Is it Possible to Attain Anything With a Positive Mindset?

Is it Possible to Attain Anything With a Positive Mindset?If you are a student who is anxious to excel at school, but you don't know what to do in order to be successful, consider thinking about enrolling in the Mindset Tutoring Program. This particular program will equip you with the right knowledge that will allow you to succeed in your education. There are a number of benefits of this program as well.One of the biggest benefits that this program could provide is confidence. When you have a positive attitude towards your education, you are more likely to maintain a good attitude and follow through on what you are learning. When you have a positive mindset, you know what it means to have fun.Another major benefit is that you are more likely to succeed. Students who have a positive attitude often excel in life. Your attitudes are what drives success in all areas of your life, including your education. When you have a positive attitude, you have a lot more motivation to excel at schoo l.Also, you could find yourself having a better relationship with your parents and older siblings. When you have a positive mindset, you are more likely to be able to cope with hard times, like economic downturns and other problems. Those things are going to cause the people around you to struggle, so when you have a positive attitude, you are more likely to succeed.When you are focused and motivated, you have the self-discipline that will make you an asset to your own interest and desire. As a result, you can pursue whatever interest or goal you have. The education system will help you excel in all areas of your life, including in your studies.You can achieve anything you set your mind to. When you are a student who has a positive attitude, you will achieve everything you set your mind to. The more you work on setting yourself up for success, the more likely you are to succeed.One of the most important things in life is to build up a strong and positive overall attitude. With this mindset, you will see how much success you can have in life. When you focus on your education, you will be a better person in the long run, and you will be able to contribute much more to society.

Solving Radical Equations

Solving Radical Equations The meaning for the word radical is root. Radical equations is an equations which can contain constants, variables and radical included in them. Radicals can be simplified and solved. There are different mathematical operations that can be used to simplify and solve questions related to radicals. Two radicals can be added or subtracted if they have the same number or expression in the root, this makes them similar radicals to carry mathematical operations. Example 1: Simplify and find the answer for the given equation 102x + 52x 92x? Solution: The given question is on adding and subtracting radicals. This question contains the adding and subtracting the similar radical terms containing 2 with variable x. The first step of the question is solving for 10 2x + 5 2x = 15 2x Now subtract 9 2x from the earlier answer 15 2x. This makes 15 2x 9 2x = 6 2x Therefore simplifying the radicals gives 10 2 x + 5 2x 9 2x = 6 2x Hence solution = 62x. Example 2: Simplify find the answer for the given question 12 5x + 10 5x 35x? Solution: The given question is on adding and subtracting radicals. This question contains the adding and subtracting the similar radical terms containing 5 with variable x. The first step of the question is solving for 12 5x + 10 5x = 22 5x Now subtract 35x from the earlier answer 225x This makes 225x 35x = 195x. Therefore simplifying the radicals gives 125x + 105x 35x = 195x. Hence solution = 195x.

