Hello Friends,
It takes most people several days to get used to daylight saving time in the spring. But did you know that for some, this adjustment takes much longer? Learn strategies to cope with this yearly challenge in our feature article for April, "Adjusting To Seasonal Time Change."
Speaking of adjusting our bodies and minds to a different hour on the clock, our bonus article for this month offers a possible solution to a related symptom: difficulty getting a full night's sleep. Read "You Can Do It! Herbal Sleep Sachet" for a great DIY project involving aromatherapy.
Catch up on my latest favorite books in our special feature for April: "What Is Betty Reading? For The Love of a Dog and The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell.”
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, as well as assistance in overcoming or coping with Executive Function Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Specific Learning Disability.
Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Adjusting To Seasonal Time Change
It’s Spring! We’re quickly leaving the colder temperatures behind and seeing our trees and flowers beginning to awaken. These changes are most welcome, yet the advent of daylight saving time may cause difficulties that for some of us can last for many weeks and even longer. The majority of us enjoy and even benefit from the extra daylight we’re now getting, but the adjustment may bring with it a mini-jet lag, impacting our internal body clock, as well as our appetite, energy levels, and even our emotions. Fortunately, our bodies are adaptable, and a bit of patience and a few intentional accommodations can help us to more easily adjust to the time change.
Here are a few tips that may help make the adjustment:
First, understand that this disruption is normal, and while some people seem to take the change in stride, others may take a while to settle in. Again, this is completely normal.
Give yourself time to adjust, gradually moving bedtime, mealtimes, and other daily activities to match up with the time-change. Moving these activities by 15 minutes or so a day will help with the transition.
Stick to your normal routines, particularly those bedtime routines that help to trigger sleep.
Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime. Though we enjoy the extra natural daylight hours, the light that is emitted from electronic screens is a sleep disrupter.
Think about going to bed at the same time as usual, but giving yourself a little extra reading time before turning out the lights (books, not screens). And if shutting off a busy mind is a problem, maybe explore the benefits of having a white/gray noise machine turned on at bedtime.
Maintain a healthy diet, make sure you’re eating nutritious food and staying hydrated. And avoid caffeine, sugar, and alcohol use close to bedtime.
Spend time outdoors in the natural light and make sure to enjoy regular physical activity.
Take short naps during the day if you need to, but keep those naps brief so that your nighttime sleep isn’t affected.
Transitioning to this seasonal time-change can be easier with just a few simple but significant adjustments. Try these tips and see the improvements in how you feel and function throughout the day.
You Can Do It! Herbal Sleep Sachet
To promote a good night's sleep, try aromatherapy in the form of a fragrant sachet under your pillow. From Joyful Life Magazine, here’s a simple DIY project for you to make for yourself or give as a gift.
Supplies
Two 6-inch Squares of Lightweight Breathable Fabric (like cotton muslin or even an old cotton t-shirt)
Thread, Needle, and Scissors
Ribbon
*For an even easier no-sew adaptation, you can purchase premade sachets at your local craft store. If you opt for this version, skip straight to assembling your sachet.
Ingredients
Dried Lavender Flowers
Dried Chamomile Flowers
Dried Rose Petals
Lavender Essential Oil
Sew:
Place the two pieces of breathable fabric together. If there is a patterned or colored side, be sure they are facing inward.
Pin the sides (if desired) and thread your needle.
Sew three of the four sides together, ensuring there are no gaps.
Turn inside out, so the patterned/colored side is now showing.
To Assemble:
Add the herbs into a bowl and mix well with clean hands.
Fill sachets with the dried mixture, leaving enough space at the top to tie it off.
Add 5-8 drops of lavender essential oil.
Use ribbon to tie sachet tightly closed.
Shake well to incorporate oil throughout.
Slip under your pillow, into your pillowcase, or on a bedside table
What Is Betty Reading? For The Love of a Dog and The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell
This month I have been digging into books on a more personal level: dog training. My husband and I are the proud owners of Bodie, a three-year old chocolate lab with an incredible amount of energy. Despite snafaris (a safari or walk that allows for a lot of sniffing) on long hikes through the woods as well as walks through town, Bodie’s energy level remains high throughout the day. To help us better understand his mind and thought process, I have read For The Love of a Dog and The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell. The author helps me to understand Bodie’s behavior, his thought process and how best to communicate with him. She stresses the importance of brain games as well as physical activities to tire a dog. I’ve got some work to do, but I am confident that I am headed down the right path!
