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dwtutoring.bsky.social
DW Tutoring
@dwtutoring.bsky.social
280 followers 1.1K following 110 posts
Experienced AuDHD-disabled tutor, passionately supporting neurodivergent students with disabilities from foundation to postgraduate levels. I focus on understanding each client’s unique needs, empowering them to develop lifelong learning skills. #TrUDL
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dwtutoring.bsky.social
It is still over a week away, but join in if you know the words…

🎼 It’s beginning to look a lot like Shark Week,
Everywhere you scroll;
Take a look at my screen, you’ll see,
A tuxedo cat strikes with glee,
Batting at the sharks on my screensaver roll.

#Caturday #TuxedoCat #SharkWeek #Predators
July 12, 2025 at 8:57 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
We'll be weaving this knowledge into multiple subjects including Science, Maths, English, Aboriginal Language, essay writing, and public speaking.

#iTeachChem🥽 #iTeachBio🧬 #FirstNationsKnowledge #IndigenousSTEM #Science

7/8
A screenshot of slides from my educational lesson with an Aboriginal dot art border, detailing First Nations traditional medicines. This infographic is divided into three horizontal sections (excluding the transitional question/discussion slides). The top section is titled "Sandpaper Fig and Coastal PigFace." It describes their traditional use by the Yagara/Turrbal people for skin ailments and notes that modern science confirms their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The middle section is titled "Kangaroo Apple" with the Ngarrindjeri name "Mookitch." It explains its use as a bandage for sore joints and its role in producing cortisone. It includes photos of the green fruit, purple flower, and ripe yellow fruit. The bottom section is titled "Umbrella Bush Wattle." It describes using the bark for coughs and anxiety and lists the Luritja name "watarrka" and the Kariyarra name "pakurta."
July 11, 2025 at 5:29 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
We decided to put the standard curriculum aside and connect through storytelling, using my favourite Dreamtime story of Tiddalick the Frog.

Look at this wonderful acrostic poem they created!

This was a moment where connection truly met with content.

#Tiddalick #Poetry #NAIDOC

3/8
A photo of a handwritten acrostic poem on a whiteboard. The poem uses the name "TIDDALICK." The text reads: Tiddalick Is a Good Frog Did He Really Drink All That Water? Look at the water It is Gone Cried the Kookaburra.
July 11, 2025 at 5:29 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
One year on.

Reading my #poem Green Eyes In Shadow’s Silhouette.

I am sorry for my poor reading.

Less sobbing than when I read to him.

Mr Kitty, I will never forget you.

11/09/2007 - 09/07/2024

⚠️Some graphic images of his cancer biopsy and at rest.

#Poetry #RainbowBridge
July 9, 2025 at 11:23 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
#EduSky🍎 #MicroSky 🧪

Do you remember when the other place was great for #ScienceComm?

Anyway, as it was world #Zoonoses day yesterday, the message bares repeating.

Do not miss your dog - for both your sakes.
A Facebook memory of five years ago of a “live” Twitter post It says not to kiss your dog on the mouth, above a photo of a lecture slide on E. coli phylogeny at an international microbiology conference, the author is presenting at. Alternative alt text: A Facebook memory of a live tweet in 2014 declares, “The answer of course is, no. Especially not on the mouth,” as a gentle warning floats above a dimly lit lecture hall, where a glowing slide on E. coli casts soft light over attentive silhouettes, blending science with humour.
July 7, 2025 at 10:03 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
T.S. Eliot's Prufrock isn't just about modernist angst.

For many of us, it's a devastatingly accurate portrayal of #neurodivergent paralysis & the exhaustion of #masking.

In my new article in Sonnet Sleuths, I explore the poem through my own lens: as a #queer, #disabled, and ADHD educator.
A moody, impressionistic painting of a foggy, industrial city street with smoke stacks, symbolising the themes of urban decay and anxiety in T.S. Eliot's 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,' analysed by Sonnet Sleuths' founder and editor David Wakeham.
July 4, 2025 at 3:36 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
Back to Cat's Eye for the nth time.

Atwood's exploration of #trauma, institutional failure, and using art to process the unprocessable feels more relevant each time I read.

As a disabled scholar navigating systems that claim to help while harming, Elaine's insights cut deep.

