I hope you have an amazing St. Patrick’s Day.

Here are a few interesting bits of information about St. Patrick.

He was not an Irishman!

He was born in western Britain.

His father, Calpurnius, was a Roman official and deacon.

Patrick, while still a boy, was captured and sold as a slave in Ireland.  He escaped to Gaul.

He probably studied in the monastery of Lerina before returning to Britain.

He received a supernatural call to preach to the heathen of Ireland, so he returned to Gaul and was ordained deacon.

Finally, he landed in Wicklow, Ireland (432) and traveled north, converting the people of

Ulster and later those of other parts of Ireland.

He died around 461 and may have been buried at Down in Ulster.

*These tidbits were primarily drawn from Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase & Fable.

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Teaching ADD / ADHD Students

Whether a student has been labelled with ADD, ADHD, or some other attention or focusing deficit, a lot of the necessary teaching and coaching skills remain the same.
In fact, a lot of the strategies promoted for such students would benefit any student.  It is just more essential for those with some such challenge to have intervention and, sometimes, accommodation.
I know, I know, some will argue that this is not the case.
I still believe it.  I have seen all manner of students improve enough times to know that it is true.  I always tell my students not to use whatever challenges they might have as a crutch.
Why?
Because we all have some weakness or learning challenge.  Sometimes, it isn’t an academic delay.  It can be difficulty in social situations, anxiety, anger, etc.  So, use whatever resources are available to cope with the challenge and work toward minimizing it whenever possible.
Not all the following tips need to be used in every case.  Different students respond differently and require their own combination – and these change over time!

Tips:

• Structure lessons in small stages.
• Organization is very important for anyone with an attention issue
• Have clear expectations & consequences
• Divide tasks into small “chunks”
• Provide seating arrangements that assist focus
• Partnering can sometimes work well
• Draw attention to positive accomplishments including appropriate behaviour
• (Note:  Behaviour IS part of learning!)
• Introduce material before reading assignments (like a preview)
• Help underlining key terms

Computer programs

• can be helpful
• can be a problem!

I love technology, but it is just a tool.  It can be very distracting, particularly to those with limited attention spans.
Learning to use computers, iPads, cellphones – any technology or software has to be done in a thoughtful way.
I have found some students even today who do far better at least starting their written assignment on paper.  Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater!
Use video, audio, text, and even kinesthetic methods to reinforce material.
Do not underestimate humour – including ridiculous comparisons and connections to help with memory.

Demystification

Having a learning challenge is not an excuse – do not use it as a crutch.
You CAN…
Yes, you CAN!

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e-mail:          tutoringcentral@hotmail.com
Skype:          tutoringcentral

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !! 

Halloween
or
All Hallows Eve

Halloween falls on October 31, which in the old Celtic calendar was the last day of the year, its night being the time when all the witches and warlocks were abroad.  On the introduction of Christianity it was taken over as the eve (even or e'en) of All Hallows or All Saints.
Brewers Dictionary of Phrase & Fable


 Of course, most young people know that the most important part is "trick or treating" - and the treats are the most important part of all!!

Have fun and be safe.

www.tutoringcentral.com

YouTube

What is Learning?

What is learning?

Well, this question is far too broad to be answered in a short blog – assuming that it can be answered at all.

But, generally, I think the definition of learning needs to be broadened well beyond the memorization of facts and numbers.  Some people believe that is all there is to learning, but there is so much more.

Learning is engagement, comprehension, knowledge networking, and incorporation as well as acquisition.

I don’t believe in throwing the baby out with the bathwater, however.  There is value in what has come before, but there’s always so much to learn – especially about teaching and the methods to help students (of any age) reach their goals.

Helping students with motivation and encouraging them to be inquisitive is so important because these are the qualities necessary for life-long learning.

Young children are naturally curious and inquisitive.  We’ve all experienced the “why…why…why…why” questions!  (Feels a bit like an inquisition at times – lol.)

They want to know about everything.  The problem is that they are so broad and so brief that they have difficulty reigning in all the disparate bits to develop a coherent learning experience.

That, in part, is a teacher’s job (teacher = parent, tutor, coach, & teacher). The trick is to do so without completely squashing enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.

