Children's Tutorials and Tutoring Programs

An Overview of Tutorials and Tutoring

Tutorials can be helpful if your child is struggling with a particular concept or studying for an exam. For example, if your child doesn't know how to do a math problem on his homework, he can find an online tutorial with a similar example problem.

In addition, tutorials can be helpful because they might present concepts differently than the teacher presented them at school. Since all children learn differently, seeing the material presented in a new way could give your child that 'lightbulb' moment. For instance, if your child is a visual learner, but her teacher tends to explain concepts verbally, then video tutorials or in-person tutorials using visual aids may be helpful.

Creating Your Own Tutorials

Before creating a tutorial for your child, talk to her teachers to find out about what she's learning in school and how she's performing academically. You may also be able to look up the curriculum on the school's website or your state's department of education website. Once you understand what your child needs to know and what she needs assistance with, you can design effective tutorials to help.

Tutorials can take a variety of forms, from using physical objects to demonstrating a math concept to helping your child look up vocabulary words in the dictionary. Instruction typically progresses through three initial stages: teaching the concept, providing guided practice and assigning independent practice.

At the teaching stage, consider using visual aids, step-by-step examples or mnemonic devices to help your child understand and remember a concept. After you've explained the concept, work through a few example problems with your child, and then give him a few to do on his own. After he completes each problem, go over it with him to correct any misconceptions. Once your child understands the concept, give him a set of new practice problems to complete on his own. This repetition will help solidify the material in his mind. You can also introduce fun activities and games that will help him remember what he's learned.

Finding Tutorials and Tutoring Resources

If you're short on time, there are a variety of online tutoring resources that can help your child, including many that are free of charge. For example, you can find tutorials for different grade levels and subjects on the Discovery Education website, and AAAMath.com specializes in math tutorials. Khan Academy is another website that provides free video tutorials on lots of subjects, as well as math practice problems.

Your child may also benefit from working with a private tutor. You can ask her teacher for advice on choosing a reputable local tutor, and you may even be able to take advantage of free tutoring resources available through your child's school. Some children are eligible for free tutoring from federal or state programs like Supplemental Educational Services.