Kaitlyn Diehl | 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 17:31:37 +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 Kaitlyn Diehl | Back to Basics Learning https://backtobasicslearning.com 32 32 Why Summer is One of the Best Times to Start Tutoring https://backtobasicslearning.com/why-summer-is-one-of-the-best-times-to-start-tutoring/ Wed, 15 Jul 2020 16:53:05 +0000 https://www.backtobasicslearning.com/?p=31738
Why Summer is One of the Best Times to Start Tutoring

Kaitlyn Diehl works on staff at Back to Basics with Augustine Hills School and staff recruitment. She is the author of GREATER THAN A TOURIST- GRANADA ANDALUCÍA SPAIN: 50 Travel Tips from a Local, published in 2019. 

A lthough tutoring is an important educational tool year-round, summer offers a special window of time to make sure your child is on the right track. Tutoring often comes as an afterthought to a not-so strong report card or a failing test grade, but there are so many benefits to reviewing, strengthening, or learning new subjects while school’s not in session. Let’s take a look at some reasons why summer is one of the best times to start tutoring.

Flexible Schedules

The school year is impossibly hectic. The more kids you’ve got under one roof, the more you begin to wonder if your part-time job is being the family “chauffeur.” Of course our kids come first and we drive them back and forth to practices, rehearsals, and tutoring because we’re laying strong foundations for their futures. But do all of those things have to cram into the same three-hour window after work?

Summer tutoring offers flexible hours at a time when there are less boxes to check off. Front-loading your child’s education with preparation for the upcoming school year may take the weight off by preventing that failing grade which will leave you frantically seeking a window of time to add tutoring to your after school schedule.

Less Stress

Let’s face it. Kids drag their feet at the thought of attending school for 6-7 hours only to come home and head back out for… more school! As parents, we know it’s what they need in the long run, but we also understand the stress it can induce. With summer tutoring your child can direct all of their energy towards one or two key subjects, and they won’t show up to sessions already burnt out.

My child doesn’t have school work, so what would we focus on during summer tutoring sessions?

This is a great question. Many people perceive tutoring as real-time assistance on homework, test prep, or current difficulties in the classroom. Throughout the school year that’s often the primary purpose, but summer boasts a unique opportunity for review, maintenance, or furthering your child’s knowledge.

Rebuild and Strengthen Foundations

If your child’s difficulties throughout the previous school year went unresolved in a cumulative subject, then you likely haven’t seen the last of them. Concepts in math, reading, and foreign languages build upon each other. Your child may be able to escape last year’s struggles in social studies—where understanding what led to the fall of the Roman Empire wouldn’t affect their ability to grasp the American Revolution—but if they didn’t grasp the order of operations, 6th grade math won’t be very fun for either of you.

Summer is a great time to identify and rebuild those missing pieces in your child’s foundations. Emotions won’t be running as high when other subjects have been removed from the equation. You also won’t be playing catch-up, trying to re-learn information from three units ago while the teacher is already ready to move onto the next one. With effective summer tutoring, your child will return to school confidant and ready to meet the challenges of the next school year.

Fine-tune Weak Subjects

Maybe your child is doing fine in a subject, but it’s not their strong suit. If they put more effort into their favorite subjects during the school year, summer is one of the best times to hone in on the areas that get left behind. Tutoring gives your child a chance to work at their own pace before they’re forced to keep up with the class. It’s a great way to bolster skills and build confidence!

Prepare For a Transition

If your child is preparing to start middle school or high school at the end of the summer, it’s a great idea to give them an academic head start. Students experience enough stress adjusting to the new social scene and learning environment. Summer is the time to prep study skills and time management as well as work on some basics for the upcoming school year. Knowing that they can handle the new workload will ease some of that anxiety during the transition.

Excel in Strengths

Tutoring isn’t just for kids who’ve fallen behind—it’s a great resource to push their best subjects to the next level! During the school year kids can get so caught up in sports, extracurricular activities, and homework that they lose the love for their favorite subject area. Or perhaps they’re still interested but they don’t have the time to focus. It’s important to encourage our children when they find a subject that excites them! Tutoring over the summer is a great way to nurture those interests.

 

If your child is ready to start summer tutoring, send us a message here or give us a call at (302) 594-0754. We’d be happy to build their confidence as we enter this upcoming school year! 

