Second graders typically must learn a list of sight words as part of their reading curriculum. They also might be reading short chapter books and thinking about the stories they read more in depth and beyond the basic plot elements.

Second graders should have a reading fluency rate of 50 to 60 words per minute and might be at an L or M reading level by the end of the year. Parents who are concerned their child isn’t meeting benchmarks or those who want to accelerate their child’s reading can use these tutoring ideas for 2nd grade reading:

• Hire a private tutor

• Use virtual tutoring services

• Tutor a child at home

• Engage with an AI tutor via a reading program

Hire a Private Tutor

A private tutor works one-on-one with a child. However, some tutors also offer small group sessions, and these might be a more affordable option.

Some children might find the personalized instruction more engaging and this could accelerate their learning potential. Parents also could find a private tutor that was a former teacher or even a former reading instruction (or a special education instructor).

Finding the best tutor for a child’s needs could require a bit of research, though. There are many tutoring companies that offer private tutors for different subjects, different grade levels and perhaps different learning needs, too.

Parents will want to find a tutor that is experienced with children with reading struggles; they also might look for tutors who have experience working with their child’s specific grade-level or even a specific learning disorder diagnosis (if the child has been diagnosed with a particular learning disorder).

The price of tutors can vary. Many charges per hour. Some may require that parents commit to a specific number of sessions each month.

Some parents might find that hiring a private tutor or paying for group tutoring sessions is not an affordable option. Parents who feel that their child could benefit from a private tutor could contact the school for any affordable recommendations; there could be local programs that offer free tutoring.

Some schools might even offer after-school help for children who need additional support.

Use Virtual Tutoring Sessions

Parents might not feel comfortable having their child meet up with a private tutor. In addition, work and other obligations could make scheduling difficult. Virtual reading tutoring sessions could be an option when parents are stressed about their schedule.

Not all tutors might offer virtual sessions. Those that do offer virtual tutoring might prefer a specific platform for sessions. Costs for virtual sessions also could be the same price as in-person sessions. Again, tutors might charge per hour, and parents will need to find a tutor that fits their budget.

Tutor a Child at Home

If a child is struggling to hit literacy benchmarks, parents also could help them at home. For younger children, parents could be the tutor to help guide their child’s reading journey.

Here are five strategies to help a child with reading at home:

• Read aloud to children every day and talk about the story

• Use a comprehension bookmark

• Let children choose their book but ensure it’s at their level

• Play games to memorize sight words

• Use phonics worksheets to practice sounds, blends, decoding, etc.

Read Daily

Reading regularly helps children become better readers. However, parents can read aloud to children, too. Some children might find hearing a story beneficial.

When parents read aloud to children, they should talk about the story. Ask the child questions about characters and the plot. Parents can encourage their child to take a turn at reading, too. Children and parents can each read a page.

Reading with parents could help a child feel supported. If a child struggles to sound out a word, parents can help them break the word into sounds or syllables. Work on reading together.

Make and Use a Comprehension Bookmark

Some children might need a visual prompt to help them think about the story as they read. A comprehension bookmark helps keep the child’s place in a story and gives them the prompts they need to focus on different aspects of the story.

A bookmark also can be flipped horizontally to help children focus on one sentence at a time (the bookmark helps to cover other text). Parents can purchase bookmarks online, but they also are a fun and easy project for children to make and create.

Use a poster board to cut out a bookmark strip. Have children write reading prompts on the bookmark and let them decorate the bookmark, too. Need examples of comprehension bookmarks for second graders? Check out the site What I Have Learned Teaching for lots of comprehension bookmark ideas and examples.

Choose Appropriately

Children should be allowed to choose the books they want to read. The ability to choose their own books can help empower children and help them find the books, genres and authors that resonate most with their interests and personalities.

However, those books should be at a child’s reading level. While choice is important, parents also should check the reading level. A book that is too difficult could cause unneeded frustration; children also might not be able to grasp the plot or underlying themes of the book.

For books that children want to read but are too advanced for them, parents can choose to read the story to children. However, parents should talk to children about the book as they read together to ensure the child understands the book.

Fun Ways to Memorize Sight Words

Second graders will need to memorize a list of sight words. Parents can use flash cards to help their child master the list of words, but playing games to gain mastery might be a bit more fun. Children can learn through play, and they might have so much fun they don’t realize that the game is a lesson.

Play Sight Word Go Fish. Make four cards of each sight word and use these cards to play Go Fish. Just follow the standard rules of the game.

Sight Word Match also is a fun way to help children memorize their sight words. Create two cards of each sight word. Mix up the cards and flip them all face down. Take turns turning over two cards. Children should say the word after they flip over each card.

There are also numerous free apps available on the App Store or on Google Play that offer sight word games. Parents can search for ‘free sight word games’ to explore all their app options.

