by Ann Mitchell | Dec 6, 2018 | Home
Multiple Intelligences, What are they? Have you ever wondered how your child learns? Or even what is the best way for your child to learn? Some children struggle with just reading and not math. Some struggle in math and not reading. How do you help the child who struggled in both? Have you ever wondered what is the best way for my child to learn?
Every child does learn differently. As a parent of four children, I could tell each one learned at their own pace and their own style. As I was in college and reading Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom by Thomas Armstrong (2000) I learned there are many different ways to help support children within the classroom setting.
As I expand my business to include courses this is one of the areas I will be sharing. I will be including how to best help your child based on Multiple Intelligence’s. Sign up below to receive updates on when the first course will be ready for you to register for. I am excited to be able to help children and families this way.
- Linguistic – the ability to use words effectively both orally and in writing. Some examples of these individuals would include storytellers, an editor or a journalist.
- Logical-Mathematical – the ability to use numbers effectively and to be able to reason well. A tax accountant, statistician, and a computer programmer are a few examples mentioned.
- Spatial – the ability to perceive the visual-spatial work accurately (hunter, scout, or guide) and to perform transformations on those perceptions (interior designer, artist or an inventor)
- Bodily-Kinesthetic – the expertise of using one’s body to express ideas and feelings ( actor, dancer, or an athlete) and facility in using one’s hands to produce or transform things (sculpture, mechanic, or surgeon) This intelligence does require certain physical skills such as coordination, balance, and strength.
- Musical – the ability to perceive, discriminate, transform, musical forms. This includes sensitivity to the rhythm, pitch or melody of the music. Composers, musicians, critic, or even a music aficionado are included in this group.
- Interpersonal – The ability to perceive and make distinctions in the moods, intentions, motivations, and felling of other individuals.
- Intrapersonal – Self-knowledge and the ability to act adaptively on the basis of that knowledge. Being able to understand oneself (strengths and weaknesses) awareness of inner moods and the capacity for self-discipline.
- Naturalist – Expertise in the recognition and classification of numerous species of the individual’s environment. This includes the environment one lives in and to discriminate between different items (urban setting to pastures and mountains). Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom (2000)
The basics of helping your struggling reader course will be the first in a series of six courses that will provide you as a parent of a struggling reader understand how to best help them. When complete the courses will include information on phonics, spelling, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary.
Courses that will begin to appear are:
Basics of helping your struggling reader
Phonics
Sight Words
Spelling
Comprehension and Vocabulary
Sign Up Now to receive updates!
by Ann Mitchell | Nov 19, 2018 | Home
Is there a difference between a struggling and a reluctant reader?
You may wondering what is the difference between a reluctant or a struggling reader. A reluctant reader is a child who does not enjoy reading. They may be a little below grade level but not drastically. Here is a perfect article I found Learning How to Read: 10 Ways to Help a Reluctant Reader (Parenting, 2018) The struggling reader is someone who needs some early intervention. Reading Rockets is one of my go-to websites to find information that I provide for parents and teachers alike.
Recently, I was asked by a parent that I tutor, “What are some good chapter books?” So I let her know which ones I enjoy but for a child who struggles with reading these four were my first suggestions.
*affiliate links are being used in this post.
Henry and Mudge
Henry and his dog Mudge enter a snowman contest in this nineteenth Ready-to-Read book of their adventures. Written by Cynthia Rylant
Henry sees a sign about a snowman contest in the park! Can Henry, his father, and his big dog Mudge come up with the best snowman plan to win the contest?
Magic Treehouse
The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system! The author is Mary Pope Osborne
Where did the tree house come from?
Amelia Bedelia
Ever since Amelia Bedelia made her debut in 1963, young readers have been laughing out loud at the antics of this literal-minded but charming housekeeper. Written by Peggy Parish
From dressing the chicken to drawing the drapes, Amelia Bedelia does exactly what Mr. and Mrs. Rogers tell her to do. If things get a bit mixed up, well, that’s okay. When Amelia Bedelia is involved, everything always turns out perfectly in the end! This Level 2 I Can Read is perfect for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.
“No child can resist Amelia [Bedelia] and her literal trips through the minefield of the English language—and no adult can fail to notice that she’s usually right when she’s wrong.”—The New York Times Book Review
Hank Zipzer Series
Here’s Henry is only one in a series of stories written by Henry Winkler
Hank stars the same Hank as in the bestselling Hank Zipzer series, only this time he’s in 2nd grade! Hank is a kid who doesn’t try to be funny, but he somehow always makes the kids in his class laugh. He’s pretty bad at memorizing stuff, and spelling is his worst subject. (But so are math and reading!) In the first book in this new series, Hank’s class is putting on a play, and Hank wants the lead part: Aqua Fly. But he freezes in his audition and can only buzz like a fly. His teacher creates a special part for Hank, a silent bookmark. This may seem like an insignificant role, but when his enemy, Nick McKelty, freezes during the performance, it’s up to Hank to save the play!
Recently, while catching up on my Facebook posts. A group I follow to help support children with dyslexia called
Dyslexia Support – for parents of dyslexic children mentioned that they purchased some
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book recently for their child and they could not put it down.
A recent post that was written by Beth Sullivan, Reading and Writing Tutor she shared Do Graphic Novels count as “real reading?”
Beth states, that there are some up and downsides to graphic novels. However, as the parent that was looking for a book that would grab and keep their reluctant reader’s attention, I would say try it. As I tell my parents who ask, “what are some good books for my child?” I always mention you need to first see if the book is at their level.
Available now on Amazon is my eBook “Just Right” Books, helping your child become a successful reader. Or go to our Resource Page
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 12 Books Complete Collection Set Box of Books NEW Edition. Description: Titles in this collection: Diary Of a Wimpy Kid Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – Rodrick Rules Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – The Last Straw Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – Dog Days Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – The Ugly Truth Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – Cabin Fever Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – The Third Wheel Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – Hard Luck Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – Old School Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – Double Down Diary Of a Wimpy Kid – Do-It-Yourself Book
If you would like more book ideas of information on creative ideas for your struggling reader.
by Ann Mitchell | Oct 31, 2018 | Home
I cannot believe it is our 5th birthday/anniversary whichever word you want to use. In November 2013 I began
Castle Rock Tutoring in Castle Rock, Colorado
It is now 2018, and so many things have changed. In the beginning, I was tutoring at the library (which I still do) and at students homes. That limited the number of students I could help. With travel time, carrying all of the tools that I needed for each student. I always wanted to include online students into the mix. Last year I decided to narrow down who I chose to work with and add online. I marketed and changed my name (sort of I guess) to Castle Rock Online Reading Tutor.
I took a leap of faith and asked one of my current families to give it a try. It worked, and I fell in love with the fact I can tutor children in reading over the computer. Currently, I see children all across the United States from Florida to California. I have seen many of them close their gaps in reading very quickly depending upon the child and their needs.
If you know of a child who struggles with reading (phonics, spelling, vocabulary), click the button below and fill out the information and I will contact you within 24 hours.
Student Registration
When I first started tutoring I thought this was a way to continue to help children in my community who struggled in school. As a certified Special Educator, I wanted to help all children in all areas. I continue to do my professional development but instead of focusing on many subjects I decided to condense my knowledge into reading. I took a Reading Interventionist course. This showed me how I could do tutoring online.
Thank You, Joanne Kaminski, Business Coach for Online Tutors
A resource page is being developed with many items that I use with my students as well as items that fellow tutors and families have shared. Visit the page and see if there is anything you would like or needs to be added.
During our birthday month, we will be having Friday Freebies! Every Friday during the month if you are on our email list you will be receiving a Freebie.
Friday Freebie Registration
Last but not least, just as my front page says I am always updating and trying new things so that my students and now others can increase their reading skills. I am developing a course that will help parents learn just that. Stay tuned I will definitely let you know when it is up and ready!
by Ann Mitchell | Sep 7, 2018 | Home
Reading Fluency and Confidence. As a child and to this day I have had to work on my reading fluency. In middle school, I remember going to a special class to work on the computer to help increase my fluency. I thought to myself why do I need to increase my fluency rate. I can comprehend ok. Not great but ok. Then came the day I remember I needed to read out loud in class. That did it. Everyone else could read fluently, clearly and pronounced every. I pronounced every word correctly but at a lot slower rate than everyone else. Over the years I have progressively gotten better. I did not work with a tutor or anyone because I did not want anyone to know. Confidence in my reading was at an all-time low.
There has always been the push that 20 minutes of reading every night is best for children. If you are a parent you understand that. However, just as when I was growing up reading out loud is not comfortable when you struggle with reading. As a tutor now I recommend parents to read out loud with their children. That way you know and can hear why they are behind and struggle in school.
What is fluency and why does it matter if we read quickly? Fluency is the ability to read a text accurately, with proper speed, and expression. It is important because it provides a connection between word recognition and comprehension. When fluent readers read silently, they recognize words automatically. They can group words quickly to help them gain meaning from what they read.
You may be wondering what you should look for if your child is struggling with fluency.
- Do you ever hear your child say, “I hate reading?” or “This is so stupid.”
- Your child may say, I get stuck when there’s a lot of words on the page
- It takes too long, so I just give up.
- They may read slow and sort of choppy and without expression
- At school, they may be below grade level when it comes to fluency
What you can do to help:
- Have your child track with their finger as they read so that they can stay in the right place
- Always support and encourage them
- Check with teachers and see where their fluency level is, check on decoding and word recognition as well
- Get some books on tape (at their reading level) so that they can follow along
- Read with them a paragraph at a time and have them practice your speed. This may take time so just encourage them to do their best
- Does your child have a favorite book? Have them read it (like they probably do) over and over. They will begin to recognize those words immediately.
- Look at the local library for reader’s theater, poetry or even reading music lyrics
- Have them read just right books*
Just right books are books that your child is comfortable reading. When they pick out a book from the library*
- Open to any page ( must
have mainly words on it)
- Begin reading that page
- No more than 5 mistakes, if greater the book is too hard if less the book is just right.
As an adult who continues to practice her reading fluency, I felt embarrassed in middle and high school when I needed to read out loud. As a parent, I could often hear one of my own children reading out loud to themselves just so they could understand their homework better. So just encourage your children to read at least 20 minutes a day.
If there are any questions about your child’s reading fluency I would be happy to answer them. If you think they are struggling beyond these suggestions, just give me a call.
What I Use To Measure Reading Fluency
Fluency and Confidence
by Ann Mitchell | Aug 31, 2018 | Home
Does your child struggle in both reading and math? As a Special Educator and a tutor, I have worked with many children who not only struggled in reading but struggled with math as well. During this past year, I have researched about the difficulties students have in school (reading and math). I mainly tutor struggling readers and have a concrete plan on how to close that gap quickly but math is different (for me it always has been) until recently. So if you have any questions about either please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Reading
When kids struggle with reading they struggle with self-confidence. When they come home from school saying that they cannot read the same chapter books as their friends. I totally understand. Sometimes tears are shed during homework time at the kitchen table, even getting them to read for twenty minutes before bed is a lost cause. I have worked with children since 2008 on their reading skills. Online tutoring has not only grown but helps raise that confidence in the privacy of your own home with books that are at their level.
Homework Suggestions
I offer a FREE Reading Assessment using the QRI 5. I assess sight words and vocabulary understanding. Over time you will see that smile, the enjoyment of reading and the headaches are gone.
Math
When I was young I had the hardest time with math. If it was not for my math college professor that showed me how math works in the real world and made it fun I actually did my problems set to music (humming really). You won’t ever catch me singing. Talking about singing you use math. Gardening you use math. Cooking a meal you definitely use math. Who’s hungry?
I have plenty of resources and professional development courses on different resources and assessments on how to help students with math. Examples would include hands-on / multi-sensory learning. Have a number line available, work on tracing the numbers so that they know the symbols and amounts. Just as in reading somethings just need to be memorized.
First, if your child is struggling in both reading and math is to stay in close contact with the school. (teachers. counselors, principal) If you do not see any improvement after a few months, for example from the beginning of the school year until just before the holiday break in December. So that if testing needs to be completed they can schedule it for right after they return to school. A request for testing needs to be in writing to any of the people listed above.
Second, reach out to me with any questions and a FREE assessment, which is never a reason for tutoring but of course, it is always offered. Check out my website Castle Rock Online Reading Tutor and if you would like to schedule something please let me know. An excellent resource for more information is http://www.wrightslaw.com/ has come in handy quite a bit in my journey as a Special Educator.
The MORE that you READ, the more THINGS you will KNOW.
The MORE you LEARN, the more PLACES you’ll GO! – Dr. Suess
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