"I taught elementary school for 32 years, and I've been tutoring for over 20 years. I have tutored students of all ages, from first grade to adult. I teach students to read using a phonetic language arts method developed by the Riggs Institute. I begin with phonics, teaching students the letter sounds along with proper letter formation. This helps students internalize the letters and helps fix reversal issues. From there I use a dictated spelling program to teach students how to use the sounds they've learned to build words. These words become students' beginning reading and writing vocabulary. Students then use their spelling words in sentences using correct capitalization and punctuation. Incorporating spelling and writing with reading builds literacy. I also teach students how to sound out unfamiliar words so that they can read independently.

There is a lot to learn so I like students to schedule three one hour sessions per week." less...