TP1 Phonetic Sounds and Reading Skills

I have the wonderful opportunity to teach such a bright, young student as Claire. She is from Korea and has been living in the United States for two years. I was excited by the opportunity to get to teach her.

Prior to our first tutoring session, I was provided with a list of Claire's assignments that had to be completed weekly as well as a list of her learning needs. We broke each section down into a time table so that we would not lose track of time. Her ability became evident as we began to work through her assignments. She is a very bright student with a great mind. Her use of vocabulary in conversation is exceptional for a student in kindergarten.

We practiced memorizing vocabulary words that she was required to know. I had her write each word four times. Each time she spelled a word, I had her sound out each letter and pronounce it. After she learned 3 new words, I tested her on a total of ten words from a bank that she has already learned. The criteria for each test is simple. Every time I call out a word, she has to spell it. This method of Dictation has worked well, but a week later she still had trouble remembering how to spell the new words.

After vocabulary words, we study the alphabet and the number system. She is an expert in both of these areas for her age!

Her greatest need was practicing reading books. I let her choose the book that she wanted to read (1+), then we would read the book together. I would let her read some of the easier sentences while I filled in some of the difficult vocabulary. All in all, a very successful first meeting! She is a wonderful student!