The Wise Owl

If your child would benefit from some extra support, then get in touch! 🦉 Hello! I was also a Leading Literacy teacher for the county. Michelle

My name's Michelle and I'm an outstanding primary school teacher with over 20 years experience teaching KS1 and KS2 children. I graduated in 2002 with BA(hons)QTS and since then, I've taught in a variety of schools across Kent- latterly in years 5 and 6. A little more about me: I'm a mum to my teenage son, Charlie, and we live with my husband and two cats and sausage dog by the sea in Herne Bay. I

love the beach, warm sunny days and baking; I hate slugs and glitter so a glittery slug would be my worst nightmare! I'm committed to ensuring that each and every child can reach their potential; that's one of the reasons that I became a private tutor. I recognise that some children find it difficult to thrive in a busy classroom environment. Many lack confidence and self- esteem while others may struggle to keep up with the pace and for those children, 1:1 tuition in a comfortable home environment could make all the difference. Like everyone else during the recent pandemic, I found myself needing to adapt my work to an online method of teaching. While this did present its own challenges (laptop not working, Internet dropping out, saying, “You’re on mute!” what felt like a thousand times a day), it proved incredibly effective. Therefore, I now also offer remote sessions, which for many, fit in much better with our hectic schedules of school pick ups, after school clubs, preparing the evening meal, homework duties etc. Each session- one to one or remote- lasts for an hour during which I provide your child with a carefully planned, personalised lesson suited to their learning style, needs and which also builds on their strengths. For some, this means focussed work to develop key Literacy and Numeracy skills while others may need support in preparing them for the Kent Test. As the sessions progress, I will get to know your child, their preferred way of learning and generally understand what makes them tick. I will endeavour to make each session as engaging as possible through the use of resources such as maths manipulatives and games, lots of encouragement and plenty of praise (there may also be some home baked goodies on offer too!). As a parent myself, I understand the pressures of family life and the guilt we often feel when trying to juggle everything that life throws at us. Tutoring is not just for those who feel that they are struggling at school or are preparing for the Kent Test; any child can benefit from the focussed, tailor-made support that I can offer. Please do contact me if you have any questions, you would like more details or you would like to book some lessons for your child.

Operating as usual

17/10/2024

Thinking of all you anxious parents and children today!

I’m so proud of each and every one of my students for showing nothing but determination and resilience in their approach to the test. Remember: a test result doesn’t define you... YOU define you!

Congratulations if you get the result that you’ve worked so hard for- I’m so proud if you! On the other hand, if that email doesn’t contain the result that you’d been hoping for then I’m equally proud of you. You did it. You tried it. Now the sky’s the limit!

Here’s the link below to the KCC website telling you everything you need to know- from what your child’s score means to what to do once you have your results:

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/kent-test -3,4,5

25/09/2024

We reached a HUGE milestone yesterday with my son, Charlie, moving up to Loughborough University!
It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions with the overriding one being excitement. I’m so excited for him and the new adventures and experiences he’ll have!
Of course I’m sad. I managed to hold back my tears until we were in the car, where I had about 10 minutes of ugly crying. Back at home it seems very quiet.
Fly high Charlie, I’m so proud of you! ⭐️

17/09/2024

For those of you with children in Year 6 it will soon be decision time regarding your choice of secondary school.

If you haven’t been already been to one, your child’s school will probably be holding a parents evening to talk you through the process. I’ve included a link to the booklet that you will be given detailing each stage of the application process. ⬇️

Make sure you find out via their websites when the school open evenings and days are. These really are invaluable for fact finding and to get a feel for the schools.

For those of you with children in Year 5 who are considering a grammar place, it might be worth visiting them now so that you gain an understanding of whether or not the Kent Test is the right thing for your child.

❗️Remember: applications close at midnight on 31st October.❗️

https://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/17930/Secondary-admissions-booklet-all-areas.pdf

14/09/2024

I’ve had lots of new page likes recently and am about to start a brand new intake of Kent Test students as well as some new 1:1 pupils soooooooo here’s a little bit about me:

My name's Michelle and I'm a primary school teacher with over 20 years experience teaching KS1 and KS2 children. I graduated in 2002 with BA(hons)QTS and since then, I've taught in a variety of schools across Kent- latterly in years 5 and 6. I was also a Leading Literacy teacher for the county. I decided to start my own business, The Wise Owl, about six and a half years ago and I haven’t looked back!

