25 minute read
Benefits of Tutoring for a Child
By Sarah Lyons
Parents seek the help of a tutor for many reasons. Some parents may choose to have their kids work with a tutor if they are struggling with a subject or particular concept but tutoring isn’t just for kids who are struggling in school. Some parents may hire a tutor because they do not have time to work on schoolwork in the evenings but feel their child needs one-on-one attention while working on homework. Working with a tutor can be beneficial for kids to learn good study habits, how to use their strengths, and work through their weaknesses all while getting individual attention. What are the benefits of tutoring?
INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING
Tutoring can be adapted to fit the child’s needs. Kara Thomas, a teacher who has offered tutoring in the past said “Tutors can provide different tools and techniques because they are working one-on-one with each child. They can also adjust material quickly to be able to meet the child where they are and give them challenges targeted at their skill set.” The benefit of having a tutor is the individual attention that even the best teacher cannot accommodate in a larger classroom setting.
BUILDS CONFIDENCE
Tutoring can help kids build confidence that helps them be successful in the classroom. Some kids lack the confidence they need to speak up and ask questions. Others may have anxiety about test taking. “I have worked with kids who simply lack confidence and need to talk things out.” said Meg Thompson, math teacher and tutor. “They are completely capable and they are just worried they won’t know how to do it. They often just need a reminder that they can do this.” A tutor can work through these obstacles to help build a child’s confidence and give them tools that can help them manage these insecurities in class.
ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT
The most common reason parents seek out tutoring is for academic improvement. Tutors can help children work through the challenges they may be facing and give them tools they need to improve their grades and their understanding of the material. This will build confidence in test taking and strengthen understanding of material so that daily homework isn’t such a chore.
IMPROVED STUDY SKILLS
When children develop good study habits early on, they are able to use these skills throughout their school career, in college, and even in the workforce. Tutors can give children tips that are tailored to their needs and help develop the skills they will need to tackle more challenging work on their own. “I tutored a child that I had in my class as a 7th grader. We worked together until he graduated.” said Thompson. “He has autism and
for some reason we completely hit it off and he moved from grunting in class to being able to do everything asked of him in higher level math classes.” Everyone learns and develops at a different pace and a tutor can not only work on a specialized skill set, but also help kids gain study habits that fit their learning style and personality.
BUILDS CHARACTER
Working with a tutor can be hard work but can have a big payoff when kids understand concepts they didn’t before and see their grades improve as well. Tutoring can be a way to highlight the value of hard work and build your child’s character and work ethic. It can also stretch them out of their comfort zone, help them understand that it’s okay to ask for help, and that it is normal to not understand concepts at first. These lessons will serve them well in life.
“It’s a different relationship with the student,” said Thompson. “It’s one where they know you are completely on their side. Sometimes this gets lost in the classroom. I am always on everyone’s side in the classroom, but there is more competition for my time and limited time for questions.”
Tutoring can be beneficial for nearly every student and does not have to be utilized because your child is “struggling” in a school subject. Working with a teacher who is there to listen to their concerns, answer questions, and review concepts at a pace the child is comfortable with is priceless and can have long term benefits.
Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and mom of six kids including triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.
FINDING THE RIGHT TUTOR FOR YOUR FAMILY
TUTORING CENTER - A tutoring center can be a good fit for families that want a structured environment with progress reports along the way. Centers like Sylvan usually offer a pre-assessment of skills, something that may not be offered with other types of tutoring. RETIRED TEACHER: A retired or former teacher can be a great fit for many students because they have the opportunity to work one-on-one with someone who has a lot of expertise in a casual environment. Referral is typically the best way to connect with a former teacher who may be offering private tutoring. A HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE STUDENT: Working with a student can be both affordable and convenient. Some schools may even offer free tutoring as an after-school program. Some kids may respond better to an older child or one of their peers. FREE “DROP-IN” TUTORING: Libraries, community centers, and even churches often offer free “drop-in” tutoring for math and reading after school. This can be helpful for kids that need help with a few concepts but may not need long term tutoring or families who cannot afford private tutoring. ONLINE TUTORING: For kids who are comfortable working on a computer, online tutoring can be helpful. Websites like www.varsitytutoring.com and www. sylvanlearning.com offer an online tutoring option for a fee. This is beneficial because kids can ask questions 24 hours a day allowing flexibility for busy schedules.
