In the interest of arriving at a result that everyone can be proud of, here are some tips to prevent and solve the most common problems of group projects and ensure that every group project goes off without a hitch:

Where Should Students Begin when a Group Project is Assigned?

Getting started is often the hardest part, especially if students have not had experience working in a group before. Before students begin any project or assignment, it’s important that all members of the project plan how they’ll work by setting some parameters, such as:

• Assign a project leader: choose someone in the group to help coordinate everyone else and assign roles.
• Contact details (phone numbers and email addresses for all team members)
• Assigning tasks: each group member should be responsible for a particular part of the project and understand their role.
• Meeting schedule (how often team members will get together to work on the project, when and where they’ll meet)
• Set deadlines to keep the project moving along.

All students in the group project should understand their role and the overall objective.

Who Does What in the Project?

Divide and Conquer

Collaboration is key! Students must work together to determine what needs to be done and how to divide the work.

• For instance, if the project is designing a poster, the tasks could be writing the words, developing a design concept, drawing or using a computer to create the poster artwork, getting the poster laminated, creating and writing the presentation of the poster in class, etc.
  
• Once everyone agrees on all the tasks that need to be accomplished, assign responsibilities.
  
• Discuss what tasks each person is interested in, and what skills/talents/resources they can bring to the project.
  
• Divide administrative tasks that no one wants to do among several team members. If someone wants to try something new, partner that person with someone else who has experience. This allows people to develop abilities in the group while still creating a successful project.
  
• Set a timeline: Work backward from the final deadline and assign deadlines to each team member for completing each task.
  
• Communicate throughout: create a group chat over email or an app to stay connected, ask questions, and remind group members of timelines.

Once everyone understands their role and the work involved, it’s easy to see how their individual contributions will lead to the final product.

How To Know When the Project is Complete

Bringing the individual elements of the project together into a completed work is the next step. The group leader will

• The group leader will contact all members to collect their contributions and bring all elements together.
  
• The completed project should be shared with all group members for review and editing as needed.
  
• If presenting the group project in front of the class, the group should gather again to practise the presentation and determine who is saying what.

Once all group members are satisfied with the final product, the group project is ready for the next step.

Presenting the Group Project

Group projects usually involve a presentation element. Public speaking can be daunting for many students, so it’s key to know who is comfortable presenting. Here’s how to divide and conquer when presenting a group project:

• The group leader presents the group project topic and introduces everyone in the group
  
• Each person presents the key points from their section.
  
• The group leader presents the project conclusion and asks the class if there are any questions.
  
• Bonus tip: Use visuals to help make your points! It makes the presentation more dynamic.

Making the Most of Group Projects

TLDR: While group projects are not every student’s favourite assignment, with these tips, students can manage their group project with ease, ensure all members of the group participate evenly, and get the best mark possible.

• Assign a group leader
• Evenly divide the work
• Stay in contact
• Follow up often
• Present with ease

Get Help With Group Projects & Assignments

Help your child build stronger skills in school in all subjects and grades with a personalized learning program at Oxford Learning.

Whether your child is in elementary school or high school, our customized cognitive-based programs help all students develop stronger learning skills for life!

Get started here.

This post was originally published in 2006 and has been updated in 2025

The post How To Manage a Group Project appeared first on Oxford Learning.

Check out these exciting and engaging holiday activities that combine learning and fun!

Holiday Activities That Develop Math Skills

1. Have Your Child Help Pick Out Groceries

Turn your next grocery shopping trip into a learning experience!

Asking your child to help calculate quantities and costs helps build essential mental math skills. For instance, if you’re cooking two hamburgers for six people with two people being vegan, challenge your child to figure out how many patties to buy. Older kids can tackle more advanced questions, like determining the cost per unit in a package. Not only will this boost their math confidence, but it will also make them feel like an important part of the family routine.

2. Holiday Baking Fun

Baking isn’t just delicious—it’s educational. 

Invite your child to measure ingredients and explore basic unit conversions. For example, ask, “How many millilitres fit in a cup?” as you bake together or ask them to double or triple the recipe. These activities strengthen math skills and teach real-world applications while building confidence and creating sweet holiday memories.

Here are three great baking recipes to try: 

• Peppermint Bark
• Bûche De Noël 
• Gingerbread Cookies

Holiday Activities That Develop Science Skills

3. Take a Walk Outdoors

Exploring nature is a wonderful way to foster curiosity and observation skills. Visit a park or green space, and ask your child questions like, “How do you think this landscape was formed?” or “What animals might we see here?” You can make it even more interactive by setting up a scavenger hunt and encouraging your child to classify items by colour, shape, or size.

4. At-Home Science Experiments

Bring the wonder of science into your home with simple experiments. From building a baking soda volcano to constructing paper towers, these activities make science fun and engaging. You can even turn it into a family competition—whoever builds the tallest tower wins the right to choose the next experiment!

Holiday Activities That Develop Writing Skills

5. Write a Letter to Santa

If your family celebrates Christmas, have your child to write a letter to Santa. This fun tradition improves handwriting, spelling, fine motor skills, and creativity while keeping the season’s magic alive.

