If you’ve shared concerns about your child’s reading, you may have been told to just “wait and see” if they grow out of it. While well-meaning, this is one of the most common and unhelpful myths about reading difficulties. Research shows that the gap between struggling readers and their peers typically widens over time, making early intervention critical. Acting now not only helps build foundational skills but also protects your child’s precious self-esteem. We’ll clear up the confusion around common myths and show you why the best time to find a reading tutor is now, giving you the facts you need to move forward.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on the ‘how,’ not just the help: A great tutor uses a specific, science-backed teaching method like Orton-Gillingham. Ensure their approach is structured and systematic, as this is the key to building real, lasting reading skills, not just offering homework help.
- Trust your instincts and act early: If you sense a reading struggle, you’re probably right. Intervening early with a qualified tutor prevents the confidence-damaging “wait and see” approach and gives your child the best chance to close skill gaps before they widen.
- Amplify the results at home: Your involvement is key to making tutoring stick. Reinforce lessons with short, fun activities, maintain open communication with the tutor, and consistently celebrate your child’s effort to build their confidence alongside their skills.
Does Your Child Need a Reading Tutor?
As a parent, you have a front-row seat to your child’s learning journey, and it can be tough to know when a little extra help is needed. Trust your instincts. If you feel like something is off with your child’s reading, you’re probably right. Reading difficulties rarely resolve on their own, and getting support sooner rather than later can make a world of difference for your child’s skills and confidence. The key is to know what to look for and understand how targeted support can help them thrive.
Spot the Signs of Reading Difficulties
Keep an eye on how your child interacts with text. Do they guess at words based on the first letter or pictures instead of sounding them out? When reading aloud, you might notice them stumbling over words, skipping them entirely, or adding in words that aren’t there. Another common sign is a heavy reliance on memorization for familiar, short words, which becomes a problem as texts get more complex. These challenges can be early indicators of a learning difference like dyslexia, where the brain processes written language differently. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward getting your child the right kind of help.
Why One-on-One Support Works
In a busy classroom, it’s nearly impossible for one teacher to provide sustained, individual attention to every student. This is where a tutor shines. Working one-on-one, a tutor can pinpoint exactly where your child is struggling and tailor every single lesson to their specific needs. They can take the time to build rapport, create a safe space for making mistakes, and celebrate small victories along the way. This personalized approach is incredibly effective because it moves at your child’s pace, reinforcing concepts until they stick. Our PRIDE Reading Specialists, for example, are trained to provide this kind of focused, encouraging instruction.
Common Reading Challenges by Age Group
Reading challenges can look different as your child gets older. A kindergartener who has trouble recognizing letters will face different hurdles than a third-grader who gets frustrated with multi-syllable words. You might notice your child was reading along just fine but now avoids reading or gets upset when faced with longer chapter books. This frustration often stems from gaps in their foundational skills. For many children, the emotional toll is just as significant; they may feel embarrassed or “dumb” compared to their peers. This is why consistent, positive reinforcement in a low-pressure environment is so important for building them back up.
How to Support Children with Learning Differences
For children with learning differences, generic reading help often isn’t enough. They need explicit, systematic instruction that teaches them how to decode language. A great tutor provides this by teaching concrete strategies to break down words and comprehend text. This is the foundation of structured literacy, an evidence-based approach that is especially effective for struggling readers. Tutors can introduce techniques like summarizing paragraphs, visualizing the story, and asking questions to engage with the material on a deeper level. This targeted support doesn’t just help with homework; it equips them with lifelong reading skills.
What Makes a Great Reading Tutor?
Finding the right reading tutor can feel like a monumental task, but it’s one of the most impactful steps you can take for your child. A great tutor does more than just practice reading with a student; they act as a guide, a strategist, and a cheerleader all in one. They have the expertise to identify the root of a reading challenge and the tools to build a bridge to literacy, one skill at a time. The goal isn’t just to get through a book, but to build a foundation of skills and confidence that lasts a lifetime.
