Talk about a long time since an update!
Thank you to my students who stuck with me during last school year's ups and down. They weren't easy but seeing my students progress, make jokes, and be their best HONESTLY got me through some pretty tough days.
Thank you to each and every one of you!
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Friday, August 22, 2014
3 Tips for Successful Students!
When I followed God's call to be a full-time tutor, He didn't provide me with a magic lamp with a genie ready to grant me 3 wishes...
1. Come prepared!
So here are my 3 tips/wishes I have for all of my students!
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My elementary kids are usually pretty good with this one. Have your paper and pencils lined up before I walk through the door. Be ready to hand me your homework and/or if you had questions, those questions written out. Use my time!!! I am a willing resource! Please ask me questions, tell me your silly story that helped get you through the day, and ALWAYS have extra batteries for your calculator, pens, graphing paper, etc. If we finish our lesson early, you better believe I'm gonna push you to the next level! :)
2. Have a positive attitude!
When I walk into a room and you greet me with a big smile and telling me a joke you heard...Man! That is CONTAGIOUS! We'll be making math puns all through geometry! And even when it is "one of those days," we can still have a great session! I have wiped away a few tears before a session starts and I know what it is like to just need to BREATHE! Just be honest with me and I'll do what I can to help you succeed and push through our tutoring session so you're as successful as YOU can be! :)
3. Be willing!
In order to tutor with me, the student must be willing to be tutored, have a desire to try, and be respectful. A willingness to learn, explore, and be creative is NECESSARY for life-long success. At some point, every single student (not their parent, friend, teacher, etc. but his/herself!) must realize that if he/she is going to succeed, he/she has to work for it.
And as a student of life, I hold myself accountable for those three tips as well!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Robin Williams
This is not a long post, but one I felt I needed to write. Be aware, it is more personal than professional--as his death hits home.
Robin Williams had an amazing skill that is necessary for our educators and students today. Robin Williams was a mastermind at improvisation, he could change his voice, his personality, and his words to enhance any situation. Such amazing skills are needed when we teach students ANY subject. Let's remember to help our students come out of their shells, be silly, and run with their mistakes.
As a former comedian myself, the news of his passing really hurts. We do improv comedy using the "greats" as our models, Williams often topping that list. But oh, if I could count how many "outgoing", "funny", and "creative" people I've met that battle depression or some type of derivative (self-harm, eating disorder, bipolar, drug abuse, etc.)...
As an educator, I am an extra set of eyes to look for signs that might be stemming from a health issue such as those above. I am also an extra set of arms to give hugs, handshakes, and high fives. Both are necessary if we are going to help.
I tell my students that I pray for them--because really, that is the most important thing anyone can do for someone else. Robin William's death is a reminder that no one is immune to sin's hold. Be careful (and I am speaking to myself as well), nothing in life is worthwhile if it is not through Jesus Christ.
I've been down that road and if it had not been for that moment I sat in my kitchen February 2010 where I admitted to myself and to God that I actually 100% believe that Jesus Christ is God and that I would have to live my for Him and not my own pleasures... it could have been me as the deceased comedian. Praise the Lord that we all still have a chance RIGHT NOW to realize how small we are and that there is a loving God (Jesus Christ) that doesn't want us to be hurt. And if you have questions about what I am talking about, please feel free to email me and/or visit this page HERE.
I don't know William's relationship with the Lord, I hope he knew Him. And I pray Christ is glorified as He comforts his family, friends, and the world through the loss of a very inspirational man.
P.S. And I hate to have to write this but we all know what the internet is like. If you have a negative comment to say, please reconsider as people mourn this man's passing. If you still want to mention something to me that might be taken negatively, please contact me privately.
Robin Williams had an amazing skill that is necessary for our educators and students today. Robin Williams was a mastermind at improvisation, he could change his voice, his personality, and his words to enhance any situation. Such amazing skills are needed when we teach students ANY subject. Let's remember to help our students come out of their shells, be silly, and run with their mistakes.
As a former comedian myself, the news of his passing really hurts. We do improv comedy using the "greats" as our models, Williams often topping that list. But oh, if I could count how many "outgoing", "funny", and "creative" people I've met that battle depression or some type of derivative (self-harm, eating disorder, bipolar, drug abuse, etc.)...
As an educator, I am an extra set of eyes to look for signs that might be stemming from a health issue such as those above. I am also an extra set of arms to give hugs, handshakes, and high fives. Both are necessary if we are going to help.
