Fun Facts About Independence Day

Why do many people think we should celebrate July 2nd?
The Continental Congress voted unanimously for independence (with one abstention from New York) on July 2, 1776 — thus the interest in July 2nd as a fitting holiday. However, Congress didn't approve the Declaration of Independence document until July 4, 1776. Despite John Adams prediction that "the Second of July, 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America" it is July 4th that became our celebrated day of independence.

The U.S. is not the only country celebrating freedom on July 4
It is also Liberation Day in Rwanda and Republic Day in the Philippines.

Many Many Millions of Hot Dogs
In the U.S., expect celebrants to consume somewhere in the realm of 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day this year.

The Fourth of July is a big day for consumer spending
This year, Americans are expected to spend around $9.5 billion on food alone, and in 2022, revelers spent $2.3 billion on fireworks.  Spending on the holiday used to be a faux pas; before the Civil War, it was considered unpatriotic for businesses to remain open on July 4th. 

There are numerous celebrations of U.S. Independence Day abroad
Celebrations of the United States' Independence Day happen in Denmark, Norway, Ireland and Sydney, Australia. In Denmark, the Rebild Festival rings in the festivities with a picnic and music.

There have been 27 different versions of the official U.S. flag
Out of 27 changes to the U.S. flag made from 1777 to 1960, 25 of them were made only to the stars on the flag.  Since 1818, the number of stars on the flag, by law, must always reflect the number of states in the United States, with new stars added to the flag on July 4 in the year following their admission. The last was Hawaii's star after it was admitted in 1959.

What Is Betty Reading? Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand

This past week I immersed myself in Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand while enjoying a quiet retreat on Long Beach Island. It was the perfect vacation read, offering a delightful respite after a year spent delving into my students' books, plays, and novellas. Hilderbrand's vivid portrayal of Nantucket, with its preppy islanders, elegant homes, and charming towns, created a backdrop similar to my coastal surroundings. Hilderbrand’s masterful character development had me eagerly anticipating each twist and turn, as the intricacies of their lives unfolded. Particularly intriguing was the arrival of a new couple who, with their $22 million oceanfront mansion, sparked a whirlwind of curiosity among the local residents. Hilderbrand's writing style, both accessible and engaging, made the novel a true pleasure to read.

Letter from Betty for June 2024

Hello Friends,

For some of us there is no greater pleasure than to be outdoors in the summer months with a book in hand and a shady spot to read. With that in mind, we present you with our feature article for this month, "Summer Reading List for June 2024." 

Welcome to the month of June! We have collected a batch of surprising little pieces of information about this time of the year in our bonus article, "Did You Know? Fun Facts About June." Bring on the macaroons (you'll see)!

Catch up on my latest favorite book in our special feature for June: "What Is Betty Reading? The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt."

Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, as well as assistance in overcoming or coping with Executive Function Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Specific Learning Disability.

Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.


Best regards,

Betty

Summer Reading List for June 2024

While searching for some new reads to enjoy this summer, I came across this suggested list from the folks at UC Berkley and I just can’t wait to dive in! I decided to pass these along to you as well, so grab one and head outdoors to relax and enjoy some literary adventures. Enjoy!

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

This novel is an exploration of defining moments and whether there is such a thing as a “right” or “wrong” choice. The main character is a woman who at the start of the book is lamenting the defining moments of her life and how they have led her to a life she is not happy with, leading her to attempt to take her own life. At that point, she is swept into the Midnight Library, where she is transported into other versions of her life to explore what would have happened had she made different choices. Each life has good and bad sides, and the overarching theme of the book is that there is no one “correct” decision to make in these pivotal moments. I found it to be profoundly beautiful and comforting in its message that no choice is mistaken — they all lead you down a path that is beautiful in its own way. It ends with a strong message of hope. 


The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

A young servant flees the Jamestown colony into the darkness of the surrounding wilderness. The moment she crosses from within the walls of the colonial settlement into the unknown marks a crucial divide — between the known and unknown, between society and isolation, between civilization (no matter how compromised and desperate) and a natural place whose laws and ways she does not comprehend. In extreme need — she cannot stay in the colonial settlement any longer — she has engineered this defining moment for herself. She must rely on her wits, her will, her faith, and luck to survive. An absolute page-turner, this novel is also a meditation on the ways that human culture both nurtures and fails us, the impacts of colonialism, and the limits of individual will.

