Introduction

Not all tutoring is created equal.

If you’re searching for the best tutoring for reading comprehension and writing, you might be surprised at how different every tutor’s approach really is. 

Some focus on test prep, others on homework help…but what if your teen needs something deeper? Something built around how they think, how they write, and how they process what they read?

In this post, I’m breaking down exactly what I do (and don’t do) in my sessions with teens so you know not only what to expect but also what truly helps them grow as readers and writers.

How I Decide What to Teach

Before we even meet, I ask parents to share their observations in addition to any recent writing samples, homework, or test results.

Then, I take it a step further by doing my own informal assessment during the first session. Here’s what that looks like:

• I ask the students themselves what they feel confident in and where they’re struggling. This tells me whether or not the students recognize a problem and if they can offer me a better overview of that problem.
  

• We read a short story together. As we read and at the end of the story, I ask them questions to gauge their comprehension.
  

• They complete a writing assignment based on the story. While I’ll likely already have read a writing sample from them, this allows me to observe their writing process in addition to providing me with a second (and very current) sample.

The work I do during the initial session with a student gives me a full picture of how they think through a text and how they organize those thoughts into their writing.

What I Often Focus On with Students

Each student’s support is customized, but some topics come up regularly because they build the foundation for strong reading and writing.

Here’s what I commonly cover:

• Brainstorming strategies to generate and organize ideas before writing
  

• Different styles of writing, such as narrative, persuasive, descriptive, and research writing to broaden their writing capabilities
  

• Paragraph structure, including how to write topic sentences, incorporate transitions, and avoid repetition
  

• Essay structure, such as how to outline, write a thesis, and build a logical sequence of ideas
  

• Using textual evidence effectively to support an argument
  

• Editing skills, from catching grammar mistakes (which I will address with mini grammar lessons when needed) to making ideas clearer
  

• Vocabulary building, using games and writing exercises to reinforce new words found in the texts we read together
  

• Reading comprehension, including literary analyses and close readings of complex texts

Together, these areas give students the tools they need to read with insight and write with clarity, skills that carry over into every subject, not just English class.

What I Don’t Cover and Why

I’m very intentional about what I don’t include in my sessions. This isn’t because those areas aren’t important; it’s because they’re either outside my expertise or not aligned with my tutoring goals.

Here’s what I don’t offer:

• Test prep (like AP English or SAT/ACT-specific coaching), unless the goal is to build general skills that support the test
  

• Phonics or early reading instruction
  

• Spelling support
  

• Homework-only help without a focus on skill-building
  

• Specialized instruction for students with learning differences

If a student needs foundational reading skills or accommodations beyond my scope, I always refer them to a tutor who specializes in that area and is therefore better suited to support them.

The Big Picture: Why My Tutoring Is Built for Teens

By the time students hit middle and high school, they’ve usually learned how to “read.” But now they’re being asked to analyze, interpret, and express ideas clearly both orally and in writing, and that requires a whole different skill set.

That’s where I come in. My sessions are designed to meet students at their level and help them stretch, not only to complete assignments but also to grow as thinkers and communicators.

Whether we’re working on an English essay, practicing literary analysis, or playing a vocab game, everything is geared toward building confidence and self-sufficiency.

Final Tips

If you’re looking for the best tutoring for reading comprehension and writing, ask not just what a tutor covers but how and why. A great fit goes beyond the lesson plan. It’s about making sure your teen is getting thoughtful, targeted support that respects where they’re at and challenges them to grow.

If you're wondering whether your teen would benefit from this kind of personalized support, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out using my contact info below with questions or to discuss your teen’s specific needs.