Helping Student Success
You can easily help your student learn more, get better grades and be successful.
This information is free.
Below has many links for information and free tutoring
and there are free classes, Scholarships at Scholarships

Attention teens if you are meeting with anyone be sure to meet in a public place and bring along an older sibling or parent. Like it or not there are predators out there and many teens have been kidnapped and mistreated.
Important Tips
It is a good idea to restrict TV watching to PBS, The Science Channel, National Geographic, History Channel. and other educational channels. Avoid all entertainment channels which is most everything else.
regular TV programming actually has been found harmful to students.
They learn violence and poor morals. Most TV programs are there to sell products and entertain not instruct.
Limit gaming. They may find electronic games fun but it is better to use them as a reward for learning.
On trips leave the Game boy at home. Instead include a couple good books one being a visual encyclopedia.
This is worth its weight in gold as far as learning.
Observation outside the vehicle can be used to learn. Ask questions. What is that tall round tower next to that barn? answer Silo. What is it used for?


ASK QUESTIONS, BE INQUSITIVE, LEARN HOW EVERYTHING WORKS.

A great web site is Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia wikipedia.org Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that gives usually more up to date information on more topics and at lower cost than any other encyclopedia. Studies have shown that it is usualy as accurate as most other encyclopedias. It is used by all age groups including college students. It is also a picture encyclopedia. For example dearch fjor bridge. The wikipedia article shows many pictures and illustrations. You need not even go to Wikipedia directly. Just type or speak the search words into the browser then enter. Simply pick the Wikipedia choice.

A good web site is HOW STUFF WORKS Learn how Everything Works!

Another great web site is NationalGeographic for Kids


OTHER GOOD WEBSITES
The Visual Dictionary Online

Visual Dictionary where words are defined as pictures, for leaning the exact names
Also has "How to Improve your Brain"

visuwords.com Playful word associations. Visually captivating. Connect words visually. Learn synonyms and other connections.

Britannica Visual Dictionary The Britannica Visual Dictionary incorporates more than 20,000 words and their definitions into 6,000 full-colour illustrations. It is for sale.

online dictionaries List of online dictionaries

Little Explorers Little Explorers Picture Dictionary with Links. Some free some by subscription

Strange Aircrafts Experimental and Strange Aircrafts Visual Encyclopedia - Pinterest

One Million Things One Million Things: A Visual Encyclopedia | Booklist Online

World digital library World digital library. Read, publish and share dooks and documents

Project Gutenberg: Free ebooks Download free ebooks for kindle, android, ipad, nook, epub or read online.

20 Best Websites To Download Free EBooks

Raising your child's IQ. Some "experts" disagree that anyone can raise any IQ. But they are playing a word game. You can in fact enhance and increase your child's mental performance call it whatever you will. First for pregnant mothers. Read to your unborn daily and make it a pleasant experience. Also play soothing classical music such as Bach. There are actually baby music DVDs available. These stimulate brain development. Also consult with your doctor on the best diet while you are pregnant. Of course avoiding drugs, smoking, alcohol etc are a no brainier. The unborn sense emotions to a great extent because they are actually a part of you.
Continue reading to children for at least a few minutes every day with pleasant emotions and continue pleasant classical music. They are best read to up to and past when they are learning to read for themselves. Teach them to read picture books then books with pictures and words age appropriate. Finally you can sense when they are at a point when they would prefer to read for themselves. Do not allow TV to replace books. A lot of TV programming is just plain bad for kids. TV programs are often ten times more violent than real life and the morals presented are usually sub human. Most TV is not for education it is to sell products and to entertain. You want TV programs that educate and enhance your child's learning.

Raising IQ, and LQ (learning Quotient)
Dr Phil states “Create an Empowering Internal Dialogue

An internal dialogue that is negative promotes failure. Simply put, children can and do think themselves into poor intellectual outcomes. There is also a strong mind-body connection. Depressed thoughts depress energy, action and the ability to think clearly. They shake your child's faith and create doubts about what he can really achieve.

