<![CDATA[When do you start looking for tuition teachers?]]>Do you start looking for tutors for your child at the beginning of the year, or after tests results come back, or before a major exam?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/39007/when-do-you-start-looking-for-tuition-teachersRSS for NodeTue, 05 May 2026 17:16:42 GMTThu, 09 Aug 2012 22:56:39 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Fri, 31 Mar 2017 06:21:51 GMT]]>No earlier than Pri 4. Primary 4 is foundational. Primary 5-6 is almost necessary. Across our country, PSLE preparation starts in Pri 5 in all schools and centres. Teachers follow up the same class for 2yrs.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1764805https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1764805Fri, 31 Mar 2017 06:21:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Tue, 07 Mar 2017 03:56:28 GMT]]>Try and let your child try on their own first. after first common test if really cannot, then better start tuition so that he or she can try and catch up during the holidays. My son just took his O levels last year and is very happy when he just got back his results in January. He was failing his chemistry and mathematics very badly since start of sec 4 as his class in school very fast so he cannot catch up. I found out about apt tuition lab from this forum and decided to let my son try. Both the chemistry and mathematics teachers were very patient with him and their class size very small so very good for my son. In the end he went from E8 to A2 for both subjects. Even though not A1 but it’s still a very big improvement so both of us very happy. highly reccommend this tuition centre in serangoon.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1758968https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1758968Tue, 07 Mar 2017 03:56:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:07:19 GMT]]>P5 was indeed a trying year for all of us…problem sums are so tough and different from before. Hubby got son to work on section A without timing him. He could do the questions, but once put in timer, he went haywire. But there was a need to time him bcos time is not on his side, he cannot solve questions at his own leisure.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/974311https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/974311Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:07:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 08:37:34 GMT]]>P5 CA1...it's normal to see a 10-20 marks drop for Math. The dip may continue into SA1...bcos paper 1 involves element of speed and accuracy getting questions done...paper 2, though can use calculator but those problem sums are killer ones.

I started to look for math tutor when son couldn't manage daily homework.
With the tutor's help and several timers, hubby trained him to get section A done...without timing him at first for accuracy and then including timer... :nailbite: to get it done within time frame.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/973932https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/973932Sat, 23 Mar 2013 08:37:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 07:49:21 GMT]]>

keroppi:
jedamum:

This CA, my p5 had a >10points drop in math ...


This is very normal. At P5, most parents will see a drop at the beginning of the year because of the numerous topics they crammed into the maths syllabus. By the end of the year, the marks should slide back up - if it doesn't, then you should start worrying. But like what chief says, might be too late by then. Continue to monitor.

Yea. Same thing happen to both my DS when they rise to P5. Standard and questions all becoming more difficult. They need time to adapt.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/973921https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/973921Sat, 23 Mar 2013 07:49:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:18:18 GMT]]>Thanks keroppi and chief for your note.

My husband has raised the white flag for math.
Son is upset to be out of comfort zone and now had to spend time alone with unknown tutor as we don’t think tuition centre suits him at this point. His current other subject tutor is a family friend.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/973150https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/973150Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:18:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:23:31 GMT]]>

jedamum:
This CA, my p5 had a >10points drop in math ...

This is very normal. At P5, most parents will see a drop at the beginning of the year because of the numerous topics they crammed into the maths syllabus. By the end of the year, the marks should slide back up - if it doesn't, then you should start worrying. But like what chief says, might be too late by then. Continue to monitor.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/972972https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/972972Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:23:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:21:22 GMT]]>Agree. I won't wait till last minute. My friend's ds was in mmi from N1-K2. She said she paid so much so she assumed her ds's foundation is strong and there wasnt a need to look for tutor in lower pri level. During ptm, everything was ok too according to the teachers in mmi. When he entered P1, I asked my friend has she tot of sending her ds to tuition. She replied \"No need la, even teachers said he is ok. Anyway wait for results and see how\". He failed his 1st maths topical test. She asked around but was not able to find one as most tutors were already booked by March or even earlier. Can't send him to group too bec do not think he can catch up. Then she found one but unfortunately a lousy one. He continued to fail 2 more terms.

