Arts Tutoring

As part of the Elementary Education program at UNCC, we are required to take a course from the arts (either music, theater, or art). I chose Developmental Art. During this class, we learned many different styles of art, art vocabulary, and studied various artists. We also had to design lessons that integrated the arts into other standard curricula (math, literacy, science, social studies).

English Tutoring

During the course, teaching reading K-2, we spent a lot of time learning the process of how children learn to read and then read to learn. During my observations in a first grade classroom, I had the chance to see how phonics and word work lessons were taught. I then taught small group lessons that built off of what they were already learning. I wanted to make it fun so I created games that correlated with the content. The students really enjoyed this and seemed to make the connections to content while playing.

Homework Coach Tutoring

Being a part of an after school tutoring program, I had the opportunity to work with 6th grade students, helping them with their homework. I found it beneficial to collaborate with their teachers to have access to what they were studying before the day we met. This gave me the opportunity to do my research on the subject so I was prepared to teach it to the students. A lot of time was saved because I was coming to the session already knowing what needed to be done.

Elementary Math Tutoring

I have completed the math course for teaching to grades K-2 and am currently taking the course that covers teaching math to grades 3-5. Last semester, I worked with first grade during my observations which included math lessons. During those lessons, I would go around the room working individually with students who were struggling to give them extra guidance. This semester I am working with fourth graders. There are times where I work with small groups as well as one-on-one time with individuals.

Reading Comprehension Tutoring

Fourth grade, which is the grade I am currently working with and observing, spends a lot of time on reading and literacy. I have done many small group lessons where the students read a book or small passage and answer questions to check for comprehension. The questions can be part of a discussion we have together or they can also be in the form of worksheets. I don't give them the answer to the questions, but rather have them explain to me what they think and then make suggestions that help lead them to the correct answer.

Science Tutoring

I am currently taking a class for teaching science to elementary learners. As part of the class, we are required to design lesson plans with an indirect approach. That is, the lesson is geared more towards student self-discovery rather than just telling the student what we are doing and have them imitate. This gives the students the opportunity to make their own connections to the lesson which provides a better lasting learning experience. I have taught a whole group science lesson to fourth graders and I really enjoy the reactions of students seeing science in action!

Social Studies Tutoring

Currently, I am taking a class in teaching Social Studies to students K-6. I recently taught a whole group lesson to a fourth grade class. My goal is to take Social Studies and make it relevant to the students' lives. For example, the lesson I taught was about the process of a bill becoming a law. We did this through dramatization where the students acted out the process and incorporated their own ideas into becoming laws.

Writing Tutoring

I am taking a course now on teaching writing to the Elementary learner. The 6th grade student I tutored in an after school program loved to write and had many writing assignments for homework. I encouraged her creativity while providing her guidance on correct spelling and format. In the fourth grade classroom I am currently observing, I have spent one-on-one time with students having them discuss their drafts and then collaborating with them on what they could do to improve their writings.