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Young Novelist: A Summer Writing Workshop

Summer programs offer students an excellent opportunity to explore subjects that interest them, build valuable skills, and meet like-minded peers.  Giving your child the chance to explore their love of writing can help them discover their full creative potential and find a passion that will last a lifetime.

Groza Learning Center’s Young Novelist Summer Writing Workshop is more than just a writing class—it’s a chance for your child to tap into their creativity and let their imagination run wild.  What’s more, the fun doesn’t stop when the workshop ends. The Young Novelist is just the beginning of unlocking your child’s writing prowess.

What is the Young Novelist Summer Writing Workshop?

Young Novelist is a fun, empowering approach to creative writing. The challenge: draft an entire novel in just 10 days.  This program, for children grades 3 through 11 provides a fast-paced and exciting environment that is sure to inspire and motivate young writers. It is an excellent opportunity for children to explore their love of writing and unleash their inner novelists.  

Why Should My Child Participate in the Young Novelist Summer Writing Workshop?

The Young Novelist workshop was designed to be fun and empowering while helping children to believe in their ideas and stories. With the support of experienced writing coaches, your child will have the chance to develop their skills and grow as a writer in a supportive and collaborative environment.  It is a perfect opportunity to help your children develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed as writers.

What Can My Child Expect from the Young Novelist Workshop?

For 10 wild, exciting and surprising days, children get to lock away their inner editor, letting their imagination take over and just create. With the support of writing coaches, young novelists will bring their novels to life – while making new friends and being part of a community of young writers.

What Happens After the Young Novelist Workshop?

The Young Novelist workshop is just the beginning of your child’s writing journey. Upon completion of the program, they’ll have the chance to continue improving their skills and sharing their work with family and friends. Many participants in the Young Novelist workshop go on to participate in other writing programs and workshops offered by Groza Learning Center, allowing them to continue honing their skills and exploring their creativity, and seeing their writing come to life in a tangible form.

How Can I Sign Up for the Young Novelist Workshop?

If you’re interested in signing up your child to be a Young Novelist, simply schedule a call by clicking here or emailing us at connect@grozalearningcenter.com.  Spots in the workshop are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your child’s spot. We can’t wait to see the amazing novels that your child will create!

By participating in the Young Novelist Summer Workshop, your child will have the chance to:

  • Work with experienced writing coaches who will provide guidance and support as they bring their novels to life.
  • Participate in fun and inspiring writing exercises that will help them tap into their creativity and find their voice.
  • Be part of a community of young writers and make new friends who share their passion for writing.
  • Explore their creative potential and discover their love of writing.
  • Have the opportunity to have their work published and see their writing come to life in a professionally printed and bound book.

In addition to receiving personalized instruction and feedback from the workshop instructors, students will also have the opportunity to engage with their peers and share their work with the group. This collaborative environment is not only a great way for students to get feedback and support from their fellow writers, but it is also a fantastic way for them to build confidence and develop their writing skills.

So don’t wait – sign up for the Young Novelist Writing Workshop at Groza Learning Center today and watch as your child’s writing blossoms.  With the right guidance and support, there’s no telling what they will be capable of achieving.

The Importance of an Academic Summer Program

Academic Summer Program

An academic summer program might sound boring to many students, after all who would want to study during their summer vacation? Luckily, this program is not just about nose to the books learning.  In addition to avoiding” summer learning loss” students acquire skills and tools to start the new school year off strong, students can explore their creativity, build their confidence, and explore their unique learning styles.  Summer learning programs will prepare students for future academic years, as well as giving them a foundation for their career-related endeavors.  So what’s the harm in attending an academic summer programs?

If you have contemplated enrolling your student in a summer learning program but are on the fence here are some reasons you may want to consider it.

4 Benefits of Summer Learning:academic summer program

1. Expands A Student’s Knowledge and Skills

An academic summer program gives students the opportunity to work on projects in groups while, simultaneously teaching them new tools and giving them new skills to enhance their team-building and communication skills.  At Groza Learning Center, we have curated a Young Entrepreneur Program that teaches students how to develop, create, and become leaders in business and life.  These practical and valuable life skills empower students and give them the confidence they need to navigate higher studies as well as the real world.

2. Bridges the Gap Between Virtual and In-Person Learning

Over the past year due to the emergence of the coronavirus, all learning was conducted virtually.  Many students and teachers were unprepared for this change, which caused a lot of stress for all parties involved.  Students began to tune out, lose motivation, and were falling behind. This year students are not only facing “Summer Learning Loss” but are also dealing with “COVID Learning Loss”.  Attending an academic summer program will help bridge the learning gaps created during those zoom sessions and make re-entry to in-person learning easier.

Academic summer programs will help children stay focused and prepare them for their next academic year. Just a few hours a week can help students stay on track and get ahead, so that they can begin the next academic year off strong.

