The Program

 

 Step 1: The Assessment

Using a special compilation of assessment tools, I determine the reader’s ability and knowledge in the following areas:

 

Younger, less experienced readers:

Older, more experienced readers:

·        Attitude and Self-confidence of Reading and Writing

·        Alphabetic Principal

·        Concepts About Print

·        Decoding Strategies

·        Story Elements

·        Auditory Discrimination

·        Phonics

·        Phonemic Awareness

·        Writing Skills

·        Comprehension Strategies

·        Sight Word Vocabulary

 

 

·        Attitude and Self- Confidence of Reading and Writing

·        Silent Reading Comprehension

·        Oral Reading Comprehension

·        Comprehension Strategies of Fiction Texts

·        Comprehension Strategies of Non–fiction Texts

·        Decoding Strategies

·        Vocabulary

·        Meta-cognitive Awareness

·        Study Skills

 

Step 2: Analysis and Program Development

Using the information gathered from the thorough assessment, as well as interviewing the parents and students, I develop a highly specialized program to meet the individual needs and strengths of each student.  

 

Each student has different needs, natural abilities, and interests.  My aim is to capitalize on what a student does well, and fill in the gaps that he or she might have.  Some children need instruction in phonics and decoding, whereas others need more focus on reading comprehension.    Whatever their needs are, I have the materials and expertise to meet them.

 

Whether your child has special needs or just wants to accelerate, it is up to you as the parents to act as an advocate for the student’s education.   Having a deep knowledge of the school system, I help the parents get the best out of the schools by informing parents what they should be asking for, what the school’s responsibility includes, and the best way to get the student’s needs met.

 

Step 3: Tutoring 

As each person has a different set of needs, each tutee has a different program.   The basic structure of a reading lesson usually follows this format.

  1. 15 minutes reading a familiar book, or reviewing a previous chapter in a longer book.  Purpose: To gain fluidity, confidence, and practice higher level thinking skills.
  2. 15 minutes reading a new book or next chapter.  Purpose: To practice decoding skills and metacognitive techniques.
  3. 15 minutes word study (depending on the child's needs, this may or may not include phonics).  Purpose: To build a larger reading vocabulary, which increases speed and comprehension.
  4. 10 minutes writing. Purpose: To improve writing skills, practice new vocabulary, and review the day's lesson.
  5. 5 minutes: Oral discussion of the lesson (with parents and student). Purpose: To solidify the new learning in the student's mind, make goals for future lessons and keep parents involved in the student's progress.

Spanish tutoring is intended to help a student taking a Spanish class.   I help the students prepare for tests and complete projects and homework.

Schedule

Together we set up a schedule that is manageable and that maximizes the student’s time.  Most students meet with me twice a week for an hour each time.   Parents are encouraged to stay and watch but many take advantage of the near- by shopping at Target and Costco.

 

The tutoring sessions are all one-on-one where every minute is used to help the student learn better reading strategies and enhance a student’s natural abilities.   I have experience working with children with special needs, such as ADHD, as well as with children who just want to be at the top of their class.

 

Improving reading and writing skills is a family affair.  In addition, to teaching the students how to read and write better, I include follow up lessons for the parents to do with their child.   These are easy, relaxed exercises that can be done while reading together, helping with homework, or playing games.  Often times siblings can benefit and help too!