I had read every book on the market, and they all offered great ideas, but I can not believe how easy it was to implement your methods.
- Kristi Smart Mother of Third Grade Boy
This seminar gave me the ‘missing link’ for helping my child succeed. It was packed with techniques I will use tomorrow.
-Jerry Finch – Third Grade Parent
Such a refreshing presenter! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and expertise.
-Carmen Youhana – Middle School Parent
Unlike the others, your book offered me reasons why my child was struggling and the most effective methods to turn it around that I had ever tried. I didn’t think it would work and boy was I surprised. It not only worked but it was immediate.
- Samantha Cryors, Mother of Seventh Grade Boy
Your program doesn’t teach children. It helps students learn about how they learn, which is something most people rarely learn about themselves. Plus the growth in my daughter has been amazing. You provided her with skills that have allowed her to become self-sufficient, and at the same time, she is celebrating this independence.
- Dr. Michael Morris Phd MFC, Father of Third Grade Girl
"Hi Victoria, I have been wanting to email you for a while. I just wanted to update you since you came out to my home. Homework has taken on a new meaning in our home. Cole has stepped up to the plate and become "Mr. Independent!" He doesn't even want any help from me anymore. Homework is so much less stressful now, even though he has MORE of it this year. I learned so much from your in-service. He has matured quite a lot since last year. That in conjunction to everything I learned from you has made a HUGE difference in our home this year. He is coming home with all "A's" on all his big tests and projects. I don’t even look at his work anymore. He tells me it’s done, then I sign his reminder binder. The weekly schedules are working great. They were a GREAT visual in the beginning for him to see exactly how much scheduled time in the day he really has for free time, homework, etc. Can’t thank you enough! (Do I sound like a testimonial???)"
-Jody Gail, Parent of Second Grade Boy
"When my eldest child started third grade in Ms. O’s class I was under the impression that in order for him to be successful in school I would need to help him. I have to be honest. I was frightened to give up contro, as were all parents new to third grade. Parents who had had Ms. O in the past tried to reassure me that my child would make tremendous growth if I just trusted her and let her do her job. I was not sold, but I followed along with most of the other parents and what resulted was more than I could have imagined. My son embraced his independence from the first day and the skills he learned in third grade are proving even more valuable in high school. The added benefit was I started using some of the strategies Ms. O taught my son with my younger children and consequently they entered third grade with many of the skills my son took months to acquire."
-L. Moore, Parent of Three Children
I didn’t know how this program could work! My son needed help with everything before third grade. What I have discovered is that the confidence my son has gained through the homework program has transferred to other aspects of his life. When he missed a ball at practice, he asked his dad to spend time with him practicing. “You know Dad ‘Proper Prior Practice will Improve My Performance.’” I’m sold! This program is amazing. Every teacher should be using it!"
-Dr. Rogers MD
What you are teaching is “how to learn.” Most students don’t learn this until college, if that. This is what is missing in education today.
-Dr. Terry Morris Phd Psy
My child comes home and gets right to work. I don’t have to say a word. What have you done? I would never have believed it possible! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
-N. Pearce
My son is doing amazingly well on the tests. I noticed his ERB’s also improved over last year. He claims its because you taught him how to figure out problems alone. H. Smith I never realized that my child didn’t learn the way I do. I was actually causing her more frustration by insisting she study for tests the way I did. You’ve given her a wonderful gift and at the same time helped me to relax and enjoy her journey.
-M. Jorecki
I didn’t even know that M.. was studying for his test or his presentations. I am so proud of his planning and success.
-M. Navaretta
Every night we had a struggle until you gave the control for planning to my son. I now know what you mean when you say that a child who is in a power struggle is really saying he just wants more power.
-S. Klatt
My son doesn’t cram for tests anymore. He knows why it is important to study a little each night instead of cramming. You’ve given him a reason that makes sense. He often tells me cramming is bad for the brain. -P. Heins My child now looks at his tests as a measure of what he needs to learn. Brilliant!
-K. Curry
We wanted to send a quick note your way to let you know how pleased we are with the Third Grade format this year.As you know, Zachary has some issues with organizational skills and staying on task. We have seen a tremendous improvement in his ability to organize his homework and be independent in completing it on time. We know that this is due in a large part to the day planner introduced at the beginning of this school year and want to thank you for his valuable tool.Just as important, is the policy of having the students be responsible for his work without relying on a parent to explain and assist at home. Zachary viewed this as an insurmountable obstacle at the beginning of the year; and I must admit we were not looking forward to the complaints we thought we were bound to hear. However, Zachary quickly realized that he was capable of doing the work independently and his confidence in his own ability blossomed.Mrs.Olivadoti, you have succeeded in drawing Zachary out of a shell of doubt through your personal approach to teaching and by implementing the tools mentioned above. You are truly special and we feel so fortunate that Zachary has you as his teacher. We want to thank you and look forward to Zachary’s continued success in Third Grade.
-Ron and Jenni Cole
