ML Interest Tag: shy

Meet Mighty Express, Netflix’s New Original Series from the Creators of PAW Patrol!

by Jamie Aderski
Partner Content

Learning how to work together, the importance of friendship, perseverance and having fun despite daily challenges are all values that make a happy kid and a successful adult. It can be difficult to teach tiny humans these life lessons, since they’re not quite as tangible as the ABC’s! For this reason and so many more, we are loving Mighty Express—an exciting new Netflix original preschool series!

From Spin Master Entertainment, the creators of PAW Patrol, Mighty Express is a series of 11-minute adventures that set preschoolers in motion with action-packed, high-stakes missions, cool tools and trainloads of humor. In every episode a team of trains and their kid best friends work together to overcome obstacles in the vast, colorful and quirky world of Tracksville. The cast of diverse characters each have their own unique personalities, skill sets and jobs, reflecting the world around us with an inclusive spirit. Read on to learn more about the stars of the show, why your kids will love them and what they will learn along the way.

 

Max: The Leader

It’s not just his name; it’s his personality! Max is the leader of the group. His enthusiasm inspires the team to work together and have each other’s back (or engine). He assigns train cars for their missions, and while his job is to keep everything moving, he knows how to remain empathetic when any problem arises. Max takes his duties seriously but knows how to have fun!

Nico: Keeps Everyone on Track

As the resident smarty pants, he knows every inch of Tracksville. A problem solver with nerdy enthusiasm, Nico is an excellent multitasker, helping the team when they get stuck—figuratively and literally! Nico prides himself on keeping everyone happy and safe, not to mention, entertained, as the resident DJ!

Liza: The Train Whisperer

She is your go-to for everything train as the mechanical engineer. Creative and resourceful (not to mention handy), she makes sure the trains are running and feeling their best. Liza is ever-curious about the world around her and methodical in her work—she’s also a reliable friend with a big heart to match her big talent.

Meet the (Personality-Packed) Trains

With so many new friends on board, your little one is sure to find a train they can relate to! Freight Nate is the strongest and fastest train of the bunch, and always there to help friends out of sticky situations. Then there’s Build-It Brock, a shy, gentle giant that’s highly skilled at building whatever the town needs.

Mechanic Milo is dependable and enthusiastic about his array of tools that he’s always willing and able to fix anything with. Your little animal lover will fall for Farmer Faye who helps move animals and produce, always with a kind word to share.

Rescue Red is the resident firefighter who takes safety very seriously. Fire engine train Flicker is Red’s little brother, high energy and playful, and one of the younger trains in town. Friendly, cautious and polite, Peoplemover Penny gets kids where they need to go, all while singing sweetly along the way!

Ten Mighty Express episodes roll onto Netflix today including ‘Nate’s Fright Night’, a fun Halloween special where the characters dress up as superheroes, sure to get your little one into the Halloween spirit. Hop on board and follow along @MightyExpressOfficial and Mighty Express YouTube.

 

—Jamie Aderski

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How to Make Virtual Calls Better for Little Kids

By Richard Peterson

If you’ve ever eavesdropped on a preschooler’s phone or FaceTime conversation, you probably found it very entertaining, but also a little cringey. After all, young children are still learning the social graces of one-on-one conversations.

Our experts in the Kiddie Academy Education Department have offered the following guidance on how to make virtual communicating a comfortable and worthwhile experience for kids of all ages.

Is It Worth Trying to Teach Your Child Virtual Etiquette?

As with any one-on-one interactions your child may encounter, you want them to be polite, responsive, well-mannered, and cordial. But the reality is some of these expectations can be developmentally inappropriate, especially with younger ones. In the early years (2 years old through preschool), your child’s receptive and expressive language skills aren’t fully developed. They don’t comprehend certain questions asked of them and will have difficulty responding appropriately. Or they may not respond at all.

However, the persistence of the coronavirus suggests that virtual interactions will continue to be the new normal and the future, so it’s important to teach children at an early age how to navigate and behave in a virtual world.

Tips for One-On-One Virtual Calls with Kids

It’s a big deal when children can see and talk to friends and relatives one-on-one via the screen. Here are a few bits of advice on how to turn the calls into a good experience for everyone:

1. Calls should be short. Recommended maximum times are two minutes for 2-year-olds; three-four minutes for 3-4-year-olds; five minutes for 5-year-olds, and so on. The interaction will be short and that’s OK, too. It may take more time to set it up the call than the call lasts.

