Every child has ups and downs in school, so it can be hard to know when a rough patch is normal and when your child needs more support. Here are the signs I'd pay attention to, how different kinds of tutoring compare, and the questions to ask before you hire anyone, including me.
Signs your child may need a reading tutor
- Their teacher has mentioned they're reading below grade level, or report cards show they aren't meeting standards in reading or writing.
- Reading homework regularly leads to frustration, tears or avoidance.
- They guess at words instead of sounding them out.
- They read slowly and with a lot of effort, and lose the meaning along the way.
- Spelling doesn't seem to improve, even with practice.
- Their writing is much weaker than what they can tell you out loud.
- They've started saying things like "I'm bad at reading" or "I'm not smart."
- You've noticed some of the early signs of dyslexia.
If one or two of these sound familiar, start by talking with your child's teacher. If several do, or they've lasted for months, one-on-one support can make a real difference.
Homework help vs. skills-based tutoring
These are two different things, and it helps to know which one your child needs.
- Homework help supports your child in getting assignments done and understood. It's a great fit for kids who are mostly on track but need structure, organization or a patient adult to explain things.
- Skills-based tutoring goes back to find and fill gaps in foundational skills like phonics, fluency, spelling or math facts. It's the right fit when a child is behind or struggling with the basics, because homework help alone won't fix a missing foundation.
Why one-on-one matters
In a one-on-one session, every minute is spent on your child's exact needs. A good tutor notices the moment a child hesitates, adjusts on the spot and celebrates small wins, which builds confidence along with skills.
7 questions to ask any tutor
- What training do you have in teaching reading? Look for a credentialed teacher with training in structured literacy approaches like Orton-Gillingham.
- How will you figure out where my child is struggling? A good tutor starts by checking specific skills, not just grade level.
- What methods do you use? For struggling readers, you want explicit, systematic phonics instruction, not guessing strategies.
- How will I know it's working? Ask how progress is tracked and how often you'll get updates.
- Will you connect with what my child is doing in class? Tutoring works best when it supports classroom learning.
- Where and how often are sessions? At home, a library or online, and how many times a week. Consistency matters a lot.
- What does it cost, and what's your cancellation policy? Get the practical details upfront.
Finding a tutor in the Conejo Valley and West Valley
I'm a credentialed, Orton-Gillingham certified teacher with 15 years in education, and I work one-on-one with K–6 students in reading, writing and math. I meet families at home or at local libraries in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Woodland Hills and Encino. My rates are $75/hour for homework help and $100/hour for Orton-Gillingham reading intervention with custom lesson plans. Reach out and tell me about your child. I'm happy to answer any of the questions above.