LEARNING GAP


children reading and encouraging discussion and debate their minds will stay active, they’ll keep up to date with current affairs, they’ll be discovering new interests and passions and they’ll be constantly increasing their knowledge and learning too.


language or even (sorry!) play computer games, basically they should have some chill out time. If parents impose daily study routine from day one, their children are more likely to become exhausted and unenthused about education in general, which will naturally have an adverse effect, particularly when they do go back to school. It’s interesting that the majority of parents who contact Tutor House imply that their children, when it comes to academia, just won’t listen to them. Children seem to only really respond to teachers and tutors. So we focus on flexible and tailored learning, making sure parents and children are happy with the plan for the summer.


But what else can parents to ensure their children stay engaged during the summer holidays?


Firstly, work with a private tutor. The notion of hiring a private tutor to help students keep up with their studies during the summer holidays is not news. In fact, surveys in 2013 showed that as many as one-third of all parents intended to hire tutors to keep their children ‘school-ready’ over the holiday period. These days, more and more parents are turning to private tutors who have the knowledge, professionalism and experience to make sure children’s minds remain active throughout the break. A private tutor can ensure that children don’t forget what they have previously learned, as well as give them a head start for when the new term begins. They can also help iron out any problems and tackle any subjects that were giving them difficulty to ensure they start the new term full of confidence, feel self-assured, and devoid of any anxiety or stress about falling behind.


We must not forget that many children nowadays feel anxious in the leadup to exams and tests. Every week we speak to worried parents, who have anxious children and teenagers, with schools adding a huge amount of pressure on children studying, from very young ages. There is a 4+ examination now to get into top London schools! Whether it’s Common Entrance or SATs, A-levels and GCSEs, there is no denying that children are stressed. Holiday tutoring helps them to focus on homework and revision and remain working on key areas that they didn't grasp during term time, without the pressure of being in the classroom. Holiday tuition


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allows for learning in a relaxed, casual environment with friendly, relatable tutors helping to stimulate students’ learning and interests in the subjects and topics they teach.


A holiday tutor can also be hugely beneficial if pupils have missed school due to illness or other extenuating circumstances. Often the fear of being left behind can be extremely worrying for these pupils, and they appreciate being given a helping hand from well-matched tutors who can get them back up to speed.


At Tutor House we see examples of this all the time, where pupils turn to us to help them due to health issues that have left them falling behind. Hiring a private tutor is arguably by far the easiest and most effective way to make sure that children don’t fall victim to the devilish ‘summer slide.’ Don’t forget tutors can help with a wide range of aspects, from tutoring to tennis lessons, from visiting an art gallery, to reading poetry. However, there is still plenty that parents can do in addition to this to give their children the very best chance of success at school.


Encourage your children to read. Do puzzles and crosswords, have them engage in educational magazines, and read different newspapers. Go to the local library and pick out some books that you can read together over the holidays. By keeping


Take your children to museums. The Natural History Museum is brilliant and a must, over 3,000 people have reviewed the museum, rating it at 4.7 stars! There are plenty of educational activities you could take your children to during the school holidays - ones that will hopefully be met with approval too! Keep children learning and interested by planning fun but educational trips that will inspire their learning. Interactive science museums, natural history museums, planetariums and art galleries are all great options. You might also involve them in chores and household activities. Writing grocery lists, stock-checking the fridge for items needed, and helping you to stick to household budgets will keep their maths skills sharp as well as teach them to problem solve, and to think critically. Being consulted and involved in the household has the added benefit of keeping children as active family members rather than allowing them to turn into a school holiday ‘monster’ and expecting you to wait on them hand and foot!


Working (a local job or even cutting the grass) during the holidays can help keep children busy and active, engaged and productive and will teach them about responsibility too. It will also keep them in a routine similar to school hours meaning no wasted days holed up in their rooms until midday because they are ‘bored’ ’tired’ or ‘there’s nothing to do!’ Keep them fit and healthy. Go for walks, play sports, and keep active. Also, try to encourage children to make healthy food choices, (at least for the most part). This will keep them energised, switched on and feeling their best. Keep up with extracurricular activities. From piano practice to football games, just because school's out doesn't mean children should be allowed to give up on their hobbies and interests. Children are used to an action- packed and varied schedule during term time, so don’t let this slide. Paying attention to children’s learning throughout the school holidays will not only provide parents with peace of mind but also help students start the new term feeling confident and ready for anything!


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