tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post2341823098303489331..comments2023-10-29T09:35:33.119-07:00Comments on Thayne Center for Service & Learning: America Reads 2014-2015 October Blog PromptThayne Center SLCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12564139122723369602noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-3213465049892534622015-04-17T14:35:33.806-07:002015-04-17T14:35:33.806-07:00That's wonderful that you take the time to tut...That's wonderful that you take the time to tutor children who need it at NP. I too deal with a long commute. I live way out in Utah County and I'm currently dealing with construction at the point of the mountain. The construction sometimes adds 15 mins to my commute. Hopefully, I'll be living in or near Salt Lake so I don;t have to deal with this commute any longer! Keep up the hard work. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to have kids, tutor, school, work, etc. Take-care - Austin Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03769944546046095589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-68460691654079630012015-04-17T14:31:38.712-07:002015-04-17T14:31:38.712-07:00I agree. I like how much support we have from othe...I agree. I like how much support we have from other tutors, Sherrie, and Lynne. We can always ask for someone's perspective on how to handle a certain situation. I find that when I ask for assistance, it not only helps me, but the children that I'm tutoring. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03769944546046095589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-61634479704465629412015-04-17T14:28:56.487-07:002015-04-17T14:28:56.487-07:00At times, there are many challenges with working w...At times, there are many challenges with working with students. I tutor second graders who -may at times- begin to day-dreaming and fall off task. I noticed this and though what I can I do to combat this issue. One day while a student was reading, I abruptly stopped him as he finished a page and said, "what was that page about?" He replied,"that's not fair." I then said, "be ready for the next time I ask"(in a blissful manner). Incidentally, the child I was tutoring became over zealous with telling me the details of what he had read. I think it's better for students to not only read, but to understand and lean to love reading.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03769944546046095589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-34536323895894133132015-03-31T22:08:55.205-07:002015-03-31T22:08:55.205-07:00I agree. Asking the teachers who has had more asso...I agree. Asking the teachers who has had more association with the kids than the tutors is a good way to get to know the kids better. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-1883347566118041782015-03-31T22:05:13.529-07:002015-03-31T22:05:13.529-07:00Some of the challenges that I’ve had as an America...Some of the challenges that I’ve had as an American Reads tutor is dealing with some kids at YMCA that has troubles listening to the staff/volunteers. I observe the staff members’ ways in how they deal with this problem, and looking for ways to solve this issue like giving the students consequences so they learn that their behavior needs to be changed. I feel like being able to be patient with the kids, and being able to connect with them in a way definitely is a key. Another challenge I've encountered is understanding how to best help each kid. Knowing not only their struggles with reading, but their struggles to read at home would definitely help. I encourage the students when they don't bring back their book or they don't read at home, it's all I can do is to encourage them and support them. <br />-SYAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-29225487472574811292015-03-30T23:02:37.714-07:002015-03-30T23:02:37.714-07:00I also have to remind myself that these kids may n...I also have to remind myself that these kids may not be getting any help from home either. I have a student who I have to constantly write my initials on their readings logs. It gets kind of stressful having to always remind them or ask them why they haven't but I get it. It's also nice that we get to sit and listen to them read. We are sort of like their parents. I wish some of these parents could listen to their children read, they're so incredible. But I get why some can't and don't. I agree with keeping patients and commitment because that's truly all you need! Kids are awesome! :) Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08390030134491532975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-4791078462411323282015-03-30T22:57:53.761-07:002015-03-30T22:57:53.761-07:00The challenges of being an America Read tutor are ...The challenges of being an America Read tutor are that you don’t fully know the struggles that some of these children are going through. Struggles like home issues, or getting attention from home. You can tell which children don’t get as much attention as they would like. These children are usually the ones who have a hard time listening to you or troubles with confidence. I am also part of Student Government and am taking afternoon classes, so sometimes with events occurring in my school I have a little trouble with having to leave a little early. I am overcoming these issues by first trying to stay as long as possible with my students and also understanding those students who have a hard time with paying attention to me. I let them first tell me how they are feeling and ask them why they’re so listening to me. This usually helps them with expressing their feelings and me trying to find a solution. I give them the motivation they need to hear and they usually get right into reading. It’s actually really rewarding! What I recommend is like I mentioned, listening to their stories and trying to find a solution also kind of not trick them, but distract them. I usually get my students to listen to me if I mention something about playing a game at the end of reading or giving them treats! Patients is key my friends! ☺ <br /> <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08390030134491532975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-13401019945946689762015-02-27T10:13:11.903-08:002015-02-27T10:13:11.903-08:00Patience