| How do you create the ideal home study setup | | | | way to start a private lesson. |
| for your child and private tutor? Here are our top | | | | - Avoid TV Time: If your child has a particularly |
| 10 tips: | | | | favourite TV show they like to watch please |
| - Minimise distractions: The study area should | | | | don't book a tutoring session at the same time. |
| ideally be a brightly lit space with very few | | | | The child will feel resentful and will not be able to |
| distracting elements. If you have a large family | | | | concentrate properly throughout the lesson. |
| this will probably be the most distant room in the | | | | - Provide food and water: Ensure there is a glass |
| house. Avoid TVs, Stereos and game consoles | | | | of water for both the tutor and the child. |
| like the plague. If possible hang a blind over the | | | | Studying is thirsty work! If the child has a |
| window so your child can't look out enviously at | | | | particular favourite treat you may want to give |
| children playing in the backgarden! | | | | this to the tutor so they can use it as a reward |
| - Use a comfortable desk and chair: Your child will | | | | for good behaviour. |
| need to be able to sit comfortably for half an | | | | - Ensure appropriate energy levels: If the tutor |
| hour or more. If they have an uncomfortable | | | | turns up and your 8 year old is bouncing around |
| chair or can't reach the desk easily they are much | | | | the room pretending to be in the A-team it can |
| more likely to fidget and lose concentration. | | | | take them a while to switch to studying mode! |
| - Keep away from prying siblings: Brothers and | | | | Try to minimise sugary drinks or cakes for at |
| sisters can be extremely annoying when your | | | | least 2 hours before the lesson starts and make |
| child is trying to study. Please try to keep them | | | | sure they've had some fresh air and exercise. |
| entertained and away from the studying area as | | | | - Define boundaries: Make sure your child knows |
| much as possible. | | | | their boundaries - what they are allowed to do |
| - Keep within earshot of parents: If your child is | | | | and what they are not allowed to do. When you |
| young you'll probably need to be able to step in if | | | | speak about the tutor with them be sure to |
| they start throwing a tantrum with the tutor. | | | | enforce their authority and always speak about |
| Discuss with the tutor before the lesson starts | | | | them respectfully. The tutor must be able to tell |
| about any behavioural difficulties the child may | | | | the child that they cannot play with toys until |
| have so they feel prepared, know what to | | | | after the lesson and must know that you will |
| expect and know what to do. | | | | back them up if the child starts making a fuss. |
| - Have everything to hand: Your child will need | | | | - Bribe them: If all else fails, bribe them! You may |
| pens, paper, possibly a calculator and ruler. Make | | | | want to promise them a trip to the swimming |
| sure these are easily available and you know | | | | pool if they are good during the lesson. Never |
| where they are before the lesson starts. A 20 | | | | promise something and don't deliver on it - |
| minute hunt for a pencil is not a good (or cheap!) | | | | children learn quickly! |