Tutoring Suggestions and Costs What Do You Think??

[cewcooks]

Ok Here's the situation, my daughter has not always been a strong reader, but she can read and she has chosen similar books that are the same Genre, Old Yeller, Becuase of Winn Dixie, Judy Blume books etc, she is also having comprehension problems in school and is having trouble keeping up, I had a meeting with her teachers and they want to do a whole crap load of educational tests on her and I want to get her a tutor, and I called one lady charges $50.00, the other charges $40.00 an hour I am just shoced I only make 13.00 an hour myself in my teaching job and Pc money will soon be depleaded if I continue, my family can really not afford this but my DD needs help she's in sixth grade and reading below grade level. An assessment was done on her in 4th grade but I was never contacted about the results until 2 days ago when I had a meeting with her 6th grade teacher, her reading comprehension is suffering and I am not really sure what I can do....

Any suggestions/advise Thanks

 

[erinb]

First off, how often does your daughter read? Secondly, how much time can you invest into helping her?

At my kids' school, they say that the more often you read, the better reader you become. The more often you read, the easier it is to comprehend.

It's sad that your daughter's school hasn't put forth more effort in helping her. My kids' school has small reading groups based on their reading level to help them get to where they need to be and for those children who are way behind, we have volunteers that come to read with them for 30 minutes one day a week.

 

[janetupnorth]

I second Erin's questions. My DD reads ALL THE TIME and her comprehension has jumped as she read.Is her problem reading only? Is there anything else? If it is just reading and time, ask the school if there are any HS students who would read with her that you could pay $7-8/hour or something to.I tutored in HS (math mainly) and the kids responded better to me than to an adult. Granted, none of them had any other learning issues that I knew of.In my daughter's school they have "reading buddies" when they are younger that read to them, then when they get bigger they listen as they read. I did that for my daughter. She never went to preschool, is in 2nd grade and is testing at a high 3rd - low 4th grade reading level right now. At home, she is now reading to my preschooler (just turned 5) to get him started.

 

[AnnieBee]

Also, as well as her reading with someone, there is HUGE value in having someone read to her. There is a book called "The read aloud handbook", which explains the value of being read aloud to, even for older kids. One value is that you can read to them books at a higher level than they can read themselves, so they get more complicated/interesting stories and are exposed to more vocab, which in turns helps their own reading and comprehension, and helps to them to love books as they get to hear some really awesome stories.

Also, taking the time to expose them to other kinds of literature that fits their interests to read together, such as sports articles in the newspaper for those into sports.

For reading comprehension, they are really having to learn new skills. It's about understanding and thinking about the story as you read it, which is alot to take in when you are focusing on reading the words! Ask her teacher for ideas of questions to practice with her. I know here (in kindergarten at least!) they are asked alot of "what do you think will happen", "What happended when...", "why did...", as well as some that are quite specific.

I would think that you could work with her yourself if the teacher will give you ideas of what questions they ask in the comprehension part. And of course having her read her self as much as possible.

Is she interested in reading? There are also ways to generate more interest. I've got to run now, I'll check back later.

 

[ChefEileen]

My son had reading problems and the school provided him with a reading specialist. He would go so many times a week and the teacher provided him with homework and books for him to read. She helped him alot.

I hope this helps.

 

[cewcooks]

Thanks for your help, janetupnorth I like your idea of a high schooler reading with her. She does not read often just for class assignments and for homework everynight. That will certainly be changing, I feel bad that I have not has asmuch time as I should have with all the other things going on. The school does not have reading buddies with the sixth graders, and the reading teacher does come down and read with the younger kids but not as much with the upper grades. Yes at the meeting I asked if the teachers could do more to help and they commented that there are other teachers in the room and my DD does not really seek help, personally I feel because they switch for subjects to help get the kids get ready for middle school there is no extra time for "help". I am working with her more and she is liking it, but other things around here are suffering but I want her to be successful. Thanks for your tips!!

 

[nikked]

Hi. My second grader sounds a lot like yours. She is almost two years behind in her reading, and the way that her school/district has interpreted No Child Left Behind is that they can't intervene (like she needs anyways) until she is actually two years behind, not just "almost". SO FRUSTRATING!

Anyways, she recently saw a neurologist for evaluation, and he suggested having a Neuro Psych exam done. If you request it from the school, they HAVE to do it. A lot of insurance companies cover the testing as well. I'm attaching the letter I sent to the school...however, we are pursuing private testing. Our insurance covers it, and I've heard it's usually more complete.

The way it was explained to me is that it looks at the child's cognitive processing, and helps with diagnosing any learning disabilities as well. A psychologist does the exam. It's usually about six hours long, split between two days.

If there is anything to actually diagnose, it will force the school's hands, and make them intervene.

Hope that helps!!!!

P.S. Couldn't attach the doc, but here's the wording...

Principal's Name
School
Address

Re: Child's Name
DOB: Date of Birth
Dear [Principal]:
I am writing to express a concern I am having about my daughter’s academic difficulties. Since she is falling more and more behind, especially in the area of reading (and all areas affected by reading), I am requesting neuropsychological testing for evaluation and modification of her IEP.
Please keep me informed as to the progress of arranging this testing. I can be reached at [phone number]. Thank you.

 

[jenf]

I would definitely have her tested and see what services the school district offers to help kids with reading difficulties. She could see a reading specialists at school or possibly be in tutoring after school at no cost to you. I would try to get all the services provided by the school district before spending $40-$50 an hour for a tutor. There are very specific strategies that she could be taught that would help tremendously with her reading comprehension.