6. Holiday Cards for Family Members

Let your child take charge of the family’s holiday cards. Writing thoughtful messages fosters communication, time management, and writing skills. Plus, it’s a rewarding experience to create something meaningful for loved ones.

Holiday Activities That Develop Reading Skills

7. Read Together Every Night

For younger children, nightly storytime is a great way to practice reading. Guide them through the text, point to pictures, and read aloud together. Older children can enjoy a novel over the break—set a goal to finish the book before school resumes for an added challenge.

8. Learn a New Game

Pick up a new board game for the family to enjoy. Have your child read the instructions aloud to practice reading comprehension and public speaking. Helping them with tricky words will build confidence while making family game night even more fun.

Here are some great games: 

1. Monopoly teaches money management, decision-making, and basic math skills.  
2. Scrabble helps build vocabulary, spelling skills, and critical thinking.  
3. The Game of Life introduces real-world decision-making, financial literacy, and planning for the future.

Holiday Activities That Develop Art Skills

9. Create Holiday Cards

Put crafting and drawing skills to work this holiday season and create holiday cards and gift tags. Homemade is always the best and crafting builds focus and determination.

10. Film a Holiday Video

Filming a holiday video is a fantastic alternative for kids who prefer to be behind the scenes. They’ll learn about directing, planning, and visual storytelling while creating something they can enjoy for years. Bonus: There are many services that you can use to make a holiday e-card video that you can send to friends and family. Here are a few:

• Memento 
• Celebrate 
• VidDay

Whatever the Subject, Oxford Learning Can Help

Whether your child needs extra support in a specific subject or wants to sharpen their learning skills, Oxford Learning is here to help. Our team works closely with your child to set and achieve learning goals, ensuring their success both in and out of the classroom.

Make this holiday season a time for learning and fun with Oxford Learning!

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This post was originally published in 2018. Updated for 2024.

The post 10 Holiday Activities To Keep Your Child On Track appeared first on Oxford Learning.

However, the process of becoming math literate is less commonly understood, though it’s just as important to students’ success in school and beyond. So, what does math literacy really mean?

What is Math Literacy?

Math literacy, or numeracy, is the ability to problem-solve, reason, and analyze using numbers. It goes beyond basic arithmetic and is essential for applying math in real-world situations. Math literacy enables students to understand math terminology (such as knowing that “sum” means addition and “difference” means subtraction) and decode what a question is actually asking.

Mastering math literacy means students can use numbers effectively, understand patterns, and apply logical reasoning to solve everyday problems.

When Do Students Become Math Literate?

Students reach math literacy after they’ve mastered fundamental math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Mastery of fractions by the end of Grade 5 is also crucial; without it, students will likely struggle with more complex math concepts in high school and beyond.

Math literacy isn’t an instant achievement—it requires years of understanding and applying math concepts. Interestingly, the brain’s ability to comprehend abstract logic fully matures during adolescence, which is often why high school becomes the real testing ground for math skills. Students who are solid in the basics can move more seamlessly into advanced math.

Common Challenges in Developing Math Literacy

Math literacy often comes with its own set of hurdles. Many students struggle to recognize patterns and apply learned skills in new situations. Word problems are a common stumbling block, as students may struggle to interpret the question and identify the steps needed to reach a solution.

Abstract thinking is also an essential skill in math, yet it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. This is why extra support and encouragement are key for students who find math challenging. Extra tutoring support can help students overcome any math problems that they may be facing. Learn more about math tutoring here.

When Can a Student Consider Themselves Math Literate?

There is no specific age at which students achieve math literacy. They achieve it when they can confidently use math concepts, recognize patterns, and transfer skills to solve problems. Math literacy is more than just completing assignments—it’s a way of thinking and solving problems in everyday situations.

Tips for Improving Math Literacy Skills

It’s never too late to improve math literacy! Here are some effective ways to strengthen these essential skills:

• Revisit basic concepts.
  • Understanding core mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions, lays a solid foundation for tackling complex math skills.
• Fill math learning gaps early.
  • The sooner students identify and address gaps, the greater the likelihood of becoming math literate.
• Relate math to real life.
  • Math is everywhere, from cooking to home improvement to driving. Showing students how math applies to daily life makes it more relevant and engaging.
• Boost confidence and motivation. 
  • Positive experiences with math, such as small successes, can significantly impact a student’s confidence. Confidence, in turn, motivates them to tackle more complex problems.
• Provide real-world examples.
  • When students ask, “When will I ever use this?” real-world examples—from art to computer science—can demonstrate the value of math in everyday life.

6 Fun Ways to Make Math Engaging at Home

If you’re looking to make math more enjoyable for kids, here are six fun ideas:

1. Use math in cooking; measuring ingredients helps with fractions and multiplication.
2. Play board games with math elements. Games like Monopoly or Yahtzee encourage counting, strategy, and probability.
3. Tracking fitness goals can help kids set and measure their personal bests for physical activities.
4. Design a home project that encourages kids to calculate paint or flooring needs for a room—it’s a real-life application of area measurement.
5. Solve puzzles and brain teasers together; this helps build critical thinking.
6. Explore math in nature, looking for patterns in leaves, shapes of rocks, and weather patterns, all using math concepts.

