How much differance should a tutor make ?

[Welshwoman]

Hi - thinking of getting tutor for my DS6 - behind in reading and spelling -

I have seen an advert in the paper teachers to do a 1-2-1 program being run in schools saying 10 x 1 hour sessions and wondered is 10 hours enough to make a real difference or just enough for the gov to say they have done something?

I have found someone who sounds fab - teaches maths and literacy through cooking and gardening - DS has a very kinetic style of learning so think will be a great fit

I was thinking of having tutoring till end of summer holidays maybe 1-2 hours a week as the year 3 class is considerably more academic than the class he has been in - is that too long?

sorry a bit of a mixed question - still sort of thinking it all through

welshwoman - i totally agree with you,. i 'know' ds 7 is struggling behind the other kids in his class. because i go in and help read/work with them and because the teacher tells me.

The 10 hours works best for maths I find. The writing is less successful. I have not done it for reading. I'm not sure that it's available in KS1 is it?

If reading is your concern I would think the money would be better spent on a good phonic reading book scheme.

Hi Berrie - the tutor is an independant - not the 10 hour courses like you do - I was just wondering if 10 hours was enough or to budjet for long term

is there any particular reading scheme you would reccomend?

I only know Jelly and Bean because that is the one I bought for my 5 year old. The stories are rather odd but fine for someone beginning to read. They may not be suitable for your 7 year old. They are cheap and you could get one or 2 to trial. Do you know where he is phonetically?
Otherwise you might look at the Ruth Miskin products here
Both of there are also on Amazon.
You will also find threads on here with links to online phonic games which might help.