Bespoke education can be an incredibly effective method of learning for children ages 2 and up. Education by SR, founded by NYC native Stephanie Rosenfeld, offers bespoke education tailored to the unique needs and learning styles of each individual student. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and the Education by SR team takes the time to get to know each student, adapting the curriculum to meet their needs and interests. This personalized approach is designed to ensure that students receive the attention and support they need to succeed. 

We sat down with Stephanie for to learn more about why bespoke education is so effective, why it’s worth the investment, and how to prevent the dreaded “summer slide.” 

For the kids who don’t naturally love to learn: what advice would you give to parents on how to make homework/studying less daunting?

I understand that not every child naturally loves to learn, and that can make homework and studying feel like a daunting task. To help make the process less overwhelming, I advise parents to first create a positive learning environment. This means establishing a consistent routine, setting aside a specific time and space for studying, and eliminating distractions. It's also important to make learning fun and relevant to the child's interests. This could involve finding creative ways to incorporate their interests into homework assignments or making a game out of studying. Another strategy is to break up tasks into manageable chunks, so the child doesn't feel overwhelmed. This could mean breaking up a larger project into smaller tasks or setting a timer for 20-30 minutes of focused studying before taking a break. Lastly, it's important to offer praise and encouragement throughout the process. By acknowledging the child's effort and progress, parents can help build their confidence and motivation to continue learning.

What makes bespoke education worth the spend?

I can confidently say that bespoke education is worth the investment. Having worked with most of my clients since they were 2 years old, I have seen the positive impact of our sessions on their overall development and academic success. By tailoring our lessons to meet each child's unique needs and interests, we are able to create a positive learning environment that fosters confidence and motivation. Our students not only enjoy our sessions, but they also absorb the information and apply it to their daily lives. When it comes to education, one size does not fit all. Bespoke education allows us to address each child's specific strengths and weaknesses, which can lead to significant improvements in academic performance, as well as overall confidence and self-esteem. In the long run, the investment in bespoke education can have a lasting impact on a child's academic and personal success, making it a worthwhile investment for parents who are looking to give their child the best possible start in life.

What would you say is a common misconception regarding children and learning?

A common misconception regarding children and learning is that all students learn in the same way. The truth is that every child is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and preferred learning style. While some children may thrive in a traditional classroom setting, others may require a more hands-on or interactive approach. Some may learn better through visual aids, while others may need to hear or experience things in order to understand them. By recognizing and embracing these individual differences, we can create a more effective and inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all students. At Education by SR, we believe in tailoring our lessons to meet the unique needs and interests of each child, helping them to reach their full potential and achieve academic success.

Any tips on how to incorporate learning over the summer so that kids avoid the “summer slide?”

As an educator, I am well aware of the "summer slide" phenomenon and the importance of keeping children engaged and learning over the summer months. To incorporate learning over the summer, I recommend setting aside a few hours each week for educational activities. It's important to make these activities fun and engaging, so that children are motivated to participate. Working with me or one of my team members is a great way to keep your child on track over the summer. We can work with your child to identify areas of strength and weakness, and provide individualized support and instruction to help them maintain and improve their skills. Overall, it's important to be intentional about incorporating learning into your child's summer routine, but also to make it fun and engaging.

About Stephanie and her New York-based bespoke tutoring company, Education by SR

What does a typical session with you/your team look like?

A typical session with our team covers all the academic areas we are focusing on with the child, but we make sure to tailor the lesson to the child's interests. Our students are young, so we understand the importance of keeping them engaged and motivated. If a child has a particular interest, for example, the color yellow, Paw Patrol, and doughnuts, we incorporate these themes into the lesson to make it more enjoyable for the child. As a result, every lesson is different, which keeps the child engaged and makes learning a fun and exciting experience.

You dreaded school until you met your second-grade teacher. How did she inspire you to not only start enjoying school but to pursue education as a career?

Yes, it's true that I didn't enjoy school until I met my second-grade teacher. She was the first teacher who made me feel like she genuinely cared about me as a person, not just a student. She was patient, kind, and understanding, and she worked with me rather than just teaching at me. She was the first person who really helped me to understand that learning could be fun and exciting. She would take the time to explain things to me in a way that I could understand, and she always made sure that I felt like I could ask questions and get the help I needed. As I grew older, I began to realize that not all teachers were like her. But I knew that I wanted to be like her - I wanted to be the kind of teacher who could make a difference in a child's life. So, I decided to pursue a career in education. I went to college and got my Masters degree in education, and now I am a teacher myself. I try to follow her example every day - I work to connect with my students and make learning fun and engaging for them. I know that I might be that kind of teacher for one of my students, and that thought inspires me every day. I feel so grateful for the impact she had on my life, and I hope that I can have a similar impact on my own students.

What's a piece of advice you'd give to high school aged Stephanie today?

My advice to my high school-aged self would be to trust the journey and not stress too much about the destination. Focus on the present, enjoy the moment, and do what makes you happy. Take risks, try new things, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. It's all part of the process, and it will all work out in the end.

What is your favorite restaurant to go to with your family, and what is your order?

My favorite restaurant is Il Cantinori. My order is the same every time: INSALATA MINIERI, penne pomodoro with diced mozzarella, and sometimes tiramisu.