"This tutor graduated from Chicago State University (BA Degree; 24 hrs. Elem. Ed., 18 hrs in Library-media), 12 hrs. linguistics at UTA (Arlington, Tx) and has worked in CPS Elementary Schools for about 14 yeas (K-8th grades) as a Computer Lab (Reading/Math) Library and Art teacher. While I received an Elem. K-9 IL Teaching Certificate (Art endorsement), tutoring grades K-5 is really my comfort range. I’ve tutored Reading, Math, Writing and Instructed Art at Family Focus (Bond Elem. in Englewood for 1.5 yrs, and Firman Community Services for 5 years. I've had exceptional Tutoring Evaluations and am a detailed and thorough in my work, from subject skills assessments, to sequenced-learning progress reports. Both of these 21st Century Programs expired their funding.

I've written/copyrighted a 200+ page Fun Phonics resource book with some correlated low-end software, and have *designed an interactive 2-sided Tutorial computer device that students in my Firman tutoring position have greatly enjoyed, which utilizes multi-sensory learning styles. (*Provisional patent applied with US patent office 4-2009)

So often, in most elementary/primary class settings I've observed some 12+ years in CPS schools, students are bombarded with complex/"higher-order level" Thinking, Reading, Grammar, Math, Social Studies, skills long before they've been given the opportunity or time to master the basics. Using effective diagnostic and step-by-step print materials can greatly close the deficiency "learning gap" for struggling students.

I've seen numerous students who hate grammar or writing, yet love to express themselves visually (i.e.,via picture-stories), that can sometimes be a great starting point to introduce sentence-building grammar skills when their interest is peaked, especially for visually-oriented children. Similar to Reading skills, understanding grammar and outlining skills are essential for developing good writing techniques, regardless of the what writing style the student is pursuing.

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