I believe that each student is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas.

I generally will ask questions to get to know them a bit better, such as their interests (do they like to read? play sports? what are their goals?) and then build on those positively as we move into assignments.

Positive feedback and encouragement is key. I will often leave the student with an assignment or suggested work to complete for our next session together so he or she can show me how skilled he or she has become with that item!

Again, encouragement is key. Students can easily lose interest if they are discouraged, so offering them incentive, even just praise, can go a long way to keeping students on task and feeling good about themselves and the session alike.

Try explaining the item differently! Show the student how to do it, display a similar concept, read it out loud, or have the student do that item or a related one himself or herself to practice hands-on. These methods reach the varying types of learning modes.

Practice, practice, practice! Have the student read out loud to me, then ask the student to explain back in his or her own words what was just read. Ask the student what he or she thinks of the reading. Would he or she have done the same thing as the character? Why or why not?

Talking! Getting to know them as people and letting them know a bit about me as we learn together. Staying on task is key too!

Let them see how the subject is important in their own lives or how it will correlate to concepts for their careers or future goals. Writing, for example, can be used in almost every career possible, so let the student see that and how it works!

Pop-quiz (have the student write an impromptu essay or response to a question), or practice the skill to end our session.

Praise and positive feedback. Let students know what they are doing right!

Ask questions, review previous student work, ask the student what he or she feels uncomfortable or confused about.

It would depend on the student's needs. Concepts can be explained in a variety of ways, so much can be changed to keep students on task as necessary.

Pen and paper are a must! Books, flash cards, dry erase markers and boards, and any student materials.