SKILLS AND STRATEGIES
My most important job is to help a student to become an effective self-advocate and independent problem solver.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING
These skills become essential as life adds more and more plates to spin for middle and upper school students. Here, course material meets coaching in the day-to-day skills necessary to be more independent and successful in school.
What is executive functioning? Lost sweaters and textbooks, tardiness, confusion over poor grades, and unclear expectations are just a few of the problems that manifest with poor executive functioning. This umbrella term encompasses the variety of skills necessary to “manage oneself and one’s resources in order to achieve a goal, including working memory, planning, organization, self-monitoring and emotional regulation."* While many students need support in developing these skills, I recommend teaching them in conjunction with actual coursework.
*"Late, Lost and Unprepared: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Children with Executive Functioning " by Doctors Joyce Cooper-Kahn & Laurie Dietzel
ACADEMIC SKILLS
Certain skills can apply to all subjects. While my content expertise lies in teaching writing, the humanities and French, I also instruct students in general study skills for all subjects. Strategies include memorization techniques, time management, and note-taking. All assignments require breaking down large tasks into small steps as well as carefully following instructions and cross-checking work with the teacher’s expectations. Some students need coaching on how to manage group projects and working with their peers, along with learning how to develop strong, supportive relationships with their teachers.
LEARNING DIFFERENCES
Learning differences can impede performance unnecessarily.
Dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD, slow processing, and dysgraphia among others can cause roadblocks for a student. Using past assessments, diagnostics, and neuropsychological evaluations, along with my observations and the student’s self knowledge, I craft a customized tutoring approach and strategy for success. Meet Mae.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
With our high-paced city and high-pressured world, this can be an essential tool. As a yoga teacher with great interest in mindfulness, I can offer many simple techniques to help students calm down and find their focus. Basic breathing or visualization practices work wonders for test anxiety or moments of panic. Students learn to anticipate stress and which self-care techniques keep them functioning at their best.
FIND A GROOVE
Inspired approach: means considering the particular learning profile and personality of each student. Does test performance suffer because of poor study habits or a failure to follow instructions? Would organizing class notes help to study math or is it better to take pictures of the board and organize electronically? Do we need to write out flashcards or read aloud a study guide? Is a student more engaged when I use Dr. Who references to explain key moments in history? Each student learns differently, and all students flourish when an educator sees and appreciates who they are as a whole person. My holistic approach generates long-term confidence and success. Meet Joe.