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

The Bee Sting is a beautiful work of fiction that follows the four members of a family in rural modern-day Ireland as they navigate friendships and familial relationships within the larger context of an economic crash, shifting culture, and the rising threat of climate change. Throughout the book, the characters experience or reflect on pivotal moments during which the trajectories of their individual lives change.


Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan needs no introduction and clearly no definition (a word he has often referred to as “the death of creativity”). The legendary songwriter/Nobel Laureate has been part of so many defining moments in history that to pigeonhole him in one era would be a great disservice.

To first-time readers, let it be known that this is not an autobiography. It is focused primarily on three periods in his life: first, his arrival in New York City’s Greenwich Village in 1961 as an ambitious 19-year-old troubadour hoping to meet his idol, Woody Guthrie, and play in the thriving folk music coffee houses of that era; second, his reclusiveness in the late ’60s and early ’70s as he withdrew to Woodstock, New York, trying to escape world fame and start a normal family life; and third, the production of his album Oh Mercy in New Orleans in the late 1980s, with attempts at reviving his flagging career and touring with Tom Petty. 

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

If you are Queen Elizabeth II and your corgi runs away, you have no choice but to follow it. And if it runs up to the bookmobile behind Buckingham Palace, you are duty-bound to go in and, once inside, choose a book. In this imaginative — and hilarious — novella, the queen’s choosing of a book, in order to actually read it for pleasure (unheard of!), is her defining moment. She returns the first book and chooses another — and becomes entranced with reading and literature. Instead of making light conversation on her walkabouts, she’s now asking what people are reading! Book by book, her life changes, along with the lives of everyone around her. Beautifully written, and called “audacious,” “deliciously funny,” and “superbly observed” by reviewers, this is a light read. (You can devour it in an evening.) It will make you laugh out loud but also make you think — and perhaps even seek out the nearest library!


To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis

In a future where time travel is used primarily for academic research, Ned Henry is sent back to Victorian England to correct an incongruity that may endanger time itself. Ned and his colleagues covertly hunt for the defining moment when things went awry while attempting to pass as true Victorians, but they face a series of comic misadventures involving seances, missing pets, an ill-fated boating trip down the River Thames, and a mysterious objet d’art called “the bishop’s bird stump.”

Did You Know? Fun Facts About June

Here is a collection of interesting facts collected by Cool Kid Facts.

1. Once, June was the fourth month of the year
The month of June used to be the fourth of the year. A year had barely 10 months until Julius Caesar came to power. By adding two extra months to the year in 46 BC, he produced the Julian calendar, which made June the sixth month.

2. Longest day in the North, shortest in the South
Depending on where you are, June has both the longest and shortest days of the year. June 21st marks the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere.

3. The Anglo-Saxons were the first to link June with milder weather
Today, we identify June as the month when the temperature starts to warm up a little, giving us a break from the spring showers and all the bluster of winter. In English, the month of June was referred to as “dry month” by the Anglo-Saxons, who called it “sera monath”.  

4. June was given the name of a Roman Goddess
In ancient Roman religion and mythology, Juno was the principal goddess of marriage and the queen of the gods. She was also associated with childbirth, motherhood, and fertility. June is named after Juno, which is why some people refer to it as the “month of Juno.” June is still a popular month for weddings, which makes sense given Juno’s association with the natural outcomes of marriage. The origin of the word “June” may also be linked to the Roman word “juvenis,” meaning “young people,” who were celebrated during this time.

5. The Strawberry Full Moon
Although June may not have its own celestial body, it is still significant in terms of lunar events. The full moon in June, also known as the Strawberry Full Moon, has its own name because of the plentiful fruit harvest that occurs during this time of year. 

6. In the past, getting married in June was considered unfortunate
Ancient Romans believed that from mid-May to mid-June was an inauspicious time for marriage.
The legend goes that when Roman poet Ovid consulted the high priestess of Jupiter about when his daughter should get married, she suggested he delay the wedding until after June 15th.

7. A beetle named after June exists
Sometimes known as the June bug, it is a type of insect that lives only between May and June and eats a variety of plants and bushes.

8. Wimbledon begins in June
If you’re a serious tennis fan, you’ve probably already put the oldest Grand Slam competition on your calendar. Every year, millions of viewers tune in to watch Wimbledon, the most prestigious tennis tournament in the sport! It was established in 1877, and the US Open followed in 1881. 

