How to Improve Your English Grammar and Composition Skills

How to Improve Your English Grammar and Composition SkillsOnline education has revolutionized the way we learn the English language. With the internet, we can learn everything from basic subjects such as spelling and vocabulary to more advanced subjects such as grammar and composition.You may be a native English speaker but that does not mean you are always able to write well or correctly when you write in English. This is especially true for writers who find themselves writing on a wide variety of topics. There are also those who may be struggling with grammar and composition and need extra help when it comes to learning to write and speak the English language.The good news is that you can easily learn to read and write in English. A combination of grammar building is recommended for those who have more than average English skills.There are many online education programs which offer a variety of resources to help students learn to write in English. These courses are very effective a t teaching the English language and you can follow them until you have mastered the basics of the language. You will then be ready to apply it to different writing situations and use it in various other situations.The most important thing that you should consider when choosing an online course is whether it is full time or part time. You must ensure that it offers you a schedule of classes that are flexible. In many cases, online courses may be full time depending on the instructor and the school. Make sure you are comfortable with your instructor and that you will be learning at the pace that is comfortable for you.You must make sure that the program offers you an opportunity to practice writing and speaking the English language with native speakers. This is very helpful if you have plans to study abroad or maybe for work. You will find that this will also improve your confidence when you are writing and speaking in English.If you have never learned to write and speak the English l anguage, but still want to learn, you should consider enrolling in an online course. It is a great way to get in the habit of learning and you will be surprised at how quickly you will develop your skills. You can also use the courses to improve your speaking and writing skills in English as well.

Should I Add a Minor in College

Should I Add a Minor in College Like all big decisions in college, deciding what to get your degree in is a difficult choice. You may think that once youve decided on your major, the big decisions regarding your track of learning are complete. However, this is not necessarily the case! You still have several options for your education, one of which is whether or not to pick up a minor. This addition is not for everyone, but it can greatly benefit some students. Read on to decide if picking up a minor would be beneficial to you Why you should consider a minor To open your eyes to other fields Adding a minor allows you to get exposure to a field that you wouldnt otherwise get. Youre taking classes that are outside your normal track, so youre learning new information that can benefit you in a variety of ways. Maybe you decide to take a few classes to get a minor in a certain subject and realize that you really enjoy it. If you find yourself in this position, youre at the point where you can consider double majoring. Even if you take a few classes and decide to stop after your minor requirements are completed, you will at least have another area of expertise to reference, and you will have learned for sure that this isnt something you want to pursue as a major/career (nothing is worse than just not knowing!). To stand out from the competition Having a range of experiences can only help you stand out when it comes to applying for jobs and internships post-graduation. Many employers will be happy to see your range of interests and experiences, which could benefit you in the hiring process. When employers see that you have a minor, they see that you are interested in learning more and working hard, both of which are great qualities to have. To increase your skill sets Every subject involves different strategies and different ways of thinking, so taking a few extra classes can give you greater perspective. While adding a minor may mean extra work, it also means you are learning more. Maybe critical thinking skills are a huge part of your major, but public speaking is a large part of your minor. With both of them, you increase your portfolio of skills. Or perhaps your minor classes focus heavily on writing, allowing you to improve in that aspect. Regardless, you wont lose knowledge by taking additional classes. [RELATED: What I Wish I Knew About Picking a College Major] Why a minor may not be right for you It may take away from your major field of study Before choosing to add a minor, you should look into your major requirements and see if minoring is a possibility at all; consult with your academic advisor if youre not sure. If your major is a particularly heavy one requiring a significant amount of time and effort that is already overwhelming you, you may want to consider just sticking to your major. If youre worried that a minor may take the place of other important activities, such as landing extracurricular leadership roles or an internship, minoring may not be for you at this time. It may not affect your post-grad plans While some minors may help you set yourself apart from competition in post-grad job searches or grad school applications, some arent necessarily worth the additional work. If you are choosing a minor that is too close to your major of study, consider if it really will help you when it comes time to apply for jobs. On the other side, if you choose a minor that is incredibly different from your major, employers may see that as indecisive and potentially worry that you dont plan to stay in that field. [RELATED: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Switching Majors] Bottom line: If you do decide to pick a minor, ensure you choose one that benefits your major, rather than taking away from it. By carefully evaluating the aforementioned factors, you can make an informed decision on whether or not to pursue a minor in your college career. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

