Grade-level benchmarks typically include reading fluency (words per minute), comprehension of age-appropriate texts, and ability to answer questions about what they've read. In Raleigh's 17 school districts, teachers often use assessments like running records or guided reading levels to track progress. If you're unsure whether your child is on track, a tutor can assess their current level and create a plan to build confidence and skills.

The first session is focused on getting to know your student and understanding their reading habits, interests, and challenges. A tutor will likely do some informal assessment—like having your child read aloud or answer comprehension questions—to identify strengths and areas for growth. This foundation helps the tutor create a personalized plan that builds on what your student already knows and addresses specific skills they need to develop.

Tutors use evidence-based strategies like predicting, asking questions before and during reading, visualizing scenes, and summarizing to help students actively engage with texts. They also teach students to identify main ideas, make inferences, and connect new information to what they already know. With personalized instruction, tutors can choose texts and strategies that match your student's interests and reading level, making comprehension practice feel natural rather than forced.

Yes. Fluency—reading smoothly and at an appropriate pace—develops through repeated, guided practice with texts at the right level. Tutors use techniques like repeated reading, modeling fluent reading, and gradually introducing more challenging texts to build speed and confidence. When students read fluently, they can focus more mental energy on understanding what they're reading rather than sounding out every word.

Vocabulary is foundational to comprehension. If a student encounters too many unknown words, they'll struggle to understand the overall meaning of a text. Tutors help students build vocabulary through context clues, word families, and repeated exposure to new words in meaningful ways. This targeted vocabulary work makes reading more accessible and helps students tackle increasingly complex texts as they progress through elementary school.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors in Raleigh who have expertise in elementary reading instruction and understand the specific skills students need at each grade level. When you share your student's age, reading level, and challenges, we match you with someone qualified to provide personalized support. You can discuss your student's needs with a tutor before starting to make sure it's a good fit.

Progress varies based on where a student is starting and what skills need development, but many students show noticeable improvement in fluency and confidence within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring. Comprehension and vocabulary growth may take a bit longer as these skills build gradually. Regular practice between sessions and communication between tutors and parents help accelerate progress and keep your student motivated.