Tag Archives: novastar prep

When kids think of homework, they think of boring assignments and drudgery. But homework doesn’ have to be boring at all! In fact, it can be a very fun experience. Every parent in America seems to have a hard time now and then getting children to do homework: their child is tired after a long day at school… Continue reading →

What does a successful student look like? What are their habits and practices? Let’s identify a few notable qualities that you can cultivate in your own child! 1. Successful students care about being in school and engaged in class. They miss class only in the event of an emergency, and know how to contact a few reliable classmates should they… Continue reading →

This is part one of a three part series on the characteristics of a successful student. In this portion, we will focus on a developing a plan to achieve an objective.   Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines success as 1.)  getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame 2.) the correct or desired result of an attempt     The… Continue reading →

Why is time management useful? The answer is simple; it allows us the opportunity to efficiently achieve our goals in all areas of  life! According to Wikipedia, “Time management is the act or process of planning and exercising conscious control over an amount of time to increase effectiveness, efficiency or productivity.”    Useful techniques for developing time management skills. 1.) Create a daily,… Continue reading →

The first obstacle you face when your student does not have innate organizational skills is that helping your student become organized will take some time. The second is that finding a method that works may involve a lot of trial and error. Developing organizational skills takes time, effort, and cooperation to become habits. The goal is to develop skills that your student… Continue reading →

  Can the words we use to praise our students sap the motivation to learn? Why is it that some students seem to excel at school right away, then burn out, while other students start slow, but finish first?   Good Intentions That Trigger the Trap   Emma and Noah wait for their teacher to return their… Continue reading →

Who are Auditory Learners? Auditory learners learn best through hearing information. They tend to remember things that have been said to them better than information presented in charts, diagrams, and in print. Note: While the ideas below are geared towards the strengths of auditory learners, this information can be beneficial for all learners.   Study Strategies for… Continue reading →

Walking through the mall, huddled around their lockers, even sitting on the couch, students are glued to their cellphones. Whether they are minimizing their thoughts into 140 characters or less on Twitter, or actively engaged in a group text message, young people flex their writing muscles consistently throughout the day.   Next time you see your son… Continue reading →

Let’s start with the basics. For some students, math isn’t easy. I teach physics and see  a lot of math phobia and anxiety. I have also found a common theme: most of the students I teach learn math a different way than how they have been taught. At some point, they throw up their hands, put up their virtual “I just… Continue reading →

What captures your attention? Have you ever been so engaged in something that you could spend hours focusing on it? Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) struggle in schools when, often, there are no adaptations to engage their fluid minds. Often it takes a special approach to reach students who experience hyperactivity. However, academics agree that ADHD does… Continue reading →