topcattutor With Covid restrictions lifted, people are keen to get back to doing things face to face. This is understandable. As a result, I’ve noticed more people feeling unsure about online tuition. When asked why, the answer is usually that the child found online schooling during lockdown difficult. Online tuition is not the same as the …
What are SATs: SATs are the end of Key Stage assessments that children take in Year 2 and Year 6 in England. They are what are known as “high-stakes tests” because the children’s results are used to judge schools and individual teachers. And this judgement can be harsh and cruel – believe me – I’ve …
When was the Last Time you Handwrote Something? It’s something we seem to do less and less these days. Here’s a list of the things I handwrite: Session plans and notes during a session To do list Events in my diary/calendar Nightly journal Notes from professional and personal development Development ideas Shopping list Greetings cards …
In a parent consultation recently, the issue of giving praise to children came up. Praise is good, right? All children love praise! They won’t achieve anything without it. When I was training to be a teacher back in the noughties, everything was based around praise. Praise for sitting still and listening, praise for writing the …
Why have I started this blog with an image of some dodgy examples of crochet? Well, those dodgy examples of crochet illustrate the process of learning. I’m learning to crochet you see. I tried to learn in lockdown #1 and failed miserably. I could not figure it out at all. It took me days just …
It’s nearly Christmas and so time for a fun blog post! Christmas toys – but with an educational slant. There are thousands of educational games and toys available, so I’m going to recommend just a small handful that I regularly suggest to parents. All these items are under £30 and many are under £15. I …
Throughout November I will be going live on my Facebook page to quickly explain some of the most common misconceptions, or stumbling blocks, that the children I work with often display, and provide advice on overcoming them. I’ll take a look at each of them further in this blog. The Maths Blocks: Firstly, a couple …
When would you say is the most important stage in someone’s educational journey? Starting secondary school? GCSEs? A Levels? Going to university? These are all significant milestones. However, it is the early and primary years that are the most important stage in our learning. Over the last few months, I’ve been musing on how much …
This was a common question at parent’s evening when I was teaching, and something I’m asked regularly by the parents I work with now as a tutor. My suggestions are below. Other than the first one which is the most important thing you can do to help your child with their learning, the rest are …
I use the term “teacher gift” in this blog but what I’m saying can apply to any member of school staff. Where you see “teacher gift” it can also mean a gift for any school staff including Teaching Assistants, Lunchtime Supervisers, cleaners, office staff etc. Giving your child’s teacher a gift at the end of …