• Private tutoring (one-on-one instruction) $38 / hour
• Semi-Private (two students together) $26 / hour each
• Small class (three or more students) $17 / hour each

Tuition is calculated by the semester and then divided by the number of months, giving a regular monthly rate of about $135 / month.

A registration fee of $25 is charged each semester.

Our Calendar

• Fall Semester (September – December) – approximately 16 weeks
• Winter-Spring Semester (January – May) – approximately 16 weeks
• Summer Term (June – August) – 9 weeks

English with Linking Blocks I – (grades 5-9)                Thursdays 1:30 p.m.
Instructor: John Menken B.S.English, M.Div.

Students quickly learn grammar with manipulative colored blocks that represent all eight parts of speech.
They also learn how to write a solid paragraph, the basic building block of all compositions, as they use their
new grammar. This is a two-semester course. Order a Linking Blocks Kit and Student Workbook from www.linkingblocks.com. Multiple students in the family can use one block set. Each student needs his own Student Workbook.

Excellence in Writing – (grades 6-12)                           Thursdays 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: John Menken B.S.English, M.Div.

Students make key word outlines of a source text model and then write good paragraphs from their notes.
Students learn to write descriptive, narrative, and informative paragraphs as well as multiple-paragraph
essays. They also add stylistic techniques such as quality adjectives and vigorous adverbs. Topics include
early U.S. history including explorers, Jamestown, and the Revolutionary War. In the process, students
develop their confidence and creativity and produce outstanding, mature compositions. Excellence in Writing
brings the “Wow!” factor to students’ writing. This is a two-semester course. Order HBW-S, Theme-based writing / history / US History-Based Writing Lessons, Vol. 1. from www.excellenceinwriting.com.

Literary Analysis, American Literature – (grades 9-12)   Wednesdays 10:00 a.m.
Instructor: John Menken B.S.English, M.Div.

Students use higher-order thinking skills to analyze literature. They will study character, plot, conflict,
climax, characterization, allusion, foreshadowing, etc. We will notice how literature reflects the times that the author lived as well as the social and moral tones of that age. This is a two-semester course. Order the Teaching the Classics Workbook, code TCW, ($25) from www.excellenceinwriting.com. You might also purchase two novels to be announced (about $7 each).

Student Writing Intensive Level A – (grades 5-8)             Wednesdays 9:00 a.m.
Instructor: Bev Menken B.A.English, Certified Reading Instructor

This two-semester course geared for younger students gives a strong foundation in structural models for writing as well as stylistic techniques. Using various sources such as history or literature, students will learn to make good outlines. Other skills taught include the following: summarizing, writing a narrative, report writing using single or multiple references, and creative writing. Students also learn to dress up their writing with specific words such as adjectives and adverbs. This course is a great foundation for other writing courses.

Student text is Student Writing Intensive Notebook Level A (code SIM-A0 available for $18 from www.excelenceinwriting or 800-856-5815.

Special note: All small group classes include a one-week homework assignment sheet. All work must be completed at home and checked by a parent or guardian. Completed compositions will be graded and evaluated by the instructor.

The following courses are also available upon request if three or more students enroll:

Essay Writing for College Preparation

Research Paper Writing

Math

Algebra

Linking Blocks II

Contact John or Bev Menken at englishdocs2@sbcglobal.net or (815) 654-2616

As one of the best English teachers in the area, Mr. Menken’s teaching style is thorough and detailed. His
teaching techniques foundationally equip students to compose with confidence and grasp English skills in a
unique manner. Students are well instructed and can easily assimilate this in their writing skills. In addition to
his home school and private education experiences, Mr. Menken’s years of experience in the writing field equip him to be a great English mentor for students.

Vicki Huftalin

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for John Menken.

Several years ago I had the opportunity to audit a series of summer classes on creative writing that were being offered to high school aged students. My son was one of those students, and parents were invited to sit in on the classes if they desired. From the very first class through the last, I was impressed with two things… The first was the extensive knowledge of the written word that John possesses. The second was his ability to impart this knowledge in a clear and concise manner to his students. All of the students enjoyed his class as did I, but more importantly, they all walked away at the end of the summer series with improvement in their writing skills that far surpassed what I would have thought possible in a six week period.

Even though my association with John was only over this six week period, I was so impressed with his abilities that I do not hesitate to give him the highest of recommendations.

Sincerely,
John O’Brien DDS

I took an English course from John Menken while in high school. I obtained writing skills that I have taken with me beyond his classroom.  I continually use what I have learned in everyday life and while studying at North Park University in Chicago, IL.  One day I will take those skills with me into the business world.  As a marketing major with a certificate in nonprofit leadership studies, I have realized the importance of both written and verbal communication.  Thank you for your commitment to your students John!

Josephine Jacobson
North Park University ‘03
Marketing BA & Certificate of Nonprofit Leadership Studies

Regarding:  Mr. John Menken

John has taught Grammar and Composition to a group of 6th and 7th grade students over the past 2002–2003
school year.  The parents of these students have been pleased with what their children have learned and with
John’s teaching ability.

Without hesitation or reservation I highly recommend John Menken as a Grammar and Composition teacher.
He has done an excellent job of teaching our students and I look forward to his returning for the 2003-2004
school year.

Sincerely,

Barbara Huber

Hands-On English with Linking Blocks
This program teaches the eight parts of speech (nouns, verbs, prepositions, etc.) by assigning each part of speech a color. The student learns the proper operation of each part of speech within a sentence by manipulating colored blocks. He also learns to write effective paragraphs and basic compositions.

Wilson Language System
This multi-sensory program uses a variety of manipulative tools to teach phonics, syllabication, reading, spelling, and penmanship.

Mortensen Math
This unit-study program is modeled after the quisenaire rods program. Students work in five strands of study (arithmetic, measurement, problem solving, algebra, and calculus) using colored plastic rods to clearly visualize each operation.

Math U See
This program is like Mortensen Math, but approaches studies in a traditional sequence instead of working five strands together.

Many students learn well by what they hear with their ears. They may experience success in the classroom, where much information is “told”. But many other students learn best by what they see or touch, learning through their eyes and hands. Those students often fall short of their potential when academic information is presented primarily to their ears.

We specialize in multi-sensory, manipulative teaching techniques that bring impressive results in phonics, reading, grammar, composition, and math. Even auditory learners benefit from multi-sensory instruction!

Rockford Tutors welcomes home school families. We recognize the opportunity to multiply our value by teaching teachers as well as teaching students. We therefore offer “parent mentoring” and special workshops especially for parents.

We also purpose to be a community asset in the stateline area. Accordingly, we seek to partner with schools and to participate in workshop presentations in other venues.