WHY DO I LIKE TO TUTOR?

Three volunteers at the Cape Vo-Tech working with GED and ABE (Adult Basic Education) share in their own words why they like to tutor these students.

By Alberta Loos

Simply said: Tutoring leads to fascinating experiences.

It's rewarding having an elderly man admit, "When I sit with my friends now I don't just have to act like I'm reading the newspaper. I can pick up the paper and really read it now. It's changed my life."

It's rewarding to help eager people learn practical skills such as filling out a job application, reading a prescription, going over insurance forms, licenses, advertisements.

It's rewarding to see enlightenment on the face of a non-English speaking person when the word "yard" is explained. Then it gets very interesting separating a "grass yard" from the "36-inch kind" in his mind. English words that have multiple meanings keep one alert.

It's rewarding to be able to laugh together when I've used the expression "I beat you here" bringing a horrified look to the non-English speaking student's face. When it is explained that "beat" does not mean physical violence in this sentence but to be first, her laughter rings out.

It's rewarding to have a father enthusiastically report that he read Amelia Bedelia to his 6-year-old daughter. It was a love bonding time, and he stood high in her eyes.

It's rewarding to see a student preparing for citizenship work so diligently to learn what the Bill of Rights is, the three departments of government, the meaning of the 13 stripes in the flag.

Tutoring adults is different from teaching a first-grader to read. When adults have met their level, guidebooks or manuals show a step-by-step approach, which they can use if they choose. So they do not need to have been a teacher. Tutoring adults is a fascinating adventure. I truly believe that tutoring does me as much good as it does the student.

by Dorothy Taylor

Reading is an adventure, an education, a stress-reliever, and a JOY. If there were no books -- no library -- I would be the world's No. 1 grump.

Soon after retirement, I noticed a tiny paragraph in the local newspaper stating that tutors were needed for the literacy program, and, today, after 1 1/2 years and four students, I'm very glad I made that phone call! This is not only satisfying, it's fun!

A GED student has told me about some traumatic family problems. Does he have anyone else to talk to? I don't know. But we're on no fast track here, so I listen.

An ESL student and her family have become friends of my family. Their parents are thousands of miles away, so they have joined us for cookouts, birthdays, Halloween and Christmas. I visited their son's room on Grandparent's Day at school. I feel fortunate to know them and to be their friend. This student's husband is very computer literate, but even he prefers to lick his finger and turn the pages rather than strike a few keys and see the same information on the screen. My kind of fellow!

I think my grandsons, Chip, John and Matt, rather like the idea that I'm doing this -- until I correct their grammar, especially during the last couple of weeks. I tell them I don't want them to flunk the first day of school. They are very fond of my ESL student's young son and, in fact, have told friends that we've "adopted" them.

Sometimes I feel impatient, but don't believe I've shown impatience with my students. Notice how I keep saying "MY" students? They are. There is so much to know, and learn, and enjoy. I want them to know it NOW, but it's a slow process, and I'll be there as long as they keep coming.

The hole-in-one, the perfect flower garden, the Rachmaninoff concerto -- ? Maybe we'll accomplish those, too, but it couldn't be more exciting than helping people improve their reading skills and go on to realize their dreams.

In the latest issue of New Choices magazine, a volunteer says, "Of all the things I do, the literacy program is the one that really makes my heart feel delighted." I couldn't agree more.

Come, join us.

By Juanita Spicer, Coordinator

An air of enthusiasm and excitement could be observed last fall at the Edward M. Spicer Tutorial Program. The students have a reason to complete homework assignments. It was easier to remember spelling words and number facts.

The new Packard Bell computer created the most interest in the written word. The new computer has an encyclopedia that is helpful in research for classroom assignments, as well as activities that help to build the students reading skill.

The computer, given to the students by the YELL Program, serves to motivate, build and enrich reading. Operating the computer ads a new and enjoyable interest to learning.

The students reading grades on their report cards this year improved or remained the same. The improvements were from "D" to "C", to from "C" to "B."

The tutorial program meets after school at St. James AME Church. The program started in the fall of 1992. Although most of the students are from kindergarten through sixth grade, we helps students on any grade level.