What College Students Should Know About Social Media

What College Students Should Know About Social Media These days, almost everything gets posted on social media. Every social event, every embarrassing fall, every bad hair daythey get posted on the Internet for the world to see. Staying smart on social media is a concept that many students misplace. Knowledge of social media and its influence on your future is valuable, because contrary to many beliefs, there are great advantages to students utilizing social media as well. With almost everyone having some sort presence online, and many not properly aware of the best ways to showcase that presence, things can get messy fast. The big thing to remember when in college is that your social media presence matters. It might have influenced the admissions advisors who approved your application and it may influence potential employers for the rest of your life. You could be a stand-up citizen with amazing grades and wonderful people skills, but if you appear one way online and another way in person, employers may begin to wonder how well you actually might fit in with their mission. Why students should craft a positive online persona A positive persona on social media can sometimes help you land a job or an internship. You could find yourself recruited by a potential employer through LinkedIn, for example (someone who probably took a peek at your other channels as well to get an idea of your character before reaching out). Even if you make connections at a career fair or through other avenues at your school or in-person events, chances are these people will check out your social channels, so a glowing image could help boost your resume up the list. Having a positive image online may show that you are aware of the world around you and know how to properly handle yourself in an environment where nearly anything is allowed. How students can positively use social media It can be smart at some point during college to begin constructing a professional image online. Consider following news channels and public figures relevant to your field of interest, which will show you are interested in more than just the social aspects of the world. Some people choose to set up a professional Twitter account, for example, to follow and post things relevant to both their career path and current events. Also, in addition to Linkedin, there are various portfolio sites geared toward networking in specific fields. These types of sites could be focused on art, writing, research, or another discipline, and give you a platform to showcase your experience and skills while networking with potential connections. It can also be helpful to maintain a professional presence on other social networking sites, like Facebook and Instagramplaces you might not typically think of as professional social media opportunities! There is no need to completely shy away from sharing various posts and photos with your friends and family, but simply making sure that content is appropriate and representative of the online persona youd want employers to see is whats crucial. Little things like this can pay off big with potential employers who may be comparing your resume to others. Plus, this is another opportunity to share articles that are relevant to current events and your desired career field, further emphasizing your readiness for entering the workforce. [RELATED: The Importance of Writing Skills] Remember the positive side of social media and how proper usage can work to your advantage; think of your online profiles as a sort of resume or glimpse into the things you think are important. This could be the first thing potential employers know about you and your character, so make it a good first impression. In the end, college life will be some of the best days you experience, but just remember to think twice before posting, because your online actions could affect your future opportunities. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Useful Italian Phrases and Etiquette Tips for Going Out to Eat

Useful Italian Phrases and Etiquette Tips for Going Out to Eat Sign up successful But before we dive into these useful Italian phrases, there are some important dining etiquette rules one must remember when traveling to Italy. Italian Etiquette for Dining In the Italian culture, eating is a way of life. Family and friend gatherings are often centered around food. Here are some major do’s and don’ts when eating in Italy. Don’t expect the waiter to bring you the bill. Until you ask for il conto (the bill), the waiter will not bring it to your table. Also, don’t be shocked when the bill includes a small bread fee. Do enjoy your meal slowly. Italians consider dinner to be a time when you relax with family and friends. There is no such thing as get a quick bite to eat. Don’t cut your spaghetti. Whatever you do, never cut your spaghetti; rather learn how to gracefully twirl it onto your fork or go old school with a spoon. Do arrive late. Whereas showing up late for dinner in the U.S. is considered rude, Italians are rarely ever on time. Therefore, it’s okay to arrive a few minutes after the appointed time. Don’t expect breakfast. Unless you’re staying at a hotel that caters to Americans, don’t expect to eat a breakfast filled with eggs, bacon, and toast. Italians typically start their day with a cappuccino. Do go where the locals go: Italy is home to some of the most delicious foods in the world. Don’t hunt down the one restaurant that serves an American cheeseburgerâ€"eat where the locals dine! Useful Italian Phrases for Going Out to Eat The first thing to learn are common Italian phrases your waiter (il cameriere / la cameriera) may use. For example, the waiter may say the following: Cosa prende Lei? (What will you have?) Cosa desidera Lei? (What would you like?) If you are eating with one or more people, your waiter may phrase these questions in the plural to address all parties: Cosa prendete voi? (What will you all have?) Cosa desiderate voi? (What would you all like?) In response, you can simply state the item(s) you want, or you can use a whole sentence: Un piatto di ravioli con un bicchiere di vino rosso, per favore. (A plate of ravioli with a glass of red wine, please.) Prendo il risotto ai funghi. (Ill have the mushroom risotto.) If you have specific dietary restrictions, the following phrases may come in handy: Non mangio (I dont eat) la carne (meat) il pesce (fish) le uova (eggs) In looking at the menu and specifying what you would like for each course, familiarize yourself with the following words: la colazione (breakfast) il pranzo (lunch) la cena (dinner) lantipasto (appetizer) il primo piatto (first course) il secondo piatto (second course) or piatto principale (main course) la pasta (pasta; you will see different types such as le lasagne, i ravioli, gli spaghetti) il contorno (side dish) il formaggio (cheese) il dolce (dessert) le bevande (beverages) When ordering your meal, your waiter may inquire whether you would like: acqua gassata (sparkling water) acqua minerale (still water). In addition to water, you may want to order: un bicchiere di vino rosso/bianco (a glass of red/white wine), una birra (a beer) un espresso (an espresso). *Keep in mind that, in Italian culture, un cappuccino is reserved only for breakfast time; it is not served after lunch or dinner. When it comes time to pay, if youre dining with your Italian hosts or friends and would like to treat them, you can say: Offro io! (Its my treat). To ask the waiter for the bill, you can say: Il conto, per favore (The bill, please). * In Italy, tipping is not expected since the charge for service, called il coperto, is usually included in the bill. If youd like to use the bathroom before leaving, you can ask: Dovè il bagno? (Where is the bathroom?). Becoming familiar with these common  Italian phrases for going out to eat will serve you well. Youll be able to communicate with the wait staff, order your meal to your liking, and participate fully in this quintessentially Italian activity: enjoying your food. If you want to learn more Italian  words and phrases, you might want to consider taking an Italian lesson before your trip! Post Author:  Nadia B. Nadia B. teaches Italian in New York, NY. She graduated summa cum laude from New York University, with a double degree in Italian Language and Literature and Classical Music Performance.  Learn more about Nadia here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Bon Voyage! What to Pack for France [Infographic]

