At the School of Leadership Studies, our mission drives both our academics and our co-curricular programming. Join students outside the classroom to

Tips for Academic Mentors

Below are some tips and ideas to help you become a successful mentor.

List of Ten Do's and Dont's

As listed in Resource Book 1, AmeriCorps Center for School Success

1. Introduce yourself to your student
2. Be friendly
3. Reinforce skills they already have or things they already do well
4. Remember that it is OK for both of you to make mistakes
5. Give your student undivided attention while tutoring them. Listen with your ears, eyes, and mouth.
6. Let your students know you care about them by showing trust, respect, and acceptance.
7. Also let your student know that you are human too. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, or say, "I don't know."
8. Know and abide by the classroom rules. You are a role model!
9. Do not give your students orders.
10. Be patient.

Web Resources

Below are a few web resources that we think are useful:

• America Counts Roadmap
• Family Education
• Internet School House
• Education Resources Information Center

Civic Leadership Resources

Civic Leadership has books, games, and activities designed to help students master reading and math that are available for check-out.

Other Suggestions and Ideas

Here are a some more suggestions and ideas:

1. Encourage students to practice reading at home - possibly use a reading log.
2. Create a supportive, safe learning environment for the students.
3. Ask your child how things are going at school.
4. Listen and talk to your children a lot.
5. Read out loud to your children every day.
6. Show children how they use reading, writing and math to learn, have fun, and even get work done.
7. Keep track of your child's progress .
8. Use creative ways to mentor students.
9. Help them to think independently.
10. Show a true interest in helping the student learn.