It’s summer-time and the livin’ is easy, so let’s make a super-easy summertime treat: a no-churn strawberry-lemonade sorbet. Yum!
All you need is 10 ounces (about 4 cups) frozen strawberries, and 3 tablespoons of frozen lemonade concentrate.
Add the strawberries and lemonade concentrate to a food processor and process until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until scoopable, about 1 hour.
This recipe makes 4 delicious servings and will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, but it’s so good that the family will gobble it right up!
Letter from Betty for June 2022
Hello Friends,
It has been said that those things we have in common are greater than those things that divide us. For example, we can all agree that children ought to live free from fear and protected from harm. Sadly, we can also agree that we have a long way to go towards those goals. This week, if you are a parent struggling to talk to your children about recent events, please read our feature article for June, "How to Talk to Your Children Following the Recent School Tragedy." And here's hoping we can bring about a brighter future!
For a great distraction from weightier issues, and for an awakening of curiosity for the young and the young at heart of all ages, please enjoy our bonus article for June, "You Can Do It! Smart Videos for Curious Minds."
As always, we're tracking test dates and information for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE tests. So mark your calendar and check out all the details in our "Test Schedule for June 2022."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Test Schedule for June 2022
Here are some important notes about this year's testing.
ISEE
Students can now take the admissions test trusted by schools around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes. Students currently have two ISEE At Home remote testing options. Families should follow any instructions provided by their application school(s) when selecting their at-home testing choice. For more information about this option go to:
ISEE At Home For Families | ERBlearn.org
All Tests
Please make sure to check with the testing center ahead of the test date to make sure that there are no closings.
How To Talk To Your Children Following the Recent School Tragedy
It's unconscionable that we need to post another article like this one, but the sad fact is that there’s been another school shooting and more than likely, our children are aware that this has happened – again. They’ve talked to their classmates, overheard adults talking about it, got bits and pieces from TV news and social media. Texas may seem likes it’s a world away from us, but when a tragedy such as this happens, it hits very close to home. Parents of school-aged children become nervous about the possibility of such a horrible event happening in their own child’s school, and our children become nervous about attending school as well.
So, what’s the best way to know how they’re feeling? Ask them, really listen, and know that their questions, their thoughts and concerns are likely to be quite different from the questions we have as adults. In order to help them understand and begin to cope, we have to determine just how much information we need to share with them and actually understand what their immediate concerns are. A child’s age will determine just how much information we should share, but we must also gauge the emotional toll the news of a tragic event puts on our child. We need to be patient, and we need to be understanding if we need to have these conversations over and over again as children may not be able to digest everything in one sitting.
Right now, it’s important to keep routines in place, especially if your child outwardly shows signs of anxiety. Children gain security from predictability, and daily routine helps to provide that.
Limit the amount of media, all media, that your family takes in, whether it’s on-line news, social media, radio, TV, or newspapers. If you’re replaying the same coverage repeatedly, no matter what the source, it’s not helping you to get any new information but is likely creating an atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and sadness in your home.
Don’t expect your child’s concerns to disappear quickly. It may be days, even weeks following a tragedy, that we need to help our children cope and feel safe again. Reading books to younger children can be a help. One recommendation is a book by Chandra Ghosh Ippen entitled Once I Was Very Very Scared. In this story, many animals go through scary experiences, each reacts differently to the event and has its own way of coping.
For older children, taking some kind of action may help. It’s natural to look for a place to lay blame for a tragedy like a school shooting, but anger doesn’t take away grief or solve the problem. Anger just begets more anger. Help your older child find a way to advocate for a solution, bring attention to the problem, join up with others to speak out. It may not solve the problem, but it will make a difference and help them to feel like they’re doing something, anything, to work to make things better.
The bottom line is, there have been many school shootings this year, and even more mass shootings outside of school settings, so adults and children alike, are feeling the sadness and anxiety that follow these events. Keep having conversations with your children, stay on top of how they’re feeling, how they're thinking, and continue to look for ways to create safe spaces and healthy outlets for your family.
