Tutor in Portland, Maine

I am a certified educator with 19 years of elementary classroom experience. Recently, I found the most rewarding part of my job was the time spent working with individuals and small groups - especially those who were struggling with content matter. I loved taking the time to truly individualize instruction, thus meeting their unique needs and helping them succeed. This is why I decided to pursue tutoring full time. I can help your student succeed in any elementary subject. I will outline my philosophy and background in many of the subjects students sometimes struggle with. Reading - There are five critical components for teaching reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, fluency and comprehension strategies. Each of these ingredients needs to be taught explicitly and systematically through a multi-sensory approach. In addition, it needs to be engaging and fun! Phonics is the backbone of reading success. I am currently working on my Orton Gillingham certification through the Children's Dyslexia Center. The research based techniques I am learning are essential to teaching phonics, along with other reading skills. Writing - Using an approach based on Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, we will hold regular writing workshops. Each session will hone in on a particular skill and allow plenty of time for writing and feedback. Math and Spelling - Both of these subjects lend themselves well to hands-on learning. There are many games and activities that are perfect for solidifying these skills. Through regular assessment and analysis, we will continue to hone in on specific needs. Handwriting - I have taught handwriting over the span of kindergarten through fourth grade and am intimately familiar with the progression of learning. From manuscript to D'nealian to cursive, I can explicitly teach the correct letter formations beginning with proper posture, paper placement and pencil grip. I incorporate many engaging activities that make what could be a mundane exercise fun. Study Skills - It's never too early to develop good study habits. I believe it is important to lay the groundwork at an early age in order to ensure success throughout a school career. I have always embedded study skills into my elementary curriculum and I have many tried and true techniques to help my students in this area. I explicitly teach and model skills including choosing a conducive work environment and time management. I introduce tools such as a calendar or daily planner, and strategies such as goal setting, prioritizing and creating "to do" lists. Note taking is an important skill to introduce here as well. I have a plethora of visual and graphic organizers that I expose students too, giving them many tools in their "backpack" that they can pull out and utilize as needed. There is nothing more effective and efficient than receiving individualized instruction from a nurturing and experienced teacher. Whether you are looking for remediation or enrichment, I can provide the extra attention you are looking for. I look forward to meeting with you and discovering how I can best support your student.