Is My Child Having Difficulty Reading?

You might have asked yourself this question several times, only to have the answer, grudgingly, be "Yes; my child is having difficulty reading."  Fortunately, there is help. Many children struggle with reading at least occasionally in their academic schooling, such that it may be necessary to get your child some extra help. This is where a reading tutor can be invaluable.

A reading tutor can be of more help your child in overcoming reading difficulties than help in a regular school classroom can be, specifically because the tutoring help is one on one. Whether your child has difficulty following instruction in a group, simply needs more attention, or may be struggling a bit with the skills necessary for reading, one-on-one tutoring can solve this problem simply by having the help be individualized.

A New York high school entrance tutor can help your child master reading where general classroom instruction may not, for several reasons. Number one, the New York high school chemistry tutor has time to address your child's specific learning strengths and weaknesses, such that the tutor can structure the lessons so as to minimize your child's weaknesses (and work on strengthening them at the same time), and maximize strengths to best effect for reading mastery.

Number two, if your child tends to be distractible, it can be difficult to concentrate in a classroom setting. One-on-one time with a tutor can give your child the focused attention he or she needs to be able to concentrate; similarly, individual guidance from the tutor can help your child learn and retain reading skills much more easily than might happen in a classroom setting.

Types of tutoring available

 In-school tutoring

Many schools offer in school tutoring programs for children who are having difficulty learning to read. Most often, these programs are provided free of charge to parents whose children already attend the school, such that there's minimal to no extra cost for those families who would otherwise not be able to afford tutoring. Teachers with special training in teaching children who have had reading difficulties staff these programs.

Volunteer tutoring

Volunteer tutoring is another no cost option for parents who may not be able to afford a private tutor, with the caveat that in some cases, volunteer tutors are not specially trained in teaching children who have reading difficulties. For example, college students who are getting field experience and who will one day be teachers often do this type of volunteer tutoring as part of their educational requirements. While still valuable, this type of tutoring may or may not be helpful to children with particularly intractable reading difficulties.

Private tutoring

Private tutoring is what most people think of when they think of tutoring children with reading difficulties. Although somewhat more expensive than the other options discussed, it can often be successful; it's not regulated, though, so if you do decide to go with private tutoring to help your child with his or her reading difficulties, make sure you check into the program's success or the tutor's background and references before you hire.