2. Many young children become shy—reserved and uncomfortable—seeing themselves and others on a computer screen, while others will become excited and chat away. That’s OK. Don’t force the interactions and instead be gentle and supportive.

3. Sometimes the adult may be the one holding the child back from being comfortable enough to interact with their friends. Find alternative ways for them to interact with friends—send letters, call on the phone, do a drive-by and talk from your car, etc.

4. Don’t worry about your child not looking directly into the camera. Children have difficulty making eye contact in person. Looking into a small hole on a computer and being attentive enough to do so for the duration of a call may not be developmentally appropriate.

5. Avoid using the same space for one-on-one chats as you use for virtual learning. Try to separate the two so that your child is aware that one area is for learning and the other area can be for talking to friends.

6. Encourage your child to share toys, books, or anything that interests them with their friends. If possible, set up the computer so that the children may play together virtually and talk to one another as they play. It’s comforting to know that a friend is with you, even though it’s virtual.

This post originally appeared on Kiddie Academy Family Essentials Blog.

Richard Peterson has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education where he has been involved with the direct and indirect instruction of students. As the Chief Academic Officer, Peterson provides daily support to the Kiddie Academy education department in the areas of curriculum, assessment, training and more.

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There’s a Bird That Makes All the Star Wars Sounds & Our Minds Are Blown

by Amber Guetebier

Few sounds are as iconic as those associated with Star Wars, in particular the noises from characters like R2-D2 or the sounds of blaster fire. What if we told you there is a bird that can make all those sounds and more? Meet the Lyrebird.

Native to Australia, this fascinating bird is a master of impersonations. And recently, our editor and her family stumbled upon these older YouTube videos that demonstrate just how amazing the Lyrebird really is. Check out the video below to hear some of the decidedly Star Wars sounds.

Your little construction lovers will be amazed at the Lyrebird’s ability to mimic the typical sounds of a construction site (complete with casual whistling, drills and more). Click the video below to hear it.

And of course, there’s the video from renowned naturalist David Attenborough, which features the Lyrebird sounding exactly like a chainsaw.

Other fascinating facts about the Lyrebird (or Superb Lyrebird) include: they are relatively sedentary, shy animals who are ground-dwelling. They have limited flight capacity and magnificent tail feathers. Lyrebirds have been heard mimicking dogs, koalas, dingoes, camera shutters, construction zones, music, phones, ringtones, car alarms and more.

Parrots everywhere purportedly are hanging their heads in shame.

—Amber Guetebier

featured image via WIkimedia Commons 

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Netflix’s First Official “The Baby-Sitters Club” Trailer Is Here

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Get ready for full on nostalgia. The Baby-Sitters Club is back. Netflix just released the official trailer and we’re so excited.

Last month, Netflix gave us a sneak peek of the new series. Now we were able to get a small snippet of each of the girls in the new trailer. Kristy is a born leader who needs to navigate life with her new stepfather, Claudia is an artist who always has a candy stash nearby, shy Mary Anne meets Logan, boy crazy Stacey tries to snag the cute lifeguard and Dawn is the new girl who needs to tackle a diaper change. Picking up a clear plastic landline, Claudia scored from Etsy Kristy answers, ““Good afternoon, Baby-Sitters Club. This is Kristy Thomas, president and founder, speaking.”

You’ll have those 90s feels when The Baby-Sitters Club premieres on Netflix on Jul. 3.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Netflix

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I’m a White Mother & This Is Why I Stand with Black Lives Matter

By Jenni Dawn

Photo: istock

This isn’t a post about entertaining my son with a new and clever idea. This is a post about why I believe Black Lives Matter, and why our children should learn the same. For a few days I grappled with something to share, then I realized that my learned behavior might be relatable. I’m a forty-year-old white woman, raised in a middle-to-upper class environment. Regardless of my personal circumstances, my privileges, my mother and father succeeded in providing a home for me based on acceptance and love. Now I’m realizing why that matters so much. 

One day, when I was younger, we were driving into the city from Long Island to attend a Broadway show. I loved Broadway. We parked our car in the usual parking garage and walked to our favorite restaurant around the corner to dine beforehand. It was our tradition. We passed a homeless person, a black man, sitting on the street. It might have been my first recollection of a homeless man. I remember staring, and I can still see him now as I write this. He wore a blue sweater and looked so tired. I was maybe six or seven. We walked passed him and then my dad stopped, took out his wallet (I use the same wallet today since he passed away just two weeks before my only son was born). He took out a hundred dollar bill and turned around to walk back to the man. My eyes popped. Then my mom said, “Wait!” She suggested smaller bills to make it easier for him to use and retrieved them from her wallet. She remembers this story too. She also remembers that I asked why they gave that homeless man money. She said that my dad answered me without hesitation, “He is no different from me.”

