English is a core subject and a strong language skill that is necessary for academic success across all subjects in the curriculum. Yet, many student struggles with this subject.
Every parent wants their children to succeed academically. They might notice their children struggling with or avoiding their English homework, reading less, or feeling constantly under pressure with school assignments. This can affect their overall performance.
It might not just be a phase. Your child may need assistance. We will walk through five signs that your child may need personalized support and how private tutoring can help them improve their performance.
1. Falling Grades in English or Language Arts
Frequently, the most obvious indication of a problem is this. It’s worth looking into if your kid was doing well in English before and then, all of a sudden, begins to lag. Not every decline in performance indicates that they are being careless or inattentive. More frequently, it indicates that they are confused, perhaps having difficulty with grammar rules, essay organization, or reading comprehension.
English is not just one of many topics. It has an impact on your child’s ability to comprehend math word problems, write answers in science, and articulate concepts in history. Their performance in other subjects can also suffer if their English skills are poor.
Private tutoring can be a huge help for your child because it provides one-on-one attention and focuses directly on the topics your child struggles with most. This approach is best matched with the child’s learning style, making lessons more comfortable. Regular practice and considerate, constructive criticism help a tutor restore your child’s confidence as well as demonstrate to them that improvement is always possible.
2. Avoiding Reading and Writing Tasks
Does your child hesitate every time you request them to compose an essay or read a book? Maybe they rush through important segments, speed through their writing, or shun entire readings. Although it is natural for children to like certain subjects more than others, consistent reading and writing are something to consider.
These might indicate a more fundamental problem if your child frequently misses reading time, says reading is either too dull or too difficult, or hands-on writing is too simple or jumbled. It’s not only about personal preferences. Many children who feel confused, behind, or “not good enough” quietly stop reading and writing altogether. Usually, it means they are unsure what to do, or they feel burdened to even try when a child repeatedly avoids English assignments.
This is where a private English instructor can help. Introducing books and subjects that fit your child’s interests will enable a tutor to rekindle their passion for reading. Reading becomes something they look forward to and appreciate rather than something they see as homework.
About writing, a tutor may divide tasks into smaller, more manageable steps so your kid doesn’t feel lost or overburdened. Working one piece at a time will remove the terror of writing a whole essay. Most especially, a good instructor offers calm and encouraging feedback. That sort of advice lets your child grow without feeling stressed or criticized.
They start to feel more confident step by step, and English comes off as a strength rather than a burden.
3. Lack of Confidence When Speaking or Reading Aloud
Quiet or uneasy behavior from your child when reading aloud could indicate a lack of confidence. Perhaps they made mistakes previously and are now reluctant to try again in front of people.
You could notice them muttering, skipping words, or speeding through sentences. They occasionally shy away from reading or say little during class. These are indications that they are uncertain regarding their English, and this can gradually undermine their self-esteem. Some even begin to resent attending class.
Private instruction offers them a secure environment to talk and read without pressure. They can take their time, ask for assistance with tough words, and learn how to speak clearly. Their assurance builds gradually. Once they start to feel better about their abilities, they also start to appreciate learning once more.
4. Teacher Feedback Suggests More Practice Is Needed
Teachers sometimes see things parents miss. It’s worth noting if a teacher says your child needs extra reading time or has trouble expressing their ideas. Early identification of these indicators comes through teacher education. Little statements such as “they don’t speak much in class” or “they don’t finish their writing” can indicate that your kid wants assistance.
Tutoring helps there. Extra time provided by a tutor allows your youngster to concentrate on areas where they struggle, which the teacher might not have the opportunity to cover during a hectic school day. Moreover, they let your child learn in class, so it sticks.
If needed, the tutor can even communicate with the instructor such that everyone is cooperating to help your child.
5. Struggles with Homework and Independent Study
Let’s face facts: homework shouldn’t cause tears and tension. Something is off if your kid spends hours tied to English homework, gets upset, or requires you to sit and help with every step. Homework is meant to aid their learning, not leave everyone angry.
Maybe they are confused about what to do. Or they are so stressed that they cannot even begin. Alternatively, perhaps they simply lack the knowledge of how to convert their ideas into sentences.
If your child is facing any trouble with assignments, it clearly shows that they need assistance. A tutor may help to simplify matters. Not only longer, but they also help establish a schedule, straightforwardly clarify ideas, and offer clever advice on how to study effectively. Most importantly, they give your child the help and tranquility they need to start feeling confident again.
Why Wait? The Sooner You Act, the Better
The earlier you catch these signs and provide support, the easier it is for your child to recover. When kids fall behind in English, it doesn’t just affect their academics. It can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and anxiety about going to school.
A private English tutor doesn’t just improve grades. They can unlock a love of learning, boost confidence, and provide a solid foundation that helps in all subjects.
What Makes a Good English Tutor?
You may be asking yourself, Should I consider a tutor for my child? What makes someone the best fit for my child?
Here’s a fast and easy checklist:
- Understands how to instruct children of their age.
- Patient, composed, and approachable
- Offers lessons tailored to your child’s learning style and needs.
- Encourages creative and entertaining learning.
- Keeps you informed so that you are always aware of your child’s progress.
What Tutoring Can Achieve
Uncertain still? Many parents have seen this after they began tutoring:
- A child who once avoided reading now picks up books on their own
- Homework is no longer a regular battle; less stress is present at home.
- Test marks improve, and class participation gets better.
- Above all else, children take pride in what they are studying and want to share it.
- Children, not just those trailing behind, use tutoring. With personal help, even students doing well academically can go further.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Growth?
Recognizing your kid needs assistance doesn’t imply you are doing anything wrong. It simply means you love them and want only the best for them. Every topic benefits from a firm foundation in English, even in daily life.
This is the ideal moment to act if you have seen the warnings. Exactly what your child needs to be confident, content, and prepared to develop could be a private English instructor. Platforms like MyGoodTutor can help you find an expert tutor for your child.
FAQs
My child is in an English-medium school. Why are they still struggling with English?
Being in an English-medium school doesn’t always guarantee strong English skills. Many students can speak basic English but face trouble with reading, writing, or grammar. A private tutor can give them extra attention to fill those gaps—especially if they feel shy asking questions in class.
My child scored low on the Duolingo English Test. Can tutoring help?
Yes. Whether it’s the Duolingo test or any other English exam, a private tutor can work on the areas where your child is weak, like comprehension, vocabulary, or grammar. With one-on-one practice, your child can learn test strategies and improve their score confidently.
We just moved from an Arabic or Malayalam-speaking background. Will an English tutor help with the transition?
Absolutely. Many families in the UAE speak Arabic, Malayalam, or Urdu at home. A private English tutor can ease the language shift by helping your child understand basic sentence structure, build vocabulary, and gain the confidence to speak and write clearly in school.
My child finds English reading and writing boring. Should I be concerned?
If your child avoids reading books or rushes through writing homework, it may be a sign they’re struggling, not just bored. Tutors often use creative tools, worksheets, and topics that match your child’s interests to make reading and writing more enjoyable and less stressful.
My child is in Grade 10 or 12, and the English syllabus is getting harder. Is it too late for tutoring?
Not at all. Many CBSE students in the UAE find the Class 10 and 12 English syllabus tough, especially with new formats and expectations in the 2024–25 papers. A tutor can help break down the syllabus, explain tricky passages, and guide them through sample paper practice to build exam confidence.