As of last night, I have now reunited with both of my tutoring students from last year.  I still see Z– twice a week, and J– once a week, and we’re still using the Wilson Reading System.

I’m delighted to say that neither student regressed at all over the summer, which shocks me no end.  Usually there is a certain amount of regression, and usually I have to reteach a variety of things, from keywords to spelling rules to syllable definitions.  Not so with these two students!  One review lesson each, mostly for my benefit, to reassure me that there was enough retention to continue on where we had left off.

Both students are very motivated and enjoy learning the structure of the language, which surely helps, but I also think that I’m seeing the tangible benefit of one-on-one after-school tutoring.  When I worked at the elementary school, I usually tutored students in small groups (still quite effective, mind you), and my lessons occurred in the midst of the school day.  My school students always experienced some regression each summer, not a terrible amount, but some.  But weekly one-on-one tutoring in the comfort of the student’s home clearly holds more weight.  I can focus my lessons to be specifically tailored to that one child’s needs, and the child is learning in a safe, distraction-free environment. 

At any rate, I’m thrilled to be working with both of these students again.  They’re both great kids, with great attitudes, and it’s an absolute joy to be working with them.