#Atwood #Rereading
Alt-text: Paperback copy of Margaret Atwood's "Cat's Eye" resting on layered vintage lace and patterned fabrics. The yellow book cover features two girls in summer dresses sitting close together, with "Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize" noted below the title. Secondary Description: Like an archaeological discovery, Atwood's Cat's Eye emerges from layers of intricate lace—delicate paisley spirals and floral motifs creating a textile palimpsest beneath the book's weathered spine. The cover's two girls, frozen in their childhood intimacy, seem to whisper secrets across the ornate fabrics that cradle them. One blonde, one brunette, they sit in eternal summer yellow, their small bodies pressed together in that particular closeness that precedes betrayal or transcendence. The decorative patterns beneath—swirling paisleys like fossilised tears, geometric flowers blooming in black and white—create a mandala of memory, each thread a story within the story. The book rests here not merely as an object but as a portal; its Man Booker Prize notation is a quiet testament to the power of bearing witness. In this tableau, domestic beauty and literary weight converge, the delicate lacework beneath echoing the novel's intricate exploration of girlhood's sharp-edged beauty—all surfaces and hidden depths, patterns that conceal and reveal the truths we carry.
June 9, 2025 at 12:41 PM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
I can't express how valuable a comment on my #poetry is.

A small collection of new experimental poems that diverge from conventional forms, using broken typography, parenthetical consciousness, & fragmented text to discover meaning through a schism in self.

Read here: medium.com/@dwtutoringe...
Screenshot of a response to a new poem. It reads: on Echoes in Ice Rate comment: Your words carry the weight of a soul on the edge, and I felt every fracture, every frozen breath. The imagery—so chilling, yet intimate—paints the pain of someone trying to leave love behind like footprints in the snow, knowing they’ll vanish. There’s an ache in every pause, every ellipsis, like the speaker is fading before they can finish the thought. The line "My love will be... a shield... your saving grace" broke me—it’s the kind of love that persists even in surrender. This feels like both a goodbye and a benediction. A final letter from someone who gave everything, and is asking, just once, to be remembered. Well written. Liked: David Wakeham
May 30, 2025 at 2:03 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
Dramatised scenes from my first client this morning.

They were so excited to tell me they had achieved their very first “A” in mathematics (or in any subject).

This after very nearly dropping out of school due to little #ActuallyAutistic support.

So happy - deserves it.

#EduSky🍎 #iTeachMaths♾️
May 24, 2025 at 3:05 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
Thinking outside the box for some clients next week.

Hopefully some exercise with silly and fun shenanigans will help to build trust, and encourage engagement.

Ran out of time today to try it 😩

I mean, what could possibly go wrong..?

#EduSky🍎 #ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #PDA #UDL #TIA #Caturday
A vibrant card game titled "LET'S HIT EACH OTHER WITH FAKE SWORDS" is displayed on a gray stone floor against a wooden door backdrop. The yellow box prominently features cartoon illustrations of people dueling and clearly states it "INCLUDES 2 FOAM SWORDS." Arranged around the box are two whimsical foam swords with bright yellow handles shaped like cute cartoon faces with big eyes and small smiles, connected to long gray foam blades. Several playing cards are spread out in front of the box, showcasing different sword-fighting moves and actions, including cards labeled "SWORD SWAP" and “”DIZZY DUELLING” (green), "FANCY SWORDS" and “I GOTTA PEE” purple), and other combat positions. The game appears to combine card play with physical activity using the foam swords, creating an interactive and fun tabletop experience. In this charming follow-up image, Badger, a rescue tuxedo cat with striking black fur and a crisp white chest patch, has entered the scene and is curiously investigating the "FAKE SWORDS" card game. The glossy-coated cat, with expressive eyes and white whiskers, is positioned on the left side of the frame, appearing to sniff or examine one of the yellow-handled foam swords. The contrast between Badger's sleek black and white fur against the bright yellow sword handles creates a visually pleasing composition. The game box and cards remain in the background, seemingly forgotten as Badger has decided this new human entertainment requires feline inspection. The image captures that classic moment when a curious cat inevitably investigates any new object brought into his territory.
April 12, 2025 at 4:51 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
“What’s to day, my fine fellow?" said Scrooge.

Indeed, it's St. Patrick's Day!

Historically, blue was the colour associated with St. Patrick, not the vibrant green that dominates celebrations today.

