AmeriCorps Opportunites Available!

Heidi Williams, LACA Tutor

          Oscar, whose native language is Spanish, has been my student for almost two years.  When we first met, I was immediately impressed by his friendly demeanor, energy and his eagerness to begin classes. At our first meeting, he came prepared with pencils and notebook in hand, and his enthusiasm for learning has not waned. Oscar is employed full-time and relies on public transportation, yet he faithfully attends our weekly Saturday class with his homework completed and armed with lots of questions!

      When we first began, Oscar's command of the English language was very limited so we began with Laubach Way to English Book 1, using both the skill book and workbook so that he could not only improve his reading and comprehension of simple stories, but also his pronunciation skills.   We practice the English language sounds that are the most challenging for him at each session, and we have both seen a marked improvement in his pronunciation skills.   After completing Books 1 and 2, we have now progressed to Laubach Way to English Book 3, and Oscar is proud of his improved reading and comprehension abilities as the stories and grammar exercises become more challenging.  We also use the Oxford Picture Dictionary, which he has found to be a very useful tool because it is subject- specific and provides him with words and definitions he can use in his daily activities.

     Oscar says that attending ESL classes has enhanced  his quality of life.  He now interacts more comfortably with his co-workers and is no longer hesitant to ask questions, thus boosting his confidence and morale.  He wants to continue his ESL classes and hopes one day to work in a field that will allow him to work with the public and be of service to others in his community.  

      Being a volunteer tutor for Literacy Action is an enriching experience, and I look forward to continuing to assist Oscar and other adult students to achieve their goals.

Pat and Kunhong

By: Pat Bell, Tutor Since 1994 

Pat Bell, LACA Tutor

      Kunhong (Kelly) came to Little Rock from China in 2008 and was soon married to Johnny who met her via the internet. Johnny had previously visited with her and her family in China. I first met Kelly in June, 2008, when she and Johnny came to the International Class which (my wife) Mary and I teach at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ.  

     Kelly was anxious to improve her English skills and soon started attending the group ESL class which I was tutoring. She also enrolled in business and accounting courses at UALR and did very well in spite of her language issues. By determination, drive, hard work, and a "never-give-up" attitude, she was awarded a Master's Degree in Business administration in 2012 and is currently employed doing accounting work.  

     With these accomplishments, most people might say "enough: and drop out of ESL. However, Kelly continues to attend my ESL class, along with three others. We are currently in the Challenger Series, Level 8 (last in the series).

Mary and I have become good friends with Kelly and Johnny. It has been a real pleasure to observe how Kelly has improved her English skills so much and well she has adapted to our Southern culture.