tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post3301535421252118377..comments2023-10-29T09:35:33.119-07:00Comments on Thayne Center for Service & Learning: America Reads 2015-2016 Fourth Blog PostThayne Center SLCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12564139122723369602noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-82669472759509961402016-03-22T20:31:41.443-07:002016-03-22T20:31:41.443-07:00This semester has been difficult with me so far si...This semester has been difficult with me so far since my schedule has been full. It has changed the time I spend at the YMCA. I have managed to get some hours done during my free time and spending it on helping the children at the YMCA. A skill I have been using is by organizing everything on a calendar it has helped me so far.<br /><br />-Jess H.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-53414479170412204452016-03-15T11:36:59.363-07:002016-03-15T11:36:59.363-07:00I agree that is one super hard thing about tutorin...I agree that is one super hard thing about tutoring. With the younger kids I let them pick out a book they want to read and then instead of reading the whole thing I let them flip to their favorite part. That way it keeps their attention the whole time. I also make deals so if they read a couple pages then we can color for a bit. Good luck, B.F.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-45963488574918234602016-03-15T10:03:54.305-07:002016-03-15T10:03:54.305-07:00Wow, the British Isles! You must have learned a lo...Wow, the British Isles! You must have learned a lot there, and I'm sure there has been quite an adjustment period. I think that tutoring kids can really help in your own school life because you can learn a lot just from how different people learn and maybe become more aware of how you learn. Best of luck! B.F.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-57174441620596853802016-03-15T10:01:25.872-07:002016-03-15T10:01:25.872-07:00I'm so glad to hear what your doing at Esperan...I'm so glad to hear what your doing at Esperanza because I don't really know what tutors do there. It sounds like that school is really amazing. After working at the YMCA I'm more aware of cultural differences than I ever have been before. It's really enriched my own life and it's ignited a passion in me to learn more about other cultures and languages. B.F.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-48659018710782685672016-03-15T09:55:27.516-07:002016-03-15T09:55:27.516-07:00It seems to me that Spring semester is always hard...It seems to me that Spring semester is always harder because you take consecutive classes during the year. So for example, I'm in an upper level math class and Chinese class, versus in fall when those classes were lower and a little easier. I've found that because of my harder classes it's easier for me to go to the YMCA more days of the week for shorter amounts of time so that I can stay focused on them. However, my first year as a tutor that wasn't really the case. Really, it's all about what works for your schedule. Seeing the kids everyday really helps me stay motivated in my own classes. Seeing how hard they work and how smart they are really motivates me to try harder. It's so fun to see how excited they get when they can write their name or when I read a story they really like. They have so much joy with learning and it makes me want to bring that attitude back to my own learning because for a long time learning has been a burden. The kids really give me perspective and I hope that I'm able to teach them effectively and give back to them as well. B.F. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-15281643763691922182016-03-13T16:50:43.522-07:002016-03-13T16:50:43.522-07:00This spring semester feels particularly hectic for...This spring semester feels particularly hectic for me since I have to divide my time between being a full-time student and two part-time jobs. As a photography major, I am required to spend hours in the lab to develop and make decent prints for my photographs, which is sometimes too overwhelming for a perfectionist, as I am, and time-consuming since I have to depend the open-lab hours to complete my assignments. That being said, I wish I could have more time to tutor at the YMCA. Recently, I have been asked to help with YMCA tutoring program at Plymouth Elementary School, which is a refreshing environment, and quite scenic view too. Working at Plymouth Elementary has given me more time to help children with spelling, reading, and even math (!!!). It was kinda awkward as a newcomer at first since I was meant to replace a YMCA teacher as she was assigned with other responsibilities. However, a long the way, I was "admitted" to the kids' circle, and was even asked to play basketball with them (I failed miserably and was terribly aware of how unfit I was). It is a shame that the program only takes place on Monday and Tuesday. There are approximately 15 kids, but the after-school program only lasts for 1.75 hours, which means not enough to help all of them with their homework and reading. I was often bombarded with 3 or more kids asking me to help them