Mark your calendar for the latest test dates.
Do You Know These Caldecott Winners? You Should!
While doing research for our annual article on book recommendations, we took a look at Caldecott award winners, Newberry winners, and various other great sources. What really caught our attention was the list of past Caldecott winners. Some remain famous and are familiar to us all, such as The Little House, Frog Went A-Courtin’, Madeline, and Where the Wild Things Are, but we uncovered some treasures, long forgotten and we’re pleased to introduce you to these past winners.
What exactly is the Caldecott Award? The Randolph Caldecott Medal annually recognizes the preceding year's "most distinguished American picture book for children", beginning with 1937 publications. It is awarded to the illustrator by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.
1.The Egg Tree, Katherine Milhous, winner 1951
When Katy discovers her grandmother's old hand-painted Easter eggs in the attic, she inspires the renewal of a special tradition: the Easter egg tree! This story, written half a century ago, will charm today's readers every bit as much as it did their parents and grandparents. Influenced by Pennsylvania Dutch folk art and tradition, Katherine Milhous creates a lovely tale that will leave readers eager to break out paint, dye, and brushes to trim their own Easter egg tree. Muted hues of blue, brown, green, orange, and yellow are a welcome respite from the vibrancy of contemporary illustrations, and create their own gentle radiance. Age-old designs such as the Bright and Morning Star, the Horn-blowing Rooster, the Cooing Dove, and the Pomegranate decorate the borders and eggs, providing a sense of deep-rooted history and tradition.
2. Sam, Bangs & Moonshine, Evaline Ness, winner 1967
Samantha (known as Sam) is a fisherman's daughter who dreams rich and lovely dreams- moonshine, her father calls them. Little Samantha tells everyone her mother is a mermaid because she doesn’t want to be a girl whose mother passed away. But when her tall stories bring big trouble to her friend Thomas and her cat Bangs, Sam learns that she has to distinguish between moonshine and reality. Sam, Bangs & Moonshineis part simple picture book, part heart-breaking coming of age story, all with accompanying distinguished illustrations.
3. Duffy and the Devil, Harve and Margot Zemach, winner 1974
Duffy and the Devilwas a popular play in Cornwall in the nineteenth century, performed at the Christmas season by groups of young people who went from house to house. The language spoken by the Christmas players was a rich mixture of local English dialect and Old Cornish (similar to Welsh and Gaelic), and something of this flavor has been preserved in Harve Zemach's retelling. Margot Zemach's pen-and-wash illustrations are a perfect accompaniment.
Duffy and the Devilis a slight variation on the story of Rumpelstiltskin with some mischievous differences and additional humor. Rather than being a young girl being in a precarious situation by her dishonest father, this story features a young maid who herself lies, not about being able to do the miraculous, but rather about the expected duty of sewing clothes. She makes her own deal with the Devil, and though the ending is nearly the same, there’s a clever twist that will bring a smile to the reader’s face. This story is fun, and lets you enjoy an old story in a new way.
4. Shadow, Marcia Brown, winner 1983
Haunting drawings and an eerie poem make up this book, translated and illustrated by Marcia Brown, whose work you may remember in the classics Stone Soup, Dick Whittington and His Cat, and Once Upon a Mouse. The “shadow” in this story is not necessarily the natural shadow cast by light that you might expect. Instead, it’s a memory and a ghost of former self that attaches itself and slips back and forth into existence during the life and experiences of a person. Deeply rooted in the tribal culture of Africa, the shadow is a frightening and spiritual presence, beautifully described.
5. Golem, David Wisniewski, winner 1997
A city is under attack by libel, violence, and anti-semitism and a desperate rabbi heads into the wilderness to dig up clay and create a giant to protect his people. This is just the beginning of this larger-than-life tale of the lengths a leader might go to keep his people out of danger. As the Golem—the giant brought to life—comes to terms with his existence, something larger than the fate of the people is at stake. Retold from traditional sources and accompanied by David Wisniewski's unique cut-paper illustrations, Golemis a dramatic tale of supernatural forces invoked to save an oppressed people. It also offers a thought-provoking look at the consequences of unleashing power beyond human control.
