Does My Child Need A Tutor?

Does my child need a tutor? Anybody who knows me knows that I am big on education and what it means to people. My mom was an educator and taught each of us four children the importance of that education. (And she did a lot of tutoring.) 

I also have never been the biggest fan of college without a real plan. If you do not have a plan, don’t waste your money. Don’t buy into the lie that you can find it on your way. One of my daughters started towards the world of medicine, then accounting, and finally settled on business. I have watched college without a plan saddle young people without a plan with incredible debt and insecurity.  

About 18 months (about one and a half years) ago, my grandson came to me, telling me he was all done with the public school and that would I honor what I had told him about helping him with home school. I said I would, and he actually found an online school (VTVLC) with great teachers, a solid curriculum, and a great reputation. 

And so we began. And he has loved it. He found it to be more challenging than public school, more engaging, and he has developed a lot of confidence.  

Jacob studying

Education is important. 

Your child’s education is important for several reasons. Here are some key points highlighting the significance of education: 

Knowledge and Skills: Education provides children with essential knowledge and skills that form the foundation for their personal and professional development. It equips them with fundamental literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are necessary for success in various aspects of life. (We have added critical thinking to this process.)

Personal Growth: Education helps children develop intellectually, emotionally, and socially. It fosters their curiosity, creativity, and love for learning, enabling them to explore their interests and discover their strengths. Education also promotes personal growth by nurturing values such as discipline, perseverance, and responsibility.

If your child is not hungry for more, please question what they are receiving.

Expanded Opportunities: Education opens doors to a wide range of opportunities and possibilities. It increases the chances of future success by providing access to higher education, better job prospects, and higher earning potential. A well-rounded education equips children with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world and adapt to changing circumstances. 

Empowerment: Education empowers individuals by giving them the tools they need to make informed decisions, exercise critical thinking, and become active participants in society. It helps children develop a sense of agency, self-confidence, and independence, enabling them to shape their own lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Confidence, critical thinking, and self-discipline need to be the results. 

Social and Civic Engagement: Education plays a vital role in promoting social cohesion and active citizenship. It exposes children to diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas, fostering empathy, tolerance, and respect for others. Education also equips them with the knowledge and understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and civic duties, preparing them to participate in democratic processes and contribute positively to society.

People ask about the social aspect of homeschooling. One of the reasons my grandson left the public school sector had to do with the bullying of his friends, lots of drama, and abusive people. If this is our idea of social engagement, I beg to differ.  

Break the Cycle of Poverty: Education has the power to break the cycle of poverty by providing children with opportunities for upward social mobility. It can help overcome barriers, bridge socioeconomic gaps, and provide a pathway to a better quality of life. Education enables individuals to acquire the necessary skills to secure stable employment, increase their earning potential, and improve their overall well-being. 

Personal Fulfillment: Education is a lifelong journey that fosters personal fulfillment and a love for learning. It enriches one’s understanding of the world, promotes personal growth and self-discovery, and allows individuals to pursue their passions and interests. Education provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment as individuals strive to achieve their goals and make a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others.

Ask your child if school fulfills them. If not, why not?

Your child’s education is vital as it equips them with knowledge, skills, and opportunities necessary for personal growth, empowerment, social engagement, and a brighter future. It lays the foundation for their lifelong learning and enables them to lead fulfilling and successful lives. 

Here we were. Online learning, new challenges.  

He was surprised to find that he loved History, did well in English, and embraced Science. And then we had math. 

After a couple of back-to-back Algebra classes, it became clear that Jacob’s math was needing some help. His previous schooling left him behind the eight ball. Following a semester of Geometry and conversations about what he wanted to do as a career, it was clear he was going to need some help. 

I began to look for a tutor.  

How do you decide if my child needs a tutor? 

Determining whether your child needs a tutor is a decision that depends on several factors and should be based on careful consideration of their individual needs and goals. Here are some questions to help you assess whether your child may benefit from a tutor:  

• Is your child consistently struggling with specific subjects or topics?  
• Have their grades declined or remained consistently low?  
• Does your child express frustration or lack confidence in their academic abilities?  
• Is your child having difficulty keeping up with the pace of classroom instruction?  
• Does your child require additional support to meet their academic goals or prepare for important exams?  
• Have you noticed a lack of interest or motivation in your child towards their studies?  
• Do you have limited time or resources to provide the necessary assistance and guidance your child needs?

