The huge impact of one powerful question. 💫

Last week, I was lucky enough to spend some time in a local classroom during a “finish-off/maths games” session. You know the kind—kids working away on different activities, the hum of learning in the air.

As I was roving around, I noticed a student who I knew struggled with maths. I stopped and gently asked if she was okay or if she needed a hand. She nodded quietly.

So, I sat with her.

The class around us carried on, everyone engaged in their own way. But in that calm little pocket of time, we worked 1:1, just her and me, step by step.

And here’s what really stood out.

The stumbling block wasn’t actually the maths. It was the reading. With a little bit of gentle questioning and conversation, we were able to decode what the task was actually asking her to do. Once she understood the what, the how came so much more easily.

It was such a powerful reminder.

In a busy classroom, we often forget that kids don’t all work at the same pace, or absorb information the same way. Imagine being asked to listen to instructions once, remember them while reading a different set of directions, and then complete a written task - all in a room with 25+ other kids.

It’s no wonder so many children feel overwhelmed.

And trust me—classrooms aren’t silent sanctuaries. They’re vibrant, noisy, ever-changing spaces. For a student with learning challenges, that can turn even a simple task into something really daunting.

But moments like this one? They remind me why I do what I do.

Learning doesn’t have to feel stressful or confusing. With the right support, space, and a little 1:1 time, we can uncover what’s really going on...and help our kids move forward with confidence.

Have you ever wondered why your bright, intelligent child struggles in school? Wished they’d just try a little harder, concentrate more, or apply themselves?

This week on YouTube, I explore exactly that:
“Astonishing Facts: Why Bright Kids Struggle in School”
Watch now and learn what’s really going on behind the scenes and how you can help.