Can a tutor do this? Post Reply

[TomThomas]

Hi,

My son will be doing the 11+ next year. He's bright and is being well prepared by his school. His only weak spot is writing - he has some weaknesses in his hands which an OT is addressing which means writing is quite a lot of effort for him.
The school has suggested a tutor might be able to help in preparing him to get fuller answers down (particularly in English) within a limited time. Is there anyone who specialises in this? Sounds a bit general to me but I'd be grateful for any recommendations! We haven't definitely decided to go ahead with this so am just exploring the waters.
Thanks!

[hema.desai]

Hi Tom

I am a specialist teacher and assessor. There are a few things you could do if he is slow to get his ideas on paper. A specialist teacher assessment may help.

Is the speed if his work slow purely because of handwriting speed or does he possibly need time to process information and generate ideas etc? Is he better if he is typing? If so it may be worth a touch typing course and getting him to use a laptop.

Depending on assessment results some schools may allow him additional time or use of a laptop in the exam.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

My website is
www.connectlit.com
Ph: 075 2513 8808

Hema

[ExceptionalAcademics]

Dear Tom Thomas,

Good morning.  We are Exceptional Academics, a London based tutoring agency with ample experience and knowledge preparing all students for the 11+.

Kindly send us an email and we can schedule an assessment for your son.  If one to one tuition is not something you are convinced about we also offer Saturday School, Mock Exams and Booster Courses in preparation for the 11+  throughout the year.

We do wish you and your family the best of luck.

Kind regards,

The Exceptional Academics Team
Email:  info@exceptionalacademics.com

[Invisiblewoman]

Hi Tom Thomas,
I had a very interesting chat with someone yesterday about increasing movement in hands and funnily enough he recommended using chopsticks for eating and for games to strengthen hand-strength and hand-eye coordination.

I have also written a comprehension checklist which really helps - I tried to add it but couldn’t but it would be fairly easy for you to replicate. Also doing timed tests - the Bond / Schofield & Sims will really help - but you must check them and go over them again with your child.

we also have done games where we draw a leaf and think of all the adjectives that describe autumn, spring, summer and winter, Halloween, fireworks night etc - and these really help with story-writing and setting the scene. Also Pinterest is great for getting lists of words that will help. Also, read with and to your son and ask him questions about what he is reading just to make sure he is properly understanding everything he reads and that’s he can re-tell the story to you. But most of all make learning fun so that he really wants to put the effort in. Ice cream and £1 in Poundland is enough incentive for mine..... 

[TomThomas]

Thanks so much for all the responses on this thread - sorry, I hadn't had any notifications! Hema - he now has been assessed and granted more time.
He is quite relieved I think. Invisiblewoman - thanks for those ideas, very helpful. Games always good! Thanks. Sam (Tom)