Read, Think, Grow ~ 1:1 Ongoing Reading Comprehension and Study Skills For 10-17

In this ongoing class, students will strengthen essential reading comprehension skills through engaging short texts and high-impact strategies. Each week, we explore a different skill—such as annotating, making inferences, identifying main ideas, analyzing text structure,  interpreting figurative language, and identifying standard grammar—using a shared short story, poem, or nonfiction excerpt.

Texts are carefully selected to be high-interest, short enough to complete in class, and rich enough to spark meaningful discussion. I teach flexible thinking strategies students can apply to any reading assignment, in school or at home.

Rather than reading different novels that take two months to complete, students benefit from discussions and scaffolded instruction—building confidence, fluency, and independence week by week.

In this personalized 1:1 tutoring program, I combine the Science of Reading with proven, evidence-based strategies tailored to meet your student’s unique needs. Here's how I help your student succeed.

•    Provide direct instruction and modeling on study skills such as note-taking (paraphrasing, highlighting, Cornell notes), time management (creating schedules, prioritizing tasks), active learning (summarizing, creating flashcards, teaching others), and test preparation (practice tests, spaced repetition). 
•	Build Confidence, learn active reading: Repetition and positive reinforcement keep progress steady and measurable.
•	Foster Comprehension: Enhance vocabulary, background knowledge, and language skills to make reading engaging and meaningful. Understand the role of structure from the sentence, to the paragraph, to the test excerpt, to the entire reading. 


 1-on-1 Study Skills Coaching: Learn How to Learn
Ages: 10–17 | Format: One-on-one tutoring | Flexible Scheduling

Description:
In this personalized study skills coaching session, students will gain the tools and habits they need to succeed across all subjects. We’ll build confidence and independence through guided practice in:

📌 Note-taking techniques (Cornell, mind mapping, color coding, and more)

✏️ Annotation skills for reading and listening

🎧 Practice taking notes from video and live discussion

⏱ Time management & task planning using realistic routines

📂 Organizational systems for materials and digital work

🧑‍🏫 How to connect with teachers and ask for help effectively

Each session is tailored to the student’s grade level, learning style, and current school needs. Whether your learner is preparing for middle school, tackling high school demands, or just needs better focus and strategies, this class meets them where they are—and helps them move forward.

What to Expect During a Session:  Flexible Weekly Lesson Format

1.  Warm-Up Question (engage background knowledge)
2. Shared Short Text or Excerpt (1–2 paragraphs)
3. Guided Discussion & Text Annotation
4. Focus Reading Skill of the Week (e.g., inference, theme)
5. Focus Study Skill of the Week (e.g. organization and time management, taking and using notes)
6. Independent Practice (short answer or writing)
7. Exit Ticket (wrap-up and reflection on how student will use the skills taught in school this week)

The Result? 

The student develops the skills to attack a text whether its in languge arts, social studies or science. No more missed assignments or having no clue what the quiz is on. They'll know how to self-advocatae with the teacher, catch up with peers, feel a sense of accomplishment, and experience the peace of mind that comes from being prepared. I’ve seen firsthand how students thrive with this approach, taking a lot of the burden off the parent. 

My teaching style is warm and casual and I connect with the students in such a way that they want to learn. I model how I learn. I cheerfully admit I do not know everything. Then I figure it out.--translate: how does a windmill generate electricity to irrigate corn fields in Malawi. Yikes. (From The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind)
These goals listed below focus on building a student’s ability to recall, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create—skills that will ultimately boost their reading proficiency.

Let’s work together to ensure your child’s success. Enroll today to get started!