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By admin, August 26, 2010 6:51 am

This article originally appeared in the Hockessin Community News (August 2010)

If you are like most, you are still feeling the unpleasant pinch of the economy. And this summer, many families are downsizing their traditional summer vacations into weekend getaways or even day trips.

But, just because your trip is only one day doesn’t mean it can’t be memorable. Here are my top picks for affordable, family day trips that mix a little learning in with the fun. Shhh! The kids will never know!

Delaware Natural History Museum

Since it opened its’ doors in 1972, The Delaware Museum of Natural History has become a mainstay for elementary school trips of youngsters from all over the state. But what you might not know is that this little gem is also a member of Association of Science-Technology Centers – a collection of over 250 museums and facilities worldwide. That means that when you join as a Grandparent ($45) or a Household ($55) you get not only a year of fabulous visits to see life sized dinosaurs, an African watering hole, plus birds and shells from around the world, you also get free admission to 250 other locations! From the New Mexico Museum of Space History, to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Florida, joining DNHM offers some serious bang for your buck.

Spend a day in New York

Take the train for worry-free travel and spend an entire day exploring the city that never sleeps. The kids will undoubtedly want to visit FAO Schwarz, but you can add in more educational sites, too, like a trip to see Lady Liberty (No entrance fee to enter the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island. Ferry fees: $12.00 – ages 13+, $10.00, Senior Citizens 62 and over. $5.00 – Children 4 – 12). For older kids and teens, visit the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site to learn about the plans and progress for the Memorial and Museum currently being built at the World Trade Center (Free). Or visit the Empire State Building (ESB Observatory ticket prices Adult (13-61) $18.45, Child (6-12) $12.92, Senior 62+ $16.61). Other NYC ideas include The Metropolitan Museum of Art (remind your kids of the classic tale From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler), The Guggenheim Museum, or a stroll though Central Park (see if they can find the statue memorializing the famous sled dog Balto).

Maryland Science Center

An easy drive from anywhere in New Castle County, the Maryland Science Center is located at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. This mammoth, 170,000 square foot facility is absolutely filled with great hand-on learning experiences. The Center boasts over a dozen full size dinosaurs, SpaceLink — a high tech environment accompanied by high touch experiences, and even Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK! a new exhibit featuring the compelling stories behind some of the world’s most famous shipwrecks, their treasure, historic artifacts and pirates, plus so much more. The Center focuses on hands-on, interactive exhibits, cutting- edge computer games, simulations and more to engage and excite your kids about science. Full ticket with planetarium, Adults, $20; ages 3-12, $14. But, if you’re a card-carrying member, the Center is FREE, since it’s also a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers!

Tyler Arboretum

Perfect for the outdoor-loving family is a visit to the Tyler Arboretum. 650 acres of horticultural collections, rare plant specimens, ancient trees, historic buildings, and over 20 miles of fantastic hiking trails. The kids will get a kick out of the Butterfly House & Garden, a rare chance to get a close-up look at local butterflies in all their stages. A Household Membership is only $60 for a year and includes Reciprocal Program Privileges through the American Horticultural Society Gardens Reciprocal Admission program to over 100 U.S., Canadian, and overseas gardens!

Valley Forge

Make history come alive at the 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park. At Valley Forge during the winter encampment of 1777-78, General George Washington faced starvation, sickness, and despair and still forged his Continental Army into a force to be reckoned with. See Washington’s original stone headquarters which have been restored and furnished, or marvel at the reconstructed log huts that housed our brave soldiers. There are also numerous statues and monuments throughout the park including statues of General “Mad Anthony” Wayne, Baron Friedrich von Steuben, and the Monument to Patriots of African Descent. All park facilities at Valley Forge are free.

Washington D.C. Monument Tour, D.C. By Foot

Our nation’s capital has so much to see and do that you could spend all summer there and never see it all. But, if you only have one day, try a free walking tour of the city’s spectacular collection of monuments. Tours from DC by Foot include a fast paced and engaging presentation by young and energetic tour guide. Learn Washington’s best kept secrets — from the indestructibility of the President’s car to why French women loved Thomas Jefferson! Tours meet at the NE corner of 15th and Constitution Ave. NW After a tour visit any of the Smithsonian Museums, all free.

National Aquarium

The National Aquarium, located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is an experience unlike any other. This spectacular aquarium houses approximately 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals! You can watch the rays glide mysteriously, marvel at the colorful rainbow of tropical fish, or examine terrifying jaws and teeth of the many species of sharks (from behind the safety of some thick glass, of course!) Membership to the National Aquarium includes daily admission for one year at both the Baltimore and Washington, DC, locations. A family membership admits 2 adults and up to four children for only $159 per year.

Historic Phildelphia

The birthplace of our country is right in our own backyard. This summer take advantage of this unique opportunity to teach your children more of their national history in a fun way. Forget the dusty history books. Visit the Liberty Bell (free daily, no tickets necessary), Independence Hall (free daily, although you must register for timed tickets in advance), The Mint (free), or Betsey Ross’s home (Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students, seniors, and military). End the day with a leisurely carriage ride throughout the historic district, And don’t forget an authentic Philly soft pretzel!

Beverly Stewart, M.Ed. is President and Director of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc., an area leader in 1-on-1 tutoring and small group instruction for children and adults since 1985.  Back to Basics is also a Department of Education approved private school for K-12 and Business and Trade School for adults.  Email Beverly at beverly@backtobasicslearning.com, call her at (302)594-0754 or visit on the web at www.backtobasicslearning.com.

