I'm happy to have a guest post today with IvyTrainers.com who have several locations. Here's Dusty giving us some insights for parents and teachers about tutoring...
5 Ways Tutoring Helps Kids Grow and Excel in School
As a parent, you know what a tremendous responsibility–and at times, a challenge–it is to help your children succeed in school. Some kids take to formal education naturally, while others struggle to find their rhythm. And whether they find schoolwork easy or challenging, one of the most important takeaways from formal schooling is that kids grow to appreciate learning and just how valuable it is in life. Tutoring is a tool that can help them gain that appreciation and grow in many other ways. Here are some of the greatest benefits children experience as a result of working one-on-one with a tutor:
- It teaches them not to give up.
Kids who work with a tutor learn that it is possible to overcome difficulties. They see that investing time and effort can lead to great results, and that there’s no reason to give up when the going gets tough.
- It encourages problem solving.
School isn’t about just memorizing facts and figures; it’s about learning to solve problems when they aren’t always obvious. Tutoring gives kids the chance to ask questions, explore topics more thoroughly, and gain a deeper understanding of the solution.
- It leads to greater self-confidence.
By developing a greater understanding of the topic, your children will be poised for success, whether it’s in the form of knowing the answer when called on by a teacher or getting an A on the next exam. They’ll feel proud of themselves and be confident knowing that they are smart and capable students.
- It gives them an extra level of support (from an outside resource).
Not every student wants advice from mom or dad, and not every parent is well versed in all of the material their children are studying. Tutors are trained experts who focus on one or a series of topics. They partner up individually with each student to talk about strengths, weaknesses, and goals. They add to your children’s support system, ensuring they always have someone to talk to or seek academic help from.
- It minimizes anxiety and stress for your child.
Many kids find test-taking to be extremely stressful. Likewise, getting a failing grade on a report card or major project can bring about tremendous anxiety. By working with a tutor, they’ll be able to focus on difficult subject areas and feel more prepared for assigned exams and projects. They’ll also gain tools to evaluate their performance, identify areas for improvement, and then work towards better results next time.
School isn’t just stressful for kids; it can bring about a lot of stress for parents as well. You want to do your absolute best in supporting your children and encouraging them to love learning, but that can seem like an impossible task on your own. Tutors offer support to students and their parents, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and gain a positive outlook on lifelong learning.
Dusty Fox is a full-time world traveler and freelance writer who contributes to the Ivy Trainers network. Visit the Ivy Trainers website to learn more about the services they offer.
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Thanks Dusty! I know one of my own children has benefited from a tutor and I even had a tutor for reading when I was young. Great tips and insights! 
