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09/21/2021

This summer, I was “Reading the World” with my students. I really enjoy this time with my students, as they can read books in their entirety, perhaps for the first time, without the constraints of school and in a manner that supports their challenges, while making a huge impact to boost their self-confidence. One of my favorite reads is Hatcher, by Gary Paulsen. It is a great read for older students (5th-8th), as it explores the challenges of a 13-year-old boy who is faced with a devastating secret about his mother that he keeps to himself. He is off to spend the summer with his dad in Canada and his plane crashes over the wilderness leaving him all alone without the possibility of being rescued. There are many talking points, as one reads this intriguing story. All my students have thoroughly enjoyed this book and most students continue with the series.
My younger students (2nd – 4th) have been reading the charming story of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate and Patricia Castelao. The format of the book is one to three pages per chapter with a large font, which is exciting for younger readers. This book is based on a true story of a gorilla who lived in a shopping mall for twenty-seven years. An unusual friendship develops between the gorilla, an elephant, and a dog. For me, it was a bit of a tearjerker because of the challenges these animals endured, but there are also many triumphing parts of the story and laughable scenarios. Again, this is a series, and my students often continue reading.

07/19/2021

07/19/2021

As I was scrolling through my Facebook this morning, a good friend reminded me that teaching was not just a career for her, but her students became her life! I understand these sentiments, too. When I left the corporate world to become an educator, my husband informed me that I needed to pursue this change because I wanted to help students. His words have rung true. No one pursues a teaching profession with the thought of becoming monetarily rich, instead it is heartwarming gifts you experience while teaching and knowing you had a small part in the lives of your students that overflows your cup. I became totally invested in supporting my students towards success, always exploring ways to help them make connections they so desperately yearn for to overcome their challenges. My students are always on my mind, as I continually search for their pathway of learning. I have been incredibly blessed over the last five years to be able to tutor students in a one-on-one setting, while helping them to overcome their reading difficulties. I know for certain that students who have left, come back, and those that remain will continue to be the best part of me.

07/16/2021

For those of you who know me, I am the biggest kid ever. If I am not having fun, I guarantee my students are not having fun either. That is why when teaching tools and strategies to my students, I always try to incorporate games into our learning. I came across this article, 7 great ways to encourage kids’ writing, that provided suggestions for using a variety of physical activities to encourage writing. Which activity will you pick? Be sure to let me know what activities you choose and tell me about your students’ engagement.

Spark your child's interest in writing at home with engaging, fun activities.

07/15/2021

Want to become a better writer? The five writing skills needed to becoming a better writer are:
1. FOCUS-controlling idea;
2. ORGANIZATION- clear, focused, and logical writing makes it easier to understand;
3. SUPPORT and ELABORATION-using concrete, specific details, and relevant information help construct mental images for readers;
4. STYLE-an author uses written words to create a unique style with voice, or personality, and overall tone when writing;
5. CONVENTIONS- spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar help make a written piece clear and understandable.

Writing can be challenging, so why not start writing: what you are passions or your opinion on a particular subject? It is literally one word at time!

07/14/2021

When working with students, it is critical that I am genuine. I start by telling them my story…I, too, struggled with both reading and writing in school. After many years of struggling, I know that my challenges are gifts, and the reason I tutor is because I can give back to those students who are also having difficulties. My goal for my students is for them not to experience what I experienced in school, poor self-image, lack of self-confidence, internal shame for my lack of not being like my peers, etc. During a recent tutor session, I had an older student admit that both reading and writing were challenging. I was extremely proud of their acknowledgment. This is the first step in their transformation, as now this student is 100% committed to learning the tools and strategies that will help them to become a better reader and writer, and most important a learner for life!

07/13/2021

Which comes first Reading or Writing? Reading and writing go hand-in-hand. For example, students will connect letter sounds together to form words, which are then reinforced when the student reads and writes the same words. It is equally important for students, who have been challenged with reading, that they learn specific tools and strategies for writing. These writing skills will strengthen decoding and comprehension reading skills, while writing will improve reading.

07/12/2021

Yesterday marked E.B. White’s birthday (1899-1985), author of some of the most beloved children’s classics, Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan.