Do you remember visits with Grandma, talks with Dad, or time spent with that awesome college cousin that you simply idolized?  Teens and young children form a special bond with those who are older.  The elder member of the relationship often acts as a mentor and has a big impact on the younger when establishing values and interests.  This type of relationship can also impact education through adult tutoring.  Adult-to-child tutoring is one of the most effective ways to individualize instruction.  By using this strategy, students get the needed individual attention to improve their academic skills and continue to progress with the rest of the class.  Cost is the major drawback to this method.  Some schools have to pay paraprofessionals to perform such services.  However, incorporating parent volunteers, senior citizens, and college students can reduce the high costs.  This is a great way for parents to get involved in their child’s education.  Senior citizens will have a sense of purpose in their lives.  As for college students, they can gain experience.  Therefore, both the tutor and the tutee benefit from such a program.  Let’s put it in action!

1. Helping children learn is as simple as being a grandparent.  Project L.O.V.E. finds older or retired volunteers to help students in school with reading and other school skills.  Learn how L.O.V.E. has incorporated adult volunteers in the education process.

2. Back On Track is a one-on-one tutoring program successfully helping youth in San Francisco.  The program succeeds as a result of total community involvement. Volunteer tutors from all over the Bay Area are the key to their ability to provide a quality academic program.  Students grow from the connection with a caring adult who takes the time to get to know them and support their efforts.  Volunteers enjoy satisfaction from encouraging students' progress, helping students become self-reliant and being involved in their community.

3. A "Rotary Reader" is a loyal friend, a reader an advisor, and a mentor.  Has your life ever been touched by someone special?  Now you can become a Rotary Reader and touch the life of a student.

4. Are you retired?  Do you know anyone who is?  In conjunction with the President’s Summit for America’s Future, the National Education Association’s Retired Program will train retirees to work with youth to help them read independently by the end of the third grade.  Touch someone's life!

5. If you are an adult tutor and are looking for some creative, fun instructional tools, visit the Puzzlemaker.  Puzzlemaker is a puzzle generation tool in which tutors can create and print customized word search, crossword and math puzzles using your word lists. Build your own maze or print a specialty hand-drawn mazes created around holidays and classroom topics.