The Keys to

Remembering What You Read

Just last week, I read a fascinating article in the Wall Street Journal about how writing by hand engages the mind in learning.  It said that in a study using advanced MRI technology, children who had practiced printing by hand, had far more enhanced and "adult-like" neural activity than in those who had simply looked at letters.  I smiled when I read this because Educational Connections' tutors and I have for years urged our students to take notes as they read text.  We have learned by experience that students who systematically take notes as they read retain more and, of course, do better on tests. 

Learning is an active process, not a spectator sport.   It requires energy and most important of all, concentration.  For many students, focus is not a problem when they are reading about subjects they enjoy.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  In the course of their studies, most students have to plow through a good deal of material they find dense and boring.  And this is when taking the time to take good notes while reading becomes so useful in enhancing learning. More on reading programs here.

Mark Your Calendar! 

Parent Link Speaker Series Returns

Educational Connections is proud to partner with Cathi Cohen of In Step and Flint Hill School in Oakton to present a terrific line up of Parent Link speakers once again this school year.  All seminars are from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Flint Hill and are free and open to the public.  Download the flyer here. 

OVERCOMING UNDERACHIEVEMENT

Unlocking the Potential in Every Student

November 3, 2010

Dr. Robert Chase

ADHD BOYS VS. GIRLS

Does Gender Matter?

January 19, 2011

Dr. Patricia Quinn

MONEY MATTERS

Fostering your Child’s Financial Responsibility

in an Affluent World

February 16, 2011

Mary Grate-Pyros, M.B.A.

THE TEENAGE BRAIN

Protecting your Teen’s Brain from Stress,

Sleep Deprivation, and Other Harmful Influences

April 13, 2011

Dr. Catherine McCarthy

 Did You Know?

A Note About Doodling...

Many students tend to doodle during lectures much to their teacher’s chagrin. However, this is not so bad!  Recent studies have shown that students who doodle actually pay attention better than those who do not.

Just Released!

Homework Made Simple:

Tips, Tools, and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework

by Ann K. Dolin

Now Selling on Amazon.com

What People Are Saying...

"...straightforward and workable ideas for making homework into a daily routine instead of a series of daily battles."

--Thomas Phelan, Author of 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Solutions

"Tired of nightly homework battles?  This author has devised a solution. Dolin begins by identifying the child's habit, from disorganization to procrastination, and various student learning styles.  She then offers helpful homework techniques."

--Lydia Belanger, ForeWord This Week

"...One of the several features that makes this book stand out among the others is that it will be helpful to any family regardless of parenting style or the particular issues that are getting in the way of successful homework completion.  Dolin's uniquely encouraging and empathetic tone is another reason to choose this guide to good study habits."

--Eloise Michael, Feathered Quill Book Reviews

"...This book is absolutely full of good, solid, easy to understand and implement ideas to make homework at your house way easier.

Brenda Nicholson, addmoms.com

What's the Best Way to Study for Math?

Our tutors teach students

three easy steps to exam preparation:

1.  Make a practice exam from your

    notes and prior tests and quizzes.

2.  Do the questions and refer back to

    notes when necessary. 

3.  Rework the problems you weren't

    able to answer correctly at first -

    this time, without access to notes.

Need assistance with math? 

Our tutors can help!