Assessment is vital initially to determine what a child knows, partially knows and needs to learn. After assessment, I develop a learning plan based on results of that initial assessment. Why should I spend time teaching the alphabet to a first grader when he/she identifies all the letters? There are four vital areas to address with most early learners: phonemic awareness, sight words, phonics and comprehension. I teach writing to deepen comprehension; children write about what they have read. In my lessons, I include fluent reading with easy leveled readers since that gives the student a sense of competency and efficacy. Struggling readers find learning to read hard, so keeping tasks at an easy level to start is key. As confidence increases, competence grows and more challenging tasks are introduced. Parent as partner is an integral part of my student's program.

["I love reading and writing. Just published my first children's book entitled \"Juny the Butterfly Boy: A Story of Loss and Love\" which helps youngsters navigate grief.","I also like traveling to historical places to learn about ancestors and their accomplishments. I adore listening to all types of music especially gospel and smooth jazz. Attendings live concerts of favorite musical artistsare also a pastime I enjoy."]