Keeping your child's skills sharp over ther Christmas break

The Christmas holidays are almost here, which can often mean homework takes a back seat to celebrating. Even though a break is well-deserved, it’s also important that your child doesn’t lose any skills gained in the last academic term, especially as we all know how much hard work went into learning those skills. Here at Tutor Doctor, we’ve come up with some festive ways that you can help your child stay on top of their reading, writing and maths skills during the winter break.

Christmas Cooking

Chances are, there will be lots of cooking and prepping taking place in the kitchen on the lead up to Christmas, so why not get the kids involved? Invite them to help you measure out ingredients, count pigs-in-blankets and even work out when items need to go in the oven for everything to be ready at the same time. All the tablespoon and half cup measurements offer great practice with numbers and fractions.

Writing Christmas Cards/Thank-You Notes

Getting your child involved in writing Christmas cards and thank-you notes is the perfect way to fit in some writing practice without making it seem like schoolwork. Not only will this activity help them polish their writing, spelling and handwriting skills, it’ll also help them understand how to show appreciation and learn about gratitude.

Family Game Night

The Christmas holidays are the perfect time to host a family game night. Most board and card games require counting, reading, writing and drawing- so it’s an excellent opportunity for your child to maintain these important skills. It’s also a lovely way to bring the whole family together, have fun and get everyone’s brains active and thinking!

Reading

The winter break is full of opportunities for your kids to read, so encouraging them is super important. Why not head to the local library and find some festive stories or let them choose a few books they can read in the chilly winter evenings? Libraries can be very inspiring places for children to visit, so letting them have a little free reign is bound to make reading much more exciting for them. Encouraging relatives to give books as Christmas gifts is also a great plan -- just make sure you’re providing enough quiet time for reading to take place. Try to involve the whole family so that everyone can pick up and book and develop their reading skills!

Writing a holiday story

Asking your child to write a short holiday story is a fantastic way for them to practice their creative writing skills as well as use their imagination. To keep their reading skills sharp too, you could even ask them to read it out loud to the whole family on Christmas Day -- chances are everyone will enjoy it!

Helping your teen de-stress

Growing up isn’t easy, especially when you’re a teenager. With recent studies showing that 34% of teens experience moderate or severe stress (a large increase on previous figures), it’s certainly a growing area of concern for any parent. Here at Tutor Doctor we know that teenagers experience many pressures during these difficult years, which is why we’ve come up with some ways in which you can help your teen de-stress.

First: Recognise the signs of stress
It’s important that you can recognise the signs of stress in your teen if they appear. Often you may notice physical symptoms or a change in their behaviour. This can be anything from acting moody to just being negative. Other symptoms may include sudden headaches, stomach aches and a general sense of feeling sick, eating and sleeping too much or too little, avoiding parents and friendship groups, isolating themselves as well as panic attacks. Even though some of these traits are typical of a teenager, if you notice a few in conjunction then it’s time to take action. If you are extremely concerned, always seek medical attention as soon as possible and talk to their school/college to see if they help.

What can parents do to help?
Teaching your children healthy ways of dealing with stress can be an empowering skill that can be taken with them to adulthood. Here’s a few suggestions that are simple but effective ways to help them de-stress!

Be there!
Just being there for your teenager is sometimes enough when it comes to them dealing with stress. Often things can be very overwhelming and difficult to handle, meaning stress gets bottled up. Reminding them that you are there for them and that they can talk to you about anything will be a one less stress in of itself. You can also offer a fresh pair of eyes on whatever may be stressing them out and provide a different perspective on problems they are facing.

Remind them- Grades aren’t everything!
All parents want their kids to achieve amazing grades. However, it’s important to not add additional pressure to achieve them -- after all, your teen has probably already added enough stress on themselves as it is! Instead, remind them to try their best and study smart. If they fail, it’s okay- it’s a normal part of life and they can always re-take exams or find an alternative route. In fact, the sooner your teen learns that failure is a part of life and nothing to stress about the better -- all they can do is get back up and try again!

Encourage more sleep
It’s true when they say that a good night’s sleep can do the world of good! No matter how your son or daughter may act, they still need at least 9 hours of sleep per night! Studies even show that teenagers that get less sleep have a lot more difficulty when it comes to memory and concentration and are more likely to have depressive thoughts. Setting appropriate bedtimes for teens is just as important as it was when they were younger. Remember, not only will it do them the world of good, it’s also crucial for good mental health.

Exercise is good for teens (Really!)
Exercise may seem like the worst thing in the world for some teenagers, but we now know that it works wonders for stress! Try to encourage your teenage son or daughter to do a little bit of exercise a couple of times a week. It doesn’t have to be intense, a 20-minute walk with the dog, going swimming for half an hour or perhaps takings part in an after school sporting activity is more than enough. Anything that gets the heart pumping will be sure to lower stress levels and also improve their mood.

Keep a journal
Sometimes it’s difficult for teens to express why they feel stressed, or maybe they might not want to share everything with you. If that’s the case, that’s okay! Why not suggest that they keep a journal? Dedicating 10 minutes a day to write about a specific situation that is bothering them will not only be extremely therapeutic but can often help them find their own ways to solve problems or find a new angle on a situation.

Helping Your Teen To Choose a Career

Choosing a career path is certainly one of life’s big decisions -- one that can be overwhelming for any teenager. Even though schools and colleges do offer career advice, often it is limited and not individualised enough to be inspiring. Here at Tutor Doctor we know how important it is that your teens get useful career advice and know all their options before making big decisions. As parents, you can help guide them through this important time and make sure they have all the tools they need. Here’s some great ways to get started:

Talk to your teen
A great place to start is by talking to your teen about what they actually want to do. Chat about their ideas, what they want to achieve, where they see themselves in the future and about their hopes and dreams. Remember these conversations can start as early as Years 9 and 10 at school, since during this time your teens are thinking about college and beyond. Exploring their options early will help them focus and guide them in choosing subjects that are relevant to their aspirations.

A little research goes a long way!
Encourage your teen to do a little bit of career research online, because a ton of information is out there waiting for them! Encourage them to look at job descriptions of roles that might interest them and see how they can turn their passions into a career. It’s also a great idea to research fields they admire -- the route to those careers might even surprise them. Not only will research broaden your teen’s horizons, it gives them ideas, prospects and information on how they can get there. If anything it should be inspiring!

Explore routes now
If your teen is interested in a specific field, why not start exploring some paths to that field? Look out for events or talks they could attend to find out more information or simply for inspiration. Reaching out and meeting people in careers of interest can also be extremely beneficial. Encourage your teen to ask questions or even see if they can job-shadow for a day or two. Internships and part-time jobs also provide invaluable work experience and help young people discover whether that particular career path is what they really want to pursue.

Offer realistic advice
When helping your teenager discover what career path they may want to head down it’s essential to offer them realistic advice. Remember to let them know that no career is set in stone and they are only just starting to explore different options. There’s no need for them to panic and they certainly don’t have to decide anytime soon! It’s equally important to let them know that pursuing a career takes hard work, dedication and it can take years to land a dream job. Finally, if there’s one piece of advice to give your teen, it’s to remind them they can achieve anything if they put their mind to it!

