If your child is struggling to read or simply needs an extra boost as they work to grasp new concepts, a reading tutor could prove an invaluable resource. Reading tutors can make an incredible difference in your child’s academic trajectory now and in the future.
Isn’t Kindergarten Too Early for a Reading Tutor?
Kids’ developmental skills span a wide range in kindergarten. Some can already read; others may struggle to sound out the smallest words, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re doomed to struggle long-term. They may just not be ready yet.
Work with your child’s reading teacher to assess their reading progress. Just because they can’t read in kindergarten doesn’t mean they need a tutor. But if they’re struggling with basic reading readiness tasks, they may be a candidate for extra help.
Won’t My Child’s School Reading Program Be Enough?
Not all school reading programs are created equal. Some have excellent phonics-based curriculums starting in kindergarten. Some lack the strategic, explicit focus on phonemic awareness and phonics needed to give kids a strong reading foundation. Before you spend money on a tutor, make sure your kindergartner is enrolled in a school with an A+ kindergarten reading curriculum.
If you decide to look for a reading tutor for kindergarten, here are some tips to guide your search and help you select the perfect fit for your child.
Know Your Child’s Needs
1. Identify Existing Obstacles
If your child is just entering kindergarten, it can be difficult to accurately diagnose underlying literacy or comprehension issues. However, as your child becomes more familiar with phonics/phonemic awareness, these issues may begin to reveal themselves. Ask your child’s teacher if they’ve noticed any possible obstacles. These will be helpful for your tutor to be aware of as you begin the tutoring process.
2. Determine Your Child’s Learning Style
When it comes to learning, there is no one-size-fits-all method that perfectly caters to every child. While children are able to learn in various ways, each will usually favor one learning style over the others.
Your child might be a visual learner, or they may do better with auditory or kinesthetic methods. Having an understanding of how your child best retains information will be a tremendous help to your child’s new tutor as they seek to cater their teaching methods to the individual student.
Consider Your Options
1. Private Tutoring
A private tutor is one hired outside of your child’s school. They can offer one-on-one coaching at your child’s pace and may utilize a kindergarten reading curriculum that complements what your child uses at school. Private tutors can create a tailored learning path and cater to your child’s learning style, but will likely be more expensive than other tutoring options.
2. Tutoring Centers
A tutoring center offers a structured environment for learning and usually has a wide variety of resources at its disposal. These centers usually employ multiple, diverse tutors who may specialize in different areas or styles of teaching, so that it is easy to find the right tutor for your child’s specific needs. Tutoring centers often provide progress tracking, standardized testing, and the option for group or one-on-one tutoring.
3. Online Tutoring
An online tutor can be a more flexible and affordable option for tutoring. These services use an online platform, which means your child can receive tutoring nearly anytime and anywhere. However, online tutors can have a harder time keeping hands-on learners engaged.
Find Your Fit
1. Review Experience and Qualifications
First, it’s crucial that you carefully review each tutor’s experience and qualifications for the following:
- Field Experience: A trusted tutor will have a resume featuring adequate experience in reading tutoring and instruction for young children.
- Education: A professional kindergarten reading tutor should have a degree in early childhood development, education, or a similar field.
- Proper Certifications: In addition, tutors should have specific certifications or training in early literacy and reading instruction.
2. Consider Teaching Style
Just as it’s important to know your child’s learning style, it is also crucial to know your tutor’s teaching style to ensure the two will be compatible. When reviewing teaching styles and methods, consider the following:
- Engagement and Interaction: The tutor should use fun, hands-on activities to keep your kindergartener interested and motivated.
- A Patient, Encouraging Approach: Any parent of a kindergarten-aged child knows that it takes quite a bit of patience to teach them. The right tutor should be able to remain calm and patient and will offer the positive reinforcement and encouragement your child needs to succeed.
- A Tailored Learning Path: Your reading tutor should get to know your child’s unique personality and learning style and create a personalized learning plan that will effectively meet your child’s needs.
3. Ask for Recommendations
Not sure where to begin the hunt for the right tutor? Start by asking around. Check with family, friends, teachers, and other parents at your child’s school to see if they can recommend a tutor.
4. Consult Your Child’s School
Your child’s school may offer tutoring options after or before school. The advantage of working through your school is that your child can learn in a familiar environment. The school tutoring program can also ensure strong communication between classroom teacher and reading tutor so that your child gets a more seamless learning experience.
5. Review the Reviews
The internet is a great resource for finding and vetting a reading tutor. Research local tutors and tutoring centers by reading reviews from present and past clients.
6. Discuss Goals
During your initial consultation, discuss with your tutor where you’d like to see your child grow and improve. The tutor should be able to set attainable and clear goals as well as consistently track progress. In addition, tutors should be able to adjust plans and methods as needed.
7. Consider Scheduling and Rates
Oftentimes, one of the most difficult aspects of selecting a tutor is finding one that fits your schedule. Most children receive private tutoring after school, which means that time slots are extremely limited and may leave you on a waitlist until a space opens up.
When selecting the right tutor, make sure their available time will consistently work with your family’s schedule. And don’t forget to ask about make-up sessions and cancellation policies for situations like sickness or vacation. Finally, make sure you understand final rates and fees upfront to ensure the tutor is within your budget.
8. Give It a Trial Run
Most importantly, your child should feel safe and at ease with their tutor. Before committing, ask about a trial session so that you can observe the interaction between tutor and student. The right tutor will be able to evaluate your child’s learning obstacles, cater to their learning style, and make reading fun.
At the end of the day, you know your child best. Your instincts as a parent are the most valuable tool when it comes to finding the right tutor for your child.
Our final tip is to stay vigilant. Just because your child is reading well in kindergarten doesn’t mean they will never struggle. Sometimes, kids mask reading difficulties by memorizing a lot of words. This can fool parents and teachers up until the third grade when multi-syllable reading instruction happens, and kids are suddenly drowning in a sea of words. There are simply too many to memorize!
Many reading difficulties are exposed in third and fourth grade as the word memorization game gives way, exposing an inability to sound out words. If you intervene as soon as you see a problem, you can boost your child’s reading and put them back on a path to success.
Have more questions about finding the right kindergarten reading program or extra-curricular tutor? Visit The Academy of Scholars private Christian elementary school where we build strong readers with strategic, research-backed reading programs.