As the end of term and Christmas holidays approach, students can find it hard to stay motivated and focused on completing their work, especially when there are so many exciting things happening outside the classroom. I’ve found with my younger students that some effective strategies to maintain productive and enjoyable sessions include incorporating a range of activities that can be personalised to the individual student’s interests and learning needs, whether that’s through games, creative tasks, movement breaks or real-world examples that feel meaningful to them.

This positive environment also strengthens the relationship between tutor and student, which is essential for a successful tutoring experience. There are many ways to foster this connection, one of which I’ve seen through supporting students as they make mistakes, problem-solve and overcome challenges. By knowing when to step in with extra guidance and when to encourage independence, I’m able to help build self-confidence and resilience—skills that benefit students not only during tutoring sessions, but also at home and in the classroom.

Different ways to keep students on track include setting small goals to maintain motivation and focus, and making sure that the student actively participates in setting these in a way where they feel in control of their learning. Additionally, offering choice in every activity furthers the relationship-building between student and tutor whilst encouraging a sense of ownership, autonomy and genuine engagement with the task. As the end of year comes to an end, it’s important to remind our students of how far they’ve come this year and acknowledge their hard work and commitment to their learning. This can be communicated to parents and teachers through brief progress updates or informal check-ins, allowing for continuity, shared understanding and aligned support across home, school and tutoring environments. Overall, by maintaining a positive, student-centred approach, we can continue to foster confidence, curiosity and long-term learning success.

Annabelle Molloy