4 of the best science-based educational apps

Science is a great subject to really get kids excited about learning. With smart phones and tablets now playing a significant part in most kids day-to-day life, it’s important to try and incorporate learning into their screen time. Here at Tutor Doctor we know that apps are an easy way to do this, but with such an overwhelming amount to choose from it can be tricky to know which ones to download. That’s why we’ve found 4 of the best science-based educational apps that are full of exciting content for your children to get involved in.

Atlas by Collins £1.49
This app is great if your kids want to learn all about the world. You get seven different globes, which allow you to explore the planets, gather information about the population, understand the location of our needed energy and find out about how we affect the environment. It also has loads of physical maps to discover such as oceans, mountains and deserts. It’s certainly an informative app bursting with interesting facts.

Solar Walk™ – 3D Solar System model £1.99
If your child is fascinated by the solar system and wants to explore it then this app is the one for them! You simply use your fingers to rotate around the planets and zoom in and out of them and their neighboring moons. There are also a handful of satellites orbiting the Earth, which you can observe and learn about. Even better, this app allows you to speed up time and see the movements of the planets, either in the future or in the past. It’s a fantastic app for any space enthusiast.

Chemist – Virtula Chem Lab- iPad only £2.99
Chemistry can sometimes be a little difficult to understand especially when learning about it on paper. This is why Chemist is such a great app. Not only does it let you see the elements in action, your kids can experiment with them too! Whoever knew that practicing chemistry virtually would be so fun? Simply add a beaker, mix some solutions, stir it up, warm it up, check the temperature or pH, it’s all there. Impressive or what? The app is also really easy to use, ideal for any budding chemist.

Universal Zoom: All About Sizes and Distances £2.99
This is the perfect app to explore the scale of universe. Not only is it simple to use but it also offers an exciting tool for your child to visualise and conceptualise distances and sizes. It presents objects to scale such as electrons and planets and allows your kids to compare them. In a nutshell, it’s a super cool science app, equipped with everything any little scientist will need to know about measurements.

4 Things to consider when choosing your A Level subjects

It’s already that time of year where students are applying for college and thinking about which subjects they are going to choose. We all know that what you choose to study at A-Level can have a major impact on your future, so it’s important to make the right decision. Here at Tutor Doctor we’ve narrowed it down to the 4 most important things to consider before making those all-important choices. So whether you’re decided or haven’t got a clue, we guarantee that these four pointers will help you make an informed decision.

1. Ability and enjoyment
It’s always important to start with the basics. Begin by mind mapping out the subjects your good at along with what you like and enjoy. The more you enjoy your studies the more likely you are going to be motivated to work hard. Having a natural ability in your chosen subjects can also increase your chances of success. However always keep in mind that A-Levels are very different to GCSEs, so make sure you do your research about exactly what each course offers.

2.Certain University courses will look for specific A-Levels
If you have a rough idea what you’re wanting to study at university always keep in mind that certain university courses will look for specific A-Levels.
Here are just a few examples:

• Pharmacy must have: chemistry, plus at least one from biology, maths and physics
• English must have: English literature or English language (Sometimes Both)
• Geology must have: at least two from maths, physics, chemistry and biology
• Economics will need: maths

This will also be similar for those interested in Art and Design degrees and it is likely that art subjects will be required. For a full list of University subjects and typical A-Level requirements click here.
3. Course content, assessment and workload
Before making any final decisions always have a look at the course syllabus- this will usually outline the content and assessment titles. This will give you a good indication to whether the two years will cover the areas that you are most interested in. You might even be surprised at how excited you can get about specific topics!
Also consider the workload of the course and the main methods of assessment. For example one subject might include lots of essay writing and reading whereas you might prefer extended practical projects. Either way it will give you the chance to weigh up what you’re best at and whether that style of assessment suits you.

4. A-Levels are tougher than GCSEs
Finally it’s important to remember that A-Levels are a lot trickier than GCSEs. It’s a fairly big jump up and you will instantly see that a lot more is expected from you. It’s crucial that you prepare yourself for this transition by being on top of your studies and not leaving revision and homework to the last minute.

