Would your child benefit from a tutor
Julie Blaney was volunteering in her son Jack’s class when she noticed his work didn’t look like the other students’. “His printing was messy and his work was disorganized,” recalls the Port Perry, Ont., mom. Blaney, who had also worried that her son’s reading wasn’t strong, was surprised to learn he was also in the lowest reading group. After a talk with his teacher, it was suggested Jack might benefit from a tutor.
Looking for clues
With a month of school already under her belt, your child should have a homework routine in place. If she is struggling night after night, you’ll want to look for the following signs that might indicate some additional help is needed:
- Homework or other assignments take a long time to finish.
- Poor grades despite studying or a decline in grades.
- A general lack of interest in a subject.
- Behavioural issues at school or around homework time.
- Complaints of not feeling well before going to school.
- Your child says things like “I don’t get it”.
Be empowered
If you feel a tutor might help your son or daughter, ask the teacher what stage of learning your child is at and what the specific areas of need might be. “To simply say that a student is struggling with reading is far too general and not altogether helpful for parents,” says Neil Boland, principal of Brother André Catholic School in Ajax, Ont. Once parents are better informed with the specifics, they can then make better use of a tutor or tutoring service with a single area of focus. “Parents should be able to say to a tutor, ‘My son struggles with word meanings or adding fractions; are you able to work with him for three weeks to help him in these areas?’” Boland suggests parents also communicate with their child’s teacher, who can verify gains and determine other areas requiring attention.
Teacher types
Deciding on what type of tutor would suit your child requires some homework on your part. Some parents choose established tutoring agencies, where students, based on an assessment, have a program mapped out for them. Many school boards also provide after-school tutoring programs where qualified teachers provide assistance.
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