody is perfect.

Your tutor understands that you don’t know everything yet. Tutors want to see where you are making mistakes so they can help you to fix them. If your tutor asks you to explain your thought process during a problem, they aren’t judging you, they just want to help. After your tutoring session is over, you should continue to apply what you have learned. Make sure to complete any homework assigned by your tutor. If you find that there is something you still don’t understand, make a note of that and ask your tutor about it at your next session.

Define a Clear Goal for Each Tutoring Session

What is your goal for the tutoring session? Having a clear understanding of what you need to accomplish during your session is extremely helpful to you and the tutor, and helps to make the session productive. It also puts the student in the right frame of mind for the session. The goal should be clear – gaining a complete understanding of a specific topic for an upcoming assignment, prioritizing three topics that need to be reviewed before Friday’s exam, etc. THis gets back to the student taking some ownership and “putting some skin in the game,” which contributes to an overall successful tutoring engagement.

Avoid the Fire Drill – Consider Tutoring Before the Situation Becomes an Emergency

If you or your child is beginning to struggle ina class, or even expects that they may struggle, starting regular tutoring as early as possible is a must. Starting tutoring early is an effective, proactive way to help students keep up in class and remain on-track. A late semester attempt to bring a bad grade up to an A, B, or even a C, is the equivalent of throwing a “Hail Mary,” and is very difficult. Our most successful students are the students who come in regularly over the course of an entire semester.We can help to cram for a test, but we find that your results will be much better if you have been working to understand the material – through disciplined study and tutoring – consistently throughout the semester.

Mindfulness: How to Increase Academic and Personal Success

We’ve all been there. You’re a high school student who woke up late, missed the bus, scrambled to get to class on time, and now you’re sitting in front of a math test you were once fully prepared for—only to find that everything has slipped from your mind after the chaotic morning. School and life alike are full of daily stressors that impact the way we think, feel, and act. While many of us have developed our own ways to cope with this stress as we move into adulthood, what about our kids and students? They haven’t always been taught or shown these coping skills, and unfortunately, this can lead to significant negative effects on their academics and grades. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way if we step back for a moment and teach them the skills of mindfulness.

A study conducted by researchers at the Boston Charter Research Collaborative—through a partnership between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, MIT, and Transforming Education—found that mindfulness education during an eight-week program for sixth graders had a positive impact on reducing stress levels and improving student performance. Through mindfulness training, these students were able to hone their ability to focus in the moment, which enhanced their capacity to learn and regulate their emotions. The skill of focusing in the present is one we should not overlook. The ability to remain present allows students to absorb new information more effectively and permanently. When students feel threatened or vulnerable—like many do in subjects such as math, science, or other areas they struggle with—the brain enters survival mode, focusing only on the immediate threat. For example, a freshman struggling in Algebra might be more concerned with the fear of being embarrassed in front of her peers if she is cold-called to answer a question. Instead of focusing on the lesson, she spends her time overthinking all the possible ways she could embarrass herself and avoid that situation. By the time the lesson ends, she hasn’t absorbed any of the material. Had she been equipped with the tools to regulate her emotions, she might have been able to stay present during the lesson and tackle the content with confidence, ultimately alleviating stress for future lessons.

Mindfulness can sometimes seem vague or abstract, so here are a few ways you can incorporate mindfulness into your student’s life to help them succeed.

Practice and Demonstrate at Home

Kids’ first teachers are their parents, and they continue to learn from them throughout their lives. This doesn’t stop when they go to school. A great way to encourage your student to practice mindfulness is to model it in your own life—especially when they see you facing a stressful situation. For instance, when the barista hands you your coffee without the lid fully closed and it spills all over your car, instead of reacting immediately (though I understand the urge!), try taking a few deep breaths and pausing before responding. In that moment, all you can do is pull over and clean the mess. When you’re juggling tasks like preparing dinner and asking your child about their day without focusing on either, try including them in the process so that it becomes a shared present moment. Mindfulness can be practiced in many ways, both big and small—find what feels right for you!