More Events Online at www.BostonParentsPaper.com
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Open House Events
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February 4, 2023 @ 10:00 am 3 McGinnis Dr www.mounthopeschool.org
CHESTNUT HILL
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CONCORD
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Coffee and Conversation with the Heads
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Tremont School Zoom Open House
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GREENFIELD
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Virtual Open House
February 27, 2023 @ 7:00 pm 574 Bernardston Road www.sbschool.org
GROTON
Lawrence Academy Zoom in on LA: Academics
January 12, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
Signature Programs
January 19, 2023 @ 7:00 pm
The Parent Experience
January 26, 2023 @ 7:00 pm 26 Powderhouse Rd lacademy.edu
FOXBORO
The Sage School Virtual Open House
January 10, 2023 @ 9:00 am January 20, 2023 @ 9:30 am 171 Mechanic St www.sageschool.org
LEXINGTON
Cotting School Information Session
January 20, 2023 @ 9:30 am February 17, 2023 @ 9:30 am 453 Concord Ave www.cotting.org
LINCOLN
Birches School Winter Open House
January 7, 2023 @ 1:00 pm 100 Bedford Rd www.birchesschool.org
MARLBOROUGH
New England Innivation Academy Zoom Academic Preview Night
January 26, 2023 @ 7:00 pm 280 Locke Dr www.neiacademy.org
MILLIS
Woodside Academy Open House
January 22, 2023 @ 12:00 pm
Perspective Parent Teatime
January 25, 2023 @ 9:30 am February 15, 2023 @ 9:30 am 350 Village St. www.woodsideacademy.com
MILTON
Thacher Montessori School Information Session
January 19, 2023 @ 9:30 am 1425 Blue Hill Ave www.thacherschool.org
NATICK
Riverbend School Walk & Talk Wednesdays
January 11, 2023 @ 9:00 am January 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am 33 Eliot St. www.riverbendschool.org
NEWTON
Fessenden School Coffee, Conversation and Campus Tour
January 18, 2023 @ 8:30 am 250 Waltham St. www.fessenden.org
Jackson Walnut Park School Open House
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Take a Tour Tuesdays
January 10, 2023 @ 9:00 am 200 Jackson Rd www.jwpschools.org
Mt. Alvernia High School Virtual Q & A Session
January 12, 2023 @ 6:30 pm 790 Centre St. www.mountalverniahs.org
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Wellan Montessori School Open House (by appointment)
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Fay School Virtual Information Sessions Boarding Students
January 24, 2023 @ 3:00 pm
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Lower School Visit Days PreK & K
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PreK & K
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RHODE ISLAND EAST PROVIDENCE
The Wolf School Open House
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HOW TO PICK THEBest Camp FOR YOUR CHILD
IN NEW ENGLAND WE’RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE of summer camps to choose from for our children. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region. Continued on page 26 >>>
Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?
The opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few.
Consider the possibilities:
DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths typically vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming. Before camp and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps.
OVERNIGHT (also referred to as Resident or Sleepaway) Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length.
GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many provide campers with the opportunity to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest in depth within the context of the whole program.
TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, climbing and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel.
SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization may include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area.
CAMPS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share very specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any one time.
RELIGIOUSLY-AFFILIATED CAMPS offer religious education formally and informally. Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s own values and beliefs.
FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family members of all ages from grandparents to infants. Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to enjoy new experiences and adventures.
In fact, the only downside to having so many options is that it can truly feel like an exhausting search to find exactly the right fit for your kids. We want them to be happy. We want them to feel comfortable. And, most of all, we want them to be safe. But how does a parent really know he or she is making the right choice? Read on to find a wide range of information that will answer your checklist of questions in terms of how to best decipher the information in all of those brochures and how to make the most of an informational visit. You’ll have better peace of mind and, chances are, your kids will have one incredible summer.
BE PREPARED
Before you start scheduling camp interviews, research all of the options that appeal most to your family, then weigh the pros and cons of each (you can even grade them on a points system if you like). After you’ve compiled a list in order of interest, start eliminating some. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy going on interviews for camps that aren’t really all that appealing to you. It’s a waste of your time and theirs. Once you’ve ruled out camps that don’t meet your essential search criteria or expectations, begin exploring the details of each option you like. Sometimes the filtering process yields too many camps to interview personally; sometimes it doesn’t yield enough. Adjust key variables, such as location and session length, to narrow or expand the number of options on the results page. Use the results page to go directly to camp websites.
GET ORGANIZED
Camp interviews may feel a bit tedious at times, especially depending on how many you plan on talking to, but they are so necessary in determining how your child might fit into the environment. Go into each interview armed with knowledge of your pros and cons so that you have your questions firmly planted in your mind. How does the camp convey who they really are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for a child’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn so much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, FAQs, newsletters, social media and camper or parent testimonials. In fact, many camp websites are a gateway to most pieces of camp information on this list, from video content to downloadable brochures and forms, all reflecting the camp’s culture.
Camps are much more than lists of activities they offer; they are vibrant educational communities – and no two are exactly alike. There is probably not just one perfect camp for your child. More than one camp may turn out to be a great fit, given your search criteria, so the interviewing stage will most likely factor into your final decision and help you to pinpoint the camp. So, how do you decide between two (or a few camps) with comparable activities, location, schedules, amenities and price?