definitely is something that I think each...Patience definitely is something that I think each of us have had to practice, especially when we have never done this before, or if we find that we have kids that can be a little more challenging. But no matter what these kids need our help and it does take some getting used to when tutoring each kid individually (and a lot of times not even the same lessons of learning).C.D. Earlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05900711386892543820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-69821941057842151302015-02-27T10:09:47.520-08:002015-02-27T10:09:47.520-08:00I agree with you. There are many times where it i...I agree with you. There are many times where it is easy to just give up, and yet, if we can choose not to give up on the kids that we tutor, no matter what, the feeling afterwards will be incredible. And this job is a good way to see if we can be full time teachers or if we just want to stick to tutoring. The hidden blessings are the same.C.D. Earlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05900711386892543820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-60452126327385717522015-02-27T10:06:08.598-08:002015-02-27T10:06:08.598-08:00I also agree that tutoring is very important, whet...I also agree that tutoring is very important, whether we are paid or not. Because in my experience with this program so far, is that the kids need our extra help because their teachers can't do one on one with them, and we don't know what their lifestyle is at home. We can benefit these kids' life's and helping them for the better. If anything there is a hidden blessing behind it all, especially when we can see the kids improving over time.C.D. Earlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05900711386892543820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-67027087141696971762015-02-27T10:03:15.786-08:002015-02-27T10:03:15.786-08:00One of the challenges for me has been balancing sc...One of the challenges for me has been balancing school, parenting, and tutoring all into one week. I always make sure I am at Nibley Park when I am scheduled to be so that I can work with my kids, because that is one of the things I look forward too every day. Another challenge is to remind myself that the kids that I tutor with may or may not have help at home with their reading, and one keeps forgetting to bring back a book that he checked out from the tutor center, and that challenge has been trying to get the book back...without making the kid feel bad.<br />Advice that I would give is to keep patient, even though there are weeks where it seems like there is no time in the schedule to breath, it will all work out. As long as patience and commitment is kept, especially with tutoring, it will be fine. These kids that we work with need our help, and they appreciate the one on one time that they get with us. We are their tutors and their friends.<br />C.D. Earlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05900711386892543820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-8415919000332848702015-02-25T18:11:32.454-08:002015-02-25T18:11:32.454-08:00I am new to the program but am also bummed that we...I am new to the program but am also bummed that we do not get childcare assistance. The College does have a program though if you didn't know. The hours are Great though for my kids, and I can do all my homework at night.<br />Jodinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-84450485103212662622015-02-24T12:04:44.118-08:002015-02-24T12:04:44.118-08:00Some of the most common challenges faced as a tuto...Some of the most common challenges faced as a tutor are scheduling and travel. I travel 25 minutes one way to get to the school that I tutor at. The way that I overcome that travel is by staying at my school all day for three days a week to shorten the trips that I have to drive. As for scheduling, I take as many of my classes online as available, so I have more flexibility in my schedule. The other challenge that I face is child care expense for my youngest. Since work study doesn’t count as a JOB with the state, I don’t get childcare assistance, so half my work study income goes to paying for daycare. I love being an America Reads tutor so this is an expense that is worth the results and only having my son go three days a week is cheaper that 5, so again it helps to just to tutor three full days instead of 5. If you have kids and you tutor, try and find a friend or family member to watch your kids for less to help avoid this expense. Unfortunately, I don’t have that option, but it would help if I did.<br /><br />KLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-50509148214284484822015-02-18T10:14:40.971-08:002015-02-18T10:14:40.971-08:00Some times the kids are difficult and you do not k...Some times the kids are difficult and you do not know how to work with them. I am a non-traditional student returning to college and going to college and doing all the work is hard in itself. Then I need to fit in going to the school and tutoring. What I like about Nibley is I am in the tutoring room with other tutors and can ask them what they would do and we all help each other. With some students I ask their teacher to give me suggestions on how to relate to the child. I talk it over with Sherrie the coordinator Every body should ask the tutors that have done this for more time, get to know them. they have good ideas and you find out that they had the same problems also..