Is Your Child Ready for Algebra?

Known as a "gateway course," algebra is the foundation for higher-level high school math and science classes and thus a critical stepping stone to student's success. Make sure your child is ready by having them take a FREE Algebra Readiness Check-Up!

Weak algebra skills can lead to:

• Lower ACT/SAT^® scores
• Limited access to colleges and universities
• Restricted careers

This 21-question Algebra Readiness Check-Up will help your student determine if they are ready for Algebra. Their personalized Algebra Fitness Breakdown will highlight their strengths, areas that require focus, and provide online resources to help them get in tip-top shape for algebra!

Register today: www.Fit4Algebra.org

Back to School Sale!

Sylvan of Okotoks is excited to offer our new Math Accelerator special to celebrate Back to School 2011! Until October 7, 2011, you can assess your student for only $95, a savings of $100!!!

Get your student off to a great start this year and an even stronger end to the new school year, call today!


(*conditions apply- valid at Okotoks Centre only)

If Your Family Suffers From “Report Card” Surprise – Communication is the Cure

By: Becky Gach, Centre Director
Sylvan Learning Centre, Okotoks

If your child…

• Develops low self-esteem as report card time approaches

• Refuses to discuss her grade expectations

• Receives test scores that do not reflect his daily performance

• Struggles to complete her daily homework

• Gradually begins not to show you his graded assignments and projects

• Loses interest in learning

Your family may suffer from “report card surprise.”

The first report card of the year can create feelings of pride, happiness and excitement for many parents. It can also produce feelings of anxiety and frustration for those who are surprised by their child’s grades. However, effective and continuous communication among teachers, parents and students can help minimize the “report card surprise.”

Report cards are part of every child’s academic experience, and don’t need to be a surprise to parents. If a parent is surprised by a poor report card, it often means that they haven’t been effectively communicating with their child or their child’s teacher throughout the year. Maintaining open and continuous lines of communication with children and teachers throughout the school year, and not just when report cards are issued, will help parents stay informed about their child’s progress and help them avoid the report card surprise.

Students who are surprised by their own report cards also need to improve their communication and organization patterns. A student who surprisingly receives a D or a failing grade on his report card learns the hard way that he needs to regularly talk with his teachers and stay on top of school work, homework and test results. Students should never be surprised by their report card grades.

Organization is an essential part of a student’s education. By tracking test scores and all other assignments throughout the year and speaking regularly with teachers and parents, students are prepared for their grades come report card time, and can work to improve their performance prior to report cards.

It shouldn’t take a surprise report card for parents and teachers to communicate effectively. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages and skill levels, offers the following advice to help parents maintain clear communications with their children and teachers, and begin seeing academic results before the holidays:

Tips for Talking To Children

•Talk about school every day. Make it a regular part of the family’s routine.

•Don’t wait until report cards are issued to talk about school and grades. Frequently discuss with her how she is doing in each subject and what grade she anticipates receiving.

•Encourage your child to tell you about his day. Find out what he learned and what are his favorite activities.

•Teach your child that education is important to your family.

•Discuss goals and objectives for the school year. This may be a great way to learn about difficulties your child is having in specific subject areas.

•If your child is having trouble in school, talk about a method to help organize her schedule, subjects and activities. A calendar can be a great way to track tests, homework, activities and study plans.

•Talk with your child about his extracurricular activities, such as team sports or after-school jobs. Being overscheduled may affect his grades.

•Set improvement goals for your child. This will help her work towards an attainable grade for each class.

•Talk with your child about his study habits and develop a study plan. Set aside specific time for studying, projects and activities each evening and make sure that he has a properly equipped and well-lit area to work.

•Communicate with your child about her school experiences. Know what she is thinking and feeling. Also, openly talk with her about her worries and concerns as well as her joys and achievements.

Tips for Talking to Teachers

•Develop a parent/teacher relationship with your child’s teacher and talk with this teacher at least once a month throughout the year.

•Your child’s teacher can benefit from background information about him – talk about activities he likes, special needs, close friends, motivation and things going on at home.

•Find out what the teacher’s expectations are for the year and what type of curriculum she has set for the students. Have this insight at the start of school and keep track of it throughout the year.

•Remember – teachers are busy people, too. Find out the easiest way to communicate – by email, phone or in person. Finding the right communication method will make it easier to speak on a regular basis.

Visit http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/report-card-guide.cfm to download a free parents guide from Sylvan Learning – You and Your Child’s Report Card.

Keep an Eye Peeled for Upcoming Seminars!

We're busy planning some exciting FREE seminars this fall, check back often for dates and topics!

Some very useful seminars will include Forgotten Math for parents, Algebra Spoken Here, and Middle/High School transitions.

Become a friend on Facebook to be notified immediately when spaces are available!

Bring the Success of Sylvan into Your Home!

Sylvan has been a proven and trusted partner for parents for thirty years. The Sylvan™ line of educational products equips families with fun, effective, and grade-appropriate learning tools.

Our workbooks feature activities, stories, and games to reinforce the skills children need to develop and achieve their academic potential. Students will reap the rewards of improved confidence and a newfound love of learning.

Stop in today and pick up a reading workbook for your student, grade 1-5! At $15.00 each, plus a valuable savings certificate, they have proven to be a great tool to help Okotoks students with reading skills!

COMING SOON! MATH WORKBOOKS!

Sylvan Learning Centre Okotoks is on Facebook!

Our centre is now on Facebook! Simply search Sylvan Okotoks and become a fan. Be the first to be notified of specials, events and exciting news!

NOW AVAILABLE! Sylvan Advanced Math

Also known as "SAM", Sylvan Advanced Math is an upper level math program to further enhance our Academic Math program. Designed for students grade 9 and above, SAM works on higher level Algebra that will enable your student to work more efficiently and confidently in math from Junior High through Graduation.

Call us today for more information!

NOW AVAILABLE! Sylvan Study Skills

We are busy training on some exciting new programs that will make their debut this fall at the Centre! One of them being Sylvan Study Skills. It is designed for students in Grades 4-12 who need to become more efficient and effective with their schoolwork.

Call today for more information!!!