Danielle Schneider
Location: South London

I predominantly teach:
8+, 11+ Maths
I also teach:
11+ English, Literacy, Motivation, Exam Preparation and Study Skills, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Numeracy
Other Subjects
Architecture and design, arts and crafts.
Experience
Previously I have worked at a state primary school in London as a teaching assistant for Year 5. I worked one to one and in small groups with a range of children of different ages and abilities. I ran maths booster classes for Year 6 students and did daily one to one reading with several students, one of which was autistic.
I have also worked in an independent school where I split my time between teaching assisting in Reception and Year 2 and also teaching art to all ages. I helped the younger children with reading and maths and prepared art lessons and projects for all years.
I have seen first-hand the relationship between children’s self confidence and their academic success. I also appreciate the wide range of abilities in one class and the amount of children that fall through the gaps of mainstream education and would benefit from one to one support.
I have tutored one to one for children from Year 3 to Year 7. I have supported them with homework, prepared maths and English activities for them and helped them prepare for entrance exams. Most importantly I have motivated them and helped increase their confidence.
Biography
I moved from Australia to London in 2005 and worked for 3 years in a prestigious architecture firm in London. In 2008 I decided to make a career change from architecture to teaching. I find that teaching children new skills, preparing activities for them and forming positive relationships is very satisfying and rewarding. I worked for a year as a teaching assistant to gain classroom experience and now I am studying teaching full time and very much enjoying it. I have been tutoring for the last year and applying the knowledge from my course to the tuition so I can be the best possible assistance for my students.
Personal Approach
I am a firm believer in a constructivist approach to teaching where I help children to build upon their own knowledge and experience in order to ensure learning is meaningful, engaging and relevant to their world. Children often underestimate their learning potential and understanding; I always start with what children already know and help them to build upon that whilst building their confidence at the same time.
Motivation and confidence is the fundamental key to successful learning. Consistent, targeted positive praise and reassurance is highly important to child development and once a child believes they can achieve, the leap into understanding the topic becomes much easier. I believe in rewarding the learning attempts children make and I think it is very important children know content as well as how to learn. I encourage children to ask a lot of questions and assure them that making mistakes is part of the path to a better understanding.
I believe learning is not just about getting the right answer but really understanding the topic. Children are naturally inquisitive and have a desire to learn but often need a little extra support to really succeed. Having somebody to answer their questions, to encourage and inspire them is invaluable.
From my architecture background I have a very creative, visual approach to teaching which children enjoy and understand. I encourage children to be hands on with their learning and I use a range of resources and tools that children can interact with. I draw a lot of pictures and diagrams and encourage the children to do the same. I am very focussed on true understanding, not rote learning.
I have endured numerous exams at school and university, including my recent teaching course, and I know how best to prepare for them. I have worked a lot with younger children and have many techniques to help them enjoy learning. I reward every stage of progress and help children to want to improve and value their leaning. I am very enthusiastic, friendly and approachable and I can quickly build a strong rapport with children of all ages. I am there to be a mentor and a friend.
Testimonials
''Thanks for everything! For your good work with Diana, your concerns and the follow up. Diana won a 66% scholarship in Alleyns, which was the highest possible in the School, but we got even better offer from JAGS. After week-long conversations and deliberations, we opted for JAGS. So Diana wiil be in JAGS from September. All the bests, you are a star!''
''I feel very confident with Danielle. She seems to have a clear view of where George is and is well prepared.''
''We are pleased with the progress of our daughter, and liked Danielle's approach and techniques to teaching. She made learning an enjoyable experience for our daughter and we would recommend her as a tutor.''