Letter from Betty for March 2024
Hello Friends,
More and more students I am working with have been asked to give speeches to classmates, teachers and other school personnel. This can be a very challenging task for many — no matter their age or experience. I remember that the best advice I ever received about public speaking was to accept that the audience would be willing me on to success. They wanted me to succeed! Somehow that made all the difference. For more advice on this subject please read our feature article for March, "Taming Public Speaking and Performance Anxiety."
Speaking of discomfort while in the public eye, did you know that many famous musicians and actors have difficulties while performing in public? Find out more in our bonus article for March, "Did You Know? Popular Performers With Stage Fright."
Catch up on my latest favorite book in our special feature for March: "What Is Betty Reading? The Poet, by Michael Connelly."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, as well as assistance in overcoming or coping with Executive Function Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Specific Learning Disability.
Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Taming Public Speaking and Performance Anxiety
Public speaking and performance anxiety are extremely common stressors across our population, and especially with people who already have difficulties with social situations. Public speaking anxiety is so common that many colleges offer classes and workshops to help students (and others) overcome their difficulties. Fortunately, there are strategies you can utilize to help control your nerves if you are asked to give a presentatio or speech or lead a conversation in a public setting.
1 – Be clear with yourself about why you’re giving the presentation and what it is you’re trying to achieve, and focus on the material rather than your nerves. Are you presenting a paper or project in class? Perhaps you’re getting ready to sing a song or recite an original poem at a local social venue. Are you standing in front of a group where you’ll be teaching something new, like a skill you can share. In any case, remember why you’re there and importantly, remind yourself that everyone in the audience is there to learn and enjoy. They want you to succeed and they’re rooting for you to do well.
2 – Be aware of any negative self-talk got swirling around in your head. Push it aside, ignore it, and focus instead on your topic.
3 – Stand with your feet over your hips, knees bend slightly, shoulders relaxed, and breathe. Speak slowly, and pause occasionally. Slowing down and taking a momentary pause gives your audience time to take in what you’re putting out and it gives you you time to breathe and loosen tight muscles. It also gives you a moment to remember what it is you want to say next.
4 – Practice, practice, practice. The more you put yourself in front of an audience, the less scary it will be and, most likely, the more confident you will become. You might even think about joining the Debate Club where you have more of an opportunity to practice speaking in public. Before prsenting, practice your piece over and over again, because the more times you go through it the easier it will be to remember. Consider recording yourself to assess how you are holding yourself, check voice inflections and fine-tune the presentation itself. Focus on all of the things that you’re doing right, with a nod to the areas that you might want to work on.
5 – And if, in the end, something goes wrong, stop, take a sip of water and a good, deep breath, smile, and make a little joke about it. “And this is why we bring notes/lyrics.” Or after a stumble, “Well, that wasn’t a part of my plan!” You’ll have a moment to relax, and the audience will get behind you in your effort. Remember, presentation anxiety is so prevalent that a large number of those people who are sitting in front of you can personally relate to your discomfort and are rooting you on!
6 – Fake it ‘til you make it. You might not feel relaxed, at least initially, but faking that confidence and comfort on stage will come across to the audience as true relaxation, and just may have the benefit of leading to true confidence in the end.
Did You Know? Popular Performers With Stage Fright
You are not alone in stagefright! These performers famously and publicly have struggled with performance anxiety and they’ve succeeded in a big way. Talk about “fake it ‘til you make it”!
Adele, Jennifer Lawrence, Andrea Bocelli, Eddie Van Halen, Emma Stone, Ozzy Ozbourne, Beyonce, Barbra Streisand, Katy Perry, Kendall Jenner, Harry Styles, Renee Fleming, Brian Wilson, Emma Watson, Carly Simon, Rihanna, Donny Osmond, Cher, Kristen Bell, Warren Buffett, Emma Roberts, and Jay-Z, just to name a few.
So go you!
What Is Betty Reading? The Poet by Michael Connelly
Thanks to one of my students, I have thoroughly enjoyed another captivating Michael Connelly book: The Poet. I am generally not a fan of mystery books, but when my student chose this as his “fun read” I once again jumped on board. Jack McEvoy, Connelly’s protagonist, is on a mission to solve a murder that contains all the intrigue and excitement of his other novels. Connelly's ability to create unique characters leaves the reader wondering who the real killer is. Both my student and I found ourselves sympathizing with one character, only to be pleasantly surprised when the real killer was revealed!