How can I get advice?
If after reading this you are still confused about which A-Level subjects you want to take or perhaps you’re not sure if A-Levels are the right option for you, remember you can always get advice. Speaking to tutors, teachers, parents, college lecturers and even other family members is always a great way to talk through your options. Teachers and tutors will also be helpful if you’re not sure which subjects are your strongest. If these options don’t suit you, then chatting with a Careers Advisor can be super helpful as they always have loads of information to hand. Visit the National Careers Service for details.

Becoming a Tutor With Tutor Doctor

Here at Tutor Doctor we are always on the look out for fantastic new tutors to join our family. We know there are thousands of you out there who have advanced academic and interpersonal skills who would be an excellent tutor- you just might not have realised it yet.

What makes a great tutor?
A great tutor is passionate about making a difference in a young persons life. This goes hand in hand alongside their fantastic academic skills, which allow them to deliver the subject matter successfully, helping their students thrive. They also have fantastic interpersonal skills, enabling them to work with the student as well as maintain an excellent relationship with the parents and family. Finally they are dedicated to their students and will go above and beyond to provide them with the successful tuition they deserve.

What skills do I need to be a Tutor?
All of our tutors are intelligent, successful, innovative and highly driven people from all walks of life. What’s great is that our tutors don’t need to be teachers or from the education sector, they can come from any background. Whether you’re a scientist, engineer, writer, translator or perhaps you just have a great degree, we believe that you can become an excellent tutor.
So, if you’re a motivated, dedicated, people-orientated person who wants to make a positive impact in students’ lives, then we want to hear from you!

What’s great about being a TD Tutor?
Being a tutor with us is an extremely rewarding experience with endless opportunities. You will not only get the chance to make a difference to a young persons life but you can watch your students grow, learn and achieve their goals right in front of you. If one thing is for sure it’s that joining the Tutor Doctor family will most definitely change your life for the better.

What do others from the Tutor Doctor family say?
Parker Knapp is a very successful Tutor Doctor Franchisee.  Here’s just a snippet of what she has to say about working with us.
“It’s very validating. I find it especially rewarding when my children recognise my accomplishments. It also enables a good work/life balance and it’s possible to balance family life and a career. Tutor Doctor is a family and if we welcome you into the fold, we want you to be successful. It is a demanding commitment, but a very rewarding one. We want everyone to be successful and we are going to give you all the support and training you need to achieve that success.”

What support does TD offer?
We are fully dedicated in providing all of our tutors with all the tools, training, technology and ongoing support they need to not only be successful but to thrive.

Becoming a Tutor Doctor tutor really is an excellent opportunity. Believe us when we say that you really can make a difference! If you think you have the skills then we want to hear from you!

6 Ways to Help your Child Build their Self-esteem

A lack of confidence influences every child at some point in their development. Believing that they can’t do something will prevent them from making the most of their schooling or missing out on vital developmental steps that could have a major impact on their futures. Having confidence means that kids try new things, learn more, ask questions and foster a healthy sense of curiosity. If you’ve noticed that your child is experiencing a bout of low self-esteem, there are ways in which you can help.

Take a little Time

Of course you have a really busy schedule, but taking a little time to spend each day with your child will make them feel important. Even if it’s just ten minutes, give them your undivided attention, make eye contact and ask questions about their lives that show that they are important to you.

Watch your Words

Most parents are tuned into bad behavior. Most of us don’t notice when our kids do or say something right. Focus more on all the things your child does well and compliment them. Reinforce your compliments with a shoulder squeeze, a high five or a touch on the arm.

Make Memories

Make time every week, month and year for memories. Pancake breakfasts, camping trips, family holidays and trips to the beach are the stuff of happy childhoods. Make lasting memories with your children that will bring you closer together as a family.

Give them the Help they Need

Does your child’s teacher know who you are? Check in regularly on your child’s progress, getting monthly updates on what they need help with. Teachers have a unique insight into your child’s progress both academically and socially. When you take an interest in your child, when you are present at school and receptive to advice, you are providing your child with the support they need.

Should your child’s teacher feel like they are falling behind, get a tutor. Of course we don’t like to admit that our children are struggling, but getting them the help they need sooner rather than later will prevent academic issues from affecting their self-esteem.

Opt for an in-home tutor who is able to build their confidence and their study skills so they learn how to be good students and catch up to their classmates.

