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Tutoring and homework help Beta
A neighbor who helps your child with homework, reading, math or a tough class, at your kitchen table, the library or by video.
- How often
- Weekly
- Where the work happens
- Looking after people or pets
- Who it suits
- Can suit a teen, with a parent's okay
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Tutoring is regular, one-on-one help with schoolwork. It can mean getting through tonight's homework, practicing reading, filling gaps in math, or getting ready for a test.
Parents look for it when a child is falling behind in one subject, needs someone other than mom or dad to explain it, or simply works better with a calm, steady person beside them.
A tutor nearby can meet after school without a long drive, and an older student from the neighborhood who just took the same classes can be an easy person for a younger kid to talk to.
Also called: homework help, math tutor, reading tutor, after school tutoring, in-home tutor, test prep tutor.
What's usually included
- Working through homework and checking it together
- Explaining an idea a different way when the class explanation didn't land
- Reading practice, flashcards and study skills
- Practice before upcoming tests or quizzes
- A short note to the parent after each session on what was covered
What to ask before you hire
- Which subject and grade level, and what's the goal: catching up, keeping up or getting ahead?
- Where will sessions happen: your home with a parent there, a library, or by video?
- How long is each session, and how often?
- Can the tutor see the teacher's assignments or class materials?
- How will you tell whether it's helping, and when will you check in?
Staying safe
- Meet the family first, and for in-person sessions have a parent or guardian at home or meet somewhere public, like a library
- For video sessions, the parent sets up the call and stays nearby
- Parents stay in charge of decisions about school, testing and learning support
Tutoring and homework help by town
Questions people ask
Can a high school student tutor my child?
Yes, an older student can tutor younger kids well, with their own parent's OK. Meet them, ask which subjects they're strongest in, and try a session.
How do I know tutoring is working?
Agree on a goal at the start and check in after a few weeks. Ask your child and their teacher what has changed.
Can tutoring happen online?
Yes. Video sessions can be easier on busy evenings, though a parent nearby is still a good idea for younger kids.
Can a tutor help with a learning difference?
A tutor can help alongside school support, but isn't a replacement for it. Talk with your child's school about what support is available.
Thinking of offering this yourself?
- Teens with a parent's OK can be great tutors for younger kids, while adults with teaching or subject experience often take older students
- Know the subject well enough to explain it three different ways, and say so when something is outside what you know
- Be on time, plan each session, and send the parent a short note afterward
- Set your own price for your area by subject, grade level and session length
- When kids actually enjoy the sessions, families come back term after term
