What's in my "Tutor's Gig Bag"? Additions

What's in my "Tutor's Gig Bag"?  

Additions

Whiteboard and Dry Erase Markers
Thanks and Shout out to Candice Renaker,  I've added a mini-whiteboard and some dry erase markers.  The two markers in the picture are actually an eraser and marker holder in one!  I think it was only $3.99 plus tax.  I'm not sure how much it helps learning, but it sure does improve engagement.  There's something to students and using dry erase markers.  It does cut down on paper use.

Division Flash Cards
Another interesting item I picked up were these division flashcards that I picked up at the dollar store.  I'm not sure why I picked up dollar store items...maybe I was having a cheap moment.  Either way, they help, but I'm not sure if I'm going to keep them in my bag.  There's only 36 cards, both double sided for a total 72 cards.  In addition, it only goes up to the 10's.  So the highest card is 10 divided by 10.  That's a little frustrating, but at a dollar, I guess i can't complain too much.

Let me know what Items you have in your bag!

What would you do? The Case of the Man and Passing Gas

What would you do?  

So I'm tutoring at the public library.  The public library offers many great perks.  It's relatively quiet, there's usually a lot of space, and it's safe.  On the other hand, the public library offers sanctuary to all sorts of people.  In our largest library, many homeless individuals seek refuge from the weather, use the bathrooms, and read books.  As an individual patron, this doesn't bother me.  As a tutor with a minor, however...well that's another question.  But the homeless population has never been an issue for me and my clients.  I'm not sure why I'm ranting on about it.

When I'm with my clients, I keep them next to me all the time if they're under age.  I escort them to the restroom and wait for them to come out.  It gets kind of difficult when I have to leave my iPad and laptop on the table while my client uses the restroom.  Probably, the weirdest thing I've seen was a man coming out of the elevator with a batting helmet, life vest, and a huge cart full of random things.  Even my client was shocked.

Anyways, back to my original topic:  At the table next to us, there was an older gentleman (gentleman is hardly the word) that kept "passing gas".  It was more loud than anything, no smell.  So a couple questions for you out there...

1.  Has this happened to you?
2.  How would you respond to this situation?

Let me know what you think or have experienced!

Tools on The Web - 4teachers.org

Hi Everyone!

It's hard to believe that this is my 17th post. My goal is to go 5 days a week, Monday-Friday for posting. So far, I've only missed one day!

Today's featured website is www.4teachers.org. This site is amazing. While it says 4teachers.org, it's really a free resource for tutors as well. It allows you to create quizzes and rubrics in both English and Spanish. The site consists of many resources that are worth your time.

QuizStar is an online test creation and student assessment module. It is a part of the www.4teachers.org world. This is a great tool for a tutor!  Often, I need to quiz my students based on previous lessons.  Sometimes using this tool can be lengthy in process, but the end result are quick and easy to gather and maintain.  Typically, I use ExamView to create assessments.  However, there is not a free test portal that I can use.  QuizStar fills that missing link!  Best of all, it's free!!!

Check it out here:  http://quizstar.4teachers.org/

I hope this helps.  Quizstar is definitely worth your time.  Make sure that you at least bookmark 4teachers. org!

Legalities and Business: Invoicing

Hi Everyone! I hope everyone's week got off to a good start.  Today's Legalities and Business post is about invoicing.

An invoice (bill) is a document that is given to the seller from the buyer.  This document tells everything you need to know about the transaction including service, products, price, rate of pay, etc that the seller provides.  Details including payment terms, taxes,discounts,  and company information are usually listed on this document.  Think of it as a credit card statement!

Here's one quick and easy Invoice to use:

Simple Invoice

My advice is to keep it simple and to the point when it comes to tutoring.  If you don't want to use excel or don't feel comfortable using excel you can try some commercial programs.  I've used Paypal to create Invoices.  These invoices are easy to use, easy to understand, and actually allow the customer to pay by clicking on the invoice by paypal account or credit card.  You can't go wrong there!  Programs like Quicken also provide an invoice option.  I'm not as good with this program, so it's hard for me to say if you should use it.

Some clients want invoices for their records.  Invoices help me track my earnings and help my client.  Not every client wants an invoice, but I 'll always have one on record for them.

So should you use invoices?  Yes.  It serves as a record of service!  In the long run it protects you!

The Tech Savvy Tutor - 2/24/14

Hi Eveyone!  Today's Featured Tech Tool is a site that I've used since I was in the classroom.  Originally, I used the rubric creation tool called rubristar.  It was very helpful back then.  Since then, the site has grown in popularity and effectiveness.  

I know you're thinking..."But, I'm a tutor...not a Teacher".  The truth is that it doesn't matter because this site has a lot of useful tools.  You can create online quizzes, rubrics and classroom calendars.  The online quiz aspect can be very helpful and it's free!

http://4teachers.org/

I copied and pasted this description from the website:

4Teachers.org works to help you integrate technology into your classroom by offering online tools and resources. This site helps teachers locate online resources such as ready-to-use Web lessons, quizzes, rubrics and classroom calendars. There are also tools for student use. Discover valuable professional development resources addressing issues such as equity, ELL, technology planning, and at-risk or special-needs students.

Friday What's in my "Tutor's Gig" Bag?

Hi Everyone!

I knew that when finished the Tutor's Gig Bag I had left some things out.  I listed my ten most important.
Yesterday, I added a few more things.  While they're not essential, they are very helpful

In the first picture I have 3 items.  The first is multi-colored pens.  This is very helpful for me when I'm explaining concepts to students.  The second item are paper clips.  Third, is the little box that I got them in.  I got the box and the paper clips at Staples for only $1.00 on clearance.  Staples and Office Depot always have a clearance section...I always find awesome deals on awesome teacher/tutor items.

The fourth item is "card stock" Paper.  I got a multi-colored pack with about 150 sheets (I think) for $9.99.  I use these for foldables with my clients that are hands-on learners.  Parents love these by the way!

So those are my add-ons for this post.  I think I'll continue to post on Friday - What's in my "Tutor's Gig" Bag?

Tools for Tutors Found around the Web

Hello!  Today's post features "Tools for Tutors that I found around the web!"

There are many bloggers out there that share their ideas freely.  Some of them are really good and I want to share them with you!

Today's Feature Blog is:

Teaching in Room 6

Teaching in Room 6

One of my favorite Simplifying Fractions Activities!

Click Here
Simplifying Fractions

I had some time to read the blog and try out some of the suggested activities with a client.  I had a client struggling with the traditional method of finding fractions.  Stephanie's suggestion and model helped my client to better understand the process and become better at the process!  Honestly, it was a life saver!

 I am really impressed with the knowledge and details of the blog.  Please check out Stephanie's Site.  It's definitely worth the time!