Project Read of the San Francisco Public Library

Tax Tips Workshop for Learners - March 20

2012-02-22T13:08:00.005-08:00

Tax Tips Workshop
for Project Read Learners

Presented by John Caton,
Project Read Tutor and Certified IRS/VITA Tax Volunteer

Learn about new tax laws that could affect you.

Learn how to organize the information
you need for tax preparation.

Find out how and where to receive
FREE assistance with your taxes.

Tuesday, March 20
6:00—7:30 p.m.
Location: Main Library - 2nd Floor, Project Read Conference Room

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Tutor In-Service Class -- February 28

2012-02-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Technology Tune-Up:

Expand Your Tutoring Resources
Via the Computer
Presented by Brian Castagne,
Project Read Computer Lab Coordinator

Join Brian for a relaxed but ultra-informative tour of our many computer and technology resources. Discover the many ways that the Project Read Computer Learning Lab can be used to enhance your instruction and support your learner’s goals. In addition, we will provide some tasty food to nourish your brain.

Tuesday, February 28
6:00—7:30 p.m.

Main Library, Project Read Conference Room & Computer Lab
Please call (415) 557-4388
if you plan to attend.

Tutor-Learner Teams are Invited to Join the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club

2012-01-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

Here is the schedule of books being read and discussed by Project Read's Wednesday Night Readers book club over the next few months. Tutor-learner teams are encouraged to pick up these FREE books and audio books and then make plans to attend one of these exciting and rewarding discussions. We make unabridged audio books available so that learners at any reading level can participate in the discussion. The discussions are lively, informative, and take place in a supportive environment that makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

Many tutor-learner teams use the monthly book club selections as part of their regular lesson plans, and since books are provided FREE to both tutors and learners, you know the materials will always be available. Also, most of the fiction selections come with comprehension questions which can be used in your sessions. All we ask is that the learner (and tutor, if possible) attend the book discussion on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM.

Finding Oprah’s Roots: Finding Your Own by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (Discussed at the February 29 meeting, books & audio available January 25)
    Gates chronicles the fascinating process of uncovering Oprah's family history. He was challenged by the same obstacles that all African Americans face in finding documentation during and after slavery. He recalls the process of talking to Oprah's relatives and the arduous task of finding a paper trail. Gates also suggests strategies for tracing your own family’s roots beginning with the gathering oral histories from living relatives. (192 pages)

Lost in Yonkers, a Play by Neil Simon (Discussed at the March 28 meeting, books & audio available February 29)
    This is an insightful drama about one woman's drive and its emotional toll on her and her family. Grandma Kurnitz has endured many crises, ranging from a harsh childhood in Germany to being a young widow with six children in a foreign country. From her life she learned to be strong, hard, and cold, and this is the lesson she tries to instill in her four remaining children. While her two teenage grandsons are in her care, the three learn the importance of being loved and loving, and the difference between living and surviving. (114 pages)

Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli (Discussed at the April 25 meeting, books & audio available March 28)
    In Warsaw in 1939, a boy wanders the streets and survives by stealing what food he can. Reading this unusual, fresh view of the Holocaust as seen through the eyes of a child who struggles to understand the world around him is like viewing a poignant collage of the boy’s impressions. This historical novel can be appreciated both by readers with previous knowledge of the Holocaust and by those who share the child’s innocence and will discover the horrors of this period in history along with him. (208 pages)

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie (Discussed at the May 30 meeting, books & audio available April 25)
    This beautifully presented novella tracks the lives of two teens, childhood friends who have been sent to a small Chinese village for "re-education" during Mao's Cultural Revolution. But the boys receive a bit of a reprieve when the villagers discover their talents as storytellers; they are sent on monthly treks to town. Through a series of comic and clever tricks and favors, the boys acquire a suitcase full of forbidden Western literature. One of the boys decides to "re-educate" the ignorant girl whom he hopes will become his intellectual match. That a bit of Balzac can have an aphrodisiac effect is a happy bonus. Ultimately, the book is a simple, lovely telling of a classic boy-meets-girl scenario with a folktale's smart, surprising bite at the finish. (184 pages)

Welcome to Susan Fink - Project Read's New Tutor-Learner Coordinator

2012-01-11T13:01:00.001-08:00

We are extremely happy to announce that as of January 9, Susan Fink has assumed the duties of Tutor-Learner Coordinator at Project Read. Susan has been a member of the Project Read family for over 15 years. She began as a one-to-one tutor, and then took on the additional responsibilities of a Tutor Contact/Mentor Tutor. For the past few years, she has also offered a drop-in math class every Thursday evening, providing learners (and even some tutors) with expert instruction in all things math-related.

In her new position, Susan will be responsible for assessing in-coming learners, matching tutor-learner teams, collecting follow-up Roles and Goals surveys, as well as other important program functions.

So the next time you are in the Project Read office, stop by and meet the newest member of our team.

6 Opportunities to Attend Tutor Roundtable Meetings!

2011-12-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

Project Read's monthly Tutor Roundtable meetings are an opportunity for volunteers to engage in an open and rewarding discussion with other tutors and Project Read staff. At these informal meetings, you'll be able to share your success stories and offer encouragement to your fellow tutors. You will also pick-up some fresh instructional strategies to enhance your tutoring skills. And of course, we will provide some tasty pizza and drinks to support the conversation.

Here are some upcoming dates for Tutor Roundtables for the first six months of 2012. These meetings are held in the Conference Room of the Project Read office at the Main Library.

* Tuesday, January 3 – 6:00-7:30 PM,

* Saturday, February 4 – 1:00-2:30 PM

* Tuesday, March 6 – 6:00-7:30 PM

* Saturday, April 7 – 1:00-2:30 PM

* Tuesday, May 1 – 6:00-7:30 PM

* Saturday, June 2 – 1:00-2:30 PM

Holiday Party & Potluck -- December 8, 2011

2011-10-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate the season with your fellow tutors,

learners, & library staff!

Project Read's Annual

Holiday Party & Potluck

Thursday, December 8, 2011

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Main Library - Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room, Lower Level

You'll enjoy some great food, music, a free raffle,
and special door prizes for everyone.

Friends and family members are always welcome.

Call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend,
and please bring a favorite holiday dish to share.

Voting Workshop for Project Read Learners - October 19

2011-09-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Adult Learner Voting Workshop

Presented by San Francisco Department of Elections Staff

Be prepared for the election on November 8th!

Learn all you need to know to cast your vote in
San Francisco.

and
Complete your voter registration in time for the

November 8th election.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

6:00 — 7:00 PM

Project Read Conference Room

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Tutor In-Service Class -- Tuesday, October 18

2011-09-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Emotionally Intelligent

Tutor-Learner Team

Presented by Annie Leuenberger, Project Read Tutor

At this workshop you will…

Gain an understanding of the theory of Emotional Intelligence and how it can benefit the relationship between tutors and learners
Explore techniques you can use to strengthen tutor-learner communication
Discover practical ideas for creating a positive motivational focus for your tutoring sessions

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

6:00—7:30 p.m.

Main Library—Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room—Lower Level

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

New All-Electric Project Read Van On the Road!

2011-08-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

Project Read goes GREEN! Soon you will see a brand new Project Read Outreach Van traveling around the city. This Ford Transit Connect van will be the first all-electric van in the city's fleet. We want to thank the State Library (California Library Literacy Services grant) for providing the funding, the San Francisco Department of the Environment for supporting this purchase, the Office of Contract Administration for enabling the purchase process, SFPL graphic artist Barbara McMahan-Dennis for creating a wonderful exterior design, and our own Facilities Division (Roberto Lombardi, April Wan & Rhonda Porter) for their devoted hard work that made this project possible.

In-Service Workshop for Project Read Tutors -- August 24

2011-07-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Those Handy Instructional Aids

Presented by Randy Weaver, Project Read Manager

This workshop will offer a hands-on review of the instructional aids located in the Project Read office. We’ll brainstorm ways to enhance your tutoring sessions by using the many 3-dimensional words, letters and games which are available, and we’ll discuss the importance of including multi-sensory techniques in your instructional plan.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011
6:00—7:30 p.m.
Project Read Conference Room, Main Library—2nd Floor

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Tutors are Invited to Attend Upcoming Tutor Roundtable Meetings

2011-07-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Project Read's monthly Tutor Roundtable meetings are an opportunity for volunteers to engage in an open and rewarding discussion with other tutors and Project Read staff. At these informal meetings, you'll be able to share your success stories and offer encouragement to your fellow tutors. You will also pick-up some fresh instructional strategies to enhance your tutoring skills. And of course, we will provide some tasty pizza and drinks to support the lively conversation.
Here are the dates for Tutor Roundtables during the remainder of 2011:

Tuesday, July 5 -- 6:00 PM
Saturday, August 6 -- 1:00 PM
Tuesday, September 6 -- 6:00 PM
Saturday, October 1 -- 1:00 PM
Tuesday, November 1 -- 6:00 PM

All Tutor Roundtable meetings are held in the Project Read Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at 100 Larkin Street. Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend any of these meetings.

Tutor-Learner Teams: Join the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club!

2011-06-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is the schedule of books being read and discussed by Project Read's Wednesday Night Readers book club over the next few months. Tutor-learner teams are encouraged to pick up these FREE books and audio books and then make plans to attend one of these exciting and rewarding discussions held on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM. We make unabridged audio books available so that learners at any reading level can participate in the discussion.

Night by Elie Wiesel (discussed at the July 27 meeting, books & audio available June 29)
     In Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel's memoir Night, a scholarly, pious teenager is wracked with guilt at having survived the horror of the Holocaust and the genocidal campaign that consumed his family. His memories of the nightmare world of the death camps present him with an intolerable question: how can the God he once so fervently believed in have allowed these monstrous events to occur? (120 pages)

The Journey of Crazy Horse by Joseph M. Marshall III (discussed at the August 31 meeting, books & audio available July 27)
     Marshall draws on a rich Native American oral tradition to carefully and lovingly tell the life of Crazy Horse as a storyteller would. The result is a vivid, haunting biography. Raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, Marshall recalls hearing his grandfather share stories of battles fought 75 years earlier against "Long Hair," the Lakota name for Gen. George Custer, vanquished at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Marshall reveals Crazy Horse as loyal son, spurned lover, instinctive warrior, doting father, compassionate hunter and natural leader. (336 pages)

Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich (discussed at the September 28 meeting, books & audio available on August 31)
      Stephanie Plum, the Jersey bond enforcement agent, who already has two guys in her life, reconnects with Diesel, a third heartthrob. Diesel offers Stephanie a deal: if he lets her find Annie Hart, a relationship coach who's become a big-ticket bond on Stephanie's Most Wanted List, then Stephanie can do Annie a big favor by playing Cupid for a number of Annie's lovelorn clients, including a shy butcher, a desperate vet, an overworked single mom, a 30-something virgin and the marriage-phobic fellow who just happens to be Stephanie's pregnant sister's boyfriend. (176 pages)

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach (discussed at the October 26 meeting, books & audio available on September 28)
     "Uproariously funny" is an unlikely description for a book on cadavers. However, Roach has done the nearly impossible and written a book as informative and respectful as it is irreverent and witty. Roach delves into the many productive uses to which cadavers have been put, from medical experimentation to applications in transportation safety research. Even Roach's digressions and footnotes are captivating, helping to make the book impossible to put down. (304 pages)

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (discussed at the November 30 meeting, books & audio available on October 26)
     The story of Ebenezer Scrooge opens on a Christmas Eve as cold as Scrooge's own heart. That night, he receives three ghostly visitors: the terrifying spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Each takes him on a heart-stopping journey, yielding glimpses of Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit, the horrifying specters of Want and Ignorance, even Scrooge's painfully hopeful younger self. Will Scrooge's heart be opened? Can he reverse the miserable future he is forced to see? Now in an unabridged edition gloriously illustrated by the award-winning P.J. Lynch, this story's message of love and goodwill, mercy and self-redemption resonates as keenly as ever. (158 pages)

Cautiously Good News for Libraries in Governor's May Budget Revision!