For more information on how to talk to your child following a frightening school event such as the one that just occurred in Texas, see this publication put out by the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
You Can Do It! Smart Videos for Curious Minds
We’ve got a fabulous website recommendation for the children and teens in your household, and you parents will enjoy spending time here as well! The Kid Should See This (thekidshouldseethis.com) is an award-winning collection of over 5000 videos, curated by teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media. It’s free and ad-free as well. Subjects include science, tech, space, animals, nature, food, DIY, music, history, art, animation, and so much more. These are smart videos for curious minds of all ages, so dive in and enjoy!
Letter from Betty for May 2022
Hello Friends,
It is hard to believe another school will be over soon, and yet for most of us, summer can't get here fast enough. But that doesn't mean that learning has to be put on a complete hold. We have some great ideas for involving your children in fun educational endeavors in our feature article for May, "Summer Activities to Keep the Learning Going."
The month of May brings with it Mother's Day, so if you are looking for a homemade gift to make for Mom, we've got a great suggestion for you in our bonus article for this month, "You Can Do It! Homemade Lavender Milk Bath."
As always, we're tracking test dates and information for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE tests. So mark your calendar and check out all the details in our "Test Schedule for May 2022."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Test Schedule for May 2022
Here are some important notes about this year's testing.
SSAT
Paper-based tests for the 2022-2023 school year to-be-announced.
There are at-home SSAT test openings on May 1, 20, 21 and June 10, 11, 12.
ISEE
Students can now take the admissions test trusted by schools around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes. Students currently have two ISEE At Home remote testing options. Families should follow any instructions provided by their application school(s) when selecting their at-home testing choice. For more information about this option go to:
ISEE At Home For Families | ERBlearn.org
All Tests
Please make sure to check with the testing center ahead of the test date to make sure that there are no closings.
Summer Activities to Keep the Learning Going
The school bell is about to ring and summer break is about to begin...but don’t let summer down-time be the reason to stop the learning. Here are some really fun and interesting ideas to keep those young minds active:
If you haven’t already done so, check with your local parks and recreation department about camps, special activity days, recreational opportunities, and listings of local parks to explore.
Build reading and writing into everyday activities by letting your children read game directions, make grocery lists, read recipes out loud during meal prep, map out directions for trips and research fun stops for those family trips.
Encourage writing - Have your children send postcards to special friends and family while on vacation, keep a nature journal as they explore the great outdoors, or make a scrapbook of their summer adventures. Another idea is to help your child start blogging. Use Kidblog, a safe, closed, free spaces set up just for kids.
Participate in volunteer community service activities over the summer months - Consider having your children tag along while you grocery shop and pick out non-perishable items, then when you have a bit of stock, deliver the items to a local food bank. Another idea would be to have the kids create fun snack items like cookies or brownies, and deliver them to a local nursing home to pass out to residents. Next time you walk through your neighborhood, schoolyard, or a local park, bring garbage bags along and pick up litter. And who doesn’t love a lemonade stand in summer? Help your child do a little research into local charities, set up a lemonade stand, and the deliver the proceeds of the tiny business to that charity. These are just a few ideas!
More reading ideas: Time for Kids is a great source for articles that can educate your children about news events and happenings in a way that is appropriate for their age level. There are also great magazines available by subscription including National Geographic Kids, Highlights, Ranger Rick, Brainspace, and Muse.
Plant a garden and watch it grow - You children can create a garden journal where notes can be kept and illustrations drawn as the garden progresses. There are many different websites that feature gardening advice and projects that will be appropriate for your zone, so check them out.
Visit local museums and explore - Many of these organizations also have programs for children throughout the year, but especially during the summer. Yes, learning can be fun!
Get to know your local public library a little better - Is there a summer reading program? Are there audio books to lend? How about a special summer program? Your local library is a wealth of information.
Yes, we said audio books! Who doesn’t love listening to books, music, stage plays, comedy routines, and more? Audio books are especially great for road trips, for reluctant readers, and for children with certain learning disabilities that make reading a struggle. Tales2Go offers a mobile streaming book service, and AudibleKids has a large selection of books as well.
We don’t often promote screen-time for children, but there are a number of good interactive, educational websites that just might fit the bill for rainy or super-lazy days. Here are a few to explore:
National Geographic Kids: Great nature videos, activities, games, stories, and more
iCivics: Educational online games and lesson plans to promote civics education and encourage students to become active citizens. iCivics was founded by retired Supreme Court of the United States Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
NASA Kids Club: A place to play games and learn about NASA through interactive explorations
Project Noah: Explore and document wildlife — be a citizen scientist!
