How do I choose the right summer camp for my child?

This is the time to shop for the best summer camp for your child. You want to find a summer camp that gives your child an engaging, happy and safe summer experience. 

Interviewing the summer camps’ director is the place to begin with this process. It is important to know how long the camp has been operating. If the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association you can bet that the day camp has been approved by the non-profit’s 300 standards health, safety, programs, staffing and facilities. This accreditation is just the beginning of the interview process. Here are some questions that can guide you on this journey. 

             What is the camp’s mission or philosophy?

Only you, the parent, can determine if the overall mission is a good fit for your child. If the camp is a sports camp does it offer a balance of skills and drills, techniques and practice time? Is the camp affiliated to a religious organization? If so what observances are apart of the program?

           How does the camp select their staff?

 What kind of screening process does the camp provide? Are there extensive criminal background checks? Are the camp counselors CPR & First Aid certified?

         What are the counselor and camper retention rates?

Do the counselors and campers return to camp each summer or is there a high turnover rate? According to the ACA a 40-60% of staff returning is a good rate; 50% is a good rate for the campers.

          What is the counselor to camper ratio?

Here are some guidelines for a good counselor to camper ratio. Day camp guidelines should be 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14: and 1:12 for ages 15-18.               

         How does the camp handle any medical emergencies and allergy concerns?

 You want to look for a day camp that has a medical professional on campus on a daily basis. You may want to ask if the counselors all have quick access to the nurse or doctor on staff. Many camps provide walkie talkies or cell phones to their counselors so they can reach the nurse or doctor on staff as quickly as possible.

       What does a typical schedule look like?

Looking at a typical schedule will help you decide if this camp would be a good fit for your child. You may want to see if the camp has a good balance with physical activity, creative activity, academic component and free time. Ask if your child has an option of choosing an elective during the day or throughout the week. 

I hope these questions are helpful and offer a good starting point as you start searching for the best summer day camp for your child!!!

Yolanda, is an educator and Founder of Team Tutor. She lives in the Delaware Valley with her husband and 3 young children. 

President’s Day Trivia Fun For the Whole Family!

President’s Day is on Monday and we put together some fun trivia questions for your family. How much do you know? Have fun with this! Are you smarter than your child? Let’s find out. The answers are below but try not to peek!

1. Which president was the youngest person to become president?
2. Who was the oldest elected president?
3. Which president took over office without ever being elected?
4. Which president served the longest in office?
5. How many president’s were born in a log cabin?
6. How many president’s also served as vice presidents?
7. Which president was a peanut farmer before he became President?
8. Which president had the largest feet?
9. Which president first lived in the white house?
10. How many U.S. states are named after a president?

Answers:

1. Theodore Roosevelt
2. Ronald Reagan was 69
3. Gerald Ford
4. Franklin D. Roosevelt
5. 7
6. 14
7. Jimmy Carter
8. Warren G. Harding, the 29th President. He wore size 14 shoes.
9. John Addams
10. One

Yolanda is the founder of Team Tutor and lives in the Delaware Valley with her husband and 3 children.

Math and Spelling Fun for the Whole Family!

Math and Spelling Fun for the Whole Family!

Who says reinforcing math and spelling skills has to be tedious and boring? My girls and I have blast with these fun and inventive ways to foster math and spelling concepts. What I love most about these activities is that the whole family can get involved!

SPELLING FUN

Shaving cream – spray it on a flat surface, smooth it out and let them write their words in it.

Finger paint – let them spell out his words with finger paint.

Sidewalk chalk – have them spell out his words on the driveway with colorful chalk.

Keyboarding – let them type their words out on the computer.

Hangman -– play hangman using the spelling words.

Tiles – grab some letter tiles and have them spell the words you dictate.

“Guess the Word” – spell the word for them and give them a chance to guess what it is.

As far as on-line spelling resources, there are many to choose from. One of my favorites iswww.spellingcity.com

MATH FUN

Grocery Shopping – let your child help you take items off the shelf and place them in your cart. While doing so, she will learn about weight, shape and size. Point out labels and prices and explain the differences.

Clean-up – as you and your child clean-up her toys, talk about the different colors, shapes, weights and sizes of each item as you put them away. Talk about the number of items you are putting away, for example, “Let’s put these two books in the bookshelf”.

