Tag: Rachel Law

The-Best-Bit-of-my-job

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Tutor My Kids
Tutor My Kids

I love my job! I love helping kids who have lost confidence find their confidence again and get a renewed interest in their learning.

And the very best bit of that is talking to Tutor My Kids’ amazing tutors in Ely, Huntingdon, Newmarket and Cambridge and the students’ parents, hearing first hand how the tuition is going. I especially love that first call.

It’s natural that parents and students are going to feel anxious before the first session of private tuition, especially if they haven’t had a tutor before. Students and their parents wonder if they’ll get along with the tutor, if the tutor will be able to help them, if the tutor ‘will talk their language’ and be on the same wavelength as them. So the first call is always a great joy to know that all these anxieties have been swept away. Whilst our testimonials show how well we match our tutors to our students, many of our clients are delighted, but slightly surprised how well we achieve this.

I think it’s down to a number of key factors. We always visit our students and their parents/carers in their own home well so that we can gain a good understanding of their needs, but also their personality. I think a tutor who can connect with the individual student is as important as the tutor having the correct subject knowledge. We always interview our tutors face-to-face to ensure a great understanding of their skills and personality too. In many cases, I will do an initial academic assessment when I visit to get a feel for any specific areas which need to be addressed. This (with the parent/carers’ permission) is supplemented with information from the class or subject teacher at school. With my view, the school’s information and finally the tutor’s expertise, we have a real 360 degree view of the students needs. But is it just down to this great academic and personality matching?

With a few exceptions, all our tutors in Ely, Huntingdon, Newmarket and Cambridge (the areas we cover) are qualified teachers. Their many years of experience of their subjects is paramount, but how to get their learning across to a wide variety of different students who learn in a myriad of different ways, equally, if not, more valuable.

For more information about Tutor My Kids or private tuition in Cambridgeshire, please click the links.

If you’re a teacher who’d like to find out about Becoming a Tutor My Kids tutor, click the link, email Rachel or call Rachel Law on 01223 646421 for a friendly and informal chat.

For our other news and blogs, take a look here

Thanks for reading. Speak soon,

Rachel.

 

 

 

 

Working for Tutor My Kids has reminded me why I originally wanted to teach

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TutorMyKids private tutor

I’m so grateful for this amazing testimonial from one of our amazing teachers who tutors in Ely.

‘Working for Tutor My Kids has reminded me why I originally wanted to teach – to make a difference in children’s learning and confidence, and see them progress.  As a senior manager for the last twelve years of my full time career, I got further and further away from the children and deeper and deeper into paperwork about why they weren’t progressing fast enough. Each child is an individual, has different needs and responds to different learning styles. The pupils I work with through TutorMyKids all benefit from a plan that I design specifically for them and deliver on a 1:1 basis. I see them progress and gain confidence through small steps – and realise that what I am doing is making that difference. Being a tutor with TutorMyKids is so rewarding – I have regained confidence in my teaching ability, working with delightful children and parents who enjoy seeing their children progress.’

I think this hits the nail on the head of why so many teachers are leaving the classroom and looking at other ways in which they can use their years of teaching experience in a way that is valued, that is acknowledged, has freedom and autonomy, enables teachers to do a great job (and feel like they are) and make a difference to pupils.

To get in touch, please email Rachel Law hello@tutormykids.co.uk or call her on 01223 858421
Look forward to hearing from you!

How do I become a private tutor?

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Many teachers are leaving the profession or
changing the way they work – perhaps opting for part-time or supply teaching and/or
private tutoring. 

We’re increasingly being approached by great teachers who are
simply ‘greyed out’ by the politics and paperwork but don’t want to stop doing what they love – working with children.Teachers are looking at
other ways to use their skills.


Teacher are looking at new ways of working, often combining things together, such as part-time or supply teaching and private tuition. The supply situation seems to vary enormously across the
country, but in Cambridgeshire, there’s no shortage. Ditto with private tuition
– demand for private tutors in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon and surrounding areas
is high.

The following is a quick guide to setting up as a private
tutor:


Where do you want to tutor?

You will need to decide if you want to be a private tutor who sees clients at your home or the clients’ homes. There are pros and cons for both. Being a private tutor at home can be distracting if you have your own family or may work out fabulously because you’ve got all your resources there. You may prefer to travel to your clients so you can be fully focussed on your student and not worry about keeping your house tidy!

How much should I charge for private tuition?