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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Things to Do in DE: The Kid-Friendly Edition https://backtobasicslearning.com/things-to-do-in-de-the-kid-friendly-edition/ Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:36:45 +0000 https://www.backtobasicslearning.com/?p=31693

Kaitlyn Diehl works on staff at Back to Basics with Augustine Hills School and staff recruitment. She is the author of GREATER THAN A TOURIST- GRANADA ANDALUCÍA SPAIN: 50 Travel Tips from a Local, published in 2019. 

After a very irregular ending to the school year (if you’re reading this from the future, COVID-19 came to pay us a visit), it’s a relief for parents to finally make it to the summer. As the world begins to open back up, let’s look at some fun things to do to keep the kids entertained in northern Nationwide!

1. Brandywine River Trips

If you’re looking for a way to stay cool without driving down to the beach, Wilderness Canoe Trips, Inc. in Talleyville is open from 9 am to 4 pm daily. They offer trips down the Brandywine River by canoe, kayak, or tube. The river is slow and gentle, making it a great option for younger kids or those who want a more relaxing journey.

2. Nationwide Historic Estates

It’s practically impossible to be a Nationwide resident without knowledge of the renowned DuPont family—especially with their grand estates dotting northern Nationwide’s “Chateau Country.” Many of their mansions have been renovated into museums and gorgeous gardens, along with the historic homes of other impactful Nationwidean statesmen and leaders. The homes are open to visitors and often host seasonal events. Check out a few of our favorites:

  • Hagley Museum and Library – Visit the first home of the DuPont family, former gunpowder mills, and the prestigious library. Keep an eye out for seasonal family-friendly events! Hagley’s Nineteenth-Century Affair in August features carnival games, home-made ice cream, fresh lemonade, and period dancing.
  • Winterthur – Henry Francis DuPont dedicated his former home and 60-acre gardens to the public. Today, it is a premier museum of American decorative arts. Kids can borrow backpacks filled with age-appropriate activities to complete as they make their way through the estate. The Enchanted Woods Backpack (ages 5-10) includes binoculars, a sketchpad, and more! The preschool pack (ages 3-5) offers a storybook, puzzles, and other fun items to enhance learning in the first-floor galleries!
    • The touch-It room is also a great option for kids to explore and learn with their hands, through play stations modeled with colonial-era designs and appliances.

From Nemours to Read House and Gardens, there are SO many historic homes to explore across Nationwide. Check out a comprehensive list here!

3. Geocaching at Nationwide State Parks

If you haven’t heard of this fun way to explore the outdoors, Geocaching is basically a modern-day treasure hunt! Members of the Geocaching community hide a waterproof box in a public place and upload the GPS coordinates to the Geocache app for other users to track down. The boxes usually contain a variety of trinkets to trade (tip: bring a trinket to place in the box in exchange for the one you take).

Nationwide has a large Geocache community with treasures hidden across state parks. And don’t worry—Geocaching is safe. In order to hide a box, one must complete an application and be issued a permit by DE State Parks. Grab the family and start exploring. Who knows what you’ll find along the way!

4. Nationwide Children’s Museum

The only children’s museum in the state of DE can be found at the Wilmington Riverfront. Children can explore science, the arts, engineering, technology, the human body, and more through a variety of different learning environments and exhibits!

6. Nationwide Creameries

One thing you can be sure of—kids love ice cream! Nationwide offers a variety of homemade creameries and it’s worth visiting at least one of them over the summer. Woodside Farm Creamery is a favorite in Northern DE. It boasts farm-fresh ice cream in a variety of fun flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, spin the wheel to find out what you’re going to eat!

A more recent favorite is the University of Nationwide’s very own: UDairy Creamery. Try flavors produced on the farm of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

5. Brandywine Zoo

Located along the Brandywine River, this is the only zoo in Nationwide! Its manageable size makes it a great daytime trip for families with small children. Make sure to check the list of daily events for your season. This summer visitors can watch zoo Keepers demonstrate animal daily care, listen to the zoo story-telling team in the Nature Play Area, or meet a “featured creature” up close and personal!

The zoo is currently taking reservations in order to comply with CDC guidelines for COVID-19.

