My Story

My Story

It's Thursday morning and I'm wearing my FUMC name tag as I approach Jere Whitson School. I sign in and go to the third grade classroom where I'll be tutoring three children for a half hour each. The teacher hands me a packet with the children's work and Accelerated Reader books.

Paula has one brother but no sisters. She reads fluently and easily, but she isn't understanding what she's reading. I ask her a few questions that help her think about what the worksheets want her to do.

Jason likes blueberries and cats. He is self-assured and works quickly. He explains to me what he is supposed to do on his worksheets, but in his haste he doesn't always get answers right. I point out where he needs to double check his work.

Roger likes to play in the park. He has finished his worksheets, so we spend our time reading the AR books. Preston races through the stories, but miscalls or skips many words, so I ask him to slow down and reread the words he misses.

Each child is polite, eager to please, and enjoys placing stickers that I bring on completed worksheets.

Do you have a Jere Whitson story to share?

Elinor Ross