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November Program Updates

Mid-November marks the start of a busy season for both families and tutors. Students may be preparing for exams, wrapping up long-term projects, and adjusting to upcoming holiday breaks. With so much going on, here are some suggestions to help sessions stay effective and supportive:

  • Help Students Stay Organized: Encourage your student to prioritize tasks by creating checklists or schedules of upcoming deadlines and activities. Focusing on what matters most can make their workload feel more manageable.
  • Watch for Stress and Build in Breaks: A heavy workload can be overwhelming. Check in with your student, celebrate successes, and encourage “brain breaks” when needed (see the Tutoring Tips below!). Supporting your student’s social-emotional well-being is just as important as academic guidance.
  • Stay Consistent and Communicative: This season can be busy for families and tutors alike! Keeping an open line of communication between tutors, families, and Tutoring Chicago ensures students continue receiving the consistent support they deserve.

A 90-minute tutoring session can be a long stretch for students (and tutors!) to stay fully engaged. Incorporating short, intentional breaks can actually improve learning by giving students time to reset, recharge, and refocus. 

Try breaking the session into 20-30 minute segments (maybe even shorter chunks for younger students), followed by a 5-10 minute break. Here are a few effective break ideas:

  • Stretch Breaks: Encourage your student to stand up, stretch, or do a few light exercises–like jumping jacks or arm circles–to boost energy. 
  • Mindfulness Break: A few minutes of deep breathing, calming music, or a guided meditation can help students relax and refocus.
  • Game Break: A quick, low-stress game can serve as a fun reward and keep motivation high.
  • Screen Break: If you are tutoring virtually, have your student step away from the screen for a few minutes to rest the eyes and reset attention. 

Chat Break: Casual conversation helps build connection–an important part of keeping students engaged and comfortable!

Short, purposeful breaks like the ones listed above can make tutoring sessions more productive and enjoyable for everyone! Thank you for your dedication in supporting your student during this busy time of year!