When a tutor visits your home to work with your child, it helps to make the tuition location as conducive to study as possible. We all lead busy lives, so when a tutor arrives for an hour, he/she is always aware that they are entering your space, your family home.
They don’t expect you to clear the house of children and animals etc – always aiming to be flexible around you. However, it can help to have a designated (quiet) spot where tuition can take place.
Because safeguarding children and tutors is a primary concern here at Lemon Tree, we offer mindful advice to help tuition run smoothly.
Use a familiar space
As you know, children benefit from routine. If they ‘learn’ in a familiar spot, it can help them take the tuition more seriously, as well as get them used to it. Ideally, a room with a desk or table is the best option.
Equally, tuition might suit working in a lounge with the child and tutor sitting on the sofa.
>Safety first>
In the interests of safety, it is better to conduct tuition in a kitchen, dining room or downstairs study than in a child’s bedroom.
It is also best to ensure that another adult is present in the house. Even though all of our tutors here at Lemon Tree are the best-of-the-best, children need to know a parent or guardian is close by especially if a child suddenly feels unwell, for example.
One of the biggest problems tutors face is noise. Whilst tutors are flexible around family life, it is helpful if other members of the household don’t wander in and out of the tuition room during tuition, or pop in to use the microwave, load washing or watch TV.
Apart from the fact that it is distracting to the tutor, it can be detrimental to learning if a child has to juggle his/her attention. One-to-one tuition is quite intense for a child. So if their attention is diverted elsewhere, it can be hard to get them back on track.
Restrain pets
Most tutors LOVE animals. However, it is advisable to ask the tutor if they have a pet allergy, or simply don’t like animals near them whilst tutoring.
It’s not unheard of to have dogs fling themselves at unfamiliar people in the house, or bark incessantly making it impossible for tuition to continue.
If pets could be kept in another room, it would help tuition no end. Equally, tutors might enjoy a dog curled up under their feet at the kitchen table. The best advice at all times is to ask…
Ultimately, if your child feels comfortable, then they’ll get the most out of regular tuition.
