How do you get a child's interest?

[herbalmommy]

Hi, Everyone. I haven't posted here before mostly because I haven't needed to but here it goes. I have been asked to tutor a first grader who goes to a public school. (The reason I'm posting here is because I am unschooling my own children and resonate more with unschooling philosophies.)

Anyway, I have been asked to tutor my first grade cousin. She is having a hard time at school. Not because she isn't smart but because she's not interested right now. I respect this time for her and believe that she is doing fine. However, her parents and teachers believe otherwise. My real question is how can i get her interested in the 'work' I am supposed to do with her? Can anyone give me ideas on how to covertly incorporate it into what we are already doing? The areas she is supposedly "behind" in are reading and writing at an 'age-appropriate' level.

I hope that made sense. It's the end of the day and my brain feels kind of mushy!

Thanks,
Laura

[Roar]

Have you seen the books by Peggy Kaye? Games for Math, Games for Writing, etc. ? They are full of fun ideas that really get at specific skills.

[LilyGrace]

Originally Posted by Roar

Have you seen the books by Peggy Kaye? Games for Math, Games for Writing, etc. ? They are full of fun ideas that really get at specific skills.

I'll agree with this. I checked out Games for Math out of the library and we had a blast.
There's also the Take It To Your Seat books. They are filled with all sorts of file folder games by grade level and subject.

Now that it's winter, you might try incorporating some of Jan Brett's materials - www.janbrett.com You can read the books and pick out coloring pages, printables, games, etc. to go along with the characters. Give her ways to explore the stories and make them come alive.

There's also set ups like www.letteroftheweek.com that have ideas for teaching sounds, writing simple journal entries, and getting kids excited about reading. Starfall.com offers online phonics help with interactive books, too.