StudyPros Today

I collected my receipt, glanced at the clerk’s badge, flashed him a smile, and thanked him by name. He responded with a genuine smile of his own as I whisked my bags off the counter and headed out the door. That solitary moment of recognition may have made his day a little brighter. I know I felt like a better person for making my appreciation known.

Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to recognize and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives and to share our blessings with others. Whether we offer our time or our money, we make the world a better place and we become better, more compassionate people in the process.

If you haven’t already done so, your family could volunteer to serve others through organizations such as the Santa Clarita Valley Emergency Winter Shelter and the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry. Having an opportunity to witness need firsthand provides children with some valuable perspective.

You might ask family members to record each day one thing for which they are grateful — a possession, a person, even a personal talent. We are often so busy focusing on what we lack, that we take for granted what we have and thus squander opportunities.

We can teach our children that blessings often come as difficulties. A sprained ankle might take us out of the game, but it allows us time to get the rest we need before a critical exam. The obstacles we come across teach us lessons about our own attitudes and capacities, and allow us to consider alternatives we might not have otherwise considered.

In this painful period, we are presented the chance to reassess our priorities and make more deeply satisfying choices. We can teach our children to distinguish between needs and wants; to chose the long-term joy of self-discipline over the fleeting sensations of instant gratification; and to develop resiliency that will guide them throughout their lives.

Diane Trautman can be reached at StudyPros In-Home Tutoring, 661-296-9206, or www.studypros.com

Besides the bare basics like getting sufficient sleep and a nutritious breakfast, what teachers keep telling me they would like their students to bring to class is a measure of self-discipline. This requires consistency on your part, and that calls for a plan.

Start by creating clear rules for appropriate behavior and expected participation in the home and in the classroom. Then determine appropriate consequences for infractions that are age appropriate, logical for the offense, realistically and consistently enforceable, and that convey the lesson to be learned.

Conduct a family meeting to discuss the rules and consequences. Invite your children to share their ideas and help craft a “contract” by which they are willing to abide. Have everyone sign off on the final agreement and post it where everyone can see it. Revise it as your children grow, but keep the kids involved in the process. That way, they’ll be more likely to comply.

Accept that rules will be broken. It’s part of the maturation process. Kids will always test boundaries and parental resolve, especially when older children become more social creatures whose friends are apparently allowed unlimited access to such goodies as computer games, late-night parties, and money.

When bad behavior arises or rules are otherwise broken, calmly review the family contract and the agreed-upon consequences with your child. Hard as it may be, resist the urge to yell. To teach the lesson that must be learned, your best role is that of dispassionate administrator of the mutually accepted rules and consequences.

Then follow through with the consequences. If you don’t, your child will know that he can finesse the situation. He’ll challenge the rules and their enforcement until he knows you’re serious. If you make an exception (and we all have), explain your reason.

Children want a safe and predictable environment. They need reasonable boundaries and our steady guidance to become self-aware, self-disciplined, self-directed students and responsible adults.

Diane Trautman can be reached at StudyPros In-Home Tutoring, 661-296-9206, or www.studypros.com

There is tremendous emphasis these days on education in math and science. While these subjects are certainly important, I’d like to discuss today how a deficiency in the fundamental skill of reading could lead to difficulty in all subjects.

Helping children develop effective reading skills during the preschool years sets the stage for future success. Without this effort, a domino effect may be created in which the child does not become familiar with books, nor learns how print and sounds relate to each other. This leads to greater reading challenges, which leads to lower motivation and fewer opportunities to practice reading, which leads to a restricted vocabulary, and so on.

Reading aloud every day is the best way to prepare children to learn to read and to support lifelong appreciation of reading in children of all ages. Invite your young child to read along with you in her favorite books and move your finger from word to word to help her learn word recognition and the order of reading from left to right. Read a variety of books including poems, fantasy and factual material. Ask questions about the story, the characters, and the meanings of new words. Have a family reading night where each person takes turns reading.

Continue to motivate your growing reader by helping him build a personal library with books and periodicals that interest him. Tell stories about your experiences and your family history, and talk about current events to build your son’s listening and thinking skills. Go out and do fun and interesting things together to broaden his background knowledge, build his vocabulary, and expand his understanding of the material he reads.

