Rewards of Tutoring

Written By: The Literacy Council | Issue: 2021/04 – April

The Literacy & Learning Center  provides an invaluable and unique learning experience designed to help students strengthen their understanding of the material they may have otherwise missed in class.

Tutors can give children one-on-one attention and meet the child where they are in their learning journey. Lessons and activities can be customized to target specific difficulties the child may be having. 

Virginia Noland, who volunteers her time to tutor one of the students in The Literacy & Learning Center, says, “(My student) is a bright, spirited youngster who loves nature and cars. We have been able to find subjects that matched his level and yet gave us food for conversation. During the year, we have progressed to short stories that he reads almost entirely on his own. Getting to know him through this process has definitely been the most rewarding aspect. Nowadays, we surround the story or article with a matter of mutual interest. I think we have stretched each other’s horizons.”

Tutoring also allows children to develop their own methods for independent study, which is a skill that will help them for the rest of their life. Learning in a one-on-one setting can improve a child’s self-confidence. 

For example, some children may not feel comfortable asking questions in a classroom setting. But, when given the opportunity to ask questions in a tutoring session, the child will learn to become a better communicator because they will have developed confidence in their understanding of the material. School can be hard for students, especially those who are falling behind. 

Acting as a supplement to their education, tutoring boosts a child’s confidence in themselves, making learning fun again. Noland admits she was initially worried about not being qualified or having enough time to commit to a student. 

However, because TL&LC does all individual tutoring remotely, Noland says, “Suddenly I realized those objections needn’t apply. I wasn’t required to have specific literacy teaching skills, though I am inspired now to learn some. I was able to return to my home in Louisiana without changing our routine of two weekly meetings of one hour each. Perfect!”

If you’re considering becoming an individual tutor for The Literacy & Learning Center, Noland highly recommends it. 

She says, “I energetically urge anyone who has shared my hesitations to get in touch with TL&LC. There is little to fear and so much to gain. Hearing (the student) say he enjoys reading is the goal, and it happens more often as the months pass. I’m confident that he will soon be able to say, ‘I’ll take it from here.’”

Sign up to become a tutor for The Literacy & Learning Center by calling (828) 526-0863 or visit maconncliteracy.org.