Berkeley Parents Network
Google Custom Search
Home Members Post a Msg Reviews Advice Subscribe Help/FAQ What's New

Tutors for Study Skills & Homework Coaching

Please note: Parents' reviews of tutors are the opinions of Berkeley Parents Net subscribers. Your own experience may be different. Announcements from tutors are accepted without review as a service to local parents. Please always check references before hiring!

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Tutors > Tutors for Study Skills & Homework Coaching


Questions Related Pages

Homework help for two high school students

Sept 2009

My son and his close friend, both sophomores at Albany High, are in need of some after school help. Both boys are very intelligent but need some help with managing their work loads. We are looking for someone who has good organizational skills who could help them (with the help of the school's online homework tracking system) organize and stay on top of their assignments. I am looking for someone who could work with the boys a couple of days a week in either our house in Richmond Annex or the other family's house in Albany. I think the kids would work best with a male college or grad student, someone they can relate to. We need someone who can help with Chemistry, Geometry and Algebra. Please contact me if this describes you or if you know someone. Leigh


Our tutor's name is Emmanuel Hale - he is a UCB graduate. He's been tutoring my daughter for awhile now. He comes to our home. My daughter is only 9, but I'm sure that Emmanuel would be great with High School age kids also. His e-mail is eman.hale@gmail.com Janet

Tutor needed for 15-year-old's study habits

June 2009

My 15 yr old boy has had trouble with school since the 6th grade when the work load went beyond what he could naturally take in and began to require studying. Currently, he is finishing his freshman year in Biology with a D, yet his teacher has asked that my son be in his Chemistry AP class next year because he is the best student in the class!! In Geometry he is going to get either a C or a D, yet his teacher said she would write a letter recommending him for the math honors class. The boy is very bright, but when he sits down to study, he really does not know how to tackle the studying. And I am at a loss as to how to teach him how to study! Do you know of a teacher or tutor in the Walnut Creek/Pleasasnt Hill area who can teach studying? Not just the habits of a good student, but how to study. perplexed parent of 15yr


Your son sounds like mine. When the work is ''easy'' he doesn't do so well; the more challenging, the better he does. It has something to do with the way his brain works. He also had trouble when the need to study came along. With math he could immediately know the answer but not know how he knew. We got a handle on this when he was tested at Strategies for Learning. They are in Oakland so maybe you don't want to go there for tutoring. But you might start by talking to them about your options. The number is 510-835-0466. My child was coached in study skills there. Mom of a 2009 Grad!
Tutor Leslie Absher does this work with teens. You can visit her website or email her to learn more. teenfocus.net/ lmabsher@earthlink.net Lisa

Organizational tutor for 13 year old boy

Jan 2009

My son is 13 and very bright. Unfortuntely, his organizational skills are not good. This may be coupled with a motivation problem as well. It is not a learning disability, or cognitive deficit in any way. He has problems with time managment, getting papers in on time, turning in homework on time, etc. The high school he will be attending recommended we seek a tutor to help him get organized and work with this person 1-2 times a week. Anyone have any good recommendations? We live in Crocker Highlands just off Lakeshore.


Sorry I didn't see your original post. My daughter is seeing Nancy Chin at Step By Step. Initially it was a little rough (my daughter has ADHD and set in her ways) but once she experienced success, her confidence soared and she was less anxious. In addition to organization, Nancy is working with her on scheduling (which includes homework), study skills, and follow through. Nancy communicates with my daughter regularly throughout the week, and with her teachers and myself as well. Although this whole process has longer than expected, my daughter is making progress, her grades have improved, and there is less stress on all of us. Good luck in finding help for your son. Nancy's info is www.stepbystep4success.com Tim
Try www.sos4students and see if Student Organizational Services has what you need. Beth Samuelson, who runs it, has lots of experience in dealing with exactly what you are describing. They have workshops and individual tutoring. You can call them and see what they think would be best for your son. Good luck! Debbie
We found a wonderful organizational tutor who helped our high school daughter. Karen Baughmann (baughmankaren@gmail.com) had lots of practical advice and tips which helped our daughter get a handle on her school workload, and also on some of her individual assignments, such as essays/papers. She has an office in downtown Berkeley, so don't know if that's doable for you, but I strongly recommend her. Karen
Hiya. My son is 14, attention issued, and very much disorganized. He works with a great tutor, Parissa E, who runs Top Rank Tutoring. She can be reached at 562.397.7794. Parissa not only helps him with organization, but she edits his docs with him, helps with his Spanish, math...she covers it all. She's very supportive, but also big on self-responsibility. I recommend her highly, and I'm sure my son would, too. LL

Homework help for son with ADHD

Nov 2007

We are looking for recommendations for someone to help our 13 year old son, who has ADHD, handle his homework better. His grades are always lowered due to missing or incomplete assigments. We've worked with him at home for years with no improvment -- the minute we back off he does much worse -- he doesn't seem to find any system that really works for him. We live in Walnut Creek and would prefer someone relatively close, but would travel further if necessary. Thanks!


