Tutoring; An Opportunity to Boost Kids’ Learning During Lockdown

There is no doubt that education for our children has changed beyond all recognition since the nationwide school closures in early spring. What began as a challenge for children and parents alike, full of great plans for exciting hands-on learning and captivating lessons, has now become a source of confusion, anxiety and conflict in family homes throughout the land. As parents, we are no longer waking up with anticipation of how our lessons will go today; rather, we are walking on eggshells waiting for the inevitable disappointment on the faces of our youngsters. What’s more, with the recent government plans to open schools in August, and the end of term fast approaching, we have the added stress of getting our children school-ready in three short weeks. Perhaps therefore, now is the time to step aside, take back our crucial parenting roles, and ask for some professional help.

Tutors are up to date with current SQA guidelines; they know exactly what is in the curriculum and what is not. What made us think we could ever become cross-curricular experts? I am sure all parents can relate to the inner excitement felt two months ago when embarking on a thrilling lesson with our child, after much preparation, our fingers tired from the late night Googling; we were ready……only to be told within the first five minutes, “but that’s not how my teacher says we’ve to do it!” Immediately deflated, we picked ourselves up and set to work planning the next lesson, perhaps one more hands-on; that was the answer; the kids would love that! The hard truth is that, across the nation, many kids have not been loving the new teacher roles we have made for ourselves. The school structure has gone, there are worries about Covid-19, children are missing their friends, their grandparents, their freedom, and more than ever, they need us……but as parents. They want us back the way we were, not trying to be something we’re not.

By working one-to-one with pupils, or even in small groups, tutors are skilled at identifying specific learning styles and can design their lessons to suit their tutees in a way that promotes active engagement and enquiry. Learning in this way is fun and pupils are free to be open when they are finding something tricky; what’s more, they get instant feedback, so they know if they’re on track. Their confidence and self-esteem quickly improve, and parents can resume their all-important parenting role with the tutor taking over the role of the teacher. It’s a win-win! Wouldn’t it be amazing to see our children confident to go back to school in August?

We’ve given the teaching role our best shot; we’ve served our time. Let’s reclaim our parenthood and give our kids back some normality. No more blurred lines…let tutors do the teaching and let’s get back to parenting; it’s what we’re best at!