The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
One of the biggest challenges is trying to change parents’ mindsets. Parents will tell me that they can’t work with their own child, they don’t have time, they will only be frustrated if they have to help their child. I get it! I have a very stubborn 8-year-old who doesn’t like to do any extra work than he has to. Working with your child is hard, frustrating, and can end in tears!
BUT, then it hit me… you need to be able to work alongside your child. You need to overcome those frustrations and find a way to work together! For me, I had to be consistent and use some bribery (he loves to play the Clinker Game – guess the colour inside a chocolate and if it is correct, you get another one!) We made a plan. We set aside a specific time each week (Monday afternoons at 4:30pm), so that it became part of our routine. I don’t make him do boring school work during that time. It is just time spent together doing some reading, a board game, a soccer game, some problem solving or a project. I did The Learning Light Program with him last year and used that time to work with him. I thought he was ok at maths and was shocked at some of the gaps in his learning, e.g. he didn’t know how to count on by 10s from any number – a basic skill if you want to use empty number lines. He would talk to me about what he is learning in maths at school. He would come home and say, “Mum, guess what we learnt in school today? We did near doubles!”
Imagine his confidence in the classroom when he did that lesson knowing it is something he has already learnt. It is so true that children are more successful in school when their parents take an active interest in their work.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I wish I had more time! I also run my own photography business and help my husband with his business, so The Learning Light often gets pushed to the side. I would also love to know how to be an expert in marketing!
One of the best things about The Learning Light Program is seeing children close those gaps in their learning. My main passion is to teach and if I can impart some knowledge and confidence into those children on the other side of the screen, then all the hard work has paid off!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
There are 20 lessons in The Learning Light Program and it starts back at the basics. I would love to write and film the next 20 lessons to continue a child’s learning.
The Learning Light Program is perfect for children from 5-10 years old who are having difficulty with maths. Often they have missed out on some of the basics. The Learning Light Program goes back to the beginning and breaks it all down, while making it fun, so that the children are able to think mathematically and close the gaps in their learning.
The Learning Light is currently running a ‘back to school’ special. Receive a $100 discount by using the code: BACKTOSCHOOL (Click and enter the code in the UPFRONT PAYMENT (NO TRIAL) section).
To watch the first lesson, click here: //www.thelearninglight.com.au/lesson1.
Visit The Learning Light website to find out more and to sign up for their fantastic online tutoring program. You can also join their Facebook community.