Design Squad Nation:Be creative and help people through engineering, from PBS
My Wonderful World: A multimedia tour of our seven continents from the Smithsonian
PBS KIDS Lab: Educational games, activities and mobile apps, for kids PreK to grade 3.
BrainPOP: Games, quizzes, videos about topics in science, social studies, English, math, arts and music, and more.
You Can Do It! Homemade Lavender Milk Bath
Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and you want to make something special that will delight mom on her special day. This homemade lavender milk bath mix is so easy that you’ll have it ready by May 8th, but you better hop to it!
What you’ll need:
1 ½ cups Powdered Milk
½ cup baking soda
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup Epsom salts
10-20 drops of the essential oil of your choice
What’s so special about these particular ingredients? Consider the essential oil: lavender is considered to be especially calming, but rosemary, citrus, mint, almond, and honey all have such lovely scents that any one of these choices is perfect. Powdered Milk? Milk baths have long been considered to be very soothing to the skin. Why, even Cleopatra enjoyed milk baths and claimed that the practice was the reason for her beautiful skin. And we know that mom works really hard, so the addition of Epsom salts is perfect for soothing sore muscles. All in all, a perfect combination.
Once you have all of these ingredients on hand, mix them all together and spoon the mix into a pretty glass jar, make a pretty label that includes instructions to use ½ cup of the mix in the bath (more or less, depending on amount of water in the tub), and wrap with a pretty ribbon, yarn, or baker’s twine. That’s it!
Letter from Betty for April 2022
Hello Friends,
We are all familiar with nervous times in our lives, but what could have made them less difficult? One especially nerve-wracking experience is end-of-year testing. It is not too soon to begin thinking about how to make that experience go smoother for your child. We have some solid advice on that subject in our feature article for April, "How to Beat Test Day Jitters."
Of course, one effective way to overcome your worries is to distract yourself. Some people are pleasantly distracted and most happy when they are cooking or baking. If that appeals to you, then please enjoy our bonus article for this month, "You Can Do It! Hamantaschen Cookies." Yum!
As always, we're tracking test dates and information for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE tests. So mark your calendar and check out all the details in our "Test Schedule for April 2022."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Test Schedule for April 2022
Here are some important notes about 2021 testing.
SSAT
There are at-home SSAT test openings on April 1, 2, 3, 29, 30, and May 1, 20, 21.
ISEE
Students can now take the admissions test trusted by schools around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes. Students currently have two ISEE At Home remote testing options. Families should follow any instructions provided by their application school(s) when selecting their at-home testing choice. For more information about this option go to:
ISEE At Home For Families | ERBlearn.org
All Tests
Please make sure to check with the testing center ahead of the test date to make sure that there are no closings.
How to Beat Test Day Jitters
The days are getting warmer, flowers and trees beginning to blossom, and we’re starting to dream about the end of the school year and the joy of a long summer break. Along with those dreams though is the reality of end-of-grade/end-of-school-year testing and with that, the anxiety that may rear it’s unwanted presence too. It used to be that just our college-bound students were affected, but now it’s students as young as elementary ages who may be feeling these unwanted emotions.
And it's not just the students who are feeling this pressure. These benchmark measurements are used to gauge student achievement, determine school funding, and evaluate teachers, so it’s no wonder that there is concern about trickle down anxiety. Some students won’t think twice about test days, but others can get seriously worked up.
Parents may see disturbed sleep patterns, extra tiredness, increased worry, strange eating habits, an inability to concentrate, and more. These reactions – is it all in their heads? No. Aside from the emotional responses to stress, there are very real physical responses as well that affect both the autonomic and endocrine systems in our bodies when faced with stressful situations. Specifically, there are three areas of the brain that can cause havoc. The prefrontal cortex, which specializes in the cognitive processes and emotions, can kick into high gear, sensing potential danger. The amygdala is a more primitive area where anxiety screams its call-to-action. And the hypothalamus, which, upon picking up signals from the other two areas, releases hormones, which ignite the pituitary gland to throw off more hormones, which causes the adrenal gland to release cortisol, and all of these physical reactions prepare the body to defend itself from the perceived danger/stress. So no, it's not all in their heads.
