Transitional Tutoring: How Can It Help Your Child During a School/Class Change?

Transitional tutoring refers to tutoring sessions which take place during periods of change. This may involve students moving from primary school to high school, changing schools or just moving into the next grade. 

Change can be stressful for anyone, but it’s particularly difficult for kids who haven’t yet developed coping strategies. As a result, they can become overwhelmed, anxious and depressed. This can manifest as moodiness, withdrawal and angry outbursts. 

Often parents don’t understand what has triggered these challenging behaviours and they feel helpless to address them. Change is an inevitable part of life and it’s important to be prepared for transitions and have supports in place for students.

 Transitional tutoring can make the process smoother in a variety of ways.

Benefits of Transitional Tutoring 

• Provides a sense of stability 

Changing schools or even moving up a grade are major events in a child’s life. When moving from primary school to high school, students must learn to find their way around a larger school while dealing with new teachers and peers. To add to their stress, the work is harder, and the teaching methods may be different to what they’re accustomed to. In one study, 46% of Year 6 students reported feeling ‘fear, uncertainty and sadness’ at the prospect of starting high school.

Even moving up to the next grade can be highly stressful as children must learn to cope with a new teacher who will have a different style of classroom management and teaching methods.

 Tutoring can provide a much-needed sense of stability and continuity during this difficult time. A tutor can act as a bridge, helping students adjust to new teaching methods and master new concepts.

• Helps students manage stress 

A tutor is in a unique position when it comes to helping students manage stress during transitions. Talking with a tutor gives kids the opportunity to articulate what’s worrying them. The simple act of sharing worries and fears can do a lot to alleviate them.

If a student is concerned about schoolwork, a tutor can adjust the learning program. If they are having issues with bullying or social anxiety, they can offer reassurance and pass this information on to parents. 

Due to the nature of their role, a tutor can also be a wonderful source of emotional support. They are a familiar presence, providing guidance and advice, and this is very comforting for kids during times of change.

• Assists with organisation and time-management

Struggles with organisation and time management can be highly stressful for students. This is particularly true during the transition from primary school to high school. In primary school students are used to remaining in the same classroom all day and following a set routine with one teacher.

When they go to high school, they are suddenly expected to manage multiple classes and teachers, along with an increased workload. No wonder so many become overwhelmed!

A tutor can help students organise their books and folders as well as their workspace. They can provide advice on how to keep track of assignments using a diary and visual reminders. Digital organisation has become increasingly important, and a tutor can ensure kids develop good habits in this area. They can also help with setting up a study schedule to ensure students are making the most of their time.  

• Encourages independent learning

Students who can work independently are more equipped to manage transitions because they have developed self-reliance. Tutoring builds this skill as students have a personalised learning plan tailored to their needs.

A tutor’s role is to guide students and help them become confident in their own abilities. In addition to developing proficiency in reading, writing and maths, tutoring teaches students how to use strategies to resolve problems and develop higher-order thinking skills. 

Having the ability to learn independently is particularly important for senior students who are expected to do a lot more on their own. A tutor can help senior students choose the right subjects, and develop the skills to source information and use a variety of revision techniques.

How Tutor Doctor Can Help

Tutor Doctor offers face-to-face tutoring in the comfort of a student’s home. This human element is crucial in helping students relax and form a strong professional relationship with their tutor. 

Our X-Skills program can also help students navigate transitions smoothly. It focuses on developing students’ executive functioning skills, giving students the confidence and strategies to manage change effectively.  

Contact us for a free consultation today to discuss your child’s needs.

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