RESOURCES

Since the SAT now allows the calculator on all math sections and the ACT always has, it’s important to have this tool to help you get a better score. We like the TI-84 Plus because it’s simple and has all of the functions you need in order to succeed on the SAT/ACT. You can enter in custom programs (like the quadratic formula), graph inequalities, find vertexes and x-intercepts, and so much more. Schedule a session with us and we will tell you all of our tips and tricks!

Dr. Ben Bernstein has written a groundbreaking book on overcoming test anxiety. Each chapter walks through a step in his straightforward model: calm mind, relaxed body, engaged spirit. There is also a chapter dedicated to parents who want to support their kids through the process. We highly recommend purchasing this book if your child tends to do well on practice but not well on test day.

Once a student has a handle on the content, we start to introduce time pressure in homework to prepare them for the test. You can always use a timer on your phone, but there are no distractions with this timer. We love this one in particular because it’s a great visual aid - the color disappears as the time counts down. There are many different colors to choose from, so you can pick your favorite color. Remy has the purple one! 

While this is billed as a tool for rehabbing a sprained ankle, it doubles as an executive functioning tool that helps students who need movement to focus. We like these more than fidget spinners. It can be helpful for remote students to use a standing desk to pair with this balance board. Remy uses one herself!

We don’t take it personally when students fidget and shift around in their seats when we work with them. For some, this helps them focus and we encourage them to move around with this wobble cushion. We love that it comes in many different colors so that a student can pick their favorite. You can inflate or deflate it to fit your student’s needs. Plus, it gives them a great core workout! 

Every student taking the ACT should have this watch! Even with the new format allowing for more time per question, the timing on the ACT is very tight and many students struggle to pace correctly. Instead of relying on a clock in the testing room, which sometimes students can’t see without craning their necks, use this watch to see how much time is left in each section. But that’s not even the best feature! What makes this watch truly spectacular is the track that traces clockwise around the edge of the screen, visually representing how much time is left in the section. Together a student and tutor will determine where the student needs to be at key points in the tracker’s progress. The G5 model shows Standard and Extended Time (1.5x). The G5 is the only digital watch the ACT publicly states is allowed into the testing room.

We love the weekly/daily format and that it’s academic-focused. The monthly section is a bit small and it has a wire spine, but these are minor inconveniences.

We love the GIANT daily space, graph paper, and simplistic modern design. It’s not an academic calendar, doesn’t have a weekly layout, and it’s a little pricier, but if your child will use it, it’s worth it!

This planner is our favorite because it’s the most detailed of all of the planners we’ve listed. There’s lots of space: the week is divided in half (every 2 pages). There’s a habit tracker, reflection section (what worked, what didn't work this week), personal to-do list, and customizable weekly habit tracker. It also comes with stickers!

Obviously this is SUPER customizable and allows students to be very creative! You can create a mood tracker, grocery list, books/movies read page. However, it may be too free-form for most students. Creating a Bullet Journal requires a lot of preparation and commitment! This option might not be the best for someone at the early stages of strengthening their organizational skills. It’s difficult to mark long-term plans as people usually work with a week to a month at a time.

This file folder is part of the two-part organization system that we use with our Executive Function coaching students. Students usually already have notebooks and folders for their classes, but what they're missing is a home system that will house all of their completed handouts and corrected tests/quizzes. This expanding file folder has bold colors to associate with different classes and will have enough room to save those important papers to use later for finals! With a folder this colorful, how can you lose it? :)