I tell my students that I pray for them--because really, that is the most important thing anyone can do for someone else. Robin William's death is a reminder that no one is immune to sin's hold. Be careful (and I am speaking to myself as well), nothing in life is worthwhile if it is not through Jesus Christ.
I've been down that road and if it had not been for that moment I sat in my kitchen February 2010 where I admitted to myself and to God that I actually 100% believe that Jesus Christ is God and that I would have to live my for Him and not my own pleasures... it could have been me as the deceased comedian. Praise the Lord that we all still have a chance RIGHT NOW to realize how small we are and that there is a loving God (Jesus Christ) that doesn't want us to be hurt. And if you have questions about what I am talking about, please feel free to email me and/or visit this page HERE.
I don't know William's relationship with the Lord, I hope he knew Him. And I pray Christ is glorified as He comforts his family, friends, and the world through the loss of a very inspirational man.
P.S. And I hate to have to write this but we all know what the internet is like. If you have a negative comment to say, please reconsider as people mourn this man's passing. If you still want to mention something to me that might be taken negatively, please contact me privately.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Home Office Style plus a FREEBIE!
Oh yes, summer is STILL technically around... but all these kids back in school sure shortened it! haha
My summer project is now... COMPLETE!! I have finished organizing my husband's desk into my home office! It doesn't look super creative, and it sure is still a work in progress, but I am very happy to have things organized and easy to find!
I have back to the future all over my office, because... I LOVE BACK TO THE FUTURE!!!!
My brother gave me a painting of the time machine delorean adapted from old hotel art. It is titled "Makin' Like A Tree". Then I of course have the remote control time machine that my husband used to propose to me :) The ring accidentally fell out so I knew he was about to propose! haha
My summer project is now... COMPLETE!! I have finished organizing my husband's desk into my home office! It doesn't look super creative, and it sure is still a work in progress, but I am very happy to have things organized and easy to find!
I have back to the future all over my office, because... I LOVE BACK TO THE FUTURE!!!!
My brother gave me a painting of the time machine delorean adapted from old hotel art. It is titled "Makin' Like A Tree". Then I of course have the remote control time machine that my husband used to propose to me :) The ring accidentally fell out so I knew he was about to propose! haha
And I have a gift I gave to my husband for our first anniversary. A shadow box including my veil with a picture of us from our wedding day with our vows. It's a good reminder that my first priority is always the home; even while working on my own business.
And my cutest part, organized binders for all of my small business needs! These are up on Teachers Pay Teachers for FREEEEEEEEEE! They each have a verse on them that reminds me to be humble, honest, and trustworthy in all of my dealings (yes that includes taxes! haha). I've also included the side tab for each binder! Definitely take them!! If you want a different color, just let me know and I can change the chevron colors for you :)
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| FREEBIEEEEEE ON TPT!!!!! |
Here is what they all say:
TAX:
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17
RECORDS:
"And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches." Proverbs 24:4
CONTRACTS:
"For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife." Hebrews 6:16
EXPENSES:
"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due: custom to whom custom: fear to whom fear: honour to whom honour." Romans 13:7
INCOME:
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." Ephesians 4:28
CORRESPONDENCE:
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2
Friday, July 25, 2014
Back to School Tutoring 101
Hey everyone!
I had a great vacation with my husband and now it's time to get back to work! My college students are rocking their finals this week and my summer tutoring kids are getting used to all the fun review games we've been playing! I have seriously played Spanish charades at least twice a week!
Just like teachers who have to prep their classrooms, tutors have to start getting their fall gear set up! Here are a few projects I am working on to get ready for the crazy fall rush!
1. Closing summer with a pretty bow!
I did not have any "down" time this summer with tutoring! My schedule was almost as busy as the school year. So instead of rushing through this semester and scrambling into fall, I am making sure I give closure to all of my summer students. This means checking up on their finals, doing summer rap up math games to make sure we've accomplished our goals, and reassessing students with LetsGoLearn.com (I love them! Read more about them on their website!)