Use Phonics Worksheets

Some children struggle with letters, sounds and sound blends. Decoding a word is crucial to reading. There are many free worksheets available online that can be used at home to help children with decoding and phonics stills.

Parents also could reach out to teachers to inquire about any enrichment worksheets that they could use at home. Teachers might be able to send a few extra worksheets home with children.

Use a Reading Program with an AI Tutor

Parents who need a tutor for a child who struggles with reading or to help their child advance their reading skills also might consider an AI tutor via a reading program. Readability is a reading app designed for preschool through fifth grade that includes a built-in AI tutor

This tutor is designed with voice recognition software that learns each child’s voice. Children read stories aloud in Readability, and the AI tutor is always on during reading sessions. This means that if a child stumbles on a word or is struggling, the AI tutor will identify that the child needs help and provide reading assistance.

The reading tutor also asks children questions at the end of each story. This is how the tutor measures comprehension.

If the child answers a question incorrectly, the tutor will show the child a section from the book that provides clues to the answer; the tutor also reads the section aloud. Then the child can answer the question again.

Readability’s AI tutor also measures the child’s reading fluency. As a child reads aloud, the tutor is gauging the number of words that are accurately read per minute. 

Parents can access a portal called the Parent Dashboard or Progress Dashboard to review the child’s reading level, reading fluency and reading comprehension data.

Parents who are interested in using an AI tutor to help guide their child’s reading journey can sign up for Readability’s free-seven day trial. The free trial gives children access to the reading tutor and all the books and features of the program. Try Readability for free today!

When a child is falling behind in any subject, parents may begin to worry and start a dialogue with the teacher to find ways to help. Other parents might just jump into action and start researching their own solutions. Children who are having difficulty in reading or who might be reading below grade level expectations could benefit from one-on-one tutoring.

Younger children like first graders and kindergarteners, however, might not look forward to those additional learning sessions. In addition, parents might not have the budget for a private tutor. Parents who need to find an affordable tutor first grade students will enjoy might skip real-life tutors and try tutoring technology like apps and reading programs.

What is the Benefit of Tutoring Technology?

Tutoring technology encompasses computer-based tutoring platforms like apps or online programs. Tutoring technology also could include virtual tutoring, which is still one-on-one but isn’t in-person. Virtual tutoring is offered via platforms like Zoom.

One-on-one private tutors might charge per hour. Tutors could offer different rates, which might allow parents to choose their tutor and find the best price. For some parents, though, paying for a private tutor can become expensive, especially if children need multiple sessions per week.

For parents who are limited in what they can pay for tutoring, an online program or app could be a more affordable option. Not all programs will identify as tutoring programs, but these programs usually have one commonality: they help children work on subjects of struggle.

Programs can help children with math, auditory processing, reading, science and other subjects and skills, too. Online programs or apps are convenient, as children can access them from almost anywhere via a device.

With tutoring programs, parents can research their options and find the program that best fits their child’s needs as well as the family budget. Programs may require a monthly or yearly subscription for access. However, others may bill differently.

Reading Benchmarks in First Grade

Reading skills should be built each year. When parents notice that their first grader is struggling with any aspect of reading, they may start to worry. Other parents might be unsure if their child is behind in skills. Parents who are concerned that their first grader is struggling with any subject might connect with their child’s teacher to discuss concerns.

A child’s struggles could be simply a common area of difficulty for many first graders, and they might even be on track per grade-level expectations. Sometimes a parent might have reading expectations that are beyond what is really expected at the grade level.

However, if a parent discovers that their child is falling behind or is reading below grade level, teachers also could be a great resource for helping parents to understand where the child needs to be (in reading) at the end of the year and how parents can best help their child.

In addition to learning a list of sight words, some common reading skills that children will need to master in first grade  include:

• Vowel sounds (long and short)

• Sound blends

• Key structures of a sentence

• Difference between fiction and nonfiction

• Gathering evidence (for writing)

In the past, 41 states (plus the District of Columbia) followed Common Core. However, many schools have replaced the Common core curriculum with other standards. Public school standards could be researched via the state’s education department. Private schools also might set their own standards.

Using Apps and Programs as a Tutor

If parents don’t have access to a private tutor for their child, finding different apps and programs to help children, guide them, and, perhaps, even virtually tutor them in reading might be another solution. Finding the best learning apps for children could be as simple as opening up the App Store or Google Play.

Parents need to know the areas in which their child is struggling before they begin downloading reading apps. For example, children who have trouble identifying their sight words would need apps focused on sound word practice. Children who have difficulty with sound blends or letter identification might need apps focused on phonics.

While parents can search for ‘reading apps’ on the App Store or Google Play, finding the best resources requires entering more specific search queries. Search for “phonics apps” or “alphabet apps” or any key words related to the child’s specific area of concern.

