Have you ever wondered why teachers teach a particular topic or activity?

 Demitra engages the viewers in understanding the English Language Arts K-4 standards and several activities to increase comprehension. Would you like to know your child's current reading level? Schedule your session today at www.mytutorhelpsme.com

Georgia Milestones Study Guides

Friday, March 15, 2024 by Demitra Bryant | Uncategorized

Welcome to My Tutor Helps Me Educational Services. Tutoring services are provided for reading and writing, IEP services, and executive functioning strategies. To learn more about how I help improve and increase children reading and writing, follow this link BUILDING CONFIDENCE.


Many families have contacted me asking if there were any study guides available for their child(ren) to practice. So I've decided to provide links that go directly to the guides instead of families spending countless time search on the educational websites. 


The Summer Enrichment courses are already available for 1st-8th grades. The kindergarten tutoring program will begin the end of May. If you have a scholar that you would like to have their learning enriched during the summer, feel free to reach out.  


Demitra Bryant

demitra@mytutorhelpsme.com



3rd Grade Study Guides


4th Grade Study Guides


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6th Grade Study Guides


7th Grade Study Guides 


8th Grade Study Guides

Demystifying Reading and Writing: Beyond School Walls

Monday, January 22, 2024 by Demitra Bryant | Uncategorized



As parents, we often associate reading and writing solely with schoolwork and homework. It's a common myth that these skills are just "subjects" to be tackled during school hours. However, the reality is far more profound. Reading and writing are not merely academic tasks; they are essential life skills that extend well beyond the classroom. In this blog, we'll explore how these skills impact our children's lives at different stages, focusing on elementary and middle school students, and why it's crucial to foster a love for reading and writing early on.


Reading and Writing in Elementary School: Laying the Foundation: 


Building Blocks of Imagination and Understanding


In the early years of elementary school, reading and writing are like open doors to a world of imagination and exploration. These skills are not just about learning to sound out words or write sentences; they're about starting a lifelong journey of discovery and understanding.


Why It Matters:

-Cognitive Development: Reading stories helps develop critical thinking skills. Children learn to understand cause and effect, sequence, and the concept of narrative.

-Emotional Growth: Through reading, children learn empathy. They start to understand feelings and viewpoints different from their own.


How to Support Your Child:

-Create a Reading Routine: Set aside a specific time for reading. Make it a cozy, enjoyable experience.

-Encourage Writing: Simple activities like keeping a journal or writing letters to family members can make writing a more integral part of life.




The Role of Parents

Your role is crucial. Read with your child, discuss the stories, and show excitement about their writing. This support is a cornerstone in developing their skills and love for reading and writing.


Reading and Writing in Middle School: Expanding Horizons


As children transition to middle school, the complexity of reading and writing increases. Here, these skills become tools for deeper learning and self-expression.


Critical Thinking and Expression


Why It Matters:

- Academic Success: Reading comprehension becomes vital for learning across all subjects.

- Personal Growth: Writing is no longer just about grammar and spelling; it's about expressing thoughts, opinions, and creativity.




How to Support Your Teen:

- Discuss What They Read: Talk about books, articles, and even social media posts. It's an opportunity to teach them to think critically about what they read.

- Encourage Diverse Reading Material: Introduce them to different genres and formats, including digital media.

- Writing as a Tool for Self-Expression: Encourage your teen to write about their interests. Blogs, poetry, or even fan fiction can be great outlets.


Navigating the Digital World:

In middle school, digital literacy becomes increasingly important. Reading and writing skills are essential for understanding and communicating in this digital age.




The Bigger Picture: Reading and Writing for Life


Skills for the Future


In the Workforce:

- Communication: No matter the career, the ability to communicate clearly through writing is invaluable.

- Information Processing: In a world overloaded with information, the ability to read, understand, and analyze is crucial.


In Personal Life:

- Everyday Tasks: From reading a recipe to understanding a contract, these skills are part of daily adult life.

- Lifelong Learning: Reading is a gateway to continuous learning and personal growth.




Creating a Lifelong Impact


Cultivating a Culture of Reading and Writing:

- Lead by Example: Show your children that reading and writing are part of your life.

- Provide Resources: A home filled with books, writing materials, and access to libraries and bookstores encourages a love for these skills.


Embracing Technology Wisely:

- Digital Reading: E-books and educational apps can make reading more engaging.

- Online Writing Platforms: Encourage your child to explore safe, age-appropriate online platforms for writing.



Conclusion


The myth that reading and writing are only school subjects limits our understanding of their true value. These skills are, in fact, lifelong tools that empower our children to think, learn, communicate, and grow in all aspects of life. By nurturing a love for reading and writing from elementary through middle school and beyond, we equip our children with the keys to a world of opportunities.


Remember, every book read and every word written is a step towards a brighter, more informed future for our children. Let's encourage them to embrace these skills not just for school success, but for life success.


The Three Phases in the Reading Process

Friday, June 19, 2020 by Demitra Bryant | Uncategorized


Did you know that there are three phases in the reading process children need to be exposed to in order to become proficient readers? They are Before Reading, During Reading and After Reading. Each phase has elements that students should be offered during reading instruction or if they are reading independent. 


BEFORE READING

* Vocabulary - the meaning and multi-meanings of words must be adequate in order to understand the text. Many students tend to omit unfamiliar words and there can lose the meaning of the sentence or what the author is trying to convey. 

* Motivation and purpose for reading the text/passage/article or book. 

* The structure of the text. (Cause/Effect, Sequential, Compare/Contrast, Problem/Solution or Description)

DURING READING

* Monitoring comprehension and become aware of their reading techniques/patterns.

* Reading words and phrases quickly and accurately.

* Making connections between sentences and statements.

* While reading, ask questions along the way

* Background experiences to assist in making predictions and how to apply those experiences in the content.

* Selectively applied to what is and what is not read.

* Information within the text that is relevant and provided with supporting details. Determine what's irrelevant. 

* Visualizing what is going on in order to further understand what's being read. 

* Inferences made in regard to topics presented. 


AFTER READING

* Reflections on what was read

* Summarizing

* Connections made from what was read to new situations. 


At each phase in this reading process, children should be engaged in various techniques so that they will be able to understand the text. 

At My Tutor Helps Me, I incorporate many strategies to help students learn and understand the meaning of text. But did you know that students should provided with strategies that are based on both their areas of strengths and needs?

The Free Reading Assessment is the cornerstone identifying and creating the customized learning pathway for my students. Child learn differently and they should be provided with the correct instructional materials.

Schedule your Free Assessment or Consultation