When we are in a situation when we aren’t thinking logically, or our natural way of thinking isn’t the linear route that is expected to be the norm, or we are sat in an exam or the teacher just takes it upon themselves to single you out to be the person to answer their question, it is unlikely that our brain will hurry straight to the specific piece of information that we need.

Instead, it starts darting around inside our head like a ping-pong ball looking for that relevant nugget that will save the day. It travels all around the houses, the most scenic route it can possibly find and then often fails to locate that titbit that would have been so appreciated in that moment of time.

When we do something, we create a memory. So, if we ask a child to do a worksheet, they will store that information somewhere in the depths of their brain. To reinforce this information, we ask them to do another worksheet. And maybe another, each time congratulating ourselves on the support we are giving to our child.

However, when the child is asked a question relating to the information on that worksheet, their brain only has that one specific memory where it can find the information.

So instead, if we provide a series of different resources, we are helping them to create multiple memories.

Learning the times tables can give a simple example of this.

If we keep asking our children to recite them by rote, or suddenly bombard them with a general times tables question we are creating 1 memory.

However, if we play a game of bingo, pairs, fishing, noughts and crosses, snakes and ladders with a question focused to one specific times table written in each square, we can provide a range of memories making it easier for the child to recall the information when needed.

Additionally, if we ask the children to write out the times table in advance in a variety of large, bright colours we are opening up additional neuro pathways helping them to create more places in the brain to recall the information. You might choose to use scented pens to take the whole sensory experience up a level!

What’s more, the advantage to having the specific times table written down is that, not only will it provide a memory which will be stronger if they have created it themselves, it will also provide them with a check/ cheat sheet, which will offer them the confidence needed to answer the question. Initially, they may use it excessively to find the answers. This is fine because they are learning the correct response. As they become more confident, they will need to rely on the written answers less and less and take pride in not needing to relate to it anymore.

(I’ve heard of a game where you sit in a circle, and someone throws a ball at you and asks you to answer a random times tables question. For me that would have been the ultimate cruelty as a child having to think about the maths and the co-ordination needed to suddenly catch a ball with no forewarning, so be sure the tasks you use are relevant to the child’s idea of enjoyment and ability).

(Square Pegs and Round Holes, supporting every child’s education. Dawn Strachan, 2023)

As a tutor you will work with a range of children. Some who find it easy, some who for a variety of reasons will find it more challenging.

Some families will tell you that their child is neurodivergent, others won’t. Some may be oblivious themselves or have had a feeling but weren’t sure…

The foundations for any child you work with is to talk to them. What do they enjoy or find easy?

What is it that they struggle with more? Is there a reason why?

Often the label will give you a place to start:

Don’t provide too many instructions at once. Explain things one step at a time.

If they don’t understand it, explain it a different way, it is as or more likely that you’re not making things clear that they don’t have the ability to understand it.

Ask them, ask yourself what can I do to make it easier for them to understand this? What can I do to make this less challenging?

Those with ADHD have a reputation for being high energy which can’t sit still and would rather be swinging from the chandeliers. Yet for many the issue is that they focus intently to the detriment of anything else. Time passes and they are still engrossed, oblivious to the world around them.

Yes, for other children, concentration is an issue, and you will need to keep the activities brief to keep their focus.

Dyslexia can cause many issues for a child around their reading, writing, or spelling.

There are many things you can do to help.

They may give you the ideas to write down so that they can focus on their thoughts and knowledge rather than the act of writing.

Keep the instructions (both written and verbal) to a minimum. Have plenty of write space on the paper.

If appropriate, use images and diagrams to help.

Use colour, the more the better.

Some people, such as those who are Autistic like to know the routine. They may prefer to stick to just worksheets or past papers because then they can prepare themselves for what is to come in an exam.

Others prefer the mix and light relief of a more varied learning style.

Some will call it as they see it, they will have you in stitches, whilst others are much more serious and focused.

As a species we are all so different, yet so similar in so many aspects, that the label is really nothing more than an initial building block. As we get to know them as an individual that’s when we can truly start to help and determine what we can do to make learning and education easier for them.

What is key with anyone, any child, is to have patience. Be respectful.

Don’t get hung up on a label, focus on them, who they are and what they need.

This is like skimming a stone over the surface of a lake. If you are interested in learning more, you will find our book ‘Square Pegs- supporting every child’s education’ on amazon.

Additionally, we are in the process of putting together accredited training for each of our franchisees so that they have a firm understanding on how they and their employees can support the families that they work with.

For more information about the Clara James Tutoring Franchise, CLICK HERE