AboutPatricia Ireland-Williams Expertise I am a retired K-12 Public School Principal (23 years), a teacher and counselor(8 years) and an educational consultant. I can help parents with questions about how the system works, provide ideas on how to solve school issues or assist teachers in coping with the plethera of stressors they face. I am currently an educational consultant and have served on the State of Arizona Solutions Team.
Experience B.A. Secondary Education
M.A. in Counseling
M.A.+ Administration
Question I am tutoring a 4'th grade boy in reading two days a week for about 40 minutes each time. He is very positive and talkative. But he is getting harder to manage because he is very active and talks when he needs to pay attention. He is not rude but today I could see he was testing me a bit with his behavior. I think one of his problems in reading is that he rushes through passages, just putting in any word, instead of trying to read the word that's there. Today he gave me quite a run for my money behavior wise. What can I say or do to help him be more disciplined?
Thanks.
Elizabeth
Answer Elizabeth Marie,
This is very difficult to answer because I do not know the method you are using to tutor him and/or how you are assessing his needs.
After testing his reading level, you should be begin with high interest, low vocabulary materials. If you are using materials he is capable of reading, he will be less likely to try to insert words and/or guess. As he becomes proficient, raise the level of the materials.
It is also often helpful to cover a page with a piece of paper, showing only the paragraph you want him to read at that time. As he reads a passage, then "uncover" the next one, etc. etc.
You might also pre-teach the vocabulary of the passage. In other words, try to anticipate what words may be difficult, write them on flashcards and review the word and meaning BEFORE actually reading the passage. After reviewing them a few times, begin reading the passage.
You might also use a reward system for him staying on task.............give him stars or stickers for doing a good job each day and occasionally reward him with a treat or small token gift. Of course you will decide how many points he must earn: example: up to 3 points a day......total of 30= $1.00 gift card for a sundae at McDonalds. You can also buy little fun items at the Dollar Store that he can earn (find out what he might like first).
