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.
Blaney, who was unsure how to start the process of finding a tutor, says she looked through the Yellow Pages but thought that the flexibility of a private tutor was the route to go. Blaney got a name of one from a list provided by the vice-principal at their school.
A good fit
Candace Ramdial, a Whitby, Ont., elementary school teacher and private tutor for over 15 years, says she’s so busy these days she has to turn people away, but she sends them off with some advice. “I tell parents to ask about the tutor’s style. And ask what their specialty is. Some may be too general.” If considering a private tutor, you’ll also want to ask for references and request proof of a criminal record check.
It also helps if you talk to your child about why you think he needs a tutor, and find one to match his learning style. “It’s really important to have your child on board,” says Emma Cecchin, director of an Oxford Learning Centre in London, Ont. “In my experience, those students who are a bit hesitant soon learn it’s a fun place to be. Plus,” she says, “all that extra help can be a huge confidence booster.”
Blaney found her son flourished with his tutor. “There was continuous improvement,” she says, pointing out her son’s printing is much better and he has moved from the lowest reading group to the highest in just one year. “He felt safe with her and he wanted to learn.” But Blaney admits she did some learning too. “Our tutor made me see that all kids are different,” she says. “I can’t compare my son to others. I can only compare him to what he is — not the other boy sitting next to him in class.”
As for the cost and hassle of driving him twice a week to the tutor, Blaney says she doesn’t give it a second thought. “If you get a tutor and you’re happy with them, hang on to them. They’re worth their weight in gold.”
Karen Horsman is a broadcaster in Toronto.
Think your child may benefit from a tutor? Consider finding one online
Illustration by Andrea Bowers
