Today, I observed Jenna working with Georgia, a Year 3 student, on simplifying fractions. It was impressive to see how Jenna adapted her teaching style to match Georgia’s learning pace and kept the lesson engaging.
Jenna began the session by introducing the concept of simplifying fractions in a relatable way. She used visual aids like fraction strips and drawings to help Georgia see how fractions could be reduced to their simplest form. This hands-on approach made the abstract concept much more tangible for Georgia, and I noticed how her understanding grew as she interacted with these tools.
One of Jenna’s strengths was her ability to make the lesson interactive. Rather than simply explaining the rules, she asked Georgia to explain her reasoning as they worked through examples together. This not only reinforced Georgia’s understanding but also encouraged her to think critically about each step in the process.
Jenna also used positive reinforcement effectively. Each time Georgia simplified a fraction correctly, Jenna celebrated her success, which boosted Georgia’s confidence and enthusiasm for the subject. When Georgia made a mistake, Jenna guided her gently, asking questions to lead her toward the correct answer rather than simply providing it. This created a safe and supportive environment where Georgia felt comfortable trying again without fear of failure.
By the end of the lesson, Georgia had a stronger grasp of simplifying fractions and was even tackling more challenging problems with Jenna’s encouragement. Observing this session reminded me of the importance of patience, positivity, and using interactive methods to help younger students grasp foundational concepts. Jenna’s ability to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment was inspiring, and I look forward to incorporating similar techniques into my own tutoring sessions.
Demetria Koutavas