Some of these apps may be designed as games, but others might include a variety of reading resources. Parents might find apps that help children with sight words and letters, too.

What about the cost of apps? When searching through either Google Play or the App Store, parents will find apps that are free and some that must be purchased. Most apps are reasonably priced, but parents should read the app description to ensure that it’s a good fit.

With free apps, parents might be a bit more liberal in downloading different options. If an app is free and isn’t a great option or the child doesn’t like it, parents can delete the app without any financial loss.

Are Apps and Games Reading Tutors

Apps and games aren’t traditional tutors in the sense that there is an instructor overseeing lessons (or games). Yet, these resources often are designed to help guide a child and include narration and other auditory engagement that offers praise or positive feedback.

For younger children, apps and reading games could help them with basic skills like letter recognition, sounds and sight word mastery.

Readability: An Affordable Reading Program with an AI Tutor

Readability is one of the best reading apps and programs to help children who are struggling to read. Children who use Readability also benefit from an AI tutor, which is programmed with voice recognition software to help the tutor understand each child.

The AI tutor isn’t a human helper, but it will guide children as they read stories aloud. If a child stumbles on a word or gets stumped, the AI tutor is there to provide assistance. At the end of each story, the AI tutor also asks children questions about what they read.

When the child reads stories aloud in Readability, the tutor also is tracking the child’s words read per minute. This key piece of reading data is how the program understands if the child is fluently reading at their present level. Children must master both fluency and comprehension in order to advance to a higher reading level in the program.

One of the biggest concerns parents might have with free apps or even with a private tutor is how progress is gauged. How does a parent know if their child is reading more proficiently? How do they know that the tutoring or program is helping their child?

Readability provides a Progress Dashboard that shows the reading data for the child. Parents can view how long the child used the program, the child’s current reading level and how many books their child has read. Parents also can collate this information into a report to send to the child’s teacher.

In order to access Readability, parents will need to pay for a monthly subscription. However, before parents commit to a subscription for their child, they can sign up for a free preview of the program. Readability offers a free seven-day trial period that provides access to all the stories and features.

Parents who are interested in utilizing technology to help tutor their child in reading can sign up for a free trial for Readability and meet their child’s new AI tutor.

By the time children reach third grade, they may have mastered sounds, sound blends and even grown to understand the basics of story comprehension. They can retell the basics of stories and maybe offer their own opinion about what they liked or didn’t like about the book.

In third grade, reading gets a little harder. This may be the chapter book year. Comprehension expectations may be a bit more involved. Reading programs for third graders can help them prepare to read chapter books, if they aren’t quite yet ready to dig into those longer books.

How Can Reading Programs for Third Graders Help Them Read Chapter Books?

Reading programs that offer more instructional lessons and content can help children who may be a bit nervous about starting longer books gain confidence. Reading more helps children become better readers.

Even if children aren’t reading below grade level, the more complex story plots and plentiful pages of chapter books could be intimidating. Reading content on reading programs could gradually expose children to longer stories.

Many reading programs—including Readability—are leveled to ensure that content is ideal for each reader. As children progress in their reading ability, the stories become more difficult and complex. Advancing through these levels can help children gain more reading experience and maybe become more proficient, too.

3rd Grade Reading Tutor Near Me

Some children may hesitate to read longer books because they do struggle with reading. They may lack confidence or have difficulty decoding words or understanding the story. They may get lost because reading is so difficult.

Parents may research third grade reading tutors. They may wonder “how do I find a reading tutor near me?” While there are many companies that specialize in helping to match children up with reputable tutors, reading programs also could provide virtual tutoring.

So how does this online virtual tutor work with reading programs?

Readability offers a built-in AI tutor. This unique tutor features voice recognition software that understands each child’s voice. With Readability, children read stories and lessons aloud. While reading, the tutor can understand when a child has mispronounced a word or is struggling.

When the tutor detects that a child needs help, it will provide assistance and feedback. The AI tutor also asks questions at the end of each story to test the child’s comprehension of what they read.

Children also can learn new words in each story they read. If they find a word that they don’t know, they can click on it and learn the definition.

The AI tutor acts as a personalized instructor for lessons. This ensures that children don’t feel that they are reading alone or without help. The tutor can always provide guidance.

Children only advance to a more difficult level when they have demonstrated proficiency with both reading fluency and comprehension. Sometimes children may need to stay at the same level for a longer duration. This shouldn’t concern parents. Every child is unique and progress can’t be rushed!

How Parents Can Help Their Third Grader Get Ready to Read Chapter Books

Parents can read chapter books to their child. In fact, parents can read chapter books to children before they even begin kindergarten!

When reading chapter books aloud to children, parents should make sure that the book is appropriate for their age. Some books might be too advanced in content for younger children. Parents should find books that might resonate with the child’s experiences and age.

