If your child takes
forever to complete
the day’s assignments,
or if you hear excessive
complaining, your child
may need help with
time management. 
Adults take for granted
the ability to juggle many tasks, but children need
to be taught how to set
small goals and prioritize tasks.  A tutor can
teach your child to use
a calendar, stick to a homework schedule,
and get things done
on time.

What are the Pros & Cons of Home-Based Tutoring?

How do I know if my child needs a tutor?

Is your child frustrated at school, with slipping grades or low confidence?  Or is your child getting great grades, but not feeling challenged?  These are signs that a one-to-one tutor may be useful to help your child to enjoy learning.  Another time that a tutor is especially helpful is when your child is gearing up for a standardized exam, not only to help with preparation, but to boost your child’s confidence.

What are the different options for tutoring?

Sometimes parents and teachers are able to fill the gap.  If this isn’t an option, you can either hire a private tutor to come to you, or you can drop your child off at a learning center.

Okay, so what’s the difference between a private tutor and a learning center?

A private tutor gives targeted one-to-one instruction, working on exactly the material your child needs help with.  Private tutors are creative and flexible, so they can tailor their lessons to your child’s immediate and long-term needs.  A learning center typically has several students at different levels with each tutor, and you may see different tutors each time you come in.  Learning centers typically have a set curriculum.

Does the tutor’s training matter?

Absolutely!  Elementary-aged children do well with tutors who have gone through teacher training at an accredited university, which involves rigorous coursework, supervised student teaching, and comprehensive testing.  Public and private school teachers are aware of the curriculum and testing requirements at each level.  Older children need specialists who have college degrees and use that knowledge every day in their jobs.  Before signing up for a tutor, ask about the education and experience of the tutor your child will work with.

What about the curriculum?

If your child is already having trouble in a subject, you need a tutor who can address the problem by teaching to your child’s learning style. One-to-one tutoring offers creative approaches to academic needs.  Learning centers tend to be more worksheet and computer oriented.  Research has shown that a one-to-one tutor is faster and more effective in terms of actual understanding than group instruction.