Working With a Tutor: What I Do

Working with a tutor is very much like having a personal trainer. Both work one-on-one to improve strength and skills. There are tutors for every subject and test prep. A tutor specializing in dyslexia focuses on reading, spelling, and writing areas needing improvement. That’s what I do. The student, like the athlete, gradually builds confidence, knowledge, and independence. I am committed to helping dyslexic students reach their goals.

Tutoring is not one-size-fits-all. We work on what they need using the most effective, current methods. Focus is on adding tools to the student’s toolbox. When they can apply the tools to their school work and throughout their daily lives, we’ve succeeded.

Reading, Spelling, & Writing

We want them to love books.

Students discover that English is NOT crazy and they CAN make sense of it. Their engagement with language builds curiosity. That leads to them asking questions about a word they noticed, wanting to know why it’s spelled or pronounced that way.

Meaningful Sight Words

Why is there an <ey> in ‘they’?

‘Would, could, and should’–what’s up with that <l>?

‘Said’ just doesn’t make sense.

There are reasons for each of these. When they know that, students will look for there to be a reason for any word they wonder about. Reading and spelling these words becomes easier to remember. Easier to remember means they can take their knowledge with them wherever they go. Then they are empowered. Read more about Structured Word Inquiry. 

Students will learn common “sight words” without mnemonics, endless memorizing, or banging their head against the desk!

Reading tutoring goes hand-in-hand with spelling tutoring. Sometimes the reading progress will go faster than the spelling progress. Sometimes it’s spelling growth that passes reading growth. Regardless, we keep moving forward at the student’s pace.

Depending on what they need, we’ll use grade-level or earlier grade level reading material and real books they want to read. As needed, we’ll work on noticing and distinguishing phonemes (voiced sounds).

We look at a word’s structure, meaning, origin, and phonemes. During our study, we use word sums. act + ion –> action Word sums show the structure in a way nothing else will.

Writing Words, Phrases, Sentences, & Paragraphs

Putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard to share thoughts, information, and imagination. We begin where the the student needs to start. When they are working with a writing tutor, students will develop skills to pull notes from text, outline, and organize their writing. It will become easier.

Self-confidence builds with accomplishment. When they realize their skills have improved and the hard tasks are easier, their attitude about themselves and learning are often transformed.

Online Tutoring Available:

  • Online Tutoring Requirements
    • Reliable high-speed internet connection
    • Free Zoom software available at www.zoom.us
    • Silent, distraction-free place area with adult available
    • Up-to-date computer with webcam, microphone, and auxiliary mouse