“…when students are interested in an academic topic, they are more likely to … pay attention, become engaged… process information effectively and ultimately perform well.”
Research suggests that personally interesting topics engage children better and more efficiently in the learning process. Bespoke reading and writing packages tap into this principle.
A bespoke reading & writing package – how much?
A package costs £25. This reflects the highly personalised nature of the product and includes UK postage and packing.
Can I see a sample?
Yes, you can request a sample in Word or download them here.
Please remember they are not designed for your child though!
I think modelling is very helpful, both in-person and when designing bespoke packages. You will see that when I model answers, I use a mixture of typed and handwritten models. This is deliberate: for some children handwritten models are more ‘real’.
What information do you need?
Contact me and you will be sent a form to complete with the invoice. The form includes the child’s interests, hobbies, favourite animals, books read etc and is largely tick-box for ease of use. It will also request optional information on character type and any relevant issues.
You do NOT need to give your child’s name, date of birth, school or specific named clubs they attend. You can even have the pack sent to an alternative delivery address if you wish. This is to ensure that we only receive information that is essential for designing the pack.
Will my child be able to do it alone?
In general yes, although this obviously depends on the child. The writing activities have instructions and an example so they can be done independently. Some of the reading activities may benefit from an adult, others will be designed to be done independently.
If your child struggles at school in terms of ability, motivation or focus, then you may find it is helpful to give a little more direction.
How long will the bespoke reading and writing packages take them?
Some children may go through the activities in an hour or so. A child with a longer concentration span may take several hours on the activities.
What is the point if no-one corrects them?
It is often helpful for a child to read or write at a pace they feel comfortable with – no teacher, parent or peer to dictate the speed. This can be very liberating. In addition, independent learning, problem solving and reflecting are great skills to develop. These packs are designed to be engaging, rather than replicate a school environment.
What kind of activities are there in a bespoke reading and writing package?
Each pack is different, but examples include:
Filling in a form designed for your child
Drawing to show reading for meaning
Designing and labelling a project or design idea
Silly filling in the blank games
An original reading text or story with associated activities (NOT just questions)
Investigation games where you unravel a mystery
Recording or observing something
Reading challenges to do at home and when out and about
Reading suggestions
The activities will reflect the information you provide on the form.
What kind of resources will there be?
Some resources will be the actual activities – examples listed above. However, we may also include highlighters, envelopes, luggage labels, stickers etc if relevant to the package.
Sometimes we include an actual book or magazine and we reserve the right to include a good quality second hand copy to keep down the cost of the package and for environmental reasons.
Will my child actually do it?!
The fact that the package is tailored to them specifically will make it more palatable than other types of “work”.
However, you can help in the way you present the package eg
- Make it sound exciting, like a present – not a workbook
- Encourage them to find good times to have a go at it
- Praise them when they do it (for having a go, regardless of outcome)
- Let them show off any activities (eg to grandparents, school)