with their homework. And the allotted time frame we have is simply not enough. <br /><br />Sometimes I feel like I am too greedy in terms of my ambitions. Spreading myself too thin is apparently a good way to achieve more while my time fund is running less. Time management skill aside, I have to learn how to say no to certain responsibilities I put on myself, and had to discuss with my family to ask for more support. It was not an easy discussion but I got my points across. Now that they have a better understanding of the struggle I'm going through, it has been a lot easier for me to wade my way throughout the semester and have more time to tutor as I wish.Duyen Nguyennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-83784810505953718402016-03-09T16:13:06.641-08:002016-03-09T16:13:06.641-08:00To be honest, some days I feel like my schedule is...To be honest, some days I feel like my schedule is hanging by a thread when it comes to completing homework, taking care of my children, going to four classes twice a week for almost a full day, and then working at Nibley for five hours twice a week. Now these seems crazy, and sometimes it can be. But I have found a way to balance it all together, and taking things one day at a time, only focusing on the most important things first. So far, I have been able to do pretty well with it, and only having a few weeks at a time where I feel like it’s too much at one time. Which for me that’s pretty good.<br /><br />Tutoring these past four years, I have found systems that work, even with my busy schedules. Indeed, this semester is the most I have had in class load and working the same hours I have done previously. Yet, somehow, I have been able to still balance my tutoring schedule with each of my kids, making each session worthwhile. This has especially been the case since one of the kids I tutored this year moved away a few weeks ago, making it to where I have more open time at Nibley to prepare for the next kids, as well as get some homework in.<br /><br />Life skills I have been using to balance these changes have been I always give myself some me time after I put my kids to bed to “whine down.” Whether it’s I turn on a good show, or do homework while listening to music, or I work out in my living room. These activities have helped my stress level that I feel often times this semester, with it being my last. Another way I have found balance this semester is having a schedule/planner for work, classes, homework time, or appointments outside of school. This system has been helping so that I don’t overschedule my days, even if my weeks are filled completely.<br /><br />Since this is my last semester, I can agree it’s been my hardest to keep focus in classes lately. Doing homework, that’s been surprisingly the “easy” part; but staying focused in my classes, when I know the end is near—that’s been hard. Already, I have realized that this semester ends in less than nine weeks away, meaning that’s it’s been going extremely fast for me. Even though I am having a hard time staying focused. I guess that’s why they call it “Senior Ides” for a reason.Crystaldawn Earlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-86921736831969416022016-03-09T07:09:02.352-08:002016-03-09T07:09:02.352-08:00After three weeks of tutoring at Esperanza Element...After three weeks of tutoring at Esperanza Elementary School and having completed 12 hours of service, I am now much more comfortable and aware of my role as a person with the possibility of changing and positively impacting this kids lives. I have been working on the improvement of 3th to 6th grade students, in a very individualized dynamic that consist on 30 to 45 minutes with 2 kids at the time who have similar reading levels, either significantly or slightly above the expectation according to their age and grade. Esperanza Elementary, as a very valuable organization to the society, provides a multicultural environment and welcomes students of all backgrounds and ethnicities, which creates a more enriched and nourished scenario where the young generations not only grow up with bilingual skills and the advantages this offers, but most importantly, grow up being aware of the existence of cultural divergences and progressively develop an understanding, respect and acceptance of plurality.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-60042626465903221122016-03-03T10:26:23.704-08:002016-03-03T10:26:23.704-08:00First, I am so happy to have the the Wilkin's ...First, I am so happy to have the the Wilkin's ladies in the America Reads program with me! I really relate to finding a place to be useful and see that my efforts are of real benefit to those I am serving. It makes it hard to leave, but really makes each day spent extremely rewarding. Great job and best wishes going forward. chanelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13650990573743029496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-74984950084769707532016-03-03T10:23:10.418-08:002016-03-03T10:23:10.418-08:00Hey F-H!
