I Forgot Again

I've have not forgotten how much I forget...Ok. Sometimes I do forget. Seems like I  am losing it. I  call myself to leave me messages at home and at work. I'll ask my husband to leave me a note to remind me. It's happening to me.

I once  prided myself for remembering phone numbers and birthdays. I blame technology for that. Now I talk into my phone or into  my dashboard. No more mnemonic tricks or memory games to help me remember.

Is technology making my life easier or is it dumbing me down? Now when I want to know something I just Google it.  It took less time for Beth to Google the answer than it took me to look it up in Strunk and White!  I learned but it took me a couple of years to remember to just Google it.

Here's my plan...if I remember it. As I age (gracefully), I'll play some brain games like crossword puzzles or Sudoku. If I'm stuck, I'll Google the answers. So much easier.   Plus I'll nap. Research indicates that an hour nap increases memory, alertness and productivity. I'll try napping... Right now so I don't forget. After all, I do want  a productive afternoon.

Better Questions to Ask your Child about School

I often hear, "Ask open-ended questions to get  a better response."  How do I do this? Here are some ideas from the National Society of Learning Disabilities... ...

•  What was the most interesting thing your teacher said today?
• Who sat  next to you at lunch?
• What were most people eating at lunch?
• What's the biggest difference between last year and this year?
• Who did you like talking to the most?
• What does your teacher say is the most important rule?
• What was the best game at recess?

This article points out that during unstructured times  (recess, lunch) are when more negative  social experiences occur so asking about these times will enlighten you.

For more questions, visit:

www.ncld.org/parents-child-disabilities/family-coping-ld/13-questions-to-ask-child-about-school?utm_source=newsletter_september_24_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_content=text&utm_campaign=ldnews

Falling for Fall?

The heat kicked on... Sweatshirts, socks, scarves,  jackets, and closed-toes shoes...

Know what that means. It's here.. Fall, the most invigorating season. Why do I love it? Here's why: football (hall pass for shopping), crisp clean air,  pumpkin everything, leaves changing, picturesque walks with my dog, apples, and progress reports!!!

Yes. Finally an indication of school performance! Is your child doing well? Great! Often students wish to do even better and call us for enrichment. Surprisingly, the most common reason for obtaining help is to get better grades or test scores.

Successful learning takes time. Remember, colleges are very competitive today!  Bear -Sterns estimates that parents of the top 5% and the bottom 15%  seek tutoring.  Tutors can motivate your child, help overcome their fears, and point them in the right direction to become life-long learners! Isn't that what you want?

If your child is under-performing or receives below an 80, call us. Normally things don't improve on their own. Tutoring is a short term solution. We remediate, motivate, and build self-esteem! Our greatest reward is when students succeed. So call us and fall, not fail,  for fall!

Time to Take Time for Living - Great Ikea Ad

Oh my... Ikea has the right idea with this commercial...
Stop  the  appointments, the sax lesson, the ballet lessons, the running around town so much and ask yourself when was the last time you -- as a family -- ate supper together?...

Love this ad.... Hope you take the time to watch it....


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/18/make-time-for-living-ikea-commercial_n_3948322.html?ir=GPS%20for%20the%20Soul

Costs $349,000.00.....So Dog Gone It, READ!

In Massachusetts, 43% of third graders are not proficient readers, according to the 2013 MCAS results released today. Performance in reading on the third grade MCAS has not improved since 2001.
Among children from low-income families, a staggering 65% lag in reading.

"Third grade reading proficiency rated declined 4% points since 2012," according to Carolyn Lyons, President and CEO of Strategies for Children. "Consider that each high school dropout costs Massachusetts taxpayers, on average, $349,000, and the cost of NOT investing early becomes staggering. We must act now.”


Here at Learning Magic, we understand how busy you are working, juggling family, making ends meet.
We can help...  Call us about our reading programs, book clubs, and phonics games.

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/354498

Common App Essay Thoughts

Writing a college essay stresses out everyone.. well almost everyone!
What do you want the school to know about you? What makes you unique?  What strengths and talents do you have? What struggles have you overcome?

Decide what YOU want them to learn about you. Select one of your accomplishments, talents, or challenges. Be positive. Don't write anything that would reflect negatively on you or your behavior.

• Brainstorm with one of these techniques: a web, a list, questioning, outlining, or free writing. 
• Organize your info, write your first draft, edit it,  then write your second draft.
• Ask three people for feedback.
• Incorporate any feedback and re-write it.

READ your essay several times before submitting it.  Does it flow? Is it logical? Grammar correct? Transition words included? Catchy opener? Lots of adjective? Active verbs?

Struggling?  Pick another prompt. It's ok. (Occasionally you use can use some material from the first prompt in your second one.)

Remember to make it personal to you and memorable. An essay may be the deciding factor!!
Happy writing!

8 is Enough

Who ever said that I  needed  LESS sleep as I get older? I remember hearing it but I can't remember specifically who said it to me.  What I do know is it's NOT true!  Most research indicates 8 hours of sleep a night is sufficient. Compared to my husband and friends, I sleep way more than they do! I do average 8 hours sleep a night. Guess I am fortunate. I used to think I was just lazy.

I want my body well-rested so I may perform better all day! A good night's sleep benefits everyone -- not just kids!

• Sleep deprivation affects my memory, my attitude, and my energy level. Who wants to be with a spacey, miserable sloth anyway?
• Sleep keeps our skin looking healthy. When we sleep, growth hormones are released. These help build muscle mass, thicken skin and strengthen bones.
•  A lack of sleep lowers the libido!  Have you said or heard, "I'm too tired." or "I'm too stressed"??????

Some suggestions to get 8 hours a night?

1.  Set a bedtime for you and the kids and stick to it. My husband and I usually have the TV off by 10. Pick a time that works for you and your family.
2. Do quiet activities before bedtime. I read. Reading with your kids is great bonding time and instills that value.
3. Avoid sugar, caffeine, exercise too close to bedtime. These raise adrenalin levels. 
4. If you still experience trouble, see your health care provider.

For kids, sleeping difficulties cause behavior and performance problems in school. 69% of children report sleep difficulties. Alarming, isn't it? For adults, job performance may be affected along with weight gain, depression, and other health issues. So begin today and get your rest! You need it!!! Your body, family, coworkers and friends will appreciate it!