This is not a post to discuss the actual pandemic. It is more of a thought process to think through some educational solutions for children.
With the problems faced by school systems due to lack of healthy teachers and support staff, parents are seeking solutions. They want their children in school. They want them to continue to learn. But for the past two years, this has been a challenge for many parents around the world.
I have been fortunate enough to remain in school the past two years and continue to work with my students in the classroom. But, I live in a rural community and we don’t seem to have the high numbers of Covid that plague larger communities. I spend several nights per week working with students to help them either bridge the gaps they have developed, or challenge them with their learning.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them and creating a plan of action with their parents. This may not be something that works for all parents, but it does work well for others. Some of my clients are in school full-time and they just need support with their homework. Other clients need interventions to work on skills they are struggling with. I feel like I am helping not only the student, but also their parents. They don’t need to worry about their child experiencing learning loss because I get to help fill in the gaps. Sometimes we even have time for challenges. My clients fill me in on what their child needs and I respond to those needs. I have had a lot of experience working with students who need additional support and I can typically figure out what they need within a few moments. I love their smiles and I love knowing that I am helping them build confidence. That is so rewarding!
I work with my students virtually when I tutor and we utilize a shared whiteboard to practice skills. Sometime we use paper and pencil and then my students will take a picture and share it with me. I can then see their progress and respond to their particular needs. Sometimes we use the text tool to type (on the whiteboard or on a Google document) and other times we work on shared slides to communicate with one another. The goals is to collaborate and work together so the student gets the maximum benefit of our time together.
There are times that a support video works great and I will share a short Youtube clip. I will utilize educational websites when appropriate as well. I certainly don’t have all of the answers, but I have a lot of experience to draw upon, so that allows me to respond quickly to my student’s needs.
I typically work with my older students for an hour. However, my younger students benefit from a half hour twice a week. An hour is a very long time for them to sit and concentrate.
I also work hard to really connect with the students. I don’t think any learning can happen if they don’t know who they are working with. I also don’t think they will learn until they know that we have a connection.
My parents appreciate the messages I share with them at the end of each lesson. It keeps them informed of their child’s progress and gives them a chance to stay connected to what we are working on in our sessions.
I know that many families are seeking support. I know there are many resources available to them. Some parents might not have considered a tutor to support their child. Now more than ever, parents need professional help. Let me know if you need support. I work with elementary aged students. My specialties lie in math, reading, and writing. I am happy to help! I have a few more spots available.
You can get more information about me from my website at midwesttutor.com. There you can learn more about my process and if you are interested, you can reach out to me. We can line up a virtual meeting and see if I can help you out.
I may not have all of the answers, but I am certainly willing to be a support system for your child as well as you! As a parent, I completely understand your frustration. It is my hope that your child will get what they need to continue to move forward with their learning.
Tutoring with Sheryl 