When you start your search, it’s helpful to know what separates a good tutor from a great one. It’s not just about being patient or kind—though those qualities are important. A truly effective reading tutor possesses a specific set of skills, credentials, and teaching methods designed to create real, measurable progress. They understand that every child learns differently and can adapt their approach to fit your child’s unique needs. Let’s walk through the key qualities you should look for to find the perfect match.
Check for Key Credentials and Certifications
A great tutor’s qualifications go beyond a general love of books. Look for someone with formal training and certifications in evidence-based reading instruction. For instance, a tutor certified in a program like the Orton-Gillingham approach has been trained in a specific, proven methodology for teaching reading, especially to students who struggle. These credentials show that the tutor understands the science behind reading and can do more than just offer homework help. A qualified tutor will use diagnostic assessments to pinpoint exactly where your child needs support and then create a personalized learning plan to address those specific gaps, ensuring they start teaching at just the right level.
Look for Experience with Specific Learning Needs
If your child has a diagnosed learning difference like dyslexia, it’s crucial to find a tutor with direct experience in that area. General tutoring is often not enough to help a child with specific processing challenges. When interviewing potential tutors, be direct and ask about their experience working with students who have similar learning profiles to your child’s. Have they successfully taught children with dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, or other challenges? An experienced tutor will be familiar with common hurdles and will already have a toolbox of strategies ready to help your child overcome them, making the learning process much more effective and less frustrating for everyone.
Ensure They Understand Structured Literacy
This is a non-negotiable. A great reading tutor must have a deep understanding of structured literacy. This approach is the gold standard for reading instruction because it’s systematic, explicit, and cumulative. It teaches the fundamental building blocks of language in a logical order, from the smallest sounds in words to the rules that govern spelling and sentence structure. A tutor who follows the principles of the Science of Reading will teach your child that speech is made of individual sounds and that letters are the symbols that represent those sounds—a concept that many struggling readers miss in a typical classroom setting.
Ask About Multisensory Teaching Methods
Children, especially those who struggle with reading, learn best when they can engage multiple senses. Ask potential tutors how they incorporate multisensory techniques into their lessons. Do they use methods that involve sight, sound, touch, and movement? This could look like tracing letters in sand, using colored blocks to represent sounds, or clapping out syllables in a word. These activities make learning more engaging and help cement concepts in a child’s brain by creating stronger neural pathways. Tutors who use fun games and hands-on activities can transform reading practice from a chore into an enjoyable experience, which is key for keeping a child motivated.
How They Track and Measure Progress
You need to know that your investment of time and money is paying off. A great tutor will have a clear system for tracking and measuring your child’s progress. Before they even begin, they should conduct a baseline assessment to understand your child’s current abilities. From there, they should set clear, achievable goals and be able to explain how they’ll measure success along the way. Ask them how they will communicate progress with you. Will you receive regular reports or have scheduled check-in calls? Knowing how your child is improving not only provides peace of mind but also ensures the tutor is accountable and that the instruction is effective.
Where to Find a Qualified Reading Tutor
Once you’ve decided to find a reading tutor, the next question is, where do you actually look? It can feel like a huge task, but there are several reliable places to find experienced professionals who can help your child thrive. Knowing where to start your search can make all the difference. Think of this as your roadmap to finding the perfect reading support for your family.
Connect with PRIDE Reading Specialists
If you’re looking for a tutor who is an expert in a proven, research-based curriculum, going directly to the source is a great option. Our PRIDE Reading Specialists are highly trained in the Orton-Gillingham method and understand how to support students with a wide range of learning needs. An expert reading specialist can pinpoint a student’s exact reading level and use specific strategies to strengthen their skills. This is an especially effective route for children with learning differences like dyslexia, as our specialists are equipped with the tools and training to provide targeted, effective instruction right from the start.
