Becky D.

specializes in Multi subject tutor · female

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Personal Statement

Need a little homework help? Maybe you're having difficulties in one of your classes? Adult going back to school? Or possibly you just want to learn something new! Whatever your needs, I'm available to help. I would love to help you reach your potential. If I don't teach your subject, I'll help you find someone who does. I've been a classroom educator for over 20 years. My graduate degree is in Elementary Education and Reading. Therefore, I enjoy teaching reading at any level. I have previously taught reading privately and in small groups. As my undergraduate degree is in music education, I have also taught flute, piano and bands. It is my belief that two of the most important academic subjects are reading and math. Math seems difficult to many young people. I teach math as concretely as possible. Rather than just relying on memorizing rules to accomplish tasks, I teach "why". I feel true understanding comes about with "number sense". For example, when adding numbers together we will practice with manipulatives to see how the two parts make a whole. When doing algebra, it is equally helpful to practice with manipulatives for understanding of what the equations really mean. When teaching reading, I use a multi-pronged approach. It is my belief that unless a child picks up reading quickly, they begin to dislike the subject and any further attempts at teaching the subject makes the situation worse. Therefore, a major part of reading should always include reading for pleasure. The material used is chosen by the student and is generally approximately a year below their actual reading level. This has several purposes. First, because the student chose the material, they have more of an incentive to read. Second, because the material is below their reading level, they do not experience the frustration and they can enjoy the act of reading. Third, this serves as reinforcement to all other teaching. In addition to pleasure reading, it is important for the reader to learn about print as well as learn a variety of strategies to decode words. I teach individual letter sounds, multi-letter sounds, and how to combine them. It is also important for the reader to have a reading vocabulary. These are the words that are commonly referred to as “Word Wall Words” or “Sight Words”. Finally, learning how to decode words using context clues needs to be taught. This includes looking at pictures, deciding if a given word makes sense within a sentence and using text meaning to determine unknown words. Aside from reading, which is one of my favorite activities, I thoroughly enjoy water activities such as swimming, boating and white water rafting. In addition, I enjoy board games and card games. I frequently play poker online and watch televised games. If you choose me as your tutor, you can expect 3 things of me: Prompt, Thorough, Prepared! In addition, you should expect that I will ask you to do work to be prepared for your lessons. I look forward to hearing from you so we can begin soon!

Belleville, IL 62221