Developing math literacy is a journey that requires practice, patience, and positivity. By understanding and embracing the “language of math,” students not only improve academically but also gain vital skills for navigating the world around them.

Need Help Building Math Skills? 

Oxford Learning can support your child on the path to math literacy! Our programs are designed to boost confidence and understanding, making math accessible and enjoyable. 

Find an Oxford Learning location near you to get started today!

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originally published in 2010. Edited and updated in 2024.

The post What Does Math Literacy Mean? appeared first on Oxford Learning.

Middle school ages and grades can vary from province to province and school board to school board. In some areas, it is grades 6-8; in others, it’s grades 7-9. Middle school can sometimes also be known as junior high school.

This comprehensive guide equips you with indispensable insights concerning middle school tutoring.

Within this guide, we will go into the advantages of tutoring at the middle school level, the range of subjects that can be tackled, various tutoring approaches, strategies for locating a suitable tutor, and helpful tips for optimizing the tutoring experience. Let’s get into this guide on middle school tutoring and discover how it can empower your child’s educational journey and bolster their academic accomplishments.

1. Does tutoring help middle school students? 
2. Common subjects for middle school tutoring
3. How to find a middle school tutor?
4. Qualities to look for in a middle school tutor 
5. Signs your child needs tutoring
6. What is cognitive learning? 
7. Why does cognitive learning help middle school students?

How Can Middle School Tutoring Benefit My Child?

Tutoring in middle school offers a range of benefits, including extra subject review and practice, enhanced subject comprehension, and the invaluable gift of individualized attention, a rarity in crowded classrooms. Whether your child is struggling to keep up or excelling in their studies, tutoring can be the key to their academic success, even during school breaks.

Here are some of the advantages of middle school tutoring:

1. Personalized Attention: Tutoring provides one-on-one learning tailored to your child’s unique learning style, pace, and interests. This personalized approach fosters deeper understanding and active engagement.
2. Targeted Remediation: Tutors pinpoint specific subjects or areas where a student may face difficulties and offer focused support to bridge knowledge gaps, improving overall performance.
3. Building Confidence: Middle school students who receive tutoring often experience a boost in confidence. Tutors offer positive reinforcement, instilling a sense of accomplishment and motivating students to tackle challenges with self-assurance.
4. Enhanced Study Skills: Tutoring not only delves into subject-specific content but also imparts valuable study skills. Students learn organizational techniques, time management, and note-taking methods, laying a solid foundation for future academic achievements.
5. Enrichment Opportunities: Tutoring can enrich academically advanced students beyond remediation. Tutors introduce challenging concepts, offer advanced materials, and nurture critical thinking skills, igniting a passion for learning.
6. Individual Progress Monitoring: Tutors closely monitor your child’s progress, offering regular feedback and assessments. This enables continuous adjustments to the tutoring approach, ensuring optimal results and ongoing growth.

Investing in middle school tutoring can empower your child with the skills and knowledge they need to excel academically and set the stage for a successful future.

Common Subjects for Middle School Tutoring 

1. English
2. Math 
3. Science 

English Tutoring for Middle School Students 

English tutoring for middle school students offers tailored guidance and engaging lessons, strengthening reading, writing, and language skills. Tutors boost confidence, address specific challenges, and ensure students excel in their English studies during their crucial middle school years.

Grade 7 English Tutoring Topics

Reading

• Determine central ideas in a text and analyze their development
• Analyze the structure used to organize a text
• Evaluate and compare arguments and claims

Writing

• Write arguments, supporting claims with reasons and evidence
• Clearly organize ideas, concepts, and information
• Develop and explain a topic with relevant facts, definitions, details, and quotations

Language

• Understand the function of phrases and clauses in specific sentences
• Distinguish between simple, compound, and complex sentences
• Demonstrate understanding and correct use of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling

Grade 8 English Tutoring Topics

Reading

• Determine the meaning of words and phrases, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings
• Analyze details and themes in a text
• Use evidence to support analysis of a text

Writing

• Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion
• Gather information from print and digital sources for research projects
• Support arguments and claims with reasons and evidence

Language

• Form and use verbs in the active and passive voice
• Use punctuation to indicate pauses or breaks
• Use the relationship between words to understand their meaning

Math Tutoring for Middle School Students 

Math tutoring for middle school students delivers personalized instruction and interactive learning experiences, reinforcing mathematical abilities. Tutors boost self-assurance, tackle subject-specific difficulties, and guide students to excel in middle school math, building a strong foundation for future success.

Grade 7 Math Tutoring Subjects 

Ratios

• Calculate unit rates associated with ratios of fractions
• Recognize proportional relationships between quantities
• Use relationships to solve ratio and percent problems

Number Systems and Fractions

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers and fractions
• Solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with rational numbers

Expressions and Equations

• Become familiar with solving problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations
• Generate equivalent expressions by rewriting expressions in different forms
• Use variables to construct simple equations and inequalities

Geometry

• Draw and construct geometric shapes and describe the relationships between them
• Draw shapes with given conditions, such as specific angles
• Develop problem-solving skills related to area, surface area and volume, with an added skill of measuring angles

Statistics and Probability

• Develop knowledge of statistics and probability
• Work with random samplings to gather and interpret data sets
• Draw informal comparisons about two or more populations