Technology today may be increasing the duration of this “scattered” learning, so as teachers/tutors/parents, our job will be to help bring the pieces together. Technology is an amazing tool, but that’s all it is without the proper use, it fails. (Yes, I dare to use the ‘f’ word!)

So, I’ve returned to my starting point. Yes, we need knowledge acquisition (facts, information) to be part of learning; however, we also need to be able to network and incorporate these pieces of data while retaining curiosity and enthusiasm.

So learners and teachers (we should all be both), stay motivated – look for the treasure inherent in all learning.

I know you can! 

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E-mail:     tutoringcentral@hotmail.com

Just Help!

Just help me get through the course!
I hear this more often than I would like.
It isn’t that I don’t want to help – I do. However, just getting through a course isn’t the true goal of education.
Too often this is the focus of both students and parents.
The grade rules all!
When in reality gaining knowledge should be the ruling factor. (If you know the material well – the grades will come anyway. Staring at the number or letter won’t make one bit of difference!)

If you are studying a course you don’t particularly like right away – and I know there are compulsory courses in which we have no choice – try to find your way in.
Look for videos, magazines, blogs, diagrams, anything related that might ease the pain.
(Hey! Even a good tutor can help.)
Sometimes, you have to fake it until you make it.

Yes.

It can happen. I have seen it happen multiple times in my years of tutoring. Students sometimes stumble upon either a teacher, book, or method that works for them and that “horrible” course becomes one of their best.
Instead of waiting and hoping to stumble upon something, why not be proactive and seek out materials that can engender interest and more excitement about the course.

The more involved you become, the more you are likely to find those pathways into the course and gain that elusive knowledge.
Gaining knowledge, making connections, developing that network of information – that is education!

So try not to be negative. Instead of saying, “Just help me get through this course,” say, “I have lots to learn, and here’s how I’m going to do it.”
Is that cheesy? Maybe – but, hey, I like cheese!


The more positive you are (or become), the more others will be able to help you. Other students, teachers, coaches, tutors – even the books and articles themselves will be more useful to you if you are engaged and eager to learn.

So, take up the challenge. The next time you hear your inner voice saying, “Just help me….” – help yourself first by turning the negative into the positive.

For more tips and help with your studies, check out the website or contact me (Ron) to set up some sessions:

www.tutoringcentral.com

e-mail:  tutoringcentral@hotmail.com

 Skype:  tutoringcentral

READ!

READ!
Books
There are so many awesome genres or topics and so many enjoyable books that you can choose from.
Think of your interests, and then go find a book, novel, or collection of short stories – and read.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/novels
Often, people say, “I just don’t have time to read.”
Well, I am here to tell you that you do have time to read.
You don’t have to dedicate hours and hours to reading (although there is nothing wrong with that!).
If you want to get started, read 10 pages per day – only 10 PAGES!
At this rate, you will read approximately:
9 regular sized novels / year (100,000 words – 400 pages)
Or
15 young adult books / year (60,000 words – 240 pages)
Or
30 middle grade books / year (30,000 words – 120 pages)

Of course, these are just averages. Many novels are shorter than 400 pages and some are much longer. I am just finishing a novel with 1,044 pages. (Neal Stephenson’s Reamde)
Still, you get the idea. Slow and steady wins the race. Okay – so there is no race. That’s the whole point!

You don’t need to get bogged down. A few pages each day – every day, and you will retain the thread of the story, but you can still get everything else done in the day.
There are so many things to learn in books.
So much excitement that many people are missing.

Give reading a try – you can take your time and “live” in the moment if you like a particular character or scene.
I hear you. You are thinking, “I am reading this, aren’t I?” But reading blogs and blurbs and bits is not the same thing.
(I do thank you for reading my Blog, however.)

Each kind of reading can be entertaining and educational – but reading a good book or set of stories is quite a different animal.  (Yes, e-readers count – the book doesn’t have to be printed on paper.)
Try it out – and encourage your children, friends, parents, etc. to try it out as well.
I hope you have read at least two or three novels before the end of summer!

L.T.L. Tutoring Central

New promotional video!

Nine Tenths of Education....

Nine tenths of education is encouragement. 
Anatole France (1844-1924) French poet, journalist, novelist.

How true this statement is for students. (And we are all students!)

