Helin Hersek

How my lessons work: each lesson is patient, structured, and age-appropriate. I begin with a short warm-up (review and quick conversation), move into a focused skill block (e.g., grammar, vocabulary, reading or writing), and fill the other half of the lesson with speaking exercises. I adjust pace and difficulty to the learner, keep activities short and varied, and build confidence through positive feedback and clear goals.

Typical 60-minute structure:

5 min – Warm-up & review: quick check-in.

15 min – Target skill: grammar/vocabulary, reading/listening or help with homework.

15 min – Guided practice: exercises, short writing task, or exam-style items.

20 min – Conversation & pronunciation: everyday topics, hobbies, and fluency games.

5 min – Wrap-up: feedback, micro-goals, and simple homework plan.


Teaching methods I use:

Clear scaffolding (“I do – we do – you do”): I model first, then we practice together, then the student tries independently.

Communicative approach: lots of low-pressure speaking to make English practical and memorable.

Multisensory activities for younger learners (6–11): games, visuals, songs, and story-based tasks.

Strategy training for teens (12–17): planning essays, note-taking, summarizing, and time management.

Gentle error correction: quick, constructive feedback that doesn’t interrupt fluency.

What we can work on (choose your focus or mix & match):

Homework Help & School Support: understanding tasks, finishing worksheets, preparing presentations, and keeping a tidy vocab/grammar notebook.

Academic Writing: CVs, emails, essays, and presentations—planning, structure, tone, and clean grammar.

Everyday Speaking & Pronunciation: real-life dialogues, role-plays (school, travel, hobbies), and confidence building.

Grammar & Vocabulary: targeted mini-lessons with lots of active practice and review.

Reading & Listening: strategies for skimming, scanning, note-taking, and understanding main ideas.

Exam Preparation: tasks modeled on GCSE/A-level style exercises; timed practice, feedback, and test-taking strategies.


Class dynamics & communication:

Lessons are calm, encouraging, and goal-oriented. I build routines so students know what to expect, and I vary activities to keep energy high. I’m happy to explain tricky points in German or Turkish when that helps understanding. Parents receive brief updates after lessons (what we covered, wins, and next steps).

Expertise & experience:

Level: near-native English (C1/C2).

My background: completed GCSEs and A-levels; Psychology student with experience as a babysitter, which helps me create a warm, child-centered learning environment.

Teaching experience: several years tutoring ages 6–17—from playful early-years lessons to structured support for teens, including homework help and exam preparation.

Special strengths: academic writing support (CVs, emails, essays), confidence-building conversation practice, and clear, step-by-step explanations.