Useful Hints: First Day!

First Day!

Be Early

Be Ready

▸ Have appropriate leveled book chosen for each student.
▸ Have read-to book(s) selected.
▸ Have student folders.
▸ Have bookmarks, hi-lighters, and tutor manual.
▸ Have a list of students’ names (and room numbers if applicable).
▸ Create name tents for students and one for yourself.

For your name, follow the school norm for addressing volunteers (e.g., Ms. Balough or Ms. Belinda).

Be welcoming!

▸ Warmly welcome students.

“I am so very happy to start tutoring with you!”

▸ Introduce yourself and have all students introduce themselves.

Be informative!

▸ Explain the program.

“We will be working together on Mondays and Wednesdays”
“Each time we will do three things:
(1) We’ll get a chance to play some reading games;
(2) then we’ll talk about how our reading is going; and
(3) I’ll read to you.”
“I am so excited to be working with you on your reading.”
○ Make sure to be positive and indicate there is “fun” to be had playing reading games, as you may be competing for students’ attention in an active afterschool environment.

▸ Set expectations.

Let students know they need to help you do your job by paying attention and focusing on reading.
○ Let them see you as a learner, too. Explain you are learning this new program with them.
Set the expectation that students not taking their turn reading aloud must still follow along by using their bookmark and reading silently.

▸ Set up the session routine.

During the first session, introduce the Skill Building Structure:

1. Fluency Practice Book (in lieu of fluency work — for Day 1 only!)

• “Getting to Know You” discussion activity.
• Student Interest inventory discussion. (To help guide book choice for fluency practice.)
• Introduce book to be read at next session.

2. Review/Reflect

• Discuss what they remember from the group “Getting to Know You” activity.
• Record session information in the EC Hub.

3. Tutor Read-Aloud

Be excited to see them next time!

▸ Close the session on a positive note.

Thank students for their participation and great behavior.
Remind students they will see you again on ____________.