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

New SAT Packages

SAT/ACT PREP-PREMIUM: $1599. This program includes our standard SAT/ACT test prep course, along with Advanced Reading Skills and College Prep Writing. These courses will help students manage their time more effectively, complete reading assignments with greater comprehension and speed, and finish their homework in half the time. Our College Prep Writing course will help students write college admissions essays that will stand out from the crowd and help them gain an edge in getting into their dream school.

SAT/ACT PREP-PLUS: $1299. This program includes our standard SAT/ACT test prep course along with Advanced Reading Skills. Students will increase both their reading speed and comprehension, which will benefit them not only with college admissions but also with the heavy reading load a college freshman typically encounters.

SAT/ACT TEST-PREP: $999. This course will prepare students to improve their performance on the SAT/ACT test by preparing them with strategies to increase their scores.

Classes are starting soon—call 703-404-8804 now to take advantage of this great offer.

SAT Information

With more than two million students taking the SAT and ACT tests each year, competition to get into the best colleges and universities is on the rise. At Sylvan, our college prep experts will tailor a personalized plan that builds the skills, habits and attitudes your teenager needs to score higher on test day and apply to college with confidence. Students of all test-taking abilities and score levels benefit from Sylvan's highly personalized and targeted approach that focuses on the exact skills needed to successfully answer test questions. For many, skills can be mastered to raise test scores in as little as five to eight weeks.

College Prep programs typically start 5-9 weeks before an exam so that we can reach peak performance level by test day. Our small classes can fill up quickly! Don’t Delay and call early to ensure a spot.

National SAT Dates:

March 10, 2012
*Classes start week of January 9

May 5, 2012
*Classes start week of March 5

June 2, 2012
*Classes start week of April 2

Convenient Class times: (recommended 1-3 times a week in 2-4 hour blocks)

Monday - Thursday	Saturday	Sunday
4:30 - 6:30	9:30 - 1:30	12:30 - 4:30
5:30 - 7:30	9:30 - 11:30	12:30 - 2:30
	11:30 - 1:30	2:30 - 4:30

Click on the Exam picture to learn more about SAT/ACT prep.




SAT is registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board, which makes no endorsement of this program.

ACT Information

College Prep programs typically start 5-9 weeks before an exam so that we can reach peak performance level by test day. Our small classes can fill up quickly! Don’t Delay and call early to ensure a spot.

National ACT Dates:

April 14, 2012
*Classes start week of February 13

June 9, 2012
*Classes start week of April 9

Convenient Class times: (recommended 1-3 times a week in 2-4 hour blocks)

Monday - Thursday	Saturday	Sunday
4:30 - 6:30	9:30 - 1:30	12:30 - 4:30
5:30 - 7:30	9:30 - 11:30	12:30 - 2:30
	11:30 - 1:30	2:30 - 4:30

Book Adventure

One of the busiest sites on the web for kids is Sylvan's Book Adventure. This is such a great place to find age and grade-level appropriate books for your child. This is a totally free site and will help you choose books, of all subjects, that will be of interest. There are comprehension quizzes, a prize locker, a parent and teacher zone and suggestions to encourage student reading. Go to bookadventure.com and sign up. It's a perfect resource for the upcoming summer break. You can have your child try Book Adventure with several sample quizzes located on the website.

Introducing SylvanMathPrep.com: Sylvan's New Online Homework Support Service

Finish your homework faster and easier! WithSylvanMathPrep.com, you'll see short videos, corresponding to the exact pages and concepts in your textbook, that explain the math lessons you're studying.

SylvanMathPrep.com presents math problems in a new way, shows you the work so you can see how to do it, and provides practice problems (with the answers!), so you can master the concepts in no time!

To get started, visit SylvanMathPrep.com to sign up - a FREE trial is available! Select your textbook and page number and the video will explain exactly what you need to know.

Getting ready for the SAT or ACT? SylvanMathPrep.com can help you study for the math portions of these test as well. Sign Up Today!

DrRickBlog.com Offers Education News, Tips, and Expert Advice

Looking for advice on homework, writing, test-taking, and other educational topics? For creative ideas and tools for students from pre-K to high school? Hear the latest ideas and advice from education expert Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D. (aka “Dr. Rick”)!

In his new blog - DrRickBlog.com - Dr. Rick will discuss the latest issues in education and offer tips and tools for students from pre-K to high school.

DrRickBlog.com will include current and relevant news articles, reference lists with additional resources, and many other exciting sections as the site continues to expand. Serving as a supportive destination for parents and educators to visit all year long, all are invited to post their own feedback and views!

FREE Math Activity Booklet

Click on the photo to get your FREE math activity booklet

Resource for Parents

Everyday at Sylvan, we rack our brains to come up with new tools, tips and guides that will support parents and help them inspire a love for learning in their children. Whether your child needs to catch up, keep up or get ahead, there's something here from which every family can benefit.

Click on the help key to make learning an everyday event.

Tips For Different Learning Styles

AUDITORY LEARNERS	VISUAL LEARNERS	TACTILE LEARNERS
Encourage them to explain the material to you, as if they were the tutor.	Let them take notes during the tutoring session.	Encourage them to pick up the book as they are reading or talking.
Ask them to read explanations out loud.	Use a blackboard or notepaper for both of you to write questions and answers.	Have them write while they are reading or talking.
Ask the student to make up a song using the subject material. The 'crazier' the better.	Encourage the use of color-coded highlighting.	Encourage them to walk around and for appropriate books and other resources.
Tell the students they can review audio tapes while they drive.	Use graph paper to help them create charts and diagrams that demonstrate key points.	Advise them to sit near the front of their classroom and to take notes. This will keep the student focused.
Advise them that when they are learning new information, state the problem out loud. Reason through solutions out loud.	Have them use mnemonics, acronyms, visual chains, and mind maps.	Advise them to spend extra time in any labs offered.
Ask the student to say words in syllables.	Advise them to use the computer to organize materials and to create graphs, tables, charts, and spreadsheets.	Encourage them to use the computer to reinforce learning using their sense of touch.
Refer them to our study skills videotapes.	Ask the student to organize the material.	Advise them to write with their fingers in sand.
Encourage them to make up and repeat rhymes to remember facts, dates, names, etc. Make sure they go over all important facts aloud.	Use visual analogies. Use photographs.	Have them write lists repeatedly.
Advise the student to join or create a study group, or to get a study partner.	Use visual metaphors.	Advise them to exaggerate lip movements in front of a mirror.
To learn a sequence of steps, write them out in sentence form, then read them out loud.	When you ask them to explain something, suggest they do so by writing the explanation down.	Ask them to stand while they explain something to you.
Ask the student to use mnemonics and word links.	Ask them to make flashcards, then use them during the session/s. The act of writing (the cards) and viewing them doubles their comprehension.	Ask them to use rhythm (beats) to memorize or explain something.
Involve the student in a discussion of the material.	Encourage them to visualize the scene, formula, words, charts, etc.	As the student is explaining something, have the student point to the subject matter in the book, on the board, etc., while reading it out loud.
Refer them to the Study Skills videotapes.	Use illustrations.	Advise students to use hands-on experience when possible.