When your child is struggling with reading, you will, of course, be anxious and eager to get to the bottom of the problem. One of the most helpful things you can do to help them is to get an experienced reading tutor. However, not all tutors are the same, and getting it wrong can lead to a waste of time and money and further frustration for yourself and your child. To ensure your child has the highest quality assistance, it is worth not falling into making these typical blunders while choosing a reading tutor.
Just Considering Over-All Tutoring Experience
Tutors are likely to have lots of experience, but the point is not necessarily that they are experts at reading issues. Reading issues, particularly those that are associated with learning differences like dyslexia, demand a very specialized skill set.
Solution: Find a trained, evidence-based reading tutor. For instance, Orton-Gillingham tutoring is a highly effective, systematic, multisensory system specifically tailored to help struggling readers. Tutors trained in Orton-Gillingham or other similar programs know how to target reading by dissecting it into very small parts best suited to the child’s individual learning style.
Not Targeting the Underlying Learning Issues
The struggling reader may not be “behind” in reading—they may have an undiagnosed learning difference. Hiring a tutor who simply provides extra reading practice may not be enough.
Solution: Ensure the tutor is trained to evaluate and determine why your child is struggling. A reading tutor will begin with an evaluation and create a customized plan. Even better, hire someone familiar with dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning disabilities and how these affect literacy acquisition.
Not Seeking Training in Multisensory Techniques
Reading is not even a sight-based process—there is auditory and kinesthetic learning to include as well. The majority of children would thrive with multisensory instructors, as opposed to reading out loud or worksheet work.
Solution: Bring on someone trained in multisensory methods, such as Orton-Gillingham tutoring. These approaches use sight, sound, movement, and touch to assist in building learning that endures.
Prioritizing Convenience Over Fit
It is natural to want someone around who can be reached at variable hours. However, convenience must never come at the cost of getting the best fit for your child’s needs.
Solution: Interview as many tutors as possible beforehand, if at all possible. Find one who not only knows reading intervention but also your child. Good tutor-student rapport is the key to motivation and progress.
Quick Fixes Expectation
More than likely, the parents will also employ a tutor with the hopes of quick remedies. However, when dealing with reading issues, particularly those tied to processing or learning differences, things take their time, and there is an effort required.
Solution: Be prepared to accept that excellent reading intervention involves time. Expect reasonable things of your tutor, and ensure that they are monitoring your child’s progress. Consistent feedback and quantifiable objectives are indicators of a professional and good reading tutor.
Ignoring Communication
If your teacher lacks a consistent line of communication with you regarding your child’s progress, how things are to be done, and what constitutes a cause for concern, you remain in the dark about the issues.
Solution: Select a tutor who is a parent communication subscriber. Others even sit down with teachers or other experts and coordinate support strategies. This synergistic effort leads to better results and has everyone moving in the same direction.
Not Asking for Credentials or References
Parents generally presume that because someone works with children or claims they offer reading assistance, they are qualified. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
Solution: Request qualifications, certifications, and references. If you are seeking Orton-Gillingham tutoring, make sure the tutor has had accredited training and experience in instructing students at your child’s grade and skill level.
Not Paying Attention to Your Child’s Learning Style
Each child is unique. Some require structure, but others require freedom and creativity. If the tutor follows a universal equation, your child might not receive the most out of the learning experience from the lessons.
Solution: The ideal reading tutor will make changes to fit the style of your child. On the first encounter, look to see if the tutor listens attentively to you, is in touch with your child, and provides an individualized response.
Final thoughts
Selecting the best reading tutor is an important step towards assisting your child to improve their reading. Avoiding these common mistakes can save time, money, and stress, and most importantly, provide your child with greater confidence and success reading.
Tutoring programs like Orton-Gillingham are research-based, systematic interventions that can make a difference in how your child learns to read. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can find a tutor who truly makes a difference.