School Year
Success Whether your kids are learning at home, in school, or a mix of the two, it’s possible to ensure they stay on track for 2020-2021. By Shana Liebman
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ith COVID-19 cluster zones appearing in our area, one of the biggest issues facing parents is remote education. How do we keep our kids engaged and learning while at home? Does she need a tutor? How can you help him stay focused? When are those state and standardized tests? Read on for how to help your child get the most out of this school year.
DOES YOUR CHILD NEED A TUTOR?
Kids are struggling more than ever—experts weigh in on how and when to hire help It’s an unusual time for education—remote learning has forced students to find new ways to engage with academics. Many are struggling with at-home learning (Zoom calls, Google Classroom, etc.) and some are struggling with the schoolwork itself. How do you know if your child needs extra help? We asked education experts how parents can assess from the sidelines and intervene if necessary. SIGNS YOU CHILD MAY NEED A TUTOR Although many flailing students will be flagged by their teacher, it’s often up to the parents to observe the signs. Angela Thomas, director of wellness and counseling at the Elisabeth Morrow School in New Jersey, says she’s “not sure the teacher will always ring the alarm as much as an observant parent can.” If your child is struggling to keep up, having problems completing grade-level assignments, getting low grades, avoiding doing homework, or complaining about material being too hard, it’s a good time to investigate further help, says Jeffrey Wu, managing 16
October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com
director of The Tutorverse in Manhattan. Other signs your child may need extra help, according to Daniel Koffler, president of New Frontiers Executive Functioning Coaching in Manhattan: she normally likes school but is suddenly disinterested, or you sense a sudden loss of self-confidence or motivation. “These are difficult signals to read as they can be momentary, or sometimes hidden, but most parents know their children well enough to look out for cues,” he says. Parents should also pay attention to how their child feels about a subject, says Talia Kovacs, CEO of an international consulting firm and founder of Talia Kovacs Consulting in Brooklyn. “For many children, disinterest in a subject is a sign that they are not yet fully understanding the topic or are having a hard time making natural connections necessary to grasp a concept,” she says. This might just be a matter of asking him what subjects he doesn’t like and confirming with the teacher that it’s a topic of concern. FINDING THE RIGHT TUTOR If a parent decides their child could benefit from a tutor, they should first speak with their kid’s teacher to get his perspective, Koffler says. “Sometimes children can be defiant or take a different stance on accountability at school vs. home.” He also believes parents should speak with their child, so “that they have agency over their educational efforts, regardless of age.” Ask teachers, friends, and community members for recommendations and referrals for tutors—either remote, inperson, or a hybrid—in your area. It’s important to make sure you find someone who is specifically trained in the subjects in which your child needs help. For example, Rebecca Mannis, Ph.D.,
