Read 'N Write It Tutoring

Tutoring on Zoom is a challenge, but I have been able to keep the students on track to accomplish goals that we set out before we had to stay home! Our animal mascots are still with us, with our newest friend, Edward, who is a tan bear with "Luv U More" on his collar. He is trying to learn to read and do math with us, but being a bear, sometimes has trouble.

Over the summer my reading students and I have added in an auditory component, using picture books with their accompanying CD's, at an appropriate difficulty level. We have read stories more than once. The first time we practice decoding, then read at least one more time, for comprehension and fluency. The listening part helps them become smoother readers, as they can hear how good reading flow sounds. Then we talk and write about Standard Course of Study comprehension skills, such as story message and characters' motivations.

I recently completed an online course in teaching reading through the Hill Center. I am now updated on the most recent methodology in teaching beginning reading, comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency! Great course with so much information.

Here are the photos of tutoring students cuddling and instructing Moosely Amazing, the moose, Emily the pink frog, and Crystal the striped cat. Moosely, from Maine, was introduced this past fall, to increase student awareness of wildlife in other states besides NC. All are making great strides; especially the animals, with help from the students!

Our studies are gearing up, so that all students,(including Toby, Moosely, Emily, and Toby) will be successful in the next grade.

Toby the Turtle (named by Natalie) and Emily the Pink Frog (named by Tessa) are out in great mascot form during these rainy days; happily getting wet and enthusiastically enouraging the students.

Emily was quite confused in understanding the reading passage yesterday, and asked several rather difficult questions of Tessa, who explained in detail. . .

It's holiday time, and tutoring is probably the last thing on your mind. However, the earlier in the school year we can start, the better the chances for success in gaining needed skills for the next school year.

Photos to follow!

Our animal mascots are always less skilled than the students are academically, so struggling students can feel they are ahead. They also cheer the students on, as mascots are supposed to do. Students frequently are asked to explain or show a recently learned skill to Moosely or another, and in this way solidify the skill. Two of the animals are native to Maine, to raise awareness of wildlife in another state; others are pets or animals native to North Carolina. They have thoughts and feelings, which helps encourage empathy and kindness in students.

What fun on my recent trip to Maine. We have an addition to our family of animal mascots; a long-legged moose named by a student: “Moosely Amazing.” Moosely is a year behind most of my current students, so is anxious to learn what it coming next. He joins Mr. Owl, the head mascot, Mrs. Loon and her baby, the puppet turtle Toby, the frog Emily, the rabbit David, and the cat Crystal, in encouraging the students to do their best. Unfortunately when observing the learning games Miss Donna plays with the students, Moosely is often on the side of the student. This can be demoralizing for Miss Donna, and often results in her losing the games. . .😉😊

I have recently completed a course on working with ADHD and dyslexic students through the Hill Center. I am even better versed now in recognizing these difficulties, and new strategies in working with these students. This training augments my past training in Hill Center methodology.

Summer is a great time for reading books of personal interest; I can help maintain skills that have recently been gained over the spring at school. I am excited about updating my training through Hill Center online courses, and continuing to find new books and writing topics that support children's love of animals and nature.