Jacquie Russell

Lessons begin with a brief 'ice-breaker' activity, such as finding compound words or homophones from a list within a minute.

I find that learners' are more responsive when they know what to expect, so I like to devise a 3 to 4 week plan where we can concentrate on a particular area, for example - structuring story narratives. For this, real examples can be sourced from reading materials suited to the student's attainment, and modelling used liberally to identify how language is used effectively, before the student is given exercises in developing their own writing. I aim to develop confidence in learners', so assessment is initiated by me, at first. Gradually, the student will gain opportunities to self- critique and self-evaluate

Throughout all study session, I prefer it if when parents are fully on-board and aware the strategies that I employ. (I will invite them to observe whenever they like.) Experience has taught me that parents are made more confident and comfortable in parting with money when they know and approve of what and how their child is being taught.

Goals and rewards are useful to keep students motivated, so with the parent's permission these can be given to acknowledge effort, as well as achievement.