How to choose an online English tutor for your child
A child learns best with a tutor who is patient, plays, and keeps lessons short and varied. This guide shows what to look for at each age and how to judge a tutor in a trial lesson.
Match the lesson length to the age
- Ages 4 to 6: about 20 to 30 minutes, with songs, pictures and movement.
- Ages 7 to 10: 30 to 45 minutes, with games, reading and simple speaking.
- Ages 11 and over: 45 to 60 minutes, with more reading, writing and conversation.
A tutor who suggests one hour for a five year old probably has not taught young children.
What to look for on a profile
- Experience with children of your child's age, not just with adults.
- A short intro video, so you can see how the tutor talks to a camera and whether they are warm and clear.
- Materials: do they use songs, flashcards, stories and games, or only a textbook?
- Whether they offer a short trial lesson.
How to run the trial lesson
Sit nearby for the first lesson, but let the tutor lead. Watch three things: does your child smile, does the tutor wait for answers and praise effort, and does the lesson change activity every few minutes. Afterwards, ask your child how it felt. Their answer matters more than any profile.
Set a goal together
Agree on one clear goal with the tutor, such as reading simple books, speaking in short sentences or preparing for a school exam. A goal makes progress visible and lets you see whether lessons are working.
How Global Tutor Board works
It is a directory. You browse tutor profiles and send a message through the site, and when you are happy the tutor shares their own contact details. You agree times, price and payment directly, and there is no commission taken from lessons.
Common questions
At what age can a child start English lessons?
Children can start playing with English from about four, with short sessions based on songs and pictures. Formal reading and writing usually begins later.
Should a parent stay in the lesson?
For young children it helps in the first lessons. As your child gets used to the tutor, you can step back and check in at the end.
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