Grade-level reading benchmarks typically progress from decoding and fluency in early elementary to comprehension and inference in upper elementary grades. Most Charlotte schools use assessments like running records, DIBELS, or Fountas & Pinnell levels to track progress. If you're unsure where your child stands, Varsity Tutors can connect you with a tutor who can assess current reading level and create a plan to build confidence and skills.

Personalized reading tutoring typically starts with an assessment to understand your child's strengths and areas for growth—whether that's phonics, sight words, fluency, or comprehension strategies. From there, tutors use evidence-based techniques like guided reading, repeated reading practice, and think-aloud strategies tailored to your child's learning style. Sessions focus on building confidence and making reading enjoyable, not just drilling skills.

The first session is about getting to know your child and understanding their reading level, interests, and any specific challenges. Tutors will likely do some informal assessment—like listening to your child read aloud or discussing a story—to pinpoint where to focus. This helps create a personalized plan that meets your child where they are and builds from there.

Strong comprehension requires active reading strategies like predicting, visualizing, asking questions, and making connections to prior knowledge. Tutors teach students to use these strategies consistently, often through guided practice with books at the right level. With personalized feedback and scaffolding, students learn to understand not just the words on the page, but the meaning and ideas behind them.

Absolutely. Many elementary students struggle with reading confidence or haven't found books that match their interests yet. Tutors can help by choosing engaging texts, building skills in low-pressure sessions, and celebrating progress along the way. When students experience success and feel heard, their attitude toward reading often shifts dramatically—and that confidence carries into the classroom.

Frequency depends on your child's needs and goals—some students benefit from weekly sessions to build momentum, while others do well with bi-weekly check-ins once they've developed stronger strategies. Most students see meaningful progress within 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring. Varsity Tutors can help you find a tutor who can discuss the right frequency and duration for your child's situation.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in elementary reading instruction and understand Charlotte schools' curricula. You can share your child's specific needs—whether it's phonics support, fluency building, or comprehension strategies—and get matched with a tutor who's the right fit. The process is straightforward, and you can start personalized instruction quickly.