MRS. SAM'S TUTORING

Does your child struggle with academic concepts or wish to excel beyond their grade level? Mrs. Sam’s is a one-stop tutoring services centre that can help your child succeed and boost their confidence.

Assuntha Ramanathan (Mrs. Sam) and her husband Ravee Ramakrishnan, own the tutoring centre; Ravee founded the business, and Assuntha runs it. They chose the business name because it is short and easy to remember.

Mrs. Sam’s Richmond location opened in 2016 and has flourished, so much so that Vancouver parents travelled to Richmond to utilize their services. Based on the demand and requests from parents, they opened the Dunbar location in January 2022.

Mrs. Sam’s individual tutoring and classes help your child get ahead in school.

Some parents encounter problems finding a tutor when their child requires academic support. Assuntha says, “Through referrals from teachers and other parents, they turn to us when their child is struggling with key educational concepts. We cater to kids of all ages. It is very fulfilling to see students progress and succeed academically.”

Every child is assessed and placed at their ability level for their educational journey. Ravee says, “We don’t hold them back by their grade level. For example, we have a Grade 10 student working at a Grade 12 level.”

Assuntha mentions, “Many of our tutors are UBC technology and engineering students with high-grade point averages. They are versatile and can teach any age level. We hand-pick the best applicants, paying close attention to those who will work with preschool and elementary students. We teach and train them, so they all follow the same method for consistency.”

Math tutoring is geared toward building a solid mathematical foundation through real-world applications for simple to complex mathematical equations.

The English tutoring program matches tutors to fit each child’s learning style. English tutors identify the source of a child’s difficulties and apply techniques to enrich their child’s knowledge and comprehension. Beginner readers learn essential sight words to help them quickly identify keywords to help master the English language.

Completing homework and assignments and preparing for upcoming tests are at the top of the list.

Assuntha says, “We concurrently teach and help with homework alongside the programs we offer. The goal is for our students to get good grades.”

Mrs. Sam’s Pre-Kindergarten Montessori-based program helps little ones (ages 3 to 5) become independent readers. With a group limit of six children, the Pre-K program prepares children for school readiness by equipping them with essential skills, including learning to concentrate and focus in a classroom setting. Children develop a strong recognition of the alphabet, numbers, vocabulary, and basic reading. They also learn to write neatly and symmetrically and comprehend basic phonics sounds.

Our individualized approach is why so many parents have come to rely on Mrs. Sam’s programs.

Ravee points out that the popular Singapore Math program sets Mrs. Sam’s apart and makes their learning centre unique. He says, “Some private schools started teaching this method, and then public schools followed.”

Singapore Math is based on the mathematics curriculum developed and used in Singapore. Three distinct approaches to understanding mathematical concepts and problem-solving are used, from concrete to pictorial to abstract. This encourages students to actively think, understand, and communicate to solve math problems.

The tutoring centre also offers services for students with learning challenges such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dyslexia.

Students are taught at a pace that meets their learning needs. Assuntha comments, “They experience very positive results.”

Classes are offered year-round. Winter and spring breaks are popular times to attend, as is summer vacation. There is a constant intake throughout the year. Some students attend once a week, while others may attend four times a week.

“We love hearing parents tell us how well their child is doing at school and how their grades have improved. These words are more than money can buy. We pat our tutors on the back for a job well done,” says Assuntha.

Mrs. Sam’s Tutoring Vancouver 3536 W 41st Avenue

Vancouver, BC V6N 3E6

Phone 604-285-0064

www.mrssam.ca

Story by Sarah Gordon. February 2023