A tutoring and learning centre in Quesnel, B.C.

CalminG Phrases - Things you can say that may help your child's anxiety!

12/6/2016

Coming home from a rather stressful day working with my students, I was mulling over the prevalence of anxiety in my students. Then, later that evening I happened to notice a post that one of my teacher friends had shared and gave it a read. I often see different strategies for how to speak, and what to say to your anxious child. Some I can identify with, and some I cannot. However, I liked that this article not only gave 49 different ideas, but brief explanations as to why they may work for your own child or situation. I think too that some of these phrases would be very helpful to use for friends or family members!
I have included a screenshot below, but please click on the picture or link below to go to the article called "49 Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child" written by Renee Jain on the Positive Parents.org blog.

Lowest Common Multiples - Not such a pain anymore!

11/16/2016

I'm sure throughout your child's life, you remember a point at which they were learning about Lowest Common Multiples (LCM's), or as they're known when studying fractions, Lowest Common Denominators (LCD's). Although they are possible to figure out in one's head, very slowly, you can also figure them out using a multiplication chart.
So, as one of my students and I were recently printing out a new copy of a 30 x 30 multiplication chart, we discovered this gem........... yes, it really is...... a LCM/CLD CHART!!

LCM/LCD Chart

Although I couldn't find who actually made it up, and I couldn't find the original place on the website where this lovely chart was posted, I am thoroughly thankful for it, and have linked the address where I found it (thanks to a Google Image search).

Also, in case you're wondering, there is a great set of multiplication charts that I use and will include them below (click on the image for the link to the image, or the website where possible).

30 x 30 Chart

40 x 40 Chart

25 x 25 Chart

In a class where students are not allowed calculators, multiplication tables are generally allowed. So far, students of mine from grade 6 up have been allowed to use them in the classroom, so they might be worthwhile printing out for you too! They also look pretty snazzy in a sheet protector as well (kids enjoy using their pencils to follow the lines to the product).
Happy Printing!

An Exciting Email, and some more Shakespearean fun!

10/22/2016

Four days ago, I was in the middle of a busy day. I usually have my phone's volume turned off when I'm working with students, but for some reason it was on that day. Anyhow, I heard the usual trill of an email coming in, and since my student had taken a bathroom break, decided to check the email. It was from a parent, who's daughter had been doing research on Shakespeare and found my blog post here that I had written last spring!!
I was so excited about this, that in my response to her email I asked if I could share their story here on my page. Thankfully they said yes!

It turns out that Sara and Ava live in Bellevue, Washington and had been doing research over the weekend.
Just for fun, I consulted Google Maps, and discovered that it would be "only" an 8 1/2 hour drive between our cities!

It's quite an inspiring story actually, as Ava had been inspired by a visit to New York City where they watched the musical Something Rotten. Sara told me in her email that "She absolutely loved it and has been talking about it ever since. She and some of her neighborhood friends have even started putting on shows for us parents - I think I may have a future Broadway star on my hands!"

Then the new school year came along, and Ava's grade 6 teacher assigned research papers on the author of their choice. Immediately, Ava picked Shakespeare! Their weekend of research brought them to my page, as well as some others. However, as my page had been so helpful, they wanted to let me know! What a wonderful surprise that was in my inbox this week! It certainly made my day!

Additionally, Ava was kind enough to provide me with a link to another website that she found very helpful. Sara shared that "When I told Ava I was going to email you to thank you for your page, she suggested(insisted) I let you know about another Guide to Shakespeare she found online ... She thought it could be a good addition to your resources. Who knew 11 year olds could be so resourceful - and persistent;). Anyway it has been helpful to Ava, so hopefully you find some use for it too"
I will share it below, as well as adding it to my original post.

Click on the image above to visit the webpage that Ava recommends!

Thank you Sara and ava!

I want to share a heartfelt thank-you to Sara and Ava who reached out to me. When I originally set up the blog portion of my website, my goal was to share what I discovered in hopes that it would at least help one person. Being a very small business, you don't often know if or how your online presence affects others. Now, because of their cheerful email, I know I've helped them and therefore it's all been worthwhile!

