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How to Prepare for Online Instruction

Currently, the world is facing some daunting, unpredictable times. World issues and the pandemic are affecting everything, especially the education sector. As schools prepare for online instruction in the fall, here are a few tips to help prepare and settle into the flow of learning at home!

  1. Try to limit technical difficulties.

Some people may be fortunate to purchase a new computer during this time and some may use one they already owned. Either way, it’s crucial that parents ensure that the internet is stable and that the computer can process video conferencing platforms and websites. Students will be heavily dependent on their computers, so this is probably the most important matter to take care of before school begins!

  1. Improve your sleeping schedule.

Some students may have lost a sense of time ever since the quarantine began. When fall comes, try to manage your sleep schedule and wake up earlier than when your class starts. You will have time to plan out your schedule, and this will help you mentally feel like you’re in a classroom instead of your own bedroom. 

  1. Practice video conferencing etiquette.

Teachers will greatly appreciate it when you are polite in the online classroom. Try not to eat during class, as it could distract you and other members of the call, just like in real life. Turn your camera on for your teachers to see, but your microphone off so that the sound is clear for everybody. Looking attentive will help your teachers gauge your understanding of the concepts. These mannerisms will also help you in a professional setting later on.

  1. Take breaks after classes/school.

It may feel frustrating and cramped, sitting in your room for the whole day. Feel free to rest in other living spaces of your home, go on a walk (safely with social distancing measures), eat your favorite snack — anything to help you rest and relax. 

Though online instruction isn’t ideal, it serves to protect students, teachers, and families. We also have online tutoring resources at Acclaim, so check those out for additional academic instruction. We at Acclaim hope that our students can stay safe during these trying times.

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Subjects

Historical Events Your Child Should Know

In elementary schools, children learn the basics of history and social studies. There are a few notable events that young students should understand. History is extremely valuable for elementary students, as they will learn about past events and how to develop their own opinions. Adam Swanson, our terrific tutor, gives his input on specific historical events that children should know:

  1. American Revolution (1775 – 1783)

The American Revolution dramatically shaped our country into what we are today. Starting with the Stamp Act, Americans fought for their freedom from Britain. Students should also be aware of the Boston Tea Party and who Paul Revere is. 

  1. Renaissance (the 1300s – 1600s)

The Renaissance, or “rebirth,” was a period of embracing the arts and culture. Some of the most unique, masterful art pieces derived from this period, which students should see examples of. Additionally, many philosophers shined during this era, writing great literature classics that are still read in higher-level classrooms today.

  1. Ancient Greece (700 – 480 B.C.)

Learning about Ancient Greece is definitely a favorite among young children. Children will wholeheartedly enjoy learning about the Greek gods and goddesses, along with the myths that come with them. 

  1. World War II (1939 – 1945)

One of the more recent, devastating wars, World War II is important for students to learn about. They should learn about the rise and fall of Hitler, the Nazi Party’s ideologies, and tragedies involved with the warfare. Additionally, they should understand the basic relationships between different countries.

Humankind has shaped history in progressive and tragic ways. With students learning these crucial events at a young age, they will succeed in high school because of their strong fundamentals. Though there are many significant events in history, these are Adam’s recommendations for setting a strong base in history. Read more about Adam here, and sign up with us to learn with fantastic tutors like him!

Adam Swanson is our English, History, and Current Events teacher. His students enjoy his energetic teaching style. Adam is known for his preparedness and consistency in checking on his students’ progress.
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What Makes Acclaim Stand Out?

There are tons of tutoring centers around the world — what makes us any different? Acclaim goes above and beyond for our students with our highly talented tutors and caring staff. We have various specialized programs for each student and put great emphasis on tailoring our curriculum.

We value all of our students’ and parents’ schedules. To make matters convenient for our students, we offer both in-person tutoring and online tutoring! This way, students learn from the comfort of their homes. In addition to our in-person services, we can also come to you! Online tutoring can be better than a classroom experience because the students are used to their home environment for studying. We provide convenience, as well as a fine educational experience!

Another wonderful aspect of Acclaim is that we offer tutoring services for everyone. We have classes for elementary, junior high, and high school students. Furthermore, we have test preparation courses for graduate schools, such as the MCAT, GRE, and much more! Acclaim also provides foreign language courses for people of all levels! We have such a wide variety of services to help set one’s educational foundation and nurture it.

Additionally, Acclaim has academic experts available for high school students to help them prepare for college. Our advisors are active in our students’ academic careers — from crafting a portfolio for one’s college application to planning one’s extracurricular activities according to their interests. We like to provide a customized plan for each student and can help answer difficult questions such as how to decide on a major. We have a 100% college acceptance rate for our students, showing how diligently and meticulously our students and staff work together!

Acclaim has test preparation courses for every exam one can think of! For one, we have a high school entrance exam prep to ensure that our students can receive the best education possible. Moreover, we have language classes to prep for the TOEFL exam. Of course, we also have classes on Advanced Placement courses and SAT prep. Acclaim has a tutoring program catered to every student.

We are different from other tutoring centers in that we prioritize a student’s educational experience by providing convenience. With all of our courses and expert staff, we hope to give our students the personalized materials they need to flourish in their academic lives. Sign up with us today to learn something new!

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School

4 Ways to Have a Productive Summer

Summer’s coming, which means that students will have plenty of time after the school year comes to a close. Summer is the perfect time for students to replenish their energy from stressful homework assignments and exams. We at Acclaim have a few ideas of how students of all grade levels can spend their summer so that they can feel productive and revitalized.

  1. Read a lot of books.

Many students can’t seem to find time to read for pleasure because of school. Get back into a wonderful hobby of reading during this upcoming break. Whether one reads a canonical piece of literature or a book from a school’s curated reading list, reading of any kind will improve reading comprehension abilities. In fact, Acclaim has released a top 5 ranking of literature books, which are excellent reads and able to keep students’ minds sharp!