Anti-Bullying Week: Raising Awareness

Anti-Bullying week is here (14- 18 November), which means it’s the perfect time to help those affected finally speak out. Shocking statistics have even revealed that over 1.5 million young people have been bullied within the past year, with a huge 19% saying they were bullied every day. This can be anything from verbal abuse, teasing, aggression or physical harm. Children are often too scared or embarrassed to talk to anyone (even parents) about their experiences. Here at Tutor Doctor, we want to help raise awareness of what bullying really is, warning signs to look out for and how you can help your child if they are affected.

What is bullying?
Bullying is the intentional infliction of physical, verbal or psychological harm. It can range from hitting, pushing, name-calling, threats, teasing, mocking, extorting money or possessions and spreading rumors. Often it will be constant, upsetting, hurtful and can affect a child’s confidence. Recently cyber-bullying has also started to become a growing concern, especially as children spend more time online than ever before. The anonymity of the Internet can encourage bad behavior and often abuse that can be shocking to read.

Identifying Bullying
As parents, it’s safe to say you will know your child better than anyone else, so if you do start to notice abnormal behaviour, make sure you don’t ignore it. Even though kids do go through phases every now and then, if you start to observe a few of the following behaviours, it might be time to investigate further. Some character changes can include:
∙ Low self-esteem
∙ Depression
∙ Negative thoughts
∙ Reluctance to attend school
∙ Skipping after-school activities
∙ Being self-loathing
∙ Heightened anxiety, panic attacks, fearfulness, nightmares
∙ Isolating themselves from family and peers
∙ Constant mood swings, irritability or general unhappiness
∙ Disturbed Sleep Patterns
∙ Losing lunch money/noticing possessions are lost
∙ Changing their usual route to school
∙ Sudden changes in behavior
∙ Unexplained repeated illnesses like headaches and stomach aches

Dealing with bullying
Talk to your child
If you do think your child may be a victim of bullying, start by talking to them about it. Listen to their concerns, what’s been happening and how they’re feeling. If you can, try to gauge what kind of bullying it is, how long it’s been going on and who are the ringleaders- having these key facts will be useful if you have to talk to their school later on. It’s equally important that you remind them that they don’t deserve to be treated badly and that you are there to support them no matter what. Often when kids are bullied they can feel very alone, scared and embarrassed to admit what’s been happening to them- making them feel at ease is key.
A great way to start dealing with bullying is by working with your child to help them resolve the situation. Outline coping strategies which can help them regain confidence and stand up for themselves. For example, urge them to use humor to diffuse tricky situations, get them to walk away from bullies if they start shouting verbal abuse and practice assertively saying ‘no’ for when they ask for lunch money or possessions. You could also try practicing role-play scenarios with your child so they learn how to respond to bullying. If these methods don’t work, an alternative solution is encouraging them to take part in extracurricular activities. Not only will this help them create a new circle of friends- it can hugely build up their self confidence levels, which really will make the world of difference.

Talk to the school
If you are extremely concerned about bullying, talk to their school and teachers. All schools should have an anti-bullying policy in place to deal with situations exactly like the one your child is going through. Discuss solutions with teachers and encourage your child to report any incidents to a member of staff as soon as it happens so immediate action can be taken.

Stay Safe online
Bullying often goes much further than the school playground, especially with social media and the internet being so accessible. If your child is a victim of cyberbullying, make sure they know how to block people that are sending negative messages, they are aware of what information they should be sharing as well as the limits of what’s okay to say and what’s not. If something has gone too far or abusive messages keep coming through, they need to show you straight away and staying offline for a while is a good idea.

Check in regularly
Finally, it’s important that you check in regularly with your child to see how they’re doing, what’s going on and give them opportunities to let you know if the bullying is still going on. It’s also vital to keep lines of communication open with their school or teachers, as they will be able to keep an eye on how things are going and can feedback any concerns they may see in regards to behaviour or performance.
If you need more information on bullying, other ways that you can help your child, resources or just advice for parents make sure you check out Bullying UK’s website here.

Study habits of successful students

Becoming a successful student doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, dedication and you can bet that any student excelling in their exams and assignments will have great study habits and routines in place. Here at Tutor Doctor we want to help your child adopt smart studying habits, so that eventually they will spend less time studying while retaining more information -- in other words working smarter rather than harder. We’ve put together a list of ways successful students study, which are guaranteed to help your child reach their goals and beyond.

Remember studying smart is much more important than studying hard

Never leave it to the last minute

Successful students will never leave work or assignments until the last minute. Planning time to study and knowing how long they have to complete homework is key. To help your child avoid rushing work the night before, they need to get organised and manage their time better.
Incorporating a daily study routine is the best place to start, even if it’s for an hour every day after school and a little longer on weekends. Having specific time set aside to study will make the world of difference. Writing down all assignments in a planner or diary will also be useful as this will show exactly what’s due and when, meaning they can plan out their study time accordingly. For some great tips on how to help your child be more organised at school, check out our blog post here.

Designated study space
All successful students will have a designated space where they can study, revise and complete homework. This will most likely be somewhere free from distractions and is a calm space that helps maximise productivity. Help your child find a place away from the TV and other distractions- perhaps a desk in their bedroom or if that’s not an option the local library.

Take detailed notes
Taking detailed notes is super important when it comes to being successful at school. Not only will jotting down their own interpretations mean your child is more engaged in lessons but they will also be extremely helpful when it comes to revising for their exams. Don’t forget, it’s much easier to re-read detailed notes than an entire textbook!

Don’t understand? Just ask!
Even gifted students can struggle to understand what’s being covered in class. If your child isn’t quite getting the hang of a topic or they need more information, make sure they ask questions or get more help if they need it. After all, school is for learning and getting extra help is a great way to make sure your child really understands the material and doesn’t fall behind in class.

Keep revising
Finally, perhaps the most important study habit of any student that gets excellent grades: revising on a regular basis. Encourage your kids to regularly reinforce what they’ve learnt in class by re-reading notes or revisiting class assignments. This will help commit the information to their long term memory, meaning they will excel when it comes to exams and class tests. Here’s the tricky part- this does mean your child will have to come home after school and revise- however if a study routine is in place this shouldn’t be too difficult! It doesn’t have to be boring either- here’s a few fun ways they can mix up their revision.

• Spend time researching a particular topic or looking up interesting facts on the internet. A little extra reading goes a long way!

• Read over notes from lessons. If your child is really struggling to remember something, encourage them to create a fun colourful poster that breaks down the information in a different way.

• Watching online documentaries and educational YouTube videos relating to a specific subject can make revision fun and you’ll be surprised how much more your child can remember.

• Talk though information with a study group, a friend or family member. This can be the most effective way for your kids to retain particular topics, theories or facts.

How every child can benefit from tutoring

The start of a new school term can be overwhelming for many children, especially when it comes to homework loads and subjects getting that little bit trickier. A tutor can really help improve grades and exam results but can also give your child the opportunity to learn the skills they need to become confident, independent learners. Here at Tutor Doctor we want to spread the word about why tutoring can be so beneficial and how every child can be successful.

Improve Grades
Improving grades is one of the most popular reasons for getting a tutor. You may have started to notice that your child is struggling to keep up or maybe they need certain grades in upcoming exams to get into a specific college or University, or perhaps they aren’t reaching their potential and need to be provided with some more challenging material. Whatever your situation, a tutor really can make all the difference when it comes to achieving great grades. Our tutors always work hard to ensure your kids have the right resources and enough learning time to go through difficult topics to help them reach their targets and beyond.