Of course, this doesn't apply to all. You will need to monitor your child's work and it also depends on whether yr child is the smart or slow type. But I am definitely not the type :?: when my dc :imdrowning:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/972970https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/972970Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:21:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:11:57 GMT]]>

jedamum:
This CA, my p5 had a >10points drop in math, which he usually self studies topical topics with my husband coaching for heuristics questions. So this holidays, we were working onhis math as his main weakness is shortage of time, which resulted in him rushing through and no time to check, he claimed, for paper one. For paper two, he needed longer time to think which heuristic to solve. Looking at some of the questions he was working on in revision, my husband realises it is now beyond him to coach. He is open to engage a tutor to shorten son's learning process and can see son is trying to work on his weaknesses, but lack a competent guide. Son is now upset that his dad could not help him anymore and he does not want tuition. I want to lighten his learning load but does not want to hamper his learning skills nor discourage him from one this once less than satisfactory performance,yet worry that time is not on our side.


How? Last night can't sleep well. ....
This is a typical situation repeated all over in young Singapore families. The 2 obvious choices would be
1) For parents to assimilate the capabilities to continue teaching their children. tianzhu and cimman are 2 clear examples of parents who have achieved this with amazing success, but this is not for the faint-hearted. It takes time, discipline, dedication and interest to do this for any continued period of time.
2) For parents to outsource to professionals. This is the more practical approach, but it's not for free either. Not only must parents ensure that the tuition is effective, they have to deal with other issues such as logistics, timing, trust, and of course, cost.

My suggestion is that you start evaluating suitable math tutors. At P5, this would be the right time to start, instead of waiting until P6 and PSLE.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/972964https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/972964Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:11:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:18:50 GMT]]>This CA, my p5 had a >10points drop in math, which he usually self studies topical topics with my husband coaching for heuristics questions. So this holidays, we were working onhis math as his main weakness is shortage of time, which resulted in him rushing through and no time to check, he claimed, for paper one. For paper two, he needed longer time to think which heuristic to solve. Looking at some of the questions he was working on in revision, my husband realises it is now beyond him to coach. He is open to engage a tutor to shorten son’s learning process and can see son is trying to work on his weaknesses, but lack a competent guide. Son is now upset that his dad could not help him anymore and he does not want tuition. I want to lighten his learning load but does not want to hamper his learning skills nor discourage him from one this once less than satisfactory performance,yet worry that time is not on our side.


How? Last night can’t sleep well. …

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/972942https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/972942Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:18:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:51:35 GMT]]>I start tuition for my kids in early Dec. Nov would be sort of like a break for them. But for my elder boy cos this year is PSLE, he has been with his current tutor since P5. Made the tutor promise me she wont leave us until his PSLE :imcool:


As I work part time as a tuition coordinator, I have access to a list of tutors and their credentials plus feedback from parents, so I can choose from there a suitable teacher for my children. I only use private home tutors as I'm not confident of group lessons from my own experience as a child.

Good tutors are indeed hard to come by and surprisingly, my children's better tutors are those still studying as the subjects they are teaching are still quite fresh in their head and i think the age plays a part, they can communicate better?? One bad point is, after they are done with their own studies, they will say byebye to me and my kids leaving me to go through the search process again :nosebleed:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/972607https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/972607Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:51:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:03:24 GMT]]>

White_Gale:
I started early Nov. Don't want to wait till Dec or Jan...all the good teachers/centres already full. My current centre recently shifted to the East, easier for me! My girl likes the science and maths lesson 🙂

Wise decision

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/970589https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/970589Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:03:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 04:59:30 GMT]]>I started early Nov. Don't want to wait till Dec or Jan...all the good teachers/centres already full. My current centre recently shifted to the East, easier for me! My girl likes the science and maths lesson 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/970588https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/970588Fri, 15 Mar 2013 04:59:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:50:51 GMT]]>If you try to find nearing exam, normally all good tutors have already fully booked. Even if you try to send to tuition center with a strong tutor, it is always crowded nearing exam time.


