Preparing for Online Tutoring
Have you ever wondered how you can set your child up for success before their first online tutoring session?
It can be difficult to know how to get them prepared and ready. What if they don’t have everything they need? What if they are nervous? What happens if they become easily distracted?
I know this new way of learning can seem difficult at first but know that you are fully capable of helping your child succeed.
Most importantly, I believe that Jesus will lead and guide you every step of the way. I am praying for you and your homeschooling journey. Here are a few tips that will help you get started in this new process.
1. Provide a Clean Space for Your Student to Work
Keeping your student’s workplace as clean as possible is essential for the student to be engaged and focused with his or her online tutor. Removing clutter and making sure your student has a place to sit, write, or work on math equations is important for them to learn new skills that will enhance their educational journey.
2. Have Extra School Materials on Hand
Having extra school materials, such as pencils, pens, crayons, white boards, calculators, etc. on hand will give your student peace of mind as they get ready to log on with their virtual tutor to learn. No one, especially a child, deserves to be caught off
guard when the tutor mentions grabbing a piece of paper or a white board. If all these materials are close at hand, the student can be confident before and throughout their session because they know they are fully prepared and capable of learning.
3. Provide a Quiet Space for Your Student to Learn and Keep Focused
Having a quiet school space, such as a personal room, corner nook, or office can help immensely and give your child the chance to show what they know. Reducing distractions such as TV, video games, and cell phones will keep them attentive during their session.
If you know that your house is busy during a certain time of day, schedule your student’s session during a time that’s the most relaxed for you both. When you’re relaxed, they will be also.
If, for some reason, something unexpected happens and your house gets extra noisy, it’s a good idea to have a pair of headsets your student can put on. This will help shut out the noise, so they are more focused on what their tutor is saying instead of the people surrounding them.
No matter what you decide, making sure the tutoring area is comfortable and stress free is what matters. Children need the assurance that they can learn and be fruitful in their academic success, while also having fun.
4. Post a Visual Schedule So the Student Can Check Off What They Have Completed Rewarding your student is very important. Children crave the attention and praise of
their parents. They want to please you! They want to see your eyes light up when they
read a full sentence correctly or they get a high score on a math exam. They love it when you’re involved.
Maybe setting up a schedule with what they must complete that day during tutoring will give them a visual on how to stay on task. You can check off the work they completed together and reward them with stickers or a word of praise. Whatever you decide, remember, encouraging your child doesn’t have to be in the form of an extravagant gift. It can be the smile on your face from across the room when they answer a question correctly, or the sound of you jumping up and down in glee as they finish another assignment. No matter what, your child is just happy you are there for them and that you care. They want to know that you are proud of their success.
5. Pray and Encourage Your Student
The most important thing that can help your child succeed is your prayers. You can remind them that they can do all things through Christ who gives them strength. They have nothing to fear because Jesus is with them and fills them with peace. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Your words, and especially your prayers, matter more then you know. You set the stage for them to have a successful, fun, and exciting time learning and getting to know their tutor. Proverbs 22:6 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
As you get started on your homeschooling and online tutoring journey, remember to pray for, not only your student, but for yourself as well. The most important thing you can teach your student is that with God all things are possible. Your student can learn, their education can soar, and one day, what they thought they couldn’t do, will be mastered.
So, I encourage you to pray before your student starts each class. Praise God for how well they are going to do and thank the Lord for everything they learned when class is complete.
Always remember, Matthew 19:14 “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Be sure to point your student to the one who loves them most: Jesus.
A Prayer for You
Heavenly Father, I pray over everyone reading this. I pray you give them guidance as they choose how to homeschool their children and raise them for Your glory. May you lead and guide them to the place they are supposed to go. Guide a tutor into their lives that will uplift, encourage, and help their child succeed in their education journey. In Jesus’ Name Amen.