Preparing to Start Working with a Tutor

Whether your child is struggling to keep up in math class, wants to improve their note-taking skills, or is preparing for the SAT or ACT, tutoring can be a valuable investment. Tutoring enables your child to get the individualized support they need while working at their own pace. They can ask the questions they want to ask and spend the time working on a concept until they understand it.

But many students are nervous about the idea of working with a tutor because they’re not sure what to expect. Or, they may have misperceptions about what tutoring is. Here are some tips to help your child get started.

Discuss Their Needs and Goals

Talk to your child about what areas they feel they’re having trouble in and where they think they could improve. Encourage them to be honest because you want them to get the help they need. Are they getting by in science or math by memorizing formulas but not really understanding what they mean or how to use them? Are their notes a jumbled mess? Do they spend an excessive amount of time on homework or studying because they can’t seem to get started?

The tutoring center can also help identify areas of need through a variety of questions and assessments. They can determine where your child has knowledge gaps and where they excel. Work together to create a plan to fit your child’s goals.

Choose a Format

Some students learn better in-person where they can get hands-on assistance and have someone working directly with them. Other students do great with an online format that allows them to work from wherever they are, especially if transportation is an issue. Figure out what aligns with not just your schedule, but also your child’s strengths and preferences. Talk with the tutor about the benefits of each format to decide which type of session to enroll your child in.

Determine What Materials are Needed

Ask ahead of time what your child should bring in order to be prepared for tutoring. Do they need their course syllabus or textbook? Should they bring their own calculator, notebooks, and pencils? Should they bring any homework, projects, or assignments? Find out the best way to contact their classroom teacher as well in case the tutor wants to connect.

Have the tutor explain the general flow of each session and how it works so your child knows what to expect. This can also improve productivity because your child has the materials they need and is ready to get started.

Keep an Open Mind

Students often go into tutoring with preconceived notions of how it works. They may be right, or they may be completely off base. Remind them to be open to learning new strategies, trying new tools, and doing things in a different way. Their tutor wants them to be successful and enjoy learning. If your child has questions, encourage them to speak up.

Keep Learning Going

In addition to the work your child is doing with their tutor, ask about what they should be doing at home and how you can support them as well. This may mean doing different activities to practice the skills they’re learning, helping them set up a study area, or adjusting their routines. It is important for everyone to work together to maximize your child’s success.

Crafting Scholars creates customized curriculum aligned with your child’s individual needs, strengths, and goals. Tutors work one-on-one with each student providing focused attention and personalized feedback to optimize their learning. Contact us today to learn more about available programs and ways we can support your child’s academic performance.

Originally published at https://craftingscholars.com on January 3, 2024.