How to Prepare for the College Search

How to Prepare for the College Search High school students have a lot going on already, but when you add on the big college search, its hard for a student not to find life extremely overwhelming. This is one giant process that requires a lot of guidance, so it is critical that a student really understands what theyre getting into before taking on this life-changing project. It cannot be treated as something they will coast their way through or just occasionally check on. The college search should be an extremely organized endeavor that you are keeping up with every day and giving very careful attention to. Of course, this takes us back to the overwhelming aspect. How can a high school student get through this successfully without getting completely freaked out? Well, that is why beginning this process way ahead of time is so important. Far too many students leave this search until early senior year, which frankly, is nowhere near enough time to make informed decisions on which schools youd like to attend. Yes, this is a good time to literally get your applications in, but you should have your choices picked out and researched well before then. Waiting too long will not only drastically limit your time to complete your applications successfully, it will put unnecessary extra pressure on you to make a decision quickly too quickly. Having to choose a school in a rushed manner is one of the worst positions a student can be in. So why wouldnt you start looking into this far ahead of time? This is one of the biggest decisions of a young students life, and one of the most exciting; there should be no reason you wouldnt want to begin looking into this very early on. One of the most important ways to guarantee an easier time deciding between your future acceptance letters is to make sure you are only applying to schools you know you would love to attend. There are plenty of things that need to be looked into. On one hand, you must evaluate all the aspects of the school that appeal to you personally the town, the programs, the dorm life, the clubs/sports, etc. On the other hand, it is equally necessary to look into the requirements this school demands of their applicants GPAs, ACT/SAT scores, leadership, etc. Another key reason to look into this search with plenty of time to spare is that you may need some time to improve your credentials. Perhaps there is a school that you love everything about, but that also requires an ACT score above what you have. Giving yourself a chance to shoot up that score will benefit you greatly youll be very let-down if you find you have no chance of getting into that school just because you didnt think about requi red test scores earlier on in high school. If you dont research various colleges requirements early on, you wont know what youre reaching for as you go through your high school career. Once youve given yourself enough time to know what kinds of scores, grades, and clubs you must incorporate into your life, you must also use this time to determine which schools actually offer the things you want personally. Visit the campuses, read review books, research the websites, set up meetings with admissions counselors treat every approach to a school as if you are going to be enrolling in them tomorrow. Get a hold of every aspect of this schools culture that matters to you so you dont waste your time applying to a place that wouldnt really make you happy. In the end, you need to apply to schools that you know would be a fit for you and that you would have a solid chance of getting into. The worst thing you can do is waste your time with places that you are absolutely sure wont work out in either of those areas. This isnt to say that you should unnecessarily limit yourself; dont be afraid to apply to a university you love that may require a slightly higher GPA than you have. Remember, most college admissions officers look at applications holistically, so never write off your chances completely if there is just one tiny factor that doesnt perfectly match up with your qualifications. And finally, never apply to a school just because you feel like you should or because your best friend is. You will be very unhappy later if you end up at a school that you were told you would like, but dont actually like once you get there. In the end, this school is for you and you only. This is why you must look into everything yourself with a very meticulous approach and then decide on your own if you like it. You really cant avoid the exhausted feelings that will come out of this search. Any typical high school student will be inclined to skip over some of these steps and assume theyll be fine. But with enough time set aside and enough belief that this will pay off wonderfully later, this search can be completed with all the attention it deserves and leave you ultimately satisfied.

