reading - Tutor Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra, La Canada

Reading Comprehension Strategies Tutors Use

Strong reading comprehension is at the heart of academic success. From understanding word problems in math to analyzing passages in English and history, students rely on reading skills every single day. When comprehension breaks down, school can quickly feel frustrating and overwhelming.

Many students struggle with reading comprehension for different reasons. Some read fluently but don’t fully grasp what the text is saying. Others get stuck on unfamiliar vocabulary, lose focus in longer passages, or feel unsure about identifying main ideas.

At Hodis Learning & Music, our tutors help students strengthen reading comprehension by focusing on skills that support understanding.

Active Reading (Without Overcomplicating It)

Rather than passively reading, tutors encourage students to pause, think, and engage with the text. This might mean noticing key ideas, asking simple questions, or predicting what comes next. Staying mentally involved makes it easier to understand and remember what’s being read.

Building Vocabulary in Context

Unfamiliar words can quickly derail comprehension. Tutors help students use context clues and word parts to figure out meaning without stopping every few seconds. Over time, this builds stronger vocabulary and smoother reading.

Breaking Text Into Manageable Pieces

Long passages can feel intimidating, especially for struggling readers. Tutors often guide students to break text into smaller sections, focus on one idea at a time, and briefly reflect before moving on. This makes reading feel more doable and less overwhelming.

Support for Reading Comprehension Starts Here

These are just a few of the strategies tutors use to support reading comprehension (yes, we’ll keep some of our tutoring secrets to ourselves). What we can say is that struggling through reading doesn’t have to be the norm. With the right guidance and support, students can build confidence, improve understanding, and actually feel better about reading.

If reading comprehension is holding your student back, don’t struggle through it alone. Sign up for tutoring at Hodis Learning & Music today and give your student the tools they need to succeed. To learn more, call (626) 227-1149 or submit a contact form on our website.

by Rachel Hodis

Academic Tutoring, News

Educator Spotlight: Staci W.

New post! Read this educator spotlight on Staci W., an English, ESL, History, Korean, and elementary and middle school tutor.

What subjects do you teach?

Academic Tutoring: English up to college level, ESL, History, AP History, Korean, Math and Science up to Middle School level

What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator?

I love helping students gain confidence in subjects they used to struggle with. It’s very rewarding when a student starts understanding a difficult concept and realizes their capability. A lot of my students struggle in the same areas I used to when I was in school and I enjoy teaching them healthier study habits that helped me over the years.

What are the most common areas you see your students struggling in? How do you help them in those areas?

Most of my students struggle with a lack of confidence in their ability to do well. If a subject has proven difficult in the past, they may have developed negative self-talk that keeps them from doing their best. I do my best to show them the tools they need to accomplish their goals and to encourage them. I aim to make my lessons fun so that learning doesn’t feel like a chore and to give them a positive environment to make mistakes and learn.

What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching students?

I enjoy making music as a singer/songwriter, going to cute coffee and boba shops, and catching up on TV in my spare time.

What do you think makes Hodis Learning & Music a great service and company to work for?

Everyone who works here not only wants to help students succeed but genuinely wants to make learning fun and enjoyable for their students. Learning shouldn’t have to be dull and I appreciate Hodis Learning & Music’s mission.

Learn more about Staci.

by Rachel Hodis

Academic Tutoring, Educational Wellness

3 Tips to Keep Your Student Reading Over the Summer

Reading is important for developing literacy, improving vocabulary, building social-emotional skills, and learning about the world and others.

Without school, it can be easy for students to avoid reading for three months, especially if it’s something they already struggle with and don’t like doing. However, it’s important that they continue reading to build their skills and ensure they don’t fall behind in the next school year. Below are 3 ways you can keep your student reading over the summer!

1. Join a Summer Reading Challenge

A reading challenge can be a great way to incentivize students to read during the summer months. Check with your school or local library to see if they have a challenge and how to join. Rules and prizes may vary, but the general idea is that participants keep track of how many books they read, or how many minutes per day they spend reading. You might even be able to create your own reading challenge at home to inspire your student. Use competitive spirit to keep your student reading throughout the summer!

2. Read With Your Student

This strategy might work particularly well for students who are still learning how to read or struggle with reading on their own. Encourage your student to pick the book you’ll read together. They might become more engaged once they have a say in the book they’re reading, rather than reading one assigned by a teacher. You and your student can alternate between reading each page or different paragraphs, depending on the book.

3. Have Your Student Find Books They Like

Take your student to a bookstore or sign them up for a library card and let them explore! As mentioned in suggestion 2, students might find reading more enjoyable when they have a say in the books they are reading. Your student might find they love fantasy series or graphic novels– books they don’t normally get to read for school. While it is important to make sure your student is reading at their grade level, allowing them to read books they choose and are excited about can help them build confidence and learn to enjoy reading. This will ultimately help them improve their reading skills in the long-run.