admin | Back to Basics Learning https://backtobasicslearning.com Largest Provider of Education and Education-Related Services Including Tutoring, Translating, Interpreting, Test Prep and More! Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:10:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://backtobasicslearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cropped-B-blue-32x32.jpg admin | Back to Basics Learning https://backtobasicslearning.com 32 32 Keeping Your Child Engaged Throughout the Summer https://backtobasicslearning.com/keeping-your-child-engaged-throughout-the-summer/ Wed, 17 Jun 2020 16:37:11 +0000 https://www.backtobasicslearning.com/?p=31653
Keeping Your Child Engaged Throughout the Summer

Sheila Y. Cain, M.Ed. is an accomplished educator and administrator of 20+ years with proven expertise in teaching instructional reading strategies, lesson planning, and writing curriculum development conducive for student learning. She has taught 3rd and 4th grade, 6th grade Reading/ELA and Social Studies, grades 6-8 Reading Intervention and served as an Assistant Principal for 10 years in schools ranging from grades Pre-K–8. Sheila became an employee with Back to Basics in September 2019 and currently serves as the Regional Partnership Director for the Nationwide Student Success Collaborative with the Nationwide Department of Education.

C reating fun learning opportunities for your child during the summer break will keep them from losing academic gains from the previous school year. Research has found that students can lose up to two months of math and reading skills during the summer months. The number one activity for students over the summer is ReadingYour child can read chapter books, comic books, magazines, restaurant menus, and listen to audiobooks. Reading every day for at least 30 minutes a day can boost comprehension skills, reading fluency, and vocabulary development.

1. Daily Journal Writing:

Having your child keep a daily journal recording of their summer experiences will keep their writing skills sharp. You can have your child take a walk around the neighborhood and write a creative story about what they saw and observed happening in the neighborhood. When going to the grocery store, he/she can write about how they were able to find their favorite foods in the aisles. After watching a movie together as a family, have your child write a journal entry about what they liked most about the movie. Their journal entries can be kept in a black/white composition book or on sheets of writing paper. Each entry should have their name and the date. By August, your child will have a journal full of events about their summer experience as well as improved his/her writing skills.

2. Virtual Field Trips

Since COVID-19 has limited our ability to travel to destinations with no more than 10 people at a time, you can have your child search the internet for a virtual tour of a museum, zoo, aquarium, farm, and landmarks. You can have them visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bright Farm, Mount Rushmore, and National Aquarium. These engaging and interactive tours are super fun! With kids home from school and no place to go, they can take a field trip without leaving the house.

3. Encourage Creativity

The family can take a trip to one of your favorite Dollar Stores to buy markers, crayons, paint, coloring books, posters, and various arts and crafts. Giving children time to color, paint, draw, and work on arts and crafts keeps their minds engaged and creates creativity. You can check your local library’s website to find free weekly workshops for kids of all ages and ability levels. Their projects can be placed throughout the house to serve as an art gallery for everyone in the home to look at daily.

 

Back to Basics offers tutoring, Achieve Testing, and a variety of other services to prevent your child from falling behind. What have you done to prevent the summer slide and encourage creativity in your child over the summer? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter

Back to Basics Learning Dynamics provides exceptional 1:1 tutoring in over 60 subjects, from first grade reading help to AP Calculus, plus back to school organization, study habits, and everything in-between. When your child needs help with homework, essays, test preparation, back to school organization, or intensive private tutoring including credit recovery, count on our 30+ years of experience to help. Call us at 302-594-0754 or contact us at the link below to get started today!

REVIEWS

Want to share your experience with Back to Basics Learning Dynamics or Augustine Hills School? We appreciate if you could write a brief Google Review of our services.

PARENT REVIEWS

“We reached out to Back to Basics for our son (6) when we thought he could use some extra help. I appreciate how they keep the lines of communication open so everyone stays on the same page. BTB worked with us to find the perfect tutor with a schedule that meets our needs. They were able to connect us with his current tutor, Teresa A****, and she is wonderful! She brings many years of knowledge and teaching experience and ensures that each session is fun and different. She even gives us ideas on fun learning activities that we can use to work with him at home. Our son looks forward to his sessions and has learned so much.” — Chrystynn Bowles

“The tutor my son has is patient, caring, reliable and very knowledgeable. I have been extremely satisfied with her services and highly recommend Back to Basics.” — Lori Spier

“Back to Basics has been great. From our initial phone call, we could not be happier. Our 6th grade daughter was struggling with Algebra. It was beyond my ability to help her and our tutor, Margie was very professional and helped my daughter immensely. She was professional, patient and kind and she is a great role model to my daughter as well – an accomplished woman with a background in engineering who is easy to work with.” — Ruth Gilbert

“My experience with Back to Basics has been wonderful. We contracted with a math and an English tutor for my daughter and both were excellent – kind, supportive, and most important, helped her effectively prepare for the ISEE high school entrance exam. The support staff were also very friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!” — Alisa Morkides 

“Mr. Green has been a great help for our 10 yr old grandson. His math scores in math went up to grade level and his vocabulary, as well.” — Edwin Cartwright

“On behalf of our family, I am writing to both commend and thank you for the tutoring service you provided to our grandson David. With the help of Sonia Hewitt, David received an award at graduation as the most improved student. He ended 9th grade with mostly D’ and F’s. He graduated with all A’s! Sonia communicated his progress and needs to us and Angie always responded to my concerns as well. Continue your good work.” — Anna E. Krall

“My daughter started attending Back to Basics Private School during the third marking period this year (11th grade). I have to say they made all the difference for her. She was struggling at her old school (which was also private). Both her grades and her emotional well being have gone way up. My daughter used to dread going to school and would make every excuse to stay home. Now she she gets mad when I mentioned that the school year is almost over. She can’t believe the interest the teachers have taken in her. As she said to me “they really care about me”. This school as been for us a God send. I only wish I had found it sooner.” — James Tyre

“Back to Basics is a fantastic source for students to get the extra help they may need in any subject. Our tutor David Power is the best!  He is so smart and so helpful.  My sons respect him and trust him greatly to give them the guidance and help they may need with homework,  study preparation, preparing for a test or quiz or just answering a question. He communicates very well with terrific input always. His emails to us are so helpful and insightful so that we can all help our student the best possible together.   Your staff is always so helpful.  Angie Carbine, in particular,  always answers my questions and always gets back to me right away with the best help and support.  We are very pleased and lucky to have such a top notch tutoring facility so close to home in our community.” — Joseph Wahl

“My daughter and I were very satisfied with the level of instruction provided by the tutor. It says a lot that my daughter was able to turn an “F” into an “A.” I think the combination of one on one instruction and the tutor’s knowledge of the subject matter made all the difference. I would highly recommend Back to Basics to any parent whose child is struggling in academics. I know that we will be using them in the future.” — Jim Tyre

“Caleb did receive ‘Most Improved in Math’ for the entire 8th grade during the graduation ceremony, which we certainly owe to you.” –Kerri Watson

“Candise is an excellent Tutor. Our daughter is finally passing her math classes, which she would never have achieved without the help of Candise! We are very grateful for Candise and Back to Basics.” –Lorraine Peterson

“Both of my children have had Mr. Power as their math tutor at different times. They have decided that he’s a math god. He has a gift for explaining the most complex math topics in a way that has enabled each to not only understand the information during the tutor session, but also retain the information and build upon it as each math chapter is covered at school. More than once on the day after a tutoring session with Mr. Power, they’ve been asked how to figure out a problem by one of the other students in their class – and they’ve been able to explain it to the other student and have been told, “Now I get it.” This is just one example of how effective Mr. Power is as a tutor.”
— Nathan Midgett

“After the PSAT, Christine was devastated. We knew she had a long way to go if she wanted to receive an acceptance to her dream college. Her tutors worked to help her overcome her anxiety and timing issues and she was diligent in completing all of her “homework” assignments. She took the test once and received a score of 2300 [combined score used for three subject areas in the 2015 test]. She also received her coveted acceptance to Georgetown University! Her SAT score absolutely pushed her over the top and it would not have been possible without Back to Basics!” —Susan McNeill

“THANK YOU!! I am so proud of Cassie and the work she did on her project. She even made the kluten all by herself. She could not have gotten the grades that she did without your assistance. Hiring you to work with Cassie was one of the best investments I’ve made!
–Suzanne Barba

“…everyone is professional, knowledgeable, courteous. A first class organization….Thank You.” 
— Mike Coumatos

“I was so pleased with my daughter’s experience with Back to Basics tutoring for the SAT. My daughter improved her score in Math SAT from the PSAT by over 200 points. Not only was she instructed in the math skills she needed to improve her score, but she also was instructed in general test taking strategies which helped in all of the sections of the test. I highly recommend Back to Basics SAT tutoring.” 
— Sheila Mangan

“Ms. Lantz was a great tutor for our daughter. We had a wonderful experience. Our daughter’s confidence in math has gone up tremendously. We would definitely recommend Back to Basics to our friends.”
–Mia LaFazia

“Joy’s [SAT] scores went up almost 200 points in the short time Bob worked with her, and she got her Writing and English scores up to a level that she had good choices for colleges. She was just accepted at Syracuse in the Economics Department. Your help in getting us help for her at the 11th hour helped make that possible.”
–Kathy Steiner

“I have never before used the services of any tutor, however, I must tell you what an exceptional experience it has been to have Miss Keren work with our son Matthew. Keren is very warm, kind, patient, and effective teacher. Keren has gone above and beyond what I would expect any tutor to do. My son has made incredible progress since he has been working with her. Keren has been able to have Matthew do things for her when no one else could. My son has autism and a very short attention span. He gets frustrated very easily and will either have a tantrum or give up in tears. From the very first day Matthew began working with Karen he was like a different child. Karen has been able to have him work for up to 4 hours in a session with only very minimal breaks. Matthew has not once had a tantrum or showed any signs of frustration and is always happy to see her when she comes to work with him. Keren even attended my son’s IEP meeting with me to help advocate for what we all believed what was best for him…Keren truly is an exceptional person and teacher and I could never ask anyone for more than that.”
— Lori Newcomer

My daughter loves the one on one attention and [Back to Basics’ tutor] Winn makes learning fun! 
Michele Harra

“Mr. Duffy was an excellent match for Peter. He understood Peter’s limitations, discussed Peter’s limitations with teachers, and was able to have Peter’s assignment in history changed to something he could handle. Nobody had ever done that before.”
–Rene McCartney

“Dave Powers is a great asset to Clem’s learning style. He is on target with his instruction and he’s a great support! In addition to my gratitude, I give him an A++!”
— Parent of a Back to Basics 1-on-1 tutoring student

“Just wanted to drop a quick note and let you know the Krystina raised her reading score from 560 to 720 and her writing score from 610 to 760 after 16 hours of reading tutoring. This has opened up multiple scholorship opportunities for her. Her SAT went from an 1880 to a 2190, and her ACT went from a 28 to a 33. Many thanks for the tutor she had. Definately well worth the investment. She already has a full tuition + scholorship to Alabama.”
— Parent of a Back to Basics SAT Prep student

“We wanted to let you know how pleased and appreciative we are regarding Sean’s progress during this school year.

Sean’s academic growth in all subject areas has been a true delight to witness and simultaneously has caused his self-confidence to soar. He enjoys the challenges of his school days, is proud to be learning a second language, and eagerly completes home assignments.

The staff has been wonderful in recognizing Sean’s learning strengths, while also helping him grow enormously in the areas in which he previously struggled. He is now a motivated learner and truly happy with the social approach of the program this year.

John and I extend a heartfelt thanks to you and your entire staff. We highly recommend the program every chance we get. Bravo!”
— Eileen O’Shaughnessy-Coleman

“It was June of our daughter’s sophomore year in high school and we didn’t know where to send her for her junior year. We could not work with the public school system to get our daughter some of the special needs that she required. A half a semester at a private school was equally frustrating. The teachers and staff were not capable of dealing with a child that did not fit the mold.