Also, Ava has decided to join her school's 6th grade play. So, from me here at Momentum Learning Centre, I wish her the best of luck (or 'break a leg') for the play. Perhaps, once their play is ready, I'll even be able to share an update with you all too!

High school: How DO I find out what is happening?

9/30/2016

Here in Quesnel we currently have 2 high schools: QJS (grades 8-9) and Correlieu (Grades 10-12). Each school, as well as the school district has a different way of letting parents know what is going on. Gone are the days of paper newsletters sent home on Friday afternoons (to rot alongside the week's lunch leftovers, or on some occasions actually get delivered to the parent).

District Calendar

Below is the 2016-17 school calendar. This gives all the general holidays, Pro-D days and NI Days that all schools will be participating in.

QUesnel Junior Secondary

Basic information is available on their website, however, for up to date weekly newsletters (posted right at the end of the school day), or info on "Snow-Days", their Facebook Page is constantly updated.

Keep in mind that you DO NOT have to be a Facebook User to see these updates (you just won't be able to comment on them). You may see a bar at the bottom of your page saying "please sign in or sign up" but you can safely ignore this.

An alternative, if you are a parent, make sure to get on their newsletter email list! If you haven't received the past few newsletters via email, then contact the school to make sure they have your email address correct.

Correlieu Senior Secondary

Correlieu has a variety of ways to stay updated with student events. They no longer update their website with recent newsletters, but you can sign up to be on their newsletter list by phoning the school and talking to Jasmin in the office.

Additionally, some teachers as well as the school Principal, Mr. Hawkins-Bogle use the app REMIND to send out class or grade specific information and reminders. Here is the info they sent out in their August 31st newsletter about how to sign up for these notifications. Pick the grade that your student is in, and although all messages may not be of interest, it will keep you surely "In The Know" about what's going on at school. This is the system that also announces 'No Bus' days (or Snow Days), if you're not able to confirm with the school district website.

No Bus Days?

This applies to all students in the school district who may or may not take a bus to get to school. At 5am, on any day where the weather is questionable (dangerous roads, -32 or below), the school will update this part of their website.

To get their manually, go to www.sd28.bc.ca, then scroll to the bottom of the page where you see a picture of a bus. Click on this bus!

Additionally, click on the following link to read the school board's policies and procedures regarding cancelling bus operations for the day, read "COLD WEATHER/UNSAFE ROAD CONDITIONS: SCHOOL AND BUS OPERATIONS - COLD WEATHER NOTICE"

Regardless of whether your student takes the bus, walks, gets a ride, or drives themselves to school, the district encourages parents to "carefully weigh the hazards" before determining whether they should attend school that day.

Back to School Again!

9/19/2016

I hope everyone was able to take some time to rest, relax and get refreshed for the new school year!
Fall is early this year, and I saw this picture on my morning's feed and thought that it was quite appropriate for the changes that always happen in our lives as school gets underway. All of a sudden we're hit with assignments, due dates, team sports starting, deadlines, new teachers and different expectations, as well as the general change of daylight and weather. It's hard to get everything completed that we feel has to be done!
Here's a little reminder that sometimes we just need to let some things go!

Congratulations to Momentum's graduates!

6/27/2016

Graduation is always an accomplishment that should be celebrated. However, it is made even more special for me when I get to see "my kids" walk across that stage. Although I consider all of the students I work with "my kids" that are part of my big Momentum Family, I am not always able to work with a student through to grade 12. When I do work with students into their graduation year, I feel so privileged to be part of their growth and maturity. I hear about their wishes, wants and woes, and become a part of their life for this short time. It is these students who continuously re-affirm my purpose here at Momentum Learning Centre, and for that I am forever grateful!

A quote to remember that is applicable in all stops along the road of life, from my days as a 4 year old in Montessori Pre-school:

I can do anything, even if I need help!

Shakespearean Fun!

4/12/2016

I recently had a student come in, who's English class was studying Macbeth. As part of a project, she had to write an assignment using Shakespearean English! At first, that sounded rather daunting, but I found a couple of sites that definitely helped.