Building Confidence
Not being at the top of the class can make some kids lose confidence in their academic abilities, which can in turn affect performance, contribution and behavior during lessons. All of our tutors work hard across each one-on-one session to help individuals recognise their strengths, build up confidence levels and encourage them to be enthusiastic about their studies. By setting achievable targets together and taking small steps in the right direction, your child can enjoy a journey of success and progress.

Build Executive Skills
Executive skills such as the ability to organise time, prioritise tasks and memorise data aren’t easy to acquire, especially as they aren’t always taught at school. A private tutor can help your child grasp these vital skills and make them feel as though they are in control of their studies -- and that their schedules are less hectic. Honing these skills means no more excuses for being disorganised or missing important deadlines!

One-on-one Attention
Full classrooms can make it difficult for quieter students to ask questions and get the extra help they might need. Tutoring will give your child undivided attention to work through any problems, ask questions and talk over anything they’re not sure about in a focused environment without distractions.

Adapt to personal learning styles
Every child has a preferred learning style which might not be specifically catered to at school. Whether they prefer working out loud or writing down their thought process, a private tutor will tailor learning programs around your child’s specific needs in order to help them reach their full potential. They can also help improve your child’s ability to work in a range of different learning styles, which can really boost understanding at school.

Let's Celebrate Roald Dahl Day

The 13^th of September isn’t just a regular Tuesday- it’s the official Roald Dahl day, meaning fans up and down the country can celebrate the talented writer and his classic children’s books. In fact, this year marks 100 years since his birth, which is even more reason to get involved. Here at Tutor Doctor, we thought it was only fitting to dedicate a whole blog post to this wonderful day. Not only have we found the best ways to join in with the celebrations, we've also chosen our four favourite Roald Dahl books for your kids to start reading! Happy Roald Dahl Day!

How can we get involved?
Many schools and libraries will be celebrating Roald Dahl day- so make sure you check out what’s going on locally. If you can’t find anything close-by there’s loads of other ways to get involved.
Puffin Virtually Live’s Roald Dahl Special
Starting at 2pm on Tuesday the 13^th of September, your kids can watch a performance of Matilda the Musical, draw with Quentin Blake or even invent magical Roald Dahl inspired words. Make sure you get your child’s teacher to register for free here.

Dahlicious Dress Up Day
Many schools around the UK will be joining in on this year’s Dahlicous Dress up Day. Your child simply dresses up as their favourite Roald Dahl character and donates £1 to the Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity. Make sure you check if your child’s school is taking part first though!

Explore Roald Dahl's City of the Unexpected
Roald Dahl’s city of the Unexpected will be taking place on the 17^th and 18^th of September in Cardiff. Not only will the streets be transformed, there will visual displays and performances that any Roald Dahl fan is bound to enjoy. For more information check out the official website here: www.cityoftheunexpected.wales.

Celebrate at Home
If you want to do something simple to celebrate, why not have a mini Roald Dahl party at home? All you have to do is download your Roald Dahl party pack here and celebrate! You could even get the kids to start reading a Roald Dahl book- we’ve chosen our favourite four below.

Tutor Doctor's top four Roald Dahl books
The Twits- The Twits is for sure a favourite for many Roald Dahl fans. It follows the tale of Mr and Mrs Twit who are possibly the nastiest, smelliest and meanest couple you could ever meet. They even like to play awful tricks and jokes on each other just to amuse themselves. The story focuses on Muggle-Wump the monkey and his family who are locked in a cage in the Twits garden. After they meet the Rolly Polly bird, their luck starts to change. He helps them escape from their cage and play a joke of their own on the Twits. The book is full of fantastic descriptive passages, humour and more importantly has lovely underlying messages about morality and friendship.
The Magic Finger-The Magic Finger follows the story of an ordinary little girl with magical powers. If someone makes her angry then she simply zaps her magic finger and flash- something strange happens! The book follows her telling us the story of the Gregg family and how her magic finger helped them change their ways. Not only is the story funny, it’s easy to read and represents a fantastic moral compass for children to be inspired by.
The Witches- The Witches tells the story of an eight-year-boy and his grandma. On a summer trip, the boy discovers that all the witches of England are staying in their hotel for an annual meet. The witches disguise themselves as ordinary citizens and are known to make small children disappear into thin air. It's a truly gripping read, sure to be thoroughly enjoyed and read in just a couple of sittings!
Matilda- This book is all about Matilda Wormwood, an extraordinary young girl with a magical mind and a passion for reading. Her life is by no means easy, she has to deal with her father who calls her a ‘little scab’, her mother who’s too busy at Bingo to notice her, and worst of all, her Headmistress Miss Trunchbull who is just awful. After being thrown in the Chokey by Miss Trunchbull and having a rotten time at home, Matilda finally decides she’s had enough and uses her powers to teach all the grown-ups a lesson. This well-loved classic is witty, beautifully written but also shows the importance of treating people the same way you wish to be treated and that kindness really does go a long way.

Tips for Freshers’ Week

The long summer break is finally coming to an end, meaning for many students their University journey is just about to begin. Here at Tutor Doctor we know how daunting Freshers’ week can be- not only are students moving away from home, they’re starting from scratch, which means there’s lots of new people to meet and places to discover. That’s why we’ve put together some tips for Freshers’ week to help make the first few days as great as possible!

Talk to as many people as you can!
One of the scariest things about starting University is not knowing anyone. The trick is to talk to as many people as you can and be friendly and approachable! Even if you feel slightly out of your comfort zone, just remember everyone is in the same boat as you! Once you’ve made an acquaintance or two, don’t stop there. Use the safety in numbers and knock on some nearby flats and introduce yourself!

Don’t forget..

The people in your student halls don't have to be your lifelong friends! You are bound to find some like-minded people in the first few weeks, just be patient.

Explore your surroundings
In your first week, it’s always a good idea to get to know your surroundings. Start by having a wander around your halls, find the laundry room, reception area etc. Then think bigger- check out your route to Uni, find somewhere that will be convenient to do your weekly food shop and explore the local area. The sooner you get to grips with where everything is, the sooner you’ll feel right at home!
Don’t forget..
Don’t go alone on your outings. Take a new friend or two and make it a bonding experience!

Get involved!
There’s going to be a whole load of activities to get involved in during freshers’ week, so be sure to get involved. The freshers' fair is always a great place to see what’s on offer- let’s not forget about all those freebies!  We guarantee there’s going to be a society or sports team that interests you- so why not sign up and give it a go? Societies are a great way to meet people and also give you the opportunity to pursue your interests, no matter how quirky. We’ve even heard there’s a Harry Potter and Gin Society at the University of St Andrews. Cool or what?

Remember to budget
It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending during freshers’ week. Try and work out a budget early on and stick to it. An easy way to do this is to take out how much cash you think you’ll need at the beginning of each week- this way you can really keep track of those pennies! Remember you’ll need money for food shopping, socialising and other bits and bobs along the way!

Enjoy yourself
Most of you will only experience Freshers’ week once in your life, so remember to enjoy yourself and have fun!

Going Back to School With a Positive Attitude

Categories: Education, Children, Tips, Performance

The summer break is over, which means it’s time for your children to head back to school. For some kids, school- with its strict teachers and never ending mountain of homework, can mean they dread going back in the classroom. Here at Tutor Doctor we know how far a positive attitude goes, especially when it comes to getting the most out of education. That’s why we’ve put together some ways you can promote a positive attitude towards school and help your kids gain enthusiasm and a passion for learning. Back to school will be a breeze!

