The Focus Epidemic

“I’m tired.”  “My brain isn’t working.”  “I’m sleepy.”  “I’m bored.”  These are all comments I hear regularly from students, and these students are between 5 and 12 years old.  Sometimes it’s quite obvious to see from their lack of focus, and lack of concentration.  I’ve noticed this increasing since being in the tutoring industry, but more so this year since I’ve started my own tutoring business and working a lot closer with each student.  This has been bugging me for a while now, trying to understand why this is happening.  Although I don’t have any kids myself, I don’t recall being tired at 3.30 in the afternoon as a child.  My mum can verify this!

So the question remains, why is this happening?  Of course, the first step would be to get a medical assessment to make sure that there isn’t anything more serious to be aware of, but if that isn’t the case, then what could be the cause? 

Doing too much during the week!  I get tired sometimes just listening to all the activities that some students have on during their week.  Why are they doing so much?  As much as I do believe that a balance between school and sport or extra-curricular activities is a good thing, we all know that too much of a good thing could spell disaster.  So, this would be the next step – choose one activity that they can focus on rather than too many which will eventually lead to exhaustion.  I know that I get tired when I have too much on in any week, so why do we think our children are any different?

Then, one of the “Silent Focus Killers” I believe is technology.  Please take note that this is my opinion, and as far as I know has not been proven, but I don’t think it takes a genius to figure it out.  How much time does your child spend on their iPad, iPhone, computer, Xbox, etc each day?  Other than the fact that it’s most likely over stimulating their brain, making it harder for them to relax at the end of the day, I believe it’s also affecting their ability to focus and concentrate. 

Let’s compare it to good old reading a book.  When you read a book, you have to focus and concentrate while understanding, interpreting and making sense of what is happening in the story.  This is awesome!  We are actually using our brains when we do this, and developing or improving skills that are necessary and so important in many other aspects of life and school, for example, problem solving questions in maths. 

How does this compare to watching YouTube videos, for example?  Well, other than the fact that I’m sure these videos aren’t very educational (depending on what you are watching), it’s an instant form of satisfaction, and you can switch to the next thing at the touch of a button when you get bored.  Kids aren’t learning how to process information that requires them to think!  This is even worse when you have a child with an addictive personality – they can’t go anywhere without their iPad/iPhone.

By no means am I an expert or can I prove that screen time affects focus and concentration.  All I know is that I’ve definitely seen a shift in the ability to focus and concentrate in younger students, and it’s a big concern as a tutor.

Some food for thought.

​Does my child need a tutor?

There are many reasons why you might consider tutoring for your child.  The most common one being that you are concerned that your child is not meeting the expected standard for their grade.  This could be due to many reasons, but rather than feeling helpless and overwhelmed, considering a tutor could be a way to get your child back on track.  The fact that there are so many different tutoring companies out there, is proof that more and more parents are taking the plunge and enrolling their child in after school tutoring.  It shouldn’t be seen as something “bad”, but rather as a positive.

When looking for a tutor, there are a few important points to consider:

• Do you feel comfortable with the tutor or tutors?
• Does your child feel comfortable with the tutor or tutors?
• Do they have experience tutoring?
• Do they follow the Australian Curriculum?
• Will you receive regular feedback?

I’m sure you have many more questions, but the above would be some important ones to consider.

Not every tutoring option suits all children.  Some kids will do better if you get a tutor to come to your house, and other children prefer to be surrounded by other kids submerged in an atmosphere of learning and fun!  Whichever one you choose, if you are confident that your child is benefitting from it, you have made the right decision.

Tutoring isn’t just for those who are behind, but it could also benefit children who need to be challenged.  When your child is achieving high grades, they might be slightly bored in class.  This can sometimes lead to less interest which in turn could lead to your child missing out on some important information in class.  Tutoring could help by challenging your child, keeping them engaged in the subject and making sure they are staying on top of the necessary concepts.

So, if you are considering a tutor, take the plunge and call.  Don’t just call one, call a few and go by your gut feel.  If you get a good feeling over the phone, set up an appointment to meet them, and once you meet them you will usually know if they’ll be the right tutor for your child. 

Holiday Program January 2017

Are you already dreading the questions during the holidays?  “Mum, what are we going to do today?”, “Mum, please take me to the movies, or shopping!”, “Mum!!!!!”  So I’m sure by the time the last week of school holidays come around, you need a breather, and let’s face it, they’ve had a long enough break!

Why not enrol your child (or children) in our Holiday Program?  It will get them back into learning mode, while still having a bit of fun!  Perhaps you would like them to get a head start, or maybe they are doing NAPLAN this year, or you just want them to have a great start to the year. 

Dates: Tuesday 16th January, Wednesday 17th January and Thursday 18th January
Times: 9am – 11:10am or 1pm – 3:10pm (includes a 10 minute break)
Cost: $100 per 2 hour session (inc. GST)

Although it is best to enrol for all three days, you may choose only 1 or 2.  You also have the option to focus on just maths or English, or one hour of each. 

Do you have something specific you would like us to focus on, for example what their term 4 report card or teacher mentioned they did not fully grasp, or would you just like them to get a head start in their new grade?  Just let us know!

Spaces are filling up fast, so do call Larraine on 0415 959 945 for more information and to reserve a spot.

Why is TERM 1 important?

Not having children myself, I can only imagine how busy, crazy and overwhelming the first term of the year must be for parents, as well as children.  I can understand that adding just another appointment to the list of things to do, is enough to make you want to curl up in a corner and cry!  I know I would!  I’m exhausted just listening to some of the parent’s (and children’s) schedules.  How do you all do it?  With lots of chocolate, and perhaps some wine too, I hope!  So, it’s not surprising that giving tutoring a break in term 1 is a common decision among parents.

But, (yes, there is unfortunately a “but”), unless your child finished term 4 on a high, with heaps of confidence going into the next year, you might want to think twice about giving tutoring a break in term 1.  Starting the year off on a high, and getting back into the swing of things sooner rather than later, can pave the way for the rest of the year.  It’s always harder playing catch up than keeping the momentum going from the start of the year.

Remember that most children have had a six week break from school, and some as much as 8 or 9 weeks!  They’ve lost their “sense” of learning, and need a bit of a kick start into gear for the new year.   Most of them will have a new teacher, some will go to a new school and some will be going to high school.  All of which can make the settling into the new school year just a little bit daunting.  Continuing with tutoring means a familiar face or faces, as well as a continuation of something they know and have hopefully grown to enjoy!