Encourage Study Check-Ins

When your student is studying, encourage them to pause and acknowledge how they’re feeling about the content. If they’re frustrated, help them explore why and work together to problem-solve ways to move forward. Give them space to calm their mind and body. When they feel overwhelmed, allow them a moment to simply “be” without worrying about the problem they can’t solve. Then, guide them back into problem-solving and staying focused on the task at hand. A key aspect of mindfulness in education is promoting mindful transitions. This means avoiding constant switching between subjects or assignments. When this happens, the brain can’t fully focus on either task, as it is still preoccupied with the other.

Create a Calming Study Environment and Set Mindful Goals

Create a study space that is welcoming and conducive to learning. When our surroundings are chaotic, so are our thoughts. In addition to a calming environment, encourage your student to set mindful study goals. These can be simple, like: “I will focus on reading this passage thoroughly without rushing,” or “I will work through this math problem from start to finish and check my answer after giving it a full attempt.” Working through a task fully—without constantly checking progress—allows your student to engage more deeply with the content and retain information better, both in everyday life and on test day.

The Benefits of Mindfulness in Education

Mindfulness in education offers numerous benefits: improved focus, reduced anxiety, enhanced emotional regulation, and increased self-awareness. These are invaluable skills that extend far beyond the classroom. By incorporating mindfulness into your home routines, students can develop these skills, leading to greater academic success and improved overall well-being. In turn, this creates a more balanced and effective learning environment.

Preparing for Finals

It’s hard to believe that finals season is already approaching! Final exams can make or break a semester, so we wanted to share some tips on how to prepare for this important time.

Start Early
- Start studying about two to three weeks before your final exams. This ensures you have enough time to gather your materials, ask questions in class, and put together a study plan. It also means you can go over the material multiple times to ensure you fully understand it.
Organize Your Materials
- Organizing your materials is an important part of your study plan. Many teachers will give out study guides in the weeks before finals. You should also gather up and review your class notes, homework, and tests from the past semester.
Prioritize Your Subjects
- We recommend focusing more time on the subjects that are more challenging for you. Use feedback from your teachers to determine where you need to focus your efforts. It’s also a good idea to start with the most challenging subject and then move on to easier subjects.
Break It Down
- Breaking down your studying into smaller and more frequent events can make the task of studying for finals feel much more manageable. Try to make at least a little progress each day. You can focus on one chapter or even one concept at a time.
Use Active Study Techniques
- Studying in multiple different ways and applying knowledge in different ways makes content easier to understand. Some methods include:
  - Flashcards, which are particularly useful for vocab, dates, or formulas.
  - Practice tests, to simulate real exam conditions.
  - Summarizing Notes, to reinforce your understanding of concepts.
Review Strategically
- The night before an exam should be spent on review rather than trying to learn new concepts. You should skim your study materials one last time, then get to bed early.

Preparing for finals is stressful for many students, but these tips should help make finals season a little bit easier. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s doing your best and learning from the process. Good luck!

Tutoring Success Story – A Journey to Math Confidence

A student’s success is always good to celebrate… those “light bulb” moments that spark a new attitude and path to proficiency are worth sharing. We hope you enjoy this one!

I’m Miss C, a dedicated math tutor with a profound commitment to helping students unlock their potential in Mathematics. My love for math is so strong that I pursued a bachelor’s degree in the subject, and now devote myself to guiding others to approach math with confidence and curiosity.

Today, I’d like to share a success story that holds a special place in my heart. It’s the story of Molly, a spirited 5th grader who came to me weighed down by her struggles with math. For Molly, math wasn’t just a subject – it was a source of anxiety and frustration.

In our introductory session, Molly was enthusiastic and full of life, eagerly sharing all her favorite things with a bright smile. But the moment we transitioned into math questions, her energy dropped. She became silent, visibly frustrated, and even angry with herself. I could sense the shift immediately — the weight that math placed on her young shoulders.

