New update: My first tutoring session wasn't exactly a complete session, it was more a question and answer type thing. I was still very excited to help and be an outlet support. We sat down for 10 minuets and she asked me anything she was struggling with and what to do. She seemed like she got it, but practice makes perfect. I hope to see her again this week for tutoring so i can give her any additional help that's needed, on top of that i looked up a few practice problem for her to do if she want to, i also have the answer key so we can go over any missed problems and work it out. One more thing, update with the head of upper school i am trying to figure out a date and time to speak in convocation, that a little more difficult because our schedules are very different but i am still determined to figure this out. That's it for this week #5, stay tuned for next week!

New update: I have just got my first student to tutor, and 8th grader from my lacrosse team! We will meet in the high school commons one day after school and before practice so we can go over any questions she has and i can assist her with anything she is struggling with. I think this is a great start, because she is comfortable with me and can be honest with me that shes struggling; the start is being honest and making yourself vulnerable, after that comes the help and determination to get bed, lastly comes the success if it is wanted badly. I am still wanting to set up a day to meet with the head of the lower school so i can plan a day to talk to the middle school about my math tutoring. Stay tuned for the updates to come! This week is the start of my tutoring sessions!

Update of the week: I am not successful in setting up a time and date with students, but i am determined there is a student who needs extra help. I have now collaborated with another middle school math teacher, Ms. Kent Callahan! My next step is to talk to the head of the lower school, Mr. Harris, and speak at convocation about math tutoring. That way if anyone is interested they can just come right up to me and set up a day, instead of having the teacher be the middle-man. Another idea i had was to make fliers and pin them up around the school, I'd also leave my school email so people can contact me if they are too shy to come up to me in person. I am sure that after I take these steps, I will be successful in having multiple students to tutor!! Stay tuned for next weeks update!

To go over again exactly why I have decided to tutor middle school student in math, is because I don't ever want them to give up when times get difficult or have them feel like they cant do it... later in life that could lead to them giving up on anything they try to do that gets hard, and i wont stand for that, especially not at Franklin Road Academy. I personally have struggled with math, when i was little i would dread going to math class, and on test days i was so nervous about math that i couldn't even focus on any of the other classes i was taking. My goal is not only to help the students i tutor, but also to make sure their confident in their math skills and themselves. Starting off young to learn techniques is crucial, a part in the human brain called the Hippocampus makes it easier for children to learn material quicker and more efficiently, so to learn the formulas and rules now is mandatory, and I want to make sure they get that information. The last thing I'd like to mention is every student i tutor has now taken a step towards maturity, they recognize they need help, and go get it. This is a huge life skill and/or life lesson that is so helpful for getting older and going to college, it shows responsibility. I'm so excited to see my students grow and help them with whatever they need.