English Reading Analysis/Essay Writing/Poetry Writing & Interpretation

Offers online services

About

Hello parents! My name is Christina Amato. I am a National Board Certified teacher in Early Adolescent English Language Arts. I have taught English Language Arts and essay writing for 33 years, and currently teach Middle School students in the Chicago Public School system. As a result, I have the most up-to-date materials and teaching methods available for all grade levels. I can assist your child with reading comprehension, literature analysis, author's intent, themes, imagery, etc., as well as help them write a well researched, in-depth essay.

In addition, I have created an original poetry unit for middle school students and have developed it extensively in my graduate studies over the past 15 years. Poetry writing and interpretation is one of my specialties.

Through weekly discussions and assistance, your child will come away with a better understanding of their assignment and improve their overall English skills.

Details

Hired 1 time

1 employee

34 years in business

Serves Darien, IL

Offers online services

Payment methods

Venmo, Paypal, Zelle

Social media

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Reviews

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Jimin C.

I would describe Christina as kind and trustful. She has an obvious passion for teaching writing and reading. Christina is always very true to her word and never cancels or changes a class unexpectedly. My daughter is in 8th grade and she has helped her writing drastically. We love Christina so much and so grateful to know someone like her. She is the best!

January 21, 2023

Jimin C.

I would describe Christina as kind and trustful. She has an obvious passion for teaching writing and reading. Christina is always very true to her word and never cancels or changes a class unexpectedly. My daughter is in 8th grade and she has helped her writing drastically. We love Christina so much and are so grateful to know someone like her. She is the best!

January 21, 2023

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

Knowing family background, language, and personalities of the students gives me a broader picture of an individual student. I also utilize graphic organizers, cooperative learning, modeling, and small groups where appropriate. I usually start with grammar and work on our writing skills, including how to write a narrative story, persuasive essay, and descriptive paper.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have been teaching for 33 years. I am National Board certified to teach English Language Arts and also have my ESL endorsement.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

My rate is $40/hr which includes materials I must buy, research and preparation, and the cost of meeting on a virtual platform. I am currently not available Monday-Thursday. My hours are Friday - Sunday. Please see availability.

How did you get started teaching?

I've always had a love for learning, in particular English Language Arts. Soon after high school I immediately enrolled in an education program at Eastern Illinois University. Afterwards I transferred to Northeastern Illinois University to complete my student teacher training and apply to become a classroom teacher in the Chicagoland area.

What types of students have you worked with?

I am currently teaching 5th-8th grade students in a class called Performance Writing, however I have taught all grade levels from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and have privately tutored high school students as well.

Describe a recent event you are fond of.

Each year my students do several fun writing projects. We have been working on Travel Brochures, (descriptive writing) where the student must choose one of the 50 states and write about it, describing places of interest and that state's history. Students must also include pictures of that state. Several of my students this year chose a state they knew nothing about, yet by the end of the project, they couldn't stop telling me about the interesting locations they found in their state! Their enthusiasm when doing this project is contagious! It makes me want to go and visit the state they are writing about!

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

When looking for a teacher or tutor, first of all, do they have the right credentials to teach the subject you or your child needs assistance with? Are they personable, enthusiastic, and patient? A good teacher will not only be knowledgeable about their area of expertise, but they will get to know the student's strengths as well as what they are struggling with. An attentive teacher begins where the student is at academically, then builds on the student's knowledge, customizing lessons and adjusting for individual needs.

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

The student might begin by making a "KWL Chart."

K - Know "What I already Know"

W - What "What I would like to know"

L - Learn "What I have learned"

In addition, it is helpful for the student to think about what particular subjects/lessons/ideas have been difficult for them to grasp, despite having been taught the lesson previously.

It would also be helpful to the teacher if the student is able to communicate aspects of their learning abilities that have been helpful or are a hindrance to their learning. Do they have a disability and need the teacher to repeat something, explain it differently? Do they have difficulty with memory? Are they visual learners and need graphic organizers to understand a lesson more thoroughly?

Services offered

Reading And Writing Tutoring