Mamakating Library tutoring program

THREE PROJECTS, SUMMER 2022, $4,000 WLNF GRANT

The library hired teen interns as workshop leaders and tutors with the additional benefit of providing them with teaching skills and public service experience for use in other employment opportunities.

PROJECT 1

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted children in various ways. One of the most notable was learning setbacks. Standardized reading test scores suffered during the pandemic, dropping markedly in the spring of 2020.

Our first project with the library was a literacy class for second and third graders. The library held tutoring sessions for reluctant readers and created a Book Club for children reading at second and third grade levels where children read together, discussed books and engaged in book-related activities.

PROJECT 2

Adult learners can be intimidated by computers and mobile devices and concerned about safety and privacy. The pandemic clearly increased the need to be able to function efficiently and safely online.

The library started a technology literacy class for adults and hired a professional technology instructor to teach 12 classes with the objective that participants would be able to confidently use technology.

PROJECT 3

Thirty percent of respondents to the Mamakating Library’s 2021 Community Survey indicated an interest in beginner-level language learning.

The library established a bilingual English-Spanish story time for preschoolers and their caregivers, of any native language. Sessions included storytime and playtime in which informal language education took place.