I have worked as a home tutor for nearly five years, and truthfully, every student phase has its specific difficulties. Starting with teaching young learners, who are usually playful, to middle school students who lose focus quickly, to senior students who are stressed out about university admission tests. All of them demands a special approach.
And this time spent tutoring has made me understand that one-on-one teaching goes beyond “additional teaching”, but really acting as a guide.
Teaching Elementary School Kids: Between Play and Study
I still remember my very first elementary student, his name was Rafi, grade 3. Every time I started the math lesson, he instantly responded, “Miss, can we play first?” 😂
At first I was struggling about how to get him to pay attention. But eventually I figured out to use games. For example, when we studied multiplication, I brought in marbles and LEGO. And surprisingly very effective. He figured out the concept of “3 x 4” as “3 groups of 4.”
According to findings by Yogyakarta State University (Pratiwi, 2020), elementary students learn abstract concepts faster when illustrated through concrete objects or games. And from my personal journey, I can say it is 100% true.
That’s why, if moms and dads ask me whether elementary kids need extra classes, my answer is: yes, especially if their basic knowledge is still shaky. Because that basis is what carries their future learning.
Teaching Middle Schoolers: https://ngajarprivat.com/product/guru-les-privat-di-jakarta-pusat/ The “Unstable” Yet Fun Phase
If elementary kids require games, adolescents usually look for someone to talk with. They have started to be more critical, like asking “why does it have to be that way?”, and they get uninterested fast if it’s only formulas.
I once had a grade 8 student who couldn’t stand science. He said, “Why should I study Biology? I’m not going to be a doctor anyway.” Instead of pushing, I talked with him. It turned out he loved survival games. From there, I explained ecosystems using analogies from the game he played. The result? He became excited again about learning.
Research from the University of Cambridge (Harris, 2021) suggests that junior high learners are more engaged when teachers use contextual approaches related to their interests. So it’s truly matching with my own teaching experience.
Teaching High School Students: Focus on UTBK and Time Management
The hardest is actually with high school students. Because besides complex subjects, they are also already stressed about their future.
I had a grade 12 student, let’s call her Dina, whose goal was to enter a top public university through UTBK. The problem was, she lost composure fast whenever working on tryout exams. Her scores weren’t bad, but because of panic, she often made mistakes on easy problems.
Here, the role of a private tutor became more than just teaching. I also guided her in time management strategies, breathing exercises to avoid panic, and even full exam simulations.
According to research from Harvard Graduate School of Education (Miller, 2022), students who receive individual mentoring have a 25% higher chance of passing college entrance exams. And I personally saw proof with Dina, who eventually became calmer and had consistently improving scores.
Why I Recommend Private Tutor Platforms
Back then, I used to find students through friends or Facebook groups. But it was often complicated with timing, meeting places, and even payments. Since I joined platforms like NgajarPrivat.com, KoncoSinau.id, and LapakGuruPrivat.com, everything became more efficient.
Parents can directly find a tutor according to their needs, students can change tutors if they don’t feel a match, and I as a teacher also get a clear schedule. So everyone gets an advantage.
On top of that, through official platforms, there is a monitoring system that makes learning more transparent. Parents can track their child’s progress, not just “trust the tutor blindly.”
So, Are Private Lessons for Elementary, Middle, and High School Important?
From a teacher’s perspective, I can say: definitely needed. Not because school isn’t enough, but because each child is unique. Some need additional clarity, some need practical examples, and others simply need someone to keep them going.

Private lessons make the learning process more customized, more adaptable, and more fitting with each child’s needs. And for me personally, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student who once struggled finally say, “Miss, I understand now!”
If you’re a parent or student currently thinking about extra learning solutions, just try platforms like NgajarPrivat.com, KoncoSinau.id, and LapakGuruPrivat.com. From my experience, this is not only about academics but also about helping kids become more confident in facing school challenges and exams.

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