Reading and tutoring at the Detention Center – Cathleen Taggart
At DT, we’ve placed a great deal of focus on literacy. Sean keeps an amazing record of reading levels and time spent tutoring. It’s been a rewarding experience to tutor students one-on-one when we don’t have specific ESL students. Many of our residents, though not beginning English learners, need extended practice in reading and vocabulary. Some have an extensive knowledge of various languages acquired at young ages, but English is always a challenge. One student in particular, although fluent in several languages, looked forward to English reading time. He was hesitant and unsure of himself at first, but we chose a short novel that he thought would be of interest. As time went on, he started asking questions about the story line and began predicting outcomes. We discussed vocabulary, even drawing pictures when necessary. (Try drawing snowshoes on a whiteboard!) He finished the novel, first one ever, a day before he was released and was so proud of himself.
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