A tutor can jump-start your child’s educational development, help them achieve better grades or test scores, and give them confidence. You shouldn’t wait to engage a tutor until your child falls far behind. The earlier you seek help, the less time your child will struggle and lose self-esteem.
Here are ten signs your child may need a tutor.
1. They’re frustrated or lack enthusiasm
If your child is losing interest in their assignment or expresses frustration while doing their homework, they may need a tutor. Sometimes, students lose interest or become frustrated because they can’t grasp the concepts taught in class. Other times, they need help seeing how the content applies to their daily lives.
A professional tutor can help students see relationships between the concepts and their personal lives. They can also explain concepts so that your child understands them.
“Some children have a more complex learning profile. A professional tutor can customize instruction for that student. The tutor can also build rapport so the child looks forward to tutoring sessions,” says the team at Teachers on Call, a leading Canadian tutoring company with a specialty in Toronto and Vancouver tutoring.
2. They Lack Confidence
When children sense they are falling behind their peers, they often feel bad about themselves. They may say, “I’m not smart enough,” or “I can’t do this.” They may withdraw from school activities they used to enjoy or act out in class. A tutor can work at your child’s pace to help them master the material and become confident again.
3. They “Hate School”
Children often say they “hate school” because they feel inadequate there. If your child regularly says they hate school or has a meltdown when preparing to go to school, they may need a tutor. Students who lie about having homework or who consistently procrastinate about completing homework assignments may also be signaling a tutoring need.
4. They Are Disorganized
Often, students struggle in school because they lack organizational or time management skills. According to Classroom, many first-year high school students still need to develop the skills for juggling homework in multiple subjects, extracurricular activities, and jobs. Tutors can help students develop these skills.
5. Their Homework is Confusing
When students consistently find their homework confusing, they may need a tutor to explain concepts differently than their teacher did. Children have different preferred learning styles. A tutor caters to your child’s unique learning style in a way that a classroom teacher cannot.
6. Their Grades Slip
If your child’s grades differ significantly from one grade to the next, they may benefit from a tutor. They may not have fully grasped all the concepts in the previous grade and need to catch up.
7. They Have Learning Disabilities
A child who consistently has difficulty with one or more subjects may have a learning disability. Students with learning disabilities typically need one-on-one help to keep up.
Some tutors specialize in working with special-needs children. Some can also collaborate with area school systems to ensure the student receives consistent support.
8. They Are Academically Gifted
Many folks think about finding tutors for their children who are behind others in school. However, tutors can also help academically gifted children. Academically talented children face unique challenges because they are so far ahead of the material presented in the classroom. A tutor can keep them engaged and help them fully use their gifts.
9. They Freeze on Tests
Test anxiety impacts 20 percent to 40 percent of people, according to the Deseret News. Freezing on tests can be particularly troubling for high school or college students because tests account for a higher percentage of their grades. Test anxiety can also cause students to do poorly on college admission exams.
According to a Stanford University study, tutoring is one of the best ways to overcome test anxiety. Tutors can help students practice the test and review knowledge, which can help them gain confidence.
10. They Are Applying to College
College admissions are competitive. The average Ivy League school accepts only 4.9 percent of its applicants.
Public universities are also selective. The University of Toronto accepts 43 percent of applicants overall, but admission to top programs, such as engineering, is more competitive. The University of British Columbia accepts about 65 percent of applications.
A tutor can be a valuable asset for students applying to colleges. Tutors can help them improve their test scores and write better admissions essays. They can also help students stay organized while balancing various priorities, including college applications, extracurricular activities, and grades.
Tutors with ties to or experience with specific colleges can provide valuable information. For example, a professional experienced in tutoring Vancouver students may have considerable knowledge about the University of British Columbia admissions process.
Summing Up
Tutors can help students succeed. Although poor school performance indicates that a child needs a tutor, academically gifted students can often benefit from tutoring. Seeking help from a tutor is not a stigma. It is a wise choice that can significantly affect your child’s feelings about school, learning, and themself.
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