Hi there! Thank you for caring so much about your child. 

This class was created out of a need that I came across in my own teaching journey. 

6 years ago, I started teaching English online to kids around the world. In the thousands of classes I taught, I came across students whose parents notified me that their child had an experience in another class that affected their willingness to speak, engage, and interact... in a way that I would never hope.

One of these stories would have just been enough for me to hear. I truly want to make sure that this is never the case with our children- that no interaction with a teacher makes it more difficult for them to experience progress in that area. 

It touched my heart so much, perhaps because of my own struggle as a child not feeling safe around people. I understand this fear, and it is the reason I teach confidence in communication today. 

In this class, my goal is very simple- it is for your child to have an experience with a teacher that inwardly restores their trust. The goal of this class is to inwardly change your child's attitude towards social interaction. 

How do I go about that? Truly enjoying their company no matter who they are or how they behave. Building a relationship with them throughout class, and leaving room for them to engage if they wish. 

How do I know my relationship/class with them has been effective in changing their attitude towards social interaction? The first signs of this in class are just a calmer relaxation that the child exhibits- perhaps, releasing tension in their body that has built up regarding interaction. This can take some time depending on the child's temperament, history, or the situation that caused the fear. The next signs are feeling at ease and more receptive/open/present- body posture and eye contact may change to match a more openness to the teacher and the class. Lastly, speaking. 

Smile Guarantee: If your child does not smile or remains tense/fearful/worried during class, I will refund your class. I truly want this to be an experience that helps them, and if it doesn't help them, I will refund the class, and you are always welcome to try the class again at another time. 

What I've found really helpful in these scenarios is when the parent sends me a message before class or enrolling to let me know:
1) Student's Age
2) What is the parent's concern?
3) Any relevant situations- may be helpful for me to understand your child and what might help them
4) Your child's interests, passions, hobbies- anything you can tell me that might help me relate to them in class


Activity:
There is an optional activity that we do in class which is the content of the class- it is an "All About Me" type of activity where we share about ourselves. There is no pressure for your student to do it or even to engage, and if they don't, it simply means they are not ready. I will carry on sharing about myself while always leaving room for them to engage. Contrary to most classes perhaps, this class does not require your student's participation- when and if they feel comfortable, they will naturally participate. If they feel any pressure, it may worsen their fear and further delay their progress in the area they are struggling. The goal of this class is just to help them feel at ease. 

Thank you so much. I hope your child feels better about communicating. 


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Student Preparation:

Supplies: 
- anything to write or color with
- Worksheet printed out (I can also pull it up on the screen if you don't print it)

Level: Any level of speaking is welcome!
*ESL/International Students: CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2

Technology:
- Headphones are preferred and often allow for a student's voice and words to be heard clearly.
- Drawing on Zoom: Please help your child learn how to use the feature on Zoom that allows them to draw. In class, we often draw and write on the Whiteboard in Zoom. 
- Muting/Unmuting: Please make sure that your child knows how to unmute themselves on Zoom. Sometimes, children accidentally mute themselves and do not know how to unmute themselves. If you are able to help your child learn how to use Zoom before class, it may help them. 

Class Environment:
Please allow your child to take the class independently in a quiet, separate room to ensure your child gets the most out of the class. 
In my experience of 7500 one-on-one classes learners, I have found that when children learn independently, they gain the most confidence, and I am able to internally motivate/affect their attitude instead of them feeling pressured from their external environment. Please allow your child to take the class in a quiet room. 




-----ABOUT THE TEACHER----------

Teaching Philosophy & Relationship with Children

Allows children the Space to Be Themselves
Asks questions not necessarily to know the answer but to encourage their curiosity and thought process
Emotional Connection
Accepts all of Children’s Behavior, Attending to the need underneath
Models empathy in difficult emotions and situations
Validates/connects to anger, frustration, and helps them through what they are feeling



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[PARENT TESTIMONIALS]:


“My friend who’s never used Outschool was visiting and overheard my son in this class. She was moved to tears listening to how lovingly Zee interacted with my son during the class. Her energy is amazing and the classes are well worth the smile and confidence you’ll walk away with.” - - Outschool parent

“Change your profile to Most Beloved Teacher of 2020 and 2021 Ms. Zee because you earned that title. My daughter felt so empowered that she had a class all to herself to just talk about her interests and what makes her unique. English is her first language but she tends to shut down when called on in class, this was not the case with Ms. Zee.” - - Outschool parent

“My son has autism and usually make this known before he has new interactions. I decided not to lead with fear and it was great to see that without promoting my son can hold his own in a conversation”. - - Outschool parent

“My son found it really exciting and engaging. His words, “I did not realize I was in a lesson
The teacher was friendly and the conversation was great, it’s one the best lessons I ever attended.” - - Outschool parent



A LETTER FROM THE TEACHER:

Dear Friend,
Hi, I'm so excited to meet you somehow, in some way in this lifetime! I know the world is so lucky to have you in it. I hope to be so lucky too and meet you! It took me a long time to be okay with speaking. I'm always here for you if you need. Even if you do not join this class, I know the world is so lucky to hear your voice and your story. 

All My love, 
Teacher Zee



Please let me know if you have any questions and how I can better serve your family.