This, again, is a personal choice. Take a look at what other tutors are charging and what you feel is a fair reflection of your time and experience.

How do I find clients?

If you want to find clients yourself, start telling people
that you’re going to work as a private tutor. Word of mouth will be your best
advertising. If you’re on Facebook, mention it there – even set yourself up a Facebook
page dedicated to your tutoring and don’t forget cards in the local shops. You
can also register yourself on the various tutor boards.

If you feel uncomfortable about selling yourself or you want
to get off the ground more quickly, you could consider an agency. Agencies vary
enormously in terms of their approach so speak to a few and see who you feel
you ‘click’ with.

Working with an agency means that you won’t have to sell yourself.
Go for an agency (such as Tutor My Kids in Cambridge) who visit their clients
personally first to ensure you know that you’re going somewhere safe and vetted
to work as a personal tutor. Most of our private tutors in Ely, Cambridge,
Huntingdon and surrounding areas are women. We think it’s really important that
we’ve visited the client’s home first. We only accept clients who we’re happy
with and also we do a great job of matching the needs of our students to your
skills and experience.

Some agencies simply match you with a client based on your
skills and the client’s requirements. E.g. if you teach GCSE maths and the client’s
child is sitting GCSE maths they’ll match you up.  Others offer a more personalised service. At Tutor
My Kids in Cambridge we view these things differently. It may be a GCSE maths
student (especially if taking the foundation paper) may benefit from a primary
trained maths tutor who can help fill in gaps that are preventing the student
from progressing fully. 

How do I get more clients?

At the end of the day, whether you find clients yourself or
through an agency, I’d suggest that you go with your instincts. If you feel
that you connect with the family/agency then great. If you’re really not sure
at all, then better not to start the assignment.  With the right client or agency, you’ll get
more bookings through word of mouth without fail.

How many clients are too many?

This is a personal thing, but if you feel you’re able to fit
in the prep and planning before the session to the best of your ability, then
you’re about right. If you’re struggling to find the time, then definitely don’t
take any more clients on. Doing things well will bring you more clients and
recommendations but be careful not to overstretch yourself.

Feeling Appreciated.

Schools can be tough at the moment, with sometimes little
praise. Being a private tutor for many teachers is a hugely liberating thing;
it reconnects them with seeing directly the link of their efforts to the child
and it’s also really lovely for teachers to be really valued by their clients and/or
agency. 


If you’re interested in becoming a private tutor in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon or Newmarket, please get in touch with Rachel Law on 01223 858421 or take a look at the Tutor My Kids Website www.Tutormykids.co.uk

How do I become a private tutor?

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Many teachers are leaving the profession or changing the way they work – perhaps opting for part-time or supply teaching and/or private tutoring. 
 
We’re increasingly being approached by great teachers who are simply ‘greyed out’ by the politics and paperwork but don’t want to stop doing what they love – working with children.Teachers are looking at other ways to use their skills. Take a look at When was the last time a parent thanked you for teaching their child?
 
Teacher are looking at new ways of working, often combining things together, such as part-time or supply teaching and private tuition. The supply situation seems to vary enormously across the country, but in Cambridgeshire, there’s no shortage. Ditto with private tuition – demand for private tutors in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon and surrounding areas is high.
 

Here’s a quick guide to setting up as a private tutor:

Where do you want to tutor?

You will need to decide if you want to be a private tutor who sees clients at your home or the clients’ homes. There are pros and cons for both. Being a private tutor at home can be distracting if you have your own family or may work out fabulously because you’ve got all your resources there. You may prefer to travel to your clients so you can be fully focused on your student and not worry about keeping your house tidy! 

How much should I charge for private tuition?

This, again, is a personal choice. Take a look at what other tutors are charging and what you feel is a fair reflection of your time and experience.

How do I find clients?

If you want to find clients yourself, start telling people that you’re going to work as a private tutor. Word of mouth will be your best advertising. If you’re on Facebook, mention it there – even set yourself up a Facebook page dedicated to your tutoring and don’t forget cards in the local shops. You can also register yourself on the various tutor boards.
 
If you feel uncomfortable about selling yourself or you want to get off the ground more quickly, you could consider an agency. Agencies vary enormously in terms of their approach so speak to a few and see who you feel you ‘click’ with.
 
