FAQs

Yes, many of my students have formal Special Education designations such as ADD/ADHD, PDD, Oppositional-Defiant and Dyslexic (various forms and levels). Most of my students (Special Ed. and otherwise) are defined by their teachers as "struggling with reading and writing." Much of my training and expertise addresses multiple learning styles and creativity. I have found special needs students to exhibit tremendous levels of creativity and multiple intelligence-based strengths. The programs I create for these and all students highlight the connections between multiple intelligences, creativity, self-esteem, the arts, reading, writing, listening and speaking. I plan to earn an advanced degree in Special Education as soon as possible; I do not have state certification in Special Education at this time.

What age groups do you work with?

I work with ages 6 and up for private tutoring and ages 3 and up for small group enrichment projects. I work with college students and adults as well, often editing papers on-line. I instruct adults within a small writing group format or via 1-1 tutorials. There are many options for high school students and adults to work with me online. (Written parental permission required for ages 16-18). I have over two decades of experience working with multiple age-groups.

What subject areas do you address?

I teach reading (all levels), writing (specializing in short and long essays and poetry), computer skills, social studies, language arts, oral expression, listening skills, spoken word, and homework help in all areas except upper-level math and science. As a Literacy Specialist, I seek to engage learners in cross-disciplinary work whenever possible, and I include singing, drumming, piano, video, audio, computer-based multi-media, movement and nature study as regular parts of my programming.

What about test preparation?

My expertise in the areas of the short and long essay, poetry analysis and basic skills development will help prepare your child for the many tests she or he will encounter, the 4^th and 8^th grade ELAs in particular. I do not teach test preparation as an isolated course of study. At present, I am collaborating with other SAT-prep tutors in regard to the essay portion of the new (post-2003) exam. Email monava9@aol.com if you'd like to collaborate with me.

CLICK HERE for more on assessment.

How much do you charge?

Email me at monava9@aol.com and I will send you a complete price list. I will not send you junk mail—I promise!

I offer reasonable prices

and a flexible schedule!

Please note:

you do not pay for sessions missed due to illness

you do not have to pay a lump sum in advance

you are not obligated to sign a contract

Fees for small group enrichment projects, creative consultancy, 1-1 creative writing tutorials for adults and online classes all have different price structures than 1-1 tutoring.

When are you available to tutor my child?

I have a flexible schedule and will make every effort to accommodate your family's needs; however, slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with younger students receiving priority for the 3-5pm time slots. I am available after-school until 7:30pm, daily. I am available all day on Saturday. I am open all summer long. At certain times of the year, your desired slot may be unavailable, but I have rolling admissions and built-in change-over times 3 times a year (fall, spring and summer).

Email me at monava9@aol.com with your time and day preferences, and I will get back to you ASAP.

What are your credentials?

New York State Certified:

         --Pre-K, K, Grades 1-6 (provisional state transfer)

                           and

         --Literacy Specialist Birth-Grade 6 (anticipated, summer 2005)
Masters in Education/Language and Literacy

(degree from Fordham University to be completed in summer, 2005)
BA in Sociology with WI certification in Elementary Education, grades 1-8

(degree earned from Beloit College, spring 1984)
over two decades experience teaching

ages 3 through adult, traditional and alternative settings
nearly two decades experience as a freelance writer and editor

published work includes five historical reference books, magazine articles and poetry

Where do we meet?

We can meet at my house, your house or at a public library in between (or online if you are an adult, or have written parental permission if you fall into the age 16-18 category).

What about homeschoolers (unschoolers)?

Homeschooling and Unschooling families are welcome and treated with respect. If you have a group that would like to explore something in an in-depth and integrated manner, please contact me: monava9@aol.com.

I will work with you closely to meet all participants' needs and goals.

I am also available to work with parents and children on writing. Please don't be embarrassed if your family needs assistance with writing—many homeschooling families wrestle with the nuances of teaching the expository form in particular. The tutorials are geared toward teaching you, the parent(s), how to continue on independently as a family. The lessons can be given to parent(s) and children simultaneously or I could just work with you, the parent(s), if you prefer.

Do you work with adults?

Yes. If you've always wanted to write, I am the person to help you take that first step. I specialize in building confidence and providing meaningful encouragement through specific and gentle feedback about your work. I tailor all lessons to your desires and needs. If you're in a rut--fun and enlightening exercises can help you get out. At all times, I seek to help you develop your intuitive creative strength.

I offer 1-1 tutorials for adults and on-line tutorials and classes. I also run writing groups (by myself and collaboratively with other teachers, poets and writers).

In addition, I put together literature circles--including mother-daughter reading clubs, teacher reading clubs and stay-at-home-mom reading clubs.

Email me with your thoughts and goals: monava9@aol.com

I offer creative writing, poetry, the long and short essay (all levels, including college), business communication, and hypertext and multi-media exploration. I also work with teachers who are interested in publishing their action research in professional journals and/or want to explore other ways to teach writing to their students.

I am always looking for other poets who want to explore writing interactively via IMing (Instant Messaging) and/or via e-mail and/or via structured group chat situations.