Her initial responses often included outbursts of “I can’t do this” and self-criticism, or sometimes complete silence, showing that she had almost given up on herself. Despite this, I could see the potential in her, the spark that just needed the right support to flourish. My focus in those first few sessions was on building trust and creating a safe space where she could face her fears and frustrations without judgment.

Once Molly and I built trust, we started with the basics, identifying her weaknesses through a series of diagnostic tests. This allowed me to set up a targeted skills plan, breaking down concepts into manageable steps she could connect with. Knowing she loved baking, I tried my best to relate every equation to ingredient measurements, fractions, and recipe equations, making math feel relevant to her dreams of one day becoming a baker in Paris.

Each session became a stepping stone, and we celebrated every small victory. I made sure to acknowledge each success, reminding Molly of her progress and helping to rebuild her belief in herself.

Consistency was key in Molly’s journey, and her parents played a crucial role, ensuring she made it to each and every session because they believed in her potential. Progress wasn’t always linear—there were bumps along the way, and it didn’t happen overnight. But with dedication, Molly’s math skills steadily strengthened. Like I always say, “math is practice, practice, practice,” and together, we made that practice something she looked forward to.

I set small, achievable goals for Molly, encouraging her to take ownership of her learning. These goals allowed her to practice even outside our sessions, building her skills bit by bit. Week by week, I saw her become more comfortable, more determined, and more resilient. Her spark was truly reignited—she was not just catching up in math, but starting to genuinely enjoy it.

Today, Molly is keeping up with her class—a remarkable change for the student who was once falling far behind. She’s now able to participate alongside her classmates, confidently answering questions and engaging in discussions. The confidence she’s gained hasn’t just stayed within our tutoring sessions; it’s extended into her school life and beyond.

The subject that once filled her with dread has become something she tackles with a “can-do” spirit. Her progress is a powerful testament to what consistent support, patience, and practice can achieve. Watching her growth has shown me how impactful it is when a student believes in themselves—not only in math, but in every aspect of life. Molly’s journey is proof that with the right support, any student can overcome challenges and thrive.

The Importance of the ACT and SAT in a Test-Optional College Landscape

In recent years, many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies for the ACT and SAT, giving students the choice to apply to their schools without submitting test scores. This shift, spurred by a desire to make the admissions process more inclusive, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has changed the landscape of college admissions. Despite this change, the ACT and SAT remain highly relevant and can be significant assets for students in the competitive admissions process.

Here’s why these tests continue to matter, even in a test-optional environment.

1. ACT/SAT Scores Can Strengthen an Application

Although colleges may not require ACT or SAT scores, strong scores can still make a student’s application stand out. In a pool of applicants where many students have similar GPAs, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation, a high standardized test score can set a candidate apart. Admissions officers often view strong ACT or SAT scores as indicators of academic readiness, particularly for schools with rigorous programs. According to research from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 61% of colleges reported that standardized test scores are still an important factor in admission decisions, despite the rise in test-optional policies. Students who might not have had access to as many Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes can compensate and demonstrate college readiness by having a high ACT or SAT score. Furthermore, since not all high schools grade on the same scale or offer advanced courses, standardized tests provide a universal metric to compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.

2. A Way to Overcome Grade Inflation

Grade inflation has been a growing concern in American high schools, with a notable increase in the number of students achieving high GPAs. This trend can make it challenging for colleges to distinguish between high-performing students. The ACT and SAT offer a standardized measure that can provide context for GPAs and make it easier for colleges to assess students objectively. Some admissions experts argue that test scores can help identify students who may have attended less rigorous high schools, ensuring that students from all educational backgrounds have a fair shot.

3. Scholarship Opportunities are Often Linked to Test Scores

One of the most compelling reasons to take the ACT or SAT is the access they provide to scholarship opportunities. Many merit-based scholarships offered by colleges, private organizations, and state governments still use test scores as a criterion for awarding funds. For example, the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the largest sources of academic scholarships in the U.S., is based on PSAT/NMSQT scores—a test highly aligned with the SAT. Additionally, numerous institutions offer automatic merit scholarships for students who achieve specific test score thresholds, which can help reduce the financial burden of college.

