Should My Child Work With A Tutor Over The Summer?

If you find yourself asking that question, the answer is probably yes.

So long as the tutor is knowledgeable and encouraging, all children benefit from spending some time over the summer to review – or preview – the skills and concepts appropriate for their age and grade level.

For children who are doing well in school, summer tutoring can focus on reviewing last year’s skills, then previewing skills they will learn in the upcoming grade. We all benefit from learning things twice; getting a glimpse at forthcoming concepts will increase your child’s academic abilities and boost his/her confidence.

Summer tutoring can be incredibly helpful for the children who struggle with reading and/or math. Most likely, their instruction during the school year involves whole-class instruction, where the teacher presents material in front of the whole class. Many children find it difficult to focus and learn in the larger classroom setting. Summer tutoring, with its one-on-one or small group structure, makes it easier for children to focus and learn the targeted skills. In addition, this extra practice gives them the chance to solidify shaky skills and “catch up”.

When you talk to your child about tutoring over the summer, you will probably hear whining and complaining. Chances are, the more your child complains, the more he/she needs the extra help! This makes sense, when you think about how undesirable it is to work on something that is difficult.

Parents, stick to your guns.

Getting help over the summer will pay off for your child. And, he/she may find that tutoring sessions are not torture after all. Many children like the extra attention and encouragement that comes from a good tutor.

You may be wondering how to find a tutor. Many towns have Sylvan and Huntington Learning Centers, which are chains of academic tutoring offices. You can also ask your child’s teacher, other parents, or post an ad in a website like Thumbtack.

If your child experiences some difficulty with learning and schoolwork, try to pick a tutor who is a teacher or has some training in child development. If your child is on solid ground with academics, a local high school or college student will probably do just fine. If your child is in high school and needs a tutor for specific subjects like geometry or biology, be sure the tutor is well versed in those subjects.

Adding tutoring into your child’s summer plans may not be met with enthusiasm and appreciation, know that you are taking a proactive approach to your child’s education. With each new school year, more difficult material builds on top of what was taught last year, so you want to make sure your child has mastered the necessary skills in order to succeed down the road.