Motivate Your Teen: Morning Routine Tips

Scouting Colleges: Helping Your Teen Choose The Right One.

Advice, Career Ready, College Prep, Education | 0 comments

We know, we know. How did your baby grow up so fast!? They are now a senior in high school and ready to venture off to college in the fall. Where on Earth did the time go?

Instead of looking at college as a sad time, look at it as the start of new beginnings for your teen! They worked very hard to get where they are and now is the time to set them up for their future careers and wonderful lives.

Now is the perfect time to tour some of the colleges and get your teen enrolled for the upcoming school year. Before you jet off to tour colleges and universities, there are some things you must keep in mind when scouting them out. Keep this checklist handy so your nerves don’t get the best of you when it’s time to see what the college is really all about!

Does the college or university really offer what you need?

Make sure the school offers things that meet your child’s individual needs, such as:

Do they offer a strong, reputable program that is geared towards your student’s area of focus?
Will your student learn well with their instruction method?
Does your student feel comfortable amongst their peers at the school?
Does the school provide coursework that will challenge your student?
How does the school value its students and reward their strengths?

Do they offer services to maintain a healthy physical lifestyle?

Everyone hears about the dreaded “Freshman 15,” but does the college provide healthy meal options and places to keep physically fit? When a student is both mentally and physically fit, they tend to be the happiest and working at their maximum potential, so look for a college that allows outlets for physical activity.

Do they offer suitable housing?

We all know dorm rooms can be tiny spaces, but do they offer single living spaces, shared rooms, shared bathrooms, or suite-mates? Just like looking at houses, you can’t really get a feel of the place until you’ve been inside. Sometimes a dorm might appear one way in a photo on the school’s website but you’ll get a whole different vibe once you actually step inside. Make sure to tour the dorms and ask questions such as what is their policy on substance abuse? Are there gender-specific bathrooms? Are there certain quiet hours for studying? All of these factors come into play. After all, it is where your teen will be spending their days.

Is the school known for its lively nightlife?

There will most likely be some type of partying going on at all colleges, however, is the college your teen is looking at well-known for its vivacious nightlife? It’s great for a college to offer fraternities, sororities, clubs, etc., because it allows the students to interact and form friendships. With that said, if it’s known for partying, you might want to consider another option for your teen.

Does the school have places of worship nearby?

Is the college or university very open and accepting of different religions? Is your religion one that is welcomed with open arms? Do they have places to worship nearby the campus? Faith is an important role in many lives and you want to make sure that you have a place to practice your worship, should you so choose. If you are someone who is nonreligious, consider if the school is faith based. If it is, is that ok with you or will you be uncomfortable?

Location, location, location!

How was the drive to the campus from your house? Is it in close enough proximity that they can commute from home or would they need to live on or near campus? Is the school close enough to home that should they be homesick or want to come home for a weekend that they can hop in the car and do so, or would they need to fly home? These are all great questions because the expense varies greatly and could make life difficult if you are shelling out for airline tickets every holiday or break.

Take it all in.

Take in the sights and sounds that are around you. You know your child better than anyone…will they not just like it but thrive at the college/university? Will all of their needs be met there? How do the other students seem? Are they welcoming? How are the professors and buildings? Are they well maintained and are the professors adored by their students? These are all things that tell a lot about a school. You’ll learn much more by simply observing than you ever would by looking things up on their website. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy this time with your teen! They are getting ready to spread their wings and are looking for your guidance. Treasure this time with them.

We are so happy that you let us become part of the fabric of their lives. It’s truly been a pleasure and we can’t wait to see what the second half of the year brings and onto graduation! Have you “liked” our Facebook page? We will be showcasing other things you’ll need to know as you prep your teen for college or life beyond high school and we’d love for you to check it out! Head over here and “like” our page today!

Call us today at 800-297-2119 or visit our website to learn more about our program.

My Teen Is Dating, Is It A Healthy Relationship?

Advice, Communication, Teenagers | 0 comments

When your teen starts dating, it can be a scary time for parents. Tons of questions run through your mind – are they old enough to date? Does this person treat them with respect? Are they a good influence? Is it a healthy relationship? As parents, it’s our job to worry about our children and that worry doesn’t go away whether they are 2 or 52. We try to suppress our worries and fears so our children can spread their wings, but when you have a gut feeling that something just isn’t right, it’s a feeling you can’t shake.