3. Improves Social Skills

There is no doubt that in the past year, maintaining and building social skills has been difficult.  Research has shown that social interaction is a crucial component for healthy child development.  Due to the virus most children have missed a year of developing this important building block. If your child is struggling to make new friends or is having a hard time re-connecting with old ones, an academic summer program will help them transition back to in-person learning.

4.Encourages Exploring New Interests

Many students, especially those in high school, have a tough time honing in on and choosing a field of study that will help them in their career. It is okay for students not to know exactly which career path they are interested in, through an academic summer program they may discover new skills and interests that can help them focus on their path.

Takeaway:

Now that you are aware of the importance of an academic summer program, it is time for parents and students to find the right programs and enroll in before the summer gets away.

10 Ways to Prevent Summer Learning Loss

Summer Learning Loss

All students experience some form of summer learning loss during the vacation months when they may not participate in many educational opportunities.  Furthermore, experts agree that this year’s learning loss will be exasperated due to the negative effects of distance learning.  Sadly, they are anticipating a significant decrease in student achievement come fall 2021.

In fact, according to research from Northwest Evaluation Association, “30% of literacy and 50% of math gains could be lost” due to the transition to online learning.

Don’t panic, this does not mean your child is doomed. The summer is a perfect time to catch up and get ahead.

FACTS ABOUT SUMMER LEARNING LOSS:
Summer Learning Loss

• Only about 10% of children in the United States do educational programs or learning services during the summer months.

• According to a Johns Hopkins study regarding summer learning loss, students can have on an average two months or more of learning loss during their summer vacation.

• According to Summer Learning Loss.org ,“Two-thirds of the ninth-grade achievement gap can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities during the elementary school years.”

• According to a study at the Johns Hopkins Summer Learning Loss program, 56% of children actually want to participate in educational opportunities throughout the summer.

• Research indicates that teachers can spend between 4-6 weeks teaching children the material they have forgotten over the summer.

Half an hour to an hour set aside daily can help students close learning gaps and perform at higher levels during the upcoming school year.

TEN TIPS TO AVOID SUMMER LEARNING LOSS:

Here are some tips to help you help your child avoid summer learning loss.

1. Read with your children, to your children, and encourage reading alone. Many libraries and businesses provide summer reading incentives, from certificates to prizes and gift cards.

2. Get a copy of the recommended summer reading list from your school district. If you cannot, most libraries will have one available to you. Note the names of authors your children enjoy and go back for more.

3. Use incentives to get them involved in academic programs. Reward their involvement with a special day, event or even have them work toward a special toy or video game they want.

4. Participate in activities that you cannot fit in during your normal year, like going to the park or museum. Many museums offer free family days throughout the summer months making this an inexpensive learning opportunity. Other interests could include cooking or gardening, which help children with basic math and science skills.

5. Write letters. It helps children with handwriting and spelling skills as well as organizing their thoughts. Use prompts for children 4 years and younger.

6. Get children involved in the travel planning; everything from the costs to the mapping and activities when you arrive provides learning opportunities, keeps them involved during the travel, and teaches basic life skills.

7. Start a summer journal or scrapbook. These activities help children with basic writing, organization, and math skills (for example, cutting out the shapes for pictures in the scrapbook).

8. Discuss age- appropriate current events. A great learning opportunity is finding one article in the newspaper that a whole family could discuss at dinner time. Read letters to the editor and talk or write about your thoughts.

9. Set a schedule for children and be sure to include both downtime and learning activities.

10.Use the web. There are many learning sites online with everything from coloring (teaching color recognition to young children) to math, reading, and even science programs.

If you are looking for an Educational Summer Camp for your child, consider Groza Learning Center!

Our Programs are offered in-home, online, and in-center.Summer Learning Camps

Young Entrepreneurs

Credit Recovery 

Bridge Academy 

For more information, call or email our office at 310-454-3731 or care@grozalearningcenter.com

Summer Camp programs have limited space.

Book Today!

Can Academic Assessments Evaluate Learning Loss?

Can Academic Assessments Evaluate Learning Loss?

As a parent, I am worried about my children, their education, and our future.

The pandemic has shaken the education system at all levels; consequently, many children will be completing this school year with a gap in their fundamental learning.

COVID-19 has transformed our learning paradigm; in 2020, nearly 50 million public school students and many private school students were required to shift to distance learning.

Unfortunately, politicians, school districts, teachers, students, and parents lacked the basic infrastructure to support the immediate change needed for at-home learning. These challenges have stretched into 2021, and we find ourselves still searching for answers.

The Importance of Academic Assessments:

Remote learning has increased the school districts and parent’s concern of  wide-spread learning loss for students.  It is not surprising that learning loss has become a daily topic in mainstream media and amongst concerned  parents. It is a daily conversation in my household as well.

