By Valerie Lev
Why is it that two students who, let’s say, get 80% of their answers correct on a practice exam wind up with very different scores on the actual exam? One student gets a high score on the real ISEE, and the other student gets a mid-range score. The answer can often be blamed on test anxiety.

Test anxiety, to a degree, is normal and, actually, helpful in getting a student “into the zone.” Excessive anxiety, however, can be paralyzing. Sian Beilock, a professor of psychology at the University of Chicago, says, “When students are anxious about how they’ll do on an exam, their worries use up some of their working memory capacity, leaving less of the cognitive horsepower to apply to the task at hand.” (more…)

By Fran SolomonWhen a baby dies before it is born or soon after birth, parents face a difficult emotional task: they must try to say goodbye to someone they had little chance to know. They must accept that a life has ended, even though it barely began.

Common Feelings
Guilt is a common reaction to loss of a child and can be particularly acute for parents who lose an infant or an unborn baby. Parents of unborn babies who die often mistakenly blame themselves for the death. The mother may believe she harmed her baby. Both parents may tell themselves they should have sensed something was wrong. While this is a normal reaction, eventually one must find compassion for themselves and realize that this was not their fault. They were not responsible. (more…)

Three Things Parent Can do to Help

65312487: This series of numbers would be hard to remember.
12345678: This series of numbers is easy to remember.
Children who have exposure to a wide range of experiences and information are better readers than children who are not. When people have prior knowledge about a subject, they connect to the words on the page they are reading. If they don’t know anything about the subject, the words have very little meaning.

At Learning Encounters, we see a lot of children who are up on the latest news in sports, music, tech devices, and in general pop culture. Many children, however, have limited knowledge about the world outside their inner circle, and there’s a direct correlation between the exposure a child has to the world and a child’s reading comprehension skills. (more…)

By Nicole Sadighpour
Parents can help their children start the school year on the right track by planning ahead, being realistic, and most importantly, by maintaining a positive attitude.

1. Review the materials sent by your child’s school as soon as it arrives. These packets include important information about your child’s teacher, room number, school supply requirements, sign ups for after-school sports and activities, school calendar dates, bus transportation, health and emergency forms, and volunteer opportunities. (more…)

By Nathalie Kunin
By Elizabeth Fraley, M.Ed.
Director of KinderPrep Program

According to research, it is essential for young children, especially those between 4 and 5 years of age to receive quality instruction, as this stage of development is known as the “critical period” and makes the greatest impact on the brain’s cognitive functioning capabilities. By targeting early learning skills through programs like Academic Achievers’ KinderPrep, young learners can increase their confidence and develop a love of learning. (more…)

By Nathalie Kunin
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance) can be just as daunting to parents as it is to students. All students applying to private and independent schools, 4th grade and above are required to take the ISEE as part of the admissions process. Many parents ask, what can I do to help prepare my child for this exam? Parents number one job is to promote their child’s confidence. Here are several tips that will alleviate anxiety, promote confidence, and ensure success. (more…)

By Bella Miranda
Bella Miranda, CEO and founder of Elm Baby, a one-stop-shopping experience where you can find natural, safe and organic products for maternity, parents and baby. Bella travels the world finding the most unique products so that you don’t have to! (more…)

By Jill Levin
Every year I get calls from parents who are looking to find the right summer program for their teenager. Often their child has a particular interest that they are looking to expand on, but sometimes parents have no idea the types of programs that are available to their children today. And that’s where I come in. (more…)

Weekly music lessons increase IQ.

By Diba Mostadim and Candice Hakimfar
Learning an instrument is proven to help children excel beyond the basic ABCs whether one aspires to become the next famous musician or sings for fun in the shower.

Research has proven that learning a musical instrument enhances education and improves many skills that children use in other subjects. Making music is more than just using fingers or voice; it requires children to tap into multiple skill sets simultaneously. Research has shown that music is linked to language development, increased IQ, improved test scores, and confidence. (more…)

Tips on how to choose the right camp for your kids.

By Jill Levin
With the New Year, it’s time to ask yourself: What would you like your child to accomplish next summer?

Do you want your child to be independent, but find yourself afraid to lose control? Overnight summer camp may be the right answer! Besides having fun, children at summer camp learn to make decisions, resolve conflict and can try new things in a safe, contained environment. Summer is the perfect time for children to explore, play, learn or accomplish all three. Sleep away camp also allows our children to make new friends from different cities or states. Who can argue with building a network of friends at a young age? (mo
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