During the teenage years, it’s normal to become infatuated with others at lightning speed. You may hear your teen talking about someone for the first time one day and then a few days later they are talking about going out on a date with that person. Teen relationships can develop quickly and at that age, some teens don’t want to admit to their parents that perhaps there is a reason to worry about the person they are dating. They may keep the relationship going to avoid embarrassment and/or shame. Other times, the person they are dating may be the popular kid at school or in their circle of friends and they don’t want to let that feeling go. One thing is for sure, you’ll never know what’s going on with your teen and their relationships if you don’t pay attention to the ques. This is the age that children take a step back from spilling all their feelings to their parents. It’s a shame because this is a time when parents are needed most.

When is a relationship truly unhealthy?

Let’s say that you have this nagging feeling that your teen isn’t being treated right by the person they are dating. If you have those feelings, you should to take it a step further and determine if your teen is in an abusive relationship. It’s important to point out that abuse can happen at any age and at any socioeconomic level. People can be psychologically abused, physically abused, and/or sexually abused. Below are just some examples that fall under the three categories, but the lists are extensive:

Psychological Abuse: Humiliation, isolation, intimidation, yelling/screaming, threatening, calling names, sabotage, jealousy, forcing person to do things against their will
Physical Abuse: laying hands on the other person such as slapping, hitting, choking, etc., ruining property, restraining, throwing objects, using objects to intimidate
Sexual Abuse: Humiliation sexually, rape, sexual assault, refusing to use protection during sex

What to look out for

You may have an idea after reading the examples above on whether your teen may be in an unhealthy dating relationship. There are other things to look out for and luckily, there are ways you can help. Keep an eye open to make sure that your teen isn’t losing friends or withdrawing from family. Remember, it’s normal for teens to want some alone time and to want to hang with their friends over their family. Just make sure it’s not becoming a situation where they are only spending time with their boyfriend/girlfriend because that’s not healthy. Is your teen always in contact with this person? Feeling that they need to “check-in” or let them know what their plans are? Big red flag. If your teen interacts with other boys/girls their age does this person get jealous? Is your teen feeling the need to stand up for their boyfriend/girlfriend? Is your teen acting sad or depressed since they started dating? These are all huge warning signs that their relationship isn’t right for them.

Taking action

Okay, so the warning signs are flashing right in front of your face…what do you do? First, keep in mind that you don’t want to come across as confrontational. Your teen is likely embarrassed and even though the abuse isn’t their fault, they may feel like it is. Remember, at this age, their brains can’t clearly sort all of this out like yours can, especially since they are in the middle of the storm. Make sure you let them know that you will listen and not pass judgement on them or their situation. Try to make them understand you believe them and what is happening. Let them know you think it’s brave and courageous that they decided to tell you. You could take that time to devise a plan as to how they will end things with the person so they have a good breakup plan. Also, keep in mind that criticizing their boyfriend/girlfriend will not work. In fact, it may draw your teen in closer to them. If at any time you are having trouble getting through to your teen research some dating abuse websites such as thehotline.org. They have helplines available for teens in abusive relationships.

Abuse is never right at any age. When teens are feeling vulnerable, embarrassed, and are still growing into their own skin, they may feel scared, ashamed, and embarrassed discussing their woes with anyone – even their best friends – because they would rather suffer than risk the judgement and humiliation that they would feel. Always keep being the amazing parent(s) that you are, keep your eyes peeled for the warning signs, and let them know that you are there to talk things through when they are ready. You’ve got this!

If you have a teen who was struggling in traditional school and are looking for an alternative way for them to still learn and earn their high school diploma, My Virtual Academy may be the perfect fit! Our students work virtually, from the comfort of their home, at their own pace, at times that work best for them. Reach out to us on our website or by calling us at 800-297-2119 for more information. Our Enrollment Specialists are standing by waiting to answer your questions.

What is a FASFA and Why is it Important?

Advice, College Prep, Education | 0 comments

So, you’re getting ready to graduate this year and you have your eyes set on continuing your education. That’s fantastic news! Having your high school diploma opens more doors than you would ever have imagined if you didn’t have one, but furthering your education and going into a trade school, community college, or university will allow you to enter your chosen career path and move up the ladder as your performance allows. While everyone wants to go to college, only a fraction of the United States population has the money to pay for it without help. If you have your sights set on college and want to do it without breaking the bank for life, read on!

THE MOST CRUCIAL THING YOU CAN DO IS FILE A FAFSA.

The FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and is the form you must fill out if you wish to get your hands on some of the federal aid that is dedicated to students pursuing their higher education. Once you complete the FAFSA, colleges and the U.S. Department of Education analyze your need for financial aid, and they determine how much financial assistance you need. Financial aid comes in various forms from loans (money you borrow at a low interest rate and are held responsible to pay back), grants (“free” money), and work-study positions (you work a job to pay off the money given to you to use for school).

