As a parent, you want to ensure your child has every opportunity to succeed, especially when it comes to their education. For children with learning difficulties, the journey through school can be more challenging, and their needs often go beyond what a traditional classroom can provide. If your child is struggling academically or emotionally in school, it might be time to consider tutoring from a specialist tutor for kids with learning difficulties. Recognising the signs early can make a significant difference in your child’s confidence, skills, and overall happiness in their learning environment.
What Is Specialised Tutoring?
Specialised tutoring from a learning support tutor is tailored to meet the unique needs of children who face learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and processing disorders. Unlike general tutoring, which focuses on reinforcing classroom learning, specialised tutoring is designed to address the specific challenges your child experiences. Tutors who specialise in this area are trained to understand how these learning difficulties affect a child’s ability to process information and develop strategies that cater to their individual learning style.
But how do you know if your child would benefit from specialised tutoring? Here are some key signs to look out for:
1. Struggles With Basic Skills (Reading, Writing, Maths)
One of the most obvious signs that your child may need specialised tutoring is consistent difficulty with foundational skills like reading, writing, or maths. Children with learning difficulties often struggle to grasp basic concepts, no matter how much time they spend studying. For example, a child with dyslexia may find it difficult to read fluently, while a child with dyscalculia may have trouble understanding simple maths operations.
If you notice that your child:
- Avoids reading or writing tasks
- Struggles with spelling or recognising words
- Has difficulty with number recognition or basic maths
- Cannot follow along with classroom lessons even after repeated attempts
This could indicate an underlying learning difficulty that requires specialised attention.
2. Frustration or Anxiety About Schoolwork
It’s normal for children to get frustrated occasionally with difficult subjects, but if your child is consistently overwhelmed, anxious, or upset about schoolwork, this may be a sign that they are not receiving the right type of support. Many children with learning difficulties feel a sense of failure when they cannot keep up with their peers, leading to anxiety, stress, and a growing dislike for school.
You may notice that your child:
- Expresses frustration with homework or tests
- Becomes anxious at the thought of going to school
- Frequently says they “can’t” do something before even trying
- Refuses to engage with school-related tasks
In such cases, specialised tutoring can help by providing the tools and strategies your child needs to overcome these challenges and build their confidence.
3. Consistent Underperformance Despite Effort
Sometimes, children with learning difficulties put in tremendous effort but still do not see the results they expect. If your child is spending a lot of time on homework, studying for tests, or trying to understand lessons but their grades remain low, it’s a red flag that traditional teaching methods may not be working for them.
Common indicators include:
- Grades that don’t reflect the amount of effort your child puts in
- Teachers reporting that your child is trying hard but still struggling
- Difficulty completing assignments on time or following instructions
Specialised tutoring can introduce alternative learning methods that align better with your child’s cognitive processes, allowing them to work more efficiently and effectively.
4. Difficulty Focusing or Staying Organised
Many children with learning difficulties, especially those with ADHD or processing disorders, have trouble focusing, staying on task, and organising their work. These challenges can make it nearly impossible for them to complete assignments, pay attention in class, or keep track of their responsibilities.
Signs to watch for include:
- Difficulty sitting still or paying attention during lessons
- Trouble remembering what was taught in class
- Frequently losing homework, books, or other school materials
- Difficulty planning and organising tasks, such as starting homework
A specialised tutor can help your child develop essential organisational and time-management skills, while also teaching them techniques to improve their focus and concentration.
5. Slow Progress Despite School-Based Interventions
If your child has already been receiving additional help at school, such as through an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) or small-group interventions, but is still not making significant progress, it may be time to seek specialised tutoring outside of the school environment. School-based interventions are essential, but they may not always be enough for a child who needs more intensive, one-on-one support.
Specialised tutors can work closely with your child’s existing school plan to reinforce what they are learning in the classroom, while also providing personalised attention and targeted strategies to address areas where progress has been slow.
6. Low Self-Esteem or Avoidance of School
For children with learning difficulties, the challenges they face in school can take a toll on their self-esteem. If your child feels like they are constantly falling behind, they may begin to think they are “not smart enough” or “just bad at school.” Over time, this can lead to avoidance behaviours, such as pretending to be sick, skipping school, or withdrawing from academic activities altogether.
Signs of low self-esteem or school avoidance include:
- Refusing to go to school or complaining of illness to avoid it
- Saying negative things about their abilities (e.g., “I’m stupid”)
- Showing a lack of interest in learning or school activities they used to enjoy
Specialised tutoring can not only help your child improve academically but also rebuild their confidence. When children feel successful in their learning, they are more likely to develop a positive attitude toward school.
7. Teacher Recommendations
Teachers are often the first to notice when a child is struggling, especially if they see patterns of difficulty that are not typical for other students in the class. If your child’s teacher has raised concerns about their academic performance or recommended additional support, it’s a strong indicator that specialised tutoring may be beneficial.
A teacher’s recommendation is valuable because they have experience working with a wide range of students and can often identify the specific areas where your child needs help. If they suggest exploring tutoring, it’s worth considering specialised options that focus on addressing learning difficulties.
How Specialised Tutoring Can Help
Specialised tutoring is designed to meet your child’s unique needs by focusing on their strengths while addressing the areas where they face difficulties. A specialised tutor can:
- Use multi-sensory techniques to help your child learn in a way that works for them.
- Break down complex concepts into manageable steps.
- Provide consistent, targeted practice on the skills your child struggles with most.
- Help your child develop coping strategies for managing frustration and anxiety.
- Improve your child’s focus, organisation, and time-management skills.
- Work with you and your child’s teachers to ensure a cohesive approach to learning.
If your child is showing signs of struggling in school or you need home school help, it’s important to explore all available options to support them. Specialised tutoring can provide the personalised attention and tools that your child needs to overcome learning difficulties and succeed both academically and emotionally. By recognising the signs early and taking proactive steps, you can help your child regain their confidence, enjoy learning, and achieve their full potential.
Specialised tutoring is not just about improving grades—it’s about empowering your child to become an independent, confident learner who understands that challenges can be overcome with the right support.
Hope Tutoring in Brisbane and Remotely
At Hope Tutoring we specialise in tutoring students with learning difficulties. Contact us today if you are looking for a Tutor in Brisbane or someone who can do remote tutoring.