Our association has been piloting a new tutoring program with the Leander ISD these last two years. I joined in last Fall with a local elementary school and have been spending 30 minutes a week with two first grade boys ever since.
I can explain the entire process in the following way: He reads a book to me. I read a book to him. We talk a bit about the books and any special projects he may have done recently. Then we are done. Repeat with the other boy.
We recently had our end of year assessment where the principal and reading specialist gave their report on the program and what suggestions they have to improve it next year. Their only suggestion was "more tutors please"!
Honestly I was a bit surprised at how pleased they were. Most weeks I don't feel like I am doing anything all that important. I am not "teaching" anything per se, and I can't see vast improvement in the reading ability of either of my two guys. And yet, these teaching professionals are extremely happy about one thing; and that is true across all three schools who are participating.
The one thing is Hope. Confidence. A belief that the future can be better than today. They say that makes a huge difference in the outcome of a child, and it is the main thing they see in every child who goes through this program. They begin to believe again that they just might be able to learn.
It is amazing to me that something like hope could be missing from a 7 year old. If it is true for them, how much more so for those who have been living for 27 or 57 years?
Hope is a very powerful motivator for success. And, it does not take much energy or intelligence to give someone else hope. What it takes is intentional, consistent investment. I can help build hope for the future when I show someone that they are worth my time and energy today.
How about you: How has hope played a role in your life and success? Who was it that helped you believe that tomorrow could actually be better than today?
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