No matter your student’s age he/she wants to feel valued during sessions. There are steps you can take to help your student “warm up” to you and be receptive during sessions.

Converse about interests. This is especially important during beginning sessions. Tell your students about your interest and ask them about theirs. This may be in the form of a game or icebreaker. I’ve used spin the wheel games with different questions. As I ask questions, I also answer them with information about me. The students seem to enjoy this, and we find out ways we are alike and different. Be sure to note your student’s interests and use them in the next step.

Use your student’s interests in lessons. Your student is more likely to engage when you include his/her interests. The way you incorporate interest is all up to you. In the past I’ve had students who were interested in unicorns. I found books about unicorns and included them in lessons. By simply including your student’s interest you show that what he/she likes is important and meaningful.

Smile. A very simple way to engage your students and build relationships is by smiling. Help your student see that the environment is one that is free of stress. Smiling helps loosen tension and frustration for the both of you and lets your student know it is okay to make mistakes as you learn.

Give these three simple steps a try during tutoring sessions, and watch engagement grow. Happy tutoring!