My lessons began early. To give. To not judge. To see no difference in people. But there is frankly so much noise, different opinions, down to the car radio playing the news to school in the mornings. Stuff can get through the cracks. I’m looking at it all. 

Later in life, I moved into my first Hollywood apartment at twenty-two. Dad, of course, was right by my side to help. Financially, and physically. Always was. I acknowledge how easy it was for me in those regards. I don’t deny it. I also admit my shortcomings. For instance, I was just moved in, the truck was emptied, and I was walking back through the courtyard. A young black man was coming out of the apartment right next to mine locking his door. I hadn’t seen him yet. He was black and I was dumbfounded. Was this a good building I thought? I was so green. I think back to that thought and I hate that my instinct was troubled. Even with my good examples, something sunk in to judge him in that moment. 

The neighbor gave a sweet hello and I was shy (I’m not usually shy) and barely answered. As I stepped into my tiny apartment, I was about to tell my dad… when he said, “Oh honey, I met Ramsey your neighbor. Really sweet guy, music producer. He said he’d invite you over this weekend for a dinner he’s having, to meet people. Isn’t that great?”  It was great. It was even greater that my dad said that. Perhaps being born in 1936 he saw it all. So he learned to live by example, without fear. I went to that dinner, and Ramsey became my first friend in Los Angeles. 

We all have work to do, parents especially. We are supposed to know right from wrong. Racism is wrong! Anyone who thinks otherwise isn’t someone I want in my son’s life as far as that can be controlled. Beyond that, I have to give him the tools to know the difference. I want to raise a good human. I want to be the example. I want to answer his questions and discuss openly why BLACK LIVES MATTER to me. My child’s beliefs can start with me. 

My son was born in New Orleans in 2015. A fate I now treasure. His history will be filled with a culture that I adore and openness from the beginning. His first doctor, doula, nurse, playgroup friend, were all black. I’m so thankful for that. I wish I didn’t have to see it like that, that’s the hard truth. I now understand that the communities we choose and continue to live in will support our family’s experience with race and racism. 

We need to model good behavior for our children. Racism isn’t good behavior. That is what I realized this morning. It begins with us. This will help break the cycle that is hurting millions today. I’m hurting too. My son saw me in tears the other day. I couldn’t share what happened to George Floyd yet, he’s only four. All I said is, “One day son, I’ll tell you about a man. His name is George Floyd.”

Jenni Dawn lives just outside of Los Angeles with her husband, newly rescued dog, and four year old son. She has a background in everything Entertainment, so it makes perfect sense to cover how to entertain family at home. Jenni's also a Cancer survivor with a passion for spreading hope and prevention advocacy. 

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How Kids Can Practice Their Social Skills during a Virtual Playdate

By Caroline Maguire

Gone for now are the days of traditional playdates, team sports, and even school recess. Who knew playing at the playground would be something we’d take for granted. We all have had to come to grips with this new normal, but as an adult, it’s easier to stay connected to your friends. But it’s important to remember that kids need to keep in touch just as much, if not more than we do. And they can continue to work on their playdate social skills.

There are many ways to keep your young one social and active with friends while on lockdown. And you can even keep working on those social skills strategies that you’ve been building on over the last several months. 

Before you jump right in, there are a few things to remember to make sure your virtual playdate is a success. Ask yourself what your child tends to struggle with during play, such as joining in, sharing, managing emotions, becoming overly excited with a friend, being too bossy, or being too grumpy.  

Then work on that skill and make it clear to your child that her mission for the virtual playdate is to practice that skill. For example, work on how your child talks with other children, review what you might say and what to do, role-play, and practice how a conversation might go if done virtually. Practice with family members first, and then when it comes time, help her join in with her friends.

This is the time to pick a playmate whose temperament will allow your child a chance to play better in a virtual environment and to practice using the social behaviors you are working on. Compatibility does not necessarily mean putting two like-minded children together. For example, two overly bossy, rule-oriented children might argue and a domineering child might overshadow a shy child.

Think about what games might work well in a virtual environment for your child. What activities can you try in an effort to stay connected? Younger kids may not have the vocabulary or the ability to hold a long conversation, but interactive activities can be just the right mix of fun and entertainment. 

Plan a game together. Kids can get together on Zoom, Skype, Facetime, Facebook Messanger video, or any other online platform. 