<br />FHAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-36135773281980744852014-11-22T16:08:23.129-08:002014-11-22T16:08:23.129-08:00Pink eye! Scary! I am pregnant (therefore my immun...Pink eye! Scary! I am pregnant (therefore my immune system isn't as good as normal) and am SO afraid of getting sick! I felt bad because I had to ask not to work with one student who was throwing up but still at school. <br />I use a lot of hand sanitizer and wash my hands in between each class I tutor at... I haven't gotten sick yet, and I hope I don't! Good luck with everything else! <br />And I love what you said: "You can't fix everyone and everything yourself. Just know you ARE making a difference, and that's what matters." That is very encouraging, thank you! <br />AMDLPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-738918931885658142014-11-22T16:04:35.447-08:002014-11-22T16:04:35.447-08:00I love your last paragraph. That actually is very ...I love your last paragraph. That actually is very helpful. I tend to be a little insecure as how to handle some of the students that aren't as interested/hard to keep on task (especially in groups). I'm going to try your tactic with having one of their friends help, as well as communicating better with the teacher-- they just seem so overwhelmed (at least the one that I have) and I feel bad giving him more to think about during class. Thanks for the great advice! <br />AMDLPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-48166299565165882402014-11-22T16:00:31.170-08:002014-11-22T16:00:31.170-08:00It can be hard when they are distracted! Especiall...It can be hard when they are distracted! Especially the younger ones! I think you gave great advice-- keeping them motivated and upbeat is crucial to their learning experience. <br />Learning how to explain the vowels has been a little bit of a challenge for me, as well. Good luck and you're doing great! <br />AMDLPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-54672485257255660262014-11-22T15:57:44.613-08:002014-11-22T15:57:44.613-08:00I think one of my biggest challenges is working wi...I think one of my biggest challenges is working with the younger students. The teacher gives me about 3-5 at a time to work with at some points and it can be overwhelming (I'm sure the teacher feels this way and is thankful for the help in his/her classroom!) and hard to handle. It's hard to divide your attention between 3-5 1st graders who are constantly trying to move around and get distracted. <br />I am overcoming this by practice. I think I have the patience to handle this, but am insecure as to how to go about it, but I am learning. This is a new experience and I am just happy I get to help in any way I can! <br />The best advice I can give to others who are experiencing this, is just to relax and take one moment at a time (literally!). It can be stressful dealing with so many kids, but it is also rewarding once you walk out of the classroom and know that you did your best, and though you have much more to learn, that you are an awesome tutor for just being there and encouraging them. <br />AMDLPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-89389873587680099632014-11-14T13:11:48.321-08:002014-11-14T13:11:48.321-08:00Some of the challenges that I got as an America Re...Some of the challenges that I got as an America Read tutor is keeping the children focus on the pages, I have a student that is excited to come read with me, but I have to start him at the very beginning with sounding out the letters in the words and combining them together, and it would get to difficult for him and he just wants to give up, so it takes a lot of patient working with him. Some things that I notice as a tutor is when students come across a words that are vowels and they use the short sound instead of the long vowel sounds and in this case I tell them to look at the end of the words and if there's a E at the end then the vowel is a long sound and it helps to remind them at the beginning of their reading. It help if you are motivated and you get the students motivated about reading too, and talking with other tutor and seeing what they do can help you when you tutor your students, because you can really learn a lot from them and they can learn something from you too.<br />-MCAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-74552580471093728492014-11-12T22:39:12.201-08:002014-11-12T22:39:12.201-08:00I work with anywhere form 15-20 kids every time I ...I work with anywhere form 15-20 kids every time I tutor typically in groups of two to six. This is challenging at times because even though they’re grouped by skill level there’s different levels within the groups so it can be difficult to do certain activities. My solution so far to this has been to give them a little extra one-on-one time. Another challenge is some of the kids aren’t very interested in learning. One thing that is very helpful with this is having one of their friends in the class do an activity with them to help the child become more interested. Coming up with ways to make learning more enjoyable is another way to help a disinterested child. I think the best way I’ve found to overcome this challenge has been to tell them that I go to school every day and learn new things just like they do.<br /><br />My advice would be to make sure there’s good communication with the teachers and/or coordinator at the place you tutor and work with them as a team. It’s very important to be on the same page with everyone. Also, talk with the other tutors. Some have been tutoring for a while and have good insight.<br /><br />-MLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-57499159110042503142014-11-06T19:53:30.765-08:002014-11-06T19:53:30.765-08:00I don't know how many children you have, but a...I don't know how many children you have, but at the YMCA, one of the teachers brings their child to program. My head at the Y asked me why I didn't bring my daughter to work like it was ridiculous to not. It made me laugh, but this might be a valid option for you. They also give the volunteers and employees their extra food they can't use in time before it spoils. My grocery bill has been drastically reduced! And on a side note, don't forget our school has it's very own food pantry. Even if you're not struggling, free food is free! Spend your money on something else.<br />I read a book on child rearing, and I found many of their suggestions to be useful in my volunteering. One of them was what you said, which is to get them to answer questions themselves. Another one I liked was giving them options. When you work with them, let them choose small silly things, especially things that won't really matter in the long run, like where to sit. As long as you are sitting somewhere that isn't too distracting, you should be fine and your kid will enjoy working with you more because it's THEIR choice. Especially when they don't want to do what you're asking them to do. It might take a while, but giving them this options will help them feel better.