Request a Tutor Become a Tutor

Odette V. (her, 41 Years)

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Fun, Friendly & Certified English Teacher for Kids | Making Language Learning Magical!

Bio

Hi there! I'm Teacher Odette 🌟

I'm a certified TEFL/TESOL English teacher with over 6 years of online teaching experience, working with students aged 5 to 65+. Whether I’m teach... Read more

Teaching methodology

My lessons are student-centered, interactive, and adapted to each learner’s age, level, and goals. For young learners (5–12), I use TPR, props, games, and visual aids to make learn... Read more

I teach at

  • Online

Teaching option

  • Group Class
  • Private Lessons

Online Teaching Languages

  • English
  • R250

    Local Hourly rate
  • $22

    Online Hourly rate

Discounted Rates

  • R1000

    5 hours
  • R1800

    10 hours
  • R2500

    15 hours
4000 characters remaining
500 characters remaining

Intro Video

Educational Qualification

Degree in Policing (LAW)

SASETTA

  • South Africa
  • 2009

Degree in Labour Relations, HR & Dispute Resolution

Damelin

  • South Africa
  • 2025

TEFL/TESOL

Lead Academy

  • South Africa
  • 2020

Diploma in English Language & Literature

Alison

  • South Africa
  • 2020

Diploma in Educational Psychology

Alison

  • South Africa
  • 2020

Certificate in Effective Communication for Teachers

Alison

  • South Africa
  • 2020

IELTS Teacher Certification (Speaking & Writing)

IDP IELTS

  • South Africa
  • 2023

Learning Materials

PPT Slides

No files uploaded yet

Video Lessons

No files uploaded yet

Study Notes

No files uploaded yet

Questions for You

Q: What is your approach to teaching writing, and how do you help students develop their writing skills?

My approach to teaching writing is step-by-step, supportive, and skills-focused. I help students develop their writing by teaching them how to organize their ideas, use clear sentence structures, and build strong vocabulary. I start with pre-writing activities like brainstorming or discussing ideas. Then we work on structuring paragraphs, using proper grammar and punctuation, and improving sentence flow. For young learners, I make writing fun with creative prompts, visuals, and sentence starters. For older students, I focus on essay writing, coherence, and tone—especially for tasks like IELTS writing or school assignments. I provide clear models, guided practice, and constructive feedback, so students learn how to express their thoughts confidently and clearly. My goal is to make writing feel achievable and even enjoyable!

Q: How do you help students with grammar, spelling, and punctuation?

I use a patient, practical, and personalized approach to help students improve their grammar, spelling, and punctuation. First, I assess their level and identify common mistakes. Then I create targeted lessons that include fun activities, visual aids, and real-life examples to make grammar rules easy to understand. For young learners, I use songs, games, and color-coding to teach basic sentence structure and punctuation. For older students, I focus on grammar in context, encouraging them to use what they learn in writing and speaking tasks. I also provide gentle corrections and clear explanations, followed by regular practice and review to help students build strong language habits. My goal is to make grammar, spelling, and punctuation feel simple, useful, and rewarding.

Q: What is your approach to teaching reading, and how do you help students improve their reading comprehension skills?

My approach to teaching reading is interactive, strategic, and level-based. I guide students through reading activities that develop both fluency and comprehension, using materials suited to their age and language level. For young learners, I focus on phonics, sight words, and vocabulary building using fun stories, pictures, and read-aloud activities. I ask questions to check understanding, make predictions, and help them connect the story to their own experiences. With older students, I teach skimming, scanning, and inference skills. We work on identifying main ideas, understanding context, and analyzing meaning. I also use guided reading exercises and follow-up discussions to deepen comprehension. I encourage students to think critically, ask questions, and express their ideas. Through regular reading practice, vocabulary support, and engaging discussions, I help students become more confident, curious, and capable readers.

Q: How do you help students with literary analysis and critical thinking skills?

I help students build literary analysis and critical thinking skills by teaching them how to look beyond the surface of a text. We explore themes, character development, tone, and symbolism, and I encourage students to ask “why” and “how” questions about what they read. I guide students in making inferences, identifying the author’s purpose, and supporting their ideas with evidence from the text. For younger or beginner learners, I start with simple story elements (beginning, middle, end) and feelings. For more advanced students, we dive into deeper analysis through discussion, annotation, and essay writing. I use a mix of guided questions, group discussions, and writing prompts to help students develop their own voice and opinions. My goal is to create curious readers who can think deeply, analyze thoughtfully, and express their interpretations with confidence.

Q: How do you help students with pronunciation and enunciation?

I use a patient and practical approach to help students improve their pronunciation and enunciation. First, I listen carefully to identify specific sounds or words they struggle with, then I provide targeted practice using clear examples, repetition, and visual mouth cues. I often use phonics, minimal pairs, and tongue twisters to help students hear and produce sounds more accurately. I also model correct pronunciation slowly and clearly, then guide students to practice until they feel confident. For visual learners, I may use phonetic symbols or facial cues to show tongue and mouth placement. For enunciation, I help students slow down their speech, separate syllables, and stress the right words to sound clear and natural. I encourage self-awareness and correction by using audio recordings, shadowing, and real conversation practice. My goal is to help learners speak clearly and confidently, with correct rhythm, intonation, and sound clarity.

