Can I Really Tutor Orton Gillingham Online?

by | Apr 1, 2020 | Home, Orton Gillingham

Think back a few months before all of these “stay at home” orders were been put in place. You were a tutor either meeting your students at the library or at school, maybe possibly at your students homes. Dragging all of your crafts of the trade with you. When I first started my business that is exactly what I did. 

Now think of today or even just a few weeks ago. Stress hit! You needed / wanted to see your students. You did not know where to start and possibly are still.

I really wanted to help those tutors who were stuck. Everyone was reaching out, trying to figure out how to do this.

I have been an online reading tutor for a few years, and you CAN tutor Orton Gillingham online. I could do this!

Since all the schools have closed and life is just different, I  created a course on how to use Zoom online as an OG tutor. The course begins with how to use Zoom and how to get online as a tutor. I will be adding to it over time. I know the resources online are the most important so I will be sharing two very amazing creative OG tutors that create awesome material.

2021 Update: 

Well, did you make it? The above is what I wrote right after COVID closed everything down. I was so busy and survived. How about you? Did you help your students online? Did you struggle? Let me know in the comments how I can help. 

Join my new Facebook group for Reading Tutors and let me know how things are going. We are a new community and I have been helping those who need ideas, support and to just answer questions.  I look forward to seeing you there. 

 

Beth Sullivan is a reading and writing tutor who owns Deep Roots Learning Solutions. She has also created a Facebook Page called 

Online Orton-Gillingham tutoring – how to and why

Beth is amazing she has developed quite a few FREE resources for the beginning online OG tutor. 

 

Recently, Beth said,“Moving to online tutoring can be intimidating at first but remember that you don’t have to have a fancy lesson with all the bells and whistles when you start out. You still have all your teaching expertise and knowledge to draw on the rest is just details. Have fun!”

 

The second individual I am going to introduce is Emily Gibbons, she is a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner, Teacher Resource Author, small business owner at The Literacy Nest, LLC Emily is a mom to four just like I am, but her kids are young. This means she works very hard to help her own children learn at home as well as help OG Instructors. She created a Business Facebook Page

Emily mentions, “The Literacy Nest, LLC provides private, Orton-Gillingham services in a 1:1 setting, as well as quality literacy resources with a specialized focus on reading intervention. You will find an extensive inventory of resources to support the Orton-Gillingham approach in the classroom, small group, and 1:1 setting. The Literacy Nest strives to provide tips and strategies for helping struggling readers become successful readers and spread dyslexia awareness to educators and families.”

Finally, Emily has created a Facebook Page for Orton Gillingham Instructors

So, during this time of crisis, many are working hard to help tutors who need to get online quickly. We are helping families, students, other tutors, and teachers.

 

Check Out Zoom for OG Tutors

How much does an online OG tutor charge?

Depending on where you live and if there are any face to face tutors available in your area. Currently, everything is being offered online so many I talk to charge between $50 and $150. Depending upon certification, memberships and years of experience. Charge what you are worth.

How many hours are recommended for tutoring a dyslexic student online?

Most students require one to four hours of tutoring per week. However, students living with learning disabilities may need more hours than this. Also, take into account the age of the student. Overtime I have learned that the younger students can only manage to focus on the computer for 30 to 45 minutes. The lessons need to be very structured and formed so they cannot get distracted.

Final notes; You’ve got this! The first few times will be a work in progress, and you will always find ways to tweak your lessons. Remember everyone does them differently and this is all new to many tutors and families.

While Here Grab Your First Freebie

35 Ways to effectively market your tutoring business

Differences between an IEP and a 504

by | Feb 26, 2020 | Home, IEP & 504

I get this question all the time. Do you know the differences between an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and a 504 Plan? Well, you are in the right place.

My name is Ann Mitchell, and I have been in the Special Education field for just about 20 years. It all began when my girls (who are now 21) were beginning to talk. Oh, by the way they are twins and they had their own little language going on.

We were stationed in Misawa, AB Japan when they started Preschool. When they moved into Kindergarten I began working in the preschool. I loved it!

I then chose to become a Special Educator to help change the world. However, our little world came to a halt when one of the twins began to struggle with depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation you name it. It was hard at the beginning because I felt like no one else knew what we were going through. She was soon placed on an IEP once again this time for an Emotional Disability.

She was unable to stay in a large school or even a classroom setting. So that impacted her grades. They wanted to place her on an RTI plan, but it was not working. She knew the academics it was just her disability that was impacting her. I knew if I submitted a letter in writing that they would begin working on the assessments needed for an IEP.

