Tutoring FAQ
Will tutoring help my child?
If your child is experiencing a loss of interest in learning, feelings of wanting to give up, or a reluctance to go to school or do school work, he/she may benefit from one on one tutoring.
Even preschool children notice if they are the only one in the class who can't do something and may be unwiling to take risks and try. A few sessions of one on one instruction may help them gain confidence and skills.
Tutoring increases understanding of concepts, improves a child’s self esteem and confidence and provides encouragement. It helps children catch up by learning skills that they may have missed due to illness, the pace of instruction or for other reasons.
One on one tutoring allows children to learn at their own pace and teaches them how to take responsibility for their own learning.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Victoria, have completed Web and Print Design certification programs, as well as numerous art courses. I am a member of the BC College of Teachers.
What type of teaching experience do you have?
I have taught kindergarten for 18+ years, grades 1 - 7, personal planning to high school students and visual arts to K - 12 students and adults. I have tutored students from Pre K to Grade 5 as well as tutoring English and study techniques to high school students.
How do you evaluate each student's needs?
Often a child's teacher gives a tutor a list of areas where the child is falling behind the other students. As well, I have the child produce samples of work which helps me determine which areas need work. Learning disabilities need to be assessed by trained professionals.
What tutoring methods do you use?
I always use hands on activities and games, as well as direct instruction with young children. As an experienced classroom teacher, I offer a wealth of reading & math strategies and lessons designed to help each child learn and increase confidence. Children are instructed in reading with a combination of phonics, sight vocabulary and context.
Do you tutor homeschooled children?
Yes. Homeschooled children often need help with certain areas of the curriculum. I also instruct parents of homeschooled children on how to teach in ways that help their children succeed. Teaching math concepts, for instance, requires much more than workbooks or worksheets. Children need to have math experiences that incorporate their senses, that require them to experiment and make observations, and that allow them time to investigate a topic further.
What do you expect from parents?
Parents may be asked to contact their child's classroom teachers for their recommendations and to be sure the children bring the correct books if necessary. Parents need to define whether they want homework help only or direct instruction to catch up with skills that have not been grasped or a combination of both.
What hours are you available?
I try to schedule all tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other arrangements may be possible.
Where will my child be tutored?
Depending on where you live, I can tutor at your home or we can meet at the Juan de Fuca library.
How long do you expect tutoring to last?
I recommend tutoring a child twice a week for a six week period and then reassessing their progress before booking a second six week block.
How much do you charge for your services?
A twice a week 6-week block - $360.
What if my child is sick?
There is one make up day at the end of the six week block for sickness. If you child gets too sick to continue the classes the unpaid portion may be refunded.
If you have to cancel tutoring for medical reasons, please inform me the day before (if possible) so I have time to reschedule my appointments. There are no make up days for canceling for other reasons.
What is the range of results you see?
Children learn at varying rates. Some children make dramatic improvements and others progress more slowly but at a steady rate. A one on one tutoring relationship allows the educator to teach a concept in many different ways until the child understands.
Do you offer any other types of tutoring?
I also tutor middle and high school English, computer skills, and art classes to small groups of children or adults.
How can I contact you?
Please complete the form at the bottom on the previous page.
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