The Top 5 Resources I Use During Tutoring

by | Aug 1, 2021 | Home, Resources

The Top 5 Resources I Use While Tutoring

The Dell XPS Computer

The Dell XPS 13 has many features that I use for my tutoring. It is small and compact for traveling, just hook up to a hotspot and you can offer services. The only thing over time that I learned is the built-in camera that is located on the bottom corner of the screen. So when not using a webcam it looks like you are hovering above your student.  Other than that if you are looking for a compact computer with long battery life, I do recommend the Dell XPS 13. 

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C920 Logitech Webcam

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, Widescreen Video Calling, and Recording, 1080p Camera, Desktop or Laptop Webcam  

This camera is amazing. Of course, when you are starting out you don’t want to spend the money but this one has lasted quite some time. I would definitely recommend if you plan on making videos, of having live calls. 

MPOW Headphones

Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear, Hi-Fi Stereo Wireless Headset, Foldable, Soft Memory-Protein Earmuffs, w/Built-in Mic Wired Mode PC/Cell Phones/TV

I went all out on these. They block background noise extremely well. They do come in various different colors, and as you can see I chose pink! Click the link and learn more. Whether you are looking for something for that gamer in your life or need to listen closely to those young readers on the computer I definitely recommend these headphones. 

HUE PRO Camera

HUE HD Pro USB Document Camera for Windows, macOS and Chrome OS (Blue) 

Like in the photo I shared above you can see I was sharing on my computer with the camera. The HUE Pro has been a game-changer for my business. I can share my PRIDE Reading Program that I use with many of my students.  It is based on Orton Gillingham.

Check out the video below to see how I use it with Zoom.

Go to HUE Blog to learn more!

Microphone

Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone

Since summer has arrived and my office windows are open this compact microphone with a USB plugin does the job keeping the noise that my students hear away. 

It was recommended by Sonia Teach, Teachers That Teach Online when she was just beginning her FB lives and online business. 

Here are the best  Websites I Use During Tutoring

25 Helpful Tips for Going Back to School

by | Jul 16, 2021 | Home

25 Helpful Tips for Going Back to School

Going back to school can be a stressfu time for everyone.  I hope these 25 helpful tips for going back to school will help ease some of your stress. 

Morning Routine:

When it comes to getting ready for school the morning seems to be the worst time. Everyone needing to be at either work or school or even daycare all at the same time it seems

  • Breakfast – to have a successful day breakfast should be included. A bowl of their favorite cereal with fruit or a glass of juice. 
  • Schedule – look at the schedue / calendar to see if there is anything important to do for the day. Make a note of it so you don’t forget.
  • Brush teeth, hair and get everything to go. 

After school time:

Boy, do I remember this time. Kids would come in the door and throw their backpacks and jackets where ever they pleased. Most of the time it was on the floor right in front of the door. UGH!

  • Homework time: this is the time you as a knowledgeable parent should be going through the backpack. Don’t just ask them, “DO you have any homework tonight?” I remember I used to do that then I realized I would get the same answer, “Nope!” everyday. So go through that backpack, get the lunchbox out and see if there are any notes from the teacher.
  • I have a homework tip sheet as a freebie. 
  • Planner: many schools require children to have a planner nowadays. If they don’t it is a good idea for a child to have one. This will help as they grow up and go onto middle school and high school. If required make sure you look at it and initial it. A good way for you to remember that you have looked at it.
  • Last step: after the  homework is done and the backpack has been sorted out the last step is to put everything back in so that it is ready to go for in the morning. Set it by the front door.
  • Snack time: just as our day was busy the kids were busy at school. They probably are starving. So a quick snack of fruit or granola will probably tie them over until dinner. 

Evening Routine: 

This time of the day can be as busy as you make it or quiet as it can be. Each family is different. There may be sports, piano lessons, tutoring or chores. After dinner is over and the dishes are clean. Let’s get ready for some quality family time. 

  • Prep for the morning:  backpacks by the door, shoes and coats lined up. Pick out the clothes to wear and se them out. Bath or shower completed and ready for bed. 
  • Family time: for as long as I can remember school nights have been busy. It is important to make some family time. Before you know it the time will not be there. Believe me! 

