Tutoring Pair Continues Their Work Together
Everyone could use a little extra help sometimes. In response to the needs of our students as a result of virtual learning, DEF established the Virtual Pals Tutoring program to provide that help. We pair 2nd-8th grade students with an adult volunteer tutor. One hour per week, the pairs meet virtually to work on homework, organization, or practice skills like reading and math problems. The program has been successful, and even though City Schools of Decatur has returned to in-person learning, we have continued the program to allow our students to catch up after a year of virtual learning. Many of our tutoring pairs have continued working together, including fifth grader Annalise and her tutor Annie. They have never met in person but meet virtually once a week when they work on whatever Annalise chooses – usually a project for which Annie will help Annalise organize her thoughts to help her answer the probe questions and present them well. Annie says, “I have tried really hard to not provide the answers for her, but help her to get to the answers.”
Annie decided to volunteer for the Pals program when it was established last year. She is retired and wanted to do something to give back to the school system in which her three children attended. Annie says that she enjoys working with Annalise and feels like it’s a small time commitment (one-hour per week) that can make a huge difference in a child’s school life. When asked what she likes best about working with Annalise, Annie said, “I love her enthusiasm and her smile. I like that she often teaches me things – facts about people, history, animals, etc. that I never learned.”
Annalise says that Annie helps keep her on track and focused. “She helped me but she doesn’t really give me the answers. Whenever I need to check something with her, she tells me whether I’ve gotten it right or wrong, and then helps me figure it out. Also, she helps me to not be as much of a perfectionist.”
Could your student use a little extra help? Fill out this form. Our Pals program currently has enough volunteer tutors at the moment, but if you’re inspired to have a meaningful impact on our students, please check out our mentoring programs here.