Grade 8 Math Tutoring Subjects 

Number Systems

• Understand irrational numbers
• Learn to use rational approximations of irrational numbers to compare their size

Expressions and Equations

• Work with radicals and integer exponents in a variety of situations
• Understand connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations using graphs
• Analyze and solve linear equations

Functions

• Define, evaluate and compare functions in a variety of ways
• Use functions to model linear relationships between quantities, using appropriate graphs and charts

Geometry

• Understand congruence and similarity using physical models and geometry software
• Solve real-world problems involving volume, using cylinders, cones, and spheres
• Apply the Pythagorean theorem to determine unknown side lengths and the distance between two points

Statistics and Probability

• Develop skills in statistics and probability
• Investigate patterns of association, using techniques such as scatter plots, tables, and charts

Science Tutoring for Middle School Students 

Science tutoring for middle school students provides individualized support and hands-on learning experiences, helping them grasp complex scientific concepts. Tutors enhance confidence, address knowledge gaps, and empower students to excel in their middle school science studies, laying the groundwork for future academic achievements.

Grade 7 Science Tutoring Subjects 

Structure & Properties Of Matter

• How substances are made from combinations of atoms
• Different types of energy
• Chemical reactions and the effects of thermal energy
• How light is affected by different materials

Force & Motion

• Gravitational, electrical, and magnetic forces
• Newton’s Third Law
• Relationships between energy and forces

Life Science

• Dynamics and cycles of ecosystems (producers, consumers, and decomposers)
• Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
• Growth and development of organisms (inheritance and variation of traits)

Earth Systems

• Patterns of the sun, moon, and stars
• The role of water in Earth’s surface processes
• Human impacts on Earth’s environment

Grade 8 Science Tutoring Subjects 

Structure & Properties Of Matter

• How substances are made from combinations of atoms
• Different types of energy
• Chemical reactions and the effects of thermal energy

Force & Motion

• Gravitational, electrical, and magnetic forces
• Newton’s Third Law
• Relationships between energy and forces

Life Science

• Dynamics and cycles of ecosystems (producers, consumers, and decomposers)
• Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
• Growth and development of organisms (inheritance and variation of traits)

Earth Systems Science

• Patterns of the sun, moon, and stars
• The role of water in Earth’s surface processes
• Weather and climate

Check out these 7 ways tutors help your child with back to school.

How Do You Find a Middle School Tutor?

Oxford Learning, with over 120 locations throughout Canada, is the top choice for parents. Distinguished as Canada’s sole tutoring program centred on cognition coaching, Oxford Learning transforms setbacks into strengths, empowering middle school children’s minds to strive for greater achievements.

Search for a tutoring centre near you.

Qualities to Seek in a Middle School Tutor

When seeking a tutor for middle school students, it’s vital to find someone who possesses the following qualities.

• Establishing Connection and Professionalism. Look for a tutor who can build a strong connection with your child. They should approach their role professionally, maintaining clear communication while demonstrating reliability and punctuality.
  
• Bringing Energy and Enthusiasm. An effective middle school tutor should infuse each session with energy and enthusiasm. Their passion for the subject matter can inspire the student and make the learning process engaging and enjoyable.
  
• Being Caring and Supportive. A caring and nurturing tutor creates a supportive learning environment. They should genuinely care about the student’s progress, well-being, and overall development. This fosters trust and encourages students to ask questions and seek help when needed.
  
• Flexibility and Adaptability. Middle school students have diverse learning styles and needs. A tutor who can adapt their teaching methods and strategies to accommodate different learning preferences is invaluable. Tutors should also be flexible in scheduling sessions and adjusting their approach based on the student’s progress.
  
• Respectful and Understanding.  A great middle school tutor understands students’ challenges and respects their circumstances. Tutors should be patient, empathetic, and capable of explaining concepts to suit the student’s comprehension level. Mutual respect between the tutor and student is essential for effective learning.

When selecting a middle school tutor, consider these qualities alongside their qualifications, experience, and subject expertise. Finding a tutor who can facilitate academic improvement and create a positive, supportive learning environment for the student’s overall growth is crucial.

Learn more about Middle School tutoring programs.

5 Signs Your Child Needs Tutoring

Is your middle school student encountering challenges in their academic journey? Recognizing the signs that your child could benefit from tutoring is essential to helping them regain confidence and excel in their studies. Here are some key indicators to watch out for.

1. Declining Academic Performance If you observe a consistent decline in your middle school student’s grades, it may indicate that they are struggling with specific subjects or concepts.
   
2. Homework Avoidance or School Aversion When your child starts avoiding homework or shows a lack of enthusiasm for attending school, it could signal a need for additional support, such as a middle school tutor.
   
3. Inconsistent Homework Time An imbalance in the time your middle school student dedicates to homework may suggest they require assistance in understanding the material or are rushing through it without grasping the concepts.
   
4. Difficulty in Grasping or Retaining Concepts If your middle school student struggles to comprehend new ideas or has difficulty retaining what they’ve learned, seeking middle school tutoring can help reinforce their understanding.
   
5. Disorganization Regarding Schoolwork If you notice disorganized schoolwork management, such as misplaced assignments, missed deadlines, or challenges in prioritizing tasks, it may indicate a need for middle school tutoring to enhance organizational skills and study habits.

