Berkeley Parents Network: Tutors for Study Skills & Homework Coaching

Berkeley Parents Network

Tutors for Study Skills & Homework Coaching

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Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Tutors > Tutors for Study Skills & Homework Coaching

Someone to help 7th grader get homework done

Sept 2007

I have a daughter in 7th grade at Albany Middle School who is struggling with getting her daily homework assignments done. I am looking for someone (maybe an Albany H.S. student) who could meet with her for an hour or so a day for two or three days a week to provide encouragement, keep her focussed, and make sure she understands what she is doing. It isn't exactly tutoring (and I can't afford tutoring rates) more like a coach/friend. I can pay $15/hour, and am hoping to find someone soon! Thanks

Classroom Matters offers a great program for a terrific price: Unlimited Supervised Study. Mon-Thurs. from 4-8 PM (and weekends during finals), students may come at any time, any day for as often as they like, for a flat rate of $75 per week. A Supervisor is available to meet with each family to decide what would best work for each student, and develop a study plan if needed. Then, students come and check in with our Supervised Study Point Person, who will be there to answer questions and keep students focused. The atmosphere of the center is conducive to communal studying (louder than a library, but not nearly as loud as a cafe). CM also has wholesome snacks, water and a strong belief that food fuels the mind. To find out more about our Unlimited Supervised Study Program, please visit our website: http://www.classroommatters.com/program/study.htm Call 510-540-8646 to sign up! Molly Gales Classroom Matters Co-Director

Summer help for disorganized teen

June 2007

My 13 year old boy is very bright but his grades have steadily been slipping because he cannot (will not?) stay on top of his homework. I am at my wit's end because no amount of micromanaging nor ''hands off'' allowing him to experience consequences has made a difference. I read with interest the discussion of unmotivated teens in this newsletter earlier in the month (I feel better knowing I'm not alone in this struggle!) And i have sent off for books on this. I feel as if I won't survive another year of this cycle of working to get him on track, him telling me he's on track, me getting calls from the teacher, him crying and saying he's sorry he'll do better, repeat until mom is crazy and he feels like crap. I'm not doing him any good at this point. My question: does anyone know of summer programs that are focused not just on academics (his grades are still passable) but in learning to be organized? HELP! Anon

Here are some terrific resources for a disorganized teen (I have one, too -- sigh): 1. Beth Samuelson, Student Organizational Services, 510- 531-4767. I think her site is sos4students.com. Highly recommended by teachers in our area. Does workshops kids enjoy, especially in the summer, and offers individual tutoring in organizational skills. 2. Organizing from the Inside Out for Teens -- a book by Julie Morgenstern and Jessi Morganstern-Colon. Lots of practical information such as a ''no-brainer toss list'' for papers to discard. Nancy

You might want to look into SOS (Student Organizational Services). They have workshops (in Orinda and Berkeley) and individual coaching to help students navigate the increased workload and expectations of middle school and high school. I have heard their director, Beth Samuelson, speak a couple of times and think she is very good. Their website is www.sos4students.com. Julie

More parent recommendations

Oct 22 2006

Fortunately ,I heard about Classroom Matters through another family when our daughter entered her Sophomore year at BHS. She was struggling to organize her time and prioritize subjects in advance of testing. I arranged to have her meet once a week for English and Spanish help and a review of what was due, when and how much more needed to happen. She incorporated the tutoring and study skills into her routine with impressive results and I was incredibly relieved to have her look forward to sharing her concerns regularly with her tutor and getting the help she needed. In her junior year she needed additional tutoring for Math Analysis and the SAT 2s. It is great to have such a resource as Classroom Matters available.
Karen

August 2006

Hello all I need homework help for my middle schooler entering 7th grade. She went to Raskob Learning Center in the evening last school year which was pretty good, but pricey. She has ADD and she articulated to me that she needs help with the day to day school work. She has been tested and re-tested and does not qualify for anything from the school district that really seems to help. I have checked current recommendations on file and they did not pan out. Any suggestions or positive experiences with a particular tutor would be much appreciated Thanks in advance anon mom