For older kids, parents can let children pick books they want to read. Maybe they aren’t yet ready to read a certain book series, but they are really interested in the books. Parents can read these aloud to children.

Parents also can search for books by reading level. However, letting children actually pick their books (even books that parents read aloud) might be a better way to ensure that children stay excited about reading and engaged with the story.

Reading chapter books aloud to children might help them understand that the length of the book isn’t so intimidating. Parents can also read books a chapter at a time. After each chapter, parents and kids can talk about what’s happening in the book.

Talking about the book can help parents better understand that their child comprehends what is being read. If children are completely lost or confused or even disengaged, the book might be too difficult or involved.

Introducing Chapter Books

When third graders feel ready to delve into books with chapters, parents might help them find chapter books that are shorter in length. These shorter chapter books can feel less overwhelming. Children can gradually graduate to longer chapter books.

Eventually, children will find books, series, genres and authors that resonate with them. While children should feel free to choose their own books, parents can encourage them to try and read popular favorites. Some books are universally loved, and these books can be a great intro to chapter books.

Beloved authors include Judy Blume, Lois Lowry, and, of course, Beverly Cleary.

Can Reading Games Help Third Graders

Reading games or apps that encourage literacy skills through game play can help children with basic skills like phonics, letter recognition, sound blends and even sight words.

Third graders might still have a list of sight words that they are expected to memorize. Parents could download games that help them practice these must-know words.

Children who are behind peers or who still struggle with basic concepts of literacy (like letter recognition and sounds) might benefit from games that help them develop these skills. Reading programs that are lesson-based (like Readability) can help children with these skills, too.

Using Readability to Help Children Gain Reading Confidence

Parents whose children read at grade level but lack confidence to try to read harder books may want to encourage their child to use more immersive learning programs like Readability to help them. But how can parents know that a reading program or a virtual tutor will help?

Reading programs are all different. Readability grows with children and can be used from preschool through fifth grade; the program can be used by struggling readers or readers who want to gain confidence reading aloud. Not every program will be beloved by every child.

For this reason, many programs offer free trial periods that let children and their parents explore the program and all its features. Readability offers a free seven-day trial period; this free period allows children and parents to access stories and content via the program.

Parents are encouraged to sit with their children during a few lessons so they can become more familiar with the program, too. Children can explore all the immersive features. They will notice that all stories include colorful pictures and interactive content.

If children enjoy using Readability and parents feel confident that it’s a good fit, then they don’t need to do anything more. When signing up for a free trial, parents need to enter payment information; while Readability won’t bill for those who cancel their trial, those who wish to continue will be billed automatically.

Readability is a month-to-month subscription program. This means that parents can cancel the subscription at any time! And one subscription can be used for up to three users (this is a great feature for families who have multiple children that need reading help).

Ready to try Readability and its virtual tutoring assistance? Sign up today!

Children struggling to read or those who read below grade-level benchmarks might need more help than parents know how to provide. Reading aloud with children, asking questions as they read and helping them sound out words can aid a child during their reading journey.

Even children who receive additional assistance at school or within their classroom might need more enrichment beyond school hours to help them catch up to peers. Private tutoring could be an option. Parents might wonder: “how do I find tutoring near me for reading help?” Here are some helpful resources to help find reading tutors locally.

When Tutoring Might be the Best Option

Some children simply need more time and more intensive guidance beyond a parent or caregiver’s abilities. While teaching children to read might be easy when the child catches on quickly to sounds and other literacy skills, not all parents know how to best help children who exhibit great difficulties in a specific subject.

Reading could be easy for parents, and they might not know how to explain processes in a way that can best be understood by a struggling reader. Some tutors have backgrounds in education or even special education. This specialized background allows them to decipher lessons and concepts to help children catch on and move forward in their reading journey.

Tutoring also could be the best option for a child if a parent (or caregiver) just doesn’t have the time to provide additional help for children. Work hours might be long. Some parents work multiple jobs, too.

Other parents might simply wish to not act as an instructor to their child. Some parents don’t want to take on that role…or maybe they just don’t know how to take on that role.

Tutors can be a fresh face for children. And they may be able to provide fun or interesting techniques to better engage the child.

How Do I Find Tutoring Near Me?

Parents likely don’t want to drive an hour out of their way to take children to tutoring sessions for reading instruction. Ideally, parents want a tutor near the home or the child’s school.

Many tutors will meet in public places like a library to conduct tutoring sessions. This is a safe option for the child and the tutor. Parents could request a tutoring location like a nearby library.

However, some tutors work out of tutoring locations. Others conduct tutoring sessions at local YMCAs. Some schools also could offer after-school assistance for students.