A positive internal dialogue can dramatically enhance intellectual performance. As a way to eliminate negative self-talk and build self-confidence, teach your child how to practice positive responses. For example:

I'll do the best I can, and that will be the best I can do.
I studied hard for the test, so I should do well.
I worked hard on my homework.
I'll be OK; I can do this. “

see What Dr Phil says
He and others recommend that you give your child things to do that make him or her think such as Checkers, Chess, crossword puzzles, discussions, reading, have them do physical activity, go to new places and events.
TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE LIBRARY AND FIND INTERESTING AGE APPROPRIATE BOOKS.

There are increasingly better child level DVDs and computer learning programs but you need to check them out carefully. Avoid violent games and xbox, game boy programs. They do little for your child and may do harm. Very few of them are other than entertainment.
Many educators also recommend that you do not allow children to watch TV other than PBS.
The kids may fight you on this but do what is best for them. TV stands for Trash Video.

Free classes see Free Classes and Scholarships

Free online instruction and Classes

Want to have online tutoring or classes but don't have a computer or Internet service. Visit your public library, college, or recreation center. Most of them have computers and free Internet access.
Also you can get a tablet computer for as cheap as around $59. new. You can also use smart phones but usually the screen is too small. You will need Internet service. At home that costs around $20 plus taxes in most areas. OR YOU CAN USE FREE WIFI AT WENDY'S, MACDONALDS, TIM HORTINS, PANERA, COLLEGE PARKING LOTS, HOSPITAL PARKING LOTS, AND PARKED NEAR WIFI HOTSPOTS ON ALMOST ANY STREET. WiFi can be free and if not is much cheaper than phone Internet which is 3G or 4G. You can save your work and pages and sometimes work on them when away from the Internet service (hotspot) Nexus 7 tablet is nice. Do not buy a Kindle or any other book reader as they are lacking in several things. Buy as much storage as you can afford. Better yet and the best bargain appears to be the winbook notebook computers which have all computer features and including keyboard, hard drive, USB port, interchangeable batteries, external monitor port, (handy if you get tired of staring at small screens) and an SD slot. You can get a referb or used for neighborhood of $100, or $199. new.

free instruction on many topics Learn almost anything for free. With a library of over 4,300 videos on everything from arithmetic to physics, finance, and history and hundreds of skills to practice, we're on a mission to help you learn what you want, when you want, at your own pace. Khan academy

Free Online K=12 School A Tuition-free, Online Public School for Grades K–12 Michigan Connections Academy (MICA) is a tuition-free online public school that serves students in grades K–12 throughout Michigan. Our uniquely enriching and supportive program combines a top-rated curriculum with cutting-edge interactive technology, superb teachers, and direct family involvement to ensure each student realizes his or her full potential.

Free Tutoring Free Tutoring - Take help from Expert Tutors Online‎

Online Tutoring Online Tutoring. Always Available. Always Free.

free online tutoring Receive 60 minutes of free online tutoring in any subject from our expert online tutors.

EduwizardS EduwizardS Online Tutoring features the world's top tutors, ranked and reviewed by students. Schedule Absolutely Free and no strings

Expert Math Tutor Get Free Math Help Online from Expert Math Tutor.

free online tutoring We offer only the best free online tutoring for students who want to gain an edge in learning.

Eonline Tutors Eonline Tutors introduces students of all classes to new age learning via Online Tutoring. It is the emerging “Tutoring Revolution”. It offers live one-on-one tutoring sessions with the expert tutors.

Note for dozens more listings of tutors do a Google search on online tutors.


HOW TO HELP YOUR STUDENT LEARN BETTER AND REMEMBER WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED CONSEQUENTLY GETTING BETTER GRADES.
WHY BETTER GRADES
ANSWER IS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS
FACILITATING LEARNING
Give them a good breakfast
Be cheerful and supportive
Let them know that it is important to learn every day so they can have a better future.
Have them at least take a few notes daily and either write down or make effort to remember the major points taught to them that day.
Have them jot down the most important things learned that day at home if they have not done so during the day.