Learn Arabic for Educational Reasons

Learn Arabic for Educational Reasons The Educational Benefits of Learning the Arabic Language ChaptersLearning Arabic as a Second LanguageDeveloping Your Listening and Concentration Skills in your Arabic LessonsWhy Learn Arabic: Make Yourself Stand Out in Your Professional FieldThe Benefits of Learning Arabic: Learn About the World's Second Largest ReligionToday Arabic is spoken by more than 300 million people around the world.It's also the official language of the 22 Arab League nations and one of the 6 official languages used at the United Nations.So why should you learn Arabic?What can learning Arabic bring you in terms of your academic progress?Will learning Arabic help you find a better job? Will it open doors to new professional opportunities around the world?What are the real benefits of speaking this ancient language in the worlds of business, tourism, and science? From a cultural point of view, Arabic has made great contributions not only to Middle Eastern culture, but also to our own.By deciding to learn Arabic, whether its an 'Arabic for beginners' class  in school ,  or through private or even online lessons,  there are a number of advantages to speaking this language:It's the primary language spoken in the Arab world, and is the second language learned by all Muslims.It's the official language of more than 20 countries.It opens doors to Arab and Islamic culture.The opportunity to discover a formidable heritage of religious thinking, architecture, science, and philosophy that has inspired a number of civilizations in the Middle East and the West.Speaking Arabic will help you open your eyes to the world, to develop interpersonal skills, and to indulge your intellectual curiosity.It will also help you stand out from your academic peers and perhaps help you find a job that is truly interesting and desirable.What's more, it studying Arabic couldn't be easier. You can learn Arabic online, take Arabic courses at a local language school, or find a tutor on the Superprof website who can teach you how to speak Arabic, as well as how to master Arabic s cript and its grammatical structures.So, are you ready to make a difference in your academic career by learning the Arabic language?We're here to offer you some advice to get you started.After reading this article, you'll have everything you need to start learning Arabic.Don't force yourself to choose Arabic if you don't feel up to the task because you'll find yourself unable to put forth the necessary effort.But if you like the sound of Arabic, if you're already familiar with some Arabic vocabulary, and if Arabic grammar and reading don't scare you, go ahead!What You Should Know about the Basics of ArabicBefore anything else, you should know that there are two types of Arabic, which are known as literary Arabic and dialectal Arabic.Literary Arabic, also sometimes known as Modern Standard Arabic,  is the form of Arabic common to all Arab countries, and is the predominant written form, but it's also found in public discourse and in the media.Dialectal Arabic corresponds to the form o f Arabic used orally. This changes because the spoken forms of dialectal Arabic are different in each country; Egyptian Arabic has little in common with the Moroccan dialect or that of   Saudi Arabia.Some other basics about the Arabic language:Its alphabet uses 28 letters that change according to their place within words.It's read from right to left.There are fewer vowels.It has a particular syntax that applies to a strict word order: verb, subject, complement.Certain sounds are difficult to reproduce and so it's important to pay attention to gestures, facial expressions, and voice intonation during a conversation.Developing Your Listening and Concentration Skills in your Arabic LessonsThe Arabic language is one of the most widely spoken internationally.But if want to learn this unique language, you'll need to become an excellent listener, meaning not only will you need to learn the Arabic alphabet and learn some basics of Arabic calligraphy, you'll also need to train your ear to he ar these new sounds in Arabic, on a continually regular basis.Check here for an online Arabic course.Improve your concentration by learning Arabic.Immerse yourself entirely in Arabic by listening to speeches, discussions in Arabic,  Arabic speaking radio or even by watching the news on  Arabic language TV stations like Al-Jazeera.For those who want to learn Arabic on their own, there's also the option of listening to podcasts in Arabic, which are an excellent way to develop your listening skills and reinforce your concentration; with podcasts you can download them to listen over again, enrich your  vocabulary, learn the rules of  Arabic grammar, learn how to use proper intonation, and discover the  nuanced meanings of Arabic words.In sum, you'll boost your level of oral comprehension and improve your writing, reading, and pronunciation skills.Some tools to help you learn Arabic in addition to your lessons:Internet radio stations: when you're in the car, in traffic jams, on public tr ansport, on foot, on a plane... there are lots of different radio stations broadcasting live.Arabic language documentary films: there are lots of stations that specialize in showing documentaries in Arabic, covering a variety of thematic subjects such as politics, nature, culture, and the arts.Arabic language audio books: these allow you to learn about Arab culture with novels, stories, scientific non-fiction, etc.Educational websites: they'll have lots of recorded discussions or dialogues between Arabic speaking experts in a variety of fields.Why Learn Arabic: Make Yourself Stand Out in Your Professional FieldFew of your peers, in high school or university, will be able to develop such international experience during their studies.Few of them will have the chance to discover fantastic and mythical countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon, countries where the US and other Western countries have crucial interests (economic, financial, cultural, and religious).Learning Arabic will he lp you understand Arab cultureIn Arabic, the language and culture are closely linked. Your proficiency in one grows as it does in the other. Even from knowing some colloquial slang or a few keys phrases, your understanding of Arab culture will increase which will be an asset for any employer looking for staff to deal with middle eastern relationsThere is often a lack of mutual understanding of local contexts. Speaking and reading Arabic offers you the opportunity to participate in new business endeavours with a better understanding of complex political and cultural situations.Familiarity with the Arabic language and an understanding of the cultural differences within a particular context are more important than anything else when trying to meet the challenges of the Middle East and North Africa.The Benefits of Learning Arabic: Learn About the World's Second Largest ReligionIslam is the most widespread religion in the Arab world and it's through the Quran that believers share in thei r faith.It serves as a prism through which many Arabs see the world.Learning about the Quran will both help you better understand Islam and learn more Arabic vocabulary through its rich text, which is the source of many ideologies in the Arab world.By deciding to learn Arabic, you'll be able to better understand ancient traditions, learn about Islamic beliefs, become a better intercultural communicator, and establish better and lasting relationships with Arabic speakers and Muslim populations.Discover the mysteries of the Quran!As you can see, learning Arabic can prove itself difficult at first, but the benefits and impact on your academic and professional careers are undeniable.With the Internet, there are several ways to learn such as  night courses, free online Arabic lessons, private lessons, adult learning lessons at universities, and  Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)  amongst others.Learn Arabic now and enhance your language comprehension skills, but more importantly augment your understanding of the world today.You will find arabic lessons london as well as across the country.