25 Helpful Tips for Back to School

  1. Get a routine
  2. Reuse last years supplies to save a little money.
  3. Get a planner
  4. Set up a communication center, for all activities
  5. Establish family time
  6. Take a short break either before or after homework time
  7. Snack time
  8. Arrange playdates if appropriate
  9. Visit the school with your child to get familiar with the environment
  10. Meet the teacher
  11.  Make a homework area and keep organized
  12. Arrange for a tutor if needed
  13.  Set a timer for homework and tv time
  14. Regular weekday schedules, bedtimes, tv times
  15. Model good behavior when stressed
  16. Create time for sports 
  17. Create a morning checklist 
  18. Check and sign the planner
  19. Ask for help if needed
  20. Make lunch for the morning
  21. Create a meal plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  22. Talk to your child about setting a goal ( number of books, staying organized)
  23. Schedule a treat day
  24. Meet their friends
  25. Have a great school year

All You Need To Know About Virtual IEP Meetings

by | Apr 15, 2020 | Home, IEP & 504

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All you need to know about virtual IEP meetings. 

Let’s start at the beginning.

The Spring of the 2019 – 2020 school year has been difficult for everyone, parents, kids, teachers, therapists, admin… even the dog, you name it. Now you are wondering what is happening with services, IEP’s, let alone meetings. All the states are being treated as individual entities right now. So, a virtual IEP meeting is what will be happening. Just like your children may be doing school over the computer. I know our district is. 

As an online reading tutor, I am comfortable having online meetings with parents, students and especially during this shutdown I have been meeting with other tutors and teammates over Zoom, mainly. I began to think that not everyone is as comfortable with tutoring or having meetings online.

 

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Mahatma Gandhi

All About virtual or online IEP meetings.

I know you are probably thinking that something will go wrong or you will not be able to ask the questions that you need to. My suggestion prior to the meeting is to contact someone on the team that you trust. Someone that you could text during the meeting or even after if there was something that you wanted to bring up and forgot.

My personal favorite platform to use for meetings is Zoom. However, some districts, use Google Hangouts or Meet, some may even use Skype. There are many different platforms out there that your district may use. My next suggestion is once you learn which platform that the meeting will occur on is get on it prior to the meeting and practice. The day of the meeting you will feel better about doing a virtual meeting.

Who knows this may be the standard after this is all over? Just think not having to find a sitter of to even leave work to have a meeting. You can invite anyone else to join as well.

The only thing different about a virtual IEP meeting is the place it is being held. Everything else will be the same.

 

Tips for a virtual meeting

  • Prepare your questions and parent input prior to the meeting.
  • Confirm which software/platform you will be using…practice.
  • Dress appropriately. Just because you are doing a virtual meeting doesn’t mean you can show up unprofessional looking. Plus, you will feel more confident.
  • Charge your phone or device prior to the meeting.
  • Make sure you are in a place where there is good WIFI. It does not matter where you are just as long as it is quiet and without too many distractions.
  • If you feel nervous, once the meeting gets going you won’t even realize you are online.

 

After the meeting is complete

After the team has reviewed your child’s strengths and weaknesses, determined goals, you have provided the parent statement and the least restrictive environment has been determined. You will receive an emailed copy of the IEP. Now is the time to read it and make sure you understand it. If you have any questions, contact that trusted member of the team and get those questions answered.

Don't Forget Your FREE IEP Checklist

Having a copy of this checklist will help you become more organized and prepared for your next IEP meeting. Whether it is virtual or not. 

Get Your Copy Today

Can I Really Tutor Orton Gillingham Online?

by | Apr 1, 2020 | Home, Orton Gillingham

Think back a few months before all of these “stay at home” orders were been put in place. You were a tutor either meeting your students at the library or at school, maybe possibly at your students homes. Dragging all of your crafts of the trade with you. When I first started my business that is exactly what I did. 

Now think of today or even just a few weeks ago. Stress hit! You needed / wanted to see your students. You did not know where to start and possibly are still.

I really wanted to help those tutors who were stuck. Everyone was reaching out, trying to figure out how to do this.

I have been an online reading tutor for a few years, and you CAN tutor Orton Gillingham online. I could do this!