#StPatricksDay #StPaddy
In the image, a person in festive St. Patrick's Day attire is surrounded by dense green foliage in a garden setting, with a partially visible brick wall in the background. They wear a bright green leprechaun hat and a shamrock-patterned green jacket, smiling at the camera while almost entirely camouflaged by the surrounding plants. A blast from the past! Here I am, a non-binary person beaming in a vibrant green leprechaun hat and a shamrock-patterned jacket, fully embracing the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. Surrounded by lush greenery, my dark beard adds a touch of mystery as I blend seamlessly into the dense foliage enveloping me, with a brick wall peeking shyly out, not wanting to miss this moment, grounding the scene in a striking contrast of the old university building covered in fresh greenery. Like a mystical forest guardian druid emerging from a hidden realm, I stand surrounded by a tapestry of rich emerald leaves and jade branches. The ceremonial hat on my head feels like a crown bestowed by the ancient spirits of the Emerald Isle itself; its brightness echoed in the four-leaf clovers that grace my attire. My smile, warm as the spring sunshine spilling through the leaves above, radiates joy and celebration. This moment captures a beautiful balance between the structured world of brick and mortar and the wild, enchanting beauty of nature. I am not just a participant in the festivities but a living part of this verdant symphony—a joyous tribute to the magic of the season and the harmonious dance between celebration and the natural world.
March 17, 2025 at 9:57 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
If a business, in this case a charity, claim to be activists and advocates that claim they incorporate and celebrate #Intersectionality…

…yet their own director uses their #power and #privilege to punch down, #gaslight and belittle individuals from marginalised groups, could you trust them?
This "Academic Wheel of Privilege" visualises how various aspects of our lives, such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status, can grant us advantages or disadvantages in academia. It's like a colourful onion, with concentric rings representing increasing privilege levels as you move towards the centre. Each slice of the wheel focuses on a different aspect, such as "Gender & Sexuality" or "Race." Within each slice, categories are arranged from the outer rim (least privilege) to the centre (most privilege). For example, in "Gender & Sexuality," "Cis-man" is positioned at the centre, while "Lesbian, Bi, Pan, Asexual" is on the outer rim. Other slices include "Health & Wellbeing," "Disability," "Body Size," "Formal Education," "Career Stage," "Funding/Resources," "Caregiving," "Housing," "Current Wealth," "Language & Culture," and "Citizenship." This tool can help us understand how privilege operates subtly and encourages us to be mindful of the diverse experiences and challenges faced by individuals in academia and in general.
March 17, 2025 at 3:05 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
Happy π day for all who celebrate.

#DYK Rajveer Meena of India, recited the first 70,000 decimal places of π in 2015?

In 2021, π was calculated to over 62.8 trillion decimal places by computers.

The earliest known calculation of π dates back to ancient Egypt around 1650 BCE!

#HappyPiDay
The close-up image presents a white ceramic mug that softly reflects light, filled to the brim with dark coffee, its aroma a subtle yet powerful promise. Adorning the exterior is the Greek letter Pi (π), not simply rendered but intricately textured, crafted from a tactile representation of its decimal expansion. This endless and non-repeating sequence forms a mathematical narrative in shades of grey. Visualise the sensation of your fingertips gliding across the ridges of this complex design, embodying the numerical essence of Pi. Above, a bold banner announces "Happy π Day!" commemorating the celebration of this infinite series and its pervasive influence. Steam gracefully rises from the mug, encapsulating the moment. The handle presents a gentle curve, inviting interaction. At the same time, the mug itself rests on a speckled kitchen countertop—serving as the ideal setting for this quotidian ritual, where the ordinary converges with the extraordinary.
March 13, 2025 at 10:34 PM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
This morning, my client and their father refused to accept my polite refusal of their gifts.

So I now have a miniature #diorama in front of me, where sadly, #Astro lost the battle.

But I must resist, and finish these assignments and other paperwork.

