Man's best friend and child's learning tool?

We all know that dogs are warm, fuzzy, lovable creatures. But did you know that they can actually help improve your child’s reading skills?

One of the biggest challenges kids face in learning to read is a lack of confidence. Children who struggle with reading often become self-conscious about their abilities, embarrassed of making mistakes, and generally uncomfortable reading out loud in front of others. Their insecurity prevents them from doing the one thing that will make them better readers—practice, practice, practice!

This is where the dog comes in. It may seem silly to you, but reading to a dog (and oftentimes SAT tutoring) can be just what your child needs—a comforting, furry friend who will always listen and never judge. In this non-threatening environment, your child can read freely and confidently. In fact, the presence of a dog has been proven to diminish the signs of anxiety (elevated heart rate and blood pressure, for example) that can appear when a child reads aloud to a peer or adult. Who knew?

And here’s more food for thought. A study conducted this year by researchers at the University of California, Davis confirmed that children who read to a canine companion really do perform better. Young students who read out loud to dogs improved their reading skills by 12 percent over the course of a 10-week program, while children in the same program who didn't read to dogs showed no improvement. Other studies have revealed that a young student's reading scores can advance significantly—two to four grade levels—by reading to a dog for just 20 minutes a week throughout the school year. And the leaders of R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) recommend doing just that—set aside 20 minutes each week for your child to read to a dog.

If you don’t have a dog, you can visit www.therapyanimals.org to find a R.E.A.D. program near you. Otherwise, encourage your child read to whatever pet he/she does have. The key is reading to an audience who will offer unconditional respect and attention. Reading to Fluffy the hamster, Bubbles the goldfish, or Winston the tortoise might just work!

How to Review College Websites

Around this time of year, about eight years ago, my mother and older brother began the daunting task of investigating colleges of potential interest. They decided the local Barnes and Noble was the place to start - and after a solid hour, they arrived home with close to ten pounds of college guides - Petersons, Fiske, Newsweek - I'm pretty sure they had every single one available in the four, extra-large bags.

Over the next few weeks, I watched as they spent several hours thumbing through each book - comparing schools, considering the different angles each guide offered. By the end they had a better understanding of his options, a solid list of schools that he would keep an eye on, and stacks of extremely-used guides.

Three years later I began the same process - but mine did not necessitate even ONE book...

Thanks to the internet, I accomplished what took my brother weeks in just 2 days. Absolutely free, to boot - plus, not only does every single college in the US have an informational website - but these websites often have links to student reviews, as well.

The process continues to become much more efficient and balanced with each passing year - however, in order to get the most out of each website, you should follow a few best tips from a local pro, Jeannie Borin:

How to Review College Websites

So you can’t visit all the colleges where you choose to apply. The internet is a great source to do lots of homework on colleges. Visit college websites and it’s easy to be drawn into the fantastic graphics, sunny weather and smiling students. In addition to providing information on their schools, appealing to students via glorious websites is an objective colleges have to lure students into applying.

Here are some tips:

• Take notes when gazing at college websites. Keep track of things that impress you and where you see yourself as a good match for that college. A typical essay question colleges ask students is why they are a good fit for their college.
• Read the college’s mission statement. This information is generally found on the college’s “about” page. Philosophically, one can learn a tremendous amount by this statement.
• Read the campus newspaper. Students write current stories on hot topics, posting opinions and discussing relevant issues about that college. One can learn about “the pulse” of a campus this way.
• Visit student run campus websites. Look at campus events, and consider e-mailing college students who are private SAT tutors, for they may have helped many students with choosing the right college.
• Check out the academic programs. It’s a good idea to look at any core requirements the first two years. For example, if a college wants you to take lots of science classes and that’s not your thing – that may not be the college for you.

Most importantly, know yourself! What do you like and dislike? What are your strengths and weaknesses? In what kind of an environment are you most comfortable? Is this college affordable? Can this college help fulfill your career goals?
Generally admission offices will welcome phone calls. You can speak with an admissions representative and counselor to get any specific questions answered. However, it is important to visit college websites first as many of your questions will be answered on their websites.
*Thanks to Jeannie Borin, founder and president of College Connections, for her contribution again this week!

