It happens more often than many parents realize.

Recently, a student brought a test to the centre on which he lost 10 marks because parts of his answers were illegible. Ten marks! His teacher explained that messy handwriting often reflects poor organization and encouraged him to work on both his penmanship and organizational skills.

Whether handwriting truly reflects a student’s organizational abilities is open to debate. However, one thing is certain: neat, legible handwriting can significantly impact academic success.

The Connection Between Handwriting and School Performance

Like it or not, handwriting influences how others perceive our work. Many teachers associate clear, organized handwriting with clear, organized thinking. When work appears messy or difficult to read, it can create the impression that the student’s ideas are equally disorganized—even when that’s not the case.

As a result, poor handwriting can sometimes lead to lower grades, misunderstandings, or missed opportunities to demonstrate knowledge.

Why Good Handwriting Matters at School

Handwriting plays an important role in many everyday classroom activities, including:

• Taking notes during lessons
• Editing and revising assignments
• Writing comments in books or margins
• Keeping an organized agenda or planner
• Completing written portions of tests and exams
• Recording ideas, reminders, and inspirations quickly

In many cases, written responses—particularly essay questions—carry significant weight on assessments. If a teacher struggles to read a student’s work, valuable marks can be lost.

Handwriting Skills Matter Outside the Classroom Too

While technology plays a larger role in our daily lives than ever before, handwriting remains an important life skill.

Good handwriting can be useful when:

• Completing job applications
• Writing thank-you cards
• Leaving important notes for family members or coworkers
• Taking messages
• Addressing cards and envelopes
• Creating shopping lists and reminders

Clear communication matters, and handwriting is still part of that equation.

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The Benefits of Handwriting for Younger Children

Handwriting isn’t just important for older students.

Learning to print helps young children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. These foundational skills support success in many areas of learning, from reading and writing to problem-solving and organization.

As children practice forming letters correctly, they are also developing patience, focus, and persistence—skills that benefit them throughout school and life.

Small Improvements Can Make a Big Difference

Improving handwriting doesn’t happen overnight, but small changes can have a meaningful impact.

Encouraging your child to slow down, form letters carefully, cross their “t’s,” and dot their “i’s” can help make their writing more legible and organized. As handwriting improves, students often become more confident in their work and more mindful of presentation overall.

Teachers notice improvement, too. When students demonstrate growth in one area, it often signals a willingness to learn and develop in others.

Handwriting may seem like a small skill in today’s digital world, but it continues to play an important role in academic success, communication, and personal organization.

Helping your child develop clear, legible handwriting can prevent unnecessary lost marks, build confidence, and support the development of valuable lifelong skills.

Sometimes, success starts with something as simple as making sure every word can be read.

Find a location near you for writing tutoring today!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2006 and updated in 2026

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There are many resources dedicated to helping boys improve their reading skills, along with websites and educational programs designed to encourage reading both in and out of the classroom.

A Gender Gap in Reading Skills

Concerns about boys falling behind in school remain part of a broader conversation about education and literacy. Recent reporting highlighted growing concerns among educators and researchers about boys’ academic performance, engagement, and graduation rates in Canada.

Similar discussions are happening internationally. explored why many boys struggle early in school, while examined how traditional classroom environments may not always support boys’ learning styles and literacy development.

Many experts point to the importance of engagement, hands-on learning, and finding reading materials that genuinely interest students. That’s part of why comic books and graphic novels continue to stand out as valuable literacy tools.

Why Graphic Novels Appeal to Boys

Graphic novels may be one of the best tools that can spark boys’ interest in reading. But what is it about graphic novels that captures boys’ attention? Are graphic novels enough to help close the reading gap?

Comic books and graphic novels appeal to many boys because they combine visual storytelling with written language. Graphic images add depth and dimension to the story while helping readers stay engaged. Even though graphic novels often contain less text than traditional novels, their narratives remain rich and meaningful.

A article notes that boys are not “just looking at the pictures.” In fact, graphic novels can provide many of the same literacy benefits as other forms of reading.

Do Graphic Novel Books Improve Literacy Skills?

Graphic novels can be valuable learning tools. Along with encouraging reading engagement, graphic novels can help teach important literacy concepts such as metaphor, tone, pacing, inference, and tension.

However, for graphic novels to help boys improve reading skills and narrow the literacy gap, they must also be recognized as legitimate and valuable reading material in schools and classrooms.

How Comic Books and Graphic Novels Support Literacy Development

The facts are:

• Reading and literacy skills are critical for academic success.
• During the early and middle school years, boys often lag behind girls in reading achievement.
• Many boys show a stronger interest in graphic novels and comic books.
• Graphic novels can help increase reading confidence, comprehension, and engagement.

