How to Get Your Child Extra Academic Support for Free

There were too many times to count that, as a middle school teacher, I wished I could give more one-on-one attention to specific students and their reading abilities. I knew they could completely change the trajectory of their academic success with just a little extra attention. A tutor is a great option in this instance, and should be sought out if reading abilities are lower than grade level.

However, I totally understand if you find yourself on a debt-free journey (like myself) and can’t fathom the extra costs of a tutor for your child. Rest assured! A tutor is not for everyone, and you can find extra supports for your child without paying for it.

If hiring a tutor doesn’t seem necessary yet, there are several free ways to give your child extra academic support. Here are several ideas:

Ask his/her teacher

This should be the first action step whenever you want extra supports for your child. The teacher will know specifically the strengths and weaknesses of your child and what type of programs are available within the school day. This is a great first step with how to get your child extra academic support for free.

Ask the principal about a peer tutoring program

Many schools offer a peer-tutoring program to support students who may be struggling. It helps older students gain hours in community service and younger students are provided with a mentor and quality academic support. If the school doesn’t offer this, ask the principal to set your child up with an older mentor. This is a great option for middle school kids.

Ask the principal about community resources

6 Ways to Get Your Child a Tutor for Free

Often times there are reading programs that are offered through the community. For example, “Lunch Buddies” is a program that pulls community members into the public schools to read with children once a week over the lunch hour. Students form a relationship with a mentor and experience reading a book with an adult.

Join a Summer REading Program

Many schools  in Vancouver offer summer supports and even provide lunch for students that attend. In fact, over the summer many church organizations offer reading support and day camp activities, completely free to children. Free summer reading programs are offered at most public libraries. These are essential for students to maintain their current reading abilities when not attending school.

Check out your local library

If you live in Vancouver, Fort Vancouver Regional Library offers group classes, reading support, and great high interest material. We really have a top notch library system that is available to everyone. Get yourself a library card and check out all the free services a library provides! Better yet, get your whole family a library card!

Consider your child’s interests

If you know your child is interested in monster trucks, but not interested in writing or reading. Pick up material on the subject and read with your child. Pique their interest and you may find your child reaching for books more often than you thought.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of asking for help. As you can see, there are usually many community organizations aiding in literacy and academic support. Join the discussion below. What free literacy resources has your family utilized?

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