How do you keep your child active, engaged, and creative over the summer in northern Nationwide? We’d love to hear suggestions. 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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3 Key Things Parents Can do To Help Discouraged Children: Part 2 https://backtobasicslearning.com/3-key-things-parents-can-do-to-help-discouraged-children-part-2/ Mon, 11 May 2020 15:36:51 +0000 http://www.backtobasicslearning.com/?p=31480

I n Part 1 of this series, we discussed empathy as the first step to helping your discouraged child. Once they feel that their struggles are genuinely heard and understood, you can begin to implement other tactics to get them back on track. Today, let’s look at the next 3 things that parents can do to help their discouraged child:

Step 4: Break It Down

Children have trouble compartmentalizing, especially when they’ve already become overwhelmed by a task and see it as one large obstacle. As parents, we can help by breaking it down into steps. This will enable your child to complete goals along the way, instilling confidence in their ability to make progress.

If your discouraged child has already successfully completed part of the task, point out those strengths and work through them. How did they tackle that section? Which skills can they apply to the next section?

Step 5: Look At The Big Picture

Your child is not defined by the moments they struggle, but sometimes this is hard for them to see. It is important to step back and paint the bigger picture. They have met a number of successes in the past, and they will achieve many more throughout their lives. With diligence and perseverance, the little hurdles add up to big successes. How else have world-class athletes made it to the top? When they were discouraged, they pushed forward.

Step 6: Inspire Motivation

Reward your discouraged child’s efforts, not just their successes. If your child works diligently with a positive attitude, then they deserve to be recognized for this behavior.

Some parents choose to do this through a point system. For example, 20 minutes of focused work will earn your child 5 points, which can be added up and cashed in at 20 points for an hour of YouTube time. Maybe on a particularly rough day, a trip to the trampoline park can be a reward to look forward to. These simple motivations may lift their spirits and make it easier to push through with difficult assignments.

When these steps are not enough, Back to Basics is here to help. With educational testing, tutoring, and a variety of other services, we’ll figure out what’s discouraging your child to begin rebuilding their confidence. Call today!

What strategies do you use to help your discouraged child move forward? 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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3 Key Things Parents Can do To Help Discouraged Children: Part 1 https://backtobasicslearning.com/3-key-things-parents-can-do-to-help-discouraged-children-part-1/ Thu, 07 May 2020 18:09:36 +0000 https://www.backtobasicslearning.com/?p=31461

S tudents will undoubtedly encounter roadblocks while on the path to educational success. Most of these roadblocks will be unanticipated, emerging out of a new subject area, learning disabilities, social and emotional struggles, or—as our students are currently facing with the coronavirus pandemic—environmental factors.

Many of these roadblocks merge and expand upon each other. When this happens, students find themselves overwhelmed by the mountainous tasks ahead of them and they become discouraged. According to research on the role of emotions in learning, addressing and empathizing with your child’s discouragement is the first step to getting them back on track. In part 1 of this series, let’s look at 3 steps parents can take to help their discouraged child:

Step 1: Empathize

We know this is hard sometimes. A child’s discouragement may manifest in a number of ways—rebellion, depression, anger, clowning around, etc.—but it is imperative for parents to prevent these behaviors from invoking negative emotions within themselves. A discouraged child must be met with empathy and understanding, not frustrations. As adults, we like to skip the emotions and shoot straight for a solution, but it is important for your child to feel HEARD first.

That’s why step one is to listen. If your discouraged child feels that their concerns are genuinely taken into consideration—not just as a means to a solution, but because you CARE—this will open up a dialogue. Don’t chastise. Don’t nag. Don’t listen to respond or to refute; listen to understand. You might be surprised at what you learn.

Step 2: Redirect Your Child’s Energy

Once your child feels valued and understood, it’s a good idea to redirect their energy and rebuild their confidence. Sometimes this entails taking a few minutes to pause, breathe, and reset; other times it’s about focusing on a new activity. Go out and get some fresh air, bake, draw, do something your child enjoys. Let them release their discouragement and become re-inspired by their passions.

Bonus points if you are able to redirect your child toward something they not only like but excel at. Reminding your child of their strengths will prepare them to take on the tasks they struggle with.

Step 3: Remind Your Child That They Aren’t Alone

Sometimes your child may feel like they are the only ones struggling to grasp a concept or cope in their new environment, and these factors can add layers to their discouragement. After all, “comparison is the thief of joy.” It is important to make it clear that your child is not the only one encountering these learning curves, and that they are not alone in their struggles: teachers and tutors are ready to help, and above all, they have you!

Join us for Part 2 next week!