At the same time, reading comics should not become a “shortcut” that avoids deeper reading challenges. Children still need opportunities to think critically, build vocabulary, and develop the concentration required for sustained reading.

Avoiding Reading Stereotypes

While gender differences in reading abilities may exist, it’s also important not to create gender-based reading stereotypes. Boys should never be told they will not enjoy text-heavy books, and girls should never be told that graphic novels are “just for boys.”

Reading development is highly individual. Both boys and girls can overcome learning challenges, strengthen literacy skills, and become confident readers with the right support and encouragement.

Why Graphic Novels Belong on the Reading List

Comic books and graphic novels can provide a dynamic and engaging reading experience for students of all ages. For boys who may be struggling with reading motivation or confidence, comics can be an effective way to spark a love of reading and encourage continued literacy growth.

Whether used at home or in the classroom, graphic novels can help young readers take the next step in their reading journey.

We help students build strong reading skills and confidence through personalized learning programs designed to meet each child’s unique needs.

Reach out to us if your child needs reading help today. 

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2010 and was updated in 2026.

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Here are six simple strategies that can help children build confidence and develop stronger math skills outside the classroom.

6 Simple Ways to Make Math Fun

1. Turn Math Into a Game

One of the easiest ways to make math fun and engaging for kids is by turning it into a game. Many traditional board games and card games normally involve counting, strategy, probability, and quick mental math.

For example, games like Yahtzee, card games (see ), and puzzles encourage children to calculate scores, recognize patterns, and think critically.

Family game nights are also a great time to sneak in math while keeping the focus on fun. A little friendly competition with parents or siblings can motivate children to participate and improve their skills without feeling like they are studying.

2. Use Educational Math Apps and Games

Most kids love using technology, so why not make it work for learning?

There are many great math apps and online platforms that reinforce important math concepts through interactive games and challenges.

Popular options recommended by many parents include:

• Prodigy
• Mathville
• IXL

These platforms allow children to practise math skills at their own pace while receiving instant feedback. When used in moderation with traditional education and tutoring, educational apps can be a powerful tool for reinforcing what children are learning.

3. Show Kids How Math Is Used in Everyday Life

A common question children ask or think to themselves is: “When will I ever use this?”

It’s our job as parents, teachers, and tutors to show kids how math shows up in everyday life and help them understand why learning it matters.

Try involving your child in real-world tasks such as:

• Cooking or baking (measuring ingredients using metric units)
• Telling time 
• Checking the temperature
• Handling money
• Estimating the total cost while grocery shopping

Younger children can practise sorting coins or counting items, while older children can help calculate totals or compare prices. These everyday experiences make math fun, practical and meaningful.

4. Be Mindful of How You Talk About Math

Parents often unintentionally influence how children feel about math.

Comments like “I was never good at math” or “You take after me” can reinforce the idea that math ability is fixed or genetic. Instead, try encouraging a growth mindset by emphasizing effort and improvement.

Language matters, too. For example, the word “drill” can make math practice sound unpleasant. Using more positive language, such as “practice,” helps children connect math learning with activities they already understand, like practicing a sport or learning a musical instrument.

The goal is to help children see math challenges as opportunities to grow their thinking skills.

5. Use Your Child’s Teacher and Tutor as a Resource

Teachers and tutors are among the best resources parents have for supporting math learning at home.

Many math programs include suggested games or activities that families can use to enhance current lessons. For example, a simple dinner-table activity like a rotating-spoon game, where kids can practice concepts like quarter turns, half turns, and three-quarter turns.

Teachers may also be able to help you find learning tools, such as:

• Teaching clocks
• Base ten blocks
• Mirrored manipulatives (miras)

If you are unsure how to support your child’s current math topics, don’t hesitate to reach out to 91°µÍř to see how we can help, learn more about our math programs here. 

6. Connect Math and Reading

For children who love reading but feel less confident about math, books can help bridge the gap.

Many authors have created engaging math-focused children’s books that introduce concepts through storytelling and puzzles. For example, authors Greg Tang, Cindy Neuschwander, and Stuart J. Murphy are known for writing books that make math fun and accessible.

Some popular books that explore math concepts include:

• by Cindy Neuschwander
• by Greg Tang
• by Stuart J Murphy

These books help children see math in a fun way and can make learning feel less scary.

Understanding Math Literacy

Just as reading does, math learning follows a developmental process.

When children develop literacy skills, they first learn sounds, then letters, and eventually how those letters form words and meaning. Over time, they build the ability to understand and interpret written language.

Math works in a similar way.

Children begin by learning basic number concepts, patterns, and operations. As they grow, these skills expand into problem-solving, logical reasoning, and real-world applications.

Supporting math literacy at home helps children develop confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills that benefit them throughout their education.