4. ACT and SAT Scores Provide Flexibility in the Application Process

Test-optional policies allow students to decide if their scores reflect their academic abilities and support their application. If a student has an impressive test score, they can submit it to bolster their application. If their score does not reflect their capabilities, they can choose not to include it. This flexibility means that preparing for and taking these tests can provide students with more options rather than limiting them. Even if a student attends a test-optional school, a strong test score can serve as a reliable piece of evidence of their academic abilities and provide reassurance to admissions officers.

5. Preparing for the ACT and SAT Builds Academic Skills

Preparing for the ACT or SAT can also foster skills that help students succeed in college and beyond. Test preparation often enhances critical reading, problem-solving, and time-management skills, which are crucial in higher education. Studies suggest that students who score well on these tests are more likely to excel in college coursework, as the skills tested on the ACT and SAT are directly applicable to the academic demands of college.

6. Global Applied Recognition

For students considering studying abroad, the ACT and SAT are often recognized by international institutions as well. Many foreign universities value U.S.-based standardized tests, especially in countries like Canada and the U.K. This can broaden students’ options and give them an edge if they apply to institutions that weigh standardized test scores more heavily than American test-optional schools do.

While it’s true that students now have the option to apply without test scores, taking the ACT or SAT remains a strategic choice that can positively impact college applications and scholarship opportunities. For students who perform well, test scores add a competitive edge, validate academic readiness, and open doors to additional financial aid. In a world where college admissions grow increasingly complex, the ACT and SAT continue to be valuable tools that can help students maximize their potential and broaden their options.

Sources:

1. National Association for College Admission Counseling. (2022). State of College Admission Report.

2. College Board. (2022). The SAT and College Success.

3. ACT, Inc. (2022). The Role of Standardized Testing in College Admissions.

4. Forbes. (2023). “Why Standardized Testing Still Matters in Test-Optional Admissions.”

5. U.S. News & World Report. (2023). “Test Scores and Merit Scholarships: Why Taking the SAT/ACT Can Pay Off.”

6. Inside Higher Ed. (2023). “Colleges and Grade Inflation: A Growing Concern in Admissions.”

Stay Sharp Through the Holidays: Building Strong Study Habits Before Break

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the days grow shorter, many students begin to feel the effects of the approaching winter break. With holidays on the horizon, it can be tempting to ease up on studying and allow academic habits to slide. However, staying consistent and productive through November and December can make a significant difference in your performance come January. By developing strong study habits now, students can avoid the mid-year slump, finish the semester strong, and start the new year with momentum.

Here’s how you can build lasting study habits before winter break and keep your academic performance on track.

1. Set Clear Goals for the Final Weeks of the Semester

Before the chaos of the holidays sets in, take some time to sit down and plan out your academic goals for the remainder of the semester. Ask yourself:

What are my priorities over the next few weeks?
Which subjects need the most attention before midterms or final exams?
How can I stay on track while balancing school with holiday activities?

By setting clear, realistic goals, you’ll have a sense of direction and purpose, making it easier to stay focused even when distractions arise.

2. Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It

In the weeks leading up to winter break, it’s easy to let your study routine slide, especially if you’re feeling burnt out. But consistency is key to maintaining progress. Now is the time to organize your study time effectively.

Start by creating a study schedule that includes:

A list of all your upcoming assignments, exams, and projects.
Specific blocks of time dedicated to studying each subject.
Breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.

Pro tip: Use a calendar or planner to visually track your study goals and upcoming deadlines. Having a tangible reminder will keep you accountable and help you prioritize your time wisely.

3. Tackle One Task at a Time: Avoid the “Multitasking Trap”

When life gets busy, it’s tempting to juggle multiple tasks at once. But multitasking often leads to reduced productivity and lower-quality work. To build strong study habits, focus on one task at a time. Whether it’s reading a chapter, solving math problems, or preparing for a presentation, give your full attention to the task at hand.

