I am located in Central Standard Time (Chicago) in the United States. 

Individual tutoring sessions are available throughout the week. During the traditional school year (September-May), this also includes some weekend times and evenings. 

In your request, please indicate some days and times that your learner is available as well as how often you would like to meet during the week. I can offer a discount for multiple weekly sessions or for sibling groups. 

Please contact me directly to arrange sessions using a ZOOM platform. 

Welcome to personalized online math tutoring! My approach is designed to cater to each student's unique strengths and needs, helping them improve study habits, develop critical thinking strategies, and foster independence in both academic and social-emotional growth. Whether you are seeking support for grade-level math or have specific learning challenges, I am here to provide tailored instruction.

I am particularly passionate about working with students with disabilities, especially those who have a love for learning but may have had challenging experiences in formal school settings. My goal is to create a supportive and engaging environment that fosters a deep understanding of math concepts and builds confidence in mathematical thinking.

INDIVIDUALIZED CONTENT 

In our math sessions, we will be using the Dimensions Math series, which is designed to help students learn math through a progression from concrete images to pictures, and finally to abstract concepts. This approach encourages students to think mathematically and understand the underlying principles, rather than relying solely on memorization of math facts.

LESSON PLANNING

Each class is scheduled for 45 minutes of instruction and may include additional homework or home practice as requested.  Students who need a shorter class time may request sessions of 25 minutes each which will be pro-rated. Students will be expected to have their video and audio on the entire class. Please find a quiet area in the house to have a class. Students should have a dedicated notebook and pencil for every class.  Parents may be nearby but should remain offscreen. 

To engage learners, I will utilize a variety of activities such as Google slide presentations, interactive whiteboard exercises, educational videos, relevant stories, and the use of manipulatives like counters. It is essential for students to have their own textbook and workbook, which can be obtained from Singapore Math. I will provide additional flashcards, activities, and ideas for games that can be used at home. Singapore Math also provides a parent letter describing each chapter, which can serve as a helpful resource.

CLASS FORMAT

Each class will follow a structured format that includes a mini-lesson, a review of homework, an opportunity for questions, and in-class practice. It is important for students to bring their textbooks and pencils to each class. We will be taking notes during the sessions, and students may use their workbooks for additional practice outside of class. It is also recommended that students have counters up to 20 (depending on the lesson) and extra scratch paper readily available.

SUPPLIES REQUIRED

Students must have their own copy of the appropriate Textbook and Workbook to participate in this class. Please order early as shipping times can be longer than expected. I have also included the link for the preferred Math Notebook. 

Math Notebook

As mentioned in my profile, I am a former Special Education teacher with a Masters in Teaching and a Masters in Social Work. My family includes autistics, other neurodivergencies, as well as physical disabilities and chronic issues. I also have ADHD. I have extensive experience in offering flexible teaching strategies to best fit the needs of the student while presenting the core content. If something is not working for a student, I will try another way. I see all behavior as communication and seek to understand rather than control the experience. 

Activities may be modified as needed for students needing additional wait time, using alternate communication devices, those who have difficulty accessing printed material or difficulty in writing. 

For those with reading challenges: material may be read out loud or be presented visually in charts, graphs or pictures. Graphic organizers will be offered to help remember strategies. 

For those with writing challenges: recommended math notebook includes graph paper which is best for lining up numbers. Answers may also be presented verbally or in pictures. Answers may be dictated and then copied into own notebook to "show" progress.

For those that need extra processing time: material is scaffolded for a variety of learners. Calculators can be used when the focus is on building strategies. Teaching style follows the "I do, we do, you do" method. Students are guided in the "we do" stage and do not need to demonstrate mastery in order to progress. I seek for students to show progress, not perfection. 

If you have any questions about how your learner might best access the content, please let me know. We are in a partnership for your learner's educational journey.