Many parents and grandparents are increasingly concerned about education quality, as evidenced by the rise in homeschooling and charter schools. They worry not only about the quality of education but also about misplaced emphasis, causing students to fall behind in basic skills and subjects. Dr. Dominique Padurano, whom I call “A Teacher’s Teacher,” has extensive experience tutoring students across various subjects and skills, passionate about supporting their aspirations.
In this article and podcast, we explore the definition of a good teacher, importance of setting goals and current trends in adolescent education and offer tips to help prepare the next generation to successfully launch into adulthood. We expand on the tips Dr. Padurano gives tips for kids in grades K-7 and grades 8-12 in the podcast.
What Makes a Good Teacher?
A good teacher is characterized by a genuine love for learning and a passion that is palpable to students. This enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge can be contagious, sparking interest and curiosity among students. When a teacher is deeply engaged with the material, students are more likely to become engaged. If you develop a love for learning, you have given the student the gift of a lifetime.
Additionally, having diverse experiences outside of education allows a teacher to connect challenging concepts to students' personal interests and real-world situations. For instance, by relating the importance of timely test preparation to a student's dedication to volleyball, the teacher makes the concept more relatable and understandable. This ability to draw connections between academic content and students' lives not only aids comprehension but also helps in fostering a genuine excitement for learning. When our granddaughter became more interested in the inner workings of a grand piano than playing, we bought a book illustrating the internal mechanism. She is still playing and this has enhanced her experience.
Setting Realistic Goals
Setting goals is a critical aspect of a student's educational journey, as it fosters a sense of ownership and direction in their learning. However, the balance between setting achievable goals and aiming high can be delicate. Students sometimes underestimate their potential, setting goals too low, as illustrated by a student who scored a 1430 on the SAT but hesitated to apply to more selective schools. Encouraging students to aim higher can open doors they might not have considered.
Conversely, there are times when students' aspirations need a dose of realism. For instance, a student with a 1290 SAT score applying to Harvard might need guidance to set more attainable goals. This delicate balance extends to parents as well. Sometimes, parental expectations can be misaligned with what is reasonable or beneficial for the student. Dr. Padurano gave a notable example involved a student scoring a near-perfect 1580 on the SAT, with a parent pushing for a retake to achieve a 1600. This push, driven by the desire for perfection, disregarded the potential stress and diminishing returns for the student. The role of the teacher or tutor is crucial in these scenarios. It involves gently reappraising goals and setting realistic, yet challenging, objectives. Demonstrating genuine care and prioritizing the student's well-being over rigid achievement metrics builds trust and fosters a supportive learning environment.
Effective Communication
Effective communication is vital in aligning goals among students, parents, and educators. During times of educational disruption, such as the pandemic, the importance of parent involvement became more evident as parents began to see what was really covered in the classroom. It was a wake-up call in many ways with many pursuing homeschooling or charter schools.
Parents' engagement can significantly enhance a student's ability to achieve their potential, making education a collaborative effort. The partnership between parents and educators is essential, ensuring that goals are set appropriately and that the student receives consistent support and encouragement. This holistic approach helps students navigate their educational paths with confidence and clarity.
Supporting the Student
Supporting students effectively involves recognizing their current developmental stage, learning style and providing appropriate guidance to foster independence. This concept, known as scaffolding in the educational field, emphasizes the need for tailored support based on individual needs. For example, a 12th-grade student is typically more independent and may not require frequent check-ins regarding scheduling and homework completion. In contrast, a 9th-grade student might need more parental involvement to ensure they are keeping up with their responsibilities and meeting expectations.
It is essential for parents to understand that the role of a tutor is not to perform miracles but to guide the student through a process of gradual improvement. Expecting immediate and drastic changes overlooks the importance of consistent support and realistic goal-setting. Active parental involvement, such as regularly checking if the student has completed their homework, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of tutoring sessions. This involvement ensures that the student is prepared and can maximize the benefits of the additional support they receive. By working together with educators and maintaining open communication, parents can help their children develop the skills needed for academic success and independence.
Tips for K-7
For students in grades K-7, developing strong foundational skills in reading and math is crucial. Here are key tips for both students and parents to help foster these essential abilities:
Cultivate a Love for Reading: When our kids were very young, we walked to the library, which was a couple blocks away. They loved it and I really loved it because it kept our young boys very busy. We checked out as many books as possible and I made sure I made a note of the book titles so they wouldn’t get buried in their rooms. Allowing our kids to choose their own books, with approval, can increase their enthusiasm for reading. Regularly reading aloud with children helps develop their vocabulary, comprehension, and love for stories. This activity can be a bonding experience and also models fluent reading. I love it when parents start this when kids are very young!
Master Math Fundamentals: Consistent practice of basic math skills, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, is essential. This can be done through flashcards, math games, and everyday activities like cooking or shopping. It’s important to not let them rely solely on a calculator or other device. The days of our yellow “Pee Chees” are gone with timetables, so we as parents and grandparents have to be intentional with this. We can show how math is used in daily life. For example, involve children in measuring ingredients while cooking, counting money while shopping, or calculating distances during travel. Comparing costs of different groceries and size values is an extremely valuable skill that they will carry all through their adult lives.
Tips for Grades 8-12
For parents of students in grades 8-12, supporting a child's academic journey is crucial as they transition towards higher education. Here key tips to help guide them effectively:
Visit College Campuses: Start visiting local college campuses when your child is in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade. This exposure can inspire them to work harder in school by giving them a tangible goal to aim for. Also visit some trade schools. There is a huge demand for trades right now and many programs that support excellent jobs. The Mike Rowe Works Foundation has provided millions of dollars in scholarships for the trades.
Understand the Reality of Sports Scholarships: This advice was strongly urged by Dr. Padurano as she has seen many missed opportunities for academic scholarships. Recognize that substantial sports scholarships are rare and typically awarded to students who are at the national level in their sport. While sports can be beneficial, avoid overcommitting to traveling teams and late-night games with the expectation of securing a full ride. Instead, ensure that sports participation does not detract from academic performance. Strong academic performance and work ethic can lead to merit-based scholarships, which are more widely available than sports scholarships.
Application
Overall, help students create a balanced schedule that allows time for both academics and extracurricular activities. Developing a structured routine is an enduring quality that is carried over in many areas of life. This should include limiting screen time for the younger student to encourage concentration and creativity. Encourage them to pursue interests that align with their passions and academic goals, without overwhelming them.
By following these tips, parents and grandparents can effectively support their children through the critical years of middle and high school, ensuring they are well-prepared for college or a trade school and beyond. It's about striking a balance between encouraging creativity, extracurricular activities and prioritizing a strong work ethic and academic excellence to maximize opportunities for their future.
Additional Sources:
Music for Kids book by Deborah Johnson
Dr. Padurano’s many free resources: https://www.crimsoncoaching.com /
Mike Rowe Works Foundation for trade school scholarships
Music for Homeschooling and online music education: Homeschool Music
- about dominique padurano
Dominique Padurano, M.S., Ed., Ph.D. loves helping students fulfill their dreams. A graduate of Harvard and President and Founder of Crimson Coaching, Dr. P. herself personally tutors students in many academic subjects and skills; prepares them for tests like the SAT; and coaches them through the college application process.
An enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge can be contagious, sparking interest and curiosity among students.
deborah johnson
Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author
If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning
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