Frequently Asked Questions
Q) How old are you?
A) A lady is never obligated to reveal her age, but I graduated high school in spring of 2022.
Q) What are your qualifications?
A) In short, I graduated high school with a very high GPA and was a member of the National Honor Society. My life experience, a love for reading, and also great skills in working with kids are additional qualifications. I’ve had the opportunity to learn many different ways and have been exposed to a variety of teaching methods in my time as a student. I am familiar with different styles of teaching and learning. I am an older sibling which has given me an extra boost as far as kid experience, and I also volunteered as a teacher’s assistant in younger classes when I was doing pre-professional ballet training. I have spent the last couple years leading a book club then began doing private tutoring as well, and I love reading! Learn more about me and my background here.
Q) What is your add/drop policy*?
A) Students are permitted to add classes up until the second class of a given term; they’re permitted to drop classes up until the first Friday of a registered term. Payment is required to complete registration before classes each term begin, but a 90% refund will be issued for any class dropped with notice in writing by the first Friday of a registered term.
* Policies subject to change.
Q) What if my child isn’t sure they want to do classes online?
A) It’s normal and even healthy for kids to express some hesitation about online classes. When given the choice, I much prefer in-person activities and socializing to connecting online. However, I’ve come to appreciate how online classes can benefit kids and support families in ways in-person classes sometimes cannot. Online classes are location independent—they allow for students from all over the state or country to join. Online classes are efficient and cost effective—they eliminate travel time (and save transportation expense!). Online classes are flexible—students can join from anywhere they have internet access and won’t be too distracted by their surroundings or disrupted by others not taking the class.
Q) What should I tell my child who’s is hesitant because they are afraid online classes will be awkward…
A) First of all, your child’s feelings are valid. I was a kid who felt cautious about many experiences! While I can’t guarantee that there will never be an awkward moment or interaction in a class (which can happen in any social setting, of course, not just online), I will say that I plan out classes and discussion topics so there’s never much of a lag in conversation and interaction. Students have had a lot of laughs and fun times in my bookclub the last two years! If you’re a parent with any concerns, please be reassured that I’ve had practice participating in and leading online classes. I’ve been a student in online classes of all kinds. I’ve also had experience being a student leader in an online class (editor on a school newspaper). All of this has helped me grow into the role of leading an online bookclub. At this point in time, I’ve not had any student try my classes and decide to drop altogether because the online class experience wasn’t for them. I’m sure it will happen at some point, but this hasn’t happened yet! I’m happy to set up a ten minute Zoom with you and your child to given them (and you) the opportunity to meet me online before making a commitment to class.
Q) Because the classes are online, what about the technology aspect? Do I have to manage complicated log ins and things?
A) I have streamlined my class system as best I can. We meet on Zoom, which many parents are familiar with by now (and even if you aren’t, it’s not difficult to set up an account). With an account established, things should be pretty straightforward. I provide a link and password to your class at the beginning of the term, which your student will use each week to join class. If you keep the document handy, or put the link and password in the notes for a recurring event on a digital calendar, children who are familiar with tech should be able to join by themselves. If your child is not ready to manage the tech independently, all a parent should need to do is help their student join the Zoom meeting each week. Aside from this, I have made the choice to send out assignments and receive completed homework by email because this seems the best way to keep things accessible. Depending on your student’s age and familiarity with technology, they may need help receiving emailed homework, printing and scanning (sometimes), then sending their homework to me.
Q) What can my child expect during a class?
A) Students are expected to join class on time with audio / video and keep their cameras on for the duration of class. I expect everyone to be respectful, kind, and do their best not to interrupt when others are talking—although I do understand that with digital lags it’s easy to accidentally interrupt. To some extent, what kids can expect depends on which class they are in as the book selections and general feel of things will differ depending on reading and how classes are set up… Story Hour will feel different for littler kids than Saddle Up! and Early Chapter Books— which will have more of a bookclub feel. Learning Through Little House and Classics for Kids will have a bit more of an informative class structure with some bookclub feeling discussion. During Story Hour, I will read the story and show kids the pictures, then we will have an activity to work on afterward. There will be time to talk about the story or anything related that seems relevant and appropriate. The literature classes will be based around discussions on the current book we’re reading—homework of reading and some writing should prepare your student with thoughts to share about the book. I also will have additional information and (especially historical) context to share with the students that will enrich their reading experience. We may have occasional in-class activities and games, as well.
Q) Can friends or family drop in and enjoy class for the price of one?
A) No. The price of registration is per individual student. Kids enrolled in the same class may share one screen (if they can do so without problems) but each student must be registered.
Q) What if my child can’t sit still or doesn’t want to engage?
A) If your child is not able to sit and enjoy class, it probably is not the right fit and I recommend dropping the class. This is one of the reasons why I have established an Add/Drop Policy. As far as engaging, some children are very shy and I completely understand this. When you decide to register your child, it’s important they understand that some level of engagement is expected. They should be able to provide at least a simple answer when I ask them questions (like what their favorite part of the book was). However, especially for younger students, I tend to find that they warm up after a few classes, so I’m not overly concerned if they aren’t very talkative at first. If your child is very uncomfortable answering even basic questions, they may not be ready for an online class yet. I’m happy to set up a ten minute Zoom with you and your child to see if a friendly “ice breaker” session would allow both of us to get a sense of individual readiness.
Q) What if my child has to miss a class? Do you have a makeup policy?
A) If your child will need to miss a class, please let me know. I will still expect to receive completed homework, and will send the next homework assignment I give out during class. Your child may join the alternate time that same week for the class title they are registered for. However, they cannot be registered for one class title and join a class focused on different books to make up their missed class.
Q) How do I know which class is right for my child?
A) If you click “learn more” about a class, you’ll see detailed descriptions of each class, a general idea of what homework will look like, the books for the term, and an approximate age of student the class is planned for. That said, every child is different! If you aren’t sure which class is right for your child, here’s what I recommend: 1) Look at some of the books on Amazon and use the “look inside” feature to get a sense of the reading level those books are for. You can even have your child look with you so they can try reading from the books. 2) Take advantage of my Add/Drop policy—try out a class knowing that you don’t have to stick with that class if it’s not working for you child. 3) Involve your child in picking their class(es)… What books interest them? Which classes have the amount of homework they are comfortable with? There is some flexibility with homework and I am willing to work with you based on your child’s time and needs, but please get in touch so we can discuss any questions or concerns.
Q) Would you do a private class for my child, their friends / cousins, our homeschool co-op, etc.?
A) Possibly! I would love to talk with you about the details if you have a natural group already formed.
Q) What if I don’t see my question here?
A) Contact me!