Trial lesson checklist for parents

One week before the trial

**Confirm logistics**

**Prepare a brief for the tutor** Send a short message covering:

**Set expectations with your child** Explain it is a try-out, not a test. They should participate honestly — tutors need to see real gaps.

• Date, time, duration, online link or address
• Materials needed — textbook, school workbook, recent test paper
• Who joins — usually the child alone; parent nearby for young P1–P3 if needed
• Current level and school
• Subject and topics struggling most
• Personality notes — shy, competitive, needs breaks, etc.
• Any learning support or anxiety to be aware of
• Your goal for the next three months (confidence, grades, exam technique)

Day of trial — before the session

ready

• Ensure your child is fed and rested
• Gather recent school paper or tutor-requested work
• For online trials: test camera, mic, and writing surface; have paper and pencil
• Agree you will not sit beside them correcting answers unless the tutor invites you

During the trial — what parents can observe

If you listen from another room or join the last five minutes, watch for:

You do not need to understand every topic — notice engagement and clarity instead.

• Warm, professional tone — no sarcasm or harsh comparisons
• Questions directed to your child, not only lecturing
• Pacing with short breaks if needed for younger children
• Use of school-appropriate methods
• Time for your child to attempt questions independently

Questions to ask the tutor after the session

If the tutor offers a parent debrief, ask:

Clear answers suggest organised teaching. Vague “we’ll see” responses may mean unstructured lessons ahead.

• What level did you assess my child at for this topic?
• What were the top two gaps you noticed?
• What would you focus on in the next four lessons?
• What homework do you recommend before next session?
• How will you update me on progress?

Within 24 hours — review with your child

Ask gently:

One “I don’t know” is normal. Total shutdown or tears is worth noting.

• What did you learn today?
• Was anything too hard or too easy?
• Would you feel okay seeing this tutor again?

Check the lesson report

On TutuTap, read the post-lesson report for:

If homework and next steps are missing, follow up before booking a package.

• Topics covered
• Homework assigned
• Observations and next steps

Score the trial privately

Rate 1–5 on your own notes:

Averages below 3 on multiple rows suggest trying another tutor before committing.

• Subject expertise demonstrated
• Communication with your child
• Structure of the session
• Parent clarity after the lesson
• Professionalism (punctuality, materials, follow-up)

Booking the second lesson

Book one or two more singles before long packages. Fit confirms over three sessions when homework completion and small improvements appear.

When to decline politely

It is fine to say no if:

Thank the tutor, give brief feedback if asked, and continue your search.

• Teaching style clashed badly with your child’s needs
• Homework seemed inappropriate
• You felt pressured to pay upfront for many months
• Communication was poor before or after the session

Special notes for online trials

Ensure your child knows how to share screen or hold up working. Tutors need to see steps, not only final answers. Good online tutors annotate screenshots and send summaries after class.

Special notes for in-person trials

Confirm safety: lesson in a visible area, door open for first visit if preferred, clear pick-up time. TutuTap’s verified profiles and in-app messaging add a layer of accountability — still use common sense.

After a good trial

Calendar the next session quickly while momentum is fresh. Share school test dates so the tutor can align revision. Trial success is the start of a partnership — not the finish line.

Quick printable checklist

Before:

During:

After:

Following this checklist turns a S$ trial into a confident hiring decision — and saves months of mismatch later.

• Brief sent to tutor
• Materials ready
• Child knows it’s a try-out
• Child participates
• Tutor engages, not only lectures
• Lesson report read
• Debrief with child
• Second lesson booked or polite decline