Kailee: Henrico County tutor
Certified Tutor
As a Spanish tutor, I think it is very important to review material, have time for questions, and encourage students to understand the language as a whole. I have been a Spanish tutor for 4 years and I truly enjoy helping students reach their goals academically. I find that expanding vocabulary helps students to express themselves more clearly, breaking down grammar helps the students correctly insert verbs and conjugations into their sentences, and introducing common phrases or greetings helps students understand the cultural values of different Spanish speaking countries. It is my personal goal to always continue improving my Spanish tutoring skills and therefore, feedback is always welcome! I look forward to meeting you and sharing the Spanish language with you as well.
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What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is that it takes time, patience, and practice to understand the language. I will provide structure, creativity, and positive support to my students and help them in any way possible!
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In the first session, I would ask questions and do a general review from the basics to see what areas the student remembers, feels good about, and feels could be improved upon.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I would encourage a student to become an independent learner by having them create their own charts for grammar, write down important rules, and schedule time each day to practice their vocabulary.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I incorporate fun and creative songs or rhymes to help students remember confusing concepts. These songs/ rhymes are sometimes funny and students are more likely to remember them that way.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would allow the student time to step away and review another section, and then come back to explain it again. If they feel overwhelmed still, I would help them come up with a simple way to remember the concept instead.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would choose a variety of selections for them to practice reading out loud and help them with their pronunciation by correcting words and encouraging them to slow down and sound out challenging words.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I find that learning what we have in common helps for some intermittent conversation. Getting to know a student's learning style is also a great way for me to plan our sessions.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I encourage students to learn about the culture and the importance of the subject in today's world so that they can see why it might help them in the future.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I think checkpoints help to make sure that the student and I are on the same page. Having them explain the concept or section is an easy way to do this.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I always try to come in with a positive attitude and let the student know that they are doing great as long as they are putting in the effort. Reminding them of how much progress they have made so far can help them see that their hard work pays off.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I would ask the student what they think are their strengths and weaknesses, and I'd provide some of my observations about areas that they excel in or need improvement in.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I know that each individual has their own learning style so asking the students input on study assignments and whether they prefer flashcards or writing things out is helpful.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I try to use mostly tools provided to the students by their teachers, but when I see that it is appropriate, I will incorporate my own activities, flashcards, games, and rhymes.