English Learning Arts (ELA) tutoring is offered by most tutoring sites and after-school learning centers, but what should parents look for when finding the right teachers and tutors for their children?
What is ELA?
ELA stands for English Learning Arts, one of the most widely taught subjects in United States schools, and generally consists of five categories: reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing.
While a command of ELA had historically been viewed as a softer, less important skill, the shift in our globalized economy towards automation has rendered ELA absolutely critical. Effective ELA lessons teach students to think critically, deeply, and analytically about both abstract and concrete information, can help them to learn faster and more efficiently, and builds their critical thinking skills. Without a strong foundation of ELA, students tend to flounder in elementary, middle and high school. The ability to communicate, express oneself, and participate in the exchange of ideas and theories are absolutely crucial skills, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Find ELA activities and worksheets here! “How do I teach my child ELA?”
5 things to look for in an online ELA tutor
We know what makes a good teacher. And based on thousands of online ELA tutoring bookings, we have compiled a complete list of things parents should look for in an online ELA tutor.
1. Teaching experience and training: Look for an online ELA tutor who has experience and training in ELA instruction. While there are many who offer affordable ELA tutoring on tutoring sites, when it comes to English Language Art and building the child’s foundation in reading and writing, 80 hours of training and classroom teaching makes a world of difference. Look for credentials and teaching experience on their resumes or CVs.
2. Communication: Seek out a tutor who communicates openly with your family and is receptive to feedback. Top online tutors will reach out prior to the first session to learn more about your child and should be continuously sending learning reports to keep you updated on their progress.
3. Personalization: Make sure that your ELA tutor understands the unique needs, developmental stage, and learning styles of your child. While many children develop cognitive and physical skills and abilities in roughly the same order, your child’s tutor should understand that every child grows and develops at an individual pace, and develop their lessons plans to meet your child at their specific developmental stage.
4. Creativity: The best online ELA tutors incorporate different styles of teaching throughout their ELA lessons. Children learn through a mix of auditory, musical, visual, spatial, verbal, logical, mathematical, physical, kinesthetic, and interpersonal cues. Find a tutor that is best able to teach dynamically, and engage students not just through creative activities that keep your child engaged.
5. Positive attitude: A joyful learning experience goes a long way, and that starts with a tutor who loves their job! Students who love learning, and understand that their tutors are there to help, are more engaged, more motivated, and boast better learning outcomes.
Looking to hire top ELA tutors who meet every criterion above? Find top 5 ELA tutors here.