2011-05-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

Governor Brown's May budget revision includes the $15.2 million for libraries that many of you fought so hard for earlier in the year. The $15.2 million includes $8.5 million for the California Library Services Act, $3 million for the Public Library Fund, and $3.7 million for California Library Literacy Services. Clearly we are not out of the woods yet, as the Governor's budget revision still relies on a series of tax extensions, but it is good news for now. Let's take the opportunity to thank the Governor and our legislators for acknowledging the value of libraries and literacy!

SAVE THIS DATE! June 14 -- Project Read Tutor & Learner Celebration

2011-04-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

Annual Project Read Tutor & Learner Celebration

A special evening to honor Project Read’s
learners & tutors

Featuring:
* Tasty Food * Volunteer Service Awards *
* Adult Learners & Tutors as Guest Speakers *

Tuesday, June 14
6:00 — 8:00 p.m.
Main Library — Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room — Lower Level
Bring your friends and family!

Invitations will be coming your way in May

In-Service Workshop for Project Read Tutors: April 19 - 6:00 PM

2011-03-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

Using Poetry to Enrich
Basic Literacy Instruction

Presented by Randy Weaver — Project Read Manager

Join us for this fun and interactive workshop where you will discover how poetry can be used to teach basic skills while adding variety and excitement to your tutoring sessions.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

6:00 — 7:30 pm

Main Library—Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room, Lower Level

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

2-Part Writing Workshop for Project Read Learners

2011-02-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

Creating Your Writer to Writer Letter
Presented by Leon Veal,
Project Read Outreach Coordinator

In this 2-part workshop, Project Read learners will explore the parts of an award-winning letter, begin organizing their ideas for their personal letter to a favorite author, and review the step-by-step process for working with their tutors to create their own Writer to Writer entry (due April 29).

Part 1 — Wednesday, March 9, 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Part 2 — Wednesday, March 16, 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Project Read Conference Room

Please call (415) 557-4388
if you would like to attend

Tutor In-Service Workshop - Thursday, February 17 - 6:00 PM

2011-01-31T11:01:00.000-08:00

Sizing-Up Your Syllables
Presented by Andrea Jesse,
Project Read Tutor & Language Teacher

Tutors, this workshop is a chance to review the basic principles of syllabication. Via a jazzy PowerPoint presentation and hands-on materials and activities, you will review many of the rules used to divide words into syllables. Exercises will be presented that can help your learner recognize syllable types and syllable division which can help improve spelling and pronunciation. Resources available to all tutor-learner teams will also be shared and discussed.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

6:00—7:30 p.m.

Main Library—Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room—Lower Level

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Writing Challenge for Adult Learners -- Writer to Writer 2011

2011-01-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

Writer to Writer

10th Annual Writing Challenge

for Adult Learners

Tutor-Learner Teams: Make Plans to Join the Project Read Book Club in 2011

2010-12-30T12:27:00.000-08:00

This is the schedule of books being read and discussed by Project Read's Wednesday Night Readers book club over the next few months. Tutor-learner teams are encouraged to pick up these FREE books and audio books and then make plans to attend one of these exciting and rewarding discussions. We make unabridged audio books available so that learners at any reading level can participate in the discussion.

A Mercy by Toni Morrison (Discussed at the February 23 meeting, books & audio available January 26)

In the 1680s the slave trade in the Americas is still in its infancy. Jacob Vaark is an Anglo-Dutch trader and adventurer, with a small holding in the North. Despite his distaste for dealing in “flesh,” he takes a small slave girl in part payment for a bad debt. The girl is Florens, who can read and write and might be useful on his farm. Rejected by her mother, Florens looks for love, first from Lina, an older servant woman at her new master's house, and later from the handsome blacksmith, an African, never enslaved, who comes riding into their lives. A Mercy reveals what lies beneath the surface of slavery. (224 pages)

The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller (Discussed and the March 30 meeting, books and audio available February 23)

Set in Salem, Massachusetts during the witch trials of the late 1600’s, this play is the story of a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wife's arrest for witchcraft. The farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie and it is here that the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit is terrifyingly depicted. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused of witchcraft and ultimately condemned with a host of others. (160 pages)

The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett (Discussed at the April 27 meeting, books and audio available March 30)

This is Dashiell Hammett's classic tale of murder in Manhattan, which became the popular movie series starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, and both the movies and the novel continue to captivate new generations of fans. Nick and Nora Charles are Hammett's most enchanting creations, a rich, glamorous couple who solve crimes in between wisecracks and martinis. (208 pages)

The Power of Half: One Family's Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back by Kevin Salwen (Discussed at the May 25 meeting, books and audio available on April 27)
It all started when fourteen-year old Hannah Salwen saw a homeless man in her neighborhood at the same time that a glistening Mercedes Benz pulled up. She said “You know, Dad, if that man had a less nice car, that man there could have a meal.” Until that day, the Salwens had been caught up in the classic American dream—providing a good life for their children, accumulating more and more stuff, doing their part but not really feeling it. As a family, they made the decision to sell their Atlanta mansion, downsize to a house half its size, and give half of the sale price to a worthy charity. In the end they learned that they had the power to change a little corner of the world—and they found themselves changing, too. (239 pages)

The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg by Mark Twain (Discussed at the June 29 meeting, books and audio available May 25)
This short story by Mark Twain satirizes the pomposity of small town virtues that really aren't what they seem. A stranger sets out to ruin Hadleyburg's reputation as "the most honest and upright town in all the region." His scheme involves a fake bag of gold coins and notes that lure leading townsmen into greed and eventual public ridicule. (70 pages)

Tutors: You're Invited to Join Us for a Tutor Roundtable Discussion in 2011

2010-12-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Tutor Roundtable Schedule

January to June, 2011

Project Read's monthly Tutor Roundtable meetings are an opportunity for volunteers to engage in an open and rewarding discussion with other working tutors and Project Read staff. At these informal meetings, you'll be able to share your success stories and offer encouragement to your fellow tutors. You will also pick-up some fresh instructional strategies to enhance your tutoring skills. And of course, we will provide some tasty pizza and drinks to support the conversation.

Here are some upcoming dates for Tutor Roundtables--they are held in the Conference Room of the Project Read office at the Main Library.

Tuesday, January 4, 6:00-7:30

Saturday, February 5, 1:00 – 2:30

Tuesday, March 8, 6:00 – 7:30

Saturday, April 2, 1:00 – 2:30

Tuesday, May 3, 6:00 – 7:30

Saturday, June 4, 1:00 – 2:30

2010-10-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Join your fellow tutors, learners, and library staff for Project Read's annual

Holiday Party & Potluck

Thursday, December 9, 2010

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Main Library - Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room, Lower Level

You'll enjoy some great food, music, a free raffle, and special door prizes for everyone.

Friends and family members are always welcome.

Call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend,

and please bring a favorite holiday dish to share.

In-Service Class for Tutors -- October 21

2010-10-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

Putting Roles & Goals to Work for You and Your Learner

Presented by Holly Fulghum-Nutters & Randy Weaver

This workshop will show you how to use the nifty on-line instructional curricula developed by California Library Literacy Services to support the specific learner goals featured on the Roles & Goals survey. These very helpful instructional plans can make your tutoring sessions even more supportive of your learner’s goals as well as give you a fresh approach to teaching basic reading and writing skills.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

6:00—7:30 p.m.

Main Library—Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room—Lower Level

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Voting Workshop for Adult Learners

2010-09-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

To prepare for the Election on November 2nd,

Project Read Learners are invited to attend a

Voting Workshop

Thursday, October 7, 2010

6:00 — 7:00 p.m.

Project Read Conference Room — 2nd. Floor

• Learn about the details of voting in San Francisco from a representative from the Department of Elections.

• Review voter information in the Easy Voter Guide.

• Complete your voter registration in time for the election.

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

International Literacy Day -- September 8

2010-09-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

The United Nations has chosen September 8 to celebrate International Literacy Day. Since 1946, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization has used this occasion to highlight the continued challenge of educating 786 million adults lacking basic literacy skills world-wide. http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/literacy/

You can help in this effort. As many of you are already doing, you can volunteer to tutor an adult learner and thereby open new doors of opportunity not previously available to that individual. You can also simply share your experiences with others in your community. Volunteer tutors and adult learners are the best ambassadors for programs like Project Read. Letting others know what you do and what you have learned form being involved in the adult literacy effort can help Project Read become even more visible in the community.

Thank you for your continued commitment to a more literate and participatory society.

Author Joins Discussion at Project Read Book Club Meeting

2010-08-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

(Project Read Learners and Tutors in conversation with author Peter Zheutelin via speakerphone)

On August 25, members of Project Read's Wednesday Night Readers Book Club were treated to a very special discussion which featured a conference call with Peter Zheutelin, author of the August book selection Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry's Extraordinary Ride.Peter contacted Project Read, after reading on this very blog, that we would be reading and discussing his book in August. On the night of the book discussion, he called from western Massachusetts and spoke with book club members for about 45 minutes. Learners and tutors at the meeting had excellent questions to ask about his book which details the real life adventures of Annie Kopchovsky as she circumnavigated the world on her bicycle in 1895.

(James, Suzanne, Tim, Joanna, and George chat with author Peter Zheutelin via speakerphone)

One of the adult learners who took part in the discussion had this to say about the author's participation: "The author speaking about the way things were at the time gave me a real appreciation for Annie's venture".

Thanks to author Peter Zheutlin, book club facilitators Mary Hilton and John Gildersleeve, and all the tutors and learners who attended, for an unforgettable evening of thought-provoking discussion.

Peter Zheutlin

In-Service Class for Tutors - August 31

2010-08-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

The Invisible Tutor:

Creating exercises and assignments that your learner

will love to work on when you're away.

This hands-on workshop, presented by Project Read staff, will give you some easy-to-use materials and strategies to encourage your learner to work independently to enhance his or her reading, writing, and study skills.

Tuesday, August 31

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Project Read Conference Room & Computer Lab

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Tutors are Invited to Upcoming Tutor Roundtable Meetings

2010-07-12T12:08:00.001-07:00

Here's a reminder to all Project Read tutors about our upcoming Tutor Roundtable meetings. These monthly roundtables are designed as open discussions about any and all tutoring concerns. Please make plans to join us to pick up some fresh perspectives and new instructional tips from your fellow tutors and staff.

Here is a schedule of upcoming roundtable meetings for the remainder of 2010. All meetings are held in the Project Read conference room at the Main Library.

Saturday, August 7, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 7, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 16, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 9, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

And of course, pizza will be served.

Join the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club!

2010-06-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londerry’s Extraordinary Ride by Peter Zheutlin (Discussed at August 25 meeting—books & audio available July 28) The lives of women in the 1890s were constrained by social mores, family obligations, and restrictive clothing. Annie Kopchovsky, immigrant, wife, and mother of three, seems to have had no qualms about doing the opposite of what the times dictated. So liberated was Annie that she cooked up a scheme to circle the globe on a bicycle—even though she had barely been on a bike—to earn fame and money. She abandoned her husband and children and made up a traveling identity, calling herself Annie Londonderry. Well researched and written by a great-nephew of Annie's, this true story illuminates family life, journalism, advertising, and recreation of that era. The author, Peter Zheutlin, will be joining the discussion via conference call to answer questions and comment on the process of writing this fascinating true account. (171 pages)

Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas (Discussed at the September 29 meeting—books & audio available August 25) Rennie Stroud looks back to 1942, when she was 13, to tell a powerful coming-of-age story. That year, the U.S. government opened a Japanese internment camp outside Ellis, CO, less than a mile from her family’s farm. Rennie observes the prejudice of some of the townspeople as well as her parents' strong moral code and their emotions of the time. When a young girl is murdered, suspicion naturally turns to the camp, and the town is divided by fear. This strong, provocative novel is a moving examination of prejudice and fear that addresses issues of community discord. The author’s phrasing and language bring the 1940s to life, and she has created characters that will linger with the reader. (299 pages)

47 by Walter Mosley (Discussed at the October 27 meeting--books & audio available September 29) 47 is the first young adult novel to be written by bestselling author Walter Mosley. A master storyteller, Mosley deftly mixes speculative and historical fiction in this daring novel. Set in a plantation, 47 (a young slave boy) is growing up under the watchful eye of a slave master. His life seems doomed, until he meets the mysterious Tall John who not only introduces him to an unimaginable magical science but teaches 47 the meaning of freedom. (232 pages)

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (Discussed at the December 1 meeting—books & audio available October 27) When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn't have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave—"Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"—wasn't about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because "time is all you have…and you may find one day that you have less than you think"). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living. In this book, Randy Pausch has combined the humor, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon. It is a book that will be shared for generations to come. (206 pages)

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (Discussed at the January 26 meeting—books & audio available December 1) Stephenie Meyer's thrilling debut novel is a love story with a bite. In this suspenseful and sensual tale, 17-year-old Isabella moves to a small town in Washington State and gets more excitement than she bargained for when she falls for an enigmatic classmate -- who happens to be a vampire. Filled with fantastic mystery and romance, it's a heart-stopping novel that captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. (498 pages, but you have 2 months to read--the book club does not meet in December)

Learner & Tutor Recognition - Thursday, June 10

2010-05-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to a special evening to honor

Project Read's learners and volunteers.

