Which Age Should You Begin Tutoring?

by Julie Diamond, OCT

The question of when to start tutoring often weighs on the minds of parents and educators alike. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the factors involved can help determine the best age to commence tutoring.

Early Childhood:

Tutoring for very young children, typically aged 3 to 6, often focuses on foundational skills and early development.

This may include:

1. Pre-Reading and Pre-Writing Skills: Introducing letters, numbers, shapes, and colors.

2. Language Development: Building vocabulary, sentence structure, and communication skills.

3. Basic Math Concepts: Counting, sorting, and recognizing patterns.

Tutoring at this age is often informal and play-based, designed to supplement early learning experiences rather than replace them.

Elementary School Years:

As children progress through elementary school tutoring can become more structured and targeted.

Starting around ages 6 to 7, tutoring may address:

1. Academic Support: Reinforcing math, reading, and writing skills learned in school.

2. Test Preparation: Introducing strategies for standardized testing (when applicable in your province).

3. Enrichment Activities: Exploring topics of interest beyond the school curriculum.

4. Study Skills: Teaching organization, time management, and effective study habits. It’s best to introduce these skills to students as early as possible to set them up for success in later years.

5. Self-Esteem: Children may begin to compare themselves to peers and talk negatively about their abilities. Support from a private tutor can help build their confidence and grit to keep trying.

6. Improve Focus & Self-Awareness: Introducing children to mindfulness at this age teaches them how to calm their minds and stay focused. These strategies are helpful tools for more effective learning and their daily lives. Check out more about our Mindfulness Course for Kids.

The main purpose of tutoring in elementary school is to build a strong academic foundation and create a positive attitude toward learning.

Middle School and Beyond:

By middle school (ages 11 to 13) and beyond, tutoring is typically more subject-specific and targeted toward academic success.

Considerations may include:

1. Subject Mastery: Providing curriculum-based support in challenging subjects such as math, science, or language arts. Pairing them with a tutor who is a certified teacher and has taught the course(s) is ideal so they know how to teach the material along with the course expectations.

2. Advanced Placement (AP) Tutoring or International Baccalaureate (IB) Preparation: These high-level courses have rigorous coursework and exam preparation. Therefore, having an experienced tutor who can support the course content and teach you how to take effective notes, stay organized and plan ahead of class is ideal.

3. College Readiness: Guiding students through the college application process, including essay writing and test prep.

We offer tutoring to help students with post-secondary applications. Sign up for our FREE university applications workshop or contact us for your own university prep session.

We also offer summer tutoring that focus on bridging any learning gaps from high school and introduce them to material in their post-secondary program.

4. Specialized Skills: Offering tutoring in areas such as note-taking, study or test prep skills so they feel ready for class.

Middle school and high school tutoring often focus on preparing students for academic challenges and future endeavors, whether that's post-secondary programs or the workforce.

Individual Readiness:

While age serves as a general guideline, individual readiness should also be taken into account. Some children may benefit from tutoring earlier due to specific learning needs or challenges, while others may thrive without tutoring until later grades. Signs that a child may be ready for tutoring include:

-   Struggling to keep up with peers academically.

-   Expressing frustration or lack of confidence in certain subjects. See a previous blog I wrote about math anxiety here.

-   Showing a strong interest in learning and a desire for additional challenges.

Ultimately, the decision to start tutoring should be based on a combination of factors, including age, academic performance, and individual readiness. It’s best to consider your child's unique needs and goals when determining the optimal time to begin tutoring.