I have reasonable rates and a flexible schedule! Email me for quotes: monava9@aol.com

What online classes do you offer?

The range of options includes a one-time editing of your high-school or college-level paper for a flat fee (DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!) to a mentored study of poetry analysis and/or creation, to interactive writing via IMing (Instant Messaging).

Email me with your thoughts, goals and situation if you would like to engage in an online tutorial with me: monava9@aol.com.

Emailing me does not bind you to any agreement and I will never send you junk mail!

On-line classes are evolving now. Courses of study include (but are not limited to):

Writing and Mothering:

Goddess studies, time management, goal setting, inspiring stories, mother/daughter issues, etc.

The Elements of Poetry:

Metaphor, alliteration, symbolism, repetition, rhythm, rhyme, punctuation, inflection/oral delivery, visual aspects, etc.

Forms of Poetry:

The concrete poem, the Sonnet, free verse, the Cinquain,

online poetry, interactive poetry, choral poetry, multi-media poetry, spoken word, etc.

The Writing Process:

Brainstorming, rough draft, revision, motivation, goal setting, performance, publication, breaking through barriers, etc.

The Spiritual Aspects of Creative Writing:

Ritual, dialogue with self, dialogue with inner-self/higher power, accessing your intuition, building community, writing as a form of meditation, cultivating an attitude of thankfulness, writing and transcendence, etc.

Email me with your thoughts and goals: monava9@aol.com

How can I join a writing group?

Check out the message boards

Contact me with your ideas, needs and goals: monava9@aol.com

When you come to speak with my college students, what will you do?

You and I will discuss via email, phone or in person what your needs, thoughts and goals are for the experience. I tailor each creative consultancy class to the teacher's and/or class members' desires.

What are the message boards all about?

The message boards are a place for teachers, writers and musicians to build community relationships, share information, learn from one another, inspire one another and embark upon collaborative projects. New topics are posted by members on an on-going basis.

Membership is free, but you do need to sign up and have a password. This is done to quench flamers (trouble-makers).

CLICK HERE to go to message boards.

What are the vibes?

The vibraphone is an instrument similar to a xylophone or marimba in appearance, but made of silver or gold metal bars that ring out ethereally when struck with 2, 4 or more mallets. The vibes came into their own as an ensemble instrument during the early jazz days. Some famous vibes players: Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, Cal Tjader, and Gary Burton.

In addition to jazz standards such as "Nature Boy," "All The Things You Are," and "Take the A Train," I also play my own arrangements of folk songs, classical pieces, and rock songs from the 1960s and 1970s (including songs by Jimi Hendrix and Neil Young). I also arrange and play contemporary songs such as "Fallen" by Evanescence, "Same Boy You've Always Known" by the White Stripes and "Beautiful" as written by Linda Perry (performed by Christina Aquilara).

CLICK HERE for a video of me playing the vibes.

CLICK HERE for a calendar of my upcoming gigs.

CLICK HERE for links to vibes websites.

CLICK HERE to critique me or give me advice.

Why did you start playing the drum kit at age 40?

I've wanted to play the drums (full kit) since I was 5 years old. My mom wouldn't let me because it would be "too noisy." Hundreds of people discouraged me by saying that "girls don't do that."

I went on to learn how to play several other percussion instruments (marimba, tympani, various accessories) in addition to the piano. Decades passed as I mourned over my secret creative desire.

Finally, after a two-year period of much angst-ridden inner debate (read: American female denies self vital creative tool), I got up the guts in 2002 and walked into the Long Island Drum Center (located in downtown Nyack, New York).

I was encouraged by Greg to simply take a few lessons and then decide later about investing in a drum set. I took his advice and began studying with John Hvasta. John is the greatest drum teacher alive, and the most amazing drummer! Stop in and see him—he will blow your mind! He's the one who turned me on to jazz drumming.

Making my dream come true was the best present I ever gave myself! It's never too late to learn an instrument—I am living proof of that!

What is the difference between a "performing poet" and "spoken word artist?"

I have no idea.

CLICK HERE to join in a lively discussion about that and other topics of interest to poets on the Poets and Writers Message Boards.

CLICK HERE to find out when I'm performing poetry live.

CLICK HERE to find out about Po'Jazz and Cornelia Street Café

Email me to collaborate with me: monava9@aol.com

What is the Community Building part of the site about?

Teachers, writers and musicians can join together in community on any of the three message boards on my website. We talk, we laugh, we ask questions and inspire one another. Best of all, we hook up with cool and capable people and, together, we make life happen!

CLICK HERE for the Musicians Message Board

CLICK HERE for the Teachers Message Board

CLICK HERE for the Poets and Writers Message Board

Who is Benjy, and can he help me make a website and/or learn how use my computer more effectively?

Benjy is my Webmaster and Computer Tutor. He helped me put together this website. He has also helped me learn how to create, work with, send and receive digital audio and digital video. In addition, he offers computer checkups to remove viruses and spyware from your computer, as well as hardware installation. If you need help in any of these areas, I highly recommend that you contact Benjy!

You can email him at benjymeigs@optonline.net.

He is super responsible, very reliable and an excellent communicator.

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