Things To Do During the Lesson

• Allow time for him to “warm up.”

• Review concepts that were new or difficult from the last lesson.

• Explain what will happen in this lesson and why.

• Show how the “parts” relate to the “whole.”

• Relate new materials to past experience.

• Don’t introduce too many new things at once — focus.

• Let him set the pace.

• Allow enough time for practice.

• Have lots of opportunities for questions.

• Watch for signs of fatigue or discouragement.

• Allow time for breaks, especially for people with physical disabilities.

• Be flexible enough to put prepared lessons aside if the learner wants to work on a particular problem.

• Encourage the learner to try things alone (e.g. shopping trip, library).

• Share successes.

• Ask for feedback.

• Remember, a little praise goes a long way.

• Make it fun!

• Have fun yourself!

Things To Do After the Lesson

• Keep a record of goals and lesson plans.

• Make notes on what went well in the lesson and note any difficulties.

• Review what to do next time.

• Encourage the learner to keep records too, such as a journal of “reflections” about the lessons — he can look back and see the progress he has made.

• Ask yourself:
  Did we achieve the outcomes that we were working on?
  Was the lesson interesting?
  Were we relaxed? If not, why not?

• In a classroom setting, report to the instructor on activities and progress.

• Evaluate your performance. Were you an effective tutor? Keep a log to help you review your own progress.