How to plan your first tutoring lesson

Prepare a small selection of activities

Before meeting, ask about the current topic, school level and a sample exercise. Prepare an easy starting task, a task to work through together and one for independent practice. This gives you options without turning the lesson into a full test.

For online lessons, check that you can both see the materials. For in-person lessons, confirm where you will meet. Arrangements involving younger learners should be clear to their responsible adults.

First ten minutes: listen and understand

Ask: What already makes sense? Where do you get stuck? What would you like to do better today? Let the learner explain an attempt rather than solving it yourself straight away.

An error can reveal the missing step. Set a manageable goal, such as adding fractions with the same denominator without help by the end of the lesson.

Next thirty minutes: demonstrate and practise together

Explain one step rather than everything at once. Demonstrate an example and ask the learner why the step works. Then tackle a similar task together.

If you get stuck, simplify the example or try a drawing. A different explanation is usually more helpful than repeating the same explanation more loudly.

Next fifteen minutes: try independently

Offer a new, comparable task and initially step back. When help is needed, ask about the next possible step instead of giving the answer immediately. Notice what the learner can now do without you.

This is a suggested structure for a one-hour lesson, not a rigid timetable. Adjust the pace to the person and take a short break when needed.

Final five minutes: summarise

Ask the learner to explain what they have understood in their own words. Agree on a small practice task and a topic for next time. Keep the summary specific and brief.

• Choose one learning goal rather than many topics
• Include at least one independently completed task
• Note an open question for next time
• Agree on another appointment together