9 Tips to Improve Your Math Skills

1.  Be active.  Math takes practice.  You learn math by doing. 

2.  Math builds on itself.  For example, you must know addition to learn multiplication.

3.  Take time outside of class to practice what you learned in class.  You can use your math textbook to practice.

4.  Show your work.  This helps you find your mistakes and it reinforces the process of how to solve the problem.

5.  Make the problem meaningful by drawing and creating tables. 

6.  Identify the question in a word problem, then  pick out the key information you need to solve the problem. 

7.  Try to explain the problem in your own words and talk yourself through it.

8.  Start studying early.  Practice math problems days before the test.

9.  Use your textbook, teacher, and internet resources to assist you. 

Helpful Math Websites: 
http://www.purplemath.com/
http://www.brightstorm.com/

ACT Math Strategies

1. Answer what you know first. All questions are worth the same, so don't waste time on material you have not learned.


2. Underline important information in the questions and read the questions two or three times.

3. Look over the answer choices before solving the problem. The answer choices will often help guide you in how to set up the problem.

4. Be sure to answer the question. Sometimes you will be given a lot of information to solve a simple one step problem. Circle the question to help you stay focused on the question.

5. Guess and check. Use the guess and check method you learned in elementary school. Sometimes you may be able to find your answer by plugging in the answer choices.

6. Guess if you don't know the answer. There is no penality for wrong answers. Don't leave any answer blank.

7. Draw pictures to find your answer. This helps expeciallly when solving geometry problems.

8. Figures are not always drawn to scale. Use the information given in the question to determine the actual size of the objects.

9. Mark the questions you skip, so you won't forget to go back to them.

10. Show your work. You may get an answer that is not one of the answer choices. That is when you can go back and look at your work to find your mistake.

11. Carefully read all instructions.

Dan Meyer: Math class needs a makeover | Video on TED.com

Dan Meyer: Math class needs a makeover Video on TED.com

Socialized Schools

     I work for a virtual charter school as a special education teacher during the day and I tutor after school and in the evenings.  My husband works with home school and virtual school students during the day.  He assist them with their course work as well as teach courses as needed.  Many times students who attend a virtual school or home school are asked, "How do you make friends?" "What about the prom?"  "How do you socialize?"  Here is a shocker, school is not for socialization. Friends and socialization are a by product of school. The purpose of school is to receive an education. It is nice to make friends and socialize along the way, but a child can learn social skills at home.  Most children are involved in activities outside of school, including church, sports, civic organizations, etc.
     Think for a moment the reason you go to work.  Do you go to work to make friends?  Did you choose your career because you thought it would be the quickest and best way for you to increase the number of friends you have on facebook?  Most of us choose our careers and go to our jobs out of necessity.  Many of us may enjoy working and want to continue working.  The main purpose of a job for most people is to make money to pay bills.  We also use our money for entertainment.  I have never paid my employer for letting me work.  I work and my employer gives me a pay check.  The purpose of school is to prepare people for the world of work and create productive citizens.
     Some believe school should be enjoyable and create well rounded individuals.  Others believe school is just another requirement like paying taxes.  While others believe academics should be the main focus of an educational institution.  There are many views on how to educate, but the purpose of education and school should not be as broad.  The purpose of a school is to educate people.  School and education is what you choose to put into it.  If you want a school to improve your child's social skills and character then put him in a school that has a good character education program, but please do not complain about his math skills if your priority is for him to have a good time in school. 
     Our education system is a direct reflection of our values.  If you value something you will take care of it.  We need to take care of our education system and value education if we want the system to improve.  It is what we make it.  You make the choice of what type of education you would like for your child to receive and be an advocate for your child's educational needs.  Let your local school board and representatives know your values on education.  Talk to your friends.  Find the right school for your child.  Many states now have school choice in form of charter schools and some have a voucher system.  Most of all, let your child know the value of a good education. 

Becky Matthews, M.Ed.

One on One Hybrid Academy

The hybrid schooling model is a combination of home-based schooling and brick-and-mortar schooling. Students at One on One Hybrid Academy can be either enrolled in a full time virtual school program or registered home school students. We provide learning coaches to students enrolled in any virtual school program and assistance for families who home school.

