Volume 17, Number 1, Fall 2006

Teens and K-2 Kids Help Each Other Improve Skills

Sandra Kao

The partnership between Lapeer’s 4-H Club Read and the county’s service learning program to provide one-on-one tutoring to kids ages 5 to 7 was a success, once again.

In this six-week summer program, teens involved in service learning tutor children completing grades K-2 for two hours. One hour is tutoring for reading and math and the other is fun 4-H Club Read activities related to literacy and life skills.

Nearly 100 teen tutors and 102 students participated in the summer 2006 Club Read/Service Learning program.

There were five sessions held throughout Lapeer County: two at North Branch Elementary School, two at Turrill Elementary and one at Seaton Elementary.

For teens, the program gives them the opportunity to develop valuable work skills. The tutoring helps young kids maintain or improve on basic skills they’ve already learned at school rather than teaching them new things.

According to Pat Waugh, Lapeer County MSU Extension educator, evaluation results of the project from 22 North Branch teen tutors indicated that their organization, planning and other skills have improved as a result of participation in the program.

“One-hundred percent of tutors in North Branch said because of the program, they’re better at setting a plan and following through,” said Waugh. “21 of 22 said they increased their problem solving and leadership skills.”

“The most important thing is they learned from the experience,” said Waugh. “Three of the tutors said this experience makes them want to be teachers.”

Comments from teen tutors at the North Branch session included:

• “It made me much more organized and mature.”
• “I am a better leader.”
• “It teaches me not to think that a first-grader doesn’t know anything.”
• “It’ll help me with my future children.”
• “I learned to deal with children and changes in plans”
• “I learned to build relationships and take control.”