Vocabulary Tutor: How to Pick the Right Tutor

Resources for Tutoring in Vocabulary

One-on-One Tutoring

One-on-one tutoring for vocabulary can be especially helpful for English language learners (ELL) or children with reading disabilities. Your child's school or teacher may be able to make arrangements for you or suggest a private tutor for your child.

If you're considering hiring a professional tutor, check his or her background experience and credentials. A qualified elementary school teacher should be a good choice. If your child is an ELL student, someone with a teaching background in that area would be particularly beneficial.

Also, inquire about teaching methodology. A good tutor should utilize multiple teaching methods and know how vocabulary should be taught. He or she should be knowledgeable about using context clues and using multiple meanings of words. The tutor should also teach word roots and decoding skills.

Community Volunteer Tutoring Resources

Some schools run after-school programs, which are managed by professional educators to provide help with all aspects of student learning, including vocabulary study. It's important to make sure that the professional in charge is qualified to tutor and has the credentials to teach your child.

In addition, some community organizations have partnered with local colleges to create mentorship programs offered free of charge. Your child may benefit from the help of a college student majoring in education.

Home Learning

Talking to and reading with your child are two ways to help him or her hear and read new words. Conversations and questions about interesting words are easy ways to incorporate new words into everyday speech. For example, if a book uses the word 'fabulous' to describe something, ask your child to infer its meaning from the context. Reinforce the leaning by asking your child to describe a fabulous experience from the past.

When discussing a new word, it should only take a few minutes; try to avoid too much disruption from the reading or conversation. Also, choose which words to talk about carefully. The best words to explore with your child are ones that are common among adult speakers but are less common to see in the books your child might read.

When introducing new words to your young learner, provide simple, kid-friendly definitions. Use an example that makes sense within your child's daily life and encourage your child to develop his or her own example. Additionally, keep the new words active within your house by using them in conversation.