Parent Involvement
The parent should know what classes their student is in at which hour and who the teacher is.
The parent should go to the Teacher-Parent meetings.
The parent should keep aware of school events and other happenings and problems.
The parent should maintain a good positive relationship with the students teachers, counselors and principal.
The parent should visit the school once in awhile and perhaps arrange to sit in a few classes to see what actually goes on in middle school.
As a former substitute teacher, teacher and parent, I can testify that your perception is not necessarily what is happening.
Knowing what is going on in your students school is affecting your student big time.

Peers
Peers have a tremendous affect on your student.
They can make him/her or break him/her. They can uplift and they can cause another student to commit suicide. Ten thousand students try to kill themselves yearly and half of them do.
Encourage them to keep positive friends also interested in learning.
Drop friends doing drugs or with violent or crazy behavior.
Be aware of the trafficking of humans in our area and the measures against it.

After your child gets home allow a break but insist that homework is to be done before play.
Do not allow TV unless it is educational.
Have the student maintain a journal (notebook) of the most important things learned every school day. This should only take a few minutes and also serves as a review for tests.
Tell the student to think tests. That when the teacher lectures or demonstrates to think what may be on a test.
Ask your student what they learned in each class every day. Be positive and encouraging. Show them that you expect that they will maintain good grades and that there would be negative consequences if they do not. HAVING POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS HELP
Find out when tests are going to be and remind the student to review his/her book and notes several times that week before the test and not just the night before.

Some families set up special rewards for A or B grades for the student. This is a great motivator.


What if they say I just don't get this algebra stuff or some other subject?
Be aware that many schools have free tutoring. Perhaps just a little help from the teacher might do it. Make effort to maintain good relations with the teacher. That goes for both student and parent. If a teacher has a talker in class who is not listening or who is disrupting the class the teacher is much less inclined to help that student. If the student realizes he/she is not doing well and decides to change perhaps a conference with the teacher in which they clear the air and promise to stop bad behavior may help. I have gone out of my way to help failing students who are struggling. But that is usually with students who are not disruptors. Again find out if the school can offer tutoring, or if another student could help. Consider online tutoring. Look at the Khan Academy.
What if the problem is attitude or is emotional. Well seek help from the school counselor or your family medical clinic. In one case the student just needed glasses. Another student suffered from severe headaches. Remember students are people too and have their own problems that they may not be sharing with adults. Then there is unreported bullying or harassment by other students or gang members that you may not know even exist. You may have to get additional help to deal with these.

A few additional tips on HOW TO GET A GOOD GRADE.
LISTEN, MAKE NOTES, STUDY daily, REVIEW OFTEN
Expect unannounced tests.
Set time aside daily for study.
Learn how to learn. Find what works for you.
Learn how to take quick notes. When time is short use abbreviations for subject words. Example if lecture is on computers make a note c=computer then every time the professor says the word computer you can just write down a c. Leave out vowels when time is short. Later rewrite the notes while the lecture is still fresh in your head.
To help learn do the following: find causality, connections, importance, use.
Think and Ask the 6 learning Questions What, Who, Where, When, How and Why.
Make memory aids. Flash cards.
Go to the local library and find one of the many books on being successful at school.
Always do as you would want to be done to. This is the best way to get along with people & best rule of human relations. (AKA Golden Rule) also Bring no harm to another by your actions or your inaction.
Copy of all important work and notes on a flash drive. (put fone# on them) These are just $4.99 at Micro Center.
Or you can use Cloud storage free. Example is Google drive. However this does not work if there is no Internet connection.
Best Insurance is a few good copies in few safe places.
Used and e-books cost less.
Bring pen, paper and be prepared to take notes in every class.
Do not over rely on computers. Computers fail & get hacked. Flash drives fail. Internet goes down or is put down or is unavailable or censured.