Featuring:

Fine Music

Tasty Food

Volunteer Service Awards

Tutor and Learners as Guest Speakers

Make plans to join your friends at Project Read on

Thursday, June 10, 2010

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Main Library, Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room, Lower Level

Friends & family are always welcome!

Please call 415-557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Continuing Education Class for Tutors -- May 18

2010-04-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

Phonics Brush-Up

Presented by Andrea Jesse,

Project Read Tutor & Language Teacher

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Main Library - Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room, Lower Level

Tutors, this workshop is a chance to review the basic principles of phonics. Via a jazzy Power-Point presentation and hands-on materials, you will review many of the sound-symbol relationships of the language. Many of the principles presented are adapted from your very own LITSTART manual, but presented in a way that sheds light on some paradoxes of English spelling and sound systems. Handouts of activities that you can use with your learners as well as reference materials will be provided.

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend

Continuing Ed. Class for Tutors - April 29

2010-03-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Wrangling for Writing Success

Presented by Amy Prevedel,

Director of the Oakland Public Library Adult Literacy Program

Tutors, bring your questions and concerns about writing instruction and Amy will provide precisely the tips you need to help your learner…

* Move past the fear of misspelling when writing.

* Dispel any initial nervousness and actually get started with writing.

You will also learn how to respond to a learner’s writing in ways that encourage even more writing (while still addressing errors).

Thursday, April 29, 2010

6:00—7:30 p.m.

Main Library—Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room—Lower Level

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Help Make the Learner & Tutor Recognition a Great Success

2010-03-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Learner & Tutor Recognition Event

June 10, 6:00—8:00 PM

Here are two ways that you can help make

this year’s Learner & Tutor Recognition a success.

 Tell us how the tutoring experience has changed your life. We invite you to prepare one or two paragraphs that describe your experience as a learner or tutor. Then at the Recognition Event on June 10, you will be able to share your thoughts with fellow Project Read members, library staff, and community supporters.

 Help out at the event. We’re looking for a few tutors and learners who can help present and host the event.

If you can lend your support for this event, please call Sarita Charitar

(415-557-4388) at the Project Read office.

Formal invitations will come your way later in the spring.

Learners & Tutors: Join the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club!

2010-03-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

In the Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith (discussed at the April 28 meeting, books/audio books available March 31 Precious Ramotswe, proprietor of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, and now married to Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, is filled with worry over personal problems. At the same time, her assistant is preoccupied with finding a husband, and it appears that Charlie, the apprentice at the auto shop, has run off with an older woman. Large cups of bush tea remain the main source of relief for thirst and for solving mysteries. This is the sixth novel of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series--the Wednesday Night Readers have read and discussed the previous five. (233 pages)

Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life by Steve Martin (discussed at the May 26 meeting, books/audio books available April 28) At age 10, Steve Martin got a job selling guidebooks at the newly opened Disneyland. In the decade that followed, he worked in Disney's magic shop, print shop, and theater, and developed his own magic/comedy act. By age 20, studying poetry and philosophy on the side, he was performing a dozen times a week. He writes about mentors, girlfriends, his complex relationship with his parents and sister, and about some of his great peers in comedy. He also writes about how he figured out what worked on stage.

Child of Dandelions by Shenaaz Nanji (discussed at the June 30 meeting, books/audio books available May 26) Fifteen-year-old Sabine lives a life of luxury with her wealthy Indian family in Kampala, Uganda. Then Idi Amin comes to power and things change quickly. All British Indians are expelled from the country. Sabine's father thinks they will be safe because they are Ugandan citizens, but they soon discover that they are in serious danger. Sabine struggles to deal with a world falling apart. Prejudices are clearly delineated, and the thin veneer of civilization crumbles as the chilling background beat of the radio relentlessly counts down the days left before all British Indians must leave the country. This book was selected by the American Library Association as the Best Book of the Year for Young Adults. (214 pages)

High Lonesome by Louis L'Amour (discussed at the July 28 meeting, books/audio books available June 30) Considine and Pete Runyan had once been friends, back in the days when both were cowhands. But when Runyan married the woman Considine loved, the two men parted ways. Runyan took on the sheriff’s job and Considine took up robbing banks. Now Considine is planning a raid on a bank that will pit him against Sheriff Considine and lead to either riches or ruin. (152 pages)

Notes from February 6th Tutor Roundtable

2010-02-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

At the Tutor Roundtable meeting on February 6, among other things the group discussed the following tutoring concerns:

One tutor mentioned that while her learner seems very motivated and consistently attends their scheduled sessions, she is worried about the learner becoming bored with what they are working on.

It was suggested that she may want to utilize a variety of instructional methods, connecting with various learning styles, when teaching basic skills. In this way the instructional approach is varied and the same techniques are not always used over and over.

Another suggestion was to ask the learner to write some short pieces about him or herself --often a favorite writing topic. The tutor can then use these writing samples as a starting point for basic skills instruction. The tutor-learner team could even submit the learner's writing for publication in an upcoming issue of Update, the Project Read newsletter.

Finally, it was recommended that the tutor design learning activities that are directly connected to the real-life needs of the adult learner. Even if the tutor is already doing this, it's always a good idea to remind your learner how each instructional activity is directly related to the goal, because it may not always be obvious to the learner him/herself.

Another tutor brought up the common question of how to measure the learner's progress. The tutor mentioned that her learner likes to read very short novels from the juvenile collection because of the feeling of accomplishment he experiences upon completion, but sometimes the tutor herself does not feel that enough progress is being made.

It was mentioned that sometimes a volunteer tutor needs to let go of his or her own definition of progress and instead focus on what the learner sees as progress which is significant for them. Even seemingly small achievements, like finishing an 80-page book for example, can be huge for the learner. And regularly looking back at all the accomplishments important to your learner can help him or her maintain their motivation and commitment to learning.

# # #

Please join us for the next Tutor Roundtable meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, at 6:00 PM in the Project Read Conference Room.

Job Search Class for Adult Learners - Feb. 23

2010-02-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

Find the Job You Want -- Pt. 2

At this workshop Project Read learners will...

Get a tour of the San Francisco Public Library Career Center.
Learn about where to find additional help with finding a job.
Learn how to use the new One Stop Job Centers created by the City & County of San Francisco.

Presented by SFPL librarian and former Project Read staff member Richard Le.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Main Library

Project Read Conference Room

Please call 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Continuing Ed. Class for Tutors - February 18

2010-01-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

Tutor Training Tune-Up with Holly & Randy
Thursday, February 18, 2010
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Main Library -- Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room, Lower Level

A rare chance for follow-up time with your co-tutor-trainers Holly Fulghum-Nutters and Randy Weaver. Bring your questions, observations, and inquiring mind. They'll give you more strategies and food for thought than you can shake a dictionary at.

Please call 415-557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Notes from January 5th Tutor Roundtable

2010-01-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

At the January 5th Tutor Roundtable meeting, four Project Read volunteers discussed a number of pertinent topics. Here are just a few...

A newly-matched tutor mentioned that her learner missed 3 out of 5 scheduled tutoring sessions in December. Although she seems motivated, the tutor is concerned about the developing pattern.

One long-time tutor and current Tutor Contact said that from her experience many pairs have difficulty getting together during the holidays. The Tutor Contact also suggested that the Project Read staff may need to call the learner and make sure she is serious about making a commitment to the program.

Another tutor spoke about the work she and her learner are doing to improve comprehension. Her learner has chosen a biography to read and as he moves through the book, the tutor is asking various questions to check for understanding. She asked the fellow tutors for ideas about what to do when the learners answers are incorrect.

One suggestion was to ask the learner to point to the portion of the reading that supports his answer to the question. Also, there might be some value to discussing the types of questions which we ask when checking for understanding--literal, interpretive, and active. Other suggestions for teaching comprehension included using the free Wednesday Night Readers book selection which includes comprehension questions, and using the New Readers Press publication News for You which provides comprehension checks for the easy-to-read weekly news articles.

The Tutor Contact attending the meeting was asked to offer a few suggestions for new tutors based on her years of experience answering questions of Project Read tutors.

She said that from her experience, the relationship that develops between the tutor and learner is crucial to the success of a match. She believes that the learner must develop trust in his or her tutor and also needs to feel that the tutor is a friend.

Community Jobs Forum for Learners & Tutors

2009-12-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

The White House is asking for your ideas about jobs in our community; how well our local economy is working and how to create more jobs locally. Join Project Read tutor Annie Leuenberger to discuss your ideas about this important topic. After the meeting she will send your comments directly to Washington D.C.

Speak your mind and make a difference!

Join us on

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Main Library - project Read Conference Room & Computer Lab

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Coffee/tea and treats will be served.

Tutor Roundtable Meetings in 2010

2009-12-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

Join your fellow volunteer tutors at an upcoming Tutor Roundtable and pick up some new perspectives and fresh techniques to enhance your tutoring skills. And of course, we always provide the pizza.

Here are the dates for upcoming Roundtables in 2010:

Tuesday, January 5th - 6:00 PM
Saturday, February, 6th - 1:00 PM
Tuesday, March 2nd - 6:00 PM
Saturday, April 3rd - 1:00 PM
Tuesday, May 4th - 6:00 PM
Saturday, June 5th - 1:00 PM

All Roundtables take place in the Project Read conference room at the Main Library (100 Larkin St.). Please remember to call 415-557-4388 to RSVP for any of these meetings.

Come to the Holiday Party & Potluck on December 10

2009-10-24T10:30:00.001-07:00

Join your fellow tutors, learners, and library staff for Project Read's annual

Holiday Party & Potluck

Thursday, December 10, 2009

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Main Library - Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room, Lower Level

You'll enjoy some great food, music, a free raffle, and special door prizes for everyone.

Friends and family members are always welcome.

Call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend,

and please bring a favorite holiday dish to share.

Continuing Ed. Class for Tutors - October 22

2009-10-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Putting the I in Writing

Thursday, October 22, 2009
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Main Library -- Latino-Hispanic Meeting Rm.

Learn how to encourage your adult learner to express his/her own personal voice and cultural identity in what they write. This ability can motivate your learner to write more and make even better progress toward their personal writing goals.

Presented by Booh Edouardo, Project Read tutor and graduate student at

S.F. State Dept. of English--Composition Program.

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Learner Workshop -- "Find the Job You Want" Pt. 1

2009-09-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 1, 2009

6:00 - 7:30 pm

Project Read Conference Room

Presented by SFPL Librarian (and former Project Read staff member) Richard Le and Project Read Outreach Coordinator Leon Veal.

At this workshop, adult learners will...

Learn how to organize job search information
Learn how to use online job applications
Learn how to use a flash drive to store job information

At part 2 of this workshop (yet to be scheduled) those attending will learn how to search for a job using the Internet.

