“I Just Want Her to Feel Confident Enough to Raise Her Hand”: How Tutoring Builds Academic Confidence That Lasts
By Dr. June Furr, Executive Director of Thrive Tutoring
A few days ago, a mom told me something that stuck:
“I don’t care if she gets all A’s—I just want her to feel confident enough to raise her hand in class.”
As an educator and executive director, I understand that academic support is not merely about grades—it is about nurturing a child’s inner courage and voice. At Thrive Tutoring, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow not just academically, but emotionally as well.
Why So Many Kids Stay Silent
Many children, especially those with learning differences, feel unseen and unheard in large classroom settings. Their inner dialogue often becomes:
“I’m not smart.”
“Everyone else gets it but me.”
“I’ll just mess up if I try.”
This silence is not a lack of potential—it’s a symptom of anxiety and a deep-seated belief that they are not enough.
What the Research Shows: Tutoring Helps—In Big Ways
A study published in Insights into Learning Disabilities by Adams, Hord, Madden, and Ryan (2023) examined the experiences of a high school student named Vince. Vince, who struggled with reading and math, experienced significant positive change through one-on-one tutoring. The study reveals that tutoring supports student self-efficacy through three key ingredients:
- Personal Connection: “They understand me.”Vince shared that his tutors cared about him beyond his academic work. They engaged with him on a personal level—talking about life, interests, and challenges. This connection is crucial; when students feel truly seen, they are more likely to engage and take academic risks.
- Effective, Personalized Teaching: “It finally makes sense.”Vince’s tutors adjusted their methods using visual aids and personalized pacing. By slowing down and clarifying concepts, they paved the way for genuine understanding and confidence—a concept echoed in the research.
- Shared Vulnerability: “I’m not alone.”One key moment in Vince’s journey was when his tutor shared that she too used reading accommodations. This disclosure dismantled feelings of isolation and shame, underscoring that struggle is a shared experience and part of growth.
This research (see EJ1379916.pdf) underpins the structured approach we use at Thrive Tutoring to transform silent classrooms into empowered learning environments.
Tutoring Is not Just for Struggling Students—It is for Students Who Want to Thrive
Whether your child needs that extra boost or simply a more nurturing learning environment than a busy classroom can provide, one-on-one tutoring can be the catalyst for them to find their voice and believe in their own potential.
“I like it because it helps me with not just math but also other subjects—health, ELA, science… pretty much everything.”
— Vince
Dear Moms, This Is Your Invitation
If your child hesitates to speak up, if you have ever seen them retreat into silence, know this:
They just need the right support. Tutoring, with its blend of personal connection and personalized teaching, can be the catalyst for change.
Let us work together to empower your child to speak up, ask questions, and shine in every aspect of their learning.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Thrive Tutoring Today.