Make Math Fun with 91°µÍř

With a little creativity and encouragement, parents can help children build a positive relationship with math.

Games, technology, everyday activities, and supportive language can all make a difference. When children see math as something useful and even fun, they are far more likely to stay engaged and develop strong skills.

Sometimes a little enthusiasm from parents (even if you have to fake it!) can go a long way toward helping kids enjoy learning math.

If you notice your child is struggling with math, we can help them catch up and make math fun again! 

Find a location near you for all your math needs.

Note: This post was originally published in 2015 and was updated in 2026.

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The key is balance: enough rest to recharge, enough activity to keep minds engaged.

Below are simple, age-specific holiday tips to help students enjoy the break while staying mentally active, confident, and ready for the new year.

Create a Fun, Active Holiday Break

“Fun” during the holidays should involve movement, creativity, and meaningful experiences—not two weeks of TV or video games.

Holiday activities that help students recharge and stay active include:

• Walking as a family to see holiday lights
• Skating or sledding
• Playing in the snow
• Singing carols or doing crafts
• Skiing or winter hiking
• Board games, puzzles, and hands-on projects

Active fun keeps kids mentally alert without feeling like work.

Age-by-Age Holiday Tips Learning

High School Students: Prepare for Exams (Without Burning Out)

For semester students, exams are coming in January, making a light, structured review plan—about two hours of study per day—key for high school students.

A simple strategy:

1. Break each subject into small, daily units. For example, if math exams are 30 days away, divide the material into 30 sections—one per day.
2. Use a Day Planner. Schedule review sessions and keep track of daily progress.
3. Stay current. Once school resumes, ensure current classwork stays up-to-date so review doesn’t pile up.
   

This approach builds confidence and prevents last-minute cramming.

Grades 1–3: Read, Write, Play

Young learners thrive when reading, imagination, and conversation are woven into family life.

Try:

• Reading together daily
• Playing games that build memory and focus
• Creating a family holiday journal and writing in it each day
• Talking about books, stories, and shows—ask what happened and why
  

The goal is to keep kids curious, expressive, and engaged.

Grades 4–6: Build Planning Skills and Encourage Reading

This age group benefits greatly from a balance of structure and independence.

Here’s how:

• Use a Day Planner to schedule family activities (feeding pets, outings, decorating, skating).
• Keep a daily journal describing holiday fun and experiences
• Pick up magazines related to your child’s interests—animals, sports, science, history, crafts.
• Continue reading in an enjoyable and low-pressure, yet consistent manner.

These simple habits strengthen writing, organization, and critical thinking.

Grades 7–8: Strengthen Study Skills and Active Thinking

If tests or exams are scheduled for January, use the same light-review plan as high school students.

Focus on:

• Using a planner every day to organize tasks, goals, and activities
• Watching history or nature programs with a discussion afterward
• Following up with library research or online exploration
• Playing strategy board games like chess, Clue, Catan, or Risk
• Planning and reflecting on holiday activities

At this age, students are building study habits that will matter in high school—holiday breaks are a perfect time to practice these skills in a low-pressure way.

Unlock the key to a smooth middle school transition—learn more here.

The Bottom Line: Rest + Activity = January Success

The worst-case scenario is two weeks of inactivity, which can cause students to lose momentum just when they need it most. With a bit of planning and the right mix of fun, activity, and light learning, students return to school refreshed, confident, and mentally engaged.

Ready to Help Your Child Start the New Year Strong?

91°µÍř can support your child with personalized programs that strengthen skills, build confidence, and foster strong study habits throughout the year, including the holidays. Contact your local centre to get started.

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In the interest of arriving at a result that everyone can be proud of, here are some tips to prevent and solve 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

• 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

TL;DR: 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 personalised learning program at 91°µÍř.

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

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

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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: 

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. teaches money management, decision-making, and basic math skills.  
2. helps build vocabulary, spelling skills, and critical thinking.  
3. 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:

Whatever the Subject, 91°µÍř Can Help

Whether your child needs extra support in a specific subject or wants to sharpen their learning skills, 91°µÍř 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 91°µÍř!

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

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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 , 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? 

91°µÍř 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 91°µÍř location near you to get started today!

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originally published in 2010. Edited and updated in 2024.

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Middle school 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?

91°µÍř, with over 120 locations throughout Canada, is the top choice for parents. Distinguished as Canada’s sole tutoring program centred on cognition coaching, 91°µÍř 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 91°µÍř can help your middle school child? Enrol now.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Middle School Tutoring appeared first on 91°µÍř.

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 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 .

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 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 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 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 91°µÍř.

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 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 91°µÍř can help your child to develop strong math skills. and get the most out of their education! 

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