Adult learners should call the Project Read office at 415-557-4388 if they plan to attend.

Syllabication Resources from Continuing Education Class

2009-09-02T11:54:00.001-07:00

(You may click on these jpg images to enlarge, then print your own copies -- use landscape format when printing.)

Here is a useful instructional tool presented at the August continuing education class for tutors entitled Divide to Conquer. This kinesthetic instructional game can help your learner understand common syllable types and how they are usually spelled and pronounced. Thanks to Project Read tutor, and former literacy program director, Lucille Cuttler for helping to present the workshop and for creating this learning tool.

The first grid contains examples of six syllable types. The second is blank so that you and your learner can plug-in syllables from words being studied in your tutoring sessions. Much more information on syllable types is available in your tutor training materials: LITSTART--pages 160 - 167, Tutor Training Manual -- pages. 50 & 51.

Notes from September 1st Tutor Roundtable

2009-09-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

At Project Read's September Tutor Roundtable meeting there was a lively discussion by the tutors concerning a variety of instructional topics.

One tutor mentioned that he and his learner had been working on the topic of African-American history. His learner enjoys doing research on the Internet and they have found a wealth of reading material while using the Project Read computer lab. When his learner has trouble with a word, they focus on breaking it down into syllables. It was suggested that they might also look at the 3rd floor Project Read collection at the Main Library which includes many easy-to-read books on the subject of African-American history.

Another tutor has been helping her learner focus on pronouncing and writing word endings correctly. To do this they have been spending time breaking words down and looking at spelling patterns associated with the common word endings.

The challenge of teaching grammar was also discussed. A tutor mentioned that he has had success using Write All About It, a comprehensive grammar workbook available FREE in the Project Read office for tutor-learner teams. He and his learner will soon start working on the learner's goal of writing personal letters--a good opportunity to reinforce grammar skills introduced in the workbook.

The tutors also discussed ways to encourage learners to get their thoughts down on paper. One method suggested was the good old mind mapping technique introduced during tutor training. Another reminder was to always begin with a topic of interest to the learner or bring in photos or newspaper articles for the learner to respond to in writing.

One final tip offered by a tutor was on the topic of planning the tutoring session. She said that initially her sessions had been one and a half hours in length, but she found that a lot of time was being consumed by chit chat before the actual instruction could begin. She decided to simply add that time to the overall session length. She's meeting with her learner for two hours now, but making sure that a smooth transition occurs between the time for socializing and instruction.

Continuing Ed. Class for Tutors -- August 20

2009-07-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

DIVIDE AND CONQUER!
Discover strategies to help your learner master those pesky multi-syllable words and unlock the gateway to spelling ease and increased comprehension.

Presented by: Lucille Cuttler, Learning Specialist
& Randy Weaver, Project Read Manager

Thursday, August 20, 2009
6:00—7:30 p.m.
Main Library — Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room — Lower Level

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Join Your Fellow Tutors at an Upcoming Roundtable Meeting

2009-06-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

Tutor Round Table meetings are opportunities for Project Read tutors to come together to share their successful instructional strategies and get some new ideas for materials and techniques that can enhance the tutoring effort. These informal meetings take place in the Project Read Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the Main Library and tasty refreshments are always provided.

Here is a schedule of Round Table meetings for the next few months. Please call 415-557-4388 beforehand if you plan to attend.

Tuesday, July 7 -- 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 1 -- 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Tuesday, September 1 -- 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, October 24 -- 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Tuesday, November 10 -- 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Join Us for the Annual Tutor - Learner Recognition June 4, 2009

2009-04-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

A special evening to honor Project Read’s
learners & tutors

Featuring:
* Fine Music * Tasty Food * Volunteer Service Awards
* Project Read Learners as Guest Speakers

Thursday, June 4, 2009
6:00 — 8:00 p.m.
Main Library — Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room — Lower Level

Bring your friends and family!

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Magazine Highlights Wednesday Night Readers Book Club

2009-04-21T12:15:00.001-07:00

The Wednesday Night Readers in Action (Photo by Brian)

The April 2009 issue of The Clarion, a publication of the California Library Association, features an excellent article all about Project Read's Wednesday Night Readers Book Club (pages 9 - 11). The author of this article is John Gildersleeve who is co-facilitator of the book club and 15-year-volunteer with Project Read. Mary Hilton (current co-facilitator), and Renee Feldman (previous co-facilitator) also contributed to this article. John did an outstanding job of capturing what makes the Wednesday Night Readers special and empowering .

The entire April issue of The Clarion is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of California Library Literacy Services and features some excellent perspectives on library-based literacy efforts.

Please click the image below to view or download the on-line PDF version of this publication. Enjoy!

Continuing Education Class for Tutors - April 22

2009-03-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Instructional Resources Tune-Up

Join Brian and Randy for an empowering review of Project Read’s many instructional aids, workbooks, and technology resources that can help enhance your teaching of phonics, spelling, writing, and comprehension skills.

Tasty treats will be served.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009
6:00 — 7:30 p.m.
Main Library — Project Read Conference Room & Computer Lab
Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Tutor-Learner Teams: Join the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club

2009-02-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

This is the schedule of books being read and discussed over the next few months by Project Read's Wednesday Night Readers book club. Pick up your FREE books and audio books and make plans to attend one of these exciting and rewarding discussions. We make unabridged audio books available so that learners at any reading level can participate in the discussion. Adult learners do not have to finish the entire book to attend the meetings.

The Member of the Wedding, a play by Carson McCullers (books & audio books available February 26, discussed at March 25 meeting -- 118 pages)

Carson McCullers’ The Member of the Wedding is only one of two plays written by the author and by far the most successful. Adapted from her 1946 novel of the same name, this play depicts the interwoven lives of whites and blacks in the American South, and the poignant turmoil of adolescence. The March 25 meeting will feature a special performance by professional actors from the local Screen Actors Guild.

The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho (books & audio books available March 26, discussed at April 29 meeting -- 208 pages)

The charming tale of Santiago, a shepherd boy, who dreams of seeing the world, is compelling in its own right, but gains resonance through the many lessons Santiago learns during his adventures. He journeys from Spain to Morocco in search of worldly success, and eventually to Egypt, where a fateful encounter with an alchemist brings him at last to self-understanding and spiritual enlightenment. The story has the comic charm, dramatic tension and psychological intensity of a fairy tale, but it's full of specific wisdom as well, about becoming self-empowered, overcoming depression, and believing in dreams. The cumulative effect is like hearing a wonderful bedtime story from an inspirational psychiatrist.

Sounder by William H. Armstrong (books & audio books available April 30, discussed at May 27 meeting -- 126 pages)

Winner of the 1970 Newbery Medal and the basis of an acclaimed film, Sounder traces the keen sorrow and the abiding faith of a poor African-American boy in the 19th-century South. The boy's father is a sharecropper, struggling to feed his family in hard times. Night after night, he and his great coon dog, Sounder, return to the cabin empty-handed. Then, one morning, almost like a miracle, a sweet-smelling ham is cooking in the family's kitchen. At last the family will have a good meal. But that night, an angry sheriff and his deputies come, and the boy's life will never be the same.

Angels of Morgan Hill by Donna VanLiere (books & audio books available May 28, discussed at June 24 meeting - 290 pages)

In 1947, there aren't any black families in the town of Morgan Hill, TN, until the Turners arrive to help on a tobacco farm. Nine-year-old Jane Gable first sees young Milo Turner when she is on the way home from her abusive father's funeral. Although the impression is vivid, she has no idea how closely their lives will become entangled. Jane's memories capture a child's-eye view of the confusing adult world.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (books & audio books available June 24, discussed at July 29 meeting -- 107 pages)

The tragic story of the complex bond between two migrant laborers in Central California. They are George Milton and Lennie Small, itinerant ranch hands who dream of one day owning a small farm. George acts as a father figure to Lennie, who is a very large, simpleminded man, calming him and helping to reign in his immense physical strength.

Project Read Honored with National Award

2009-02-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

On February 4, we heard the news that Project Read will receive the 2009 Advancement of Literacy Award presented by the Public Library Association and Library Journal.

Here is a brief description of the award from the Public Library Association website:

Advancement of Literacy Award honors a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation or similar group (i.e., not an individual) that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of adult literacy. A plaque is awarded annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1984. Sponsored by Library Journal.

Some of the previous recipients have included: Verizon Foundation, The Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, The Bell Atlantic Foundation, READ San Diego, New Readers Press, and Michigan Literacy, Inc.

We look forward to traveling to Chicago this July to accept this important award at the American Library Association's annual conference.

Thanks to the San Francisco Public Library, our incredible volunteer tutors, and courageous adult learners for helping Project Read to be recognized and honored on a national level.

Continuing Education Class for Tutors - Feb. 19

2009-01-14T15:40:00.001-08:00

Using Poetry to Enrich Basic Literacy Instruction

Presented by Randy Weaver — Project Read Manager

Join us for this fun and interactive workshop where you will discover how poetry and song lyrics can be used to teach basic skills while adding variety and excitement to your sessions.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

6:00 — 7:30 p.m.

Main Library—Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room—Lower Level

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Join Your Fellow Tutors at a Tutor Roundtable

2008-12-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

Tutor Roundtables are offered monthly and provide our volunteers with an opportunity to share their experiences, ideas, and successes with other tutors and Project Read staff. These informal meetings are a great way to learn new instructional strategies and obtain all kinds of valuable tutoring tips from fellow tutors. Here is a schedule of upcoming Roundtable meetings:

Tuesday, January 6 -- 6:00 PM
Saturday, February 7 -- 1:00 PM
Tuesday, March 3 -- 6:00 PM
Saturday, April 4 -- 1:00 PM
Tuesday, May 5 -- 6:00 PM
Saturday, June 6 -- 1:00 PM

All Roundtable meetings take place in the Project Read conference room on the 2nd floor of the Main Library. Refreshments are provided. Please call the office (415-557-4388) if you plan to attend any of these meetings.

Thanks for Celebrating with Us!!

2008-10-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

A view of the main floor atrium splendidly decorated for the party.

We'd like to thank everyone who helped us celebrate Project Read's Silver Anniversary on October 27th at the Main Library. We would not be celebrating 25 years of service were it not for the dedicated learners, tutors, library staff, and community partners who have been part of the Project Read family.

A special thank you to the learner-tutor teams who served as program MC's for the evening: William Barrett & Andrew Belschner; Noel Hernandez & June Nakajima; Mario ST. Rose & Marianne Oest; Monica Barrera & Anjolie Chidambaram; Ruby Trejo & Linda Dusanic, and former Project Read learner Carlos Soto.

A highlight of the evening was a special music and interpretive dance performance based on the writing of a former Project Read learner. Cuddles the Cockroach, a four-part story, is one of the selections contained in the Silver Anniversary Collection, a book of learner writing selected from two decades of submissions to the Project Read Update newsletter. If you were unable to attend the anniversary event, please come by the office and pick up a free copy of this fabulous book.

25th Anniversary Celebration - October 27 !

2008-10-02T13:30:00.001-07:00

Join us to Celebrate Project Read's
Silver Anniversary
Monday, October 27
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Main Library
(Entrance on Larkin Street only - the library will be closed to the public)

The celebration will include:

Complimentary food and beverages
A Tell Your Story Station to capture your memories of Project Read
(video and audio recording)
Project Read tutor & learner teams to MC the proceedings
Featured guest speakers
Volunteer & community service awards
A complimentary book of learner writings, selected from two decades of submissions to the Project Read newsletter, FREE to all who attend.
A special musical and theatrical performance based on one of the selections from this book

Please make plans to join us and bring your friends and family.

Call the Project Read office (415-557-4388) to RSVP.

Continuing Education Class for Tutors - October 23

2008-09-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

Reading for Meaning

Understanding what we read is really the whole point of reading. Yet, practicing comprehension can sometimes be the most challenging aspect of literacy tutoring. In this workshop we will take a look at research that shows what reading for meaning entails. Then, we will practice all sorts of comprehension-boosting tutoring strategies you can use with your student. And, we'll have a good time in the process!

