Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to use strategies like guided reading, think-aloud modeling, and targeted questioning to help students understand what they read. Tutors can adjust text difficulty, pace, and discussion depth based on each student's needs—something that's challenging in a classroom of 20+ students. Regular practice with immediate feedback and exposure to diverse texts helps build both confidence and comprehension skills over time.

Phonics teaches students how to decode words by understanding letter-sound relationships, while fluency is the ability to read smoothly and automatically at an appropriate pace. Both are essential: strong phonics skills help students tackle unfamiliar words, and fluency frees up mental energy for comprehension. A reading tutor can assess where your student stands with each skill and provide targeted practice to strengthen both.

Look for tutors with expertise in elementary literacy instruction, knowledge of reading science (phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness), and experience working with students at your child's grade level. Many tutors have backgrounds in education, reading specialization, or elementary teaching. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have demonstrated expertise in elementary reading and a track record of helping students build strong foundational skills.

The first session is typically an assessment and planning meeting. A tutor will learn about your student's current reading level, strengths, challenges, and goals—often through informal reading, discussion, and observation. They'll use this information to create a personalized plan that targets specific skills and builds confidence. You'll also have a chance to discuss your expectations and ask questions about the tutoring approach.

Reading level is typically assessed through guided reading levels (A-Z in elementary), grade-level benchmarks, or standardized assessments like DIBELS or running records. Your child's teacher can share their current reading level and any assessment results. A reading tutor can also conduct their own assessment during an initial session to confirm level and identify specific skill gaps, giving you a clear picture of where your student stands and what to focus on.

Read aloud together daily, ask questions about what you've read, and let your student pick books they're interested in to build motivation. A reading tutor can recommend specific strategies and book levels tailored to your child's needs and suggest activities that reinforce what you're working on in sessions. Consistency and making reading enjoyable at home—even just 15-20 minutes a day—makes a real difference in progress.

Many students show noticeable improvements in confidence and fluency within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, though deeper comprehension and decoding skills develop over longer periods. Progress depends on the starting point, frequency of tutoring, and practice at home. A tutor will track progress regularly and adjust the plan as needed, keeping you informed about what's working and setting realistic milestones for your student's reading journey.