Hi everyone, today I had the opportunity to observe Leela’s session with her Year 5 student who was working on an English practice test for narrative writing. The tutor helpfully dedicated 15 minutes of time at the beginning of the session to allow her student to plan, after she had asked her to briefly describe what her ideas were. When Leela’s student explained her ideas, Leela praised the creativity of what she had imagined, affirmation which encourages a student and aids in their confidence, particularly in an area where students often get embarrassed of their creative work. The tutor further interrogated certain details about the world her student had imagined – this helps to ‘fill in the gaps’ concerning where/what the place she is writing in is like, allowing for her to compose a well-rounded and solid setting for her narrative to take place in. After carefully evaluating the writing plan, the student mentioned some issues she was having with some missing ideas. The tutor provided a great range of suggestions, without ‘giving’ the story to her – the student was able to consider all of them and build off their different directions with her own ideas. While giving this advice Leela also emphasised how it still ‘up to the student’ – which is great as it affirms to the student how they are still in control of their creative decisions and allows them to not feel bad about turning certain ideas down if they wish to. It also ensures they remain feeling engaged with their own work and that it is theirs, motivating them. Throughout the rest of the session Leela gave her student the adequate space and time to work on her narrative, occasionally interrupting to ask how she was going to check in on her. Overall, it was a great and helpful session to observe, thank you so much Leela!

Sofala Vogt