If you are like me, you feel left in the dark and are constantly worrying if your child  is struggling or falling behind. Do you really know what material they have covered, if they have retained the information or hit the benchmarks?  If you have questions or concerns consider having them take an academic assessment.  As a mom, the information I received  was VERY helpful to me because I could understand what each of my children needs to concentrate in order to rebuild their educational foundation. Grade level assessments are essential for evaluating learning (gains and losses) and critical for long-term education and career success.  Once my kids completed their assessments, I sat down with the director at Groza Learning Center who reviewed the assessment results and gave me valuable feedback.  After our meeting, the director sent me the results and curated an individualized learning plan designed for each of my children’s specific needs.  As the old saying goes, a solid house must be built on a solid foundation.  We had a plan and it made me feel so relieved to know that I can now take actions to ensure that my children are not part of the glooming “zoomed out by distant learning” statistic.

 Summertime Programs Can Help Bridge the Learning Gaps

Summer Learning Camps

Summertime academic programs and camps can address and repair the foundation’s cracks by bridging the learning gaps, helping students get motivated, rebuilding their confidence, and find joy in learning, resulting in fast, lasting, and successful outcomes.  I enrolled my children in the summer program at Groza and I can finally breath knowing that they will receive the individualized attention and that their academic weaknesses will be addressed and strengthened.

With just a few hours a week during the summer, intensive focus on academic skills with experienced teachers can significantly advance your child’s readiness for re-entry into the classroom and allow them to begin fall 2021 strong.

My family is thrilled to find Groza Learning Center Their attentive, caring,  professional staff, and their unique approach to every student have changed they way my children approach learning.

Groza is a place where students discover their academic gifts, learn to conquer scholastic            challenges, exercise their creativity, and bloom into their full potential.

Don’t compromise your child’s future because you didn’t know who to ask for help.

For more information on Academic Assessments and Summer Programs:

Call (310) 454-3731

Effective Executive Functioning Skills

Executive Functioning 2

What is Executive Functioning?

Are you familiar with the term “Executive Functioning”?  Executive Functioning has been described as “the management system of the brain” that accesses information, thinks about solutions, and implements those solutions.  The term may be new to you but there is a high probability that your child is currently struggling with implementing executive functioning skills.

Building executive skills is becoming increasingly difficult in our modern society.  Children are bombarded with information, carry heavy academic workloads, and busy extracurricular schedules, making it challenging to stay focused and stay on task.

Executive Functioning

Indicators a student maybe struggling with Executive Functioning:

  • Disorganization
  • Trouble organizing thoughts
  • Keeping track of belongings
  • Not knowing where to start, feeling overwhelmed
  • Panic when rules of routines change
  • Difficulty transitioning between activities
  • Time management issues, last minute cramming, procrastination
  • Being scattered
  • Poor or no planning

Note: although many of these signs are characteristic of ADHD (almost all kids with ADHD struggle with EF),children can struggle with EF without having ADHD or learning challenges.

How to Manage Executive Functioning Issues: 

Systematic, explicit instruction and strategies are at the heart of executive functioning remediation. It is important to model, teach, and test different coping and metacognitive strategies so that the student can adopt new ways of thinking about and doing work.

By teaching kids targeted exercises and real-world implementation of such structure, students begin to build new ways of thinking, habits, and routines that positively impact not only schoolwork but also enrich their day-to-day lives.

Skills Learned through Executive Functioning Programs:

  • Increased attention span
  • Strengthen working memory
  • Organization, planning, and prioritizing
  • Starting tasks and staying focused until completion
  • Self-monitoring (keeping track of your schedule, belongings etc.)
  • Flexibility thinking and understanding different points of view
  • Regulating emotions
  • Self control

Learn More about Groza’s Executive Functioning Program:
Call: 310-454-3731 or
Clickhttps://grozalearningcenter.com/contact/

Avoid Learning Loss: Take Advantage of the Summer Months

Avoid Learning Loss: Take Advantage of the Summer Months

“Summer slide” is the term used to describe the loss of learning that many children experience, particularly in reading and math skills over the summer. With worldwide school closures due to COVID-19 districts are bracing for an even larger slide. Experts agree that missing school for a prolonged period will likely have significant impacts on student achievement come fall 2020.

Summer LearningAccording to research from Northwest Evaluation Association, “30% of literacy and 50% of math gains could be lost” due to the transition to online learning.

Take Advantage of the Summer With Learning Camps: Increasing academic skills in the core areas of math, science, and English over the summer is imperative to successfully move on to the next level of classes in the fall.

Summer Camp

The Benefits of Summer Learning:

  • Avoid Learning Loss
  • Bridge Learning Gaps
  • Get Ahead Start
  • Graduate on Time
  • Learn New Skills & Abilities
  • Discover Learning in New & Fun Ways
  • Build Confidence
  • Develop a Growth Mindset
  • Stay Challenged & Motivated

For More Information About Groza Learning Center’s Summer Camps:
Call: (310) 454-3731 or Click Here