One on One Hybrid Academy offers families academic planning assistance, curriculum guidance, and various academic classes through out the school year. A student may choose to attend the hybrid school for our full week program, a few classes, or even a few days out of the week. We provide parents access to our education experts and students the opportunity to work in coopertive groups.

For more information contact us at 803-547-3225.

We have open enrollment.

Meet and Greet State House Rep. Deborah Long

Come meet South Carolina's District 45 State House Rep. Deborah Long.

Wednesday, October 20 · 5:00pm - 6:00pm

One on One Learning Center, Inc.

7580 Charlotte Hwy., Suites 1100 and 1200
Fort Mill, SC
Please take advantage of this opportunity to talk with your representative about the issues that matter most to you and your family.
 
Deborah believes there is no one size fits all successful education program.  The kids educational needs are paromount for a successful future for each child and our nation.
http://longforhouse.com/Welcome.html

Focus On the Prize When Homeschooling

Marketing to families who home school has increased in the USA as families who homeschool have increased. Publishers, book stores, school supply stores, and even entertainment centers are trying to tap into the "home school market". No doubt it is nice to have choices, but it can be overwhelming as you choose your child's curriculum and create your year long plan. I have put together some tips that can help you when you are preparing for your child's school year.
1.Do what best suits your child's learning style. There are a number of free online learning styles inventories. Find out what learning style works best for each of your children before tackling the job of buying curriculum.

2.Know your child's strengths and weaknesses. Make an index card for each of your children with their learning styles, strengths, weaknesses, areas of multiple intelligence, academic goals, etc. Use the index cards when shopping for their curriculum and planning their school year.

3.Take advise with a grain of salt. What worked for your best friend's child, who is now on the dean's list in college, may not work for you and your family. Be patient and keep in mind that nothing you do today is set in stone. You set the pace and supplement the curriculum as you see fit.

4.Grade level is relative. The publishers of curriculum companies designate the grade levels for their curriculum. Their goal is to sell curriculum. Your goal is to educate your child. Be more concerned with the content and goals you set for the year than the grade level. Don't be afraid to use national and state standards to give you an idea of what is expected from other students at your child's "grade level".

5.Use field trips. Plan a few educational field trips in your calendar to places that offer education guides of the site. Many facilities offer free or low cost activities for home school students.

6.Don't be afraid to ask for help. Use your local home school association, tutors, community colleges, learning centers, etc. to help you in the areas you don't feel confident to teach.

At One on One Learning Center, Inc we offer a variety of services to assist home school families.
The beauty of homeschooling is that you can deliver instruction to each of your children in the way that best fits their needs and your family's values.

Back to School with Less Stress

The thoughts of a new school year bring stress on everyone, even the teachers and parents. Some experience stress because they are so excited about returning to the hussle and bussle of friends, after school activities, and the challenge of learning. Others are glad to have a routine and opportunity to socialize with their friends again. Not all students look forward to the ending of summer vacation and the beginning of a new school year. I know that is hard for some to believe, but it is true. There are students who dread every aspect of school. No matter the opinion or the type of schooling, the first day of the new school year is real to us all.


Public school, private school, home school, or virtual school all have a beginning and ending date. I have comprised a list of ways to make this new beginning a little less stressful for all.

1. Visit the School: This is important even if you know the school. Attend orientation or open house. These activities are not just for new students. It helps create a mind set that school is about to start. It is also a good way to discuss the positives about the previous school year.

2. Buy School Supplies: This can be laborous when done in a rush. Set aside time to buy the supplies with the student. The reluctant student needs something to like about school, even if it is only his bookbag.

3. Pack Light: Be careful not to overload the bookbag on the first day. Only take the essentials. The bookbag will be heavier with textbooks on the trip home. Sometimes elementary and middle schools ask for supplies that will be shared with the entire class. Drop these supplies off at the school prior to your child's first day of school or send them in gradually. This will be one less thing to worry about on the first day of school.

4. Get into a Routine: Get back into your school time eating and sleeping patterns at least one week prior to the first day of school. It takes more that one good night of sleep and one good breakfast to have a good first day back.

These are just a few tips. Enjoy your learning. It never stops.

