Kawanda: Laguna Niguel tutor
Certified Tutor
I am currently a fourth grade teacher and have been teaching for five years. This upcoming school year (2016-2017) will be my sixth year in education. During my career, I have taught pre-k, kindergarten, third grade, and currently fourth. I discovered that teaching was my passion as a young child. I can remember always wanting to play school with my friends.
I believe every child has the ability to learn. Some children learn in different ways and at a different pace. I always try to instill in my students the ability to never give up. I always tell my students that saying the words "I can't" is not an option. The words "I can't" are simply not allowed. I try to make learning fun and interesting. I have always found that students tend to hate what they cannot understand. Patience is definitely the key when working with children. I believe that children can achieve and conquer any subject area with the right support. I am here to help, guide, and support as much as I can.
Connect with a tutor like Kawanda
Undergraduate Degree: Savannah State University - Bachelors, Computer Information Systems
Graduate Degree: Augusta State University - Masters, Early Childhood Education
I love math, being outdoors exploring nature, and learning new things.
- College English
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- High School English
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Math
- Middle School Reading
- Reading
- SSAT Prep
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Test Prep
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy of teaching is that learning should be student centered and based on students' needs.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would get to know the student. I would give some type of assessment, whether formal or informal, to see what the child's needs are.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would let them know that I believe in them and that I believe they can do whatever they put their mind to. Also, I would be persistent with the child and never give up on them.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would present the child with a number of strategies, and let him/her use the one that is most comfortable to them.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
One strategy I like to use is guided reading. I have found that this strategy works with reading comprehension. I would ask questions as material is being read to test their comprehension.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Giving pre-assessments, because I never want to assume what a child knows or does not know.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would somehow try to tie it in with something the child is interested in, whether it’s sports, cars, video games, etc.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would assess the student, whether with an informal or formal assessment.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I would constantly show my support and give encouragement. Also, praising a child for a small accomplishment boosts their confidence level.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate a student's needs with a pre-assessment.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
First, I have to know what the student's needs are, and then I act accordingly.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
It depends on the subject I am tutoring. I use games, technology, and manipulatives.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Set high expectations for the student, then take a step back and allow them to take responsibility for their learning.