By identifying these signs early on, you can give your middle school students the tailored guidance they require to thrive. Middle school tutoring offers personalized attention, reinforces foundational knowledge, and instills effective learning strategies. Remember, every student learns at their own pace, and seeking support is a positive step toward unlocking their full potential.

Understanding Cognitive Learning in Middle School

Cognitive learning is an approach to education that empowers middle school students to harness their mental faculties more effectively. This learning method is dynamic, constructive, and enduring, fostering active involvement in the learning process and ultimately making learning, critical thinking, and retention more accessible.

This learning styles transcends more than just memorization or repetition; it’s about cultivating genuine comprehension and equipping students with the skills to become better learners.

Cognitive learning strategies for middle school students encompass:

• Requesting that students reflect on their experience
• Assisting students in finding fresh answers to challenges
• Promoting debates regarding what is being taught
• Assisting students in exploring and comprehending how ideas are linked
• Requiring students to defend and explain their reasoning
• Using visualizations to promote student comprehension and retention

Cognitive learning in middle school aims to empower students with knowledge and the cognitive tools and skills they need to become effective, self-driven learners throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Why Does Cognitive Learning Help Middle School Students?

Cognitive learning proves to be a game-changer for elementary students, ensuring that knowledge is not merely memorized temporarily but deeply understood. By employing this learning approach, elementary school students can attain a profound and lasting grasp of concepts in subjects like mathematics, English, science, and even languages like French.

Cognitive skills serve as the differentiating factor between proficient and average learners. When cognitive skills are underdeveloped, children may struggle to integrate new information as it’s presented to them.

It’s essential to remember that learning and assimilating new information is pivotal for successful education, making the development of cognitive skills a matter of utmost importance.

Cognitive learning contributes by:

• Helps identify elementary school students’ preferred learning styles, whether they are visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or exhibit other learning tendencies
• Guides students to approach learning with a broader perspective, enabling them to grasp how small concepts connect to form larger ones
• Sassists students effectively and efficiently applying newly acquired ideas, facilitating practical implementation

Incorporating cognitive learning strategies into elementary education empowers young learners to excel academically and develop essential cognitive skills that will be a strong foundation for their future educational endeavours.

Ready to see how Oxford Learning can help your middle school child? Enrol now.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Middle School Tutoring appeared first on Oxford Learning.

The last thing that kids want over the winter holidays is to do their schoolwork. While taking a break from the normal routine is welcome and necessary, too long away from regular routines can negatively impact learning momentum. This is especially true for teens heading into final exams a few weeks after returning to school in January.

Festive and Fun Ideas to Keep Kids Engaged

While your holiday schedule may include baking, decorating, and travelling, learning is one to-do item you won’t want to overlook this holiday season. Mixing in a touch of learning keeps kids on track academically, maintains school habits, and helps make the transition back to class post-holiday that much smoother. The best news? Learning over the holidays doesn’t have to be boring! 

Check out these fun and festive holiday learning tips to help your kids develop healthy learning habits this holiday season.

Six Holiday Learning Ideas for All Ages

Mix Up Math In the Kitchen With Holiday Baking. Baking holiday goodies is an always popular activity for all ages. Mix in holiday learning with measuring, quantities, and fractions to help children understand math’s practical purposes in everyday life. Check out these ideas to help kids build math skills in the kitchen.

Flex Creativity Skills with Crafts. Crafts are a great family holiday activity. They reinforce many important school skills like attention to detail, following instructions, and maintaining focus. These activities also encourage creativity and imagination. Plus, kids have a great craft they can feel proud of!

Cultivate a Holiday Reading Habit. Reading is one of the greatest ways to work on school skills over the holidays. Regular reading helps children develop their vocabulary and improve their reading comprehension. Choose holiday books to keep holiday learning spirits high!

Play Board Games Together! Playing board games can help kids develop critical thinking skills like strategy, analysis, and planning. They also help improve basic school skills such as addition, subtraction, and reading comprehension.  

Stay on Schedule. Don’t forget what day it is just because the Avent Calendar is empty! Studies show that children crave structure and routine, even on breaks from school. Over the holidays, use a calendar or school agenda to stay organized and count down the days to the New Year and the start of school. Teens can use this time to get a head start on January assignments.

Get Skillful at Science. Hands-on activities are a huge hit with kids, and holiday science experiments are the perfect way to learn more about how the world works.

Discover everything you need for the best middle school experience here.

Family-Focused Holiday Learning Help

Learning over the holidays doesn’t have to mean completing math assignments or writing an essay! There are plenty of easy, family-focus holiday activities that incorporate learning, are fun for children of all ages, and keep kids on track for the New Year!

Talk to your local Oxford Learning location team for more ideas to help keep your kids on track academically over the holidays.

The post Holiday Learning Tips To Keep Kids on Track appeared first on Oxford Learning.

Math scores have been down across the board due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One education research organization predicts that the average student lost 57 to 183 days of learning in reading and from 136 to 232 days of learning in math just during the spring of 2020. There have been many learning losses due to the pandemic. Read about it here.

