Home Tuition: Creating lasting memories and empowering children through positive foundations By Praema Stelling, Owner of The Tutor Train
“Your school days are the best days of your lives” – I wonder what your reaction to this might be or, what feelings have just come to mind for you? It is a statement that raises a mixed reaction amongst most adults. I personally found the experience of my primary education as fun, carefree, full of joy and wonder - every day was exciting and my teachers were warm and caring. That was until Year 5, where the class teacher was anything but fun. I remember when we had to stand up until we got an answer correct during times tables drills – for me this meant I was always one of the last few standing. I never managed to complete comprehension sheets as they were pages long and I rarely knew the answer. From what I remember, my Year 5 class teacher never smiled and thinking back, I am not sure she actually liked us. My confidence was shattered to such an extent that even now my times tables causes me to panic. Good memories are like pictures imprinted on our minds, but unfortunately so are the negative ones. This has been such a driving aspect for me as a primary school teacher and now as the owner of The Tutor Train – to create lasting, positive memories that leave children feeling empowered, confident and with a love for learning. How does Home Tuition create positive memories? Children are naturally inquisitive and learn by touching, exploring and manipulating things. This basic instinct forms the bases for most tuition lessons as tutors provide plenty of opportunities to use practical resources to aid learning. This kinaesthetic (hands-on) approach taps into the natural desire of a child to move and be active, therefore increases the likelihood of prolonged engagement during the lesson. The use of games is another fantastic tool used in home tuition to make learning enjoyable and fun. This may include board game style games or ones that involve movement e.g. hunting for answers to questions hidden around the garden or learning timetables songs with actions of heads, shoulders knees and toes. Simply, we are more likely to retain memories that are fun.
Home tuition provides a valuable opportunity to give children the gift of time – time to explore, time to think and time to ask questions to gain a richer and deeper understanding. By moving at the pace of your child they are more likely to feel in control of their learning. This is a very empowering feeling and can significantly increase the desire to learn. When is a good age to start tuition? Home tuition during the Primary years at school can have such a positive impact on how your child views school and learning. By building confidence and a healthy ‘can do’ mindset, your child may face challenges rather than shy away from them or ‘give up’. By providing the foundations in learning, your child may actively participate more during lessons. By being full of curiosity, your child may ask more questions, of others and themselves. Home tuition can create so many positive memories that lead towards a life-long love of learning. We owe it to them to make the start
of their journey exciting and full of fun – they are only little once. For more information on how to sign up for tuition classes with The Tutor Train see page 11 or contact Praema on 0750 0862722. Parent testimonial ‘I am really impressed with the service delivery that The Tutor Train provides for my 5 and 6 year-old. My kids love and enjoy the tuition they are receiving. I love the passion and high quality standard that Praema provides. She really gets down to my children’s level by being creative, enabling and empowering them to achieve and learn in each tuition. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication which you are delivering to my children’.
School Open Days BEDFORD GIRLS SCHOOL Girls Ages: 7 – 18 yrs. Bedford, MK42 0BX 01234 361918 Wed 4 Mar & Thurs 7 May, 10am www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk. admissions@bedfordgirlschool.co.uk
BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL Independent Co-educational Day School with children from 7 – 18yrs. Wed 11 Mar. 9.45 am – 11.15 am Manton Ln, Bedford MK41 7NT. 01234 332690 www.bedmod.co.uk
BEDFORD SCHOOL Independent boarding and day school for boys aged 7 – 18yrs. Bedfordshire, MK40 2TU 01234 362200 Sat, 25 Apr www.bedfordschool.org.uk
RUSHMOOR SCHOOL Bedford, MK40 2DL 01234 352031 Admissions Secretary: Philippa Abruzzese Sat 7 March, 10am – 12noon www.rushmoorschool.co.uk
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Families Bedfordshire March/April 2020
PILGRIM’S SCHOOL Independent school for children aged 3 months – 7 yrs. Bedford, MK41 7QZ Registrar: Mrs Karen Sinclair 01234 369555 Sat 16 Mar www.pilgrims-school.info ST ANDREWS Bedford, MK40 2PA 01234 267272, Admissions Secretary: Mrs Sheila Heaney Sat, 7 Mar, 10am – 12noon www.standrewsschoolbedford.com www.familiesonline.co.uk
