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Original poster

tutor for a six year old

156 replies

sprout2 · 16/06/2009 21:22

I am looking for a tutor for my six year old son to help with his numeracy, writing and spelling. I have looked for tutors in the past, and have not found them particularly engaging.

I really need someone who will make learning fun, and will in turn build his confidence in the classroom.

I live in Walthamstow, so a tutor living in east or north london would be ideal.

OP posts:
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piscesmoon · 17/06/2009 07:48

Rummikubs by Tomy is good.

eskimum · 17/06/2009 12:29

There are many things that help children to learn. Imagination, creativity, being relaxed, not feeling under pressure, good health, happiness....many others.....

Not for a minute suggesting that OP's dc doesn't have these things, but just suggesting that a tutor for a 6 year old may not be the only way of maximising learning.

melissa75 · 17/06/2009 20:40

sprout...I do tutoring for KS1/2 regularly...and am not too far from Walthamstow. Let me know if your still interested and we can speak some more about what specifically you're looking for?

Feenie · 17/06/2009 20:44

'let me know if your still interested'

Great advert, Melissa!

Original poster
sprout2 · 18/06/2009 07:59

yes, still interested in having chat.

OP posts:
Welshwoman · 18/06/2009 10:19

Sprout2 - just my tuppance worth - my DS2 also 6 has had problems with reading and spelling - is obviously very bright when you talk to him but just did not get or want to read . I talked to his teacher who is lovely but very girly, and she has given him via an iep 1-2 hours 1-2 a week - he still did not get it and she told me ??that he was and would always be a reluctant reader) which as we are a book obsessed family I was not prepared to accept

I did a non verbal reading test with him and got an IQ of 136 which I know is not 100% accurate but did indicate to me the problem wasn?t smarts. I came on here and got some fab advice and from half term we have been using Headsprout.com which has really improved his phonics? and he has also had 2 hours a week tutoring with a lady who teaches though gardening, cooking and also dog walking lol.

I find this general hostility to 1 or 2 hours a week tutoring very strange - most parents know their own children very well and would not do it or continue it if it tired the children or made them upset - my son loves his 2 hours of 1-2 time with his tutor, My oldest son has major SN and is very dominate in our time at home. My DS2 reading age has gone from 5.11 months to 6.6 in a month and his confidence is just growing and growing.

I got the sense that you had done all the most obvious things and were with reluctant or already had spoken to his teacher as you seam a very involved and informed parent. Go with your instincts!

Umlellala · 18/06/2009 10:35

Hey there, I am in N16 (looking to move to Walthamstow soon hopefully). I am a very silly Drama/English teacher who delights in making learning fun! I have two small children of my own, but would be happy to work out something creative and informal (and cheap!) for you, and perhaps giving you more ideas for how you can help him too.

Feel free to email me on [email protected] and I can give you my details.

melissa75 · 18/06/2009 11:22

hiya sprout...email me at [email protected] and we can talk in further detail about what your looking for etc...

Feenie · 18/06/2009 12:43

"Hey there, I am in N16 (looking to move to Walthamstow soon hopefully). I am a very silly Drama/English teacher who delights in making learning fun! I have two small children of my own, but would be happy to work out something creative and informal (and cheap!) for you, and perhaps giving you more ideas for how you can help him too.

Feel free to email me on [email protected] and I can give you my details."

And can evidently not make the same grammatical error ad nauseum.....I know which tutor I would choose as a parent.

Jumente · 18/06/2009 12:44

Melissa! YOUR!!!

melissa75 · 18/06/2009 13:41

haha..jumente...you're right...it has been a long morning!!

trickerg · 18/06/2009 18:55

I also despair about people who can't see how tired their six year olds are after six hours working and playing at school.

If I were 6 I'd want to be playing with my friends in the evening or building lego houses, not having 1:1 tuition!

piscesmoon · 18/06/2009 19:21

I agree trickerg. You can do so many fun things and the DC wouldn't even know they were learning. The last thing any DC needs that age is a tutor. Some countries haven't even started formal education at that age.

Umlellala · 18/06/2009 20:49

Hmm... well, my form of tutoring may well involve building lego houses. Am rather passionate about play - and getting kids remembering enjoying learning again (which isn't going to be from sitting down with a worksheet).

(I really don't do that 11+ style formal tutoring at all. And agree it is not appropriate for 6 year olds. Hey, I am anti-homework too )

Feenie · 18/06/2009 20:53

More fool the parent who forks out twenty quid for someone to play for an hour with their child!

Not at all knocking the importance of play, just wondering why a parent wouldn't just...do it??!

trickerg · 18/06/2009 20:59

Or a friend? Words defeat me!

piscesmoon · 18/06/2009 21:11

A lot of parents only feel that their DC is doing something constructive if they have a worksheet! They don't want to get involved and let them help cook the evening meal or play endless card games with them.

Umlellala · 18/06/2009 21:47

Well, quite. Which is why I suggested something cheap and creative and informal...

Some people may be great at encouraging their children through play, some could do with a bit of help and guidance from a professional, no?

Feenie · 18/06/2009 21:59
Hmm
seeker · 18/06/2009 22:04

I love playing - although I've never had any help and guidance about how to do it. Do you think I could set up a business as a professional player? Or - scary thought - maybe I'm doing it wrong!

ingles2 · 18/06/2009 22:06

Sprout I'm very interested that you have given much away... actually told us anything about your son really...
I also note that you have been looking for development books for your 2yr old dd....
Honestly, I think you should just relax, play more games, if you want to incorporate educational stuff, do some of the things I suggested. Have some fun
btw... it's so true 15 min a day is better than an hour once a week

ingles2 · 18/06/2009 22:06

haven't

Feenie · 18/06/2009 22:08

I once interviewed someone for a TA position who had a degree in play...he didn't get shortlisted.

Umlellala · 18/06/2009 22:19

What's the for?

I am a qualified, experienced teacher. To teach children effectively, I use a variety of creative methods which do include games, drama and physical strategies. I would be slightly more at paying a 'tutor' £20 to work from a textbook with a child... how is that effective teaching/learning? And can't a parent do that either?

In this particular example, it looked like all the OP needed was maybe a few informal sessions to set her on the right track. Perhaps a learning environment where the child experiences success would be positive too. I wouldn't know until I discussed in more detail really.

Feenie · 18/06/2009 22:23

Because, as I said, whilst I fully recognise the importance of play and, being an experienced teacher who obviously uses a variety of creative methods, including the ones you describe, I am still not convinced by this bit:

'Some people may be great at encouraging their children through play, some could do with a bit of help and guidance from a professional, no?'

I am dubious in the extreme, actually. Hence !

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