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Tips for your first tutoring session

For a tutor, every student is different. The first few days are critical when you start tutoring a new student. These days help you lay a foundation for an ongoing relationship with the student. It will also set your expectations and agenda for future sessions.

One-to-one tuition requires a different approach than teaching an entire class. Be enthusiastic and set a comfortable environment. However, the essential thing is to form a bond with the student. Gain their trust, especially young ones, like in first grade. If you can build trust, you can teach and help them grow better.

Need clarifications? Try these simple tips.

Tip 1: Ask the correct questions

The first tip is critical, and you shouldn’t ignore it. To deliver a great first lesson, you need to have all the information. Thus, ensure you ask the correct questions, like:

  • Specific subjects you will be teaching
  • Age/level. Tutoring for 1st grade is different from tutoring higher classes. So, knowing the age/level is critical.
  • The exam board you will be preparing the student from
  • The areas where the student is suffering

Tip 2: Be organized

If you want the tutoring session to go smoothly, be organized. Go fully organized and prepared for the session. Of course, there will be exceptions requiring changes. However, most times, being organized is essential. It includes:

  • Have all your materials ready and with you when you go for the sessions. It will help you pick one when you need it.
  • Prepare yourself mentally to ensure you feel confident about what you are teaching.
  • Create notes about the questions students can ask, concepts, and more. Take them with you to be better prepared.
  • Whether you go to tutor the student at their house or they come to you, it matters. Ensure it is well-lit and organized. Keep clutter out to ensure better productivity.

Tip 3: Be patient.

One of the best tips to follow while tutoring is to exercise patience. Whether the kid is young, like in the first grade or in higher classes, it doesn’t matter. Because young children are still developing and have a shorter attention span, you will need patience for everyone. Moreover, have patience when teaching a kid for the first time. It will take time to create a bond and build trust. The key is patience and going slow. For example, be compassionate if you have an assignment for a kid who didn’t complete it. Maybe they are struggling with it. Get to the root of the problem and help the student get out of it.

Patience also means going slowly. For instance, if you teach a concept, ensure they understand it well. Don’t overwhelm them with new concepts every day. Instead, let them ask questions to clarify one thing before moving on to other concepts.

Tip 4: Be on time and dress well

Being on time is always good. However, if this is your first session, ensure you arrive on time. When you are on time, it creates a positive impact. Set an early alarm to ensure you don’t have to make lame excuses when you arrive late. Also, dress to impress and ensure you don’t want to intimidate the child.

Tip 5: Make sure the learning environment is safe and secure

A student will learn better by creating a secure and safe learning environment. It can take many shapes. For instance, if you are teaching a kid online, use a space that doesn’t cause any distractions by keeping your workspace clean. Also, if you think the kid will feel anxious about the live video option, go with live text or audio.

If you are teaching one-on-one physically, make the environment comfortable. Teach them where they feel comfortable, like on the kitchen island.

Tip 6: Always leave them homework

To ensure your student excels, practicing what you teach is essential. It means homework, no matter how much the student complains. Do homework and learn fun. Use efficient homework tips to feel excited while teaching them a new skill.

As you start tutoring a new kid, remember tutoring a first grader is different than teaching older students. So, you may have to change your teaching skills accordingly. However, patient, compassionate, and positive tutors can get the best results.

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