To start, make sure you are indeed using the correct website to complete the FAFSA. The correct website is www.fafsa.gov. Don’t fall victim to sites that appear to be legit but are just charging you money for completing a fake application. When you complete the real FAFSA, they will never charge a fee. Application deadlines may vary state to state and depend on what school year you will need the assistance so check the website to make sure you are completing the application on time, or early if you want to get considered for all the options. Make sure every field is completed and if you are stuck on what they are asking you to provide, take a moment to read the directions before you submit. If you completed something incorrectly and need to resubmit, you run the risk of missing the deadline, not to mention many funds that are already given out.

As you are selecting which schools will see your FAFSA information, feel free to choose as many schools as you’d like. It’s free to send your information to as many schools as you chose so do so liberally. Financial aid offices within each school use the FAFSA information you provided to put together your financial aid packet, which is why it’s very important that you list what schools should receive your FAFSA information (up to 10 schools may receive your information). Each school has a code that will need to be input on the form. You can find the codes to all schools by clicking here.

Keep in mind that while filling out the FAFSA can be challenging, there are staff members and people just a phone calls away that can help you. You’ll have to fill one out each year you’re in school so it’s best you learn how to do it now. We wish you the best of luck as you get ready to depart from My Virtual Academy as a graduate. We are so proud of all you have accomplished!

If you are considering a trade school or college, but still need to obtain your high school diploma My Virtual Academy has a variety of tuition free programs to help get you there. Check out our website, follow us on Facebook, or give us a call directly at 800-297-2119 for more information.

Standardized Tests: Preparing Your Teen

Advice, Education, High School, Test Preperation | 0 comments

Standardized testing…two words that evoke a lot of emotions with parents and educators and there are people on both sides of the fence. Standardized tests are tests that are administered and scored in a consistent (standard) way. Those who are for standardized tests think that they are fairer since every person receives the same test and then the same system is used to grade each test. The consistency allows for tests to be compared and is considered to be more objective. Due to all of these reasons, standardized tests are commonplace amongst schools and your student is pretty much guaranteed to take several during their school years. These tests don’t have to bring a lot of angst and anxiety to you or your student. There are ways to prepare your student so that they can take the test with confidence!

Study Ahead and Practice

Cramming for a test may be how most teens tend to study but encourage them to begin their studying well before the test date. When a student crams for a test, they may think they are able to retain the information, but in reality, they are more apt to make errors and end up in a panic during the test. They might get their facts mixed up or forget them all together. Studying for a week or two ahead of time allows the student to practice and practice until they know the facts like the back of their hand. Also, if you are able to track down practice tests, have your student take them. This will get them familiar with what the test format could be like and will allow them to test their skills and knowledge.

Scan the Test

Encourage your teen to take a look at the entire test before beginning. If they see areas of the test that they can answer quickly and correctly, have them begin there. Then, they can tackle the harder areas after. Your teen could also take inventory of how many questions are on the test and then determine how much time they have to spend on each question. This will assist them in budgeting their time and they’ll be able to decide if they have extra time to spend on the hard to solve problems. Also, if a question stumped your teen, clearing their mind and circling back to the problem may allow them to view the question in a new way or jog their memory of the answer.

Take a Breath

It’s easy for student’s to get anxious and start to panic if they hit an area of the test that is difficult to answer. That response is natural, but they should know what to do to cope and refocus their mind, should this anxiety set in. Encourage your student to take a moment, close their eyes, and clear their head. Taking a few slow, deep breaths will reduce some anxiety and will let your teen get a second wind. They will then be ready to tackle the remaining parts of the test with a renewed determination.

Always Read the Questions in Totality

It’s easy to skim a question and think you know what someone is asking but often times, even one word can change the whole meaning of what is being asked. It’s crucial that your student read the WHOLE question before choosing their answer. This allows for less thoughtless mistakes. Misreading and misinterpreting questions account for a lot of the incorrect answers on tests. Should time permit at the end of the test, encourage your student to review their answers. This review should help them catch any mistakes they made.

Process of Elimination

Let’s face it, there are bound to be questions that your teen simply doesn’t understand or wasn’t prepared to answer. Make sure they know how to address this, should the need arise. The best way to handle questions such as these are to use the process of elimination. They should start by eliminating any answers that they know are 100% incorrect. Once the wrong answers have been eliminated, they can make an educated guess as to what the correct answer is. Should they determine there is more than one right answer, they could select the answer of “more than one.” If that isn’t an option, then they are incorrect and they need to choose what answer best suits the question.

