Ultimate Tutoring Guide: How to Become a Tutor and Stay Great

Whether you’re already a tutor or aspiring to become one, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of tutoring—what it means to be a tutor, what it takes to succeed, and some practical tips to help you on your journey. So, let’s dive right in!

What Does a Tutor Do? 

A tutor’s primary role is to support their student’s academic goals. This means doing everything in your power to help the student (the tutee) reach their academic potential, in line with their goals. As a tutor, you do this by helping your tutee to understand challenging concepts and by developing their confidence when faced with assessments. Confidence is crucial—your ultimate aim as a tutor is to help your tutee become independent and capable of tackling academic challenges without constant support. Success as a tutor is marked when your tutee no longer needs you because they have gained the skills and self-assurance to thrive on their own.

 

SMART goal setting

One of the first things that a tutor should assist their tutee with is to set goals. This helps you both to get onto the same page about what you’d like to achieve in the long run. It is, however, very important to keep the goals realistic and attainable. If they are not, you run the risk of setting your tutee up for failure. This is not something that any tutor wants! 

be a tutor smart goals

Building tutee confidence

Sometimes children or students understand their work well, but still are not achieving the marks that they want. This usually comes down to a lack of confidence in their own ability. As a tutor it is important to be able to discern between when a tutee is struggling with content and when it is about confidence. 

If you determine that a tutee’s main challenge is with confidence, you’ll need to lean into practice and repetition. Providing ample opportunities for your tutee to practise will help reinforce their skills and boost their confidence. 

 

When Do Students Need Tutors? 

People reach out for tutors for a wide variety of reasons. Some parents seek out tutors when their children are just shy of distinctions, while others do it when their children are failing subjects. Some tertiary students seek out a tutor when they have an assignment due and don’t understand the subject matter or even just require direction in their reading and writing. Beyond challenges with subject matter, people also seek out tutors when they have learning difficulties. The reasons for requiring tutors are as varied as people themselves. For this reason it is important to try to fully understand a tutee’s needs, along with their goals, before jumping headlong into a tutoring plan. Careful consideration is crucial.  

Supporting Children with ADHD

Why Become a Tutor? 

Being a tutor is one of the most rewarding things to do. It is so much more than just a job. If you are passionate about helping others and supporting the growth of those around you, then tutoring might be for you. However, outside of the fuzzies, there are plenty of other benefits to tutoring. 

If you’re new to the working world, consider our Get Work Ready program.

Work experience

Many students turn to tutoring as a job because it is a great way to build up your professional experience and CV, even if you do not plan to go into the education sector. This is because any opportunity to prove that you can conduct yourself with dedication and professionalism is one worth grasping. 

To learn more about getting great client feedback and glowing references, check this article out.

get a job

Extra income

We live in a world of side-hustles – there is no denying that. What better way could there be to generate some additional income while also sharing your knowledge with the next generation? There is no reason that you can’t earn an extra income while helping someone else. 

Flexibility in work

You get to set your own schedule, choose which clients you are willing to take on and which subjects you want to teach. The old adage still remains true though: The more you put in, the more you get out. So if you approach your tutoring with dedication and determination, you will be able to build a thriving client base. 

 

What Do I Need to Become a Tutor? 

To be a tutor you need a few basic skills and attributes, that we’ll discuss in more detail soon. But the most important quality is the desire to be great. To be a successful tutor you have to really WANT to be tutoring and helping your tutees to grow. 

Academic excellence

This is likely the most obvious and most important of all of the necessary qualities for a good tutor. You have to have a solid understanding of the content of whichever subject you choose to tutor. This can either be based on getting excellent marks in school or as a result of studying further and taking associated subjects at tertiary level. In addition to this, if you want to tutor school children you also need to stay up-to-date with the latest curriculum requirements f. 

Patience and optimism

You should ideally be a patient person who can whip up optimism. When assisting someone to learn challenging concepts it’s important that you are able to encourage them, no matter how slow the process might feel. Getting impatient with your tutee is never going to lead to a positive result. Conversely, remaining patient depends on your ability to be optimistic and believe that your tutee WILL grasp the concepts they’ve been struggling with. 

Time to dedicate

While tutoring can be very flexible, you do still need to have some time available to put into it. This means not only lesson time, but also preparation time. Each lesson needs to be planned out for the individual tutee. Sometimes this means creating resources to use during the lesson or even choosing videos to watch together. Preparation takes many different shapes, but it does take some time and dedication. Without this time and dedication, tutoring may not be for you. 

Respect and professionalism

While these are traits that you can hone with experience, you need to understand their importance to be a good tutor. As a tutor you often interact with families different to what you may be used to. It’s important to have respect for clients, regardless of how different from you they may be. In addition to this, you have to be able to conduct yourself professionally at all times. This refers to your communication and ability to be punctual as well. Every one of your client interactions builds on people’s impression of you.  