First of all, never forget "No Fear Shakespeare" which shows the play in both shakespearean English and then regular English, side-by-side, like this:

It makes it much easier to then figure out what is going on, if reading the play itself is proving difficult. It is also handy for parents who may have forgotten what is really going on in each scene or act.

My newest finding, in regards to writing in Shakespearean English, is two translators: English to Shakespearean (by LingoJam) as well as Shakespeare Translator (by Schmoop). Although, in translating, we did find some errors and things that didn't quite make sense, it sure made it easy to take a regular paragraph and translate it. Then, we could tweak it and make small adjustments!

Below is the first paragraph translated into Shakespearean English via the LingoJam Translator. You can see that capitals are lost, and you'll have to add them back in.

i recently had a student cometh in, who's english class was studying macbeth. as parteth of a projecteth, she had to writeth an assignment using shakespearean english! at first, that sound'd rath'r daunting, but i found a couple of sites that definitely holp. first of all, nev'r forgeteth "no feareth shakespeare" which shows the playeth in both shakespearean english and then regular english, side-by-side, liketh this:

and the Schmoop translator.

I recently hadst a inhorn man cometh in, who's English class wast studying Macbeth. As part of a project, the lady hadst to writeth an assignment using Shakespearean English! At first, that sounded rather daunting, but I hath found a couple of sites that forsooth holp.

Depending on what it is you're writing, one or the other translator will make more sense.
Can you imagine someone's annual Christmas Letter translated this way? Hahaha! That would be fun!

Come make snowflakes!

12/1/2015

Happy December!!
Two years ago, I sent out a general invitation to the public to come make snowflakes. Many snowflakes were made, created, and hung from our hallway ceiling for the next two years.

As life would have it, that lovingly saved large ziploc bag full of snowflakes carefully cut by my students, parents and the general public has gone missing.

So!! Here's a great way to start December off! Another invitation to come create snowflakes!
You can come when you need a break or when you have some spare time, and create away! Everything is here, from scissors, to patterns, to pre folded pieces of paper!!! As long as the building is open, you are welcome to cut and snip!

Welcome to the 2015-2016 School Year!

12/1/2015

The new school year is well under way, and as you can see, I haven't stayed on top of putting updates here. I generally put updates on my Facebook page first, but will now start updating here as well!
I do apologize for any inconveniences I may have caused! I've just been too caught up working with all my homeschool and after-school students :D

Math tutoring at QJS!! A great opportunity!

2/14/2015

I was looking over my Facebook feed yesterday and happened upon Quesnel Junior School's weekly update. Each week, they update what has been going on. This is a GREAT resource for parents as well, as we all know that what happens at school does not always get communicated at home. Anyhow, within their post was this truely EXCITING opportunity for those students needing help in Math at QJS as well as some grade 7's!! Below, I've copied the section from their Weekly Update (and made bold the important information).

Second semester is officially underway, marking the half way point of this school year. This is when students begin to lose a bit of focus on their studies. Hopefully by identifying this problem, it will help everyone to remember to keep their focus on their academics.
In order to help with this focus, we have a new after school math tutoring service that will be offered beginning on Wednesday, February 25th. This service is aimed at supporting grade 8 students who need extra support with math. The tutors for this program are David Law, and Rick Prosk, both exceptional teachers who belong to the Quesnel Retired Teachers Association. Students or parents who would like their son/daughter to access this service should contact Mrs. Knauf at QJS in order to get their name on the list. Students from Grade 7 will also be invited to join this group. In addition, students who need to access Public Transit will be given free bus passes in order to get a free ride home. - this must be prearranged with Mrs. Knauf.
Quesnel Junior School's Facebook Page Feb 13th

This is amazing!! free math tutoring arranged by a local school themselves. I'm so glad to hear of this! Please do take advantage of this great program being offered!

For your convenience, the school phone number is 250-992-2131, and Mrs. Knauf's email address is marissaknauf@sd28.bc.ca