To assist future tutors, prior students share ideas and tips they learned while tutoring. Following are quotes from each student's tipsheet listed by school level and organization. To read the whole tipsheet, click on the student's name.
Elementary School
Sky "Realize that the teachers or staff that you are working with are very knowledgeable in their careers…Use them as a resource to better your teaching strategies."
Heather "Do whatever it takes to keep your energy at a high level--it's almost impossible to fail when your heart is on your sleeve."
Lashaun "In order to be effective a the site, the supervisor and tutor first need to sit down and communicate to each other the specific duties that each will undergo to make the experience beneficial to both."
Greg "Only after I opened up to the kids as someone who is more than a tutor did I find my place in the classroom."
Amanda "The most important thing in doing your practicum is to let the teacher know what your purpose is in the classroom."
Emily "The biggest tip for reading to pre and early readers is to utilize your librarians!"
Sarah "These kids were the driest, the most info-seeking sponges that could exist. So I became the bucket. I tried my hardest to hold enough information for them to dip into and suck up."
Miguel "What you are about to experience in tutoring young children is that they are a lot smarter than you think!"
Middle School
Tiffany "Communication is the key to finding a good fit in the placement and in fulfilling everyone's goals and needs."
Becky "The clearer you are about your goals, the more likely you will endeavor to satisfy them."
Neil "The most valuable think I learned was that I am a tutor and not a paid teacher. I don' have the fear of losing my job, nor did I have to follow every rule by the book."
Adam "I tried to get him to address his feelings.
The poem read as follows:
I hate this class.
I hate drew
I hate homework.
I lick pop.
Basically, the only words of advice I have for future tutors are: you
can't change the world so just do the best you can."
Alice "Don't be afraid. The kids won't eat you, although it might seem like they will, never fear. It is important to treat them as people and equals."
Jennifer "We are all teachers by example-so don't get discouraged."
Community Organizations
Daniel Home Tutors of ESL Students: "Educate yourself about the cultural activities in the community that your student may want to attend."
Wes Eastside Alternative School: "Beware of distractions. ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING can serve as a distraction."
Alex Skipworth: "My tutoring experiences at Skipworth are fantastic and I look forward to continue volunteering there as long as I can."
Devan Skipworth: "It is one of the safest places to tutor. Be prepared to become involved in your student's life. Not only are you their tutor and mentor, but somebody they consider a friend.
Yumi First Place Family Shelter: "Be consistent: The children need and appreciate stability. Come on a regular basis."
Katy SMART: "SMART is well-organized and fairly well-funded, and all volunteer help is greatly appreciated."
Lisa SMART: "Vary the routine. Children who had trouble staying focused liked when we went outside, or took a walk around the school."