Q: How do you help students with public speaking or presentation skills?

I help students build confidence, clarity, and structure in public speaking through step-by-step guidance and supportive practice. My focus is on helping them organize their thoughts, speak clearly, and engage their audience. We start with planning and structuring ideas, using outlines and speaking notes. I then coach students on voice projection, pacing, eye contact, and body language. For shy or nervous students, I create a safe, encouraging space where they can practice without pressure. We use role-play, short speeches, storytelling, and visual aids to make presentations interactive and fun. I also give personalized feedback to help improve delivery, pronunciation, and fluency. Whether preparing for a school speech, debate, or interview, my goal is to help students speak with confidence, clarity, and purpose in any situation.

Q: Can you explain complex English grammar rules in simpler terms for easier understanding?

Yes, I specialize in breaking down complex grammar rules into clear, simple explanations that learners of all ages can understand. I avoid overwhelming terminology and instead use real-life examples, visuals, and step-by-step comparisons to help students grasp the meaning and usage of each rule. For example, I turn abstract concepts like verb tenses, conditionals, or articles into everyday situations students can relate to. I also use charts, color coding, and practice exercises to reinforce understanding. My goal is to make grammar feel logical, practical, and less intimidating, so students feel confident using it in both writing and conversation.

Q: How do you motivate students who struggle with the language?

I motivate students who struggle with the language by creating a positive and supportive learning environment where they feel safe to make mistakes and try again. I start with simple tasks that they can succeed at to build their confidence, and I celebrate their progress, no matter how small. I also try to connect lessons to their personal interests to keep them engaged and show them how learning the language can help them in real life. Using visuals, games, and interactive activities helps make learning more enjoyable and easier to understand. Finally, I set clear, achievable goals and provide positive, specific feedback to encourage continuous improvement.

Q: Are you familiar with the English curriculum and course requirements at my school?

Yes, I am familiar with a wide range of English curricula and course requirements, including specialized programs like Edisen, eMax, ILE, PEAI, and IELTS preparation. Through my experience teaching diverse learners across multiple countries, I have become skilled at quickly understanding and aligning with specific curriculum standards. I am confident that I can effectively adapt my teaching to meet your school’s requirements and help students achieve their language goals.

Q: How do you help students prepare for English exams and assignments?

I help students prepare for English exams and assignments by first assessing their current level and identifying areas that need improvement. Then, I design focused lessons that target key skills like reading comprehension, writing structure, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking fluency. I provide plenty of practice materials, including past exam questions and mock tests, to build their confidence and familiarity with the exam format. I also give detailed, constructive feedback on their assignments to help them understand their mistakes and improve. Throughout, I encourage a positive mindset and time-management strategies to reduce test anxiety and promote success.

Q: How do you ensure that students are actively engaged during tutoring sessions?

I ensure active engagement by using interactive teaching methods such as storytelling, games, role-plays, and multimedia tools. I adapt lessons to each student’s interests and level, encourage questions and discussions, and include varied activities to keep sessions dynamic and motivating.

Q: Can you help with test-taking strategies for English exams?

Yes, I provide tailored test-taking strategies including time management, understanding question types, eliminating wrong answers, and stress reduction techniques. I also offer practice tests to familiarize students with exam formats and boost their confidence.

Q: Are you willing to provide additional practice problems or resources for independent study?

Absolutely. I regularly provide extra exercises, reading materials, and online resources to support independent study and reinforce learning outside of tutoring sessions.

Q: Are you able to provide assistance with English language certification exams, such as TOEFL or IELTS?

Yes, I have experience preparing students for IELTS and other certification exams by focusing on speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills, as well as exam-specific strategies and practice.

Q: Can you provide guidance on choosing appropriate reading materials for improving English language skills?

Definitely. I recommend reading materials based on the student’s level, interests, and goals—ranging from graded readers and news articles to literary texts—helping them build vocabulary and comprehension gradually.

Q: How do you help students with business English skills, such as writing professional emails or conducting meetings in English?

I teach business English through practical, real-world tasks like drafting emails, writing reports, and role-playing meetings or presentations. I focus on clear, polite language and industry-relevant vocabulary to build students’ professional communication skills.

Q: How do you help students with understanding and applying literary devices in English literature?

I explain literary devices with clear definitions and examples, then guide students to identify and analyze them in texts. I encourage creative exercises to apply these devices in their own writing to deepen understanding.

Q: How do you encourage students to pursue their own writing interests in English?

I encourage students by allowing them to choose topics they are passionate about and providing positive, constructive feedback. I incorporate creative writing prompts and support them in developing their voice and style to make writing enjoyable and meaningful.

Disclaimer: MyPrivateTutor is a tutoring marketplace and a community which helps connect learners to great tutors and trainers. We do not introduce or supply tutors to those seeking tuitions, nor do we select or propose specific tutors to those seeking tuitions or learners to tutors. MyPrivateTutor does not verify the identity of or information posted by, tutors or learners. Please see our Safety Centre for guidance on how to verify the identity of and information posted by, other users.