A learning journal is an ongoing collection of writing dedicated to learning–that is, writing done for the purpose of learning rather than the purpose of demonstrating learning. Learning journals are often named for a specific purpose and/or format, such as a creative writing journal. Even a personal blog can be a kind of journal if the blogging is done in order to promote, deepen, or extend learning of some kind. There are as many types…
Read More »The next SSAT test date is fast approaching; Saturday, October 13th will be here before we know it. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the SSAT locations of the October SSAT test. Note: this list applies to the Middle/Upper Level Standard SSAT test only. Applewild School 120 Prospect Street Fitchburg, MA 01420 Bancroft School 110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605 Beacon Academy Simmons College Main Campus Building 300 The Fenway Boston, MA…
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Questions are extraordinary learning tools. A good question can open minds, shift paradigms, and force the uncomfortable but transformational cognitive dissonance that can help create the world’s greatest thinkers. In education, we tend to value a student’s ability to answer questions, but what might be more important is her ability to ask her own great questions–and more critically, her willingness to do so. Here are 5 strategies for getting students to ask meaningful questions in…
Read More »In honor of it being my favorite month of the year, enjoy our comprehensive list of fun and festive fall activities taking place on weekends throughout October! Milford Pumpkin Festival, NH When: Fri 10/5/18 – Sun 10/7/18 Where:Union Square, Milford, NH Time: Fri 5 – 9pm, Sat 10am – 9pm, Sun 10am – 3pm Age: all ages Cost: free admission Come to the Milford Pumpkin Festival to enjoy live music, a craft fair, carved pumpkin…
Read More »Creativity is an incredibly valuable skill. All too often, we outgrow our imagination with age due to an encroaching sense of self doubt, an ingrained belief that it’s an impractical pursuit, or firm guidance from more experienced grown-ups advising engineering over art school. Although almost everyone would agree that creativity is important, budget cuts to areas of education like art and music programs demonstrate differently. Creativity should be encouraged along with technical knowledge, since the…
Read More »Need help deciphering your child’s ISEE ISR? The Individual Student Report (ISR), which will be posted to your family’s online account several days after your child takes the ISEE exam, shows the results from your child’s exam day and some useful metrics for gauging how well they performed on the exam. Copies of the ISR are also emailed to ERB schools and consultants if you have listed them as recipients (The essay, which is NOT scored…
Read More »Many of the back-to-school tips available are targeted towards teachers, but it’s essential for students to have a great support system in place at home as well as in the classroom. The more informed your family is by asking your child’s teacher questions, the more seamlessly students can transition from summer to school. Below are some questions parents can ask teachers to better clarify what is happening in the classroom. Some of these questions may…
Read More »September has arrived, and the feeling of fall is in the air. With the changing of the season comes the opportunity to put in place some back-to-school habits that can help your children build their literacy skills. Here are four practical ideas to help your family kick-off the school year. 1. Keep Up With a Reading Log Many schools request children to read at home several times a week. Even if the school does not…
Read More »The 2018-19 school year has hardly begun, but if you’re hoping to send your child to one of the Boston Exam Schools next year, then it’s already time to start preparing their applications! There are four parts of the application process you should make sure to follow: 1. Take the ISEE The biggest part of the application for your child to take care of asap is to take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). The…
Read More »SSAT Scoring and Score Reporting Not sure how to read your child’s SSAT score report? Your child’s SSAT score report will contain the following information: Number of Items: The number of items in the content sections and subsections. Number Correct: The number of correct answers for the content sections and subsections. Percent Correct: The percentage of correct answers for the content sections and subsections. Scaled Score: A score which has a range of values from…
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