Welcome

The most common question asked from the day you begin your schooling journey is "What do you want to be when you grow up?" For most kids, the standard typical answer is 'a teacher.' When we are at the tender age of 5, we form a special connection with our teachers because they are with us 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. It is only natural to aspire to be one of them. I was no different, giving the same standard answer, 'a teacher.'

There has always been something special about those who impart knowledge and help you grow. This is why most students dream of becoming teachers themselves. Teachers naturally have a positive influence on their students. For me, I knew from a very young age that teaching was my calling. Both my parents were educators and there was no doubt that teaching was in my DNA.

Fast forward 17 years, I graduated with a Bachelor of Education and after 11 years of teaching and 4 years of tutoring experience, here I am, on the day I turn thirty-three, launching my own business, The Tutoring Tree. 

My journey began with my parents, who migrated from the Middle East in the early 1980s. They left behind their beloved country, families, careers and everything they worked hard for. Arriving in Melbourne, my father toiled in factories for long hours before buying a family-run business. They worked 14-hour shifts, seven days a week, to provide my siblings and myself with a roof over our heads and a good education. They dedicated their life to the six of us.

I remember my first trip to Lebanon with my family in 2005. It had been 19 years since my parents visited their motherland. On our flight back to Melbourne, I recall being seated on the plane, tears streaming down my face. "Why did you move to Australia? Lebanon is so beautiful mum" my voice breaking, unable to grasp the reason behind their decision. She explained, "There is no future for you in Lebanon. That’s why we packed up and left."

Back then, I couldn’t understand it. The streets never slept in Lebanon and everyone was just living day by day. I remember thinking, "I wish Australia was like this." My parents shared the value of education and success and Lebanon was not the place for it.

Looking back at it now, it was such a tough and brave decision for my parents, and for many immigrants of that time, to leave the familiar for a country where they barely knew the language. Their sacrifice and determination laid the foundation for my future. With that motivation and drive, I aim to pass on a legacy of resilience and hope through my tutoring business, helping students embed these values into every branch of their lives, as firmly as grounded roots.

The day I tossed my hat into the air and stepped into the world as Miss Fifi.

🌳Frequently Asked Questions🌳

When is the best age to start tutoring?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best age to start tutoring depends on the individual needs of the child. However, many experts suggest that tutoring can be beneficial as early as kindergarten or first grade, especially if the child is showing signs of struggling with basic skills. Early intervention can help build a strong foundation, making future learning easier and more enjoyable.

At The Tutoring Tree, we assess each child's needs to determine the best time to start tutoring.

How do I know if my child needs tutoring?

Signs that your child might benefit from tutoring include falling behind in school, frustration with homework, lack of confidence, or teachers suggesting additional support. If your child shows resistance to schoolwork, has difficulty keeping up with peers, or consistently performs below expectations, it may be time to consider tutoring.

At The Tutoring Tree, we offer assessments to help identify specific areas where your child might need extra support.

Is private tutoring worth it?

Private tutoring can be a highly effective way to address a child's specific needs. It offers personalized attention, tailored lessons, and a pace that suits the individual learner. This one-on-one approach often leads to quicker improvements in understanding, confidence, and academic performance.

The value of private tutoring lies in its ability to adapt to the student's unique learning style, making it a worthwhile investment for many families.

How useful is tutoring?

Tutoring can be incredibly useful in helping students overcome challenges, reinforcing concepts learned in school, and building confidence in their abilities. It provides a focused environment where students can ask questions freely and receive immediate feedback. Over time, tutoring can lead to significant improvements in academic performance, better study habits, and a more positive attitude towards learning.

At The Tutoring Tree, we believe in the power of personalised learning to help every child thrive.

Is there evidence on the effectiveness of tutoring?

Yes, there is substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of tutoring. Numerous studies have shown that students who receive tutoring perform better academically than those who do not. Tutoring has been found to improve grades, test scores, and overall comprehension of subject matter. It also helps build essential skills like time management, organization, and critical thinking.

At The Tutoring Tree, our methods are informed by the latest educational research, ensuring that your child receives the most effective support possible. We pride ourselves on using highly effective learning programs such as THRASS and VCOP in order to guarantee change and improvement in your child.

How can tutoring help my child with specific learning challenges?