Effective College Visits

Back in the day, a majority of my college visits went something like this:

My Mother: We should go on a tour of the campus...don't forget to ask questions!
Me: Yuck. Can we go get coffee at the bookstore?
My Mother: You should talk to the students and get a feel for the school!
Me: I just want to go swimming
My Mother: Campus tour!
Me: Lunch?

In the end, I spent most of my college visits sulking around as my mother approached random students and interviewed them on the spot, one of them was even my former private SAT tutor! Occasionally, I would sneak off and visit the campus gym and check it out - but looking back, there were a lot of questions I should have asked others - and myself.

Jeannie Borin, founder and president of College Connections, offers the below checklist as a way to efficiently and effectively structure your college visits so that you leave with valuable information.

How To Make The Most of Your Campus Visits

As you visit different colleges, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the many buildings, programs and informational tours. Preparing a preplanned checklist of what you want to see and do while on campus is advantageous. Each year my staff and I tour a myriad of universities across the country. Here are some things we look for at each college we visit:

Admission Criteria

Requirements and What to Include with the Application
When to Apply
GPA & Test Scores (if required)
Scholarships Offered
Student Support/Counseling Center

Academics

Professor Availability
Popular Programs
Average Size of Class
Possible Internships Available
Study Abroad Opportunities
Available Technology
Library Facilities and Resources

Campus Life

Greek – Fraternities/Sororities
Weekend Activities
Special Campus Events
How Many Students Live on Campus? Commute?
Sporting Events
Dining Facilities
Party Scene
Campus Setting
Located of College (Urban vs. Rural)
Surrounding Community (College Town)

Look Of The College

Dorms and Nearby Housing
Lecture Halls & Classrooms
Clean, Easy Access, Transportation
Libraries
Security & Safety, Campus Police Availability
Current Building Projects
How Well Are Current Facilities Maintained?
Recreation Center
Additional Suggestions
Take a campus informational tour
Set up an interview with an admission officer
Audit a course
Speak with a professor or representative at the department in your field of interest
If you are pursuing athletics, talk to a coach in your sport
If possible, stay overnight in a dorm with a friend or relative
Pick up the campus newspaper
Spend time in the Student Union and eat in the cafeteria
Speak to students and ask questions
Find the center of campus and be an observer
Take a look at the college bookstore
Ask a student what he/she likes and dislikes about the college
Tour the community surrounding the campus
Ask yourself if you could feel at home at this college
Take lots of notes and pictures
Enjoy yourself!

Ultimately, the most important thing is finding the right match for you. Your comfort level and ability to intertwine with students and faculty will help you know what you want come decision time.

*Special thanks to Jeannie Borin, founder and president of college connections, for her contribution this week!

Academic New Year's Resolution: Attainable and Maintainable Goals

We are all familiar with the resolutions made on January 1st. Ambitiously, we make plans to improve in various areas: exercise consistently, read more, complain less, recycle, etc.

Unfortunately, by February, after two months steadfast commitment, we feel like it is “too much” and start making exceptions, excuses, and decide that maybe it really is true that weekends don’t count.

In the world of education, September is the mark of another kind of new year – the academic school year. As I can recall, this was an exciting time that always felt full of potential. A new year meant new classes, new teachers, new private SAT tutors, and a new opportunity to start off “fresh” with academic organization, sports, and extra-curricular activities.

Like most, I would always start off the year strong. Each class was organized into separate binders, I had highlighters and a planner, and I would meticulously track every assignment and exam date. I would commit to clubs during lunch and lifeguarding during the weekend, and anything else was crammed in between school and the 25 hours of swim practice during the week.

Then, late October would happen. Much like the attack of February on the commitment to New Year’s Resolutions, I would find myself skipping club meetings, scheduling work more sporadically, and stacking returned tests, papers, and other assignments in to teetering piles on my desk. While I never completely abandoned my efforts, by the end of high school I noticed one thing: no matter the number of promises I made or the strength of my intent, I always ended up only seriously committed to two or three goals come June.

Now, for my advice to students…

Students, as you start this new school year, take a few minutes to consider the upcoming year. Do you have goals for this year? Are they attainable AND maintainable, or have you set yourself up to compromise quality of commitment for quantity of activities? Remember, success is built by integrating on-going actions and dedication over a long period, not by attaining goals for a short lived spurt of time. (Also, colleges care WAY more about the depth of a student’s activities then their breadth).