How lessons work

A programme built around the student

Lamplit lessons are individually planned rather than delivered from a fixed course. We begin by understanding the student, then build a clear programme around what they need to learn next.

A composite from an online English lesson: Ruaridh and his student discussing handwritten homework about Kensuke’s Kingdom, with the work shared beside their video tiles.
Discussing a student’s writing about Kensuke’s Kingdom. Video views from the same lesson have been combined so both participants are visible.

Free parent consultation

We begin with a free parent consultation about your child’s current schoolwork, interests and confidence in English. You can share any concerns, explain their educational background and tell me what you would like them to achieve.

It is also a chance to meet me, ask questions and discuss whether the lessons would suit your child.

First lesson and placement assessment

The first lesson gives your child and me time to get to know one another. Through conversation, reading, writing and manageable, age-appropriate activities, I build a picture of their strengths and what they need to learn next.

The assessment is part of the teaching: I pay attention to how the student approaches a task, what they can already do independently and which explanations or prompts help them move forward.

Individual programme

I use this starting point to create an individual curriculum with clear priorities and learning goals. The choice of books, writing projects and language work reflects the student’s needs, interests and educational context.

Lessons follow a connected sequence, revisiting earlier learning and building towards more substantial work. I adjust the pace, materials, level of challenge and homework as the student progresses.

04 · Learning together

The weekly lesson

Each 60-minute lesson takes place online through Google Meet. We work together on reading and writing, with time to ask questions, discuss ideas and put new skills into practice.

Begin with the homework

We review the previous week’s work in detail, discuss answers and address misunderstandings. We improve written work together so the student understands the reasons behind each change.

Introduce and practise new skills

Depending on the lesson, we might read aloud, discuss a passage, model an answer or write a paragraph together. I adapt my explanations and the level of support as we work.

Build independence

The student then applies the learning with increasing independence. We finish by clarifying the homework and what to focus on before we meet again.

05 · Between lessons

Homework and progress

First page of an anonymised Lamplit student progress report, showing learning topics, overall progress and feedback by skill.
Read an example progress report →An example of the detailed feedback parents receive after each four-lesson block.

Focused homework is set after every lesson. It gives students time to practise independently and provides the starting point for the following session.

Tasks might include a short reading assignment, a paragraph to develop, comprehension questions or a focused CGP workout. The work is chosen to reinforce what we have taught and prepare for what comes next.

What parents receive

After each four-lesson block, parents receive a detailed progress report explaining:

  • The skills and texts we have worked on.
  • Progress made, with examples from the student’s work.
  • Areas that still need practice or support.
  • The priorities for the next block of lessons.

This keeps parents informed about how the programme is developing and gives the student clear next steps.

Getting ready for a lesson

A little preparation helps us make the most of our time together.

  • Use a laptop or computer with a camera, microphone and reliable internet connection, so shared reading and writing are easy to see.
  • Choose a quiet, comfortable place to work. Headphones can help if there is background noise.
  • Have the Google Meet link, previous homework, any assigned reading, and a notebook and pen ready.

We can discuss the setup and any materials needed during the consultation.

Typical frequency and price

Most students have one 60-minute lesson each week. More frequent lessons can be arranged when a student requires additional support or is working towards a particular goal.

Individual lessons cost US$75 for 60 minutes. This includes careful lesson planning, personalised materials, homework after every lesson, detailed homework review and ongoing feedback on the student’s progress.

The introductory parent consultation is free.

Free parent consultation

Ready to talk about your child’s English?

Begin with a free parent consultation to discuss your child’s learning, current needs and goals.