Encourage your daughter to write stories, poems, and song lyrics, or create a comic strip. Read and talk about her creations and ask questions to help her expand upon the concepts. Communicate with her teacher about her progress and provide additional assistance when needed.

As always, it is important to be a good role model by reading regularly and sharing what you’ve learned with your child.

Diane Trautman can be reached at StudyPros In-Home Tutoring, 661-296-9206, or www.studypros.com

Dear Friends,

As a 17-year resident of Santa Clarita, I have advocated for good city government both as a private citizen and as a city planning commissioner, reviewing community development over the past 8 years, promoting the arts, and working to preserve open space, among other efforts.

I write to you today not in an official capacity but as an involved citizen who believes we need to elect city council members who are on the job, fully prepared to critically examine proposals and offer new ideas.

This year the city will open public hearings on our new general plan, called One Valley-One Vision. It is a blueprint that will guide Santa Clarita for the next 20 years. The choices made by our city council will have far-reaching effects on traffic, public safety, housing, schools, air quality, open space, and our economy. Our quality of life and the city’s long-term sustainability are at stake.

That is why I have endorsed Mayor Pro-Tem Marsha McLean, former Councilmember TimBen Boydston, and business advocate David Gauny.

Marsha McLean has worked tirelessly for 30 years to protect and preserve our community. Now finishing her second term on the city council, she is on the job every day, responding to constituents’ concerns, and representing our interests on regional and state committees. You can read more about Marsha McLean and contact her at:   reelectmarshamclean.com.

TimBen Boydston earned my respect when he was appointed as an interim city council member. He was a quick-study who thoroughly reviewed reports, conducted independent research, and arrived at meetings prepared to listen to everyone and ask probing questions. TimBen has demonstrated a commitment to good public policy. Find more about TimBen Boydston and contact him through his website:  timben.com

David Gauny is a small business owner and co-chair of the newly created Economic Development Corporation. He founded Smart Growth SCV to promote responsible development on the Henry Mayo medical campus and throughout the city. David offers fresh ideas and energy, and a new vision of leadership that balances city objectives with the needs of constituents. Read more about David Gauny and contact him through his website:  electdavidgauny.com

I support Marsha McLean, TimBen Boydston, and David Gauny because each brings unique insights and skills to the formidable task of city governance. And each of these candidates is willing to engage in respectful, open public discussions.

The Santa Clarita City Council election is April 13th. Whether you cast your ballot by mail or in person, I urge you to vote for these worthy candidates and, if possible, make a contribution to their campaigns on their websites.

Sincerely,

Diane Trautman

The back-to-school nights and parent-teacher conferences are over, but communications between parents and teachers should continue to help children get the best out of each day they spend in the classroom. Building and maintaining good relationships with your children’s teachers will also help parents avoid those scary report cards that make you gasp in horror.

Teachers are eager to partner with supportive parents, but keep in mind they are very busy and their time is limited. Help them get to know you by introducing yourself, if you haven’t already done so. Find out the teacher’s preferred method of communication and send her a note or an email with information that may help her better assist your son in the classroom.

Communicate your questions or concerns, and your appreciation regularly. Share your insights about your child with the teacher. Compliment her when your child makes positive remarks about a lesson. Also, let her know when your daughter seems to be struggling with certain concepts. Perhaps the teacher can take a different approach to the material that benefits the entire class. Maybe there are steps you can take to help your daughter when it’s time to do homework or study for the next test. Tell the teacher if there is an event or transition pending at home, whether pleasant or stressful, so that she will understand your daughter’s frame of mind during that time.

If you have time to volunteer in the classroom, a special skill you can apply to an upcoming lesson, or items to donate, tell the teacher you would like to be of assistance.  Most teachers are thrilled to get helping hands and extra materials for their students.

Treat teachers as you would have them treat you — with kindness and respect. Teach your children to do the same, even when a teacher is having a rough day. We all have those! If your child complains about a teacher, remain neutral until you’ve had a chance to speak with the teacher to get her perspective. Resolving conflicts as they arise will be much easier than dealing with your son’s resentment and resistance both in and out of the classroom throughout the school year.

