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Tailored tutoring helps build confidence, unlock learning strategies for Sarnia students

Katrina Raes still remembers her first Kumon session like it was yesterday. “When I received the question sheet, I started using my fingers to count, and someone came up to me and said that I wasn’t allowed to use my fingers.

 

Katrina Raes still remembers her first Kumon session like it was yesterday. “When I received the question sheet, I started using my fingers to count, and someone came up to me and said that I wasn’t allowed to use my fingers. I started to cry and quit shortly after.” 

Now in her 2nd year of Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, she reflects back on her challenges as a Grade 7 student struggling with Math and English. “The other challenge was that the program was designed so that you only received support if you asked for it. I was very shy and not confident to verbalize my needs in a group setting. Eventually my parents sought out one-on-one tutoring and registered me for the High School Prep program with Math Plus Tutors.” 

Sahar Nasr, owner and director of Math Plus Tutors, first began tutoring with other tutoring companies in Sarnia before opening her own centre in 2015. The learning centre, currently located at 108 Mitton St. S., offers services in a variety of subjects including Math, Sciences, and Language Arts for K-12 & post-secondary students, including learners with special needs. Nasr’s 15 years’ experience in the tutoring business confirmed Raes’ struggles were not isolated. 

“Kumon is a proven system. The only drawback is that it fits a certain segment of the population. So if you don’t fall within that segment, it can be challenging to get ahead.” Nasr continues, “Oftentimes, it’s not the material itself that the student struggles with, but the environment, the tools available, their self esteem, and the possibility - or lack thereof - to cater to their needs. You have to create a safe, comfortable environment for the student, with minimal distractions, and building trust is key!” 

Raes remembers her tutors turning her learning materials into games. “I remember very quickly going from hating it to being excited to go twice a week. They would ask me about my day or even remember something about my family or my dog. I could tell they genuinely cared about me as a person.” 

Raes recalls that once she got to know her tutors, she wasn’t afraid to speak up when she didn’t understand certain material, and her tutors would guide her to apply the material in different ways until they found a method that resonated with her. “It gave me the confidence to speak up in the classroom and ask for help when I needed it, and it helped me realize that if something’s challenging me, my lack of understanding at the moment is not a reflection of my self-worth. I just might need to work the problem a different way.” 

When asked about her most memorable win, Raes says it was the moment she successfully completed her Grade 9 English and Math with over 90%. “I believed that I would never be good at Math or English, and successfully completing them shattered that belief system. What I

needed wasn’t just someone who was qualified to teach the material, but someone who could offer me flexibility in the way that I learn.” Raes says. 

Sherry Russell, a learning specialist with Math Plus Tutors, describes her role as creating an engaging and fun space for students. “The one-on-one gives us the advantage to get to know our students, build a rapport, and trust. Once that’s established, we are able to discover their learning needs and send them back into the classroom with strategies that they can use.” 

Russell stresses that the focus is on the student, and not just the academic material. “During our sessions, we might add tools like a white board, or a fidget to reduce the stress. Sometimes there’s an attention deficit and we break things down into smaller chunks with games before moving on. Most of all, we’re highlighting our students’ strengths and building their confidence.” 

Lara Major, a parent whose children are enrolled in the MP Junior program, echoes the same. “I think it’s important to tailor teaching methods that meet the needs of every student in order to succeed. Dominic was in need of help with Math since he struggles with that subject. Jacob is really good at Math, so we thought we’d push his learning and signed him up for enrichment. After the first couple of sessions, the tutors realized what needed to be done to ensure my kids are learning and not getting frustrated. My oldest who struggles with math is still smiling after a 1 hour one-on-one with his tutor.” 

“Our team has really found something special here. An approach that works, and the families and students are speaking to it.” says Nasr. “It is so rewarding seeing our students succeed and walk out our doors with confidence in their abilities. It’s something everyone deserves to feel.” 

Now celebrating the business’ 10 year anniversary, Nasr says that catering to a student's needs can be done in different ways: “There is no mold for educating everyone. We all have different abilities and areas of need. Finding ways to tackle these needs by leveraging students' abilities, and empowering them to find a way to learn and flourish is what we strive for at MPT."


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