Stressed out?

Many students are experiencing stress these days. Perhaps the stress of not having a job is weighing on them, or the stress of reduced hours makes it difficult to put food on the table. Add to that the stress of not having a GED or HSED. They might be constantly wondering if THEY will be the next to be laid off. The cost of food, medical expenses and housing can also be a stress.

Stress is not "checked at the door". Students, whether they realize it or not, bring their problems into the classroom or lab. Teachers, tutors, and mentors need to recognize this and be sensitive to it.

Make your classroom lab environment as stress-free as possible. Greet them as soon as they arrive and be sure to say "good-by" when they leave. Have a basket filled with candy or fruit. Some students may arrive without having anything to eat. As we all know, we can function better with food in our stomachs. Finally, talk to them about their goals and get them to think about life "beyond the GED". What are their dream? What will they be doing in 1, 2, or 5 years? How will they accomplish their goals and make their dreams come true?

GED and Learning to Read- Word Famililies

It is now that time of year when you find yourself wondering what 2010 will bring. Will it be better than 2009 and will you find a job. Perhaps getting your GED is your goal and you are wondering if you will EVER finish it. Remember to keep thinking positive. The power of positive thinking is amazing and the worst thing you can do is fall into depression. If you think you are in a state of depression, seek help. Call your family doctor or a friend. Depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and economic levels.

Using word families is a great way to teach spelling, reading, and writing. Word families are words which have the same ending. This ending, such as “at” forms a chunk and learners learn the chunk and then add other sounds to it forming additional words.

One activity that I will often use involves starting with the base word family such as “at”. I write the word on a piece of paper or on a white board and have the learner say it. I then write it again and this time put a line in front of it for another word, one line for each missing letter. at, _ at

I then ask the learner to spell cat. As I say the word cat, I carefully pronounce the “c” and “at” sounds. The learner then says the word “cat” and writes it. Learners could also spell it orally to you. It is important that the learner reads, writes, and spells the words. You will be amazed at how fast they learn new words.

The learner will quickly catch on to this activity and I have found that they LOVE it.

GED Learning Centers

Perhaps the last place you (as a GED candidate) or you (as a GED teacher/tutor) want to be this summer is in a GED Learning Center.

As a teacher, you probably need/want a much deserved break. Although with the economy the way it is.... I am sure you will take any work you can! And certainly, there is a continued need for those types of services. As an instructor who works in an Adult Learning Center, I get new students every day! Students who are needing their GED, students who need to brush up on their basic skill to get into a program, and students who need to brush up on their skills to either get or keep their job. The need is there and it takes each of us to put in the extra effort! Thank you to each of you who are there in the front line helping those students! You make an effort EACH time you step into the classroom.

If you are a student, you also may be feeling the need to take a break. But now is NOT the time to take break. Now is the time to forge forward! They say the economy is slowly turning around.. but not fast enough! Take the time to faithfully work with a teacher/tutor. If you are able to get to a Learning Center, go and work with your instructors. I realize that it is not always easy or even possible at times. You have family responsibilities and hopefully... you also are also one of the lucky ones who has a job responsibility. Don't let anyone or anything slow you down as you continue to forge on and work at your goal!

GED Test Prep- Get Plenty of Sleep and be Rested

When you are preparing to take the actual GED test, remember to get plenty of sleep the night before. If you work third shift, you may want to arrange to have a day off. Each of the battery of the GED tests is long.... not short. You will need ALL your mind energy!

Eat a healthy well-balanced meal for breakfast! The last thing you need on your mind is a grumbling stomach! Eat something.... even if you need to grab an apple.

Don't do any last minute cramming... it is better to have a rested and relaxed mind. You have done all your studying already, so just go in and do the best that you can.

Good luck and let me know how you did!

Preparing for the GED and Getting GED Help

What is the best way to prepare for the GED and getting GED help? Three ways include finding a tutor, finding a GED Learning Center, and studying on your own.

What's the best way? I do not think there is a "one size fits all". You need to find out what is best for YOU!

Take a look at your situation and ask yourself some questions. Do you know someone who could tutor you? Do you live within a reasonable distance to a GED Learning Center and does your schedule permit you to attend? Do you have the self-discipline to study on your own?

If you answer yes.... to any of these questions, then perhaps you have some direction. Find the best way for YOU and then go with it!

Good luck!

GED Age Requirement

If you are thinking of taking the GED tests, be sure that you know your state's age requirements and GED requirements. Contact your state or local "Official GED Testing Center".

If you are 16 or 17 you will most likely need to be in a program through a High School or Technical College. Although not always. If you have a Community Based Organization (CBO) that offers GED prep, you may be able to study there as well. There may also be an age requirement for testing.

If you are 18.5 you will be able to attend an Adult Learning Center and begin testing after completing a GED orientation. Again, you need to check with your state requirements.

Another great resource is the American Council on Education website.

How many times can I take the GED tests?

Check with your local GED Testing Center regarding the number of times you can take a GED test within a year. Some testing centers will allow you to take each test up to three times within a calendar year.

You don't want to be caught off guard if you fail a test..... and then find out you need to wait awhile before you can retest.

Check first to see what the guidelines are for your area.

Stop in at your GED Tutoring Center or give someone a call.

Battery of 5 GED Tests

For anyone who is new or is thinking of taking the GED tests, it is important to know a little about them.

There are 5 GED tests: GED Math, GED Writing, GED Science, GED Social Studies, and GED Reading (or Language Arts).

Check with your local GED testing center to determine if you have to take all 5 at once, or if you can take one test at a time. It would be my recommendation that, if possible, take one at a time.

You will need to average 450 per test so that you acquire at least 2250 points. But, again, check with your testing agency to determine how many points are required in your state.

Passing the GED Test

Well, it is January 1, 2008 and you have probably decided that you want to complete your GED tests. Easy, right? Well... for some people yes it might be. But for others it can be a challenge. There are 5 GED tests and the two that are the most difficult.... at least for alot of people are the GED Math and the GED Writing. If your New Year's Resolution is to pass the GED, you may want to consider taking classes or getting a tutor. Good luck... and if you are inclined, respond to this post and tell us YOUR story.

GED Math Dictionary

Did you know.....

• is, is equal to, equals, the same MEANS =
  
• of, the product, times, multiple, multiplied by MEANS x or ∙
  
• add, more than, plus, sum, increased by, added to, more MEANS +
  
• subtract, less than, minus, difference, decreased by, less MEANS -
  
• divide, divided by, the quotient MEANS ÷
  
• double, twice, twice as much MEANS 2x or 2 ∙
  
• half, half of, half as much MEANS ½ x or ½ ∙
  

A great math dictionary to use for preparing for the GED test is Usborne Illustrated Math Dictionary.

GED: General Education Diploma

The acronym GED stands for General Education Diploma. There are 5 tests, called a Battery, that make up the GED tests. They are Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Science; Social Studies; and Mathematics.

These five tests measure the knowledge found in those areas. The GED tests are timed tests that can vary from 65 minutes to 2 hours.

Depending on where you are located, you may need to take the entire battery of GED tests in one or two sittings. Other places will allow you to test one test at a time.

It is important that you contact your local official GED Testing Center to find out the specific GED requirements for your location.