My Summer Reading

We encourage all students to read, especially over the summer. Foundation for Learning tutors also complete summer reading. Some tutors read for pure enjoyment and others read to keep up with emerging trends and developments in education and other fields of interest.

I just finished reading, How to Be a High School Superstar by Cal Newport. Mr. Newport introduces a strategy students can use to manage their high school years without becoming overwhelmed with numerous AP courses, club leadership positions, and volunteer work, without compromising their chances of acceptance into the college of their choice. He suggests students narrow their focus of interest to one area rather than spreading it out across several disciplines. Become an expert in one area, rather than knowledgeable in many. His website www.calnewport.com offers other advice for high school students and their parents as well as academic strategies for all students.

Mr. Newport shares some of the strategies we encourage and work on with our students here at Foundation for Learning.

Happy reading!

Betty

Summer is here

Summer means fun in the sun, quality time with family and making new friends. Preparing for the new school year is not always high on everyone’s list of things to do.

Summer is a great time however to read a good book, stay cool at the movie theater watching a blockbuster hit or to explore a new hobby or interest. Public libraries offer many summer programs for students of all ages and most are free or charge a nominal fee to register.

Foundation for Learning also suggests its good time to practice the skills of the regular school year so your child is fresh and ready to begin school again in September.

Practice math and reading skills with younger children, but make it fun through games and activities and every day living. It’s more engaging to learn in the ‘life classroom’.

For older students ask about the summer reading list or talk about plans for electives in the fall or higher education aspirations. Develop a plan of action to research and lay groundwork for college admissions and applications. Summer is also a great time to travel to colleges and universities to get a feel for the campus and programs offered.

Take time to relax this summer, but make time to learn and grow too!

P.S. We have a few more spots available in the Sizzling Summer SAT program. Sign up today!

Cheating is not the Answer

Has the bar been set too high? Are parents and students expectations unrealistic? A incident reported recently in Long Island, NY alleges that students are cheating on college entrance exams by asking others to sit for the test in their place. If it is true, why are these exams not being proctored properly? How is this added pressure affecting the rest of the honest students who have spent months preparing for the exam through hard work and commitment? Is this what the future looks like?

The actions of a few are unfortunate. It is sad that students feel pressured to perform at such high levels and that cheating is believed to be the only way to gain access to the most prestigious colleges and universities and coveted scholarship monies. These actions send the wrong message to our young people.

High school students should do the best they can, prepare accordingly, and feel proud of their test results whatever they may be. Cheating is not the answer.

Call Foundation for Learning today at 973-895-1774 to prepare for your PSAT, SAT and ACT exams today!

Foundation for Learning, in the Media

Foundation for Learning is in the media! Here are some promotional messages we have published.