Should you wait until the new year to start fresh with new content, or should your child start tutoring over the school holidays? Are you wasting money by starting now, or wasting time by starting later? While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to when to start tutoring, let’s walk through some pros and cons of starting sooner rather than later.
Pros of Starting Tutoring Right Away
Close Learning Gaps Faster
If your child is already falling behind in certain subjects, waiting longer may allow that gap to widen. Starting tutoring early can help them better understand and participate in their regular lessons, increasing their overall learning time. This proactive approach allows them to catch on to more of the knowledge and skills presented by their teachers, boosting their learning over time.
Gain a Competitive Edge
If your child wants a tutor to help them excel in their final years of schooling or prepare for academic competition, one-to-one learning time could give them the edge they need. More time spent developing skills and becoming familiar with new concepts can translate into stronger exam results and classroom performance.
Build Confidence for the New School Year
Starting with a tutor during the holiday break can help your child feel more confident when the new school year begins. Noticing an improvement in their skills as a result of holiday tutoring sessions can build self-esteem and prepare them for upcoming academic challenges. Having a growth mindset with a focus on change can positively impact performance, and practicing in areas they feel “weaker” in may improve how they view their academic abilities.
Strengthen Tutor-Student Relationship
The earlier your child starts with a tutor, the stronger the tutor-student relationship can become. By the new school year, your child can feel comfortable sharing how they feel about their tasks, and the tutor will have insights into explaining things in a way your child understands. This familiarity helps the tutor tailor lessons and create custom resources that inspire and challenge your child from day one.
Find the Right Tutor with Trial Sessions
Although many families find the right tutor right away, sometimes a different tutor can be a better fit. If your child has specific needs that aren’t being met, starting early allows time for trial and error. You can do a few sample sessions with various tutors until you find one that best connects with your child.
Cons of Starting Tutoring Immediately
Financial Considerations
Tutoring sessions come at a cost, and the more sessions your child has, the more expensive it will be. If you’re under financial pressure, it may make sense to wait until the school year begins. Starting in week two or three of the school year can help prioritise tutoring sessions when your child might need them most and better knowing what support they exactly need. If you’d like to start immediately but are concerned about costs, check out scholarship or funding options, or inquire about tutoring programs offered through your child’s school. You can also reach out to the team at Learnmate and ask them for assistance as to how best to make your budget work.
Students Need Time to Recharge
Sometimes, more work doesn’t equal better results. Children and teenagers need breaks from structured learning, especially during holidays. Taking time off can reduce stress, promote physical activity, and lessen burnout. If your child has been working hard all year, a few weeks away from academics may be more beneficial for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being than holiday tutoring.
No 'One-Size-Fits-All' Approach to Tutoring
People begin tutoring at all times throughout the year, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider the unique benefits and limitations for your family’s situation and decide what you need to prioritise. Remember, nothing is permanent! You can always pause tutoring during the year if you decide to start early or catch up with extra sessions if you begin later. On a platform like Learnmate, there are no lock-in contracts and it is purely up to you how many lessons you want and when to start and stop.
Ultimately, regardless of when you begin, tutoring provides essential support that can help your child excel academically and reach their full potential. That’s what truly matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to start tutoring during the school year or over holidays?
Both options have benefits. Starting tutoring over the holidays can help your child build confidence and begin the school year strong. Starting during the school year, however, allows tutors to address current classroom challenges directly, providing targeted support when it’s needed most.
How can tutoring benefit my child even if they’re not struggling?
Tutoring can reinforce your child’s understanding of topics, boost academic confidence, and introduce them to new, advanced concepts. Even if they’re doing well, tutoring can help your child excel further by providing focused one-on-one support.
What if my child and their tutor don’t seem to connect?
It’s not uncommon for some students to work better with certain tutors. Starting tutoring early allows time to trial different tutors if necessary, so you can find someone who matches well with your child’s learning style and personality.
This blog was written by Tahnee K, a highly sought after Primary School and VCE tutor for English, Literature, French and Media on Learnmate. Tahnee has over 15+ years experience teaching secondary English as well as special education primary.
You can view Tahnee's profile, including her rave reviews and, subject to her availability, request Tahnee as your tutor here.