A little more about me: I'm a mum to my teenage son, Charlie, who’s off to university in just over a week’s time (Eeeek!). We live with my husband, two sausage dogs (Hugo and Bean) and Oscar the cat by the sea in Herne Bay.

I love the beach, warm sunny days and baking; I hate slugs and glitter so a glittery slug would be my worst nightmare! 😱

Take a look at the photos, I think they just about sum me up! 😁

www.thewiseowltutor.co.uk

🦉

13/09/2024

‼️Parents of Year 5 children‼️

My new Kent Test preparation groups will be starting NEXT WEEK!

If your child is in Year 5 and will be taking the Kent Test in 2025 DON’T DELAY!

If you are considering the Kent Test for your child in 2025 then they would be more than welcome to join my Kent Test Club.

During the sessions your child will:
🌟Become familiar and confident with each of the elements included in the test,
🌟Share hints, tips and strategies to tackle even the trickiest of problems,
🌟Become used to working under pressure in a fun, interactive way,
🌟Develop their reasoning skills,
🌟HAVE FUN & MAKE NEW FRIENDS!!

No need to rush around getting your child to yet ANOTHER club- sessions are remote via Zoom meaning that you can also listen in and know exactly what they are learning.

Tuesdays 6-7pm
Wednesdays 6-7pm
Saturdays 8.30-9.30am

Sessions are £25 each and run during term times.

Contact me to register your interest and book your child a place stating which days you would prefer.

www.thewiseowltutor.co.uk

❗️Remember: sharing is caring! If you know someone who may be interested, do share this and/ or pass on my details.❗️
🦉

13/09/2024

“Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.”
-Roald Dahl

Happy Roald Dahl day to you all!

I used to LOVE Roald Dahl books when I was a child and everyday at school, I would look forward to the last 30 minutes or so of the day when my teacher, Miss Oliver, would tell us to put everything away ready to listen to the next exciting installment of whichever Dahl book she was reading. She would ALWAYS leave each day on a cliffhanger, leaving us hungry for more!

What’s your favourite Roald Dahl story or character?
What memories do his stories evoke for you?

🦉

12/09/2024

Sending HUGE good luck wishes to EVERYONE sitting the Kent Test today but ESPECIALLY to all of my AMAZING students! You’ve all worked so hard and whatever the outcome, you are all SUPERSTARS! ⭐️

11/09/2024

Sending so many good luck vibes to everyone taking the test tomorrow!
Remember:
Do something nice tonight,
Try to relax,
Get a good night’s sleep.

10/09/2024

One of the questions that I’m asked most often by parents is how to tell if the Kent Test is the right choice for their child.

Unfortunately, the process isn’t ‘one size fits all’ BUT there are lots of ways you can tell if your child could be suitable for a selective school.

Visit my website to find out more and if you still have questions or you would like my help, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

https://www.thewiseowltutor.co.uk/should-my-child-take-the-test

09/09/2024

Whether helping your child with their English homework gives you the warm fuzzy feels or makes you shudder to the core at the thought of a fronted adverbial, I think we can all agree that unless you’re a teacher (and believe me, sometimes it’s tough even for us!) some of the terminology used can leave you feeling like you need to go and lay down in a dark room for a while!

I found this GREAT resource, which will come to your rescue! It’s a glossary of all commonly used terms in English, which gives clear examples of each…HOORAY! 🙌🏻

Just follow the link below for your path to homework happiness! 😁

https://www.theschoolrun.com/primary-literacy-glossary-parents

07/09/2024

This time of year is such a HUGE period of change for so many children. Be it change of year group, change of school, or the Kent Test to name just a few.
Young Minds is such a great charity set up to provide children and parents with advice on mental health.
You’ll find a brilliant guide for parents on how to talk your child about their mental health.

It’s so important to remember that you are not alone!

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

07/09/2024

Parents of Year 5 children: IT’S NOT TOO LATE!!

My brand new Kent Test Club sessions begin during the week commencing 16th September.

If you are considering the Kent Test for your child in 2025 then they would be more than welcome to join my Kent Test Club.

During the sessions your child will:
🌟Become familiar and confident with each of the elements included in the test,
🌟Share hints, tips and strategies to tackle even the trickiest of problems,
🌟Become used to working under pressure in a fun, interactive way,
🌟Develop their reasoning skills,
🌟HAVE FUN & MAKE NEW FRIENDS!!

No need to rush around getting your child to yet ANOTHER club- sessions are remote via Zoom meaning that you can also listen in and know exactly what they are learning.

