How to tutor a 5yr old girl going into 1st grade ?

Question

My wife and I babysit our friends child and I am going to tutor her. My wife and I never had kids, so this is new to me. For example, for Kindergarden I was teaching her "Hooked on Phonics" on my computer she keeps wanting to get a snack and then come back.

When I start helping her with her homework is it best to set a specified time to study every day, or should it vary ? Also she is very smart to the point of being bored learning. How do I get her excited about learning math and English when she is so bored ? Do I tell her she must complete her homework and do something fun, or should we take a break halfway through the homework? I try to be as enthusiastic as possible, but she is so bored. Any suggestions ?

By the way her parents don't speak english very well that is why I help the girl. Also is there anything I can have the parents do to make tutoring easier for me ?

Answer 1

Games, Games, and more games.  Leap Frog, Flash cards, are good places to start make learning fun.  Find out what she is interested in then try to wrap all her lessons around that topic.  

My son is the same way (He is 9) I found out when he was three that he really enjoyed dinosaurs so I got him Flash cards with dinosaurs that helped and every book I could find with dinosaurs.  When we went over his homework I would do a little with him then I would let him discuss his dinosaurs and that kept him attentive.  He is in the 4th grade now and I still have a conversation about what he has learned new about dinosaurs while going over his homework.

The best time to study with her will be shortly after she gets a snack from coming in after school, but before dinner.  Do not let her go into her room but set up a place where it is just you and her. No T.V., No distractions.  Don't turned it into a thing for just homework but a time where you two can discuss anything.  

Answer 2

Lose the "we". It's the child going to school. It's the child's homework. She is going to school and that is enough for a five year old. She does not need tutoring. All you should be doing is to encourage her to do her homework. End of your involvement.

Answer 3

Have you ever seen the flash cards? They have letters, numbers, words,addition facts on them, subtraction facts on them, you could make her math a game, that would interest her,(like a memory game with the flash cards! You can get the flash anywhere, they are not that expensive, like $1.00-$2.00 if that, and with her English, you could do the same or you can make the flash cards yourself, with helping you, that way she has everything to with how you'll be teaching her,and since the girl is going into first grade that means (she's 6 yrs.old, yeah, you really would need to give both of you a break, for working and have fun,either on your computer or let her go outside and play for about 1/2 hour, then have her come back in and study some more,when she and you are playing the memory game with the flash cards when she gets a match build her up,tell her wow that's fantastic, think I can do that like you just did? Ask her to show you how she matched up the flash cards so quickly? As far as her parents are concerned bring them to your house and let them participate with the numbers, and with the English (words) flash cards that way the little girl will learn, but so will the parents!