s a volunteer
literacy tutor you can provide invaluable support and enrichment to students
who are learning to read and write
by:
- offering individual or small group attention where that may not be available
- engaging children in enjoyable experiences with literature -- writing, reading and listening
- helping children feel successful by giving positive feedback and support
- helping with homework in ways that extend children's understanding and interest
- modeling through your own actions that reading and writing are pleasurable and valuable activities
Your role is not to replace the work of the teacher. Instead, you can
extend or support the literacy learning that is going on in and out of
the classroom.
Tutoring programs vary widely from setting to setting. You might work
in a school during the school day, tutoring an individual child, or helping
out in the class with a small group. Other programs take place before
or after school offering homework help and skills instruction or enrichment.
They may be located in a variety of community agencies, including places
of worship and hospitals. 
Some programs offer special training or use particular kinds of instructional
methods and materials. Other programs welcome volunteers' own initiative.
In some situations you will need to bring your own reading and writing
materials and create your own lesson plans, with little training or guidance;
in others, you will be given assigned books or homework and specific structures
to follow. Even within one school setting, there may be a variety of approaches
and expectations for volunteers, depending on the individual teachers
and ages of children. Being flexible in how you approach your role as
a volunteer tutor may be the key to a smooth working relationship as you
begin work. It will also help if you try to find out as much as you can
about where you will be before you get there. Here are some questions
to ask:
- Where and when does the program take place: during or after school? In the library or other location? * Have they had other volunteers before? If so, can you talk with any of them?
- Will you be working with a small group, or with a single child? How often? For how long?
- What is the age of the child(ren) you will work with? What kinds of reading materials are appropriate?
- Is there someone to supervise you or to whom you report? Or who will answer any questions you may have about the child or help you with scheduling or any other problems at the site?
- What are the expectations of your work?