These tips can help students strengthen their math comprehension, develop strong math skills, and avoid falling behind in math class.

10 Tips to Help Students With Math

1. Doing Math Homework

Obvious, right? Even if a student understands a concept/skill clearly, doing all the assigned homework can help make the concept cement in the student’s brain. 

Imagine the questions as practice test questions: complete them correctly during homework, and the student is more likely to complete them correctly during a test. Check out this article with five tips on simplifying math homework. 

2. Know the Math Textbook

Since math is cumulative, the textbook is a chronological guide to what is coming up next. Review chapters before entering class to help prep the student’s brain for the new lesson and get a head start on seeing how new material connects to previous material.

3. Ask in Class 

If a student feels that a new concept is harder to wrap their head around, ask for clarification in class. Not speaking up, then finding out that a student can’t complete the homework because something is confusing. 

While in class, listen to other students’ questions, as they may help them understand their own or offer to complete questions on the board even if they’re unsure what they are doing. Practice makes perfect.

4. Understand the Method & the Process

Knowing formulas is important, but a student can’t be successful if they don’t know how or when to use them. Take the time to understand the formulas’ principles to understand math concepts truly.

5. Prime the Brain

Math is easier if a student’s brain is ready for it. Do a few fun brain teasers before sitting down to complete homework or study for a test to get their brain in the math mood.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

If a concept is still a bit fuzzy even after the student has completed their homework, find some additional practice questions online. It is important to not only complete questions until they get the right answer, but until they understand how they got the right answer.

7. Don’t Stress

If a student is struggling with a question or concept, set it aside, take a break, and return to it later. If they’re still having difficulties, call up a classmate or ask a family member for help. Look online. If no one can help out, make a note of the problem and wait to ask their teacher the next day. Struggling with a problem that no one can answer will only increase frustration and cause unnecessary stress.

8. Slow Down 

Completing work in class or finishing a test is not a race. Take time to understand, complete, and double-check their work. Taking time also lessens any chances of making silly mistakes or scribbling un legible answers.

9. Analyze Any Errors

When homework and tests are returned to the student, take the time to go over the wrong answers. Figure out where they went wrong and do a few practice questions to get the correct method locked in their brain. Ask the teacher if they need help figuring out their missteps.

10. Exercise Before Homework 

Studies show that light exercise increases blood flow and improves mental clarity and the ability to concentrate, which is exactly the state a student wants their brain in before doing homework. So, go for a walk before hitting the books and can maximize your headspace and homework efforts. Check out this article on the benefits of exercising before doing homework.

Master middle school prep with our essential guide.

Contact your local centre today to learn more about how Oxford Learning can help your child to develop strong math skills. and get the most out of their education! 

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The post 10 Tips to Having Math Success  appeared first on Oxford Learning.

The old saying goes, “a failure to plan is a plan to fail.” Another good one is “be prepared.” These expressions refer to planning skills.

What Are Planning Skills?

Planning skills belong to the executive function set of cognitive skills. Executive function skills are the skills we use to set goals and make decisions—they also support critical thinking and self-regulation. 

Planning skills are not just for the classroom! Planning skills can be as simple as remembering to bring a water bottle to the park or charging the laptop before an online lesson. 

Consider planning skills like a road map to a destination. Whether it’s a big project for school or what to eat for lunch, students of all ages can put planning skills into action. Planning skills help students accomplish their goals, save time, and get organized, at school and at home.

Learn to Plan in a Few Simple Steps

To get started with any plan, first consider the task as well as the time to complete itm then ask these questions:

Next…

1. Break the Task Down Step-By-Step. Big projects can seem overwhelming at first. Break tasks into smaller steps and divide steps over time. This makes tasks that seem large become more manageable.
   
2. Write it Down. Whether you use a wall calendar, a school agenda, or a phone app, write down the plan. Writing a task down relieves stress because you no longer need to hold the details in your brain. Plus, writing a task out helps the brain better remember that information. 

Help your child succeed—see the ultimate study guide here.

Beat Procrastination With Planning! 

When students know how to plan they approach tasks and learning methodically, which reduces stress, increases focus, and makes big projects seem manageable! 

Knowing what’s involved in a task or an assignment goes a long way to helping students beat the urge to procrastinate. Putting planning skills to work and seeing a task written out step-by-step eliminates uncertainty which is a big reason that students procrastinate in the first place! 

Navigate the middle school journey with ease—read the full guide here.

The post Planning Skills Can Make Learning Simpler. Here’s How appeared first on Oxford Learning.

It’s not uncommon for parents to hear, “I have too much homework and no time to do it!” or even, “I have so much homework I want to cry!”

When it comes to homework, a little planning and organization helps students of all ages complete their homework on time. When solid homework habits are established, good grades follow—not just for the next test but for the entire school year.

If your child feels overwhelmed with homework, use the tips below to set up a good homework strategy he or she can feel confident managing.

How To Deal With Homework Overload

1. 1. Set Up a Study Area

From the first day of class, designate one area of the house as the “homework zone.” This should be an area free from distractions that is dedicated to working on projects and assignments. Encourage your child to avoid studying in bed—beds should be reserved for sleeping only.

Separating homework from leisure time activities (like sitting in front of the TV) keeps your child focused on the task at hand, freeing up time later on once homework is done.