6. My Friend Rabbit, Eric Rohmann, winner 2003
This book is completely delightful. My Friend Rabbitis an affectionate story from the point of view of someone who loves his friend. It’s easy to read, and the illustrations are funny and elaborate. The message is a good one: that our friends are not perfect, but they are valuable. My Friend Rabbit is a great little book for the very young, and the young at heart, with a solid message about accepting friends as they are.
7. This is Not My Hat, Jon Klassen, winner 2013
Not his hat? At least he’s honest, even if he is a little thief. Jon Klassen first surprised readers with his runaway best seller, I Want My Hat Back, and his follow-up, This Is Not My Hatis an inside out version that is even more fun. The action takes place underwater with much of the story told through the expressive illustrations of sea creatures. From the little fish who steals a bowler hat to the crab who sells him out with eyeballs pointing the way, there are lots of laughs along with lessons. This time Klassen created an ambiguous ending that invites lively conversation about the possible outcomes and ultimately leaves it up to the child to decide the little fish's fate with every reading.
So what book is the award winner for 2019?
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That would be Hello Lighthouse, illustrated and written by Sophie Blackall. This sweet book transports readers to the seaside. Watch the days and seasons pass as the wind blows, the fog rolls in, and icebergs drift by. Outside, there is water all around. Inside, the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and his family unfolds as the keeper boils water for tea, lights the lamp's wick, and writes every detail in his logbook. Step back in time and through the door of this iconic lighthouse into a cozy dollhouse-like interior with the extraordinary award-winning artist Sophie Blackall.
New Year's Food Traditions Around the World
Here are some New Year’s food traditions from around the world:
American South: Hoppin’ Johnwith rice, black-eyed peas, collards or other cooked greens, and cornbread. A recipe for Hoppin’ John appears as early as 1847 in “The Carolina Housewife” cookbook, but traces its roots to Africa and the West Indies.
American North: Seafood chowder, oyster stew, or sauerkraut and pork. Symbolizing abundance and good luck, these traditional foods are often served, though “football food” is commonly included in most households in recent years.
Spain: 12 grapes. At the stroke of midnight, one grape is eaten for every toll of the clock bell. Why? It’s said that the custom began at the turn of the 20th century, thought up by grape producers in the southern part of the country but now spread throughout many Spanish-speaking nations.
Mexico: Tamales, a corn dough stuffed with meat, cheese, and other additions, wrapped in a corn husk. Many families gather together to make hundreds of the little packets to hand out to friends, family, and neighbors.
Netherlands: Oliebollen, doughnut-like deep-fried balls, studded with currants and dusted with powdered sugar. Temporary shacks or trailers pop up all over Amsterdam on this holiday to sell this delicious treat.
Austria and Germany: Marzipanschwein(fresh marzipan made in the shape of little pigs). In both countries, revelers drink a red wine punch with cinnamon and spices, have pork for dinner, and decorate their tables with these little treats. They are also commonly traded gifts, and in Vienna, bakery shelves are filled with pig-shaped truffles, marzipan, chocolate, and other sweets.
Japan: Soba noodles. The practice of eating these long, buckwheat noodles dates back to the 17th century, with the long noodles symbolizing longevity and prosperity. Another custom called mochitsuki, calls friends and family together to pound mochi rice cakes, wash, soak, steam, pound, and then form the dough into small buns that are eaten for dessert.
Various countries: King cake. In France it’s called Galette des Rois, in Greece, Vasilopita. The Mexicans call it Rosca de Reyes and in Bularia, Banitsa. Most cakes are eaten at midnight on New Year’s Eve, though some will begin eating the cake on Christmas and continue until Epiphany on January 6. Hidden in the cake is a gold coin or figure, which symbolized a prosperous year for whomever finds it in their slice.
