By Noah Williams 
When we think of tutors, we often picture college students, retired teachers, or professional educators. But there’s one group that’s been quietly helping children learn for generations—with little recognition: grandparents.
Grandparents have long played an emotional and caregiving role in families, but what if we started seeing them as a powerful, underutilized educational resource too? In a world where students are falling behind, parents are overworked, and education feels increasingly fast-paced and digital, the idea of intergenerational learning might be exactly what’s missing.
The Hidden Classroom at Grandma’s House
Many children already experience casual learning moments with their grandparents: baking with measurements, gardening with biology, telling stories rich in history. But those moments rarely get labeled as “education.”
Let’s flip that thinking.
Researchers in child development and education have found that intergenerational learning—where knowledge is passed between age groups, especially older to younger—has measurable cognitive and emotional benefits. Kids who learn from grandparents can develop a deeper understanding of empathy, storytelling, patience, and cultural memory. In other words: they don’t just learn facts. They gain wisdom.
Why Grandparents Make Great Tutors (Even Without a Teaching Degree)
You don’t need a master’s in education to be a good tutor. Here’s what many grandparents bring to the table naturally:
Time and Patience: Unlike busy parents juggling work and dinner prep, many grandparents can slow down and offer unhurried support.
Life Experience: Whether it’s helping with history homework or real-life math, grandparents often bring practical, lived examples.
Love of Repetition: They don’t mind going over spelling words five times. They like it.
Encouragement Without Pressure: Grandparents are often more relaxed and nurturing in their teaching style, which reduces anxiety for kids.
And perhaps most importantly, many children listen to their grandparents in a way they don’t with parents or teachers. That unique bond can open the door to learning that sticks.
Closing the Education Gap—One Family at a Time
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families turned to “learning pods” and homeschooling options, often involving grandparents as helpers. The results? Some kids thrived with the extra attention and flexible, low-pressure setting.
With test scores lagging and teacher shortages on the rise in many communities, it’s worth rethinking what education support looks like. Schools and afterschool programs could partner with older volunteers—including grandparents—to create informal tutoring networks. Community centers and libraries could offer “grandparent-led” homework help sessions.
And at home, families can start simply by recognizing and encouraging the small educational moments grandparents already provide.
But Wait—What About Tech and Curriculum Changes?
It’s true: today’s classrooms are full of digital tools and constantly evolving teaching strategies. A grandparent who last saw a math book in 1973 may feel unqualified to help with algebra apps or phonics slideshows.
But here’s the good news: they don’t need to be experts in the how of learning. They just need to show up with curiosity and care.
In fact, grandparents can become learners with their grandkids. Exploring an educational YouTube video together, trying out a math game app, or reading a science article side by side—these co-learning experiences are powerful. They teach kids that learning doesn’t end at school or after childhood. It’s a lifelong adventure.
Benefits Beyond Academics
The intergenerational learning approach isn’t just good for kids. It benefits grandparents too.
Cognitive Boost: Teaching and engaging with young minds keeps older adults mentally active and socially connected.
Emotional Health: Many seniors report a strong sense of purpose when involved in a child’s learning journey.
Relationship Building: Instead of being just a babysitter, the grandparent steps into a new, meaningful role in the child’s life.
And for families, these tutoring moments can create lasting memories and stronger bonds.
How to Start (Even If You’re Not a Teacher-Type)
You don’t need to turn your living room into a classroom. Try one of these simple entry points:
Homework Buddy Time: Set a regular 30-minute window once or twice a week for reviewing homework together.
Read-Aloud Exchange: Kids read aloud to grandparents—or vice versa. This builds fluency, comprehension, and connection.
Storytelling Hour: Ask grandparents to tell a story from their childhood that connects to a topic your child is learning. (World War II, farming, inventions, etc.)
Life Skills = Learning: Cooking, sewing, fixing things, or even balancing a checkbook are full of teachable moments.
Even a video call works if grandparents live far away. A little consistency goes a long way.
Real-Life Example: “Grandpa Mike’s History Club”
One parent shared how her father, a retired postal worker, started a weekly Zoom call with his grandkids to discuss “This Week in History.” They read short articles together, looked at old photos, and compared modern events. What started as a pandemic project turned into a beloved weekly tradition that improved the kids’ interest—and grades—in social studies.
Grandpa Mike didn’t have a teaching degree. Just curiosity, structure, and a good internet connection.
A Call to Action for Families and Communities
We’re living in a time when families are more stretched than ever—and kids need all the support they can get. Instead of leaving tutoring to professionals alone, let’s widen the circle.
If you’re a parent: Invite your child’s grandparents to take part in learning—even in small ways.
If you’re a grandparent: Don’t underestimate what you can offer. You are smart enough. Your love, life experience, and time are powerful teaching tools.
And if you’re part of a school or community program: Consider launching an intergenerational learning initiative. There’s a wealth of wisdom just waiting to be tapped.
Bottom line? Grandparents have more to offer than cookies and hugs (though those are great, too). They might just be the tutors our kids didn’t know they needed—and the teachers we’ve been overlooking all along.