Effective communication

The ability to transfer knowledge from yourself to your tutee is critical. Without a doubt, teaching difficult and confusing ideas and content will put your communication skills to the test. Always keep in mind that if you cannot clearly communicate what your tutee needs to know, then they will not be able to learn it. Further to this, you may also need to communicate clearly and effectively with your tutee’s parents – making this a pivotal skill in your toolbelt. 

Training or experience

While tutoring does not necessarily require any specific kind of degree or qualification, experience goes a long way. This experience could be informal, such as helping your younger siblings or friends at school. Every little bit helps to hone your skills in teaching others. If you have no experience, it’s recommended that you tutor through a company that has an in-house training program to ensure that you have all the tools you need to succeed. You can also access online open-source resources to help you grow. 

Check out some awesome tutoring tips here

 

Tutoring Across Different Age Groups

Depending on the kinds of tutoring you’re most comfortable with, you might find yourself tutoring children and adults in different stages of their lives. That’s part of what makes tutoring so exciting! Below we’ll go over some basic information surrounding what you can expect from tutoring different age groups. 

Kindergarten and primary school

Especially pro-active parents often reach out for assistance for their young children. This usually happens if a teacher identifies aspects in which the child may not be functioning at the same level as their peers. Kindergarten tutoring typically takes the form of assisting with basic numeracy and literacy development. 

In addition to tutoring specific subjects to younger children, parents also often seek out tutors to assist with general homework supervision. If you are open to this, you would need to make sure that you have a basic understanding of most primary-level subjects. This may require a fair amount of research and preparation if it’s not something you’ve done before. 

To learn more, check out this article on Teaching Literacy and Numeracy.

tutoring tips

High school

When it comes to tutoring high schoolers, you really need to be a subject expert. The ideal is that you should have excelled at school at the subject you want to teach. If you have tertiary experience with the subject, that goes a long way too. If you’ve been out of school for more than 5 years you should not just assume that you still know and understand the curriculum. A lot could have changed and it’s important to do that research. In terms of subjects to tutor, the requirements of clients can be pretty varied. That said, trends do lean towards Math, Sciences and languages. 

Tertiary students

Tutoring at a tertiary level can be quite complex. This is because module content varies so much between different institutions. Just because you did well at Statistics at one university, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be able to tutor it to someone at a different university. For this reason, we recommend that you always first review a course outline before committing to a client to be safe. 

In addition to this, the golden rule is always to be honest. Don’t over-promise and wind up under-delivering. Rather tell a client that you’re not sure that you can help them, but that you are willing to give it a trial. See?! We’re back to why effective communication is so important. 

Adults

Outside of university students (who are obviously adults) you may also come across adults requiring tutoring outside of tertiary requirements. This is usually related to learning a language, but not limited to that. As an example, someone could just be interested in learning about coding and seek out a tutor to help get them started and perhaps give them some direction. In this case you would be expected to structure content based on your own knowledge. Alternatively, you could look into the structure of online courses or similar. You could even use your own university resources as a starting point. With cases like this you really have a lot of freedom, provided you and the client are both happy with the agreed upon approach.   

become a tutor

Tutoring Children With Special Needs

With an ongoing increase in people seeking professional help and subsequent diagnoses being made, it often happens that clients need help for tutees with learning challenges. The most common of these include ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. We’ll go over all of these briefly, as understanding how to tailor your approach is crucial to helping these students succeed. 

ADHD

Tutees with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) typically have challenges with executive function. As such, they struggle to regulate their ability to give adequate attention to a given task. Depending on the main category that they fall into, they may be prone to either inattentiveness or hyperactivity/impulsivity. For the former the tutee might have a hard time staying focused and on track with content being covered. For the latter the problem may be the same, but may also present as hyperfixation on irrelevant content, making it difficult to cover the necessary volume of work. 

Check out more in this article to learn about Coping with and Helping Students with ADHD.

 

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder is otherwise known as Autism, Asperger’s (outdated term, but still used) and ASD. It’s a developmental disorder which can cause difficulties with communication and some behaviours. It can range in spectrum from severe, where children don’t speak at all, to mild. In milder cases children are slightly socially awkward and have trouble understanding cues. 

As a tutor you can help by making sure to be understanding and aware of the child’s needs. Don’t make a situation more socially awkward if you can easily break the ice. Find out what the child’s interests are and centre lessons around those. Try not to focus on one topic for too long, as children with Autism often grasp concepts very easily. Make sure to stick to a routine as this will help the child know what to expect and decrease anxiety.   

 

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that is primarily characterised by difficulty reading and/or writing. This can take many different forms in terms of the specific challenges that your tutee might face. To adequately help them, it’s important to understand their specific challenges and adapt your teaching methods accordingly.  

For more on this topic, please check out our article on Tutoring Students with Dyslexia.