9. June: A month of celebrations and observances
The month of June is packed with diverse month-long celebrations observed all over the globe. In the United States, it is recognized as LGBT+ Pride Month, National Oceans Month, and Great Outdoors Month. On the other hand, in the United Kingdom, it is called National Smile Month, a time to focus on oral health and promoting healthy smiles.

10. Flag Days are celebrated in June around the world
In June, several countries commemorate their flag days. June 6th is the flag day for Sweden, June 14th is flag day for the United States, and June 15th is flag day for Denmark.

11. Influential people born in June
June has seen the birth of numerous significant and remarkable individuals throughout history.
Some notable figures born in June include Che Guevara, Anne Frank, Jean-Paul Sartre, George H.W. Bush, George Orwell, and Marilyn Monroe.

12. Indulge in sweet treats and the great outdoors this June
June is a month of indulgence for those with a sweet tooth, although it may not be welcomed by dentists everywhere. National Rocky Road Day is celebrated on June 2, followed by National Macaroon Day on June 3, and National Chocolate Ice Cream Day on June 7.

What Is Betty Reading? The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Like most people concerned with the amount of time our youth spends on their phone and playing video games, I read The Anxious Generation shortly after it was published. Jonathan Haidt offers an in-depth analysis of the impact electronics are having on today’s youth. He not only addresses the astronomical amount of time the average teen spends on their devices a day, but also highlights the significant opportunities they forfeit due to this preoccupation. Haidt takes the reader from the “play-based childhood” of the late 1980’s to the “phone-based childhood” that emerged in the mid 2010’s. Fortunately, he also provides strategies which, if implemented collaboratively by schools and communities, can mitigate the negative effects of the electronics addiction. While the phones and games are here to stay, it is imperative that adults monitor their usage to prevent them from overwhelming our youth. I found this book to be both alarming and informative. Parents of students, as well as school teachers and administrators would find this book helpful so we, as a society, can begin to address this global issue.

Letter from Betty for May 2024

Hello Friends,

Attention high school and college students: Now is a great time to map out your plans for an exciting, productive summer. Look for inspiration in our feature article for May, "Productive Summertime Activities for High School and College Students."

And if cooking is a creative pursuit for you this summer, we have a delicious suggestion. Take a look at our bonus article for this month, "You Can Do It! Strawberry Shortcake."

Catch up on my latest favorite book in our special feature for May: "What Is Betty Reading? The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga.”

Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, as well as assistance in overcoming or coping with Executive Function Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Specific Learning Disability.

Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.


Best regards,

Betty

Productive Summertime Activities for High School and College Students

The end of the school year is in sight! You’ve worked hard and are probably looking forward to unwinding, de-stressing, hanging with friends, and relaxing for the next few months. However tempting that may seem, there are better ways to spend the summer months and you just may find that you’ll enjoy some of these suggestions for a more productive summer. 

Find yourself a summer job or internship. Even short term, the experience will be valuable, you’ll have the opportunity to make connections with others, and have something to add to your resume as well. Or consider volunteering! Find an area that you’re interested in and seek out local organizations that are providing related services. Giving back to your community is a great way to spend your summer months and give you experience that will benefit you as well.

Explore the world around you! Learn a new skill just for fun, experience another culture or country including their music, history, and foods, take a community college or adult learning class and expand your skill set. There are so many possibilities!

Read for the fun of it! Reading is not only enjoyable, but reduces stress, helps build memory, and improves mental health as well. Escape into a good book!

Make some memories and go on an adventure! Take a road trip, hop on a train, visit museums, film festivals, different parts of the state or country that are new to you. And be sure to take advantage of student discounts while you’re at it, to make your adventure even more affordable.

Use this free time to indulge in your hobbies or try a new one. Get creative, look for information online or take a class at the community college, art center, or museum. Learning a fun new skill is a great way to grow your interests, expand your skill set, and de-stress too.

Work on your cooking skills! If you’re not already living in an apartment, at some point during your college years you will be. Summer is a great time to learn new cooking techniques, collect and try out favorite family recipes, explore delicious new-to-you healthy eating. Your future self is going to thank you.

Get outside! Explore that hiking trail you’ve wanted to try, go for a swim, grab a book and head to the park, enjoy outdoor music events and cultural festivals and disconnect from the internet and free yourself from screen time. 

By intentionally exploring new activities, while also setting aside time to relax and recharge, you’ll find that by the time you need to head back to school you’ll be ready to take on the challenges coming your way.

