Learning Tree Tutors

Executive Functioning Skill #3: Self-awareness

❓Did you know that playing a board game can increase your child’s self-awareness skills? It's true.

If your child has trouble thinking on their feet, solving conflicts in the moment, or reflecting on their actions, board games are a low-stress way to practice those skills. Games teach children to take turns, follow rules, adjust strategies in real time, and handle both winning and losing with grace.

These skills aren't programmed into our DNA. They're learned over time – often around a kitchen table with a little friendly competition. So put away the devices, pull out an old-fashioned board game, and watch your child thrive.

Schedule a family game night this week.
Even 30 minutes makes a difference.

The longest day of the year is officially here, marking the start of a well-deserved break!

While summer is the ultimate season for relaxation and making family memories, it’s also a unique opportunity for students to learn without the heavy pressure of daily school grades.

Balancing pool days with just one hour of targeted learning a week ensures your child keeps their momentum alive.

It’s about making sure they return to school in the fall feeling ahead of the curve, not left behind.

We love when client's give our tutor's a 5-star review! It highlights something we truly believe in - patience, kindness, and taking the time to explain until it really clicks.

When a student finally says “I get it,” everything changes.

That moment builds confidence, reduces frustration, and makes the next challenge feel a little easier.

Summer is for 8 hours of sunshine, not screen time. ☀️

We all love a lazy summer day, but too much screen time can leave kids feeling sluggish, not rested.

The good news? A little structure goes a long way.

Create a simple summer checklist together. Nothing strict – just a few gentle daily goals.

💥Read for 20 minutes.
💥Go outside and play.
💥Help with one household task.
💥Do something creative (draw, build, write).

After they check a few boxes, screens can feel like a reward instead of a default.

Executive Functioning Skill #3: Self-awareness

❓How can you help your child improve their self-awareness?

Have your child review their tests & assignments to look for improvements.

When a test or assignment comes back, it's easy to look at the grade and move on. But the real learning happens when your child takes a second look – especially at the problems they missed.

🌳Did they misread instructions?
🌳Rush through certain types of problems?
🌳Forget to show their work?

Going through each mistake gives them a chance to discover their own errors and reflect on how they could improve next time.

This isn't about punishment. It's about being self-aware – helping them connect the dots between their actions and their outcomes.

Next time a graded assignment comes home, sit down together and ask:

❓What would you do differently next time?

Executive Functioning Skill #3: Self-awareness

❓Does your child have difficulty noticing their own mistakes or the impact of their actions until someone points them out?

If your child has issues reflecting on their own words or actions, and adjusting in real time, they might need help with self-awareness.

❓How can you help your child improve their self-awareness skills?

Try checking in with your child after school. This is a great time for your child to reflect on their day and gives them a chance to discuss their experiences – both good and bad. More importantly, it encourages them to remember their own actions and the impact they had on others. Over time, this simple habit strengthens personal responsibility, which is the cornerstone of effective self-awareness.

Lead with these questions:
🌳What went well today?
🌳What was hard?
🌳Is there anything you'd do differently?

Try it this week and see what comes up.
You might be surprised by what they share.

Summer learning doesn't have to look like school.

Yes, summer is for relaxing. But it's also the perfect time for a different kind of learning – low-pressure, flexible, and focused on keeping skills sharp without the stress of grades and deadlines.

Our summer tutors are still available, and they're ready to work around your family's travel and camp schedules. Just one hour a week can prevent summer slide and help your child return to school feeling confident, not overwhelmed.

No boot camps. No drills. Just friendly, effective support that fits into your sunny days.