Mississippi County Literacy Council

Les Relph

My name is Les Relph. I have been taking reading classes at the Blytheville Library. Ms. Bernie is my tutor and she works around my work schedule. Sometimes I miss classes and I call her to let her know I want to be there. Denise tutors me when she is gone. These classes are helping me learn to read and help with my kids’ homework. We also read my Sunday school lesson so I can read it on Sunday. 

Thank you for these classes. I have struggled with reading all my life. I have a good memory and have always memorized things instead of reading them.

Sarah Kato

My name is Sarah and I am from Japan. I have two children. I have been taking English classes at the Osceola Library. My husband works for Denso. I am required to go to dinner parties and other events with my husband. We discuss what to wear, what to take to backyard barbecues, and things to talk about with other people at the parties. 

We learned how to read and understand directions for our children’s homework. They attend American school during the week and Japanese school on Saturday. They are learning English very quickly, but it is taking me longer. 

We learned how to figure out what size we wear in American clothes—how to measure ourselves and find the right size to buy. Then we went shopping at the mall. We also learned to keep our receipts and return the clothes for a refund. We learned how to pick out a hairstyle in a book and take the picture to a salon. We practiced reading menus when we went out to eat. Each of us had to order our meal at Subway. 

We continue to practice filling out forms, such as a driver’s license, accident report, job application and others. We created emergency information sheets with our names, address, phone numbers, blood type, allergies and insurance information. 

Thank you for these classes. They are helping me and my family to adjust to life in America. I am not as scared now when I go out to eat, shopping or to my children’s school. My English is much better now.