#ActuallyAutistic #Warhammer #HandPainted
Upon a weathered wooden battleground, a Space Marine warrior stands resolute in gleaming mustard-yellow armour, each panel meticulously highlighted to catch the light like dawn breaking over ancient brass. Their battle-worn suit bears the proud heritage of its chapter, with burgundy accents adding depth to the protective plates. In their grip, a heavy bolter speaks of countless battles yet to come. The base beneath their feet tells its tale - a specially crafted terrain of industrial ruins painted in cold metallics that contrast with the warrior's warm armour tones. Behind this noble champion, glimpses of everyday life peek into the frame - a curved ivory-coloured form and simple toys that remind us that even mighty warriors have moments of peace. The figurine stands roughly two inches tall, a masterwork of detailed miniature craftsmanship that brings the grim darkness of the far future to vivid life. A Terminator-armored warrior emerges from within bronzed ceramite plates, their presence as immovable as a mountain yet as noble as an ancient knight. Their shield, nearly as tall as the warrior themselves, bears proud iconography in deep crimson against weathered gold - a testament to centuries of steadfast service. The sword in their grip appears well-worn yet deadly sharp, ready to strike at humanity's foes. The figure stands atop a carefully textured base suggesting urban ruins, painted in subtle greys that ground the warrior's more ornate armour. Every detail of the model has been lovingly rendered, from the intricate helm design to the flowing black cloth beneath the armour plates. This figure commands attention at roughly two inches in height through its imposing stance and the obvious care taken in its painting. Two champions face each other across a wooden battlefield, their positions suggesting an eternal moment of legendary combat. The mustard-yellow Space Marine stands at the ready with their bolter while their bronze-armoured opponent raises shield and sword in challenge. Between them lies a scatter of everyday items - a curved ivory tusk, a memorable token from Africa, its form standing firm on a thin piece of bluetak, now part of the diorama’s landscape where Astro Boy has been ripped apart. One of his cannon arms is missing. My cats and I can only blink and stare, trying to understand the carnage of this mighty confrontation. The scene spans roughly six inches across the natural wood grain of what appears to be a desk or table, creating an impromptu arena for these noble warriors. The careful positioning and dynamic poses of both figures create a sense of frozen action as if we're witnessing a moment from an epic saga caught between heartbeats. The final tableau shifts perspective, offering a broader view of our miniature battlefield. The bronze-armoured warrior and their yellow-clad opponent maintain their eternal standoff, now seen from a slightly elevated angle that emphasises the drama of their confrontation. The wooden stage beneath them shows its character through prominent grain patterns and minor imperfections, while the background fades to shadow, focusing all attention on our two champions. Scattered between them, the same humble observers - curved ivory forms and simple toys - continue their vigil, adding an element of whimsy to this scene of projected combat. Each figure stands roughly two inches tall, yet they command the space with the presence of giants.
February 22, 2025 at 7:47 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
I also use ”low-tech” as it were and make these tactile counting beads & will also use a “Toobaloo” for audio feedback.

With consent from client/parent we videotape them doing their times tables & math facts so they can play it back to help reinforce the lesson, to see patterns they didn’t before.
This photo shows a set of 10 wooden beads strung together with natural rope creates a simple, tactile counting tool. The beads are arranged in a gentle curve on a wooden table, making them easy to touch and manipulate one at a time. This kind of hands-on manipulative can help learners who benefit from kinaesthetic approaches to understand number sequences, counting, and basic math operations through physical interaction. Behind them is a digital camera that shows the learner using fake currency to help in learning their times tables.
February 14, 2025 at 5:11 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
I tried to take a nap yesterday.

The boys joined me which made the heat of the day even worse.

So I left them to watch birds in the snow. It worked… for a while.

Had a cold shower instead - all three camped outside the bathroom door.

Cats are the best people.

#Cats #ChronicPain #Disabled
Picture this: it‘s my bedroom, not exactly a palace, but it'll do. There's the two latest rescue fluffballs, Rīx and Badger, perched on the edge of the bed, looking like they're about to spill some serious gossip. Rīx, my little black panther x axolotl x parrot, is all ears and eyes, glued to something happening outside the frame. Badger, my tuxedo-wearing drama queen, is perched on the bedpost, looking every bit the regal feline he thinks he is. The bed itself? Well, it's seen better days, but it's got this old-school charm to it, with those fancy wooden posts (yes, now scratch posts with intricately carved runes that one day may start a made-up religious war) and that faded blue and yellow to now bleaching white stripey comforter. It's like a stage for my furry thespians. And those two? They are engrossed in their little cat theatre, a video for cats on Youtube made in Finland of birds feeding and playing in the snow. The boys are whispering secrets to each other and judging the birds they never see through the many sunny windows of the house in the neighbourhood. Plus, I imagine what on earth is that white substance they are standing in? It's a moment, you know? One of those everyday things that makes you smile. You can almost hear Rīx saying, 'Did you SEE that bird?!' and Badger replying with a dramatic sigh, 'Oh, the drama!'
January 30, 2025 at 2:00 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
Chears!
A collage of three photos showing the method of a delicious way to “Chears” your dog the alcohol-free way. The top left is a photo of some pigs ears on a lined baking tray. The next next to it shows piles of shredded cheese piled on top. The bottom photo is of the pigs ears with oodles of melted cheese on top.
January 28, 2025 at 2:59 PM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
Congratulations to Boudica on her 8th birthday!