I agree finding balance and having tools ...Hey F-H!<br />I agree finding balance and having tools for destressing is a key component to being able to juggle everything as a student, parent, tutor, etc! I think you are doing great and admire your ability to keep working toward your goals, despite the obstacles you face. chanelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13650990573743029496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-51499421822475850952016-03-03T10:19:22.274-08:002016-03-03T10:19:22.274-08:00Tracy, I agree it is hard get kids to read when th...Tracy, I agree it is hard get kids to read when they won't. Great ideas tutors! I love working with a student and being able to find a way to make learning/reading fun or of interest to them. It feels so good to be able to help them. One thing I have done with especially difficult kids is find out what they like and don't like about school/reading/etc. This seems to help them to be able to say how they are feeling and to know someone cares how they are doing. Usually, this opens the door to asking questions about the story and helping them with words they are not able to read. <br />chanelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13650990573743029496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-14922915220454959952016-02-29T13:59:01.753-08:002016-02-29T13:59:01.753-08:00I've found that the kids do a lot better when ...I've found that the kids do a lot better when you build connections with them! I agree that they pay more attention when they start getting to know you. Great job with everything you are accomplishing! It's awesome that even though you don't get to read with them, you are still building those connections with them and helping them with the other things they do in YMCA's program!<br />KWAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-58275167321385508662016-02-29T13:54:16.028-08:002016-02-29T13:54:16.028-08:00You are doing a great job Chanel! I agree life is ...You are doing a great job Chanel! I agree life is crazy! Thanks for all you do to make America Reads an even better program (if that's possible) to be apart of! <br />KWAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-21485828303441872002016-02-29T13:50:43.482-08:002016-02-29T13:50:43.482-08:00I agree that I'm ready for summer! It's al...I agree that I'm ready for summer! It's always great seeing the improvement of the kids we tutor, especially in their self-esteem! Keep up the hard work! Summer will be here sooner than we know it!<br />KWAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-8194881175274014022016-02-29T13:45:43.295-08:002016-02-29T13:45:43.295-08:00My new schedule is going swimmingly! I have a pret...My new schedule is going swimmingly! I have a pretty fun semester, with classes I am really starting to enjoy. The changes of this semester means I have more time and more energy to put into America Reads. I have more time to find out what would be more beneficial for some of the kids, and more energy to actually build the connections with them. I have started to learn that building those connections is the most important thing to have them motivated to read, and have fun while doing so. I've become more aware of what the kids needs are and how I can best help them. This semester does seem to be going by fast! I think it will continue to get harder as it gets warmer outside. Hopefully it motivates us, instead of helping us procrastinate! Good luck to all of you in your endeavors of studying, and not getting distracted by daydreams of summer! <br />Kassi WilkinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-63856398936683122932016-02-29T09:09:22.553-08:002016-02-29T09:09:22.553-08:00This is my first semester as an America Reads tuto...This is my first semester as an America Reads tutor and I have been really enjoying it! This is also my first semester back to school after living in the British Isles for a while, so it has been taking some adjusting to get back into student life (and American life). I am tutoring with my two sisters at Redwood Elementary, and it has been a lot of fun to already see the progress the students have been making with their reading. Life can be kinda crazy with school and tutoring, and a ton of homework. However, it is very rewarding to have an impact on these young students lives! It makes it all worth it to see them improve and learn to love reading. This semester has been going very fast and it is a balancing act to get it all done, but it is a good challenge! <br />Rikki Wilkin Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-27757676917379392492016-02-29T08:16:33.965-08:002016-02-29T08:16:33.965-08:00I totally agree with you! Day classes are much bet...I totally agree with you! Day classes are much better! I understand what you mean about being scatterbrained, and overwhelmed with a lengthy to-do list. I feel like that most days out of the week. For me the key this semester has been to stay on task when I am doing homework, or tutoring. I'm trying hard not to let distractions get to me, that way I could put all of my effort in and get things accomplished quicker and more efficient. Then I think it's important to let yourself have a night off. Go to the movies, go to dinner, or just take a nap. Hopefully that helps. Good luck with the rest of your semester!