Does My Big Kid Need A Tutor?

Did you ever struggle in school when you were a kid? If you did, then you know how challenging it was dealing with school problems. Fact is, not all children learn the same way.  Some children learn faster than other kids.  Luckily these days, when kids experience such difficulties, parents have the option of turning to third party tutoring.  The main idea of tutoring is to help children help themselves.  It’s about giving your child enough confidence and to further develop their understanding on how to deal with more challenging tasks. There is absolutely nothing wrong if your child needs one.  Tutoring is geared towards setting up your child to succeed in any subject area. 

(1)        How do I know if my child needs a tutor? 

• Your child’s teacher personally tells you that your child needs help in a certain subject.
• Your child’s grades in a certain subject may be dropping. 
• Your child complains of homework that has become increasingly difficult.
• Your child looses interest in learning.
• Your child refuses to do homework.

(2)        How will tutoring help my child?

• Tutoring gives more personalized attention to your child.
• It gives your child more time to explore a difficult subject.
• It gives your child confidence and boosts his self-esteem.
• It helps your child master a subject. 
• It allows better use of study time.

Private Tutors

The most common type of tutoring is done by private tutors.  This is done one-on-one at the child’s most convenient time and place.  Private tutors are able to give individualized attention and would be able to know the strengths and weaknesses of the child.  The best way to find private tutors is to ask for a recommendation.  A family friend or co-parent may know someone who has the expertise in the area where your child needs help.  Some tutors charge on an hourly basis and some on a per subject basis. 

Tutorial Centers

Another option is to go to a tutorial center.  Most tutorial centers offer teaching children with a small group of three to five.  They also have standard tests to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the child.

Tutoring is a great opportunity to reach out to children.  After finding out what your big kid needs, parents can look into their options fully and find their child’s perfect match.  Not all children need tutoring, though.  But if your child does, it can definitely help your child focus more and attain more self-confidence.  The choice is yours.

Sources:

• Lisa Marie Sanders, Explore Options For Tutoring Children
• Juliet Kaman, Tutoring Children  
• Carol Weinstein, Elementary Classroom Management, 2006

Photography by Jun Pinzon