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By admin, August 19, 2010 6:53 am

August’s spotlight shines on tutor Julie Nichols. Julie has been part of the Back to Basics team for over two years. She is certified in elementary education. Julie’s subject matter includes adult literacy, basic math, ESL, general science, geography, history, phonics, reading, social studies, vocabulary and writing. She also instructs students in the verbal portion of the high school entrance, Praxis, and SAT exams. Julie is certified in the Orton-Gillingham and Wilson reading programs.

When Julie isn’t working, she especially loves gardening, as well as hiking and reading. Julie was born and raised in Northwestern Pennsylvania. She then taught in the shore area of Southern New Jersey. She is a four-year resident of Delaware, currently residing in North Wilmington. Julie has three grown children who live in various cities along the east coast. Thank you, Julie, for your dedication and commitment to your students and helping them succeed.

For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for grades K-12 and a Private Business and Trade School for adults. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

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By admin,

The Delaware Department of Education has published the results of DSTP testing for 2010. Information released for grades 2-10 show that many math scores stayed constant or improved.

The outlook for reading is not so optimistic. Scores decreased for reading in almost every grade.

Here are the results of students meeting or exceeding standards, along with the comparison to 2009:

Mathematics

• Grade 2—88%, up one point
• Grade 3—78%, no change
• Grade 4—78%, up one point
• Grade 5—76%, down one point
• Grade 6—73%, down two points
• Grade 7—70%, down one point
• Grade 8—68%, up two points
• Grade 9—54%, down one point
• Grade 10—57%, up one point

Reading

• Grade 2—82%, down three points
• Grade 3—77%, down four points
• Grade 4—76%, down six points
• Grade 5—81%, down four points
• Grade 6—74%, down nine points
• Grade 7—83%, down four points
• Grade 8—78%, down three points
• Grade 9—69%, down five points
• Grade 10—64%, down seven points

This year, Delaware received advisement from the U.S. Department of Education regarding its “Read Aloud” accommodation. This provides for printed material to be read to students and not have them read for themselves. In doing this, the skill being assessed actually changes from reading comprehension to listening comprehension.

The government asked that “Read Aloud” be scaled back. So for 2010, 23% of students previously allowed to use “Read Aloud” used it this year. The overall drop in the reading scores is attributed to lower performance in about half of the previous Read Aloud students. Their comprehension skills have not been fully utilized and fine-tuned in the past so many fell below standard when being left on their own to take the test this year.

For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for grades K-12 and a Private Business and Trade School for adults. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

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By admin, July 19, 2010 2:52 pm

Our July tutor spotlight is on Sharon Wilk. Sharon tutors some of our youngest students, grades Pre-K through 3, in math, language arts, phonics, reading, Reading Assist, and special ed. She is one of our non-public Title I instructors as well. Sharon is certified in DE and NJ for special education.

Sharon was born and raised in Delaware. After obtaining her teaching degree, she accepted a position in New Jersey where she spent three years. Then it was back to Delaware. Sharon attended grad school at Drexel before her husband’s employment took them both to California. After residing there for three years, it was back to Delaware, which is now home.

Sharon has four children, ranging in age from 13-24. When she’s not teaching or busy with family, her absolute favorite thing to do is volunteer work. Sharon also enjoys, cooking, baking, gardening and her dogs which she walks two to four miles a day!

For more information visit Back to Basics Learning Dynamics or call 302-594-0754.

For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

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By admin, June 18, 2010 7:48 am

Summer “brain drain” is a valid concern this time of year and you want to avoid it. Where do you start? Keep your child structured by keeping to a schedule, even though it’s summer. Following are some subject-specific suggestions for your child to make learning enjoyable and fun:

MATH -pick a sports team to follow and chart their stats; keep a thermometer outside and track the temperature; do some cooking and measure ingredients

WRITING – make a calendar and draw pictures on it and list daily events; start a scrapbook and put small descriptions under the photos; write letters to a child at camp and have them write back

SOCIAL STUDIES -talk to mature residents in the neighborhood and compare notes from the past to now; draw a map of places for an upcoming vacation and color in the states as you see their “Welcome To…” signs; research different countries then visit an ethnic grocery related to the same place and try its food

READING – set an example and let your child see YOU reading; join a summer reading program at the local library; have an older sibling read aloud to younger ones

At Back to Basics, we have many ways to avoid summer brain drain. We offer 1-on-1 instruction in 60 subjects, including summer math and summer reading for assistance with school-assigned reading lists. Small group classes are also availavle for study skills and SAT prep for the October test. Remedial, maintenance and enrichment levels are available, so summer is a great time to fill in the gaps, keep the skills learned throughout the year, or get ahead.

We also offer state-approved summer school for grades 1-8 and makeup and original credit courses for grades 9-12. Call or visit our website today and avoid brain drain this summer. You’ll be glad you did come September!

For more information visit Back to Basics Learning Dynamics or call 302-594-0754.

For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

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By admin, May 28, 2010 10:41 am

Do you spend your summer reminding your student to finish his required summer reading? If so, let Back to Basics Learning Dynamics help!

Our experienced instructors will work one-on-one with your students to read, comprehend, and retain their summer ready material. These sessions will give him the knowledge and confidence to carry pout the required assignments related to reading, such as reports, projects and tests.

Final deadline for scheduling is August 9. For more information, please call 302-594-0754.

For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Delaware private school for all grades. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.