MEET YOUR READING SPECIALIST
My name is Nicole Balston, and I am a BC certified K-12 French Immersion teacher. I have been working in Abbotsford, B.C. since 2016 and have been tutoring privately for the last 10 years. I am passionate about French language acquisition, and enjoy the early years to teach phonological awareness and concrete strategies for supporting literacy!
In March 2020, when B.C. schools switched to virtual instruction, I switched my own classroom to fit this new format. I learned how to troubleshoot new technology and its features. I became more animated and used props around me to engage my students. For older students, we worked on collaborative documents and enhanced their understanding of the tools they have available online. Having small groups and 1-1 time also created a change in classroom dynamics. Our French conversation breaks would be about things that connected directly with their lives. We could play games that integrate special interests, or create French stories that fully engaged each small group. Brain breaks involve French riddles and comprehension as well as movement. I firmly believe that as times change, we need to continue to provide students what they need, in an accessible, engaging format.
I made the decision to pursue online tutoring full-time this year to help families navigate their unique circumstances in this atypical year and gain the personalized support they need. I am also passionate about Social Emotional Learning (S.E.L.) and developing a growth mindset; alongside supporting academic achievement, I work with students to adjust their views towards learning and school through helping them gain confidence in themselves.
My name is Nicole Balston, and I am a BC certified K-12 French Immersion teacher. I have been working in Abbotsford, B.C. since 2016 and have been tutoring privately for the last 10 years. I am passionate about French language acquisition, and enjoy the early years to teach phonological awareness and concrete strategies for supporting literacy!
In March 2020, when B.C. schools switched to virtual instruction, I switched my own classroom to fit this new format. I learned how to troubleshoot new technology and its features. I became more animated and used props around me to engage my students. For older students, we worked on collaborative documents and enhanced their understanding of the tools they have available online. Having small groups and 1-1 time also created a change in classroom dynamics. Our French conversation breaks would be about things that connected directly with their lives. We could play games that integrate special interests, or create French stories that fully engaged each small group. Brain breaks involve French riddles and comprehension as well as movement. I firmly believe that as times change, we need to continue to provide students what they need, in an accessible, engaging format.
I made the decision to pursue online tutoring full-time this year to help families navigate their unique circumstances in this atypical year and gain the personalized support they need. I am also passionate about Social Emotional Learning (S.E.L.) and developing a growth mindset; alongside supporting academic achievement, I work with students to adjust their views towards learning and school through helping them gain confidence in themselves.
SERVICES
