Overwhelmed with Homeschooling? Open Virtually on Zoom/Online Tutoring

Do you feel overwhelmed teaching your child during the day?  Are you worried about your child's confidence?We are here to help.  Think Tutoring is growing its tutoring family online.

We are offering virtual (online on zoom) tutoring for all of our programs.  Programs include reading, language arts, writing, mathematics, Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, SAT, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, study skills, and homework support.  Our online tutoring is performed by real teachers and it's one-on-one.

Our tutoring approach is different.  We offer a diagnostic assessment to pinpoint any learning gaps or any learning weaknesses.  We then create a customized tutoring program targeting any specific gaps.  This is a focused approach and we create goals to meet.

After our tutoring program is complete, we reassess.  Our students improve 1.5 grade levels in as early as 10 weeks.  We see our students' smiles and feelings of accomplishment.

These smiles mean more to us than anything.  I believe in our students and our program.  We are here to help. Call us at 973-593-0050 or email us at info@thinktutoring.com to get more information.

What are the Expectations of Kindergarten? Think Tutoring’s Pre-K 4 Program can Help!

As a parent of a preschooler, I can tell you that I already feel overwhelmed.  Will my child be ready for Kindergarten?  As an educator, I ask questions. What knowledge and skills do children possess when they start Kindergarten? How prepared are my children for the social and academic demands of the classroom? Should I get my child extra help?

Having a strong team of educators around your child is necessary in today’s world.  Children need strong parents, teachers at school, and even educators outside of the classroom.  It can only help to build confidence and motivation.

Think Tutoring has redesigned its Pre-K 4 Program to help every child. Topics include, but are not limited to, letter recognition, letter formation, letter sounds, phonics, sight words, vocabulary, listening skills, comprehension, shapes, colors, and basic math.  Think Tutoring's Pre-K 4 Program is designed to make your child confident and ready for Kindergarten. 

Call Think Tutoring at 973-593-0050 for a free consultation and tour.

Also, for more information on kindergarten expectations, please read the New Jersey Department of Education’s Kindergarten Guide.

Strategies for your Back to School Routine

The beginning of the school year can be very overwhelming and stressful for some students and even parents.  Which school supplies are best?  Has my child finished their summer reading assignments? Did we get the right designer jeans?  Yes, we have asked this question before.

We need to set our children up for success this September.  The first month of school lays the foundation for the rest of the school year.  So, what are we supposed to do? 

1. Get a Good Night Sleep: This sounds easy.  However, our children go to bed way too late and get up way too early.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), grade schoolers should be sleeping an average of nine to twelve hours a night.  It is time to get our kids to bed.
2. Have a Successful Night-time Routine: Again, this sounds easy. AAP states, “For young children, it helps to start early with a bedtime routine such as brush, book, bed
3. Reading Time:  I am a firm believer in reading time.  Whether your child is an infant, toddler, preschooler, grade-schooler, or teenager, reading time, outside of homework assignments, should be factored into the night-time routine.  I know that parents and our children have such stressful schedules; however, setting aside 15 minutes to read collaboratively or independently should be a priority.
4. Get Organized:  I am also a strong believer that every child should have an organized study and homework space.  Homework should not be done at the dining room table.  There are too many distractions.  Set your child up for success with an organized desk, filing cabinet, lamp, and comfortable desk chair.
5. Homework Support: Lastly, I would recommend having a homework support plan.  Homework time can be a battle of wills.  Make sure your child has a study “buddy:” another student they can text or call about homework assignments.  Additionally, you can always call Think Tutoring.  We have expert teachers on staff trained to help your child with reading, writing, math, study skills and more.  We would be happy to help!

Think Tutoring is offering 15% off select programs including reading, language arts, writing, K-5 homework support, basic math, and pre-algebra for our Back to School Special Offer.  Call Think Tutoring for more information at 973-593-0050.  Mention this blog and receive $50 off your child’s diagnostic assessment.  Call today!

