The Connection - June 2008

In This Issue
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A Note from Donna--Rites of Passage in Education
Feature Article: Summer Learning--Lost or Found?
Subscriber Feedback
Q & A

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A Note from Donna--Rites of Passage in Education
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My oldest daughter graduated from high school a few weeks ago. It was an emotional moment as her name was called, she crossed the stage and received her diploma. I had a 30 year flashback and remembered my own high school graduation like it was yesterday.

In the busyness of our days with their endless chores and clamourings,I want to be sure to take a minute to pause and process the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. I think it's important for us to not only reflect on the milestones but also the moments in our children's educational journey.

We need to help them recognize these times and help them to appreciate the value of each day. My class song in 1978 was "We will never pass this way again" by Seals and Crofts. And it is so true. These times that mark off the road moment by moment, milestone by milestone are gifts. It's my hope to show my kids the importance of making the most of each day and squeezing dry its possibility and potential. To celebrate the journey, not just the destination--as monumentual as it may be--that's my goal.

May we make the most of every moment and celebrate every milestone and not allow the crazy pace of life and all it's demands rob of us the connection that makes it all worthwhile.

With you in the journey,
Donna Duffy

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Feature Article--Summer Learning--Lost or Found?
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As I mentioned in a recent blogpost, Whether you call it summer brain drain or learning loss–the lazy, hazy days of summer often become an academic dead zone for our kids.

It seems they see the next three months as "time off" from learning. They may see it as a time to ditch the books and sit back and relax. Although they may need some downtime, we need to be careful not to let them lose all that they gained over the past year.

So what to do... Here are a few ideas that may make summer more than just a day at the beach!

->How about some Borders Bucks?--For every book they read from their summer reading list you match it so that they can buy the book of their choice.

->Let them eat cake--but they have to bake it themselves. Give kids the opportunity to learn their way around the kitchen when schedules are more relaxed. They can work on math and reading as they shop and work through a recipe and writing as they copy it on a card to give to a friend.

->Pick a theme--With the summer Olympics coming up, this may be a great time to learn more about the different sports,contestants and their countries as well as spend time finding out more about China. Any theme you think of is just a Google click away.

->Read the book, see the movie--Here's a fun way to compare and contrast stories, plays and novels that can be read and rented.

->Don't forget how tech savvy these kids of ours are--Encourage them to make a family webpage or create a CD with family pictures set to music or narration. Even scrapbooking can be a great way to work on organizing and categorizing skills.

->Read aloud--resurrect an old pasttime and gather everyone around for a time of quiet and relaxation as you read through some of your family favorites.

->On the road again--Let your kids help you map out your vacation, keep track of mileage and expenses and make suggestions on ways to make the most of your time away.

May you and your kids enjoy a summer full of learning and growth as you explore alternative ways to keep their minds engaged!
(c) Donna Duffy

DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR OWN EZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb:Donna Duffy, is the co-owner of Academic Connections Tutoring, helping connect tutors and students through in-home and online tutoring. To learn more about our program, and to sign up for our FREE how-to articles, visit: www.academicconnectionstutoring.com

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Subscriber Feedback
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We value your feedback! If you have great tips that will help our students, parents and tutors, then feel free to send us an email and share the wealth! Just be sure to give us permission to reprint your comments in our publications.

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Q & A
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ONLINE TUTORING!Our Newest Addition!
1. Why has ACT added online tutoring?
To give our families greater choice for scheduling, location and price.
2. What are the benefits of online tutoring?
Children today are very tech savvy and can find their way around the internet better than we can. Online tutoring helps the kids have more direct input and interaction into their own sessions.
3 What if we want to do both?
No problem. We have programs to fit each family's preference. You can do in-home tutoring, private tutoring or a combination of both. Our packages offer full family rates and multi-subject as well as minimal tutoring need rates. We do our best to tailor your tutoring sessions to fit your family's schedule, location and budget.

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Important Announcements
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SUMMER GOLD! In honor of the summer Olympics in China--we have our own "Exclusive Summer Gold Package" that we are offering to all of our 2008 summer students. Get in the game and call us TODAY at 302-383-4325 to learn more.

CALLING ALL TUTORS:
To learn more about you can help our students by offering them online tutoring. Call us TODAY and get you free report and CD about becoming an online tutor! 302-383- 4325

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Donna Duffy and Pat Howes-Academic Connections Tutoring Services, LLC
Tutor Referral Services, Public Speaking, Educational Consulting Delaware 302-383-3294
www.academicconnectionstutoring.com
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