Presented by Amy Prevedel, literacy professional and former coordinator of Berkeley Reads.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

6:00—7:30 p.m.

Main Library—Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room—Lower Level

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Join the Wednesday Night Rearers Book Club

2008-09-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Here is the schedule of books being read and discussed by Project Read's Wednesday Night Readers book club over the next few months. Look over these titles with your adult learner, pick up your FREE books and audio books, and make plans to attend one of these exciting and rewarding discussions. We make unabridged audio books available so that learners at any reading level can participate in the discussion. Learners do not have to finish the entire book to attend the discussion.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers by Jack Finney (discussed at the October 29 meeting, books/audio books available September 26.) On a quiet fall evening in a small, peaceful town in northern California, Dr. Miles Bennell discovered an insidious, horrifying plot. Silently, subtly, almost imperceptibly, alien life-forms were taking over the bodies and minds of his neighbors, his friends, his family, the woman he loved – the world as he knew it. First published in 1955, this classic thriller of the ultimate alien invasion and triumph of the human spirit over an invisible enemy inspired three major motion pictures. (216 pages)

For One More Day by Mitch Albom (discussed at the December 3 meeting—one week later because of Thanksgiving—books/audio books available October 30) This is the story of a mother and a son, and a relationship that covers a lifetime and beyond. It explores the question: What would you do if you could spend one more day with a lost loved one? As a child, Charley was told by his father, "You can be a mama's boy or a daddy's boy, but you can't be both." So he chooses his father, only to see the man disappear when Charley is on the verge of adolescence. Decades later, Charley is a broken man. His life has been crumbled by alcohol and regret. He loses his job. He leaves his family. He hits bottom after discovering his only daughter has shut him out of her wedding. After deciding to take his own life, he makes a midnight ride to his small hometown only to discover that his mother--who died eight years earlier–-is still living there, and welcomes him home as if nothing ever happened. (197 pages)

The Shape Shifter by Tony Hillerman (discussed at the January 28 meeting, books/audio books available December 4) In Tony Hillerman's The Shape Shifter, a lot is riding on a little mysterious carpet. Not any old welcome mat, but a precious Navajo tale-teller rug, full of portents, interwoven with bits of bark and feathers. Supposed to have been burned in a fire years before, the priceless artifact turns up in the pages of an interiors magazine, shown on the wall of a rich man named Jason Delos. After it's spotted by Joe Leaphorn, a retired Navajo policeman and an old colleague of his, the story travels through an elaborate investigation of theft and murder. (276 pages)

A Call to Conscience: The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (discussed at the February 25 meeting, books/audio books available January 29) Throughout the 1950s and 60s, the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the Civil Rights movement, inspiring generations and transforming the future of the United States. This collection includes the text of Dr. King’s best-known oration, I Have a Dream, his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize, and Beyond Vietnam, a compelling argument for ending the conflict. (223 pages)

Library Literacy Funding Alert

2008-09-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Gentle Reader,

As you may know, there have been some difficulties this year in balancing the California State Budget. The Governor’s current proposal includes a 10% cut across the board. This includes Education Code 4.6 California Library Literacy and English Acquisition Services Program 18880-18884, Line Item in 08/09 Proposed Budget 6120-213-0001 which provides funding to programs such as Project Read.

We recently found out that there is a proposal from some members of the State Senate to help balance the budget by suspending all funding to California Library Literacy Services.

Many library literacy staff members, tutors, learners, and other supporters are contacting the proponents of this proposal by phone, post, and / or e-mail to suggest that dismantling these vital, and cost-effective, services is not in the best interest of the State of California.

You can get detailed ongoing information on this matter by clicking on the following links to the California Library Association website http://www.cla-net.org/weblog and http://capwiz.com/ala/ca/issues/alert/?alertid=11904546&type=CU.

All the best, Brian

Notes from August Tutor Round Table Meeting

2008-08-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 2, six volunteer tutors came together to discuss their tutoring experiences at the monthly Round Table Meeting. Here are a few of the topics that were discussed along with the instructional strategies that were suggested.

One tutor mentioned that his learner continues to struggle with word recognition and spelling of relatively simple words.

It was suggested that the tutor-learner team might try using the Ultimate Phonics software in the computer lab to further reinforce the basics of sound-symbol relationships and spelling patterns.
Another suggestion was to work dictionary skills into the tutoring sessions so that the learner can better understand how to identify syllables and pronunciation.
Another good idea involved teaching spelling and vocabulary words from materials that correspond to the interests and goals of the learner. In this way, the learner will be more motivated to learn the words.

A tutor in the meeting mentioned that he could use some fresh approaches to helping his learner improve basic writing skills.

One tutor suggested asking the learner to write about TV show they view regularly. This exercise would make writing easier since the subject is something they have a great interest in.
Another suggestions was to use the picture response method to generate a writing sample. The tutor might use photos from the newspaper, magazines, or even personal photos that the learner could bring in.
It was also suggested that perhaps the learner could get involved with the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club and find some interesting reading material to write about. Learners who participate in the book club also have access to the unabridged audio book so even if they might struggle with the reading level, they can still listen to the story and write about their reactions.

Continuing Education Class for Tutors - August 21

2008-07-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Thursday August 21, 2008
6-7:45pm
1st Floor Conference Rm.
(Strong Room)

Beyond the Language Experience Story

Join Emily Wilson to explore clear and directly applicable interview techniques to help your learner discover the power of his/her own personal story and then translate it into compelling writing.

Emily Wilson is a City College of San Francisco instructor with considerable experience in adult literacy and education. She is also a freelance reporter who recently helped facilitate the KALW Radio oral history project Stories During Wartime: An Intergenerational Conversation (www.kalw.org/Wartime.html).

Call (415) 557-4388 to reserve your space - you’ll be mighty pleased that you did.

Sharpen Your Tutoring Skills at Upcoming Round Table Meetings

2008-06-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Here are the dates for upcoming Tutor Round Table meetings at the Main Library. Make plans to join your fellow Project Read tutors for a lively discussion of instructional strategies and common sense advice. We'll provide the pizza and you can provide the helpful collaboration.

Tuesday, July 1 -- 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 2 -- 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Tuesday, September 2 -- 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 4 -- 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Tuesday, November 18 -- 6:00 - 7:30 PM

All Round Table Meetings are held in the conference room in the Project Read office.

Notes from June 7 Tutor Round Table

2008-06-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

At the June 7 Tutor Round Table meeting, eight volunteer tutors covered a wide range of topics relating to the instruction of their adult learners. This well-attended discussion was an example of a Tutor Round Table at its best. Each tutor described a particular challenge they were facing and then they heard from other tutors who offered a number of fresh ideas that could be put to use. The tutors also had a lot to say in praise of their adult learners who are making strong commitments to learning, taking on new goals, and making notable progress. Here are a few tips offered by tutors (and staff) at the June 7 meeting:

On teaching writing skills:

Try working on writing assignments associated with real life needs -- thank you notes, wedding vows, work related e-mail, etc.
As a motivator, discuss contributing a piece of writing for publication in the Project Read newsletter.
If your learner has trouble completing writing assignments at home, make writing a part of your tutoring session and use this material for instruction.

On G.E.D. preparation:

Help the adult learner establish a system or structure for studying that works with their particular learning style.
Help the adult learner understand that passing the G.E.D. can be a long term goal, but that it's one that is easy to break down into the necessary short term objectives. The Project Read book collection at the Main has a good selection of materials to help the tutor-learner team with this goal.

On word recognition:

For as learner who has no interest in memorizing phonics & spelling rules (and there are probably many of those) try using the software available in the computer lab, specifically Spell It Deluxe and Ultimate Phonics. These programs teach spelling and phonics in a fairly non-threatening way with a lot of built in practice and repetition.
Use word pattern exercises, or try using the very helpful book called Say the Word: a Guide to Improving Word Recognition Skills available in the Project Read office.
Use pleasure reading materials as a basis for word recognition instruction. For learners participating in the Wednesday Night Readers book club, the tutor-learner team can work on problem text throughout the month as part of their regular tutoring sessions.

Join the Book Club with Your Learner

2008-05-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the schedule of books being read and discussed by Project Read's Wednesday Night Readers book club over the next few months. Please discuss these titles with your learner and make plans to pick up your FREE books and audio books and attend one of these exciting discussions. We make unabridged audio books available so that learners at any reading level can participate in the discussion. And look for special Movie Nights when we show film versions of these titles.

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck (discussed at June 25th meeting, books/audio books available May 28)

Of all Steinbeck's novellas, Cannery Row is the simplest story. It presents a slice of the lives of the men and women who populate a strip of sardine canneries after the workers go home. Set on California's Monterey Peninsula in the days long before famed golf courses and resorts, this post-depression tale depicts the life of an uproarious cast of characters: Lee Chong, the philosophical grocery store proprietor; Doc, the owner of the Western Biological Laboratory; Dora, the charitable Madame of the Bear Flag Restaurant, Mack, Hazel and Eddie and Hughie and Jones, the well-meaning residents of the Palace Flophouse, and, most important, Cannery Row herself, in all her ugliness and beauty, peace and violence. (192 pages)

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (discussed at July 30 meeting, available June 25)

Because of Winn-Dixie, a big, ugly, happy dog, 10-year-old Opal learns 10 things about her long-gone mother from her preacher father. Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal makes new friends among the somewhat unusual residents of her new hometown, Naomi, Florida. Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal begins to find her place in the world and let go of some of the sadness left by her mother's abandonment seven years earlier. With her newly adopted, goofy pooch at her side, Opal explores her bittersweet world and learns to listen to other people's lives. This warm and winning book hosts an unforgettable cast of characters (192 pages)

The Natural by Bernard Malmud (discussed at August 27 meeting, available July 30)

Bernard Malamud’s first novel, published in 1952, is also the first—and some would say still the best—novel ever written about baseball. It is the story of a superbly gifted “natural” at play in the fields of the old daylight baseball era. This novel was the basis of the film of the same name starring Robert Redford. (237 pages)

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (discussed at September 24 meeting, available August 27)

What do you get when a woman who's obsessed with death and U.S. history goes on vacation? -- This wacky, weirdly enthralling exploration of the first three presidential assassinations. Vowell, a contributor to NPR's This American Life, takes readers on a pilgrimage of sorts to the sites and monuments that pay homage to Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley, visiting everything from grave sites and simple plaques to places like the National Museum of Health and Medicine, where fragments of Lincoln's skull are on display. An expert tour guide, Vowell brings into sharp focus not only the figures involved in the assassinations, but the social and political circumstances that led to each-and she does so in the witty, sometimes irreverent manner that her fans have come to expect. (272 pages)

Invasion of the Body Snatchers by Jack Finney (discussed at October 29 meeting, available September 24)

On a quiet fall evening in the small, peaceful town of Mill Valley, California, Dr. Miles Bennell discovered an insidious, horrifying plot. Silently, subtly, almost imperceptibly, alien life-forms were taking over the bodies and minds of his neighbors, his friends, his family, the woman he loved -- the world as he knew it. First published in 1955, this classic thriller of the ultimate alien invasion and the triumph of the human spirit over an invisible enemy inspired three major motion pictures. (224 pages)

National Volunteer Week Treat

2008-04-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

(Non-redeemable sample of the discount coupon letter)

Gentle Reader,

In recognition of National Volunteer Week (April 27 - May 3, 2008), our good friends at Stacey's Booksellers are once again honoring all Project Read volunteers by offering to them a whopping 20% discount on the purchase of any books in stock. This generous offer is valid until June 30, 2008.

On April 21st we mailed letters containing a 20% discount coupon to all active Project Read volunteers. If you are an active Project Read of the San Francisco Public Library volunteer and have not received your letter/discount coupon, then please contact the Project Read office and we'll make things right.

