Every Child Deserves to Read with Confidence 

Friday, August 9, 2024 by Demitra Bryant | Uncategorized

Small Group Tutoring: More Personal Than You Think

Think small group tutoring can't meet your child's needs? Think again! Small group tutoring is more than just an affordable alternative to one-on-one sessions; it’s a powerful approach that allows students to receive personalized attention, benefit from peer interactions, and grow in a supportive learning environment. Let’s explore how small group tutoring works and why it might be the perfect fit for your child.

Personalized Attention in a Group Setting

One common misconception is that small group tutoring sacrifices personalized attention. In my sessions, I carefully design small group settings to ensure that each scholar’s needs are met. This starts with data obtained from reading and writing assessments, which helps me identify the unique strengths and areas for improvement for each child. With this information in hand, I create personalized learning plans that cater to individual needs while also managing time efficiently.

To keep scholars engaged and support different learning styles, I use a variety of teaching methods. These include whole group activities, individual work, choral readings, and multi-sensory activities like dramatizing stories. By incorporating these diverse approaches, I can address the needs of each scholar, ensuring they thrive in their preferred learning style while also experiencing and benefiting from other styles.

Peer Learning Leads to Big Breakthroughs

Small group tutoring offers something special that one-on-one sessions can’t: the power of peer learning. For example, one of my scholars, who comes from an immigrant family and speaks his native language at home, was initially very shy and hesitant to speak English. When he first started tutoring with me, he rarely spoke up and struggled with reading and writing in English.

Through explicit reading instruction and interactions with other scholars during our small group sessions, he gradually became more comfortable. The supportive environment of the group, where he could observe and learn from his peers, helped him gain confidence. Over time, his reading level increased by two years, and he even began learning how to write complete sentences. This progress was not just a result of the lessons but also the encouragement and example set by his peers.

Techniques to Support All Learning Styles

In my small group tutoring, it’s important to recognize that every child learns differently. To ensure that all scholars have the opportunity to thrive, I use a multitude of techniques. This allows scholars to engage with the material in the way that works best for them while also exposing them to other learning styles that can broaden their understanding.

For instance, visual learners benefit from diagrams, charts, and videos, while auditory learners engage more with discussions, storytelling, and listening activities. Kinesthetic learners, who learn best through hands-on activities, are given opportunities to interact with the material through experiments, role-playing, and other tactile experiences.

By mixing these techniques, I create a rich, dynamic learning environment where all students can succeed. They are encouraged to explore new ways of learning, which not only helps them in the subject at hand but also builds their confidence and adaptability for future challenges.

Finally, small group tutoring is more personal than many people think. It offers the best of both worlds: personalized attention tailored to each child’s needs and the benefits of peer interaction and diverse learning experiences. By using a variety of teaching techniques and fostering a supportive environment, my small group tutoring helps scholars grow academically and personally, ensuring they get the most out of their educational journey.

Small group tutoring has the power to make a real difference. If you’re ready to give your child the support they need to excel, I’d love to help. Schedule a free consultation or reach out to discuss how my sessions can meet your child’s unique needs. Let’s make learning personal, together.

Demitra