The Insider's Guide: 6 Essentials to Look for in a Great Reading Tutor

If you’ve ever said or thought something like this, you’re not alone. Many bright kids miss foundational skills early on, which can leave them feeling frustrated or avoid reading altogether as they get older. This can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety for you, especially if you feel like your child needs more support than schools provide.

But here’s the good news: with the right reading tutor, your child can make real, measurable progress. The key is finding tutoring services that go beyond “extra help” and address the root of the problem.  A good reading tutor can spark progress, build confidence, and help your child discover the joy of reading.

So how do you know what to look for in a reading tutor? Here are some essentials every parent should know. 

1. Uses Assessments to Identify Gaps

A qualified tutor isn’t guessing what your child needs to learn—they know. Ask your potential reading tutor if they conduct their own assessments or if they plan to use assessment data from your child’s school. With the results, the tutor can make a tailored learning plan for your child and address any skill gaps.

2. Follows Research-Based Instruction

A strong tutor uses techniques grounded in research on how children learn to read—strategies that teach kids to decode, read fluently, and understand what they’re reading. Ask your potential tutor whether they are using a specific reading program or curriculum, and whether their teaching methods are based on the Science of Reading. If it’s not backed by research, keep looking.

3. Sets Goals and Provides Clear Progress Tracking

As a parent, you want proof that your child is moving forward. The best tutors don’t just teach—they set goals and measure growth along the way. By regularly tracking progress through assessments and check-ins, they can adjust their plans as your child improves. Setting achievable goals keeps your child motivated and builds confidence when they reach them!

4. Openly Communicates with You

You’re a partner in your child’s reading journey, so you need regular updates or reports on what your child is learning and how they’re progressing in a language you can understand. You should feel comfortable asking questions and asking to see and hear your child’s work. Clear communication builds trust and keeps everyone working toward the same goals.

5. Adapts to Your Child's Needs

Your child is unique. The best tutor will take the time to adjust their teaching methods to fit your child’s strengths, preferences, and personality. Whether it’s breaking lessons into smaller steps, adjusting the pace, or tapping into your child’s interests, a personalized approach keeps your child engaged. 

6. Creates a Positive Connection with Your Child

Reading is hard for your child right now, so it’s crucial that your child feels safe, supported, and encouraged. A positive environment where your child feels comfortable making mistakes and celebrating successes makes lessons more enjoyable and productive.

How Reading Tutors at Hoot Support Your Child's Success

As a parent, you need to trust the person tutoring your child. That’s why all the tutors at Hoot Reading are certified teachers with a Bachelor of Education or higher with real classroom experience. Each tutor is thoroughly vetted, background-checked, and interviewed to ensure that every child they teach receives the highest-quality support. With Hoot, you can feel confident that your child is learning from a qualified, caring teacher who understands how to help them thrive.

Connect with us and explore how our experienced tutors can support your child’s reading journey.