Report Cards are out and, inevitably, there are some surprises.  It seems like only yesterday that I remember that look on my mother’s face.  We don’t have a dog, where is all of the missing homework?

Whether the report that came to your home was good or bad homework habits, preparing for tests and improving reading comprehension can help everyone. There are resources in schools, families, the internet and local Chattanooga businesses that can put the smile back on everyone’s face before the next report card comes around.

Whether your child’s grades are starting to slip or you realize that homework is finding a black hole you can form positive habits now that will allow success as your child moves into adulthood.  It is never too late to improve study and learning habits.

The first step it to talk with your child’s teacher.  Ask about the habits they see, the homework they are receiving and look for suggestions to raise the bar of your child’s education. It’s okay to ask for help for your little Einstein, remember even he was deemed a slow learner.

Each child is different. These trials can test the parent-child bond. Before reacting to that lowered grade remember your own “glory days”.  How did you feel?  How did your parents handle it?  Most of all remember that your unique and wonderful bundle of  joy, well….. isn’t you. There are struggles for our children in and out of the classroom that those celebrating double-digit high school reunions can’t imagine.  Handle with care.

Here are a few of the educational enrichment programs who are doing a great job serving families in Chattanooga:

Kumon

Located at 6231 Perimeter Drive Kumon is a two day a week center, providing outside tutoring in reading and math while focusing on the theme of success. For more than fifty years the teachings of Kumon have evolved into the world’s largest after-school enrichment program.  Founded in 1914 the program thrives on creating motivation for its pupils to learn on their own by building self confidence and a desire to achieve more.

In addition to their math and reading programs for school age children there is also Junior Kumon.  Junior Kumon is designed for children 3-5 for those who want to launch those pre-k’ers into early student success. For our ambitious students there is an Advanced Student Honor Role program where more challenging material is presented to keep them above their grade level.  Members of the Cosmic Club earn points that may be redeemed upon progress in the program. Don’t act like I didn’t check out the prizes either they range from sleeping bags and lunchboxes to IPOD Touches and XBOX 360′s. Radical.

LearningRX: Training Your Brain

www.learningrx.com/chattanooga-east or call 423-305-1599

The Chattanooga Brain Training Center is located at 2040 Hamilton Place Blvd and work to strengthen students’ brains so that learning and reading become easier. Brain training works on a person’s underlying cognitive skills, to increase their capacity to learn.

Both children and adults are taking the steps to get a deeper meaning of the 7 cognitive skills that impact each person’s learning experience. Testing on the areas of Memory, Auditory/Visual Processing, Attention, and Logic and Reasoning are identified along with the speed at which they are determined. Individual esults are evaluated by the qualified educators to plan a cognitive based program tailored for each student.

There is a survey on the website so that you can get an idea of where you and your child may need to start and the information provided is quite enlightening and they often have discounts and specials.

Mathnasium

www.mathnasium.com/chattanooga or call 423-899-2011

Math. I am guilty of an adult fear of number and letters doing math gymnastics together. I could only dream that I had taken advantage of a program such as Mathnasium. It is a must for those who are not math oriented to find a way to fight through the numbers and new math without bursting into tears.

Mathnasium will celebrate the Grand Opening of their Hamilton Place location on November 15th. This level of teaching math was honed thirty-five years ago by Larry Martinek from California who found himself attempting to challenge his son in the area of mathematics.

“Over the next three decades, Larry painstakingly developed and assembled a blend of methods and materials that proved highly effective for students of all ages. Instead of relying on traditional rote memorization and repetitive exercises, Larry’s work focused on helping children build deep mathematical understanding—number sense—by honing their math instincts and getting them to think like Mathematicians”.  This program encourages it’s students to come in at least two times a week, focusing on not only written but verbal instruction and consistently putting the fun in fractions!

Hamilton County Homework Hotline

The Hamilton County Homework Hotline is a great resource, operating from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (423) 209-7755.  Also, check your Monday Memo or school website, often individual teachers have online homework links and guidance so that you can keep track of your student’s progress and the assignments that are due.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance you can also contact The SouthEast Tennessee Career Center to apply for the WIA Youth Program which offers tutoring and a variety of support services to qualified at-risk teens from 14 to 21.  Erica Smith (423)643-2354

Ten Questions You Should Ask of a Tutoring Program provided by chattanooga.thebeehive.org

1. Who will do the tutoring?

2. What are the tutor’s qualifications?

3. What is the tutor’s track record with helping students learn?

4. Where will tutoring be offered?

5. How many students will be tutored at a time?

6. How will the tutor measure your child’s needs and progress

7. How will the tutor communicate with you and your child’s teacher?

8. What is your tutor’s policy for cancellations and make-up sessions?

9. What will happen if the tutoring does not help your child?

10. What can you do to support your child’s learning?