If you have used a tutor for your child, could you share your experience?

[OceanAnnie]

Did you use a company like, Sylvan, or go with an individual not affiliated with a program? I'm considering a tutor for my child. I'd like to hear from people that have been there.

Thanks.

 

[golfgal]

We had a tutor for DS18 the summer before his 4th grade year. We had him do a phonics program with one of the teachers from his school. There were about 6 other kids that she worked with at the same time-all the same age. The school had adopted a new phonics program for the Kindergartners and 1st graders and we LOVED the program so we had our older kids do the 4th grade recovery program so they could get a background with the program.

The teacher lived at the end of our street, had the kids over to her house for the sessions so DS just walked to her house. She charged $10/session-I think they were an hour long-but she had 7 kids there at a time.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My dd used a tutor for HS math. She used the teachers at her school that did tutoring and there were many that made extra money by tutoring.

She was lucky enough to be liked by her math teachers who directed her to the special ed teacher who tutored math. Very great lady and taught my dd not only math but how to take the test in addition to studying for it.

Basically you had to get yourself set up pretty quick almost before school started and let's say the good tutors were highly selective with who they took on, because they could be.

 

[LiberalPrincess]

My son has had a math tutor for the past two years. He really loves science, but his math skills were really slowing him down, and both my husband and I are a bit math-challenged, to say the least.

It has been an incredible asset for him. We found the tutor by calling a local college and talking to their off-campus jobs department. The tutor is a math major and just the nicest kid you could imagine. He has not only helped my son with the actual work, but has found a way to make math fun and interesting for my son. It has been a fantastic experience all the way through.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Thanks guys.

I have a meeting scheduled with the teacher soon. Thinking of ways to help my DD.

 

[crazymama]

We have a math tutor for DS12. He has "Nonverbal Learning Disabililty" and really struggles in math. His other subjects are pretty good (unless they involve math ... ie science at times.) The tutor is a Grade 7 Math teacher on maternity leave and she is just great with him. Somehow she can reach him with the concepts. We pay $40 for the hour but it is just him so he gets her undivided attention. She goes back to teaching in January but luckily is at the same middle school that he attends. It works for us....

 

[2Kds2K9]

I've used various tutors over the years and I prefer to use a teacher either with the school, or associated with the school. (a retired teacher) It makes it easier as the tutor is then aware of what is being covered in the class and can work with the classroom teacher.

Good luck.

 

[agnes!]

My DD had a tutor for most of her Precalc class last year. The reason?...well, let's just say the teacher was retiring and leave it at that . Best money we ever spent - cost $45/hour. Thank God DD was brave enough to admit she needed help before it was too late. I e-mailed some friends in a panic a couple of weeks before the end of the 09/10 second quarter, said it was an emergency and that DD needed a good math tutor right away. Someone recommended the one we used and she was fantastic. Oh, and I bought a barely-used/almost-cheap textbook (same edition) for the tutor to keep - I think off of Amazon or Alibris? - and it was in better shape that DD's own book! That was a good decision too - DD didn't have to lug her book to/from and she could e-mail the tutor about a specific problem without having to meet.

What's really hysterical is that this year DD is taking AP Calculus and has one of the two highest grades in the class - says it's her easy class . (Of course, it helps that this teacher isn't retiring and is a *great* teacher.)

agnes!