My teaching philosophy is that every person is unique and that includes the way they learn. Looking for ways to teach that make the most sense to each individual is important to me.

In a first session with a student, I would want to spend time getting to know them. Finding out what they enjoy doing in and out of the classroom. I'd ask them questions and encourage them to ask me questions.

I would help a student stay motivated through encouragement, feedback and praise.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, I would look at different approaches I could use. That's where my problem solving abilities come in. I might need to reteach or review several times, or use manipulatives instead of paper and pencil.

Sometimes if a student is struggling with reading comprehension, they may need help with increasing their fluency. I have used several fluency games to help increase fluency.

I would like to find something within the subject they are interested in. For example, if they are not interested in reading or math but enjoy cooking, I'd try to find books about cooking or food.

I would use oral and written quizzes or tests to assess whether a student has mastered the material. I would also be able to assess a student's abilities through observation.

I think the more a student works within a subject area and becomes more and more comfortable within that subject they will gain confidence. I also think that encouragement from myself, parents and others in their life would help build a student's confidence.

The materials I'd use in a tutoring session would depend on the student and their needs. In math I might use manipulatives for teaching perimeter and area or paper, pencil and sand timer for fact fluency. In language arts, I might use story starters or a read aloud.

To evaluate a student's needs, I'd first look at parent or current teacher concerns. I'd also ask the student what subjects or specific areas in school they feel are the hardest or easiest for them. Depending on the area or subject, I may give them some type of diagnostic test.

Based on a student's needs I could either work at a slower pace with them, reteach concepts, use modeling for them, or utilize different styles/methods to meet their needs.

For myself, I feel the best way to help a student become an independent learner is through connection, encouragement, and time.

Getting to know a student at the beginning would help lay the foundation for working together successfully. Along the course of tutoring we'd take time to laugh, ask questions and problem solve.