Expert tutors work with students using strategies like pre-reading (activating background knowledge), asking questions during reading, and discussing what they've learned afterward. These techniques help students move beyond just decoding words to actually understanding and remembering what they read. With personalized instruction, tutors can adjust the difficulty level and choose texts that match your child's interests, making reading more engaging and building confidence.

The first session is focused on getting to know your child and understanding their current reading level, strengths, and challenges. Tutors typically assess where your student is—perhaps through informal reading samples or conversations about what they enjoy—and ask about any specific concerns you have. From there, they'll create a personalized plan with clear goals and strategies tailored to help your child progress.

Many students begin showing noticeable progress within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, especially when working 1-2 times per week. Fluency improvements—reading faster and more smoothly—often come alongside better comprehension as students practice with texts at the right level. The timeline depends on where your child is starting and how frequently you can meet, but personalized instruction accelerates progress compared to group settings.

By the end of 1st grade, students typically read simple sentences and short books independently. By 3rd grade, they're reading grade-level chapter books and starting to understand main ideas and details. By 5th grade, students should be reading longer texts, analyzing characters and plots, and understanding more complex vocabulary. If your child is falling behind these benchmarks, personalized tutoring can help bridge the gap and build confidence.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert reading tutors for students in Los Angeles who understand elementary reading instruction and can work with your child's specific needs and schedule. Once you share your child's grade level, current challenges, and goals, we match you with a tutor who has experience helping students in similar situations. You can get started with a personalized tutoring plan that fits your family.

Both are essential and work together. Phonics (decoding words) is the foundation that allows students to read independently, while comprehension is the ultimate goal—understanding what they read. Expert tutors assess which area needs more focus for your individual child. Some students need stronger decoding skills, while others can sound out words but struggle to understand meaning; personalized instruction targets the right balance for your child's needs.

Reading together daily is one of the most powerful things you can do—even just 15-20 minutes makes a difference. Ask your child questions about the story, let them choose books they're interested in, and celebrate their progress. Your tutor can also suggest specific strategies and books to use at home that reinforce what you're working on together, creating consistency between tutoring sessions and home practice.