| Many students and tutors want to use a book. There are many reasons for using a book. It may make a tutoring situation feel more like "real" school for students. Students may have a book from a previous class or tutor. Tutors may feel more comfortable using a book with a small group or class because it helps to focus the lessons. Book scan also be used by tutors for ideas on what and how to teach.
If you choose to use a book in your tutoring situation, there are several questions to consider as you plan your lessons.
1. How is the book organized?
- Does one chapter build on the next?
- Is it sequential or is each chapter self contained?
- Can you start anywhere in the book?
2. What does the student need to know to use the book?
- Can it be used for self study?
3. What does the tutor need to do?
- Is there a teacher's manual available?
- Do you need the teacher's manual to understand what is being taught and how it is taught?
4. What is being taught?
- What new vocabulary, grammar, and cultural information is introduced?
5. What other ways could you teach this information?
- How can you reinforce the material?
- Are supplemental activiteis suggested or provided?
Many times a book may guide the lessons. Remember that a book should be used to enhance a lesson; it should not be the lesson. It can help you teach vocabulary, structures, or ideas. Do not become tied to the text. Instead, decide what part of the book is relevant to yoru lesson's objectives and include that part as a component of your lesson plan.
Many of the books available are organized in a series of levels. Others function as activity idea books. Pick and choose from various books to best meet your needs and the neds of your students.
This same information can be found in a pdf file, below. | 