All the best, Brian

Tutor Training Tune-Up Tomorrow

2008-04-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Gentle Tutor,

Please accept this reminder that 6:00p.m. tomorrow night (Tuesday April 22, 2008) is a rare chance for follow-up time with our co-tutor-trainer Holly Fulghum-Nutters. Bring your questions, observations, and inquiring mind. She’ll give you more strategies and food for thought than you can shake a dictionary at!

Give us a call at 557-4388 if you can join us. Biscotti will be served.

All the best, Brian

Library Legislative Day

2008-04-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks,

As you may know, there is a proposed 10% cut to the California State Budget. This includes public libraries and the many services they provide to our community - including literacy services such as Project Read.

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 16, 2008 is Library Legislative Day. Many library staff members and supporters will visit Sacramento to meet with their local representatives and inform them of the importance of libraries. Many others will contact their representatives by phone, post, and e-mail to suggest that cutting these vital services is not in the best interest of the State of California.

If you are interested in finding out more about this event, and perhaps even participating, then please click on this link to the California Library Association.

If you would like to find contact information for your local representatives, then please click on this link to the Easy Voter Guide.

All the best, Brian

Randy, Double Daddy-O

2008-03-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

(Click on the images below to view larger versions)

They’ve arrived!

Randy Weaver and his wife Bridget are the happy parents of healthy twin baby girls born on March 25, 2008.

Nora Kathleen: born 1:07 pm, 5 lbs 13 oz, 19 inches long.
Lily Anne: born 1:08 pm, 7 lbs 3 oz, 19.5 inches long.

Mother and father are resting comfortably, for now.

Help Us Plan a 25th Anniversary Celebration

2008-02-14T14:18:00.001-08:00

2008 Marks the 25th Anniversary of Project Read

We’d like to put together a team of learners and tutors to help us plan an exciting event to be held this fall. If you would like to participate as a member of this planning committee (probably involving no more than one meeting a month to start) please let us know by calling (415) 557-4388. If you have further questions, please ask for Randy.

We are hoping to make this a special celebration which everyone will enjoy, but to do so we will need your help.

To get you in the mood, here’s a link to our January 2004 newsletter which featured pictures from our 20th Anniversary Party (on pages 8 & 9). Just click on the thumbnail below.

Continuing Education Class for Tutors

2008-01-23T13:40:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 21, 2008

6:00 — 7:30 p.m.

Main Library, Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room—Lower Level

Syllabify to Identify

Join literacy professional Lucille Cuttler to explore how knowledge of common syllable types improves spelling and decoding skills. Count on seeing fun strategies that build on material in your initial tutor training. Also discover how to reinforce this learning in the computer lab.

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Start the New Year by attending a Tutor Round Table Meeting!

2007-11-30T10:56:00.000-08:00

Are you searching for some fresh tutoring strategies? Are you itching to share a recent breakthrough you have had in your tutoring sessions? Perhaps you would simply like to reconnect with some of your fellow Project Read tutors. If so, plan to attend a Tutor Round Table meeting in the New Year. We'll provide the pizza and support--you can provide the valuable collaborative discussion. Here's a schedule of meetings through June 2008.

Tuesday, January 8, 6:00-7:30 pm
Saturday, February 2, 1:00-2:30 pm
Tuesday, March 4, 6:00-7:30 pm
Saturday, April 5, 1:00-2:30 pm
Tuesday, May 6, 6:00-7:30 pm
Saturday, June 7, 1:00-2:30 pm

Round Table meetings are held in the Project Read conference room. Please call our office at (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend a meeting. We look forward to seeing you!

Project Read Holiday Party & Potluck

2007-10-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

December 13, 2007
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Main Library

Project Read members and staff will again come together to celebrate the holiday season with a festive party and potluck on Thursday, December 13th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to sample some amazing home cooking and spend a fun evening with other tutors and learners. We will also have some special door prizes and FREE raffle gifts donated by local businesses.

We are looking for some fabulous goods or professional services that can be given away during the evening’s free raffle. Please consider asking your employer to make a donation for this event. Here are some examples of previous donations: magazine subscriptions, tickets for brunch at a local hotel, gift certificates for a bookstore, and movie passes.

So mark your calendars for the evening of Thursday, December 13th. Invitations will be mailed to everyone in November. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tutor Workshop -- Thursday, October 18

2007-10-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Putting Words on the Page

Join literacy professional Amy Prevedel to explore tutoring techniques that can motivate even the most reluctant writers. You will practice specific ways to initiate and respond to your learner’s writing that will strengthen his/her fluency, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and self-confidence.

Thursday, October 18, 2007
6:00 — 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room—Lower Level
Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Notes from August Tutor Round Table Meeting

2007-08-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

The Tutor Round Table meeting on Tuesday, August 7 was very well attended. Here are some of the topics which were discussed:

One tutor spoke about the difficulty her learner has in distinguishing the difference between certain sounds and spellings, for example: when/went.

Some of the instructional ideas suggested by those attending the meeting included: using multi-sensory techniques to reinforce these word pattern & sound differences; making sure to reinforce the instruction by consistent weekly review; and using a formal, structured approach to teaching these skills by using one of the free instructional books available in the Project Read office.

Another tutor mentioned that her learner makes a lot of reading errors because he/she is simply trying to read too quickly.

One suggestion was to utilize the Duet Reading technique in which the tutor and learner read a text simultaneously with the tutor setting the pace. By reading more slowly and emphasizing punctuation, the learner will get in the habit of doing the same when he/she reads on their own. Another suggestion was for the tutor to tap out a slower rhythm that the learner can follow when he/she reads.

A tutor mentioned that although she has tried to get her learner interested in joining the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club, there hasn't been a book that has looked interesting to the adult learner.

It was mentioned that there are a wide variety of books, covering many genres, and that although each title won't interest all learners, sooner or later there will be something that grabs their attention. One of the tutors spoke about the routine she uses to prepare her learner to attend the book club. They spend some time each week in their sessions discussing the reading, going over difficult vocabulary, and looking at the discussion/comprehension questions provided for each selection.

A tutor mentioned that her learner still has difficulty with reading comprehension and understanding the basic information contained in a story or article.

A tutor mentioned the useful tool of visualization--asking the learner to visualize what they are reading as they go. Other successful techniques to increase comprehension include paraphrasing what was read, mind-mapping, and asking the learner to look for specific information contained in the text before they start to read.

Continuing Education Class for Project Read Tutors

2007-07-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Tips on Locating Phonetic Gaps
Presented by Joan Sykes-Miessi

Literacy Coordinator, San Mateo County Library

Join us and discover easy-to-use techniques to help pinpoint the gaps in your learner’s knowledge of phonics and learn new strategies to address what needs to be taught.

Thursday, August 16, 2007
6:00—7:30 p.m.
Main Library—Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room—Lower Level
Please call 415-557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Reading Minds Video Now Online

2007-06-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks,

The powerful short film Reading Minds is now online at Current TV and Google Video. It was created for Current TV by Bay Area filmmaker Kevin Epps. It offers a window into the inspiring work of Project Read - the adult literacy program of the San Francisco Public Library. It portrays the challenges and triumphs of Leon Veal and Maurice Roberson, two adult learners who have improved their basic literacy skills and continue to achieve important life goals. For more information about Project Read of the San Francisco Public Library, please go to www.projectreadsf.org.

You can view the film by clicking on one of the Play Buttons below. Enjoy, Brian

Wish to find out more about Maurice, Leon, and Project Read? Please click on the images below to see the full articles from the Project Read Update online archives.

Tutor Round Table Schedule: July - November 2007

2007-06-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a schedule of Tutor Round Table meetings for the remaining months of 2007. You are invited to join your fellow tutors and program staff for these informal and informative discussions which can help provide some new and effective strategies to enhance your instructional sessions.

Saturday, July 7: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 7: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 8: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 2: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 6: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

All meetings are held in the Project Read conference room and refreshments are provided.

Join the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club!

2007-05-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

If you haven't yet participated in Project Read's monthly Wednesday Night Readers Book Club, take a look at the following list of upcoming books to be discussed and hopefully you will find a selection that is just right for your learner. Remember, every learner who joins the book club receives a FREE book and audio book that they may keep. Their tutors can get a book, too!

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer -- Mark Twain (book/audio book available after May 30) to be discussed at June 27 meeting.

Death of Salesman -- Arthur Miller (book/audio book available after June 27) to be discussed at July 25 meeting.

Shoeless Joe -- W. P. Kinsella (book/audio book available after July 25) to be discussed at August 29 meeting.

And Still I Rise -- Poetry by Maya Angelou (book/audio book available after August 29) to be discussed at September 26 meeting.

King Kong -- Edgar Wallace (book/audio book available after September 26) to be discussed at October 31 meeting.

Full Cupboard of Life -- Alexander McCall Smith (book/audio book available after October 31) to be discussed at November 28 meeting.

The Wednesday Night Readers meet on the last Wednesday of each month (except for December) from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Main Library, Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room--Lower Level.

These materials are made available free of charge thanks to an annual grant from the California State Library. We hope that each adult learner who takes a book and audio book will also attend the book club meeting and join their fellow Project Read members for a rewarding, enjoyable, and supportive discussion.

Invisible Tutor Workshop Handouts

2007-04-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks,

On Tuesday, April 24, 2007, Randy, Leon, and Brian facilitated a workshop designed to help tutors work with their learners in creating engaging assignments that promote independent learning and maintain momentum in the tutor's absence.

Below you will find the text as well as downloadable JPG conversions of the workshop outline and computer tips handout.

We will soon post MS Word and PDF versions of these 2 documents in the Instructional Resources section of the Project Read SFPL Website (www.projectreadsf.org).

Please let us know if these documents prove helpful and/or strike you as in need of a smidge of revision.

All the best, Brian

Project Read
Continuing Education Class for Tutors
April 24, 2007

The Invisible Tutor

General Suggestions

1. Before you take time off from tutoring, talk with your learner about what he/she would like to accomplish while you are away.

Reinforce skills which have already been introduced in your tutoring sessions: phonics, spelling, writing/grammar, etc.
Finish an assignment that he/she has already begun: newsletter article, distance learning exercise, journal writing, etc.
Work on new exercises/assignments: spelling/writing workbooks, computer learning software, etc.

2. As a team, talk about the preparation your learner will need in order to work independently while you are away.

What resources will your learner need access to--computer lab software/Internet access, writing journal, workbook exercises?
What can you do to make it easier for your learner to work successfully on these assignments? For example, you probably want to review each exercise you are assigning and go over specific examples together in order to model exactly what your learner is being asked to do.

3. Come up with an agreed upon timeline for when your learner should finish the assignments. You might even suggest that you both stay in contact via e-mail while you are gone. This could be a way for your learner to keep you updated on his progress and maybe even ask questions.

4. If necessary, you may want to speak with the Project Read staff,
about what your learner will be working on while you are away, in order to coordinate support.

The Invisible Tutor Workshop – Computer Tips

Spell It Deluxe (CD)

Go through the word list binders with your learner to find lists that he/she finds interesting. Photocopy and write due dates on them to remind your learner which ones to do and when.
Create custom word lists from the extensive selection built into Spell It.

ReadPlease (Fully installed on our computers)

Work with your learner to create some ReadPlease documents and save them in a folder. Could be news stories, fiction, personal writing, language experience stories, lessons that need revision/correction, etc. Possibly end with questions for learner to type answers to.
Set assignment of finding information on the web (SF Gate, wikipedia, etc.) and cutting, pasting, and saving into ReadPlease.
Put some vocabulary words in ReadPlease for learner to write sentences around.

California Distance Learning Project (Link from our Learning Lab Links Page)

Look through the categories and stories to pick a few that interest your learner. Print out the pages that show the stories, circle the stories, and put in learner’s lab folder.
Pick a few stories and prepare some follow up lessons to them. Vocabulary, researching related stories, etc.

Ultimate Phonics (CD)

Pick specific lessons that target sounds you are working on. Print out the word lists ahead of time.
Use the Ultimate Phonics manual to plan some lessons.

E-mail (Learning Lab Links page or http://www.yahoo.com/)

Ask your learner to e-mail the completed or in-progress assignments to you while you are away.
Structure some e-mail based lessons that go back and forth.