Working with an agency means that you won’t have to sell yourself. Go for an agency (such as Tutor My Kids in Cambridge) who visit their clients personally first to ensure you know that you’re going somewhere safe and vetted to work as a personal tutor. Most of our private tutors in Ely, Cambridge, Huntingdon and surrounding areas are women. We think it’s really important that we’ve visited the client’s home first. We only accept clients who we’re happy with and also we do a great job of matching the needs of our students to your skills and experience.
 
Some agencies simply match you with a client based on your skills and the client’s requirements. E.g. if you teach GCSE maths and the client’s child is sitting GCSE maths they’ll match you up.  Others offer a more personalised service. At Tutor My Kids in Cambridge we view these things differently. It may be a GCSE maths student (especially if taking the foundation paper) may benefit from a primary trained maths tutor who can help fill in gaps that are preventing the student from progressing fully. 

How do I get more clients?

At the end of the day, whether you find clients yourself or through an agency, I’d suggest that you go with your instincts. If you feel that you connect with the family/agency then great. If you’re really not sure at all, then better not to start the assignment.  With the right client or agency, you’ll get more bookings through word of mouth without fail.

How many clients are too many?

This is a personal thing, but if you feel you’re able to fit in the prep and planning before the session to the best of your ability, then you’re about right. If you’re struggling to find the time, then definitely don’t take any more clients on. Doing things well will bring you more clients and recommendations but be careful not to overstretch yourself. 

Feeling Appreciated.

Schools can be tough at the moment, with sometimes little praise. Being a private tutor for many teachers is a hugely liberating thing; it reconnects you with seeing directly the link of your efforts to the child and it’s also really lovely for you to be really valued by their clients and/or agency. 
 
If you’re interested in becoming a private tutor in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon or Newmarket, please get in touch with Rachel Law on 01223 858421 or take a look at the Tutor My Kids Website www.Tutormykids.co.uk

Dyslexia – Gift or curse?

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I was discussing this with some of our personal tutors in Cambridge this week. We felt that we were a bit conflicted. It’s tempting to be swayed by high achieving individuals, such as Richard Branson, who firmly believe that the extra creative parts of dyslexia have been a huge help. In addition, that need to overcome these specific learning difficulties have been a pre-cursor to great wells of determination and tenacity. It’s great that dyslexia is being acknowledged and the stigmatisation of dyslexia is being removed. But is this everyone’s experience?
 
Many schools do a great job of supporting dyslexic children, by specific focused intervention plans, minimising the copying from whiteboards, offering different coloured paper, use of laptops and instructions given one at a time. Exams boards are set-up to give extra time to children who are dyslexic which can make a difference. 
 
My worry is, that by portraying dyslexia as a gift it minimises the discussion of the difficulties of dyslexia, in the classroom and in the world of work. Most companies are not set up to understand and help dyslexic adults with the difficulties they face. As adults we have a wider access to technology which makes it easier for dyslexic adults to be able to read and write with greater ease. Fortunately, gone are the days of hand writing a memo or letter, but technology isn’t a panacea. Word processors and speech to text and recognition (and visa versa) software are a great help.
 
What do you think? Gift or curse? 

Kids forget stuff! How to help them be ahead in September.

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Of course they do! They forget their PE kit, their dinner money and until firmly attached, their head.

All children (and adults) need to be doing things regularly to remember them. (How easily can you remember the PIN number on rarely used bank cards?)
 
It’s not just things that get forgotten; it’s ideas too.
 
During the summer holidays teachers expect that children will forget the things that they’ve learnt over the last few months and will plan accordingly in the first few weeks to refresh the forgotten work. 
 
However, it’s useful to give your kids the opportunity to practise things over the summer – times tables, letters to people met on holiday, reviews of places visited. Make it fun! 
 
It can also be of value to have a few hours of private tuition over the holidays, just to keep some concepts fresh in your children’s minds, especially if these are areas that you’re uncomfortable with covering yourself. Phonics and maths methodologies tend to be the ones that are most mentioned to us at Tutor My Kids and to our private tutors in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon and Newmarket.
 
Our private tutors in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon and Newmarket are all experienced, qualified teachers who can help to support children with areas that they find tricky and need extra help with. As a general rule, we’d suggest no more than an hour a week, so that they’re confident for September, whilst ensuring that they have time to chill, see friends, go places and experience new things.   
 
Kids do need a break over the holidays, so don’t over do it. If you’re doing your own thing, a few minutes each day can make a world of difference to your kids and give them a great head start for September. 
 

Why do teachers teach? Why do tutors tutor?