Enough research will provide answers to your questions without you having to utter a single word. Camps try to anticipate what families need to know and provide this information online. You’ll want to use interview time to ask questions that haven’t already been answered – questions that explore the fit for your child.
Running low on time? Interviews with some camp head honchos may already be available online. You can also consult with friends who’ve previously met with the camp for information you never even realized you might want. Look for an interview with the example, you might see photos on the website or on Facebook showing the salad bar or a cabin group sitting around the table with food served family-style. This might spark a question about camp food and how your child’s dietary needs can be met. Or, combing through the part of a website developed exclusively for parents of overnight campers might enable you to understand the camp’s plan and suggestions for communicating with your camper. Perhaps reading the director’s blog from last summer or looking at newsletters might give you some insight into the camp’s philosophy and culture.
BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST ADVOCATE
You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (Your child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or your child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.)
Submitted by American Camp Association, New England.
2020 Session Dates: 2023 Session Dates:
2 Week Sessions June 28 – July 11, 2020 June 25 – July 8, 2023 July 12 – July 25, 2020 July 9 – July 22, 2023 July 26 – August 8, 2020 July 23 – August 5, 2023 4 Week Sessions June 25 – July 22, 2023 July 9 – August 5, 2023
6 Week Sessions June 25 – August 5, 2023
What Do You Envision for Your Child’s Camp Experience?
electing a camp for your child can be exciting. You know that camp is a wonderful way for your child to develop independence, new skills and new friends. But now you need to figure out which camp is the right choice. Consider these questions as you go through your search:
What is driving your camp search?
Fun and learning? New experiences and skills? A need for child care? Family tradition? Encouragement from friends?
What are your leading camp search
criteria? Which ones are “non-negotiable” and which are “preferences”?
Which of your family’s values should be
reflected in the camp philosophy? How
religious should it be? How competitive? How diverse? How much camper choice should be given?
What activities or programs interest you
and your child? What level of intensity are you looking for? Are you looking for opportunities for your child to try new activities, to play, to advance current skills, to practice, to compete or to specialize?
What kind of facilities will your camper
consider? Discuss electricity, bathrooms and dining.
What session length, from eight weeks to a few days, is comfortable for you, for your child, and for your family’s summer
schedule? The most common session lengths are: full season (seven to eight weeks), half season (three to four), two weeks and one week.
What camp clientele do you want to
consider? There are camps for boys only, girls only, coed, brother/sister, religious groups, underserved populations and children with special needs.
How far are you willing to commute your
child? Is there a good local source or is it worth driving to a destination camp?
Sending Teens to Summer Camp
By Kerrie McLoughlin
Summer camp seems the perfect summertime solution for elementary-age kids so they don’t sit around the house bored and so they can make friends and learn new things while having fun. As our children grow out of their “little kid years,” we sometimes forget they still need those kinds of experiences they had when they were younger, just in a different form. Maybe the thought hasn’t crossed your mind that your teen might need to find a fun summer camp. Your teen should be babysitting, mowing lawns, working at the pool, making TikTok videos, hanging around with friends, right? Well, sure! But why not send teens off for a week or more of summer fun and learning this year for a break? Here are some great benefits for teens attending summer camp:
Learning how to give back. Community service camps offer a great chance for teens to make a difference and help out in the community, while also learning lifelong skills. Kids get to spend their days helping others, which just feels good to everyone involved. Maybe your teen will learn how to pack food for the homeless, teach kids how to read or work on a project that will benefit the community, like cleaning up a playground or fixing equipment. Teens even could learn how to paint a house, care for the yard of an elderly person who is unable to do so anymore … or they may even learn how to plan and build a house for someone in need.
Deepening faith. If your teen enjoys church youth groups and activities, a church or other organized religious camp might be just the ticket. The day might begin with a church service, followed by breakfast, then a hike and some time spent in the cabin with friends memorizing Bible verses for a competition at the end of the week. Later there could be singing songs around a bonfire while roasting s’mores.
Working as a team. Your child will be meeting kids of different ages and who Continued on page 32 >>>
CARDIGAN SUMMER SESSION
THE PERFECT BALANCE OF ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT AND SUMMERTIME FUN FOR GIRLS AND BOYS AGES 8-15!
CARDIGAN MOUNTAIN SCHOOL • CANAAN, NH • (603)523.3526 • WWW.CARDIGAN.ORG/SUMMER
are from different backgrounds. Learning how to get along and work as a team is a huge life skill that will be reinforced at camp. Some camps even have kids do teambuilding and trust activities to help them get to know each other.