Much has been reported lately about adult obesity, but did you know that seventeen percent of adolescents between two and 19 are overweight? This represents a quadrupling of obesity rates over one generation.

So why am I discussing diet in a column normally devoted to education? Children who eat a variety of nutritious foods are more likely to be successful in school, while those on a poor diet who fail to consume key nutrients tend to have difficulty in school.

Various genetic, cultural, and environmental factors can lead to overweight, but there are steps that parents can take to prevent obesity. Here are some recommendations from the Office of the Surgeon General.

Help kids stay active. Whether through natural or structured play periods, 60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day, whether consecutive or broken into shorter periods, is the goal.

Limit TV and other screen time to less than two hours per day. Keep televisions and computers out of the bedroom and off during meal time, and provide alternatives that will get the kids moving.

Encourage healthy eating habits. Serve healthy meals that provide the recommended balance of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Rid your pantry of foods full of empty calories.

Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast every day. Starting the day with an egg and fruit or whole-grain cereal and low-fat milk, will help your child maintain his energy and focus throughout the morning and maintain a healthy weight.

Sit at the table and eat together as a family. Children tend to eat more fruits and vegetables when the share healthy meals with their families.

Know how much food to serve your child. Learn more about healthy portion sizes and teach your children to eat only appropriate servings. Learning portion control will help them learn self-control when presented with outsized meals.

Promote healthy choices. Make sure your children get sufficient sleep each night. Encourage them to help with food planning, shopping, and preparation.

As parents, we can ensure that our children have the best chance for success in school and in life by making good nutrition and regular exercise priorities for them and for us.

For more information, contact Diane at StudyPros at 661-296-9206 or visit www.studypros.com.

Right now there is a raging legal battle over a state requirement to teach Algebra to all eighth grade students. Though I believe students should be provided with the tools to excel, I have serious concerns about a one-size-fits-all standard that doesn’t consider the individual student or the repercussions of early failures on future learning.

In July 2008, the California State Board of Education (CBE) voted to make Algebra a required course for all students in 8th Grade. For now, the Algebra requirement is on hold. The CBE’s action was swiftly challenged in court and it is currently going through the appeals process. Critics pointed out that even though more 8th grade students are taking Algebra and passing the standards test in junior high, a considerable number of students fail and have to retake the course in high school.

While experts debate the pros and cons of this change, parents and students may ask why it is important for all students to master Algebra and why there is a push to complete the course in junior high.

Educators believe that Algebra helps students develop logic skills and introduces abstract thinking that can be applied to mathematical equations or real-life situations. The ability to work with symbols in increasingly complex and changing formulas teaches students to look at problems in new ways and to organize their thinking.

Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are extremely important in our knowledge-based economy, whether a student pursues a technical apprenticeship or a college degree. Algebra is a prerequisite for an Associates Degree. It is the first of several mathematical disciplines required for acceptance to the UC and CSU systems. And completing Algebra before high school better positions the student to take a rigorous series of high school math and science courses prior to the college application process.

As the discussion continues, I will keep you informed. In the meantime, please call us if your child needs assistance.

Diane Trautman can be reached at StudyPros In-Home Tutoring, 661-296-9206 or studypros.com

There is more to reading than learning the alphabet and identifying words. We need to start by understanding the meaning of words and the ways in which they are used in spoken language. We have to experience the rhythm of speech. Along the way, we need to develop eye-hand coordination, visual discrimination, and cognitive skills to become proficient readers. And we need to develop and expand our vocabulary through life experience.

We can best support that learning process by reading to our young children every day, by giving our kids opportunities to participate in a variety of activities, and by engaging them in conversation regularly. The best way to encourage children to read on their own is to show them that we enjoy reading a variety of materials on a daily basis.

Parents can help young children read by pointing out words on signs, in books, and in other printed materials, then discussing their meanings. Show your child how to use tracking skills — following text on a page — by using your finger to point out the words as you read a story to them. Improve their visual skills by cutting out shapes together, playing sorting games, and creating patterns with blocks, beads or other shapes.

