This week, we had two students enroll at LIST who are in desperate need of help academically. For various reasons, these two boys (twins) have made it to second grade without being able to read. I have worked with these two boys in the past through various substitute teaching jobs I have worked on so I know who they are. This year I have had the opportunity to sub in each of their classrooms, and through this current experience, I came across their situation. I was able to sub in one of the boys’ rooms within the first couple weeks of school, and within minutes of being in his class, I realized he was not capable of doing the daily work expected in second grade. At that time, I gave this boy one of LIST’s flyers and asked him to give it to his mom, telling him I could help him learn to read. Last week, after seeing the flyer, the mom asked around and got recommendations from parents about what we do at LIST. This week they came for their first session.
Each boy is reading at a beginning first grade level – not being able to blend or sound out simple words like “cat”, “dog” and so on. Their recognition of “high frequency words” such as “the”, “or”, and “was” is very low as well. They are looking at an uphill battle, but with lots of hard work, I know they will read. Instead of helping them with their homework (which is what we normally do at LIST), I will be tutoring them in some of the basics of reading; things such as spellings/sounds, as well as continual practice reading. I am so glad that this parent has brought her son’s to LIST, and I plan on doing whatever it takes to insure that they continue through the year (even if that means finding sponsors to pay their way, if that becomes an issue). These two boys are about to be eaten up by the system, and I will do everything I can to stop this process.
Finally, on a much lighter note, kids say the danrdest things! Below, find a conversation that took place between myself and two first graders after each had finished their homework and had a few minutes before it was time for them to go. Enjoy!
First Grade Boy: “I could go over there and do the puzzle with my girlfriend.”
Myself: “Is she your girlfriend?”
First Grade Boy: “Yes!”
Myself to the First Grade Girl: “Is he your boyfriend?”
First Grade Girl: “No” (Said with a shy shake of the head).
Myself to the First Grade Boy: “She says she is not your girlfriend. Do you want her to be your girlfriend?”
First Grade Boy: “YES!!!!” Said with a HUGE smile!
The volunteer and I just cracked up! It was such a funny moment!
