I have committed myself to tutoring a teen boy every day after school for the rest of the school year. Today was the first day. He brought nothing to show me where he was in math or English. No, he left those books somewhere, school or home. No, none of it was on the computer issued from the school. No, he had written nothing down anywhere, ever, EVER.
This is all for the child who was held back twice. The first time, it was the teacher's idea because he was immature. BAD IDEA! The second time had something to do with family life and moving in the middle of the year.
As it turned out, I found things on his Blackboard program that he swore were not there. Lots of shoulder-shrugging and smiles. GRRRRR He was shocked I could use Blackboard. You know us old fuddy-duddies are not quite up with technology.
Yes, I am the most patient tutor you have ever seen.
He got one of five sketches finishd for an Art project due on Friday. sigh When his mother came in, I told her what he lacked for me to help him. She assured me it would be with him tomorrow.
He knows: 2x=6
x=3
And, he sees no reason to learn to divide both sides of the equal sign by 2. Well, the one I will bring him to work tomorrow will not be so easy.
I had just bought the $54 drill when his mother who is helping me for 30 minutes each week uncovered my drill, bits, and special extension cord. So, that money regained has been very helpful for my finances.
It will all work out! He will pass and go into 8th grade next year. Well, the goal is to get him into ninth grade where he belongs.
Your turn
Do you ever tutor or teach a skill and have to struggle with the learner?
Good luck.
ReplyDeleteEC,
ReplyDeleteThanks. If he shows up, he will learn and pass.
Good Luck with him Linda. He seems to be lacking the "responsibility" gene.
ReplyDeleteT'Pol,
DeleteBut, he is quiet in class and very sweet. In the two days, I have had no attitude problem. That is a plus.
...and that is why he needs a tutor. Or a kick in the pants - try both.
ReplyDeleteCherdo,
DeleteI keep parents apprised of what's going on, so kids know from the beginning that they cannot lie to me or parent.
He is probably very bright, just doesn't like to learn the way they teach in school. With so many kids in each class he is able to slip through the cracks. Just sit in class quietly and do nothing. With you tutoring, he will probably sky rocket through all his work and pass easily. One on one will be the key. What a great thing you are doing.
ReplyDeleteTana50,
DeleteThanks. Yes, one on one is the key for some students. That is the case here.
It will be challenging but rewarding when he graduates.
ReplyDeleteSonya Ann,
DeleteI told the mother how he could get back on track as far as graduating on the time schedule he should be on. She is excited. Well, maybe we can get him excited.
I was a writing & speech preparation tutor in college. Sadly, most of the students couldn't care less about learning the skill. They just wanted to pass the class.
ReplyDeletetlc,
DeleteUnfortunately, that is the way most of the college kids are, especially the ones who need tutoring. My philosophy teacher asked me to tutor people who did not get philosophy. Most of them did improve their grades.
Yikes...do hope you can instill some work ethic in his system. Sounds like he doesn't have anybody that believes in him. With Gods help you can get him lined out. Or at least help him to believe in himself! Patience will pay off!
ReplyDeleteHe is the fourth of seven children and mother is 34. She is overwhelmed. She said she has to sit with him to got him to work. This really takes a load off her shoulders. Plus, I am patient and won't let him get to me.
DeleteHi Linda...wow it was stressing me just reading this. You have the patience of a saint. I admire your efforts and I just hope he is grateful Probably the mother is more than the boy. I have never done this. In Ohio they do not seem to fail anyone, bad for the school's scores. My stepdaughter had to fight to keep her daughter in the same grade. They take no child left behind seriously here. Never mind if it's good for the child.
ReplyDeletecarol,
DeletePassing kids for the good of the child or the system is the worst thing a school system can do. It handicaps the person forever. I don't think he is grateful yet.
No Child Left Behind is the most irresponsible program ever!
Ugh. Sounds like my son. I really don't understand lack of motivation. I was certainly motivated, thinking that success in college would equal a financially sound life. It worked! I value education. I TRY to project that value to my kids. My 8th grade, however....aaaaaaarrrrrggghhh. I am at a loss. Short of doing his work for him, ( which I won't do) I can't get him to turn in assignments. I think he needs to hit what he perceives as rock bottom. I hope the impact won't be too hard....
ReplyDeleteMeg B.,
DeleteUse his currency. What does he value? My 8th grade boy loved to go skating on Saturday night. I held skating over his head to keep him working. His favorite tv sitcom was good carrot. Does your child have a cell phone or hope to get one in this lifetime.
Ha!!!! No, no cell phone, nor will I get my kids phones. There are two things he likes. One is a lesson every Saturday, which my husband takes him to. They eat lunch after. The other is target shooting. I will not revoke the lesson, as it is the one structured thing he seems to love, and take seriously. As for shooting, he earns the ammo with good deportment/good grades. ( And for him, I am sad to say I am happy for pc's. When I was growing up, B's needed explanation!)
DeleteMeg B..
DeleteOh, I agree about the lesson and the target shooting. I would not take those away. It is hard to figure out what works with each child.
In 7th grade my son was chosen to be a PE aide for an 8th grade class, AND he had PE class. The school called after a few weeks and wanted to remove him from the aide position. I asked them not to until I talked to him. I told my son that he almost lost this position. I told him I would allow the school to remove him if his grades did not improve. Miraculously, he brought up his grades and kept them up for the rest of the year.