IEP’s and 504’s both offer formal support within the school setting. The chart below will help show the differences between the two.

Follow me on my new IEP Consultant Facebook Page

Understood.com 

This is an amazing website. I always go there if I am stuck on something. That is where I found this video and a bit of the information listed above.

 

Does my child need a reading tutor?

Accommodations and Modifications, what’s the difference?

by | Jan 17, 2020 | Accommodations

Does your child struggle in school? Are they on a 504 or an IEP? Do you know that you can have accommodations and even modifications placed in each of them? It is hard trying to figure out the difference between the two.

Accommodations

  • Accommodations are changes that remove barriers to learning.
  • Accommodations change how kids learn, not what they learn.
  • Your child can get accommodations through the teacher, or in an IEP or a 504 plan. Understood.org

Modifications

  • Modifications are changes to what your child is taught or expected to do in school.
  • Modifications aren’t the same as accommodations, which are changes to howyour child learns.
  • Only students with an IEP or a 504 plan can have modifications.   Understood.org

 

That is just an overview.

 

Once a child has been formally identified with a learning disability, the child or parent may request accommodations for that child’s specific needs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act states that a child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program) team — which both parent and child are a part of — must decide which accommodations are appropriate for him or her. Any appropriate accommodations should be written into a student’s IEP. Reading Rockets

 

 

 

There is an amazing video on Understood.org that explains accommodations and modifications. 

These are just a few accommodations for students struggling with reading and placed on an IEP
  • Verbal instructions
  • Highlighted text
  • Extended time
  • Fewer items on a page
  • Technology (voice to text, immersive reader, text to speech, spelling helper, to name a few)
  • Preferential seating
  • Distraction-free zone
  • Highlighters

 

Modifications change expectations on the current standards.

I understand it is difficult for Special Education teams to determine the correct accommodations for a student. As a parent of a special need’s child, it was difficult for me as well.  I have created a free resource that I have compiled accommodations from the following sites.

DyslexiaIDA

Understood.org

ReadingRockets.org

Accommodations for Reading

Here is a list of reading accommodations that you can use.

Get your copy here

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10 Simple Acts of Kindness to Spread Happiness

by | Nov 25, 2019 | Home

How To Spread Happiness

 

I decided to share 10 simple acts of kindness to spread happiness and how to spread positivity and make someone’s day a little bit better not only during the holidays but all year round.

As I was trying to think about what kind of blog post I could do for the November / December time frame. I didn’t have any specials for Small Business Saturday or even Black Friday

Action for Happiness is an amazing site. You can get these calendars to help you and your family do an  action every day to make someone’s day. 

When you sign up you will receive an email from Mark and his team. Much like this on that I received.

Hello Ann,

It’s wonderful that you’ve joined the Action for Happiness community, helping to create a happier and kinder world.

Although we are a relatively small UK-based charity, we have hundreds of thousands of supporters like you making amazing things happen worldwide!

Whether you joined via our website, app, or a local course, I wanted to make you aware of some of the great ways we can support you to take action and make a real difference.

Very best wishes,

Mark and the team
Action for Happiness

They have Monthly Action Calendars and even Action for Happiness App and much, much more.

How to share happiness

I know some that go out of their way to spread happiness. While others cannot even fathom helping out others (Bah Hum Bug)The one example that comes to mind is Amber Dinh, and she has been an advocate about educating others about homelessness for years.

Amber works tirelessly in helping our homeless friends. Sharing items such as food, clothing, hygiene products she is always looking for donations to help in her journey.

To learn more about her and her journey, or if you would like to help please contact her at Facing Homelessness – Denver

“I know that there no simple answers or fixes to the homeless crisis, but I do know that a community of people in any city across the world can make a local impact on people living outside.”

10 Simple Acts of kindness

Just a few Simple Acts listed here:

 

  • You can compliment a stranger, or even a smile helps go a long way.
  • Volunteer in a retirement community
  • Visit at a school and read a story to a group of children
  • Hold a door for someone
  • Carry groceries for a mom with her hands full or an elderly individual.
  • Donate food to the nearest food pantry
  • Spend time at the neighborhood library to straighten shelves
  • Give forward, so if you are in line at Starbucks, buy the person behind you a cup of hot coffee or pay for their order.
  • Give a mom a hand when you see that she looks like she’s had enough with a screaming child.
  • Lastly, there are many more listed on happiness.com

Random Acts of Kindness

Originally founded by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in 1995, the idea of Random Acts of Kindness Day has grown in popularity ever since. It’s celebrated by individuals, groups, and organizations throughout the USA and worldwide, to encourage acts of kindness and spread happiness through communities. 