When I called Back to Basics to ask about tutoring, I was put through to Beverly. What a godsend! She understood what we had experienced in the traditional school systems and I know we had found the right place. The entire staff was very supportive. The teachers were excellent and really boosted our daughter’s self-esteem. The attention, nurturing and education she received were phenomenal. Our daughter completed both her junior and senior years at Back to Basics and even received significant scholarships from four different colleges.”
— Parent of a Back to Basics K-12 Private School student (name withheld upon request)

“Thank you from myself and my grandson. After a previous experience with another tutor program, I found Back to Basics very relaxing, and the tutor very comforting. My grandson totally loved the experience at your office and his tutor.”
— Cynthia Stewart

“Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing with our son. We are thrilled to see his self-confidence returning and his grades improving. It is a relief to know he’s getting the best help possible. If you ever need someone to talk with parents about the quality of your services, I hope you’ll call on us.”
— Charlene Bradley

“Both of my sons attended Back to Basics. I thought you might like to know that one now has a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and the other is a Management Information Systems graduate… I feel part of the success they have enjoyed is due directly to the instruction they received from Back to Basics.”
— Mrs. Cook

“My comments apply to all of Henry’s teachers. They’ve been wonderfully supportive and terrific with him. He is very happy there.”
— J. Mette

“Both of our sons have been fortunate enough to work with all the wonderful staff whose warmth and caring has brought out the best in them. The have learned more at Back to Basics than they could have possibly learned in any other school. The opportunity to choose their own courses made learning an enjoyable experience for them.”
— Mr. and Mrs. Davis

“Just wanted to share with you how proud Angel is of his report card. He has shown it to the neighbor (one of the heads at Wilmington Friends), his tennis coach, his therapist, and my parents. He now has his own copy in his bag. Watching Angel share the results of his work is like one of those credit card commercials – priceless!”
— Curt and Jackie (Back to Basics Private School parents)

“His attitude towards school is completely changing around. He realizes teachers care and are truly interested in his future success.” 
— Mrs. Scalia (Back to Basics Private School parent)

“On behalf of our family, I am writing to both commend and thank you for the tutoring service you provided to our grandson David. With the help of Sonia Hewitt, David received an award at graduation as the most improved student. He ended 9th grade with mostly D’ and F’s. He graduated with all A’s! Sonia communicated his progress and needs to us and Angie always responded to my concerns as well. Continue your good work.”
— Anna E. Krall

” I sent [tutor] Gerald a thank you email because I wanted to let him know how much I appreciated him helping my daughter. When Gerald took over my daughter had a 69 avg. So it was no small feat to end the last marking period with an 82. My only regret is that he did take over sooner. In my opinion Back to Basics has some of the best teachers my daughter has ever had.” 
— Jim T.

TEACHER REVIEWS

“[Back to Basics’ tutor] Sharon does a great job. She has worked with the cadets for three years now and they love her. They see true value and definitely feel that she helps them a lot.” 
— Nationwide Military Academy

“I found the staff cooperative and someone was always available to answer any question I may have had. It made my job easier as the program coordinator not to have to worry about the quality of the tutors or to supply any needed substitutes. Working with Back to Basics and Beverly Stewart has been one of the better educational experiences I have had during the 35 years I spent working in an elementary school.”
— Lorayne Titter, Program Coordinator, Extended Day

“As a teacher, I know that when I recommend parents to Back to Basics, they will be pleased with what they have to offer to meet the needs of their child.”
— Ms. Madson

STUDENT REVIEWS

“I have been loyal supporter of Back To Basics for more than two decades!” 
— Italo Carrieri-Russo

“Back to Basics had a real challenge in teaching me a foreign language. As a University of Nationwide student in her mid-sixties, they enabled me to receive a B+ each semester by providing excellent instruction. They listen to your needs concerning the time and place that is best for you to learn; they act on that need to match you with an excellent instructor and then, to keep their standards high, they ask for your feedback. Whether a person is six or sixty, I am confident that Back to Basics will make it enjoyable to learn.”
— Judy Harper

“Thank you for letting me come back to the greatest school on earth. You set me up with all the things that I needed and it worked out wonderfully. It helped get me where I needed to be.”
— Michael Lester, Back to Basics Private School Student

“I intend to put a “TOP” score in each area! Thank you for the Praxis I pre-writing assignment tips. I went from a failing score to a 176. The passing score is 173. You guys are great!”
— Samuel Mencher

“I would highly recommend Back to Basics to anyone who is struggling with any particular topic in any level of education. I was finishing up my degree at a local college and needed to pass a class in “Inferential Statistics” in order to graduate. I realized I wasn’t doing well and I needed help…

“Everyone here is so nice. It’s better than regular school, because with one-on-one you get a lot more attention. My grades are good and I find it more challenging than regular school.”
— Callie S., Back to Basics Private School Student
I worked with one of their staff who sent weekly e-mail updates to my college professor. He created a comfortable atmosphere in which I learned the basics of “Inferential Statistics.” I passed the class and graduated from a local college…with honors. This would not have been possible without Back to Basics.” 
— Brian J. Crowley

 

TUTOR & STAFF REVIEWS

“For more than ten years, I have had the privilege of working in an educational institution which embraces high academic standards and lovingly tells every student who walks through the door that success is within their grasp. I have witnessed countless student transformations focused not just on academic achievement, but self-esteem and awareness that learning is a lifelong process. The compassionate and dedicated staff led by a tireless and respected leader has come to be synonymous with excellence and success. I am honored to be part of the Back to Basics Learning Dynamics family.”
— Elizabeth Roberts, Instructor

“I have been an instructor of mathematics, physics, and chemistry at Back to Basics for 11 years. In that time, I have had the pleasure of instructing over 300 students in a 1-on-1 format. My students have thrived with the individual attention. I have witnessed their blooming confidence and enjoyment in being able to learn effectively. For me, each student’s instruction has been a unique journey. It feels good knowing I have definitely made a significant contribution to each student’s education and well-being.”
— Dave Power, Tutor

“For the past several years, I have had the honor of representing Back to Basics Learning Dynamics as a tutor, interpreter, and translator. Whether inspiring a love for Spanish in the hearts of students through one-on-one tutoring, bridging communication gaps at parent-teacher conferences, or producing high-quality translations of critical documents, I have enjoyed a sense of purpose and happiness in meeting the standards of academic excellence that Beverly and the Back to Basics family have been demonstrating since 1985. I am grateful to be a part of the family and for the opportunities for professional growth that I’ve enjoyed as a result. These experiences have enhanced my individual performance, expanded my cultural awareness, and deepened my knowledge in the fields of education and translation. Whether working locally or remotely, Back to Basics has been the best career choice for me.”
— Luz E. Digsby, Tutor, Interpreter and Translator

“I have been a tutor, translator and interpreter at Back to Basics for 14 years. Back to Basics began small in a crowded field of translating and interpreting but today has a large portion of the market in Nationwide in schools, hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies. I am proud to have played a small part in providing services to international families who need our services. I believe that such services are not only necessary but helpful to the families as well as the institution. Beverly has set a high bar of professionalism and skill attainment for her tutors, translators and interpreters to meet. She has provided certification opportunities as well as professional development so that each translator and interpreter has the best and highest skills he/she has the possibility of attaining. I am happy to be part of an organization that is at once so professional but also so caring. ” 
— Sara Nehra, Tutor, Interpreter and Translator

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Assessing Student Readiness after the COVID 19 Shutdown https://backtobasicslearning.com/assessing-student-readiness-after-the-covid-19-shutdown/ Wed, 03 Jun 2020 13:56:22 +0000 http://www.backtobasicslearning.com/?p=31540

Brad has been with Back to Basics in a variety of positions over the last two decades. He is currently the Director of Education, overseeing educational programs and Augustine Hills School.

The COVID 19 shutdown drastically altered our children’s learning environments in ways that we would have never imagined just six months ago. Within a matter of weeks, students went from attending school in a classroom surrounded by classmates, teachers, and various learning aids to learning through Zoom calls, Google Classroom, and online assignments. Interactions with teachers and classmates were reduced to exchanges through the computer.

Students learn in different ways and by using different senses and methods depending upon the student. The sudden change in learning environments has had a profound impact on many students and parents. In addition, the fall season will soon be upon us and another school year will begin. What the school year will look like for our students is unknown to all of us. The best thing we can do for our children is to make sure that they are academically prepared for the upcoming year.

Back to Basics is pleased to offer the Achieve Test as a measure to determine if your child is academically prepared for the next school year. The test is a measure of your child’s level and skill in math and language arts according to the standards set for his/her grade level. It is offered for 1st-12th graders.

Students can take the test in our center located in Wilmington, Nationwide, or in an online format at home. The test is multiple choice and generally takes an hour per section. Students can elect to take only one or both sections depending upon their skill set.

Test results are available within 24 hours after completion.  Back to Basics will review the results with parents and students to identify strengths and weaknesses. We will help the parent and student develop a plan to improve any weaknesses identified by the results.

As parents and educators, we could not have foreseen the events of the last several months: the rapid changes that would affect our students’ learning environments and the immense changes in learning that they would face. Nevertheless, these changes have occurred and as parents and educators we must continue to give them the tools to be successful in their academic endeavors. To give them the tools, we need to determine our students’ current ability levels. Scheduling an Achieve Test with Back to Basics is the best first step to ensuring that our students are prepared for the upcoming school year.

Visit our Achieve Testing page to learn more, or give us a call at (302) 594-0754. Has your child already taken the test? Share your experience on Facebook or Twitter!

Back to Basics Learning Dynamics provides exceptional 1:1 tutoring in over 60 subjects, from first grade reading help to AP Calculus, plus back to school organization, study habits, and everything in-between. When your child needs help with homework, essays, test preparation, back to school organization, or intensive private tutoring including credit recovery, count on our 30+ years of experience to help. Call us at 302-594-0754 or contact us at the link below to get started today!

REVIEWS

Want to share your experience with Back to Basics Learning Dynamics or Augustine Hills School? We appreciate if you could write a brief Google Review of our services.