2. Speaking of Lets Go Learn...
As I start the new school year and begin seeing new math students, I will keep stepping toward making informed quantitative decisions with my teaching. So all of my math students will be offered a LetsGoLearn.com assessment. It is an inexpensive way to get loads and I mean LOADS of information on math and reading skills. One test is as inexpensive as $20 and the price goes down with multiple tests or with the occasional coupon. Not only do I discuss the results with the parent (and student if desired) but I also take qualitative notes to get a well-rounded picture of my students before we tackle tutoring. The statistics nerd in me gets sooooo happy with Lets Go Learn! :)
3. Piling Papers in Pretty Piles!
I am on a mission to organize my home office before the fall semester. The real reason (other than cleaning my home) is to be ready for the new students I will be receiving and the old ones that will end tutoring this year. (My seniors... gotta hold back dem tears!!) Everything from business receipts to my Teachers Pay Teachers material, it all needs to be printed, shredded, organized, piled, and ready for the incoming 2014-2015 paperwork storm that is a-brewing!
4. New Scheduling Methods!
I know I am not the only one that wishes they could clone a receptionist out of themselves! My schedule has to be my most important tools (other than my brain and Bible of course!). I am working on a new scheduling system that will allow parents and students to CHOOSE the time they would like to meet! So we don't have to wait hours for an email response or call back! Check out the details on that soon!
5. Food and Family Frenzy!
As many of you know, my struggle to eat a warm meal is very real since I don't have a microwave in my car. So along with all of the above, I am making sure that I am able to put my God-given responsibility of taking care of my family first! This includes scheduling times to EAT a warm meal during my busy schedule, having enough time to take out my dog, and keeping a CLEANER house for my husband. Work gets so busy, I know that we can all say we have neglected something because of work--so I am trying to make sure that doesn't happen too often this year!
Those are the 5 things I am doing before school starts! Of course, school starts after Labor Day back home in California... so I'm giving myself that deadline instead of the first week of August! haha
What are you doing to prepare for the school year as a teacher, tutor, parent, or student? I would love to know what's on your list!
I had a great vacation with my husband and now it's time to get back to work! My college students are rocking their finals this week and my summer tutoring kids are getting used to all the fun review games we've been playing! I have seriously played Spanish charades at least twice a week!
Just like teachers who have to prep their classrooms, tutors have to start getting their fall gear set up! Here are a few projects I am working on to get ready for the crazy fall rush!
1. Closing summer with a pretty bow!
I did not have any "down" time this summer with tutoring! My schedule was almost as busy as the school year. So instead of rushing through this semester and scrambling into fall, I am making sure I give closure to all of my summer students. This means checking up on their finals, doing summer rap up math games to make sure we've accomplished our goals, and reassessing students with LetsGoLearn.com (I love them! Read more about them on their website!)
2. Speaking of Lets Go Learn...
As I start the new school year and begin seeing new math students, I will keep stepping toward making informed quantitative decisions with my teaching. So all of my math students will be offered a LetsGoLearn.com assessment. It is an inexpensive way to get loads and I mean LOADS of information on math and reading skills. One test is as inexpensive as $20 and the price goes down with multiple tests or with the occasional coupon. Not only do I discuss the results with the parent (and student if desired) but I also take qualitative notes to get a well-rounded picture of my students before we tackle tutoring. The statistics nerd in me gets sooooo happy with Lets Go Learn! :)
3. Piling Papers in Pretty Piles!
I am on a mission to organize my home office before the fall semester. The real reason (other than cleaning my home) is to be ready for the new students I will be receiving and the old ones that will end tutoring this year. (My seniors... gotta hold back dem tears!!) Everything from business receipts to my Teachers Pay Teachers material, it all needs to be printed, shredded, organized, piled, and ready for the incoming 2014-2015 paperwork storm that is a-brewing!
4. New Scheduling Methods!
I know I am not the only one that wishes they could clone a receptionist out of themselves! My schedule has to be my most important tools (other than my brain and Bible of course!). I am working on a new scheduling system that will allow parents and students to CHOOSE the time they would like to meet! So we don't have to wait hours for an email response or call back! Check out the details on that soon!
5. Food and Family Frenzy!
As many of you know, my struggle to eat a warm meal is very real since I don't have a microwave in my car. So along with all of the above, I am making sure that I am able to put my God-given responsibility of taking care of my family first! This includes scheduling times to EAT a warm meal during my busy schedule, having enough time to take out my dog, and keeping a CLEANER house for my husband. Work gets so busy, I know that we can all say we have neglected something because of work--so I am trying to make sure that doesn't happen too often this year!Those are the 5 things I am doing before school starts! Of course, school starts after Labor Day back home in California... so I'm giving myself that deadline instead of the first week of August! haha
What are you doing to prepare for the school year as a teacher, tutor, parent, or student? I would love to know what's on your list!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Welcome Jennifer
Who is this Jennifer you speak of??
