Does your child need a tutor?

Does your child need a tutor? Elise Griffith, author of Every

Child is a Genius observed: “Every parent occasionally discovers

that a child's problem doesn't seem to be improving as quickly

or easily as was hoped. It's also not uncommon for a teacher to

exert a bit of pressure when the child's problem is perceived as

disruptive to the flow of classroom activity. The bottom line is

that sometimes- no matter what we've tried- our children hit a

wall with learning. It might be a normal developmental phase or

it might indicate a more serious situation. When should we call

a tutor?"

As you review your child's situation, consider the following

strategies:

First, try to find the source of your child's learning problems.

Some of the common problems that may require the assistance

of a tutor include reading deficiencies, difficulty with basic math

and science concepts, or the inability to compose and write papers.

According to Griffith, "when the textbooks don't appear to be

unusually dull, the educational approach works with your child's

learning style, the classroom is well managed, and your child has

plenty of free time yet his problems persist, involve your pediatrician.

He can rule out illness, allergy, and vision or hearing problems and

can help pinpoint whether you're dealing with a learning disability."

Second, choose the right tutor. Vicki Poretta, author of Mom’s Guide

to Raising A Good Student concluded: "Choosing the right tutor for

your child isn't just a matter of finding someone knowledgeable in

the subject. A good tutor not only knows his 'stuff,' but is also able

to communicate effectively with your child. But a good tutor does

not need a degree in education or, even be a college graduate. Some

of the most effective tutors are peers. In some schools, honor society

members offer a tutoring service; other districts maintain a list of

student volunteer tutors. Other possible sources of tutors include

retired teachers in the community and local college students.

Community volunteers can serve as tutors in the classroom and

through a home visit program.

Third, interview the tutor and obtain references. Arrange an

interview with the potential tutor in your home. Treat the

interview like any other job interview. Don't forget to ask the

following questions:

What are some examples of her tutoring experience?

Has she taught children who are the same age as your child?

Does she have a list of references?

Does she use new technology in her tutoring?

Will she teach your child successful study skills?

Is her teaching style compatible with your child?

Will your child enjoy working with her?

Will she coordinate her tutoring activities with your child's

teacher?

Fourth, set up a schedule with the tutor. Work with your

child and the tutor to schedule a suitable time for each

session- after school, after dinner, Saturday morning.

Don't schedule the sessions during your child's favorite

playtime. The key to tutoring is scheduling a regular

time and day each week for the tutoring session.