Baking – cooking and baking allows your child to weigh and measure various ingredients. Together you can count the number of spoonfuls, cupfuls, and tablespoons required for the recipe. She can also experience first-hand what happens when you mix different ingredients together.

Wash & Dry – have your little one help with the laundry. She can measure out and pour the detergent. She can also help sort items by color, texture, type of clothing, etc.

Daily reinforcement is the best way to learn and retain math and spelling concepts. Give these a try and let me know how you make out!

Yolanda is the mom of 3 young children in the Delaware Valley. She is the Founder of Team Tutor.

Making Math Fun!

We are always making up games that integrate learning at our house. The first one details a new way to teach double digit addition and regrouping with your child. My girls are entering 2nd grade this fall and I know this is a concept they will be working on this school year.

Double digit math game: Grab a deck of cards. Take out all the face cards and any jokers. Give each player 4 cards. Each player should put them into a double digit addition format. The player with the highest sum wins! You play until the player with 10 points wins!

*note I put a dry erase board or a post-it under the cards so they can write the sum under the cards. I also put another dry erase board or a post-it on top in case they had to regroup.
They picked up this game very easily! They had fun and one of my girls said, “Mom this is so cool, do you think we will add like this in 2nd grade?” Little did she know I am just trying to get her ready!!

Here are a few other fun game ideas.

Dice Game: Grab a pair of dice. Roll the dice and add (or subtract) the numbers up! Each time someone gets the correct answer they get a point. Decide ahead of time how many rolls each player will receive. The person with the most points at the end wins!

Beat the Calculator Grab a deck of math fact flashcards (addition, subtraction, multiplication and or division) and a calculator. You will need three people for this game (two contestants and a card holder). One person holds up a flash card, while the contestants get to work on coming up with the answer. One contestant uses calculator to find the answer, while the other users their mind. Whoever comes up with the correct answer first wins a point. You can decide how many points determine the winner.

Playing Cards:
Use your traditional playing cards and divide the deck into 2 piles – one for each player. In this two player game, each person throws down two cards at a time. Both players then add, subtract, and multiply their cards. The one with the highest answer gets to keep all four cards (make sure to set the “keep” pile off to the side). The player with the most cards in their “keep pile “at the end wins!

Tic-Tac-Toe Fact Fun! Grab a deck of math fact flashcards (addition, subtraction, multiplication and or division). Players must answer the math fact before putting on X or O on the board. The first person to get tic-tac-toe wins!

Yolanda is the mom of 3 young children in the Delaware Valley. She is the Founder of Team Tutor.

Back to School Basics – Small Steps Can Go a Long Way

Can you believe it’s that time of year again? Even as we enjoy these last weeks of summer, the back-to-school flurry is fast approaching. There’s no avoiding it – the shelves are stocked with school supplies and the stores are busy promoting their “back-to-school” sales.

If you’re like most parents, you’re probably already thinking about what you can do to ensure that the upcoming school year is a successful one. While it’s true that getting ready to go back to school can be overwhelming, a few simple steps can go a long way in getting both you and your child ready for the big day!

Communication

First and foremost, talk to your child. If they are feeling uneasy about school find out why. Sometimes children worry about the change in teachers, and/or being in a different classroom than their friends. Remind your child that being around other children is an opportunity to make new friends. Communication is one of the most important factors, as maintaining an on-going dialogue with your child will keep you aware of what’s going on in the classroom and beyond.

Preparation

Have you child participate in the back-to-school process. If possible, set aside a few hours to do some back-to-school shopping together. Take them with you to help pick out their supplies, backpack, clothing, etc. It’s a great excuse to spend some quality time together!

Organization

Of course being organized and establishing and maintaining routines early on is essential. Establish a bedtime and morning routine and begin implementing these routines a week or two in advance. Set up a system for organizing backpacks, lunch bags, school announcements, homework assignments, etc.

Designate a homework spot – this “homework area” should be away from any distractions. It should be quiet and well lit. Be sure to have the following materials on hand: extra pencils, erasers, blank paper for practice, a pencil sharpener, and crayons. Having these easily accessible will minimize any delays and help avoid distractions.

I always look forward to the start of a new school year! I hope these small suggestions help you enjoy it too!