Set an example
Children often adopt attitudes held by adults they look up to- yes that means you! This means it’s vital to set a great example and become their role model! A great place to start is by expressing an interest in your kid’s academic experiences. Spend time discussing classes, checking homework, helping with big projects and offering tips for studying and revision. If your kids can see that you consider school a priority- they will too, and will be more likely to adopt a positive attitude.

Praise, praise and praise some more!
Positive reinforcement is a great technique to help your kids sculpt an enthusiastic attitude towards school. Offering verbal praise and recognition for good grades and trying their best helps your child create a connection between academic effort and desirable outcomes. Not only should this improve their attitude towards school, but also mean they put in maximum effort!

Talk about what your child dislikes about school
A great way to help your child have a positive attitude towards school is by talking through all the things they dislike or fear. Maybe they’re scared about failing their exams or they find a particular subject really tricky. Whatever the problem, there is always a solution- make sure they remember that. If they are struggling, why not suggest a private tutor once a week to get their grades up. If they’re scared of not doing well in upcoming exams, help them create a revision schedule and encourage them to stick to it. By identifying their worries and discussing solutions together, it’s bound to help them feel more enthusiastic and develop a can-do, positive attitude!

Help them visualise success
Helping your child visualise being successful in their studies is a great way for them to get focused but also be positive about school! Start by getting them to set academic goals and imagining themselves succeeding. Do they see themselves heading to University? Encourage them to order some brochures and start thinking about where they can see themselves fitting in! Maybe they want to achieve an A in their science project. Help them imagine their finished project and explain to you why it’s going to stand out? Visualising being successful is a really easy way to motivate your kids as well as help them realise that they can do anything they set their mind to. This is sure to make them feel positive, excited to get back in the classroom and start achieving their goals and beyond!

Fun educational summer activities for teens

The summer break is finally here, meaning for most teens, late nights, long lie ins and lots of time spent with friends. This often means homework and learning is the last thing on their mind. Here at Tutor Doctor we know how important it is for your teenage son or daughter to stay engaged in their education and keep their brains active and inspired.  That’s why we’ve come up with some fun educational activities that teens can enjoy this summer. Even though it may take a bit of persuasion to get them on board, we guarantee they will have fun and even learn a thing or two!

Read!
Get your teens to read, read and read some more! Reading is one of the most beneficial and enjoyable activities anyone (especially teens) can do over the long summer break. Remember the hardest part for most teenagers is actually picking up a book and reading it- once they do the rest will probably be history! To make reading a little more interesting, it’s super important for them to be excited about it. Start by taking a trip to your local bookshop or library and allow them to pick out 5 or 6 books that they really want to read over the break. You could then set them the challenge of reading one book a week and see how they get on. Reading is a fantastic way to combat summer learning loss and engage their imaginations! For our list of recommended books for teens to read over the summer check out our blog post here.

Research careers
Careers can be a scary word for teenagers, however a great use of a rainy afternoon would be for them to start researching what jobs are out there and what area they may be interested in pursuing. Remember this doesn’t have to be boring- we don’t want long lists of jobs and salaries- really encourage your teen to think about their dream career and get them to research how they can make it happen. Do they need to study something specific in college or university? Do they need to complete work placements? Is there anything they can actively be doing this summer to kick-start their career interest? All these questions are sure to spark an interest as the future is an exciting prospect!
Don’t forget this doesn’t have to be a computer based project either- why not chat with your teen about what excites them, where they picture themselves in 5-10 years time, where they want to live, do they want to travel? If they’re not sure a great way to start is with a big mind map of all the things they want to achieve, their hope and dreams and what interests them.

Pursue their passions
Encouraging your teens to pursue their passions is not only going to be loads of fun but educational too. Remember plenty of opportunities, the right materials and lots of encouragement really is the key! Here are a few ideas that you could suggest!

• Your teen.. is sporty

If your teen is sporty, then the summer is the ideal time for them to fully embrace it! Find local sports clubs that they can join- some may even offer special summer programmes that would be perfect for a sport crazy teenager! If joining a club isn’t for them ensuring that they have other opportunities is important. If you have a big garden, you could invest in some equipment like a basketball hoop or football nets. Alternatively, why not visit the park as a family and play a game of rounders or you could even spend the day at a trampoline park?

• Your teen.. enjoys being creative

Does your teen enjoy photography, writing or being artistic? If so, there are loads of ways that they can ignite their passion over the holidays. Why not get them to start an online blog where they can practice their writing and photography skills on a regular basis? If a blog isn’t for them, another suggestion might be for them to create a summer scrapbook journal with their own photographs and words. For all those budding artists, undertaking a bigger project is bound to be an exciting prospect. A brilliant idea would be for them to create a large piece of artwork for the house or their bedroom.

• Your teen..loves helping out in the kitchen

If your teen is particularly passionate about food and cooking, then why not spend some time with them in the kitchen? A great activity to get involved in would be for them to choose and write out a simple three-course menu for a family dinner. With close supervision, get your son or daughter to plan and measure out, cook and serve the menu- just like a mini restaurant! If baking is something they are more interested in, then get them to flick through a recipe book and choose a couple of bakes they would like to make. To really go the extra mile, you could even sell the yummy creations and donate the earnings to a good cause.

Research Universities
If your teen is already in 6^th form it’s likely they will at some point have had a quick look into university. However, it’s not unheard of for students to make drastic decisions when it comes to choosing a university or deciding whether or not they want to go. A great use of some spare time over the holidays is for them to get researching! Encourage them to order brochures, look at which course is going to suit them best, where they want to go and maybe even if university is the right choice for them. If your teen has a few places in mind, then attending a few open days will give them a bit more of an idea of what to expect. We promise that this research will be fun, eye opening and a very productive use of time!

4 tips to help improve your child’s handwriting skills

Learning to write is one of the very first things most children learn how to do at school. However, it certainly isn’t easy and takes lots of practice and persistence. If you notice your child struggling with their handwriting or having difficulty when they first start learning to write, it’s important that it isn’t ignored.  Here at Tutor Doctor we know that neat, clear and consistent handwriting doesn’t always come easily to a lot of kids. That’s why we’ve come up with 4 tips to help improve your child’s handwriting skills- and all in the comfort of your own home!

1. Find the problem
The easiest way to start helping your child improve their handwriting skills is by firstly identifying the problem.  Look for areas where they are having the most trouble and see if you can find a solution.  Here are some common areas that some children struggle with when it comes to handwriting.

• Forming letters
  If your child is having issues with letter formation, get them to practice using tracing paper until they feel more confident with the techniques involved.
• Letter Size/lining words on the page
  Lined paper will be an excellent aid if your child is sizing their letters incorrectly or finds it tricky to line words on the page.
• Spacing between words
  If you’re finding that your child is writing their letters too close together make sure you encourage them to use finger spacing between each word when doing writing practice.
• Holding the pen/pencil incorrectly
  Are your children having trouble with how they hold their writing tool? If so, make sure you show them how to hold their pen/pencil correctly- with their thumb, index and middle fingers.
• Pressing too hard
  Does your child press too hard when they are doing their homework? Pressing too hard on the paper can make letter formation tricky- a relaxed grip is much easier for the hand to move and for them to write neatly and accurately.

