All of
V. Barbara’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
V. Barbara’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ADD/ADHD
I have worked with ADD/ADHD of various ages and in many different subjects for many of the 35 years that I have been teaching. I am extremely patient and very kind while helping them maintain their focus on the lesson.
I help them increase focus through several different strategies, ranging from setting intention and creating motivation to keeping a behavioral modification chart.
I have had great success in increasing focus, creating a more positive attitude toward school work, understanding the lesson's material, and finding joy in learning.
CBEST
I have been a credentialed teacher and have taken the CBEST test. As a Literature major and a Reading Specialist, I have over 35 years of experience teaching the skills necessary to pass the Reading section which consists of multiple choice questions covering reading passages, or charts and graphs and emphasizes critical analysis, evaluation, comprehension, and research skills.
As a community college writing instructor, I have taught the grammar and essay skills necessary to pass the writing section. I have taught many students to think on their feet and be able to clearly and logically address the spontaneous topics presented in the test.
And finally, as a math tutor, both in a community college and privately, I have taught the basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and measurement facts necessary to pass the test.
Dyslexia
I have been a Reading Specialist and have worked with dyslexic students for over 35 years. I have participated in IEP goal setting and assessments. I have designed specific programs for individual students based on diagnostic assessments which I administer. While there is no "cure" for dyslexia, I have found that almost every students' reading ability and comprehension can be vastly improved.
There are many strategies to help challenged readers. The earlier the intervention, the better. A strong phonics background, understanding word attack skills, knowing comprehension strategies and more will all help a dyslexia reader to cope with his challenges.
Dyslexia is far more than calling a "b" a "d", although that may often be an initial tell-tale sign. If such letter, or even whole word reversals ("was", "saw",) do not right themselves by the beginning to middle of third grades, most children will be referred for special testing for dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning challenge that affects a student's ability to read and comprehend. Studies show that many dyslexics are of above average intelligence, but their brains process reading in an area of the brain different than that of a non-dyslexic reader.
Elementary (K-6th)
WELCOME TO A LEARNING ADVENTURE! I have had many years of experience teaching Reading and Math to challenged students. I am a Reading Specialist and will diagnose each students' weaknesses so that we may build on strengths and remediate problems. I use fun and relevant materials and design each student's personal program to ensure the quickest success possible.
ESL/ESOL
ESL, the learning of English as a second language, happens in several stages from listening, to speaking, to adding reading and writing when appropriate for the student.
As well as learning these basic and academic skills, the learner must also become familiar with the differences in language use demanded by different social situations.
In addition, the student of English as his second language will need to learn the idioms, gestures, and cultural customs and references used in the new language in order to be truly proficient in his second language.
I have taught/tutored ESL to students "new in-country," to Spanish-speaking Kindergarten students in a classroom, to elementary and secondary students, to adults attending ESL classes at the Community College, to college students of all ages, at all levels, and to Graduate students working on challenging assignments and papers. I look forward to working with you!
Phonics
GREETINGS! I am a Reading Specialist and believe in the importance of early phonics learning. For K-3 students, I diagnose weaknesses and remediate using a phonics program full of relevant and fun activities to provide a solid basis for the demands of reading. For 4/5/6 students, I remediate phonics deficits through reading specifically prepared materials designed with the student's diagnosed weaknesses in mind. I have worked with dyslexia and other learning disabilities to help students be successful grade level learners.
Reading
Reading is a complex neurolinguistic process that may be impaired by a variety of factors. The sooner a reading problem is addressed, the better the outcome!
I have been a Reading Specialist for over 25 years and have worked with many children, K-12. I will diagnose your child's weakness(es) and develop a program to help him improve, whether it be in phonics, comprehension,(or both).
I have worked with many students with learning disabilities, autism, aspergers,and ADD/ADHD. In addition, I am ESL trained and can help those students whose reading difficulty is a second language issue.