Blog (Learning Lab Links page or http://www.blogger.com/)

Work with Brian to create a blog that you and learner can both log into. Practice with learner. Set up schedule of posting some daily events, writing, photos, etc.

Listen to a Story (Use the library and our computers)

Go with your learner to the CD and audio book sections of the library to pick some books, stories, radio programs, etc. that your learner is interested in. Have your learner use the computer lab to listen to the stories and complete some written assignments you prepare ahead of time.

Before You Go

Work with your learner to choose assignments that are interesting to him/her, further his/her literacy goals, and are not too difficult or complex to undertake on own.
Take the time to model the tasks / steps necessary to complete the assignments.

Annual Tutor-Learner Recognition -- June 7, 2007

2007-04-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Please save this date:

Thursday, June 7, 2007

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Project Read's Tutor-Learner Recognition

How has your experience as a learner or tutor

changed your life?

At this year’s recognition event, we would like to encourage both tutors and learners to think about how your life has changed since becoming involved with Project Read. Please write a brief (one page or less) description about a positive experience you have had as a tutor or a learner. If you like, you may share what you have written during the program that evening. Here are just a few ideas that tutors and learners might consider writing about.

1. What was it like for you when you first started at Project Read, and how is it different now?

2. In what ways has your learner or tutor made a difference in your life?

3. What have you learned from working with your adult learner or volunteer tutor?

Please send your submissions, electronically if possible, to Richard by May 18, 2007. You may also bring him a floppy disk or hard copy.

Formal invitations to this June 7th event will be coming your way later in the spring.

Tutor Tips from the March 31 & April 3 Round Table Meetings

2007-04-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

At the first ever Tutor Round Table meeting held on a Saturday, tutors discussed the following topics:

A tutor mentioned that she and her learner are primarily focusing on basic spelling skills and asked for ideas to enhance her instruction.

One method that was discussed was using word patterns to help the learner understand the common ways of spelling the sounds found in the English language.

A tutor also mentioned the importance of bringing multi-sensory techniques into the spelling instruction. One way of doing this is using word tiles (available in the Project Read instructional aids area of the office) or even index cards that can be moved about on the table thus providing kinesthetic reinforcement to what is being taught.

And someone mentioned that repetition is always an important component of instruction. We didn't learn a new literacy skill by doing something only once so why should we expect our adult learners to do so.

Another tutor shared some excellent ideas she had for teaching her learner how to print legibly.

To help him remember how to leave enough space between the words he writes, she suggested that he use the erasure end of his pencil as a guide, making sure that there is the space of the erasure between each word.

When teaching her learner how to correctly gage the relative height of upper and lower case letters, she reminded him that lower case letters are one half the height of upper case on the page. For even more assistance in teaching writing, the Project Read office has lined classroom paper available for tutor-learner teams.

Tutors also engaged in a helpful discussion of how to teach writing skills.

One tutor mentioned that when her learner turns in a writing sample, 70% of the words he has written might be misspelled. Because of this, she sometimes feels overwhelmed at how much there is to teach.

Other tutors in the meeting reminded her that it is a good thing that her learner has gotten to the point of getting his thoughts down on paper. This is a big step for many adult learners who are very unsure of spelling and grammar. And it is the first essential step in working on what needs to be taught.

One way to approach correcting the learner's many writing errors may be to look for common patterns which can be addressed rather than to try and focus on each individual error on the page. Are there word/syllable sounds that the learner consistently spells incorrectly? If so, try working on some word pattern exercises so he can begin understand the pattern for spelling these sounds. Similarly with punctuation, you can begin to address the forms of punctuation which are giving the learner the most difficulty one at a time.

The Project Read instructional resource collection has some excellent materials to provide a more structured approach to teaching these skills: Patterns in Spelling and Write All About It are two good examples.

At the April 3 Tutor Round Table meeting, tutors discussed these topics:

A tutor spoke of the challenge she is having as she tries to teach her learner how to improve his comprehension skills. She is already doing pre and post reading activities for each reading selection they work on.

One suggestion was to ask her learner a specific question about what he is about to read--a literal comprehension question which he can find the answer to within two or three sentences of the text. This may help him stay more focused on what he is reading as he looks for the answer to your question.

A good resource to help teach comprehension skills is Help Yourself: How to Take Advantage of Your Learning Styles by Gail Murphy Sonbuchner. This book includes an excellent chapter covering strategies to help adult learners enhance their understanding and retention of what they read. This book is part of the Project Read instructional resources collection, located in the office, and it is available free to tutor-learner teams.

Continuing Ed. Class for Project Read Tutors--April 24

2007-03-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Invisible Tutor:
Creating exercises and assignments that your learner
will love to work on when you’re away.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007
6:00 — 7:30 p.m.
Project Read Conference Room and Computer Lab
Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Writer to Writer Challenge for Adult Learners

2007-03-21T09:48:00.001-07:00

Leona Whytus
2006 Writer to Writer
First Place Winner

Once again this year, the California State Library (along with the Bay Area Literacy Network and the Southern California Library Literacy Network) is sponsoring the Writer to Writer Challenge for adult learners in library-based literacy programs in California.

The Writer to Writer Challenge is simple; adult learners are asked to write a letter to the author of a book they have read, or listened to, which has really inspired them. Last Year, Project Read's Leona Whytus came in first place for the letter she wrote to Mildred D. Taylor author of Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry which Leona read as a member of the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club.

The State Library has even provided a very helpful collection of writing exercises for tutor-learner teams to use in preparation for submitting a letter to the Writer to Writer Challenge. These materials, along with the official Writer to Writer entry forms, are available in the Project Read office. We will also be happy to mail these packets to tutor-learner teams who may not be meeting at the Main Library. We hope to make the forms available online soon.

The deadline for submitting your letters is June 30, 2007.
Happy writing!

(Click on the the picture of the flyer above to see it larger and/or print it letter size)

Statewide Public Awareness Campaign for Library Literacy Programs

2007-03-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

(California Library Literacy Services Billboard at the corner of Van Ness & Turk)

During 2005 and 2006, the California State Library conducted a statewide survey of library literacy program participants in order to determine the most effective ways of promoting our services. One of the results of this research is now visible on streets and highways throughout California. We have already received a few calls directed to our office from the statewide referral number shown on the billboards. So keep an eye open for these billboards as you stroll or drive through the city or around the state.

New Instructional Materials FREE for Tutor-Learner Teams

2007-03-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

We have added some new books to our collection of instructional materials which are available in the Project Read office. Tutors and learner teams may have these materials free of charge to use in your tutoring sessions and keep.

Help Yourself: How to Take Advantage of Your Learning Styles by Gail Murphy Sonbuchner

This book is written for the adult leaner who is seeking to discover his or her own learning strengths and the strategies to successfully take advantage of those strengths. The chapters cover topics such as organization and time management, memory, listening, reading comprehension, writing, and test taking skills.

Filling Out Forms published by New Readers Press

This book introduces a wide range of forms and applications that we are all faced with filling out from time to time in our daily lives. Excellent background information is included as well as generic examples of forms used in banking, education, health care, driving, citizenship, and voting.

Spelling Smart!: A Ready-to-Use Activities Program for Students with Spelling Difficulties by Cynthia M. Stowe

This is a comprehensive (414 page) workbook which introduces concepts of phonics and progresses to cover spelling rules for the English language.

Reading Smarter!: More than 200 Reproducible Activities to Build Reading Proficiency by Patricia Osborn

For the advanced level Project Read learner, this is an excellent collection of exercises and activities designed to improve comprehension and critical reading skills.

Writing Smarter!: Over 100 Step-by-Step Lessons with Reproducible Activity Sheets to Build Writing Proficiency by Keith Manos

This collection of writing activities and exercises is designed for a tutor-learner team working on higher level writing skills. Chapters include information on sentence analysis, editing, writing formal letters, writing poetry, and even writing news stories.

Notes from March 6 Tutor Round Table

2007-03-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

The March 6 Tutor Round Table meeting was attended by both experienced tutors as well as a tutor who had just been matched with her adult learner. Here are some of the topics which were discussed:

A tutor who is working heavily on writing skills with his learner mentioned that the free instructional workbooks available in the Project Read office have been extremely helpful. He specifically mentioned Write All About It (student book and teacher's manual) which he found useful in teaching basic grammar skills using a very structured approach.
Another tutor mentioned that the specific writing skills which need to be taught really depend on the goals of the learner. Her learner's writing goals are limited so she and her learner are not currently working on the higher level grammar skills.
One tutor in attendance mentioned that her learner may have some learning differences which make decoding individual words even more challenging. It was suggested that patience, repetition, and the use of multi-sensory instructional techniques are the keys to assisting these learners. She went on to say that her learner does feel that he is making real progress and she can see it too.
There was also a discussion of how to effectively praise an adult learner. One tutor mentioned the importance of varying your response. As an example, here's a link to a great list called 101 Ways to Say "Good Job" http://www.bozeman.k12.mt.us/humanresources/sub/101ways.html . It was also suggested that a tutor's praise could be focused on specific things the learner is doing right. For example, if your learner spells a contraction correctly for the first time, point to the word and mention that he/she did a great job so that the correct spelling is reinforced.
Finally, there was a discussion of where to obtain news and current event articles that are accessible for adult learners. Some suggestions included: USA Today (written at a slightly easier reading level than other newspapers, and with more pictures), News For You (a weekly newspaper published for adult learners, available in Project Read office), Readers Digest, and the California Distance Learning Project link on the Project Read computer lab homepage - http://www.cdlponline.org/ - which includes articles and comprehension exercises on a wide range of topics.

First Ever Saturday Tutor Round Table!

2007-03-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, March 31, Project Read tutors are invited to attend a specially scheduled Tutor Round Table meeting in the Project Read office from 1:00 to 2:30 PM.

Join your fellow Project Read tutors and staff to share ideas, instructional strategies, and tasty pizza. This is the first ever Saturday meeting of the popular Round Table, so come on by and take advantage of this great opportunity to collaborate and sharpen your tutoring skills.

Please call the Project Read office at (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Project Read Instructional Resources Page

2007-02-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

Howdy Tutors, Adult Learners, and Other Interested Folks,

We have been hard at work for the last few months collaborating with the SFPL Web Team to post Microsoft Word and PDF versions of a pretty hefty assortment of original Project Read curricula and administrative forms. We have lots of fabulous things there so please poke around and let us know if this is helpful.
All you need do is click on the image below.

Please keep an eye out for some additional posts coming your way which will highlight some of the neat things contained there.

All the best, Brian

Notes from Poetry Workshop

2007-02-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

If you missed the February 15th Continuing Education Class for Project Read tutors, you can simply click on the title page above to view the entire PDF presentation. This is part of our efforts to provide valuable tutoring curricula and materials, in down-loadable format, through the Project Read website (http://www.projectreadsf.org/.)

Tips for Tutors from the February Round Table

2007-02-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the topics discussed at the February Tutor Round Table meeting:

A tutor discussed the challenge of helping her learner break some old habits which were developed over many years of trying to get by with limited reading skills. For example her learner often guesses at words rather than taking the time to decode them.

The tutor mentioned that she often simply reminds her learner that it's okay to slow down and not be in a rush to finish a piece of reading material. In doing this, her learner is paying more attention to what is being read and doing less guesswork.

We also discussed the use of a structured workbook to teach basic reading skills.

One tutor mentioned that she wasn't sure how her learner would respond to working with the Patterns in Spelling series. She was happy to find that the learner enjoyed the structured lessons and the ability to look back at previous exercises to see what had been accomplished. Using the workbook also gave the tutor some needed support in teaching some very basic skills.

There was also a discussion of which dictionaries are easier for learners to learn to use.

A few tutors commented that the more advanced dictionaries were often overwhelming to beginning readers, especially all the abbreviations indicating derivation and parts of speech which often follow the word.

Two dictionaries, available to all learners, which are slightly easier to use are:

Beginner's Dictionary of American English which not only has examples of the word used the context of a sentence. The downside of this dictionary is that it's missing many words found in other, more advanced dictionaries.

