A tutor can reinforce what’s taught. She can teach needed study skills.

Children with learning disabilities can get the practice they need to master skills.

Children often become more self-confident students after being tutored.

When choosing and working with a tutor:

• Talk to your child first. Explain how a tutor might help.

• Get recommendations. Ask your child’s teacher what kind of tutor would be best. Talk to other parents.

• Involve your child. Interview several tutors with your child. See who best suits your child’s personality and learning style.

• Check credentials. Find out if the tutor has experience working with students at your child’s grade level. Is she trained to address the special needs of your child?

• Set clear goals. Try to link the plan for tutoring to schoolwork.

• Schedule a good tutoring time. Your child might be too tired right after school.

• Watch your child work with the tutor. Is the teaching hands-on? Interactive?

• Check how things are going. Request periodic reports from the tutor and your child’s teacher. If your child’s work isn’t improving, try another plan. Or seek another tutor.

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