I’ve been doing virtual tutoring for a few years now. As we enter the new school year, I have been reflecting on the differences I have seen across the country. Several students I have been working with are making the transition from elementary school to middle school and are advanced for their ages. For example, one of my creative writing students is very interested in the environment. Last week, as part of our tutoring sessions, she wrote a list of questions and used them to interview an environmental lawyer that has taken one of her cases to the Supreme Court. Another student loves to read and write. A few months ago, she published a 200-page book on Amazon and is now working on her next book. Other writing students are already two or three grade levels behind.
What is the difference between the advanced students and those falling behind?
This year I saw many differences in terms of when summer started and what the students did with their time. Many students got out of school early in May and were already traveling and enjoying their summer adventures. Others did not get out until later in May because of things like teacher strikes or snow days. There seemed to be universal happiness about getting away from the classroom and having more time to play; however, many kids continued to be actively involved in learning experiences throughout the summer.
What kinds of learning experiences are available during the summer? “Learning experiences” can be interpreted in several different ways. Some parents may expect their children to read, study, take notes, and report on their learning each week. Families may go on extended vacations for the summer. I have had students leave for Germany, Jamaica, or an extended family gathering at a cabin in the mountains. Other parents may encourage their children to just get outside and play with their friends. Are any of these experiences more beneficial to child development than the others?
When considering the “whole child” it is important to go beyond the nature versus nurture conversation and look at more than just cognitive development. Also consider the child's social, emotional, and physical development. I am working with some children who are incredibly intelligent and creative, but they report having few friends. They were often isolated during the pandemic years and did not develop close friends in their neighborhoods.
Are your children excelling in their areas of interest? Despite what you believe about the education system, look at individual differences in children and consider how you can offer them unique learning experiences.
If your middle school daughter loves to draw, what kinds of artistic opportunities are you providing?
If she is a math wizard, how are you encouraging and developing those skills?
If your son likes to read and write, are you working with him to design ways he can develop those skills on his own?
If your teenagers are careless in how they spend their money, what are you doing to teach them how to save and invest for the future?
If your students missed out on an opportunity to develop (in person) social skills because they were unable to be in the classroom with other students during the worst years of the pandemic, what are you doing to help them develop those skills?
A college education may not be for everyone, but reading, writing, and math skills are critical to success in today’s world. I have been working with adults who struggle to read and write English and have no idea how to count the change when they leave the drive through at a fast-food restaurant.
If you know of any adults or children that need some help, do not assume they will get it in school. Getting your students extra help to supplement what they learn in school may be the best extracurricular activity you can offer them. If they participate in virtual tutoring, you will not have to even worry about driving them. They will thank you for it in the future.
For more information on customized tutoring that can be conducted by parents or professioal tutors see the following:
What should you look for to find an effective virtual tutor?
Every Student is Different: How to Customize Tutoring to Achieve Learning Objectives
Tutoring that Engages Students Provides Freedom Within Limits
Unique Ways to Make Math Count
Using Math to Divide and Conquer
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