Homeschool Tutor =

Interest and Incentive

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." Henry Adams

A homeschool tutor can be the answer to prayers. As the home school student enters the high school years, it's really important to maintain interest in learning and discipline in study habits. If a parent is overwhelmed or over his head with a subject (algebra, for example!) or a child is slipping away, please consider contacting a tutor.

A homeschool tutor can truly eliminate many negatives and accentuate important positives. He accomplishes the following:

--maintains discipline.

Having a "stranger" for a teacher can change the dynamics. In some cases, the teen, especially a boy, will take the tutor more seriously. If this is the case, he will keep the teen on track with assignments. With a younger child, it's relatively simple to quickly "catch up." But it's much more difficult with older students because of the heavier, more difficult workload. Just staying on task is encouraging and motivating to the student.

--offers expertise.

For example, once my children began high school math, we hired a tutor. We tried videos, computer programs and several math texts, but it just wasn't getting accomplished. I could follow the answer key, but I wasn't able to explain or answer questions. This successful arrangement has continued now for ten years.

-- brings enthusiasm.

Despite realizing how important it is, no matter how hard I try, I will never be enthusiastic about math. Our teacher, however, just naturally thinks math is fascinating and fun. I want this chance for my kids. Maybe one of them will actually excel in math. (and one did! the rest of us are still shaking our heads...)

--provides additional background and information.

Our outstanding homeschool tutor has traveled to Egypt, Greece, Rome, Germany, England and the rest of Europe plus all fifty states. He always shows his slides with wonderful descriptive commentary and stories. He sparks a real interest in history and Latin. It comes alive. It's real and meaningful.

--prepares your youngster for college.

We approached the idea of a tutor on the experience of an acquaintance. On a chance meeting, she happened to mention that she was in a hurry because she was driving her junior daughter to the tutor's. I remember it well. She emphatically stated, "I would never send a child off to college without being taught by someone besides me." Upon reflection, it makes sense. The student has the opportunity to experience another's style, evaluation, and reinforcement.

What's the cost? It varies. If one checks the going rate for commercial individual instruction, it's almost prohibitive. But keep in mind most homeschool tutors support the idea of home education, so they don't expect the market rate (although we have to be just and fair.)

How do I start?

The following are possibilities:

• Team teach--you teach your area of specialization while another Mom takes hers

• Group tutoring--several families join together to hire a tutor

• Referral--Ask, Ask, Ask--local college students, older home school students and graduates, church members, etc. Once you start talking with people, you'll be amazed at the many folks are knowledgeable and anxious to help. We discovered our math instructor when I inquired at the junior college near us. We know of several young homeschooled adults who help youngsters with Latin and algebra.

  *Another successful method is to locate a retired teacher--inquire among friends, neighbors, and associates about any excellent teacher who might be retiring because of age, new baby, etc.

It goes without saying that one has to be cautious. Investigate, then keep a close eye on the situation until you are satisfied. Unfortunately in this day and age, one can't be too careful.

Tutoring in the upper grades is a path that can open many vistas. Additionally, in a rocky situation, it might even enable home education to continue whereas it otherwise might not. A competent, wise teacher, a homeschool tutor, can contribute in surprising ways to your child's education.

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