Yolanda is the mom of 3 young children in the Delaware Valley and the Founder of Team Tutor.

Kindergarten Here We Come!

IS YOUR CHILD HEADING OFF TO KINDERGARTEN? IS HE READY? ARE YOU?

Just two years ago I sent my twins off to kindergarten for the first time. I was not ready for this incredibly emotional experience! Worry, fear, excitement were just a few of the emotions I experienced as I watched my little girls transition from preschool to elementary school. And this is coming from a former Kindergarten classroom teacher!

I use to be on the other side of the classroom. Worried, teary-eyed moms would drop off their 5-year old “babies” and place them in my care for six hours! At that time I did not fully understand the depth of emotions these women were feeling, as I was living my pre-mommy existence. When it was my turn, I got it and I got it hard! Now, as I get ready to send my twins to second grade and my youngest to preschool, I wish I’d had been handed some advice on how to handle such a big transition. That said I would like to share some tips/advice that may help you and your little one as they venture off to the world of kindergarten!

TALK IT OUT!

Transitioning to kindergarten is a BIG milestone for your child. He may feel a variety of emotions. It is important to talk to him about what he is feeling. It is very difficult for young children to express their emotions, so it’s important for parents to guide them. Help him address his concerns. Ask, “What fun activities do you think your teacher will have in your classroom?” Or “How are you feeling?”

KINDERGARTEN SHOPPING DAY!

Celebrate this new transition by making a big deal about the school supplies needed for Kindergarten. Take your child shopping so he can pick out his new book bag, lunch bag, school shoes, etc. Making it a positive and exciting experience for your child will help with this transition.

PRACTICE ROUTINES!

This tip can include the whole family! Practicing your morning school routine gives your child a sense of security and sets him at ease. Let him know where you will have his clothes and shoes in the morning, and where he needs to be to get on his school bus! Give him a tour of the school so he can feel comfortable in his new school environment. If you can, set-up a classroom visit so he can meet his teacher and see his classroom!

THE BIG DAY HAS ARRIVED!

This is the day you have been waiting for and working towards! Make sure to share your joy and excitement with your little one. If they are scared or nervous, reassure them that they will be ok and that it’s normal to feel this way. Try your best not to show any fear or worry on your part. Give them a big hug and get them off to their classroom.

I hope you find this information helpful. I promise you and your child will get through this major transition together!

Yolanda is the mom of 3 young children in the Delaware Valley. She is the Founder of Team Tutor.

Summer is no Time to Leave Learning Behind!

Should I have my child continue some type of academic program over the summer? This is a question many parents ponder, and the answer is a resounding yes! No matter if your child is struggling or excelling academically, keeping him or her engaged in the learning process over the summer is the most effective way to ensure a smooth transition back to school in the Fall. While summer is a time for kids to be active and carefree, one or two hours a week of fun, engaging, interactive learning is a great way to keep your child excited about the learning process.

Many think of summer review as planned structured blocks of time where the parent and child sit together reviewing lessons. While structured lessons are beneficial, you can also incorporate learning into everyday events, such as a trip to the grocery store. For example, start by having your child write out the shopping list. Upon arrival, ask him to comb the aisles for the groceries. Finally, have him count out the money needed to purchase the items. By doing this small exercise, your little one will have utilized math, reading, writing and critical thinking skills in one short visit to the grocery store.

Other non-structured learning activities include video and computer games that require reading and critical thinking skills. Another idea is to start a book club for your child and his friends. It’s a great way to keep him excited about reading over the summer!

Of course, not all parents have the time or patience to work with their children over the summer, while others realize their children need assistance beyond their scope of expertise. In cases such as these, hiring a tutor is the best option.

Choose your tutor wisely. First and foremost, you want to make sure he or she is a certified educator who has all of their clearances and is and expert in their respective field/subject area. If your child is in need of a Wilson certified reading tutor, then a general reading specialist is not the best fit. In addition to their academic credentials, you want to be sure they are a match in terms of personality and demeanor. If your child is shy and introverted, you want to make sure the tutor is able to draw them out and engage them. If they have a short attention span or trouble focusing, you want someone who has experience in fostering concentration and listening skills.

Whether you decide to hire a tutor or work with your child yourself, a mix of structured review along with fun interactive learning is the best recipe for summer learning success!