Whatever the issue, there is always a solution! Remember practice, practice and practice some more!

2. Take it slow!
Children sometimes rush writing meaning they aren’t practicing their techniques properly or taking the time they should be. It’s important to encourage your child to take their time when writing letters and numbers. If you really want to show them how, why not sit down with them and practice writing a letter together?

3. Have the right tools
If you want your child to be able to practice writing it’s vital that they have the right tools to hand! Here are a few items that will help them not only practice but improve their handwriting skills.

• Pens and pencils
  Pens and pencil are perhaps the most important tool your kids will need to have if they want to practice their handwriting. Remember it’s also good to have a mixture of both. Pencils are easy to rub out so are perfect for practicing, whereas pens are more permanent, so are great for write ups or final practice.
• Mini white board
  White boards are brilliant as they will let your child repeatedly practice writing letters, number and words.
• Lined notebooks and plain paper
  Lined notebooks are an excellent tool for your child to practice sentences, copying passages of text or writing freely. It will also help them stay within the lines, give them an idea on how to space correctly as well as encourage writing in a straight line. Plain paper on the other hand is better for practicing letters and writing out words. You could even show your child how it’s done by writing out a word/letter they are particularly struggling with and ask them to try the way you showed them underneath.
• Tracing paper and alphabet book
  An alphabet book and tracing paper makes it really easy for your child to practice their handwriting skills but also gives them a visual reference on how each letter is constructed.
• Erasers
  Whether it’s a white board eraser or a rubber, it’s important that kids feel like they can correct their mistakes!
• Fun accessories
  Finally make handwriting as fun as it can possibly be. Buying bright and colourful rubbers, pencils, notebooks and pens is bound to brighten up an afternoon of writing practice!

4. Be positive and encouraging!
It’s okay if your child struggles with writing certain letters or isn’t grasping neat handwriting straight away. Positive encouragement is not only going to help your child achieve their goals but also make them feel more confident in their abilities. Remember to tell them ‘well done’ when they’ve done a great job or even if they have done a few hours of practice. Let’s face it- learning to write or practicing handwriting skills is by no means an easy task and takes lots of time and patience. Positivity is sure to go a long way!

7 easy ways to get your children to eat fruit and veggies

   

It’s certainly not uncommon for children to avoid eating fruit and veggies, often favouring unhealthy snacks such as crisps, chocolate and ice-cream. Fruit and vegetables are great sources of healthy vitamins and minerals, meaning they are an important part of any child’s diet. Here at Tutor Doctor, we know how difficult it can be to encourage kids to eat something they ‘don’t like.’ That’s why we’ve come up with 7 easy ways to encourage good eating habits and get your children enjoying their 5-a-day. Before you know it they might even be asking for a plate of carrots for dinner!

1.Get the kids cooking
There really is no better way to get your kids eating fruit and veggies than by getting them involved in the cooking. Start by asking them to wash and dry the fruit and vegetables and you could even explain exactly how you are going to cook them. As they will have been involved in the preparation and cooking process, they are much more likely to eat the final dish and perhaps even try something new.

2.Grow a fruit and vegetable patch
Kids are far more likely to eat their fruit and vegetables if they have been grown in their very own garden. Start by choosing some simple produce to grow such as tomatoes, carrots and strawberries. You can then get your children to plant the seeds, water them, help take out the weeds and dig them up when they are ready to be eaten. Getting your kids involved in growing their own fresh fruit and vegetables will not only make them feel more connected to it but it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll try produce they wouldn’t have usually. If you find that your kids are really enjoying growing their own, make sure you introduce new vegetables into your patch as well as keep on planting favourites.

3.Be Persistent
Many kids don’t always take to new foods and flavours straight away, and recent studies have even shown that it can take up to twenty times before a child can truly tell whether they like or dislike something. Make sure you are offering your child a small portion of fruit or vegetables on a regular basis. It is likely that after a while, they will become accustomed to seeing them on their plate and may feel like they are ready to take a bite. Even if you don’t think you’re getting anywhere, trust us- persistence is the key, so stick with it!

4.Set a good example
A really easy way to encourage your kids to eat fruit and veggies is to set a good example. Make sure that you are eating well and actively mention how much you enjoy your 5-a-day. If you are constantly on a diet or have erratic eating habits, your child may grow up to see this type of behavior as normal, which isn’t a healthy. Remember everything in moderation!

5.Allow treats and rewards
It’s important for your children to have balance when it comes to food. Allowing unhealthy foods occasionally not only keeps them from becoming forbidden (which usually ends up making them more appealing) but it also helps your children see them as a treat. Rewarding great eating habits with positive praise and the occasional treat is also a fantastic way to encourage children to eat fruit and vegetables. For example, if your child eats their 5-a-day, they are allowed to enjoy an ice-cream at the weekend.

6.Make it Fun
Kids love nothing more than fun and cool looking food. This means they are much more likely to eat fruit and veggies if they are positioned as a pattern on their plate, are chopped up into a funky shape or if they have a fun name. For example, why not call broccoli ‘dinosaur food’ or carrots ‘night vision sticks’? You could even use cookie cutters to turn things like apples or potatoes into stars or hearts. For more inspiration on how you can make food fun, head over to Pinterest- there’s load of ideas to choose from!

7.Be positive!
Positive encouragement really does go a long way! If your child has made an extra effort to try a new vegetable or eat a fruit they don’t like so much, make sure you recognise their effort and let them know they have done a good job. It’s also important to create a positive atmosphere around your dinner table and never nag at your kids to finish something. This can only make them resist more and you certainly don’t want to make eating fruit and vegetables a negative experience! Your positive attitude will certainly affect your child in a positive manner, so keep it up!

Recognising Dyslexia in Children and Teenagers

If you are finding that your child is struggling at school or finding it hard to keep up with their classmates, there may be a few contributing factors- including dyslexia. As the signs and symptoms of dyslexia differ from person to person, it can sometimes be difficult to recognise. Here at Tutor Doctor we want to raise awareness of dyslexia as well as explain the symptoms in more detail so that you know what to look out for if you’re concerned. The sooner dyslexia is identified, the sooner your child can start getting the additional help they need and start learning in a way that best suits their needs.

What is dyslexia?
Put simply dyslexia is a learning disorder that makes it tricky for students to read, write, recognise words and symbols and interpret words.  It is one of the most common learning disorders, affecting around 80% of all students with learning disabilities.  

How can I recognise dyslexia?

Speech 
Delayed speech: If your child has delayed speech development compared to other children in their year group this may indicate they are suffering from dyslexia.
Pronunciation Problems: It is also common for dyslexic children to have difficulty pronouncing words or sounds especially the letters R, L, M and N. Jumbling phrases such as ‘heciloter’ or ‘beddy tear’ can also suggest your child is having trouble with pronunciation.  
Difficulty Talking Out loud: Children that have dyslexia can sometimes have problems expressing themselves out loud. For example they may not be able to remember the right word to use in a certain context or put sentences together correctly.