That said though, there are strategies parents can utilize to help calm the jitters and help their child to do their best on test day. Here is some step-by-step advice.
One month before:
Take a good look at your own anxiety. It’s natural to want your child to do his best, but it’s very possible that if you are feeling pressure regarding the upcoming test, your child is picking up some of that anxiety from you.
Talk to your child to see how he’s feeling about the test. If he’s fine, great. If you sense there is some apprehension though, try to take some of that pressure off by telling him that the test score is just a way for the school to make sure that the students are learning what they need to know and is just one small piece of who he is, and then point out his other achievements, talents, and positive attributes, putting the perceived seriousness of the test result into perspective.
Make sure your child is getting a full night’s sleep and that there’s a good after-school and nighttime routine.
The week before:
Rev up the family’s physical activities and make sure your child is included. It will produce those feel-good endorphins that we all need, as well as lead to a better sleep at night.
The night before:
No more studying, no more cramming. Have some family fun, eat well, snack well, and have him enjoy a soothing bath just before bed.
Test-day:
Plan a delicious breakfast full of healthy complex carbs, protein, and fruit.
Give a few (and only a gentle few) words of advice such as: if your child begins to feel the discomfort of test distress, he can close his eyes, take a few deep breaths, and tackle the test again. That break and those cleansing breaths will help him to be calmer.
Leave the house with enough leeway to get to school on time. No rushing out the door this morning.
And after test-day – let’s start making those summer vacation plans!
You Can Do It! Hamantaschen Cookies
It’s Spring! A special treat that you’ll see popping up in bakeries this time of year is the Hamantaschen cookie. Why not try to make your own? With just 15 minutes of prep time, 12 minutes baking time, you can enjoy these wonderful, seasonal treats! Here’s how:
Hamantaschen Cookies
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup orange juice
5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup fruit preserves, your favorite flavor
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the oil, vanilla, and orange juice. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the batter to form a stiff dough. Cover the dough and refrigerate overnight.
Next morning:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 cookie sheets or cover with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to ¼ inch in thickness. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim or a drinking glass. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of preserves into the center of each one. Pinch the edges to form three corners.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
Makes 24 delicious cookies
Letter from Betty for March 2022
Hello Friends,
Even conflicts halfway around the world can affect our mental state of well-being. To help you and your family cope with the events of these recent days, we have a timely feature article for the month of March, "Helping Your Child Cope with Anxiety and Fear About the War in Ukraine." We've even included some great book recommendations for the youngsters.
Getting in touch with nature is one of the best ways to ground yourself and reduce anxieties. To that end, please take a walk through our bonus article for March, "You Can Do It! Great New Jersey Hikes." Enjoy your time on the trails!
As always, we're tracking test dates and information for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE tests. So mark your calendar and check out all the details in our "Test Schedule for March 2022."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Test Schedule for March 2022
Here are some important notes about 2021 testing.
SSAT
There are at-home SSAT test openings on March 3, 4, 5 and April 1, 2, 3, 29, 30.
ISEE
Students can now take the admissions test trusted by schools around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes. Students currently have two ISEE At Home remote testing options. Families should follow any instructions provided by their application school(s) when selecting their at-home testing choice. For more information about this option go to:
ISEE At Home For Families | ERBlearn.org
All Tests
Please make sure to check with the testing center ahead of the test date to make sure that there are no closings.
Helping Your Child Cope with Anxiety and Fear About the War in Ukraine
Many parents across the nation have noticed that over the past few years, their children have been experiencing anxiety, anger, confusion, and other issues. While we should note that some level of these emotions is completely normal, we’re all experiencing an uptick in them as we have faced the additional stress that came about due to COVID-19: isolation, lack of in-school learning and social time with friends, the uncomfortable “normalization” of mask wearing and social distancing, and having friends, family, or loved ones become ill and possibly passing away. It’s been a lot for all of us, but has been a special problem for our children because they don’t always understand what is going on. They hear parents and other adults talking, they see the news on social media or on the television, and it’s been scary. Now we have a brand-new situation that is likely going to raise some fears.
Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Again, you may see an increased level of anxiety in your children. It’s especially hard when the anxiety provoking situation is out of their control. So, what can we do to help our children during these stressful times? Here are suggestions from the people at the Happiness Broadcast:
First, check in with your own thoughts and remember that your feelings are normal, just as they are with our children. Being anxious is a normal human reaction. Although it can be easy to slip into catastrophic thinking (picturing the worst-case scenarios in your mind) during especially difficult times. Talk to your children and see if they understand what is going on, reassuring them that this invasion is happening in another country, far from home.
Limit news intake. Take media breaks from social media and the news. Both can amplify anxiety and be triggering if your child is already struggling. Bear in mind that your child’s anxiety may take another form, such as acting out or having sleep disturbances.
Reach out for help. Allow them to connect with friends and family, and help them to share their concerns in order to relieve stress. Ultimately, if you think that a professional is needed, don’t hesitate to contact them as well.
Fight against misinformation. People hit that share button way too quickly. It is very important to check if the news being shared comes from verifiable sources. Proceed with caution and be thoughtful about what you read and share.
Help the helpers. Evidence shows that helping others can also benefit our own mental health and doing something, anything to help another, will help to give some sense of control back during a situation where there is none. Show your support to the incredible people and nonprofits that provide aid and support to the people of Ukraine. If that is not possible, find any organization that will accept volunteer help and dedicate time with them. Especially helpful would be to find an organization that focuses on something your child is interested in.
And because you know that we’re always encouraging the reading of a good book, here are a few suggestions for your young ones and early readers:
When You Have Love - by Kira Sienes Corona
Psychologists say that the most important thing we can do for our children is let them know they are loved, especially when the world around them seems to be falling apart.
Zen Pig: Here To Do - by Mark Brown
Zen Pig might just be the cutest way to help your child learn how to focus their emotions when they are stressed out or anxious. Zen Pig teaches children the value of gratitude, mindfulness, and compassion in a way that's easy for them to understand.
Everyone Feels Anxious Sometimes - by Dr. Daniela Owen
This book is a self-help guide to aid children in dealing with stress and anxiety, by uncovering their emotions and following a simple calming routine. It educates children on what it means to be anxious and the story gives them real steps to take whenever they feel stressed or anxious.
Yes Days, No Days: The Art of Positive Thinking - by Mia Von Scha and Mirna Stevanovic
This book is perfect for teaching kids that it's okay to have a bad day and that having a positive attitude can change everything!
As always, if we can help or you are interested in more information on ways to facilitate your child’s success, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Please call Betty Bodenweiser at 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
You Can Do It! Great New Jersey Hikes
Suspension bridge at Appalachian Trail Pochuck Boardwalk.
One of the best ways to stave off anxiety is to get outside and move! Pick a trail, pack snacks, and set aside a day to let off some steam. New Jersey has some beautiful forests and state parks, so get outside and go!
The Appalachian Trail Pochuck Boardwalk in Vernon is a popular spot, with an easy, 2 mile loop, a wooden boardwalk, and an amazing suspension bridge. It’s a gorgeous trail that connects the Pochuck and Wawayanda Mountains. This hike is a must!
Cattus Island in Toms River is a fabulous hike for birdwatchers. Seven miles of trails and boardwalks wind through 530 acres of marshes and forests and include beautiful views of the Barnegat Bay. In warmer weather, make sure to visit the butterfly garden at the Cooper Environmental Center.
The Cheesequake State Park in Matawan has 5 trails, some including moderate inclines and wooden plank bridges. Saltwater marshes, freshwater swamps, open fields, and a hardwood forest await you there!
Colonial Park in Somerset has 685 acres to explore, easy hiking trails, small hills, a lovely pond, and lots of birds and critters you just might see along the way. There are also picnic areas, paddleboats, mini golf, and a nice playground too!
Duke Farms in Hillsborough is not to be missed. Featuring 18 miles of hiking trails, woodlands, gardens, lakes, fountains and even a waterfall. Formerly owned by the heiress Doris Duke, you’ll also find a tram ride, an orchid greenhouse, and an organic café where you can pick up a lunch to enjoy on a lovely green space.
Hiking in a wooded section of Jockey Hollow Trail.
Jockey Hollow, located in Morristown, is a fascinating historical site that offers Revolutionary War reenactments as well as old houses spaced throughout the park. The main trail is a 5 mile loop that runs along charming brooks and through rolling hills.