Should You Take the ACT Plus Writing

Should You Take the ACT Plus Writing Most high school students plan to take either the ACT or the SAT, but once you choose an exam, your decision is not yet complete. The ACT, for instance, offers an optional writing componentthe ACT Plus Writing. But should you take this sub-test? First, consider the basics The ACT Plus Writing lengthens the ACT by thirty minutes, and it currently costs an additional $16.50. You will be presented with a single prompt. This prompt will describe an issue and two opposing viewpoints. You must then support one of the two provided perspectives, or alternately, present your own. Of course, your score will not reflect the side you choose, and you do not have to argue for the viewpoint you actually holdjust the one about whichyou can write the most effectiveessay. The case for completing the ACT Plus Writing is fairly compelling: It may be required While the writing portion of the exam is technically optional, certain schools require it for admission. If you are sitting for the ACT during your junior year, you may have little idea about which colleges you will ultimately apply towhich means it may or may not be required. Some schools simply recommend that you take it - follow their advice. Colleges that do not require the ACT Plus Writing may still accept and examine your results, which couldstrengthen your portfolio. It can highlight key skills Though the ACT may feel like a mere means to an end, it is designed to allow you to showcase your skills to colleges. This is also true of the Writing section. By completing a short essay, you can demonstrate your communication skillsand schools are deeply interested in your ability to read, write, and thoughtfully argue. It is not multiple-choice The ACT Plus Writing is scored by two human readers. These individuals review and evaluate your essay, and then they assign it a score between 2 and 12. If you do not excel at multiple-choice testing, the ACT Plus Writing can be a wonderful way for you to stand out to colleges. You may also find these tips on how to improve your ACT scorehelpful. It may improve your ability to write well While studying for the ACT Plus Writing, you may realize that you are becoming a better writer. Often, the ability to write well is developed by continual practice. As you complete sample prompts, your skill set in writing quickly and clearly will improve. Writing tutors can also be of great use, as they can offer excellent feedback and direct your prep efforts accordingly. Remember thatACT practice testsmay help you improve your overall score as well. This will work to your advantage as you enter college, where you will be expected to write coherently startingthe first day of your first semester. Thus, sitting for the ACT Plus Writing may make you a more successful college studentif you prepare appropriately. If you plan to review for the other sections of the ACT, it may make logistical sense to proceed one step furtherin other words, to complete the ACT Plus Writing as well. While you might regret not taking it, it is unlikely that the reverse will be true. [RELATED: What is an Average ACT Score?]

