Jennifer Donaldson, founder and educator at Tailor Joy LLC

Certified teacher helping students find joy and confidence in education. I specialize in reading, writing, and study skills for students, plus conversational ESL for adults. I'm a teacher, tutor, and tailor of joy. I love my job! www.tailorjoy.com

Smart Budgeting for Teens Who Struggle with Planning

What is the most important financial literacy skill teens need before becoming adults? Teaching smart budgeting for teens who struggle with planning requires tailored strategies that account for executive function challenges. By making financial concepts visual and concrete, simplifying choices to reduce overwhelm, and implementing consistent routines, parents can empower their teens. These financial skills […]

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The Art of Asking Questions: How to Develop Critical Thinking in Kids

What do you value more – a good grade or a well written paper? The art of asking questions is one of the most valuable tools we can give children to help them grow into confident, thoughtful, and capable individuals. As parents and tutors, we all want to develop critical thinking in kids, but it

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5 Ways to Build Executive Function Skills During Summer Break

Would you rather sort digital files or make dinner? Summer break offers a great opportunity to build executive function skills in a low-stress environment. Executive function includes a set of mental skills, including planning, organization, time management, emotional regulation, and flexibility, that are essential for learning and living.  With the right strategies and encouragement, middle

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Ignite Learning with My Printable Escape Rooms for Kids

How do you get kids off their screens and into discussions with peers? As a teacher and tutor, I know the struggle is real. Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging activities, a tutor needing fresh ways to connect with students, or a teacher searching for that perfect lesson or sub plan, keeping kids truly

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Reading Fluency vs Reading Comprehension

What’s the difference between reading fluency vs reading comprehension? Reading fluency vs reading comprehension might sound like “teacher talk,” but with a few clear explanations, it becomes easier to understand, spot the differences, and support children in developing both of these foundational reading skills. Many parents assume that if a child can read words out

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How Summer Tutoring Sets Your Child Up for Success

What are benefits of summer tutoring? As a parent, you want to give your child every opportunity to thrive, especially when it comes to their education. But national testing data from 2024 reveals a concerning truth: math and reading levels among students have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, many students in grades 3–9

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6 Proven Strategies to Help Teens Study Smarter Not Harder

What are good study skills for teens? Have you been searching for “how to study smarter, not harder” or “study skills for teens”? You’re not alone! Many students struggle with how to study effectively, but the good news is that there are proven strategies to help you study smarter, not harder. Not every study technique

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Turn Your Knowledge Into Income and Side Gig Jobs: Everyone Can Tutor Something!

What subjects could you tutor? When it comes to making some extra cash from side gig jobs, everyone can tutor something. Choose a topic that fits your expertise and passion when choosing your tutoring subjects. Some of the best teachers and tutors are those who are passionate about their tutoring subjects and show up to

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My Child’s Teacher Emailed Me About Academic Concerns—Now What?

Which school teacher has the best communication style? If you’ve ever received a note from your child’s teacher about academic concerns, saying they’re struggling to organize ideas in writing, apply math concepts to real life, or make inferences while reading, you’re not alone. Many parents see these messages and wonder, What does that actually mean?

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