You can sing songs and recite nursery rhymes or poems to help your child grasp the rhythm of spoken language. Listening to books on tape while following along in the printed book is another fun way to encourage reading and vocal variety in speaking.

Reading together and talking about a story gives you an opportunity to expand your child’s vocabulary, develop his reasoning skills, and improve his recall abilities. Allow your child to make predictions about the story and characters. Ask her to describe images inspired by the text, make comparisons with people and situations she knows, and tell you how she would change the story.

Working together on puzzles and mazes, and playing card and board games are fun ways to develop reasoning and recall skills. Ask your child to describe different approaches to solving a task. Discuss the events of the day and ask your child to recall the details. Spend time each day talking with, listening to, and encouraging your child to expand their horizons and you can develop a good reader.

Diane Trautman can be reached at StudyPros In-Home Tutoring, 661-296-9206 or studypros.com.

Should kids spend more time in school each day? Should the school year be extended?

I asked these questions of my younger son, then a high school senior. He groaned and buried his head in his hands. And when I asked a mother I know, she protested that her kids can’t have a longer day in the classroom and still complete four to six hours of homework each night.

Extended school days was among the education reform recommendations contained in the 1983 report “Nation at Risk,” published by the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Since that time, there has been no national movement to incorporate that suggestion. Some charter schools have experimented with longer days, but the concept seems to have been shunned on a large scale.

I raise this issue because two recent news articles caught my eye. One cited a study about high school seniors underperforming despite taking more challenging courses than their predecessors. The other concerned a recent pilot program in Massachusetts that merits attention.

The state of Massachusetts earmarked funds for an initiative, targeting mostly poor urban schools, that extends the school day for elementary and middle students. The extra two hours each day provide some time for core curriculum, but also expand physical education, allow time for tutoring, and give students an opportunity to explore a greater range of electives, including the arts.

More recently, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass) introduced the Teaching Fellows for Expanded Learning and After-School Act as part of the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act. Under this proposal, a national service corps of aspiring teachers would work with students in the extended-day programs and help teachers during during the regular day.

At a time when U.S. students are becoming less competitive than their peers in other countries — who spend significantly more time in the classroom — it makes sense to reconsider extended school days. Perhaps with more time to learn and more variety in their lessons, our children wouldn’t need the volume of homework some endure. With more in-depth lessons, and fewer but more meaningful tests, our kids will be able to hold their own against the competition.

You can read more about the Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time To Support Student Success Initiative and access a copy of the report by visiting:

<www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/01/massachusetts.html>

For more information call StudyPros In-Home Tutoring at (661) 296-9206.

Parents and children often equate education with tedious months spent in the classroom and summertime as a break for the brain. In fact, learning can and should continue during the summer, though perhaps in a more enjoyable form.

There are many opportunities during the next few months for kids to participate in activities that will help them appreciate the relevance of future academic lessons and allow them to develop new interests and skills that build confidence.

The City of Santa Clarita offers an array of fun summer recreational programs for all ages. Kids can sing, or act, learn woodworking or cooking, all the while improving their reading, listening, communication, and math skills, and their physical coordination. Some classes are geared toward children with special needs. Some are parent and child courses. What a great way to learn something new and spend quality time together!

Summer evenings are good for reading books together as a family or playing games that build vocabulary and reasoning ability. If the weather is acceptable, you might consider setting up an outdoor garden. Kids may not eat tomatoes from the store, but they’ll give their own homegrown variety a try.

Working together to set up and review the daily family schedule can give children a clearer sense of the time required for certain activities and teach them how to arrange their days to fit in all the things they want to do. We can show them how fit in more time for fun by getting and keeping their belongings organized with minimal effort.

If academic assistance is in order, you might want to make arrangements before school ends to get a copy of next year’s textbook. Work through the book with your son or bring in a tutor who will help him get the head start he needs to enter the next grade fully prepared.

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Diane Trautman owns and operates StudyPros In-Home Tutoring at 661-296-9206 or studypros.com.