Carlton TP #16

Sixth tutee session with DH and MH,  American born of Korean parents. Monday, April 28, 6:30-7:30pm

We all meet at the main Library on Park Street. Mrs. H asked if I could tutor both twins, DH and MH, today. They both have the same homework assignments similar to prior weeks, so I figured that would take the hour. They had different math worksheets, but the same spelling, vocabulary, and a short reading for comprehension. They also had to write a paragraph summary of any new book. When we sat down they already had chosen some books to write about. MH chose a level 3 Star Wars story and DH chose a level 2 Spiderman story. While they read and wrote, I planned the rest of the hour. Knowing that DH was easily distracted, I first searched online for a Spiderman theme learning game I could entice him with. I found an excellent example word game quickly at: http://www.wordgames.com/spiderman-2-web-of-words.html.

The boys both wrote their paragraphs. I prompted them to read to me and self-correct a few spelling and sentence errors in both. I really wanted them both to rewrite the paragraph neatly because they have poor handwriting. They say the teacher does not care, but it is difficult reading. I think they will suffer in higher grades of they do not attempt to write clearer now. But they protested the rewrite, and I let it go to address the other homework.

The reading was about an immigrant woman starting her own business. They read and answered 10 questions independently. When I reviewed the worksheet, they had both missed half the questions. They were able to make corrections working together with a little prompting and discussion. I had previously thought that MH was more attentive to his work, but I think he watches his brother a lot and becomes distracted when they are together. Mom agrees that they need to be separated to learn best, and that is why she requested two tutors.

MH does better with math but I had to review the instructions related to visualizing geometric patterns. They had to draw a picture to understand how to answer the question. Again, if they are more careful they can resolve most mistakes. They seem to have no issues with the concepts, only with the directions and impatient attitude.

Lastly, I made a competitive spelling bee out of the word list. They have all week with these words, so it is more important that they repeat the review each day. So I tried to make it fun by awarding points if one makes a mistake and the other can correct it. They were attentive to this approach. We did not have time to play the Spiderman word game, but I will save that one for later. It is perfect for these two.