How Can I Make My Own Dress Pattern

How Can I Make My Own Dress Pattern You Too Can Make Your Own Dress Patterns ChaptersGetting Starting: Gathering SuppliesGetting the Measurements RightFinding Inspiration for Your PatternsPutting it all TogetherMost of us don’t exactly fit in the narrow spectrum of sizing espoused by the clothing industry.We’ve gotten used to blouses that don’t fit quite right, to wearing our trousers around our hips so that they will be long enough and to wearing tunic dresses while wishing we could wear an A-line dress.Still, those of us who exceed the industry’s average sizing by only a bit have it better than Caroline Welz who, at 206cm in height, is the tallest woman in Germany.Or Zainab Bibi, who was granted asylum in Britain after fleeing her home country because her extreme height of 218cm made her a target for violence.What about Jessica Pardoe? At 208cm, she is officially the tallest British woman. She shops online for her clothes and, according to her, they are much more expensive than any clothes in the shops.Wait a minute, what are we saying?If you want t o wear an A-line dress but can’t find one in your size or a pattern for it, you can make one! And if you want an open-back summer dress with a flared skirt, you can make a pattern for it, too.You can make any sewing pattern you want, from a wrap dress to a knit dress… all the way to a dress tunic that flatters rather than conceals your shape.Already the objections flow: ‘I’m not a designer’, ‘I’m not a pattern maker’ and ‘I don’t know a thing about pattern drafting!’There, do you have that out of your system?Perhaps the only thing stopping you from sewing your own clothes is that you need to learn how to sew but nothing is stopping you from designing your own dress patterns and your Superprof is going to show you how to do it.And, just in case you didn’t know, your Superprof has sewing tutors standing by to help you learn how to sew, too… If you're fed up with high prices for a dress that will fit you right, make your own dress pattern! Image by Michal Jarmoluk from PixabayYour first step in pattern drafting is gathering the tools and supplies you need.We want to focus a moment on pattern paper and our first question to you is: have you ever studied a Newlook, Butterick or McCall’s sewing pattern? Not the lines and symbols â€" we’ll get to them soon enough, but the quality of the paper itself.Pattern paper seems to be very thin, like onion skin tracing paper, right?This type of paper, thin and translucent as it is, is ideal for making patterns because it has a high cotton fibre content, which makes it resistant to tears.When you go to your sewing supplies shop, you will find many different types of paper for pattern-making, from the SpotCross type to paper that is already gridded. You may even find packs of Burda Style tissue paper for sale!Naturally, you should buy the paper you feel would give you the best resul ts; the one you could best work with. However, we would like to give you a few things to think about:A roll of paper works better than sheets for pattern-making; you won’t have any crease marks to mar your pattern and your paper will always be long enough.You might find that the ‘busier’ the paper is â€" the more markings it has, the more distracting it can bechoosing paper that has light grid lines may be a good ‘starter’ pattern paperAvoid standard craft paper; it is too thick and heavy for pattern making (but it is great for drawing!)Likewise, reconsider your selection of tracing paper; it may not hold up well for pattern makingDo consider buying template card stock; we will explain why shortlyThe right paper is essential to pattern-making but you will need other tools and accessories to make patterns for sewing your own clothes.You can find a complete list of tools you will need in our pattern-making basics article.Getting the Measurements RightObviously, the most crit ical aspect of making a dress pattern â€" or a pattern for a wrap skirt, patterns for loungewear or even a pajama pattern is getting the measurements.Equally obvious is that contorting yourself to measure every aspect of your body is likely to yield an inaccurate result.Even the seemingly easy measures, say from your shoulder to your wrist might not be wholly correct â€" and how could you measure from the nape of your neck to the base of your spine?To obtain your exact measurements, you have a couple of choices: you can ask a friend you feel comfortable with to measure you or you could endure a session in a dressmaking shop to be professionally measured.However, the dressmaker might not be thrilled to spend so much time recording your every measure but not getting a commission for any sewing project. It is impossible to measure yourself accurately to make a shirt pattern or a skirt pattern Image by Myriam Zilles from PixabayThere is another way you can measure yourself without making anyone angry or feeling embarrassed…Your Superprof has outlined the easiest way to obtain your measurements without offending a seamstress in an article titled How to Adapt Sewing Patterns.Now, let’s get to that template card stock we recommended you buy, along with your other pattern-making supplies.You will not want to measure yourself each time you wish to make yourself something new to wear; for that reason, you should create a sloper.In the fashion industry, a sloper is a size template that pattern drafters use so that they don’t have to measure again and again.You may be new to making your own patterns and, by extension sewing your own clothes but we intuit that you will move quickly beyond beginner sewing and make more stunning outfits tailored to your figure.For that reason, you will pr obably need to make three slopers: a bodice, a skirt sloper and a trouser sloper.You can learn all about slopers and how to turn them into patterns for clothes in our in-depth article on pattern-making…At this point, you have your templates â€" slopers, but you are not yet ready to make patterns.Finding Inspiration for Your Patterns“We have nothing for you” â€" shopkeeper in Kunming, China upon seeing an overly tall/large customer browsing the racks of clothes.If you’ve ever been driven out of a dress shop, either by the seething/sneering stares levelled at you or more overtly, as that Chinese shopkeeper did, you know what it feels like to be publicly shamed.This time, it's their shame! You have a cloak of assuredness guiding your discerning eye; you only want to see what can be had. The getting will be done later, once you’ve drawn your pattern.There is nothing wrong with you taking inspiration from clothing hanging in the shops or anything you see online.For instance, if you like how asymmetrical hemlines set off your height, feel free to incorporate one into your prospective design. Likewise, if you prefer a scoop neckline to a boat neck, there is nothing wrong with borrowing that idea.By no means are we suggesting copying the designs of any famous labels and in no way are we encouraging you to counterfeit designer clothing!The idea behind looking at an assortment of designs is to find what works best for you, what features and aspects you like and what you feel you would be most comfortable wearing.You may also look at sewing patterns; Kwik Sew and Sew Easy are just two names that have patterns in modern styles. You could look at Vogue patterns if you are angling for more classic lines.If you’re cruising around online, you might try Lookbook, and even Simplicity Patterns has a lot to offer in the way of style and design.You could also visit your local sewing store to paw through their pattern bins. Don’t know where one is? Find out in our whe re to buy patterns article… You may use dress forms to see how your dress drapes Image by Nikola Belopitov from PixabayPutting it all TogetherYou now have some great ideas for the dress you want to make and you have a sloper â€" a template of your measurements. You also have the tools you need to make your first pattern.It is now time to put everything together.Earlier, we mentioned you do not need to be an artist to make clothing patterns. Now is the time to prove our point.You will use an assortment of guides â€" the straightedge, square and French curve you bought, to draw your pattern.Place your slope under your paper so you will know how long to draw the skirt and how to draw the bodice.Now, add embellishment: if you want your dress to have a square neck, you may use your L-square to draw precise angles. If you want the skirt to be pleated, you only need to draw vertical lines from the waist to the hem.And so it goes: if you want cuffed sleeves, draw them in. If you are making a wrap dress pattern, don’t forget to draw in the sash.Once you have your dress completely drawn, it is only a matter of making each pattern piece. Don’t forget to incorporate a 5/8 inch seam allowance!You should end up with at least 2 skirt pieces (front and back), a waistband (unless you are sewing a tunic dress), and 2-3 pieces for the bodice, depending on whether you want it to button.You may also have a collar or neckline piece and you may need some interfacing for your collar. You may also opt for sleeves and cuffs.Once you are done with dress sewing, you can wear your new fit-and-flare dress to your first class so you can learn how to make patterns for more cute clothes!