You Can Do It! Strawberry Shortcake

Summertime means it’s strawberry season! Head to a local pick-your-own farm, or pick up some of these beautiful red gems from a farmstand or grocery, then spend a lazy afternoon making up this delicious summertime treat!

Strawberry Shortcake

Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hr 20 min
Active Time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Shortcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
3 tablespoons cold salted butter, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon low-fat buttermilk
1 tablespoon sliced almonds

Filling:
4 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (depending on the ripeness of the berries)
2 teaspoons grated orange zest plus 1 tablespoon orange juice
1 cup vanilla ice cream, for serving
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting, optional

Directions

• For the shortcakes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment. 

• Combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and work it into the flour mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse meal.

• Whisk together the lemon zest, egg and 1/2 cup of the buttermilk in a small bowl. Add to the flour mixture and lightly mix with your hands or a spoon until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. With lightly floured hands, gently pat the dough into a 7 inch round about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 8 equal wedges. Space the shortcakes evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon buttermilk and sprinkle with the almonds. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

• For the filling: Combine the strawberries, granulated sugar and orange zest and juice in a large bowl. Let stand until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is syrupy, about 15 minutes.

• Split the shortcakes. Place the bottom halves of the shortcakes on plates and top evenly with the strawberry mixture and ice cream. Cover with the shortcake tops. Dust with the confectioners' sugar if using.

What Is Betty Reading? The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga, held my attention this past month. This novel is written in letter format from Balram, a complicated man living in India, to a Chinese official, an older man who is eager to learn more about entrepreneurship. Balram details his life over the seven day period in which he writes the letter that outlines the challenges he has gone through since growing up as a rickshaw driver’s son to becoming a successful businessman. I enjoyed the format of the book as Adiga jumps between different periods of Balram’s unprecedented life. 

Letter from Betty for April 2024

Hello Friends,

It takes most people several days to get used to daylight saving time in the spring. But did you know that for some, this adjustment takes much longer? Learn strategies to cope with this yearly challenge in our feature article for April, "Adjusting To Seasonal Time Change."

Speaking of adjusting our bodies and minds to a different hour on the clock, our bonus article for this month offers a possible solution to a related symptom: difficulty getting a full night's sleep. Read "You Can Do It! Herbal Sleep Sachet" for a great DIY project involving aromatherapy.

Catch up on my latest favorite books in our special feature for April: "What Is Betty Reading? For The Love of a Dog and The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell.”

Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, as well as assistance in overcoming or coping with Executive Function Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Specific Learning Disability.

Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.


Best regards,

Betty

Adjusting To Seasonal Time Change

It’s Spring! We’re quickly leaving the colder temperatures behind and seeing our trees and flowers beginning to awaken. These changes are most welcome, yet the advent of daylight saving time may cause difficulties that for some of us can last for many weeks and even longer. The majority of us enjoy and even benefit from the extra daylight we’re now getting, but the adjustment may bring with it a mini-jet lag, impacting our internal body clock, as well as our appetite, energy levels, and even our emotions. Fortunately, our bodies are adaptable, and a bit of patience and a few intentional accommodations can help us to more easily adjust to the time change.
 
Here are a few tips that may help make the adjustment:

First, understand that this disruption is normal, and while some people seem to take the change in stride, others may take a while to settle in. Again, this is completely normal.

Give yourself time to adjust, gradually moving bedtime, mealtimes, and other daily activities to match up with the time-change. Moving these activities by 15 minutes or so a day will help with the transition.

Stick to your normal routines, particularly those bedtime routines that help to trigger sleep.

Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime. Though we enjoy the extra natural daylight hours, the light that is emitted from electronic screens is a sleep disrupter.

Think about going to bed at the same time as usual, but giving yourself a little extra reading time before turning out the lights (books, not screens). And if shutting off a busy mind is a problem, maybe explore the benefits of having a white/gray noise machine turned on at bedtime.

Maintain a healthy diet, make sure you’re eating nutritious food and staying hydrated. And avoid caffeine, sugar, and alcohol use close to bedtime.

Spend time outdoors in the natural light and make sure to enjoy regular physical activity.

Take short naps during the day if you need to, but keep those naps brief so that your nighttime sleep isn’t affected.

Transitioning to this seasonal time-change can be easier with just a few simple but significant adjustments. Try these tips and see the improvements in how you feel and function throughout the day.

You Can Do It! Herbal Sleep Sachet

To promote a good night's sleep, try aromatherapy in the form of a fragrant sachet under your pillow. From Joyful Life Magazine, here’s a simple DIY project for you to make for yourself or give as a gift.

