Bilingual Teacher, Art Therapist And Psychologist
About
name is Valentina Saffon, I am a teacher, art therapist and psychologist, and I am passionate about kids' development.
I have taught both English and Spanish as a first and a second language to kids, and am proud to say that my students develop a thirst, interest and motivation towards learning and their own creativity process.
I use my psychology background in class to empower kids in their own learning and in providing instruction based upon each student's characteristics and individual needs, whether they have special needs, are gifted or not.
Art and creativity are always present as it is a natural and universal language through which kids learn, explore and learn without even realizing it!
I enjoy the whole process. The stories kids tell me are amazing and I use them in my interaction with them to build a stronger relationship that empowers their self confidence in the learning process.
Seeing how a kid can feel proud and amazed at what they can accomplish is priceless!
Highlights
Specialties
Student age
Current speaking level
Speaking goals
Current reading level
Current writing level
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
the learning process is all about a safe, fun and encouraging environment and a possitive and strong relationship with your teacher.
Basic organization and structure are necessary to crete a neat outside environment for a chance to have a structured inside order and a process that flows.
Creativity always needs to be present for children to engage, and be encouraged in their own learning process.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
READING AND WRITING
Multisensory approach. Kids interiorize the way to write letters and link it to its sound(s) to later only focus on reading and writing words rather than the letter formation: starting point, directionality, or spacing.
Organized and structured handwriting permits a clean and neat base for literacy.
Trained in Orton Gillingham in English and it's equivalent in Spanish: Esperanza. Both programs work under a multisensory and structured literacy approach. They introduce the idea of breaking reading, writing, and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds, and syllables, and then building on these skills.
Phonics, and interiorization of sounds and letter formation to make reading and writing a process that flow rather than a heavy-duty subject.
Have taught FUNdations and Wit & Wisdom (English) and Arriba la Lectura (Espanol).
MATH
Manipulatives, kinesthetic movements and broad concepts that are interesting and fun.
Most teachers are afraid to instruct math, but I am not! I love it, enjoy it and make kids interested in actually learning it!
Trained in Singapore Math, a learning method that uses three distinct approaches to understanding mathematical concepts and problem-solving: Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract - to encourage students to actively think, understand, and communicate to solve math problems.
Have taught Singapore and Bridges curriculum.
Art activities in all my classes to always involve creativity and fun into learning academics!
What types of students have you worked with?
I use my psychology background to understand developmental stages and individuality in each of my students. Every child is addressed from their creative sense to empower connection with the learning process and make it joyful. Their own special and individual characteristics mold the sessions to strenghten that bond.
I have work with kids with special needs in an ICT classroom and in individual tutoring.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Kids need to find a safe and joyful environment in which to learn in. A strong relationship with the teacher is recommended to foster and empower the academic process, and use it as a base so the concept learning can flow. This will be used afterwards in other academic environments and there has been an acquisition of confidence.