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Why do teachers teach? Why do tutors tutor?

We’ve been talking to our teachers and tutors in Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket and Huntingdon recently. To those of us in education, the answers seem obvious.





There are so many teachers who are stretched to the limit by planning, reports, assessment which make the hours excessively long – with many teachers working over 60 hours a week.


Yes, teachers get long holidays – in theory, but much of these are spent planning and preparing, so most teachers tend to get, in reality, about the same holidays as an average UK employee.

So why do teachers teach and tutors tutor?

When we talk to our maths and English tutors in Cambridge, they always say the same things – HELPING CHILDREN learn. There are few things to compare with the satisfaction of seeing a child understand something – to see the light bulb go on. Sometimes this can be a quick bright flash, sometimes a slow, steady glow which becomes a bright light.


The other thing that our fantastic teachers in Cambridgeshire say is CONFIDENCE. They love to see the increase in confidence and self-esteem when they are working with children; it is just so rewarding.


I was talking to a maths tutor in Cambridge, this week. She was just buzzing with the satisfaction of seeing her student’s confidence rise as he started to understand concepts that he had previously found baffling.


Tutor My Kids is always on the look out for great qualified teachers to work as maths and English tutors in Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket and Huntingdon. We work with children from 5 to 18.

Please contact us via www.tutormykids/for-tutors for more information and details of how to get in touch to discuss how this might fit in with your existing teaching commitments.

 






The Easy Way to Multiply

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This is really interesting. It shows a Japanese way of multiplying numbers together which is very visual and also illustrates place value pretty well too.



It’s arguably slower that a standard compact multiplication method for a student who knows their multiplication tables, but has merit for those who don’t. It also has merit for more visual learners and can be used to promote maths understanding for those who have difficulties understanding maths and those with dyscalculia.


Our maths tutors in Cambridge and Ely find that those children who have difficulties in maths benefit from learning in ways which are highly practical (kinesthetic) and visual in addition to the usual auditory.


Tutor My Kids is always on the look out for great qualified teachers to work as English and maths tutors in Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket and Huntingdon. We work with children from 5 to 18.

Please contact us via www.tutormykids//maths-english-tutor-jobs/ for more information and details of how to get in touch to discuss how this might fit in with your existing teaching commitments.

 

My child has an NQT this year.

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My child has an NQT this year.


Parents who contact Tutor My Kids for a maths tutor in Ely or an English tutor in Cambridge are sometimes concerned that their child’s class teacher is an NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher).


They can worry that their class teacher doesn’t have the experience to teach well.


NQTs vary enormously, but the majority that I meet when teaching in schools in Cambridgeshire, are tremendously well planned and organised. They’re usually well supported by the school and make a difference straight away. 

I’ve had the great pleasure, recently, to work with an amazing NQT who is already a great teacher and will be really interesting to watch over the years as his teaching develops.


His planning is thorough and innovative; his organisation exemplary, which of course means his classroom is stimulating for his kids but also really calm because the children very clearly understand what is expected of them and when.  The routines are clearly clearly set, understood and stuck to. It’s been a real pleasure to see this and work with this class.


Tutor My Kids is always on the look out for great qualified teachers to work as English and maths tutors in Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket and Huntingdon. We work with children from 5 to 18.


Please contact us via www.tutormykids/for-tutors for more information and details of how to get in touch to discuss how this might fit in with your existing teaching commitments.




Why-is-my-child-finding-maths-particularly-hard-at-the-moment?

Posted on by Effie Herdman

Since September 2014, a new curriculum has been taught in our primary schools which is requiring children to know more maths at an earlier age.

Maths is sequential

Because maths builds upon what children already know, kids without a thorough grasp of the earlier facts and calculation strategies are finding it hard to keep up.

For example, multiplication is being taught much earlier, with children needing to know their multiplication tables. For those children who are not yet absolutely sure on addition, moving onto repeated addition (multiplication)  is proving very tough. There are children who know their times tables but lack the understanding that multiplication is about groups or sets of objects and therefore are at a disadvantage in applying this times table knowledge.


The present year 2 and year 6 (as of writing in March 15) are being examined on the old curriculum, so it’s the year 1s and 5s that are having the biggest adjustment with the other years having more time to learn the new material.


At Tutor My Kids, our maths tutors in Ely and Cambridge are helping children to fill in these gaps and enable children to learn better at school.


For more details please visit Tutor My Kids.