 

Dyscalculia

Much like Dyslexia is with words, Dyscalculia is with numbers. It is a learning challenge that affects a person’s ability to do Math. It makes it difficult for them to understand numbers and may hamper their ability to learn to manipulate numbers and perform calculations. At a more fundamental level it may even make it difficult for them to understand concepts like bigger and smaller than something. While it’s not as often discussed, some estimates indicate that it is just as common as dyslexia (estimated to affect between 5 and 10 percent of the population). 

For more on this topic, please check out our article on Tutoring Students with Dyscalculia.  

 

How to Stand Out as a Tutor

Because being a tutor is such a great job, there are a lot of people out there who do it. With tutoring becoming increasingly popular, standing out in a crowded market is important. We’re going to look at 3 main ways to make sure that you stand out, but you can also check out our article on how to be a great tutor here

 

Become a tutor who learns

Constant personal growth and development is what sets the good apart from the great. To be exceptional you should be reading, learning and growing as much as possible. Outside of staying on top of your subject matter, you also need to try to stay up to date with trends in education and learning methods. The more you know, the more you will be able to help your tutees smash their academic goals. 

Find your niche

While it can be tempting to be a Jack of all trades, it’s highly recommended that you find your niche. Keep in mind that focusing on a niche field doesn’t mean that you can’t still dabble in others on occasion. It’s just a way for you to master a specific tutoring segment, which will allow you to stand out. Your focus area should be age- and subject-specific. That way you can put your efforts into developing that particular skill set. 

Upskill your online game

On-demand is increasingly the way that people choose to learn. While it is unlikely that contact sessions will ever be completely redundant, providing quality online lessons is just another way to stand out from the crowd. Many tutors say that they are online-capable, but there is a difference between being merely capable and being truly effective. Read up on the different online platforms available and make sure to pick the one that best suits your niche. You can also experiment with different online tools and tricks to level-up your skills. The better you are at providing high-quality online lessons, the more in-demand you will be. 

 

What is it Like to Tutor With BrightSparkz Tutors? 

Getting into the tutoring game on your own can be quite daunting. It’s daunting for clients as well! That’s why BrightSparkz is so well-positioned. We manage a lot of the administrative processes so that you can focus on your tutees. Let’s look at some of the main benefits to tutoring through BrightSparkz. 

 

Client sourcing is taken care of

BrightSparkz spends a lot of time and effort on sourcing quality clients and managing the relationship until the point that they are ready to book tutoring services. This means that you don’t need to worry about exposing yourself to strangers who may or may not go ahead with booking. On top of that, we handle all of the payment collection and tax bits and pieces, so that you don’t have to. It’s a win-win! 

Work experience and referrals

Working as a contractor for such a well-established organisation means that you have something more substantial to put on your resume than just informal tutoring. On top of that, we are happy to help out with referral letters on request wherever possible for our tutors who have put the time and effort into their clients. 

Training and support

When you’re accepted to join the BrightSparkz team we offer a short introductory course on the basics of tutoring to help set you up for success. Because we’re invested in our clients, we’re also invested in our tutors. That means that we’re here to support you while you find your feet and become the awesome tutor we know you can be. 

In addition to introductory tutor training, we also offer you different niche fields to branch into. All of our additional products like Little Sparkz, Study Skills Crash Course and language boot camps also have their own training courses that you may be eligible for. 

Our resource library

Along with providing guidance where possible, we also host a Resource Library that is open to our amazing tutors. Here you can find worksheets and other resources for some of our popular tutoring segments. In addition, we’re always open to accepting more resources from our top-shelf tutors, so it just keeps growing. 

Being part of a dynamic team

Joining BrightSparkz means joining a dynamic team of professionals who genuinely want the very best for all of their clients and tutors. We’ve been around for many years and know what it takes to succeed. Being a part of our team, means being a part of that success. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to be part of a winning team? 

 

If you believe that you have what it takes and want to become a tutor, you can begin the fully online application process by following this link

This article has been adapted from our sister site.

Top 6 Tips to Be a Great Tutor

The only way to truly be a great tutor is to practise your craft. Experience means a lot! That’s why we’ve consulted our most experienced tutors and put this list of our top 6 best tips together for you. 

Be a great tutor

1. Have a Sense of Humour

A sense of humour can ease tension during a session, especially when working with shy or reluctant students. It lightens the atmosphere, making lessons more enjoyable, feel quicker, and, most importantly, memorable. The more memorable the lesson, the more likely the content will stick!

2. Maintain a positive attitude

Students can sometimes become overwhelmed by stress, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of motivation. During these times, your positivity and encouragement can make all the difference, helping to boost their confidence and engagement.

3. Set realistic expectations

Effective tutors understand the importance of tailoring expectations to each student’s unique situation. Goals should neither be too low, which can appear dismissive, nor too high, which may create undue pressure. Striking the right balance fosters motivation and ensures progress.

4. Be consistent

Consistency is key to creating a positive and predictable learning environment. When students know what to expect from you in every session, they feel secure and are more likely to succeed. Reliability builds trust and sets the stage for long-term progress.