Writing
Trouble copying work: Some children that are dealing with dyslexia may have difficulty interpreting words and symbols or have issues copying work down correctly from the board or a textbook.
Muddled words and letters: Sometimes dyslexic suffers can have trouble learning letters and find it hard to understand the order that they appear in a word. This can often result in them mixing up the order of letters when writing out words.
Other things to look out for:

• Inconsistent/Unpredictable spelling
• Writing letters/figures the wrong way round
• Slow writing
• Poor handwriting

Reading
Trouble recognising words: If you are noticing that your child reads very slowly and has trouble recognising words, it may be worth keeping a close eye on their reading abilities.
Disparity between reading and learning: You may see that your child learns very quickly in areas such as practical based subjects but falls behind in lessons that are heavily text/reading related.
Visual Disturbances: It is very common for children with dyslexia to describe letters and words as seeming to move around the page or appear blurry and un-readable.
Other areas to look out for:

• Trouble learning the names and sounds of letters
• Making errors when reading aloud
• Reading slowly
• Difficulty recognising rhyming words

Maths
Maths problems: Dyslexia isn’t restricted to reading and writing. Maths can often be another subject where children with dyslexia have difficulty, as symbols and numbers can be just as difficult to read and understand as letters. If you are having concerns make sure you keep an eye on all of your child’s subjects that involve any text or numbers.
Other Areas 

• Some Dyslexic children don’t establish a dominant side until much later on in life.
• They may also struggle to tell the difference between left and right and can be clumsy.

Recognising in teens/adults
Dyslexia doesn’t only affect children; teenagers and adults may also be struggling with it too. Here are some signs that they may be suffering from this learning disability.

• Trouble planning and writing essays
• Problems revising for examinations
• Avoiding reading/writing
• Poor spelling
• Difficulties meeting deadlines
• Poorly organised written work with lack of expression

How can I help my child?
If you think that your child may have dyslexia or you are concerned about their progress/learning at school, it’s imperative that you talk to their teacher or tutor. They will be able to provide them with additional learning resources, one-on-one learning and in some cases extra time on assignments or exams.
If you find that teacher/tutors have ongoing concerns about your child’s dyslexia, it may be worth visiting your family GP just in case there are any other underlying problems that are affecting their learning abilities.

Easy ways to help your kids practice maths at home

At school maths can be a tricky subject for many kids to understand and practicing it at home is the last thing on their minds, especially when they’ve spent the afternoon learning algebra. Here at Tutor Doctor we know how important it is to practice learning outside of school, especially with topics that are a little bit more difficult to understand. We’ve come up with a whole bunch of easy ways that you can practice maths at home with your children and have some fun with numbers!

Estimate the cost of your weekly food shop
Get your kids involved in the weekly food shop by encouraging them to estimate the cost of your all of the items in your trolley. It is a really fun way to get your kids counting, adding up, but most importantly having some fun with maths! What’s great about this idea is that you can encourage your children to take part anywhere. If you’re going out for lunch- why not get them to estimate the bill, or if it’s time to give out their weekly lunch money- see if they can work out how much lunch allowance they will get for the whole month.

Baking/Cooking
Maths is hidden is so many different activities- even cooking and baking. Why not get your kids to weigh out and measure the ingredients next time you bake a batch of brownies or cook a roast dinner? It’s a super easy way to familiarise them with counting, different measurements and timings. We bet they won’t even realise they’re practicing maths because they’ll be having too much fun getting messy and waiting for the yummy results!

Real life problem solving using maths
There’s no better way for your kids to practice maths at home than by solving real life problems. Here are just a few ideas of problems you might want to encourage them to tackle.

• Work out how long your child will need to save their allowance in order to buy a particular item
• Determine the number of miles driven in X hours
• How long it will take to drive home going X mph?

Everyday activities
There are loads of easy everyday activities that you can practice with your kids on a daily basis.

• Practicing times tables – check with your child or their teacher/tutor which times tables you could help them with. There are quite a few fun times tables posters that are always a great addition to a bedroom wall!
• Telling the time using digital and analogue clocks
• Making and organising packed lunches, including equal sharing of fruit, biscuits, sandwiches and drinks.
• More helping at the supermarket! Get the kids to weigh out your fruit and veggies. You could even ask them to help you find and compare prices of items such as cereal or jam to help you pick the ones that are the best value for money!

Maths Apps
We know parents can get busy too, so if you don’t have a lot of free time, there are some wonderful apps that your children can use to help them practice their maths skills and have fun at the same time. Have a read of some of the learning apps we recommend here.

How can Tutor Doctor help?
If you find that your child is struggling with maths more than they should be, perhaps a private tutor would be beneficial.
Here at Tutor Doctor we offer an affordable, one-on-one home tutoring service that works around you. We provide all of our students with an education that is tailored to suit their academic abilities, learning style and personality. Our aim is to help your child reach their goals and beyond.

Ways to help your child go up a grade during the summer break

The summer holidays are the ideal time for students to take a break from studying and relax. However, with recent studies showing that up to two months’ worth of academic abilities can be lost during the summer, it’s vital to keep your kids brains active and learning. Here at Tutor Doctor we know how important it is that your children retain their academic gains, which is why we’ve put together some ways to help them stay ahead and maybe even move up a grade by the time the new school term arrives!

Dedicate just a few hours a week
Keeping your child’s grades up during the summer doesn’t mean they have to study every day. Dedicating just a couple of hours per week is more than enough time to retain their academic gains from the previous semester and even go up a grade! Do this by encouraging them to spend time completing homework and summer projects, doing practice tests or just reading over subject notes. There are also a wide range of apps that kids can play on and learn at the same time. See our top educational apps here.

Enjoy Learning
Schoolwork during the holidays doesn’t need to be boring. One of the most enjoyable ways to learn is by reading. Whether this is magazines, comics, books or blogs; it’s all great practice.  You could even get the kids to keep a summer journal, documenting their day-to-day activities, which will help keep up their writing skills. Alternatively, why not get your child to take part in the Tutor Doctor summer reading challenge? Find out more information on our website– they could even start the challenge with one of our four must-read books for teens this summer!

Get the whole family involved
Get the whole family involved in learning by planning an educational trip to a museum, zoo, historical site or somewhere where they can discover new information but have fun at the same time.  For some great ideas head over to the Visit England site and check out their family holidays section.

Get a Tutor!
A really easy way to keep your child’s brain working over the summer holidays is to invest in a private tutor for a couple of hours a week- it really can make all the difference.
Here at Tutor Doctor we offer an affordable, one-on-one home tutoring service that is tailored to suit your child’s abilities, learning style and personality. More importantly we aim to help students grow into independent learners as well as teach them key X-skills such as organisation and time management that will be sure to stay with them when they enter adulthood.  Find out more about our programmes here.

Use this Summer Holiday to Get Ahead of the Curriculum

The summer is a great time for students to take a rest from their busy schedules. And while this is good for them, their lack of learning over the summer leads to a phenomenon known as summer learning loss. The National Summer Learning Association at Johns Hopkins University in America found that students lose as much as two months of reading and maths ability they gained from the previous term over the summer holidays.

Not only do students lose skills over the summer, they also waste four to six weeks at the beginning of the new term trying to catch up. If your student utilises just a couple of hours a week to brush up on their maths and reading abilities, they will not only retain the academic gains they made over the previous term, they will also be able to move ahead. This is especially helpful for those students who are struggling to keep up.

Learning can be Fun

You don’t have to do serious schoolwork to keep their brains sharp over the summer. Get your student to read books they actually enjoy. Buy books, order them online or borrow them from the library. Encourage reading, no matter what form that takes. If your student is more interested in manga, anime, comics and magazines, that can be a good source of practice too.

