Knowing so many parents are struggling with homeschooling, we asked local Selby Tutoring provider, Kip McGrath to share their top tips.
- Do not try to be school – Home learning is not the same as school. You cannot always do what teachers do in a classroom at the kitchen table. Work with your ability and resources.
- Devise your own timetable – It must suit you and your family and work for you. Set the ground rules early on and plan some rest breaks and down time throughout the day. This will be easier to maintain and follow.
- Online? Offline? – You do not need to be online all day to be educating/learning. Yes, there are many fantastic online resources out there but don’t forget about the old-fashioned books, and practical hands on challenges……a cake that needs baking or a flat pack that needs putting together.
- Get Outside – Spend as much time as you can outdoors. Take the learning outdoors. Remember its good for your health, kick a ball in the garden or go for a walk. Maybe an I-spy walk?
- Enjoy the one – one. – And remember this does not have to be for eight hours a day. Timetable the time in to review the work your child has done, talk about it and ask them to explain to you how its done. Let them teach you.
- Speak to teachers. – Many teachers have been offering their skills on different educational apps and email. Ask them questions, share concerns. They want us to get through this.
- Buddy up with other parents. – Join forces with other parent friends to share any online learning discoveries you make.
- Have confidence in yourself! – Teachers do a wonderful job, and they are experienced. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have a lot to offer too. You know your children better than anyone else. Chances are you do know what motivates them and what excites them. Use this to your advantage and tailor your approach accordingly.
- Relax! – The entire country is in this together. Your children aren’t going to miss out. If it all gets too much, curl up on the settee and read a book together.
How could private tutoring help my child? Especially during Lockdown?
Private tutoring is becoming increasingly popular, especially at this difficult time during the COVID crisis. This is hardly surprising as it is particularly effective in improving not only a student’s academic grades, but also their practical understanding of wide range of subjects.
There are many reasons parents choose tutoring for their children. Some parents feel unable to help their children with schoolwork. Others may find their children are more receptive to working through school struggles with another person. Tutoring can help strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, in the areas they need it most and build important learning skills.
Tutoring can give students individualised attention that they don’t get in a crowded classroom. This helps children who struggle to keep up, as well as those who aren’t challenged enough. It also keeps students on track during breaks from school, such as holidays and the National Lockdowns.
Children will benefit from the fact that a tutor can adjust the pace, focus and goals of a lesson depending on the needs and abilities of each child, meaning that learning efficiency will be maximised. “This is an especially important point to note for any students that have learning disorders, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. A good tutor will be able to take this into account and be a great benefit to a student.”
For more information about Kip McGrath and the support they have available for local families, click here.
