It has been a little over a month that we have had consistent volunteer tutors in the R.E.A.L. Room. It was pretty exciting for me to see volunteers matched up with students every week. Now that the excitement has worn off, and the mystery of the R.E.A.L. Room has been revealed to all the students, we are beginning to see some real learning happening. There are still some kinks that are getting worked out as volunteers grow more confident in their new position. Some great things are developing as I watch volunteers teach students how to read.
Reading instruction is obviously the major part of the session, but relationships are important too. As students work with their adult volunteers, they are learning to communicate, follow directions and resolve conflicts. One volunteer in particular has a student that gets very frustrated when she is unable to master her story in one session. This volunteer has shown great patience and kindness towards this young girl. The young girl, in turn, is warming up and learning to be more confident in herself when she approaches reading. No matter how badly the session goes, the volunteer will find something to praise the student for. Instead of walking away frustrated and angry, the girl walks away joyful and excited for next week. This young girl is learning that although reading can be hard and frustrating, it is also very rewarding.
