During your first few meetings with your students, your goal is to informally determine each of your student’s strengths and learning needs. This will help you decide where you can start working together. You can learn about your students through asking them the following questions, reading aloud together or observing how well your students write.
Most students - especially
older students - are very
aware of the areas where
they need help. They are
often unaware of their
strengths.
When you first meet, ask:
It is a good idea to set three to four goals with each of your students when you first start meeting together. If you are working with young children, your goal may simply be to read aloud with your students. Older students may need assistance with reading or they may need help in a particular subject area.
Write these goals down and revisit them several times throughout the year. Adjust these goals to the age and learning needs of the student. For example, young children may not be able to articulate their learning goals. As well, sometimes a student’s goals may only become clear as you work together and get to know each other.