Researchers findings consistently state that the best readers read a lot! Well, that makes sense; however your child needs access to lots of texts at their reading level. They need to build stamina with independent reading and be exposed to higher levels through read alouds. What level does your child's teacher say they are reading?
http://home.comcast.net/~ngiansante/
Find tons of texts at that level here...
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Benefits of a one on one tutor
A one on one tutor can reach students like no other teacher can. Below are five methods that can help a one on one tutor better reach their students and improve their grades.
1. THE STUDENT AS AN INDIVIDUAL
There are many ways that a one on one tutor can help students. In the classroom, a teacher inevitably must deal with the class as a whole and, unfortunately, the individual often slips through the cracks. The most important aspect of the one on one tutor is its individual nature.
2. REINFORCEMENT
Positive reinforcement is another tool that a one on one tutor has to offer. A student always prefers to hear that he/she is intelligent and grasping the material rather than being threatened into trying to learn it. Upon hearing this praise, the student strives harder to comprehend the material.
3. MAKING THE SUBJECT ENJOYABLE
If a teacher/tutor can make the material enjoyable, it is much more likely that a student will not only understand it, but will actually work to deepen that understanding.
If the student looks forward to a session, he/she is much more likely to benefit from that class. We all prefer to do activities that we enjoy rather than those we dread. It is the responsibility of the teacher, and even more that of the one on one tutor to make a subject fun.
The most important aspect of making a subject enjoyable is to praise the student's performance. When the student shows even a minimal understanding of the material a, "Hey that's great work!" from the tutor goes a long way.
On the other hand, a comment like, "That was a really stupid mistake," can leave the pupil feeling that he/she will never understand the subject. As a tutor, always try to praise your student even if you feel the praise is not entirely deserved.
4. STRATEGIES USING THE INTERESTS OF THE STUDENT
A teacher also has the responsibility of looking for strategies on how to make the subject interesting to a class. This is often difficult as there are 20 pupils with 20 different interests. Alternatively, the one on one tutor can get to know his student as an individual and find his/her areas of interest and then work on developing the material in a way that uses these interests.
For example, one way that math can be made interesting to many students is to look for real world applications. Of course, this works for many students but not for all of them.
When I was a child it was the artfully beautiful proofs in mathematics which gained my interest. The real world applications were always boring. It is the strength of one on one tutoring that the tutor can assess the pupil and work on the best method for that particular individual.
5.HOW CAN A TUTOR FIND OUT WHAT INTERESTS HIS STUDENT?
First off, he/she should shed the formality of the classroom. Even with my younger students, I prefer that they call me by my name, "Les" rather than the forbidding Mr. Belzer.
Second, simple questions about sports, hobbies, games, and computer activities can reveal a lot about the way a student thinks. Show the student that you are interested in his life and problems. If one is truly interested then a rapport is easy to establish.
Having a one on one tutor has many benefits to the student. By applying the above methods, a tutor can inspire their student to appreciate the material and stimulate in him or her a desire to improve their knowledge and thus improve their grades.
There are many ways that a one on one tutor can help students. In the classroom, a teacher inevitably must deal with the class as a whole and, unfortunately, the individual often slips through the cracks. The most important aspect of the one on one tutor is its individual nature.
2. REINFORCEMENT
Positive reinforcement is another tool that a one on one tutor has to offer. A student always prefers to hear that he/she is intelligent and grasping the material rather than being threatened into trying to learn it. Upon hearing this praise, the student strives harder to comprehend the material.
3. MAKING THE SUBJECT ENJOYABLE
If a teacher/tutor can make the material enjoyable, it is much more likely that a student will not only understand it, but will actually work to deepen that understanding.
If the student looks forward to a session, he/she is much more likely to benefit from that class. We all prefer to do activities that we enjoy rather than those we dread. It is the responsibility of the teacher, and even more that of the one on one tutor to make a subject fun.
The most important aspect of making a subject enjoyable is to praise the student's performance. When the student shows even a minimal understanding of the material a, "Hey that's great work!" from the tutor goes a long way.
On the other hand, a comment like, "That was a really stupid mistake," can leave the pupil feeling that he/she will never understand the subject. As a tutor, always try to praise your student even if you feel the praise is not entirely deserved.
4. STRATEGIES USING THE INTERESTS OF THE STUDENT
A teacher also has the responsibility of looking for strategies on how to make the subject interesting to a class. This is often difficult as there are 20 pupils with 20 different interests. Alternatively, the one on one tutor can get to know his student as an individual and find his/her areas of interest and then work on developing the material in a way that uses these interests.
