After searching and waiting months to get an OG tutor for my 13 yr old dislexic, CAPD, ADD, etc son, he now refuses to go to tutoring. He keeps saying he wants to do things in school like the other kids. If that means he fails the tests, so be it, he just wants to be “normal.” He seems to be using denial as a means of coping, instead of wanting to try other ways to improve his reading fluency, speed, vocab, etc. I realize part of this is the age - but it is his age that makes me that much more concerned. Unfortunately, we spent several years spinning our wheels for various reasons. I really think its vital that he does as much as possible by the end of next year (8th grade).
Any thoughts on how to encourage him? Bribery, whatever!
Thanks.
Re: Tutoring
OFten a big part of this is the deep fear that he is such a hopeless case that even this will not help.
It is a whgole lot harder to get something out of it if the kiddo doesn’t really want to be there — I’d try to negotiate a “trial period” after which you’ll discuss whether he wants to continue to do it or not. (THis is what I did with my remedial reading classes. Since we did it every day, in the three week trial period, they really *could* see a difference and they wanted to continue — if only becuase it was less boring than most things they did in special ed classes.)
Since tutoring is an added academic load, is there something you could barter for it — like giving him free dictation support on his homework (or half of it?)
Re: Tutoring
Dear Laura:
Sue and Joanne both have good advise. As far as bribery is concerned, as a private tutor, I use a stenographer’s notebook to record points for completion of a section of work, “good thinking points” (for when they apply what has been learned without being reminded), and anything else that is genuinely worthy of reward. These are totaled each lesson nd added to the previous lessons’ score. When a preset score is reached, then the student gets money as a reward. I figure as adults we get paid for the work we do, why not my students and money is much more attractive than cheap toys and trinkets.
L. Starr
Re: Tutoring
It’s also worth mentioning that the tutoring, including drive time, takes 3 hours for 50 minutes of actual tutoring - it’s a real commitment - for both of us. I’m honestly thinking of giving up for this school year, and starting in Sept. I think it being the tale end of the school year, it’s harder to begin. I’m going to give it another shot, maybe get him to commit to 4 weeks. The tutor has quite a waiting list, so I would probably have to pay for the 10 weeks, anyway. I guess it being the end of the year, I’m pretty worn down too!
Thanks.
You are the parent, so I would not give him the choice. I would tell him this is something he has to do and stick to it. Be prepared for some arguments. Yes it’s a drag to have to work with a tutor but in the long run he will thank you for it. I would do what ever works, including briabary. This is too important to let him op out!