There are a number of ways to find local tutors. Parents can:

• Research tutoring companies to find the best tutor for their child. The tutor and parent can discuss where to hold lessons.
• Look for tutoring companies that offer virtual tutoring sessions.
• Inquire about tutoring programs by contacting the school or dropping an email to the child’s teacher.
• Contact local YMCA or Boys and Girls Clubs of America locations (Boys and Girls Clubs offers Power Hour). Some organizations might require that families have memberships in order to access programs.

The Price of Tutoring

One barrier to private tutors could be their cost. The price of tutoring sessions can vary, and parents will need to know how much they can reasonably afford each month for their child’s tutoring. However, parents also might need to understand how much help their child needs.

Tutoring companies might have different packages or rates. Parents might contact companies to receive quotes for sessions. Depending on the tutoring company, there also could be other options available—like group classes.

Some programs might offer free tutoring. A child’s school might have more information related to free tutoring programs.

Virtual or In-Person Tutoring

Some companies or tutors might offer parents the option of virtual tutoring sessions. This may require a specific conferencing app.

Virtual tutoring could be a more convenient option for parents who have incredibly busy schedules. Children can access tutoring from home, and a time can be arranged that works for both the tutor and the family. Good Housekeeping rounded up the best online tutoring websites for parents who want this remote option.

In-person tutoring might be a better option for children who need one-on-one guidance. Not all children can learn best via virtual methodologies. In-person tutoring sessions also can allow more interactive instruction.

Parents should choose the tutoring option that works best for their child, their schedule and their comfort level, too.

Reading Apps and Programs

Private tutoring might not be a financially affordable option for all families. Tutoring prices can vary, and the cost of tutoring can be expensive. Some children need multiple tutoring sessions each week. Even weekly tutoring sessions could add up to a few hundred dollars over the course of a month.

Parents who don’t have the budget for private tutoring or who might not have the time in their schedule to fit in sessions for their child could utilize reading programs online or reading apps. Some reading apps—like Readability—include virtual tutoring experiences…at a price that works for nearly every budget.

Readability offers an AI tutor that guides lessons via the program; the tutor is programmed with voice recognition software, which allows it to understand the unique voice of each child. When using Readability, children read stories aloud. This is how the AI tutor can identify when a child needs help.

If a child stumbles on a word or seems to struggle with a lesson, the AI tutor will provide help and direction. In addition, the tutor will ask questions at the end of each story to measure the child’s comprehension of the story.

Children only advance to a more difficult level in the program when they have demonstrated proficiency in both reading fluency and comprehension. But how does a parent know what level a child should begin lessons?

Parents can set their child’s reading level when beginning the program using the child’s reading level at school. Or if parents don’t know the child’s reading level, Readability can determine the most appropriate starting point for the child.

Do Parents Need to Help with Lessons via Reading Programs?

Parents who opt to use a reading program or reading app to help tutor their child might wonder if they have to be present during lessons. When the child is first using the program, it might be beneficial for parents to be nearby to help the child begin the program. Parents also might want to sit-in during the first lesson or two to better understand how the program works.

However, Readability is very easy for children to use without assistance. Once children learn how to navigate lessons, they can independently use the program. Readability is also designed to be engaging and interactive, and children might discover that every story offers a unique reading experience.

Readability encourages children to be curious about the story…and explore it. For example, children can click on a word to learn the definition and build their vocabulary.

Parents can always follow their child’s progress on the program via a portal called the Parent Dashboard. This hub offers a glimpse of the child’s reading level, their fluency (measured in words per minute) and parents also can see how long the child reads during Readability lessons.

Parents can share this reading data with the child’s teacher, too! The Parent Dashboard allows parents to create reading reports to help facilitate communication between the school and parents.

When researching reading programs and tutoring opportunities, parents will want to gather as much information as possible. For tutoring, parents need to know the pricing structure and the background of who will be helping their child.

With reading programs, parents also need to understand the cost of subscriptions and how the program will be billed. Not every tutor will be a perfect match for every child, and not every program might resonate with children.

Parents should inquire about free trial periods for reading programs. These trials can help parents better understand how the program works and if it holds their child’s interest. Some programs might not meet the educational needs of the child, too.

Readability offers a free seven-day trial period that lets children explore stories, work with the AI tutor and become familiar with the program format. Interested in virtual tutoring with Readability? Sign up today to explore the power of Readability’s AI reading tutor!

Millions of children struggle with reading. Some have difficulty with decoding, others might struggle with comprehension, and children also could struggle with all aspects of reading. After all, difficulty decoding words could leave a child to have little understanding of a sentence or paragraph of text. One mispronunciation could throw off the entire meaning, leaving children to ponder what they just read.

Parents might have to pool their own resources to help their child. Private tutoring could help struggling readers gain proficiency, but not all families can afford one-on-one in-person instruction. However, online reading tutors could offer a unique and effective reading resource for struggling readers. Online tutors also might be more budget-friendly and convenient, too!

What are Online Reading Tutors for Kids?

