To teach effectively, the tutor must know what skills the student has mastered and which ones need to be learned. Accordingly, I begin by giving a thorough assessment to each phonics and reading student, and to math students when appropriate.
Phonics and reading assessment
The phonics and reading assessment includes: reading all syllable types; letter-to-sound association for all sounds in English; spelling sight words and words of all syllable types; reading short passages; and a short piece of writing. The assessment enables us to see the child’s abilities in all phases of literacy, including grade-level reading ability.
Math assessment
Similarly, when a student has been struggling in math class, an assessment of skills will often reveal a weakness that needs to be remedied. Once the student has mastered the skill, he or she can proceed with success.
Testimonials
“Without fail Mr. Hoffman exhibited exceptional skills in identifying areas of strength and weakness, developing appropriate intervention goals, and implementing quality intervention strategies.”
— Helen Willard, M. Ed., CCC-SLP, Speech and Language Pathologist
“Jon began with a thorough assessment of Zoe’s knowledge of phonemes, spelling and reading, after which he proceeded to work with her on the skills she needed to master—all of which, in my and my wife’s opinion, he did very successfully.”
— David V, parent of 3rd grader