Tuesdays 6-7pm
Wednesdays 6-7pm
Saturdays 8.30-9.30am

Contact me to register your interest and book your child a place stating which days you would prefer and I will send you details of everything you’ll need to get started.

www.thewiseowltutor.co.uk

❗️Remember: sharing is caring! If you know someone who may be interested, do share this and/ or pass on my details.❗️
🦉

06/09/2024

It’s national read a book day!
I like nothing more than waking up early on a warm, summer’s day and taking my book and a cup of coffee and read in my garden before anyone else wakes up.

When and where do you love to read?

How to Choose the Right Secondary School: A Simple Toolkit for Parents

04/09/2024

For parents of children in Year 6, this term will be EXTREMELY busy and at times overwheming with secondary school open events coming up.

I’ve compiled a list of my tried and tested top tips to try and make the next few weeks as stress free as possible.

Head to my blog to find out more ⬇️

https://www.thewiseowltutor.co.uk/post/how-to-choose-the-right-secondary-school-a-simple-toolkit-for-parents.

How to Choose the Right Secondary School: A Simple Toolkit for Parents Choosing the right secondary school for your child can be overwhelming. Read my blog for a a simple toolkit designed to help parents. Kent.

04/09/2024

‼️Parents of Year 5 children‼️

If your child has just started Year 5 and will be taking the Kent Test in 2025 DON’T DELAY!

If you are considering the Kent Test for your child in 2025 then they would be more than welcome to join my Kent Test Club.

During the sessions your child will:
🌟Become familiar and confident with each of the elements included in the test,
🌟Share hints, tips and strategies to tackle even the trickiest of problems,
🌟Become used to working under pressure in a fun, interactive way,
🌟Develop their reasoning skills,
🌟HAVE FUN & MAKE NEW FRIENDS!!

No need to rush around getting your child to yet ANOTHER club- sessions are remote via Zoom meaning that you can also listen in and know exactly what they are learning.

Tuesdays 6-7pm
Wednesdays 6-7pm
Saturdays 8.30-9.30am

Contact me to register your interest and book your child a place stating which days you would prefer.

www.thewiseowltutor.co.uk

❗️Remember: sharing is caring! If you know someone who may be interested, do share this and/ or pass on my details.❗️
🦉

03/09/2024

This term is SUPER busy- not least for parents of children who are now in Year 6. You will now be thinking ahead to next year and the start of their next chapter: secondary school!

To make life a little easier for you I’ve compiled a list of local schools (Canterbury and surrounding areas) and their open events.

I cannot stress enough just how important it is to go and look at as many schools as you can- and keep an open mind!

I’ll be posting more in the coming weeks about choosing the right schools for your child ☺️.

www.thewiseowltutor.co.uk

03/09/2024

I love this time of year- especially seeing all of the back to school photos! Here’s a picture of me on my first day of primary school with my big sister. Check out the hairstyles and the matching socks!

27/08/2024

When your students buy stationery to match your dog 🐾🥰

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The Wise Owl Story:

Hello!

My name’s Michelle and I’m an outstanding primary school teacher with over 16 years experience. I graduated with BA(hons)QTS and since then, I’ve taught in a variety of Kent schools across both Key Stages but latterly, Years 5 and 6. I have also been a Lead Literacy Teacher.

A little more about me: I’m a mum of one to my son Charlie and we live with my husband, our five cats, two guinea pigs and goldfish by the sea in Herne Bay. I love the beach, warm sunny days and baking and I hate slugs and glitter so a glittery slug would be my worst nightmare!

I’m committed to ensuring that each and every child can reach their potential; that’s why I’ve started home tutoring. I recognise that some children find it difficult to thrive in a busy classroom environment. Many lack confidence and self- esteem while others may struggle to keep up with the pace and for those children, 1:1 tuition in a comfortable home environment could make all the difference.

Each session will last for 1 hour during which I will provide your child with carefully planned, personalised sessions to support their needs and also build on their strengths. For some, this will mean focussing on developing key Maths and Literacy skills while others may need support in preparing for the Kent Test. As the sessions progress, I will get to know your child and understand their learning style and generally what makes them tick. I will endeavour to make each session as engaging as possible with the use of a variety of resources, encouragement and praise (there may also be some home baked goodies on offer too!).

As a parent myself, I understand the pressures of family life and the guilt we can sometimes feel when trying to juggle everything that life throws at us. Tutoring is not just for those who are struggling at school or are preparing for the Kent Test. Any child can benefit from focussed tailor- made support.

Please do contact me for more details.

Michelle