Does Online Reading Tutoring Work for Younger Kids?

If you have a child who is struggling with reading, you may be wondering whether online tutoring is effective for 6- and 7-year-olds. Many parents imagine online sessions as chaotic or hard to manage, especially if their child has trouble sitting still or staying focused. But when online tutoring is done well, it can be one of the most effective and child-friendly ways to build strong early reading skills.

At Kids Up Reading Tutors, we work with beginning readers every day, and what we see is clear. Online tutoring works extremely well for 1st and 2nd graders when the instruction is grounded in the Science of Reading, when the online tutor uses engaging tools, and when lessons focus on the exact skills the child needs to become a confident reader and good speller.

Younger Kids - All Kids - Learn Best With Explicit, Skills-Based Instruction

The Science of Reading shows that children need systematic instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, morphology, spelling, and fluency. This is especially important for kids who are showing early signs of dyslexia or other reading challenges. When these foundational skills are taught explicitly and practiced often, children make quick, meaningful progress. Kids Up Reading Tutors' materials emphasize that strong phonological skills and structured phonics instruction are essential for struggling readers, including younger students who are just beginning their reading journey.

Online tutoring makes this possible by giving each child focused, one-on-one attention. Instead of trying to keep up with a classroom, your child gets instruction targeted to their specific needs. Online tutors can move at the right pace for your child, spending extra time on skills that are difficult and moving forward quickly when a skill is mastered.

Online Tools Bring Reading Instruction to Life

Younger children often learn best when instruction is interactive and playful. Online tutoring offers a wide range of tools that keep kids engaged. Kids Up Reading Tutors use digital letter tiles, blending boards, oral and written phonological exercises and interactive games that help children build the foundational skills they need. These tools make abstract concepts visible and concrete, which is especially helpful for early readers.

In addition, many young children feel more at ease learning from the comfort of home. When they're working with their online reading tutor they don't have to contend with the distractions of a busy classroom or tutoring center, and they have the flexibility to move, stand, stretch, or take quick breaks as needed. For children with dyslexia, ADHD, or anxiety around reading, the comfort of home can make a big difference.

Online Tutors Can Keep Young Learners Focused

Parents are sometimes surprised by how well their young child stays engaged during online tutoring. One-on-one instruction allows tutors to respond immediately when a child starts to lose focus. Lessons can shift quickly between phonological activities, phonics practice, reading, spelling and short movement breaks, keeping the session lively and manageable.

The tutors at Kids Up Reading Tutors are trained to notice when a child needs encouragement, a change of pace, or a quick reset. This individualized support helps younger students stay motivated and reduces the fatigue that many struggling readers feel.

The Bottom Line

Online tutoring works for younger kids because it combines high quality, Science of Reading-aligned instruction with engaging tools and a comfortable learning environment. Whether your child is showing early signs of dyslexia, needs more reading support than school can provide, or simply learns better one-on-one, online tutoring gives them the focused attention they need to grow.

What Sets Kids Up Reading Tutors Apart?

1. Evidence-based instruction with Orton-Gillingham+

   • Based on the Science of Reading

   • Data-driven systematic, explicit instruction

   • For all learners, with or without dyslexia/dysgraphia

2. Kids & teens get caught up ASAP

   • Customized, 1-on-1 sessions with a dedicated tutor

   • High-intensity tutoring (2-5x/week) via Zoom

   • Focused, with an end in sight (not endless tutoring & investment)

3. Flexible scheduling

   • 45/60 minute sessions

   • Daytime/evenings/weekends/summer

   • Team of tutors; switch tutors if needed for schedule changes

     
     

Our Zoom Guarantee: Try it for a week. Love it, or it's on us!

Visit KidsUpReadingTutors.com to learn more and Schedule your free 30-minute call and demo.