All of
Barbara’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Barbara’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
Cooking
I have loved cooking since I was in my early twenties, and grew up learning how to cook from my mother. I have taken numerous cooking classes through PCC, Bon Vivant, and Sur La Table. In addition, I have donated my time to various charitable auctions in the form of "Mexican Dinner for Eight". My husband and I have participated in a neighborhood gourmet cooking club that we have enjoyed for years. I specialize in main courses, ethnic foods (Mexican and Italian), side dishes, and appetizers.
Elementary (K-6th)
I have instructed all subjects (Reading, Grammar, History, Writing, Math, Science, Music, and Spanish) as a substitute teacher at a local private elementary school on the Sammamish Plateau. It is this age group that appeals to me the most as young children are so hungry to learn.
I also home schooled my son during his 5th grade year, and in addition to the subjects mentioned above, included Latin and Art in his curriculum. I endeavor to find out what makes learning fun and apply that to my techniques.
I would be happy to supply references upon request.
Phonics
In addition to substitute teaching K-5th grade at a private elementary school on the plateau, I home-schooled my son who struggled with reading and grammar in particular. Through various tools, and the game "Hooked on Phonics", he was able to return to the public school system much more prepared and confident. It made the difference between holding him back a grade or advancing him.
As I've mentioned in my profile, I have taught Spanish for a number of years and the same principals apply in learning any language. Initially it is being able to assess what areas the student is struggling with and then applying the techniques and tools to help him/her overcome those obstacles. Often it just takes a lot of patience along with making the learning fun.
Poker
I grew up in a household where playing card games was a fun past time. We played cribbage, canasta, and bridge. When I graduated from college, I learned how to play poker, and traveled for a number of years around the United States playing poker as a way to subsidize my income. It has only been in the recent years that "Hold 'Em" poker has become the rage. I have continued to play poker in private games and card-rooms. I have also given "Poker Seminars" to groups wanting to learn the basics or just to improve their game. It is a lot of fun and when I combine my natural proclivity towards teaching it becomes a perfect fit. I would be happy to give references upon request.
Reading
I have tutored reading and writing up through 8th grade. I have found that many students, boys in particular, struggle with reading because they never learned phonics. I use "Hooked On Phonics" as a tool which is fun and a great aid for helping them to read at a higher level, and to catch up if they are behind.
Spanish
I have my BA degree from Washington State University in Spanish Language and Literature. I have traveled extensively through out Mexico and Costa Rica. I attended La Universidad del Iteso in Guadalajara, Mexico for a summer quarter.
In the past ten years I have taught Spanish at a private elementary school on Sammamish Plateau. I have also tutored groups traveling to Spanish speaking countries, and tutored one on one privately. I enjoy both the cultural aspects as well as the language itself.
Violin
I began playing violin when I was 8 years old and continued to study and take private lessons all through college until I graduated. I played in small groups, the Washington State University orchestra, and the Olympia Symphony. I have given private lessons over the years and have a second violin which would be available to rent along with the lessons. It is a full size violin. If you are looking for a younger child, i.e. prior to 10 years of age and depending on size, they would most likely need a 1/2 to 3/4 size violin to start. I was classically instructed but music as a whole is a passion!