Ditch Generic Compliments

‘Well done’, ‘good game’ and compliments of this ilk aren’t actually helpful. While they do offer a positive message, they are too general to really have an effect. Instead, reserve your praise for when it’s earned and be specific in your compliments. For example, instead of ‘well played’ say; “I really liked the way you shared the ball. That last pass to Sam was brilliant!”

Love what your Kids Love

Sure, at this stage you may want to kill Elsa from Frozen and you don’t care about this weekend’s football scores, but loving what your kids love is a way to connect with them, and to validate their interests. Listen actively, ask questions and comment enthusiastically. Sure, this means you will have to participate in their interests and hobbies, but it will make them feel valued and important.

Study Tips: 5 ways to avoid homework procrastination Sometimes homework can be overwhelming, especially if you have a few assignments to complete in the same week. This can mean that you find yourself doing anything but your homework, whether that’s cleaning your room, texting your friends or watching the TV. This is otherwise known as procrastination, which is the art of putting things off and finding other tasks to do to instead. Even though your work might be daunting, delaying it will only cause more stress. That’s why here at Tutor Doctor we’ve come up with 5 ways to avoid homework procrastination and face it head-on. Minimise Distractions A really great way to avoid homework procrastination is to remove all distractions when it’s time to study. This includes mobile phones, laptops and making sure that the TV is turned off. Another great idea is to tell your friends and family that you are going to be studying for a few hours so that they don’t disturb you when you’re trying to concentrate. The fewer things you’re distracted by, the more homework you can complete! Create a realistic schedule It’s important to have a homework schedule, as this will really help you avoid procrastination. However it’s vital that you are realistic. For example, don’t schedule yourself to study for 5 hours a day because it is likely that you will dread it and do anything to avoid it. Instead set aside an hour or two a day for homework, projects and essays, giving yourself one day off a week. Also remember to give yourself enough time for each task so that you don’t feel rushed. So if you have a long essay to complete give yourself two study sessions to write it, rather than one. Focus on one task at a time If you have a couple of homework tasks to do at the same time it can definitely be overwhelming. Swapping between three assignments in one study session means it’s likely that you will become stressed, meaning you will look for distractions so you don’t have to face it. Instead break down your homework by only focusing on one task at a time. Completing one task a day will not only make you feel like you have achieved something but will also put you in a more positive frame of mind about your studies. Start with the most difficult task If there is a particular piece of homework that is really intimidating or particularly tricky it’s easy to keep putting it off until the last minute. Instead try and start with the most difficult assignment first. This way you will know that the hard work is over and the rest will be more enjoyable, which will keep you motivated to keep on studying. Treat yourself After you have successfully completed a busy week of homework or a difficult assignment it’s important that you treat yourself. You are much more likely to start studying and finish your homework if you know that you have a reward to look forward to. Great ideas include a fun day out with your friends or a relaxed movie night at home with your family.

3 key revision methods to help you ace your exams

January exams are quickly looming which means lots of revision sessions, a dose of nerves and constantly worrying that you won’t know what to write. Here at Tutor Doctor we understand that revision can be stressful, especially if you aren’t using right techniques. That’s why we’ve come up with three key methods to transform your revision sessions and maximise your learning. We bet you’ll ace those exams!
How to Revise?
When revising for your exams there are three key revision methods that we would advise sticking to. They really will help you achieve the results you deserve!
1. Note-taking/note-making
Throughout the academic year it is likely that you will have been taking lots of notes and writing down overwhelming amounts of information. Now that it’s revision time, it is important to work on making your notes more useful and easier to memorise. Here’s how:

• Organise your notes so that they are clear, logically ordered and easy to find your way around.
• Read through all of your notes, highlighting key words and jotting down extra notes if you need to.
• Re-write out more concise versions of your notes. This makes the content digestible and easier to remember. It also makes you think about what you are writing and helps you understand it further. Aim to reduce each topic to a few index cards that can be used to help jog your memory during revision sessions.
• Another great way to make the most out of your notes is by breaking each topic down further into mind maps. This is a helpful way of summarising lots of information onto one page and is visually memorable too.

