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PAGE 48
2.2 Berryhill Primary School,
Wishaw, North Lanarkshire
Paired Tutoring
Involving P4 & P7 Children
Berryhill Primary School
As Support for Learning Co-ordinator
in school, I was concerned about the low level of attainment in reading
among a group of children at P4 stage. Some form of support input was
necessary, but could not be provided, due to the already full remit of
personnel. Enlisting the help of P7 children appeared an ideal solution,
and also fulfilled the recommendation in 5-14 Guidelines that senior pupils
should have an experience of tutoring.
Initially, I spoke to the
P7 class collectively, explaining the organisation and the activities
of the project. Letters were sent home to P4 parents, informing them of
the proposed arrangement.
Prior to each session of Paired
Tutoring, I list on each child's Task Sheet the activities for the twenty-minute
session. The necessary resources have also to be included in the folder
- word dominoes, matching pairs cards, flashcards, worksheets, etc. The
paired children sit around an open area which I oversee. After each Paired
Tutoring session I monitor each P4 child's performance, and the comment
written by the P7 tutor is also invaluable for selecting the tasks for
the next occasion. At the end of the project, opportunity will be given
to each participating child to make a short evaluation.
It is my opinion that the
Paired Tutoring project has avoided a 'fragmentation' of the P4 low achieving
group (due to absence or children developing strengths/ weaknesses in
different areas), and has averted major Support for Learning input in
the near future. The time has provided an excellent opportunity for consolidation
for the younger child. Because each child is being tutored on a one-to-one
basis and according to individual needs, he/she is over-learning at his/her
own pace. Regular assessment is given before moving on to the next stage.
The sessions are enjoyed by all who participate, and the project has been
a very worthwhile exercise. It is one which I shall not hesitate to employ
in the future.
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