Expert Tips and Strategies for Choosing the Best Tutor for Your Child
Whether your child is struggling in one subject at school, needs help studying, or has specific learning challenges, finding the right tutor can feel like a challenge. However, with the right approach, you can narrow down all the options to find the best tutor for your child
If you find yourself confused with all your options, we have some good news: School is Easy is here to help!
Find where your child needs help
The first step to solving any problem is understanding what that problem is. Although this step may seem simple, it is essential to recognise the extent to which your child suffers in school.
Start your focus on the scope of their issues. Understand if they are having problems in a specific subject area, or if they are finding overall learning difficult and falling behind in many subjects.
A great way to get some help is by talking to your child’s teacher. This helps you narrow down what the issues are, and, if your child is old enough to self-reflect, you can also ask them where they think they need help. Once you understand the specificity of your child’s struggles, you can start investigating possible tutors.
Consider the Tutor’s Qualifications
Once you get a grasp of the issue(s), you should now consider the tutor’s qualifications, because hiring a tutor who has a background in science will not help your child’s struggle with reading.
Some are teachers who specialize in individual subjects, such as social studies tutoring. While other tutors offer general help, such as learning to read for younger children or test preparation for teens.
The good news is most tutors will have a list of subjects or skills that can help you determine if they are the right fit. For example, School Is Easy (SiE) tutors have a clearly defined range of specialty areas, such as English, maths, science, ACT prep, and more. SiE also breaks down specific topics inside of each subject to attack the precise area they may be lacking.
Look for a Good Personality Match
Now that you have a selection of tutors based on qualifications, you’ll want to be sure they have a compatible personality with your child. The tutor you hire may have all the expertise you need, but if they specialize in auditory learning (better at vocalizing lessons) and your child is a visual learner (better at taking notes), it can hinder the tutoring experience for both involved.
Instead of falling prey to this issue, find an individual your child can connect with as well as understand the unique qualities of your child. The best tutors recognise their students’ personalities well enough to be able to explain concepts and topics to them in a way they understand.
Research Different Tutoring Locations and Times
Finding the right tutor also means working around everyone’s schedule. When and where your child is available – as well as your availability for rides, conferences, etc. – can be a large determining factor in your choice.
Fortunately, the majority of tutors are able to work in different locations and times, which should make your decision easier. Here are some of the different tutoring locations for you to research:
At-Home Tutoring
Some tutors offer at-home services where they will come to the student’s home for sessions. This can make sessions more comfortable for your child as they can study in their own home. It also means the student does not have to remember to take their books and materials with them for tutoring sessions.
A Tutoring Office
Many tutors work from an office and students can stop by for sessions at these locations. It allows tutors and students to work in a quiet, distraction-free environment, which is incredibly beneficial for learning.
Virtual Tutoring
Virtual tutors offer their services online in short virtual sessions. Opting for a virtual tutoring session can open up opportunities for students who are in remote locations or have transportation challenges. It also means that you will be able to access tutors from anywhere in the world. This means you can find individuals who have the right qualifications for your child’s needs and work with them remotely.
Check for Availability and Flexibility
Once you’ve decided on a tutor you would like to work with, reach out to see their availability. Unfortunately, some tutors are in high demand because of the popular subjects they offer or their good reputation. However, tutoring companies like School is Easy will be able to work your child into a busy tutor’s schedule.
It’s also important you understand the flexibility of the tutor, such as what to do if your child has to miss a session. Talking these things out with your tutor is a good way to establish expectations and open communication.
Request a Trial Session
Our final piece of advice is to explore a trial session between your child and the tutor before you sign up for several sessions. Doing this is a final check to ensure you are making the right choice for your child. Trial sessions can also help a tutor gauge whether they have the skills, expertise, and understanding to help the student succeed. These trials also help your child decide if they want to work with the tutor or not.
Discover the Perfect Match at School Is Easy
At School Is Easy, we connect high-quality tutors with students for the best success. Our tutors have a variety of areas that they help with including math, science, and English. If you’re looking for the right tutor for your child, contact School Is Easy tutoring today.
