Summer Learning

Parenting for Academic Success

For the past eight summers, Greg and Chris have been coteaching a series of transformative parenting classes. Click here to learn about this summer’s offerings.

 

Summer Offerings from Coach Ross

Introduction to Set Theory and Symbolic Logic:
Set theory and logic are closely tied together and both are a critical underlying structure of modern mathematics. We will look at various basic concepts of each, including symbols, truth tables/sets, operators and first-order logic. Set theory and symbolic logic are crucial for mathematics and computer science, as well as technical writing and reading.  They are also useful in most STEM fields.  A basic understanding of algebra is a good foundation for this topic.

Math History and Famous Mathematicians:
A look at a loose history of mathematics, touching on various notable mathematicians depending on interest.  Possible topics include, but aren’t limited to:  The history of numbers and the number system, the influences of various civilizations on mathematics (Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Indian, Arabic, Renaissance), famous mathematicians and their impact on math (classic, modern, women), what is modern math and the millennium problems.

A Math Book Club:
A book club to read and discuss books about mathematics, including fiction and non-fiction. Books will depend on interest and mathematical sophistication. Possible titles include, but aren’t limited to:  Flatland by Edwin Abbott Abbott (a fictional look at understanding the 4th dimension), Humble Pi by Matt Parker (a modern book that examines when math goes wrong, showing various real life examples on WHY we study math), How to Lie With Statistics by Darrell Huff (a look at the error in the interpretation of statistics), or Div, Grad, Curl, and All That (an informal look at vector calculus, a subject covered in Calc III, aimed at students that have some Calc knowledge but not necessarily Calc III )

Recreational Math:
A look at a variety of topics in math that people do for fun.  We will look at examples and talk about some of the underlying math.  Possible topics depending on interest and mathematical sophistication:  mathematical games, mathematical puzzles, and mathemagics.  A foundation in algebra and above is a good foundation for this topic.

Reach out if you are interested in any of these topics for 1-on-1 summer tutoring.

 

Other Ideas?

We love continuing to support learning throughout the summer. The most common way this happens is through regular academics and test prep (see below), but we’re always open to new ideas!

If you have something unconventional in mind, don’t hesitate to ask!

 

Summer Work With Students

Here’s a quick look at what our students typically work on in order to make good use of summer.

Broadly speaking, many students choose to get caught up on challenging content from this past year, get a head start on next year, prepare for standardized tests, or simply continue their intellectual and academic growth.

Math

Reading and Writing

  • Early reading skills
    • Getting the mind ready to read: previewing, predicting, noticing, wondering
    • Basic Phonics
    • Decoding
  • Developing reader
    • Learn to be an active reader
    • Move from decoding to reading for understanding
  • Advanced reader
    • How to analyze fiction and non-fiction
    • How to annotate, paraphrase, and explore connections
  • Choose a book and work through it with one of our awesome coaches
  • Develop and practice a writing process
  • Improve vocabulary, grammar, and style
  • Develop and practice age-appropriate writing skills:
    • Elementary School – sentence structure variety
    • Middle School – paragraph writing
    • High School – five-paragraph essays and research papers
    • College Bound – application essays and college writing

Spanish and French

  • Hone grammar skills
  • Build vocabulary
  • Strengthen pronunciation
  • Review this year’s content
  • Preview next year’s content

Computer Programming

  • Create a website
  • Get acquainted with a new language – Python, Javascript, Java, C/C#, Ruby
  • Learn programming fundamentals including functions, variables, loops, and conditionals
  • Explore advanced programming concepts through project-based learning

Organization, Study Skills, and Executive Function

How to:

  • Use a planner and manage time
  • Set up a binder, folder system, or home workspace
  • Reduce procrastination
  • Increase productivity and focus
  • Take notes and use resources
  • Prepare for tests and understand what “learning” and “studying” truly mean
  • Become an active agent in life and school
  • Develop the habits and mindsets essential for rigorous coursework like AP and IB

College Preparation and Application 

  • College readiness skills
  • College applications
  • College personal statement/essay writing

Standardized Test-Prep

  • Prepare for the SAT or ACT
  • Get a head start on studying for next year’s AP exams
  • Prepare for the ISEE, SSAT, or HSPT (if applying to private school)
  • Prepare for the GRE or LSAT