Forms, Tips, & Tools for Tutors

Well-trained tutors are critical to a successful tutoring program. Recruit, train, supervise, and recognize your tutors and mentors with tips, forms, and handouts from Reading A-Z.

Most importantly, tutors should have a basic understanding of the reading process and be good readers. They also need coaching in the use of the Tutoring & Mentoring Pack resources, appropriate interactions with students, the importance of being on time, and various logistical issues. Remember--time spent preparing tutors for their experience is key to getting the most out of your tutoring program.

Recruitment Tips

  • Visit public servants such as police officers and firefighters who are already accustomed to serving the public; a positive public image pays large dividends for public servants.
  • Send out fliers or letters to organizations, businesses, retirement centers, etc.
  • Ask the local newspaper to run an article on your tutoring program, mentioning the need for volunteers. Secure interviews on local radio or television stations.
  • Send out press releases to local media.
  • Make announcements in middle and high schools during morning announcement time, and place posters in hallways.
  • Hold information sessions or set up a recruiting table in the school cafeteria or hallway.
  • Post fliers around local colleges.
  • Run ads/notices in college newspapers.
  • Run a feature article on a specific tutor in local and college newspapers, being sure to mention the need for more volunteers.
  • Hire or appoint a community liaison to visit organizations and businesses in the community; the personal touch can work where other methods have failed.
  • Meet with local businesses and encourage them to provide release time to employees; businesses derive great benefits from having a community of readers for their future work force.
  • Advertise in local newspapers.

Tutor Recognition Tips

  • Solicit local businesses to provide coupons--such as for pizza, car washes, or ice cream--to give to tutors.
  • Send thank-you notes/cards regularly.
  • Greet tutors by name.
  • Send birthday cards.
  • Provide a treat jar in the tutoring area.
  • Invite tutors to staff meetings.
  • Hold special recognition events.
  • Provide certificates of appreciation.
  • Take and post pictures of the tutor working with a child.
  • Run a "Tutor of the Week" feature in the local newspaper.
  • Make tutor appreciation buttons.
  • Have the child write a special message to her or his tutor.
  • Take time to talk with tutors each day.
Tips for Teaching
  • Alphabet Recognition

  • Comprehension Questioning

  • Comprehension Strategies

  • Fluency

  • High-Frequency Words

  • Phonological Awareness

  • Word Recognition

Information Forms
  • Tutor-Mentor Information

    For gathering information on each tutor
  • Student Information

    For gathering information on each student being tutored
Report Forms
  • Tutor Session Report

    Daily summary of student progress
  • Weekly Tutoring Report

    Weekly summary of student progress
  • Tutor Attendance

    Monthly tracking of tutor attendance
Tracking Forms
  • Alphabet Pack Tracking

  • Phonological Awareness Pack Tracking

  • Phonics Pack Tracking

  • High-Frequency Word Pack Tracking

  • Fluency & Comprehension Pack Tracking, Levels F-Z

  • Comprehension Pack Tracking, Levels aa-Z

Scheduling Forms
  • General Scheduling Form - Day

  • General Scheduling Form - Week

  • Tutor Weekly Scheduling Form

  • Tutor Monthly Scheduling Form

Letters
  • Letter to Tutors

  • Letter to Parents-Caretakers

Pack Labels
  • Alphabet Pack Labels: Slant Print

  • Alphabet Pack Labels: Print

  • Phonological Awareness Pack Labels

  • Phonics Pack Labels

  • High-Frequency Word Pack Labels

  • Fluency & Comprehension Pack Labels

  • Comprehension Pack Labels

  • Game Pack Labels

  • Complete Set of Labels

Certificates
  • Student Certificate - Primary

  • Student Certificate - Intermediate

  • Tutor Certificate of Appreciation