The Magic of Our First Group Tutoring Session – A Real Peek Behind the Scenes

If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens in that very first group tutoring session… picture this:

A handful of slightly nervous children.
Conversation starters and games ready to go.
And me, confident, knowing that any moment now the magic will begin to work.

Our first session is all about creating that trust and getting to know each other. It’s never about diving straight into work. Not with me.
It’s about helping children feel safe, it's about removing the anxiety they bring to the session, it's about them realising this isn't more school - I'm not another teacher on their case. That it's a place where we have lots of fun and giggles along the way.

We Start With Something Fun (Because Learning Shouldn’t Feel Like Walking Into a Test)

I always kick things off with a short, hands-on activity that breaks the ice.
Nothing fancy. Just something playful that sparks conversation, gets brains gently switched on, and removes any pressure and worry about getting something “wrong”.

Would you rather only have Christmas or only your birthday each year?
Would you rather go to the cinema or a theme park?

Learning, what learning?

This whole time, I'm getting to know your child, I'm making informal assessments. I'm seeing your child more than their weaknesses. What makes them smile? What makes them motivated?

Within minutes, the room shifts.
The shoulders relax.
The giggles start.
And suddenly the children who walked in quietly are leaning over the table saying, “Wait — can I try that next?”

That’s the moment I know we’re going to be alright.

And Then the Best Bit Happens… They Start Connecting Without Realising It

Honestly, I could write a whole book on the power of children learning together.

There’s something beautiful about seeing children suddenly become the one to help the others. To have the confidence to share ideas. To be able to express their ideas freely - an active member of the group - an essential member of the group.

No pressure.
No competition.
Just little humans discovering they’re not alone.

Group tutoring works because children start to see each other’s strengths.
They borrow ideas. They share wins. They realise mistakes are normal.
And that supportive energy becomes the heartbeat of the whole group.

While They’re Having Fun, I’m Quietly Doing My Teacher-Ninja Observing

This is where I get to see:

• Who dives straight in

• Who hangs back

• Who needs time to think

• Who lights up when something clicks

• Who masks their anxiety with jokes

• Who already doubts themselves before they’ve even started

These early moments tell me everything I need to know about how to support them moving forwards.
It’s not about judging — it’s about understanding.
Understanding how they learn.
Understanding what they need to thrive.
Understanding how I can make sure every child feels capable and seen.

We Always Set Gentle, Personal Goals — Nothing Scary, Just “Let’s Grow Together”

I like setting goals with children, not for them.
It gives them buy-in.
It gives them ownership.
It gives them that “Ooh, this is my journey” feeling.

Sometimes the goal is big (“I want to write a whole story I’m proud of”).
Sometimes it’s tiny (“I want to try using paragraphs without panicking”).
Sometimes it’s simply confidence.

But whatever it is, we start there.

Together.

And Just Like That, We’re Off… A New Little Learning Community Is Born

By the end of Session One, something has shifted.

Children who walked in unsure leave feeling lighter.
Parents tell me, “They came out smiling — we haven’t seen that in ages.”
And I burst with pride over every student in that group.

It’s not about worksheets or tests or “keeping up”.
It’s about joy.
Connection.
Belief.
And learning that actually feels fun again.

If you’re hoping for a gentle, engaging, confidence-building space where your child can finally feel capable — even after just one session — I’d love to chat.

Let's have a friendly chat about your child and what they need support with.
Whether it's in writing or maths, things could look very different, very soon. My mission is to make a difference. There's no pressure, no formalities. I just want to get to know your child so I can help them experience a better learning journey.

www.mytutoringforyou.com