What to Know About AP Exams in 2017

What to Know About AP Exams in 2017 Because tests are constantly evolving, it can be difficult to keep track of everything you need to know. As we enter into 2017, it may help to think about AP exams in their entiretyevery test you could take, when theyre scheduled, and what youll need to do to prepare. While knowing the logistics of your exams is only the beginning, it is a crucial step in achieving your testing goals. Here is what you should know about AP exams in 2017: Where and when do I take my 2017 AP exams? If you remember the month of May, youre in good shapeall AP exams for 2017 take place during two weeks in May (May 1-5 and May 8-12). For a more specific breakdown, check the College Board's schedule. Students are not allowed to take AP exams early, and local coordinators will announce test locations. If youve got two exams at the same time, you can reschedule one of them for later in May. By July, you should know how you did on your examby mid-July, you should have the results of any exams youmay have rescheduled to take later in May. [RELATED: A Scoring Guide to AP Exams] How do I register for my 2017 AP exams? Of course, youll have to first register for AP exams, which must be done through your school with an accompanying fee. Begin by inquiring as to whether or not your school has an AP exam coordinatorthat person should have all the information necessary and can advise you on appropriate coursework, though you are not required to take the corresponding AP course in order to take the exam. If your school does not offer AP classes (or if youre homeschooled), you should contact AP Services no later than March and ask them to put you in touch with a local coordinator who can help you out. What should I bring to my AP exam test days? While it may seem like months away, it doesnt hurt to know well ahead of time what youll need to have with you test day. For instance, youll need to know your schools six-digit code (theres one for homeschooled students as well). If youre taking an exam at another school, be sure to use the code for the school you attend. For a more comprehensive list of materials you can and cannot bring, check the College Board site. How should I prep for my 2017 AP exams? Believe it or not, May will be here before you know itand students who study appropriately are more likely to perform infinitely better on their AP exams. Now is a great time to commit to taking one or more exams. Knowing theres a test in your future makes it easier to pay attention and form a study plan that will work for you. If you havent already, consider meeting with your high school guidance counselor to seek any advice on AP exam prep. You may also want to take a closer look at identifying your learning style. Both of these actionable steps can help you tailor an AP test prep plan that works for you. Bonus tip: dont forget about practice tests! There are many free AP practice tests to help you determine your strengths and weaknesses. [RELATED: What You Need to Know About the New AP Calculus Exams] Finally, make a detailed timeline to give you an idea of what will be necessary and when as you prepare for your 2017 AP exam(s). If youre taking a corresponding AP class, you might note when youre going to cover certain topics, particularly if you feel like you may need extra study time with them. If youre taking the exam without an accompanying course, make a more detailed schedule of when youll independently cover exam topics. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to address problem areas and sharpen your skills. Take preparation seriously and youll be on your way to a stellar AP score! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Dealing with Back-to-School Anxiety