A Few Last Pointers…

Make sure your teen gets a solid night sleep the evening before the test. Staying up late to study won’t help their scores unfortunately. If they are tired when they take the test, mistakes are bound to be made.
Have your teen dress in comfortable, appropriate clothing so they aren’t distracted or fixing their clothing during the exam.
Cook a good, well-rounded breakfast for your child the morning of the test. A full belly will keep their mind off of stomach growls and onto the test at hand.
Tell them to use the bathroom before the test. A full bladder will be very distracting during the test and they may not be able to leave the room once the test is underway.
Lastly, make sure your teen has a few sharpened number 2 pencils and erasers. They may even be able to pack a small handheld pencil sharpener in case they need it during the exam.

Test taking skills are great things to learn and fine tune. People are given standardized tests in almost all years of life and knowing how to prepare, stay calm, and properly answer the questions will help your teen throughout the course of their lives. Have any questions on the type of tests that we administer or on our courses? Our staff is eager to talk to you so please, give us a call at 800-297-2119.

How To Take The Stress Out Of Preparing For A Test

Advice, Education, High School, Test Preperation | 0 comments

Do you remember sitting in a classroom as the teacher passed out tests that were to be taken? The teacher would walk slowly; making sure all of the students had everything put away and off of their desks. They would put the test face down on your desk to make sure you didn’t get a glimpse at the questions before your fellow classmates did. They would then tell you to begin and sometimes your mind would draw blank. The memories alone are enough to make your palms sweat and your heart race!

Your student faces those same nerves, even though they are schooling in a different way than perhaps you did. Often times (especially in the teen years), preparing for a test happens the night before, leaving everyone in a panic, trying to cram and race the clock. Let’s try to break that habit and set your teen up for success by implementing the following guidelines:

Organize and Make a Plan

Unless it’s a pop quiz, teachers give advance notice on tests. Your teen should let you know as soon as they find out that a test is approaching. This allows you to ask vital questions that will determine how far in advance they need to begin studying. The more organized your student is in the days leading up to the exam, the better off everyone will be. Ask your teen to gather all of the information needed and begin studying sections at a time. This will allow them to avoid cramming for the test. While some think cramming is the way to go, your brain is actually unable to recall all of the information studied at such a rapid pace. Cramming can lead to unfavorable results.

Allow Study Breaks

As your teen is studying, make sure they take breaks so they don’t get frustrated, bored, or overwhelmed. It’s a good idea to take a 5 or 10 minute break every hour. Let them walk around a bit, use the bathroom, grab a snack to refuel. Anything that allows them to mentally and physically take a break is what they should be doing during these breaks.

Brain Fuel

Teens are always hungry – that seems to be a fact! Let them stay energized and ready to study with some healthy snacks. Avoid sugary drinks and unhealthy, carb loaded snacks that are bound to send them crashing shortly after indulging. Instead, have some healthy nuts, cheeses, fruits, and veggies on hand. That will give them a boost and keep them going!

Dividing Attention

Does your student have multiple exams on the same day? Time to divide and conquer. Start by jotting down the time and date of each upcoming test. Next, think about what subjects might require longer study periods and allow the appropriate amount of time. Does your student struggle in science but excel in language arts? Knowing this allows you to help your teen carve out more time to study for those harder subjects.

Mastering Exam Styles

Does your student get tricked by multiple choice questions? Do they take guesses because all of the answers seem to blur together? Does your teen struggle with written answers, where they need to provide supportive evidence with their answer? Walk through different exam styles with them and quiz them in various ways. If they toss an answer out to you, ask them why they answered that way. This questioning will prepare them for providing details in their answers, should the need arise.

Tackling the Difficult Areas

Every student has a subject or two they find harder than the others. Typically when a student struggles in a subject, they want to avoid it. Sit down with them and review important concepts and terms. If you identify where they are struggling, make some flashcards of the material. Sometimes learning something in a new way is just the thing our brain needs to let the information soak in. If they are really struggling, then it’s time to reach out for help.

Managing Test Anxiety

There is bound to be a certain level of anxiety when something is being graded and recorded for a grade. It’s just human nature. The tips above should help you and your teen manage their test taking anxiety and prepare in the best way possible. Before your child goes to take the test, remind them that you have confidence in them, that they know the material, and that they’ll do great. A little pep talk has never been known to hurt anybody!

