Crittenden County Literacy Council

Vera Blair

The Literacy Council’s Literacy Light Newsletter, published by-monthly, includes articles of encouragement, tips for teaching, “Words of Wisdom”, “Learning Corner”, list of Advisory Board Members, active tutors and new tutors, and a calendar of important events. As a focus on tutors and students, “YOU are in the SPOTLIGHT” features a special goal/achievement attained by a student. The following is the story of one such student, 70 years old, and how Literacy helped her dream come true. 

Vera was interested in learning to read her Bible with more understanding. Jean, the tutor, an employee at the Cupples Bible Bookstore in West Memphis, AR was more than glad to help. Vera had clipped a Biblical story from a newspaper but she had never been able to read it for herself. Her first goal was to learn to read this half page Biblical story. 

In 2004, after having learned to read the story word for word by herself, Vera was honored with a presentation of the story, matted and framed, from the Literacy Council. The West Memphis Evening Times wrote an article explaining how Jean, the Literacy tutor, had been able to help Vera reach her first goal. Vera was pictured with Jean in the article and was quoted as saying, “No one is ever too old to learn to read.” 

For two years, both ladies continued in Bible study, using the Bible text as a basis for spelling, writing, and of course reading. In March, 2006, Vera suffered a stroke, which temporarily ended her lessons. Working hard in physical therapy, she return to her sessions six months later, eager to continue reading her Bible with an even deeper understanding. The brain damage from the stroke had taken much of her memory, but with determination, ant the patience and encouragement of Jean, Vera regained the reading of her beloved Biblical story from the newspaper. She continues to improve.

David Amaro 

ESL was featured in the Literacy Light Newsletter in December 2006. The attached picture is of the Hispanic students under the leadership of Mrs. Evans Anderson from Memphis. Class was held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning at 6:00 pm. The students were in need of basic reading skills, understanding correct pronunciation of English words, social and career skills, and completing a job application/test for employment.

David 35, pictured standing center in the male trio, expressed a desire to enter college. Mrs. Anderson was willing to teach David, one on one, on Monday and Wednesday evenings in Memphis, and continue instruction with the regular class time. With the extra tutoring, working hard, and extra encouragement, David passed his GED course and entered college in Memphis in record time. He is an excellent example of what may be accomplished when encouragement, willingness, and focus is channeled in a positive direction.

(Update)

The story continues for David A. at Lakeshore New Hope Mission in Marion, Arkansas. David began his training with the Literacy Council of Crittenden County in 2001. As was reported earlier, he had the desire to attend college and become a successful businessman in order to support his family. After studying with his tutor for several years, he passed his GED test in 2006 and entered college in Memphis. 

During this time David was attending the Lakeshore New Hope Mission and felt the call to become a member. He has taken a leadership role in the mission as a Sunday School teacher. He attends every worship service, helps with the upkeep of the church, and lends a hand whenever there is an activity for fund raising. 

This past year David began helping the Hispanic preacher at the mission. Evening English (ESL) classes have been held in the past at the mission, but this year, David felt the need to help in any way he could to hasten the learning for his countrymen. With the help of the tutor, he became such a wonderful aid that he wants to take the responsibility of teaching a class.  He is anxious to be trained in the techniques of tutoring, and beginning a second class of English as a Second Language (ESL) at the mission.  His positive motivation and example of sharing his knowledge is the greatest gift he can give to his countrymen here in America.

Willie Rhodes

Willie R. enrolled in the Literacy Council Basic Learning Skills program right after his high school graduation in 2004.  He had been in the Learning Resource class in public school for as long as he could remember. His reading was so slow he forgot what the first of a sentence was explaining by the time he got to the end of the sentence.  His sight word vocabulary was approximately one hundred words. His spelling included his sight words. He wrote short direct sentences, placing capital letters anywhere he pleased.  He did not use periods to end a sentence, and had no application of other punctuation marks. He had very little understanding of the phonics of the alphabet.  His math skills included addition up to the number ten and subtraction up to combinations of seven or eight if he could use his fingers for counting. Multiplication and division were out of the question. 

Today, Willie can write a story using a vocabulary of approximately three hundred and fifty words and correct punctuation. An occasional capital will "pop" up, but he corrects his mistake almost as fast as the tutor sees it. He can read, comprehend, and discuss a story explaining sequential events. Willie even adds his own wit to the story and applies it to situations from his personal life. His fingers are no longer needed as counters in math, and multiplication and division is a breeze. 

To hold a job in the community, and become as independent as his grandmother knew was best for his future, was a dream for Willie's family. This dream came true with employment at the Sheltered Workshop in the community.  He performed at such a level he was promoted to a new location of employment, the Dollar General Store, as janitor-stock personnel. Willie can now take the public bus system to work, literacy class, or town. 

Willie R. is an example of the success that can be attained if the tutor is persistent and the student is willing.