Supplies
Two 6-inch Squares of Lightweight Breathable Fabric (like cotton muslin or even an old cotton t-shirt)
Thread, Needle, and Scissors 
Ribbon
*For an even easier no-sew adaptation, you can purchase premade sachets at your local craft store. If you opt for this version, skip straight to assembling your sachet.

Ingredients
Dried Lavender Flowers
Dried Chamomile Flowers
Dried Rose Petals
Lavender Essential Oil

Sew:
Place the two pieces of breathable fabric together. If there is a patterned or colored side, be sure they are facing inward. 
Pin the sides (if desired) and thread your needle.
Sew three of the four sides together, ensuring there are no gaps.
Turn inside out, so the patterned/colored side is now showing.

To Assemble:
Add the herbs into a bowl and mix well with clean hands.
Fill sachets with the dried mixture, leaving enough space at the top to tie it off.
Add 5-8 drops of lavender essential oil.
Use ribbon to tie sachet tightly closed.
Shake well to incorporate oil throughout.
Slip under your pillow, into your pillowcase, or on a bedside table

What Is Betty Reading? For The Love of a Dog and The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell

This month I have been digging into books on a more personal level: dog training. My husband and I are the proud owners of Bodie, a three-year old chocolate lab with an incredible amount of energy. Despite snafaris (a safari or walk that allows for a lot of sniffing) on long hikes through the woods as well as walks through town, Bodie’s energy level remains high throughout the day. To help us better understand his mind and thought process, I have read For The Love of a Dog  and The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell. The author helps me to understand Bodie’s behavior, his thought process and how best to communicate with him. She stresses the importance of brain games as well as physical activities to tire a dog. I’ve got some work to do, but I am confident that I am headed down the right path! 

Letter from Betty for March 2024

Hello Friends,

More and more students I am working with have been asked to give speeches to classmates, teachers and other school personnel. This can be a very challenging task for many — no matter their age or experience. I remember that the best advice I ever received about public speaking was to accept that the audience would be willing me on to success. They wanted me to succeed! Somehow that made all the difference. For more advice on this subject please read our feature article for March, "Taming Public Speaking and Performance Anxiety."

Speaking of discomfort while in the public eye, did you know that many famous musicians and actors have difficulties while performing in public? Find out more in our bonus article for March, "Did You Know? Popular Performers With Stage Fright."

Catch up on my latest favorite book in our special feature for March: "What Is Betty Reading? The Poet, by Michael Connelly."

Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, as well as assistance in overcoming or coping with Executive Function Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Specific Learning Disability.

Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.


Best regards,

Betty

Taming Public Speaking and Performance Anxiety

Public speaking and performance anxiety are extremely common stressors across our population, and especially with people who already have difficulties with social situations. Public speaking anxiety is so common that many colleges offer classes and workshops to help students (and others) overcome their difficulties. Fortunately, there are strategies you can utilize to help control your nerves if you are asked to give a presentatio or speech or lead a conversation in a public setting.

1 – Be clear with yourself about why you’re giving the presentation and what it is you’re trying to achieve, and focus on the material rather than your nerves. Are you presenting a paper or project in class? Perhaps you’re getting ready to sing a song or recite an original poem at a local social venue. Are you standing in front of a group where you’ll be teaching something new, like a skill you can share. In any case, remember why you’re there and importantly, remind yourself that everyone in the audience is there to learn and enjoy. They want you to succeed and they’re rooting for you to do well.

2 – Be aware of any negative self-talk got swirling around in your head. Push it aside, ignore it, and focus instead on your topic.

3 – Stand with your feet over your hips, knees bend slightly, shoulders relaxed, and breathe. Speak slowly, and pause occasionally. Slowing down and taking a momentary pause gives your audience time to take in what you’re putting out and it gives you you time to breathe and loosen tight muscles. It also gives you a moment to remember what it is you want to say next.

4 – Practice, practice, practice. The more you put yourself in front of an audience, the less scary it will be and, most likely, the more confident you will become. You might even think about joining the Debate Club where you have more of an opportunity to practice speaking in public. Before prsenting, practice your piece over and over again, because the more times you go through it the easier it will be to remember. Consider recording yourself to assess how you are holding yourself, check voice inflections and fine-tune the presentation itself. Focus on all of the things that you’re doing right, with a nod to the areas that you might want to work on.

