Written by Rebecca Gonzalez , 2023-2024 Spanish Literacy Tutor
Teaching children how to read is just one aspect of what Literacy First tutors do each day. In order to focus during their time with their tutors, students need a safe space for learning. Rebecca, a Spanish Literacy Tutor for the 2023-2024 school year and aspiring teacher, shares how working with one of her students taught her that patience and empathy are essential skills in education.
Building strong relationships with students is at the core of effective teaching, and my experience with one particular student has been especially impactful in reinforcing this belief. This student had been facing significant challenges at home, which undoubtedly affected her ability to focus and engage in our tutoring sessions. Recognizing the importance of providing her with emotional support and a safe space to express herself, I made it a priority to cultivate a nurturing relationship with her, centered on empathy, patience, and understanding.
From the outset, I noticed that this student often seemed distracted and disengaged during our lessons. Despite my best efforts to keep her focused on the tasks at hand, it became apparent that there were underlying issues affecting her ability to concentrate. Instead of becoming frustrated or impatient, I took the time to observe her behavior more closely and listen to her concerns. Through our conversations, I gradually gained insight into the challenges she was facing at home.
Understanding the importance of addressing her emotional needs alongside her academic ones, I made a concerted effort to create opportunities for her to unwind and express herself in a comfortable and supportive environment. After each lesson, I was able to set aside a few minutes of dedicated time for us to engage in an activity that she enjoyed, whether it was coloring, playing a quick game, drawing, or chatting about her day. By allowing her to take the lead and dictate the pace of our interactions, I aimed to provide her with a sense of agency and control that she may not have experienced elsewhere.
Despite some initial challenges in completing our lessons, I remained patient and compassionate, recognizing that she was still learning how to cope with her circumstances. Rather than imposing rigid expectations or timelines, I adjusted my approach to accommodate her needs and provide the flexibility and understanding she required. Over time, I noticed a marked improvement in her engagement and willingness to participate in our lessons. By prioritizing her emotional well-being and fostering a sense of trust and security, I was able to create a more conducive learning environment where she could truly thrive.
Through my consistent efforts to connect with this student on a personal level and provide the support and encouragement she needed, our relationship strengthened significantly. She began to open up, sharing her thoughts and feelings with me in a way she hadn’t before. I could see her growing sense of trust and confidence in me as her tutor and mentor, which deepened our bond and made our interactions more meaningful and productive.
My experience with this amazing student has highlighted the importance of building strong, empathetic relationships with students, particularly those facing significant challenges to support their growth. By prioritizing her emotional well-being and demonstrating patience, compassion, and understanding, I was able to create a supportive environment that fostered her growth and development as a reader and learner. Our journey together has not only strengthened our relationship but also reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of empathy and human connection in education.
Rebecca Gonzalez served as an AmeriCorps member with Literacy First as a Spanish Literacy Tutor during the 2023-2024 school year. Before joining Literacy First, she had experience in retail and customer service. She became a tutor because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and be able to foster a love of learning for these children. As a result of her year at Literacy First, she is going to pursue a career as an elementary teacher. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys grabbing a cup of coffee with her friends, reading at home or at a coffee shop, nature walks, and singing in the car. If you’d like to connect with Rebecca, you can find her on LinkedIn here.