If you find yourself easily distracted, consider using a technique like the Pomodoro Method, where you work in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break). This helps maintain your concentration while avoiding mental fatigue.

4. Stay Organized: Use Tools to Stay on Top of Your Work

During the holidays, it’s easy to let organization slip. However, clutter and disorganization can quickly derail your focus and productivity. Invest in a few simple tools to keep everything in order:

Digital planners: Tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or Todoist help you keep track of deadlines and assignments.
Physical binders or folders: Keep your notes and assignments organized by subject to minimize stress when exam time arrives.
Study apps: Apps like Quizlet or Anki can help you create digital flashcards to review key concepts on the go.

Staying organized means you’ll spend less time scrambling to find materials and more time focusing on productive study sessions.

5. Review Regularly: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

It’s common for students to let review and revision fall to the bottom of their to-do lists, especially as the semester winds down. However, waiting until the last minute to cram for exams often leads to unnecessary stress.

Instead, make it a habit to review your notes regularly. Even spending just 15-20 minutes a day reviewing what you’ve learned can help reinforce key concepts and ensure that information sticks. The more consistently you review, the less overwhelming the material will feel when exam time arrives.

6. Practice Self-Care: Avoid Burnout

While it’s important to stay consistent with your studies, it’s equally important to avoid overworking yourself. The stress of keeping up with school, social obligations, and holiday preparations can quickly lead to burnout. Be sure to build self-care into your routine:

Get plenty of sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to maintain cognitive function.
Eat well: Fuel your brain with nutrient-rich foods to keep your energy levels up.
Take breaks: Give yourself time to relax and recharge with activities you enjoy.
Stay active: Physical exercise has been shown to reduce stress and improve focus.

Taking care of your mental and physical well-being will make it easier to maintain consistent study habits throughout the fall semester.

7. Seek Help When Needed: Don’t Wait Until You’re Struggling

If you’re finding it difficult to stay consistent or understand certain topics, don’t hesitate to seek help. Whether it’s through tutoring, joining a study group, or asking your teacher for clarification, getting support can help you stay on track.

A tutor can offer personalized assistance, helping you to master difficult concepts and stay motivated during challenging times. If you’re not currently working with a tutor, now is the perfect time to consider it, especially if you have upcoming exams or assignments that require extra attention.

8. Reward Yourself for Staying on Track

Staying consistent with your studies doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself along the way. Set up a reward system to acknowledge your progress. For example:

Take a break to watch a favorite TV show after completing a study session.
Plan a fun activity or outing when you hit a major academic milestone, like finishing a project or acing a test.

Rewards help keep you motivated and remind you that your hard work is paying off.

As winter break approaches, staying consistent with your study habits may feel like an uphill battle, but the payoff will be worth it. By setting clear goals, staying organized, practicing regular reviews, and taking care of yourself, you’ll not only finish the semester strong but also set yourself up for success in the new year.

Remember, building strong study habits takes time, but with effort and dedication, you’ll create a routine that works for you—one that helps you thrive even during the busiest times of the year. Stay focused, stay consistent, and enjoy a well-earned break when the time comes!

How to Work Effectively on Group Projects

Learning to work effectively on group projects is an important skill to develop as students enter middle school and high school. Challenges can arise when there are different personalities or work styles within the group. It gives students the opportunity to work on communication skills, problem solving, and delegation. We’ve compiled some practical tips to help students work in groups.

1. Set Clear Goals and Roles

The first step to working successfully in a group is to determine the project’s goals and then assign jobs based on what needs to be completed. A good way to assign jobs is to think about each group member’s strengths and/or interests. For example, one person can do the initial research, one person can compile the information in a clear way, and one person can deliver the presentation once it’s complete.

2. Establish a Communication Plan

Miscommunications can happen when working in a group. The best way to avoid miscommunication is to decide at the outset how your group will communicate with one another. You can try texts, emails, or working on a shared document. It’s also a good idea to check in regularly on the project to make sure everyone is on track.

3. Use Time Wisely

Procrastination can quickly derail group projects. Your group should decide on a timeline that breaks the project into smaller chunks and gives you enough time to complete everything. Shorter, more focused meetings can be more effective than long drawn out sessions.