PARENT REVIEWS

“We reached out to Back to Basics for our son (6) when we thought he could use some extra help. I appreciate how they keep the lines of communication open so everyone stays on the same page. BTB worked with us to find the perfect tutor with a schedule that meets our needs. They were able to connect us with his current tutor, Teresa A****, and she is wonderful! She brings many years of knowledge and teaching experience and ensures that each session is fun and different. She even gives us ideas on fun learning activities that we can use to work with him at home. Our son looks forward to his sessions and has learned so much.” — Chrystynn Bowles

“The tutor my son has is patient, caring, reliable and very knowledgeable. I have been extremely satisfied with her services and highly recommend Back to Basics.” — Lori Spier

“Back to Basics has been great. From our initial phone call, we could not be happier. Our 6th grade daughter was struggling with Algebra. It was beyond my ability to help her and our tutor, Margie was very professional and helped my daughter immensely. She was professional, patient and kind and she is a great role model to my daughter as well – an accomplished woman with a background in engineering who is easy to work with.” — Ruth Gilbert

“My experience with Back to Basics has been wonderful. We contracted with a math and an English tutor for my daughter and both were excellent – kind, supportive, and most important, helped her effectively prepare for the ISEE high school entrance exam. The support staff were also very friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!” — Alisa Morkides 

“Mr. Green has been a great help for our 10 yr old grandson. His math scores in math went up to grade level and his vocabulary, as well.” — Edwin Cartwright

“On behalf of our family, I am writing to both commend and thank you for the tutoring service you provided to our grandson David. With the help of Sonia Hewitt, David received an award at graduation as the most improved student. He ended 9th grade with mostly D’ and F’s. He graduated with all A’s! Sonia communicated his progress and needs to us and Angie always responded to my concerns as well. Continue your good work.” — Anna E. Krall

“My daughter started attending Back to Basics Private School during the third marking period this year (11th grade). I have to say they made all the difference for her. She was struggling at her old school (which was also private). Both her grades and her emotional well being have gone way up. My daughter used to dread going to school and would make every excuse to stay home. Now she she gets mad when I mentioned that the school year is almost over. She can’t believe the interest the teachers have taken in her. As she said to me “they really care about me”. This school as been for us a God send. I only wish I had found it sooner.” — James Tyre

“Back to Basics is a fantastic source for students to get the extra help they may need in any subject. Our tutor David Power is the best!  He is so smart and so helpful.  My sons respect him and trust him greatly to give them the guidance and help they may need with homework,  study preparation, preparing for a test or quiz or just answering a question. He communicates very well with terrific input always. His emails to us are so helpful and insightful so that we can all help our student the best possible together.   Your staff is always so helpful.  Angie Carbine, in particular,  always answers my questions and always gets back to me right away with the best help and support.  We are very pleased and lucky to have such a top notch tutoring facility so close to home in our community.” — Joseph Wahl

“My daughter and I were very satisfied with the level of instruction provided by the tutor. It says a lot that my daughter was able to turn an “F” into an “A.” I think the combination of one on one instruction and the tutor’s knowledge of the subject matter made all the difference. I would highly recommend Back to Basics to any parent whose child is struggling in academics. I know that we will be using them in the future.” — Jim Tyre

“Caleb did receive ‘Most Improved in Math’ for the entire 8th grade during the graduation ceremony, which we certainly owe to you.” –Kerri Watson

“Candise is an excellent Tutor. Our daughter is finally passing her math classes, which she would never have achieved without the help of Candise! We are very grateful for Candise and Back to Basics.” –Lorraine Peterson

“Both of my children have had Mr. Power as their math tutor at different times. They have decided that he’s a math god. He has a gift for explaining the most complex math topics in a way that has enabled each to not only understand the information during the tutor session, but also retain the information and build upon it as each math chapter is covered at school. More than once on the day after a tutoring session with Mr. Power, they’ve been asked how to figure out a problem by one of the other students in their class – and they’ve been able to explain it to the other student and have been told, “Now I get it.” This is just one example of how effective Mr. Power is as a tutor.”
— Nathan Midgett

“After the PSAT, Christine was devastated. We knew she had a long way to go if she wanted to receive an acceptance to her dream college. Her tutors worked to help her overcome her anxiety and timing issues and she was diligent in completing all of her “homework” assignments. She took the test once and received a score of 2300 [combined score used for three subject areas in the 2015 test]. She also received her coveted acceptance to Georgetown University! Her SAT score absolutely pushed her over the top and it would not have been possible without Back to Basics!” —Susan McNeill

“THANK YOU!! I am so proud of Cassie and the work she did on her project. She even made the kluten all by herself. She could not have gotten the grades that she did without your assistance. Hiring you to work with Cassie was one of the best investments I’ve made!
–Suzanne Barba

“…everyone is professional, knowledgeable, courteous. A first class organization….Thank You.” 
— Mike Coumatos

“I was so pleased with my daughter’s experience with Back to Basics tutoring for the SAT. My daughter improved her score in Math SAT from the PSAT by over 200 points. Not only was she instructed in the math skills she needed to improve her score, but she also was instructed in general test taking strategies which helped in all of the sections of the test. I highly recommend Back to Basics SAT tutoring.” 
— Sheila Mangan

“Ms. Lantz was a great tutor for our daughter. We had a wonderful experience. Our daughter’s confidence in math has gone up tremendously. We would definitely recommend Back to Basics to our friends.”
–Mia LaFazia

“Joy’s [SAT] scores went up almost 200 points in the short time Bob worked with her, and she got her Writing and English scores up to a level that she had good choices for colleges. She was just accepted at Syracuse in the Economics Department. Your help in getting us help for her at the 11th hour helped make that possible.”
–Kathy Steiner

“I have never before used the services of any tutor, however, I must tell you what an exceptional experience it has been to have Miss Keren work with our son Matthew. Keren is very warm, kind, patient, and effective teacher. Keren has gone above and beyond what I would expect any tutor to do. My son has made incredible progress since he has been working with her. Keren has been able to have Matthew do things for her when no one else could. My son has autism and a very short attention span. He gets frustrated very easily and will either have a tantrum or give up in tears. From the very first day Matthew began working with Karen he was like a different child. Karen has been able to have him work for up to 4 hours in a session with only very minimal breaks. Matthew has not once had a tantrum or showed any signs of frustration and is always happy to see her when she comes to work with him. Keren even attended my son’s IEP meeting with me to help advocate for what we all believed what was best for him…Keren truly is an exceptional person and teacher and I could never ask anyone for more than that.”
— Lori Newcomer

My daughter loves the one on one attention and [Back to Basics’ tutor] Winn makes learning fun! 
Michele Harra

“Mr. Duffy was an excellent match for Peter. He understood Peter’s limitations, discussed Peter’s limitations with teachers, and was able to have Peter’s assignment in history changed to something he could handle. Nobody had ever done that before.”
–Rene McCartney

“Dave Powers is a great asset to Clem’s learning style. He is on target with his instruction and he’s a great support! In addition to my gratitude, I give him an A++!”
— Parent of a Back to Basics 1-on-1 tutoring student

“Just wanted to drop a quick note and let you know the Krystina raised her reading score from 560 to 720 and her writing score from 610 to 760 after 16 hours of reading tutoring. This has opened up multiple scholorship opportunities for her. Her SAT went from an 1880 to a 2190, and her ACT went from a 28 to a 33. Many thanks for the tutor she had. Definately well worth the investment. She already has a full tuition + scholorship to Alabama.”
— Parent of a Back to Basics SAT Prep student

“We wanted to let you know how pleased and appreciative we are regarding Sean’s progress during this school year.

Sean’s academic growth in all subject areas has been a true delight to witness and simultaneously has caused his self-confidence to soar. He enjoys the challenges of his school days, is proud to be learning a second language, and eagerly completes home assignments.

The staff has been wonderful in recognizing Sean’s learning strengths, while also helping him grow enormously in the areas in which he previously struggled. He is now a motivated learner and truly happy with the social approach of the program this year.

John and I extend a heartfelt thanks to you and your entire staff. We highly recommend the program every chance we get. Bravo!”
— Eileen O’Shaughnessy-Coleman

“It was June of our daughter’s sophomore year in high school and we didn’t know where to send her for her junior year. We could not work with the public school system to get our daughter some of the special needs that she required. A half a semester at a private school was equally frustrating. The teachers and staff were not capable of dealing with a child that did not fit the mold.

When I called Back to Basics to ask about tutoring, I was put through to Beverly. What a godsend! She understood what we had experienced in the traditional school systems and I know we had found the right place. The entire staff was very supportive. The teachers were excellent and really boosted our daughter’s self-esteem. The attention, nurturing and education she received were phenomenal. Our daughter completed both her junior and senior years at Back to Basics and even received significant scholarships from four different colleges.”
— Parent of a Back to Basics K-12 Private School student (name withheld upon request)

“Thank you from myself and my grandson. After a previous experience with another tutor program, I found Back to Basics very relaxing, and the tutor very comforting. My grandson totally loved the experience at your office and his tutor.”
— Cynthia Stewart

“Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing with our son. We are thrilled to see his self-confidence returning and his grades improving. It is a relief to know he’s getting the best help possible. If you ever need someone to talk with parents about the quality of your services, I hope you’ll call on us.”
— Charlene Bradley

“Both of my sons attended Back to Basics. I thought you might like to know that one now has a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and the other is a Management Information Systems graduate… I feel part of the success they have enjoyed is due directly to the instruction they received from Back to Basics.”
— Mrs. Cook

“My comments apply to all of Henry’s teachers. They’ve been wonderfully supportive and terrific with him. He is very happy there.”
— J. Mette

“Both of our sons have been fortunate enough to work with all the wonderful staff whose warmth and caring has brought out the best in them. The have learned more at Back to Basics than they could have possibly learned in any other school. The opportunity to choose their own courses made learning an enjoyable experience for them.”
— Mr. and Mrs. Davis

“Just wanted to share with you how proud Angel is of his report card. He has shown it to the neighbor (one of the heads at Wilmington Friends), his tennis coach, his therapist, and my parents. He now has his own copy in his bag. Watching Angel share the results of his work is like one of those credit card commercials – priceless!”
— Curt and Jackie (Back to Basics Private School parents)

“His attitude towards school is completely changing around. He realizes teachers care and are truly interested in his future success.” 
— Mrs. Scalia (Back to Basics Private School parent)

“On behalf of our family, I am writing to both commend and thank you for the tutoring service you provided to our grandson David. With the help of Sonia Hewitt, David received an award at graduation as the most improved student. He ended 9th grade with mostly D’ and F’s. He graduated with all A’s! Sonia communicated his progress and needs to us and Angie always responded to my concerns as well. Continue your good work.”
— Anna E. Krall

” I sent [tutor] Gerald a thank you email because I wanted to let him know how much I appreciated him helping my daughter. When Gerald took over my daughter had a 69 avg. So it was no small feat to end the last marking period with an 82. My only regret is that he did take over sooner. In my opinion Back to Basics has some of the best teachers my daughter has ever had.” 
— Jim T.

TEACHER REVIEWS

“[Back to Basics’ tutor] Sharon does a great job. She has worked with the cadets for three years now and they love her. They see true value and definitely feel that she helps them a lot.” 
— Nationwide Military Academy

“I found the staff cooperative and someone was always available to answer any question I may have had. It made my job easier as the program coordinator not to have to worry about the quality of the tutors or to supply any needed substitutes. Working with Back to Basics and Beverly Stewart has been one of the better educational experiences I have had during the 35 years I spent working in an elementary school.”
— Lorayne Titter, Program Coordinator, Extended Day

“As a teacher, I know that when I recommend parents to Back to Basics, they will be pleased with what they have to offer to meet the needs of their child.”
— Ms. Madson

STUDENT REVIEWS

“I have been loyal supporter of Back To Basics for more than two decades!” 
— Italo Carrieri-Russo

“Back to Basics had a real challenge in teaching me a foreign language. As a University of Nationwide student in her mid-sixties, they enabled me to receive a B+ each semester by providing excellent instruction. They listen to your needs concerning the time and place that is best for you to learn; they act on that need to match you with an excellent instructor and then, to keep their standards high, they ask for your feedback. Whether a person is six or sixty, I am confident that Back to Basics will make it enjoyable to learn.”
— Judy Harper

“Thank you for letting me come back to the greatest school on earth. You set me up with all the things that I needed and it worked out wonderfully. It helped get me where I needed to be.”
— Michael Lester, Back to Basics Private School Student

“I intend to put a “TOP” score in each area! Thank you for the Praxis I pre-writing assignment tips. I went from a failing score to a 176. The passing score is 173. You guys are great!”
— Samuel Mencher

“I would highly recommend Back to Basics to anyone who is struggling with any particular topic in any level of education. I was finishing up my degree at a local college and needed to pass a class in “Inferential Statistics” in order to graduate. I realized I wasn’t doing well and I needed help…

“Everyone here is so nice. It’s better than regular school, because with one-on-one you get a lot more attention. My grades are good and I find it more challenging than regular school.”
— Callie S., Back to Basics Private School Student
I worked with one of their staff who sent weekly e-mail updates to my college professor. He created a comfortable atmosphere in which I learned the basics of “Inferential Statistics.” I passed the class and graduated from a local college…with honors. This would not have been possible without Back to Basics.” 
— Brian J. Crowley

 

