Improve Kids Grades with Summer and After School Parental Tutoring

My best friend asked me three years ago if I could babysit her kids after school until she got home. As someone who works from home (as a columnist), I agreed. It came about quite naturally that the kids (three of them) would ask me for help with their homework. As someone who previously worked as a college level math and English tutor, this was no problem.

The kids were so bright and receptive, that I began introducing higher level math concepts on top of what they were currently learning. I made it a game for all three (who are different ages and grades) to challenge each other, and try and get the right answers. The concepts I introduced went as high as the oldest child's homework so almost all three were learning above their level.

As far as English goes, I have the kids write fictional stories that must be grammatically correct. In addition, we sit around the kitchen table and learn about interesting moments in history. History is always discussed via reading, and I find a way to relate it to modern times. If a movie is available on the subject (such as The Diary of Anne Frank), we rent and watch it as a reward.

Admittedly, not everyone can afford to hire a babysitter who was once a college tutor. However, parents can take an hour out of their day and sit down with their kids while they do their homework. Simply having the kids read their assignments out loud helps reading comprehension (because explaining the assignment to the parent(s)is a repetitive exercise that improves memory). There is a rule called the 4 to 14 rule. This means that it takes repeating something four to fourteen times for that information to be taken out of short-term memory and placed into long-term memory.

It also helps to go over homework with children, especially mathematics, to check for errors. Having the kids go back, and try and figure out what they did wrong builds critical thinking skills. And again, asking the child to explain out loud how he/she arrived at an answer cements the formula or steps of problem solving in his/her memory.

This one hour a day (Monday through Friday) is also quality time with your child. It's time well spent that shows how much you care. In as little as two weeks, you will see improvement in your children's grades.

I'm happy to report that both boys are A students. My goddaughter masters math, but struggles with reading comprehension. Each day is devoted to reading and word problems for her. I've introduced her to math concepts three grades above her current level so she will have a subject that she excels at even if she still struggles with reading. It's a point of pride for her. By doing so well in one subject, she knows that with practice, she can master the others.

There are many fantastic websites full of free math, reading, and history printable worksheets. Choosing at least two different subjects a day to work on, on top of regularly assigned homework, will help your child meet the challenges of public education with confidence. Combining tutoring with an activity such as sports or an extra-curricular club is also a great way to keep kids from getting up to mischief. Statistically, children who have a greater level of parental involvement in their academic studies succeed in moving on to higher education in colleges and universities.

And isn't it the dream of all parents to see their children succeed?