5. Try to be fair

Fairness involves setting clear goals, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive atmosphere. Avoid being overly critical or creating a confrontational environment. Instead, encourage students to improve through positive reinforcement and helpful guidance.

6. Stay flexible

While consistency is important, life can be unpredictable. Interruptions and challenges may arise, so maintaining flexibility is essential. Be adaptable when setting homework tasks and goals, and adjust your approach as needed to suit changing circumstances.

For more insights, check out our Ultimate Guide on Tutoring!

Problems Facing First-Time Tutees

Many students feel nervous in a one-on-one tutoring environment, especially if it’s their first time. They may struggle to articulate their feelings or pinpoint what they find difficult. Your role is to create a supportive, welcoming environment that encourages open communication.

Building confidence: Some students may not have received much encouragement in their studies and could doubt their potential. Take time to set realistic goals together, emphasising their strengths to build their self-esteem.

Breaking down barriers: Students may see their tutor as an assessor rather than an ally, particularly if preparing for exams. Adopt a friendly, approachable style and focus on boosting their self-assurance to create a non-confrontational dynamic.

Encouraging participation: Students might feel uneasy being in the spotlight during one-on-one sessions. Avoid dominating the conversation. Instead, encourage open dialogue, invite students to express their opinions, and build their confidence by reassuring and praising their efforts.

Patience is essential when addressing any challenges. Your ultimate aim is to help students feel comfortable and confident in the subject, even when they make mistakes.

Encouraging Student Participation to be a Great Tutor

Students are more likely to engage when:

  • They feel comfortable around you.
  • You show respect and encouragement, especially when they make mistakes.
  • Learning feels like a collaborative effort rather than a rigid exercise.
  • Tasks are realistic and agreed upon together.
  • They are encouraged to express their feelings rather than simply being lectured to.
  • Feedback is regular and clear, reducing the chance of miscommunication.

Tips for engaging shy or unresponsive students:

  • Avoid simply giving answers; reframe your questions instead.
  • Ask open-ended questions to promote independent thinking.
  • Balance tutor input with student contributions.
  • Gently encourage quieter students without overpowering them.

Wrapping Up Lessons

To gauge how your student feels about their progress, ask open-ended questions like:

  • What has been the most important thing you’ve learned today?
  • Do you have any questions after today’s lesson?

Review homework to ensure they understand the tasks and feel confident tackling them.

Self-evaluation: Create a checklist for yourself to reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement. This will help you stay focused and be the best tutor you can be!

 

This article has been adapted from our sister site.

How to get Great Client Feedback and Glowing References

A strong, successful tutoring “career” is a valuable way to build up your resumé, especially if you have little (or no) work experience. Even after you complete your studies and go out into the working world, many employers will look for relevant experience and good references on top of your qualifications. That’s why we’re here to show you how to get great client feedback! 

get Great Client Feedback

To learn more about setting yourself up for entering the working world, check out our blog on Landing Your Dream Job!

Tutoring as a part-time job doesn’t only provide you with a very respectable way to build up your resumé, it also affords you the opportunity to gain various skills. Some such skills include interpersonal communications, dealing with different types of people, teaching, time management, and patience to name but a few. Below we’ll go over the most important pointers to maximise your chances of receiving positive client feedback and great references from your tutoring career! 

 

Professional Conduct

  • Punctuality is essential! Few things will deter a potential employer more than a prospective employee who is consistently late. By ensuring you are always on time for your tutoring sessions, you will create a positive impression.
  • Be thoroughly prepared for every lesson and ensure you have the necessary resources for the material you will be covering. Arriving unprepared wastes both your client’s time and money.
  • Present yourself neatly, cleanly, and tidily when attending tutoring sessions. This demonstrates a professional attitude and respect for your role.
  • Show dedication to all the students you tutor. As a tutor, you play a significant role in shaping their academic progress—a position of responsibility and privilege. Avoid cancelling lessons unnecessarily or abandoning students during crucial periods, such as exams.
  • Be honest about your teaching abilities. If you lack confidence in a particular topic, admit it rather than risking further confusion for the student. Prioritise their best interests by researching the subject and returning to the lesson better prepared.

Relationships

  • Strive to build rapport with your students. Be friendly yet professional, using examples relevant to their interests and stage of life. Tailor your tutoring methods to suit their learning style wherever possible.
  • Set high expectations for your students. Encourage them and be firm when requesting homework or school materials. Minimise distractions, such as mobile phones, during lessons to maintain focus.
  • Maintain a strong relationship with both students and their parents (your clients). Always greet parents (if present) when you arrive and bid them farewell when you leave.
  • Provide regular feedback on the student’s progress. Some parents may prefer to be more involved than others. Keep them informed of any concerns about the student’s education and suggest areas for improvement when appropriate.
  • Support your student in achieving their goals (within reason) and celebrate their successes, such as improved grades. If you identify additional ways to help, make recommendations to the parents to further enhance the student’s development.

