Valerie: Morton Grove tutor
Certified Tutor
I am a native French speaker from Paris, France. I love to share my knowledge and experience of the French language and culture. I have taught and tutored children and adults from introduction to French to more advanced levels and can help you improve your AP Test scores. I have also helped adults prepare themselves for trips to French speaking countries.
I believe that communication starts with the correct pronunciation in order to understand and be understood. Therefore I make a point of teaching my students how to correctly pronounce words which can be somewhat difficult for Anglophones. I also emphasize on teaching the language and culture using authentic sources to gain a fuller understanding and appreciation of the various French-speaking countries in the world. When I don't travel to France, I rely on various media to stay in touch with the French culture and current events.
I am patient and resourceful and would like to help you succeed!
Connect with a tutor like Valerie
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is to engage students and accommodate different learning styles to create an atmosphere conducive to learning.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would give some background information about myself to make sure the student feels comfortable. Then I would assess the student's needs and strengths and work out a course work.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I engage the student into finding answers himself, provide praise and encouragement, give him/her choices in assignments and/or topics, and help him/her identify learning resources he/she can use to increase his/her self-confidence.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I will make attainable goals to create success, know my student's interests, make it fun, and give feedback and praise to the student.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would first identify what they know or don't know and go back to basics or try a different approach.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I tell my students to focus on the French vocabulary they understand, read out loud and visualize, and then I give the students key questions to ask themselves.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I assess the level and knowledge of my students.