TUTOR & STAFF REVIEWS

“For more than ten years, I have had the privilege of working in an educational institution which embraces high academic standards and lovingly tells every student who walks through the door that success is within their grasp. I have witnessed countless student transformations focused not just on academic achievement, but self-esteem and awareness that learning is a lifelong process. The compassionate and dedicated staff led by a tireless and respected leader has come to be synonymous with excellence and success. I am honored to be part of the Back to Basics Learning Dynamics family.”
— Elizabeth Roberts, Instructor

“I have been an instructor of mathematics, physics, and chemistry at Back to Basics for 11 years. In that time, I have had the pleasure of instructing over 300 students in a 1-on-1 format. My students have thrived with the individual attention. I have witnessed their blooming confidence and enjoyment in being able to learn effectively. For me, each student’s instruction has been a unique journey. It feels good knowing I have definitely made a significant contribution to each student’s education and well-being.”
— Dave Power, Tutor

“For the past several years, I have had the honor of representing Back to Basics Learning Dynamics as a tutor, interpreter, and translator. Whether inspiring a love for Spanish in the hearts of students through one-on-one tutoring, bridging communication gaps at parent-teacher conferences, or producing high-quality translations of critical documents, I have enjoyed a sense of purpose and happiness in meeting the standards of academic excellence that Beverly and the Back to Basics family have been demonstrating since 1985. I am grateful to be a part of the family and for the opportunities for professional growth that I’ve enjoyed as a result. These experiences have enhanced my individual performance, expanded my cultural awareness, and deepened my knowledge in the fields of education and translation. Whether working locally or remotely, Back to Basics has been the best career choice for me.”
— Luz E. Digsby, Tutor, Interpreter and Translator

“I have been a tutor, translator and interpreter at Back to Basics for 14 years. Back to Basics began small in a crowded field of translating and interpreting but today has a large portion of the market in Nationwide in schools, hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies. I am proud to have played a small part in providing services to international families who need our services. I believe that such services are not only necessary but helpful to the families as well as the institution. Beverly has set a high bar of professionalism and skill attainment for her tutors, translators and interpreters to meet. She has provided certification opportunities as well as professional development so that each translator and interpreter has the best and highest skills he/she has the possibility of attaining. I am happy to be part of an organization that is at once so professional but also so caring. ” 
— Sara Nehra, Tutor, Interpreter and Translator

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Mindfulness: Intentional Consistency in an Upside Down World https://backtobasicslearning.com/mindfulness-intentional-consistency-in-an-upside-down-world/ Wed, 27 May 2020 15:33:05 +0000 http://www.backtobasicslearning.com/?p=31520

Jodi King, Ed.D. has  41 years of experience in education and has been with Back to Basics for the past 3 years. She is dual certified in Elementary Education and K-12 Special Education. Her career focus has been children with learning and emotional difficulties particularly in the area of successful classroom behavior skills.

Maintainin a consistent schedule in the home is difficult on a good day. Schools and daycare facilities have been closed to protect our vulnerable population of children. Parents, teachers, and children are struggling with the unknown. To date, school reopening dates are optimistically the fall at best and likely with a modified schedule. Foremost on everyone’s minds is the educational progress of our children. Maintaining a consistent schedule is critical for adults as well as children.

Here are a few tips on keeping things consistent:

1. Regularly Scheduled Bedtime

A consistent bedtime is important for children and adults. Going to bed at the same time each night leads to a better night of sleep. Reading before bed is often a good way to relax. Older children can read to themselves or aloud. Reading aloud to younger children is calming to both the child and the reader.

Minimize screen time for at least 30 minutes before scheduled bedtime. Taking a few deep breaths before lying down has been documented to slow the body down and allow sleep to occur.

2. Regularly Scheduled Meal Times 

Consistent meal times are healthier. Reaching in the refrigerator or pantry randomly generally leads to empty-calorie sugar snacks. Regular, nutritious meals are important to maintain concentration. Schedule a nutritious snack between academic subjects. Depending on the age of the child they can make their own snack. Plan for nutritious snacks such as fruit or vegetables.

3. Regularly Scheduled Academic Work Sessions

Children are used to the routine of a school day. It will be difficult when schools open again for children to acclimate to a long school day. Creating an academic “school-like” schedule at home will help with the transition back to school.

Schedule the day in blocks with built-in stretch breaks. One suggestion is to use a small whiteboard with a list of assignments for the day. Tackle the most difficult earlier in the day. Allow the child a stretch break by letting them get up and check off completed assignments.

Another helpful hint is to have the child take 3 deep breaths before returning to work. Remember the brain can only learn what the seat can endure.

These are not new tips for most parents, however, it is easy in our current environment to slip out of our routines. As the caregiver, take a few deep breaths and relax. We are not used to living in a world of such unknowns.

If your child continues to struggle with maintaining a schedule, we offer tutoring services on study skills, time management, and organization. Give us a call to learn more about our opportunities at 302-594-0754! 

Back to Basics Learning Dynamics provides exceptional 1:1 tutoring in over 60 subjects, from first grade reading help to AP Calculus, plus back to school organization, study habits, and everything in-between. When your child needs help with homework, essays, test preparation, back to school organization, or intensive private tutoring including credit recovery, count on our 30+ years of experience to help. Call us at 302-594-0754 or contact us at the link below to get started today!

REVIEWS

Want to share your experience with Back to Basics Learning Dynamics or Augustine Hills School? We appreciate if you could write a brief Google Review of our services.

PARENT REVIEWS

“We reached out to Back to Basics for our son (6) when we thought he could use some extra help. I appreciate how they keep the lines of communication open so everyone stays on the same page. BTB worked with us to find the perfect tutor with a schedule that meets our needs. They were able to connect us with his current tutor, Teresa A****, and she is wonderful! She brings many years of knowledge and teaching experience and ensures that each session is fun and different. She even gives us ideas on fun learning activities that we can use to work with him at home. Our son looks forward to his sessions and has learned so much.” — Chrystynn Bowles

“The tutor my son has is patient, caring, reliable and very knowledgeable. I have been extremely satisfied with her services and highly recommend Back to Basics.” — Lori Spier

“Back to Basics has been great. From our initial phone call, we could not be happier. Our 6th grade daughter was struggling with Algebra. It was beyond my ability to help her and our tutor, Margie was very professional and helped my daughter immensely. She was professional, patient and kind and she is a great role model to my daughter as well – an accomplished woman with a background in engineering who is easy to work with.” — Ruth Gilbert

“My experience with Back to Basics has been wonderful. We contracted with a math and an English tutor for my daughter and both were excellent – kind, supportive, and most important, helped her effectively prepare for the ISEE high school entrance exam. The support staff were also very friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!” — Alisa Morkides 

“Mr. Green has been a great help for our 10 yr old grandson. His math scores in math went up to grade level and his vocabulary, as well.” — Edwin Cartwright

“On behalf of our family, I am writing to both commend and thank you for the tutoring service you provided to our grandson David. With the help of Sonia Hewitt, David received an award at graduation as the most improved student. He ended 9th grade with mostly D’ and F’s. He graduated with all A’s! Sonia communicated his progress and needs to us and Angie always responded to my concerns as well. Continue your good work.” — Anna E. Krall

“My daughter started attending Back to Basics Private School during the third marking period this year (11th grade). I have to say they made all the difference for her. She was struggling at her old school (which was also private). Both her grades and her emotional well being have gone way up. My daughter used to dread going to school and would make every excuse to stay home. Now she she gets mad when I mentioned that the school year is almost over. She can’t believe the interest the teachers have taken in her. As she said to me “they really care about me”. This school as been for us a God send. I only wish I had found it sooner.” — James Tyre

“Back to Basics is a fantastic source for students to get the extra help they may need in any subject. Our tutor David Power is the best!  He is so smart and so helpful.  My sons respect him and trust him greatly to give them the guidance and help they may need with homework,  study preparation, preparing for a test or quiz or just answering a question. He communicates very well with terrific input always. His emails to us are so helpful and insightful so that we can all help our student the best possible together.   Your staff is always so helpful.  Angie Carbine, in particular,  always answers my questions and always gets back to me right away with the best help and support.  We are very pleased and lucky to have such a top notch tutoring facility so close to home in our community.” — Joseph Wahl

“My daughter and I were very satisfied with the level of instruction provided by the tutor. It says a lot that my daughter was able to turn an “F” into an “A.” I think the combination of one on one instruction and the tutor’s knowledge of the subject matter made all the difference. I would highly recommend Back to Basics to any parent whose child is struggling in academics. I know that we will be using them in the future.” — Jim Tyre

“Caleb did receive ‘Most Improved in Math’ for the entire 8th grade during the graduation ceremony, which we certainly owe to you.” –Kerri Watson

“Candise is an excellent Tutor. Our daughter is finally passing her math classes, which she would never have achieved without the help of Candise! We are very grateful for Candise and Back to Basics.” –Lorraine Peterson

“Both of my children have had Mr. Power as their math tutor at different times. They have decided that he’s a math god. He has a gift for explaining the most complex math topics in a way that has enabled each to not only understand the information during the tutor session, but also retain the information and build upon it as each math chapter is covered at school. More than once on the day after a tutoring session with Mr. Power, they’ve been asked how to figure out a problem by one of the other students in their class – and they’ve been able to explain it to the other student and have been told, “Now I get it.” This is just one example of how effective Mr. Power is as a tutor.”
— Nathan Midgett

“After the PSAT, Christine was devastated. We knew she had a long way to go if she wanted to receive an acceptance to her dream college. Her tutors worked to help her overcome her anxiety and timing issues and she was diligent in completing all of her “homework” assignments. She took the test once and received a score of 2300 [combined score used for three subject areas in the 2015 test]. She also received her coveted acceptance to Georgetown University! Her SAT score absolutely pushed her over the top and it would not have been possible without Back to Basics!” —Susan McNeill

“THANK YOU!! I am so proud of Cassie and the work she did on her project. She even made the kluten all by herself. She could not have gotten the grades that she did without your assistance. Hiring you to work with Cassie was one of the best investments I’ve made!
–Suzanne Barba

“…everyone is professional, knowledgeable, courteous. A first class organization….Thank You.” 
— Mike Coumatos

“I was so pleased with my daughter’s experience with Back to Basics tutoring for the SAT. My daughter improved her score in Math SAT from the PSAT by over 200 points. Not only was she instructed in the math skills she needed to improve her score, but she also was instructed in general test taking strategies which helped in all of the sections of the test. I highly recommend Back to Basics SAT tutoring.” 
— Sheila Mangan

“Ms. Lantz was a great tutor for our daughter. We had a wonderful experience. Our daughter’s confidence in math has gone up tremendously. We would definitely recommend Back to Basics to our friends.”
–Mia LaFazia

“Joy’s [SAT] scores went up almost 200 points in the short time Bob worked with her, and she got her Writing and English scores up to a level that she had good choices for colleges. She was just accepted at Syracuse in the Economics Department. Your help in getting us help for her at the 11th hour helped make that possible.”
–Kathy Steiner

“I have never before used the services of any tutor, however, I must tell you what an exceptional experience it has been to have Miss Keren work with our son Matthew. Keren is very warm, kind, patient, and effective teacher. Keren has gone above and beyond what I would expect any tutor to do. My son has made incredible progress since he has been working with her. Keren has been able to have Matthew do things for her when no one else could. My son has autism and a very short attention span. He gets frustrated very easily and will either have a tantrum or give up in tears. From the very first day Matthew began working with Karen he was like a different child. Karen has been able to have him work for up to 4 hours in a session with only very minimal breaks. Matthew has not once had a tantrum or showed any signs of frustration and is always happy to see her when she comes to work with him. Keren even attended my son’s IEP meeting with me to help advocate for what we all believed what was best for him…Keren truly is an exceptional person and teacher and I could never ask anyone for more than that.”
— Lori Newcomer

My daughter loves the one on one attention and [Back to Basics’ tutor] Winn makes learning fun! 
Michele Harra

“Mr. Duffy was an excellent match for Peter. He understood Peter’s limitations, discussed Peter’s limitations with teachers, and was able to have Peter’s assignment in history changed to something he could handle. Nobody had ever done that before.”
–Rene McCartney

“Dave Powers is a great asset to Clem’s learning style. He is on target with his instruction and he’s a great support! In addition to my gratitude, I give him an A++!”
— Parent of a Back to Basics 1-on-1 tutoring student

“Just wanted to drop a quick note and let you know the Krystina raised her reading score from 560 to 720 and her writing score from 610 to 760 after 16 hours of reading tutoring. This has opened up multiple scholorship opportunities for her. Her SAT went from an 1880 to a 2190, and her ACT went from a 28 to a 33. Many thanks for the tutor she had. Definately well worth the investment. She already has a full tuition + scholorship to Alabama.”
— Parent of a Back to Basics SAT Prep student

“We wanted to let you know how pleased and appreciative we are regarding Sean’s progress during this school year.

