English can be a tricky subject to master and it’s normal for children to develop their skills at different rates. There are lots of concepts to learn beyond just reading and writing. Students are expected to be able to do comprehension activities, master tricky spelling, write creatively , understand and use grammar and punctuation, as well as be able to plan and write out complex essays. With English being an essential skill for all aspects of life, it’s important for parents to be able to recognise if your child is struggling so you can get them the help they need sooner rather than later. Here are some signs to keep an eye out for and how tutoring can help your child improve in English.
Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling
If your child is having trouble in English class, there are certain things you might notice. Here are a few to keep a lookout for.
Spending Longer On English Homework
If you’re noticing that your child has started to spend longer than usual on their English homework, or perhaps they’ve started avoiding doing it altogether- this may be a warning sign that they’re struggling to keep up or don’t understand the work. It’s important to ask them what they’re finding difficult, so you can gauge if it’s just one area they’re having problems with, or if they’ve generally just fallen behind.
Struggling With Basic English
You might notice that your child is struggling to remember or use basic English they’ve already learnt. This can include not using simple punctuation, spelling words incorrectly or not following grammar rules. They may also completely avoid reading or make simple mistakes when reading aloud. For teens, you may notice them having difficulty taking notes, struggling to plan out and write essays, letters or reports or not keeping up with their deadlines.
Grades Are Lower Than You’d Expect in English or Other Subjects
English skills are needed for every subject your child studies as they use their reading, writing, and comprehension skills in all classes. If your child’s grades are lower than you’d expect, then struggling with English could be the root of the problem. You might find instead that your child is performing well in most of their other subjects, yet their English grades are much lower. Sometimes students will try to avoid things that they find challenging, which s can lead to them spending more time working on subjects they’re better at and putting off the ones they struggle with, causing bigger problems down the line.
Your Child’s Teacher Expresses Concern
If your child’s teacher expresses concern and believes your child is struggling more than other students, it’s important to take what they’re saying seriously. Letting you know about a change in your child’s academic progress is a teacher’s way of giving parents the chance to help address any problems they may see beginning to develop. Often teachers will have some suggestions in mind, so always ask what they think is the best course of action and listen to their advice. It’s also a good idea to ask about the specific areas your child is struggling in too, so you can start putting in extra effort at home.
How Tutoring Can Help Your Child
Most parents will agree that it can be really difficult to teach your own child. The comfortable and close family relationship can lead to some serious homework battles!. If your child is struggling, we recommend hiring a tutor, so you can make sure your child gets the right support with far fewer battles. Here are some ways tutoring can help your child in English.
Time To Develop Key Skills
English is an important subject and having a good grasp of it not only helps with communication and comprehension but even has a knock-on effect of improving learning across other school subjects. A tutor will be able to back track to core skills and help your child fill in any missing building blocks of knowledge. Understanding the concepts they’ve been missing will be invaluable in your child gaining confidence in English again.
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Lots of English is marked subjectively, and even though teachers use a marking scheme, it’s not always clear where your child is going wrong. A tutor can take the time to show them exactly where they lost marks and explain how to improve the next time. Tutors will also tailor their teaching to your child’s abilities, learning style and personality which are extremely beneficial in helping your child succeed.
One-On-One Learning
If your child is struggling with reading and writing, it can be embarrassing to participate in class or ask for extra help. Having a one-on-one tutor provides your child with a safe space for them to practice their skills, try new things, and get the help they need. Your child’s tutor will support them with any struggles they’re having and help them build upon the English skills they already have so that they can grow into an independent learner.
For more information about our English tutoring services, click here.
