Summer Book Club Jan Gray holds a book clubstyle reading camp where students read their required summer reading together. “We do some activities that aid in the comprehension of the story and build vocabulary skills,” she says. Gray had 12 sixth graders in her camp last year and believes her program to be beneficial because many students and parents find the summer requirement stressful.
My Son and his Tutor
TOP 5 REASONS to hire a tutor this summer Source: Resource teacher Benita Sinnott
Increases your child’s self esteem.
This Summer
Don’t Put the Books Away
I hired Donna Kenney to tutor my son in math. He was accelerated in math, and I wanted to build his confidence and make sure he was not stressed. Donna has built an incredible relationship with Gibb, and he loves her like a grandmother. I never expected my son to form such a strong bond with her. He tells her things about school that he would never tell me. She has been a huge blessing in our life, and I have heard this from multiple families she works with. Gibb has peace of mind knowing she will be at our house every week, and he looks forward to her coming.
By S tacy Westray Tackett
Decreases procrastination. Procrastination leads to failure, and failure increases frustration for the child.
A
re you wondering if you should sign your child up for tutoring this summer? I believe every child needs time off in the summer, but I also know the importance of summer programs that hone children’s skills and give them practice. Even the brightest kids can supplement their education over the summer.
Q: Should I consider tutoring for my child?
Helps parents learn.
A: If you answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, tutoring would probably be useful to your child.
Tutoring can help parents learn how to redirect or support their child’s efforts.
• Is she struggling on a consistent basis? • Is his learning process stalled or declining? • Is her self-esteem being impacted by her struggle?
Instills trust.
• Does he "act out" or disengage from the class, teacher, or friends?
A child often responds favorably to a tutor he trusts.
• Does she have a learning disability, and if so, does she need extra support? • Is he in the bottom 25 percent of any subject? • Are her grades slipping?
Makes learning easier for the child.
• Is he confused, not understanding what is being taught, or afraid to ask questions?
Tutoring builds a foundation that makes learning easier Skills build on past skills.
• Is she seeking enrichment, refresher tools, or tips on how to tackle a subject?
30 SUMMER 2015
Q: Tutoring would probably be a good idea. But we have vacation plans, and I need a break as much as my child does. Is it worth it? A: Tutor Jerri Ubben says that if tutoring incorporates a sense of accomplishment, then both parents and students should look forward to tutoring sessions. Tutors need to be sensitive to families and their schedules, she says, but if a tutor teaches the child — and the parent — how to learn and work through learning challenges, then that tutor provides value that video games cannot. “Then parents feel like they have gained value for the investment,” Ubben says. Some parents call Ubben two or three weeks before school starts, hoping for miracles. She likes to start tutoring sessions soon after school lets out for the summer. “I incorporate some easy, ‘low-hanging’ goals so that the child always moves forward,” Ubben says. “She has a sense of being in control of her learning and feels good about herself.”
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