During a recent session, I observed Thomais working with her Year 1 student on Maths and English. The lesson covered Telling the Time in Maths and focused on Grammar, Punctuation, Phonics and Spelling in English. Thomais’s calm and engaging approach ensured the student remained focused and enthusiastic throughout the session.
The session began with Maths, specifically learning to tell the time. Thomais used the whiteboard, allowing the student to visually see the hands of the clock move as they learned. She started wth full hours, such as 2 o’clock, before gradually introducing half-past and quarter hour concepts. Thomais explained each step clearly, using everyday examples like, “What time do you eat breakfast?” or “What time is your bedtime?” to make the activity relatable and meaningful.
When the student made a mistake or hesitated, Thomais responded with encouragement, asking guiding questions such as, “Where do you think the minute hand should go?”. This approach helped reinforce their understanding without providing direct answers. By the end of the activity, the student demonstrated increased confidence in reading the time.
The English component began with Grammar and Punctuation. Thomais introduced basic rules, including capitalising the first word in a sentence and using full stops. She provided simple, age appropriate sentences for the student to correct, turning it into a fun and interactive exercise.
Phonics and Spelling followed after, with a focus on recognising letter sounds and blending them into words. Thomais used flashcards and a phonics game to reinforce learning, keeping the student engaged. When practising spelling, she encouraged the student to sound out each word before writing it, helping to build confidence and accuracy.
Throughout the session, Thomas demonstrated exceptional communication skills and patience. Her ability to break down concepts into manageable parts and provide consistent positive reinforcement created a supportive and engaging learning environment. The student showed clear progress in both subjects by the end of the session.
Overall, Thomais delivered a well structured and effective tutoring session, showcasing her ability to cater to her student’s needs while fostering both skills and a love for learning.
Isabella Naumovski