Italy: Cotechino con Lenticchie, a pairing of sausage and lentils or a stew featuring these two ingredients, which represent money and good fortune. This special meal ends with chiacchiere, which are fried dough balls that are rolled in honey and powdered sugar, and enjoyed with glasses of prosecco.
Poland and Scandinavia: Pickled herring. Because of their silver coloring, pickled herring is eaten at midnight to bring a year of prosperity and bounty. A special dish called Sledzie Marynowane, is made by soaking whole salt herrings in water for 24 hours, and then layering them in a jar with onion, allspice, sugar, and white vinegar.
Denmark and Norway: Kransekage, a traditional ring cake composed of stacked, concentric rings. The cake is made using marzipan, and often has a bottle of wine in the center, and it decorated with ornaments, flags, and poppers/crackers.
What will you be eating to ring in the new year?
Letter from Betty for December 2019
Hello Friends,
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your family from Foundation for Learning!
They say "good music makes everything better" and apparently the same goes for even the attempt to make good music. If your student is signed up for private or school music lessons, then you can confirm the wisdom of that choice by reading our feature article for December, "New Study: Music Students Do Better in Science, Math, and English."
In the pleasant afterglow of Thanksgiving, and in anticipation of any additional holiday baking you might be inspired to do in the coming weeks, we bring you a timely bonus article this month with a tasty recipe included, "You Can Do It: Sweet Potato Facts / Sweet Potato Pie."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
December 2019 Test Schedule
Mark your calendar for the latest test dates.
New Study: Music Students Do Better in Science, Math, and English
Our schools continue to be under pressure to make budget cuts, and the first to feel those cuts are often the music and arts departments. We’ve known for a long time that students who include those subjects in their school schedule will most likely do better and score higher in their other subjects. A brand new study, done by the University of British Columbia in Canada looked at a widely inclusive set of factors over a period of three years, collecting data from over 100,000 students, confirming this in a most definitive and impactful way. Parents and schools need to take note (no pun intended!) and make better budgeting decisions that will benefit our children.
"Comparing the test scores of students who took music classes with those of their peers, the musicians got higher grades in a range of different school subjects. Research like this has been done before, but the current study is much larger, and took into account other factors that may have affected the results. For example, perhaps students who took music classes were encouraged to do so because they already had good grades. Or perhaps students were more or less inclined to study music depending on their socioeconomic background, which could also affect academic scores. The research team corrected for these factors in their data analysis, and they still found a clear effect of music lessons on academic performance."
Furthermore, students who played an instrument in the music program did even better than those who sang, perhaps because playing an instrument is very demanding. The student has to learn to read music notation, develop hand-eye-mind coordination, develop keen listening skills, be willing to engage in team skills while playing in an ensemble, and needs to develop good discipline to practice. That is not to say that those who chose to join a choral group didn’t fare better than their non-music participating classmates, but playing an instrument requires even more involvement than choral studies alone.
What we don’t see in this study, is an explanation for why music makes these students perform better, but the research paper mentions a few possible reasons. Several previous studies link music practice with neurological changes that improves certain brain functions. This could explain how studying music affects memory or planning skills, for example. But the researchers also consider that motivation may also play a role: students who take music lessons see a very tangible result from their practice - they get better - and they likely will apply that to their other work as well. Additionally, the non-competitive team aspect of making music together could strengthen students’ social development, which would also help them in other areas as well.
Whatever the reasons may be, it seems like this is an important factor when making budgeting decisions, and to continue to provide music education in our high schools.
You Can Do It: Sweet Potato Facts / Sweet Potato Pie
Did you know that before George Washington became a general and the first U.S. President, he was a sweet potato farmer? These tasty root vegetables are native to the Americas and are a great addition to your diet. Here are just a few fun facts about the sweet potato and its myriad benefits:
A Sweet Potato is not a Potato … Nor a Yam
• “There is one thing that a sweet potato is not. And that is a potato.” A sweet potato is a root. Potatoes are tubers. Since sweet potatoes are unrelated to white potatoes, the two should not be used as substitutes when cooking.
