Student finds LOVE for LEARNING at GiGi’s Playhouse Little Rock

Bella’s mom, Meg, didn’t know what to expect when she signed Bella up for the 1:1 Literacy tutoring program at GiGi’s Playhouse Little Rock Summer 2020…

Meg and Bella had participated in several programs at GiGi’s and they’re “regulars” here but Literacy tutoring is a whole ‘nother thing and Bella was not too keen on sitting and reading. As a matter of fact, her mom, Meg, said that sitting and getting Bella to read was one of the most arduous tasks she could think of. So, when Bella started tutoring, Meg just held her breath hoping this would be a positive experience for her.

When Dawn met Bella, Bella was her usual bubbly, talkative, entertaining self. She talked to Dawn about her day and Dawn asked Bella about her favorite things. Bella liked Dawn and they quickly became friends. When Dawn started in with the lesson, Bella was still just talking right along with Dawn. She didn’t realize she was practicing literacy. Over the next 5 weeks of the pilot program, Dawn and Bella met weekly to talk about phonics, letter sounds and how to make words. They talked about what certain words meant and how to recognize words in different contexts while still understanding their original meanings. They discussed Bella’s favorite things and read books about her hobbies and interests. Soon, the 5 weeks was over and they had to take a break for a while.

Meg called Katy Sursa, Site Director for GiGi’s Playhouse, one day tell her about how much Bella really enjoyed tutoring. She said she learned SO much with Dawn and the best part is she was asking for MORE! Bella was not only learning but developing a love FOR learning. She was reading independently and with assistance and ENJOYING it! Meg didn’t have to fight Bella to do her lessons with Dawn or to even work on the “homework” or follow up lessons she gave. Bella was hungry for more! Bella has signed up for our Fall 2020 Literacy session and she’s once again paired with Dawn.

We’re so excited to see what this pair can accomplish and the new #BestOfAll’s that Bella will reach through this program. 

If you would like to sign up your child for the 1:1 Virtual Literacy tutoring program (ages 4+) or if you would like to learn about how to become a tutor, please visit our website and we will contact you with next steps.

Fall 2020 1:1 Literacy tutoring program schedule: 

Tutor Training – Sept 1-6 (100% online) 

Family Orientation – Sept 3 or 5 

1st week of Tutoring – Sept 7 

Tutor program ends – Dec 1 (12 weeks)