An online reading tutor is fairly self-explanatory. While typical tutoring sessions often take place in person, online tutoring is virtual and happens via computer (or other tech device). Tutoring sessions could take place via platforms like Zoom, and this type of remote tutoring might have been commonplace during the pandemic when most schooling was remote.

For Zoom or other conference-type virtual tutoring sessions, the price of tutors could be similar to face-to-face sessions. Virtual tutors could be available via professional tutoring service companies. These companies help parents or students find tutors for a particular subject, grade-level, etc. Parents can search for the best tutor for their child. Rates may vary.

Online reading tutors also could be programmed into specific educational programs. These virtual or AI tutors might guide lessons or ask questions during lessons. Schools might use programs that feature guided lessons. However, these programs also are available for parents to use at home with their children.

Are AI Online Reading Tutors Really Tutors?

Readability offers an AI tutor that provides guidance during reading lessons. So how does this work? And is an AI tutor really a tutor? Yes!

Different programs might handle virtual tutoring differently. With Readability, the virtual tutor is AI (artificial intelligence) and is programmed with voice recognition software. The AI tutor learns to identify a child’s unique tone and vocal inflections. This helps the tutor to recognize when a child has mispronounced a word or is struggling with the story.

Like an in-person tutor, the AI tutor will help provide guidance for the child. The tutor will correct any mispronunciations or correct a child’s errors. At the end of each story, Readability’s AI tutor also will ask questions about what the child has read. This enables the tutor to gauge whether or not the child has comprehended the story.

Children advance to the next level when the program determines that they have mastered their current level. Both proficiency and comprehension mastery are necessary for a child to move up to another reading level. Each level also includes numerous lessons (or stories).

While the AI tutor isn’t a human sitting next to the child, it still aids the child during lessons and compiles data related to the child’s reading mastery. An in-person tutor listens with their ears, while an AI tutor listens through programming.

The Cost of Program-Based Online Reading Tutors

When online reading tutors are programmed into a lesson-based learning platform (like Readability), parents don’t need to pay per hour or pay separately for the tutoring sessions. Instead, access to the tutor might be offered via a subscription price (per month, for Readability).

And while in-person tutors typically charge per hour, parents opting for online tutors via a program might just pay that one monthly price. The savings could be substantial; if a private in person tutor charged a per hour rate of $20 and the child needed weekly sessions each month, parents could pay $80 to $100 every month.

Reading program subscriptions could be much more affordable. A Readability subscription costs $19.99 per month, and there is no limit to how often children can use the program each week or even each month. Children can get reading help as often as they need it, and parents will only pay for the monthly subscription price.

Families with multiple children who need reading help could face quite a hefty monthly expense if they choose to use a private in-person tutor. Readability, however, allows up to three children to use one subscription. That monthly price wouldn’t change! Parents could actually gain tutoring help for three children for less than $7 per child per month.

Beyond Online Reading Tutors: How Parents Can Help at Home

While using online reading tutors can help children gain confidence and proficiency, parents also can encourage other healthy reading habits to ensure that children keep reading beyond the online platform. Some parents also could limit their child’s screen time, and they might not wish for their child to use online reading programs beyond a specific duration each week.

How can parents help their child become confident readers when they also are using a reading program (with the help of an online tutor)? There are many easy ways to keep children reading and enjoying books and other reading materials. Parents can…

Let children choose their books

This feels almost overstated, but parents need to let children choose their reading materials. If children are using Readability, they are reading lots of different stories via the program. When children aren’t using Readability, let them choose their books. Visit the library to help children find books of interest. Yes, children also can read graphic novels or comic books. Reading is reading! Let them enjoy what they read.

Help children choose the right books

Choosing the right books doesn’t mean that parents are necessarily choosing the books for a child (see above!). Instead, parents should just make sure that books are at the appropriate level for their child. Reading books that are too difficult could just lead to frustration.

Encourage a reading habit…and build a reading habitat

Make reading a habit. Set aside time when the entire family shuts off technology and just reads for fun. Everyone should grab a book and read. Make the reading habit even more enjoyable by building or creating a reading habitat for everyone. Encourage kids (and adults!) to bring pillows and blankets or even special plushies to the reading room. Kids might even want to read in a makeshift reading tent (toss a blanket over chairs). If the weather is warm outside, set up a tent and take the reading outdoors. Don’t forget blankets and flashlights!

Stop the clock.

Yes, most children need to read daily for a specific set of minutes. However, it’s ok not to use a timer. This could cause disruption during reading. Children might read for an hour one day and 20 minutes the next; the only concern is that the minutes still add up to the allotted time per the teacher. Children might need to read 100 minutes per week, but parents can break that down in different ways.

Read more difficult books to their child

Some struggling readers might read below grade level, and this might mean that they can’t easily read the popular books that their friends are reading. Parents can read these books to their child. Talk about the story as it’s read to make sure children understand the plot, etc.

