Get organized. Make sure you have a dedicated workspace for tutoring, complete with the minimum supplies a student might need, such as pens, pencils, paper and erasers. Provide a comfortable chair for your student. Avoid tutoring in public places like coffeehouses, as they have too much distraction.
Begin by assessing the student. Talk to her teacher and parents to find out what their learning goals are for the student. Ask her what she would like to improve on. If you can, give her a formal assessment to better understand where she is struggling.
Plan formal lessons. Just because you are working with only one student does not mean that you should not create lesson plans. Successful tutors treat each student professionally, and that means lesson plans, including requiring homework for your student.
Meet regularly. Make sure your student and his parents know that he needs to commit to tutoring in order to be successful. Too many absences due to sports practices or other outside activities will render tutoring completely ineffective.
Get to know your student. Children perform better when they feel like someone really cares about them. Show your student that you care about how well he does, and he will reward you with great effort and success!