My teaching philosophy is that all learning can be fun with the right motivation and attitude. Creating games or ways to help memorize and retain knowledge can help turn something boring into something more attainable.

I would introduce myself, where I come from, and why I like working with students. I would then ask the student to tell me about him or herself, and what he or she likes to do in their spare time. Breaking down barriers of "tutor" vs "student" is key to relating to the student and helping them learn at their speed.

Explaining the "why" behind certain subject matters is important to assisting a student to become an independent learner. Many times, if a person doesn't understand the "why," they cannot answer the "what".

Creating lessons and goals is important to staying motivated, but the most crucial aspect to motivation is that feeling of "ahah!" when you, as a student, begin to understand an issue you previously struggled with. Helping students find that "ahah!" moment is key to motivation.

I would try to explain and re-explain topics in as many different ways as possible to help a student understand a subject. I think that sometimes it helps to have things explained in different ways, because everyone does not process information the same way. The same is true for learning; we don't all learn in the same way either.

Moving slowly through the reading, and spending the requisite time understanding vowels, consonants, and how they work together to form words is very important. Helping students learn to not be afraid to read slowly or sound things out when they are first starting is key.