My son who has ADHD worked with a local tutor and it seemed helpful. The guy is very nice and reasonably priced. His name is Jon Rothstein and his phone number is 497-5111. I also recommend the Neuro-psychologist, Tina Gutterman, who does testing to see if there are any other learning issues/psych issues besides ADHD. Her number is (415) 440-4713. She is in Moraga. feel free to email me personally julie
Nancy Chin with Step by Step is an amazing academic coach and can really help- she gives the kids a system to help organize their academic life. I have seen her work miracles. www.stepbystep4success.com nancy@stepbystep4success 510 384-1909 rachel

Homework Coach for 5th grader w ADD

Nov 2007

I am the parent of a 5th grader who attends a private school in El Cerrito. He is very smart but struggles with ADD. Ritalin is helping with attention tremendously, but he still needs help with organization, getting homework done, pacing himself, etc. As a professional psychologist, I've tried various approaches but I am still ''mom'' and annoying to him! He used to work with a male reading coach thru Reading Revolution 2 yrs ago, but he moved back East. My son really liked him, felt challenged by him & not in any way infantalized. He was also ''cool'' - which mom isn't. Any suggestions? uncool Kensington mom


The University of Learning in Walnut Creek provides homework assistance. Private tutoring, or small group classes available. www.LearnAtTheU.com Mariessa

Someone to help 7th grader get homework done

Sept 2007

I have a daughter in 7th grade at Albany Middle School who is struggling with getting her daily homework assignments done. I am looking for someone (maybe an Albany H.S. student) who could meet with her for an hour or so a day for two or three days a week to provide encouragement, keep her focussed, and make sure she understands what she is doing. It isn't exactly tutoring (and I can't afford tutoring rates) more like a coach/friend. I can pay $15/hour, and am hoping to find someone soon! Thanks


Classroom Matters offers a great program for a terrific price: Unlimited Supervised Study. Mon-Thurs. from 4-8 PM (and weekends during finals), students may come at any time, any day for as often as they like, for a flat rate of $75 per week. A Supervisor is available to meet with each family to decide what would best work for each student, and develop a study plan if needed. Then, students come and check in with our Supervised Study Point Person, who will be there to answer questions and keep students focused. The atmosphere of the center is conducive to communal studying (louder than a library, but not nearly as loud as a cafe). CM also has wholesome snacks, water and a strong belief that food fuels the mind. To find out more about our Unlimited Supervised Study Program, please visit our website: http://www.classroommatters.com/program/study.htm Call 510-540-8646 to sign up! Molly Gales Classroom Matters Co-Director

Summer help for disorganized teen

June 2007

My 13 year old boy is very bright but his grades have steadily been slipping because he cannot (will not?) stay on top of his homework. I am at my wit's end because no amount of micromanaging nor ''hands off'' allowing him to experience consequences has made a difference. I read with interest the discussion of unmotivated teens in this newsletter earlier in the month (I feel better knowing I'm not alone in this struggle!) And i have sent off for books on this. I feel as if I won't survive another year of this cycle of working to get him on track, him telling me he's on track, me getting calls from the teacher, him crying and saying he's sorry he'll do better, repeat until mom is crazy and he feels like crap. I'm not doing him any good at this point. My question: does anyone know of summer programs that are focused not just on academics (his grades are still passable) but in learning to be organized? HELP! Anon


Here are some terrific resources for a disorganized teen (I have one, too -- sigh): 1. Beth Samuelson, Student Organizational Services, 510- 531-4767. I think her site is sos4students.com. Highly recommended by teachers in our area. Does workshops kids enjoy, especially in the summer, and offers individual tutoring in organizational skills. 2. Organizing from the Inside Out for Teens -- a book by Julie Morgenstern and Jessi Morganstern-Colon. Lots of practical information such as a ''no-brainer toss list'' for papers to discard. Nancy
You might want to look into SOS (Student Organizational Services). They have workshops (in Orinda and Berkeley) and individual coaching to help students navigate the increased workload and expectations of middle school and high school. I have heard their director, Beth Samuelson, speak a couple of times and think she is very good. Their website is www.sos4students.com. Julie

