About
I am an experienced and life-long reader who believes early childhood literacy is the key to helping any child make the leap to higher education. I've scored in the 90% perecentile on the GRE for reading comprehension. I went to grad school and graduated from NYU with a masters in journalism. This led to jobs in broadcasting.
I enjoy helping shape young minds so a young reader will read for the love of reading. When a child begins to read for FUN, this is when a child expresses the facility to embrace more sophisticated narratives and is in a better position to grasp expository writing skills.
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Chia-Hua L.
Mahsa A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I generally bring three samples of writing I would like the child to read to get a sense of his or her reading skill before lessons take place:
A poem
A non-fiction article
The first chapter to a story
I make an assessment of the child's strengths and weaknesses, and create a specific study plan for helping shore up weaknesses. I also praise the student and make sure to include some time during the lesson in which the young reader can read or report on a topic he or she demonstrates enthusiasm for.
I give the student HW to be completed before our next meeting together.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I completed grad school in journalism where I took classes on reporting, creative non-fiction, radio and tv writing. My education included internships with the PBS affiliate WNET in New York. I've worked in three tv newsrooms since completing my education.
At Oberlin College where I completed my undergraduate education, I passed courses in Expository Writing, Creative Writing, and read the Greek Classics including Homer's Illiad and the Odyssey.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Please contact me for individual pricing on 1 hour and a half, 1 hour, and 45 minute private tutoring.
How did you get started teaching?
I have always tutored and volunteered. My most recent volunteer work was with Baltimore's Reading Partners where I was a tutor for 2 years at Furman L. Templeton Elementary School in Baltimore City in 2015 and 2016.
What types of students have you worked with?
My students are typically young readers between third grade and eighth grade. I am open to working with older readers who are preparing for reading comprehension portions of the SAT and the GRE.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Ghostwriting books with a specialization in memoir is a rich and rewarding experience that enables Sonny to collaborate with her clients over the long-term.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Work with a teacher who does not shame the student or the student's current reading ability. Every seasoned reader once began as a beginner himself or herself. A life-long love of reading cannot be fostered if there are overly negative experiences encountered.
Look for a teacher who is enthusiastic and generous with her praise. Seek a teacher who your child naturally gravitates towards, someone he or she feels comfortable around. Hire a teacher who can command your child's respect and attention without using punitive measures.