What Did You Do this Summer?

I have been academically coaching and teaching kids outside of a traditional classroom since 2006. I own and operate S.L.A.M. Academy where we focus on homework accuracy, comprehension and performance skills in science, literacy, arts & math. Most of our students seek assistance in math and literary interpretation.

About a dozen students worked on Aleks.com and Khanacademy.org this summer as a hybrid academic and creative summer camp. Most have continued into their fifth week of school. 

The reports I am receiving currently from parents and students vary tremendously, as expected. Parents, clustered at the favorable end of the spectrum, want their children working on Aleks.com daily about 15-20 minutes during the school year. Kids are claim, "I just don't have enough time...,"  not understanding that they will save time in the long run, improve their grades and raise their standardized test scores.

My decision, clearly explaining to students the maturity it takes to understand the benefits of their investments  benefiting life options they have not yet realized. Try that one for size... too big for anyone! So, "...trust me..." creeps into the conversation occasionally and at the end kids walk away almost rolling their eyes and parents follow not quite shrugging their shoulders, taking a deep breath, and mouthing, "Thank you."

The benefit of these investments, former students getting into the colleges of their choices and calling you to say, "Thank you so much for everything. I couldn't have done it without you." What they mean is someone like me. Reach out educators! Mentor the ones who reach out to you, and know the ones that don't need you more.