With over 13 years of experience, teaching just about everything from kindergarten to grade 9, I am passionate about literacy and communication. I love watching words come alive for middle school students (10 – 14 year olds). Over my time in the classroom, I developed a love for small group instruction. I have Balanced Literacy training for upper elementary and junior high. I have developed language arts programs and curriculum for multiple grades and am excited to bring that experience to my resources and tutoring.
Recently, I have embarked on a journey with my own child, who was diagnosed with some learning delays. I have watched as they struggled to learn and build confidence and I have dedicated my time to support their learning needs more directly, thus my exodus from the traditional classroom. While I have loved my time, experiences, and relationships in the school system. I have come to realize that education is not a one size fits all. Sometimes extra support is required outside of the classroom, or if you’re homeschooling, perhaps you require extra assistance.
When I was in the classroom, I watched countless students come through my door with high hopes and aspirations, only to have them deflated when I ask them to pick up a pencil or read something off a page. Once a child reaches age 10 (grade 4), it is assumed that they know how to read and write. And while that may be true, they may only have the very basic level needed to feel confident, to be successful.
I firmly believe that strong literacy skills need to continue to be taught and reinforced into the upper elementary, and middle school grades, in order for students to become strong communicators. While many schools do a good job doing this, there are many students who fall behind in these pivotal years because of large class sizes or lack of support.
Perhaps you’re new to homeschooling, and while you know this is the best decision for you and your family, you might be wondering how to engage your 10 – 14 year old in their reading and writing. Do they seem disinterested? Lacking in drive? Some of that comes with the age, but they might be experiencing disconnect in specific literacy skills.
As parents, we often think we need to provide a solution, and so we wrack our brains, or scour the internet to figure out how. Sometimes we might be tempted to just let them “figure it out” on their own. But I want to let you know you’re not alone! I am here, eager and ready to help.
That’s why I created Engage with Me Literacy, to support students and families through programs and resources that can be used right at home!
We will work to build a program that is tailored to your child’s needs; strengthening their reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. Individual tutoring or small group sessions are online, with a variety of times and dates available.
Let’s get started!