Yolanda is the mom of 3 young children in the Delaware Valley. She is the Founder of Team Tutor.

Road Trip Games – Entertaining & Educating!

Are you and your family headed on a road trip this summer? Are you worried about keeping your children entertained during the long car ride? Already anticipating the infamous, “are we there yet?” question? Well, have no fear I have put together some great ideas that can entertain and educate your children all at the same time!

License Plate Game: Print out a blank copy of the US map. Give your child a marker or crayon. When you’re on the road, have your child look out for all the different state license plates. When they spot the different states on license plates, they color the corresponding state on their map. How many states can they find?

Design Your Own Map: If your child is on the younger side, give them a kid friendly map of where you are going. Have them cross off landmarks and destinations as you approach them. For example, if you will cross 4 bridges during the course of your trip, each time you pass one your child can cross it off the map. Older children can use a map to help with directions, or you can print out some fun facts about the areas you’ll travel through and have the kids find the relevant places on the map.

Traditional Travel Board Games: Many of the traditional board games come in travel size for long trips. Stock up on Monopoly or Monopoly Junior, Boggle, Scrabble and Battleship – they all reinforce a variety of educational skills. There are many great travel games; be sure to stock up on your kids’ favorite.

Travel Journal: Give your child a notebook, crayons, stickers and other art supplies. Have them decorate the journal and write about their upcoming destination. Encourage them to be as creative as possible. You can even write in the journal yourself and initiate a dialogue with your child to help generate ideas to get them started.

Scavenger Hunt: Give your child a list of things they are to watch for while you are driving. They can keep a running tab of how many they find along the way. For example: How many cows did you see? How many sky scrapers did you see? How many shopping malls did we pass?

Read, READ, Read: I am fan of the good old fashion idea of reading! Pile up on kid friendly books, magazines, etc. Allow your child to enjoy reading materials of interest as you travel to your destination. If your child is a fan of sports, put together a selection of fresh new sports related material for them read along the way.

I hope these ideas are helpful and make your travels exciting and fun! Happy and safe travels this summer! Let me know your road trip game ideas!

Yolanda is the mom of 3 young children in the Delaware Valley. She is the Founder of Team Tutor.

Education: Prevent Summer Learning Loss!

School is over and so begins the long lazy days of summer. During the summer months students are in danger of “summer slide” or “brain drain” – phrases that commonly refer to the learning loss that can occur when children are not engaged in educational activities during the summer.

Research indicates that students lose approximately 2.6 months of grade level equivalency during the summer. It is also important to note that teachers spend between four to six weeks re-teaching material that students have forgotten over the summer. Learning loss is certainly not inevitable. If you are wondering how you can help keep your kids off the “summer slide”, take a look at these fun activities designed to keep your child engaged in learning all summer long!

Literature and Movie Critique – Read a book and then watch the movie with your child. Compare and contrast the book and movie. There are some great movies out now that are also great books. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer and Mr. Popper’s Penguins to name a few. This is a great way to interact with your child while you both learn something new together!

Explore and Research – Is there a topic or question that intrigues your child? How long does a butterfly live? How long does a firefly keep its light? How much water does it take to fill our pool? Summer is a great time to conduct a research project. Use the internet or library, or interview a few local experts. This is a great exercise that incorporates reading, writing and researching skills. You can make this as simple or detailed as you wish.

Make You Own Cookbook – Help your children put together a cookbook of their favorite foods and/or desserts. First, cook/bake each selection, then photograph and caption each item, next write out the ingredients and cooking directions. Before they know it, your child is on his or her way to creating their very own cookbook!

Vacation Photo Op – Turn you vacation into an opportunity for learning. Have your children journal and illustrate/photograph the highlights of their summer vacation. Go a step further and have them caption each illustration/photograph.

Family Game Night – Break out the Parcheesi! Host a weekly family game night throughout the summer. Board games can help to reinforce many skills including, math, reading, writing and even logic.

Summer learning loss can be prevented! What better time to promote and explore your children’s interests. Just remember to select projects that are in-line with their interests so they do not get bored. Be creative and make sure the learning activities are fun and interactive.

What do you have planned for your children this summer?

Yolanda is the mom of 3 young children in the Delaware Valley. She is the Founder of Team Tutor.