 

Alicia Sponholz, Lodestar Tutors

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, it might be worth considering a tutor to provide additional support and help your child overcome their academic challenges. However, it is also essential to communicate with your child’s teacher or school to gain their insights and recommendations. They can provide valuable input regarding your child’s performance in the classroom and suggest appropriate interventions.  

Ultimately, the decision to hire a tutor should be based on a comprehensive understanding of your child’s unique needs and a careful evaluation of the available options for support and improvement. 

Will they benefit from the experience? 

There could be several reasons why a child may benefit from having a tutor. Here are some common situations where parents might consider hiring a tutor for their child: 

• Academic challenges: If your child is struggling in a particular subject or multiple subjects, a tutor can provide one-on-one support and help them understand the material better. Tutors can identify areas of weakness, provide personalized explanations, and offer additional practice to reinforce learning. 
• Learning difficulties or disabilities: Children with learning disabilities or special needs may require extra assistance and individualized instruction to help them succeed academically. A tutor with experience in working with such students can provide specialized strategies and accommodations tailored to their specific needs. 
• Exam preparation: Tutors can be instrumental in helping students prepare for important exams, such as standardized tests, college entrance exams, or final exams. They can teach test-taking strategies, review key concepts, and provide practice materials to improve confidence and performance. 
• Time management and study skills: Some students struggle with organizing their time effectively or lack efficient study skills. A tutor can help them develop good study habits, learn effective time management techniques, and provide guidance on how to prioritize tasks. 
• Advanced or accelerated learning: If your child demonstrates exceptional abilities in a particular subject or has a keen interest in advanced topics, a tutor can provide enrichment activities and challenging materials beyond what is covered in the regular curriculum. They can offer more in-depth explanations and engage the child in stimulating discussions. 

• Confidence and motivation: A child who has experienced academic setbacks or lacks confidence in their abilities may benefit from a tutor who can provide individual attention, support, and encouragement. Tutors can help build a child’s self-esteem, foster a positive attitude towards learning, and motivate them to overcome challenges. 

 

Remember, every child is unique, and the decision to hire a tutor depends on their specific needs and circumstances. It can be helpful to discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher or school counselor to determine whether a tutor would be beneficial in supporting their educational journey. 

What can I expect from a tutor? The obvious answer is success and better grades. 

What about tutoring

What can I expect? 

When you hire a tutor, there are several things you can expect from them. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect from a tutor: 

• Individualized attention: A tutor provides one-on-one instruction, which allows them to focus exclusively on your child’s specific needs and learning style. They can tailor their teaching methods to match your child’s strengths and weaknesses, addressing any gaps in understanding. 
• Expertise in the subject matter: Tutors are typically knowledgeable and experienced in the subjects they teach. They can explain concepts clearly, provide in-depth explanations, and offer additional resources and materials to enhance your child’s understanding of the subject. 
• Personalized approach: A tutor can assess your child’s current knowledge and skills, identify areas that need improvement, and create a personalized learning plan. They can set goals, track progress, and adapt their teaching strategies to meet your child’s unique needs. 
• Reinforcement of learning: Tutors can reinforce what your child is learning in school by providing additional practice exercises, reviewing homework assignments, and offering guidance on specific topics. They can help your child consolidate their knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. 
• Support and encouragement: A tutor serves as a mentor and academic support system for your child. They can offer encouragement, boost confidence, and motivate your child to overcome challenges. Tutors can create a positive and nurturing learning environment that promotes growth and self-belief. 

• Study and organizational skills: In addition to subject-specific instruction, tutors can help your child develop effective study techniques, time management skills, and organizational strategies. These skills are valuable for academic success across various subjects and can benefit your child beyond their tutoring sessions. 
• Progress monitoring and feedback: Tutors often track your child’s progress and provide regular feedback on their performance. They can identify areas of improvement, celebrate achievements, and communicate with you about your child’s progress and areas that require further attention. 

It’s important to note that the specific expectations may vary depending on your child’s needs, the subject, and the tutor’s expertise. It’s a good idea to discuss your expectations with the tutor before starting the sessions to ensure they align with your goals and your child’s requirements. 

When I was looking, I interviewed a few. Discussions included all of the above, as well as money, and timing. I finally came to a conclusion.  

First, let me say after 3 sessions (One hour each.) Jacob has increased in confidence, and his grades are already better. The tutor is working together with his Geometry teacher and her weekly meetings.  

Currently, Jacob is meeting virtually with his tutor, though living in the area, we do have an alternative of meeting in person. In my case, his tutor review his current classes.

His tutor is Alicia with Lodestar Tutors.