You can also practice other kinds of reading like recipes or instructions for DIY projects or manuals for new equipment in the home.

Work with a tutor

This is a wonderful way to help your child to keep their brain working over the summer, but it can really help those who are struggling to fill in the missing building blocks. Students who want to go up a grade or improve their marks to get into college / university can also utilise this time to expand their knowledge.

At Tutor Doctor we can come to your home, at a time that is convenient to you, and help your child to learn in a fun and interesting way. Tutors should not only help with the curriculum work, but should also develop your child’s executive skills.

These are skills like organization, time management, task initiation and the ability to focus that will be invaluable in their academic careers. This will help them to be independent learners for life.

When student’s grades improve, their confidence does too and this means they are more likely to pay attention in class and participate in the classroom experience. They are more likely to try new things and allow their natural curiosity to find new ways for them to learn.

Four must-read books for teens this summer

The summer is fast approaching, which means it’s crucial for your teens to maintain their academic gains from the previous term. One of the easiest ways to do this is by encouraging reading as it’s great for helping students stay on top of their spelling, grammar and creative writing skills. Here at Tutor Doctor we know that there are way too many books to choose from and it’s difficult to know which ones are the best. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to our four must-read books for teens this summer.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
All the Bright Places follows the story of Finch and Violet, who are both dealing with different mental health issues. When the two meet on top of their school bell tower, they find themselves both considering jumping off, but somehow manage to save one another from doing so. When they then pair up for a project, they both find themselves feeling comfortable being their true selves around each other. However, as Violet’s world begins to grow, Finch’s starts to get darker. How far will Violet go to help save the boy she has grown to love? This novel is not only gripping but a powerful read about the effects of mental illness and how it impacts the people around those suffering.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is a truly fantastic read that is sure to have any teen hooked right from the word go! Harper Lee explores the radical tensions in a tired old town called Maycomb, Alabama across three years (1933–35). What’s really mesmerising about this tale is that it’s told thought the eyes of 6-year-old Scout Finch. Whilst her lawyer father, Atticus, defends a black man accused of rape, Scout learns about the unfair treatment of African-Americans alongside some fascinating secrets about their mysterious neighbour, Boo Radley. A timeless classic!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This book follows the story of freshman Charlie, who is a ‘wallflower,’ which means he stands back timidly watching others live life, too scared to participate. Throughout the novel we watch Charlie really come out of his shell as he realises he can’t stay on the sidelines forever. He starts to make new friends, goes to parties and even falls in love. However along the way Charlie finds himself dealing with the confusions of sex and love, the temptations of drugs and the pain of losing loved ones.  A thought-provoking, coming-of-age story that many older teens will be able to identify with and learn from.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
This beautifully written book follows the life of mathematically gifted Christopher John Francis Boone. Christopher’s autism means that he has an overwhelming fear of interacting with others, meaning his day-to-day life can be challenging. When he discovers that his neighbor’s dog is mysteriously murdered, he starts to overcomes his fears and begins to investigate the murder, uncovering some surprising secrets about his mother on the way.

How to stay positive and motivated during your exams

Exam season is quickly approaching, which for many students means a growing revision schedule and a bundle of nerves. Here at Tutor Doctor we know how stressful busy revision timetables and a long list of exams can be. That’s why we’ve come up with some ways to help you stay positive and motivated during exam season as well as minimise your nerves and increase your confidence levels! If one things for sure it’s that a positive mindset is the easiest way to increase your chances of success.

Make your revision timetable clear to friends and family
There really isn’t anything worse than being in the middle of a revision session and getting interrupted by parents or asked to go out and do something fun with your friends. Making your family and friends aware of your revision schedule will help you avoid these interruptions and allow you to stay on track. It’s much easier to keep a positive mindset when you and everyone around you knows that you’re on top of your workload, focused and in control!

Know you’re not alone
Whenever you feel nervous or stressed about your next exam or annoyed that you have to spend so much time revising, remember you’re not alone! Everyone else is in the same boat as you and revision is only temporary. Before you know it your exams will be over, so it’s crucial that you put in as much effort as possible into the short time you do have to study and prepare.

Ask for help if you need it!
One of the main reasons for revision is to refresh your memory and fill in the gaps in your knowledge. If you ever feel like you need more information or you’re not as confident in a subject area as you would like, never be embarrassed to ask for help. Acknowledging that you have a support system and using it to your advantage is a smart move and will help you gain a better understanding and boost your confidence levels.

Remind yourself of the things you’re good at
Revision can sometimes be difficult, especially if you’re working on a subject that you particularly struggle with. If you’re finding something tricky and are feeling de-motivated or frustrated, remind yourself of all the subjects you thrive at. It’s completely normal to not be great at everything, so by focusing on what you’re good at will make you feel much more positive.

Enjoy revision
Even though this may seem a little silly, especially when your revising Shakespeare notes, trying to enjoy your revision and having a ‘Can do’ attitude will make it not seem so bad. By adopting a positive mindset, you will not only feel encouraged but it will help you to achieve the results you deserve.

Stress can be good
A little bit of stress can be surprisingly beneficial during exams. In fact, a healthy amount of pressure can be extremely motivational, meaning that you’re much more likely to push through and perform to the best of your ability.

Study tips that will help you achieve your goals

April 12th, 2016

Exam season is just around the corner, which means your evenings will soon be filled with revision sessions and practice test papers. Here at Tutor Doctor we want you to get a head start with revision by honing in on your study skills and revision methods now. That’s why we’ve put together some super helpful study tips that will help you achieve your goals and beyond!

1.Understand topics in your own words
In order to thrive in any exam you need to have a sound understanding of what you are writing about and the theory behind it.  It’s easy to sit and read out of a textbook or listen to a teacher, but one of the key study tips is to learn topics so that you understand them and are able to talk about them in your own words. Start by getting into the habit of writing study notes in a way that you can understand them. Copying notes word for word out a textbook or from the whiteboard, won’t be much use when you are trying to revise and need to understand the key points.
Once you have started practicing this, you could even test your knowledge by talking through a subject with parents or a family member, explaining everything you know about it. This way you will be talking about the topic in your own words and speaking without prompts or notes.

2.Test Yourself
Once you feel like you have mastered a subject, it’s crucial that you test yourself. Start by replicating exam conditions; turn off your phone, time yourself and don’t talk to anyone. You can then test yourself with a quiz, a practice paper or just write down everything you know about that particular subject. As long as you approach practice with the right mindset, it will give you an indication on how much you really know.

3.Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Never be afraid to ask questions if you don’t quite understand a topic or a theory. Teachers, tutors, parents, friends and family are all there to support you and help you achieve your goals, so make sure you soak up their knowledge. You never know, that one question might be the difference between a grade in your final exam. Remember there really is no such thing as a silly question!

4.Set goals and create a study plan
To be successful in your exams, you need to know what you want to achieve. Start by going through each subject and writing out on a piece of paper a realistic grade that you want to reach by the end of your exams. Stick this on your wall or fridge- ideally somewhere you will see it everyday.
Once you have some study goals in place you can now outline what you need to do to reach them. Remember your study plan needs to be realistic but flexible. This way if you need to cover a different topic one night because you’re not feeling as confident in a certain area as you would like to be, you need to allow for this. It’s also important during revision periods to be strict with yourself and stick to your revision plan as much as you can. If you ever find yourself de-motivated, think back to the goals you originally set yourself.

