There are many reasons why your child could be falling behind with their school work. It could be that they’re not paying attention, they might be distracted, or perhaps they just aren’t understanding how their teacher is explaining things. It can be hard to see your child struggle with school work, so it’s important to take action quickly to give them the tools to succeed. Ignoring the problem will only perpetuate a cycle of frustration and failure. If you’re not sure where to start with hiring a tutor, here’s some advice.
Talk to your child
Before you start looking for a tutor, sit down, and discuss the issue with your child. Keep the conversation positive, and ask how they’re doing with school work. Most children don’t like to struggle and will be open to having the extra help. If they’re apprehensive about it, talk about the benefits of having a private tutor and encourage them. Remind your child that you want them to succeed, and it’s okay to ask for more help.
Communicate your expectations
What exactly do you expect from the tutor? What goals do you and your child have? Is the tutor there to help your child understand a subject better, or to help them advance further? Do you want them to help with homework? Do you require a summary of each session? You are the bridge between the tutor and your child, and you should communicate their needs, along with your needs, clearly so that your child can get the most out of their tutoring.
Consider your child’s needs
Every child learns differently, and there is no “one size fits all” tutor. You should also consider the setting, convenience, and cost of a tutor or tutoring center. There are private tutors, group tutors, or online tutors. You can travel to a center, or a private tutor can come to your home. Given today’s current situation with the COVID-19 outbreak, an online math tutor might be your best option.
HelloThinkster offers daily worksheets and personalized comments for each student. They have one on one sessions where a teacher coaches the student through difficult concepts, answer homework questions, and test prep. HelloThinkster covers every level of math subject, from middle school math to algebra and all the way up to calculus. They’re helping students understand and excel in the subject of math in over 30 countries.
Be actively involved
Some parents think that once a tutor has been hired, their job is done. However, that’s not the case at all. In fact, your job has just started. You should have an active role in your child’s tutoring, and offering your support every step of the way. If your child is nervous or unsure of tutoring in the first place, it’s vital to show your child you’re there for them. Ask their instructor what you can do at home to help reinforce what they’re learning. Your child will grasp the learning material when you help them practice it at home.
Set goals and track progress
Depending on the amount of tutoring your child will need, the relationship can last a few months to a few years. According to Scholastic, don’t wait to ask about progress. You should ask your child and their instructor about every session, and set goals for the future. Does your child feel like it’s helping? Are their grades improving? When would you like to see grades start to improve? Is he more confident in school? This information, along with your child’s teacher’s observations, will allow you to see if tutoring is helping or not. It may take a few months to see improvement, but if you feel like something isn’t working, address it. If your child’s instructor isn’t open to hearing your concerns, find a new one.
Remember to be supportive of your child, and keep realistic goals for them. Encourage their learning, and celebrate their victories together.
