Crafting the Perfect Tutoring Session for Grades K-8

Every adult knows, if you enter a situation without a plan you are unlikely to succeed. The same goes with tutoring young students! In this month’s post, we will explore an effective strategy for scheduling tutoring sessions that will provide structure and predictability to young students. By breaking down the session into four engaging parts, we can make each session a positive and productive experience.

Part 1: Catch Up and Set Goals
Just as it is with learning in the classroom, the first part of a tutoring session should be establishing (or re-establishing) your personal connection with your student. A simple, casual discussion about how school has been, any challenges or successes the child has experienced, or perhaps a common interest you both share. All children appreciate being seen and treated as an individual rather than just another student for a lesson. When this is done, set up 3 goals together for the lesson of the day. Encourage student input so they can take ownership of their learning journey for the day.

Part 2: The Warm Up
Just like stretching before a workout, the warm-up phase is vital for preparing young minds for focused learning. This stage may vary depending on what is being taught. It may take the form of a quick review of previous lessons, a fun educational game, or a short discussion on the topic at hand. The key is to activate your students memory and ease them into the learning zone. For example, if the tutoring session is about math, a warm-up could involve a quick mental math challenge or a puzzle to get those problem-solving gears turning. Having work from prior sessions can also be helpful here, especially if you work to correct any mistakes together!

Part 3: Practice and Review
Now, it’s time to dive into the heart of the session. This is when your student engages in hands-on learning activities, practices new concepts, and reviews challenging topics. The tutor will guide them through exercises, answer questions, and provide feedback. Interactive learning tools, such as educational games, flashcards, or online quizzes, can make this part enjoyable while reinforcing important skills. The focus is on understanding and applying what they’ve learned in a supportive and interactive environment. As the lesson progresses, make sure to take note of student progress and compare it to past work once the session concludes to gauge what kind of progress they are making.

Part 4: Wind Down and Chill
Every tutoring session should end on a positive note. The wind-down phase is a chance for your child to reflect on what they’ve accomplished and for the tutor to provide constructive feedback. Find at least one thing to celebrate, no matter how small, and discuss any areas that may need more attention. If you have time, establish an activity the student enjoys and use that to cap off your session. Naturally this activity will vary depending on the student, but it is important to create a positive association with learning, by giving the student something to look forward to after a day’s hard work.

To conclude, the structure of a tutoring session doesn’t have to be some complicated daunting task. By ensuring that your session consists of these four parts, your student will be able to find comfort in a predictable learning routine as you create an environment where learning becomes an exciting adventure. Don’t forget to include the input of your young-student as well so they can enjoy your success with you! If you have any questions about our process and its applications, reach out through our contact-form and we’d be happy to show you the ropes.