You CAN do it: Five Tips to Getting It Done!

One of the biggest hurdles I come across as a tutor is hearing students say that they "just can't do it". It's heartbreaking to hear a child be so negative about their ability and lack such confidence when it comes to a subject you know they are able to do.

With every child, the way to overcome self-defeat is different. For some it's reiterating the subject material, the specific method, for others it's supporting them and building their confidence so that they feel comfortable enough to answer.

Either way, supporting a can do attitude is paramount. You can do this in a number of ways, whether you are helping a child, or yourself!

• Reassess The Situation

Look at the question again, is it really an impossible question? What parts of it have you seen before?  Can you start with the basics and build it up?

For example, 

How does Dunmore present Carla's relationship with the Head and with the Teachers in My Polish Teacher's Tie?

What is the question asking you to do? - How. I.e. Explain and show.

About what? - relationships. I.e. feelings, attitudes, connections. 

With who? - Carla and her Headmaster/Teachers.

Look at each part of the question and see what it is asking you to do via the keywords that it contains. 

• Avoid Negative Thoughts

Of course, it's easier said than done! Try to recognise the signs of when you are starting to take a negative attitude, such as avoiding doing the work or seeing it as a huge mountain to climb. 

Sit back, make a list of what you need to do and take each task one by one. See each task ticked off as a goal achieved. Yay!

• Minimise the Thinking Time

Do the task! Don't let yourself think too much about it before you actually start. The more you think about it, the bigger it's going to be in your mind and the less likely you are going to feel comfortable about tackling it. 

• Make Initial Ideas

Whenever you are given homework you usually have some ideas ready at the time. Maybe it's something that the teacher has been talking about during the class which relates to it, or maybe you've heard something in the news recently which might have some relevance? 

As soon as you receive the homework/assignment/worksheet, make some initial thoughts so that when you do come back to it, you've already made a start! Even keywords which can be used as a jumping off point can be so much more helpful then a blank page. 

• Don't fear blank space!

Talking about blank pages, don't be afraid to just start writing! Maybe even making some spider diagrams, pictures, short keyword based notes, ideas of relevant subjects to look at, etc. Cover the blank space in anything slightly relevant, just get something down on the paper and break the fear!

I really hope this has helped! If it has, or if you have any advice yourself, feel free to comment below! I'd love to hear what you think!

Have fun!

Rebekah

xox

Fun History - Bonfire Night

Bonfire night has a huge tradition in the UK. Many of us love the warm glow of the fire, the community spirit, the fireworks, the food, the sparklers. We all know about its links with Guy Fawkes, but what about the other traditions? How have they worked their way into the brightest night of the Autumn?


Bonfire

Straight after the failed coup by Guy Fawkes, grateful Londoners lit fires in Thanksgiving for their safe King. The tradition of the bonfire has continued and is now much of a community event, some even elaborating the fire with an effigy of Guy Fawkes (known as the 'Guy').


Fireworks

With any special occasion across the world, it is customary to have fireworks. Love or hate them, there is no denying how beautiful they are! Fireworks themselves started in China, India and Thailand many hundreds of years ago and were used in war, religious and spiritual ceremonies. The first known fireworks to be let off in the UK was at the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486!


Sparklers

Sparklers have to be one of my favourite things about Bonfire Night! I just love making fun photos with long exposures to capture their brightness. Of course, you must always exercise caution when using them, supervision and safety is key! A sparklers can get up to temperatures of 1649 Degrees Celsius! And just three sparklers burn at the same temperature as a blow torch!


Food

The food for bonfire night is very unique, it's all about the toffee, the comfort food, and the easy to eat. You're going to be stood around in the warm glow of a bonfire, what else would you want? Much of the food we associate with Bonfire Night has become available all year round, but there's no denying that it fits like a glove with the festivities!

Whatever you're up to this Wednesday, enjoy and keep safe :)

Have Fun!
Rebekah
xox

Sunday Round-Up

We've had some awful rain this weekend (to be expected at this time of year)! But it does put a bit of a dampener to the end of the half-term holidays and the unusually mild weather we've been having of late!

So, its back to school tomorrow, and hopefully with a bit of enthusiasm! It's always hard to drag yourself out of bed in a morning, especially if faced with bad weather and a full day of learning! The best way to overcome this is with a good warm breakfast, like porridge or eggs, and of course, some positivity!

Here's a few images, and words of inspiration to get you ready for the week ahead!

Your education is your responsibility. 

Make it what you want it to be and appreciate the value of all subjects.

Doesn't this just look the cutest! This would definitely motivate small and big kids alike!

Every day gives you a chance to improve. Don't let one bad lesson get you down! 

Pick yourself up, learn and start again. 

Bonfire night is a great traditional event to look forward to!

Remember, remember the 5th November (and the marshmallows!)

Take a bit of colour and positivity into everything that you do! 

We're looking forward to some special Guy Fawkes themed posts this week!


Have fun!
Rebekah
xox