Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is included in my sessions?
For all private tutoring, I will email a consultation after 3-4 sessions. In addition to this, I will continue to email parents every 6-8 weeks with a progress report and any suggestions for support at home. Parents also have the option to Zoom as a check-in. In addition, parents are welcome to come online for the last 5 minutes of the tutoring session to discuss what we worked on or ask any questions. Teacher prep time (to prepare the lesson) is already included in the session rate.
Can you tell me a little about small-group tutoring?
These group sessions are 25 minutes long, and are normally focused in reading support or French oral expression. Small-groups are comprised of 2-4 students. Small-group tutoring can be a cost-effective way to receive tutoring support, or a way to fit reading into a busy weekly schedule. Families interested in joining a small-group may be placed on a waitlist; families are encouraged to invite a friend to ensure that group classes can start immediately. For more information and pricing, please see the "small-group tutoring" section or click here.
What subjects and grades do you tutor?
I am a B.C. certified teacher who has experience working with children ages 4-15. I enjoy creating specialized tutoring programs to support students grades of K-5. Although French Immersion is my specialty area, I can provide support for all subjects K-5 including math and english. In French Immersion, formal English instruction starts in grade 3. Upon request, I can also work with pre-K students preparing to later enter a French Immersion.
I also tutor students in grade 6, 7, and 8. For these grades, I do not provide stand-alone lessons; our lessons will be primarily anchored in the work they bring to the tutoring session. I want to make sure we continue to work on what is most relevant to their work in class. Challenging classwork or homework can be an excellent starting point for these sessions. For grades 6-8, tutoring is available in 55 minute or 85 minute sessions.
What can we work on in our tutoring sessions?
Reading
- decoding, fluency, comprehension
- sentence structure
- academic paragraphs
- writing powerful sentences
- when does c/g make a soft sound
- a versus à
- according adjectives with their nouns
- developing emergent fluency and phonological awareness
- developing vocabulary through songs and French learning games
- frequent movement breaks that work on oral french comprehension and vocabulary building
Do you offer in-person tutoring?
Due to COVID-19 precautions, tutoring is only available online at this time. I have worked hard and used both my background in teaching drama and in the classroom to create dynamic lessons that are engaging in this online format.
What happens if I have to cancel a session?
I try my best to be flexible for students and families, as I know how hectic and unpredictable life can be! You will never be charged if you cancel the day or night before your session. Whenever possible, please provide more notice to allow me to reschedule my time. I also understand that sometimes things come up. That is why each student gets two free passes for no financial penalty as long as they contact me before the session start time. If a student does not arrive within 15 minutes of the start time (with no cancellation notice given), you will be billed for the session.
Are taxes charged for tutoring?
No, there are no tax charges added to tutoring lessons. This is because the supply of the service of tutoring or instruction in reading proficiency is exempt from the GST/HST under paragraph 9(a) of Part III of Schedule V on the basis that reading skills form part of the provincial education curriculum.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes! Once your friend has completed two tutoring sessions, you will each be provided with a free small-group session. In this group session, you can invite up to 3 friends. The focus will be reading support or vocabulary building and games - your choice! If you combine your sessions to include each other, this means you and your friend will participate in 2 free group sessions!
Are there any other options available?
There are other options upon request. For example, I work with students in grade 6, 7, and 8 to provide homework and/or classwork support. Please email me to inquire on any alternative structures. For example, I have different programs/rates for homeschoolers looking for frequent support. For younger students, this may involve shortening the session and/or increasing its frequency.
I'm interested. What does the first session look like?
For every student, I want to make sure that we are a good fit. This is why I offer a 30-minute introductory session at no cost for anyone considering private tutoring. My goal during this session is for me to get to know your child through conversation and games. Please note that this does not follow the same structure as a normal tutoring session, but focuses instead on building connection. Feeling comfortable and connected is vital to my practice as a teacher and a tutor. I am often asking students to take risks; although what a risk is varies for each student, they need to first feel comfortable and supported. Some students feel comfortable right away, and can take risks decoding unknown words. Others need time working in a low-pressure environment, playing games and fun activities to learn that it is okay to make mistakes, and that is how we learn! That is why there is no blueprint for an initial lesson; I adjust it to what the student is comfortable with. We need to remember that it takes courage to try something new; it is my job to get to know the child so I can best support them and their specific needs when tutoring.