It's especially poignant knowing she fought through two acute kidney injuries last year.

Her relapse may have been due to losing Mr Kitty to cancer.

So celebrating getting spoilt with lots of the best treats.

#Cats #Tonkinese #BirthdayGirl
Imagine a stunning collage of seven circular photos, artfully arranged in a flower-like formation against a rich, midnight blue backdrop adorned with shimmering starbursts. Each image showcases the enchanting Boudica, a seal-point Tonkinese cat whose striking blue eyes and creamy coat with darker points radiate beauty and charm. In this delightful collection, we catch glimpses of her vibrant personality: lounging regally with her colourful toys—a turquoise puzzle feeder and a playful purple octopus—curiously peering into the camera with an expressive, soulful gaze and snuggling contently with her beloved human companion. You can also see her stretching out luxuriously on dark fabric, showcasing her elegance from every angle and capturing her Tonkinese profile in all its glory. Each photo reveals a different facet of her spirit, from alert and engaged to blissfully relaxed, reflecting her deep bond with her family. The circular arrangement and the starry backdrop create a celestial celebration of Boudica’s journey, a beloved eight-year-old survivor who has triumphed over tough health battles, reminding us of the joy and resilience found within our furry friends.
January 21, 2025 at 1:48 PM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
🧪

91 days, 21 hours, 43 minutes: how long it took Meta to delete a disgusting, vile post & profile.

They deleted my #SciComm post on World Zoonosis Day in less than two hours.

#Meta purveyors and victims of #PeerPressure?

1st time they deleted a post I reported since I revived my FB profile.
Screenshot of DM from Meta and myself after reporting an abusive, violent post containing racist/sexist/nazi (essentially all the horrid things). Essentially, it is FB responding repeatedly, claiming the profile and post didn't break community standards (although it certainly did). The report was made on the 17th of October 2024 - denied 17th Oct 2024 - denied again... eventually accepted this afternoon, 17th January 2025. Compare that to Meta deleting my post by an [checks qualifications] actual animal scientist/veterinary microbiologist posting on World Zoonosis Day about vaccine-preventable diseases! Furthermore, the site administrators, in my case, restored my post on three occasions until Meta overruled them, saying my post on public health violated community standards. Seriously, what in the ever-living [insert all the expletives] is going on?!
January 17, 2025 at 5:54 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social

Post your favourite #DoctorWho if you like. Wrong answers only
The image shows Badger, a striking black and white medium-long haired tuxedo cat, sitting in front of a blue policeman’s box aka the TARDIS. Badger’s fur is predominantly black, with a distinctive white patch on his chest that extends up to his chin, covering his two hearts and giving the classic "tuxedo" appearance. His face is mostly black, with a small white marking on the nose, creating a charming contrast. The cat has alert, wide-open bright green eyes that stand out against its dark fur. His whiskers are long and prominent, extending outwards from its black face. Badger’s ears are perked up and facing forward, indicating attentiveness. The fur appears to be soft and fluffy, especially noticeable around the neck and chest area where it forms a white ruff. Adding a whimsical touch to his appearance is a colorful accessory draped around his neck. This appears to be a scarf but is actually a chase toy. He is exceptionally well groomed and confident and looking at the camera. Badger has just shown you his credentials written on a psychic paper - so you know he is allowed more snacks.
January 14, 2025 at 4:11 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
Tried something different for a client today with ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia & possibly Dyscalculia.

Whilst they really enjoy number-wheels, as we are still working on handwriting I felt this was a better option.