  • Plan a scavenger hunt. Have the group gather online and then agree on a list of things they can hunt for while on a daily walk with their parents or siblings. Right now, there are many neighborhoods putting rainbows, bears, and other creative items in their windows. Have them find and take a picture of someone’s chalk art drawn on the sidewalk. Maybe they can hunt for a certain type of leaf or bug. They can count how many butterflies cross their path. The options are endless. When the hunt is over, the kids can regroup and compare notes on their next interactive virtual playdate.
  • What about a fun game of HedBanz, Pictionary or Charades? These are games that can easily be played virtually. 
  • Have younger kids pick out a favorite storybook. Have them take turns reading to a friend. Kids can talk about when they got the book and why it is their favorite. Make it more interactive with Caribu. The app is free right now and you can choose a book from their extensive library.
  • For the craft-minded kids, pull out the supplies and set up your virtual playdate at the dining room table. Kids can talk and draw together. Have a show and tell at the end of the playdate. 
  • If your child is reluctant to get online with other kids, have them become a pen pal. How fun would it be to stay connected by sending a friend a handwritten letter? Make it fun by including a drawing or adding one of your favorite stickers to share. 

Debriefs are important. After any virtual playdate, debrief with your child. Children learn by reflecting on what they are doing and how it impacts others. The more you engage with your child, talk about the virtual playdate in a nonjudgmental way and after the playdate is over, spend some time chatting with your child about what they did well and celebrate their effort saying I heard you telling Julie what to do and what game to play. Ask your child to consider the feelings of her playmate, asking her what do you think Julie felt when you told her what to choose? What choices did Julie get to make? What choices did you get to make? Let’s look at whether or not that was fair together. Then also ask your child what they struggled with and make a plan and practice for the future. 

Kids can learn that even though they have to distance themselves right now, they don’t have to forget about the ties they have to their friends.

A personal coach, author, teacher, and speaker whose work has inspired conversations about social skills at schools and in homes all across the county, Caroline Maguire believes all children can shine. Her work is critical to parents who support children with executive function challenges struggling to show their best selves.

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5 Ways to Help Your Child to Play (and Live) Better

By Caroline Maguire

At some point, every parent watches their child struggle to engage in successful play, get along with other children, make friends, and keep them. Whether it’s a phase where a child struggles or has a recurring problem, watching this struggle is painful for all parents. Helping your child to develop the social skills to play better is a key component in helping them to have positive relationships throughout their life. Children are learning not just to play better; they are learning to live better later on as they take those skills into every workplace and every interaction in the future. Some children need more direct instruction and help than others to learn how to play with different children and to improve their social skills.

Here Are Five Ways to Help Your Elementary School Age Child Play Better:

1. Teach your child the skills she needs. Ask yourself what your child tends to struggle with during play such as joining in, sharing, managing emotions, becoming overly excited with a friend, being too bossy, or being too grumpy. Then work on that skill and make it clear to your child that she has one mission for the play date or outing—practice that skill. For example, work on how your child can approach other children, what to say and what to do, role play and practice approaching kids with family members and then help her join in with friends or people she knows.

2. Seek playmates who are compatible. Pick a playmate whose temperament will allow your child a chance to play better and to practice the social behaviors you are working on. Compatibility does not necessarily mean putting two like-minded children together. For example, two overly bossy, rule-oriented children might argue and a domineering child might overshadow a shy child.

3. Pick an environment and activity that fosters positive play. Picking the right location and environment that supports your child’s mission is key to helping them put their best foot forward. Try to host the playdate so you can help shape the environment and remove toys or activities that have caused problems in the past. What is an activity my child enjoys? Will it be a structured or unstructured environment? In what environment does my child do well? Where do I have the most success with them? At home? A park or playground? A crowded bounce park where your child may be overstimulated may not be the best place to have a play date.

4. Help your child become a social observer. Build your child’s noticing and observation skills by having them be a social spy. Your child will rehearse with you ahead of time, then spy covertly on others to obtain key social information. Most children who struggle with social skills don’t stop to notice the important cues such as what they talk about at lunch, how loud other kids are on a train or in a museum, what their teacher does with their body language and tone of voice when they are frustrated.  

5. Debrief after your child’s playdate. Children learn by reflecting on what they are doing and how it impacts others.  Engage with your child, talk about the playdate in a nonjudgmental way. After the playdate is over, spend some time chatting with your child about what they did well and celebrate their effort saying, I heard you telling Leslie what to do and what game to play. Ask your child to consider the feelings of her playmate, asking her what do you think Leslie felt when you told her what to choose? What choices did Leslie get to make? What choices did you get to make? Let’s look at whether or not that was fair together. Then also ask your child what they struggled with and make a plan and practice for the future.