Check with Your Child’s School
Your child’s school is a natural starting point. Begin by talking to their teacher, a reading specialist, or a school counselor. They are on the front lines and may have a list of trusted local tutors they recommend to families. While schools work hard to provide support, classroom sizes can make one-on-one attention challenging. As Prepacademy Tutors notes, reading tutors can give children extra support to improve their reading skills beyond what a school day can offer. Your school may even use a structured literacy curriculum for its students, so their recommendations could align well with your child’s needs.
Explore Online Tutoring Platforms
Online platforms have made it easier than ever to find tutors from all over the country. Websites like Wyzant allow you to browse profiles, compare rates, and read reviews from other parents. You can filter your search based on expertise, such as experience with specific learning differences or certifications in certain teaching methods. This flexibility helps you find someone who fits your budget and schedule. Just be sure to do your homework. Vet candidates carefully by asking about their experience with structured literacy and their approach to teaching, as the quality and training can vary significantly from one tutor to the next.
Visit Local Learning Centers
Local learning centers like Sylvan Learning or Kumon are another popular option. These centers typically offer in-person tutoring and have their own structured programs designed to help kids improve their skills. According to Sylvan Learning, they provide personalized reading help tailored to each child’s needs. This can be a great choice if you prefer a physical location and a pre-set curriculum. Before committing, ask specific questions about the teaching methods they use. You’ll want to ensure their approach is multisensory and aligns with the principles of a method like Orton-Gillingham to best support your child’s learning.
Look into University Reading Programs
Don’t overlook the resources at nearby colleges and universities. Many universities with strong education departments have reading clinics that offer free or low-cost tutoring to the community. These programs are often run by graduate students who are studying to become reading specialists, all under the close supervision of experienced professors. This can be a fantastic way to access high-quality, cutting-edge support. Tutors in these programs are well-versed in the latest research, including the Science of Reading, and use diagnostic assessments to create a specific learning plan for your child.
Common Myths About Reading Tutoring
When you first realize your child is struggling with reading, it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of conflicting advice. Friends, family, and even some educators might offer well-meaning but misguided suggestions. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths and replace them with facts, so you can feel confident in your next steps. Understanding the truth about reading support is the first step toward getting your child the help they need to succeed.
Myth: It’s Better to “Wait and See”
It’s natural to hope that your child’s reading struggles are just a phase they’ll outgrow. Many parents are told to “wait and see” if things improve on their own. However, research consistently shows that reading difficulties rarely resolve themselves. When a child falls behind, the gap between them and their peers tends to widen over time, not shrink. Waiting can lead to more significant challenges and a drop in your child’s confidence. If your gut tells you something is off, it’s always better to be proactive. Addressing potential issues like dyslexia early on gives your child the best possible chance to catch up and thrive.
Myth: All Teaching Methods Are the Same
Not all reading instruction is created equal. You might assume that any form of tutoring will be effective, but the teaching method is incredibly important. Some older, less effective strategies encourage children to guess words using pictures or the first letter. While this can look like reading, it doesn’t build the foundational skills needed to decode unfamiliar words independently. A truly effective approach is based on the Science of Reading, which focuses on explicitly and systematically teaching the relationship between sounds and letters. This ensures your child is learning how to read, not just how to guess.
Fact: Early Intervention is Key
The flip side of the “wait and see” myth is a powerful fact: early intervention works. When you provide targeted support as soon as you notice a struggle, you can fundamentally change your child’s academic path. A reading tutor can give your child the focused attention they need to build skills and close any gaps before they become overwhelming. This proactive approach does more than just improve reading ability; it also protects your child’s self-esteem. Getting help early prevents the years of frustration that can make a child believe they are “bad at school.” An accelerated summer program can be a great way to provide this focused support.
