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