Parents and friends. Empower the student show him/her ways to cope or do.
Example when peers chastise them for taking notes. Tell them to say "I am working on a scholarships that will pay my way through college so I can get a high paying job." or If I get an A in all of my classes they are going to buy me a notebook computer." or If I get an A I get everything I want at Dairy Queen for a day." Or "If I get an A we are going to Ceder Point." And assure them that they are worthy. Negative self concepts kill. Positive self concepts lead to success. If a student is having difficulty and it could be self concept go to the library and find some of the many books that deals with this.

Also help prepare your child for high School. Participate in open house if possible. Keep an open discussion dialogue with your student so that they may ask you questions and you ask them also about anything. John Tyler — a retired guidance counselor who worked for 40 years as a counselor has the following to say about this.
"In general, kids have a variety of concerns that range from the academic to the personal, including:
Workload
Navigating the new campus
Time management
Finding new friends and dealing with older kids and peer pressure
Making a sports team
Gangs and drugs
“We spend some of the time dispelling rumors about the high school,” Tyler reports of the counselors’ annual visits with eighth graders. “One of the primary concerns is the worry about gangs, drugs, bullying issues, and thefts. The counselors reassure them that we have excellent safety measures and control of the school environment staffed by deans, counselors, administrators, police and safety monitors and the general teaching staff is trained, by law and the school board policy, to intervene in any mishaps or extenuating circumstances.”

As for the other more every day concerns, Singleton thinks that getting involved in extracurriculars is key, as after-school activities are great for teenagers’ “personal and social development.” After all, extracurriculars that focus on deepening your child’s interests will help them have an more enjoyable high school experience.

“And these interests set them up well for scholarship opportunities when they are seniors!” Singleton says. “School-sponsored extracurricular activities can help keep students accountable to academics, and teach valuable skills that often cannot be found in a classroom. Remind your student that everything he/she does in high school is setting them up for their future, and it is their choice to make it a good one!”

At the same time, talk to your kids about managing their time so that they don’t become overwhelmed by both coursework, their sports, and other after-school activities. Extracurriculars are also a great way for teens to alleviate their worries about making new friends,

Talk to your kids: First and foremost, communication is key. While it may be intimidating to talk to your 14-year-old — who is transforming into a young adult with strong opinions and ideas — it’s worth being persistent. “Do not assume that someone else will talk to your child about these situations,” Singleton advises. “Discuss your feelings about drugs, alcohol, and sex, and the peer pressure that surrounds each of these topics in high school. The exposure to these topics at the high school level is much greater than in middle school, and the more your child knows, the better informed he or she will be. And an informed student is well-equipped to make better decisions.”

Tyler offers similar advice and suggests providing an “open forum,” both formal and informal, and engaging your kids in conversation to give them a chance to express their concerns. “Parents should also discuss the positives their kids are conveying about the high school experience they are anticipating,” he suggests. “Listen and be encouraging. I also think kids love to hear some of the stories their parents can provide about their concerns when they attended school. It may be almost identical…adolescence is a common denominator and we all go through similar stages and experiences.”

Talk to other parents: Networking with other parents can also give you ideas about what to talk to your kids about, Tyler advises. “Parents can also network with the parents that have upperclass level kids to inquire about their firsthand experiences. They could provide a wealth of information about what things to anticipate regarding the wide range of age groups that their kids have encountered.”

Get to know the campus, and its resources: “Encourage your child to get to know their school campus, their teachers/counselors, and the resources that exist to help them academically,” Singleton says. “Most schools have more resources for help than students realize!”

Tyler seconds that suggestion, and says, “Visit open house programs, which all high schools provide in the middle of the 8th grade year. Parents and the 8th graders get to walk about the building to see the facilities, hear about the many departmental requirements and electives and get a firsthand view of the extracurricular offerings.” Even better, your kids can start to meet some current upperclassman at these events, as they’re there to represent sports, clubs, and answer questions your teens might have.

