TO SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE: Email: Norman@normantonelli.com

LIFE DESIGNS MONTHLY

WHY NOT YOU? THIS IS YOUR LIFE!
CREATE THE REMARKABLE LIFE YOU'VE BEEN LONGING FOR

SPRING, 2007
Table of Contents:
~ A Welcome from Norman Tonelli, L.M.H.C.
~ Article – Could Your Child Benefit From Tutoring?
~ Advertisement
~ Questions and Answers

As many of you may know by now, a few short months ago we launched an innovative sub division of our counseling center called The Tonelli Learning Center. This idea came to me as I noticed that many of my clients were telling me that they sought supplementary learning services from providers such as the Sylvan Learning Center. Many were happy with the service, but complained about the driving distance, the extended commitment that they require and the sort of impersonal, big business approach that they take.

Immediately I knew that we had the space and the ability to offer something more personalized, cost friendly, and easier to get to. A few months later, here we are about a week from airing our first major TV commercial and ready to go. To view our commercial go to http://www.normantonelli.com/wmv1.html . Also, please read the great article we included this month and pay particular attention to the specifics of our offerings.

Thanks,

Norman Tonelli LMHC

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Article ~

COULD YOUR CHILD BENEFIT FROM TUTORING?

How To Tell if YOUR Child Could Benefit from Tutoring
By Shannon Converse Ed. M., co-director and founder of My Tutor and Me

Question: Which of these students could benefit from private tutoring?

a.) Kathy, an 11th grader who is struggling to pass Chemistry.
b.) Mike, a third grader who gets good grades but has difficulty keeping his school and homework organized.
c.) Jamie, a bright just-turned-five-year-old who can't wait to go to kindergarten so that he can learn to read?

Answer: ALL OF THE ABOVE! Children of all ages and abilities can benefit from one-on-one tutoring. Read on to learn more about the benefits of tutoring, and how to find the right tutor for your child's needs and learning style.Long ago, to have a personal tutor meant high social status, and was available only to the most affluent. More recently, a stigma had become attached to needing a tutor, implying underachievement or failure. But now, a new and pragmatic attitude has taken hold in the society at large. Many students truly enjoy having a tutor, much as they might enjoy the "in your face" experience of a private pitching coach. It makes them feel special. Tutoring can provide the personal attention that teachers just don't have the time to offer within a class of 25 or more kids.Consider some typical situations in which students could benefit from one-on-one tutoring:

Struggling in School. Brian is struggling to keep up with the rest his class. His self-esteem is suffering, along with his grades. A good tutor can re-teach, or reinforce skills and concepts directly aligned with the school's curriculum to help Brian be more successful in the classroom.
Special Education Needs. Katie has an identified learning disability, often needing to work twice as hard or more to keep up with her classmates. Her Individualized Education Program (IEP) also requires a close and coordinated relationship between home and school. A tutor, familiar with Katie's learning style, can help facilitate this and assist with any reinforcement necessary for her to achieve success in school.
Test Preparation - both for standardized tests, (such as SAT, ISEE and others), or for final exams at school. Students, especially those with college on their minds, often need to brush up on content and concepts that they'll see on the test. The right tutor will also instill learning tips and strategies for tackling the test format.
Research Reports and Projects. Davis excels with day-to-day homework assignment and tests, but becomes overwhelmed by larger tasks, such as a long-term History report. Consider hiring a tutor for a specified amount of time prior to its due date. A good tutor will guide David step-by-step through the process, as well as the actual project.
Enrichment. Some students need more challenge in order to remain engaged and excited about learning. Some preschoolers are ready for a jump-start to reading. High school students may appreciate a relaxed introduction to upcoming coursework over the summer, especially if they know already that they'll be taking an Advanced Placement (AP) Course. Other children - even entire families - may want to learn a foreign language!

So, you've decided to hire a tutor. How do you know you'll select the right person? Here are some important considerations:

What is the professional and educational background of the teacher?
Is s/he state certified?
Does s/he have experience working with children in your child's age group?
What is their teaching style?
Is s/he funny or serious, a skilled communicator?
How will lessons be structured?
Will the teacher's style match your child's personality?
Is s/he open to consulting with your child's classroom teacher?
How will progress be measured or substantiated over time?