• The orange-fleshed sweet potato is often called a yam. Again, the two are unrelated. True yams are starchy, underground tubers that likely originated in Africa.
#1 Most Nutritious Veggie?
• Sweet potatoes are the #1 most nutritional vegetable, with more nutrients than even spinach or broccoli!
• Benefits of the sweet potato include high levels of Vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, and dietary fiber.
• Especially important is the high percentage of beta-carotene found in sweet potatoes. This is converted into Vitamin A, which has the ability to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Sweet potatoes because they have almost no fat which also makes them great for those watching their weight. With their low carbohydrate content and high fiber content, sweet potatoes keep you full for longer and give you all the essential nutrients.
Sweet Potato Pie with Candied Pecan Topping
Filling Ingredients:
3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch ground cloves
Also needed:
1 frozen, prepared pie crust (store bought)
1 can or container whipped cream
Candied Pecans Ingredients:
1 large egg white
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup pecan pieces
Directions
Filling:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Put the cleaned sweet potatoes on a small roasting pan and bake until easily pierced with a fork, about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile remove the pie crust from the freezer and allow to thaw.
Once cooled, peel the cooked sweet potatoes and mash lightly with a fork; you should have about 2 cups puree. Mix the sweet potatoes and butter in a food processor until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse to combine. Set aside.
Bake the pie crust according to package directions, then allow it to cool slightly. Pour the sweet potato filling into the warm crust and bake until set, about 20 minutes or so. Remove from the oven and cool on rack.
Candied Pecans:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly beat the egg white until frothy. Whisk in the sugar and cinnamon, and then toss pecans in the mixture. Evenly spread nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until dry and toasted, about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool.
When ready to serve, top pie with whipped cream and candied pecans.
Letter from Betty for November 2019
Hello Friends,
Do you know your teen? Of course you do. About 3 feet tall, missing a front baby tooth, likes to jump in your lap—oh wait, that was ten years ago. The young person before you today is transformed in so many ways that are endlessly wonderful, and also endlessly challenging, We have some great advice for the parents of teens in our feature article for November, "Some Thoughts on Improving Parent-Teen Relationships."
If you're looking for a new craft project to draw your children away from their screens and back into the real world, check out our intriguing bonus article for this month, "You Can Do It: Handmade Paper."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
November 2019 Test Schedule
Mark your calendar for the latest test dates.
Some Thoughts on Improving Parent-Teen Relationships
Are you the parent of middle or high-schoolers? If so, I am sure there are days where you don’t recognize the young people who are sharing your home. There are moments when you are clinging to the memories of the sweet children who used to express their love for you throughout the day, wanted to be around you constantly, who smelled of sugar and spice and everything nice. Right?
On those days and in those moments when you are dealing with these familiar strangers, how does a parent cope with the explosive and dismissive young people that their sweet young children has morphed into? You’re probably seeing behaviors such as refusal to do what you ask, denial that you’ve ever agreed on anything, had “you just don’t get it!” hurled at you in moments of growing tension, insults, mocking, door slamming, crying, and more. It’s hard, I know!
Listed below are thoughts that might help on those toughest of days:
Remember that you are the parent.They don’t need your friendship. What they need from you is a mentor who is calm and compassionate, and who acts as a moral and social compass, and who can be their soft place to land when they need it.
No matter how heated the situation is or how frustrated you are, remain calm.If you need to take a break so you can de-stress then do so. In the midst of an angry argument, it’s awfully hard to respond rationally. Take a walk, take a breath, then come back when it’s easier to think clearly and the situation has cooled down.
Just like anyone else, teens want to be seen and to know that they are heard.Be the safe person that your children can turn to. You don’t need to agree with what they are saying, you just need to give them a chance to talk openly, to express their ideas, to be a sounding board. Recognize when it’s best if you talk less and listen more. These are important opportunities.