Sean’s academic growth in all subject areas has been a true delight to witness and simultaneously has caused his self-confidence to soar. He enjoys the challenges of his school days, is proud to be learning a second language, and eagerly completes home assignments.

The staff has been wonderful in recognizing Sean’s learning strengths, while also helping him grow enormously in the areas in which he previously struggled. He is now a motivated learner and truly happy with the social approach of the program this year.

John and I extend a heartfelt thanks to you and your entire staff. We highly recommend the program every chance we get. Bravo!”
— Eileen O’Shaughnessy-Coleman

“It was June of our daughter’s sophomore year in high school and we didn’t know where to send her for her junior year. We could not work with the public school system to get our daughter some of the special needs that she required. A half a semester at a private school was equally frustrating. The teachers and staff were not capable of dealing with a child that did not fit the mold.

When I called Back to Basics to ask about tutoring, I was put through to Beverly. What a godsend! She understood what we had experienced in the traditional school systems and I know we had found the right place. The entire staff was very supportive. The teachers were excellent and really boosted our daughter’s self-esteem. The attention, nurturing and education she received were phenomenal. Our daughter completed both her junior and senior years at Back to Basics and even received significant scholarships from four different colleges.”
— Parent of a Back to Basics K-12 Private School student (name withheld upon request)

“Thank you from myself and my grandson. After a previous experience with another tutor program, I found Back to Basics very relaxing, and the tutor very comforting. My grandson totally loved the experience at your office and his tutor.”
— Cynthia Stewart

“Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing with our son. We are thrilled to see his self-confidence returning and his grades improving. It is a relief to know he’s getting the best help possible. If you ever need someone to talk with parents about the quality of your services, I hope you’ll call on us.”
— Charlene Bradley

“Both of my sons attended Back to Basics. I thought you might like to know that one now has a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and the other is a Management Information Systems graduate… I feel part of the success they have enjoyed is due directly to the instruction they received from Back to Basics.”
— Mrs. Cook

“My comments apply to all of Henry’s teachers. They’ve been wonderfully supportive and terrific with him. He is very happy there.”
— J. Mette

“Both of our sons have been fortunate enough to work with all the wonderful staff whose warmth and caring has brought out the best in them. The have learned more at Back to Basics than they could have possibly learned in any other school. The opportunity to choose their own courses made learning an enjoyable experience for them.”
— Mr. and Mrs. Davis

“Just wanted to share with you how proud Angel is of his report card. He has shown it to the neighbor (one of the heads at Wilmington Friends), his tennis coach, his therapist, and my parents. He now has his own copy in his bag. Watching Angel share the results of his work is like one of those credit card commercials – priceless!”
— Curt and Jackie (Back to Basics Private School parents)

“His attitude towards school is completely changing around. He realizes teachers care and are truly interested in his future success.” 
— Mrs. Scalia (Back to Basics Private School parent)

“On behalf of our family, I am writing to both commend and thank you for the tutoring service you provided to our grandson David. With the help of Sonia Hewitt, David received an award at graduation as the most improved student. He ended 9th grade with mostly D’ and F’s. He graduated with all A’s! Sonia communicated his progress and needs to us and Angie always responded to my concerns as well. Continue your good work.”
— Anna E. Krall

” I sent [tutor] Gerald a thank you email because I wanted to let him know how much I appreciated him helping my daughter. When Gerald took over my daughter had a 69 avg. So it was no small feat to end the last marking period with an 82. My only regret is that he did take over sooner. In my opinion Back to Basics has some of the best teachers my daughter has ever had.” 
— Jim T.

TEACHER REVIEWS

“[Back to Basics’ tutor] Sharon does a great job. She has worked with the cadets for three years now and they love her. They see true value and definitely feel that she helps them a lot.” 
— Nationwide Military Academy

“I found the staff cooperative and someone was always available to answer any question I may have had. It made my job easier as the program coordinator not to have to worry about the quality of the tutors or to supply any needed substitutes. Working with Back to Basics and Beverly Stewart has been one of the better educational experiences I have had during the 35 years I spent working in an elementary school.”
— Lorayne Titter, Program Coordinator, Extended Day

“As a teacher, I know that when I recommend parents to Back to Basics, they will be pleased with what they have to offer to meet the needs of their child.”
— Ms. Madson

STUDENT REVIEWS

“I have been loyal supporter of Back To Basics for more than two decades!” 
— Italo Carrieri-Russo

“Back to Basics had a real challenge in teaching me a foreign language. As a University of Nationwide student in her mid-sixties, they enabled me to receive a B+ each semester by providing excellent instruction. They listen to your needs concerning the time and place that is best for you to learn; they act on that need to match you with an excellent instructor and then, to keep their standards high, they ask for your feedback. Whether a person is six or sixty, I am confident that Back to Basics will make it enjoyable to learn.”
— Judy Harper

“Thank you for letting me come back to the greatest school on earth. You set me up with all the things that I needed and it worked out wonderfully. It helped get me where I needed to be.”
— Michael Lester, Back to Basics Private School Student

“I intend to put a “TOP” score in each area! Thank you for the Praxis I pre-writing assignment tips. I went from a failing score to a 176. The passing score is 173. You guys are great!”
— Samuel Mencher

“I would highly recommend Back to Basics to anyone who is struggling with any particular topic in any level of education. I was finishing up my degree at a local college and needed to pass a class in “Inferential Statistics” in order to graduate. I realized I wasn’t doing well and I needed help…

“Everyone here is so nice. It’s better than regular school, because with one-on-one you get a lot more attention. My grades are good and I find it more challenging than regular school.”
— Callie S., Back to Basics Private School Student
I worked with one of their staff who sent weekly e-mail updates to my college professor. He created a comfortable atmosphere in which I learned the basics of “Inferential Statistics.” I passed the class and graduated from a local college…with honors. This would not have been possible without Back to Basics.” 
— Brian J. Crowley

 

TUTOR & STAFF REVIEWS

“For more than ten years, I have had the privilege of working in an educational institution which embraces high academic standards and lovingly tells every student who walks through the door that success is within their grasp. I have witnessed countless student transformations focused not just on academic achievement, but self-esteem and awareness that learning is a lifelong process. The compassionate and dedicated staff led by a tireless and respected leader has come to be synonymous with excellence and success. I am honored to be part of the Back to Basics Learning Dynamics family.”
— Elizabeth Roberts, Instructor

“I have been an instructor of mathematics, physics, and chemistry at Back to Basics for 11 years. In that time, I have had the pleasure of instructing over 300 students in a 1-on-1 format. My students have thrived with the individual attention. I have witnessed their blooming confidence and enjoyment in being able to learn effectively. For me, each student’s instruction has been a unique journey. It feels good knowing I have definitely made a significant contribution to each student’s education and well-being.”
— Dave Power, Tutor

“For the past several years, I have had the honor of representing Back to Basics Learning Dynamics as a tutor, interpreter, and translator. Whether inspiring a love for Spanish in the hearts of students through one-on-one tutoring, bridging communication gaps at parent-teacher conferences, or producing high-quality translations of critical documents, I have enjoyed a sense of purpose and happiness in meeting the standards of academic excellence that Beverly and the Back to Basics family have been demonstrating since 1985. I am grateful to be a part of the family and for the opportunities for professional growth that I’ve enjoyed as a result. These experiences have enhanced my individual performance, expanded my cultural awareness, and deepened my knowledge in the fields of education and translation. Whether working locally or remotely, Back to Basics has been the best career choice for me.”
— Luz E. Digsby, Tutor, Interpreter and Translator

“I have been a tutor, translator and interpreter at Back to Basics for 14 years. Back to Basics began small in a crowded field of translating and interpreting but today has a large portion of the market in Nationwide in schools, hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies. I am proud to have played a small part in providing services to international families who need our services. I believe that such services are not only necessary but helpful to the families as well as the institution. Beverly has set a high bar of professionalism and skill attainment for her tutors, translators and interpreters to meet. She has provided certification opportunities as well as professional development so that each translator and interpreter has the best and highest skills he/she has the possibility of attaining. I am happy to be part of an organization that is at once so professional but also so caring. ” 
— Sara Nehra, Tutor, Interpreter and Translator

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5 Ways to Survive Homeschooling – And Actually (Somewhat) Enjoy it! https://backtobasicslearning.com/5-ways-to-survive-homeschooling-and-actually-somewhat-enjoy-it/ Tue, 19 May 2020 19:27:53 +0000 http://www.backtobasicslearning.com/?p=31500

Layla Gros is a mom of one elementary school-aged daughter. She is also the language department manager for Back to Basics since February 2019, overseeing the logistics of the department and the telephonic services. She also enjoys going out and completing Interpretation assignments in Spanish. Her daughter, Valentina, enjoys participating in weekly tutoring for reading at Back to Basics. 

The day we got news my kindergartener would be finishing her year remotely, I knew I had to do something to ensure the three of us would survive the next month and a half. Below are five things I have found useful in helping our daughter finish her school year without it causing too much stress on either side and dare I say, even make it enjoyable:

1. DON’T STRESS THE SMALL STUFF

At first, I was only focused on making sure that everything was being done quickly and perfectly. I forgot to take into account that this was new for everyone; including my 5-year-old. I finally gave in to the chaos and relaxed my expectations. Now, she does her work at her own pace, and not everything is 100% correct, but our household is a lot less stressed.

2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASSIGN HOUSEHOLD TASKS 

The first couple of weeks of homeschooling were a blur. Between working remotely, preparing meals, cleaning and schooling, I felt overwhelmed and exhausted. I finally started to realize that my daughter was capable of doing a lot more around the house. She has actually enjoyed helping to do chores, and it has become a source of entertainment and a confidence builder for her as well.

3. TECHNOLOGY IS NOT THE ENEMY

Before all of this began, our daughter was lucky to use an iPad or watch TV for more than an hour a week. Now with all of the additional downtime and the need to use technology, she is regularly using it at least a couple hours a day. I’ve actually come to realize that it can be a great tool, not only for school work but to also stay connected to friends and family.

4. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP

Although it may feel a little odd at first, asking friends and family for help in homeschooling can be a great help. Don’t be afraid to ask if they’d like to do a short lesson via Zoom about their favorite subject, or read a book out loud. Bilingual family members can even help with short language lessons that are sure to keep children entertained and provide a welcomed distraction from the usual routine.

I also noticed through homeschooling that there are a few things that my daughter might need reinforcements in. I’ve learned that tutoring companies are offering remote sessions that can be helpful in preventing the loss of previously learned concepts, as well as reinforcing and building upon new concepts. This could also be something new and exciting for your little one to try and can help keep them engaged in learning new things.

5. EMBRACE THE CHAOS 

The only thing that is certain is that we’re dealing with very uncertain times. Remember, this is an extremely rare circumstance that your children are never going to forget. It’s OK to have a messy house right now or leave certain things unfinished. Take up new hobbies as a family, or learn a new skill you’ve been meaning to try. Use the unexpected additional free time to make new memories that none of you will ever forget!

