Reading Tutors

Reading Tutors May Be the Answer

If you feel your child needs reading help, you might consider looking for reading tutors in your community. Reading tutors provide coaching for a student. Just as you might coach her to develop her pitching or bowling skills, reading tutors can coach her to develop her reading skills.

Where do you find reading tutors? Reading tutors and tutoring services are available in most areas. For instance, Sylvan Learning has over 1,100 centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Check your local yellow pages or online directories to find tutoring services in your community. Ask your child's school and other parents in the area for recommendations. Call local colleges - they may keep a list of students and alumni interested in tutoring.

What's the cost? The cost of reading tutors can vary greatly - and may seem daunting. However, many tutoring services have payment plans and financial aid. And this investment in your child's future as a reader will pay dividends in her future success.

Where will it take place? Just about anywhere. Some tutors come to your home; others meet with children at a school or library. You might also opt for live, online tutoring or for a tutoring center. These choices depend on what will work best for you and your child. Parents often opt for tutoring outside the home, where distractions from TV, computers, and siblings aren't an issue.

What's the right choice? Comparison shop and read all the literature and reviews of tutoring services. Find out if you can get a demonstration lesson or testimonials. Make sure to check the references and qualifications of a tutor, and check out a tutoring service with the local Better Business Bureau. Ask questions: Does the tutoring service do assessments? Will it make any warranties or guarantees? Will the tutor devote attention to reading strategies? Is he a reading specialist?

Make a decision based on balancing cost, convenience, and quality of service. It may be worthwhile to commute an hour on a Saturday if you find a center with an excellent reputation and a reasonable price structure.

There are many advantages of using a professional tutoring service, and they include having a well-trained tutor focused on your child for a defined period. Children thrive with individual attention and will enjoy the one-on-one time with a teacher. The extra reading help will make your child a happy reader and a more confident student.