Over the last 10 years, we have seen a new breed of homeschooling family.  In the past, homeschooling was largely reserved for families who were devoutly religious, lived in secluded, rural communities, or resisted exposing their children to the local school system.  In this generation, the concept of the typical homeschooling family has expanded to include a much wider array of students and circumstances.  While Partners With Parents continues to provide full-year curricula for some homeschooled students, many of the families we work with are doing it to bridge a gap—a short-term solution for a temporary situation such as physical or mental illness, relocation in the middle of the school year, or suspension/expulsion.  Sometimes, given the nature of the academic calendar, families just need an at-home education for a few months so they don’t fall behind while figuring out their options for the next September.

Many of the homeschool families that work with Partners With Parents value the traditional school environment and have the eventual goal of returning to it.  We find the most successful transitions happen when the school that the student has left and/or will be attending can be involved in the process.   (more…)

Every once in a while a parent comes to us with an unusual tutoring request.  Recently, we had one such request: an architecture tutor.  As discussions and planning with the parent progressed, we decided that a small group would be the best forum for this exploration.   This means we are pleased to present a new six-week course in architecture for 10-14 year olds, starting April 8^th.  This class will give students a good basic knowledge of architecture and its use in the modern world.   Below you will find the details including dates, potential topics, and class structure.  To register, please call (212) 928-5016 or email us.

Day/Time: Thursdays, 6:00-7:30pm

Dates: April 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd, & 29^th, May 6^th, + field trip on Saturday, May 8^th

Location: Residence of the parent who came to us with the request.  (W 107^th St)

Length: 1½ hours, including presentation and guided practice each session

Ages: Ten to fourteen years old (recommended) (more…)

One of the characteristics that makes someone an outstanding tutor is the ability to impart both the material as well as the means by which to master it.   Mastery is only gained when the student understands the process behind the solution and is able to reproduce it consistently.  Excellent tutors understand and can demonstrate their own learning process and teach their students to do the same.  They also tailor their instruction to students’ unique learning traits, coaching them in understanding how their own minds work.

Here are some questions and comments that help both the student and the tutor better understand the student’s thought process: (more…)

Each student has a different set of conditions under which he performs his best.  Each of us needs to be a scientist, making and testing hypotheses about our ideal study conditions.  Spend a number of weeks experimenting and finding out the answers to the questions below.  Remember what works the best for you is not necessarily what feels the best or most comfortable. The ultimate goal is finding what makes you most effective.

• What room in your apartment is best for homework and studying?

Do you have a dedicated area where you can go when you need to do work?  Are there some types of assignments that you can do in a more public place, like the living room, while some require more seclusion?  If you live in a “zoo,” consider the library.

• What position is best?

Sitting at a desk?  In a comfortable chair?  Lying on the floor?  Do you have access to everything you need?  Do you benefit from getting up and moving around periodically?  Does it vary based on the type of assignment?

• What kinds of noise are distracting?

Music?  Parents talking?  Siblings playing?  All of the above?  Are there places in the apartment/house where you can get away and have comparative silence?  Again, if a Yankee-Red Sox game seems like a quiet retreat, consider finding a place outside your home. (more…)