5 – And if, in the end, something goes wrong, stop, take a sip of water and a good, deep breath, smile, and make a little joke about it. “And this is why we bring notes/lyrics.” Or after a stumble, “Well, that wasn’t a part of my plan!” You’ll have a moment to relax, and the audience will get behind you in your effort. Remember, presentation anxiety is so prevalent that a large number of those people who are sitting in front of you can personally relate to your discomfort and are rooting you on! 

6 – Fake it ‘til you make it. You might not feel relaxed, at least initially, but faking that confidence and comfort on stage will come across to the audience as true relaxation, and just may have the benefit of leading to true confidence in the end.

Did You Know? Popular Performers With Stage Fright

You are not alone in stagefright!  These performers famously and publicly have struggled with performance anxiety and they’ve succeeded in a big way. Talk about “fake it ‘til you make it”!

Adele, Jennifer Lawrence, Andrea Bocelli, Eddie Van Halen, Emma Stone, Ozzy Ozbourne, Beyonce, Barbra Streisand, Katy Perry, Kendall Jenner, Harry Styles, Renee Fleming, Brian Wilson, Emma Watson, Carly Simon, Rihanna, Donny Osmond, Cher, Kristen Bell, Warren Buffett, Emma Roberts, and Jay-Z, just to name a few.

So go you!

What Is Betty Reading? The Poet by Michael Connelly

Thanks to one of my students, I have thoroughly enjoyed another captivating Michael Connelly book: The Poet.  I am generally not a fan of mystery books, but when my student chose this as his “fun read” I once again jumped on board. Jack McEvoy, Connelly’s protagonist, is on a mission to solve a murder that contains all the intrigue and excitement of his other novels. Connelly's ability to create unique characters leaves the reader wondering who the real killer is. Both my student and I found ourselves sympathizing with one character, only to be pleasantly surprised when the real killer was revealed! 

Letter from Betty for February 2024

Hello Friends,

The power of writing and list making continuously amazes me. I really could not do what I do day to day without writing things down. But there are many strategies one could take. Find out more about this in our feature article for February, "How Time Management Can Break Down a Task or Assignment."

Speaking of getting things written out with a list and directions, take a look at our delicious recipe appropriate for this month in our bonus article for February, "You Can Do It: Super Sweet Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Valentine's Day." Yum!

Catch up on my latest favorite book in our special feature for February: "What Is Betty Reading? The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles.”

Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, as well as assistance in overcoming or coping with Executive Function Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Specific Learning Disability.

Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.


Best regards,

Betty

How Time Management Can Break Down a Task or Assignment

After putting away the holiday decorations and excitedly thinking about the blank slate of the new year I had in front of me, I made a list of all the projects that I have been putting off, as well as pondering the new ideas that I have for the coming months. In looking at the list, I noted that there is one project that I keep pushing aside because it’s too overwhelming to jump into. Do you have a project or assignment like that? If so, it is time to use your Executive Functioning skills and get organized. I did a little research to see how other people tackle their own daunting tasks and I came across one from artist Jessica Abel in tune with my own organizational structure. I think it just might work really well for you too.

To start, take a look at that overwhelming project ahead of you and break it down into tiny steps. It doesn’t matter how many steps you end up with, just make sure that each step is very specific. That done, get yourself a calendar, making sure it’s a day-at-a-time or week-at-a-time, so you have plenty of room to write under each day. While looking over your new list, consider the amount of time that you have in your day to work on your project, bearing in mind that you do need to schedule your tasks around school, work, etc. Now enter these smaller tasks into your daily/weekly. Soon, you’ll become motivated when you see all those jobs crossed off, and before you know it, your overwhelming project will be complete! 

Author Austin Kleon had an assignment with a deadline that was just six months away. In that time, he had to write 250 poems. That’s 250 poems in 25 weeks, or 10 poems a week - that’s a daunting task to be tackled before publication! Kleon modified the above strategy and and turned it into something that was workable for him, another variation that could work just as well for you. He made it visual. He drew out 25 rows, each with 10 checkboxes. When he finished a poem, he would put a very satisfying X into one box. By turning his enormous task into a visual game, he completed the job on time. 

To tackle those larger tasks and assignments, get yourself a calendar. Break your task down into little bits. Make it a game, and give yourself a pat on the back, enjoying the positive feedback that you’ll get from looking at that page of crossed off tasks, or as in Austin’s case, a page full of X’s.