The more you pay attention to something the more it grows. Some children struggle with aspects of play and need more direct instruction and guidance to learn these skills. The more your child practices and gains confidence, the more she can feel comfortable in her own skin.

A personal coach, author, teacher, and speaker whose work has inspired conversations about social skills at schools and in homes all across the county, Caroline Maguire believes all children can shine. Her work is critical to parents who support children with executive function challenges struggling to show their best selves.

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Want to Introduce Your Family to Diverse Cuisines? Here’s How

By Cliff Lyles

Introducing diversity into your family’s meal routine can be daunting, as kids are more likely to eat and enjoy food that is comfortable and recognizable, and often shy away from the unfamiliar. But adding diverse cuisines to your menu at home is important, especially for children, because when kids habitually eat the same dishes they may not get all the necessary nutrients needed for optimal growth and development. Introducing unfamiliar foods and flavors to your little ones will also help them create a pattern of being open to trying new things—leading to a more balanced diet later on in life.

As the Executive Chef of Revolution Foods, the nation’s leading healthy school and community meal provider, I am responsible for introducing kids to cuisines that feature new, delicious flavors and ingredients every day to create a well-rounded plate and broaden their palates. My culinary team has developed many insights based on thousands of student surveys we collect every month to create meals that kids love, and I want to share a few tips with you to make this process easier at home:

1. Tell them what to expect.

When it comes to introducing new foods to your children, their skepticism and lack of familiarity may cause them to turn their heads and refuse to try it. The key here is to demystify the unknown and tell them what they should expect in advance. One way to do this is to compare the food’s taste to other similar foods that they’re comfortable with. For example, if you’re wanting them to try a dish with tomatoes, tell them it will taste similarly to ketchup. You’ll have a much better chance of getting them to try it if they can reference a food they know they enjoy.

2. Create relevance.

Take events happening in your family’s life and translate them into the food. You can use anything—from what they’re learning at school to what’s currently going on in the world. When you tailor the food to something that’s important to them, you’re highlighting the food in a way that will make them more likely to branch out and try something new. For example, if your child values learning or playing sports, explain to them the nutritious benefits this new dish will have on their energy and performance on the field.

3. Start with small changes.

Start by introducing a cuisine your family may be more inclined to try. For example, Chinese food is a great starting point because all of the ingredients are laid out on the plate, giving them a chance to see exactly what they’re eating (unlike a burrito where the food is hidden beneath the tortilla). Plus, Chinese food is colorful, making the plate more vibrant and appealing. Stir fry is an excellent example because you can load it with veggies and protein!

4. Involve them into the process.

Have them help you in the kitchen! Getting your kids involved in the cooking process will help familiarize them with the ingredients in a way that’s both fun and educational. By incorporating them in the meal prep process early on, you’re giving them a front-row seat to see exactly what’s going into their food and how it’s made. You can also use this opportunity to discuss all the nutritious ingredients you’re using, which can open up the discussion on other topics such as farming, food cultures and more. When kids have a hand in making the food and adding the ingredients, they’ll be more eager to taste their own creations.

5. Use the holidays for inspiration.

The holidays are great for introducing diverse cuisines because you can cook in honor of the culture that’s being celebrated. For example, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by incorporating Irish-inspired foods. By choosing dishes that are associated with a specific holiday, you’re also educating your kids about history and different cultures. With Thanksgiving around the corner, you can use this opportunity to incorporate a new dish.

When you’re introducing diverse cuisines into your family’s meal routine, it’s important to include your kids and educate them on all the benefits diversity brings. Diversity is something to be celebrated, and it’s a great opportunity for the whole family to learn and experience new flavors. So, try out a few of these tips to get the ball rolling!

I'm a chef who specializes in elevating food, from turning airplane meals into a hot commodity to making clean, gluten-free dishes delicious. I grew up knowing firsthand the impact of childhood hunger, which is why I am thrilled to be a part of Revolution Foods’ team and help fuel children’s minds and bodies.

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“Sesame Street” Helps Kids to Tackle Parental Addiction

by Erica Loop

Sesame Street doesn’t shy away from tough topics. The beloved children’s show has tackled challenging subjects in the past and this time, with the help of a six-and-a-half-year-old Muppet, it’s helping kids affected by parental addiction.

