All of
Becky’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Becky’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Elementary (K-6th)
I enjoy teaching at the elementary level. Though I have experience teaching through Adult, elementary is my favorite!
I have earned a K-9 classroom teaching certificate. I have a Master's degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in reading. I was a first grade teacher for ten years.
Now I would like to use my training and experience to help you!
Elementary Math
I try to teach concepts as concretely as possible. For example, if a student is learning about fractions I would use manipulatives to help him/her see that fractions can have many different names and still be equal.
Once the basic concept is understood, I then help teach methods of finding solutions. In math it is very common to have multiple possible correct paths to finding the solution. I will usually demonstrate several different ways to get the correct answer. Then I ask the student to try the different methods and then to choose one way that makes the most sense. Once a student is comfortable with the basics, I encourage the student to experiment and try to find the correct answer on their own. I have often been surprised by the ingenious (but correct!) methods students have used.
I have found much success when I help students see Math as one big game or puzzle. Once the basic concepts and skills are learned - basic addition, subtraction - everything else is really just an extension. For example, multiplication is nothing more than repeated addition. Algebra is nothing but addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using letters along with the numbers. I compare the letters used in Algebra to a box. I teach many of my students that our job is to figure out what's inside the box (what the letter is worth.) Then we learn different things we can do to the equation to find what's in the box/the answer.
Flute
I have a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. My focus was instrumental music and I played the flute. During my studies, I was fortunate to have been able to study flute with a member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
I began playing flute approximately 35 years ago. Since beginning to play, I have had the opportunity to play in groups at my Church, play for weddings and other Church functions in other Churches, play in a variety of other groups and teach others to play.
General Computer
I am currently an Adjunct Instructor at Southwestern Illinois College where I teach computer basics. Some of the general topics in the course I teach include: Setting up a computer, Internet use, Care and Maintenance (including Virus protection), Using Windows, and the basics of popular Microsoft Office applications.
I use the computer for both personal and work-related tasks. I use Microsoft Word to maintain a newsletter and to write lesson plans. I use Microsoft Excel to track lessons I give, expenses, and grades. I use Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations for my class.
General Music
I attained a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. After graduation, I taught general music in the classroom for approximately 7 years.
Microsoft Word
I teach the basics of Microsoft Word as part of a class I teach at Southwestern Illinois College. The basics include topics such as being able to create, edit, delete, rename, and save documents and using format options.
I am currently studying to earn the Microsoft certification in Word. The knowledge gained from this studying has enabled me to create and maintain a newsletter using templates, create my own templates, write lesson plans, and use other less used options.
Phonics
I have a Master's degree in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in reading. In addition, I have taught 1st grade for approximately 7 years. Our main focus point was reading. I believe strongly in Balanced Literacy and have taught using the 4 Blocks Method. 4 Blocks includes phonics instruction in the Working with Words segment. This is daily instruction in phonics (knowledge of sound/symbol relationship), phonemic awareness (auditory only, ability to hear and manipulate sounds with a SPOKEN word), phonological awareness (umbrella term which includes phonemic awareness).
Piano
I have played the piano for many years. I have a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. This coursework included receiving piano lessons. In addition, I have previously taught beginning piano lessons in both a private and group setting.
Poker
I began watching my dad play poker when I was young. It was then that I developed a strong interest for the game. Over time, I have learned new poker games. My personal favorite at the moment is Texas Hold'Em. I play extensively online and watch televised poker. I am available to teach Intermediate and Beginning Poker (all games, poker hand value, basic rules, strategy and tips, and betting).
Prealgebra
Pre-Algebra is often a subject in which students begin to struggle. There are many new concepts. Doing math with letters seems strange to many. When I teach Pre-Algebra, I use as many manipulatives and visuals as possible. Most students understand the basic mathematical concepts taught at a very young age. Therefore, when teaching, I've found most of my students do very well when these concepts are stressed. Join me in Pre-Algebra Made Simple!
Study Skills
"Study Skills" are often misunderstood. They include those skills required to study for tests. However, study skills also include learning skills. They include all skills necessary to improve learning.
Skills that I teach include how to prepare for a homework/study session, organizational skills, how to participate in class, notetaking, pre-reading/reading/post-reading skills, how to read textbooks, and of course effective ways to study. These are just a few of the many skills that will improve a student's academic work.