What have you been doing to balance homeschooling and other responsibilities? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Back to Basics Learning Dynamics provides exceptional 1:1 tutoring in over 60 subjects, from first grade reading help to AP Calculus, plus back to school organization, study habits, and everything in-between. When your child needs help with homework, essays, test preparation, back to school organization, or intensive private tutoring including credit recovery, count on our 30+ years of experience to help. Call us at 302-594-0754 or contact us at the link below to get started today!

REVIEWS

Want to share your experience with Back to Basics Learning Dynamics or Augustine Hills School? We appreciate if you could write a brief Google Review of our services.

PARENT REVIEWS

“We reached out to Back to Basics for our son (6) when we thought he could use some extra help. I appreciate how they keep the lines of communication open so everyone stays on the same page. BTB worked with us to find the perfect tutor with a schedule that meets our needs. They were able to connect us with his current tutor, Teresa A****, and she is wonderful! She brings many years of knowledge and teaching experience and ensures that each session is fun and different. She even gives us ideas on fun learning activities that we can use to work with him at home. Our son looks forward to his sessions and has learned so much.” — Chrystynn Bowles

“The tutor my son has is patient, caring, reliable and very knowledgeable. I have been extremely satisfied with her services and highly recommend Back to Basics.” — Lori Spier

“Back to Basics has been great. From our initial phone call, we could not be happier. Our 6th grade daughter was struggling with Algebra. It was beyond my ability to help her and our tutor, Margie was very professional and helped my daughter immensely. She was professional, patient and kind and she is a great role model to my daughter as well – an accomplished woman with a background in engineering who is easy to work with.” — Ruth Gilbert

“My experience with Back to Basics has been wonderful. We contracted with a math and an English tutor for my daughter and both were excellent – kind, supportive, and most important, helped her effectively prepare for the ISEE high school entrance exam. The support staff were also very friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!” — Alisa Morkides 

“Mr. Green has been a great help for our 10 yr old grandson. His math scores in math went up to grade level and his vocabulary, as well.” — Edwin Cartwright

“On behalf of our family, I am writing to both commend and thank you for the tutoring service you provided to our grandson David. With the help of Sonia Hewitt, David received an award at graduation as the most improved student. He ended 9th grade with mostly D’ and F’s. He graduated with all A’s! Sonia communicated his progress and needs to us and Angie always responded to my concerns as well. Continue your good work.” — Anna E. Krall

“My daughter started attending Back to Basics Private School during the third marking period this year (11th grade). I have to say they made all the difference for her. She was struggling at her old school (which was also private). Both her grades and her emotional well being have gone way up. My daughter used to dread going to school and would make every excuse to stay home. Now she she gets mad when I mentioned that the school year is almost over. She can’t believe the interest the teachers have taken in her. As she said to me “they really care about me”. This school as been for us a God send. I only wish I had found it sooner.” — James Tyre

“Back to Basics is a fantastic source for students to get the extra help they may need in any subject. Our tutor David Power is the best!  He is so smart and so helpful.  My sons respect him and trust him greatly to give them the guidance and help they may need with homework,  study preparation, preparing for a test or quiz or just answering a question. He communicates very well with terrific input always. His emails to us are so helpful and insightful so that we can all help our student the best possible together.   Your staff is always so helpful.  Angie Carbine, in particular,  always answers my questions and always gets back to me right away with the best help and support.  We are very pleased and lucky to have such a top notch tutoring facility so close to home in our community.” — Joseph Wahl

“My daughter and I were very satisfied with the level of instruction provided by the tutor. It says a lot that my daughter was able to turn an “F” into an “A.” I think the combination of one on one instruction and the tutor’s knowledge of the subject matter made all the difference. I would highly recommend Back to Basics to any parent whose child is struggling in academics. I know that we will be using them in the future.” — Jim Tyre

“Caleb did receive ‘Most Improved in Math’ for the entire 8th grade during the graduation ceremony, which we certainly owe to you.” –Kerri Watson

“Candise is an excellent Tutor. Our daughter is finally passing her math classes, which she would never have achieved without the help of Candise! We are very grateful for Candise and Back to Basics.” –Lorraine Peterson

“Both of my children have had Mr. Power as their math tutor at different times. They have decided that he’s a math god. He has a gift for explaining the most complex math topics in a way that has enabled each to not only understand the information during the tutor session, but also retain the information and build upon it as each math chapter is covered at school. More than once on the day after a tutoring session with Mr. Power, they’ve been asked how to figure out a problem by one of the other students in their class – and they’ve been able to explain it to the other student and have been told, “Now I get it.” This is just one example of how effective Mr. Power is as a tutor.”
— Nathan Midgett

“After the PSAT, Christine was devastated. We knew she had a long way to go if she wanted to receive an acceptance to her dream college. Her tutors worked to help her overcome her anxiety and timing issues and she was diligent in completing all of her “homework” assignments. She took the test once and received a score of 2300 [combined score used for three subject areas in the 2015 test]. She also received her coveted acceptance to Georgetown University! Her SAT score absolutely pushed her over the top and it would not have been possible without Back to Basics!” —Susan McNeill

“THANK YOU!! I am so proud of Cassie and the work she did on her project. She even made the kluten all by herself. She could not have gotten the grades that she did without your assistance. Hiring you to work with Cassie was one of the best investments I’ve made!
–Suzanne Barba

“…everyone is professional, knowledgeable, courteous. A first class organization….Thank You.” 
— Mike Coumatos

“I was so pleased with my daughter’s experience with Back to Basics tutoring for the SAT. My daughter improved her score in Math SAT from the PSAT by over 200 points. Not only was she instructed in the math skills she needed to improve her score, but she also was instructed in general test taking strategies which helped in all of the sections of the test. I highly recommend Back to Basics SAT tutoring.” 
— Sheila Mangan

“Ms. Lantz was a great tutor for our daughter. We had a wonderful experience. Our daughter’s confidence in math has gone up tremendously. We would definitely recommend Back to Basics to our friends.”
–Mia LaFazia

“Joy’s [SAT] scores went up almost 200 points in the short time Bob worked with her, and she got her Writing and English scores up to a level that she had good choices for colleges. She was just accepted at Syracuse in the Economics Department. Your help in getting us help for her at the 11th hour helped make that possible.”
–Kathy Steiner

“I have never before used the services of any tutor, however, I must tell you what an exceptional experience it has been to have Miss Keren work with our son Matthew. Keren is very warm, kind, patient, and effective teacher. Keren has gone above and beyond what I would expect any tutor to do. My son has made incredible progress since he has been working with her. Keren has been able to have Matthew do things for her when no one else could. My son has autism and a very short attention span. He gets frustrated very easily and will either have a tantrum or give up in tears. From the very first day Matthew began working with Karen he was like a different child. Karen has been able to have him work for up to 4 hours in a session with only very minimal breaks. Matthew has not once had a tantrum or showed any signs of frustration and is always happy to see her when she comes to work with him. Keren even attended my son’s IEP meeting with me to help advocate for what we all believed what was best for him…Keren truly is an exceptional person and teacher and I could never ask anyone for more than that.”
— Lori Newcomer

My daughter loves the one on one attention and [Back to Basics’ tutor] Winn makes learning fun! 
Michele Harra

“Mr. Duffy was an excellent match for Peter. He understood Peter’s limitations, discussed Peter’s limitations with teachers, and was able to have Peter’s assignment in history changed to something he could handle. Nobody had ever done that before.”
–Rene McCartney

“Dave Powers is a great asset to Clem’s learning style. He is on target with his instruction and he’s a great support! In addition to my gratitude, I give him an A++!”
— Parent of a Back to Basics 1-on-1 tutoring student

“Just wanted to drop a quick note and let you know the Krystina raised her reading score from 560 to 720 and her writing score from 610 to 760 after 16 hours of reading tutoring. This has opened up multiple scholorship opportunities for her. Her SAT went from an 1880 to a 2190, and her ACT went from a 28 to a 33. Many thanks for the tutor she had. Definately well worth the investment. She already has a full tuition + scholorship to Alabama.”
— Parent of a Back to Basics SAT Prep student

“We wanted to let you know how pleased and appreciative we are regarding Sean’s progress during this school year.

Sean’s academic growth in all subject areas has been a true delight to witness and simultaneously has caused his self-confidence to soar. He enjoys the challenges of his school days, is proud to be learning a second language, and eagerly completes home assignments.

The staff has been wonderful in recognizing Sean’s learning strengths, while also helping him grow enormously in the areas in which he previously struggled. He is now a motivated learner and truly happy with the social approach of the program this year.

John and I extend a heartfelt thanks to you and your entire staff. We highly recommend the program every chance we get. Bravo!”
— Eileen O’Shaughnessy-Coleman

“It was June of our daughter’s sophomore year in high school and we didn’t know where to send her for her junior year. We could not work with the public school system to get our daughter some of the special needs that she required. A half a semester at a private school was equally frustrating. The teachers and staff were not capable of dealing with a child that did not fit the mold.

When I called Back to Basics to ask about tutoring, I was put through to Beverly. What a godsend! She understood what we had experienced in the traditional school systems and I know we had found the right place. The entire staff was very supportive. The teachers were excellent and really boosted our daughter’s self-esteem. The attention, nurturing and education she received were phenomenal. Our daughter completed both her junior and senior years at Back to Basics and even received significant scholarships from four different colleges.”
— Parent of a Back to Basics K-12 Private School student (name withheld upon request)

“Thank you from myself and my grandson. After a previous experience with another tutor program, I found Back to Basics very relaxing, and the tutor very comforting. My grandson totally loved the experience at your office and his tutor.”
— Cynthia Stewart

“Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing with our son. We are thrilled to see his self-confidence returning and his grades improving. It is a relief to know he’s getting the best help possible. If you ever need someone to talk with parents about the quality of your services, I hope you’ll call on us.”
— Charlene Bradley

“Both of my sons attended Back to Basics. I thought you might like to know that one now has a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and the other is a Management Information Systems graduate… I feel part of the success they have enjoyed is due directly to the instruction they received from Back to Basics.”
— Mrs. Cook

“My comments apply to all of Henry’s teachers. They’ve been wonderfully supportive and terrific with him. He is very happy there.”
— J. Mette

“Both of our sons have been fortunate enough to work with all the wonderful staff whose warmth and caring has brought out the best in them. The have learned more at Back to Basics than they could have possibly learned in any other school. The opportunity to choose their own courses made learning an enjoyable experience for them.”
— Mr. and Mrs. Davis

“Just wanted to share with you how proud Angel is of his report card. He has shown it to the neighbor (one of the heads at Wilmington Friends), his tennis coach, his therapist, and my parents. He now has his own copy in his bag. Watching Angel share the results of his work is like one of those credit card commercials – priceless!”
— Curt and Jackie (Back to Basics Private School parents)

“His attitude towards school is completely changing around. He realizes teachers care and are truly interested in his future success.” 
— Mrs. Scalia (Back to Basics Private School parent)

“On behalf of our family, I am writing to both commend and thank you for the tutoring service you provided to our grandson David. With the help of Sonia Hewitt, David received an award at graduation as the most improved student. He ended 9th grade with mostly D’ and F’s. He graduated with all A’s! Sonia communicated his progress and needs to us and Angie always responded to my concerns as well. Continue your good work.”
— Anna E. Krall

” I sent [tutor] Gerald a thank you email because I wanted to let him know how much I appreciated him helping my daughter. When Gerald took over my daughter had a 69 avg. So it was no small feat to end the last marking period with an 82. My only regret is that he did take over sooner. In my opinion Back to Basics has some of the best teachers my daughter has ever had.” 
— Jim T.

