Does My Child Need a Tutor? Signs Your Child Needs Extra Help

Each year during parent-teacher conferences I get asked, does my kid need a tutor?” That’s a hard question to answer because every child learns differently. Some pick up new skills quickly, while others need more time, practice, or a different approach. It can be difficult for parents to know whether a child is simply going through a challenging phase or if extra academic support could make a meaningful difference.

The good news is that tutoring isn’t just for students who are failing. In fact, many children benefit from additional instruction before they fall significantly behind. Early support can help build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and reduce frustration.

Homework has become a daily battle.

• If homework regularly ends in tears, frustration, or arguments, your child may be struggling to understand concepts being taught in class. A tutor can break skills into manageable steps and provide individualized instruction. Ask your kid’s teacher too. The school may be able to help you locate a tutor for your child.

Grades are slipping.

• A few lower grades aren’t always cause for concern, but a steady decline may indicate that your child is having difficulty keeping up with new material. Addressing concerns early is often easier than trying to catch up later.

Your child says school is “too hard.”

• Listen carefully when children express that school feels overwhelming. While every student encounters challenges, consistently feeling unsuccessful can affect both motivation and self-esteem.

Reading or math takes much longer than expected.

• If your child spends an unusually long time completing assignments or avoids reading and math whenever possible, they may need targeted instruction to build stronger foundational skills.

Teachers have expressed concerns.

• Teachers observe your child in comparison with same-age peers every day. If a teacher recommends additional practice or intervention, it’s worth taking the suggestion seriously.

Confidence is decreasing.

• Children who struggle academically often begin to believe they “aren’t smart.” A good tutor focuses not only on academic skills but also on helping students experience success again.

Skills aren’t sticking.

• Does your child seem to understand a concept one day but forget it the next? Many students need repeated practice and review before new learning becomes automatic.

Your child needs more challenge.

• Tutoring isn’t only for struggling learners. Advanced students can also benefit from enrichment opportunities that keep them engaged and curious.

There are gaps in learning.

• Extended absences, changing schools, or learning interruptions can leave children with missing foundational skills. Tutoring can help identify and fill those gaps.

You’re constantly reteaching lessons at home.

• Parents should certainly support learning, but you shouldn’t have to become your child’s full-time teacher. A tutor can provide instructional strategies and practice that reduce stress for the entire family.

Remember that tutoring is not a sign of failure. It’s simply another tool to help children learn in the way they learn best. Many students only need short-term support to master difficult concepts, while others benefit from ongoing instruction that matches their learning pace. If you’re unsure whether your child needs a tutor, start by talking with their classroom teacher.

Ask which specific skills are causing difficulty, whether classroom interventions have been tried, and what type of practice would be most beneficial. Together, you can determine whether tutoring is the right next step.

The earlier learning challenges are addressed, the more likely children are to regain confidence, enjoy school, and continue building the skills they need for long-term success.

Helping Our Kids Prepare for Life and College

At Bert Corona Charter School, we tell our students that during their time with us, they need to learn how to become a CRACLL (pronounced “Crackle”). It’s an acronym that stands for College Ready, Active Citizen, and Lifelong Learner. We define these as our learning outcomes for our students and see them as a promise to our families.  Through our partnership with our parents, we strive to help our students gain skills they will need to be ready for college. We push them to engage in their communities. We also work to instill a love of learning because we want students to be lifelong learners. These outcomes were part of the reason I first applied to work at my school. These are also life values and skillsets that I am working to teach my own daughter. Parents can help develop these skills all year.

Helping Our Kids Become College Ready

Helping kids to be college ready does not mean that we need to push them to levels of rigorous learning beyond what they do in school. At home, it can take many forms, like family or independent reading time, learning a new skill, or exploring career opportunities online. Parents can push a college-oriented mindset by visiting local universities and colleges with your kids, even from a young age. Parents can also discuss the idea of going to college and talk about careers kids may want to explore. When kids feel supported by their parents, they are more likely to attend college as an option for themselves.

Active Citizenship Begins at Home

Active citizenship starts at home and in our own communities. Kids need to take responsibility for their own space by helping maintain the house and helping out family members. They may help take care of younger siblings or an older grandparent or other family member. As kids get older, it’s great to help them expand their responsibilities beyond their home. Parents can talk about current events with their children and help them develop their own opinions about politics and world events. Parents can help kids find opportunities in their community to develop an outward focus and a greater sense of empathy. Kids are, by nature and developmentally, ego-centric. Helping kids understand others’ needs will ensure they become caring and helpful adults.

Nurturing Lifelong Learning

The most productive people I know are lifelong learners. They love to learn new skills and to figure things out for themselves. They are perpetual do-it-yourselfers, creators, and sponges for new information. The great thing about kids, is that they are this way naturally. At some point in their development, we ask them to follow the rules and just do what they are told. Some kids may lose their sense of curiosity and creativity when becoming more compliant. We want to encourage kids to try new things, learn new skills, and engage in activities that stretch them to be a better version on themselves. This school year is the perfect time to make this push.

Over the next few months, engage with your kids about what is going on in the world. Have conversations about the world around them. And make sure you always push them to explore something new. Helping kids to become a CRACLL will ensure a wonderful and productive school year of fun, learning, and development.

The Homework Battle: Who Owns the Problem? 

If homework has become a nightly struggle in your house, you’re not alone. Many parents find themselves reminding, nagging, checking, correcting, and sometimes even completing homework just to get it finished. What starts as wanting to help can quickly turn into frustration for everyone. The question to ask is simple: Whose homework is it? The answer is: Your child’s. That doesn’t mean parents step away completely. It means shifting from owning the homework to supporting the learner.

When Parents Own the Homework

It’s easy to fall into the trap of becoming the homework manager. You may find yourself:

• Constantly reminding your child to start.
• Sitting beside them for the entire assignment.
• Correcting every mistake.
• Arguing about unfinished work.
• Staying up late to make sure everything gets done.

While these actions come from a place of love, they can unintentionally teach children that homework is the parent’s responsibility instead of their own.

What Does Support Look Like?

Supporting your child means creating an environment where they can be successful while allowing them to take ownership of their learning.

Parents can:

• Provide a quiet place to work.
• Help establish a consistent homework routine.
• Make sure needed supplies are available.
• Answer questions when asked.
• Encourage effort and perseverance.
• Communicate with the teacher when concerns arise.

Notice that none of these involve doing the work for your child.

Let Natural Consequences Teach

It can be difficult to watch your child forget an assignment or choose not to complete homework. However, experiencing the natural consequence at school is often a more powerful teacher than repeated reminders at home. When children are allowed to experience the results of their choices in a supportive environment, they begin developing responsibility, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Instead of Nagging, Ask Questions

Rather than saying:

• “Did you finish your homework yet?”
• “Go do your homework right now!”
• “You never remember anything!”

Try asking:

• “What’s your plan for getting your homework done tonight?”
• “What do you need before you get started?”
• “Is there anything you’re confused about?”
• “How can I support you while you work?”

These questions encourage children to think through their own responsibilities instead of relying on constant reminders.

Resist the Urge to Fix Everything

If your child forgets a folder, misses a problem, or struggles with an assignment, pause before stepping in. Ask yourself if this something my child can solve independently? Children build confidence by solving problems—not by having adults solve every problem for them. Sometimes the best support is simply believing they can figure it out.

Long-Term Projects Are Different

Not all homework is due the next day. As students move through elementary school, they’ll begin receiving larger assignments such as book reports, research projects, science experiments, or presentations that are completed over several days or even weeks. These assignments can feel overwhelming, especially for children who struggle with planning, organization, or executive functioning skills. This is one area where parents can provide valuable support without taking ownership of the project.

Instead of reminding your child every day or completing parts of the project yourself, help them break the assignment into smaller, manageable pieces. Sit down together when the project is assigned and ask questions like:

• “When is it due?”
• “What are the different parts of this project?”
• “What could you finish today?”
• “How much time do you think each step will take?”

Then, encourage your child to write those smaller tasks on a calendar or checklist. For example, a book report might be divided into reading the book, taking notes, writing a rough draft, revising, creating a final copy, and practicing an oral presentation.

As the days go by, your role becomes checking in rather than taking over. Instead of asking, “Did you finish your project?” try asking, “What step are you working on today?” This simple shift keeps the responsibility with your child while showing that you’re available to help them stay on track.

Learning how to plan ahead, manage time, and complete work over several days is just as important as the final project itself. These executive functioning skills will benefit students throughout middle school, high school, college, and beyond.

Remember, the goal isn’t a perfect project created by a parent. The goal is helping your child learn the process of planning, organizing, and completing a larger assignment independently—skills that will last long after the project has been turned in.

Praise Effort, Not Perfection

Homework is practice. Mistakes give teachers valuable information about what students understand and what still needs to be taught. Instead of focusing only on getting every answer correct, praise behaviors like:

• Starting without being reminded.
• Staying focused.
• Asking thoughtful questions.
• Checking work independently.
• Persevering through a challenging assignment.

These habits build lifelong learners.

When Your Child Truly Needs Help

There is a difference between avoiding homework and being unable to complete it. If homework regularly leads to tears, takes far longer than expected, or seems far beyond your child’s abilities, reach out to the teacher.

Homework should reinforce classroom learning. It should not create overwhelming frustration. Together, families and teachers can determine whether assignments need additional support or modifications.

It may not eliminate every homework battle overnight, but it helps children learn one of life’s most important lessons: their education belongs to them, and they are capable of taking ownership of it.

10 Ways Parents Can Set Their Child Up for Success at the Start of a New School Year

The start of a new school year is full of new beginnings. New teachers, new classmates, and new learning opportunities but they can also feel overwhelming for children and parents alike. The good news is that helping your child have a successful school year doesn’t require anything but a little planning and your time. The biggest difference comes from simple, consistent routines and a positive attitude toward learning. Here are 10 easy ways you can help your child start the school year with confidence.

Adjust Sleep Schedules Before School Starts

As the school year begins, gradually move bedtime and wake-up time closer to the school schedule. Children who get enough sleep have better attention, memory, and emotional regulation, making it easier to learn and participate in class.

Create Consistent Morning and Evening Routines

Predictable routines reduce stress and help children know what to expect. Practice packing backpacks, choosing clothes the night before, eating breakfast, and following a bedtime routine. When mornings are less rushed, everyone starts the day on a more positive note.

Read Together Every Day

Reading for just 15–20 minutes each day builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of books. Let your child choose books that interest them, and don’t hesitate to reread favorite stories. Repeated reading improves fluency and confidence.

Talk About Feelings

Many children feel nervous about the first days of school. Ask open-ended questions like:

• What are you excited about?
• Is there anything you’re worried about?
• What do you hope this year will be like?

Listening without immediately trying to “fix” their worries helps children feel heard and supported.

Encourage Independence

Practice everyday skills that children will use at school. Have them zip their backpack, open lunch containers, tie their shoes, organize school supplies, and clean up after themselves. These small tasks build confidence and self-reliance.

Keep Learning Part of Everyday Life

Learning doesn’t only happen at school. Count groceries, measure ingredients while cooking, read signs while driving, write shopping lists, or play educational games together. These simple activities strengthen reading, math, and problem-solving skills naturally.

Limit Screen Time Before School Begins

As summer comes to an end, begin reducing recreational screen time and replacing it with reading, outdoor play, family conversations, or creative activities. This transition can help children readjust to the attention and focus needed during the school day.

Build a Positive Mindset About School

Children often mirror the attitudes of the adults around them. Speak positively about teachers, learning, and making mistakes as part of growing. Even if your child is anxious, remind them that everyone is learning together and that it’s okay to ask for help.

Connect With Your Child’s Teacher

Early communication creates a strong home-school partnership. Share any important information about your child’s strengths, interests, learning needs, or concerns. Teachers appreciate knowing what helps your child succeed, and working together benefits everyone.

Celebrate Effort Over Perfection

Instead of focusing only on grades or getting every answer correct, praise your child’s hard work, persistence, kindness, and willingness to try new things. A growth mindset helps children become resilient learners who understand that mistakes are opportunities to learn. There is no such thing as the “perfect” back-to-school family. Some mornings will be rushed, homework won’t always go smoothly, and everyone will have challenging days.

What matters most is providing your child with love, encouragement, predictable routines, and the confidence to keep trying. Small actions practiced consistently throughout the first few weeks of school can have a lasting impact on academic success, independence, and emotional well-being.

As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher. By creating supportive routines, encouraging curiosity, and celebrating growth, you’re helping build the foundation for a successful and enjoyable school year.

Here’s to a wonderful school year filled with learning, confidence, and new adventures!

Planning for Students with Special Needs

I often feel very privileged to have an amazing team of teachers that I work with every day. My team is dedicated, passionate, and willing to do whatever it takes to help our students grow. My school receives recognition for the way teachers support students with special needs. Families and elementary schools recommend my school to other families because of the amazing work we do to include students with special needs in the general education classroom while still providing the supports they need to succeed. 

Parents are the Students Best Advocates

Even though I think I work with some of greatest teachers, the strongest advocates I know for students with special needs are their parents. Even if your child is at an amazing school with amazing staff and teachers, it’s still important for parents to advocate for what they know is best for their child.

The amazing thing about the beginning of a new school year is that it allows families with students who have an IEP to review how the previous year went and to plan for the upcoming year. It’s important that families not wait for the school to reach out to the family. You know your child best, so be proactive and communicate your child’s needs!

Study Last School Year’s IEP to Plan for the New School Year

Here are some things you can do during in the next few weeks to prepare:

• Review your child’s IEP goals from the previous year. If your child was successful, how can you push him or her and the school to get to the next level in the upcoming year. If your child did not meet the IEP goals, determine where they fell short. Then, think about what you, your child, and/or the school needs to do to make that learning and growth happen next year.
• Look at the standards for the upcoming grade level for your child. You can find them just by Googling your state + K-12 Standards. They are dense, but try to read through them and think about what your child will need in order to access and master these standards. This is not about you being the expert. It is about making sure you are aware so you can advocate for your child.
• Talk to your child. Ask them about what they learned last year and what they hope to accomplish next year. Ask them what helped them feel successful and ask them what barriers they encountered. Use these conversations to help them learn how to improve and use the information to help you be a stronger advocate for your child.
• Practice IEP skills at home if you feel you can support your child.  If their IEP goals are behavioral, help them practice those skills; learning should not stop just because it’s a new school year. If the goals are academic, have your child engage in skills that are related to keep the learning fresh throughout the school year.  Keeping your child up to pace will help ensure they can hit the ground running in the fall.