“I Don’t know if I can add any value”

Aaron raised his hand at the tutoring training and said, “I just don’t know if I can add any value to a student’s life through tutoring. I’m not a teacher, I don’t know much about people with Down syndrome, and I just don’t want them to feel like they’ve wasted their time with me!” I laughed but then realized he was truly concerned. It still took Aaron some serious nudging to get him in the tutoring room but I kept convincing him he’d be great! Looking over my list of applicants, Gabby’s name stood out. She is shy but I knew they’d be a good fit.

Read a Recipe Lesson

A few weeks into tutoring, I asked Aaron if he thought Gabby would want to participate in a poetry night at the playhouse; they could practice reading a poem she liked and work on things like speaking clearly and tone etc. He said, “I asked her, and she totally clammed right up. I don’t think she’s interested but I can ask her again”. I pointed out, “See how well you know Gabby! You can read her body language and anticipate likes and dislikes.” Aaron isn’t the only one who’s confidence has risen a few notches since the start of Winter tutoring season.

Gabby’s mom raves about Aaron all the time. She said, “My husband and I were immediately impressed with how well Gabby took to Aaron! We always get such a kick out of how much she just talks and talks in that tutoring room. Gabby is so shy and rarely opens up to any one, including close friends and family. She didn’t waste any time with Aaron-they hit it off on the first night!” She also went into telling me how much Gabby has improved in school thanks to her tutoring at the playhouse.

Teaching More Than Academics

We have kids from 3yrs old and up participate in our tutoring programs. Sometimes, our tutors have a hard time getting a “lesson” in. They have to get creative to engage a younger kid or have a little extra patience for a teenager who is a little rebellious. I remind the tutors that they are teaching their students so much more than just math and literacy. Each tutor has an opportunity for one hour once a week to lift up the spirits of someone else; to help them grow as a person not just academically. Aaron has built a relationship with Gabby and she trusts him. Now, he can show her how great it is to interact with other at GiGi’s Playhouse!

Becoming a Tutor

If you’d like to tutor in math or literacy at our playhouse please fill out this volunteer interest form and attend a volunteer orientation. After that you will be trained in the subject you’d like to tutor. Email Kathleen Tynes at ktynes@gigisplayhouse.org if you have any questions!