Give them “what if” scenarios: “Talk about what they would do in a certain tough situation,” Singleston suggests. “Give them ‘what if’ scenarios to work through, and be there to work through them together. Remember that high school is a time for young people to push boundaries and discover themselves, and while a certain amount of rebellious behavior is to be expected, you can be the stability and structure they crave.”

Be encouraging, but respect their privacy: Last but most definitely not least, Tyler believes the great assistance a parent can provide a teen is showing a genuine interest in their high school experience by being encouraging. While keeping the lines of communication open is key, give them some privacy.

“But also reassure them that if they need help in any situation (academic, personal, social), they can come to you,” Singleton says. “Some grade students pull away from their parents because ‘parents just don’t understand.’ You may not always understand, but you can be there to support your child and talk them through any issues they may encounter.”

Source of above Preparing Your Child: Grade School to High School July 22, 2013 Elizabeth SanFilippo http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/07/22/preparing-your-child-grade-school-to-high-school/




What to learn by grade level/age

Preschool Kids age 3-5 need to be socialized they need to be able to get along with others and follow directions of the teachers. They need to be in a sociable control of their temper and emotions. They should be able to do their bathroom tasks without help. It helps if they can feed them selves, put on their coats, hats, boots and can tie their own shoes.
They should know the basic colors, names (In the USA in the English language) of common objects, animals, sounds and most things in their little world.
It is nice if they have had a little exposure to alphabet letters, and a few words.

Kindergarten around age 5-6 Here they will be learning Numbers, Letters, playing with other children sociably, singing, games, General learning about basic things.

Grades 1-8 ages 6-14 They learn basic math, reading, writing (now favoring what you and I call printing) basic science, geography, states and capitals, biology, health, history, civics, basic government, social sciences, music, English grammar, spelling, art, sometimes a second language Esperanto is scientifically proven to be the best for elementary education as it helps them to have a scientific framework that helps their intellectual growth and helps them learn English and helps them learn other languages in less time.
As the grade level increases so does the level of learning. Each subject builds on what has been learned previously.


Curriculum Share Curriculum Share! This is a place where homeschoolers can get FREE homeschool curriculum from other homeschoolers. This site has various curriculums and much additional information.

Grades 9-12 ages 13-19
In these grades we go on to more advanced studies. However in many school districts the education and standards are so shoddy that elementary teaching goes on through the 12 grade. The topics vary greatly depending on the school district and student ability. Here are some of the classes offered:
3D Art I–Modeling
3D Art II–Animation
Accounting
Achieving Your Career & College Goals
Algebra I
Algebra II
American Literature
Anthropology
Art History
Audio Engineering
Automotive Technology
Biology
British & World Literature
Building Trades
C++ Programming
Calculus
Chemistry
Chinese
Civics
Computer Literacy
Computer Science
Computer Science
Consumer Math
Contemporary World Issues
Creative Writing
Credit Recovery
Digital Arts
Driver Education
Earth Science
Economics
Engineering Design/CAD
Engine Repair
English
English Foundations
English Literature & Composition
Environmental Science
Esperanto the World's Easiest language
European History
Family and Consumer Science
Fine Art
Flash Animation
Flash Game Development
Forensic Science
French Language
Game Design
Geography & World Cultures
Geometry
German
Green Design & Technology
History & Social Sciences
Image Design & Editing
Integrated Math
Japanese
Journalism
Latin
Life Skills
Literary Analysis & Composition I
Macroeconomics
Math Foundations
Microeconomics
Modern U.S. History
Modern World Studies
Music Appreciation
Nutrition & Wellness
Personal Finance
Physical Education
Physical Science
Physics
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
Probability & Statistics
Programming I—VB.NET
Programming II—Java
Psychology
Public Speaking
Reaching Your Academic Potential
Science
Service Learning
Skills for Health
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics
U.S. & Global Economics
U.S. Government & Politics
U.S. History
Web Design
World History



First don't waste your precious time on things you will never use. Example Mythology

What are the best things to learn?

