SAT Prep Courses 2011-2012

Call 727-347-6284 for details, to sign up for the FREE SAT Practice Test, or to sign up for the course. Hurry! The classes are small and they fill up quickly!

Sylvan SAT Prep

FREE Seminars & Presentations We Offer for Teachers, Students or Parents!

At Home Strategies - How to develop homework strategies and create independent learners.

Avoid Report Card Surprise - Using the tools of communication and organization to handle a problem report card.

Book Adventure – An overview of the free, online reading motivation program that can be implemented schoolwide, in specific classrooms or at home.

Confidence with Computation - Straightforward techniques to help your child develop an understanding of math facts and connections.

Learning Feels Good - Explores to help children make learning feel good.

Learning Styles - Learn information about the different ways that people learn and what that means for you as a parent as you work with your child.

Light the Motivational Fire - Discusses ability, desire and encouragement.

Reading and Your Child - Understanding reading development.

Study Skills for Educators - Learn classroom strategies that encourage good study skills.

Survival Tips for School Success - Goal setting, time management, organizational skills and test anxiety.

Sylvan in Seven - Answers questions you may have about Sylvan.

From Stress to Success: Test taking strategies and creating the right conditions.

The Write Stuff - Join us as we talk about writing - one of the classic "Three R’s of Education."

Parent Tips For Effective Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are an excellent opportunity to gauge your child’s academic progress and create an ongoing dialogue with your child’s teacher.

Getting Ready:

• Ask your child if there are topics he/she would like discussed with his/her teacher.
   
• Write notes to yourself about your child’s personality, learning difficulties and study habits – aspects that you feel the teacher should know. Take these notes with you to the meeting.

• What is your classroom homework policy? Is homework graded?
• What are the skills that you expect my child to master this year?
• Is my child working up to his/her ability?
• How do you accommodate for learning styles?
• How can I stay involved in my child’s learning?

• Be respectful of the teacher’s time and arrive promptly.
• Begin the conversation on a positive note.
• Discuss your notes concerning your child’s learning habits.
• Ask your most important questions first – in case time runs out.
• Listen to the teacher’s comments and be open to feedback and suggestions.
• Ask the teacher for specific suggestions on ways to help your child reach his/her potential. This is the most important part of the meeting.
• If the teacher says something that you don’t understand, ask for clarification. Don’t be shy.
• Take notes so you can discuss the meeting with your child.
• End the meeting by reiterating the actions that will be taken by the teacher or you.
• If needed, schedule a time to meet again.

• Develop an action plan, then work with your child to implement it. Be sure to make learning fun.
• Stay in contact with the teacher and continue to discuss your child’s progress.

FREE SAT or ACT PRACTICE TEST!

Call 347-6284 TODAY and register to take a FREE SAT or ACT TEST with computer analysis.

Great American Teach-In

On November 19, 2008, directors from our local Sylvan Learning Center visited Southside Fundamental Middle School. Ms. Gina and Ms. Brandi discussed good test-taking tips with 8th grade students. We had a wonderful time!

Sylvan Staff at Azalea Middle School

As part of Read Across America, directors from Sylvan St. Petersburg read "Horton Hears a Who" to a group of 7th grade students at Azalea Middle School.

Sylvan Visits St. Petersburg Christian School!

Directors from Sylvan St. Petersburg visited St. Petersburg Christian School! We celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday and discussed Read Across America Day. We also shared the animated digital version of Horton Hears a Who! We brought cat hats to share with teachers from the school and students were ecstatic to see one of our directors dressed up as The Cat in the Hat! Before leaving, we donated copies of the book Horton Hears A Who! and provided ‘Sylvan Celebrates Successful Readers’ certificates and ‘I Read a Book Today’ stickers to all of the students that participated. We had a blast! Thank you St. Pete Christian!

Way to Go Derrick

November 2008 - Derrick Turner is our Sylvan Star Student for the month of November! Derrick has made a wonderful transition from elementary school to middle school. He works hard here at Sylvan of St. Petersburg to sharpen his study skills and he is making wonderful grades at school. He also plays the clarinet in the Southside Fundamental Band. Recently, Derrick was selected and inducted into the 5000 Role Models AND Doorways Scholars. We are very proud of you Derrick! WAY TO GO!

FREE BACK TO SCHOOL SKILLS CHECK-9/6/08

Call us for a FREE Back to School Skills Check! Space is limited! Call 347-6284 TODAY to reserve your spot!

Math or Reading - Grades 2-12

Celebrate Success with Sylvan!

We can help turn this year into a Big Success!

A Summer at Sylvan helped Alexis and Michele Reach their Full Potential

May 2008 - At the end of 2nd grade, Alexis was being promoted to 3rd grade. Usually that’s good news – but Alexis’ Mom & Dad knew that she was struggling with reading and that she didn’t really like to read. They were worried about 3rd grade and about the FCAT! Alexis came to Sylvan of St. Petersburg 6 hours per week last summer to catch up and get ahead! By the end of the summer Alexis was playing “Sylvan” at home. Mom and Dad would catch her reading to her friends and stuffed animals and “teaching” them about “Main Idea,” “Drawing Conclusions,” vowel sounds and more. Alexis loves 3rd grade – and the FCAT was no big deal!

Michelle enrolled in Sylvan last summer. She had dropped out of school – wanted to go to college, but just could not score high enough on math to earn her GED. Michelle worked full time and she came to Sylvan about 6 hours per week over the summer and into the fall. Michelle is a student at SPC now, building her future – but she took time to share her feelings with the Sylvan staff:
"Thank you so much for helping me get a second chance. I finally got my GED! I feel that the staff's patience with me was amazing! Thanks for helping me reach a new level of confidence. I wouldn't have been able to do this without all of your wonderful help!"

- Michelle, St. Petersburg College

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