Talk to them and get to know them. Also, be very kind, open minded, enthusiastic, etc. That first meeting is a test on you, on them, etc. It's about getting to know the student and building their confidence.

I provide strategies they can use and I prompt more than assist. I'm not going to do the work for them but I WILL help them to understand how to do the work for themselves. If the student does not understand then I will demo the material for them. Do a guided instruction. Once that's complete and they seem onboard, I let them try on their own and I check afterwards.

It depends on the student. If they're losing focus after an extended period of time, then I will break up the session and pace out the work for them. If it's about frustration, then I will work with them to help them to understand the material. Break it down, make it relatable, and make it so it's less overwhelming.

Find another way to teach it. Not every student learns the same way; some are more visual, some are kinesthetic; really it's about finding a way to make the material relatable. Using different materials, different methods, etc. I'm usually big on adapting to different learning styles.

Reading comprehension is tough. However, it comes down to breaking down the material and summarizing so we understand what's going on. For reading, we go page by page, piece by piece. For reading response, we go paragraph by paragraph, summarizing.

Confidence and a good personality. You're both a little nervous, and they need to feel comfortable working with you and be able to trust in you, especially when it comes to the difficult parts. I am very kind, enthusiastic, and open minded, so I find that positive energy really helps.

Make it relatable. People hate STEM, especially Math & Science. However, there is purpose to Math and to Science. It just has to be relatable. Even reading; it has to be something the student is interested in and it has to be understandable to them.

Ask questions, prompt and see what answers you get. That's the first step. After that, I allow for independent work, which I then check on and review with them. We also use other examples and test their understanding with different scenarios.

By making it relatable. Helping them to build an understanding and relationship to the material. Whether it's counting coins, retelling with books, measurement or even understanding a science experiment, students have to be able to relate to the material.

Looking at their work and talking with them. Any and all interactions are assessments unto themselves. When you read with a student you get a sense of what they understand and don't. When you do math with a student you get a sense of how well they comprehend the skills being put forth. When you discuss history you get a sense for how well they understand its relationship to modern times. Also, talking with the parents, and if the teacher would like to share anything I would be happy to look at that as well. I also look at their behavior. If they are losing focus after a certain amount of time that indicates something. If they come in half asleep to every session that's an indicator. Every interaction yields information.

I tutor to the student's needs. I would initially approach any situation from my own experienced perspective. However, I am very open minded, and if my primary method is not working, then I’m going to adapt. If counting on your fingers doesn't work then we use other materials. Just as long as they don't take off their shoes and socks to count past 10...

Pencils, scrap paper, and markers if necessary. Whatever materials I have around me are also tools. Books, papers, etc.

Anyone can learn if they're willing to. I'm willing to work with any student as long as they're willing to try and to learn. Also, "Every Behavior is Communication" Everything a student does is a means of expression, both positive and negative and they want to be heard!!