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Friends of Literacy
A publication of the
Whatcom Literacy Council
April 2017
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Tutor and Learner Spotlight: Beth and Monika
When ELL Coordinator, Cari Chan, introduced Beth and Monika to each other for the first time in early January 2017, she could tell that this was going to be a special match. Beth and Monika hit it off immediately and have been working tirelessly since to improve Monika’s English and grow her confidence. Monika and Beth share their stories below of how they ended up in Whatcom Literacy Council’s ELL tutoring program.
Monika:
I’m Monika and grew up in a large family in Algiers, Algeria. I received a lot of affection from my mom; my father worked very hard all day as a carpenter. He would come home very tired. We lived in a big house with a garden. My mother helped us do our homework. Before we slept she read us children’s stories. If it were not for my mom, we wouldn’t be who we are now. Later I became a dentist. I travelled a lot. I visited France, Sweden, Canada, England, Tunisia and Morocco. The most beautiful days of my life were when I got married and when I had my daughter. We gave our daughter a good education. We travelled a lot; she grew up in this good atmosphere. Unfortunately, when she became a teenager, it was no longer safe for her to walk in the street by herself as men would sexually harass her. It was unbearable so we had to accompany her wherever she went. Her only friends were her teachers because she was a good student. She often complained about this problem to my family. My brother, who lives in Lynwood, decided to help us. It fell well because I only had one year left before retirement. We came to the US in 2013. It was a great relief. We were very excited to come to America; all my family was very happy for us. We finally lived close to each other and especially in a free country where women are respected.
Beth:
I’m Beth, Monika’s tutor. I’m a retired school counselor, having worked for 32 years in education. Soon after my retirement, my husband and I left our home of 35 years in OH and moved to Bellingham to be closer to our son and his family who live here, and to our daughter and her husband who live in Seattle. Since I’m new to the area and following my husband’s death after being out here for just a year, I was looking for a way to get involved in my new community. The Literacy Council seemed like a perfect fit. I’d worked with students and their parents who came to the US from other countries, cultures and languages. I had also lived in Europe and know from both experiences how important mastering the language of a new country is. Together we meet twice a week at the library, a great place because then Monika can check out children’s stories (chapter books). Monika summarizes these stories, reads these to me and together we do activities in “True Stories in the News.” We work on vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension and oral expression. And always, we laugh and enjoy each other’s company!
Thank you, Monika and Beth, for sharing your stories. We wish you the best as you continue to work to together to reach your goals.
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Three Tips To Help Learners
See Signs Of Progress
Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons Richard Croft
Growth can be very subtle like the Northwest change of seasons. At times learners may feel that their skills are not progressing. Nothing is happening. But like springtime after periods of quiet growth, tiny shoots emerge, learning takes root and new growth flourishes.
Three tips to help learners and tutors spotlight progress:
1. Track traces of advancement. Lists, checklists, and portfolios are easy ways to give both tutors and learners snapshots of progress. For example, looking at a comparison chart provides opportunities for learners to see changes in writing samples (or spelling, math, vocabulary). Note in the chart what has changed between the first and second exercise. Review the similarities and differences. Ask learners to describe feelings/experiences about the two different pieces. What would they do differently next time? Discuss with learners what they would like to practice at the next lesson.
2. Keep a steady eye on progress. Tutors and learners are keen observers. We watch each other as we solve problems together. Tutors see learner’s eyes light up with aha! moments while learners spot new things that they can do. Surveying progress at each stage keeps a fresh focus on the learner’s goals.
3. Take a moment and witness the growth. Build the learner’s self-esteem by emphasizing what new skills they have learned. Highlight strengths and admire growth and changes that have taken place. Voice encouragement. Outstanding! Fantastic! Nice going! Beautiful!
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Save the Date! Spring Social and Sharing for Tutors
Calling all tutors past, present, and future!
You are invited to join us for a time of socializing and lesson sharing on
Thursday, May 18th from 4:30-6:00 pm.
in room A-9 at Bellingham Technical College (across from our office).
Bring your favorite lesson or activity that you have used with your learner(s) to share with the group. If we get enough entries, we will compile them into a book to be made available to new (and current) tutors. This is your time to show off all that you have been working on and get ideas for future tutoring sessions! It is also a great opportunity to meet other tutors and share your experiences.
This event is open for tutors from all three of our programs:
ELL, ALP, and classrooms. Snacks will be provided.
Please RSVP and direct any questions to your program coordinator:
Linda Chrisman (Adult Literacy Program): ALP@whatcomliteracy.org
Cari Chan (English Language Learners): ELL@whatcomliteracy.org
Maureen Cooley (Small Groups): SGC@whatcomliteracy.org
See you there!
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The Joy of Reading to Children
The Whatcom Literacy Council was delighted to give a presentation in April at the Salvation Army’s Home League Program fellowship. The theme was reading to children and the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library generously donated children’s books to give to each member in attendance. In February, Forester Insurance volunteers gift-wrapped each book for this spring event, and all two dozen participants went home with a beautiful book to share with a child.
Many thanks to the Forester volunteers, the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library and the Salvation Army for their contribution to support literacy development!
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