Well, you might know her as the Overstimulated Teacher! And not only is she an AMAZING teacher here in our Peach state but she is now the first official G-Iron Tutor TUTOR (aside from me, of course)!
That's right! I have just expanded my business to south of Atlanta for all primary subjects from Kindergarten through 5th grade under the intelligence and direction of Ms. Jennifer!
What does this mean for G-Iron Tutor?
It means G-Iron Tutor is growing and expanding! Praise the Lord for the exciting changes God is bringing on! I greatly appreciate your prayers as we help students learn and succeed!
What does this mean for Ms. Jennifer?
I'll let her explain that on her blog (overteach.blogspot.com) in more detail (she is on vacation right now). :) But she gets to see even more kids grow in knowledge than she would in just her regular classroom!
And while you're at it! Don't forget to follow Ms. Jennifer on social media to get a better feel on her personality and teaching style!
What does this mean for Irma?
This means I have more time to focus on my current students as well as take care of all of my business-schtuff with a little less stress (yes...believe it or not owning your own business comes with a tad bit of stress).
If you are ready to help your child/student succeed under my guidance or the guidance of Ms. Jennifer, please CONTACT me through my webpage! I am so very happy and ecstatic that I can rely on such a God-fearing lady like Ms. Jennifer, with my precious students!
Ready to start? Visit my website for more information on my policy and prices to get started!!! Woop woop!
Well, you might know her as the Overstimulated Teacher! And not only is she an AMAZING teacher here in our Peach state but she is now the first official G-Iron Tutor TUTOR (aside from me, of course)!
That's right! I have just expanded my business to south of Atlanta for all primary subjects from Kindergarten through 5th grade under the intelligence and direction of Ms. Jennifer!
What does this mean for G-Iron Tutor?
It means G-Iron Tutor is growing and expanding! Praise the Lord for the exciting changes God is bringing on! I greatly appreciate your prayers as we help students learn and succeed!
What does this mean for Ms. Jennifer?
I'll let her explain that on her blog (overteach.blogspot.com) in more detail (she is on vacation right now). :) But she gets to see even more kids grow in knowledge than she would in just her regular classroom!
And while you're at it! Don't forget to follow Ms. Jennifer on social media to get a better feel on her personality and teaching style!
What does this mean for Irma?
This means I have more time to focus on my current students as well as take care of all of my business-schtuff with a little less stress (yes...believe it or not owning your own business comes with a tad bit of stress).
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| This picture taken right after we found a scorpion on the ground. EEK! |
If you are ready to help your child/student succeed under my guidance or the guidance of Ms. Jennifer, please CONTACT me through my webpage! I am so very happy and ecstatic that I can rely on such a God-fearing lady like Ms. Jennifer, with my precious students!
Ready to start? Visit my website for more information on my policy and prices to get started!!! Woop woop!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Georgia Peachy Blog Hop
Hey hey! Welcome to our Georgia Bloggers Blog Hop! Be sure to pick up some peachy ideas from all of us GA bloggers :)
Enter for a chance to win a BASKET full of amazing prizes!! You can enter once from each person's blog! You have to LIKE my Facebook page to enter :) Rafflecopter is at the bottom of this post ;) Oh...and pick my FREEBIE!
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| I tutor face-to-face in good ol' Hotlanta! But I also tutor online to anywhere in the United States or Canada!! :) |
Originally a Southern California girl, I was no stranger to heat! And having lived in Western New York, I was no stranger to humidity. But the one thing I was not prepared for... was this AWFUL NOISE: (It's 3 minutes long, just 4 seconds is enough!)
I am still a little scared of tornadoes (okay, a lot), but I know that Jesus Christ is with me through his saving power and He is the controller of the storm! What comfort!!
Here are some tips from the Red Cross on tornado preparedness: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/tornado
Now Download my FREEBIEEEEEE!!!!
I am taking up clip art as a hobby! So check out my newest set of Cellular Buddies! Download the FREEBIE on my Teachers Pay Teachers store here:
Now enter through the rafflecopter for your chance to win a basket full of AMAZING-SAUCE prizes!!
You have to LIKE my Facebook page to enter :)
I am giving away 15 MINUTES of FREEEEEE online tutoring in the 3+ Basket!! That is 25% off a full hour! Fo' realzies!
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