Many children struggle to read, and parents might consider using a private tutor to help children hit grade-level reading benchmarks. However, reading programs like Readability feature online reading tutors that also can provide guided reading instruction to children. These AI tutors help children during lessons and ask questions related to the story. As these virtual tutors are part of the reading program, parents will only pay for the subscription to the program…not a tutoring rate. This means that online reading tutors could be a more cost effective option for families on a budget.

To find out if Readability’s AI tutor is a good fit, try Readability for free for one week! Sign up today!

Private reading tutors can be expensive, especially if a family is on a tight budget. While many parents aren’t experts in reading instruction or might not have degrees in education, they can still provide guidance and basic reading instruction at home.

If a child only needs a little extra guidance to meet benchmarks or to advance their reading skills, parents may be able to provide enrichment activities in addition to in-school instruction. Here’s how parents can be their child’s reading tutor at home to help them with basic reading struggles.

Keep in mind, though, that children who have more profound reading struggles may need additional support or interventions. Parents who feel that their child needs more instruction or who are concerned about a child’s reading level or perhaps lack of reading mastery may wish to reach out to both their child’s pediatrician and the school.

Start the Reading Habit…and Create a Reading Habitat

Kids should be reading daily, because the more they read the better readers they may become! Typically, schools assign nightly reading minutes—15+ minutes or more. Reading everyday is a great habit to ensure that children make reading a part of each day. However, some children might not be too excited to grab a book.

One of the first steps that parents can take to help their child with reading is to ensure that kids adopt a reading habit. Parents can get creative to make reading time enjoyable by establishing a reading routine for kids that may even include a reading habitat. So what is a reading habitat? This is a special area designated for reading, like a pillow mountain, a beanbag chair, a homemade fort or just a quiet area.

Every family may establish its own reading routine and reading habitat. When creating a reading routine, parents may consider:

• A specific time. Maybe daily reading takes place during bedtime.
• Reading aloud. Parents can mix up the reading routine by reading aloud to kids and then encouraging the child to read aloud. Maybe parents and kids alternate who reads a page or a chapter.
• Book choice. Reading may be more fun when kids can choose their own books.
• Ditching the timer. Sometimes a reading timer is more of a distraction. When kids really become engrossed in a book, the timer might not be necessary.

When creating a reading habitat, parents should ask kids about where they like to read. Some kids like to curl up on a bed or the couch. But others may be excited to build a reading habitat like a fort or a mountain of pillows. Ask kids about their ideal reading sanctuary and help them create it.

Tutoring at Home: Talk While You Read

For children who might have difficulty retelling a story, describing what they have read or other comprehension challenges, parents may provide guidance during reading time by discussing the story. This doesn’t necessarily mean quizzing a child. Reading avoidance may be related to feeling as though story time or reading time is a homework assignment, so parents may want to find ways to make the discussion engaging.

Instead of asking a barrage of questions after a child has read a story or book, use these strategies to engage:

• Discuss the story’s action as it is ongoing. When a major event takes place, ask a child how the character might feel or ask them to predict what might happen next.
• After each chapter, help children summarize what happened in the story. Use that discussion to also see if children can recall past chapters and how they relate.
• For younger children, read stories in chunks of texts and discuss the story after each chunk.
• If parents are reading to children, switch voices for each character and emote during the conversation. See if children can pick up on the inflection of emotion.

Tutoring at Home: Play Reading Games for Fun

Reading doesn’t have to just involve books, comics, magazines or other written material. Games focused on reading or on reading strategies also may help kids. Reading games can be board games, DIY games or apps.

While games aren’t necessarily reading tools, they may help kids view reading and words in general as fun. Some classic board games like Scrabble or Bananagrams help children form words, and this may help them with spelling or vocabulary. When playing word games, parents may want to keep a dictionary on hand for kids to find the definition of each word.

Reading app games can focus on all types of reading strategies. Some app-based games are geared towards sight words, others may focus on other skills.

Parents also can create their own reading games at home. Reading games can be completely unique, and parents should feel inclined to get imaginative to design games that their child will like to play.

Go on a sight word scavenger hunt at the store, and encourage kids to find all the words on their sight word list. Maybe they receive a small prize if they find every word.

Comprehension skills also can be developed via a game using a simple beach ball. Write comprehension prompts on each section of the ball; toss the ball, and have the child answer the prompt that faces upwards. Comprehension beach balls also are available pre-made online. Not sure what to write on the ball? Parents may focus on the ‘wh’ questions of comprehension: who, what, where, when and how. Prompts also can focus on character traits or even ask about specific events.

Tutoring at Home: Use Worksheets

A child’s teacher may be one of the best resources for determining the best ways to help a child with reading at home. Reading worksheets may be used in school to work on spelling patterns, comprehension or other literacy skills. Teachers may be able to send extra worksheets home that parents can use to practice with children.