Once you've decided on a tutor and have scheduled the first session, be prepared to provide samples of the student's work or test results. A good tutor will glean from it valuable information to help develop a productive approach. Be sure to clearly articulate your goals with that tutor. After a few sessions, ask the tutor for a brief meeting to check in on those goals and others s/he has identified. You'll know that your child is progressing well with the tutoring when s/he finds homework to be easier and school less frustrating. When your child starts to demonstrate enthusiasm and takes pride in what s/he has learned, you'll know that you made the right choice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Advertisement ~

WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF THE:

Tonelli Learning Center

A division of the

West Brookfield Counseling Center

62 Ware Street, West Brookfield, MA 01585-1125

TLC

WE BUILD

Smiles, Pride and Confidence

WE BUILD LIVES

If your child is struggling through school, TLC can help.

We are committed to 1^st class service.

Our staff will help your child begin to experience school confidently and happily.

We intend to help your child develop a love of learning and the confidence

that it takes to succeed in school.

We begin by assessing your child’s exact needs with a TLC skills assessment.

The TLC skills assessment combines a personal interview and standardized tests that clarify your child’s specific academic strengths and weaknesses. From this information, we will develop a customized plan for your child.

We create a customized program for your child based on our assessment.

This highly customized, focused and personal program will give your child the exact help he or she needs. Our teachers will offer encouragement and support to help reinforce your child’s confidence. Our goal is two-fold:

ü To help your child master the information

ü To build an overall confidence in their academic ability and love of learning.

Top Notch Teachers

TLC teachers are highly trained, experienced and certified. They are kind and comforting to your children as they strengthen your child’s confidence and love of learning.

Regular Program Reports Keep You Updated

We will keep you and your child’s teacher informed of your child’s progress with scheduled meetings and bi-weekly progress reports.

We offer a variety of programs for a variety of needs including:

üSAT Preparation

üStudy Skills & Note Taking

üOrganizational Skills

üWilson Reading Program

üBasic Reading Skills/Comprehension

üMath Skills

üMCAS Preparation

üTest Taking Strategies

üDay Care and School Readiness

Give Your Child The TLC Edge

If your child needs to re-capture their natural love of learning

and confidence in themselves, WE CAN HELP

Getting started is as easy as calling today and scheduling a skills assessment.

For information on fees or any additional questions call the

Tonelli Learning Center at 1- 508- 867- 4451 Ext. 2

View our Video Commercial at http://www.normantonelli.com/wmv1.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~Client Questions and Answers~

Question: Dear Norman: My child has a learning disability, will you help cater to his/her specific needs? – Judy A.

Answer: Dear Judy: The intention of the Individual Skills Assessment followed by an Individual Plan of Learning is to identify any learning problems and put together a specific program to address the individual student's needs.

Question: Dear Norman: Can any child benefit from tutoring? – Bob H.

Answer: Hi Bob: Yes! Especially if that tutoring is preceded by a comprehensive skills assessment so that the tutoring program has more accurate and long term target goals individualized to that student.

Question: Dear Norman: My child is in kindergarten, is he/she to young to start a tutoring program? – Devon J.

Answer: Dear Devon: The Tonelli Learning Center offers help in the areas of daycare, preschool and kindergarten readiness in both the academic and behavioral realms.

Question: Dear Norman: Do you stay in contact with the student’s teachers? - Jacqueline D.

Answer: Dear Jacqueline: The Tonelli Learning Center offers both parental and teacher progress reports on an every other week basis.

Email Norman at: Norman@normantonelli.com with questions you would like answered.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition to this monthly newsletter, you can find a variety of other information, including upcoming events at my websites:
www.normantonelli.com and www.parentleader.net

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We love to hear from you!
Please give your feedback to: Norman@normantonelli.com Thanks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CALL OR E-MAIL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE SESSION.