Bon Voyage! What to Pack for France [Infographic] Suzy S. Need to know what to pack for France? French tutor Carol Beth L. shares her tips to make your trip abroad a success! As you pack for your trip to France, its important to keep in mind your needs and goals â€" and where youll be and what youll be doing while youre over there! The number one recommendation I would give to would-be travelers to France is to pack lightly. Especially if you live in an English-speaking country other than Great Britain, youre probably in for a relatively long flight. Once youre there, especially if youll be traveling around significantly, you wont want to have to lug too much around with you. Remember that France is not only a civilized country, but it also contains many wonderful, desirable items you may wish to bring back with you. You might even want to bring an extra bag if you plan to do lots of shopping. What to Pack for France Before you go to France, be sure to study these eight essential French phrases for travelers, and try the 10 tips to learn French fast! How to Travel Light on Your Trip to France If youre near time for a wardrobe update, consider buying some of your new clothes after you arrive in France. For those you do bring, select just a few essentials that are appropriate to the season. If you need a winter coat or other warm clothes, wear them in layers during the flight. Consider travel-sized essentials. This will also help with US security restrictions on liquids such as toothpaste and shampoo. If you can, leave the technology behind. Especially if its a short trip, consider whether you can make it without your laptop. If you have things you must do using a device, will an iPad or iPhone suffice? Consider bringing a USB if you need data storage, and looking up an internet cafe while abroad for any more complicated technological or online necessities. It is possible to go without checked luggage. On my first three international trips â€" including a semester abroad and an orchestral tour that required my violin â€" I avoiding checked luggage. It made things simpler and easier both before and after arrival. Consider Your Accommodations My second recommendation is to consider where you will be staying. Will you have a place to lock up your things to keep them safe? Will you need to keep them with you perpetually? If you leave them in your room, will they be secure? Dont bring anything you wouldnt trust to survive in the places youll be going, and be prepared with a back-up plan to replace or retrieve backups of anything that goes missing. See Also: 35 French Travel Phrases to Learn (Video) Dont Forget Your Camera My third recommendation is to bring a record-keeping device and to have a plan to keep it going. This probably sounds obvious to many people. Many people probably have a  with them most of the time on their mobile phones. Sometimes simple or low-tech solutions can be just as good. In high school, my mom stuck several disposable cameras in my bags for my trip to Europe, and I used them. They worked quite well. In college, I took a miniature camera, and the batteries fell out when it took a plunge down the steps of a cathedral. Much of the data from that batch of photos was lost because it took me too long to retrieve the parts and put them together. Power Up Your Devices For those who bring chargeable or plug-in items, keep in mind also that you will need converters that will first of all allow you to plug in your device, and second of all convert the electrical current properly if there isnt one internal to the device already. Laptop computers often have current converters in their electrical chords, but still require a plug adapter to allow the end of the chord to plug into French electrical outlets. Fortunately for international travelers, if you are traveling to more than one European country, most European countries are consistent among themselves. While you are in France, have fun and experience as much as you can! Travel is simultaneously fun and educational, and the freer you are the more you will be able to bring back with you, both mentally and physically. Whats in your suitcase? Share your French-travel essentials in the comments below! Post Author:  Carol Beth L. Carol Beth L. teaches  French lessons in San Francisco, CA. She has her Masters in French language education from the Sorbonne University in Paris and has been teaching since 2009.  Learn more about Carol Beth here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Writing a Statement of Purpose

