Karen & Francisco’s story: Gaining Literacy Skills and Self-esteem
February 19, 2015
Francisco was devastated. A new school year was beginning, but he wouldn鈥檛 be advancing to the next grade with his friends. 鈥淏efore 成人快播, I felt sad because I had to start second grade again,鈥 said Francisco.
Working closely with his teachers, 成人快播 paired Francisco with Karen, an avid reader and writer who became a volunteer tutor in 2012 after a co-worker recommended the program to her.
Each week, Karen and Francisco worked on building his literacy skills. 鈥淚鈥檇 had some previous teaching experience with older students, but I鈥檇 never worked with younger kids, so I didn鈥檛 know how much fun they were,鈥 says Karen. 鈥淭he young kids are so enthusiastic, and you can see how happy they are when they鈥檝e mastered a new skill. When I met Francisco, he seemed like he was the kid who was used to being a poor student, used to not understanding.鈥
As the year progressed, Francisco fell in love with reading and his reading skills became stronger. 鈥淚 get to read! I get to learn how to read,鈥 says Francisco. 鈥淚 had tutors to help me read. I got to read every book in the box [of beginning readers curriculum].鈥
鈥淚鈥檝e volunteered with a lot of different organizations, and this one is relaxed but focused. I think this is because [site coordinator] Gloria has the classroom and lessons so well organized. The tutors know what to do, so we can really pay attention to what our student needs, and if we need help, Gloria鈥檚 right there.鈥
After a year of working with Karen, Francisco was reading at grade level and ready for the third grade. 鈥淔rancisco went from being the kid who was shy and afraid to read in front of the other kids to being the kid who couldn鈥檛 wait to see what books I brought him,鈥 she says. 鈥淚n our year together, Francisco didn鈥檛 just learn to enjoy reading, he learned he could try something difficult and succeed at it.鈥