Summer Learning Loss is Real: Summer Camps at Think! are the Solution

According to the New Jersey State Department of Education, summer learning loss is real.  “Research reported by John Hopkins National Center for Summer Learning states that: It is important for students to keep their skills up to avoid loss of confidence and self-esteem when school starts in September. Many students feel overwhelmed by the work load after three months of summer vacation.” Ms. Kim at Think Tutoring sees this every September. “I have students that just come for tutoring during the school year, take a 3-month break for summer, and come back to tutoring in September…I sometimes feel like I am going back to square one.”

Think Tutoring believes that practicing math, reading, and writing skills over the summer is the way to go.  Think Tutoring offers a variety of summer camps, workshops, STEM, programs, and assessment days.  We also have individualized and customized tutoring programs.

Call 973-593-0050 or email us at kim.hermanns@thinktutoring.com to register.  Keep your child confident and motivated this summer.  You will then see As on his/her report card next year!

Summer special offerings below!

Stay in the Mix! Think Summer Camp!	Set Your Own Schedule!
STEM Camp	July 16-19
Free SAT and ACT Assessments	June 28 & 29, July 9 & 10
Study Skills Workshop (First Session)	Aug  6 - 9
Free ISEE and SSAT Assessments	July 23 and 30
Intro SAT Reading Class	July 31
Intro SAT Math Class	August 1
College Application Essay Workshop	August 13
Intro ACT Math/Science Class	August 14
Intro ACT Reading/English Class	August 15
Study Skills Workshop (Second Session)	August 20 - 23
Algebra I, II and Geometry Jump Start	Set Your Own Schedule!
Persuasive Writing Strategies	Set Your Own Schedule!

Going on a College Visit?

You've done some research, discussed it with friends and family, prepared for and took your SATs and/or ACTs, met with your guidance counselor, and now it's time to go on your college visits.  It can be a little overwhelming trying to take everything in while you are perusing a college campus.  Here are some recommendations for things to do while you are there to get a thorough understanding of your school:

1.  Hang out on the Quad.  

Most colleges and universities have a quad, or an open lawn area designated as a hangout spot.  It is often used for social gatherings.  Students may be conducting a study group or playing a game of Frisbee, but simply checking out the quad can give you an idea of how enjoyable the school may be.

2.  Check out the Dorms.

If you are planning on dorming at college, then it definitely pays to visit the dorm buildings and rooms.  Most likely the freshman dorms are the least impressive, but as you progress through school they usually get better.  Typically, upperclassman will usually have a suite/apartment type of setup, so make sure you will be moving on up as you continue through school.

3.  Eat in the Dining Hall.

The dinig hall will usually be the simplest and most efficient way to eat on campus.  You may eat all of your meals there or simply just stop by for a snack.  Either way, you want to check for cleanliness, quality of food, and accessibility. Also, many large campuses have multiple dining halls, so check them all.

4.  Survey the Classrooms.

Make sure you like the classroom settings.  Are they flat or stadium-style?  Would you prefer a smaller or larger class size?  Are you someone who enjoys actively engaging in class participation?  Is the technology adequate?     

5.  Schedule an interview at the Admissions Office.

You can make an appointment to meet with an admissions counselor to put a face to your application and present your individual personality.  This also gives you a change to ask any additional quesions you may have about the school.

6.  Locate the Health Center.

Hopefully you won't have to spend much time in the Health Center, but it is helpful to know what services you have access to if needed.

7.  Check out the Gym and Athletic Facilities.

If you are interested in getting or staying in shape, then make sure the school has an updated, quality gym.  Also, the school's fields and other facilities may be great places to visit to get a feel of what sporting events will be like.  Even if you are not a sports fan, games can be a very fun social events.

8.  Meet with your Academic Department Chair.

If you have an idea of what your major might be, then you may want to see if you are able to meet with the department chairman.  The chairman can give you insight into the department professors, program opportunities, and course study options.

9.  Browse the Bookstore.

I know it can be shocking to see the prices of the textbooks you will be needing.  However, there are many online options to purchase your books as well.  Like to show your school spirit?  The bookstore will also have many items and plenty of apparel to show off your school's name and mascot.

10.  Talk to current Students.

Not enough college-bound students take advantage of this opportunity.  Approach a few students while you are strolling around campus.  Ask questions or just get a general idea of how their experiences have been there.  You are more likey to get honest answers and realistic insights.

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