The educational children’s classic recently introduced a new series of videos and other content featuring Karli, a Muppet whose mother is dealing with addiction. You may remember Karli as a new face on Sesame Street last May. Karli, who was first introduced as part of the Sesame Street in Communities foster care initiative, was in foster care. With this new initiative, the Muppet’s storyline has expanded to dig deeper into her mother’s addiction and recovery.

Favorite friends, such as Elmo and Abby Cadabby learn about addiction and help Karli to cope with what she’s going through. Sherrie Westin, President of Social Impact and Philanthropy, Sesame Workshop, said, in a press release, “Addiction is often seen as a ‘grown-up’ issue, but it impacts children in ways that aren’t always visible. Having a parent battling addiction can be one of the most isolating and stressful situations young children and their families face.”

Westin also added, “Sesame Street has always been a source of comfort to children during the toughest of times, and our new resources are designed to break down the stigma of parental addiction and help families build hope for the future.”

Learn more about Karli and how she can help children impacted by parental addiction at www.SesameStreetinCommunities.org.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sesame Street in Communities via YouTube

 

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Unlikely Students Who Can Benefit from a Tutor

By Alexia Mezzini

To some parents, the signs are obvious: falling grades, incomplete homework, and anxiety before tests can send a loud, clear signal that your child could use an extra push from a tutor.

Oftentimes, however, the need for a tutor may not be as apparent. Students with good grades, who are bright and curious and who excel at certain subjects may not seem like obvious candidates. But the reality is that kids of all interests, abilities, and academic performance levels can benefit from tutoring —not just those who are struggling.

Here are three unlikely students who may be able to take learning to a new level with the help of a tutor.

1. The Perfectionist: “Exceptional.” “Smart.” “Quick to learn.” Any parent would swell with pride to hear a teacher apply these words to their child. But although the early elementary school years may breeze by for superstar students, parents may notice concerning behaviors start to emerge later on. Kids who are praised for being “smart” and who are used to succeeding easily may come to interpret “smart” as being able to do things without effort. Over the years, perfectionist students begin to shy away from subjects that challenge them. Such students come to see mistakes as something to be ashamed of rather than a valuable chance to learn. Instead of pushing themselves to do better, perfectionists may start dismissing themselves as “just bad at science” or “too uncoordinated” for sports.

How can tutoring help your “perfectionist” child? One of the most valuable, long-term benefits tutoring can inspire in a child is a “growth mindset” — the recognition that you can improve your abilities if you set your mind to it. It is important to introduce this concept to your kid at an early age, so they learn to grow and stops comparing their academic success to others. Through tutoring, your student can discover that growth is possible and take charge of their own learning.

2. The “Gifted” Child: Is your student observant, curious, or prone to intense interests? Do they spend hours on a new hobby and think or talk of nothing else? Does your youngster bombard you with questions about the number of orca whales in Florida or why there are so many different languages in the world? Does she notice things that other children or even you yourself may overlook? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might have a gifted child on your hands.

Gifted children can benefit from tutoring in a couple of ways. Bright and curious kids may not feel challenged by the curriculum supplied in schools. Not only can tutors provide more stimulating material, but they can help boost self-esteem by allowing students to flex their strengths. And for children with an interest or talent in a specific subject—such as art, music, or robotics—tutoring can help them channel their curiosity and build skills in that area.

3. The Underperformer: This can be a tricky child to recognize. Underperformers might earn good grades and appear to be functional students on the surface. However, underperforming kids may be coasting by without reaching their potential. Instead of challenging themselves, these students tend to do the minimum amount of work while avoiding participation, extra credit, or leadership opportunities.

If you suspect your kid may be an underperformer, tutoring can motivate your child by helping them set active goals. A tutor can help incorporate your student’s interests into a subject and encourage them to engage with and analyze the material they’re learning—as opposed to merely memorizing facts. In addition, a tutor can help identify and address distractions that could be contributing to underperformance.

Of course, these are only a handful of the many types of learners that may excel with the help of a tutor. Tutoring not only helps to boost grades and improve test scores, but it allows youngsters to build effective work habits, hone social and behavioral skills and practice self-paced, self-directed learning. And, perhaps most important of all, tutoring helps students develop a growth mindset: the confidence that they have the power to improve their abilities through hard work and determination.

Alexia Mezzini is the co-founder and COO of My Tutor Lab, an education technology company that connects students with verified tutors for one-on-one private sessions. Alexia is a highly sought-after speaker on topics of the supplemental education industry and building upon students’ tremendous knowledge and skills.

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