Unlocking Learning

About Amanda Smith

Bachelor of Education (Teaching), Provider of Johansen Individualized Auditory Stimulation, Feuerstein Instrument Enrichment Mediator Level 1 and 2.

Having a background in primary teaching, I worked for an educational psychologist for two years, tutoring and assessing students and supporting them in the classroom.

After developing an interest in Special Education and Gifted Education, I taught for Gifted Education for a year.

I have a child with a learning difficulty and seeing the success of the JIAS programme prompted me to train so that I could help other children and their families.

Sound therapy

The Johansen Individualized Auditory Stimulation programme involves your child listening to a personalised CD or digital download for 10-15 minutes, six nights a week, for a specified period.

There are usually three follow-up assessments as we progress and each CD or download is completed to ensure the new music meets your child’s needs. The benefits of sound therapy vary from individual to individual.

As a result of using the programme, your child may find it easier to:
  • focus and be more attentive in the classroom
  • listen to and follow instructions better and retain instructions that previously were forgotten
  • hear speech more clearly and be able to sound words accurately for reading and spelling
  • identify the more difficult sounds such as vowel sounds
  • be more organised
  • interpret peer conversations clearly
  • relax and sleep better

Tutoring

I create an individual learning plan (this can include the Feuerstein programme where appropriate) to improve your child’s self-management and thinking skills and to help them succeed in the areas they find challenging in the classroom. The times and lengths of the sessions are all flexible and based on your child’s needs.

I also offer holiday tuition to provide continuity of learning for your child and build confidence in preparation for the new school term. Tutoring promotes an improved attitude to learning and improved results in the classroom.

 

Other Support

I can review your child’s educational reports and help direct your family to meet the needs of your child. I understand the stresses of being a working parent and having a busy family life. My role is to look for answers that best fit your child and your family.

Location

I work mainly from home but am available to work with your child at school, if this is preferred.

Our learning space is child-friendly and I enjoy using technology and games as much as possible to assist with learning. There is an adjoined area where you and any other family members are welcome to wait for your child.

Services

Tutoring in:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Spelling
  • Maths
  • ESOL/vocab building
  • Study skills/organisation
  • Thinking skills

Using:

  • Feuerstein programme
  • Sound therapy (Johansen Individualized Auditory Stimulation programme)
  • Individual or small group teaching
  • Holiday boosters

Services

Tutoring in:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Spelling
  • Maths
  • ESOL/vocab building
  • Study skills/organisation
  • Thinking skills

Using:

  • Feuerstein programme
  • Sound therapy (Johansen Individualized Auditory Stimulation programme)
  • Individual or small group teaching
  • Holiday boosters

“My 9 years old son, who is a lively and bright boy, was struggling with learning since he started school. As private tutoring only made him more miserable and ate up most of his spare time, I started looking for alternative ways to help him and came across “Sound Therapy” on the Internet. The phrase ‘auditory processing’ rang a bell instantly, as my son had suffered from a series of bad ear infections as a toddler. Since starting the Johansen Sound Therapy about a year ago things seem to fall in place for my son. He caught up in math, where he was a school year behind, his reading improved so much, that he actually enjoys reading now, which seems a miracle, and his writing/ spelling even though in need of more work is definitely on its way. Costs of the therapy are more than reasonable. Compared to what we have spent for private tutoring before it even turns out to be a money saver for us. I am so grateful to Amanda, who is a warm and kind person and passionate about helping. Thanks for all the tips and advice you have given us along the way!”

“As a parent of a very complex child with a completely unique learning style, it is such a relief to finally have found someone who is able to optimise my son’s’ ability to learn. His class room time is no longer spent just day dreaming. He is now able to engage and produce work to a level which is on par with his peers and reflects his intelligence. The Feurerstein program has been instrumental in his leap forward with academic progress. This, coupled with Amanda’s easy going and engaging tutoring style has been the key to Sage’s success. As we walked down the drive way to his hour long session the other day he said “I love Amanda, she has really helped me with my learning”. Upon collection he said “Wow, has that been an hour? Time flies!”

“I can’t recommend Amanda highly enough. I have spent many dollars, hours and lots of energy towards my son’s’ learning difficulties, his time spent with Amanda has, by far, been the best value for money. I just wish we had found her earlier.”
Kate – Mother of Sage (11yrs old)

“Tutoring with Amanda is amazing she does fun activities and I understand everything.”
Student (aged 12)