Tutoring After School
Our kids are overscheduled with homework, sports, doctors appointments. As a mother of 4 kids I stretch myself super thin. I try to support my kids but it is exhausting.
Professionally, I have taught a ton of reading programs in many different ways. Whole class, small group, one on one, during school, after school and on the weekends.
I am here to say that one on one tutoring after school always yields the most results. The connection that you can build during these types of sessions is amazing. The amount of work you can cover is substantial.
The three main reasons why this type of tutoring works are;
1. Your kid is less likely to compare themselves to other kids. Sometimes they don’t like being pulled out of class. They don’t like working with a different teacher. Sometimes they hate making mistakes in front of others. Often times the teaching techniques that work are considered babyish. Especially for older kids that struggle with reading difficulties.
2. Tutoring is distraction free. It is that one on one time in a consistent environment. There are no other kids raising their hands. No other kids asking questions. No other kids pushing through assignments and announcing “I’m done.”
3. Most of the time the tutor writes an individualized lesson for your kid. It is easy to differentiate instruction when you are in this type of setting. Also the game changer is direct and immediate feedback. The tutor is on hand to help your kid right when they make a mistake. Versus small group or the way the classroom teacher corrects papers and passes them back at a later date.
Many parents are considering summer school. You are probably also wondering why your kid isn’t making more gains. This is more than likely the reason. High quality one on one tutoring is the answer.
I speak from experience both as a professional and as a parent. I am on the waiting list for high quality one on one tutoring for my son. I am not even sure how I am going to drive him there but it is as important as getting to the gym or playing sports.
Melissa Saliva is a Reading Consultant and founder of Beacon Valley Literacy Services. She helps parents help kids with dyslexia.