Writing a Statement of Purpose Graduate school applications require a statement of purpose. A statement of purpose is similar to an undergraduate personal statement, but it is typically more succinct and specific in its focus. Each university maintains its own format. However, in all cases, the statement of purpose is an applicants opportunity to detail his or her case for admission. Here are some great tips on what to know when writing your college admissions essay. Prospective schools seek a narrative that explains how your experiences shaped your motivation for pursuing this degree and program, how those experiences prepared you for success, and what your long-term goals are both within the program and after graduation. The key to this process is to convince the university you are applying to that you are precisely who they desire. You must prove that you are dedicated to this opportunity, that you have a sense of what you will achieve with this degree, and that you are capable of contributing to their reputation. Here are several strategies to do so: Do not be shy Strong statements of purpose involve selling yourself, to a certain degree. It is all too easy to stumble into the trap of understating your qualifications while attempting not to seem arrogant, but this is a moment when you must state what you are capable of academically. Support statements about your aptitude or qualifications with evidence cite your grades in relevant courses when discussing your dedication in the classroom or your letters of recommendation from previous research when detailing your ability to further knowledge within the field. Here are some helpful tips for writing an essaythat you may find useful. Conduct careful research Do express your excitement for the program, but recognize that enthusiasm alone is not sufficient to convince an admissions committee that you truly wish to be part of their university. Project informed enthusiasm so they understand that you are not just excited about the opportunity to attend graduate school, you are excited about the opportunity to join their program. Reference those attributes that attracted you to the university, as well as why those aspects of the program motivate you to be a part of it. Bridge this information to your past experiences. The more specific you are, the better. Outline your intended future Your explanation of a long-term plan serves as proof that you have thought things through carefully. By explaining in a convincing manner where you hope your career will go, what motivates you to follow that trajectory, and how this graduate school will assist you in achieving those goals, you can convince the admissions committee that you are not making an impulsive or ill-informed decision. The last thing any program desires is a person who is uncertain he or she wishes to be in graduate school. By sharing your future, you can avoid this doubt. These are some great tips on how to write a personal statement for medical school. When properly constructed, a statement of purpose will weave a strong explanation of how your past has prepared and motivated you to become a part of this program, how you have equipped yourself for success, and what you hope to accomplish with the degree once you earn it. By presenting this clearly and succinctly and citing ample evidence, you will put your best foot forward in the admissions process and greatly augment your likelihood of earning an interview.