Get Great Client Feedback and Secure Excellent References

Fostering a positive and respectful relationship with clients and students can be highly rewarding. By maintaining professionalism and a shared commitment to the student’s success, you contribute to achieving a common goal that benefits everyone involved, including their school teachers.

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure you receive excellent client feedback and develop valuable skills to enhance your resumé.

 

Outstanding references are crucial in today’s competitive job market, both locally and internationally. BrightSparkz Tutors is frequently contacted by organisations seeking references for tutors, and great client feedback allows us to provide glowing recommendations. This will be a significant asset as you move forward in your career.

 

To read more about being a great tutor, check out our Ultimate Guide on Tutoring!

This article has been adapted from our sister site.

Tutoring Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Tutor Session

As tutors, we know that each student has unique ways of understanding and retaining information. To be effective, we must adapt our approach to meet the individual needs of each student. Preparing carefully for every session ensures that we maximise the time we spend with our students, creating a productive experience for them—and a fulfilling one for us. That’s why we’ve put these tutoring tips together for you! 

Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of each tutoring session, from initial preparation to lesson structure and engagement tips.

 

Tutoring Tips

 

To read more about being a great tutor, check out our Ultimate Guide on Tutoring!

Tutoring Tips #1: Preparation Before the First Session

Before you even begin working with a new student, it’s crucial to establish a solid foundation. Here’s how:

  • Meet with Parents: Schedule a quick initial meeting or phone call with the student’s parents to understand their goals. Why are they seeking a tutor? What specific improvements do they hope to see?
  • Identify Key Learning Goals: Assess what the student hopes to achieve. Is it to improve grades, grasp certain concepts, or develop study habits? A clear understanding of these goals will guide your approach.
  • Get to Know the Student: Understanding the student’s interests and hobbies can help you incorporate elements that make the sessions more engaging and relatable.
  • Diagnose Challenges: If the student has known difficulties—such as trouble with specific subjects, learning differences, or study habits—address these early. This way, you can plan sessions that target these areas effectively.

To learn more about tutoring students with learning challenges, check out our articles on ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia

Tutoring Tips #2: Planning Each Tutoring Session

To get the most out of each session, having a structured plan is essential. This allows you to manage time wisely and focus on goals. Here’s what to consider:

  • Set Clear Objectives: Define what you want to achieve during each session, whether it’s mastering a particular concept, practising skills, or building confidence in the subject.
  • Develop a Lesson Plan: Prepare an instructional outline tailored to the student’s needs, complete with learning activities and exercises. Make sure it’s flexible enough to allow for adjustments based on the student’s progress and responses.
  • Provide Relevant Materials: Compile any textbooks, worksheets, or visual aids you’ll need, as well as exercises to reinforce learning.
  • Plan for Review and Homework: Design activities that allow you to assess understanding at the end of the session and prepare a set of exercises or tasks for the student to complete on their own. Homework helps reinforce new concepts between sessions.

Tutoring Tips #3: Conduct a Productive Tutoring Session

When it’s time for the session, your approach can significantly impact the student’s experience and outcomes. Follow these best practices:

  • Be Punctual: Arriving on time sets a professional tone and demonstrates respect for the student’s time.
  • Create a Positive Environment: A warm, supportive atmosphere helps students feel comfortable and more open to learning. Consider sitting beside the student rather than across from them to create a collaborative feel.
  • Begin with a Review: Start with a quick recap of previous objectives and material to ensure retention and build on past lessons.
  • Involve the Student Early: After discussing the session’s plan, engage the student right away. Active involvement increases understanding and interest.
  • Guide Rather Than Answer: When reviewing work, encourage the student to find and correct their own mistakes with your guidance. This builds confidence and problem-solving skills.
  • Listen Attentively: Take note of how the student explains concepts back to you. This will provide insights into their understanding and areas that may need more attention.
  • Track and Communicate Progress: Keep the student informed about their progress. Acknowledge achievements and gently address areas that need improvement. Regular feedback can boost motivation and clarify expectations.
  • Make It Fun: Adding interactive or playful elements, like games or real-world examples, can make the session more enjoyable. Engaged students retain information more effectively and feel more positive about the subject.
  • End on a Positive Note: Conclude each session with encouragement and a summary of achievements. This leaves the student feeling accomplished and motivated for the next session.

Final Thoughts

By preparing thoughtfully and conducting each session with purpose, you can create an environment that supports the student’s growth and ensures steady progress. Remember that tutoring is not just about teaching content—it’s about building confidence, fostering curiosity, and helping each student discover their potential.

This article has been adapted from our sister site.

Supporting Children with Dyslexia

Support children with Dyslexia

 

In this post we’re going to talk about ways to support children with dyslexia. While different sources vary somewhat in their estimations, it seems safe to assume that dyslexia affects roughly 6% – 15% of the population. Beyond that, it’s worth noting that dyslexia affects the vast majority of those with learning challenges (as per The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity).  