Respect boundaries and give them room to make mistakes.They’re going to need and demand increasing privacy and autonomy, so give them the chance to make decisions where they can try out their own ideas, even if you don’t think they’ll be successful in whatever it is they’re working on. While they’re still at home and under your protective and watchful eye, let them stretch and make mistakes. This is part of learning to make good judgments.
Be a good role-model.Recognize that your teens are always watching you. They always have been and they’re not stopping now that they’re racing towards young adulthood. Model the behavior that you want to see in them. Be trustworthy, kind, generous. Show compassion, work hard, express good values. You get the idea.
Make your expectations clear and be consistent when household rules are broken.And while you’re at it, catch them doing something right! It’s too easy to fall into the habit of constantly pointing out where they’ve gone wrong or correcting their behavior. Make it a point to praise the good! Doing so will help to build their feelings of competency.
Let’s face it, parents don’t always know best and don’t always do everything right.We’re human…we make mistakes. Admit your own confusion, your mistakes, your mis-steps. Apologize when needed, and show your children that you too, are trying to make your way through this life the best you can.
Humor and distractionare the great de-stressors when the going gets tough AND they are the best de-escalators in heated situations.
Schedule family time, away from screens and tech, together, even if you come up against some opposition. The benefits to all of you are long-lasting and memories will be made.
You Can Do It: Handmade Paper
You can make paper from recycled scraps of just about any paper you can find. By adding decorative items, such as flower petals or fall leaves, you can create beautiful personalized stationery. This is a fun craft that teaches about recycling while making a useful handmade product.
Types of Paper You Can Recycle
You can use almost any type of paper product for this project, but steer clear of waxed cardboard.
Construction paper
Printer paper
Magazines
Paper towels
Paper bags
Newspapers (will produce a grayish paper)
Cardstock
Non-waxed cardboard
Napkins
Decorations
There are many materials you can add to the paper for a decorative effect. You may wish to add flower or vegetable seeds to the paper, which can be planted.
Flower petals
Seeds
Fine leaves or grass
Foil
String or yarn
Dryer lint
Food coloring (for dyeing your paper)
Liquid starch (to make your paper less-absorbent so that you can write on it if you wish)
Build a Frame
While you can pulp your paper and make a rough product just by pouring it out and allowing it to dry, you can also form your paper into a rectangular sheet if you use a frame. You can make a frame by duct-taping an old piece of window screen onto a small rectangular picture frame. You could also staple the screening onto the frame to make the mold. Another option is to bend a wire coat hanger into a shape and slip old pantyhose around it to act as a screen.
Make Your Own Paper
You are going to pulp the old paper together with water, spread it out, and allow it to dry. It's that simple!
Tear the paper (feel free to mix different types) into small bits and put it into a blender.
Fill the blender about 2/3 full with warm water.
Pulse the blender until the pulp is smooth. If you are going to write on the paper, blend in 2 teaspoons of liquid starch.
Set your mold in a shallow basin or pan. You can use a cookie sheet or a sink. Pour the blended mixture into the mold. Sprinkle in your mix-ins (thread, flower petals, etc.). Shake the mold from side to side, keeping it in the liquid, to level out your paper pulp mixture.
You have few different options to absorb the excess water. You could remove the mold from the liquid, let the paper dry in the mold, without absorbing the liquid. You can also flip the paper paper out onto your countertop and use a sponge to wick away excess water or you could press a cookie sheet onto the paper to squeeze out the excess liquid.
Letter from Betty for October 2019
Hello Friends,
Games involving counting, pattern recognition, and problem solving are very often quick ways to master math skills. If your young child has even a little case of math anxiety, please take a look at our feature article for October, "Math Mastery Through Math Games." Let the games begin!
For outdoor family fun, consider a trip to an apple cider mill! We are fortunate to live in an area overflowing with many amazing apple farms and cider mills. Throw on your sweaters and pack everyone in the car and head out to enjoy one—or all three—of our recommended destinations in our bonus article, "You Can Do It: Cider Mill Day Trips."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
October 2019 Test Schedule
Mark your calendar for the latest test dates.
