Helping one another learn, grow

STERLING – I'm taking part in weekly tutoring sessions through Project VITAL (Volunteers in Teaching Adults Literacy).

The program pairs tutors with adults in the community who want to improve their English skills and abilities.

My student and I had our first session Wednesday night.

I was nervous about how to approach the first lesson. I learned how to speak and write English in school years ago. Where do you start when teaching someone a language you speak daily without giving it a second thought?

Thankfully, I had been given ample material to use last week at our introductory meeting. I had with me a couple beginning grammar and pronunciation books and a Spanish-English dictionary, as well.

The session went really well. We completed reading, writing and fill-in-the-blank exercises. We also practiced reading a menu and adding items to calculate the total bill.

As she read exercises, she would stop if there was a word she didn't understand or needed help with. I would explain it in Spanish so she understood.

Certain unfamiliar words went on a special list in her notebook for further review.

I'm paired with a student who is clearly committed to learning and improving. She takes initiative to ask questions and writes down anything she is unfamiliar with. She also has a good memory, which comes in handy when remembering information from a story she just read.

On a cold night when my student could have been anywhere else, she was at the library working hard to improve her skills and better herself.

It's rewarding for both of us to teach one another. By the end of just one session, I was already more confident in my Spanish speaking ability.

I applaud her, and encourage others to think about taking part in Project VITAL.

Sauk Valley Media reporter Kiran Sood covers government and happenings in Sterling and Rock Falls. She can be reached at ksood@saukvalley.com or at 800-798-4085, ext. 529.