TEACHER REVIEWS

“[Back to Basics’ tutor] Sharon does a great job. She has worked with the cadets for three years now and they love her. They see true value and definitely feel that she helps them a lot.” 
— Nationwide Military Academy

“I found the staff cooperative and someone was always available to answer any question I may have had. It made my job easier as the program coordinator not to have to worry about the quality of the tutors or to supply any needed substitutes. Working with Back to Basics and Beverly Stewart has been one of the better educational experiences I have had during the 35 years I spent working in an elementary school.”
— Lorayne Titter, Program Coordinator, Extended Day

“As a teacher, I know that when I recommend parents to Back to Basics, they will be pleased with what they have to offer to meet the needs of their child.”
— Ms. Madson

STUDENT REVIEWS

“I have been loyal supporter of Back To Basics for more than two decades!” 
— Italo Carrieri-Russo

“Back to Basics had a real challenge in teaching me a foreign language. As a University of Nationwide student in her mid-sixties, they enabled me to receive a B+ each semester by providing excellent instruction. They listen to your needs concerning the time and place that is best for you to learn; they act on that need to match you with an excellent instructor and then, to keep their standards high, they ask for your feedback. Whether a person is six or sixty, I am confident that Back to Basics will make it enjoyable to learn.”
— Judy Harper

“Thank you for letting me come back to the greatest school on earth. You set me up with all the things that I needed and it worked out wonderfully. It helped get me where I needed to be.”
— Michael Lester, Back to Basics Private School Student

“I intend to put a “TOP” score in each area! Thank you for the Praxis I pre-writing assignment tips. I went from a failing score to a 176. The passing score is 173. You guys are great!”
— Samuel Mencher

“I would highly recommend Back to Basics to anyone who is struggling with any particular topic in any level of education. I was finishing up my degree at a local college and needed to pass a class in “Inferential Statistics” in order to graduate. I realized I wasn’t doing well and I needed help…

“Everyone here is so nice. It’s better than regular school, because with one-on-one you get a lot more attention. My grades are good and I find it more challenging than regular school.”
— Callie S., Back to Basics Private School Student
I worked with one of their staff who sent weekly e-mail updates to my college professor. He created a comfortable atmosphere in which I learned the basics of “Inferential Statistics.” I passed the class and graduated from a local college…with honors. This would not have been possible without Back to Basics.” 
— Brian J. Crowley

 

TUTOR & STAFF REVIEWS

“For more than ten years, I have had the privilege of working in an educational institution which embraces high academic standards and lovingly tells every student who walks through the door that success is within their grasp. I have witnessed countless student transformations focused not just on academic achievement, but self-esteem and awareness that learning is a lifelong process. The compassionate and dedicated staff led by a tireless and respected leader has come to be synonymous with excellence and success. I am honored to be part of the Back to Basics Learning Dynamics family.”
— Elizabeth Roberts, Instructor

“I have been an instructor of mathematics, physics, and chemistry at Back to Basics for 11 years. In that time, I have had the pleasure of instructing over 300 students in a 1-on-1 format. My students have thrived with the individual attention. I have witnessed their blooming confidence and enjoyment in being able to learn effectively. For me, each student’s instruction has been a unique journey. It feels good knowing I have definitely made a significant contribution to each student’s education and well-being.”
— Dave Power, Tutor

“For the past several years, I have had the honor of representing Back to Basics Learning Dynamics as a tutor, interpreter, and translator. Whether inspiring a love for Spanish in the hearts of students through one-on-one tutoring, bridging communication gaps at parent-teacher conferences, or producing high-quality translations of critical documents, I have enjoyed a sense of purpose and happiness in meeting the standards of academic excellence that Beverly and the Back to Basics family have been demonstrating since 1985. I am grateful to be a part of the family and for the opportunities for professional growth that I’ve enjoyed as a result. These experiences have enhanced my individual performance, expanded my cultural awareness, and deepened my knowledge in the fields of education and translation. Whether working locally or remotely, Back to Basics has been the best career choice for me.”
— Luz E. Digsby, Tutor, Interpreter and Translator

“I have been a tutor, translator and interpreter at Back to Basics for 14 years. Back to Basics began small in a crowded field of translating and interpreting but today has a large portion of the market in Nationwide in schools, hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies. I am proud to have played a small part in providing services to international families who need our services. I believe that such services are not only necessary but helpful to the families as well as the institution. Beverly has set a high bar of professionalism and skill attainment for her tutors, translators and interpreters to meet. She has provided certification opportunities as well as professional development so that each translator and interpreter has the best and highest skills he/she has the possibility of attaining. I am happy to be part of an organization that is at once so professional but also so caring. ” 
— Sara Nehra, Tutor, Interpreter and Translator

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Language Study at Home & Online https://backtobasicslearning.com/language-study-at-home-online/ Sat, 02 May 2020 19:14:00 +0000 https://www.backtobasicslearning.com/?p=31432
Tutoring Nationwide

Jeremy Sites has been teaching Spanish, French, and English as a foreign language since 1985.  He holds a Masters’s degree in teaching Spanish, and has lived in France, Mexico, and China. He worked hard to become fluent in Mandarin while serving in the Peace Corps in China from 2013 to 2015. Jeremy has been working with Back to Basics as a tutor and an interpreter for the past four months.

The fun way to learn “español” or “français” or “中文”, etc.!

So many Spanish, French, and other language learning students suddenly find themselves sitting in front of a computer instead of a real live teacher. This is not a time to stop learning, but rather a time to accelerate your learning and fall in love with the language.

You could become so good at learning a language at home that you won’t feel the need for a teacher anymore! But don’t tell your teacher I said that! I’ve spent 35 years teaching foreign languages, so I don’t want to make the profession obsolete. Here is how and why you can learn so much online at home, to prepare yourself for real-life situations:

1. Easy Access to Resources

You won’t be wasting any time waiting for the teacher to take attendance, or chatting with your classmates, or speaking English when you could be speaking the target language. Online, you have everything that you need to practice the four basic language learning skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

2. Location Independent

You can spend time listening, not just when you sit down for study time, but wherever you are able to connect to a smartphone, iPad, or the computer, or whatever other device has been invented recently. You can listen everywhere, even underwater. Yes, such a device has been invented. Listening is THE most important skill.

3. Pleasant Pastime  

Reading helps you build your vocabulary and it can be a very pleasant pastime AS LONG AS you are reading something that is appropriate to your level and that you find interesting. Make sure to tell your teacher what kinds of things you like to read about, and you will get plenty of suggestions.

4. Efficient

Online study means you don’t need to waste time looking up words! Often a simple click will do the trick!

No need to spend so much time practicing grammar. You can learn the structure of the language mostly by exposure to it and making observations. Grammar points can be learned when needed for better communication.

5. Build Connections With Others

As for the other two skills, speaking and writing, they will follow the first two. After all, how can you speak or write unless you have some basic vocabulary to be able to express yourself? There are plenty of people to talk to and practice the language, both by messaging and by voice conversations, with or without video. Most students in the world are learning English as a second language and are looking for someone to practice with. You help them, and they help you. You could even make some lifelong friends in the process. You split the time in each language. There are lots of apps and websites for this.

People who are highly successful language learners have one thing in common: they enjoy learning, and know how to learn in their own way. Online learning makes this possible, especially under the guidance of your Back to Basics teacher. Your teacher will assess you and guide you through the process, and will give you confidence. You will feel the growth of your proficiency in all four skills every day, and you will anxiously await the chance to get out of your house and use your new communications skills face to face, perhaps in distant and exotic lands!  Learning languages has never been so much fun.

Language learning isn’t just for K-12 students! We can customize language tutoring that works for learners of any age. Contact us at the link below or 302-594-0754 to get started.

Back to Basics Learning Dynamics provides exceptional 1:1 tutoring in over 60 subjects, from first grade reading help to AP Calculus, plus back to school organization, study habits, and everything in-between. When your child needs help with homework, essays, test preparation, back to school organization, or intensive private tutoring including credit recovery, count on our 30+ years of experience to help. Call us at 302-594-0754 or contact us at the link below to get started today!

REVIEWS

Want to share your experience with Back to Basics Learning Dynamics or Augustine Hills School? We appreciate if you could write a brief Google Review of our services.

PARENT REVIEWS

“We reached out to Back to Basics for our son (6) when we thought he could use some extra help. I appreciate how they keep the lines of communication open so everyone stays on the same page. BTB worked with us to find the perfect tutor with a schedule that meets our needs. They were able to connect us with his current tutor, Teresa A****, and she is wonderful! She brings many years of knowledge and teaching experience and ensures that each session is fun and different. She even gives us ideas on fun learning activities that we can use to work with him at home. Our son looks forward to his sessions and has learned so much.” — Chrystynn Bowles

“The tutor my son has is patient, caring, reliable and very knowledgeable. I have been extremely satisfied with her services and highly recommend Back to Basics.” — Lori Spier

“Back to Basics has been great. From our initial phone call, we could not be happier. Our 6th grade daughter was struggling with Algebra. It was beyond my ability to help her and our tutor, Margie was very professional and helped my daughter immensely. She was professional, patient and kind and she is a great role model to my daughter as well – an accomplished woman with a background in engineering who is easy to work with.” — Ruth Gilbert

“My experience with Back to Basics has been wonderful. We contracted with a math and an English tutor for my daughter and both were excellent – kind, supportive, and most important, helped her effectively prepare for the ISEE high school entrance exam. The support staff were also very friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!” — Alisa Morkides 

“Mr. Green has been a great help for our 10 yr old grandson. His math scores in math went up to grade level and his vocabulary, as well.” — Edwin Cartwright

“On behalf of our family, I am writing to both commend and thank you for the tutoring service you provided to our grandson David. With the help of Sonia Hewitt, David received an award at graduation as the most improved student. He ended 9th grade with mostly D’ and F’s. He graduated with all A’s! Sonia communicated his progress and needs to us and Angie always responded to my concerns as well. Continue your good work.” — Anna E. Krall

“My daughter started attending Back to Basics Private School during the third marking period this year (11th grade). I have to say they made all the difference for her. She was struggling at her old school (which was also private). Both her grades and her emotional well being have gone way up. My daughter used to dread going to school and would make every excuse to stay home. Now she she gets mad when I mentioned that the school year is almost over. She can’t believe the interest the teachers have taken in her. As she said to me “they really care about me”. This school as been for us a God send. I only wish I had found it sooner.” — James Tyre

“Back to Basics is a fantastic source for students to get the extra help they may need in any subject. Our tutor David Power is the best!  He is so smart and so helpful.  My sons respect him and trust him greatly to give them the guidance and help they may need with homework,  study preparation, preparing for a test or quiz or just answering a question. He communicates very well with terrific input always. His emails to us are so helpful and insightful so that we can all help our student the best possible together.   Your staff is always so helpful.  Angie Carbine, in particular,  always answers my questions and always gets back to me right away with the best help and support.  We are very pleased and lucky to have such a top notch tutoring facility so close to home in our community.” — Joseph Wahl

“My daughter and I were very satisfied with the level of instruction provided by the tutor. It says a lot that my daughter was able to turn an “F” into an “A.” I think the combination of one on one instruction and the tutor’s knowledge of the subject matter made all the difference. I would highly recommend Back to Basics to any parent whose child is struggling in academics. I know that we will be using them in the future.” — Jim Tyre

“Caleb did receive ‘Most Improved in Math’ for the entire 8th grade during the graduation ceremony, which we certainly owe to you.” –Kerri Watson

“Candise is an excellent Tutor. Our daughter is finally passing her math classes, which she would never have achieved without the help of Candise! We are very grateful for Candise and Back to Basics.” –Lorraine Peterson

“Both of my children have had Mr. Power as their math tutor at different times. They have decided that he’s a math god. He has a gift for explaining the most complex math topics in a way that has enabled each to not only understand the information during the tutor session, but also retain the information and build upon it as each math chapter is covered at school. More than once on the day after a tutoring session with Mr. Power, they’ve been asked how to figure out a problem by one of the other students in their class – and they’ve been able to explain it to the other student and have been told, “Now I get it.” This is just one example of how effective Mr. Power is as a tutor.”
— Nathan Midgett