African Geopolitics

African Geopolitics Understanding Geopolitics in Africa ChaptersGeopolitics in Africa: From Tribalism to Nation StatesResources in Africa that Affect GeopoliticsPolitics and Military in African CountriesLooking at All of the Countries in AfricaWhen one thinks of global powers â€" those movers and shakers that drive global politics, few African nations come to mind.Egypt, certainly; maybe even South Africa, a country that was a founding member of the United Nations and one of the founding members of the African Union.Beyond that, most of the recognition given to African nations is not for remarkable political accomplishments; they are mostly known for ferocious infighting and being abysmally poor.Such an opinion does not do justice to the world’s second largest and second most populated continent (after Asia). With her 54 sovereign states and multiple dependencies, the African continent is much more than tribal clashes, reproductive health concerns and destitution.Today, your Superprof leads the exploration of the so-called Dark Continen t.We’ll examine how this vast region came to be divided up and how the African continent is emerging from traditional tribal rule to take her place on the world stage, one country at a time.New Imperialism, European explorers scrambled to claim overseas territories.Such was the push on the African continent that it has earned an infamous title: the Scramble for Africa.Within just a few years, the entire African continent save for Ethiopia and Liberia was divided between seven western European powers â€" and even those two territories did not remain independent for long.France laid claim to much of northwestern AfricaGermany settled for a few parcels of land scattered across the southern region: Cameroon, Rwanda, Namibia and most of TanzaniaPortugal’s two major plats lay on either side of the peninsula: Angola and MozambiqueSpain reaped comparatively little territory: northern Morocco and Equatorial GuineaBelgium ensconced herself in the middle of the African peninsula, claiming the Congo, a portion of Rwanda and all of BurundiItaly, a relative latecomer to the African pillage, managed to secure Eritrea, Somalia, Libya and EthiopiaThe British Empire secured for herself vast tracts of land in southwestern and northwestern Africa, as well as a few parcels in West Africa abutting French territory.These demarcations are important to Africa’ geopolitics because those colonial borders, drawn by European powers, are for the most part how the borders of today’s African nations are drawn.Besides the goal of laying claim to as much territory as possible, those European powers were interested in the vast plunder of natural resources to be had.Economic and political gains were not the only considerations leading to the colonization of African lands.Religious missionaries, intent on converting the masses, set about educating the native population, steering them away from African languages and installing the various European tongues as official languages.So it came t o be that the languages, cultures and way of life of the African people became subsumed by a barrage of new vernacular, ideas and politics.Naturally, we cannot discuss African history (or world history) without considering the slave trade.For centuries, the people of west Africa had good reason to fear any ship on the horizon; the possibility of being carted away to serve in distant lands was distinct and very real.Later, when Europeans settled in Africa, the African people’s relationship with colonisers was largely predicated on the negative sentiment engendered through those enforced separations.It didn’t help that many colonisers employed slaves on their African plantations.Fortunately, global outcry ended the trading of humans long before the end of the Second World War, when a wave of independence movements fuelled by the African people led to the end of colonialism and the surrender of lands.Discover how European geopolitics impact Africa today...Since then, the countries of Africa have been establishing their own development goals and are finding partnerships in unexpected quarters.Groundwater on the globe's second largest continent is growing ever sparser and more polluted Image by cocoparisienne from PixabayResources in Africa that Affect GeopoliticsAngola, Nigeria, Lybia, Egypt and Algeria are rich in oil. The area formerly known as Katanga, in the Republic of the Congo, is rich in minerals, especially copper.Explore also how rich oil deposits affect Middle East geopolitics...Sierra Leone, Botswana and Angola bring millions of pounds worth of diamonds to the surface every year.Unfortunately, the revenue derived from these mining efforts has caused that area to be known more for its rebel movements than for its wealth; an effect that has so far prevented any African nation from competing in global politics on a large scale.Geopolitics, the study of political relations intrastate and internationally, take into consideration geographical features as well as natural resources of a land; political relations and military power also factor in.We’ll discuss the latter two in a bit; for now, we need to focus on one aspect of African geography that is in crisis: water.We all know that the Saharan desert is a vast field of sand with nary a drop of water on the ground.The Nile, known as the world’s longest river, runs through the eastern part of the Sahara. Other rivers coursing through Africa include the Congo and Zambezi Rivers.Traditionally, the most water-rich areas were located in sub-Saharan Africa: Lake Victoria and Lake Chad. Today, they are both severely depleted due to drought and water diversion.Virtually all fresh water sources on the African continent are in trouble and it is rural Africa that is the most impacted.  Not only is water becoming scarcer but what is available must meet the needs of all African people.To make matters worse, surface water is terribly polluted and there is a severe lack of infrastructure to b ring groundwater to the surface, let alone to make it accessible in sparsely populated, remote areas.The water crisis in Africa is a global concern, leading many foreign governments, such as China, to pour billions of Yuan into such massive engineering projects.Learn all about Asian investment in Africa through our geopolitics in Asia article.The long and the short of the matter is: for all of Africa’s wealth in minerals and other natural resources, she is a parched land slowly dying of thirst.Politics and Military in African CountriesIf we accept a loose definition of ‘military’ as 'a body of armed fighters', then we must include rebel forces, which gives us a broader picture of fighting in African nations.The majority of fighting in Africa is not one country against another but insurgents rising up against the established government of their own country.In some cases, conflicts span several nations.One example of such is the Ugandan conflict that started as a religious upris ing in 1987 and continues still today, with the help of the U.S. military, to capture Joseph Kony and his fanatic followers.The Sudan Civil War presents an example in which the military, a government entity, actually sided with the people to bring down the existing government.Among all of the conflicts in countries of Africa, the tribal clashes are perhaps the most brutal: the Rwandan massacre, mercifully short-lived, stands as a prominent example of such.The prolonged ethnic cleansing in Darfur â€" unfortunately much longer in duration, is another.Sadly, there is so much of such conflict that the average global citizen really only hears of all this bad stuff... much like with geopolitics in Latin America.It is now time to take a look at Africa’s developing regions, and how those growing economies are working together to build a better African continent.This map of Africa shows that the African continent is far bigger than western Europe! Image by Arek Socha from PixabayLooking at All of the Countries in AfricaOn the one hand, the African continent has vast natural resources, including gold, diamonds and oil â€" the world’s three most coveted materials.On the other, development and infrastructure are seriously lacking and many African nations are suffering a crisis of leadership.Did you know that Russia labours under similar geopolitical challenges?Few leaders of African nations have been able to reconcile ethnic factions that have a long history of enmity, let alone deter those who would rise up to claim a larger share of wealth from the lands’ natural resources.The gender gap in earnings and in civil rights is more of a gulf; many rural areas still ascribe to traditional views regarding women.Through this all, foreign powers maintain an interest in the riches of Africa but have shown little interest in African development.Besides civil matters, one of the biggest problems assailing African nation leaders is resource distribution.For instance, all of th e diamond mines are located in southern Africa; how should Zimbabwe share that wealth with, say, Niger â€" one of Africa’s poorest countries, while possibly inciting their immediate neighbours' ire by not sharing with them?And how to manage international affairs when so few people had ever had any large-scale international dealings?Enter the African Union, an organisation of African nation heads of state and, born to foster cooperation between countries and help manage international relations.Headquartered in Addis Ababa, this recently-founded group replaces the older Organisation of African Unity, whose main goal was to oversee the end of colonialism and ensure against any future attempts thereof.This newer union, with 55 member states, is pledged to advance solidarity and cohesion among African nations, to continue with political and social integration throughout the continent and to encourage international cooperation of individual states.Nobody knows the geopolitical realities of African nations better than African leaders.  How they manage the challenges facing them will depend on how well they can work together.Now take a look at geopolitics around the world...

