Adventures in Tutoring Daily Challenge – Day 6

Let the list begin . . .

5 Observations I’ve Made from Delivering the “Right” Words to Tutees

1. Children are willing to give you their best in participating in the instruction you’re giving them (even if it provides them with challenging skills to tackle) when they feel that you care about how they feel. They don’t mind taking on stretch goals, trying new things, and doing “the most” when they feel supported. I always start out with check-ins (before getting to the work) to see how the children are doing — how their day has been going, how their weekend was, what was good about their day, how can I help if they’re having a not-so-good day– things of that nature. I want the children I educate to know that they are important and that how they feel matters. So, I will always find opportunities to deliver spoken words, letting them know my high level of concern for their well-being.
2. Children come prepared and look forward to their interactions with you. It isn’t a matter of pushing or pulling a child up the hill, when the child looks forward to hill climbing with you. It’s so refreshing when a child is prepared with all of his or her materials for a tutoring session. No reminders from you were necessary. The bathroom break and snack time were taken care of before the session started. And, he or she is mentally charged and ready to get going on the list of to-dos you have in store for the session that day.
3. Behavioral expectations are on point. Meaning — children who receive support through the “right” words (and actions) being delivered — will show the level of respect that you show them. They’ll match your energy. And, because you show them care, concern, appreciation, encouragement, and respect, they’ll tend to mirror those same types of actions with you. Even if they didn’t at first. Demonstrating the kind of treatment you want the children to give you starts with you showing them what it looks like first. Children learn from our examples, as adults. So, I seek to have my tutees mirror the treatment I’m giving them, which is always going to come from a place of trying my hardest to set them up for success.
4. Children are comfortable in showing you their whole person. I constantly find myself just enjoying the talks I have with the children I instruct. We talk about all sorts of wonderful topics of interest to them. And, I thoroughly enjoy getting to know them — their interests, goals, likes and dislikes, family life, etc. And, I believe in sharing with them, as well. From the very beginning, we’ve laid down the groundwork for building a mutually enjoyable relationship with one another. We work when we need to work, but I always reserve time to make the children smile or laugh. Education can be fun, too. And, I’m known to bring jokes, riddles, and/or tongue twisters before the children. I want to encourage learning and make it enjoyable for them. Furthermore, I think it’s very important to acknowledge, and even celebrate, the other areas of the children’s lives — outside of academia. After all, being a student is only one part of their makeup. They have so many other parts of their makeup that determine who they are.  
5. Children make progress in their skills development. If you place children in environments where they can thrive, then they more than likely will. It just makes sense. The “right environment” requires that the children be around the “right people” who will make the “right choices” in delivering the “right words” and actions to promote their learning and growth. I love observing young minds at work, especially the little, little ones. They can’t help but be curious about everything, want to take everything in, and just know everything about everything. I absolutely love it! And, the younger we can healthily encourage that hunger for knowledge in our children, the better.