I 've been thinking about the things I am truly grateful for in my life. It's "that time of year".
I concluded that I am truly and deeply grateful for the fact that I can read and write. I don' t know how happy all the online souls who have to read my posts are about my reading and writing, but I myself don't know what my life would be like if I couldn't read. One of my earliest memories is of sitting on my grandmother's lap, reading a book. I was quoting Shakespeare at 14 and always scored well on standardized tests. School has always come easily for me -- hell, law school was more sport than work. So, I wondered...how do I repay this amazing ability I have to make sense out of squiggles on paper? This ability to put my thoughts into your head with a few miraculous strokes of my keyboard keys?
A couple of weeks ago, I took the plunge and volunteered at my local public library to be a literacy tutor. Today, I had my training and was assigned my student. He's about my age and he can't really read at all, so we're starting out at the very beginning. That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to invade his privacy.
In today's literacy tutor workshop, we learned a system of teaching the alphabet and the different consonant sounds. We also learned about the simple goals that some people have in trying to learn to read as adults - things like passing a written driver's license test, opening a bank account, and reading a recipe. Things that I have taken for granted for as long as I can remember.
We also did some exercises where we tried to "read" in foreign "alphabets" - an exercise intended to let us know how frustrating it is for people who live in a written culture and can't make sense out of the squiggles. It was pretty frustrating, let me tell you. I furrowed my brow and stared at the strange squiggles, trying to find patterns. Finally, I was able to figure out something simple like "the boy has a dish". Woo-hoo! I felt like I had won a huge victory.
I feel good that I've taken on this new challenge. I will spend three to four hours a week either planning lessons or working with my student, "paying forward" the good fortune I have to be a good reader.
I haven't met my student yet, but he is a hero to me. Just think of the courage it must have taken for him to enroll. Wow.
Stay well and happy, all --
Byrd in LA
Posted by wahzoh at November 17, 2007 05:35 PMByrd...
You ARE a hero!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience.
I have chosen starting knitting circles (called the Yayayarndivas) in my community. I have one that has been ongoing for the last year. We are about to start a bilingual knitting circle (English/Spanish) that will be in the back room of a Taqueria/Carniceria.
An opportunity for women (and a few men) to knit, swap ideas, share their experiences in a non-threatening way.
Spending so much energy trying to get my short human re-engaged in school-- no energy left for teaching someone else to read:)
Best,
Dr. Mimi
Posted by: Dr. Mimi at November 18, 2007 07:50 AMByrd,
You have inspired me. I am going to chant for the right opportunity for me to give something back to others in my community.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Michele
Hi Byrd: It must be in the air. I just completed a weekend training to volunteer as a VORP (Victim Offender Reconciliation Program) mediator. I will be working primarily with first time juvenile offenders in an attempt to repair and resolve damages and harm, as well as keep a young person out of the court system. I'm really looking forward to getting involved in the community this way. Congratulations on your new endeavor. I'm sure it will prove to be very rewarding.
Happy Thanksgiving! Ash (The Holy) NOT!