Five Tips for Reviewing the Midyear Report Card

Five Tips for Reviewing the Midyear Report Card Its a brand-new year and a brand-new term of school. That means the midyear report card has come home, which might be a source of stress, a source of pride or a little of both. As Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center says, this is a great time for parents and their children to have open and honest conversations about school. We always encourage parents to think of the midyear report card as much more than something they should read through and file away, says Huntington. The report card presents an opportunity to review childrens strengths, areas that need attention, study habits and so much more. Most importantly, this time of year is ideal for parents and children to talk about school. When reviewing the report card, Huntington offers parents these five tips: Focus on progress. Pay attention to progress indicators and benchmarks on the report card to see how your child is moving toward mastery of grade-level standards. Look at the report card prior to this one. How do your childs grades in each subject compare to those on this report card? Talk about your childs methods. What did your child do to earn that A in English? What led to the C in math? Grades are a measurement of your childs knowledge, but its essential that you dig deeper to understand what your child is or isnt doing to earn themand keep up in school. Take note of any discussion about time management and organization. Some teachers put comments on the report card about these critical aptitudes, but if they do not, talk with your child about them. Have your child walk you through his or her approaches to staying organized and keeping track of all homework, due dates and other obligations. Gauge how your child feels about school. If youve noticed a lack of motivation or some negativity about school, open the lines of communication. What is causing your childs indifference or frustration? Look to the report card for any comments from the teacher about your childs demeanor and attitude too. Pay attention to any remarks about other skills. In todays complex world, students need a range of abilities to succeed in the 21st-century learning environment. The report card might have a section assessing college-ready and career-ready aptitudes like higher-level thinking, problem-solving and comprehension skills. Huntington reminds parents to reach out to their childs teacher about the report card or attend midyear parent-teacher conferences. She adds the importance of being positive and keeping perspective. Report cards might highlight trouble spots as well as areas of strength, but parents must remember that every student has ups and downs, says Huntington. One bad gradeor even several bad gradesdoes not define your child, and no problem is insurmountable. Whether your child is struggling a little or a lot, report card time is a checkup and nothing to be afraid of. If your child had a difficult first half of the school year and youd like to understand whats going on more thoroughly, call Huntington at 1-800 CAN LEARN. Well assess your childs current skills and identify areas where he or she might need additional help to get back on track.