Mr. Duin Tutoring - English Literacy, Phonics & Grammar

18/09/2025

Enough of the lies!!!

26/08/2025

"Synthetic phonics teaches children to read by helping them to identify the connection between phonemes (sounds) and letters (graphemes) by sounding them out.

For instance, where children would once learn the word “cat” by seeing it in a story with a picture or memorising it, they here instead sound out c-a-t – and blend it, into cat.

Daily phonics is due to be mandated for children from prep to year 2 in all Victorian schools by the start of 2027 under the state’s revised curriculum, with 25 minutes daily explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness."

As per the article, 2027 will see phonics being mandated across all Victorian schools from prep to grade 2. I think this is an absolutely fantastic idea and I'll be watching eagerly to see how education changes and grows because of it.

Academics have been divided on its efficacy but the teaching method is being widely adopted – and one principal calls it a ‘great equaliser’

15/08/2025

Yes yes I know it's a meme made for a laugh, but my students are never confused or perplexed by this.

The reasons why are simple:

C, followed by e, i, or y makes its soft sound, but when followed by any other letter makes a hard sound. Like in cereal and cat, respectively. Spalding method calls this Rule 2.

'Ce' is a phonogram of its own and says 'sh'. To help children learn it we have a cue word, which just so happens to be 'ocean'.

14/07/2025

"A majority of Australian year 9 students write at a year 4 level, analysis shows.

New resources are being launched to address the problem, with writing to be taught across disciplines including science, maths and even physical education."

10 years of data from NAPLAN has shown that Australian children in year 9 write at a year 4 level!

I often encounter new students to my program in similar situations, but they do not stay there for long. My most recent group of 5 students have now mastered all their phonograms and the vast majority of English spelling rules in a record 6 months! This group of boys I am certain will be the exception to the rule outlined in the article. Their school teachers are just as surprised as I am with their progress and have told me they're even more fluent now than some of the students doing Spalding for far longer.

I can't wait for term 3!

New resources launched by Australia's Education Research Organisation will arm all teachers with the skills to teach writing.

14/05/2025

Enjoy!

Jazz Emu vs The English Language

10/05/2025

https://www.earth.com/news/handwriting-practice-leads-to-better-literacy-development/

It's true! For all of its benefits, technology can also get in the way. Humans are tactile creatures. We need tools we have to hold and manipulate in a way we're simply not able to with touch screens and computers. This is particularly true with children whose minds are developing and learning so rapidly.

A new study finds that children develop stronger reading and writing skills when they learn and practice handwriting.

04/03/2025

Poong?
Tung?
Fouff?

My apologies if this is your last name.

Anyone wanna try?

01/03/2025

The internet is a truly weird place. It's like the Wild West out there; lawless 🤣

21/02/2025

Exciting teaching moments this week! 🎉

I’m currently growing my client base and am grateful to be teaching nine wonderful students each week! This week has been especially rewarding—seeing kids have those lightbulb moments as they unlock the magic of the English language is simply incredible. Their enthusiasm, combined with parents' excitement over their progress, makes this journey so fulfilling!

I’d love to keep this momentum going! If you know someone who could benefit from engaging, high-quality phonics and literacy instruction, a recommendation would mean the world to me. Let’s help more learners reach their full potential!

Thanks so much for your support! 😊

Pax! ✨

Private lessons for ambitious students: Superprof, the site that connects tutors with students.

20/02/2025

👓📚They'll only love it if you love it first 📚👓

Kids follow by example 😊