More parent recommendations

Oct 22 2006

Fortunately ,I heard about Classroom Matters through another family when our daughter entered her Sophomore year at BHS. She was struggling to organize her time and prioritize subjects in advance of testing. I arranged to have her meet once a week for English and Spanish help and a review of what was due, when and how much more needed to happen. She incorporated the tutoring and study skills into her routine with impressive results and I was incredibly relieved to have her look forward to sharing her concerns regularly with her tutor and getting the help she needed. In her junior year she needed additional tutoring for Math Analysis and the SAT 2s. It is great to have such a resource as Classroom Matters available.
Karen


August 2006

Hello all I need homework help for my middle schooler entering 7th grade. She went to Raskob Learning Center in the evening last school year which was pretty good, but pricey. She has ADD and she articulated to me that she needs help with the day to day school work. She has been tested and re-tested and does not qualify for anything from the school district that really seems to help. I have checked current recommendations on file and they did not pan out. Any suggestions or positive experiences with a particular tutor would be much appreciated Thanks in advance anon mom


Try ABS Homeschool and Tutorial Center. They do allow some clients to pay on a sliding scale. call Kena or Bilal @ 510-430-1701
anon
I know just the person for you. Her availability is limited, but she is worth trying. Her name is Angela Parker and she used to be the director of Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes in Berkeley. She is currently getting her PhD in education (of course!) and still works with a few students privately. Angela is great with kids, especially the ones who have a hard time sitting still. She provides a holistic approach to teaching, focusing on their emotional and academic needs. Helping children with learning challenges is her passion, and the kids know it. She keeps them focused and positive, and they do their best with her because they feel challenged and supported. Give her a call at 510 530-9571
another parent
Nov 27 2005

Kevin Arnold has been tutoring our 13-year old 8th grade son for the past several months and we are pleased with the results. They meet once a week for an hour and a half and spend time reviewing homework as well as working on writing and organization skills. Kevin, who is on the quiet side and low-key seems to connect well with our son, who finds the tutoring sessions helpful (and I'm surmising that he even enjoys them since he's never once complained). Kevin has been accomodating when we've had to change our regularly scheduled meeting time due to conflicts with sports activities.

Kevin's can be reached at 510-655-6612 or kevinarnold2004@yahoo.com. Irma


June 22, 2005

Our 16 year old son, who has consistently had problems organizing and turning in his homework, has been seeing Kevin Arnold for homework tutoring for the past few months. Sam likes him and they've worked well together. Kevin is a gentle and compassionate guy, and although his approach to the work at hand seemed at times a bit dreamy, we did see results--more work turned in on time, and better grades as a result. Sam was always happy to go to the tutor, too! They met at the Royal Ground cafe on College. Reach Kevin at 510.655.6612 or kevinarnold2004 at yahoo.com Suzanne


Mar 10 2005

Classroom Matters is an incredible place for tutoring. My son has been going there for the last three months to improve his organizationa skills. He now gets his homework done on time, and is able to focus much more. they offer tutoring for academics, as well as organizational and study skills. the tutors are all very skilled and are able to really motivate the kids. Simma


Jan 10 2005

I want to highly recommend Kristan Willits, as a tutor and personal problem-solver. She has provided invaluable support and insight when I have been struggling with massive and challenging papers (I study at UCB in the social sciences/ geography). She is very intuitive, and seems to always know exactly what is getting in the way of proceeding. She understands the learning process as it involves the whole person, emotionally, psychologically, intellectually. She has been a great support for me. Contact her by emailing kwillits AT earthlink.com or the website: www.kwlearning.com. Diana


Dec 2001

My 7th grade daughter complains of being totally stressed out over her homework, and feels very over-programmed. Its a mystery to me since her homework, for the most part, is extremely easy for her. It does seem to take an inordinate amount of time, given how easy it is. So, it becomes very time consuming but with little other merit. She is a perfectionist and enjoys getting high grades. She does have after-school activities two afternoons a week. I am thinking that she would benefit (our household would in fact) by developing more efficiency in this area, but haven't a clue how to instruct her. Does anyone have experience with those tutoring centers (SCORE, etc...). Do they do this? Or are there good tutors that specialize in this area, perhaps more like homework coaches?


Re: the 7th grade daughter that needs some homework and study habit guidance....I don't think Score is what you want. There is a place on 9th at Dwight called Classroom Matters that does tutoring and "supervised study" for children that are in the 6th through 12th grade. We have used them for tutoring only, but you may want to check out the study part. Good luck.
Dec 2000
We asked Lynn Bernhardt, who also tutors English and writing skills, to coach our student in organizational and time management skills, with considerable success. She can be contacted at lbbernhardt AT hotmail.com. Joyce
Home   |   Reviews   |   Advice   |   Members   |   Post a Message
Join BPN   |   Help   |   What's New   |   Search   |   Contact Us

Last updated: Nov 20, 2009
Copyright © 1996-2009 Berkeley Parents Network


The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.