The answer is things that you will most use in your life and things you need to know.
How to be healthy and survive. See the Scouting link below
How to get along with people
How to make a living
Basic First Aid and CPR See Scouting link
Basic nutrition, hygiene, physical fitness and health topics
How to avoid food poisoning See Scouting link
How to read well and print well
How to find needed information
How to make change (dollars and cents) from any amount.
How to fill out a college and job application
How to drive a car
Basic moral fitness See Scouting link
Social skills to get along with other people See Scouting link
How to avoid conflict if possible
Basic self defense
Basic animal defense
Basic defense against trafficking
Basic cooking inside and outside See Scouting link
Basic sewing
Basic home repair
Basic child care
Basic directions See Scouting link
basic map use See Scouting link
Local address system
Basic Leadership See Scouting link
Should have a code of conduct to live by See Scouting link
Should learn how to think for yourself See Scouting link
Should know how to handle fire start one without matches, properly maintain it, how to put them out, in the city and in the wild, See Scouting link, use of fire extinguishers
How to deal with common emergencies See Scouting link
How to use computers
Use of emergency stoves See Scouting link
Know the meaning of the scout badge, motto and slogan See Scouting link
Know success wisdom See Scouting link
Know how to signal including Morse code use of radios See Scouting link
Know basis needed knots See Scouting link
Know how to find directions by the stars See Scouting link
Know how to recognize Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac See Scouting link
Know how to use GPS navigation device
Know flight basics be ready to land plane if needed See Scouting link
Know how to make measurements without measuring tapes or yard sticks See Scouting link
Know basic hiking and camping skills if needed in emergencies such as when power is out jor family stranded. See Scouting link
Know safe food storage with and without power See Scouting link
Know how to obtain and purify water See Scouting link
Know how to obtain emergency food See Scouting link
Know how to survive lightening attack See Scouting link
Know what to do if lost and how to avoid it. See Scouting link
Know about our country's history
Know about the Constitution and Bill of Rights
Know about basic citizenship See Scouting link
Know basics of our environment See Scouting link
Know abut uses of plants See Scouting link
Know about scholarships available to Eagle Scouts See Scouting link
Know about the Americans Creed See Scouting link
Know how to become a success See Scouting link
Of course having a knowledge of Math, Biology, English, Spelling, Geography, Climate, History, Algebra, Physics, characteristics of fuels so you don't put a match to gasoline, Psychology, Sociology and other basic sciences is a must. (It is called an education.)

Reading should be a lifetime habit. Learn to read well.
Reading good books is priceless. You gain needed experience of others.
You gain needed perspective for your life.
Having read many books gives one experience of others lives that one can not get elsewhere. You must absolutely read some of these books for true experience.
A few good reads are: Treasure Island, How Stuff Works, As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnage, Nineteen Eighty-Four, The autobiography of Ben Franklin, Johnathon Livingston Seagull, Boy Scout handbook, New Testament from Bible, Brave New World, 'Charlotte's Web, The Secret Garden, The Diary of a Young Girl, David Coperfield, Animal Farm, The Jungle, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by John C. Maxwell, The Boy Who Dared, Waiting for Normal, Little Brother by Tom Doherty, Playing With Matches, Before Their Time: The World of Child Labor, Dooley, Thomas A., The Edge of Tomorrow, Fahrenheit 451. Lord of the Flies, The Swiss Family Robinson, The Prince and the Pauper, Gulliver's Travels, Oliver Twist, The War of the Worlds, Across Five Aprils, The Time Machine, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Magic Of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz.

These give perspective and experience and stimulate your brain. But many books are a waste of time (not the above). Books that are formula written just to entertain are a waste. Other good books are non fiction written about topics. These are informative and may be useful for your future also. Visit your library often.
Also take classes that will help you get a job and get into college


Contemporary History and Important Technology   Must See
Jobs: Help with getting Jobs and How to get better Jobs.
You and your child can go to college, Free classes, Scholarships
Scouting, Important things to know from the Scout Handbook
Things that Need to be Fixed Now


I want to improve this page your suggestions are welcome wecare@macombhistory.us