Dealing with Back-to-School Anxiety Everyone feels anxious on the first day of school. Even kids who love school and look forward to the first day feel some butterflies in their stomach as they wonder what their new teacher and classmates will be like. For kids with ADHD who have struggled with school in the past and whose relationships with classmates have often been challenging, the back to school jitters that they experience are often more intense than most. Even if they dont talk about feeling nervous, the anxiety will still be there and may show up in other ways like uncharacteristic irritability, difficulty sleeping, and complaints about stomachs and headaches. As a parent it can be hard to know how to help your child cope with his or her anxiety. In addition to strategies that help with everyday anxiety, like taking deep breaths or distracting yourself from anxious thoughts, there are a few important things you can do to help your child cope leading up to the first day of school. Help your child know what to expect. Anxiety often stems from not knowing what to expect when were doing something new for the first time. While you cant predict everything that will happen on the first day of school, there are things you can do to make the day feel more familiar and predictable for your child. Visit the school ahead of time and walk with your child to his or her new classroom. Allow your child to have some fun playing on the play structure or shooting hoops on the basketball court. Talk to your child about his or her new teacher. Share some of the good things that youve heard from other parents and kids. If its possible, have your child meet the new teacher ahead of time or create an opportunity for him or her to talk to a former student who enjoyed having that teacher in the past. Make sure your child is introduced to at least one classmate before the first day of school. If youre new to the area, talk to neighbors or someone at your childs new school to get tips on reaching out to some of your childs peers ahead of time. Create a back-to-school morning routine and start practicing in the week leading up to the start of school https://huntingtonhelps.com/resources/adhd-blog/back-to-school-routines-for-kids-with-adhd. Encourage your child to share their feelings. Some of our greatest fears can lose their power when we share them out loud. Not all kids are eager to talk about their anxiety, so some gentle encouragement may be needed. Ask your child questions about how he or she is feeling. Avoid emotionally loaded questions like, Are you nervous about starting school this year? Instead, ask neutral questions that allow your child to set the tone of the conversation. For example, What do you think the first day of school will be like this year? If he or she doesnt respond to your direct questions, avoid pushing your child to talk. Instead, be on the lookout for times when your child casually mentions how they are feeling about the upcoming school year. Use those moments as an opportunity to listen and respond with empathy and encouragement. Empathize when he or she expresses feelings of anxiety, or when he or she shuts down and seems walled off. Let your child know that you understand that it can be hard to go back to school, and that he or she might wish that summer could go on forever. Normalize his or her feelings by sharing some of your own personal experiences with back to school jitters. Create space to focus on the positives. Anxiety causes us to naturally focus on the negative aspects of a situation. Remind your child about the things he or she enjoyed at school last year even if he or she says that recess and art class were schools only two redeeming qualities! Its important for your child to have something to genuinely look forward to when he or she heads through the school doors on the first day. Help your child feel in control of some aspects of his or her day. When kids return to school they have very little control over how their day will go. They are more or less told what to do and when to do it from the moment they wake up in the morning until school ends for the day. You can help you child feel more in control by allowing him or her to make choices and decisions about small things that will impact his or her day. Here are a few ways that you can build in some choices: Allow your child to pick out the snack that will be included in his or her lunch. Ask your child if he or she would like to get to school early to play on the play structure for a few minutes, or if he or she would prefer to arrive right on time and head straight into the classroom. Let them pick out his or her first day of school outfit. Ask if he or she would like to choose the radio station in the car. If you walk your child to school, ask if he or she would like to choose the route that you take. Engage in conversations about choices that your child will be able to make throughout the school year. For example, he or she may be able to choose a musical instrument to play, a sports team to join, or sign up for a special afterschool activity. As a parent you cant take away all of your childs back-to-school anxiety. In fact, some anxiety is normal for everyone in the family at this time of year. But you can help your child cope with his or her anxiety by helping him or her feel more in control, creating space for him or her to share his or her feelings, and helping him or her know what to expect on the first day back at school. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.