Embedded Files
A real example of my approach
A real example of my approach
A parent reached out to me over the summer because her student was a bit nervous to start high school. The student always did well in middle school, but he had to work really hard in math and science classes. The idea of being in honors math at the high school next year was intimidating! After talking to the mother and child, here's what I did:
I reached out to my students from the same town and got their opinion about what had helped them the most in that class. I added their suggestions to the list of skills I had noticed were most helpful for students in this class in the past.
Knowing that this particular school doesn't usually give out math textbooks, I emailed the math coordinator and asked what they use to guide and build their curriculum so I could best tailor our summer sessions to set this student up to start the school year strong.
I ordered a few possible resources, workbooks and a digital copy of the textbook, to look over and see if any would be helpful. Realizing that they weren't going to be quite what we would need, I dove into online resources to build a set of tools and practice problems.
After meeting with the student a few times, I realized what the student was most nervous about and focused on that content area to build confidence. I also noticed a few gaps in units that were squeezed in at the end of the prior year that the student didn't quite understand. I mixed in review of these concepts that were most likely to resurface in the next math class to build fluency and mastery
Each of my students gets my best efforts! It is really an individualized approach for each person I work with. I limit the number of students I work with so that I am able to build meaningful relationships and adapt my tutoring to each student's individual needs.
I do my best to keep my schedule flexible and tell all my students they can always ask me if they need something. We meet on Wednesday evenings but your test is Wednesday morning? Text me and we can see if it's possible to meet earlier in the week. You've got a two day sports tournament this weekend and need to finish a math project before Monday? Let's see if we can meet on Friday to get it done before your busy weekend. Quick question on a test review packet you're working on? Send me a text with a picture of your work and I'll see if I can text back and clarify things for you.
Most of my students find out about me from word of mouth. Maybe a friend in class told them they were getting tutored and that it was helpful. Or a parent shares that their high schooler was struggling but is now doing well and that there is finally one less battle at home now that grades are improving.
I talk to the student and/or the parent. I find out about the student, about their classes and about them as a person, too. Most of my students are really busy, balancing sports, families, work and school. My students want to do well. Working with me can help them do well and make things less stressful.
The student and I meet. My first lesson is always free, as I don't want you paying for something until you know that it will be helpful and productive. We talk about what's been going on and we jump right in, looking at what they are learning and struggling with.
Google Sites
Report abuse