I offer two frequency options for lessons during the school year:
• Three 30 minute sessions per week
• Four 30 minute sessions per week
As mentioned, frequency of lessons is very important. It is even more important than the length of the lessons. Current science suggests that shorter, more frequent lessons help reinforce the neural pathways that the brain creates to retain what's been learned, while the shorter lesson times maximize the student's focus for the period. A minimum frequency of three times a week is required, as otherwise there is too large of a gap to reinforce the learning. That said, I am able to assign exercises for the students to work on between lessons.
Currently, I have two tutoring slots available during the school year. If my slots are full, you can join the wait list on the Connect page.
In July and August, I will have more slots available, as well as an option for five 30 minute sessions per week for those looking to improve their skills over the break.
Lessons are structured as follows:
• Review: Go over previous lessons and review learned skills.
• Learn: Learn new sounds or skills and introduce new concepts.
• Reading: Use the new skills in context by reading phrases or stories.
• Writing: Practice writing new and old sounds and blended sounds.
(Note: Writing starts in Stage 3, after blending skills have been strengthened.)
The system I use is similar to UFLI in scope but alters the sequence slightly in a way that is more conducive to a one-on-one tutoring environment. The scope and sequence are as follows:
•Stage 1: Sounds of A, E, I, O, U, M, N, S; Reading Begins
•Stage 2: Sounds of D, G, P, T; Consonant Blends
•Stage 3: Sounds of B, F, C/K; Spelling Begins
•Stage 4: Sound of L
•Stage 5: Sound of R
•Stage 6: Sounds of H, J, Qu, V, W, X, Y, Z
•Stage 7: Sounds of CH, SH, TH; Forming the Plural
•Stage 8: Reading Sentences (Review Stage)
•Stage 9: Sounds of NG, NK; Multi-Syllable Words
•Stage 10: Long Vowel Sounds
•Stage 11: Reading Sentences (Review Stage)
•Stage 12: More Vowel Sounds
•Stage 13: Words Ending in Long Vowel Sounds; Y as a Vowel
•Stage 14: Reading Sentences (Review Stage)
•Stage 15: Unusual Spellings; Open and Closed Syllables
•Stage 16: Soft C, Soft G, Contractions
•Stage 17: Independent Reading
Not all students will need to reach Stage 17. Younger students in particular may achieve grade level reading at earlier stages. Others may find that, with a solid foundation, their in-classroom lessons are sufficient to keep up with what's being taught at school. But so long as the student wants to keep attending lessons, I will be happy to continue working with them to advance their literacy skills further.
Lessons will be delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams, which can be accessed on most electronic devices with screens, including tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Smartphones are not recommended as they have a very small screen which can impede learning. Microsoft Teams is free to use and sign up for. In addition to a device and a quiet place to learn, students will need a set of earbuds or headphones to prevent echoing, as well as a microphone and a webcam (if the device doesn't have them built in). A Wi-Fi connection is recommended over cellular data as it tends to be more stable. Guardians are welcome to observe remote lessons if desired.