Also in Morristown is the Loantaka Brook Reservation, with an easy 3.5 mile paved trail that is perfect for young bikers, scooters, and strollers too. If you want a more wooded hike, you can find that as well in this 570 acre park.
South Mountain Reservation is located in West Orange and has so much to offer. There is a “fairy trail”, a waterfall hike, a zoo, paddleboats, mini golf, and a playground.
Watchung Reservation in Mountainside has 13 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate. Take a stroll around the beautiful Surprise Lake and Blue Brook, or wander through the historic abandoned village. The Trailside Nature Center offers wildlife exhibits and activities that younger children will enjoy.
Wharton State Forest is a destination for birds and birders alike.
Wharton State Forest in Hammonton is another must for birding. New Jersey’s largest state forest has easy hiking trails and is home to bald eagles, hawks, herons, swans, owls, river otters, fox, deer, and an exciting variety of other birds. The Batsto Lake is gorgeous and a relaxing spot for picnicking.
Letter from Betty for February 2022
Hello Friends,
If you have a school-age daughter, our feature article for February could prove especially meaningful. But wait—many boys can benefit equally as well! It's all about the reluctance or lack of confidence a student might have for math and science as school subjects and future careers, and how to turn that around. Read our February feature, "Building Confidence in Girls for Math and Science" for good advice on how to motivate young people towards the math/science field.
You might have seen your share of snow recently. And of course you might also have heard that no two snowflakes are alike. But how do we know this, really? What story can science tell us? Find out in our bonus article for February, ""Did You Know? The Science of Unique Snow Crystals."
As always, we're tracking test dates and information for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, and ISEE tests. So mark your calendar and check out all the details in our "Test Schedule for February 2022."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Test Schedule for February 2022
Here are some important notes about 2021 testing.
SSAT
There are at-home SSAT test openings on February 4, 5, 6 and March 3, 4, 5.
ISEE
Students can now take the admissions test trusted by schools around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes. Students currently have two ISEE At Home remote testing options. Families should follow any instructions provided by their application school(s) when selecting their at-home testing choice. For more information about this option go to:
ISEE At Home For Families | ERBlearn.org
All Tests
Please make sure to check with the testing center ahead of the test date to make sure that there are no closings.
Building Confidence in Girls for Math and Science
According to a 2015 survey by Google and Gallup entitled Images of Computer Science: Perceptions Among Students, Parents and Educators in the U.S., nearly half of the students polled said "people who do computer science need to be very smart," particularly when it comes to math and science. But only 42% described themselves as "very skilled" at math, and only 39% at science. It’s good that our students recognize the importance of these subjects but unfortunate that they don't feel they are smart enough to study them. This same poll also found that girls were 20% less likely to describe themselves as "very confident" that they could learn computer science skills, and only 18% of the girls said they were "very likely" to pursue computer science in the future, compared to 35% of boys.
What can parents do to change this situation for girls? Here are a few strategies that may help:
Show them examples of women who are successful in these fields. We all need someone to look up to, and though women are underrepresented in the fields of math and science, this is quickly changing. For instance, it was women who were in the forefront of developing the COVID vaccines that are so important today!
Give your girls toys and games that are related to—and that build skills focused on—STEM education. You can look back at previous articles that we’ve published, that list gift-giving suggestions. Why not make learning science, technology, engineering, and math more playful! Games can also help them learn computer skills such as coding.
Make math and science concepts real for your children. Both math and science are needed whenever you are preparing food for your family. Invite your children into the kitchen to cook with you and explain to them what you are doing, how you are measuring, how foodstuffs are transforming. There’s so much delicious information to be found in your kitchen!
Expose your girls (and boys too, for that matter) to the arts. Everything from music to photography involves mathematics, including painting, sculpture, and dance. The book entitled Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter is a really fascinating book on the subject, if you’d like further exploration.
Be aware of how you talk about science and math in front of your children. They look up to you and absorb what you do and say, so look for ways to talk about these subjects and other STEM concepts in positive and encouraging ways.
Help your daughter to develop newly learned skills by asking her to teach you the new math step that she has just learned in school. The role reversal will help strengthen her own understanding and help her to internalize important concepts.
As always, if we can help or you are interested in more information on ways to facilitate your child’s success, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Please call Betty Bodenweiser at 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
