Margaret
Elem, Middle and High School/ACT and ASVAB prep...3 Rs and Beyond
Please call me Miss Peggy--it is much friendlier than Margaret. I absolutely LOVE to teach! It is a joy to help students of all ages, even adults! We manage to have a little fun with it as you learn. Since reading is fundamental to doing well in school and in life, I help lay a strong foundation in phonics, spelling, grammar, punctuation, reading, and writing. I love tutoring the ACT! All of my ACT students have raised their scores; six of them earned a perfect 36!! Math and English a...
social studies
Aspergers
I have been tutoring a 7th grader with Aspergers in all subjects for the past four months. At the interview, I became aware he has Aspergers. I was already somewhat familiar with Aspergers since my friend has a step-daughter with it. I am using the strategies I learned "on the job" when I substituted for Special Ed aides and teachers at Castlen Elementary, Kate Sheppard Elementary (a month-long assignment), Grand Bay Middle School and Bryant High School. In fact, it got to where I preferred the Special Ed kids. My student is high functioning in math, and we are working on his communication and writing skills. I save the math for last, to serve as his reward. I speak to him in a slow, even-toned voice. I look for and encourage eye contact. I do not make loud noises, nor do I make sudden movements. While I do not touch him, I point to problems/questions on his paper close to his hands. To encourage dialog and improve his communication skills, I ask him the same series of questions upon my arrival each day. We talk about his day at school, his feelings and what is going on with his family. Then he asks me about my day and my family. I use what I call an "idea paper" to help him with writing assignments. I write the topic in a circle on a plain sheet of paper. I ask him questions related to the topic and record his responses in circles radiating outward from the topic. When I feel we have enough material to work with, I have him select the responses he wants to use in the assignment. I prompt him to turn them into sentences. We recently finished two school projects: a plant cell poster in Science and a hat depicting the 16th Amendment in Civics. He chose the type of cell for the Science project and the materials for the organelles. I had him use scissors to cut the foam into strips. He used markers on index cards to label the organelles. I quizzed him on the functions of the various organelles. He chose from two Amendments I felt he could grasp. He chose income tax. He cut the fishing line I used to fasten the piggy bank to the top of the ball cap. He used the double-stick tape to fasten the play money to the piggy bank. He used markers on index cards to label the project. He was quite proud of a job well done! At the end of each lesson, I wait for him at the bottom of the stairs and say, "On your mark. Get set. Go!" and he comes downstairs and gives me a "high five." I went to my student's school for the first PTA meeting this school year. I met with the head of the Autism Unit and his aides. I also met most of my student's teachers. We have a good working relationship, and they have validated the things I have instinctively chosen to do with my student. That made me feel great!! His parents are pleased with his progress, and my student likes me and works well for me.
ADD/ADHD
I have ADD/ADHD. After I received my diagnosed as an adult, I tried various strategies I found on the internet. Several of my clients have ADD/ADHD. They find my strategies very useful, especially in math. Bright colors on note cards and mnemonic devices help with attention to and retention of info. I also use alliteration, puns and humorous visualizations to aid in recalling info or for memorization. I have my students underline vital information in word problems. I also have them use fluorescent colored highlighters on variables, positive/negative signs, and exponents to help keep track of them while working the problems. I use color coding, underlining, visualization and mnemonic devices in explaining things, and I ensure eye contact both when giving and receiving information. I use reflexive listening to ensure comprehension. I teach my students to use sticky notes as reminders. I also contact them by phone to remind them as well. They have responded favorably to these techniques, and their families have also benefited as well.
phonics
ACT Math
ACT Science
elementary math
elementary science
elementary (k-6th)
special needs
ADHD
ASVAB
SAT writing
PSAT
SSAT
spelling
ACT English
writing
English
ESL/ESOL
anatomy
SAT math
proofreading
GED
SAT reading
reading
American history
biology
vocabulary
grammar
Microsoft Excel
general computer
geometry
Microsoft Word
Microsoft PowerPoint
prealgebra
algebra 1
algebra 2
precalculus
Jennifer M. from Mobile, AL
My son absolutely loves Peggy and is grateful to have her help in Algebra I honors. He feels as if she relates to him and listens to him explain what problems that he is having and a solution is made one step at a time. She invest in not only the problems but the child. Love having her!
Mark W. from Summerdale, AL
Peggy is so awesome!! I learned so much and she tailored the teaching style to fit me perfectly. Peggy is the best tutor you will ever find. I really looked forward to our sessions as she is so much fun, I would have never imagined that a tutor could make math fun but Peggy did!!! I needed help in preparing for a college placement exam, I have not seen algebra since I was a high school freshman in 1974 but it was far more than that, I have used a calculator for so long Peggy had to start all over again with me. Basic math skills that I had just plain forgotten had to be relearned and Peggy got me there!!! Thank you so much Peggy.
Barbara J. from Irvington, AL
She was very nice and made my daughter feel comfortable. She came to our home which was great and she even gave us a late appointment.
Theresa H. from Mobile, AL
Margaret has been a tremendous help. She is very reliable and easy to work with. I have mainly used her for help in math. She has done a great job of improving my understanding and confidence. I would highly recommend her!
William M. from Ocean Springs, MS
Margaret has been a great tutor so far, being very patient with me. She is also very easy to contact and always follows up when I have had questions. Due to our hometowns being geographically separated she worked with me in getting a location that was good for both us in regards to travel time. I look forward to my next session with her. Thanks!
Debbie M. from Atlanta, GA
We are visiting Mobile from Atlanta, the land of tutors. Margaret has given us new strategies and everyday my daughter can't wait to see her. I guess we will have to come back! Thanks "Peggy"!
Meghan H. from Mobile, AL
She is a very good teacher and helped raise my daughter's ACT score in every area. Her focus was Math and English, but she provided confidence for my daughter. I would highly recommend her.
David W. from Mobile, AL
This was our first session with Margaret. She was very personable and energetic, and won over my son's confidence immediately. They worked together very well, and made great progress on basics and test-taking strategies. We feel like this was a great decision, and are looking forward to more sessions with her!
Tammy P. from Theodore, AL
Mrs Peggy worked with my son for several weeks to help him bring up his math score on the ACT. My son loved her and feels very confident that he has greatly improved his score.