<br />Good luck,<br />JeslicaniaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-64212896147639056732014-11-06T19:36:20.763-08:002014-11-06T19:36:20.763-08:00Something that might help you with your patients i...Something that might help you with your patients is to take into your perspective the fact that you don't know the parent's situation. There are so many factors that could inhibit a parent's ability to help their children, it's ridiculous. I would say most parents honestly want to see their children succeed, but just don't have the resource or ability to do so. That's where we come in to play. <br />It's awesome you're developing patients; I found through my tutoring my patients levels last year shot up like crazy! I noticed this year it's much easier for me to have patients because I enjoy where I'm working. The YMCA is very pleasant to work at. I work at the CFC with Jamie, Corry and other amazing individuals. Too many of their employees will be quitting soon, and they are very appreciative of their volunteers help.<br /> I also noticed my Psychology class is helping me with my patient level with my students because it's breaking down child development and their unique stages of their life and how they perceive the world. I especially enjoyed Jean Piaget's four stage developmental theory because it gave me so much insight on what every single one of my age groups is going through developmentally.<br />I find this year it's much easier for me to enjoy tutoring. The people you work with make a huge difference, and I feel like I'm valued at the YMCA.<br />Patients is definitely a virtue. ;)<br />JeslicaniaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-63746102039905735522014-11-06T19:23:00.549-08:002014-11-06T19:23:00.549-08:00I also had transportation issue last year. I'm...I also had transportation issue last year. I'm so glad Lynne gave us the opportunity to volunteer at the YMCA this year, this opened up the perfect location for me. You don't even have to volunteer at the main location, the Community Family Center (CFC). They have many satellite locations at the schools that have after school tutoring that could use our help. <br />I really enjoy how much tutoring has polished my workplace relationship skills. I'm always trying to improve my communication, and tutoring has helped me from creating meaningful relationships with the people I work with to working with large groups of children. I never thought I would be more nervous to teach a group of 15 elementary children than 30 college students, but I was. I also find I'm even better at being effective at managing my time. It seems like to me like you're doing the same by arranging your schedule to get all of your hours in two days. <br />I like your advise about asking questions. If you can't figure it out yourself, there are plenty of people that don't mind helping you find an answer. And by doing so, it shows that you actually care about what you're doing enough to ask.<br />Cheers,<br />JeslicaniaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-35867274106919105072014-11-06T18:59:28.691-08:002014-11-06T18:59:28.691-08:00One of my challenges as an America Reads tutor las...One of my challenges as an America Reads tutor last month came as a surprise. Of all things, I didn't expect to get pink eye! It wasn't too bad though, because I went to SLCC's Health and Wellness Center. It was really nice going there, as I got an appointment the same day and the first visit is free! After your first visit, it's only $10 per visit. The Physician there prescribed me some eye drops and also gave me some antibiotics for the bronchitis I had. <br />The second challenge I've had is the available books that I can use to work with the kids. I volunteer at the YMCA, and at first they had a very scarce supply of books to work with. You don't really realize the variety of books you need to work with kids on all levels, but it's crucial if you're going to help them improve on their reading skills. They did eventually get a donation of books, and that helped immensely. <br />My last challenge I dealt with was also shared by the other employees at the Y. There were three brothers that attended the Y's after school program every day. The two older boys were in grades 3 and 5, and one was reading on a Kindergarten level, the other a preschool level. When the mother puled these two older boys out of the program, everyone was devastated, especially their younger brother. These boys were the sweetest, and had a way of brightening up your day. Knowing they needed help breaks my heart. They're very intelligent, but they just don't have the resources to learn how to read. They were so excited to read with me, and now they can't. Their parents also need help, as English is their second language. I know how important being able to read is to a child, and the more behind they become, the more difficult it will be for them to be successful in school. The YMCA offers an after school tutoring program that is completely free, and I really hope their mother is taking advantage of that program. My heart goes out to these boys, and I want so much to see them succeed. <br />My advice to my fellow AR tutors is: to keep your head up. Keep your eye out for resources you have available to you. Don't be afraid to ask for help. This takes practice, but with enough self talk and bravery, you can do it. Also know that you can't fix everyone and everything yourself. Just know you ARE making a difference, and that's what matters. Focus on that, and work from there. You'll find an answer to your challenges, and through the process of solving them, you will be a stronger, wiser, and better person. And remember, you rock!!!<br />JeslicaniaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-20743931892748235322014-11-04T13:50:07.623-08:002014-11-04T13:50:07.623-08:00I would think that parental encouragement of readi...I would think that parental encouragement of reading at home results in better reading skills and outcomes. Do you agree? As a teacher, do you see many parents involved in teaching their children to read outside of the classroom, or not so much? Thanks for humoring my curiosity. Sara Schildmeyernoreply@blogger.com