1. 1. Make Materials Available To The Homework Zone

Consider what tools your child needs to get homework done. Use a container or box to keep all supplies handy—anything that your child may need access to during homework should be easily accessible.

Having these materials readily available means less time is wasted searching for materials and supplies.

1. 1. Remove Distractions

Distractions can be internal (such as racing thoughts or hunger) or external (like technology or other people). These distractions can lead to a poor understanding of material and feelings of frustration.

It’s important to limit the number of distractions however possible, so that your child can accomplish more work and retain as much of the homework material as possible. If your child has a cell phone, shut it off or put it in a different place until homework is complete. Make sure the TV is off and everyone else in the home is doing something relatively quiet.

1. 1. Use An Agenda

Agendas are a key organizational tool for homework. Make sure your child has an agenda with plenty of room to record important tasks and deadlines. An agenda not only reminds your child what needs to be completed for homework each night—it’s also a great place to write down questions to ask the teacher.

1. 1. Prioritize Tasks

Look at your child’s agenda together and come up with a plan for what needs to be accomplished first. It can be tempting to do the easy work before anything else but encourage your child to tackle the tougher assignments first. Your child will have the most mental energy and focus at the start of homework time, so it’s important for him or her to get the most challenging work done first.

1. 1. Set a Time Frame

Choose a time of day to work on homework that is best suited to your family’s needs. Whether it is right after school or after dinner, make sure it’s a time your child can commit to throughout the whole week. Sticking to a set schedule helps build consistency, and gets the work done on time.

Create a plan with your child for how long he or she will work on homework each night. Depending on your child’s age, this can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Be sure to incorporate study breaks while your child works on his or her homework. Learning how to take a study break that works is the best way to handle a busy homework night. A short 5-10 minute break every 30 minutes or so gives your child a chance to regroup and avoid boredom or frustration.

1. 1. Offer Guidance

Don’t do the homework for your child, but be available when he or she needs some help. If your child can complete work independently, check in every once and a while to ask how things are going.

Knowing you are there to help if needed will assure your child that he or she has the support to accomplish what needs to be done.

1. 1. Stay Informed

Regularly talking to your child’s teacher is a great routine to establish. Being informed will help you keep your child accountable for the work that needs to be completed.

Ask about upcoming projects that may require extra help or any regularly occurring assignments. Add these things to a master calendar that the family shares to keep everyone informed and on track!

1. 1. Be A Role Model

“Do your homework!” are 3 words heard in many households. Set a good example for your child by practising what you preach.

What your child sees you doing has a big influence on what he or she does. Read a book, do some research, or scratch a chore off your to-do list while your child is working on homework.

1. 1. Offer Praise

If your child is working hard, give him or her praise for doing a great job. Be sure to recognize his or her efforts, not just intelligence.

Your child will appreciate that his or her hard work is not going unrecognized, and will be more motivated to continue working just as hard.

1. 1. Watch Frustration Levels

If your child is feeling stressed by homework, or just can’t master the concepts, then it’s time to seek help. Arrange to talk to your child’s teacher or seek out after-school tutoring to help your child stay on track.

Fixing the problem before it becomes a bigger issue is key to success in school.

Good Grades Start With A Solid Homework Strategy

Homework can be a challenging experience, especially when it starts piling up for your child. But with a well-established homework routine, your child will build confidence in his or her ability to manage time and study more effectively.

If your child is struggling to build homework skills, our Homework Help Tutoring is a good option to help him or her get back on track!

See why homework is necessary and everything else homework related.

The post 11 Tips For Helping Your Child Manage A Lot Of Homework appeared first on Oxford Learning.

At home, procrastination and distraction can prevent you from accomplishing what you need to get done. Watching TV, taking a nap, scrolling through social media, or other activities (maybe even cleaning your room!), are big productivity killers that take you away from your goal of studying for or completing that assignment.

Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use to help you be more productive. Here are 8 ways to help you stay focused and get more done when studying at home.

8 Tips For Studying At Home Effectively

1. Try Active Studying

Active studying is as simple as asking questions before, during, and after study time. Not only does this help to give your study session direction, but it also helps keep you on track and reflect on how to improve for your next study session!

Questions to ask yourself before you study:

• What am I about to learn?
• What do I already know about this subject?

Questions to ask yourself while you study:

• How does this information fit into a bigger picture?
• Do I understand what I have just read?
• Can I paraphrase it?
• Are there any key words or ideas that I need to write down? Why are these words and ideas important?

Questions to ask yourself after you study:

• What can I take away from this study session?
• What do I need to review or learn next time?

2. Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Students of all ages should get at least eight hours of sleep every school night. It’s the best way to ensure that the brain is refreshed and ready to process all of the information learned during the day. It may be tempting to stay up late to cram, but it’s more beneficial to get enough rest.

A full night’s sleep is especially important the night before a test—a good night’s sleep makes you more alert and improves memory for test material, leading to better test results.

Give your child the tools they need to thrive—check out the guide today.

3. Study At The Right Time

Every student has his or her own daily highs and lows. Some people are night owls while some people prefer the morning. Take advantage of the time of the day you feel most productive, and don’t try to force yourself to study when your brainpower isn’t at its peak. Try to study when you are most alert, so you are able to process and retain the information that you are studying.