2. Memorising
To succeed in your exams you often have to remember vast amounts of information and apply it. Memorising might not be the easiest task but it’s important to remember that there are loads of different techniques out there and there will be a way that works for you. Here are some approaches to try:

• Read over and look at your notes for a topic three or four times. Reading repeatedly will help fix them in your mind rather than skimming over them once.
• Draw out a big mind map of everything you can remember from a page of notes or topic. Then look back over it and compare it to your revision notes to see how well your memory serves you.
• Cover up half of the page of your revision notes and focus on recalling information triggered by using key words.
• Use large index cards or posters and write down everything about a topic on it in a logical way. Read over it and then give it to a family member so that they can test you. Start by getting them to say the word in the middle of the page and try and recall everything you know. Allow them to prompt you if you can’t remember a specific date or word as it will help jog your memory. Repeat this with them until you feel confident that you know a topic or subject inside out. When it gets closer to your exam ask them to re-test you. You might even surprise yourself on how much you know!
• Mnemonics can be a fun way to remember tricky phrases or facts. Use the letter of a word, or the initial letter of a phrase to help trigger associations. For example- A classic science mnemonic most will probably be aware of if OIL RIG, which describes the difference between Oxidation and Reduction: Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain. Other famous ones include the order and names of the planets, remembered with the mnemonic My Violent Evil Monster Just Scared Us Nuts.

3. Drafting and practicing model answers
Working on model answers to anticipated questions should be central to your revision process. Using past papers and practice questions will help you work on remembering the material, developing your critical skills as well as preparing you for your exam itself. Here’s what to practice when attempting mock tests:

• Analyse the question. When using past exams papers and practice tests think about the wording of the questions. What are the problem or key words? What approach is being asked for? You could even try rephrasing the question into your own words, which will help you pinpoint the exact meaning.
• Generate ideas. In longer essay questions you are most likely going to need five or six major points or arguments. Often these will be taken from your notes- so try to think about ways that you can apply them to the question in hand. If not, work on generating some ideas based on who, what, why, where and when.
• Think about other angles. Many topics are from a specific perspective, so try to include a counter argument. Showing your knowledge and applying it appropriately will improve your essay.
• Check over your answers. Once you have completed your practice tests it is important to read over your answers and look out for errors and relevant points that you can improve on. Always try and get a teacher, tutor or parent to look over your work and take on board any notes or comments they make.
• Practice in exams conditions. By doing this you will know what to expect and get a feel for how long you need to spend on each question/section. It should also make you feel more confident and prepared for the real thing.

Always remember..
Revision should never be left until the last-minute, especially if you want to achieve great results. It’s vital that you make sure you’re revising all year round and staying on top of your studies. Easy ways to do this is by ensuring all of your notes are easy to follow and well organised as well as not letting your work pile up.

Top 5 educational websites for primary school children

In 2016 it’s no secret that many kids use the internet to study and educate themselves about subjects they are learning about at school. However with there being so many websites to choose from it can be difficult to differentiate which ones are the best. That’s why we’ve come up with the top 5 educational websites for primary school children to use when learning online.
1. The National Geographic
The National Geographic website is full to the brim with a vast amount of information on a whole host of subject areas including the environment, space, animals and even world music.  A huge variety of photography is also available and would be great to help with projects and presentations.  It’s the perfect resource for your kids if they are interested in all things science and want to learn more about the world that surrounds them.
2. NASA For Kids
Space buffs are sure to love the NASA for kids website. There is loads of information for children of all ages, with footage from Mars and the International Space Station to interviews with astronauts alongside all the latest news about the most recent space launches and developments. What’s even better is the large variety of games and craft activities younger children get to choose from. They can learn at the same time as having fun- it’s a win win!
3. BBC Primary School
The BBC’s primary school website is an ideal learning resource for children ages 4-11 years old. What’s great about this website is that it breaks down the curriculum topic by topic, offering a variety of different ways to learn about them. From languages and literacy to history and PSHE- this site really does cover everything!
4. Natural History Museum
Most major museums have children’s sections on their websites, and this one is definitely one of the most interactive ones out there. There are games and fact files linked with current exhibitions, which makes the information relevant and up-to-date. Alongside this children can virtually visit the museums via the ‘Antcam’ and ‘Flesh eating beetlecam’- cool or what? A brilliant educational resource!
5. Brain Pop
The amount of educational resources on Brain Pop is super impressive, with topics covering everything from science and English to health and art. There are loads of games and activities to choose from that are all guaranteed to help your kids learn at the same time as having fun. It’s a fantastic website to use if your child wants to go over a couple of topics at once.