That's when I started math tutoring in my house. Since then, I have helped over a hundred students. I tutor students of all ages, from young children to adults. And I love it! In some ways, it is even more fun than teaching a large class. Instead of trying to help 30 students at once, I get to focus on each child one on one and go at exactly their pace. I love creating a safe environment for the students where there are no "stupid questions". I tell them that my biggest rule is that they aren't allowed to "smile and nod" in our sessions. If they are a little lost on something I just explained, then we don't move on until it is clear. Often that involves finding new ways to explain it, with manipulatives or other examples, and catering it to the particular way that they learn best. Even if we spend the entire session "sidetracked" on a topic they "should" have mastered years ago, that is the best use of our time. I love filling in all of the holes from previous years so they can move on better each year!
I tell my students that my role is like the bumpers on a bowling alley while they are working on their homework. I will not do the problems for them (or, if I do most of the work since they understand the concept yet, I create another similar problem for them to do with minimal help). As a student does their work, it is my job to point them in the right direction as they go along.
FAQ
Who do you tutor?
Everyone! I have helped young children in elementary school topics, and I have helped adults with college classes. I am more than happy to help children with any kind of special needs as well. My son is on the Autism Spectrum, and so I know the patience and adjustments that it takes.
What classes will you help them with?
Currently, I do not accept students taking AP Calculus or higher. I would love to help anyone from First Grade up until Pre-Calculus, as well as those taking the college equivalent courses.
Where are the sessions held? Will you come to our home?
Tutoring sessions are held at my house in Pleasant Grove. Part of the reason that my fees are so low is that I do not arrange for childcare while I am tutoring, and this means that I do not come to the student's homes. My kids are old enough that they can usually take care of their basic needs and entertain themselves while I am teaching. Occasionally I do ask students to work on their next problem alone while I grab my youngest a glass of milk or change a diaper, but never for more than a couple of minutes at a time. If a session is ever interrupted more than 5 minutes for any reason, I arrange with parents and the student to see if they can stay a little longer to make up that time.
What do the students do during the sessions?
Whatever they need help on! Sometimes I re-teach a lesson from their class that just didn't click. Often we work on homework, and that helps me see little gaps that I can fill in as we work. Sometimes we study for their tests with a study guide from their teacher or of my own making.
I do not typically supply the material for the sessions, since most students have plenty of school work they need to get done. However, I will plan lessons if a student wants to retain information over the summer or prepare for a test like the ACT.
How often are the sessions?
As often as you need them to be. Typically, I start a student with a particular time slot once a week for an hour, or half hour for Elementary school children. From there, some students find that they need additional help, or less help. Some students switch to sessions arranged the night before their tests once they are feeling more confident. Feel free to call, even last minute, if they need help on a particular day. Sometimes I might not have the time available, but if I do, I am happy to accommodate students whenever possible. I know how busy life gets!
Does tutoring really help?
It truly, truly does. I have seen big differences in so many students over the years, not just in their grades, but especially in their confidence levels. Part of the reason tutoring helps is I make sure my student gets to learn in a safe environment. They don't have to worry about impressing their teacher (or that cute kid in their class), and they don't have to worry about disappointing their parent. I tell them that my entire job is to help them with anything they want help with, and that there are absolutely no "stupid questions."
Another reason that tutoring helps is that your child can see just how important their educational success is to you. They can see that if you are arranging for tutoring sessions, it is because you want them to succeed. Even if they outwardly tell you that they don't care what you think, I have seen them truly appreciate that concern and the help that it gives them.
Of course, the main benefit to tutoring is that I can go at exactly their pace. We move on the instant that I feel they truly understand a topic, and dwell on the ones they need help on as long as they need to. I wish everyone could have their entire education that way!
Do you do group sessions?
Sure! I have had siblings come at the same time before, and I've also had friends that are in the same class come together. As long as the students work well enough together that it can still be a safe and welcome environment, I love working with small groups.
How many students do you have at a time?
It has really varied in the nearly ten years I have been tutoring. I have had as many as ten appointments weekly, or sometimes been between students. In general, I have as many students as will fit into my family's schedule.
How much do you charge?
Sessions are $15 an hour.
How is payment done?
Some parents prefer to pay upfront for a few sessions, and many send a check or cash with the student each week. I'm not picky. However, if payment gets behind more than two sessions, I won't schedule the third session until we are back up to speed.
I reserve the right to charge half the cost of a session if a student skips a particular day. I usually don't if it happens rarely, since as a mom, I know that some things just slip through the cracks. But if it happens often, then I will let you know that the next ones will be billed. I build my schedule around the sessions that I have arranged with you, and it isn't fair to my family if no one shows up time and time again.
No comments:
Post a Comment