I often say to parents that the content information is often the least important component compared to helping students believe in themselves.
Once students have changed thinking patterns to believe they can succeed, they often excel beyond first expectations.
Always encourage your children / students to challenge themselves and reach beyond their last attempt.

Having said this, encouragement does not mean lying to the student.
Not everything is GREAT !
Today, too often every stroke of the pen or idea is given equal and elevated status.  There is nothing wrong (in fact everything right) with redoing a written article to make improvements or reworking a math problem that wasn't fully completed.

I have found that even very young students appreciate honest assessments.  Then, when they do get that "A" or "excellent" on their page, they feel especially proud.

Those with learning challenges need to know that their work is valuable and that they can continue to improve.  It isn't important that their work is the same as everyone else in the class.  It is important that they continue to challenge themselves!

Summer Learning Loss

 

Stop Summer Learning Loss 

but

Don't Stop Learning!

Studies vary concerning learning loss over the long summer holiday; however, they all do show substantial losses for those students who are struggling in the first place.
Even straight "A" students tend to show some loss if not engaged over the months away from learning.

How to avoid summer learning loss: 

       Read  !
This cannot be overstated
Reading is so important.  The choice of reading material is less a factor than the act and the follow-up.
Don't read "blindly" - engage yourself with the material by talking about what you've read with others, look to learn more about the topic, write about what you've read, comment or blog about it.  Use any method you like to make sure that you aren't forgetting as fast as you are reading.
Also, remember the library - often free reading material of all kinds there!

       Write !
Write a journal.
Write about what you have been reading (see above).
Start a blog about your favourite topic.
Write letters (astonish your friends and the world!).
Write some poems.

Parents

Engage your children with daily / weekly chores.
Plan grocery trips with a list.  (They can make the list.  They might even be able to help plan the recipes for  the week and then work on the list with you.)
Math can be practised when cooking with a recipe (especially if you are halving or doubling the recipe, etc.)
Ask for opinions and comments on T.V. shows or Internet/video games, etc.
NOTE:       Be sure to ask open questions not closed questions.
An open question invites more conversation, whereas a closed question generally illicits only a  "yes" or "no" response.
Example:   
      Open question -   "What did you like about the main character ?"
      Closed question - "Did you like the main character?" 

Don't be too quick to judge opinions (despite the lack of logic or maturity). It is just important to keep paying attention and engaging with material.  A great deal of learning comes from talking it out and hearing one's own ideas aloud.  Self-correction tends to happen in stages.

Tutoring

Of course - a couple hours of tutoring per week can also help retain past lessons and help to prepare for the next year! 

Come see what a professional tutor and personalized program can do for you or your child!
www.tutoringcentral.com

Incredibox

 This is a fun site!
I made a little musical composition for my wife's birthday.

 Please vote !! 

  http://www.incredibox.com/?music=51A90D3E0DB55

Happy Birthday, Gay !

Incredibox

New Programs !

I am pleased to announce that I am offering new programs. 

I am especially looking forward to incorporating some of the Reading Assistant™ programs. 

While I don't think computers should take over the learning process, they are an excellent tool to assist in gaining ground - particularly in repetitive technical practice. 

Also  Summer Tutoring will soon be starting - check website for further information:

www.tutoringcentral.com

 The Reading Assistant™ program

combines advanced speech recognition technology with research-based instruction

helps students strengthen their reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension

feedback to participants is supportive and individualized 

The Fast ForWord® program

Accelerates learning for students across a wide spectrum of ages and abilities

Applies proven research on how the brain learns

Builds cognitive skills in the areas of memory, attention, processing, and sequencing

Learners can realize rapid achievement gains 

For more information, don't hesitate to call or e-mail:  

519 824 0982 

tutoringcentral@inbox.com

Fish Ladder

Gay and I had an amazing week at the Royal Habour Resort in Thornbury.

Here is a short video of the Dam at Thornbury and the fish ladder.  The Beaver River empties into the Nottawasaga Bay (part of Georgian Bay).

From:  http://www.visitgrey.ca/travel-experiences/fall-in-grey-county/fish-ladders/

Thornbury Fish Ladder - Located on Hwy 26 just east of the lights in Thornbury.  
The fish ladder runs under the bridge over the Beaver River.  It was designed to provide fish passage from Georgian Bay to spawning beds on the Beaver River, south of the Thornbury dam.
It can best be seen from an attractive stairway and platforms which are accessible from the public parking lot next to Town Hall.  There are interpretive story boards sponsored by the Thornbury Clarksburg Rotary Club along the walk known as Riverwalk which follows the shore of the Beaver River.  The best times to visit the fishway are spring and fall.  Rainbow Trout swim up the river in spring and salmon in fall.

History

History - of course, sometimes needs a rewrite!

It should be altered to reflect new facts or facts that were deliberately ignored (or covered up) in earlier versions.
Alternate voices are important to give history its depth.  True, this creates a bit more mess.  It isn't quite as simple as good guys/girls versus bad guys/girls, but the 'truth' generally isn't so clear-cut anyway.

Have a look at some of the various discussions around Louis Riel.
(Canadian History: Red River Rebellion and North-West Rebellion)

A good starting place is Canada's History magazine (Feb-March 2013): Thunder on the Prairie and
Shifting Riel - ity.

Was he a rebel, a defender of human rights, a hero, a crazy man ?  Perhaps he was all of this and more.  
For sure, he wasn't just a hero.  He wasn't just a rebel.

1984

I just finished re-reading George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Despite the date of the title, there are still many relevant themes.

                         Telescreen - Facebook / Twitter anyone ?

Some modifications -but who knew so many people would be willing to forgo their privacy.

Also, ideas around the haves and have-nots.  There is lots of fodder for conspiracy theorists as well.

                        reality control - spin
   
       correcting history - politically correct translations of classic texts.

Still lots to think about! 

Snow !!

Good Luck on Exams!

Wishing all of my students (and all students) the best of luck on their Exams!  

Of course, if you have been following along with the lessons, you know that luck is the smallest part of doing well.
Your preparation and excellent study skills will take you to the top!

Don't panic, relax, use what you have learned, and you will do fine.

For a reminder of tips, check out the website link below:

http://tutoringcentral.com/teaching_tips__quotations.htm

30% Off College / University Tuition !

 Check this website out if you are soon aiming to go off to college or university.  It is worth it.
 
http://www.ontario.ca/education-and-training/30-off-ontario-tuition

Christmas decorations

 Here are a few interesting bits of information from Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable. 

A long time ago the Roman festival of Saturn was held in December and the temples were decorated with greenery. 
The druids are associated with mistletoe, and the Saxons used holly and ivy. 
These customs have been transferred to the Christian festival. 
The decorated Christmas tree was in use among the Romans and was introduced to Britain from Germany soon after Queen Victoria's marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in 1840.

Arachnid !

For those of you who love critters! 

What a cutie.
I managed to keep it hidden under the couch while my students were here.  I didn't want any of them to "freak out."

According to the Encyclopedia of Animals [National Geographic], the venom of only 30 out of 40,000 species of spider can cause illness in humans.

No mention of those who have strokes or heart attacks, though!!  Lol.
I think they are very interesting creatures, but they can stay out of our house. 

Interestingly spiders, scorpions, daddy longlegs, mites, and ticks are all arachnids.  Imagine the fun at a family reunion! 
I'm picturing the nine-legged races - hmmm, okay, I don't want to picture that any more.

Reading & Brain Function!

The importance of reading cannot be underestimated for learning.

Now even more research indicates that reading is not only beneficial for obvious reasons, but that it helps develop stronger listening and observing skills as well.  This attentiveness will, in turn, develop even better readers, but it will also ensure that the student is able to learn via other means.

"Dr. Dehaene and his colleagues compared the brain function of adults who can read with those who had never learned to read.
What they found was that regions of the brain that all of us use to process visual information were enhanced among the adults who were readers; both those who had read from childhood and those who learned to read as adults.  They also found that listening skills were better among both groups of readers than among the adults who did not read." (Burns, Martha PHD [2011]: How Learning to Read Improves Brain Function)

Listening to a lecture, social learning, picking up on cues, all appear to be better developed in readers.
These skills are not only useful in academic settings but also in the workplace and individual development as well. 

Of course, these are broad strokes - individual cases are always subject to variations.  Overall, however, there is powerful evidence that improving students' access to reading material and giving them the ability to read will positively affect the breadth of their learning experience far beyond the mechanics of sounding out words and reading phrases.