~Becky Matthews

Help, It is Homework Time!

At times, homework can be a chore to say the least. Here are a few tips on how to turn the chore of homework into a daily routine at your house.


1. Keep up with homework assignments and test dates in an agenda or notebook.

2. Use a household calendar to mark all test dates and activities.

3. Set a regular homework time.

4. Use a timer for study breaks. Take a 5 to 15 minute break after each 1 hour study session.

5. Study in a quiet place, at a desk or table. This will help you stay alert and on task.

6. Write down any questions or concerns you have about the homework and contact your teacher for clarification.

7. Review your homework with a responsible adult.

8. Reward yourself for studying with your favorite snack, a quick chat with a friend, or any other activity that may motivate you to stay on task and complete your assignments.

These are just a few tips that may help homework time at your house become a daily routine.
~Becky Matthews

Tips to Get Better Grades

Getting better grades may require just a few skills and tricks.


Here are some tips to help you become a confident learner and experience success.

1. Write down at least one success you have experience and discuss it with a friend.

2. Set academic goals. A long term goal may take you a year or longer to achieve. A short term goal is usually accomplished in less than a year. Set at least one academic long term goal and short term

goal. The short term goal should help you reach your long term goal.

3. Keep a success journal and include your progress towards your academic goals.

4. See yourself reaching your goal and experiencing success. Share your goal with your close friends and family who will encourage you.

5. Encourage yourself with positive self-messages. "I can do this." "I am making progress."

6. Encourage others and lend a helping hand.

7. Write down assignments in an agenda or calendar.

8. Keep a record of your grades for each class in your notebook.

9. Review your notes and reading materials daily.

10. Begin studying for a test by preparing flashcards, graphic organizers, etc. of the subject material when you begin a new unit. This keeps your thoughts and ideas organized on paper and in your brain. No more cramming.

Planning, preparing, and positive messages are the 3 key ingredients to making better grades.
~Becky Matthews

The Sun and the Power of Knowledge

Genesis 15:12
And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

The Sun is a marvel to behold. With a linear diameter of 864,000 miles and a mass 332,000 times greater than Earth we stand in true amazement of our closest star. Composed mainly of hydrogen and helium it has a mean distance from earth of about 93,000,000 miles. The photo attached to this note shows a stellar flare that was caught on film in December 2005. The star II Pegasi is located more than 135 light-years from Earth. The explosive energy has been calculated at 50 million trillion atomic bombs. Most scientists agree that if the 2005 explosion would have been on our Sun, we would have suffered death on a global scale on Earth.

This short study of stars and their power made me think of a lot of things. The first mention of “sun” in scripture is in Genesis 15:12. The Lord is sharing some information with Abram. He tells him that Abram’s offspring are going into slavery. They will be slaves for four hundred years. After that time has passed He will deliver them and give them an inheritance. It is a mixed message of sorrow and blessing. In many ways, like our Sun. It can be a blessing of warmth and light to make things grow. It can also be a scorching brand when there is no balance of wind and rain on the Earth’s crops. Many things in life can have positive and negative outcomes when misapplied. Education falls squarely into this category.

Abram had been given some knowledge. He chose to share that knowledge with his family. The knowledge (or promise in this case), that he was given affected many generations to come. It does till this day. You should realize that your knowledge can be put to good use for yourself and for many of your family to follow. You have a wonderful opportunity to broaden your knowledge base. You can use it to seek a better paying job. You could use it to encourage someone younger to see how important it is to maintain good grades in grammar school and college. Knowledge is a “building block” system. Many components rest upon each other. Your reading skills can help your learning process or they can hinder it. Please take the time to evaluate all of your skills. One on One Learning Center, Inc. would be an excellent place to start using your “power” for good.

~ Bobby Matthews

The flare was seen in December 2005 on a star slightly less massive than the sun, in a two-star system called II Pegasi in the constellation Pegasus. It was about a hundred million times more energetic than the sun's typical solar flare, releasing energy equivalent to about 50 million trillion atomic bombs. Fortunately, our sun is now a stable star that doesn't produce such powerful flares. And II Pegasi is at a safe distance of about 135 light-years from Earth.