Standing on their own. Let’s face it. As our kids get older, they start to grow away from us. They are simply preparing to head out on their own and they are also preparing you for that transition by perhaps being a little distant. They are stuck in between childhood and adulthood, and it’s a confusing time. Going away to camp for even a short period of time helps teach independence. A daily structure at camp is already in place, which teens need to follow. Because parents aren’t the ones doing the nagging, teens don’t tune out, but rather respect other adults and learn from them.
Appreciating everything. Away from screens, a person finds it easier to focus on nature, learning, forming relationships and more. Being away from parents, kids will come home with a new appreciation for what it takes to be in a family and help out in the running of the household. Your teen will probably also appreciate funny things like a full pantry that’s open all day, a comfy bed and privacy!
Teen summer camp has so many benefits that cover all the bases, including physical, social, mental and spiritual. As for the rest of the summer? Well, your teen can spend plenty of time doing those odd jobs to help pay for camp next year!
Kerrie McLoughlin is the seasoned homeschooling mom of five. Find them at TheKerrieShow.com.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Math • Science • SAT Test Prep • English •
Technology • Art Baseball • Field Hockey • Flag Football
Lacrosse • Multi-Sports • Soccer
350 Prospect St. Belmont, MA 617-993-5215 www.belmonthill.org/summerprograms
By Katy M. Clark
ow I recall those sleepless nights when my kids were newborns.
Those nights morphed into long days carrying chunky toddlers, then chasing precocious preschoolers. Yup, parenting little ones wore me out.
As my kids grew, things settled down a bit when they entered elementary school. Still, they kept me moving with endless birthday parties and after-school activities like scouts and art class. I even recall a six month stint playing goalie in front of our backyard soccer net as they practiced their skills.
So it was with great anticipation that I envisioned a rest when they reached their teen years. They were more independent and less helpless after all. Welp, I was wrong! There are countless ways that nurturing my teens into adults exhausts me, physically and mentally. Here are all the ways that parenting a teen wears a parent out:
I take way more than ten thousand steps a day as the mother of teens. There are the steps I take behind a cart loading it with more (and heavier) groceries that my teenage son consumes in just a few days. And all the walking I do behind my teens as they cruise the stores at the mall.
I’m always burning calories trotting to their events, too, whether it’s a concert in the school auditorium or claiming a seat at a game. Not to mention lugging snacks, water, or costumes as well as a chair or blanket, depending on the activity and the weather.
Then I pace the sidelines, jump up and down when something good happens, or stand and clap during an ovation. I wear out my voice cheering, not to mention my heart as it bursts with pride over whatever amazing thing my teens did just on the court or stage.
They say your home should be your sanctuary, but as the mother of teens, sometimes it feels more like an exercise class. I’ll stand and bend dozens of times in as many minutes picking up the cups, plates, and silverware left on their desks or bedroom floors. I scoop up that wad of clothes that hasn’t moved from the corner of their room in a week.
I’m the one taking items, like the new pack of toilet paper, up the stairs that I’d left on the landing, hoping against hope that my teens would do it first. Plus, there’s putting the mountains of groceries away, cooking the plethora of groceries for meals, and wiping down the kitchen, day in and day out. Sure, I appreciate the times my teens pitch in, but mostly I’m the captain of this ship we call home, hustling to keep them fed, clothed and alive. Phew!
There are long drives to tournaments, concerts, or taking them to or from college. Early morning rides to workouts and late nights sitting in a dark car waiting for your teen to finish social events after which you can finally take them--and yourself!--home to bed.
And let’s talk about how exhausting it can be teaching them how to drive. My hand hurts from clutching the passenger door and I think I’ve worn out my jaw from all the clenching. My right foot and calf muscle are tired from pushing the non-existent brake pedal from where I sit on the passenger side while my teen practices driving.
Then there is the worrying that driving produces. Will my teens be safe? What about the drivers around them? How about when they ride with their friends? I have a permanent crease wedged on my forehead as the parent of teens. Forget sleep, too, as I lie awake in bed listening for them pull into the driveway.
Raising teens is mentally exhausting for sure. There are so many emails from their schools to digest, not to mention apps for their activities and portals for their healthcare.
And their requests, too, like for the trendiest shoes or phones. Not only do they want things, but my teens are smarter, savvier and more persistent about begging me than when they were little. Sometimes I feel like I’m a lawyer arguing for the defense!
Then there’s the mental load that comes from loving your teen and wanting what’s best for them every day. Do they have friends? Like their classes? Why aren’t they talking more? Oh, wait, maybe that’s because they are tired, too.
Of course, while parenting teens wears the heck out of us, it produces a good kind of tiredness, too. I might not have the energy to leave the house, but I feel content knowing I’ve loved and cared for my teens. And I might not want to get up off the couch at the end of the day, but I still buzz with happiness when my kids are under my roof, at college or in the real world knowing all the care I’ve poured into them. Yup, parenting teens wear us out, but loving them makes it all worth it.
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36 Boston Parents Paper | January 2023 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com