Fact: Specialized Support Matters
Effective tutoring isn’t just about doing more worksheets. It’s about providing specialized support tailored to your child’s exact needs. A great tutor will start by identifying precisely where the breakdown is happening—is it with rhyming, blending sounds, or remembering letter shapes? From there, they use proven, multisensory techniques to build those specific skills. This is the core of structured literacy, an approach designed for how the brain actually learns to read. By finding an expert who can offer this kind of individualized instruction, you’re not just getting a homework helper; you’re getting a specialist who can rebuild your child’s reading foundation, one block at a time.
How to Choose the Right Tutor
Once you have a few potential candidates, it’s time to find the perfect match for your child. This decision goes beyond credentials on a resume; it’s about finding a professional who not only has the right skills but also connects with your child and understands their specific needs. Think of it as an interview process where you’re looking for a key partner in your child’s educational journey. A great tutor will be transparent about their methods, create a customized plan, and build a positive, encouraging relationship with your learner.
To make the right choice, you’ll want to be prepared. This means having a clear set of questions, knowing what a strong teaching approach looks like, and being aware of potential red flags. Taking these steps will help you confidently select a tutor who can make a real difference and set your child on a path to reading success.
Ask These Questions During the Interview
When you chat with a potential tutor, having a list of questions ready can help you guide the conversation and get the information you need. This isn’t about grilling them, but about understanding their approach and ensuring it aligns with your child’s needs. Start with the basics, like their experience, availability, and how they communicate progress with parents. Then, you can get more specific about their teaching philosophy.
A great tutor should be able to clearly explain the methods they use. Ask them directly about their familiarity with evidence-based approaches like the Orton-Gillingham method. You can also ask how they tailor their instruction for different learners and what a typical session looks like. Their answers should give you confidence that they have a structured, thoughtful plan.
Assess Their Teaching Style
A tutor’s teaching style is critical. You want someone who doesn’t just use a one-size-fits-all program but instead starts by figuring out exactly what your child needs. A competent tutor will begin with an assessment to pinpoint specific challenges, whether it’s with phonemic awareness, decoding, or fluency. From there, they should develop a personalized learning plan that meets your child at their level and builds their skills systematically.
Look for a tutor whose methods are aligned with the Science of Reading. This means their instruction should be explicit, sequential, and multisensory, engaging sight, sound, and touch to help concepts stick. Their style should be patient and encouraging, creating a safe space where your child feels comfortable making mistakes and celebrating progress.
Red Flags to Watch For
Trust your intuition during the hiring process. If something feels off, it probably is. One of the biggest red flags is a tutor who makes grand promises of a “quick fix” or guarantees results in an unrealistic timeframe. Meaningful progress takes time and consistent effort. Also, be cautious of anyone who relies heavily on unproven theories, like teaching to a child’s supposed “learning style.” Effective reading instruction is based on proven science, not fads.
Another warning sign is a lack of transparency. A qualified professional should be happy to discuss their methods, provide references, and explain how they’ll track your child’s progress. If a tutor is vague about their strategy or dismisses the importance of a structured literacy approach, especially for a child with learning differences like dyslexia, it’s best to continue your search.
Request a Trial Session
Before you commit, ask if the tutor offers a trial session. This is an excellent way to see them in action and gauge whether they are a good fit for your child’s personality and learning needs. A trial lesson allows you to observe their teaching style firsthand and, most importantly, see how your child responds to them. Does your child seem engaged and comfortable? Does the tutor build a positive rapport?
Many professional tutors and services are confident in their ability to connect with students and are happy to arrange an initial meeting. This gives you a chance to assess their effectiveness without a long-term financial commitment. Think of it as a test drive—it’s the best way to ensure you’re making a confident and informed decision for your child. The right PRIDE Reading Specialists will understand the importance of this initial connection.
What Does a Reading Tutor Cost?
