I don’t remember learning to read. I only know that books have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. And, when I imagine illiteracy, I imagine a life without those books. No Jane Eyre. No Pride and Prejudice. No Lord of the Rings.
Tonight, at my very first tutor training session, I learned that novels are only the tip of a colossal iceberg.
Our world is a maze of forms, signs, and computer screens—a maze that’s nearly impossible to navigate without reading skills. Job applications, recipes, even self-service gas pumps are obstacles for a non-reader. And they’re not obstacles to classic literature. They’re obstacles to everyday life.
That’s why places like CLC are so important. That’s why I’m more compelled than ever to help.
Even so, I’m intimidated by the stacks of instructional materials that were presented in tonight’s session. I’m intimidated by the teacher types who showed up to sharpen their tutoring skills. I’m intimidated by phonics, word families, and something called “decoding.”
It’s a wonder I ever learned to read in the first place.
But, I’m going back. As difficult as it will be for me to learn to teach, I know that it must be doubly difficult for an adult to ask to be taught. And I intend to keep my end of the bargain.
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteDon't be intimidated. You will do great. People learning to read mainly need reassurance and someone to tell them if they are reading the word correctly. The teachers will take care of the basics in the CLC classes.