Tips on Tutoring

By Hope Kantor, Harley’s Upper School learning specialist

How can parents determine if a child needs tutoring? What are some signs parents might look for?

Does your child appear stressed, anxious, or frustrated when they are doing their homework? Are their grades lower than you would expect? Does your child complain of schoolwork being too hard? Do you have difficulty getting your child to go to school? Are you receiving notices that your child is not completing their homework? Does your child have difficulty getting started with homework? 

Your child might benefit from tutoring. Tutors and tutoring centers are available to teach your child not only subject area content, but also study strategies, organization, and all of the additional skills necessary for school success. 

But how do you decide who should be your child’s tutor and where should you go to get your child help? 

Teachers and school guidance counselors often have connections to outstanding tutors and tutoring center in the community. It is very important to get referrals. In the realm of education, everything depends on who you work with, so take time to do your research.

Parents can partner with their child’s educational team to determine if their child needs tutoring and to get information about gaps in learning. A child’s educational team can provide data on areas of strengths and areas for improvement. This data can come from work samples, observations, and various formal and informal assessments. 

When students have fallen behind due to missed instruction or executive functioning deficits, parents can play a critical role in creating an environment for success. Parents can support their child by helping them develop homework routines, ensuring that there is a distraction-free place to work at home in which all supplies are present, maintaining a positive coaching approach, and helping them to figure out when and where to complete each school assignments. 

You do not have to do this alone. Some parents enjoy teaching their children and are able to do so effectively. For others, tutoring adds stress to the parent- child relationship. Consider your particular situation and decide what is best for the long- term well-being of your learner and your family. You’ve got this! Your child is behind due to extraordinary circumstances-a global pandemic. Relax, reduce the pressure, focus on making learning a wonderful experience, and celebrate your child’s success!