Try ABS Homeschool and Tutorial Center. They do allow some clients to pay on a sliding scale. call Kena or Bilal @ 510-430-1701
anon

I know just the person for you. Her availability is limited, but she is worth trying. Her name is Angela Parker and she used to be the director of Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes in Berkeley. She is currently getting her PhD in education (of course!) and still works with a few students privately. Angela is great with kids, especially the ones who have a hard time sitting still. She provides a holistic approach to teaching, focusing on their emotional and academic needs. Helping children with learning challenges is her passion, and the kids know it. She keeps them focused and positive, and they do their best with her because they feel challenged and supported. Give her a call at 510 530-9571
another parent

Nov 27 2005

Kevin Arnold has been tutoring our 13-year old 8th grade son for the past several months and we are pleased with the results. They meet once a week for an hour and a half and spend time reviewing homework as well as working on writing and organization skills. Kevin, who is on the quiet side and low-key seems to connect well with our son, who finds the tutoring sessions helpful (and I'm surmising that he even enjoys them since he's never once complained). Kevin has been accomodating when we've had to change our regularly scheduled meeting time due to conflicts with sports activities.

Kevin's can be reached at 510-655-6612 or kevinarnold2004@yahoo.com. Irma

June 22, 2005

Our 16 year old son, who has consistently had problems organizing and turning in his homework, has been seeing Kevin Arnold for homework tutoring for the past few months. Sam likes him and they've worked well together. Kevin is a gentle and compassionate guy, and although his approach to the work at hand seemed at times a bit dreamy, we did see results--more work turned in on time, and better grades as a result. Sam was always happy to go to the tutor, too! They met at the Royal Ground cafe on College. Reach Kevin at 510.655.6612 or kevinarnold2004 at yahoo.com Suzanne

Mar 10 2005

Classroom Matters is an incredible place for tutoring. My son has been going there for the last three months to improve his organizationa skills. He now gets his homework done on time, and is able to focus much more. they offer tutoring for academics, as well as organizational and study skills. the tutors are all very skilled and are able to really motivate the kids. Simma

Jan 10 2005

I want to highly recommend Kristan Willits, as a tutor and personal problem-solver. She has provided invaluable support and insight when I have been struggling with massive and challenging papers (I study at UCB in the social sciences/ geography). She is very intuitive, and seems to always know exactly what is getting in the way of proceeding. She understands the learning process as it involves the whole person, emotionally, psychologically, intellectually. She has been a great support for me. Contact her by emailing kwillits AT earthlink.com or the website: www.kwlearning.com. Diana

Dec 2001

My 7th grade daughter complains of being totally stressed out over her homework, and feels very over-programmed. Its a mystery to me since her homework, for the most part, is extremely easy for her. It does seem to take an inordinate amount of time, given how easy it is. So, it becomes very time consuming but with little other merit. She is a perfectionist and enjoys getting high grades. She does have after-school activities two afternoons a week. I am thinking that she would benefit (our household would in fact) by developing more efficiency in this area, but haven't a clue how to instruct her. Does anyone have experience with those tutoring centers (SCORE, etc...). Do they do this? Or are there good tutors that specialize in this area, perhaps more like homework coaches?

Re: the 7th grade daughter that needs some homework and study habit guidance....I don't think Score is what you want. There is a place on 9th at Dwight called Classroom Matters that does tutoring and "supervised study" for children that are in the 6th through 12th grade. We have used them for tutoring only, but you may want to check out the study part. Good luck.

Dec 2000
We asked Lynn Bernhardt, who also tutors English and writing skills, to coach our student in organizational and time management skills, with considerable success. She can be contacted at lbbernhardt AT hotmail.com. Joyce

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