Developing Family Tutoring Programs

Developing family tutoring programs requires the involvement of all of the key educators in a student's life. As primary educators of children, parents must meet with teachers and tutors to become aware of the academic requirements and progress of their children.

To develop a family tutoring program, families must take a concentrated interest in the academic development of students. A tutoring program that engages family members may involve parents or other relatives living with the child. The key requirement is a commitment from the relatives to the continual learning and development of the child.

The first step in designing a family tutoring program is for a child's teachers, parents and tutors to meet. The teacher explains the child's academic strengths and weaknesses. Parents can then provide better supervision to the tutor to ensure that core skills are being emphasized and mastered. This initial meeting allows all involved to be on the same page.

If a tutor is not involved in the process, family members can work with their children after school. With an understanding of the homework assignments that need to be completed and the goals of each class in mind, a parent can provide instruction by reading with a child or helping him with math problems. When concepts are too difficult for parents to explain, notes can be sent to the teachers to reinforce those topics in the classroom.

With everyone working together, the child is left feeling completely supported. A family tutoring program has the potential to remove the frustration that often accompanies a student's interaction with difficult concepts. With parents involved in the process, the responsibility of teaching is shared and the potential exists for children to learn more quickly.