Learning a new language is an important skill, and Spanish is an especially popular and useful language to learn. It is the most common language taught in middle and high school in the United States today, and chances are good that your child will study at least a little Spanish before graduation.

Despite its popularity, many children struggle to speak Spanish with ease and confidence. Some schools have trouble finding qualified teachers, and it’s not uncommon for Spanish teachers in public schools to be non-native speakers. Many teachers rely on a textbook to teach the language, which can lead to memorizing vocabulary lists and conjugating verbs, but not much real-world speaking and listening. If your child is unhappy in Spanish class, individual tutoring can help.

Hallmarks of Excellent Spanish Tutoring

Here’s what to look for when considering a language tutor for your child.

• A native speaker. The most fluent speakers are ones who have been speaking all their lives, and their strong grammar and authentic accents will be a great model for your child.
• Teaching experience. While important, fluency in Spanish doesn’t guarantee that a tutor is a capable teacher. Look for a tutor with training in teaching languages, and substantial experience teaching or tutoring Spanish. Check references and ask former students about their skill and personality.
• One-on-one sessions. To really learn to speak a language, students need to practice face-to-face conversations with a patient listener who can offer corrections without adding pressure. The best tutoring situations are private lessons that offer the students plenty of opportunities to practice speaking and listening.

Finding an Online Tutor

Growing Stars is a pioneer in online tutoring, and has a record of success and rave reviews from families. Growing Stars works to develop an individualized plan to meet your student’s needs and assign you a highly-qualified tutor. Working with the same tutor each session provides consistency and helps put your child at ease while experimenting with new words and sounds.

Ready to get started? See how growingstars.com can help your child start speaking Spanish today.