Letter from Betty for February 2024
Hello Friends,
The power of writing and list making continuously amazes me. I really could not do what I do day to day without writing things down. But there are many strategies one could take. Find out more about this in our feature article for February, "How Time Management Can Break Down a Task or Assignment."
Speaking of getting things written out with a list and directions, take a look at our delicious recipe appropriate for this month in our bonus article for February, "You Can Do It: Super Sweet Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Valentine's Day." Yum!
Catch up on my latest favorite book in our special feature for February: "What Is Betty Reading? The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles.”
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, as well as assistance in overcoming or coping with Executive Function Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Specific Learning Disability.
Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
How Time Management Can Break Down a Task or Assignment
After putting away the holiday decorations and excitedly thinking about the blank slate of the new year I had in front of me, I made a list of all the projects that I have been putting off, as well as pondering the new ideas that I have for the coming months. In looking at the list, I noted that there is one project that I keep pushing aside because it’s too overwhelming to jump into. Do you have a project or assignment like that? If so, it is time to use your Executive Functioning skills and get organized. I did a little research to see how other people tackle their own daunting tasks and I came across one from artist Jessica Abel in tune with my own organizational structure. I think it just might work really well for you too.
To start, take a look at that overwhelming project ahead of you and break it down into tiny steps. It doesn’t matter how many steps you end up with, just make sure that each step is very specific. That done, get yourself a calendar, making sure it’s a day-at-a-time or week-at-a-time, so you have plenty of room to write under each day. While looking over your new list, consider the amount of time that you have in your day to work on your project, bearing in mind that you do need to schedule your tasks around school, work, etc. Now enter these smaller tasks into your daily/weekly. Soon, you’ll become motivated when you see all those jobs crossed off, and before you know it, your overwhelming project will be complete!
Author Austin Kleon had an assignment with a deadline that was just six months away. In that time, he had to write 250 poems. That’s 250 poems in 25 weeks, or 10 poems a week - that’s a daunting task to be tackled before publication! Kleon modified the above strategy and and turned it into something that was workable for him, another variation that could work just as well for you. He made it visual. He drew out 25 rows, each with 10 checkboxes. When he finished a poem, he would put a very satisfying X into one box. By turning his enormous task into a visual game, he completed the job on time.
To tackle those larger tasks and assignments, get yourself a calendar. Break your task down into little bits. Make it a game, and give yourself a pat on the back, enjoying the positive feedback that you’ll get from looking at that page of crossed off tasks, or as in Austin’s case, a page full of X’s.
You Can Do It: Super Sweet Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Valentine's Day
These delicious treats from the Pioneer Woman website take just 10 minutes to make and are a super sweet gift to make for your Valentine!
Ingredients
1 lb. strawberries
1 c. semisweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips, divided
1 c. white chocolate chips, divided
Sprinkles, chopped pistachios, toasted coconut, and freeze-dried strawberries, for topping
Directions
Rinse the strawberries and pat them dry thoroughly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Place 3/4 cup of semisweet chocolate and 3/4 cup of white chocolate in two separate small microwave-safe bowls. Microwave each bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is mostly melted, 90 seconds total. Add the remaining 1/4 cup semisweet and 1/4 cup white chocolate chips to their respective bowls; stir until smooth. (Microwave an additional 15 to 30 seconds, if needed).
To dip the strawberries, stick a toothpick in the stem end of one berry, then dip it into the desired chocolate, swirling to coat. Transfer the dipped berries to the lined sheet tray. Repeat with the remaining berries.
Working quickly before the chocolate coating sets, sprinkle the berries with toppings such as sprinkles, chopped pistachios, toasted coconut, or freeze-dried strawberries, as you like. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the chocolate set, if needed. If desired, microwave the chocolate that remains in the bowls for 30 seconds, at 50% power, and drizzle over the coated berries.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are best when served the day they are made. Store at room temperature until ready to serve.
