Tech Coach for Tutors
If you are an educator seeking support with online tech or a parents seeking support for their child with reading, you have landed in the right place! I am a former teacher turned online reading tutor. I have learned ways to support learners using technology and creating digital learning spaces using Google Classroom and Google Meet! Your child can meet me in the same spot for each of our lessons! I HELP 40 families by limiting the amount of time they pull their hair out over their child not being able to READ and WRITE! AND, I help 166 educators understand the tech they can use to make tutoring online EASY!
Parent Teacher Conferences are the BEST Way to Show Your Child YOU See Education is Important!
Here are a few suggestions for preparing for this important event in your child's life.
As a former teacher, I know how important Parent-Teacher Conferences are. Outside of seeing my parents in public, this may be the ONLY time during the school year that I can have a PRIVATE discussion about their child's academic and social performance.
Each child is important and providing a well prepared conference is really important for the child, parent, and teacher. I recall taking time to collect examples of student work (exemplary and examples to support areas for growth). I remember typing notes that I wanted to share with the parents. I also remember scheduling all of the conferences and making sure to meet with all of the amazing families. I also remember when parents didn't show up or follow up with my requests to discuss their child.
Here is what I want you to remember. This is a VERY important part of your child's school year. If you cannot attend, be sure to request a different way to meet. Teachers are very techy these days, so a phone conference or a video conference should not be out
of the ordinary any more.
Your child will see that you value their education just by simply showing up for conferences. When they see you attending these conferences, they may feel shy or worried about the outcome, but you are still showing them that it is very important.
You may be wondering how YOU can prepare. I would recommend that you find out if your child is supposed to attend. If they are, PLEASE take them. If they are not, PLEASE make plans for someone to stay with them.
Take some time to make a list of the questions you have and write them down. Be sure to ask the teacher(s) the questions if they do not address them.
If your child has a 504 Plan, IEP, or Behavior Plan, be sure to ask any questions you have about those plans. You have different meetings during the school year to specifically to address those plans, but you can still ask questions about them.
Here are a few things you can consider asking:
About the Child's Progress
- How is my child doing academically compared to their peers?
- Are there any specific areas where my child is excelling or struggling?
- What are my child's strengths and weaknesses?
- How is my child participating in class discussions and activities?
- Are there any behavioral concerns that I should be aware of?
About the Classroom Environment
- What is the classroom environment like?
- How are the other students in the class?
- Are there any specific strategies or techniques used in the classroom to help students learn?
- What is the homework policy?
- How can I help my child stay organized and manage their time effectively?
About Communication and Collaboration
- How can we communicate more effectively?
- What is the best way to reach out to you if I have concerns or questions?
- How can I get involved in my child's education?
- Are there any volunteer opportunities available?
About Individualized Needs
- Does my child have any special needs or learning disabilities?
- Are there any accommodations or modifications in place to support my child?
- How can I best help my child at home to reinforce what they are learning in school?
What should you do if your child's report isn't quite what you expected it to be?
Don't stress out, take a deep breath and then have an honest discussion with your child. Ask your child what they think they can do to improve the situation. Work with the teacher to develop a plan for improvement.
If all else fails, and you do not feel equipped to solve the problem at home on your own, seek the help of a qualified professional.
Are you planning for winter break already? I have a FUN and ENGAGING learning opportunity for your child! If you are traveling OR you want to be the ONE in CONTROL and still want practice with learning, you can keep the kids learning by enrolling in my Winter Ed-Hubs for Learning!
This is a budget friendly, simple way to have your child practice their reading over their break. I have built out a library for each grade (Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade) by using a Google Classroom. I have built-in read alouds and a library of practice materials that your child has access to. This is a simple way for your family to be in charge of the winter boost and still maintain your busy life style! You have access to downloadable materials as well.
I am opening the Winter Ed-Hubs in December! You will have access to the materials in the EdHubs from December 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025.
This is NOT meant to replace tutoring, it is meant to provide a learning opportunity for your child to boost their skills and keep them engaged in learning.
If you are interested in one of the EdHubs, use the contact form on the Tutoring with Sheryl website and simply tell me you would like to enroll. The cost is $29.99 (that is $9.99 per month) for the three months and your child will have fun with the interactive links and practice materials. IF you want to ADD the INTERACTIVE ONLINE Brainzy site to the package, you can add that for an additional $12.99 for a total of $42.98 (that is $14.33 per month).
I am in the process of updating the materials and they will ready to go!
If you don't want a self-paced course and are seeking 1-to-1 support, simply fill out the contact page on the Tutoring with Sheryl website and let me know. I will be in contact with you about providing services for your child.