Enjoy the story

#EduSky🍎 #ActuallyAutistic #UDL #MathsIsFun #iTeachMath♾️

1/n
Imagine a vibrant scene spread out on a table. A pile of crisp sheets of papers lie flat, filled with rows and columns of numbers. This is a multiplication table, a grid of endless possibilities for mathematical discovery. The heading is bookended by two little cartoon images. Below the pile of papers are two more sheets on either side. They are the full size colour images of the black and white logos printed on either side of the title on the multiplication tables. Typically I would provide more information - but you will find it in the thread below…
January 11, 2025 at 9:52 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
Another Yuletide miracle! Rīx not tunnelling into my clothes as I sit on the throne.

#Cats #Caturday #Kitteh #ChristmasCats #BlackKitten
Rĩx, the rambunctious raven-haired kitten, sprawls playfully on the cat chewed carpet complete with coruscating cat litter clay, a mischievous twinkle in his luminous lime-green eyes. His sleek, silky fur gleams in the soft Christmas Day light, while his tiny paws, poised in playful anticipation, hint at a spirited pounce. Though typically a tiny terror when the hooman is on the throne, tunnelling into trousers and undergarments, today Rĩx relaxes, refraining from his usual rebellious romp in his hooman’s clothes!
December 25, 2024 at 4:27 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
This is not just a gift.

It's a testament to a client's hard work & dedication who, despite multiple challenges, including #autism, #ADHD, dyslexia & #dysgraphia, soared from D's to A's & B's.

May wielding it bring them confidence & pride, as it empowers them to write their own success story.
In a realm where triumphs are marked not by swords and sorcery but by the noble art of learning, there lies a testament to perseverance - a Parker pen, gleaming like starlight captured in silver. The artifact rests in state within its ceremonial chamber: a box of deepest obsidian crowned with the Parker sigil in golden script, as elegant as any royal seal. Within, cradled in a bed of pure white like a legendary weapon upon fresh-fallen snow, the pen awaits its destined wielder. This is no mere writing instrument but a beacon of victory, a reward earned through battles fought not on bloodied fields but in the quiet warfare of the mind. Its bearer - a young scholar who once walked in shadow, struggling against the fearsome dragons of dyslexia, the whirling storms of ADHD, the mysterious mists of autism, and the binding chains of dysgraphia - has emerged triumphant. Where once D's marked their path like scattered stones, now A's and B's shine like conquered treasures, each a testament to unwavering determination. The pen itself bears the sleek lines of master craftwork, its metallic form catching the light like a blade of truth, its clip standing proud as a warrior's banner. It waits not just as a tool but as a symbol of transformation, a key to unlock future victories, and a reminder that every hero's journey begins with a single mark on the page. In its presence lies the promise of stories yet to be written, battles yet to be won, and a champion who has proven that the mightiest victories often come from overcoming our most challenging quests.
December 24, 2024 at 7:21 AM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
I’m sorry Duolingo, I have a different language to learn this Summer.

I had planned on teaching Python - alas my client refused.

Guess it was inevitable. As a pirate and tutor of calculus - neither forgets the C!

Even in playing the trumpet, one must play C#.