We have confidence in your student and know that they can do great things at My Virtual Academy! Should they feel they are struggling or need any additional support, please let their teacher, mentor, or any of our staff know by giving us a call at 800-297-2119. We are here to help in any way we can! For more on topics like this, head over to our Facebook page and follow us today!!

Preparing Your Teen For College: Are They Ready?

Advice, Career Ready, College Prep | 0 comments

Where did the time go? Wasn’t it just yesterday that you were cradling your baby in your arms, having just come home from the hospital? Now they are finishing their final year of high school and preparing to venture off to college. The feeling is surreal!

First off, congratulations parents! Congratulations on raising a wonderful child who has blossomed into a young adult, ready to take on the world. Before you send your not-so-little one flying from the nest, there are things you should go over with them so they have all the skills to be successful and thrive during their college years and beyond.

Finances

Once your teen is on their own, they will definitely need to know how to manage their money. They will have basic living expenses, plus other incidentals that arise such as going out to eat with friends, entertainment, etc. Have a nice chat with your teen to discuss how they will have money coming in (will they need to take on a part time job or will you be giving them an allowance to budget each month?). Then, discuss all of the ways that money needs to be divided and figure out, together, how much they’ll need in each of those categories to survive. Encourage your teen to track their expenses so they stay on track financially each month. This avoids money shortages and financial pitfalls that plague many people who are just starting out.

Daily Living

If your teen is living in a dorm on campus, chances are pretty high that they’ll have at least one roommate that they will be sharing a tight space with. They’ll need to be mindful of that other person and keep their items neat, organized, and on their side of the room. Also, when it comes to classes, attendance is vital to your teen’s success. When they are on their own, they might be tempted to sleep in or skip a class thinking it’s no big deal and that they’ll play catch up. Remind them that isn’t how it works in college. They won’t get yelled at by the instructor, but their grades will suffer. If your teen has a hard time waking in the morning, encourage them to enroll in classes that are later in the day so they start off on the right foot from day one.

Your teen will also need to take care of their daily living needs on their own, such as doing their laundry. It may sound silly, but some teens have never had to put on a load of laundry. Make sure this is a skill that is under their belt before they head off. Knowing how to sort clothes and what temperatures to wash them in will be very beneficial. Does your teen have a kitchen where they will need to prepare their own meals? Teach them a few basics so they will be able to follow recipes and prepare a meal on their own. Remember, they are used to relying on you for these types of things their whole life thus far so this is all new territory for them.

Will your student have a vehicle on campus? Review with them the basics of car maintenance and safety. Let them know it’s crucial not to skip oil changes or put them off. After all, it’s cheaper to change your oil than your engine! If warning lights come on or the vehicle starts making funny noises, let them know how you would prefer they handle it (take it to a mechanic, call you, call roadside assistance, etc.).

Temptations

Everything is new and exciting when teens first arrive on campus. They may hear of parties going on, festivals taking place, football tailgating, and so on. Let them know which of these activities you are comfortable with them attending and stress that their safety is your biggest concern. There will be a lot of temptations all around them when they go off to college, so it’s very important that they have the tools needed to avoid them or act responsibly. It’s wise to remind them that no matter what situation they are in, they are always able to call home and you will help them. There’s nothing worse than being in a bad situation and feeling like you can’t reach out to the people who can help you.

Medical Needs and Emergencies

There are bound to be times where your teen will need to see a doctor. Make sure they have a copy of the insurance card and know ahead of time what doctors they are approved to see. It’s a wise idea to make sure that their new doctor is listed as their primary doctor with insurance so that when it comes time for a doctor appointment, they don’t run in to any roadblocks. Also, discuss what hospital they should go to in case of emergency and make sure they know where it is. You could also find out what pharmacies are nearby so they know where to get prescriptions filled, should they need to.

In the unfortunate event that an emergency does arise, like a fire, accident, etc, give your teen a list of emergency contacts, including the number for poison control, the campus police, their doctor/hospital, and their Resident Assistant. Preparing a small first aid kit for them is also a nice thing to do so they’ll be equipped for any headaches, scrapes, and fevers.

Are You Ready?

Now that you have prepared your teen for all of these various situations and daily living scenarios, the question remains: are YOU ready? You may have mixed emotions about your baby going off to college, but just think of the exciting journey they are about to embark on! You have to trust that up until this point, you have given them the skills needed to be successful for life after graduation. Always remember, you will be there like a safety net should they fall or need help.

Did you know that My Virtual Academy has a Facebook page? Make sure you “like” it so you can stay on top of the latest happenings at My Virtual Academy and even connect to others in the MVA Community!

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