As a parent, there’s nothing harder than watching your child struggle. What happens when your child struggles to keep up in school or you’re unsure how to help them improve? You’ve tried helping with homework, setting up study schedules, and even finding extra resources—but nothing seems to click. As a reading coach, I’ve heard this scenario from countless parents. Ready to ditch the frustration and uncertainty and find a workable solution?
Online reading tutors can provide personalized, expert support that meets your child where they are and helps them grow. But how do you know if an online reading tutor is the right fit for your child? Here are nine key signs to help you make an informed decision.
1. Your Child Struggles with Phonics or Decoding Skills
Struggles with phonics (connecting letters and sounds) and decoding (translating written words into language) can be major barriers to reading success. If your child demonstrates the following difficulties while reading, they may need extra help.
- Has trouble sounding out words
- Mixes up letters and sounds
- Can’t blend sounds together or
- Frequently guesses words instead of decoding them
How a tutor can help:
- Online reading tutors use structured, researched-based strategies, like systematic phonics instruction, to help children master decoding. With targeted practice, your child can master phonemic awareness (hearing the sounds in words) and progress to remembering patterns and rules to put words together and break them apart (phonics).
- These targeted lessons are tailored to meet your child’s unique needs and ensure steady progress.
- A comprehensive initial assessment reveals areas of strengths and weakness and places your child at the level they need. With each lesson, an expert tutor evaluates whether the current level is correct or if your child needs to be moved to a different level and area of focus.
2. Your Child Is Falling Behind in School
Falling behind in reading impacts performance across all subjects. Signs your child may be struggling in school include:
- Difficulty completing reading assignments and homework
- Complaints about school being hard or boring
- Trouble understanding instructions
- Teacher feedback about falling below grade-level expectations or off-task behavior during instruction.
How a tutor can help:
- Online tutors provide one-on-one attention, focusing on the areas where your child needs the most help.
- This personalized support can close gaps in skills and help your child catch up.
- Your child can work one-on-one or in a small group setting with students at the same level. This positive interaction provides encouragement and support, even if your child is not yet at grade-level expectations.
3. Your Child Lacks Confidence in Reading
Struggling readers often feel frustrated or avoid reading altogether. You might notice:
- A lack of interest in books
- Statements like, “I hate reading!” or “Do we have to read today?”
- Hesitation to read aloud
- Negative self-talk like, “I’m not good at reading.”
How a tutor can help:
- Online reading tutors create a positive, encouraging environment where your child feels safe to take risks and make mistakes.
- By celebrating small successes, tutors help rebuild your child’s confidence and motivation.
- Online tutors teach a variety of strategies and provide just the right level of challenge so your child is comfortable and able to succeed.
In one of my recent online tutoring sessions, one of my fourth-grade reading students was reading at a second-grade level. He was angry and frustrated with his teachers and his mom. His confidence was so shattered that he was in tears whenever he was asked to read aloud. However, with one-on-one instruction in phonics, his attitude completely changed. One day during our reading session, he announced proudly, “Reading was fun today; I like doing silly voices, and I’m pretty good at it!” Restoring confidence that he could be successful completely changed his outlook on reading.
4. Your Family Has a Busy Schedule
Family life is on the go, and you probably feel exhausted chauffeuring your child to their many activities. Between school, sports, and family commitments, finding time for in-person tutoring can feel impossible.
How online tutoring solves this problem:
- Online sessions are flexible and can fit into your family’s schedule. Parents have the option to choose before or after school or even into the evening hours.
- They also have the option of tutoring to keep your child on track during the summer months and holidays.
- No need to commute—your child can log in and learn from the comfort of home or on the go as you juggle family responsibilities.
This convenience makes it easier to prioritize your child’s reading development, even with a packed calendar.
5. Your Child Enjoys Using Technology
Many children are naturally drawn to technology, making online tutoring an engaging and enjoyable way to learn. As a parent, you may be worried about more screen time, but short, targeted sessions use technology as a tool that will enhance their academic development and give them the tools they need to succeed in life.
What makes online tutoring fun for kids:
- Interactive tools like virtual whiteboards, games, and digital books.
- A dynamic, engaging approach that feels less like “school” and more like play.
- Digital rewards and prizes that can be redeemed for special rewards.
If your child enjoys screen-based activities, an online reading tutor might be the perfect fit, and you can feel better that they are learning during their screen time!
6. You Value Research-Based Instruction
You want to ensure your child is receiving high-quality instruction grounded in the latest research. Look for tutors trained in the Science of Reading, which focuses on key areas like:
- Phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds)
- Phonics (connecting letters and sounds)
- Fluency (reading smoothly at a good rate and with expression)
- Vocabulary (learning the meaning of new words)
- Comprehension (understanding the meaning and making connections)
How online tutors deliver effective instruction:
- They use proven, structured methods to teach reading skills.
- They are equipped to help with learning difficulties like dyslexia.
- They personalize lessons to match your child’s strengths and challenges.
7. Your Child Struggles with Reading Comprehension
Some children can read the words on the page but struggle to understand what they’re reading. Signs of comprehension difficulties include:
- Trouble answering questions about a text
- Not making connections with what is happening in the story
- Difficulty summarizing stories
- A lack of interest in reading longer passages or sections without pictures
How a tutor can help:
- Online tutors teach strategies like summarizing, making predictions, and asking questions to improve comprehension.
- These skills help children connect with what they’re reading and make it more meaningful.
- Online tutors use a variety of interactive games to keep students engaged in what they’re learning.
8. You’re Looking for an Affordable Option
In-person tutoring can be costly, but online tutoring is often more budget-friendly.
Cost advantages of online tutoring:
- Flexible pricing options to suit your budget. Many programs offer monthly, weekly, or even yearly rates, so you can choose the plan that works best for your family.
- You can pause your tutoring sessions if you need to take a break during a vacation or a busy season.
- Trial sessions to determine if this is the right fit without any obligation to continue.
- No travel costs or time wasted commuting.
Online tutoring offers a high-quality, affordable alternative that works for many families.
9. You Want to Stay Involved in Your Child’s Progress
As a parent, you want to stay informed and engaged in your child’s learning journey.
How online tutors keep you involved:
- Regular progress updates from your child’s reading coach.
- Easy access to coaches to let them know any areas of concern or suggestions with what works best for your child.
- Detailed feedback on your child’s strengths and areas for growth.
This transparency ensures you can support your child and celebrate their successes every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
If any of these nine signs sound familiar, an online reading tutor could be just what your child needs to succeed. Whether your child is struggling with decoding, comprehension, or confidence, an online tutor can provide the personalized, expert guidance they need to thrive.
At Savvy Learning, our tutors are trained in the Science of Reading and specialize in helping children overcome reading challenges. With flexible scheduling, engaging lessons, and evidence-based instruction, we’re here to help your child develop the skills and confidence they need to become a strong, independent reader.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about how Savvy Learning’s online reading tutors can support your child’s journey to reading success!