3 unexpected ways good primary tutors can empower kids
When parents start looking for primary tutors, they are looking for someone who can help their child reach a specific academic goal. Common needs include improving reading comprehension skills, mastering maths concepts or preparing for exams.
Naturally, you expect private tutors to support learning progress and help them achieve goals – but there’s so much beyond academic benefits that can be gained when you find the right match for your child!
Today, I’m sharing three less obvious benefits that can be gained from choosing great primary tutors.
3 unexpected ways good primary tutors can support kids
01 – Feeling respected and understood as an individual
In school, where over-stretched teachers are constantly under pressure to hit targets, individual needs can often go unmet. A class full of pupils has complex social dynamics that can have an impact on learning. It’s all too easy for kids to slip under the radar.
Classrooms can be friendly and supportive places where children help each other learn. But there can also be behaviour issues, distractions, bullying and peer influences that hinder learning.
If the classroom environment makes children feel behind their peers or frustrated that something is holding them back in their progress, it’s going to negatively impact learning. If expectations force them to alter their behaviour or personality to ‘fit in’, as many neurodiverse learners experience daily, it’s going to cause significant stress.
Working one-to-one (or with a small group) good primary tutors will take the time to build trusting relationships in which each child feels valued and respected as an individual. This allows tutors to put together finely tuned sessions with activities that are appropriate to children’s needs and incorporate their interests to make learning meaningful to them.
The best tutors create a comfortable, low-pressure environment with fewer distractions than a classroom. They can support children at the right pace for them, allowing them time to practice and revisit topics in different ways until they are confident.
02 – Feeling safe enough to step out of their comfort zone
Speaking up and contributing to lessons at school can be a very daunting thing! I remember when I was at school, I dreaded being called on to answer a question for fear of getting it wrong and being teased. I had an incredibly bright friend and she dreaded being put on the spot too, but she was afraid of being teased for being a swot if she got it right. You just can win!
Besides worrying about what other children might think, there are countless reasons why children might not feel comfortable speaking up and fully participating in lessons at school. But with the right tutor, and with mutual trust and respect, children feel safe to step out of their comfort zone and try new things.
When they feel that their tutor knows and ‘gets’ them, they begin to feel safe enough to try new things they wouldn’t attempt at school. They trust that making mistakes is normal and a crucial part of learning.
Feeling safe enough to take risks with learning and to ask questions to further their learning is incredibly empowering. In turn, this helps children begin to feel more confident in the classroom, enabling them to tip-toe out of their comfort zone there too and make more progress at school.
03 – Reduced stress and anxiety
Sadly, mental health struggles can have a massive impact on children. According to a recent study, 65% of children say they’ve felt anxious or stressed about school. The main cause was found to be perceived pressure to do well in lessons.
A positive relationship between tutors and their students eases stress and instils self-belief and confidence. Knowing that their tutor can explain topics from school to them in different and creative ways and give them support, practice and encouragement can help them feel more in control and less stressed.
Tutors can help children become motivated to learn independently and feel confident in their abilities and potential. They can help them develop time management, organisation and independent study skills that will benefit them now and in the future.
Some tutors, like myself, incorporate techniques, such as problem-solving, mindfulness and breathing exercises, into their sessions where appropriate. When children have a range of calming techniques, they can use them in day-to-day situations to ease stress.
Conclusion
In summary, primary tutors can not only support academic progress but also contribute to their students’ wellbeing.
Children learn best when they feel safe, valued and confident – and good tutors can establish positive, authentic relationships that nurture their wellbeing and empower them as learners.
As a primary tutor with a ‘whole child’ approach to supporting children, I see extraordinary academic and emotional growth in the children that I work with. Seeing confidence grow alongside learning progress is one of the best parts of my job!
To learn more about what I offer with my bespoke tutoring services, take a look at my about page.
Are these qualities that you would seek in a tutor for your child? Let me know in the comments below.
Looking for a tutor like this?
I pride myself on providing tuition that supports academic progress whilst building trusting, respectful relationships in which children feel safe to step out of their comfort zones and be understood as individuals.
If you’d like to book a free video or phone call to discuss me working with your child, click the button below and choose a time that is convenient to you.
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