Little Red Literacy Council

Warren Darden

The first time I heard the name “Ethan Landis” was from his uncle, Mr. Larry Landis, who was concerned about his nephew’s reading and writing skills. The problems came to light as Ethan was searching for a job. He was not comfortable completing job applications, without help from his uncle. They both decided it was time for Ethan to take actions to improve his situation and begin searching for a resource to provide it.

This backgrounds our first meeting and the he will continue the story:

I turned nineteen on April 7, 2009. I have a high school diploma; however, I did not learn all skills offered during this process. I was quiet and rather timid in class, so I did not ask for help when I needed it.

I found my reading, writing and spelling skills not to be the best, especially when filling out job applications. I know these are very important for me to get a good job. My confidence was low when it came to job searches. I realized these people were not seeing me as I really am. Actually, I am a real awesome guy!

I decided to get help, so we called the Little Red River Literacy Council to see if they could help. I enrolled last month. I am working hard in Laubach Skill book 2. My reading and writing already shows improvement and I feel good about that. I will continue working until I reach my goals. I will get a good job and I will feel wonderful about that.

I hope my story will be an inspiration for those who need help, to get it.

When I read the workshop notice in the online newspaper, the first thought that crossed my mind was someone not being able to read was the equivalent to being blind. The second thought was how anyone could survive in today’s hi-tech, fast paced environment not knowing how to read and write. The third thought was if I could help at least one blind person see, I could make a difference.

As usual, questions arose as I analyzed the situation; did I have time, where would this teaching take place, was I willing to make the commitment required, etc.? Since I am a full time real estate broker and put in six or more days a week working, when could I find the time? The answer to that question was not too difficult. On Saturdays I usually close the office about 2 p.m., and then work on whatever requires my personal time. I have used that time slot in the past to take professional courses, write, or go fishing. I felt I could allot a couple of hours weekly to help with such a worthwhile endeavor and something with measurable results. I also recalled that a sister had once been a literacy tutor. I felt I had the qualifications to assume the role of tutor. I had taught full and part time in the past and had been complimented and encouraged to continue, so the ability was there. I had a convenient office and it was a quiet place for concentration. The downtown location was easy to find and a central location. But, was I willing to make the most important decision? Would I commit to a long term task? I decided this could best be answered by attending the workshop and determine the scope of the venture. After a couple of phone calls and a conversation with the local director, I was set to attend the meeting even though I had to take a day off from the office. The results of the workshop were positive; however, I was skeptical of my abilities since it appeared a large portion of the curriculum dealt with phonics, a subject in which I was not trained. Encouragement from others and being provide an audio tape helped solve this issue. The rest, as they say, is history. Now, I feel I must encourage other to open the mind and eyes of the blind by teaching them basic reading and writing skills for survival in today’s world.

Barbara Clayton

May I introduce you to Barbara Clayton? I was volunteering at our local Humane Society thrift shop and telling a friend about work in the Literacy Council. I noticed a woman listening. This lady later approached me and said, “I have a friend who has problems reading. Could she get help?” “Certainly,” I said and wrote the number to call. 

After taking the paper she ducked her head and said, “Well, my friend is me. I can’t read and I didn’t want anybody to know. Can you help me?” She continued, “I don’t want it in the paper that I can’t read.” I assured her that it wouldn’t be. This was the beginning of a blessing for both of us. 

I later learned that she never learned to read because she was sick a lot as a child and her parents let her stay home from school. She told me about her marriage to John and about her children, Maggie and Michael. Barbara raised them, managed a home and cooked their meals having never read anything. Some people called her stupid and dumb; this hurt her deeply. Maggie died a few years ago, leaving a husband and a young son. 

Barbara has now completed the third book in the Laubach method. She takes her turn in Sunday school class, reads and selects greeting cards, writes her son and reads grocery labels and the newspaper. All of these things were her goals and she has now reached them. She says, “I am so proud that I can read like this and I am proud of you for teaching me.” 

Learning to read did more for Barbara than knowing words: it has given a smile and opened new worlds. Barbara will help me teach reading to students in Project Independence this summer. She wants to help others. I write to honor her for she is my student and my very dear friend. She encourages me. 

Jenny LaLonde

I met Jenifer LaLonde and her mother in December 2002. She is an adult with Down Syndrome. She live lives with her mother and her sister lives near them. She is a delightful, hardworking student. At the start of our reading sessions (as Jenny calls them), she read for comprehension at grade level two. She is now working in the Challenger Series from level three. 

Jenny will never understand certain concepts of English sentence construction, but she does have a wonderful understanding of word meanings and verbal expressions. She loves working in the Challenger books and the two supplemental reading booklets. She enjoys working from other books and activities as well. 

Working with Jenny will be ongoing, but I receive much more than I give when I hear her say, “I really like to do our reading class.”

Pedro and Dollybeth Chacon Valverde

Pedro and Dollybeth Chacon Valverde are students in the Little Red Literacy Council English as a Second Language program. Their tutors are Birtus Simpson and Barbara Simpson. 

They, along with their five children, arrived in Heber Springs from Costa Rica in September 2005. Pedro, originally from the Yucatan, is a general Baptist minister. He was educated as a mathematician before becoming a minister. He is currently the Director of Spanish Ministry in Arkansas. Although he speaks English quite well, we have been working on idioms and slang and are about to begin study for his citizenship. 

Dolly speaks some English and has shown great improvement since becoming a student. Having been educated in special education, when not studying English Dolly spends her time assisting in the Hispanic ministry and giving free Spanish lessons to those who desire to learn. Currently, Dolly is waiting for her paperwork to be approved so that she can begin working and using her skills in special education. 

Both Pedro and Dolly are a valuable part of our ESL team. Their deep involvement with the Hispanic community has been instrumental in the success of our ESL class.