4. Have A Designated Study Area

Whether it’s the kitchen table or the desk in your bedroom, create an area to study that is a designated study zone. Try to reserve your bed for sleeping and avoid studying in it (it can be all too easy to take a nap!). Most importantly, keep your study space clean and organized so you can put more time into studying (and less trying to find a pen that works).

5. Eat Properly

Don’t forget to eat! Your body (and your brain) needs fuel to help stay in top form. Plus, it’s difficult to focus when your stomach is growling. Have healthy snacks while you study, but make sure they’re prepared in advance so you don’t spend too much time away from your work. More time away means more opportunity to be distracted!

6. Get Chores Out Of The Way

Take care of daily chores before starting your study session to avoid interruption, or being distracted by an unfinished to-do list. Getting chores out of the way makes it much easier to focus on the task at hand. Plus, you can look forward to relaxing when your study time is done rather than dreading the chores that need to be completed.

7. Create A Timetable

Creating a timetable helps organize your time, schedules your breaks, and is especially useful when you have multiple subjects to study. Write your schedule down so you can remember it and refer to it often. Set reasonable limits for how much time you spend studying each day, and break your study session up into manageable chunks of time.

8. Use A Timer

Use a timer to help keep track of time and to make sure you stick to the timetable you created. Setting a timer helps keeps you focused on the task at hand, committed to working until the timer goes off, and helps keep you on track to cover all the material you need to. Above all else, it helps keep your break time effective and guilt-free (because you’ve earned it!).

Make The Most Of Your Study Time

Although it seems convenient, studying at home can be difficult—procrastination and distraction can happen easily. But with a little bit of planning and organization, it can be an effective (and comfortable) place to study. Try some of these tips for studying at home to help you stay focused and more efficient with your study time.

Check out these related resources to help with study habits:
I Study Hard, So Why Do I Get Bad Grades?
11 Bad Study Habits To Avoid… And Become A More Successful Student
Day Or Night: When Is The Best Time To Study?

The post How To Study At Home (Without Getting Distracted) appeared first on Oxford Learning.

Knowing how to better manage school stressors helps students experience less stress, allowing them to perform to their fullest potential.

Keep reading to find out the biggest cases of school stress for students.

11 Things That Could Be Causing Your Child Stress At School

1. 1. Upcoming tests

Many students worry about getting a good grade or simply making time to study if there is more than one upcoming test. Test stress doesn’t just affect struggling students, either—high-achievers usually experience a lot of stress about doing well on tests.

1. 1. Too much homework

When your child is overwhelmed or frustrated by homework, it makes it harder for him or her to complete assignments. This can cause a stressful cycle where homework piles up and your child doesn’t have the time or energy to complete it all—leading to even more stress.

1. 1. A heavy workload

Whether it’s advanced-level classes or the amount of studying required, a heavy workload can be a major source of stress for students. This is especially common for older high school students as they start making their post-secondary plans.

1. 1. Lack of organization

Students with poor organizational skills tend to experience more stress in school. This is usually because they aren’t properly prepared with the tools or the understanding needed to learn. If those organization skills don’t improve they may continue to fall behind, leading to more stress and frustration about school.

1. 1. Too little “down time”

Students with busy schedules can quickly become overwhelmed because they are left with no free time to relax. As your child progresses from elementary school to high school, the amount and difficulty level of schoolwork increases—and students without good time management skills can experience even more stress.

1. 1. Poor sleep schedule

Not getting enough sleep makes it difficult for students to concentrate and learn effectively. This can lead to feelings of stress for your child when he or she isn’t able to perform well in class or on assignments. In fact, studies have shown that students who don’t get the required 8-10 hours of sleep each night are more likely to feel stressed than students who do.

1. 1. Participating in class

For many children, the thought of getting called on in class and speaking in front of their classmates can be terrifying. This can be particularly true if your child struggles to keep up in a subject or area (common examples are math and reading).

1. 1. Lack of support

A lack of support from parents or teachers, even if it’s only perceived, can add a lot of stress to students. They may feel that a lot is expected of them, but that they don’t have a strong enough support system (whether emotional or practical) to achieve their goals. This is another cause of stress can affect high-achieving students in particular.

1. 1. Transitioning to a new environment

Making a major move can be a stressful time for many students, whether it’s starting at a new school or making the transition from elementary school to high school. New classes, new teachers, and new routines can all be stressful for students, and take time to adjust to.

1. 1. Classes that are too hard

As they progress through school and start taking more advanced classes, the increased difficulty can cause stress for students. This is very common for teens entering their high school years. As classes get harder, it’s important to address challenges early so your child can catch up before he or she falls too far behind.

1. 1. Changes to routine

A routine including dedicated homework time and a consistent sleep schedule helps guide students through their day. When changes to the usual routine start to happen, your child may find it more difficult to manage his or her time, leading to more stress.

Is Your Child Struggling With School Stress?

Find out how you can help your child deal with stress at school or contact an Oxford Learning Centre near you to learn how our tutors can help.

Unlock the key to a successful high school year—find out more here.

The post Common Causes of School Stress For Students appeared first on Oxford Learning.