Understanding the cost of a reading tutor is a crucial step in finding the right support for your child. The investment can feel significant, but it’s helpful to think of it as an investment in your child’s confidence and future academic success. Prices can vary widely based on the tutor’s experience, qualifications, and location. While it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, remember that a tutor with specialized training in programs like the Orton-Gillingham approach often provides more effective, targeted instruction, which can lead to faster progress and be more cost-effective in the long run. Let’s break down what you can expect and how to make tutoring work for your family’s budget.
Typical Price Ranges
The hourly rate for a reading tutor can range from around $35 to over $150. In major metropolitan areas, you might see rates on the higher end of that spectrum, sometimes reaching $350 for highly sought-after specialists. This variation usually reflects the tutor’s credentials and experience. A tutor with a master’s degree in reading education and certifications in specific interventions for dyslexia will naturally charge more than a college student offering general homework help. When you see a higher price, it often signals a deeper level of expertise that can be essential for children with specific learning challenges.
Look for Package Deals
Many tutors and tutoring centers offer package deals that can make their services more affordable. Buying a block of sessions upfront—say, 10 or 20 hours—often comes with a lower hourly rate compared to paying session by session. This can be a great way to save money if you’re committed to a long-term plan. On the other hand, some tutors offer a pay-as-you-go model, which provides flexibility and doesn’t require a large upfront payment. This option is perfect if you want to try out a tutor before committing or if your child only needs short-term support.
Ask About Payment Plans
Don’t hesitate to talk about your budget. Most tutors understand that families have financial considerations and are often willing to work with you. When you interview a potential tutor, be direct and ask if they offer payment plans. Some may be open to splitting the cost of a package into monthly installments, making the expense much more manageable. A good tutor is focused on helping your child succeed and will often be flexible to find a payment solution that works for both of you. This simple conversation can make high-quality tutoring much more accessible for your family.
Explore Financial Assistance
Before you commit to any paid services, see what free resources are available. Many tutoring organizations, including our own PRIDE Reading Specialists, offer a free consultation to discuss your child’s needs. This is an invaluable opportunity to get expert advice and an initial assessment without any financial pressure. It helps you understand what kind of support your child requires and whether the tutor is a good fit. Taking advantage of these initial consultations allows you to make a more informed decision, ensuring your investment goes toward the right kind of support for your child’s reading journey.
Comparing Popular Reading Tutoring Services
Finding the right tutoring service can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Each program has a unique approach, and what works for one child might not be the best fit for another. The key is to match the service’s teaching style to your child’s specific learning needs and personality. To help you get started, here’s a look at some of the most popular reading tutoring services and what makes each one different. This comparison can help you narrow down the choices and find a program that will truly support your child’s reading journey.
PRIDE Reading Program
The PRIDE Reading Program is built on the highly effective Orton-Gillingham approach, making it a standout choice for children with dyslexia and other learning differences. It uses a structured literacy framework that is explicit, systematic, and multisensory, engaging kids through sight, sound, touch, and movement. This method helps build strong neural pathways for reading. The program is incredibly user-friendly for parents to teach at home, with scripted, open-and-go lessons. For families who prefer one-on-one expert guidance, PRIDE also offers tutoring with certified PRIDE Reading Specialists who are trained in this specific methodology. A placement test ensures your child starts at the perfect level, making learning feel successful from day one.
Sylvan Learning
Sylvan Learning is known for its personalized tutoring programs that focus on building a strong foundation in reading and comprehension. Their process begins with an assessment to pinpoint your child’s specific strengths and weaknesses. Based on the results, they create a customized learning plan that combines direct instruction from tutors with interactive technology. Sylvan aims to make learning engaging and fun to help build confidence alongside academic skills. They provide regular progress reports to keep parents informed and ensure students are on track to meet their goals. This approach is great for students who benefit from a blend of personal guidance and independent practice in a structured center-based environment.
