What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

I like to get to know the student and family, while assessing the student's general knowledge. There are a few short-story games I use to get the wheels turning, regardless of subject.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I try to relate it to everyday life; math for example reaches a point where it’s less about where you'll use the Pythagorean Theorem, and more about complex problem solving skills.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

I try to pain the picture of what's going on in the story; the physical surroundings. What's wafting on the breeze; what technology is available and how common (or mind boggling) is it? The significance of "Steamboat Willie," and the importance of movie theaters in the first half of the 20th century.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

I break into my sessions with story cubes. Dice with pictures on them, used to form a very short story. No matter the subject of the day, they're a great way to break the ice and get the wheels turning.