What Is Betty Reading? The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
I found The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles, an historical fiction novel from the late 1930’s, a page-turner full of interesting and dynamic characters. Odile, the protagonist, is hired as a librarian at the American Library in Paris. As a book lover, she begins her dream job during this tumultuous time in European history. Throughout the novel, she reminds the reader of her favorite books, often quoting from them. She frequently refers to one of my favorites and a popular assigned high school reading, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Charles’ novel is based on true World War II accounts of the librarians at the American Library and how these men and women risked their lives to bring literature to those who were no longer welcome at the Library.
Letter from Betty for January 2024
Hello Friends,
Happy New Year! If you are wondering what wonderful things might come your way, we have some thought starters for you in our feature article for January, "Welcome to 2024... What Do You Want To Accomplish?"
Perhaps you didn't realize that we have been publishing this newsletter for more than a decade, and archiving all our articles on our blog? To get a sampling, browse to your heart's content in our bonus article for January, "Did You Know? Our Blog is a Rich Resource." Enjoy and learn!
Catch up on my latest favorite book in our special feature for January: "What Is Betty Reading? The Little Liar by Mitch Albom."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, as well as assistance in overcoming or coping with Executive Function Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Specific Learning Disability.
Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Welcome to 2024... What Do You Want To Accomplish?
Here we are, 2024! We have a blank slate, a great opportunity to set new expectations for ourselves, a golden chance to make resolutions for the new year. In order to set a course for what’s ahead, let’s consider some questions that will help us to reflect on 2023 as well as plot our way forward.
What happened in the last year that you are proud of?
What happened in the last year that you would like to do again this year?
What is something new that you learned in 2023 that you can bring forward into 2024?
What is the best adventure you had this past year?
What is the best book you read?
What did you let go of or give up this year?
What are you proud about that happened in 2023? Perhaps an academic milestone?
What accomplishment would you like to repeat in the new year? Maybe another step forward in the world of sports?
What did you learn in 2023 that you can make use of in 2024? Maybe it's a new skill!
What was your best adventure in 2023? Did you discover new vistas?
What is the best book you discovered in 2023? Is it a new favorite?
What did you let go of in 2023? Perhaps it was a fear of some kind?
Taking the time to answer these questions may give you some insight into things you might not have realized are important to you.
And now to look ahead!
What do you want to learn? Did you know that Leonardo DaVinci made such a list for himself everyday. Granted, your list might not include goals like: draw Milan or earn a master of arithmetic to show you how to square a triangle, but I’m betting that you can come up with a nice list for yourself. Maybe you’d like to learn how to play guitar, to cross-stitch, to bake a loaf of bread, or how to be more comfortable speaking in front of people. The options are endless. What is your passion? What are your wildest ideas and dreams?
Whatever your personal goals are for 2024, we wish you success, patience, good fortune, and good learning.
Did You Know? Our Blog is a Rich Resource
There is a wealth of information in the Foundation for Learning blog archive. Years worth of articles on a host of topics, book recommendations, fun projects, yummy recipes, and a collection of really fun facts, all there for you to browse through. We invite you to explore these pages and hope you’ll have a lot of fun doing so!
Here are a just a few of our favorites from this past year:
Summer Reading List for High School and College Students, from May 31, 2023
What is Betty Reading? The Firm, by John Grisham, from July 3, 2023
Tips to Help With Your Scholarship Search, from July 31, 2023
Wild and Wonderful Facts About Thanksgiving, from October 31, 2023
What Is Betty Reading? The Little Liar by Mitch Albom
I recently finished reading The Little Liar by Mitch Albom. Albom writes both fiction and non-fiction books and is best known for his biographical Tuesdays with Morrie. His most recent book, The Little Liar, is a historical fiction novel that takes place during World War II and tells the devastating story, from the perspective of Truth, of a Jewish family trying to survive the Holocaust. A young boy is left behind as his family is taken away and he lives the rest of his life trying to undo the trauma that he unknowingly caused.
Letter from Betty for December 2023
Hello Friends,
When you are young, it can be thrilling to dive into a book intended for students above your grade level. The reverse is also true, that it is one of life's pleasures for adults to return to childhood fantasies through the magic of books. Our collection of the best books published in 2023 has something for every age —so consider dabbling in the "wrong" category! Enjoy our feature article for December, "Book Suggestions for Holiday Gift Giving."
Speaking of the holidays, this is a great time of year for baking. Take a break from the world of books by trying your hand at an easy recipe for a holiday classic in our bonus article for December, "You Can Do It! Rugelach."
