How It Works
Truly Individualized Instruction
Parents often ask me how it's possible to teach a class where every student is at a different level of math. I tell them it brings me such joy, I don't think I could do it any other way.
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The answer is the student-to-teacher ratio being 6:1 and the environment being carefully prepared for success all around.
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We start each class with a brief check-in where I go over their homework and discuss the day. I line up any lessons that might be needed, the daily practice I expect from them, and identify mistakes and refreshers along the way.
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While some students are working independently, others are doing lessons with me on the whiteboard. When lessons are complete, while students are working, I live monitor their answers inside the same document they're using. I leave small notes, tips, and insert more graphics.
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More importantly, when I notice they are making mistakes I stop them and give help or refreshers. When I notice they've mastered a concept, I have them move forward to a new topic or take a quiz to show mastery.
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In this way, I'm constantly rotating around the class. It's as though I have six wonderful students sitting in a half moon table and I'm able to see and work with each of them for a period of time each day.
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At the end of the day, wherever students end is where their homework begins. Perhaps they will just simply do another 10 problems to practice for fluency. Perhaps they will take a timed quiz with their parents supervision. Sometimes, they get no homework at all because our work together is at a stopping point. Homework is always an extension of the learning and it's never busy work. It's exactly what the research says it should be.
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The next day, we start over again. Over time, the culture in the classroom is set. Students get to listen to each other's lessons and more importantly they get to listen to each other ask questions, admit struggles, or even celebrate success. They start to realize that math isn't about being perfect or knowing everything. Their confidence grows, their independence flourishes and they settle into true learning.
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Reach out to me to meet and discuss any questions you might have. Or, you can read my FAQ to discover answers to other common parent questions.
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I hope to see you in class!
Elizabeth