  1. Learn a different language.

Students have the next two or three months to themselves — they might as well use this time to become a more worldly individual. Learning a new language will not only help one’s conversation skills, but they will also understand the historical contexts of that language’s culture. Learning how to speak in different languages come with many benefits, and will enrich one’s summer break.

  1. Sign up for a tutoring program.

In the span of summer break, it’s completely possible to forget how to write an essay or not know which formulas to use to solve specific math problems. Eliminate any need to dust away the cobwebs of the mind by signing up with a tutoring center. This way, students will be kept accountable for maintaining and improving their academics. Acclaim also has a plethora of programs available for students to help them get ahead and learn some new material!

  1. Keep track of your goals with a journal. 

In a journal, write a list of short-term and long-term goals to achieve. Summertime is a perfect opportunity for students to learn more about themselves and what they’re looking for in life. These goals can range from learning new scientific concepts to planning for college and deciding on a major. Our academic experts at Acclaim also provide excellent college consulting services, Students should clear their minds from the previous school year by journaling and defining how they want to advance their educational lives.

Though students may have an empty schedule during the summertime, they can always advance their academic careers. This will also help a student become more self-sufficient, allowing them to take charge of making decisions regarding their education. We at Acclaim hope that everyone has a happy, fulfilling summer!

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School

How to Prepare Your Child for the SBAC

Towards the end of the school year, elementary school students are expected to take the SBAC, or the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. These exams are designed to comprehensively test your child’s knowledge of the concepts they learned over the past year. To score well, your child needs some preparation so that they can focus for long periods, as the assessment is administered over the course of a few days. Here are a few suggestions so that your child can perform at their potential:

  1. Eat a good breakfast. 

Make sure there is plenty of time for your child to eat from different groups of the food pyramid. When your child eats nutritious carbohydrates and vegetables, in particular, they won’t be hungry during their test. In fact, they will have copious amounts of energy to concentrate during SBAC.

  1. Get some good sleep.

Make sure your children get some quality sleep before their exams. There’s no point in trying to cram for these exams, as these are rather a personal reflection of your child’s learning progress. Along with your child’s nutrition, their sleep will also affect their performance, as they might feel tired and cranky during their test. To combat this, help them get ready for bed particularly early so that they get their rest!

  1. Give them a rundown of their schedule.

Though their teachers may inform them about their test, reiterate to them about their testing schedule. Alleviate them of their nerves, as this is simply an assessment of what they have learned. Since the SBAC will affect their typical class schedule, it’s good to let your child know about these changes. It is also a good opportunity for you to encourage them to try their hardest on the test so that you as a parent can observe what they learned, and what specific concepts they need to improve on.

  1. Let them take it easy that week.

Exams are already stressful, and these tests are held for a few hours at a time. Be a little lax about their studies this week and let them play and blow off some steam. Their classes will probably also have less workload than usual, so this is a good time for them to recharge from the intensities of school. Reading is an example of a pleasurable and stimulating activity they can do! 

  1. Tutoring will help ensure that your child is prepared for the SBAC.

Connect your child with a tutor throughout the school year so that your child can develop mastery in English and math. Acclaim has plenty of qualified tutors to help your child understand complex concepts, which will ultimately allow them to score higher on the SBAC. Scoring well is crucial to your child’s learning, and tutoring will help them get ahead of the curriculum.

Following these tips will help your child perform to their maximum potential during the SBAC. It is imperative that they can focus on these exams because it determines what level they are at with certain subjects. Moreover, it speaks to how effectively they have been learning in class. It’s definitely beneficial if a child attends a tutoring program after classes, as it is a supplement to their education. Our tutors at Acclaim can boost your child’s learning, and see how effective our online tutoring programs are!


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School

How to Set Your Child for Success

Parents always want the best for their children. It is natural for parents to be concerned with their child’s studies, as their future can be dependent on their academic success. There are a few loving steps parents can follow to allow their child to reach their potential — to happily absorb knowledge from this massive world!

It is imperative that parents consistently review basic math concepts with their children at least once a week. This way, children can develop a strong foundation with their arithmetic skills and also get ahead of their curriculum. Students will find that completing homework and tests becomes easier thanks to their newly sharpened skills. Moreover, math is a huge component of STEM, and it is vital that a child gets immersed in STEM as early as they can to hone their logical thinking abilities. 

Liberal arts, on the other hand, is the counterpart to STEM — it is just as important for a student to master the arts, as it fosters their analytical capabilities. Encouraging children to read, or even reading with a child can boost their reading level and comprehension of the text. They will learn soft skills that are necessary for their future such as empathy and communication abilities. 

Success is not only limited to the academic field, of course. Children can seek fulfillment through other hobbies and extracurricular activities. Enroll them in different activities that they are interested in, whether that be intramural sports, dancing, or musical instruments. This can lead to future opportunities, such as scholarships or university admittance, as nowadays, colleges are looking for more well-rounded individuals. 

A hugely significant activity that parents should remember to partake in is to play with their children! This will keep them physically active and mentally healthy. Games like puzzles and fun brain teasers are interesting examples of stimulating a child’s intellectual capabilities. Children thrive on happiness, leading them towards academic excellence!

If a student is struggling academically, there are resources available to help. Enrolling a student at a tutoring center will help them flourish and understand concepts that they once had difficulty with before. Acclaim is just one wonderful example of such an agency, as we offer a variety of programs for children to nurture their academic learning. 

There are always ways and methods for parents to uplift their children and push them towards success. Parenting looks different for every family, but we at Acclaim can help you reach you and your children’s goals. Let us reach out and help your children soar to success!