Math Mastery Through Math Games
Playing games at home is a great way to help a child who is struggling with math skills. When we were children, we worked on our own math skills through rote practice with flash cards, work sheets, and memorization, but it’s now widely recognized that playing games is a fantastic addition to building those skills. Math games are a fun way to practice counting, number and pattern recognition, numerical strategies, problem solving, and decision making, while at the same time reducing math anxiety and having fun. Furthermore, players are less likely to worry about making mistakes or failing than they are in a pencil-and-paper environment.
Your child can also discover real-life and practical ways to use their growing math skills. They can learn from the other game participants by watching and absorbing the different strategies they use, they can explore math using formats they know and enjoy (like playing on video gaming systems), and they can try out new strategies and ideas without the pressure of being graded (a huge benefit when a child is struggling with math anxiety).
Playing math games together with your child also gives you the chance to learn what your child’s strengths and weaknesses are and moving forward, you’ll be able to concentrate on building skills where needed by choosing games that help to develop those particular skills. An additional benefit is that math gaming gives family members another opportunity to connect with each other, and that is always a good thing!
There are many different types to explore in the world of board games and video games. You probably already have long-time favorites like Uno and Monopoly somewhere in your home!
Go Fish and Dominoes help children with matching skills, set building, and pattern recognition.
Games like Clue and Guess Who? are fun mystery games that develop strategy by narrowing down options in order to find the correct answer.
Connect Four, Battleship, Chess, and Checkers ask players to move pieces around in order to block or capture other pieces, thus utilizing spatial strategy skills.
Uno and Mancala are both enormously fun games and require numerical strategy that involve removing, eliminating, or rearranging pieces in order to win.
Then there is the timeless Monopoly, which asks players to think about how they’re going to use their money or resources (property) in order to reach a goal that they set for themselves.
Computer games, video games, and the wide world of apps are also beneficial! Technology is a sure-fire way to grab your child’s attention, particularly your teen and tween.
Take a look here for a collection of some of the best math apps of 2019. There is something here for every age and interest:
Video games help teens and tweens build reasoning and flexible thinking skills, boost their memorization and problem-solving abilities, practice spatial manipulation and more. Try out SimCity, Portal, Minecraft, and The Legend of Zelda, all popular games that will have your child learning and developing important skills while having fun.
These suggestions should help you help your child practice important math skills. Make sure you join in on the gaming and have fun and productive family time as well!
You Can Do It: Cider Mill Day Trips
Autumn is a favorite season for many people. Cozy sweaters, hayrides, pumpkins, corn mazes, crunchy colorful leaves, fresh crisp air… are so welcome after a hot and humid summer. So let’s dive right into the season and enjoy one of autumn’s treasures: apples!
Here are three suggestions for central New Jersey farms to visit and enjoy this season’s bounty:
Alstede Farms, Chester
Pressed right at the mill using its own apples, Alstede Farms in Chester is known for its homemade apple cider which can be purchased at its farm store or at one of its farmers' markets.
If you want to watch the Alstede Farms cider-making process firsthand, the cider mill is open to the public on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for tours, which is included in its daily admission price.
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester; 908-879-7189, alstedefarms.com.
Ralston Cider Mill, Mendham
Ralston Cider Mill offers an historical experience, offering guided tours of the mill, where you can hear about its history from grist mill to cider mill and applejack distillery. Learn about the significant importance of apples not only to colonial America, but specifically to those in New Jersey. Built in 1848, the structure maintains it’s massive stone walls and heavy timber, and is a treat to explore.
The mill often hosts special events, where visitors can taste the fresh cider made from its facilities — check their website for details on upcoming events.
336 Mendham Road W., Mendham; ralstoncidermill.org.
Hacklebarney Farms Cider Mill, Chester
This 168-year-old farm's wood-pressed cider is made fresh on the premises all day long. If you're curious about the cider-making process, you can enjoy demonstrations on most weekends through October.
