Learning With Lish
About
I am a fond reader, with extreme patience, and a good command of multiple languages, English being one of them. I grew up surrounded by books, libraries were my hangout spot. I was schooled in both British and American English, having grown up in India and the US. It would be a pleasure to spread the joy of reading, imagining, visualizing, and being immersed in worlds other than our own with young learners.
The power of creating vivid worlds in our minds by just reading words on a page is magical. I'd like to play a part in introducing someone to that kind of power while still making it a joyful and pleasant experience. Professionally, I've helped create stories, and reading and learning assignments for readers aged 3-12, for a Stones2Milestones initiative called fREADom. It's a program aimed at students for whom English is a second language. I also started and ran a program called 'Let's Speak, Ji'. It was a campus-wide informal ESL program for undergraduate students in India. Recently, I've been reading more with my two-year-old niece, so I have some experience with very young readers as well.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I would love to sit with the child in a space that feels comfortable enough for them, to understand where their reading level stands. This would also help me gauge their reading interests. Thereon, it's a process of slowly nudging the child into worlds that interest them.
P.S. a mystery book always works.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Formally, I have worked for an organization called Stones2Milestones, as part of their fREADom programs that encourages and promotes the will to read, by tracking their progress. My role was to come up with stories suited to young readers and help with the progress tracking strategy. I have also founded and conducted an English-speaking and learning program for fellow students, called "Let's Talk, Ji", during my undergraduate studies in India.
Informally, I have grown up surrounded by books myself, but have also fallen out of the habit of reading for a while. I struggled to find my way back initially, but have managed to pick my habit up again! I believe that based on how many friends, nieces, nephews, and younger cousins I have turned into readers, I can spark that joy in readers of all kinds, with the right attention, patience, and understanding of their needs.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
As a graduate student myself, I would appreciate being paid $28/hr, for undisturbed, quality reading time. If this rate does not work for you, please reach out to me.
How did you get started teaching?
The first time I was part of a reading program for younger children was in the eleventh grade. I was invited by an after-school learning program to read with children and delve into reading patterns with educators. I have been part of the team that created content for the organization, 'Stones2Milestones'. I have also founded and run an English-speaking and learning program for undergraduate students in India, called 'Let's Talk, Ji'.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with readers aged 2, 5-7, 10, 12, and 17-21. Some readers like my two-year-old niece were very impatient. Some readers were curious but didn't know where to begin. The elder readers I have worked with were engineers or from a business background.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was recently visiting family and was reading my book on the sofa before getting ready for the day. When I came back to the living room twenty minutes later, my niece was sitting with her book on her lap, waiting for me to come back and read with her. (wipes away stray tear)
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't be scared of reading! It can be daunting and can seem boring, but I believe we can work through those lines and find a way to enjoy reading together.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What kind of reading or literature do you need help with? Are you reading for leisure (your own enjoyment) or for school? The answer can also be both. What times work for you? Please keep two-three different times in mind.