By Nathalie Kunin
For more than two years there has been lots of chatter about the “new SAT”. Well, it is finally making its debut in March 2016 and the following is a breakdown of what you need to know about the new test. High school Seniors will still take the current SAT so the changes will not apply to them. Sophomores and Juniors will start preparing for the re-designed test. The most significant changes are as follows:

Scoring will go back to the 1600-point scale (instead of the 2400-point scale) and there will not be a penalty for guessing. That means correct answers will receive a point and there will not be deductions for incorrect answers. Also, there will only be 4 answer choices instead of 5.

Sentence completions have been eliminated. Vocabulary questions will only be in the context of paragraphs, and words will be focused more on “real-world” language. No more memorizing obscure lists of words that you have never heard of.

The math section has been re-designed to assess a student’s fundamental grasp of core math concepts. Twenty-eight (28) out of fifty-eight (58) total math questions will not allow the use of a calculator.

The sections are longer, but the pace is slower. An example of this is: Instead of three 25-minute reading sections, there will be one 65-minute reading section and fewer questions per minute.

While still required by many colleges, the essay will be optional. The essay will be based on an analysis of documents, rather than an open-ended question. The essay score will be separate, not factored into the 1600 point total.

The current SAT is offered through January 2016. Indicators that your high school student may prefer the current SAT:

• • High PSAT score (1800+ on Sophomore PSAT)
• • Strong Vocabulary
• • Trouble with Mental Math
• • Prefers shorter sections

Indicators that your child might prefer the new SAT:

• • High grades in Geometry and Algebra II
• • High ISEE or State test math scores
• • Taking AP English Language   Composition Junior Year
• • Prefers slower pace

The main thing for students to remember is that everyone taking the newly designed test is in the same boat – it is new for everyone. To be successful on any exam, new or old, students must study and practice. Preparing for any standardized test is a challenge and should take place over several months. Familiarizing yourself with the material will get you one step closer to success.

Nathalie Kunin is the owner of Team Tutors.

By Dina Newman
Back to School is a time for meeting new challenges and taking on new responsibilities.

The following 7 Tips will help you get organized & help you stay organized throughout the school year.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ROUTINES

I. Create a morning schedule and practice it at least once before the start of school.

a. Try setting up a schedule in the morning that will help you stay organized. A sample schedule might be: Wake up and shower at 6:45, get dressed at 7:00, eat breakfast at 7:15, pack your lunch at 7:25, do your hair and makeup at 7:35 and leave at 7:50.
b. Make sure you allow extra time in case something goes wrong (ex: you wake up late)
c. Follow the same routine every day.

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By Kami Laura
Both parents and teachers play a significant role in preparing children to become knowledgeable, caring and responsible adults. Whether your child is returning to school or a new kindergartener, there are ways that parents can clearly send a message to their children that school is important and education matters.

When parents create routines at home for homework, free time, meals and bedtime, they set the stage for school success. Some techniques that teachers use in the classroom can easily be adapted at home. Many teachers display visuals in the classroom, such as, schedules, to establish transitions throughout the school day. Parents, too, can prepare their child for events and post daily calendars of those events. (more…)

By Nathalie Kunin
Everyone’s happy. Your child loves her tutor. They laugh and learn together, the sessions fly by. It all seems to be going well and she even looks forward to the tutoring. But then the scores come back. The teacher’s opinion hasn’t changed. What do you do?

As a parent, getting to the bottom of what isn’t working and why will require strong communication skills between yourself, your child, tutor and teacher. Once you evaluate the situation, you’ll have several options moving forward to ensure that tutoring sessions are both enjoyable and efficient. (more…)

By Diana Goodwin
The weather is warming up and soon we will all be able to spend the summer in the water with our families! Swimming is a relaxing and fun activity, a great exercise, and an important life skill. Make sure to stay safe around the water while you enjoy these many benefits of swimming! (more…)

If we create a rhythm with our children based on negative behavior, such as focusing on the NO’s in life, and the ‘you can’t do that’ and the ‘you’re being a bad boy or girl’ then eventually that combination of thoughts and beliefs will get stored into their subconscious mind.

By Todd Kurpil
In this day and age we are waking up to the idea that how we treat ourselves is how we treat our children. We realize that our attitude and state of mind strongly influence our children’s behavior. We see that however compassionate, kind and loving we are to ourselves will carry over into how we treat our children. We also see how anger, depression and fear can carry over into our children. This is called Parent Suggestion. Our children see us, hear us and feel us when they are around us, and all of this information gets stored in the basket of their subconscious mind. (more…)

By Elizabeth Fraley, M.Ed.
Here are eight excellent strategies proven to motivate your early learner. These strategies can be implemented at home.

TIP 1: Evaluate which part of your home you would like designate as your “literacy center” and supply this area with developmentally appropriate materials and books your child can access independently at their leisure or with your adult guidance. (more…)

By Jill Levin
Camp provides a positive opportunity for growth that should not be underestimated. For this reason, camp can be an integral part of a child’s educational and social development. For the first time, kids leave their homes and deal with peers who may have different values or behaviors. They learn to make choices for themselves and to negotiate and resolve conflict. They learn to deal with stress in a socially acceptable manner. They learn to assess and differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate behavior and in this way ultimately gain a stronger sense of self. And camp provides the backdrop for this personal growth in a safe and secure environment. (more…)

By Nathalie Kunin
As our children will be starting the second semester of the school year, it’s important to get them back in the mode and organized. If their backpacks are overflowing, their work spaces are piled high and their homework gets left behind most mornings, your child may need an organizational overhaul. The following tips are designed for parents to help get things back on track, no matter what your child’s age. (more…)

By Shirin Yadegar
As we approach the end of the year, we rewind our memories to the years triumphs, disappointments and growth. As mothers, we hope that our families have grown together organically to become better human beings, more thoughtful of our surroundings and grateful for all that we have.

Giving birth, watching our children take their first steps, celebrating milestones are beautiful when we push rewind stirring laughter and happy tears. (more…)