Students frequently complain that they study for hours and hours and still do not do well on tests. This is often because they have never learned proper study skills, test-taking skills and methods for how to read to identify key information.
The development of strong reading comprehension skills is the backbone of an ability to excel in multiple subjects.
Helping students develop reading comprehension skills
My approach to teaching reading comprehension skills is informed by my training in the research-validated Lindamood-Bell method, which focuses on sensory-cognitive processing. I draw from the Visualizing and Verbalizing program, helping students develop the necessary imagery-language foundation which is at the core of all learning. I teach students how to create “mental representations of the whole.” The development of concept imagery improves reading and listening comprehension, memory, oral vocabulary, critical thinking and writing.
Not just understanding the reading material– interpreting test questions correctly
In addition to helping students establish strong reading comprehension skills, I show them how to use these skills to retain information and interpret test questions to identify the right answers. I teach students how to annotate passages, how to draw inferences and how to reword test questions.
Building transferable skills for test-taking
Because reading comprehension is an important component of the private school entrance exams, SAT, SAT IIs, ACT, AP exams and CAASPP tests, I integrate many standardized test-taking techniques into my program. I find that even if the student is not preparing for one of these exams, these skills are transferable to the classroom. In fact, the knowledge of how to study, to comprehend and to present information in a cohesive, intelligent manner is paramount to success in school. Strong reading comprehension skills reduce anxiety and positively transfer later to the work environment.
My niece initially resisted any kind of tutoring, but since the very first session with Lindsay, she has never wanted to miss even one session. Lindsay is extremely caring, knowledgeable and talented and has helped my niece to have more confidence and to find a renewed interest in her studies. Lindsay has an incredible gift that allows her to connect with children and motivate them in a way very specialized to the unique personality of the child.