 

What is Dyslexia? 

Dyslexia is a learning barrier that causes an individual without other impairments to struggle with reading and writing. It can also affect other areas of a person’s life such as with memory skills, focusing and organisation. When you understand how to teach a student with dyslexia, you can help to improve their self-awareness as well as their cognitive skills by using teaching methods that include a multi-sensory approach. This can help them, not only in the classroom, but in other areas of their lives as well. Students with dyslexia differ significantly in their ability to give oral presentations; partake in discussions; write letters, numbers, and paragraphs; and spelling. In addition to this, they may also have difficulty working in noisy or disorderly settings.

 

To read more about tutoring students with ADHD or Dyscalculia, follow the links!

Tips to Support Children with Dyslexia as a Tutor

If you are helping the student with a project, outline the task before you start. Think it through and figure out what steps to take. Give specific attention to what is needed and how much time it will take to complete. Break a big project up into smaller and less intimidating sections.  Prioritise the work, not only by what is due, but also by what requires more or less time. In this way you can help the student through their difficulties related to executive function. 

During a lesson:

  • Provide step-by-step instructions.
  • Arrange work from the easiest to the hardest. Early success keeps students motivated to work!
  • Present new or difficult information in small parts and complete each section in steps.
  • A regular review of previous lessons can help students connect new and old information.
  • Don’t fall into the ‘no homework’ trap.  Instead, use any free time to do revision or begin work that is due later.
  • Oftentimes, asking the student to repeat directions and information in their own words can help them understand what is required of them. This is also a vital part for recalling information at a later stage when you are not necessarily there to assist.
  • Combine verbal and visual information. Studies show that dyslexic students are more likely to understand and retain visual information than information that is verbal or written.
  • Use visual prompts. Put symbols or bullets next to questions or activities that are worth more marks. This helps students to spend the right amount of time on each question.
  • For students who have difficulty with handwriting, the response mode should be changed to include a variety of answering methods such as underlining, selecting from multiple choices, sorting, or marking.
  • Reduce the amount of copying. Instead, ask the student to repeat what has been read or heard in his or her own words.
  • Have students turn lined paper vertically for math. This helps to keep numbers in the appropriate columns.

 

Finally, patience and encouragement is key! Build up a level of communication between you and your student to improve your understanding of one another. Communication and understanding will provide much-needed encouragement. Furthermore, it may also increase work performance and help to get the most out of your lessons together.

To read more about being a great tutor, check out our Ultimate Guide on Tutoring!

Do you have any thoughts or tips to share when tutoring a student with Dyslexia? BrightSparkz would love to hear from you! 

 

 

This article has been adapted from our sister site.

Supporting Children with Dyscalculia

Support children with dyscalculia

Dyscalculia affects around 6% of the population, yet many educators and parents are unfamiliar with its specific challenges. This article explores ways to support children with dyscalculia. We’ll specifically focus on what it is, symptoms at different stages, causes, and effective support strategies.

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects one’s ability to do mathematics and to grasp mathematical concepts. Students with dyscalculia struggle to learn mathematics and to develop mathematical skills despite an adequate learning environment at home and at school. There are different severities of dyscalculia and children will react or adapt to each differently. Some students might work hard to memorise simple number facts. Others may know what to do but not understand the reason behind certain mathematical methods or steps. Students with less severe dyscalculia might understand the logic behind math but are unsure how and when to apply their knowledge when solving mathematical problems.

Dyscalculia affects people throughout their lifespan. Children with dyscalculia tend to begin falling behind from as early as primary school. Oftentimes, students may develop a strong dislike for mathematics as a result. Once they reach secondary school, they usually struggle to pass math and science subjects.

 

Signs of dyscalculia by age

Dyscalculia includes a range of mathematical challenges that vary widely from student to student. A child’s symptoms may not mirror those of another, so it’s helpful to observe and document any difficulties. Sharing these observations with teachers and healthcare providers can help tailor support strategies. Dyscalculia signs differ by age but typically become more noticeable as children grow, though they can appear as early as preschool. Research on dyscalculia is still limited, so while mathematical difficulties are the primary indicator, we know little about which symptoms persist into adolescence and adulthood. Early identification is key to effective intervention; here are some known symptoms to look for across ages:

Signs in Kindergarten to look out for

  • Has trouble learning to count, especially when it comes to assigning each object in a group a number.
  • Has trouble recognising number symbols, such as making the connection between “7” and the word “seven”.
  • Struggles to connect a number to a real-life situation, such as knowing that “3” can apply to any group that has three things in it; 3 cookies, 3 cars, 3 kids, etc.
  • Has trouble remembering numbers, skips numbers, or counts in the wrong order.
  • Finds it hard to recognize patterns and to sort items by size, shape or colour.
  • Avoids playing games that involve numbers, counting and other math concepts.

