How to Know When a Third Grader Needs a Tutor

Parents notice a big step in their children's education when they enter third grade. Not only do children start to learn many new skills; this is also the first year for many that students go through state-wide standardized testing. Thus, it's imperative that parents know when to hire outside help to bolster their child's education. The following steps help you determine if your third grader needs tutoring.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Get to Know the Teacher

1. Meet with the teacher early in the year to let her know that you support her efforts where your child's education is concerned. Offer your phone numbers and email addresses. Get your teacher's phone numbers and email addresses as well so you can communicate with her

2. Pay attention to any signs that your child is not doing well--notes home about behavior issues, bad scores on homework or tests, or a lack of library books coming home each day. These are all warning signs your child's interest in school is dropping off or that there might be a learning issue.

3. Volunteer as a room mother or assist on field trips. During these times, pay attention to how your child relates to his fellow students. Pay attention to how your child does in class circle situations when the students share and during times when he works alone. If you see disinterest or problems grasping concepts while his classmates are doing them easily, you may need to take him to a tutor.

4. Quiz your child on flashcards for math and spelling. Keep track of the ones he continues to struggle with and see if there are fewer problems each time. If your child's skills aren't improving, tutoring is a good idea.

School Work

5. Take a good look at your child's school work, particularly Language Arts where reading and writing is involved. Legible school work that is complete means the child is doing well. If handwriting is still hard to read by third grade, it's important to get your child evaluated.

6. Ask for a reading list from the teacher. Read with your child every night for 15 to 30 minutes. If you child is having difficulty reading, then a tutor will help.

7. Work on math with your child. Make it is fun and exciting. Play games like making change from a dollar or bake cookies and go over fractions. If she seems disinterest, gets angry or just plain won't do the work with you, you should discuss with the teacher about hiring a tutor.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect your child to do well in school and be happy.
• The faster you take action, the easier it is down the road.
• If the child is not bringing home school work, that is a sign that you need to take action.
• Give rewards for doing school work.