One-on-one instruction allows tutors to assess your child's current reading level, identify specific gaps, and create a customized plan—whether that's strengthening decoding skills, building fluency, or developing comprehension strategies. Tutors can use targeted interventions like guided reading, repeated reading practice, and comprehension questioning to help students make measurable progress. Regular feedback and adjusted instruction based on your child's pace ensures they're always challenged at the right level.

The first session is typically an assessment and relationship-building opportunity. A tutor will work with your child to understand their current reading level, strengths, and areas for growth through informal reading activities and conversation. This helps the tutor create a personalized plan and establish a comfortable learning environment. You'll also have a chance to discuss your goals and any specific concerns about your child's reading development.

Tutors use research-based strategies like pre-reading activation, questioning during reading, and post-reading reflection to deepen comprehension. They teach students to identify main ideas, make inferences, predict outcomes, and connect texts to their own experiences. For elementary students, this might include discussing characters and plot, while older elementary students can begin exploring themes and author's purpose—all tailored to your child's developmental stage.

Absolutely. Many struggling readers lack confidence, which can slow their progress. Tutors build fluency through repeated reading of engaging texts, modeling expressive reading, and providing plenty of practice in a low-pressure environment. As students experience success and see their reading speed and accuracy improve, confidence naturally grows—making reading feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable skill.

The ideal frequency depends on your child's needs and goals. Many students benefit from 1-2 sessions per week, which provides enough consistency for progress while allowing time to practice between sessions. Some students need more intensive support initially, while others do well with maintenance sessions once they've caught up. Your tutor can recommend a schedule based on your child's specific situation and learning pace.

Yes. Tutors working with students in New Orleans understand Louisiana's reading standards and grade-level expectations, including phonics benchmarks, fluency targets, and comprehension goals. Whether your child attends a school in one of the 62 schools across the area or follows a specific curriculum framework, tutors can align their instruction with what's being taught in the classroom while providing personalized support tailored to your child's needs.

Varsity Tutors connects you with qualified tutors who specialize in elementary reading and understand the needs of students in New Orleans. You can share details about your child's grade level, reading challenges, and goals, and we'll match you with an experienced tutor who's a great fit. The process is straightforward, and you can often schedule a first session quickly to get started.