So many fun things to tell everyone!!!

WOW..what a fabulous few days we have had here at SchoolTools 101. It began with a great interview and photo session with Phil and Hal from the Milford Times...we couldn't have done a great photo session without one of our star students, Courtney Bujaki!!
Later that afternoon we found out we have gotten our "non profit status"!!!!! This is huge...we will now be able to fund raise and accept donations so that we can offer our workshops to all children!! We have plans to be able to provide "School Tool kits" for children in Michigan who have had to face the beginning of school without the basics i.e. pencils, crayons, scissors, ruler, and all the other essentials every child deserves. To say we are feeling excited is an understatement!!
We were also thrilled to be a part of the Highland Business Association's Enrichment Day on Saturday. We provided items for the gift bags and were tickled to provide a door prize! We want to become a part of this fine organization in the near future.
So...while we were dealing with wild winds, no power, and no computer we were also counting our blessings to be a part of SchoolTools 101!!!
Please join us for one of our workshops...your child will thank you and you will see huge growth in them!

School Tools Workshops- Questions about age range

We have had many parents ask us what is the appropriate age for the workshops, I am happy to answer that question, please e-mail or call if you have any questions.

Study Skills Workshop: is geared for 2nd - 8th grade. During the workshop the students will learn techniques that will last them a lifetime. For example, learning how to use a planner and staying organized is important for every age student, however a 2nd graders planner will be more simplistic than an 8th graders. The 8th grader will have much more information to write in their planner. During the workshop each student independent of their grade will learn the "how-to" and then they can apply it to their needs at this time in their life. Remember, they will have a skill to use forever.

How to Write an "A" Paper: Is geared for 4th - 8th grade.

How to Count Money: Is geared for elementary school children, 2nd - 5th grade.

Story Problem Survival Skills: 2nd - 5th grade.

Coping Skills: 3rd - 7th grade.

Pre-High School Boot Camp: 8th grade.

Empowerment and The "Can-Do" Attitude: 4th - 7th grade.

All our workshops are "hands-on", educational and fun!

What a turnout!!!

Even though Saturday was a spectacular sunny day we had a fabulous turnout for 2 workshops!!
Our morning began with "Study Skills 101" and the afternoon ended with "Writing an "A" Paper". We had a lively group of students for both classes. What I love about our workkshops is that we also learn along with the kids. Each time we get together we learn a new technique that we can share. I think the amount of fun equalled the amount of learning!
Another thing that really struck a note with me was that our Study Skills class had such a wide range of ages. A 2nd grader all the way up to a few 8th graders and everyone learned skills they will be able to use! WOW...wish we were around when my kids were this age !!
Please look at our schedule and sign up for a workshop...also ask about our new coupon program!!! Financial stimulus at its best!!!

Study Skills Student Earns An "A" on Science Test

A student who attended our Study Skills Workshop earns an "A" on his science test after using his new study skill techniques he learned at the workshop. We were so happy for him and he was so proud of himself.

Adventures with a bag of coins!!

I was at Wal-Mart yesterday buying Easter basket goodies. While near the toy aisle I saw an interesting sight. A child, probably about 7~9 and his mother were engaged in a heated debate. The boy had a plastic bag filled with assorted coins. He had an action hero clutched in his hand and was wailing "I NEED to buy this!!! How much money do I have??" His mother (bless her heart) was obviously on her last thread of patience and tersely responded "Don't they teach you how to count at school?". Then the tears came for both of them and mom put the bag of coins in her purse and pulled out her debit card.
I saw a lost opportunity here...the opportunity for the boy to make his own purchase and most probably making that toy even more special. There was also the opportunity for mom to see independence in her child.
We are having a workshop on counting money and we will be having lots of fun while lots of learning takes place! Each child should have an understanding of money, its worth and its uses. Check our claendar below for dates and times. As always we would love to come to you and teach a class...send us an email to find out how!

Making writing fun for the whole family

As we sit here during Spring Break with 9 inches of snow and the wind blowing it is inevitable to hear a parent's least favorite words "I'm bored!!". I have a great idea that will end up becoming a cherished and treasured family legacy. Why not begin a family journal? It is simple and fun. Choose a topic and let each family member write their thoughts in it. Even the littlest members can draw a picture or add a scribble.
Some fun topics to begin with:
What is your favorite family memory?
If Mom went on strike and didn't cook for a month who would be the best cook? Why?
If there were an alligator in the bathtub what would you do?
Things to remember are to keep your critiques light...nothing quells the creative spirit faster than criticism! Keep it in the family...not everyone likes to have their thoughts shared.
We have a fun workshop coming up on the 18th..."How to Write an "A" Paper". We plan on making the writing process much less daunting and scary...sign your student up and have them bring a friend!

Getting ready for our writing workshop

We are looking forward to our writing workshop on
Saturday, April 18 1:00pm-3:00pm. The students are
going to learn techniques to writing a winning paper.
The class will be hands-on and the students will be
participating in activities during the workshop. Looking
forward to a big success. Can't wait!