Signs in Elementary School to look out for

  • Has trouble learning and remembering basic math facts, such as 2 + 4 = 6.
  • Struggles to identify mathematical signs (+-) and use them correctly.
  • May continue to use fingers to count instead of using more sophisticated strategies.
  • Has trouble writing numerals clearly or putting them in the correct column.
  • Has trouble coming up with a plan to solve a math problem.
  • Struggles to understand words and concepts related to math, such as greater than and less than.
  • Has trouble telling left from right, and even a poor sense of direction.
  • Has difficulty remembering phone numbers and game scores.
  • Has trouble telling time. 

Signs in High School to look out for

  • Struggles to apply math concepts to everyday life, including monetary matters such as estimating the total cost, making exact change and figuring out a tip.
  • Has trouble measuring things such as ingredients in a simple recipe.
  • Struggles finding his or her way around and worries about getting lost.
  • Has a hard time grasping information shown on graphs or charts.
  • Has trouble finding and using different approaches to the same math problem.
  • May lack assurance in activities that entail estimating speed and distance, such as playing sports and learning to drive.

Recognising symptoms to support children with dyscalculia

  • Difficulty imagining a mental number line
  • Particular difficulty with subtraction
  • Difficulty using finger counting (slow, inaccurate, unable to immediately recognise finger configurations)
  • Trouble decomposing numbers (e.g. recognizing that 10 is made up of 4 and 6)
  • Difficulty understanding place value
  • Trouble learning and understanding reasoning methods and multi-step calculation procedures
  • Anxiety about or a negative attitude towards maths 

Now that you are aware of the many and varied symptoms of dyscalculia, it will be easy for you as a tutor to spot any correlations or learning challenges should your student ever have these. If, during your tutoring sessions, you notice your student experiencing difficulty, it is important that you keep a record and then speak to his or her parents about your concerns.

 

Other impacts of dyscalculia

While we’ve discussed the academic effects of having dyscalculia, there are also many other facets of life that can be affected. 

  • Social skills: Failing repeatedly in math class can cause children to assume failure is unavoidable in other areas too. Low self-esteem can affect their inclination to make new friends or to partake in after school activities. 
  • Physical coordination: Dyscalculia can affect how the brain and eyes work together. Because of this, a child may have problems judging distances between objects. Sometimes they may even seem clumsier than others the same age.
  • Money management: Dyscalculia can make it difficult to stick to a budget and to estimate costs.
  • Time management: Dyscalculia can affect a child’s ability to measure quantities, including units of time. This can make it hard to stick to a schedule.

Associated learning difficulties

  • Dyslexia, or difficulty reading
  • Attention difficulties
  • Spatial difficulties (not good at drawing, visualisation, remembering arrangements of objects, understanding time/direction)
  • Short term memory difficulties (the literature on the relation between these and dyscalculia is very controversial)
  • Poor coordination of movement (dyspraxia)

There is still so much we don’t know about dyscalculia, and no definitive cause has been found. However, there are some ideas that researchers are still studying.

To read more about tutoring students with ADHD or Dyslexia, follow the links!

Possible Causes

While the exact causes are unclear, potential factors include:

  • Genes and heredity: Studies show that dyscalculia is more common in some families than others. Researchers have found that a child with dyscalculia often has a parent or sibling with similar math issues. 
  • Brain development: Researchers are using modern brain imaging tools to study the brains of people with and without math issues. What we learn from this research will help us understand how to help students with dyscalculia. Some studies have also found differences in the surface area, thickness and volume of parts of the brain. Those areas are linked to learning and memory, setting up and monitoring tasks and remembering math facts.
  • Environment: Dyscalculia has been linked to contact with alcohol in the womb. Prematurity and low birth weight may also play a role in dyscalculia.
  • Brain injury: Some studies show that injury to certain parts of the brain can result in what researchers call “acquired dyscalculia.”

At the end of the day, it comes down to a difference in brain function. Unfortunately, many people think that because it is in the brain, there is nothing to be done. This is not true! There are support systems out there, including occupational therapy and specialised tutors available to help children cope.

 

What Does All of This Mean?

The brain is highly adaptable, especially during childhood. Research shows that targeted training programs can improve brain function in areas involved with reading, and researchers are optimistic that similar methods can enhance mathematical processing for children with dyscalculia. While it’s unclear to what extent dyscalculia is shaped by genetics versus experience, studies continue to explore how specialised interventions might help “rewire” the brain, making math more accessible.

 

Tips to support children with dyscalculia (for tutors and parents)

If your student does have dyscalculia, there are many things that you can implement and do during your tutoring sessions to help him or her with their studies and academic outlook. 

