Schools
10 TIPS FOR CHOOSING
THE RIGHT TUTOR FOR YOUR CHILD By Denise Yearian
Tutors offer a wealth of educational resources for students who need remedial work, as well as for those who want academic enrichment and maintenance. To choose the right tutor for your child, consider these 10 tips: 1. Pitch & persuade. Before searching for a tutor, discuss it with your child. Keep the conversation positive: “You know how reading is kind of hard sometimes? We are going to find someone who can help you.” Most students don’t like to struggle, so if your child is aware that there is a problem, he may be more likely to want help. Even so, expect apprehension and offer encouragement. 2. Ponder priorities. There is no one-sizefits-all when it comes to tutoring. It depends on your child’s needs, setting, convenience and cost. Some people choose a private tutor. Others go with a tutoring center. Still others opt for an online service. When choosing a setting – either small group or one-on-one instruction – determine which is the best fit for your child. If you choose a group setting, find out the maximum number of students per class. Convenient location is important too. Studies show that
SIGNS YOUR CHILD NEEDS A TUTOR There are a number of indications a child needs a tutor. If you see any one of the following signs, your child may be a good candidate for tutoring: Doesn’t want to go to school Difficulty doing homework Gaps in learning Poor test grades Hiding test scores from parents Teacher reports missing assignments Unable to keep up Multiple wrong answers Unfinished assignments Frustration and possibly tears Decreased self confidence Parents are frustrated and don’t know how to help
18 | birminghamparent | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
more frequent tutoring sessions yield greater results. When it comes to cost, bear in mind that one-on-one tutoring may be more costly than group sessions and in-home tutoring more expensive than traveling to a center. 3. Reach for recommendations. Begin your search by asking your child’s teacher, principal, guidance counselor or others within the school unit. Some school districts have a list of tutors and are willing to make recommendations. Also, check ads in your local parenting magazine or newspaper. Other parents are a good resource too. Is there someone they have had success with? 4. Check credentials. Find out if the tutor has experience teaching the subject your child needs help with. Although the instructor may not be credentialed for your child’s grade level, it’s a good idea to find one who holds a college degree and has completed a tutor training program. This will ensure he understands educational theory, instructional strategies and remedial approaches. Graduate students with strong content knowledge may be a good option too. Equally important is experience and teaching style. Ask if the tutor has taught children of similar age Continued to page 20