Kumon
The Kumon method centers on self-paced learning and mastery through daily practice. Students work through a series of worksheets that gradually increase in difficulty, allowing them to build skills incrementally. The goal is to foster independence, strong study habits, and a sense of discipline. While tutors are present to guide and support, the emphasis is on the student learning to tackle problems on their own. Kumon’s reading program covers everything from phonics to literary analysis. This highly structured, worksheet-based approach is often a good fit for self-motivated students who thrive on routine and can work independently, but it may not be ideal for children who require more dynamic, multisensory instruction.
Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center offers individualized tutoring programs for a wide range of academic subjects, including reading. Their process starts with a comprehensive academic evaluation to identify skill gaps. From there, they develop a personalized learning plan tailored to your child’s needs. Tutors at Huntington are certified and focus on building both skills and confidence. The instruction is a mix of one-on-one teaching and independent practice work. Huntington’s approach is beneficial for students who need a customized plan to address specific academic challenges and who work well in a traditional learning center setting. They aim to help students improve their grades and build lasting motivation.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors is a flexible online platform that connects students with a massive network of independent tutors for one-on-one instruction. You can browse through tutor profiles to find someone who matches your child’s specific needs, learning style, and personality. The platform offers a wide range of subjects, including specialized reading support. Because it’s entirely online, it provides a high degree of convenience and scheduling flexibility. Lessons are personalized, and the platform includes features like a shared whiteboard and session recordings. This is a great option for families who want the ability to hand-pick their tutor and prefer the convenience of remote learning.
Club Z! Tutoring
Club Z! Tutoring offers the flexibility of both in-home and online tutoring, allowing you to choose the environment where your child learns best. They provide personalized, one-on-one instruction in reading and other subjects. The process begins with an assessment to identify areas for improvement, which is then used to create a customized learning plan. Club Z! matches students with a tutor who they believe will be a good fit based on academic needs and personality. Their main focus is on convenience and creating a comfortable, low-stress learning environment that helps students build confidence and improve their academic performance with tailored support.
Mathnasium
As the name suggests, Mathnasium’s primary focus is on math tutoring. However, some locations may offer reading support or broader homework help, though it is not their core specialty. Their method is designed to help students understand math concepts in a way that makes sense to them, building confidence and critical thinking skills. While their approach to math is highly regarded, parents seeking dedicated, specialized reading intervention should clarify what reading services their local center provides. If your child needs help in both subjects, it could be a convenient option, but for intensive reading support, a program specializing in literacy is typically more effective.
Learning Rx
Learning Rx takes a different approach by focusing on cognitive skills training, or “brain training.” Instead of tutoring academic subjects directly, their programs are designed to strengthen the underlying cognitive skills necessary for learning, such as attention, memory, and processing speed. Their reading programs target the root causes of reading struggles by improving auditory processing and other core skills. This can be a powerful option for students whose difficulties stem from cognitive weaknesses rather than a lack of instruction. It’s a unique, intensive approach that aims to make learning easier and more efficient across all subjects by strengthening the brain’s core abilities.
How to Make the Most of Tutoring
Hiring a reading tutor is a fantastic step, but your involvement is the secret ingredient that makes it truly effective. Think of it as a partnership between you, your child, and their tutor. When you work together, you create a powerful support system that helps your child build skills and confidence far beyond their weekly sessions. Your role isn’t to become a second teacher, but to create an environment where the lessons can stick and your child can flourish. By taking a few simple steps at home, you can amplify the benefits of tutoring and help your child see reading as a positive and rewarding part of their life.
Create a Supportive Learning Space at Home
Your child’s surroundings have a big impact on their ability to focus and learn. You can set your child up for success by creating a dedicated, distraction-free space for their tutoring sessions. This doesn’t need to be a separate room; a quiet corner of the kitchen or living room works perfectly. The key is consistency. Make sure the area is well-lit, comfortable, and free from the noise of TVs, siblings, or pets. Having all their materials—like pencils, paper, and books—ready before the session begins shows your child that this time is important and helps them transition smoothly into learning mode.