For example, one way that math can be made interesting to many students is to look for real world applications. Of course, this works for many students but not for all of them.
When I was a child it was the artfully beautiful proofs in mathematics which gained my interest. The real world applications were always boring. It is the strength of one on one tutoring that the tutor can assess the pupil and work on the best method for that particular individual.
5.HOW CAN A TUTOR FIND OUT WHAT INTERESTS HIS STUDENT?
First off, he/she should shed the formality of the classroom. Even with my younger students, I prefer that they call me by my name, "Les" rather than the forbidding Mr. Belzer.
Second, simple questions about sports, hobbies, games, and computer activities can reveal a lot about the way a student thinks. Show the student that you are interested in his life and problems. If one is truly interested then a rapport is easy to establish.
Having a one on one tutor has many benefits to the student. By applying the above methods, a tutor can inspire their student to appreciate the material and stimulate in him or her a desire to improve their knowledge and thus improve their grades.
Do you want your child to become a better reader?
Of course you do. Think of reading like any other activity that your child participates in. You want them to enjoy it, try their best, socialize, improve, and build self confidence. Most likely you will be investing time and money. You show your dedication and love through supporting your child.
We must invest in reading. Children need to see us value text in all forms. We need to honor their interest by allowing them to self select titles. We want to foster their love of reading by making it a social event through discussion and interaction with peers. Children need to practice to improve. Think about the upcoming summer months. How will you invest?
There is an overwhelming amount of research supporting that our most successful readers read much more than our struggling readers. Lets take away all of "the work around reading" such as memorizing vocabulary, and act like real life readers...read, think, react, discuss, read.
We must invest in reading. Children need to see us value text in all forms. We need to honor their interest by allowing them to self select titles. We want to foster their love of reading by making it a social event through discussion and interaction with peers. Children need to practice to improve. Think about the upcoming summer months. How will you invest?
There is an overwhelming amount of research supporting that our most successful readers read much more than our struggling readers. Lets take away all of "the work around reading" such as memorizing vocabulary, and act like real life readers...read, think, react, discuss, read.
Monday, May 6, 2013
NJASK, Book Fair, Summer Reading
I am back to blogging and plan on weekly blogs from here on out!
May is here and that means NJASK testing, Scholastic Book Fair, and plans for Summer reading!
NJASK
Grades 3 through 5 will be taking NJASK this week and next. As educators and parents, we can believe in our children, encourage them to go above and beyond, and continue to support their needs. Sure, we can check their homework and study with them for a quiz, but more importantly engage with them in meaningful conversations. Challenge their intellect as I am sure they will challenge you. Use more sophisticated vocabulary and expect the best. When your child gives you their best, raise the bar because they will continue to grow.
Scholastic Book Fair at VDV in the Media Center
Friday, May 17 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Monday, May 20 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Tuesday, May 21 9:00 am - 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Literacy Night
Wednesday, May 22 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Thursday, May 23 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Online Book Fair: May 12th - June 1st
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/vanderveer
All profits benefit our classroom libraries to better serve your children!
Summer Reading....Students' literacy skills can decline or advance during the summer months. This article is a must read for all parents.
http://www.reading.org/downloads/publications/RTsummer1_Mraz.pdf
More to come...
May is here and that means NJASK testing, Scholastic Book Fair, and plans for Summer reading!
NJASK
Grades 3 through 5 will be taking NJASK this week and next. As educators and parents, we can believe in our children, encourage them to go above and beyond, and continue to support their needs. Sure, we can check their homework and study with them for a quiz, but more importantly engage with them in meaningful conversations. Challenge their intellect as I am sure they will challenge you. Use more sophisticated vocabulary and expect the best. When your child gives you their best, raise the bar because they will continue to grow.
Scholastic Book Fair at VDV in the Media Center
Friday, May 17 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Monday, May 20 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Tuesday, May 21 9:00 am - 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Literacy Night
Wednesday, May 22 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Thursday, May 23 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Online Book Fair: May 12th - June 1st
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/vanderveer
All profits benefit our classroom libraries to better serve your children!
Summer Reading....Students' literacy skills can decline or advance during the summer months. This article is a must read for all parents.
http://www.reading.org/downloads/publications/RTsummer1_Mraz.pdf
More to come...
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