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