The mill is located about a half a mile from Hacklebarney State Park, and if you’re adventuring there, you just might wonder if you're going in the right direction — until you see the gathering of cars lined up, patiently waiting for apple cider, cider doughnuts and other goodies from its bakery and farm store. Do not let this crowd discourage you though. It’s well worth the wait!
104 State Park Road, Chester; 908-879-6593, hacklebarneyfarm.com.
Letter from Betty for September 2019
Hello Friends,
Variety is the spice of life, and we are lucky indeed that each and every student is unique. Each adopts a particular combination of strategies and methods for learning. Learn more about this subject in our feature article for September, "The Importance of Understanding Your Child's Learning Style."
There's no time like the present to plan an autumn trip to see the fall colors. Those leaves will be turning before you know it. With that in mind, we have some destinations to recommend in our bonus article: "You Can Do It: Plan a Leaf-spotting Trip." Enjoy!
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
September 2019 Test Schedule
Mark your calendar for the latest test dates.
The Importance of Understanding Your Child's Learning Style
We all have different strengths and preferences when it comes to how we learn, how we process information, and the techniques that we use to navigate our way through the world. Though there are seven basic styles, we all use a mixture of them, supported by one dominant style. We also tend to use different styles while in different circumstances. There is no right or wrong when it comes to how we learn.
Traditional schooling mainly uses linguistic and logical teaching methods, relying on book-based teaching with repetition to aid memorization and exams for reinforcement and ranking. Unfortunately, this may leave those students who are stronger utilizing the other learning styles struggling, placed in lower classes, and with the belief that they are not as smart as their other classmates. This can be avoided by understanding how your child learns.
Seven learning styles:
Aural (auditory-musical): Prefers using sound and music.
Logical (mathematical): Prefers using logic, reasoning and systems.
Physical (kinesthetic): Prefers using body movements, hands and sense of touch.
Social (interpersonal): Prefers to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary(intrapersonal): Prefers to work alone and use self-study.
Verbal(linguistic): Prefers using words, both in speech and writing.
Visual (spatial): Prefers using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
Learning styles influences how students learn, but they can also determine the way the way students internalize and understand experiences, the way information is recalled, and even the words they choose when speaking.
If your child is struggling in school, it may be because his personal learning style is not in sync with his teachers teaching style. We can help to identify your child’s learning style and help him with the skills that he needs to better participate in school and become a more active and successful student. By better understanding how your child learns, and by giving him the skills to suit his needs, we can help him to improve the quality and speed of his learning. Give us a call. We’d be happy to talk with you!
You Can Do It: Plan a Fall Leaf-spotting Trip to Enjoy the Autumn Colors
It’s not too early to plan a special leaf-spotting adventure! To see breathtaking foliage this autumn, you’ll want to time your trip just right. While there are average times for color change, it depends on several variables like temperature and rainfall. Trees at higher elevations turn color before ones at lower elevations. Leaves change first along the water like lakes, ponds, and rivers.Each year the timing is a little different, but the average New Jersey peak fall color is October 19 through 29.
Check out these NJ hotspots to make the most of the crisp weather:
Bergen County: Ringwood State Park (photo above)
Hunterdon County: Round Valley Reservoir
Mercer County: Washington Crossing State Park
Morris County: Lake Hopatcong, Pyramid Mountain National Historic Area, Wharton State Forest
Passaic County: Rifle Camp Park
Sussex County: High Point State Park
Warren County: Delaware Water Gap, Jenny Jump State Forest (photo below)
Several Counties: The Pinelands
Letter from Betty for August 2019
Hello Friends,
There is one thing that can make a new school year get off to a great start, and that one thing is preparation! In fact, careful planning and focused preparation can make everything better about the transition from summer into a new school year for students and their families. With that in mind, we have a timely article for you this month, "Ready, Set, Go! Gearing Up for the New School Year."
Meanwhile, there is still time to seek out a few more precious family adventures this summer. Enjoy fun in the sun with our bonus article, "You Can Do It: Last Bit of Summer Fun." Enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep.
Don't hesitate to give us a call at 973-425-1774 or send an email to betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty