Tutoring

[Philly]

Has anyone any experience of employing private tutors.This is not because we want "coaching " but more that our eldest ds (9)lacks a lot of confidence in Maths ,his school are being supportive and he has help at school but I am aware that the long summer break,9 weeks in our case,will put us back to square 1.I could do things over the summer with him myself but it tends to turn into a battle ground and also I have 2 younger ones and it is difficult to find a time which is good for all of them.I also think that maybe a fresh face and a new perspective may be good for him as he has been at the same school since age 3.He is at a fairly academic school but copes well with other subjects,but paniscs at maths,I just want to help him to feel less stressed when he goes back into a new calss in Sept.We live in East Suffolk,but all experiences are welcome.

[eidsvold]

Philly - i tutor a student (English) but that was by work of mouth that I got that position. There are agencies that specialise in tutoring and perhaps they might be able to help. I find they are advertised in the local paper or you could find them doing a search for tutors online.

[Rosiemum]

Philly, have you thought about enrolling him in a Kumon maths group? I've no experience myself but know friends who have used this with their children and it's made a huge difference.

www.kumon.co.uk/

is the website which allows you to get some background and search to see if you have a group near you.

[tamum]

You've probably thought of this already, but getting him some CD-Roms that teach maths but are fun might help too. My ds loves Maths Blaster amongst others. Hope he gets some more confidence, anyway.

[SueW]

How about not teaching him maths but playing card games - rummy, 21/pontoon/Black Jack? Maybe this will help stimulate an interest?

AFAI understand, these sorts of games help with younger children - not sure if they help with older ones.

[Jimjams]

I worked as a tutor for several years. It's always best to employ someone by word of mouth as standards can vary greatly. If you employ someone through an agency be aware that they probably won't have run any checks on them.

There is a very good primary tutoring site on the web. Unfortunately I can't remember what it's called. Might be worth doing a bit of a search on google. Or as someone else has mentioned- kumon- they're meant to be good.

[charlize]

I have Just found this thread and think its a shame it only has a few messages.
Does anyone else have any views on tutoring or any experience?
How much do you think is too much for a child?
Have you heard any succsess stories from extra coaching?
My ds ic currently having an english tutor every other sunday for 2hrs . Plus he attends a maths workshop for one hr a week. I have to add that maths is his best subject thus he enjoys this one.
Do you think this is too much for a 11 yr old? I personally think it is fine but a few of my friends have expressed doubts and this has made me question it. (Iam a total worry wart)