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Lesson Review E-14

On this day, Sunday, February 22, 2004, a newborn...Janiece Nicole McAlpin (weight 6lbs, 11oz) arrived at Kaiser Hospital in Harbor City. Another grand daughter for me to tutor....Glory to God!  Cleophas Mike McAlpin

February 24-25, 2004

Enter Will (12-years of age), a new student!

Students present: Will, Kecia, Roger, Andre, Jarrell, Cassondra

Will was introduced to our Free Tutoring Service. He was given a whirlwind tour of our Facility, our Educational Resources, and the Internet that contains this website. He was taken step by step through what I call "you will do better" or else rhetoric.

Will was the recipient of a one-on-one talk for more than 2 hours on Monday, and more than 2 hours on Tuesday. On Monday, I also reviewed him on basic math to determine his level in basic math. We reviewed fractions, decimals, exponents and scientific notation. Will knew about fractions and the other math, but needed a review, and that he got! We spent a lot of time making him remember how to add, subtract, divide and multiply fractions. We also spent a lot of time teaching him about scientific notation and scientific fact. Will was seemingly dazzled by the whole afternoon (Monday).

On Tuesday, Will was joined by Roger (13). Roger did his "paces" from Carson Christian School, and afterwards joined Will in a "reading marathon".  I had both young men to "compete with each other" in reading our book, Willie Mays. Both tried to outdo one another in speed reading and accuracy of reading. Both did fairly well in reading a page or two. Will is an excellent reader for his age, and Roger will soon follow him as they will complete the story of Willie Mays in record time!

Kecia worked religiously on her homework, as usual. Jarrell assisted Cassondra with her Algebra Two homework, while Andre worked on the Computer and did his homework, all on his own.

We do take occasional breaks. Contrary to popular belief, we are not superhuman enough to work hour after hour on homework and new knowledge. We must refresh our minds with rest, and I will be the first to tell anyone that I need a break from tutoring at such an intense level; at least one break each and every hour! We must be patient enough to give ourselves time to reach our goals, with the understanding that we will reach our goals! I know of no other Organization that gives so much of itself in dedication to learning. I do have the confidence to know my ability to reach the seemingly unreachable, to teach the "slow to learn" and to elevate grade point averages. All I need is for everyone else to stand aside.....and be patient. Let me do my thing! I have supervised and taught most of my adult life, and I doubt that any teacher, anywhere has had more experience at teaching than I have. After all, I was a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Electrical Supervisor for over 28 years, and during that time taught most of the electrical workers all about math, science and electricity who found themselves under my control. I did keep all of them from "death by electrocution" doing my tenure as Supervisor. I did teach some Electrical Engineers all about the "Tank Circuits of Oscillators", and the magnetic flux that causes your electrical meter to spin. I did take mega-Engineering Courses, mega-Chemical Engineering courses, mega-Liberal Studies courses, mega-Civil Engineering courses! I am an Advanced Class Ham Operator (KB6YHI), (licence now inactive) and reaching that level insured everyone concerned that I did know my fractions, decimals, percents, exponents, Algebra, Geometry, Morse Code at 15- words per minute, Electronics, Electricity, Computers, Chemistry and every facet of math well enough to reach such a prestigious level; all while training myself to become a Traffic Signal Electrician, a Civil Surveyor. And I can think of no other teacher that is more qualified than me to teach a 12-year old, or a 13-year old, or a 50-year old...and every age in between, all that they need to know about mathematics, Science, and the World! Then too, try and realize that there are more factions to this Organization that teaching the basic 3 R's. We counsel, mentor to, and teach vocational skills as well. We take field trips, as well. We throw in all types of Science, as well. We have a very good time, as well. We do have a wonderful learning experience, as well. That makes it all worthwhile and it relieves us from the burden of becoming one-track. one-minded work-horses. We will not appreciate that role if it is cast upon us all of a sudden. Sometimes, parents think they can do better than us when it comes to tutoring. We welcome their assistance. Please feel free to assist your child on your own! We are overburdened just as the School System. We are not inclined to work one-on-one with one student for all of our tutoring hours, while all other students are suffering and in need of assistance.

Please do not expect miracles to occur on a daily basis. Life does not work that way! Give the students....and me a chance. Occasionally, parents expect the students of a Free Tutoring Service to make all "A's" after only a week or two or a month or two,  in the Tutoring Service. Sorry, it doe not work that way. The school system has had more than 8-9 years to teach; sometimes, we have had no more than 8 weeks! We will accept all challenges to teach.....but only within reason. We do work for free, and we do have another life other than tutoring, although sometimes, it seems nonexistent!

For what good is it to learn all there is to know about everything and then to forget all that you know......... Please be patient with your child...and me.