Getting Started with TutorThings

TutorThings is a voice-first tutor that helps learners grow by talking through ideas - not by handing over answers. The more a learner explains their thinking out loud, the more the tutor can pinpoint exactly where to guide them next.

What to expect

1. Pick a mode - Choose how you want to engage for this session
2. Start talking - Say what you know, what you're stuck on, or what you want to explore
3. Follow the questions - The tutor asks before it tells. You try first, then get support
4. Finish with understanding - The goal is being able to explain why, not just what

The three modes

When you open Start Session, you'll see three options:

Learn Anything

Bring any topic, question, or concept. The tutor figures out where you are and works from there - no setup needed. This is the most flexible starting point and works well for school subjects, curiosity questions, or anything a learner is currently working on.

Story Time

The tutor asks what kind of story you like, then builds one and involves you in it with check-in questions along the way. Good for younger learners or anyone who engages better through narrative. The questions are still built around reasoning - the story is just the vehicle.

Quiz Game

A trivia-style round on a topic you pick. The tutor offers a few categories or takes a custom choice, then runs questions in a game-like format. Still explanation-first - you say why, not just what.

All three modes follow the same rules: you explain before you get told, hints get more specific only when you're genuinely stuck, and the tutor never just hands over the answer.

For families & educators

• TutorThings guides - it does not solve for the learner
• Mistakes are treated as signals, not failures
• Sessions are short and focused (10 - 15 minutes is the sweet spot)
• Any topic works - the tutor adapts to what the learner brings

Read more in the Family & Educator Guide.

Tips for a strong first session

• Start with something the learner is currently working on, curious about, or stuck on
• After the session, ask them to explain what they learned in their own words
• Short sessions consistently beat long sessions occasionally

Next step

Start here: Start Session

Need help? See Help & FAQ.