Better u try beginning of the year. But if your child is smart enough, maybe it’s ok not to send him/her for any tuition so early, so can save cost… 😃

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/943236https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/943236Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:50:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 04:53:37 GMT]]>Yea. My kids’ centre sometimes also have to form new classes to accommodate even more students. my kids only got in after recommendation from my sister’s daughter, my niece who is currently still with them for E/A and Chemistry Class.

Now my friend’s turn to wait after i recommended her.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/919416https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/919416Mon, 17 Dec 2012 04:53:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Sat, 08 Dec 2012 01:43:44 GMT]]>

TheAnswer:
Having been in this industry for so long, it's common to see highly sought after tutors closing their slots as early as November (like November 2012 for year 2013). Usually current students will also recommend their family friends, close friends, cousins and siblings. Some might even go to the extend of forming their own groups so that you can teach them together. Current students no doubt they will have priority but timing and days must still fit. Chances are tutor's lessons are back to back on most days.


Personally I feel that the best time to find tutors are sept to oct (if someone recommends u a good tutor) or nov to dec (latest). Any later will become increasingly difficult.

Just my 2 cents worth!

I hope everyone gets a suitable and delicated tutor!
I agree. My math tuition closes registration in nov... When I was in sec 1 only managed to get in through recommendation from one of her ex student which is my moms friends daughter.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/915659https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/915659Sat, 08 Dec 2012 01:43:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:13:26 GMT]]>Having been in this industry for so long, it’s common to see highly sought after tutors closing their slots as early as November (like November 2012 for year 2013). Usually current students will also recommend their family friends, close friends, cousins and siblings. Some might even go to the extend of forming their own groups so that you can teach them together. Current students no doubt they will have priority but timing and days must still fit. Chances are tutor’s lessons are back to back on most days.


Personally I feel that the best time to find tutors are sept to oct (if someone recommends u a good tutor) or nov to dec (latest). Any later will become increasingly difficult.

Just my 2 cents worth!

I hope everyone gets a suitable and delicated tutor!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/915512https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/915512Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:13:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 00:44:16 GMT]]>1-2 weeks after SA2 exam.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/870375https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/870375Sun, 07 Oct 2012 00:44:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:33:52 GMT]]>If your child is going to sit for PSLE the next year, find a tutor asap and get him/her to start teaching in Nov/Dec before new school term begins. After the p5 SA2 papers are returned, you will roughly know which subject(s) your child needs help.

Don’t delay bcos most teachers teaching PSLE are booked in advance. Oh yes, those March/June/Sep ‘holidays’ are important periods for intensive lessons.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/868755https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/868755Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:33:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:36:36 GMT]]>Give your child 1-2 months break after yr-end exams. Then get a good tutor to start around Dec before the new year.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/868479https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/868479Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:36:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:31:12 GMT]]>

elishatan:
Do you start looking for tutors for your child at the beginning of the year, or after tests results come back, or before a major exam?

At the beginning of the year, but I do know of parents who only start to look for tutors when it's already very close to the 'O' or 'A' levels. It's called the last-minute Buddha foot hugging syndrome.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/868373https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/868373Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:31:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Sat, 08 Sep 2012 13:05:31 GMT]]>Answer: Whenever you are ready

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/844360https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/844360Sat, 08 Sep 2012 13:05:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 02:35:24 GMT]]>Mid-End Oct is also the examination period. Most parents tend to ask for additional lessons and so the schedule would already be very pack. Priority would of course be going to these students who have been with the tutor for quite some time rather then allowing "last minute students" hog up time.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/842119https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/842119Wed, 05 Sep 2012 02:35:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to When do you start looking for tuition teachers? on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 01:23:17 GMT]]>

SueTM12:
If you are serious about finding a long time tuition teacher, many people actually started finding sometime in late Nov/early Dec as thats when the good teachers are still available.

Most of the good tutors may be fully booked by August/September with extra classes demanded their current students in preparation for the year ends, especially PSLE. Tutors who are responsible and block out their Aug/Sep/Oct schedule for their current students tell me that they are only available after the PSLE, which would be around mid-Oct. So if you want to get the best selection, mid-end Oct will be ideal

Cheers,
Justin
Ace Tutors

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/832372https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/832372Sat, 25 Aug 2012 01:23:17 GMT