ANABEL, THE KARATE KID!

Anabel has been eagerly attending literacy tutoring at GiGi’s Playhouse for 9 years.  She began tutoring when she was just 8 years old and is now a junior in high school.  Anabel’s mom, Jilly said she has always enjoyed stories, being read to and was highly motivated to learn to read herself.  Having a tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse has helped greatly in developing her reading skills throughout the years.  Jilly says “she gets tired of reading to her mama but always looks forward to reading with her tutor, Miss Beth!” 

Anabel has been meeting with her current tutor, Beth Caldwell since the Spring, 2023 session.  Beth has always found high interest subjects to engage Anabel.  Last year, Anabel loved the television show, Chicago Med, so in their tutoring lessons together both Anabel and Beth would write new episodes involving the characters, setting and story lines for the show.  More recently, Anabel has developed a strong interest in karate, the sport and “The Karate Kid”, the movie.   Beth researched online and found the script from the movie.  Now during their time together, Anabel reads the script, acts out the scenes, answers questions about the subject matter and works on furthering her reading comprehension.

Both Jilly and Anabel agree “Miss Beth is kind, patient and makes learning fun”.  They end their lessons with big hugs as Anabel considers wonderful Beth as a special buddy.  Thank you, GiGi’s Playhouse and the volunteers that make this program flourish.