We are excited to begin our blog, in order to share some of our thoughts and insights with you.
For our initial entry, we’d like to share the story of how Brainiacs came to be. This will help explain the dedication and philosophies behind opening our centre, after years of in-home tutoring.
Brainiacs was founded by a school teacher, who works for a public board. Over her years of teaching in the classroom, and tutoring one-on-one, she encountered many students and families, some of whom were seeking out extra help. They would ask where they could get the specific help that they needed, catered individually to the student: Taught by somebody who understands not only knows the curriculum expectations, but who also understands how the students think and learn, and the most effective way this can be done.
Our teacher was beside herself. She knew that there were plenty of services available, some of which could be helpful, but none that would do things the same way that she knew was required: The right way – by addressing individual needs in a way that works best for each student, and in a distraction-free environment equipped with a multitude of resources and hands-on tools.
This is how the idea of Brainiacs was born, but it didn’t stop there. The idea was not to simply provide tutoring, nor was the idea to just do it well. At Brainiacs, our goal is to do it better than any other tutoring service. How do we do that?
We began by designing and building a centre that provides students with an ideal learning environment. A distraction-free space where they can come and feel comfortable – their place. Our tutoring centre is equipped with a large resource room, containing ample tools for learners of all ages, and learning styles. We provide opportunities to use our iPads and laptops, with Wi-Fi if needed. We provide school supplies so that there is no need to interrupt sessions. Whiteboards with markers allow our students to visualize the concepts they are learning. We provide a multitude of hands-on tools that students can manipulate so they truly understand a concept. It is much more effective to teach time, when there are teaching clocks available. Kids have access to the right tools for learning at Brainiacs.
We then had to decide who would be there to teach the kids. There were plenty of options to choose from, but only dedicated teaching professionals would care about teaching kids the way that we do. This is why at Brainiacs, our students are taught by OCT certified teachers, and teaching candidates. Our tutors (or Program Specialists which is what they truly are) work with students who are studying within their areas of specialty. Our teachers view Brainiacs as a place for them to practice their craft. They are there because they are dedicating their lives to education, not only to collect a paycheque at a part-time job.
Another key factor in being the best is that Brainiacs tutoring is strictly one-on-one: Private lessons! This is the only way to do it right. Our students learn, receive a boost in self-confidence, and are given the tools to become lifelong learners all at once. Our students are able to move their lessons along at their own pace. Once they understand what they are learning, we move on to the next concept. They feel safe, not ashamed, to ask questions if they don’t understand something. They know that the entire focus of their lesson is on them.
Finally, at Brainiacs, everybody works together toward a common goal, and that is the education of your children. Our tutors share their expertise and experiences in order to make each other better. We share ideas and strategies, and work as a team. Teachers also have their knowledge of the school system to share. We are often asked questions by parents regarding education, the school system, Ministry expectations, IEPs, psych reports, the differences between different high school courses and levels, and much more. This is information and advice that we are able to share with our valued clients.
That is a little bit about us and how we do things. Please feel free to send your feedback, and any questions that you may have – whether about Brainiacs or your child’s education. We are here to help.
Over the coming months, we will be addressing many concerns from all different perspectives – as teachers, students, and parents. Please let us know how we can help you!