Indeed, Random Acts of Kindness day is 24 hours when people have the chance to spread love and happiness to as many people as possible. But why should we be kind to others? Well, the power of kindness and its benefits are many.

Random acts of kindness lead to scientifically-proven positive feelings, both for the giver and the receiver. Plus, happiness is contagious, so it creates a ripple effect. (Happiness.com)

 

 

Don’t Drink & Drive 

As November and December come around it is a stressful time for families for individuals. There are already so many people I see that have stepped up and shared or want to share during the holiday season.

 

As always, during the holiday season, a message brought to you by the  Castle Rock Police Department

Thanksgiving to New Year’s is some of the deadliest days on our roadways. Do your part by planning for a safe ride home #TieOneOnForSafety #NoMoreVictims

Too often, we see drivers making the wrong decision to drive impaired. That’s why MADD and the Castle Rock Police are joining together to send a clear message to Colorado’s drivers: If you drive drunk or high, you will be arrested. No exceptions. No excuses!

If your plans include alcohol, they should also include a non-drinking designated driver. With all of the rideshare options and an increase in those drivers in Castle Rock, there is no excuse to drive impaired. Castle Rock Police Department

 

Offer someone a ride or Don’t Drink and Drive

Does my child need a reading tutor?

by | Nov 7, 2019 | Home

Does My Child Need A Reading Tutor?

You struggle every night trying to get your child to do the required 20 or 30 minutes of reading, they resist. The books they bring home are just like any other child’s in their class so, you think nothing of it, right? Well, that’s just what I have heard a few parents say. Does your child know how to choose books that are at their level so that they can read at night? Wouldn’t it be easier? Not arguing, no nightly battles to get reading or, even that homework finished. But, they want to choose books just like everyone else in their class.

 

So, the question is, do you know how to help them choose a book at their level or a “just right” book? Or do you need someone to help you and your child? Have you ever thought your child may need a tutor?

There are so many questions when choosing to look for a tutor.

How do I know if my child needs a tutor?

Families are busy, and kids are busy, I understand we are a busy family too.  Are your child’s grades slipping? Do you notice them becoming quiet and may be frustrated when it is time to read or even doing their homework? You may ask friends, family, their teacher for support. The answers are it is just a part of life. Or he’s just a boy. I’ve heard that one.

 

NINE Signs Your Child Needs Tutoring

 

  1. Difficulty getting started. Does your child seem unexcited and unmotivated about anything to do with school—especially working on assignments? 
  2. Homework is sloppy or refuses to do it and overall disorganization.
  3. Personality change, maybe more moody.
  4. Diminished self-esteem. Lack of confidence.
  5. Lack of interest in learning?
    6. Teacher or counselor recommends it.
    7. Anxiety or frustration before tests.
    8. Loss of interest in learning or going to school.
    9. Feelings of wanting to give up.

How much tutoring does my child need?

After you have decided to look for a tutor, the next question you may have is, how much tutoring does my child need? The answer to this question is different for every child. For example, you just went to parent-teacher conferences, and your child’s teacher brings up that your child is not meeting grade-level expectations in reading. What do you do? You do your research and ask for recommendations. Many things come into factor when choosing the right tutor.

Normally, one or two-hour sessions a week will help close the gap quickly. Again, each child is different. Ask about skills you can work on together, as well.

The budget is another thing to consider. Some big box shops charge up to $75.00/hr., after the initial assessments. Some private tutors charge between $35-$75/hr. As a parent, you need to do your research, check out your neighborhood library, ask friends if they have used a tutor or possibly the Chamber of Commerce. Just remember cheaper is not always better.

 

When looking for a reading tutor for your child, there are a few things to remember.

  1. Talk about it with your child. Get them on board.
  2. One size does not fit all. Do your research and choose one that knows the subject.
  3. Consider your schedule what time, place, or even online
  4. Get referrals and read references
  5. Connection, when attending the first session, does your child connect with them?

One on one attention can change the world for some children when there is homework struggle every night. When your child is struggling with reading, finding the right professional tutor that is patient and knowledgeable in teaching reading is best.

I know it is hard, but you have not done anything wrong. Some children need extra support when they are young to get them to excel. Once you do find that right tutor, ask questions, ask for ideas on how you can help your child.

I have been a tutor since 2013 and have helped hundreds of children close their gap in reading and supported families through the process. Comment here if you have any questions about anything in this article. If you still have questions about if your child needs a tutor, what to look for in a tutor, or even what next steps are.

Good luck with your journey!

Contact Information

You can easily contact me here.

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