Services
1. After an initial phone conversation, a free half hour “meet and greet” session will be organised. This will allow the student and parents to meet the tutor, share any testing or reports prepared by the school or an outside agency, and to discuss the current learning needs of the child.
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2. The next session will run for an hour, and will involve one-on-one testing of the student in key learning areas. A report to parents will give the student’s results and an indication of which areas will be incorporated into the student’s individualised program.
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3. Decisions will be made as to the most suitable lesson structure for the student – one-on-one, pair or small group – and the lesson duration. The very youngest students may begin with a half hour lesson, with older students moving on to a 45 minute or one hour session, depending on subjects to be covered and attention span. Lessons may be once or twice a week.
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4. Let the learning begin!Lessons follow the NSW public school term dates and may be held before 9.00am, after 3.00pm, or during school hours by arrangement with the school. A limited number of spaces are available on Saturday mornings.
“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
~ Ignacio Estrada
Lesson Types
Homework support
Some students do not have a particular learning deficit, but their families may value some assistance with completion of homework tasks set by the school. We can provide this support as a one-on-one or small group service.
Dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia support
Tutoring for students with a diagnosed learning difference requires a long term commitment and a specialised program. The learning needs of these neurodiverse students can be complex, and at Learning for Life Tutoring we are experienced in identifying those needs, developing a structured program which is explicit and evidence based, and implementing these lessons in a way which is well paced and motivating for the child, building their skills and confidence over time. A variety of multisensory teaching aids are utilised, and students are also taught how to use the tools and technology available to assist them: for dyslexia and dysgraphia, in addition to written spelling and handwriting practice, speech to text on iPad or laptop is taught alongside editing skills. For dyscalculia, in order to help overcome issues with working memory, students are taught how to use tables charts and calculators alongside concrete materials and manipulatives to build concept understanding. Repetition to ensure consolidation of skills is presented in varied and interesting ways to maintain interest and provide a positive learning experience.
Extension and Enrichment
For students in Years 2 to 6 who are achieving well in Literacy but are keen for a challenge, a program which encourages them to extend their skills in reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary and critical thinking is offered at Learning for Life Tutoring. Through novel studies and thematic language work, talented students are encouraged to move beyond what is taught in the classroom and to develop their higher order cognitive skills and creativity.
General “catch up” support
Particularly after a period of absence from school, online learning or an otherwise disrupted school year, students may have fallen behind in a particular subject area and need some targeted teaching in order to fill in the gaps, catch up with their peers and regain their confidence. A period of tutoring to provide this support can make a big difference in a child’s schooling.
Life Skills
This program is for older students with special needs, with a focus on equipping them with the practical skills needed in literacy and numeracy to develop independence. Filling in forms, reading timetables, following recipes, understanding nutrition information on food packaging, composing emails, handling money and following a budget are examples of the types of skills covered. Programs are individualised to suit the needs, interests and learning capabilities of the student.
Test Preparation
Learning for Life Tutoring offers preparation for NAPLAN, Scholarship tests, Selective Schools tests and ICAS assessments. Familiarisation with the presentation of these exams, working through past papers with guidance, and teaching time management skills under examination conditions all form part of the program.
Group Structures
One-on-one
Our most popular lesson type, delivered either in person or on Zoom. Lessons may be 30 minutes, 45 minutes or one hour.
Small group
Two, three or four students with similar learning needs may be grouped together. Still following their individual learning plans, they have the opportunity to build confidence in a group setting, interact through educational games, and make new friends! Occasionally a two-student lesson can be run with siblings who are close in age, at the teacher’s discretion.
Pricing
Initial consultation – 30 minutes, free of charge
Testing session – one hour plus report plus follow-up with parents - $175
Lessons start from $35 for a 30 minute group lesson