Tell us about the business
Magic Link Handwriting provides a structured course that helps students aged 6 – 18 transform often illegible or ‘messy’ writing with irregular letter formation and size into clear, legible handwriting. What makes the Magic Link programme special is that it consists of unique teaching steps: it teaches neat handwriting in a simple and logical way using a step-by-step approach. The programme is highly-structured, fun and motivating and allow pupils to progress at their own rate.
I have worked as an English teacher in Secondary Schools for over 23 years and have seen many students write as little as possible as they find writing so uncomfortable and tricky. This obviously affects the marks that they receive and grades awarded. What I find most exciting about the Magic Link programme is the doors that it can open for those students who struggle or who have become disengaged with written activities as they find writing such an uncomfortable activity.
What’s your role there, and what does a typical day look like?
I offer handwriting sessions at my home in Sale on a Wednesday after school (4:15 – 5:45) and on a Sunday morning (9:30-11am). Students can choose to have a single session which is 45 minutes, or stay for the full double session of 90 minutes.
Whilst students are with me, I carefully monitor the progress of each of them, helping them to correct letter formations and decide when they are ready to progress to the next step. Students are guided and each student can work at their own pace – it is quite possible that no two students are working on the same step in any one session. I communicate with parents and students take their workbooks home to continue their practice, allowing parents to see evidence of their progress.
What is your favourite part of your job?
When students begin the Magic Link programme, they complete a ‘before’ paragraph. This allows me to see their writing posture, their pencil grip and how they position their paper as they write. They often begin the course lacking confidence and disliking writing as many have always found it to be uncomfortable or hard to do.
I love seeing students revisit their ‘before’ paragraph and their pride as they realise the progress that they have made since beginning the course. Seeing the confidence building as they become confident forming the simple Magic Link letters with minimal curls and loops to slow them down is very special to see.
One of my current students is 6 years old and it was amazing to hear from his dad that his teacher commented on how much his handwriting has improved since he has been working with me on the Magic Link programme.
What’s one thing people might not know about the business?
People are often surprised to see how quickly handwriting can begin to change. Whilst it can take the full 30 steps to really see the full progress as each letter and how they link is addressed, if students are regularly practising the skills and letter formations covered in our sessions, the changes in writing can start to be seen in just a few sessions.
It’s also incredible to see how handwriting affects confidence. If someone feels confident in their writing, it can improve the speed at which they write and written work suddenly doesn’t seem to be such an obstacle for them to complete, helping to improve their grades in school.
What’s coming up that you’re excited about?
I am introducing a special offer in November to help to introduce more students to the Magic Link programme. I will be offering 20% off session prices for the duration of any course booked and started during the month of November. I am excited to welcome more students to embark on the Magic link programme and to help them embark on their journey to clearer handwriting.
Where’s your favourite place to chill out in the area when you’re not working?
When I get an evening to myself, I enjoy a curry at Jadugar in Altrincham – the food here is delicious! I also enjoy a walk along the canal on a Saturday evening to explore the weekly food option at the Stubborn Mule Brewery in Timperley.
Any other fun facts you’d like to share or comments to add?
Most of the Magic Link Handwriting teachers are based in London – there are currently only 3 accredited Magic Link teachers in Manchester and I am currently the only teacher in South Manchester. It is a programme that is hugely popular in London and many of the teachers operate waiting lists as the demand is so high. I am excited to bring this to Sale, Altrincham and surrounding areas and to help students in our area feel more confident about their writing.