4. Respect Everyone’s Input

Teamwork works best when everyone feels they can share their ideas and be met with respect. Everyone should listen to their group members and have respectful discussions if you disagree on a topic. Open minded brainstorming sessions are a great way to discuss multiple ideas at once.

5. Take Advantage of Technology

Technology can make group work easier and more efficient. A few ideas for remote collaboration:

Google Slides allow you to work collaboratively on presentations.
Trello or Asana allow you to assign tasks and see progress.
Canva can be used to create posters and graphics.

6. Review and Practice Together

When your work is done, everyone should meet one last time to review the project as a group and make any final changes. You should look for any mistakes and practice delivering your presentation, if needed. This last step boosts confidence and quality.

Group projects may seem challenging, but they are much easier if you set goals, communicate effectively, and treat your teammates with respect. The collaboration and leadership skills you learn will be useful in many different situations in the future.

The Power of Positive Thinking

I was washing dishes in the kitchen one day last week when I heard my preschooler in the room next to me singing a brand new song. I paused to listen and couldn’t help but smile and chuckle to myself as I heard, “everythingggg is going wrong today… everything is going wrong today. Everyyyyything is going wrong today.” The lyrics may not be too clever, but truthfully, it was pretty catchy. I listened for a few more minutes before walking over to check in.

Since that day, this song has made a few appearances in our house/car over the past week. It still makes me chuckle because it is such an honest (and natural) reaction to disappointment, but yesterday as the song once again became audible in our living room (after a very very minor mishap) it struck me a bit differently. You see, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with acknowledging disappointment. Things often happen that I don’t like or that frustrate me. However, one thing I want to be cautious of, is allowing myself or my kiddos to foster and perpetuate a negative mindset. Today, I chose to acknowledge his song, acknowledge what was disappointing, and then take a moment to reflect on the good, fun, and beautiful moments that had also occurred that morning. Things like playing with his best friend in the sandbox, eating a delicious snack, getting to create with his new stickers, etc. This is obviously a specific situation and these examples may not be applicable to you or your students, but I think the simple truth still holds. Our mindsets are powerful. Our mindset can effect change. Our mindsets are also fragile. A strong positive mindset is something that can be cultivated from an early age and re-instilled and practiced throughout life. In fact, when I think back to childhood, one of the most commonly used phrases that I attribute to my own mom is about “the power of positive thinking.” This is something she worked to instill in each of her own children from a young age. It came up oftentimes during sports: when she wanted me to be able to juggle the soccer ball ten times and I said “that’s impossible!” or when my brother was working on batting practice and was struggling to make good contact, or even at the dinner table when I was frustrated by pre-cal homework that just wasn’t clicking. You want to know the results of that positive thinking? I went on to be captain of my soccer team and to this day love juggling the soccer ball. It’s a form of stress relief for me and a reminder that I can do hard things. My brother also went on to be a successful baseball player and now gets to pass these same skills and love of sports on to his son. I studied hard, received my Masters in Education and found incredible purpose in helping others to learn to love (or at least not fear) math! A positive mindset is a powerful and beautiful thing!

When it comes to education there are studies by Angela Duckworth and Carol Dweck that speak to the invaluable benefits of having a positive mindset, a growth mindset, and the determination to persevere. In case you too are in need of a reminder today, it’s okay to feel the negative, it’s okay to be upset! Just don’t let it ruin your perspective. Are you feeling defeated by your most recent test or quiz grade? How can you use that feedback to grow? What skills can you focus on now to improve and better prepare for the next challenge? What can you do differently next time? Take a step back and enjoy the things you love. Relax and take a moment to reflect on and recommit to your goals. Remember, practice makes better. From a parent or teacher perspective, helping your kids to know and believe that they CAN change their outcome, they CAN learn and grow academically, and that they ARE capable of hard things can result in a stronger and more positive perception of themselves and can lead to increased creativity, productivity, confidence, and resilience.

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