They say if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life. I think of that saying every time I sit down to read a great book for one of my students. Find out what I've been enjoying recently in our special feature, "What Is Betty Reading? Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller."
Whatever your educational needs, Foundation for Learning is ready to assist you with caring, one-on-one, individualized tutoring, and ISEE/SSAT test prep. Please call 610-207-7811 or email betty.foundationforlearning@gmail.com for a free consultation.
Best regards,
Betty
Book Suggestions for Holiday Gift Giving
The New York Public Library has released their list of Best Books of 2023, and from that we pulled a few that might serve you while coming up with ideas for your holiday shopping. There’s something here for adults, teens, and pre-teens too, so something for everyone!
For Adults
All The Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me
by Patrick Bringley
More than just a portrait of an iconic NYC locale and its treasures by a former New Yorker staffer who spent a decade as a museum guard, this book is also a memoir about grief, healing, art, and reinvention.
White Cat, Black Dog: Stories
by Kelly Link
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm, 17th-century French lore, and Scottish ballads, this clever collection of reinvented fairy tales expertly blends realism and the speculative as characters hunt for love, connection, revenge, or their sense of purpose.
The Bee Sting
by Paul Murray
Where did it all go wrong? A patch of ice on the tarmac, a casual favor to a charming stranger, a bee caught beneath a bridal veil—can a single moment of bad luck change the direction of life?
For Teens
What Stalks Among Us
by Sarah Hollowell
A day of playing hooky leads to a waking nightmare when Sadie and Logan find themselves trapped in a never-ending, ever-changing corn maze with the belongings and bodies of those who visited before them—including those of past versions of themselves.
Money Out Loud: All the Financial Stuff that No One Taught Us
by Berna Anat
Tackle your financial fears and trauma with real conversations about money management in real life.
Akane-banashi, Vol. 1
by Yuki Suenaga
When Akane's father is forbidden to become a rakugoka (Japanese storyteller), she decides to become one herself to avenge her father's humilation.
For Pre-teens
Big
by Vashti Harrison
A young girl transcends opinions of her to hold space for herself and own the person she is both inside and out. Powerful, full-page illustrations and striking use of color push the limits of the picture book form.
Bunny and Tree
by Balint Zsako
Bunny is separated from the colony and turns to a shape-shifting tree for help. Through nine wordless, thoughtfully illustrated acts, they brave predators, sail across oceans and fly through the sky in search of Bunny's new home.
Ghost Girl
by Brooke Carter
While visiting their grandmother, 10-year-old Sly discovers the trapped spirit of a long-lost relative. Using their quick wit and intuition, Sly must decipher clues to free both their distant cousin and their grandmother from an eternity behind the mysterious mirror.
How to Bird
by Rasha Hamid
Discover the joy of birding in the heart of the city! This approachable and inclusive guide for children introduces birdwatching strategies that make nature accessible.
You Can Do It! Rugelach
One of our favorite munchies during the holidays is a delicious rugelach. Here’s an easy recipe from Ina Garten. Give it a try. We know you’ll love them too!
Rugelach
• Level: Easy
• Total: 1 hr 55 min
• Prep: 10 min
• Inactive: 1 hr 30 min
• Cook: 15 min
• Yield: 4 dozen cookies
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2-pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 9 tablespoons
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1/2 cup apricot preserves, pureed in a food processor
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk, for egg wash
Directions
Cream the cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, the salt, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour and mix until just combined. Dump the dough out onto a well-floured board and roll it into a ball. Cut the ball in quarters, wrap each piece in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
To make the filling, combine 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, the brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, the raisins and walnuts.
On a well-floured board, roll each ball of dough into a 9-inch circle. Spread the dough with 2 tablespoons apricot preserves and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the filling. Press the filling lightly into the dough. Cut the circle into 12 equal wedges. Starting with the wide edge, roll up each wedge. Place the cookies, points tucked under, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Brush each cookie with the egg wash. Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle on the cookies. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack and let cool.
What Is Betty Reading? Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
I recently revisited the ever popular and award winning play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller which debuted in 1949. Although I have read the play several times, every time I read it, I learn something new about Willy Loman and the challenges he faced as he begins to question not only why he was unable to develop strong relationships with his wife and sons, but also why he did not achieve the American dream. The play is short on characters, but Miller closely examines the unique relationship each has with Willy. If you haven’t read this play, consider doing so. There is a reason it has been required reading for the past 75 years!