Kids get a Week Off-

The Kids get a week off of school this week. Normally I would give them the week off of tutoring also- but the home-school kids want to come in.

I will be spending the whole afternoon with one of the boys-
We are going to begin "Touchmath". This boy so very much lacks so much confidence- I just hope and pray the "comfort level" between he and I can continue to grow... He loves photography- I will bring in my professional equipment and show him the difference between wide-angle, and telephoto.

Copied from a generic post on Google- But pretty darn close...

What is Tutoring?

Tutoring is an age-old practice. The dictionary definition describes a tutor as a person who gives individual, or in some cases small group, instruction. The purpose of tutoring is to help students help themselves, or to assist or guide them to the point at which they become an independent learner, and thus no longer need a tutor.

Content knowledge is an essential ingredient for a tutor; however, to be truly effective, a tutor must combine content knowledge with empathy , honesty and humor. Empathy requires a tutor to "read" the emotional states, attitudes and perceptions of their students. Empathy is the ability to see others from their personal frame of reference, and to communicate this understanding to the person involved. In order for tutors to establish a supportive relationship with their students, tutors must be open and honest. Students are often reluctant to talk with a stranger about their academic problems. If a tutor is perceived as genuine and having a strong desire to listen, students will be more willing to open up and discuss their problems. Humor can also play an important part in a tutoring session. Humor can reduce tension. Shared laughter is a powerful way to reinforce learning. Humor can set students at ease and increase rapport. Humor can also be used to compliment, to guide or to provide negative feedback in a positive manner.

In addition, a successful tutor demonstates a caring attitude. Caring consists of being organized for the tutoring session, being punctual, establishing a learning relationship with the student, developing unique teaching strategies, and becoming familiar with the learning process. Ultimately, tutoring is sharing yourself with another student in a way that makes a difference in both your lives.

Discipline

I have one boy who is performing extremely well. His reading is concise and flowing. His time with me is full of patience and great behavior. I just found out through his teacher that he is falling behind again. My first reaction is to question if there is a difference of discipline wherein he is under-performing at school- but not with me. It is however, time to take a few steps back, and asses. ...fill in the sound-spaces that need to be reviewed.

"Family"

I have one boy who is six years old. He is very bright, and like most little boys- reading isn't his biggest priority. We finished a little early today- after working with the Orton-Gillingham Blending Board- and the "Word Salad" application on my iPhone. I asked him "What one word would you like to learn?".

He replied with "F a m i l y",- and made my day...

Day one, 1, won.

Have just begun.