Kids at this level mostly have a beginning level of reading and even writing skills. Some actually read or write at higher than their age group, better than the norm. It really varies, some begin with a lower skill set, matching that of a younger learner.
I like to see each of these students gain confidence, experience growth, and improve especially in reading comprehension, word power, paragraph writing, and comfortably giving little class presentations. Additionally, I often reinforce good values such as kindness and responsibility.
Overall, I would like for each child to explore and have a curious mind.
The preteen through early teen years bring new challenges. Even the brightest need someone that can cheer them on. I operate in more of a coaching style, sharing techniques to improve writing, challenging readers to look deeper and discover the hidden meanings in literature, social studies, and more. We also begin diving into vocabulary development in a more mature manner.
Students often share their struggles, fears, insecurities, and any hesitancy associated with school or academics. I help them to gain courage, to learn new steps in writing and reading, and to persevere. Additionally, and perhaps most important, I continually convey the importance of sticking to their values and not becoming intimidated by peer pressure.
We read and write about topics that include fictional and nonfiction. Many schools have the students read some pretty hard to understand books. So, we walk through some of these together.
With this age group, many become more interested in writing creatively for narrative stories. They also just begin to dive into how to support their opinions and arguments in writing. This continues to develop through high school.
I get the joy of seeing grow up during these years.
High school offers interesting dynamics in terms of more opportunities to explore and learn. Most of the students become rather busy with extracurricular activities, volunteer positions, advanced placement types of classes, hobbies, sports, music performances, etc.
Through it all, several still choose to take private lessons. Most of the high school students that work with me have excellent grades and desire to stay at the top of their classes. We work on all kinds of things, especially anything involving reading, writing, or understanding vocabulary.
At a high school level, the reading materials often require students to become better acquainted with various historical timelines, characters from all walks of life, and often archaic types of communication. Even students who have English as their native language face challenges with some of these readings because the older English spoken years ago has faded from our society. Additionally, the figurative language and idioms, along with deciphering the context or background that authors of the time period utilized does take practice to fully understand.
Writing requires carefully organizing essays and reports to convey thought and demonstrate the student's understanding of materials. At a high school level, kids do not simply memorize, they must evaluate, analyze, and come up with their own thoughts, their own ideas, and maybe even their own inventions.
I also like to guide high schoolers towards considering careers and college. During break seasons, we have had career prep and porfolio building classes. Stay tuned as I will most likely conduct the break workshops again.
In terms of vocabulary development, I find that by improving in this area, it helps the students reading and writing. Also, college entrance exams often test for vocabulary knowledge.
Adults reach out to me at various times for help with anything English related and also some technical assistance. (In my former career, I supervised a small tech team. I also served as a church administrator. I have taught technology types of classes for adults for many years as well.)
English as a second language -- In southern California, many families living here have roots in different countries. I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world and helping them feel more comfortable with English. Some adults will ask me to help them with speaking English, others need assistance with writing. Let me know if you need some help.
Business Communications -- Some adults reach out to me for help with editing or rewording business letters and reports. Some have consulted with me on better ways to give presentations. (I'm good with Power Point, Canva, and Media kinds of things.)
Resume/Interviews -- Several adults have come to me for help with preparing their resumes and getting ready for job interviews. Some have come back very happy, announcing they got the position. Some privately share their frustrations with not really feeling they know what to look for in a position. So, I work with these folks individually to help them discovery their "sweet spot" -- what would they really love to do and enjoy.
If you need help in any of these areas, please reach out to me. I normally work with the kids after school, but we could get together in the mornings.