Harvard Girl Tutoring

11th Graders... Did you know.... This fall, the October SAT and the December ACT will release your test booklet back to you with details of your answers? This can be a key to understanding your results and preparing your strategies for the spring tests!

What exactly do we do in Virtual Tutoring? I'm so glad you asked! Over this last year, I've had the chance to get very well acquainted with a great app/website called ScribbleTogether. It's a virtual whiteboard that allows both student and teacher to see and work on the same problems in real time. Each student gets his or her own password-protected board, and all their work material not only gets uploaded into their board, but it can be exported and sent back with the work done. This works for SAT and ACT practice tests, any PDF worksheet from school or kuta software, screenshots of questions, or texted photos of problems. It's revolutionary! Not that I have anything against good old-fashioned paper and pencil, but this allows us to work across the internet with students anywhere on the globe - amazing!

We started our SAT Boot Camp at St Ed's this week! Gearing up for a busy fall, but I still have a few spots available for in-person and virtual tutoring (any time zone!)

Today is a good day to use the moonwalk to teach negative numbers!!! Thank you www.betterexplained.com

🎄 Merry xmas to all of you from all of us at CTY! 🎄

Gotta love Sandra Boynton's take on the Pythagorean Theorem!

I was introduced to the zoo-phonics curriculum in the early 2000's and have watched it unlock the magic of reading for young children ever since. If you are interested in a small-group zoom class for your preschooler/kindergartner, let me know. We can do the class in real time and have a blast! I have some wonderful parents asking me about starting a virtual class for this fall!

Saying a prayer for all the students taking their SAT tomorrow. Not only is it their first chance in nearly 6 months to take this exam, but for some seniors it is their first and only chance to take it. They will be taking it in masks and applying for colleges that they do not know whether or not they will be able to attend in person. My heart goes out to these students who are adapting to changes in their world every day.

Quote of the Day: “What is the spell to summon the area of a semi-circle?” - a 7th grader

The ACT is Happening on July 18th! If your rising senior is taking it, it's CRUNCH time! ACT Boot Camp, here we come!

"Rebel Girls" Summer Book Club Zoom Camp starts next week. Info in comments!

I'm offering an ACT zoom camp in June through St. Edward's School that is open to students worldwide! Please help spread the word! The ACT is still accepting registrations for the June 13th test and July 18th test. Rising Juniors and Seniors, let's do this!

Parents are starting to ask for support with homeschooling as they consider the possibility of fully homeschooling next fall. Their first question is: What homeschooling curriculum(s) do you recommend? I’m curious to hear which ones YOU have seen work well.

Was going over this problem with an 11th grader today. She had spent a lot of time on the problem, tediously working it out, and was so excited to arrive at an answer that was one of the choices.... but she had not read the final question correctly, which meant that she fell perfectly into the trap that the SAT makers had set for her. It was an excellent opportunity to explain several strategies to her... It's not just about the math skills.... it's knowing the test makers' traps... which are pretty predictable.... If you are on problem #22, you know there is going to be a trap... don't fall in! Do you see it?

As we wind down this school year, many of us parents and teachers are wondering...what's next for my students' education? How can we avoid the "summer slump" after a spring of uncertainty and provisional online learning? I am actively brainstorming some summer programs and would love to hear what's on your mind for your kids. I'm going to be putting together some group summer camps (let's call them camps not summer school!) for different ages and topics... Looking to make them fun and engaging... Open to suggestions!! These will be available over zoom for kids worldwide to participate! I am also available for individual tutoring, as always, or small group tutoring with friends :)

Deadline extended to register for the June 13th ACT! If you know a rising junior or senior who is taking this test (or the July 18th test), let me know and I can guide their preparation!

ACT UPDATE!! Tomorrow is the last day to register for the June 13th ACT which, apparently, has not been canceled!! I'm ready to assist with this one or the July 18 test, which is next up. Zoom tutoring available for all subject areas.

This may look like just an alphabet and some stuffed animals to you, but it is actually a portal into a world of imagination, adventure, and early reading! More than 15 years ago, I was taught the zoophonics curriculum by its founders in California, and although my primary professional focus has been on secondary math, the magic of this curriculum has stayed with me and always been a part of my weekly teaching schedule. Even quarantine can’t stop the magic from happening, as I have many zoo-phonics students continuing over zoom! So many memories, and so much support from teachers, parents and students over the years. You know who you are! 🐘🐅🦓 Pamela Schmidt Melish

Teaching your kids can be stressful if it’s been a while since you solved and graphed... let me know how I can help ✏️📓📊

Please let all those quarantined homeschooling parents know... Have no fear...help is here!

The cancellations of the April and May ACTs and SATs give us extra prep time for the June and July tests! We have 8 weeks until the June 6 SAT and 9 weeks until the June 13th ACT. Let's get into gear!