Elementary reading typically progresses from phonemic awareness and basic phonics (K-1st grade) to fluency and simple comprehension (2nd-3rd grade), then to more complex texts and literary analysis (4th-5th grade). By upper elementary, students should be reading independently, making inferences, and understanding story elements like character motivation and plot. If your student is behind grade-level expectations, personalized tutoring can help close gaps and build momentum.

The first session focuses on understanding your student's current reading level, strengths, and specific challenges. A tutor will likely assess fluency, comprehension, and decoding skills through conversation and simple reading tasks—no formal testing required. From there, you'll work together to create a personalized plan that targets your student's needs, whether that's phonics, fluency, comprehension strategies, or confidence building.

Effective comprehension strategies include previewing text before reading, asking questions while reading, visualizing scenes, making connections to prior knowledge, and summarizing key ideas. Many elementary students benefit from learning to identify main ideas versus details, and understanding how to use context clues for unfamiliar words. A tutor can teach and model these strategies in real time, then guide your student to practice them independently with increasingly challenging texts.

Struggling readers often feel discouraged after repeated difficulty, which can create anxiety around reading. Personalized instruction allows a tutor to meet your student exactly where they are, celebrate small wins, and build skills at a comfortable pace—without the pressure of a classroom setting. Over time, as students experience success and see real progress, their confidence and willingness to engage with reading naturally improve.

Look for tutors with strong knowledge of reading science, phonics, and comprehension instruction—ideally with experience working with elementary students. Many expert tutors have teaching backgrounds or specialized training in literacy instruction. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, you'll be matched with someone experienced in elementary reading who understands Des Moines school curricula and can adapt to your student's learning style.

Daily reading practice is one of the most powerful tools—aim for 20-30 minutes most days with texts at your student's level. Ask questions about what they read, encourage them to predict what happens next, and let them see you reading too. Your tutor can suggest specific books, reading strategies to reinforce at home, and ways to make reading feel like play rather than a chore.

Most students benefit from 1-2 sessions per week, though the right frequency depends on your student's needs, goals, and current reading level. Consistent practice between sessions is just as important as tutoring time itself. A tutor can help you determine the best schedule and suggest at-home activities that reinforce what you're working on together.