what should I expect in a reading tutor?

[Anonymous]

My 2nd grader has been struggling with reading since K, but manages to squeak under the radar, until this year. He seems to be stuck. I have the names of several tutors but don't really know how to choose one. Any suggestions? TIA!

[Anonymous]

Hi OP,

The dynamic between the child/tutor is the most important!

I am a certified teacher, and also a reading tutor. Please let me know if you are interested in learning more about my program.

[e-mail]

Thank you,
Rebecca

[Anonymous]

Get one certified in a reading program like orton-gillingham. There are other reputable programs but stay away from kimono, sylvan, or Huntington.

[Anonymous]

You need someone who can assess his needs--is it a fluency or comprehension issue? Choosing a specific program without knowing your child's needs will not be beneficial. If it's a fluency issue, look for someone who will provide texts on your son's independent and instructional levels and who has knowledge of and experience with teaching decoding strategies. If it's a comprehension issue, you'll want someone who can teach your child how to identify information in the text that is literal, how to make inferences, how to identify the most important parts of the story/text, and how to make connections.

Check with your child's school. They usually have a list of teachers willing to tutor. I would choose an experienced teacher over a tutoring chain.

[Anonymous]

Has he been evaluated for a reading disorder? That should be your first step. A reading disorder needs specific kinds of tutoring; if he doesn't have a reading disorder, but is falling behind for some other reason, you want to know so that you can deal with that other reason.

Whoever evaluates him (see above) can recommend a type of tutor. For example, the person who diagnosed my child recommended using a SLP, who has targeted his reading deficiencies very well.

But, generally, you should expect that a tutor builds a rapport with your child so that your child has a good time (ours started out playing board games, with reading happening between each turn. She phased that out, but it meant that my child grew to really like the tutor); that the tutor communicate with you regularly, briefly at the end of each session and in more detail out of hearing of your child periodically. The tutor should periodically communicate with your child's reading teacher at school.

[Anonymous]

Definitely make sure that your tutor has advanced coursework in literacy. Anybody can call themselves a tutor. A struggling reader really needs a teacher that is well versed in literacy theory and practice.

[Anonymous]

We got a tutor for our son for reading when he was six to about ten -- just to sit with him and have him read to her. Everyday for one half-hour of reading and another half-hour of reading homework. Well worth the investment as now he is a great reader and a top student. Practice, practice, practice. The tutor had an education degree and was so enthusiastic about reading.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We got a tutor for our son for reading when he was six to about ten -- just to sit with him and have him read to her. Everyday for one half-hour of reading and another half-hour of reading homework. Well worth the investment as now he is a great reader and a top student. Practice, practice, practice. The tutor had an education degree and was so enthusiastic about reading.

Do not pay for this. It will be totally useless if your kid has a learning disorder. But even if they don't an evidenced-based approach like o-g or Linda mood bell will be great. You can read to your kid for free.