tutoring high school freshman - any advice?

turin

I will be tutoring a 14-year-old boy in high school algebra. I have never tutored someone so young (since I was myself in high school, many MANY years ago), and I am quite nervous about the "other" issues that we may need to work through. I remember having issues my freshman year of high school that were huge distractions from my academics. I believe that every kid has a sincerely unique experience in high school, but still, advice/annecdotes are greatly appreciated.

Dadface

Spend some time in your first session just getting to know him,his strengths and weaknesses,what he is studying at present,and topics he has studied in the past that he needs to revisit.Ask him to describe and get you copies of the syllabus and details of the structure of the exams and the exam schedule.Look through his work and pick up on any topics that need clarifying.You will need worksheets and ideally copies of the books he is using.Be nice,be patient and inform his parents that you always perform better with a nice cup of tea(or is coffee your preference?)

turin

Thanks, Dadface. Here goes ...

Moonbear

The only "modification" I would have to Dadface's recommendations is that most people don't have a "syllabus" in high school. That's something you encounter in college, and that basically explains the rules and regulations for the class. What you want to ask for are the reading assignments or schedule for the class. Basically, you need to know what topics and chapters of the text will be covered each week.