Investing in Your Child

As a teacher, I know all too well about the curriculum demands placed on students. Students at every level of schooling are being asked to balance a heavy load of homework with their extra curricular programming. While the benefits of excelling in both can not be understated, many students are finding the load too heavy to carry alone. As I see it, there are two primary reasons why students struggle at school.

Gaps in learning act as cracks in the foundation. It's quite common to see bright students struggle in school. Often times a concept that has previously been misunderstood will come back to haunt them. Reduced study periods due to a hectic lifestyle allow those gaps to widen, as students neglect to revisit and relearn concepts, further contributing to their struggle.

Poor study skills and organizational habits. As students progress in school so do the demands of their workload. Note-taking, time management and study and organization skills are a necessity yet these skills are not formally taught at school. Instead, these habits are acquired in a "survival of the fittest" fashion. Those that are naturally inclined to keep their "ducks in a row" succeed, while others without those innate skills sets are left by the way side.

Learning is a life-long endeavour, so it's important to realize that there's no quick fix. There are however viable solutions. Invest in your child's education. It sounds trite, but it's true. Many students require guidance on the road to success. The assistance they need can not always be provided by the classroom teacher during a busy school day. As parents, time may also be a factor. Providing your child with one-on-one tutoring may be the best investment you can make. One-on-one tutoring at your home limits unnecessary distractions and saves you time.

Unlike learning centers that gear their lessons to larger groups, one-on-one tutors plan their lessons around the unique needs of your child. A qualified and personable tutor can utilize your child's strengths in order to fill in the gaps and build upon concepts. The best tutors are motivated individuals that have obtained academic success and are able to provide insight into their own study skills and organizational habits.

While tutors come with a price tag, the right tutor can make all the difference in your child's academic success.