<br />RWAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-31426899006480731162016-02-29T08:12:13.672-08:002016-02-29T08:12:13.672-08:00I'm sorry this semester has been so rough! I&#...I'm sorry this semester has been so rough! I'm kind of in the same situation. I shuttle back and forth between three different campuses, because of the way it worked out with professors this semester. So I understand the back and forth. I agree that time does pass very quickly! I tutor for two hours at a time usually, and it passes so fast! Keep it up, you're doing great work in the lives of the kids you tutor!<br />RWAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-68493127578287724652016-02-29T08:10:01.209-08:002016-02-29T08:10:01.209-08:00Thanks for replying! I'm glad you've been ...Thanks for replying! I'm glad you've been able to find a balance this semester, and that it hasn't been too hectic for you. I think finding that balance between school, tutoring, and family responsibilities is sometimes hard to do. I agree this semester has gone by so quick! Don't blink, soon it'll be over. Congrats on graduation this semester!<br />RWAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-27489808862345653042016-02-28T16:11:01.429-08:002016-02-28T16:11:01.429-08:00This semester has definitely been a busy and stres...This semester has definitely been a busy and stressful one! I have a very full school schedule with some harder classes. That has definitely been time consuming. But I have been able to find a nice balance, between tutoring and school (and all the other things I have going on). This semester is a little different in the fact that I have been tutoring exclusively at Redwood Elementary. Last semester I was able to tutor at YMCA and Redwood. In talking to the YMCA coordinator at the community center and at Redwood, we decided our efforts would be well appreciated and needed at Redwood! It's been so great to work with the kids! Having us there an extra day has helped boost up their reading levels, and we are already seeing success! I love being an America Reads tutor and making an impact in others' lives.<br />Rachael WilkinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-87846099047414305622016-02-28T14:48:42.719-08:002016-02-28T14:48:42.719-08:00I am doing the opposite of you for the first time ...I am doing the opposite of you for the first time ever I am taking night classes instead of daytime classes. Its crazy what a time difference does in your life. Time management is something that I struggle at times with too, it is good that you are finding ways to manage your time.<br />H.P.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-69911061990827855002016-02-28T14:41:07.293-08:002016-02-28T14:41:07.293-08:00Ana, I think that you would make a great teacher! ...Ana, I think that you would make a great teacher! Also maybe another in to becoming a teacher's assistance at Nibley would be applying to be a substitute teacher there too, like Aimee talked to us about.<br />H.P.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-2758839072946758902016-02-28T14:37:15.357-08:002016-02-28T14:37:15.357-08:00It can be hard sometimes to get a child to read. ...It can be hard sometimes to get a child to read. Something that I have found useful is finding out what they enjoy, and finding a book about that. I have found that makes them want to read.<br />H.P.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-16812251848863732052016-02-28T14:32:38.671-08:002016-02-28T14:32:38.671-08:00My Spring semester to put it lightly is hectic, bu...My Spring semester to put it lightly is hectic, but enjoyable. I am so lucky that I was able to make it work this semester and get back to tutoring. Being able to go to Nibley Park Elementary and work with the students is rewarding and luckily my hectic semester has really not interfered with that. The quickness of the semester is what sucks, as it does go by fast and this is my last semester at SLCC, being apart of America Reads, and tutoring at Nibley, as I will graduate after this semester. That is the only thing that kind of stinks, but I am so glad that is the only thing.<br />HPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439019031384671619.post-25563925844790011262016-02-26T10:48:09.825-08:002016-02-26T10:48:09.825-08:00I am trying to adjust, but it has been hard so far...I am trying to adjust, but it has been hard so far due to the classes I am taking. The schedule is very broken and going back and forth is its own challenge to my sanity and life schedule. The main affect to my tutoring is the change in the amount of time I can spend doing it and the new location, so the time passes way too quickly. Life skills? I try my best and sometimes wonder how I am doing it all. Putting forth 100% of me is my default attitude toward anything I am not sure how to do. It has been stressful, but I do take time to relax in the car by doing breathing exercises or read in my spare time. Maybe working to not over-do it in other areas of my life, would be another way I am handling it all so far.<br />f-hAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com