I'm a college student without a job, but before you tell me about how lazy I am, listen to what I have to say. I don't have a job, but I volunteer weekly in an area that suits my future profession and that I am passionate about.
Every Wednesday since the week before Thanksgiving, I have been volunteering with Raising Readers of Story County, specifically at the Harrison Barnes Reading Academy (which is just at the public library). I used to tutor an ESL student, but the language barrier made it very difficult. He is a wonderful child, full of happiness just like any third grader should be.
I just wasn't the right fit for him, which is why he got a new tutor who could communicate with him in his language. He still sees me at the library and still calls me "teacher", so while I do miss tutoring him, I know that it's better for him to have a different tutor.
Now, I tutor an advanced second grade student. When I say advanced, I mean advanced. He's about seven or eight years old and is already reading books like "Harry Potter" and "War Horse." He didn't really like "Harry Potter," but I think he will when he gets older.
I have been with him for two weeks so far, and I think he's warming up to me. It's so rewarding watching students learn new words and how to spell and read. For someone who wants to teach, it's probably the closest to teaching I'll get before I go into classrooms.
The Harrison Barnes Reading Academy follows a specific schedule that tutors use with students: you read to them; they read to you; then they do word sorts; and then there are writing activities. Students are encouraged to read at home, and for every 140 minutes they read at home, they get to pick a prize.
No—students are not expected to read 140 minutes a night, but for every 20 minutes that they read, they get to color in a picture and there are seven pictures on a page.
For parents reading this article, even if your child is a couple of months old, I highly recommend reading to them. Siblings, read to your younger brothers and sisters, your nieces and nephews, and any child in your life. I cannot express how important reading is as a skill, not only by itself but how it affects other skills.
Start with reading board books to babies—you know, those really thick cardboard-like books that have shapes and colors. Babies can't rip those pages as easily and they can be very educational. Books with felt, sequins, and other touch-and-feel materials are great for toddlers practicing their sensory motor skills.
When children start school, if they aren't reading at the level they are projected to by third grade, it can be extremely difficult for them to gain that knowledge later in life. Reading is so important.
I may not have a job, but I am doing important things with my life. Volunteering and educating young minds is so intrinsically motivating to me. Every week, when I go in and I see my student understand a new word, I know that he's growing. I love being a part of that.