Tutoring can be especially beneficial for children with specific learning challenges, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning disabilities. A skilled tutor can create a customized learning plan that addresses your child's unique needs, helping them develop strategies to overcome difficulties. By focusing on your child's strengths and providing targeted support, tutoring can make learning more accessible and less frustrating.

Can tutoring improve my child's confidence?

Absolutely. One of the most significant benefits of tutoring is the boost in confidence it can provide. As your child begins to understand difficult concepts and see improvements in their performance, their self-esteem naturally increases. This newfound confidence often extends beyond academics, positively impacting other areas of their life.

How does tutoring complement what my child learns in school?

Tutoring is designed to complement and reinforce what your child is learning in school. While classroom teachers must focus on the needs of an entire class, a tutor can provide individualized attention, ensuring that your child fully grasps concepts before moving on. This additional support can help fill gaps in knowledge, making classroom learning more effective and enjoyable.

After how many tutoring sessions would I see an improvement?

The number of tutoring sessions needed to see noticeable improvement can vary depending on several factors, including the child's starting point, the subject being tutored, the frequency of sessions, and the child's level of engagement. Some students may begin to show progress after just a few sessions, especially if the tutoring is focused on a specific challenge or skill. However, more sustained improvement, particularly in broader academic areas, typically requires consistent tutoring over a longer period—often several weeks to a few months.

As a starting point, we would recommend 10 sessions and then re-asses your child's performance and academic levels. Based on this information, we would either recommend additional sessions or advise that your child is up to date with the learning outcomes for their age and gaps have been filled.

At The Tutoring Tree, we regularly assess each student's progress to ensure the tutoring is effective and aligned with their goals. We tailor our approach to meet your child's unique needs, and we'll work with you to set realistic expectations for improvement. Our goal is not just to see quick results, but to foster lasting academic growth and confidence.

Will tutoring help my child develop better study habits?

Yes, tutoring can significantly improve your child's study habits. Tutors often teach effective study techniques, time management skills, and organizational strategies that can benefit your child throughout their academic career. These skills are not only useful for immediate academic improvement but also set the stage for long-term success.

How does tutoring prepare my child for future academic challenges?

Tutoring helps build a strong academic foundation, preparing your child for future challenges in school and beyond. By addressing gaps in knowledge and reinforcing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, tutoring equips your child with the tools they need to tackle more advanced subjects with confidence. This preparation can lead to better performance in standardised tests, higher grades, and a more positive attitude toward learning.

How does tutoring support children who excel academically?

Tutoring isn't just for children who are struggling; it can also benefit those who excel academically. For gifted or advanced students, tutoring can provide enrichment opportunities, challenging them with more complex material and helping them explore subjects in greater depth. This can keep highly capable students engaged and motivated, ensuring they continue to grow and develop their skills.

Can tutoring help with standardised test preparation?

Yes, tutoring is an excellent way to prepare for standardised tests. Tutors can provide targeted practice, teach test-taking strategies, and help reduce test anxiety. Whether your child is preparing for school exams, school entrance tests or other standardised assessments, tutoring can significantly improve their performance and confidence.

How can tutoring help with motivation and interest in learning?

A good tutor can ignite a love for learning by making subjects more engaging and relevant to your child's interests. By connecting academic concepts to real-world examples and your child's passions, tutoring can transform learning from a chore into something enjoyable. This increased interest often leads to greater motivation and a willingness to take on new academic challenges.

Is tutoring beneficial for homeschooled children?

Tutoring can be an excellent supplement to homeschooling, providing specialized instruction in areas where parents may not have expertise. It also offers an additional perspective and teaching style, which can enrich your child's learning experience. For homeschooled children, tutoring can help ensure they meet or exceed educational standards while receiving the personalized attention that homeschooling provides.

How does tutoring at The Tutoring Tree differ from other tutoring services?

At The Tutoring Tree, we pride ourselves on providing personalised, student-centered tutoring that is tailored to each child's unique needs and learning style.

Miss Fifi is an experienced teacher and tutor with 11 years of experience in classrooms and one-on-one individualised tutoring. We are also compassionate educators who are dedicated to helping every child succeed.

We also offer flexible scheduling, a supportive learning environment, and a commitment to fostering not just academic achievement but also a lifelong love of learning.