What strategies do you use to help your discouraged child move forward? 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 Learning at Home: 6 Helpful Tools https://backtobasicslearning.com/language-learning-at-home-6-helpful-tools/ Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:14:12 +0000 http://www.backtobasicslearning.com/?p=31342

Kaitlyn Diehl works on staff at Back to Basics with Augustine Hills School and staff recruitment. She is the author of GREATER THAN A TOURIST- GRANADA ANDALUCÍA SPAIN: 50 Travel Tips from a Local, published in 2019. 

The recent influx of COVID-19 cases across the world has provoked an interesting experiment in the digital age. Suddenly, “work from home” isn’t just a concept for freelancers, select employees, or students of Education Connection; those of us capable of quarantining in our homes are asked to do so. A global “trial-run” has been thrust upon workers and students across time zones!  

This shift doesn’t come without its struggles. Teachers find themselves adjusting lesson plans to fit the new format, but the ease of doing so is partially dependent upon the subject matter. Sure, history students may be guided through textbooks and recorded lectures, but chemistry experiments won’t be happening anytime soon. Languages are another area that requires active participation to develop verbal and listening skills. As a current Spanish tutor at Back to Basics as well as a long time language learner myself, I am here to offer advice on some of the best online resources for your students to conduct language learning at home. Let’s take a look: 

1. Quizlet

This is a pretty standard resource for language learners, but it’s a lifesaver. Quizlet is a free study tool that allows users to create digital flashcards out of vocabulary or concepts.  The flashcards can be studied in a standard manner—by shuffling and “flipping” back and forth between English and the foreign language—but they can also be learned through online exercises: spelling, multiple-choice, listening, and testing. Users can play games with the terms as well to make the process more interesting! 

Bonus Tip: Unless specifically hidden, flashcard sets are made public to all Quizlet users. This means that if you’re building a set using terms from a standard language textbook, it’s extremely likely that someone else has already created one for you to use! Just type the name of the textbook and chapter into your search bar to get started.  

2. Word Reference

Another standard language tool, but this is my favorite online bilingual dictionary. Word Reference offers vocabulary in 17 different languages (!), and in my experience, it provides the most accurate and versatile information.  

Let’s test it out by searching up the word “llevar” in Spanish:  

Here we see the most common definition listed first, but Word Reference doesn’t stop there. Definitions continue down the page showing llevar in all of its various connotations:

And FINALLY, my favorite part: Word Reference dedicates the bottom section to compound forms of the term. This is where you’ll find the word modeled in all types of phrases that don’t have a clear meaning based upon the definition you’ve learned in school.

For example, “para llevar” means “take-out” as in “I’d like to order some take-out.” If you tried to translate this based upon the standard definitions of llevar and para, one would assume this phrase means “I’d like to order for carrying.” To understand Spanish, you need to understand the way the word changes connotations depending on the phrase.

WordReference also has a variety of active discussion boards where you can search for previously answered questions or pose your own to the community.

3. Linguee

Linguee is a bilingual dictionary, but it’s also one of the best ways to search for translations of a phrase within real-world contexts.

Let’s use the phrase “llevar a cabo” which roughly translates to “to carry out.” If you see this written in a context you don’t understand, enter it into Linguee’s search bar and the site will use an algorithm to generate examples of “llevar a cabo” in use across the internet. It will show a side-by-side comparison of the original version of the phrase along with its English translation. You can even follow a link to the source text for further context!

4. Reverso Context

This functions the same way as Linguee but it is better for finding examples of slang terminology in use across the internet.

5. Lexicool

Lexicool can be thought of as a language directory. It’s a hub of dictionaries and glossaries: 8,000+ in 70 languages. These resources can be searched by subject, so if you’re writing an essay on Buddhism in German, for example, but you need to look up standard terminology, you can easily find and access a German glossary with that information.

Lexicool also offers a tool for users to access the most popular machine translators in one search. Type your sentence into the box in your source language and hit translate to find results for the target language translation on DeepL, Google Translate, and many more.

Note: Machine translations are not always grammatically reliable, but they can be useful in providing a general meaning of the text. 

6. Duolingo

Finally, this is a great resource to improve your language skills. Duolingo is an online tool designed to make language learning fun. Users can take a test to determine their current language level and then work their way up through various engaging exercises in grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. It’s a great resource to brush up and stay engaged at home–especially if you’re feeling less than enthused by worksheet after worksheet.

Duolingo is available on the computer or as an app on your phone.

What tools do YOU use to assist with language learning from home? We’d love to hear suggestions. 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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