Why should I choose Stella MacDonald Tutoring Services?
Every child is different so each of my lessons is tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of your child. In this way, I aim to help your child achieve their potential through enjoyable learning which builds confidence.
I have worked in primary education for twenty years as teacher, Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Dyslexia Advisor, so I have worked with children whose needs were many and varied.
Tutoring can take place either online or I can tutor your child in your own home if you live in the mid-Cornwall region. I cover Liskeard, Looe, Bodmin and the surrounding areas. Please get in touch to talk about how I can help your child.
What qualifications do you hold?
I am a fully qualified teacher, holding a BEd honours degree, and I worked for twenty years in primary schools in Devon and Cornwall. Latterly, I was the Special Educational Needs Coordinator for two schools, ensuring that all children were able to learn in the best possible way appropriate to their needs. I hold an additional qualification in Literacy Difficulties in Children and worked for two years as a Dyslexia Adviser.
Which subjects do you offer?
Most of the children I teach have lessons in either maths or English and sometimes a mix of the two at primary or lower secondary level. Parents sometimes ask that I focus on a particular aspect such as spelling or multiplication tables. Contact me to discuss what your child needs and how I can help.
How will you know what to teach my child?
When you contact me, we can talk about what you feel your child needs support with. Often parents tell me that their child needs a confidence boost, sometimes with a particular area such as maths or spelling or sometimes more generally. It might be that a teacher has let you know that your child is struggling. They might even provide a specific list of areas for your child to work on.
What will a typical lesson be like?
No two children are alike and neither should any two lessons be alike. Every lesson is tailored to your child's specific needs and interests. For online lessons, you will receive a package of materials for you to print out. This will include an outline of the lesson so your child knows exactly what to expect. Some children like to tick off each activity as we go along. Click here to see an example of a lesson plan.
The activities will be planned to address any learning needs you or your child has asked to work on and will include a mixture of games, exercises, both written and verbal. The balance depends on what works for your child. I find that some children need lots of shorter activities to help keep them focused, while others benefit from practicing at length.
Activities are sourced from a mixture of online content, bought resources and materials I have drawn up myself. The content is frequently adjusted to meet your child's needs more precisely.
Although I am sometimes asked to advise on aspects of learning that might be useful, you and your child are at the helm. After all, you know him or her best.
How will you let me know how my child is getting on?
With face-to-face lessons parents are usually available so that I can give immediate feedback. After online lessons, I will contact you, either by phone message or email, to let you know how your child has got on. You are of course free to contact me at any time and I will always endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible. If, at any time, you would like a longer telephone consultation, that can easily be arranged.
How much does it cost?
Please click here for pricing details.
Is home tutoring a good idea?
Whether or not to use a home tutor is very much a matter of personal preference and circumstance, but there are a few factors you may wish to bear in mind when deciding if home tutoring is right for your child.
Pros of Home Tutoring
1.
Your child gets the exclusive attention of a teacher for an entire hour.
2.
Lesson content and teaching methods can be adapted to suit your child's precise needs.
3.
The pace of learning can be adjusted immediately - speeding up when they're getting it, slowing down if they need a bit longer.
4.
There are none of the distractions you might find in a busy classroom.
5.
Increased confidence leads to better participation and learning in school.
6.
Enjoyment motivates children to want to learn which ultimately makes the biggest difference in educational outcomes.
Cons of Home Tutoring
1.
It might be hard to know if the tutor you hire is qualified or experienced.
2.
Home tutoring can be expensive, especially if you have more than one child.
3.
Your child might not like their tutor. If they don't feel able to ask questions or say what they think, they're not going to learn.
4.
Your child might not like the content or style of the lessons.
5.
Home tutoring might leave your child with less time to take part in other activities.
6.
You might have concerns about leaving your child in the company of a stranger or about the safety of working online.