Help for the Reluctant Writer
Friday, March 13, 2009 at 07:47AM "My child doesn't seem to even be able to construct a coherent sentence, much less a paragraph."
"I don't know what to do. We've used some writing and grammar programs at home, but they just aren't doing the trick."
"My child needs someone other than me to help them with writing a cohesive paper. If not, they will flounder and struggle later on."
"Is it too late for my reluctant writer?"
I believe no child is too far gone or too far along in their educational journey to benefit from in-depth tutoring in writing. As a writing instructor/tutor for the past 5 years, I've heard many of the comments above from exasperated parents unsure what steps to take in assisting their child's writing progress. Whether you've tried multiple writing curriculum in the past or you've just started this journey, I'm hopeful we can improve their writing. It's not just about mechanics, grammar, or spelling. Writing involves ideas, voice, style, tone, and fluid thoughts. So how do we put all these ideas together and help your child? See below...
I'm interested in private tutoring for my child, but won't it be expensive?
Not necessarily. Many private tutors and companies charge anywhere from $60-$100/hour with your child, regardless of the subject. Writing tutors often cost more, due to the in-depth nature of writing. However, I feel writing is fundamental to success in future subjects and endeavors and we must help and train children for this. I'm also able to tutor via computer from the comfort of my home while you and your child remain in the comfort of your home. Due to this unique and affordable aspect, I can provide tutoring for your child based on a weekly rate rather than hourly. Since writing involves a personal investment of the tutor, I will not limit myself to a certain number of hours for your child. Instead we can decide how much your child needs, what strengths we can encourage, and what weaknesses need addressing. This is best done over the course of weeks rather than hours. Depending on the needs of your child, my fee would begin at $35/week. What does that include? Keep reading...
What can I expect from online tutoring?
*A 45-60 minute time together online with just me and your student. Of course I expect and encourage parents to sit in for this time, as you can also learn how to assist your child at home
* While we'd meet online, most likely weekly, I'd expect work and writing to be done at home. Papers would be sent to me via email and I'd respond on the actual piece. During our live time together, I have the ability to pull up papers and we can talk about them together. This unique aspect gives us the ability to focus on multiple issues and challenges all at once. And since it would just be one-on-one, we can really dig into technique and the individual writing of your child
* As each child is different, so are their educational needs. That means that I will tailor each lesson, writing assignment, and time together to directly address those needs. By charging a weekly rate rather than an hourly one, you never have to wonder how many hours and therefor dollars will be needed weekly
* If money is an issue, don't let it be. Talk with me and please be up front, as my desire is to assist you and your child in the writing journey.
How do we meet live and online every week?
Thanks to technology and the gifting of those we lovingly refer to as tech-geeks, this is quite simple and keeps our costs low. Once you sign up for private tutoring, I'll send you a link to access via your internet connection. When it's "class time" you only have to click that link and voila, we're connected! So no matter where you live and what you do the rest of the day, for an hour on our class day, we'll be in the same place!
What do I need?
*A computer
*A reliable internet connection-if you're viewing this website, this should be taken care of already
*No books=no added cost
*The ability to work outside of our time together for about 1-2 hours each week. This will totally depend on the amount of effort and work each family puts into tutoring
*A working microphone for your computer, as we'll want to actually talk with each other at times
*A desire to improve and grow in the area of writing