Reinforce Learning Between Sessions
One of the biggest advantages of tutoring is the personalized attention your child receives. To maximize its impact, you can reinforce new skills between sessions. Ask the tutor for one or two simple things you can practice with your child for just 5-10 minutes a day. This could be reviewing specific letter sounds, reading a page from one of their decodable books, or playing a quick word game they learned. This consistent, low-pressure practice helps solidify concepts and shows your child that reading skills are used every day, not just during their tutoring hour.
Focus on Building Your Child’s Confidence
For a child who struggles with reading, confidence is just as important as phonics. Many children with reading difficulties, including dyslexia, often feel anxious or embarrassed. While a great tutor will provide encouragement, your praise at home is invaluable. Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome. Acknowledge how hard they’re working to sound out a tricky word or how focused they were during a practice session. Pointing out their progress, no matter how small, helps shift their mindset from “I can’t do this” to “I’m getting better at this.” This positive reinforcement can transform their entire attitude toward reading.
Keep Practice Consistent and Fun
Consistency is more effective than cramming. Short, daily reading practice builds momentum and creates a lasting habit. Work with your tutor to find ways to make this practice enjoyable. Many tutors use multisensory activities that you can adapt at home, like tracing letters in sand or using magnetic tiles to build words. You can also use engaging materials like colorful Alphabet Books or fun stories. The goal is to build positive associations with reading. When practice feels more like play, your child will be more willing to engage, making the entire learning process smoother and more successful.
Related Articles
- How to Find the Right Reading Tutor for Your Child – Structured Literacy | Pride Reading Program
- Find the Best Online Dyslexia Tutor: A Parent’s Guide – Structured Literacy | Pride Reading Program
- Best Online Dyslexia Tutor Program for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my child need a reading tutor? This is one of the most common questions I get, and the honest answer is that it varies for every child. The goal of tutoring isn’t to create a long-term dependency; it’s to build the skills and confidence your child needs to become an independent reader. The timeline depends on their specific challenges, how consistently they attend sessions, and how much they practice between lessons. A great tutor will set clear, measurable goals from the start and will be able to show you the progress your child is making along the way, which will give you a much better sense of the journey ahead.
What’s the difference between a school reading specialist and a private tutor? Both are valuable resources, but they serve slightly different functions. A school’s reading specialist is a wonderful asset, but they often work with small groups of students and must divide their time among many children. A private tutor provides dedicated, one-on-one instruction that is completely tailored to your child’s pace and needs. This allows them to dig deep into specific challenges and provide the kind of intensive, focused support that is often necessary to help a struggling reader make significant gains.
How should I talk to my child about getting a tutor without making them feel bad? This is such an important conversation, and framing it positively makes all the difference. I always suggest presenting the tutor as a personal “reading coach.” You can explain that reading is a skill, just like playing a sport or an instrument, and sometimes it helps to have a coach with special tools to make it easier and more fun. Reassure them that everyone needs help with something and that this is a way to get stronger. The focus should be on support and empowerment, not on fixing something that is “wrong.”
My child has a tutor, but I’m not seeing huge improvements right away. Is it working? Progress with a struggling reader is often more of a slow and steady climb than a giant leap. Rebuilding a child’s reading foundation takes time, and the first signs of success might not be what you expect. Instead of perfect reading, you might notice your child is more willing to pick up a book, sounds out a word instead of guessing, or seems less anxious during homework time. These are huge wins! Keep the lines of communication open with your tutor and ask them how they are tracking progress—often, they can point out small but significant steps forward that you might have missed.
Can I just use a reading app instead of hiring a tutor? Reading apps can be fantastic tools for practicing skills and can certainly supplement your child’s learning. However, an app can’t replace the diagnostic and responsive instruction of a skilled human tutor. A tutor can identify the precise reason your child is struggling, adapt the lesson in the moment when they see frustration building, and provide the encouragement needed to keep going. For a child with a learning difference like dyslexia, this personalized, multisensory guidance is essential for building a solid foundation.