Inspired By My Student

Apr 9, 2014 by Yolanda Fontanez-Coleman | Daily Inspiration, On-Line Educational Resources, On-line Learning, Tutoring

When working with students there comes a time when a student inspires you more than realize. This has been occurring with this student that I have been working with you over the years. She is a very creative, artistic and sweet 4th grader that struggles with math. (She has many times mentioned to me how much she dislikes math.) She is a visual and kinesthetic learner. She excels when you make the lessons interactive and creative.

She is working on fractions in math class (which is quite a challenge for her). However,  with repetition and varied lessons she has been able to master some of these skills. We use a variety of teaching tools: classroom resources on-line, manipulatives, Khan Academy, we implement just about anything. Just recently we have been using the app, Educreations, where she can create her own lessons and videos. Wow, this has opened the door for her. She is now repeating lessons on this app and showing her peers how to solve problems. She finally mastered converting mixed numbers to improper fractions. She still encounters bumps in her learning process but she is empowered by her knowledge and personal progress.

Watch this video and see how she demonstrates the lesson. She not only learned this math skill but she feels empowered that she can teach other kids too. Finding what works for each kid individually is most important when tutoring. Her tenacity and drive for learning and getting through her academic struggles inspires me to be the best tutor for her and other students.

Have you ever been inspired by your students? Share your story here.