  • Use concrete examples that connect math to real life. For instance, use examples that include their favourite things or shopping. This helps to strengthen their number sense.
  • Use visual aids when solving problems. Draw pictures or move around physical objects. Teachers and tutors can refer to this as “manipulatives”.
  • Assign manageable amounts of work so your tutee will not feel overloaded.
  • Review a recently learned skill before moving on to a new one, and explain how the skills are related.
  • Supervise work and encourage the student to talk through the problem-solving process. This can help ensure your tutee is using the right math rules and formulas.
  • Break new lessons into smaller parts that help to show how different skills relate to the new concept.
  • Let your tutee use graph paper to help keep numbers lined up or in columns.
  • Use an extra piece of paper to cover up most of what’s on a math test so your tutee can focus on one problem at a time.
  • Playing math-related games can help a child to have fun and to feel more comfortable with math and numbers.
  • If your lessons are online, record the sessions so that the tutee can go back over the content in their own time. 

 

Other ideas to support children with dyscalculia

These tips should be a great starting point and will hopefully prove useful in your tutoring. Here are a few more guidelines to keep in mind when structuring sessions: 

  • Boost confidence: Identify your tutee’s strengths and use them to work on (or around) weaknesses. Activities that tap into your tutees interests and abilities can help improve self-esteem and increase resilience. Try to pace yourself during your tutoring sessions and do not use more than one strategy at a time. This makes it easier to tell which ones are producing a good result and which are not.
  • Help your tutee keep track of time: Whether it is a hand on the shoulder, a few key words or an alarm – have systems in place to remind your time-challenged tutee when to start the next activity.
  • See what it feels like: Try to experience what it is like to have dyscalculia. Acknowledging that you understand what your tutee is going through is another way to boost his or her confidence and to improve your own level of understanding.
  • Be upbeat: Let your tutee know when you see him or her do something well. Praising effort and genuine achievement can help them feel acknowledged and supported. It can also give your tutee the confidence to work harder!

 

Support, patience and understanding are key!

To read more about being a great tutor, check out our Ultimate Guide on Tutoring!

If you would like a tutor to assist your child or student, contact BrightSparkz Tutors today!

This article has been adapted from the original 3-part series which can be found here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3    

Supporting Children with ADHD

In this blog we’ll run through a few great strategies for supporting children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). It includes challenges posed for tutors and teachers who might have students with ADHD as well as tips for tutors and children who have ADHD.

For more on being an amazing tutor, see our Ultimate Tutoring Guide!

ADHD can present the following challenges for tutors and teachers

  • Students require more attention than their peers.
  • Students have trouble following instructions, especially when presented in a list.
  • Students often forget to write down homework assignments as well as completing given work.
  • Students may have trouble with operations that require ordered steps, such as long division or solving equations.
  • Students usually have problems with long-term projects where there is no direct supervision.

ADHD can affect students in the following ways

  • Low grades
  • Teasing from peers
  • Low self-esteem

Supporting Children with ADHD

So what can we do to help and aid these students with their studies?

Patience, creativity and consistency are three of the most important aspects to take into consideration when tutoring or teaching students with ADHD. As a tutor or teacher, our job is to evaluate each individual student’s needs and strengths. We then need to develop our lessons and strategies in accordance with these.

Additionally, one of the most effective ways of helping students with ADHD is maintaining a positive attitude. Make the student your partner and say, “Let’s figure out ways to help you get your work done together.” Reassure the student that you will be looking for good behaviour and quality work. When you see it, support it with prompt and sincere praise. Finally, look for ways to motivate a student by offering rewards (such as a longer break or less homework).

To read more about tutoring students with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia, follow the links!

Tips for the Student

  • Sit away from windows and doors so as to minimise distractions.
  • Move while you work. Constantly moving can help you focus better on the task at hand.
  • Concentrate on certain words! Studies show that repeating anchor words like “focus” can block distractions.
  • When studying, try some brain entrainment music to help you stay focused. 

Tips for the Tutor

  • Give instructions one at a time and repeat whenever necessary.
  • Signal the start of a lesson with a cue and in opening the lesson, tell the student what he or she is going to learn and what your expectations are.
  • Tell students exactly what materials they’ll need.
  • Where possible, work on the most difficult material first. This can help to make the most of your session/lesson.
  • Colour-code sections of material and make use of visuals!
  • Test the student in the way he or she does best, such as orally or filling in blanks.
  • Divide long-term projects into sections and assign a completion date/goal for each.
  • Allow the student to do as much work as possible on a computer.
  • Make sure the student has a system for writing down assignments and important dates and uses it!
  • Establish eye contact.
  • Vary the pace and include different kinds of activities. Many students with ADHD do well with competitive games or other activities that are rapid and intense.
  • Allow for frequent (but short) breaks.
  • Summarise the key points before finishing the lesson.
  • Lastly, and most importantly – be patient and understanding.

 

At BrightSparkz Tutors we provide excellent one-on-one tutoring for all school-level subjects and are passionate about supporting children with ADHD. Get a tutor today! 

This article has been adapted from the original here