Learning Zone The Experience

Requirements: Background check Complete application Tutor at least 1 day per week for 1.5 hours Training session Must be 16 or older

About the Learning Zone This program is offered through the Arlington Public Library System and it is co-sponsored through Americorp/Vista. The goal of this program is to enhance the studies of school- age children by offering free tutoring and homework assistance Volunteers and older students offer their time to this valuable program

About the Learning Zone This is where we meet with our students The center is complete with anything we need to assist them We help them with their homework and any other assignment they need help with

Students School-age children in the Learning Zone come from different backgrounds, Hispanics, Blacks, Asian, etc. They have one thing in common, they need help with school work and many times the help can’t be provided at home Most of them enjoy the experience and are eager participants in the sessions

Sessions The sessions are 1.5 hours long During the first hour we work on any assignment the student has for homework Most of the students I worked with had homework on: Math – comparing/ordering, capacity and weight, word problems, division/multiplication, adding/subtracting Language Arts – spelling, reading comprehension, vocabulary, creating full sentences

Fun Learning The last 30 minutes of the session are used to play educational games The center is equipped with many educational board games representing all the different content areas in school The student chooses the game, but the tutor can use them to target areas s/he considers the student has difficulty understanding

Learning Experience This was, without a doubt a very rewarding experience because: 1. I was able to see the educational growth in many of the students in a short time 2. Most of the students and parents showed gratitude for the time we spent working with them 3. It showed me to be responsible and be there ready to work with any student, trying my best to engage them in the learning experience

Growth The Learning Zone experience has helped me feel more prepared for my career in the field of education by allowing me to be a part of wonderful children and this program It has showed me the difference I can make in the life of others, and that no effort goes by unnoticed

Reflection Through this program, I realized how much anybody can contribute to the enhancement of studies and educational growth of our children I also realized that it will not always be easy to create a bond with all our students, but perseverance can make anything better I understand better now that time is one of the most valuable things we can offer to anyone, especially a child