Since all the schools have closed and life is just different, I  created a course on how to use Zoom online as an OG tutor. The course begins with how to use Zoom and how to get online as a tutor. I will be adding to it over time. I know the resources online are the most important so I will be sharing two very amazing creative OG tutors that create awesome material.

2021 Update: 

Well, did you make it? The above is what I wrote right after COVID closed everything down. I was so busy and survived. How about you? Did you help your students online? Did you struggle? Let me know in the comments how I can help. 

Join my new Facebook group for Reading Tutors and let me know how things are going. We are a new community and I have been helping those who need ideas, support and to just answer questions.  I look forward to seeing you there. 

 

Beth Sullivan is a reading and writing tutor who owns Deep Roots Learning Solutions. She has also created a Facebook Page called 

Online Orton-Gillingham tutoring – how to and why

Beth is amazing she has developed quite a few FREE resources for the beginning online OG tutor. 

 

Recently, Beth said,“Moving to online tutoring can be intimidating at first but remember that you don’t have to have a fancy lesson with all the bells and whistles when you start out. You still have all your teaching expertise and knowledge to draw on the rest is just details. Have fun!”

 

The second individual I am going to introduce is Emily Gibbons, she is a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner, Teacher Resource Author, small business owner at The Literacy Nest, LLC Emily is a mom to four just like I am, but her kids are young. This means she works very hard to help her own children learn at home as well as help OG Instructors. She created a Business Facebook Page

Emily mentions, “The Literacy Nest, LLC provides private, Orton-Gillingham services in a 1:1 setting, as well as quality literacy resources with a specialized focus on reading intervention. You will find an extensive inventory of resources to support the Orton-Gillingham approach in the classroom, small group, and 1:1 setting. The Literacy Nest strives to provide tips and strategies for helping struggling readers become successful readers and spread dyslexia awareness to educators and families.”

Finally, Emily has created a Facebook Page for Orton Gillingham Instructors

So, during this time of crisis, many are working hard to help tutors who need to get online quickly. We are helping families, students, other tutors, and teachers.

 

Check Out Zoom for OG Tutors

How much does an online OG tutor charge?

Depending on where you live and if there are any face to face tutors available in your area. Currently, everything is being offered online so many I talk to charge between $50 and $150. Depending upon certification, memberships and years of experience. Charge what you are worth.

How many hours are recommended for tutoring a dyslexic student online?

Most students require one to four hours of tutoring per week. However, students living with learning disabilities may need more hours than this. Also, take into account the age of the student. Overtime I have learned that the younger students can only manage to focus on the computer for 30 to 45 minutes. The lessons need to be very structured and formed so they cannot get distracted.

Final notes; You’ve got this! The first few times will be a work in progress, and you will always find ways to tweak your lessons. Remember everyone does them differently and this is all new to many tutors and families.

While Here Grab Your First Freebie

35 Ways to effectively market your tutoring business

Differences between an IEP and a 504

by | Feb 26, 2020 | Home, IEP & 504

I get this question all the time. Do you know the differences between an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and a 504 Plan? Well, you are in the right place.

My name is Ann Mitchell, and I have been in the Special Education field for just about 20 years. It all began when my girls (who are now 21) were beginning to talk. Oh, by the way they are twins and they had their own little language going on.

We were stationed in Misawa, AB Japan when they started Preschool. When they moved into Kindergarten I began working in the preschool. I loved it!

I then chose to become a Special Educator to help change the world. However, our little world came to a halt when one of the twins began to struggle with depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation you name it. It was hard at the beginning because I felt like no one else knew what we were going through. She was soon placed on an IEP once again this time for an Emotional Disability.

She was unable to stay in a large school or even a classroom setting. So that impacted her grades. They wanted to place her on an RTI plan, but it was not working. She knew the academics it was just her disability that was impacting her. I knew if I submitted a letter in writing that they would begin working on the assessments needed for an IEP.

IEP’s and 504’s both offer formal support within the school setting. The chart below will help show the differences between the two.

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Understood.com 

This is an amazing website. I always go there if I am stuck on something. That is where I found this video and a bit of the information listed above.

 

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