“After the PSAT, Christine was devastated. We knew she had a long way to go if she wanted to receive an acceptance to her dream college. Her tutors worked to help her overcome her anxiety and timing issues and she was diligent in completing all of her “homework” assignments. She took the test once and received a score of 2300 [combined score used for three subject areas in the 2015 test]. She also received her coveted acceptance to Georgetown University! Her SAT score absolutely pushed her over the top and it would not have been possible without Back to Basics!” —Susan McNeill

“THANK YOU!! I am so proud of Cassie and the work she did on her project. She even made the kluten all by herself. She could not have gotten the grades that she did without your assistance. Hiring you to work with Cassie was one of the best investments I’ve made!
–Suzanne Barba

“…everyone is professional, knowledgeable, courteous. A first class organization….Thank You.” 
— Mike Coumatos

“I was so pleased with my daughter’s experience with Back to Basics tutoring for the SAT. My daughter improved her score in Math SAT from the PSAT by over 200 points. Not only was she instructed in the math skills she needed to improve her score, but she also was instructed in general test taking strategies which helped in all of the sections of the test. I highly recommend Back to Basics SAT tutoring.” 
— Sheila Mangan

“Ms. Lantz was a great tutor for our daughter. We had a wonderful experience. Our daughter’s confidence in math has gone up tremendously. We would definitely recommend Back to Basics to our friends.”
–Mia LaFazia

“Joy’s [SAT] scores went up almost 200 points in the short time Bob worked with her, and she got her Writing and English scores up to a level that she had good choices for colleges. She was just accepted at Syracuse in the Economics Department. Your help in getting us help for her at the 11th hour helped make that possible.”
–Kathy Steiner

“I have never before used the services of any tutor, however, I must tell you what an exceptional experience it has been to have Miss Keren work with our son Matthew. Keren is very warm, kind, patient, and effective teacher. Keren has gone above and beyond what I would expect any tutor to do. My son has made incredible progress since he has been working with her. Keren has been able to have Matthew do things for her when no one else could. My son has autism and a very short attention span. He gets frustrated very easily and will either have a tantrum or give up in tears. From the very first day Matthew began working with Karen he was like a different child. Karen has been able to have him work for up to 4 hours in a session with only very minimal breaks. Matthew has not once had a tantrum or showed any signs of frustration and is always happy to see her when she comes to work with him. Keren even attended my son’s IEP meeting with me to help advocate for what we all believed what was best for him…Keren truly is an exceptional person and teacher and I could never ask anyone for more than that.”
— Lori Newcomer

My daughter loves the one on one attention and [Back to Basics’ tutor] Winn makes learning fun! 
Michele Harra

“Mr. Duffy was an excellent match for Peter. He understood Peter’s limitations, discussed Peter’s limitations with teachers, and was able to have Peter’s assignment in history changed to something he could handle. Nobody had ever done that before.”
–Rene McCartney

“Dave Powers is a great asset to Clem’s learning style. He is on target with his instruction and he’s a great support! In addition to my gratitude, I give him an A++!”
— Parent of a Back to Basics 1-on-1 tutoring student

“Just wanted to drop a quick note and let you know the Krystina raised her reading score from 560 to 720 and her writing score from 610 to 760 after 16 hours of reading tutoring. This has opened up multiple scholorship opportunities for her. Her SAT went from an 1880 to a 2190, and her ACT went from a 28 to a 33. Many thanks for the tutor she had. Definately well worth the investment. She already has a full tuition + scholorship to Alabama.”
— Parent of a Back to Basics SAT Prep student

“We wanted to let you know how pleased and appreciative we are regarding Sean’s progress during this school year.

Sean’s academic growth in all subject areas has been a true delight to witness and simultaneously has caused his self-confidence to soar. He enjoys the challenges of his school days, is proud to be learning a second language, and eagerly completes home assignments.

The staff has been wonderful in recognizing Sean’s learning strengths, while also helping him grow enormously in the areas in which he previously struggled. He is now a motivated learner and truly happy with the social approach of the program this year.

John and I extend a heartfelt thanks to you and your entire staff. We highly recommend the program every chance we get. Bravo!”
— Eileen O’Shaughnessy-Coleman

“It was June of our daughter’s sophomore year in high school and we didn’t know where to send her for her junior year. We could not work with the public school system to get our daughter some of the special needs that she required. A half a semester at a private school was equally frustrating. The teachers and staff were not capable of dealing with a child that did not fit the mold.

When I called Back to Basics to ask about tutoring, I was put through to Beverly. What a godsend! She understood what we had experienced in the traditional school systems and I know we had found the right place. The entire staff was very supportive. The teachers were excellent and really boosted our daughter’s self-esteem. The attention, nurturing and education she received were phenomenal. Our daughter completed both her junior and senior years at Back to Basics and even received significant scholarships from four different colleges.”
— Parent of a Back to Basics K-12 Private School student (name withheld upon request)

“Thank you from myself and my grandson. After a previous experience with another tutor program, I found Back to Basics very relaxing, and the tutor very comforting. My grandson totally loved the experience at your office and his tutor.”
— Cynthia Stewart

“Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing with our son. We are thrilled to see his self-confidence returning and his grades improving. It is a relief to know he’s getting the best help possible. If you ever need someone to talk with parents about the quality of your services, I hope you’ll call on us.”
— Charlene Bradley

“Both of my sons attended Back to Basics. I thought you might like to know that one now has a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and the other is a Management Information Systems graduate… I feel part of the success they have enjoyed is due directly to the instruction they received from Back to Basics.”
— Mrs. Cook

“My comments apply to all of Henry’s teachers. They’ve been wonderfully supportive and terrific with him. He is very happy there.”
— J. Mette

“Both of our sons have been fortunate enough to work with all the wonderful staff whose warmth and caring has brought out the best in them. The have learned more at Back to Basics than they could have possibly learned in any other school. The opportunity to choose their own courses made learning an enjoyable experience for them.”
— Mr. and Mrs. Davis

“Just wanted to share with you how proud Angel is of his report card. He has shown it to the neighbor (one of the heads at Wilmington Friends), his tennis coach, his therapist, and my parents. He now has his own copy in his bag. Watching Angel share the results of his work is like one of those credit card commercials – priceless!”
— Curt and Jackie (Back to Basics Private School parents)

“His attitude towards school is completely changing around. He realizes teachers care and are truly interested in his future success.” 
— Mrs. Scalia (Back to Basics Private School parent)

“On behalf of our family, I am writing to both commend and thank you for the tutoring service you provided to our grandson David. With the help of Sonia Hewitt, David received an award at graduation as the most improved student. He ended 9th grade with mostly D’ and F’s. He graduated with all A’s! Sonia communicated his progress and needs to us and Angie always responded to my concerns as well. Continue your good work.”
— Anna E. Krall

” I sent [tutor] Gerald a thank you email because I wanted to let him know how much I appreciated him helping my daughter. When Gerald took over my daughter had a 69 avg. So it was no small feat to end the last marking period with an 82. My only regret is that he did take over sooner. In my opinion Back to Basics has some of the best teachers my daughter has ever had.” 
— Jim T.

TEACHER REVIEWS

“[Back to Basics’ tutor] Sharon does a great job. She has worked with the cadets for three years now and they love her. They see true value and definitely feel that she helps them a lot.” 
— Nationwide Military Academy

“I found the staff cooperative and someone was always available to answer any question I may have had. It made my job easier as the program coordinator not to have to worry about the quality of the tutors or to supply any needed substitutes. Working with Back to Basics and Beverly Stewart has been one of the better educational experiences I have had during the 35 years I spent working in an elementary school.”
— Lorayne Titter, Program Coordinator, Extended Day

“As a teacher, I know that when I recommend parents to Back to Basics, they will be pleased with what they have to offer to meet the needs of their child.”
— Ms. Madson

STUDENT REVIEWS

“I have been loyal supporter of Back To Basics for more than two decades!” 
— Italo Carrieri-Russo

“Back to Basics had a real challenge in teaching me a foreign language. As a University of Nationwide student in her mid-sixties, they enabled me to receive a B+ each semester by providing excellent instruction. They listen to your needs concerning the time and place that is best for you to learn; they act on that need to match you with an excellent instructor and then, to keep their standards high, they ask for your feedback. Whether a person is six or sixty, I am confident that Back to Basics will make it enjoyable to learn.”
— Judy Harper

“Thank you for letting me come back to the greatest school on earth. You set me up with all the things that I needed and it worked out wonderfully. It helped get me where I needed to be.”
— Michael Lester, Back to Basics Private School Student

“I intend to put a “TOP” score in each area! Thank you for the Praxis I pre-writing assignment tips. I went from a failing score to a 176. The passing score is 173. You guys are great!”
— Samuel Mencher

“I would highly recommend Back to Basics to anyone who is struggling with any particular topic in any level of education. I was finishing up my degree at a local college and needed to pass a class in “Inferential Statistics” in order to graduate. I realized I wasn’t doing well and I needed help…

“Everyone here is so nice. It’s better than regular school, because with one-on-one you get a lot more attention. My grades are good and I find it more challenging than regular school.”
— Callie S., Back to Basics Private School Student
I worked with one of their staff who sent weekly e-mail updates to my college professor. He created a comfortable atmosphere in which I learned the basics of “Inferential Statistics.” I passed the class and graduated from a local college…with honors. This would not have been possible without Back to Basics.” 
— Brian J. Crowley

 

TUTOR & STAFF REVIEWS

“For more than ten years, I have had the privilege of working in an educational institution which embraces high academic standards and lovingly tells every student who walks through the door that success is within their grasp. I have witnessed countless student transformations focused not just on academic achievement, but self-esteem and awareness that learning is a lifelong process. The compassionate and dedicated staff led by a tireless and respected leader has come to be synonymous with excellence and success. I am honored to be part of the Back to Basics Learning Dynamics family.”
— Elizabeth Roberts, Instructor

“I have been an instructor of mathematics, physics, and chemistry at Back to Basics for 11 years. In that time, I have had the pleasure of instructing over 300 students in a 1-on-1 format. My students have thrived with the individual attention. I have witnessed their blooming confidence and enjoyment in being able to learn effectively. For me, each student’s instruction has been a unique journey. It feels good knowing I have definitely made a significant contribution to each student’s education and well-being.”
— Dave Power, Tutor

“For the past several years, I have had the honor of representing Back to Basics Learning Dynamics as a tutor, interpreter, and translator. Whether inspiring a love for Spanish in the hearts of students through one-on-one tutoring, bridging communication gaps at parent-teacher conferences, or producing high-quality translations of critical documents, I have enjoyed a sense of purpose and happiness in meeting the standards of academic excellence that Beverly and the Back to Basics family have been demonstrating since 1985. I am grateful to be a part of the family and for the opportunities for professional growth that I’ve enjoyed as a result. These experiences have enhanced my individual performance, expanded my cultural awareness, and deepened my knowledge in the fields of education and translation. Whether working locally or remotely, Back to Basics has been the best career choice for me.”
— Luz E. Digsby, Tutor, Interpreter and Translator

“I have been a tutor, translator and interpreter at Back to Basics for 14 years. Back to Basics began small in a crowded field of translating and interpreting but today has a large portion of the market in Nationwide in schools, hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies. I am proud to have played a small part in providing services to international families who need our services. I believe that such services are not only necessary but helpful to the families as well as the institution. Beverly has set a high bar of professionalism and skill attainment for her tutors, translators and interpreters to meet. She has provided certification opportunities as well as professional development so that each translator and interpreter has the best and highest skills he/she has the possibility of attaining. I am happy to be part of an organization that is at once so professional but also so caring. ” 
— Sara Nehra, Tutor, Interpreter and Translator

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