#iTeachMath♾️ #EduSky🍎 🧪
A tome of arcane knowledge rests upon a battlefield of shadows & light – a quilted tapestry where countless hedgehog sentinels stand eternal watch, their quilted forms echoing across the fabric like soldiers in an endless parade. This mystical backdrop, wrought in shades of storm-cloud grey & pearl, creates a fitting stage for the grimoire that commands centre stage – the legendary "Head First C#, Fifth Edition". The shimmers with promise, its pristine white surface marked with the sigil of O'Reilly, blazoned in the colour of fresh-spilled wine. At its heart stands the rune "C#", bold as a warrior's declaration, flanked by the sacred inscription "A Learner's Guide to Real-World Programming with C# and .NET". The scribes who penned this codex – Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene – have etched their names beneath, testament to their mastery of the digital arts. An illustrated guardian brings this book to life, as they stand watch upon its surface – an enchanting figure with raven-dark waves of hair & eyes that sparkle with wisdom behind crystalline spectacles. Clad in a garment the colour of autumn leaves, she cradles a laptop adorned with mystical sigils, her face in awe of the secrets yet untold. She is both teacher & guide, keeper of coding mysteries, ready to lead worthy students through the labyrinth of programming knowledge. A gathering of pirates stands frozen in time against a sky painted with billowing clouds, their chosen battlefield, the soon to be no more: Byron Bay Bluesfest. Their crew, a vibrant assembly of rogues and adventurers (circus performers and the author), forms a tableau worthy of legend. Three bold souls perch atop wooden stilts, their crimson-clad forms towering above their compatriots like the masts of a proud galleon. Below, their fellow buccaneers stand united, each a character sprung from tales told in dimly lit taverns - one astride a mechanical steed of a singular wheel, others adorned in the finest piratical regalia of stripes and ruffles. A fairy-like figure sparkles in their midst, her kaleidoscope garments shimmering like captured starlight. At the scene's edge, a warrior-scribe ( yep, it me!) brandishes not just blade but body as well, teeth clenched around steel (LARP) in defiance of convention, epitomizing the unorthodox spirit of this unconventional crew. Which makes sense because a pirate and tutor of STEM I.e. calculus - we never forget the C(#)! In the hushed sanctuary of what appears to be a healer's chamber, but is in fact my kitchen bench (during a stuttered spring clean) a trumpet rests in noble repose, its burnished gold form catching the light like a fallen star. The instrument, crafted in brass and silver, tells tales of music yet unplayed - its valves standing ready like sentinels, its bell curved gracefully upwards as a royal herald's call. Behind it lie the tools of a modern veterinary worker - a stethoscope of deepest purple coiled like a sleeping serpent, and manuscripts of healing bound in leather and cardboard (Merck’s Veterinary manual in a red cover and golden writing atop a pile of manuscripts and articles ranging from antimicrobial resistance, to autism/ADHD and educational papers on executive function). The juxtaposition speaks of worlds bridged - the ancient art of music lying comfortably alongside the science of healing, education and learning, each waiting for their moment to bring comfort or joy to those who seek them. The trumpet's baroque beauty commands attention, its presence both an instrument of art and a vessel of potential stories, each note waiting to be born into the world. Yes even a C# on a Bb trumpet! An orange themed award from Duolingo featuring a phoenix-rising style image of Duo the owl celebrating today my 450 day streak of practicing different languages.
December 23, 2024 at 12:52 PM
dwtutoring.bsky.social
Minor update to the logo.

I posted two copies because the original one above, which had a transparent background, came out black.

Hopefully, I have now fixed that problem.
The illustration features a stylised circular design depicting a symbolic knowledge tree rising from an open book. The tree's crown consists of interlocking puzzle pieces that transition in colour, starting with a warm golden yellow-orange at the top and gradually changing to a soothing mint green below. This arrangement of colours forms a shape reminiscent of a brain. The tree's trunk is represented in rich brown tones, growing directly from the pages of a white open book at the base. In the background, a serene landscape showcases layered hills in various shades of teal green, set against a mint green sky filled with sparkling white stars. The composition is encased in a perfect circle, symbolising unity and wholeness. Over the top of the circle is the company's slogan, which has the words "Compassion, Empathy & Insight" written in small caps in a black serif font. The company name "DW Tutoring" is written in a larger black sans-serif font at the base. This design beautifully combines themes of education and neurodiversity. Incorporating puzzle pieces, natural elements, and a calming colour palette creates a welcoming and inclusive visual metaphor for learning and knowledge accessibility. The rest of the background is transparent (although it appears white in this image). The illustration features a stylised circular design depicting a symbolic knowledge tree rising from an open book. The tree's crown consists of interlocking puzzle pieces that transition in colour, starting with a warm golden yellow-orange at the top and gradually changing to a soothing mint green below. This arrangement of colours forms a shape reminiscent of a brain. The tree's trunk is represented in rich brown tones, growing directly from the pages of a white open book at the base. In the background, a serene landscape showcases layered hills in various shades of teal green, set against a mint green sky filled with sparkling white stars. The composition is encased in a perfect circle, symbolising unity and wholeness. Over the top of the circle is the company's slogan, which has the words "Compassion, Empathy & Insight" written in small caps in a black serif font. The company name "DW Tutoring" is written in a larger black sans-serif font at the base. This design beautifully combines themes of education and neurodiversity. Incorporating puzzle pieces, natural elements, and a calming colour palette creates a welcoming and inclusive visual metaphor for learning and knowledge accessibility. The rest of the background is a light tan - because the previous attempt above the transparent came out black - so I'm hoping at least one of these is working!)
December 10, 2024 at 7:46 AM