Tuesday SOL 2/13/18 - Mentoring Program
The past two years our church has offered an after school mentoring program. The first year we tried 8th & 9th graders. It went well, but a lot of us mentors felt like we were out of our league - too many years have elapsed and my how things have changed.
Last year we opted for 3rd and 8th grade. Since we didn't have any 8th graders sign up, we concentrated our efforts on the 3rd graders and found them to be delightful, a little challenging, but overall a good fit for our group.
Last August we again started plans for mentoring 3rd graders, but we ran into a few bumps in the road and it didn't take off. So we decided to try again in January. We initially had seven kids sign up and decided to go forward. But then, the weather hit and it got pushed back. Then they were off of school for one reason or another.
Finally, two weeks ago, we got started. Twelve kids signed up. We had a mentors meeting and they were excited. We are trying a different format this year. In the past we had activity time, a snack and then an hour of mentoring, followed by dinner for the kids and their families. This year we decided to try basically the same format, but instead of one full hour of mentoring, we planned three 20 minute segments - one focused on homework or whatever they were struggling with; the second was some type with educational games on the tablets and third was story/game time.
Paula, who has been the inspiration for this venture, and has headed it up with help from Joan and me. Just before Christmas, Paula broke some bones in her foot and has been out of commission. So Joan and I have been trying to fill in for her.
The first week was a major success (with lots of sighs of relief from me). We had 9 kids attend, the mentors were very happy with the new format, the kitchen staff did a wonderful job and most of the parents showed up to eat with us. It was a great feeling getting acquainted with the kids and their parents. Several of the kids asked if they could come back the following week.
So now we have this Thursday to look forward to. Hopefully all 12 will attend, but if not, we'll work with those that do. A win-win situation for all of us.
Last year we opted for 3rd and 8th grade. Since we didn't have any 8th graders sign up, we concentrated our efforts on the 3rd graders and found them to be delightful, a little challenging, but overall a good fit for our group.
Last August we again started plans for mentoring 3rd graders, but we ran into a few bumps in the road and it didn't take off. So we decided to try again in January. We initially had seven kids sign up and decided to go forward. But then, the weather hit and it got pushed back. Then they were off of school for one reason or another.
Finally, two weeks ago, we got started. Twelve kids signed up. We had a mentors meeting and they were excited. We are trying a different format this year. In the past we had activity time, a snack and then an hour of mentoring, followed by dinner for the kids and their families. This year we decided to try basically the same format, but instead of one full hour of mentoring, we planned three 20 minute segments - one focused on homework or whatever they were struggling with; the second was some type with educational games on the tablets and third was story/game time.
Paula, who has been the inspiration for this venture, and has headed it up with help from Joan and me. Just before Christmas, Paula broke some bones in her foot and has been out of commission. So Joan and I have been trying to fill in for her.
The first week was a major success (with lots of sighs of relief from me). We had 9 kids attend, the mentors were very happy with the new format, the kitchen staff did a wonderful job and most of the parents showed up to eat with us. It was a great feeling getting acquainted with the kids and their parents. Several of the kids asked if they could come back the following week.
So now we have this Thursday to look forward to. Hopefully all 12 will attend, but if not, we'll work with those that do. A win-win situation for all of us.
I love that you are a part of this, Mom! Such an amazing opportunity for you and the volunteers and the kids! The new format makes all the difference! Relationships are essential to learning! Enjoy your time!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to reach out and help students. As you say, it is a "win-win" situation for all involved.
ReplyDeleteThird grade is a great grade to work with! Sounds like you have had ups and downs, but it's all good for the kids.
ReplyDelete20-minute segments when it comes to 3rd graders sounds like a excellent idea. That's a great way to keep them engaged and to stop them from losing interest.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I am a new Slicer. I posted my very first Slice of Life on my blog. :)