Worksheets also may be available online. Some are organized by grade level, which may help parents figure out what lessons are best for their child. Teachers also can advise parents on sites that offer these worksheets.

Tutoring at Home: Activities to Complement the Book

Supplementary or complementary activities can help boost a child’s enjoyment of reading. These activities, however, are simply entertainment activities that may help a child think about the book using other media.

Listening to the Book

Some children like having parents or a teacher read to them. Hearing the story may help a child pick up on emotions or social clues related to the plot. Parents can use audiobooks for children who enjoy listening to the story. Children can read the chapter and then listen to it, or, perhaps the child listens and follows along in the book.

Parents should still ask children questions related to the plot or characters to help gauge comprehension.

Watching the Movie

Lots of children’s books have been adapted to the big screen. After a child finishes reading a book, parents can find the movie. Watch the movie as a family and talk about how the book and movie were different. Were the characters portrayed like the child pictured them? Were any major plot details missing from the movie? Ask children if they liked the book or movie better.

Cooking a Book Recipe

Many adults and children have read a book only to become hungry, craving something the character is enjoying in the book. Or maybe the character is eating something new and exciting? Ask kids about the foods their favorite characters are enjoying, and then cook up something similar. Reading and following recipes may help children with math skills, too!

Foods from the books might not be a child’s favorite, but trying that food can help them experience part of the story. Foods can be immersive, too!

Book Field Trips

Taking a book field trip is another way to immerse in the story. Eating foods the character eats, and visiting places the character visits help children step into the book. While parents might not live close to a New York museum, visit a similar museum near home. Or take a virtual tour online! Many museums offer virtual experiences during Covid.

Reading about the planets? Visit a planetarium or a science center. Stories set in the past may lead to a field trip to a historical site nearby. Ask a child about major activities and plot points in the book, then plan a book field trip.

The Cost of Tutoring

While there are many ways that parents can help guide kids on a reading journey at home and serve as at-home tutors, some parents might still want more enrichment for their child that can better help them hit reading benchmarks. Private tutoring can be expensive, although rates vary. Some companies offer tutoring services, and parents can find a tutor near them. Schools also may have recommendations.

Parents may feel that there is only so much help they can provide at home using basic tools like games, worksheets and reading guidance. If a child is still struggling, what other tools can parents use at home?

Free Tutoring Services

Depending on a child’s age or grade, there may be options or programs related to no-cost tutoring. For example, some high school students tutor other high school or middle school students for free as part of school programs.

If there are free programs in the area, a child’s teacher or school may be the best resource.

Reading Apps or Programs

If parents are interested in private tutoring but perhaps cost is an issue, they can utilize online reading programs like Readability. When researching online apps and programs, parents should look for options that are research-based. Programs—like tutors—vary in cost. Parents should make sure that the app or reading program is a good fit for their child’s needs and struggles.

Content also should be engaging and appropriately leveled. Readability, for example, features stories that are engaging and interactive. Story content is leveled based on a child’s ability to ensure that lessons aren’t too difficult…or too easy.

Parents may be concerned about older children who struggle with reading. Older children don’t always want to read stories that are focused on a younger age group. While they may struggle to read grade-level text, stories for these children should still focus on topics that interest them. A 9-year-old shouldn’t be forced to read about Fluffy the bunny. Unless, of course, the child really wants to read about that bunny! Readability keeps lessons appropriate for age and ability.

What about results? Parents of children who struggle to read want to know that the money they invest on an app or reading program will be beneficial. Reading programs should offer parent a portal that shows the child’s progress with the program. Readability offers the Parent Dashboard, which gives parents details on a child’s reading level and progress and also provides data related to how long the child engaged with the program.

So what program or app is best? This really depends on a child’s needs. Some apps or programs—including Readability—offer a free trial period for parents and kids to explore the features. Trial periods can help parents determine if the program is a good fit.

From Parent to Tutor

While parents may act as a sort of at-home tutor for children, taking on the role of teacher may take some adjustment. However, during Covid, many parents already had to take on the role of both teacher and parent, so tutoring might feel like a breeze!

Parents shouldn’t stress out trying to make a perfect reading plan at home. Instead, sit down and focus on how to best help kids while making reading time enjoyable. Figure out a reading schedule and then talk to kids about the best reading habitat. Build a fort, pile up some pillows or get comfortable on the couch. Help kids during reading, and, if they prefer, maybe take turns reading pages or a chapter.

Parents can utilize enrichment activities like games, field trips, and even cooking to help children immerse in the reading adventure. Children who need more guidance and help beyond what parents may offer at home could benefit from a reading app or program. Parents can ask teachers for recommendations or research programs on their own. However, free trial offers make take the guesswork out of the investment!