Reading opens your mind...

Throughout my career, I observed one truth consistently: the most capable writers and critical thinkers are regular readers. They do not simply read the words on a page; they question, interpret and actively engage with texts as they read. Reading is not merely the ability to 'bark at print' (Ewing); reading is thinking. Writing, in turn, provides a way of clarifying and refining that thinking, whether a student is writing an English essay or explaining a scientific concept. And therein lies one of the fundamental challenges in education today: declining reading rates, resulting in significant difficulties with comprehension. When students struggle to read critically, they inevitably struggle to think deeply and communicate their ideas effectively. The challenge is not simply to teach students to read, but to encourage them to become readers. - Mel

Be present for your kids...

 

Insightful words...

“It’s very typical for the empathic person in the family to be the black sheep empath. And the reason is that the person who’s the empath in the family is the accurate mirror. If they hold the mirror up to other people, those people will see what they are. So you shoot the messenger. You always get rid of the black sheep empath. Because that’s the person, who if they were to tell the truth, everyone would be miserable. So you put everything on that person and you say, “We’ll just get rid of you. Problem solved.” Being the empath of the family means that you’re a dangerous figure to the family system. It’s like the system resents you but depends on you. It doesn’t want you to leave and yet it wants to cripple you. Empathic people tend to be very selfless human beings who will never experience it themselves. It’s like the old saying that a good person is a person who will plant a tree even though they’ll never experience the shade of it.” - Dr Gary Brucato, The Lab, May 2026

Teaching Bilingual Students

 

MD Home Tutoring offers personalised support to bilingual learners to strengthen language confidence across all areas. My sessions emphasise clear, accurate expression, both spoken and written. Grammar usage is always taught in meaningful, practical contexts. All students are encouraged to expand their vocabulary and develop greater fluency when communicating. My approach is patient and responsive to each student's unique linguistic background and learning goals. - Mel

Happy Easter!

As a home tutor, my employment can sometimes be viewed as a mere business transaction. My efforts beyond the remuneration I receive can at times go unnoticed. Around Easter, however, I am sometimes touched by small gestures from appreciative parents - thoughtful treats - reminding me that my efforts are seen. Those moments stay with me, affirming the extra time and energy I put into every tutoring session. Thank you to the parent who gave me these gorgeous choccies! I am taken aback by your generosity and thoughtfulness. - Mel

Never lose touch with your inner child...

Throughout my years as a teacher, I’ve noticed that some students think in ways that genuinely surprise me. They often approach ideas from angles I hadn’t considered, and their observations can feel strikingly honest and insightful. I remember moments when a simple comment completely shifted how I understood a concept. These contributions don’t always follow expected patterns, but that’s what makes them so valuable. They remind me to pause and listen more carefully. Time and again, I have found that students are capable of offering perspectives that deepen learning in ways I could never have planned. - Mel