5.Get Creative with studying
Sitting with a book and a highlighter isn’t the only way you can study- there are loads of different techniques out there, you just need to be creative.  For example, flashcards are an easy and fun study method and are ideal for boosting your memory and helping you recall theory, definitions and dates. They are also the perfect tool if you only have time for a quick study session or if you need to refresh your memory just before an exam. Other effective ways to study include mind maps, mnemonics, video and audio resources, quizzes, practice exam papers, posters, getting family members to quiz you and re-writing notes. Remember, using revision techniques that work best for you will always get you the best results. This means choosing the methods that will ensure you retain as much information as possible and are dare we say it- are enjoyable!

How to teach your child time management skills

As children grow up, it’s inevitable that they will become independent managers of their time and schedule. However, time management skills are only briefly covered in the curriculum, with some schools failing completely to teach children how to manage their busy workload. Here at Tutor Doctor, we know how important time management skills are in order for a child to be successful not only at school but throughout their adult life. That’s why we’ve come up with some ways that you can teach your children how to manage their time efficiently and effectively, all in the comfort of your own home.

Schedule time for homework
It’s important to help your child schedule in time for homework and studying. Often kids think that not being at school means that they can relax, see friends and don’t have to worry about anything else. Start by breaking down projects into pieces of work that they can fit into 30- 60 minute blocks of time, and schedule these into their planner or family calendar. Remember it’s also important to communicate with them that time is precious and having a plan of action is the key to success. Before you know it, they will be organising the time they are going to spend on each assignment and writing it into the calendar themselves.

Time-management tools
To effectively manage time, it’s important that your child has all the right tools to hand. These include clocks, watches, timers, calendars, planners and a quiet area to study in. For younger kids, planners will probably be most effective. For teens, a calendar on their computer that syncs up with their mobile phone, will be a convenient and trendy choice.
Encourage your child to make notes of everything in their calendars or planners, whether this is homework, a test, an exam or even social activities with friends. By doing so, it will help them see where they have free time and where they don’t. We guarantee that after a few weeks of doing this it will become second nature to them!

Teach self-discipline
Self-discipline is an important life skill and the earlier it’s learnt the better. Help your kids improve self-discipline by giving them the responsibility of managing their own assignments and projects. Letting your child experience the consequences of mismanaging their time, will serve as a valuable learning tool and experience.
Being a positive role model for your child will also be extremely beneficial. If they can see that you manage your time well and do things even when you might not really want to, it will be sure to encourage them to follow suit.

Manage sleep and energy for top performance
Managing sleep and energy levels is an easy way that you can help your child stay on track and stick to their busy schedule. Providing nutritious and whole foods alongside enforcing appropriate bedtimes will help kids stay focused and awake, rather than tired and demotivated. Fresh air and plenty of exercise will also help boost energy levels and encourage a positive state of mind.

4 ways to help build up your child’s self esteem

Sometimes children go through bouts of low self-esteem, resulting in them not making the most out of time spent at school or opportunities they are presented with. Here at Tutor Doctor we know how important it is to nurture and build up your child’s confidence, which is why we’ve come up with 4 ways to help build up your child’s self esteem. Having confidence in themselves will mean that your child can try new things, learn more, ask questions and most importantly thrive in life.

Pay attention
It’s important to dedicate time where you can give your child your undivided attention. It will do great things for their feelings of self worth by making them feel important, loved and valued. Remember to always make eye contact with your child so that they recognise that you’re giving them your full attention and listening to exactly what they’re saying. Even if it is for only a few minutes a day,  it really will make all the difference.

Support healthy risks
Encourage your child to take healthy risks, such as making a new friend, trying out a new activity or doing something that scares them a little. Even though there’s always the possibility of failure, without taking a risk there is also little opportunity for success. By conquering something they are scared of or tackling something new will be especially helpful in building up self-esteem levels.

Redirect inaccurate beliefs
If your child is being particularly negative and wallowing in self-doubt, it’s important to redirect inaccurate beliefs and remind them of their strengths. For example, if your child says to you; “I can’t do this maths homework, I’m really bad at it” say to them, “You’re a really good student, remember that amazing grade you got in English last week? Let’s work together and see if we can figure this homework out.” Reminding your child that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses is a key way to help build up their self-esteem levels.
However, if you’re concerned that something deeper may be bothering your child, ask them more detailed questions about school, friends, and how they view themselves. You might decide it’s best to talk to a counsellor or mental health specialist.

Provide encouragement
Every child needs ongoing support that lets them know: “I believe in you. I know you’re doing your best- keep going!” Believe us when we say lots of encouragement will do wonders for building up your child’s self-esteem and will help them grow into a confident individual.
It’s also vital to remember that encouragement is a lot more beneficial than praise. This is because encouragement acknowledges the effort your child has put in, rather than praise which only recognises effort after they have done something ‘right’. Praise can sometimes make a child feel as though they are only good enough if they have done something perfectly, and too much can create pressure to perform and set up a continual need for approval from others. The most important message to send your child is that effort and seeing something through to the end is what really counts.

Easy ways to encourage your child to limit their screen time

It’s no secret that technology is a huge part of everyday life, but it’s clear that it can sometimes be a distraction, especially for your kids.  A recent survey revealed that 65% of parents said that their children spent at least 1-3 hours a day on gadgets, mobile phones, laptops or watching TV. Here at Tutor Doctor, we know that banning technology isn’t the answer, however we believe that screen time should be considered a privilege. That’s why we’ve come up with some easy ways you can encourage your child to limit their screen time and get them to stick to it.

Remind your children to limit screen usage
Banning technology isn’t very realistic, but it’s important to make sure your kids are aware that you are paying attention to how much time they are on a screen.  Gently remind them that they shouldn’t be spending all of their spare time on their phone or watching TV and encourage other activities instead.

Encourage exercise and other activities
Try and encourage your kids to spend more time taking part in sports and exercise, as it will distract them from technology and get them outside in the fresh air. Activities such as swimming, horse riding, basketball, tennis and ballet not only get your children active but they’re also loads of fun. You might even be surprised at how much they enjoy doing something different for a change!
If the weather isn’t so great there are loads of other hobbies that your kids can get involved in that don’t involve the TV or their mobile phone. Scrapbooking, reading, baking and playing board games are bound to keep them occupied- they may just need some friendly encouragement to see what they can achieve without technology. Remember, the key to limiting your child’s screen time is balance, moderation, flexibility and compromise.

Create screen rules together
A really simple way to get your children to actively limit their screen time is to create some rules together. By doing it this way your kids will feel involved and not as if they are being told what to do.
Start by sitting down together and write up some clear rules, along with a few ideas for rewards if they do well. Here are a few suggestions of rules to implement together.

• No texting during meals, either at home or in a restaurant
• No TV during meals
• No TV until after all homework and chores are done
• The TV gets turned off at a set time every night
• No TVs or laptops in their bedrooms

Watch your own screen habits
Your children may not always listen to you but you are still their role model. It’s important that you are living by the same rules that you set them. So if you tell your kids that they need to cut back on TV time then you need to make sure you’re doing the same. If they can see that you are trying the likelihood is that they will too!