Webster's New World Portable Large Print Dictionary which is easy on the eyes but heavy in the backpack or book bag. It has simply written definitions with less detail than dictionaries having regular size font.

Wednesday Night Readers Book Club

2007-02-01T10:42:00.000-08:00

Tutors: are you looking for a way to help your learner discover the pleasures of reading and to encourage him/her to read more away from your tutoring sessions? If so, talk with your learner about joining the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club... and you can join, too!

Members of the book club receive FREE copies of the selected book and adult learners can also pick up a FREE unabridged audio book. Then on the last Wednesday evening of the each month, we all come together for a friendly and engaging book discussion. The discussions are facilitated by two longtime Project Read volunteers who are talented at creating a nurturing and non-threatening environment for the free expression of ideas. It's a great experience for both learners and their tutors.

Here is a list of books which we will be reading and discussing over the next few months:

February 28 meeting -- Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin
(book available now)

March 28 meeting -- The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder
(book available on or after Feb. 28)

April 25 meeting -- Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
(book available on or after March 28)

May 30 meeting -- Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
(book available on or after April 25)

Feel free to call the Project Read office (415-557-4388) for more information. We look forward to seeing you there!

Continuing Education Class for Tutors - Feb. 15

2007-01-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

Using Poetry to Enrich Basic Literacy Instruction
Presented by Randy Weaver — Project Read Manager

Join us for this fun and interactive workshop where you will
discover how poetry and song lyrics can be used to teach basic
skills while adding variety and excitement to your tutoring sessions.

Thursday, February 15, 2007
6:00 — 7:30 p.m.
Main Library—Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room—Lower Level

Please call (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.

Tutor Round Table Meetings 2007

2007-01-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

Tutor Round Table meetings are informal gatherings of tutors and staff for the purpose of sharing ideas and offering new strategies for instruction.

Join us at a Round Table meeting in 2007 -- they are held in the Project Read conference room and refreshments are provided.

Tuesday, January 2 -- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 6 -- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 6 -- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 31 -- 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 3 -- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 1 -- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 7 -- 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 7 -- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 8 -- 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 2, -- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 6 -- 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

No Round Table meeting scheduled for December

Tips for Tutors from the November Round Table Discussion

2006-11-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

At the monthly Tutor Round Table discussion, tutors had a lot to say about the following topics:

On encouraging their adult learners to write...
One tutor said her learner showed immediate interest in writing in a Response Journal. The learner's first entry was a page long! The tutor and learner will pass the journal back and forth responding to what each other have written. The tutor was careful to remind the learner that what she writes in the journal doesn't have to be perfect; spelling and grammar are not as important as just getting thoughts down on paper as a first step.

Another tutor at the meeting mentioned that his learner is quite comfortable taking risks when writing, which of course is a great way to learn. His learner turns in as many as 3 or 4 pages of written material which the tutor-learner team then goes over to look for random mistakes and patterns of errors. His learner is highly motivated to start working on punctuation and grammar.

A third tutor at the meeting said that her learner is less comfortable sharing the very personal things that she writes about in her journal. She keeps her journal writings to herself and uses what she writes as a way to deal with life's challenges. Everyone agreed that writing as often as possible, even when material is not shared with the tutor, is a step in the right direction.

On improving comprehension skills...
A tutor at the discussion asked about methods she could use to help her learner improve her comprehension skills. The importance of working on pre-reading activities was discussed. Ideas that were shared included: using a Mind Map to brainstorm vocabulary that the learner already knows regarding the topic he/she is preparing to read about; asking specific literal comprehension question before the learner reads so that he/she stays focused while looking for the answer to the question; using photos accompanying a book or article to generate a pre-reading discussion of what the material might be about; scanning the reading material to locate words that might be difficult for the adult learner--this can be done beforehand by the experienced tutor who knows the vocabulary that is likely to challenge the learner or together as a tutor-learner team before the material is read by the learner.

News for You -- a weekly newspaper for adult learners available in Project Read office

2006-10-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

News for You, a weekly newspaper written for adult learners and published by New Readers Press, is now available in the Project Read office. This four-page newspaper contains easy-to-read stories about national events, sports, famous people, as well as special features. New Readers Press has complied a list of instructional tips for tutors/teachers using News for You with their learners.
Follow this link http://www.news-for-you.com/teachers/index_headlines.html then click on "Teaching Tips" on left side of web page.

Notes from October Tutor Roundtable Meeting

2006-10-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Two topics dominated the discussion at the Tutor Round Table Meeting on October 3rd.

One tutor asked why his learner may still be having trouble decoding simple sight words even after the tutor points out the error.

A discussion followed about the importance of repetition and ongoing reinforcement of basic skills in the tutoring sessions. For most learners, it is not enough to address an error on a one-time basis. Instead, the problem words should be worked on at each session until the tutor is convinced that his/her learner can successfully decode and spell the word. In this effort it's important for the tutor to utilize multi-sensory techniques so that the learner is not only seeing the word on flash cards but also hearing it, and working with it in a kinesthetic, or tactile way (Scrabble tiles, tracing letters on desk or in the air, etc.). As tutors we sometimes forget that learners have a lifetime of making the same errors over and over because they never learned the basic skills necessary to be successful readers and writers. We can't expect them to learn these skills if we only address them once in a while during the tutoring sessions. It's the tutor's responsibility to create a lesson plan based on the needs of the learner and to follow through with that plan, providing the necessary repitition and reinforcement, at each meeting.

Another tutor at the Round Table asked for ideas she can use to address her learner's goal of reading for pleasure.

One tutor suggested that she talk with her learner about getting involved in the Wednesday Night Readers Book Club. Even if some of the books being read are a bit challenging for the learner, she/he can also listen to the recorded book (also provided FREE to all learners) and still participate in the monthly book discussion. The learner-friendly environment of the book club is a wonderful opportunity for learners to express their thoughts about what they have read and hear differing opinions from their fellow learners. The book club experience can really enhance the reader's enjoyment of a book. Previous book club selections, both books and tapes, are also available in the Project Read office to be checked-out by tutor-learner teams. For the October 25th Wednesday Night Readers meeting, learners and tutors are reading Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (books & tapes still available in the office). For the November 29th meeting, the group will be reading God Rest Ye Merry Soldiers: A True Civil War Christmas Story by James McIvor.

Continuing Ed. Class for Tutors

2006-09-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

UNCOVER THE ROOTS!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Main Library - Latino/Hispanic Room - Lower Level

Tutors are invited to this interactive workshop where you will learn new strategies to help your learner break down those difficult l o n g words by identifying the roots, prefixes and suffixes of the word.

Presented by Lucille Cuttler, Reading Specialist & Project Read Tutor
Please call the Project Read office @ 415.557.4388 if you plan to attend.

Tips for Tutors from the September Round Table Meeting

2006-09-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

At the Tutor Round Table meeting on September 5, those attending engaged in a lively and informative discussion. These are some of the topics that were covered:

A tutor discussed the difficulty she has with putting together a long-range instructional plan when at each session her learner seems to have a reading or writing task that must be addressed immediately--often work-related.

One excellent suggestion was to keep track of the basic skills that these work-related tasks involve and at some point sit down with the learner, look at the list, and prioritize which skills are most important to the learner and which ones he or she would like to start working on first. Then create a long-range plan to teach those skills and work through that plan at each tutoring session.

Another tutor brought up the challenge of motivating his learner to set goals and stay focused on those goals from session to session.

A tutor suggested this simple mental exercise that might help the learner understand the commitment needed to reach his or her personal goals. The suggestion was to ask the learner if she or he has ever decided to learn or accomplish something, worked hard at it, and ultimately been successful. This can include just about anything in life--learning to play an instrument, learning to fix a car engine, completing a rehab. program, etc. Then ask them to describe what they did to be successful--what commitment did they make, and how much time did they devote to reaching this goal? Then, the learner can think about applying the same time and commitment to the reading and writing goals that he or she has set.

A tutor asked for ideas for helping his learner organize his thoughts so that he will be able to write as clearly as he speaks.

One creative suggestion was to have the learner record himself as he tells a story, and then ask the learner to use the recording as a basis for completing a writing exercise. And don't forget to praise the learner for his excellent vocabulary and speaking skills. Spoken language, after all, is the starting point for all writing.

The September Round Table discussion was a great example of just how helpful and informative these sessions can be. Everyone attending offered their suggestions, based on their own tutoring experience, and helped their fellow tutors find new ways to address a variety of instructional challenges. So come by and join the discussion at one of these upcoming Tutor Round Tables -- October 3 and November 7 (6:00 PM in the Project Read Conference Room).

Notes from Project Money Workshop for Tutors

2006-08-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, August 17, Project Read presented a continuing education workshop for volunteer tutors on the subject of helping adult learners achieve their financial literacy goals. This workshop focused on the learner-developed information (handbook and website) created by the Project Money team.

Highlights from the evening's workshop included:

A discussion of the barriers which prevent tutor-learner teams from working on financial goals. An excellent resource on this topic can be found on the Project Money website - www.projectmoney.org - in the Teaching Tools section. It's called "Feeling Comfortable Talking About Money" and it reviews reasons why adult learners may be sensitive about financial issues, and what tutors can do to make the learner feel safe in order to promote an open discussion of the topic. You can view this document at the following link: http://www.projectmoney.org/teaching/talking.html

We also discussed tools available on the website to help tutor-learner teams assess what the learner already knows about banking, credit, savings, etc., and what they need to learn: http://www.projectmoney.org/teaching/gettingstarted.doc (MS Word document) is a link to "Getting Started, a Self Assessment Tool". After working through this resource, you can go on to the next step of putting together a "Project Money Learning Plan": http://www.projectmoney.org/teaching/learningplan.doc (MS Word document).

Remember, the Project Money website has easy to understand information on many financial literacy topics. The information included on the site was researched and edited by adult learners themselves with the expert assistance of community advisors from financial institutions as well as volunteer tutors who then road- tested the instructional material.

Tips for Tutors from August Tutor Round Table

2006-08-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

A newly-trained tutor from the July tutor training class joined the round table for the first time on Tuesday, August 1st. This turned out to be an excellent opportunity for her to get some great advice from the more experienced tutors at the table--exactly what the Tutor Round Tables are designed to do! Here are some of the questions she posed and the excellent responses she received.

How did you break the ice with your learner during your first meeting? One experienced tutor mentioned that it's always a good idea to talk a little bit about yourself and what brought you to Project Read as a volunteer. Another good suggestion was to bring the learner's Goals Sheet, which you received from the office, and have a discussion about which goals are most important to the learner and need to be worked on first.
How will I learn which instructional techniques work best for my learner? The experienced tutors all said that patience is the key. It doesn't happen overnight, but after a few sessions, you will get to know how your learner learns best and the techniques that resonate with his/her learning strengths.
How do I encourage my learner to use the computer lab, especially if he/she has never used computers before? One tutor mentioned that the process by which a new learner receives a Lab License is designed to make any learner comfortable with the hardware and software found in the Project Read computer lab. This step-by-step introduction to the lab can be completed with the help of a staff member, or with the tutor there as a coach. Another tutor made the comment that the computer lab is there to reinforce what you are already doing in your tutoring sessions, and learners that have the motivation and time to utilize the lab in between tutoring sessions can make even more progress towards their goals. There are adult learners who do not regularly use the lab, so it is not absolutely necessary to the one-to-one instructional program. A tutor at the Round Table mentioned that she and her learner had not yet gotten around to working in the lab, but she was intending to go to the lab with him at an upcoming tutoring session.

2006-07-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

Continuing Education Workshop for Tutors

Thursday, August 17, 2006

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room

Main Library, Lower Level

TIPS FOR TUTORS FROM PROJECT MONEY

Join us to discover instructional strategies and tools to help your adult learner work on his or her financial literacy goals. We will cover both the outstanding web-based and print materials created by adult learners themselves as part of Project Money. Please call our office at (415) 557-4388 if you plan to attend.