How to Become a Volunteer Reading Tutor

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By cdorsey47
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Article Rating: (2 Ratings)

Volunteering for any organization is always rewarding. When you volunteer to help someone, one on one, and you see the results of your efforts happening almost immediately, it's heartwarming for both.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tenacity

Step 1

Contact your local library. They might have a program in place where you can tutor either adults or children. You will most likely be required to attend a short training seminar. The tutoring is usually done right there at the library. The library might have reading tutor software that you can use. Better still, when you meet the person that you'll be tutoring ask them what they would like to read. Of course, you will have to make the final decision on reading material based on their level of comprehension. I find that approach is better than software.
Step 2

Contact your local school district. Offer to go directly to any of the elementary schools and tutor two youngsters, together, twice a week for ½ hour each day for six weeks. If the school district approves your offer, they will decide which youngsters need help the most. (usually it's fourth and fifth graders). They will also decide what classes these children can be taken out of for ½ hour, and what reading material you will be using.
Step 3

Some adults are embarrassed to admit that they can't read, so they are unlikely to sign up at the library for a tutor. Helping those people is a bit more challenging. You can post an ad in your local paper or at the supermarket stating that you will tutor adults for free. Keep in mind that you are trying to attract people who can't read, so word of mouth works best. When you get an adult tutee, tell them to meet you at the library. That way they're not embarrassed. It's just two friends meeting at the library. Most libraries have small study rooms that you can reserve in advance.