Learn smart, learn fun. It’s smart because I base all of my instruction in proven practices and theory. It’s fun because I love to laugh and make sure my students have a good time.

Talk about the student's goals and learning styles for the first fifteen minutes. Try different activities for the next forty-five.

Teach learning strategies, including those that have made me successful.

Help them tap into the sheer joy of learning... even if it's a subject they hate.

Have the student tell me what's most difficult about it and what teaching approaches usually work for them. Then, experiment with different methods and activities until the skill or concept ‘clicks.’

Slow things down. Break longer sentences into chunks. Try to locate the missing vocabulary, grammar, or skill that's causing them problems.

Be super positive and find what works best for them. Explain the subject in a different light than what they're used to.

Ask higher-level questions. Make students explain things back to me in their own words. Recycle old material in new lessons to make sure they haven't forgotten.

Set them up to succeed by giving them difficult, but doable grade level assignments.

By listening to them.

By having an open mind, an open heart, and open ears.

I am very good at making materials up on the spot based on the students' interests and preferences. However, I also have an archive of past lessons and textbooks I can use.