Paraphernalia of an Online Tutor

When you have a lemon, apple, fake rose, markers and a zucchini at your laptop, you may just be an online tutor!

Just because we are teaching online doesn't mean we can't still use realia, or props, to help with instruction. I have found it to be really effective to teach word meaning to my young ESL students.

It seems as if the students enjoy seeing what Miss Julia has in her house. Several will respond by running off and showing me what they have. It is so cute when they proudly display their object. I love it because it means they made a connection and have solid comprehension of that word!

Twice Freed

 

Twice Freed is an excellent book to give your history students a good look at life in the first century. When we were studying the Roman Empire in history several years ago, this book was part of the curriculum. All of my kids enjoyed this story thoroughly. It is rare to get a book that the varying ages agree is a good book!

If you are teaching world history from a Biblical perspective, then this book is an absolute must!

Marva Collins

If you are a teacher, and you have never heard of Marva Collins, then I highly recommend you watch this movie.

Marva Collins was a teacher in Chicago who was exasperated with the public school system. Teaching and learning were not happening in the schools. Her classroom was a stark contrast to the zoo the rest of the school was. She came up with a great solution to the school problem.

I watched this movie as a young girl in the 80's. I credit this movie for being one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher myself. Excellent performances by Cicely Tyson and Morgan Freeman.

Marva Collins passed away last year. Honor her memory by viewing this movie.

Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow

Studying history?

Kids love to learn about Vikings! Such an interesting culture. Using historical fiction really helps your student delve into the time period for a more thorough understanding of history!

Find your copy of  The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow at the link below.

The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow

McGraw-Hill My Math

This semester I had a student I was tutoring online in math. It really helped to have the actual book he was using. I no longer need this book now, and the real estate on my bookshelves is almost non-existent.

Check out my listing on ebay for this book.

McGraw-Hill My Math, Grade 4

More Than Just Tutoring

What do you think of when you hear the word "tutor"?

Someone that helps a student with some homework?

True, that is often the duty of a tutor. However, most tutors build relationships with their students and get to enjoy much more than just helping a student with homework.

Today I had two examples of relationships I've built with students.

One is a student I have had for four years now and so we have a really good relationship. Strange, considering we have never met in person. In her session this evening, I had the fun privilege to help her brainstorm for her campaign speech. She is in fifth grade, so this is her first experience in running for election. I am really proud of her for trying. When she first started tutoring with me, she would only answer me with soft, barely audible, one-word replies.

The other student is one I'm still in the beginning stages of building our relationship. She had some frustrations going on and thought it was okay to just take them out on me. I let her.... at first. Then, I spoke firmly and kindly to her. I told her I really liked her and wanted to work with her, but I would not be able to do so if she continued to be disrespectful.  I also told her as she gets older, there will be more consequences for negative behavior. Who wants me around someone that yells at them? What boss wants to hire that person? She took that in. The rest of the session, she worked pretty hard and was polite, and produced some good writing. If I had just met her, I would have wanted to write her behavior off and be done with her. But since I've been working with her and getting to know her, I have discovered her disrespect usually stems from being overly tired.  She's in school all day, then has to tutor when she gets home. So although it wasn't the best or most fun session with her, I still enjoyed it because I am investing time in this student. I do it because I think she will be a success.

Online tutoring works because we online tutors know how to build relationships with our kids, even though we are not face to face.

Contact me if you would like to learn more about what online tutoring can offer for your child.

Using YouTube to Enhance Your Teaching

I really wish YouTube had been around when I first started teaching!

 I especially could have used it when I first started home schooling, considering Oldest Son's interests were well beyond what I could teach!

I have been finding a multitude of appropriate videos to enhance what we are studying in history and science. Naturally, you must preview the videos. There are some out there that are not appropriate at all. If you are teaching your children from a Biblical view, you definitely want to incorporate previewing to make sure the video does not go against your teachings of your faith.

This two-part series on Charlemagne were good! 

Not too long, but definitely informative. I finished previewing them tonight. Let's see whether or not my kids like them! I'll report back the results!