What's Tutoring Like?

A typical 90 minute tutoring session begins with the tutor providing about 20 minutes of homework help. This is beneficial for the tutor as well as the student, as it provides an opportunity to observe first hand their student’s actual classroom curricula and determine the academic area(s) in which the student needs extra support. Based upon the student's needs, the tutor chooses a specific academic area or skill on which to focus.

During a typical tutoring session, academic enrichment activities include using manipulatives to explore the concept of multiplication, telling time using analog clocks, counting play money, and practicing writing skills by making Valentine's Day cards. Tutors are encouraged to take a break during the session to play games with their students (such as Connect 4, Battleship, and Memory); games provide both a break for the students and a fun way to learn additional skills. This playtime also helps build the bond between student and tutor, which in turn leads to increased trust and self esteem in the student.

Impacts of Tutoring

Boost! West Oakland tutors implement individualized strategies to teach and reteach a range of academic skills. Tutors also extend students' learning profoundly beyond the classroom and expose them to new experiences they would not otherwise have encountered.

Students Academic Skills
Improved reading, writing, oral language development, and math skills

Attitudes Towards Learning
Increased motivation to learn and try new things, connection of learning to personal lives, ability to fight marginalization, and sense of responsibility for one's learning

Sense Of Self
Developing coping skills, self confidence, and independence

Life Options
Exploring career options, college preparation, and life balance